Ty Harper

Right now I'm mostly using the Canon's .71x speedbooster on my R50V - but before that I was using it with my R5C for years as a great way to access the cam's 2-5K RAW features (which are only available in s35 mode) while basically making it FF. It's just one of the many reasons the R5C remains one of the most versatile releases in Canon history.

I work on a daily live national pop culture program - and while we are theoretically a terrestrial radio program first and foremost, realistically speaking we are a multi-platform program that is consumed as a traditional radio show, a podcast on Apple, a video podcast on Spotify/Youtube, and there are a lot of people who ONLY know our program via the video reels we post on our IG account. The program is captured with 3 Sony PTZs, and guests joining us via Zoom are patched into the convo by our digital producer who is also our live switcher, who is also framing each person (up to four guests, including the host) for our Youtube/Spotify podcasts AND our IG reels... so yes, Open Gate would prob be a helpful option for our digital producer/switcher/editor to have in post.

Don't know much about the R8 but I did a bit of research on the R7 as I was looking for a C-cam to go with my two R5Cs. The reason I didn't go with it was that there was imo an usually high level of owners on one of the bigger R7 groups on FB reporting mechanical shutter failures. It was particularly troubling for a cam that wasn't even 3 years old at the time (this was at the top of 2025). Either way I have decided to stay away from it and am pretty close to grabbing an R50V for the time being.

@Andrew Reiddo you think there is a DIY way to strengthen the micro-HDMI ports' connection to the motherboard in these newer cameras - particularly Canon's R5C? Most people use the usual port protectors from Canon and Smallrig but I've seen reports of the ports stilll having issues, even when those steps are taken. Personally I just do not use the micro-HDMI and USB-C ports at all but wondering if there is a way to fortify those connections?

Gerald got an hour and 53 mins at 4K XF-AVC on an LP-E6P batt.

Yes, great feature and AFAIK the R5C can't do it. My question is whether there is a technical limitation that would stop Canon from adding open gate on the R5C in a FW update?

Yeah but I imagine Smallrig/Tilta could maaybe make a special cage that has the right compatibility with those screws? I shot Smallrig a quick email just to see what they say. So much of their stuff is inspired by custie requests and I love them for that! Just looking at my R5C right now, it technically might be doable. The tradeoff would be reduced access to the power switch and top facing LCD panel on either side of the hot shoe. But of course that's all provided that the hot shoe is even compatible 🤷🏾‍♂️

Apparently CVP confirms in their review video that the handle is NOT compatible with the R5C - which begs the question: what is the point of the multi-function shoe mount if something like this new multi-function top handle isn't compatible, but the Tascam one is? 🤷🏾‍♂️

An important question for me is whether the C50 top handle/audio mixer is compatible with the R5C? Looks like it's secured with two screws on either side - but maybe Smallrig or Tilta can make a modified cage that allows the top handle to be bolted down that way? 🤷🏾‍♂️ If it is compatible I wouldn't need to be pinning for that Tascam Fr-AV2 anymore. But if it isn't it would be another head scratcher bcuz between the C400's detachable monitor and now this top handle/audio mixer, I feel like Canon is missing these really big opportunities to open the door for Canon made essential accessories that are compatible across/within their cam/cinema lines which would further strengthsn their ecosystem. Either way, seems like a great piece of kit!

FYI, CVP discusses batt life in their review. Seems like it might actually be less time than the R5C tho 😳. This link goes straight to that section of the review:

Agreed. And this is a cam catering to all the people that had issues with the R5C. One big question being debated is whether this confirms that the R5C will not get a MKII... officially putting it in the rarefied company of the 1DC as a Canon unicorn cam.

CVP in-depth review + comparison tests with R5C, C80, FX3, etc:

If this is really how it'll look, I'm loving what I'm seeing, but prob not for me unless I sell one of my R5Cs for it. Looks like an R50V is my best bet - but I'll likely wait till the usual people run their tests and reviews before I bite the bullet.

Honestly, I tried IBIS with the R5 and was underwhelmed. I ended up buying a second R5C and the Digital IS along with lens IS is perfect for my needs. But also, has Canon ever put IBIS in any of their C-line cams?

Yeah I can see that but for me - a shooter with two R5Cs - I don't need it to be robust on the photo side, just the basics, like an R50V. Either way, the more I think about it, the more I feel like the R50V is all I really need right now, but open gate would be kinda nice to have still!