“Give me f/8!”
Apparently some of the “limitations” of Canon’s yet to be released EOS-1D X are repairable via firmware. The one limitation I can think of is f/8 autofocus, it would be nice if that was brought back in time for the final camera. I’ve heard about a 50/50 split from people on whether or not it’s a real world issue, I’m on the side that it is for a decent chunk of people that would buy the 1D X.
I’ve received no responses from Canon in regards to the issue, which is understandable.
What other perceived limitations are there?
Source: [NL]
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV @ B&H $4999
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*UPDATE* Firmware Available (Canon USA)
You can now download the firmware from Canon USA.
Download Here
Firmware version 2.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:
- Fixes a phenomenon where shooting stops after capturing one image when in continuous shooting or the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) continuous shooting setting.
- Corrects misspellings in the menu screens displayed in Dutch language.
There is no download link that I can find anywhere, so the above may change before it becomes downloadable.
cr
From Canon USA
Canon USAs site is showing download links to a new 5D Mark II firmware. Version 2.1.1. At the time of posting this, the download links do not work.
No release notes as to what the firmware will fix/add.
thanks Victor
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A patent for a software IS solution
Is it possible to add the hybrid image stabilization technology found in the new 100L macro to all Canon macros, as well as other Canon IS lenses?
Apparently it could be with some software solutions built into firmware.
Patent Publication No. 2011-139169
- 2011.7.14 Release Date
- 2009.12.25 filing date
In-lens image stabilization mechanism
- Angular rate sensor detects camera shake
- Compensate by moving the shift lens
The angular rate sensor
- To detect the rotational swing
- Fluctuations that occur in parallel can not detect macro
- Other techniques for image stabilization
- Using the imaging device to detect the motion vector
- Must be provided separately dedicated imaging device
Synthesis to reduce the blurring by shooting
- Long processing time
- Not correspond to the movement
Canon patent
- To calculate the amount of image blur from the calculation of the Live View
- Corrected by moving the shift lens
More over at [EG]
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A Minor Firmware Update
Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following fixes and improvements.
- Fixes a phenomenon where the wireless built-in flash settings are reset to defaults when the battery is removed from the camera.
- Fixes an intermittent phenomenon where image-rotation information is not recognized correctly when shooting with the camera in the vertical position depending on the timing of the shutter release.
Download Here
Thanks HDCamTeam
cr
Canon EOS 60D $899 at B&H
50D Gets a Minor Update
Below are the following fixes/features of the new EOS 50D Firmware. I guess it’s nice to see new firmware for a discontinued product.
- Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
- Fixes incorrect indications in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai and Turkish menu screens.
thanks Qing
Download Here (Win) | Download Here (Mac)
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Firmware 2.0.9 for 5D Mark II
Firmware Version 2.0.9 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
1. Improves writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
2. Fixes a phenomenon where the IS function will not work when custom function C.Fn III-2 is set to [5: IS start] and the lens attached does not have an AF stop button. This is because custom function C.Fn III-2 allows users to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens
3. Corrects misspellings in the menu screens displayed in Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai languages.
Download Here
thanks Qing
cr
Canon UK has reposted the 7D Firmware version 1.2.5 on their web site. This is the same firmware we previously posted.
Changes in this Firmware
Firmware Version 1.2.5 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
- Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were rare cases where movie files taken could not be opened when repeatedly shooting movies with specific CF cards.
- Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were cases where “Err 02″ appeared when repeatedly shooting still images with specific CF cards.
- Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when using high-capacity (32 GB or greater) CF cards: If either a CF card with only a little available space remaining or the battery was removed and then reinserted into the camera, and then the user attempted to start shooting movies immediately, shooting would stop.
- Improved the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
- Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when custom function C.Fn 4-1 was set to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens: When used with lenses that do not have an AF stop button, the IS function would not work.
- Corrected some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese. (This applies to models in overseas markets. The models for the Japanese market do not display those languages.)
Download Below
Version 1.2.5 (Windows)
Version 1.2.5 (Mac)
thanks Paul
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*UPDATE*
Canon has killed the links to the firmware on the various sites around the globe. So I am going to host it instead.
Download EOS 7D Firmware 1.2.5 (12.4mb)
Extract the .fir file and put it on the root of a CF card. Put the CF card in your 7D and go to the firmware section in your menu. Select the file on the card and install.
