I am excited to discuss the latest firmware version 1.8.1 for the Canon R5, which takes the Canon R5 camera to the next level with an incredible 400-megapixel resolution. Let's dive into this amazing update and see what it has to offer.

Before I get into the 400 MP feature the update brings several autofocus enhancements. The Eye Control AF function is now more accurate and reliable, making it easier for you to lock focus on your subject's eye simply by looking at it through the viewfinder. This is a game-changer for portrait and wildlife photographers.

Leave a comment below if you have the Canon R5 and have updated your firmware yet.

I have installed I and I have done some testing with the 400MP feature and have two results for you.  This first test is on a tripod and using a 50mm prime lens.  Can you tell which photo is 400 MP and which is 45 just by looking at the photos?  I can’t.  Both photos were taken with these settings:  F4.0, ISO 100, SS 1/40. Photo A is on the left and photo B is on the right.

With the firmware successfully installed, let's discuss the most exciting feature: the astounding 400-megapixel resolution. This is made possible through pixel-shift technology, which captures multiple images with subtle sensor movements between each shot. The camera then combines these images into one ultra-high-resolution photograph.

There are a few “issues” you must consider.

1.       The 400 MP image is a JPEG without an option for RAW photos.

2.       It is recommended that the subject is stationery.

3.       It is recommended that you use a tripod.

4.       The file size is 100 to 120 MB.

JPEG
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I don’t know if there is a technical issue with not creating a RAW image, but this is just what it is.  So, get it right in the camera for the exposure and light balance.  RAW images are the preferred image type for pulling up shadows and recovering details and other editing tools.

Stationary subjects and a Tripod
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Number 2 and 3 go together for obvious reasons.  Since the 400 MP feature takes 9 photos, any movement will impact the quality of the photo.

File size
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I added number 4 because I heard and read from several that this feature will cause you to use more storage.   However, while the final image size is 2 to 3 times larger than the average RAW image, this feature is not going to consume a lot of space on your hard drives for several reasons.

·        The feature takes 9 photos and processes them into a single JPEG.  When I tested this each photo takes about 5 to 8 seconds.

·        This feature has limited use cases because both the subject and camera need to be stationary making this feature not good for any subject that is moving or for any hand held photos.

·        If you don’t use this feature the Canon R5 can take between 12 and 20 photos per second with a 45 MB per photo size.

You will consume more space with the 45 MP photos due to the volume of photos.

The answer above, photo B is the 400 MP photo.

For my second test I was outside on a tripod with my long 600 mm lens.  It was difficult to keep the lens steady due to the weight of the lens and it impacted my results for both photos.  The settings for both of these photos were F9.0, ISO 100, SS 1/5 second.

Photo B here is the 400 MP photo.  Photo A had some movement with the camera making the image not as sharp as I would like.   Photo B, the 400 MP photo was able to capture the photo without that camera movement to show minimal issues with the stationary birdhouse, but if you look closely at the bird, it is blurred because of too much motion from the bird.

Unfortunately, I don’t see much benefit in this 400MP feature yet. However, I am working on a video for my YouTube channel to revisit this and will share that when it is completed.

If you are testing, trying, or using the 400 MP feature, let me know what you think in the comments below.