How to turn Live View on/off on Canon R5

If you’re trying to use the rear screen to compose (or you’re trying to stop the camera constantly showing the live feed), you’re dealing with Canon’s screen/viewfinder display behavior and Live View / shooting-display settings.

Quick checklist (most common fix)

1. Switch the camera to stills (not movie) and half-press the shutter to wake everything.
2. Toggle the screen/viewfinder display mode (R5 manual includes a “Screen/Viewfinder Display” section in the setup area).
3. Check the EVF eye sensor behavior: if the eye sensor thinks something is near it, the rear screen may turn off.
4. Reset display settings if it’s gotten stuck in an odd mode (R5 has menu items for view info / display customisation).

Why this happens (so you can diagnose it fast)

• Eye sensor can override rear screen.
• Power saving / Eco mode can blank the display sooner than expected.
• HDMI connected can change display routing (R5 manual includes HDMI resolution/output settings).

If you want Live View OFF (rear screen not showing the live feed)

• Set the camera so the EVF is the primary display (Screen/Viewfinder Display settings).
• Reduce “always-on” rear screen behavior (power saving + display settings).

If you want Live View ON (rear screen shows what the camera sees)

• Make sure the camera isn’t forcing EVF only.
• Clean/clear the eye sensor area (strap/hand can trigger it).

Canon R5 Guide: See all Canon EOS R5 setup + gear answers in one place.

More Canon R5 help: Back to the Canon R5 Guide

Brad Evans

Brad is a seasoned photographer whose journey began in 2006 with a 3.1-megapixel digital camera. Over the years, he has specialized in various photography genres—from weddings and portraiture to product and studio photography. Based on the Sunshine Coast of QLD, Brad combines his love for education and photography, sharing his expertise on DSLRAD.com, a platform committed to capturing life’s treasured moments and empowering photography enthusiasts.