Feature Request: Please Remove the 29:59 Recording Limit on EOS R5/R6 via Firmware

[jeffrine]

To the Canon Engineering and Product Planning Team,

I am writing to strongly urge Canon to release a firmware update for the original EOS R5 and EOS R6 that removes the arbitrary 29-minute 59-second video recording limit.

As a loyal Canon user, I understand that this limit was originally put in place due to historical EU import tax regulations on video cameras. However, those regulations were abolished years ago.

The current limit is frustrating for the following reasons:

1.    It is artificial, not technical: We know the camera hardware is capable of recording longer (as proven by external recording or immediate restarts). The limit is purely a software lock.

2.    Competitors have moved on: Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic have long removed these limits on cameras of similar generations. This places Canon users at a disadvantage.

3.     Heat management is separate: We understand thermal limits exist, but the 30-minute hard stop occurs even when the camera is completely cool. Please let the thermal sensor dictate the recording time, not an arbitrary timer.

While I understand that newer models like the R6 Mark II have this feature, unlocking it for existing R5/R6 users would build immense brand loyalty and goodwill. Keeping this software lock in 2026 feels like a punishment to your early adopters.

Please consider this request seriously. It would be a significant quality-of-life improvement that would keep many of us in the Canon ecosystem.

Sincerely, A Dedicated Canon User

[kvbarkley]

We are just users like yourself. If you want this to be heard go to the canon usa home page and look for the little + feedback link

[jeffrine]

Feedback done bro

,will this work🤔

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

The recording limit has to do with tariffs, not performance or capability.  (Sadly however) The limit is not going to be removed.  You can make the request, but that ship has sailed for the R5 /R6.  Best option is a camcorder or newer body without the limit.  It's just the way it is.  Sorry. 😔

[Stephen]

Hey there!

You're right, the ITA regulations did change right around the time the R5/R6 were released. The thing is: product development cycles are long, and those cameras were architected and certified during that transition period. As a result, that 29:59 limit was "baked in" to the system's thermal and hardware profiling from the start.

People who actually communicate with the teams in Japan and New York monitor these forums, believe it or not. They see the comments and feedback from users, but I want to be real with you so you aren't waiting on a maybe. We haven't received any news or indication that this specific limit will be revisited for the original R5/R6, largely because changing it now would require re-certifying the hardware behavior years after release.

Since you need to record longer today, the best "technical" workaround is to use a clean HDMI out to an external recorder (like an Atomos Ninja). That lets you bypass the internal timer and record continuously. Alternatively, since your R5/R6 is a previous-gen model now, you are eligible for the Canon Upgrade Program. This gives you a direct discount if you wanted to trade up to a newer model (like the R6 Mark II) that has no recording limits.

If you're curious about the discount, you can give our sales team a shout at 866-443-8002 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm ET).

Thanks again for the knowledgeable post and for sticking with Canon!