Underwater Configuration for Canon EOS R5 Camera
The Canon EOS R5 is a powerful camera, ideal for underwater photography, with features like 8K internal RAW recording, 45 megapixel still images, and 4K video at 120 fps. However, using it underwater can present some challenges, particularly with the joystick, which may not function optimally in underwater housings. This article offers some key approaches to control settings underwater without joystick functionality.
Use of Physical Dials
The EOS R5 features multiple dials—the main dial, quick control dial 1, and quick control dial 2—that can be used to adjust exposure settings, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture without relying on the joystick. This makes it possible to quickly and easily adjust settings underwater.
Customizable Buttons
Many underwater housings provide programmable buttons linked to camera functions. These buttons can be set beforehand (pre-dive) to access essential settings such as ISO, white balance, AF modes, or drive modes, allowing quick adjustments even if the joystick is limited.
Menu Navigation via Other Controls
Though the joystick is convenient for moving the AF point and navigating menus, users can navigate menus using the dials or assign other controls for menu scrolling if the housing allows it. Firmware updates may also improve usability.
Pre-Dive Setup
Configure as much of your desired settings before entering the water to minimize adjustments needed underwater. This includes setting up your AF point selection, picture profiles, log profiles, and custom white balance.
Use Touchscreen if Available
The EOS R5 includes a touchscreen LCD which may be accessible through some housings and can serve as an alternative navigation tool if the joystick is obstructed.
Consult Housing Manufacturer
Because the joystick limitation is often housing-specific, contacting the manufacturer (e.g., Nauticam or other brands) can provide housing-specific workarounds or alternative control instructions.
Other Tips
- In video modes, utilize the C1 to C3 modes to customize video frame rates, log profiles, etc., for easy switching between settings with quick changing situations.
- The best AF setting for underwater photography on the Canon EOS R5 depends on the type of photos being taken and the shooter's style. In the AF1 panel, change your subject detection to animals for better autofocus performance.
- Turn off the AF Assist Beam in the AF2 panel as it is a waste of battery underwater.
- To switch Canon's Log profile on and off, select "Canon Log settings" in the red SHOOT3 menu. To set custom white balance, select "custom white balance" in the same menu.
- To set 4K video @ 120 fps, this needs to be done in the main menu, not the Q menu.
In summary, divers often rely on the EOS R5’s dials, customizable buttons on the housing, and pre-dive camera setup to compensate when joystick use is hindered underwater. Checking for firmware updates or housing design modifications that enable better control through other means is also recommended.
- Utilize the Canon EOS R5's multiple dials, like the main dial, quick control dial 1, and quick control dial 2, to adjust exposure settings, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture without relying on the joystick, making it possible to quickly and easily adjust settings underwater.
- Many underwater housings provide programmable buttons linked to camera functions. These buttons can be set beforehand to access essential settings such as ISO, white balance, AF modes, or drive modes, allowing quick adjustments even if the joystick is limited.
- Navigate menus using the dials or assign other controls for menu scrolling if the housing allows it, as an alternative to the joystick during underwater photography with the EOS R5.
- Configure as much of your desired settings before entering the water to minimize adjustments needed underwater, including setting up your AF point selection, picture profiles, log profiles, and custom white balance.
- Use the touchscreen LCD if accessible through some housings as an alternative navigation tool if the joystick is obstructed during underwater photography with the EOS R5.
- Consult with the housing manufacturer, such as Nauticam or other brands, for housing-specific workarounds or alternative control instructions when dealing with issues related to the EOS R5's joystick underwater.
- Customize video modes using the C1 to C3 modes for easy switching between settings in situations with quick changes, set the AF1 panel to subject detection for animals for better autofocus performance, turn off the AF Assist Beam in the AF2 panel, switch Canon's Log profile and set custom white balance in the SHOOT3 menu, and manually set 4K video @ 120 fps in the main menu, rather than the Q menu.
