EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.3 Available

[Scott_McPhee]

The new 1DX firmware update brings the following - puts the 5D3 one a little to shame....
(I ain't a 1DX hater either!)

Improved Operability for the EOS-1D X

Developed as the ultimate Canon EOS camera, the EOS-1D X Digital SLR is designed with foresight that enables its performance to be periodically improved with new firmware upgrades, helping to ensure maximum long-term value for owners and users of the camera. These improvements are engineered to support and advance the evolving creative needs and business imperatives of professional photographers and committed high-end amateurs. The features provided by firmware version 2 are designed for more efficient automation that takes the task of changing settings away from the “heat of the moment” and enables photographers to concentrate on creativity and obtaining valuable shots. Firmware version 2 upgrades and operability additions include a total of 10 features that are now new or improved:

AF Performance with Moving Subjects – For greater creative control, additional parameters have been added to AI Servo 2nd Image Priority, enabling users to adjust these settings for more accurate AF performance according to the situation at hand. Photographers can fine-tune the balance between prioritizing focus versus the framing rate for the second and subsequent shots in a burst.

Enhanced AI Servo AF Performance in Low Light Conditions – The AI Servo focusing algorithm has been improved to allow more time for light sampling during AF activation prior to shutter release, enhancing AF performance in low-light situations. Additionally, initial AF control is now based on the new “+2 focus priority” setting of AI Servo 2nd Image Priority, which has higher distance measurement capabilities under low-light conditions. Upon full depression of the shutter button, settings from AI Servo 1st Image Priority take over and then settings from AI Servo 2nd Image Priority are applied on any subsequent images in the burst. This increases the probability that the first image in a burst sequence will be as sharp as possible.

Improved Acceleration/Deceleration Tracking Parameters – To improve tracking performance of fast-moving subjects that fill the frame, additional parameters for acceleration/deceleration tracking in AI Servo AF have been added to provide photographers with more precise control when photographing rapidly moving subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly or unexpectedly. In response to feedback from professional photographers, these new settings have been added to handle larger differences in speed (i.e., the rate of change in image magnification) compared to the previous firmware.

Selection of Initial AF Point While Shooting in 61-Point Auto Selection AF – This new option in the AF Menu provides more continuity when switching to 61-Point Auto Selection AF from any other AF Point Selection mode. The option maintains the AF point selected from the previous Selection mode as a starting point for 61-Point Auto Selection AF. It also maintains the ability to change to a pre-programmed AF point when changing the Selection mode. This time-saving option is designed to help eliminate the need to stop and think, and helps photographers to customize their individual shooting style.

AF Point Switching According to Camera Orientation – In addition to programming the EOS-1D X camera to automatically switch to a different AF point and area selection mode based on camera orientation, firmware version 2 adds the option of programming only the AF point according to camera orientation (horizontal, grip up and grip down). This new ability to select up to three different AF points according to camera orientation allows for greater customization of the camera to specific shooting styles.

Expanded Minimum Shutter Speed in Auto ISO – In response to user feedback, this improved functionality in Auto ISO enables photographers to select a minimum shutter speed as high as 1/8000th of a second to freeze moving subjects.

Exposure Compensation in Auto ISO with Manual Mode Set – This new function enables photographers to manually set a desired shutter speed and aperture, use Auto ISO to control the exposure, and use Exposure Compensation to adjust the exposure for challenging lighting conditions (e.g., a very dark or very bright background). This new function can be activated through the Quick Control Dial or by using the Main Dial while pressing the SET button.

Toggling Between Alternate Camera Settings – EOS-1D X camera users can now toggle between three groups of camera settings instantly by pressing the shutter button, AE Lock button

• or the AF-ON button. Selectable settings that can now be assigned to the AE Lock and AF-ON buttons via Custom Controls include:

■Currently selected AF point vs. pre-registered AF point
■AI Servo AF configuration sets (Case 1 through Case 6)
■One-Shot AF vs. AI Servo AF
■Currently selected drive mode vs. 14 fps Super High Speed drive mode
With these new options, photographers can reconfigure their EOS-1D X camera on the fly, while keeping their eye on the viewfinder to maintain concentration on the shot they are trying to get. For example, the camera could be set up for One-Shot AF and single shot drive mode on the shutter button, AI Servo AF in Case 1 with high-speed continuous drive mode on the AE Lock button, and AI Servo AF in Case 4 with super-high-speed 14 fps continuous drive mode on the AF-ON button.

Same Exposure for New Aperture in Manual Mode – This new firmware feature provides users with the ability to maintain consistent exposure levels in Manual mode when the aperture changes, for example when a photographer shoots at maximum aperture with a variable-aperture lens (such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom) or when using a lens equipped with built-in extender (such as the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X). The feature gives users the option to have the camera adjust the shutter speed or the ISO to compensate for the aperture change.

Display Protected Images Only – Users can now page through protected images only via an option on the main dial. This feature already exists with rated images, and is an expansion of that capability.

[mackguyver]

Look at the recent 1DX firmware update and compare it with what the 5D3 has got so far.
No comparison.

This is a tiny incremental update - there's no indication that Canon won't give the 5DIII updates the same or similar features once the 1DX update is out.

[duydaniel]

Look at the recent 1DX firmware update and compare it with what the 5D3 has got so far.
No comparison.

This is a tiny incremental update - there's no indication that Canon won't give the 5DIII updates the same or similar features once the 1DX update is out.

They better or else I will load the D800 firmware on my 5D 

[arbitrage]

Look at the recent 1DX firmware update and compare it with what the 5D3 has got so far.
No comparison.

