Looking to purchase EOS R5: Battery life? Switching between video and photo?

[Cantrell]

All,

 I currently own a R10, but have been looking at a full frame Canon R. I looked at a R5 that an individual is selling. This person uses this R predominantly for video. Very little pictures. This R had the battery grip and a EF 24-105mm lens. Could not determine F value. First I noticed that with the battery grip attached to this R was considerably heavier than my R10. Does the R burn through batteries fast? Do I need the battery grip attached? Does the R have a separate set of settings for the video and photo side of the camera? How do you switch between video and photo? It appears that the hot shoe had been damaged. Would not be able to use a flash. Thank you for reading.

Regards

[Tronhard]

The R uses the higher capacity LP-E6NH batteries to power its many high-end functions.  The battery drain will be heavily influenced by those functions you are running - such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.  You can also drain the battery by having Continuous Autofocus (as opposed to Servo) enabled (it's unnecessary).
If the main function it has been used for is videography, then likely they are shooting for significant periods and don't want to change batteries - but that is speculation.  The camera certainly does not require a battery grip, although another advantage it offers is dual controls for use in portrait mode.  I would expect that someone doing video would want the constant aperture, which would mean the RF 24-105 f/4L, which is a good lens for both video and stills. 

The R5 does not have a video switch like that on the R6II or R5II to switch modes from Video to Stills, but that is not critical - you can set one of the C1..C3 Mode dials to have any specific configuration variations you want.   I don't have a handle on what you will be using it for, so that is as far as I can go without further input as to your needs.

I recommend if you are serious about looking at the R5, you consider the needs you have as dictated by your usage, and also spend time with the manual and perhaps explore some of the review videos on the body.

[March411]

Cantrell, if there are signs of damage or significant wear it may be best to hold off on this particular R5. Also, if you are planning to do video the R5 had and to some degree still does have challenges with overheating and limited recording time.

You do not mention the purchase price but it may be worth looking at KEH and MPB camera. Both sell used equipment and it is rated by it's condition. Both I believe also have a limited warranty so that you have time to test the equipment to ensure it meets it's rating. Sometimes it's better to purchase used from a reliable provider, spend a little more and have some security. 

MPB US - Any Item you purchase from MPB US (including through Trade-in) is covered by a six-month limited warranty (the “Warranty”), unless otherwise stated. Items sold for spares/repairs in a stated faulty condition are excluded from our Limited Warranty. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

KEH - Most products come with a 180 Day warranty. If your equipment is defective, we will either repair it or issue a replacement product of the same model and grade. If repair is not possible and a replacement is not available, we will issue a refund for the original purchase amount. Shipping to and from KEH is fully covered. The following grades are covered under warranty: Like New (LN), Like New Minus (LN-), Excellent Plus (EX+), Excellent (EX), and Bargain (BGN)

[Cantrell]

Marc,

Thank you for your response and recommendation. The purchase price is $1800. That includes the R5, battery grip with the extra batteries, cage, and EF24-105mm lens.

[March411]

That is a very aggressive price for that much equipment but I would still be hesitant, it may be to good to be true especially since it shows signs of damage.

Rick made some very good points below and offered other options. While purchasing from another source may be a bit more expensive it comes with a good level of security. I also own the R5 but use it mostly for stills and it is great for stills, and as noted the battery for stills will shoot thousands of frames.

Either way you decide to go, good luck.

[shadowsports]

Hi Cantrell,

There is one thing I'd like to mention, just in case.  The R5 is a great stills centric body that takes very nice video.  If you are looking for a camera with more dedicated video capability, take a look at the R5 C.  It's a true hybrid camera offering dedicated photo and video capability. It has two completely separate operating systems.  Canon EOS and  CinemaOS.  If higher resolution still photography  is the primary goal, then the R5 is hard to beat.  

If there is any inclination to shooting video without limits, take a look at the R5 C.

I've taken thousands of pictures on a single battery.  How many depends on you.  Are you reviewing every shot, shooting with live view, and using continuous AF like Trevor mentioned?

Video mode is a different story.  The R5 C is power hungry in video mode.  It's something I and others have found ways to overcome.  Battery grip, USB-C PD, Vmounts are examples.  Honestly,  I rarely need it but my USB-C PD fits in a shirt pocket.  The camera can shoot video for hours.  With a VMount...  All day 

I think most people use a battery grip for balance.  Then for the additional power ability.  We all use our camera's differently.  

Any of Canon's full frame R series body's would be exciting to own.  Last thing I'd like to mention.  When buying used, buying from Canon's refurbished store is a great way to go.  Second to that would be the used departments at KEH, B&H or Adorama.  Buying from a private seller can be risky. If you know them, that's one thing.  If not it's best to have a warranty and right to return.  Good luck in your search.