Canon firmware updates for the EOS-1D X and EOS-5D Mark III

Canon just published new firmwares for two of its flagship cameras.

EOS 1D X firmware 2.0.7

Firmware version 2.0.7 incorporates the following functional improvements and fixes:

1. Improves the AF controllability when shooting in Live View mode with a wide-angle lens (fixed focal length or zoom).
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which, when shooting long exposures (several minutes), vertical lines appear on the right edge of captured images (still photos).
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) may not perform as intended when in continuous shooting mode and where the shutter speed is longer than 1 second.
4. Improves the reliability of the control mechanism for the Picture Style Auto setting.
5. Fixes a phenomenon in which the electronic level indicator does not work correctly.
6. Fixes a phenomenon in which, when using the "Save and read camera settings" function, the color space data that is selected in "Custom shooting mode (C1-C3)" is not saved. ^*1
7. Corrects some incorrect indications on the "English" and "Russian" menu screens.

^*1 As a result of this fix, cameras with Firmware Version 2.0.7 will not be able to read the "camera settings file" created with cameras running Firmware Version 2.0.3 (or earlier). If you require the "camera settings file", please create it after updating to firmware version 2.0.7.

You can download the new firmware from the Canon website.

EOS 5D Mark III firmware 1.3.3

Firmware version 1.3.3 incorporates the following improvement and fix:

1. Improves the AF controllability when shooting in Live View mode with a wide-angle lens (fixed focal length or zoom).
2. Corrects some incorrect indications on the "English" and "Russian" menu screens.

You can download the new firmware from the Canon website.

New version of Canon Digital Photo Professional software

Canon has released a new version of its Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software. This new version contains quite a few radical changes and new features over its predecessors. Big disappointment for many will be this new 4.0 version is only compatible with the very latest Canon DSLRs; only the EOS-1D X, EOS-1D C, EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D are currently supported! For other models, an update of DPP (3.14) will be released (not yet available, though).

For the new camera's the software does offer some great improvements though. Designed and developed from the ground up, the new Digital Photo Professional 4.0 is much faster as it fully utilises the 64-bit architecture of the host system.

You can download DPP 4.0 (for free) from Canon Europe's support site. Select your camera - EOS-1D X, EOS-1D C, EOS 5D Mark III or EOS 6D – and select DPP 4.0 from the software options to download.
Please note that DPP 4.0 will be compatible only with 64-bit versions of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 as well as Mac OS X 10.8 and 10.9.

New key features

• Faster, real-time adjustments.
• Improved RAW file workflow.
• Better, more approachable user interfaces.
• Compatible with 64-bit native environments.
• Colour adjustments for specific colour gamuts.
• Improved highlight recovery provides expanded tonality.
• Improved shadow recovery function.
• Support for movie playback.
• Auto Lighting Optimizer can be applied to JPEG images.
• Better integration with EOS Utility.

New colour adjustment palette

A new colour adjustment palette allows hue, saturation and luminance adjustment for eight individual colour gamuts, enabling the user to adjust one specific colour in isolation without affecting the image as a whole. This is particularly useful when adjusting background tones in portraits, where there might previously have been a risk of giving a colour cast to skin tones, for example.

Enhanced highlight function

Canon software developers have re-engineered the processing algorithms to increase the freedom in tonal rendering. By adjusting highlights, it is now possible to reproduce tones such as those in clouds and peoples’ faces that would previously have appeared washed out.

Dual display support

For those photographers with dual monitors, DPP 4.0 allows a secondary monitor to be used as the preview window on the primary display. While the main monitor can be used to perform delicate adjustments, a secondary image window for images can be used as a magnifier for closer inspection of part of an image.

Better EOS Utility integration

With the launch of DDP 4.0 comes an updated EOS Utility 3 and the two pieces of software now offer better integration. The introduction of EOS Utility 3 makes it is possible to trigger the camera direct from the DPP tool palette as well as access to all the rest of the EOS Utility remote shooting functions without the need to start a separate application, thus enabling a more streamlined and integrated workflow.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III firmware update

Canon has updated the firmware for its EOS 5D Mark III camera.

You can download it from the Canon website.

Firmware Version 1.2.3 incorporates the following improvements and fixes (from the release notes):

• Fixes a phenomenon in which the flash may not fire depending on the timing of when the shutter button is pressed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF microadjustment value may change.*
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may show a line of false color along boundaries of high contrast.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the histogram of a LiveView image is incorrectly displayed when an HDMI cable is connected.
• Enables the brightness of the camera's LCD monitor to be adjusted even when an HDMI cable is connected.

*The phenomenon listed in 2 was addressed with Firmware Version 1.2.1, and has been further improved with Firmware Version 1.2.3.

Firmware update 1.2.1 for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III adds uncompressed HDMI output

Canon just released a firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Firmware version 1.2.1 adds, amongst others, uncompressed HDMI out, a much sought after capability which previously was only available on select Nikon cameras (e.g., the D800/D800E and D4).

Here's the complete list of updates:

• Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.
• Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
• Improves the speed of the camera's acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite's AF-assist beam.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display Err 70 or Err 80 when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.
• Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.
• Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.
• When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an "O" will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an "X" will be displayed.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM lens.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.
• Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the "Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO" option.

You can download the update from the Canon website.

Canon service advisory for EOS-1D X and 5D Mark III cameras

Canon recently put out a service advisory for their EOS-1D X and 5D Mark III DSLR cameras. I have copied the advisory as can be found on the Canon USA website below.

