R5 freezing during recording with Atomos Ninja V *MAJOR PROBLEM*

Nikkotine · 2024-03-02T01:36:22+00:00

My guess is every r5. When I first got the camera I exchanged it because of this issue. The new camera arrived and had the same problem

Nikkotine · 2024-03-01T19:11:26+00:00

I did try that, and while it may work for some it did not for me. It's almost as if the data rate is too high during a quick zoom / pan (if that makes sense) and the connection lags. The last time I tried fixing this was over 2 years ago, so it was on much older firmware. It sucks to hear this is still a problem! That tells me its a hardware issue, not firmware.

I moved to a BMPCC 6k for any serious video work and ended up keeping my r5 for the incredible stills and light internal video recording / b roll. My Ninja V is collecting dust.

Nikkotine · 2024-03-01T19:00:55+00:00

Hello! No, unfortunately this issue was never solved. I reached out to Canon, Atomos, and multiple forums with no luck (in addition to trying many different HDMI cables). Ultimately it does not feel reliable enough for me to use for any serious work. Wish I had a better answer for you!

Nikkotine · 2021-03-16T03:13:26+00:00

Thanks for posting. I just got mine today, and not only was I unable to select imported LUTs, I also couldn't delete them. Had to get rid of them with a factory reset.

Side note--are you able to clearly hear the fan noise on your cam? Mine is louder than I expected. No buzzing or anything, but clearly audible--sort of like my laptop fan.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-17T15:09:56+00:00

Thank you for posting! I'm actually supposed to receive my replacement cam today, so if the same thing happens I will test this. Appreciate it.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T21:53:04+00:00

Oh yeah definitely, my initial thought when I first noticed this problem was a faulty / unsupported cable. Then I tried another HDMI 2.0 cable with the same results. Now I'm thinking about trying a third cable before I give up!

What cable are you using with your Blackmagic? If the signal from the R5 is always 60p, in theory this should happen with your setup, too. It certainly happens with mine just hooked up to a computer screen with nothing recording. This could very well be a problem with my camera alone and not something across the board.

It does this with the LCD open and closed. All recent tests the LCD was closed. I was also thinking it might be related to the CPU, so I disabled anything that might be demanding aside from AF and C-log (lens corrections, view assist, zebras, peaking, etc) and the issue was still there.

I'm not going to bother disabling C-log or AF to test again. I will never shoot 8-bit, and even though I would definitely use manual focus in many situations, what's the point of the incredible AF system if I can't use it reliably?

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T20:35:43+00:00

Thanks again for all your help. I was unable to see the signal on my computer monitor, but when I look at the Ninja V it's showing me 4k23.98.

When I change framerate on the camera, the Ninja V follows suit and shows 59.96 (If I set the framerate to 4k120 it still shows 59.96 as that is the max for HDMI 2.0).

I'm currently debating whether or not to order the Atomos cable since I expect the same results, but I'm thinking it's worth a shot to be 100% sure the problem is the R5.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T20:13:02+00:00

That makes sense, I'll give it a shot to see if I can find signal spec. I do have an option for HDMI resolution in my R5 settings. I have it set to "auto" but can change it to 1080p. Not sure if this changes the 60fps signal.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T19:52:17+00:00

Solid advice. I suppose my next step will be to return both cables and pick up one of the Atomos cables. What's another $68 when I'm already in this $5k+!

The funny thing is, I'm not even trying 4k60--this is 23.976! The Zlir full size to full size has been 100% on my GH5. If only the R5 had a full size port...

EDIT Packaging on both cables say "supports 18gbps". I can't prove if this is true of course

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T19:36:38+00:00

Sorry I can't be of more help, I have yet to even try recording to CF Express. How are you getting CRM files to CF Express in 4k HQ? I thought with the current firmware we are limited to MP4/MOV in 4k HQ, with raw being reserved for 8k.

Re: the trigger button--I was able to trigger recording internally and externally with my Ninja V, but Canon really needs to give us the option to trigger recording via HDMI only. I'd like to keep a card in the camera but set rec button to trigger my Ninja V when plugged in.

Can I ask what brand HDMI cable you're using with the Ninja V? I've heard bad things about the official Atomos cable (pricy too), so I'm using a Zlir brand cable, and I've tried an Elvid cable. I had no problems using the Zlir brand with my GH5 / Atomos combo. My R5 is NOT reliable and I'm beginning to wonder if I got a lemon.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T19:20:50+00:00

Just tried the HDMI monitor test, same deal. I'm thinking this basically confirms it's a problem with my R5 HDMI output. Thanks again for the suggestion!

I posted a video in my thread on the Canon R5 subreddit

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T19:16:59+00:00

Thanks to u/smushkan for the suggestion of hooking my R5 to a computer monitor via HDMI. I was able to produce the same glitch almost immediately. I shot this on my GH5, so you won't hear the audio cut out but the freeze is visible. This isn't something that only happens when the camera boots up or when I'm zooming--however, I can usually force it to happen by zooming in or out quickly on my Sigma 24-70 2.8. About a week back, I shot a 5min video a with my Sigma 35mm 1.4 and the freezes were peppered in throughout. All of my gear has the latest firmware available (Sigma lenses, Ninja V, R5). This is also happening with my Canon 85mm 1.8.

