Firmware update for Canon EOS 1D-X camera

Canon today released a firmware update for their Canon EOS 1D-X camera.

The v1.06 firmware update is quite substantial (it takes about 7 minutes to apply) and contains the following fixes:

• Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF Microadjustment cannot be correctly carried out.
• Fixes a phenomenon such that when using the camera with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF200mm f/2L IS USM lens and Extender EF 1.4x III or Extender EF 2x III, the images captured become back-focused.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which, when the camera is powered on in very dark environments (including instances when the lens cap or the body cap is attached), Error 80 appears on the camera.
• Fixes the following phenomenon: if two CF cards are inserted into the camera and the "Standard" or "Auto switch card" setting is selected for the recording method for [Record func+card/folder sel.], and then one of the CF cards is removed and then reinserted into the card slot, the card selected for recording and playing back images may be switched to the other CF Card.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF microadjustment value is not correctly displayed in the EXIF information of the images captured.
• Displays a "O" or "X" result to indicate whether images have been successfully transferred through the FTP protocol when using the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter.

As usual, you can download the firmware update from the Canon USA website.

Lens firmware update for Nikon 1 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 and 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6

Nikon has released a firmware update for its 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 and 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lenses.

According to the release notes the new v1.10 firmware adds the following enhancement:

• When this lens is used with Nikon 1 cameras released in, or after, August 2012, the camera can be turned off by locking the lens barrel (retractable lens barrel button), even if the monitor has turned off and the camera has entered standby mode.

You can download the new firmware from the support websites:

• 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6: Europe / USA
• 1 Nikkor 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6: Europe / USA

Lens firmware update for Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

Canon has released a firmware update for its EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens.

From the firmware release notes:

Firmware Version 1.2.0 addresses the following phenomenon:

1. If pressure is applied to the lens barrel while the lens is mounted to the camera (pressure can be applied even while attaching the lens cap or while carrying the camera with the lens attached in a bag), the autofocusing function of the lens may stop working.

Firmware Version 1.2.0 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.1.0. If the lens' firmware is already Version 1.2.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Lenses with the following serial numbers are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.0:

• The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, or 2 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, or xx2xxxxxxx).

Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.2.0.

You can download the firmware from the Canon US Website.

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.

Firmware update for Canon 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, and 600mm L IS II lenses

Canon has released a new firmware update (Firmware Version 1.1.1) for the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centres.

The products affected by this issue will be updated by Canon free of charge, just contact one of your authorised service facilities.

Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following enhancement:

• Changes the control algorithm of the focus drive, and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby.

Affected Products:

Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the lens' firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Please contact Canon customer support if you are unsure as to what firmware your lens currently supports.
The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.0 are as below.
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM: The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).

Firmware v1.20 update for Nikon 1 J1 and V1

Apart from the new Nikon 1 camera and accessories, Nikon also posted an update for the Nikon 1 J1 and V1 mirror-less system cameras.

According to the release notes, the following fixes and enhancements have been made:

• The exposure control program used with shooting in Smart Photo Selector mode, or still image shooting mode with Exposure mode set to P Programmed auto or Scene auto selector, has been revised for faster shutter speeds to prevent blurred subjects.
• Auto white balance performance has been increased.
• Exposure accuracy with ISO sensitivity set to Auto 100–3200, Auto 100–800, or Auto 100–400 has been increased with shooting using the built-in flash to photograph subjects at close distances..
• The following issues have been resolved.
• An error message was sometimes displayed during interval timer shooting, preventing capture of the specified number of shots.
• When the camera was turned on by releasing the retractable lens barrel lock on applicable lenses, there was sometimes a slight delay before the shutter could be released.

You can find the firmware updates on the support sites:

• Nikon J1 – Europe / USA
• Nikon V1 – Europa / USA

(Or, go to you own country's support site)

Applying the fix is easy:

• Download the firmware update (Mac or Win file)
• Put the firmware update bin file in the root directory of a memory card
• Insert the memory card in your camera
• Turn the camera on
• Select “Firmware version” from the camera's setup menu and follow the instructions shown for updating the firmware
• After update has completed, turn the camera off and remove the memory card

To verify you have the latest version of the firmware active, simply select “Firmware version” from the camera's setup menu. Firmware A and B should both be version 1.20.