Affected Products

EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera
EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera

Details

Depending upon the shooting conditions, it may take slightly longer for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X digital SLR cameras to acquire focus when using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam, compared with that of the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam.

We are developing a solution to enhance the focusing feature for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X and plan to release a firmware update based on following estimated schedule:

• EOS 5D Mark III: (estimated) Late April, 2013
• EOS-1D X: (estimated) Late May, 2013

Support

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

If you have not already done so, please register your Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera or your Canon EOS-1D X. Digital SLR Camera. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email about future service upgrades.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

DxOMark test results for the Canon 1Dx

Knowing that the Canon 1Dx is a great camera with great features and that is is a hefty competitor for Nikon's flagship camera, the D4, I had been waiting for the DxOMark sensor with great anticipation. Now the results are in, I have to say I am a bit disappointed.

While the 1Dx gets the highest score of all Canon DSLR bodies, its sensor quality is no match for the newer Nikon bodies. In fact, the 1Dx “only” gets 82 points, the same score as the Nikon D3s available in 2009.

Of course, sensor quality is not all there is to a camera. For instance, the right set of features and ease of handling play a huge role too. Furthermore, the test results for the Canon 1Dx do show it is a superb camera with a great sensor (some available cameras just have a slightly better sensor).

Here are some interesting comparisons (click for larger view):

1Dx versus Canon 1Ds and 1D mkIV

1Dx versus Canon 5D mkIII

1Dx versus Nikon D3s and D4

Please visit the DxOMark site to read their full review or perform your own comparisons.

2012-2013 EISA camera awards for Nikon and Canon

EISA (the European Imaging and Sound Association) has announced the 2012-2013 award winners. Both Nikon and Canon score very well (again) in the photo category, with the two overall camera awards going to Nikon.

The European Imaging and Sound Association and has been awarding for more than 30 years. EISA is the unique association of 50 special interest magazines in audio, home theatre, in-car electronics, mobile electronics, photo and video, from 20 European countries.

• European Camera 2012-2013: Nikon D800
• European Professional Camera 2012-2013: Nikon D4
• European Advanced SLR Camera 2012-2013: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• European Compact Camera 2012-2013: Canon Powershot G1 X
• European Professional Compact Camera 2012-2013: Fujifilm X-Pro1

For a full list of categories and awards, please see the EISA website.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.1.3

Canon has released a firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

Firmware v1.1.3 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:

• Supports the single focal length EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens that is to be released at the end of June, 2012.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which an image may become underexposed when using the Auto Lighting Optimizer for continuous Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) shooting.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the backlight of the LCD monitor may not turn off depending on the camera settings and timing.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera’s power may not turn on when a super-telephoto lens (1) is mounted to the camera with an extender (2).
1. EF 300mm F2.8L IS II USM / EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM
2. Extender EF 1.4X III / Extender EF 2X III
• Corrects mistakes in the Dutch, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, and Swedish menu screens

You can download the new firmware directly from the Canon USA website.

Canon 5D Mark III announced + comparison to Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D800

Today Canon announced the successor to their hugely successful Canon 5D Mark II. The Canon 5D Mark III is a big improvement to the previous model and contains numerous features of both the new 1D X and current 7D.

The following table contains a comparison of some of the key features of the new Mark III to both the Mark II and the Nikon D800.

	Canon 5D II	Canon 5D III	Nikon D800
Estimated price of body	$2,499	$3,499	$2,999
Sensor size (MP)	21.1 MP	22.3 MP	36.8 MP
Viewfinder coverage	98%	100%	100%
LCD	3”	3.2” 1.04M dots	3.2” 921K dots
Memory card	CF	CF+SD	CF+SD
Popup Flash	no	no	yes
Autofocus points	9 up to f/5.6	61 up to f/5.6	51 up to f/8
Face Detection	yes	yes	yes
ISO Range	50 – 25,600	50 – 102,400	50 – 25,600
AE Bracket	3 frames	3, 5, 7 frames	2, 3, 5, 7 frames
Continuous shooting	3.9fps	6fps	4fps (FX) 6fps (DX)
Buffer size	?	18 raw	16 – 21 FX raw
Multi-exposure	no	yes	yes (?)
Timelapse support	no	no	yes
HDR in camera	no	yes	yes
Horizon level	no	dual axis leveling	dual axis leveling
GPS location	external device	external device	external device
Shutter life	150,000	150,000	200,000
Quiet shooting (mirror delayed)	no	yes	yes
Silent shooting (no mirror)	no	?	yes
Ethernet port	no	no	no
Video
Video (1080)	30, 25, 24	30, 25, 24	30, 25, 24
Video (720)	n/a	60, 50	60, 50, 30, 25
Video (640)	30, 25	30, 25	30, 25
Longest clip	±12 minutes	0:29:59 (split into 3 clips)	0:29:59
Headphone Jack	no	yes	yes
Audio level control	yes (pre-recording)	yes + while recording	yes + while recording
Video autofocus	no	no	yes
Dedicated Video button	no	yes	yes
Video Recording format	H.264	H.264	H.264
Video compression	IPP	IPB or ALL-I	MPEG-4 AVC
HDMI out	no	yes (compressed)	yes (uncompressed)
Aperture control in video	no	no	yes
Histogram in video	no	yes	no
Time code support	no	Rec Run + Free Run	no (can set markers)