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R5 after the fire |
The Canon EOS R5 is a remarkably capable camera with a vast array of features and capabilities.
I have recently been experimenting with [Fv] (Flexible value) shooting mode, a feature of several recent Canon interchangeable lens cameras.
The idea appears to be that this one mode can replace all the usual P, Tv, Av and M modes.
On the R5 this involves rotating the top front, top rear and back dials in various sequences to toggle the status of the shutter speed, aperture and ISO sensitivity adjustments between fixed, adjustable and Auto.
The camera provides a visual indication in the viewfinder of the current status of each of the exposure parameters and its ability to be altered.
At least [Fv] shows that someone at Canon is thinking about how to streamline the experience of using an inherently complex device.
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Fv mode EVF view |
But in practice I find [Fv] creates more usability problems than it solves.
If I set, say, aperture to be the independent (user controlled) variable then the way in which the other two variables of the exposure triangle (shutter speed and ISO sensitivity) respond to changes in Aperture value is different from the way they respond if I set [Av] mode. In fact [Fv] works more like M mode but not quite the same as that either.
In [Fv] at any given point in time each of the three exposure parameters can be in one of three states, fixed, adjustable or auto. That makes 9 states which have to be monitored by the user and adjusted as required.
If I am in, say, [Av] mode I just have to monitor the aperture, knowing that I have pre-set auto ISO within certain limits and shutter speed to a focal length based limit consistent with my camera usage practice.
The more I tried to figure out [Fv] mode the more confusing I found the whole exercise.
I also found the interaction between ISO sensitivity setting and other settings frustrating. If ISO starts at [Auto] I can change it to any fixed value but I cannot change it back again to Auto until the meter has timed out. By default this takes 8 seconds.
In use I find I cannot adequately direct my attention to the subject I wish to photograph as my cognitive space is taken up by constantly having to watch what is going on with the shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings.
I have read on user forums that some people say they really like [Fv] mode but I have yet to figure out exactly what it is about [Fv] that appeals to them.
Summary
I find [Fv] mode does not improve my experience of using the camera at all. Henceforth I will not be using [Fv].