Canon firmware updates for EOS 1D X and EOS 5D MkIII
Canon have announced a firmware update for the EOS 1D X and announced an upcoming (but not here yet) firmware update for the EOS 5D MkIII.
After essentially saying that they didn't give either camera the ability to AF at f8 because they designed the hardware optimized for f5.6 and it wouldn't work properly at f8, they now seem to have changed their minds (possibly spurred on by Nikon's support of AF at f8?). So now they will let the 1D X AF at f8 with the center AF zone, and they will - in 6 months time(!)- do the same for the 5D MkIII (which uses the same AF hardware).
The 1D X update also fixes a few problems with the previous foirmware. The 5D MkIII update will allow uncompressed HDMI output support (again possibly in response to Nikon already having that...)
Here are the announcements.
This firmware update can be downloaded from the Canon EOS 1D X Drivers and Software page on the Canon website. You need to enter your computer operating system before you can get to the link.
Not to be left out Canon have also issued an announcement of upcoming firmware for the EOS 5D MkIII. Not the firmware itself, but an announcement about the firmware....read on...
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 23, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a new firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera that significantly improves the camera's performance and usability. In response to requests from professionals working in the fields of cinema and television production, the firmware update enables the use of uncompressed HDMI Output support, making possible more efficient video editing and monitoring procedures. Additionally, the upgrade supports the advanced needs of photographers through improved AF performance when capturing still images.
Uncompressed HDMI Output Support
When shooting video, HDMI Output makes possible the recording of high-definition uncompressed video data (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) from the EOS 5D Mark III to an external recorder via the camera's HDMI terminal. This, in turn, facilitates the editing of video data with minimal image degradation for greater on-site workflow efficiency during motion picture and video productions. Additionally, video being captured can be displayed on an external monitor, enabling real-time, on-site monitoring of high-definition video during shooting.
Improved AF Functionality
Even when the EOS 5D Mark III is equipped with an extender and lens making possible a maximum aperture of f/8, the firmware update supports AF employing the camera's central cross-type points (currently compatible with maximum apertures up to f/5.6). Accordingly, the update will allow users to take advantage of AF when shooting distant subjects, benefitting sports and nature photographers, particularly when using telephoto lenses.The new firmware update will be available, at no charge, in April 2013 from the Canon U.S.A. website and can be downloaded by end users or through Canon Factory Service Centers.
Yes, you read it right, at least that's what they wrote. APRIL 2013. That's 6 months away. I just don't see how anyone can announce firmware updates that will do various things without actually having it and testing it and not release the firmware for another 6 months! It's ridiculous. The AF functionality is presumably the same as for the EOS 1D X and that firmware is available now, not in 6 months time.
Sometimes I wonder what Canon are thinking...maybe it's a mistype. Let's hope so.
Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS-1DX Digital SLR Camera.
Affected Product EOS-1DX Digital SLR Camera
Details Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.6.