R5C video deleted on CF express card reader

[raydominguez58]

I recorded video on my Canon R5C and attempted to transfer to my PC with a cf express card reader. The card or card reader was not recognized. I returned the card to my camera and the media now says no clips

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Not sure about the situation, OS, hardware or the steps you took, but this does not sound like fault of the camera or card.  Is it possibly a result of a failed move operation?  Regardless of the situation, type of file or data you are moving, copying, transferring, etc., you always want to copy and never move  a file or data until you're sure the destination contains an intact readable copy.  Once that is confirmed, you can safely delete the source.  

When a transfer is interrupted for any reason or becomes corrupt during the operation, you can delete it and start over.  A failure during a move operation can result in data loss.  

It might be possible for you to run data recovery software on the CF Express B card.  What brand and model was it?  

Most manufacturers offer recovery software with their cards.  If one is not available, I recommend test disk or photorec which are free and offered by CGsecurity. 

[raydominguez58]

Thank you for replying. I recorded video to my Canon R5C yesterday. I attempted to transfer the video to my  PC (windows 10)  using a new CF Expresss card reader. The PC didn't recognize the card or reader. I attempted using a different USB connection and after no success, I returned the card to my camera and the video was gone. The CF Express card is a new 1TB card which had approximately 10 video clips. 

[wq9nsc]

Great advice from Rick and I would add that I NEVER pull the CF express cards out of my 1DX III bodies for file transfer.  The files get transferred via ethernet cable to my HP workstation for processing.  CF family cards and their sockets are not nearly as robust as Ethernet and USB connectors and leaving them in the camera avoids a lot of risks.

When I buy a new card, it stays in the camera until I am ready to retire it for a new card.  I keep forgetting to check to see if there is any software that will check the health of the CF express card while it is in the camera.  I am used to my HP Z series workstations that provide a health reading of all of their SS and mechanical hard drives to know when it is time to take one out of service and it would be nice to have a similar read on the camera memory card.

Rodger

[shadowsports]

Hi Raydominguz68,

What was the brand and model of the card and what was the brand and model of the card reader?  I am just curious. 🤔

On the R5 C the recommended method for transferring RAW and XF-AVC videos is indeed a CF Express B card reader.  However, .MP4 can be transferred via USB-C.  Canon offers a WFT-R10a battery grip that has an ethernet connection, but it is extremely costly.  It doesn't sound like you did anything wrong but obviously something happened.  It's difficult for us to speculate.  I have not experienced the behavior you describe using a card reader.  

I wrote a knowledge base article which I have not published yet. I think it might be helpful for you.

R5 C - Transferring photo and video files over USB-C to a computer.

Description:
R5 C - Transferring Images and Video Over USB-C To A Computer.

The R5 C uses (MTP) Media Transfer Protocol. Depending on the selected mode (Photo or Video), all file types the camera captures can be reviewed or played back on the EVF or LCD. The mode the Camera is set to, Photo or Video affects the file types than can be seen on a computer or transferred.

Solution:
What files can be transferred over USB-C
This depends on the mode.

Photo Mode:
In photo mode, any still photo file type the camera can capture, and .MP4 files can be transferred to a computer via USB-C.

Video Mode:
In video mode, only .JPG and .MP4 can be transferred to a computer via USB-C

(Video Files) Either Mode:
Neither RAW or XF-AVC video files can be transferred via USB-C regardless of the mode (Photo or Video)

What files require a Card Reader:
RAW or XF-AVC video files. You must use a card reader to display and transfer RAW or XF-AVC video files located on storage media.

Navigation:
Windows OS:
Supports browse and copy of files listed above using windows explorer.  RAW and XF-AVC files can be copied using an external card reader only. 

MAC OS:
Must use Image Capture to view supported files on media card(s)

Notes:
Power consumption is higher when the operate mode is set to Video (Cinema OS).  Therefore, you may want to use Photo mode since it supports all still photo file types the camera captures and .MP4 video files. In Video Mode (Cinema OS) you can use the Media Playback button to conserve power. The camera can use USB-C PD while transfers are performed as long as the connection supports adequate power delivery. If not the battery will be depleted while transfers are performed.

* Hopefully this gives you a little insight on the camera.

If your video files are no longer present, you may want to look at data recovery software.

[raydominguez58]

Thank you for your wealth of information. I strongly believe my pc was overwhelmed and not capable of supporting the CF express card. An upgrade seems to be neccesary going forward. My card is a AV Pro 1tb. Unfortunately my only way to transfer video from my canon r5c is with a cf express card reader based on the recorded format. Once I upgrade my computer, I'll attempt the recovery process with the card. Thanks again for taking the time to assist me as it is all very good information

[wq9nsc]

It is interesting that Canon doesn't support USB transfer of all of the file types since it isn't a USB or computer limitation so clearly the limitation is with Canon's firmware/software.  If you hook an external drive to a USB C port it transfers files and doesn't care what type of file you are transferring.

Canon might impose this limitation because the amount of heat that is generated during high speed data transfer with the CF express cards which may be too much for the card and camera to handle when mounted in the R5C.

Rodger

[shadowsports]

Rodger,

I think you may be right. 👍