*UPDATE* Canon EOS-1D X Firmware Update Addresses f/8 & Red AF Points in AI Servo

[RLPhoto]

Now nikon no longer has the F/8 AF advantage anymore. 

[EYEONE]

It is possible to see f/8 AF for the 5D3 considering the D800 has it.

I hope to see a 4K firmware for the 1DX soon. The 1DC is identical internally to a 1DX.

Why on earth would they do that? 

[Erik S. Klein]

I'm anxiously awaiting this update.  TBH I don't really have an issue with F8 autofocus although I'm happy it's fixed for those who do.  I also didn't really suffer from the AF point color issue but I will change to bright red when I can.

But I did report a couple of minor bugs to Canon and I want to see if those were addressed this time around...

[neuroanatomist]

If I'm reading this right, I will now be able to extend my EF100-400 f/5.6 with a 1.4 extender, giving me effective 560mm at f/8... AND will now autofocus on my 1DX???

Is this right?

That's correct - and I'll be using it that way.  Plus, my 600/4 II will now AF with the 2x extender, and from the TDP ISO 12233 charts, the 600 II + 2xIII gives IQ a little better than the 800/5.6 + 1.4xIII, plus it's a little longer (1200mm vs. 1120mm). 

All around, I'm a happy camper.

Now nikon no longer has the F/8 AF advantage anymore. 

They still have many more AF points available with an f/8 lens.  Just sayin'.


Note that the press release was available this morning, but it has now been pulled from the Canon USA Press Releases page, and the firmware link is still not active. 

Seems like this was not ready for release from embargo yet (maybe planned for announcement closer to PhotoPlus?), and someone goofed and let it slip out early (or it was an intentional leak).

Still, this means we should see it sometime soon.  Later today, or if not, in a few days.

[Bombsight]

YES!!!!!

[bkorcel]

Still waiting for the port to the 5DIII.  Sigh!  Time to call Canon again and rattle their cage a bit.

[tron]

Now nikon no longer has the F/8 AF advantage anymore. 

Well, D4 and D800 already have F/8 AF . We'll see about Canon (1Dx only or both 1Dx and 5DIII)

[tron]

Canon 5DIII is a very new camera. We have hope... 

[jrista]

Well, it's good to hear they finally added f/8 support. It is nice that AF Expansion mode will work around the center f/8 AF point as well. Not quite as good as Nikon's 51pt f/8 AF option, but a step in the right direction. I hope the 5D III gets the same improvements...would only be minimally competitive.

[neuroanatomist]

Not quite as good as Nikon's 51pt f/8 AF option

Erm, you mean 15pt f/8, don't you?  Sure, one f/8 cross-type point with 4 surrounding single-line f/8 points isn't as good as three full columns of cross points, but let's not inflate Nikon's system, mmmm'k?   

[Bombsight]

As much "raggin' on" as a lot of the 5DM3 owners did about the 1DX being too expensive, not any better, too heavy, blah, blah,blah .... I wouldn't be surprised if Canon holds it (firmware update) back and just saves it for the new higher megapixel body.   

[lopicma]

Concerning the f/8 auto focus - I ran into this on my 60D using a 100-400mm and a Tamron 1.4x teleconverter.  I was able to auto focus at f/8 and was surprised.

Was this a drawback on the original 1Dx firmware or a bump-up for the 60D on IT'S last firmware update?

[neuroanatomist]

Concerning the f/8 auto focus - I ran into this on my 60D using a 100-400mm and a Tamron 1.4x teleconverter.  I was able to auto focus at f/8 and was surprised.

Was this a drawback on the original 1Dx firmware or a bump-up for the 60D on IT'S last firmware update?

Neither.  3rd party TC's have been variably able to allow AF at f/8.  Point here is this applies to Canon's TCs (some people have tried to get around it by taping over some of the contacts on the TC).

[Viggo]

So the question is, when, in the name of everything, can I download?!

[Rat]

On the off chance Canon reads this thread, another vote for reds on the 5D3.