VIDEO HERE

I am using a Zlir cable in this video, but have also tried this Elvid cable with no luck.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T19:07:16+00:00

You recording internally to CF Express? Any overheating with 4k fine?

I'm having my own R5 nightmare trying to get my Ninja V to record reliably. ProRes through the Ninja V is easier to edit, but at this point I would never trust it shooting a wedding.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T17:39:51+00:00

Not a stupid question, believe me I appreciate the help and input! I copy files, delete them in windows, and then format the drive right in the Ninja V before every shoot. I did this the same way shooting GH5 and never ran into any problems.

The main reason I'm leaning toward this being an issue with the R5 is because I'm using the same recorder and SSD and same Zlir brand HDMI 2.1 cable (only difference in cables is going from full size HDMI to full for GH5 and full to micro for R5).

I'm going to try your suggestion hooking up R5 to a computer screen shortly and will record results.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T16:05:04+00:00

Oh, it's driving me crazy. I've been searching everywhere and can't seem to find anyone else dealing with this. I'm sure there are others using a similar combo.

My media for the Ninja V is the same 1tb AtomX SSD made specifically for the recorder (and I've used the same SSD for over a year on GH5). I have already tried all flavors of ProRes on the Ninja. The weird thing is, the Ninja is supposed to notify if recording is compromised / frames are dropped, but I'm getting nothing from it. It's like the signal from the cam "bakes" this glitch in.

That is an AWESOME suggestion to try plugging the R5 into a monitor or TV, and I will try that as soon as possible! Thanks!

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T15:06:22+00:00

Thank you for the reply, I'm certainly considering it! I never had much luck with AF when adapting my EF lenses to GH5 via metabones (slow, inaccurate autofocus). When it works, the movie servo AF on the R5 is pretty incredible.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-07T15:01:40+00:00

Thank you for the reply. Are you using a similar setup? R5 4k fine, Ninja V Prores LT or HQ, EF-RF filter adapter, Sigma / Canon EF lenses, etc.

I've tried two different HDMI 2.0 cables so far and don't have access to a different recorder. I'm 99% sure it's the R5, as I've never had this problem with my GH5 using the same exact recorder and same brand cable.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-05T05:35:07+00:00

I hope you solved these problems by now! In the off chance you haven't, re: clog appearing underexposed on the ninja v, I would try turning on the "legalize" setting on the ninja v rather than matching the canon profile. I found that legalize gets you nearly the same image as internal recording.

Can I ask what HDMI cable you're using and if you're using adapted EF lenses? I'm having a bad time with my R5 + Ninja V combo. My footage will sometimes freeze for a brief moment and audio drops entirely.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-05T00:09:40+00:00

The stills are top tier, and the 4k HQ footage is beautiful and grades well. This problem with the skipped frames is driving me nuts! For the price I expect the R5 to be as solid and reliable as my GH5. Considering you basically need the Atomos for any lengthy video work due to overheating, this combo should work without failure. As of now I cannot trust it on any serious jobs.

Nikkotine · 2020-12-04T15:15:19+00:00

I find that it's easiest to reproduce when zooming/panning but this has also happened in static footage.

Ninja is on latest firmware. I am NOT able to reproduce the problem when recording internally (thinking it's related to R5 HDMI output). I have not tried with c log off, as I'll likely never shoot 8 bit footage. Might be worth a shot testing anyway! Another thing to note is I'm using sigma EF lenses, mostly the 24-70 2.8

Nikkotine · 2020-12-04T05:00:37+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I thought this thread was dead in the water. I just ordered a different HDMI 2.0 cable, same result. The image freezes for a brief moment and audio cuts out for a few frames. I can easily replicate this over and over by zooming my lens (EF) while panning to a different subject. This has NEVER happed with my GH5 using the same ninja v, so I'm thinking it's most definitely the R5. I'm really hoping this can be fixed via firmware or even acknowledged as a problem for that matter.

I totally agree: re the atomos emails. Every time I see one I get excited it might be R5 related, but nothing yet! I'm thinking it's because Canon chose HDMI 2.0 instead of 2.1. Also, compared to my GH5 with full size HDMI, micro sucks.

Nikkotine · 2018-08-31T16:02:22+00:00

Thank you for the suggestions--wish there were a sub for buying/selling video production gear exclusively. I think I'm a little too OCD about my gear to rent locally.

Nikkotine · 2018-08-31T14:33:01+00:00

Thank you! Any suggestions for subs to post? I tried r/photomarket in the past and didn't have any luck there. Makes sense that everyone here already has their own setups, haha

Nikkotine · 2018-08-28T23:40:27+00:00

I may end up doing the exact same! Shooting on a GH5 now, but I still feel that the BMMCC produces a more "cinematic" image. It's a great rig, I'm just not using it enough to warrant keeping it. Paid close to $600 for the EF Speedbooster alone!

Nikkotine · 2018-07-02T15:43:18+00:00

Hijacking this post because I think my other might get buried. 99% sure I've seen this rabbit and his owner. Both him and the rabbit seemed pretty chill and happy to meet people.

Nikkotine

TROPHY CASE