This is a tiny incremental update - there's no indication that Canon won't give the 5DIII updates the same or similar features once the 1DX update is out.

+1000
5D3 still has a good chance of getting the 1DX stuff.  But no way would they put it in this release if the 1DX FW isn't till January.  This is an update to mainly fix the bug that was introduced from the last FW with the flash problems.  And to once again attempt to fix the AFMA f/8 bug that never was fixed when they said it was.

5D3 got f/8 way after the 1DX, so I think they will still give the 5D3 some of the 1DX stuff.  Hopefully at least it will get the AutoISO improvements.  Time will tell but there is no reason to complain about this FW as we all knew it would never contain the new 1DX stuff this early.

[mackguyver]

They better or else I will load the D800 firmware on my 5D 

LOL and maybe it will unlock those hidden megapixels

[scottkinfw]

Yawn.

[neuroanatomist]

Look at the recent 1DX firmware update and compare it with what the 5D3 has got so far.
No comparison.

This is a tiny incremental update - there's no indication that Canon won't give the 5DIII updates the same or similar features once the 1DX update is out.

+1 - the 1D X had f/8 AF from the start, they later gave it to the 5DIII.  Auto ISO limits and other features from more recent cameras were added with the v2 firmware for the 7D.  The v2 firmware update for the 5DII added the manual audio control that users wanted. If you want them now, there's always the 1D X...and before you blast me for that statement, there was a response from Canon on their forums to the effect that 1D X users who wanted uncompressed HDMI output could just get a 1D C.

[Krob78]

I'd still like a RED focus point in AI Servo! 

[Harv]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are never satisfied with what Canon does.  If the 5D3 falls short of their expectations, why buy it in the first place?

For crying out loud, the 5D3 is half the price of the 1Dx.  If someone wants the 1Dx features, they should reach into their pocket and pony up the funds to buy the 1Dx.  It's that simple.

I elected to add the 5D3 to my bag as a second body to my 1D4.  I knew what the specifications were when I made the decision to buy it.  It performs as advertized.  Firmware updates to deal with bugs that show up are appreciated and I'm thankful that the manufacturer offers them up.  I don't expect Canon to turn my 5D3 into a 1Dx.

Anyone who purchased a 5D3 knew full well what it's features and limitations were when they made the decision and laid their money down.

If you own the 5D3, which is a great camera, just pick it up and go take some photos.

[Krob78]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are never satisfied with what Canon does.  If the 5D3 falls short of their expectations, why buy it in the first place?

For crying out loud, the 5D3 is half the price of the 1Dx.  If someone wants the 1Dx features, they should reach into their pocket and pony up the funds to buy the 1Dx.  It's that simple.

I elected to add the 5D3 to my bag as a second body to my 1D4.  I knew what the specifications were when I made the decision to buy it.  It performs as advertized.  Firmware updates to deal with bugs that show up are appreciated and I'm thankful that the manufacturer offers them up.  I don't expect Canon to turn my 5D3 into a 1Dx.

Anyone who purchased a 5D3 knew full well what it's features and limitations were when they made the decision and laid their money down.

If you own the 5D3, which is a great camera, just pick it up and go take some photos.

I think most of us do... The forum is just that, it's a forum, a place to talk shop, offer opinions, advice, etc. 

I certainly knew the feature set of my 5d3 when I made my purchase and have absolutely no regrets, I love it and shoot with it almost everyday.  That doesn't mean I wouldn't like the red focus point!  I still wish it had it, I still shoot without it and I still love my 5D MkIII...

Checking back through the forum rules you'll be sure to see that nowhere does it mention "No Wishful Thinking comments in threads". 

I understand and tend to think on your thought lines, then I thought, well, I have one and love it but I'd sure like the red focus point, especially in AI servo or for low light situations... nothing wrong with wishing. 

Gotta go now, my camera is calling! 

All the best! 

[mackguyver]

I'd still like a RED focus point in AI Servo! 

+1 on this, too, but I'm guessing there is a hardware limitation that prevented them from including it in the next-to-last firmware update.

[Marsu42]

Oh wait, it did.  But the 1DX was neglected and did not get uncompressed HDMI output.

Apart from Nikon putting pressure on Canon, even 5d3 users who don't use Magic Lantern should be grateful since it's harder to withhold a fw feature if the ML devs showed that it's really simple to implement even w/o a Canon fw sdk :-)

5D3 still has a good chance of getting the 1DX stuff.

Why would that be? Canon always had a good (i.e. egoistic) reason for backporting fw features like the f8 af to enable 5d3 users to shoot with expensive Canon tele prime lenses + tc instead of a 7d. The 7d got their 2.0 fw to give it a sales boost, same with the 5d2 back then.

Since the 5d3 is selling fine my guess is that Canon will try to boost their 1dx sales by distinguishing it from the little brother which shoots raw with Magic Lantern - so what's the reason for Canon to further enhance the 5d3 (or 6d) right now?

[neuroanatomist]

...so what's the reason for Canon to further enhance the 5d3 (or 6d) right now?

Because people on forums will complain if they don't?? 

[Skirball]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are never satisfied with what Canon does.  If the 5D3 falls short of their expectations, why buy it in the first place?

The 5d3 fanboys get a little antsy in the pantsy when someone mentions a 1Dx.  Don't worry, there's an easy fix, just mention how much you love the 6D and their chest puffs out again.

[Krob78]

I'd still like a RED focus point in AI Servo! 

+1 on this, too, but I'm guessing there is a hardware limitation that prevented them from including it in the next-to-last firmware update.

Could be but it sure seems like something a FW update could alter...  I'd like the center red focus in all cases pretty much, not just AI Servo.  It's just that I shoot there so much!