August 9, 2026

Video - DaVinci Resolve version 21 and my Canon R5

One of the things that compelled me to purchase DR-21 in the paid "studio" version was the need to get codec support for my cameras. Previously I had tried using the free version on linux, and it refused to read my files.

I have to refamiliarize myself with my R5 and taking video. I have a 128G SanDisk "extreme pro" CF express card. My intent for a quick test is to just use the red video button on the R5.

I record about 25 seconds of video, zooming as well as doing things that ought to make the camera refocus. Once I put the card in my card reader, I see: 

-rwxr-xr-x 1 tom tom 143302072 Aug  8 20:18 581A6208.MP4
We get a 143M file to capture 25 seconds. 
cd /run/media/tom/EOS_DIGITAL/DCIM/100CANON
cp *.MP4 /home/tom
cd /home/tom
mediainfo *.MP4
General
Complete name                            : 581A6208.MP4
Format                                   : MPEG-4
Format profile                           : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID                                 : mp42 (mp42/avc1/CAEP)
File size                                : 137 MiB
Duration                                 : 37 s 671 ms
Overall bit rate                         : 30.4 Mb/s
Frame rate                               : 29.970 FPS
Encoded date                             : 2026-08-09 11:17:51 UTC
Tagged date                              : 2026-08-09 11:17:51 UTC

Video
ID                                       : 1
Format                                   : AVC
Format/Info                              : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile                           : High@L4.1
Format settings                          : CABAC / 2 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC                   : Yes
Format settings, Reference frames        : 2 frames
Format settings, GOP                     : M=3, N=15
Format settings, Slice count             : 4 slices per frame
Codec ID                                 : avc1
Codec ID/Info                            : Advanced Video Coding
Duration                                 : 37 s 671 ms
Bit rate                                 : 30.1 Mb/s
....
I can run vlc on this. I displays fine and I get sound.
Feedback? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Digital Photography Info / tom@mmto.org