EOS R5 C Thoughts on Remote Control, Wi-Fi Connectivity

[AtticusLake]

I have my R5C (arrived in 6 days??) and it seems fantastic. The dual operating system feature is great -- put it into video mode, and it's a C70 plus.  But there's one thing Canon seem to have screwed up hugely -- remote control for video.

To recap: the C70 has one very stupid design flaw, no built-in WiFi. To get remote control using Browser Remote, you have to get an external WiFi dongle, and you need to get one which is EXACTLY compatible with the drivers in the firmware. Which is a pain, and cost me £44.

The R5 has built-in WiFi, and you can remote control it using the Camera Connect app, both in photo and video modes. Great.

The R5C has built-in WiFi, and you might suppose that it would also be great -- but no, sadly Canon have really crippled it for video. In photo mode, remote control works with the Camera Connect app as you might expect, no problem. In video mode, remote control uses Browser Remote, as per the C70 -- but Browser Remote will not work with the built-in WiFi chip. Instead, you have to buy the external WFT-R10 WiFi GRIP -- yes, you have to buy a whole CAMERA GRIP to get an extra WiFi chip, even though the camera already has one built-in. And this grip costs £1,389.00 in the UK -- B&H have it for $999.00.

This is crazy.  My camera already has a WiFi chip built in, which probably cost one, maybe two pounds.  So why am i expected to pay ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS for an external WiFI chip?

Yes, I get that the WFT-R10 has extra features, like wired gigabit Ethernet, loads of WiFi bands, MIMO, an extra battery slot, and of course it's a vertical-shooting grip. I'm not saying it shouldn't exist, and though the price is a bit eye-watering, that's what you expect for this kind of gear. But I shouldn't be forced to buy this thing just to get browser remote working. The camera already has a WiFi chip, and it already supports remote control, including live view, for photo mode. The R5 shows that it could also work for video mode, and the C70 shows that Browser Remote could use it.

I'm hoping that Canon can fix this with a firmware update. It really should be pretty simple -- after all, they already have a driver for this chip. So please, Canon, fix it. There's no way I'm buying the WFT-R10, it has nothing I need. All I want is basic WiFi, and the R5C aleady has that.

I would love to hear that Canon has plans to address this. Because right now, the R5C isn't practical for single-person piece-to-camera shooting -- which, of course, just happens to be my use case.

[shadowsports]

I submitted another feature request this week asking for native wi-fi support in Cinema OS.  Anyone interested in this, please submit feedback for it on Canon USA.  

[xtrememarco]

Coming from a regular R5 also would like to have the wifi on the RC5! ;(

[shadowsports]

Leaving feedback on Canon USA is the best way to make feature requests for future firmware releases.  You need to use the [+]Feedback link on the home page.  

[thefunkmobile]

Done! thank you @shadowsports

[JFoss]

Has anyone used to portkeys monitor with their C70 or R5.  It's a shame Canon prevents the R5C from having this ability.  https://www.portkeys.com/portkeys-monitor-camera-control-for-canon-c70-c700-r3-r5-r6/

[HarborPictures]

I have the Portkeys LH5P II. I use it with my R5C. No control though. It is a shame we don’t have either the standard control over USB like the other canon cameras - or over LANC like the Canon cinema cameras. As much as I love the image of the R5C in both stills and video, the lack of any sort of meaningful remote control that we can use though our DJI gimbals, or touchscreen monitors like Portkeys is very frustrating. After 14 months of ownership, and multiple inquires through the support site, and Canon CPS I’ve not heard a peep. Just have to keep hoping I guess.

[TuckingFin]

Can I get an update on if this feature (or lack thereof) is still unavailable?

I'm looking to purchase a camera mainly for video but with crossover capability; considering the R5C.

I'm coming from an Olympus OMD EM-1 in which their smartphone app allows me to connect to the camera's wifi.  In the app, I see live camera view; and have remote control over some key features.  ie. start/stop video, iso, etc.  This is a critical feature to me as I'm shooting remote. 

The R5C appears to be a strong contender for my needs; but I now see via this post that basic remote operation of video/recording capability is unsupported.  What a shame as the camera has everything else I'd want!

I'm hoping this has been resolved by firmware update; kindly update this thread if it has as will significantly influence my buying decision.

Thanks!

[HarborPictures]

As much as I’ve lobbied to get some news from Canon on this, all I’ve gotten is crickets. 

I still really enjoy using my R5C without the benefit of easy WiFi remote control. There have been some great deals lately that have tempted me to pick up a second one. But I’ve resisted. My hope is we may see a solid R5 MK II sooner than later that could roll in some R5C cinema features, but with improved battery life and no overheating. The current R5 checks all the WiFi remote boxes. So it might be a good addition to my kit. Maybe worth a little wait and see.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

As if this writing, the current FW v1.0.6.1 still does not support native Wi-Fi connectivity in Cinema mode.  It is supported if you purchase the WFT-R10A, but this adds about $1000 in capital expense and doesn't seem to be a popular alternative.