Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

[fatihakboru]

Subject: Firmware Limitations with Canon R3 / R5C and EL-1 Flash – Feedback Request

Dear Canon Global Support Team,

I am a professional photographer using the Canon R3 and Canon R5C camera bodies along with the Canon EL-1 Speedlite flash. While I am generally satisfied with the system's performance, there are two recurring software limitations that significantly hinder my workflow:

1. High-Speed Sync (HSS) must be manually re-enabled each time the flash is attached or the camera is turned on.
This is disruptive in fast-paced environments. Competing systems retain the HSS setting automatically. It would be very beneficial if Canon firmware allowed this setting to persist.

2. Exposure Simulation is disabled when the flash is connected.
In many creative lighting situations, I still need to evaluate the ambient exposure before firing the flash. Disabling Exposure Simulation by default when a flash is attached restricts this ability. Other brands like Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony allow users to override this.

Both issues appear to be software-related and should be adjustable via firmware updates. I sincerely hope Canon considers offering users more flexibility with these functions in future releases.

I remain committed to the Canon ecosystem, but improvements like these would greatly enhance usability for working professionals like myself.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Kind regards,

Fatih Akbörü

[fatihakboru]

Thank you for taking the time to explain how it works on your EOS R6 Mark II — your detailed steps are appreciated.

However, in the case of the EOS R3, although firmware version 1.9.0 officially states that it adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached, this option does not appear anywhere in the menu after the update. There is no additional item or setting under the "Display Simulation" section when a flash is mounted.

While your workaround using "Exposure only during DOF" and holding the DOF button is valid and indeed useful, this method has been available even before the update. What the firmware notes imply is a new ability to enable exposure simulation without having to press any button — meaning a visible toggle or setting should be present to activate it while the flash is attached. Unfortunately, on the EOS R3, this promised function simply doesn’t show up as a selectable option in the interface.

So, while I’m glad the R6 Mark II implementation works for you, I believe Canon may not have fully delivered or exposed the feature yet on the R3 — or it may require additional steps that haven’t been documented clearly.

Thanks again for your input, and I’ll keep investigating in case a solution or update appears.

[deebatman316]

Is Exposure Simulation working with flash when the depth of field preview button is pressed? If it is its working per Canon's stated information then its working correctly. There isn't a separate menu option for any these cameras that allow Exposure Simulation with Flash. So you must use the depth of field preview button as stated in the manual.

[fatihakboru]

In the official firmware update notes for the EOS R3 (version 1.9.0), Canon clearly states the following:

“8. Adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached.”

Therefore, it should now be possible to activate exposure simulation even when a flash is attached.

I kindly ask that only those who have definitive knowledge on the subject respond. Please avoid speculative or uninformed replies to prevent confusion.

[deebatman316]

Yes the ability was added but you must press the depth of field preview button first to activate Exposure Simulation with flash. Just like HSS isn't automatically enabled even if the flash supports it. It must be manually turned on the flash itself or through the camera menu.

[fatihakboru]

This is not a solution and it doesn’t work. Therefore, please avoid replying unless you have clear and accurate information, as these back-and-forth messages are unnecessary. Even if I press the depth of field preview button, nothing happens. Technically, there should be an option in the menu to activate this feature. But there’s nothing like that in the menu

[deebatman316]

Are you sure your settings are configured correctly before saying it doesn't work. The manual says "Exposure only during Normally, the image is displayed at standard brightness, so it is easy to see. Only when you press and hold the depth-of-field preview button will image brightness resemble actual brightness (exposure) of your shot, and you can check depth of field." You need to use that setting for Exposure Simulation with flash to work. As my colleague @p4pictures  pointed out and even linked the manual. So please double check your settings and confirm that they're correct.

[p4pictures]

---

@fatihakboru wrote:

In the official firmware update notes for the EOS R3 (version 1.9.0), Canon clearly states the following:

“8. Adds the ability to enable [Exposure Simulation] when a flash unit is attached.”

Therefore, it should now be possible to activate exposure simulation even when a flash is attached.

I kindly ask that only those who have definitive knowledge on the subject respond. Please avoid speculative or uninformed replies to prevent confusion.

---

I have now been able to check the EOS R3 also. There is a change in the text of the caution note in the manual between version 1.9.0 and previous versions. The text change is the same as I found in the EOS R6 Mark II. While you interpret the text in the release notes one way, the manual text explains it differently and in line with my earlier reply. 

Here is the EOS R3 manual section as a screenshot from the EOS R3 manual for version 1.7.0

EOS R3 manual for firmware 1.7.0

Here is the screenshot of the latest EOS R3 manual for firmware version 1.9.0.

EOS R3 manual for firmware 1.9.0

I'm also disappointed that Canon didn't add a menu item to enable ambient exposure simulation when using flash,  but at this time that is not what has been done. 

[fatihakboru]

Unfortunately, none of the solutions work—not even in any of the possible scenarios. Moreover, the current R3 manual doesn’t include the statement shown in the image you shared. Canon has completely messed this up. This issue has made me hate a flagship camera that I once admired.

[p4pictures]

You should check the current EOS R3 manual that is on the Canon Inc website. The URL is shown on your camera menu in the SETUP 5 menu, look for Manual/software URL

It shows the following link https://cam.start.canon/en/C010/ and that is where you will find the current manual. On the front page of the manual it shows which firmware version the manual is designed for. 

If you download the Advanced User Guide PDF file that is available you should skip straight to page 309.

[fatihakboru]

Unfortunately, I still haven’t received a clear answer. If someone who owns both a Canon R3 and an EL-1 flash could share a short video demonstrating this issue, I’d greatly appreciate it.

The official manual doesn’t provide a clear solution either.

No offense, but theoretical explanations or general guidance don’t help with the specific issue I’m facing.

Replies that don’t offer a concrete solution only make things more confusing, so I kindly ask that only those who are sure about the solution respond.