This firmware is official Canon firmware that was prematurely leaked by Canon UK & Canon Europe.
Disclaimer
Should you install it? I have and everything is ok. If you’re a bit uncomfortable doing so, you can probably live without it. If you have any of the bugs listed below, installing it is probably wise.
thanks Eric
Changes in this firmware
Firmware Version 1.2.5 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.
- Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were rare cases where movie files taken could not be opened when repeatedly shooting movies with specific CF cards.
- Fixed a rare phenomenon in which there were cases where “Err 02″ appeared when repeatedly shooting still images with specific CF cards.
- Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when using high-capacity (32 GB or greater) CF cards: If either a CF card with only a little available space remaining or the battery was removed and then reinserted into the camera, and then the user attempted to start shooting movies immediately, shooting would stop.
- Improved the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
- Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when custom function C.Fn 4-1 was set to assign IS start to the AF stop button on the lens: When used with lenses that do not have an AF stop button, the IS function would not work.
- Corrected some mistakes in the menu screens displayed in Arabic and Portuguese. (This applies to models in overseas markets. The models for the Japanese market do not display those languages.)
Posted on the Canon UK web site here (mac) & here (win)
thanks W
cr
Canon Enhances The XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders With New 3D Capabilities. New Firmware Enables 3D HD Video Capture Assist and a Host of New Features
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 7, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced significant enhancements to the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders, including the ability to configure two units for 3D HD video capture. Canon’s new firmware upgrades the XF300-series camcorders to include Canon’s 3D Assist Function that allows two units to be easily set up for 3D HD video, as well as an updated Scan Reverse function, Double Slot Recording for instantaneous backup, and the option to disable Relay Recording. Canon will be demonstrating a range of professional applications for the Canon XF305 and XF300, including 3D image recording, at the Company’s booth # C4325, at the 2011 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center, April 11th-14th.
“Our professional imaging equipment continues to offer cutting-edge features and capabilities that professionals need in the field and helps open new doorways to endless possibilities for creative expression,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technology and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
3D Shooting Capability
Canon’s 3D Assist Function facilitates the setup of two XF305 or XF300 Professional Camcorders when used together to capture 3D HD video. The new firmware includes the ability to perform OIS Lens Shift to aid in optically aligning two XF305 or XF300 camcorders and a Focal Length Guide to display the zoom position of each camera in relation to each other and help calibrate zoom settings. This adjustment can be done through the menu system while the camcorders are mounted to a rig or tripod. Once aligned, the amount of the angle-of-view change is displayed after zoom adjustment, preventing camera misalignment and simplifying adjustment. This is similar to the 3D shooting functionality found in the Company’s XF105 and XF100 model professional camcorders.
Scan Reverse
The new firmware updates the Scan Reverse functionality of XF300-series camcorders to allow for recorded images to be flipped on the horizontal axis, vertical axis, or both simultaneously to facilitate recording with 3D mirror rigs.
Double-Slot Recording
This new function allows the camcorders to record footage simultaneously to both card slots for instant backup of important footage and files. Ideal for use in production environments to ensure multiple copies are secured for each take.
Relay Recording On/Off
Relay Recording, an innovative feature where footage is seamlessly recorded to the second CF card as the first fills up, can now be turned off to prevent capture data from automatically being recorded to the second card. This allows the second card to be protected from recording and used only when designated or to allow the user to only copy or back up select takes to the card.
Professional Feature Set
The Company’s XF300-series camcorders employ Canon’s XF Codec, an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec for native 1920 x 1080 HD video recording onto affordable, universally available Compact Flash (CF) cards. Uniting video, audio and metadata into a single file, the Canon XF305 and XF300 use an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, a widely supported open-source format, to maximize compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems.
The Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders include a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-series lens, three Canon developed and designed native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, and Canon’s own XF Codec that delivers the extreme color detail required for accurate chroma-keying, color-grading and compositing for digital filmmaking. In addition, Canon’s XF305 model features industry-standard HD-SDI output, genlock, and SMPTE time code (in/out) terminals for multi-camera, broadcasting or 3D production.
Priced under $8,000 and $6,700 per model respectively, the Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders are designed for multiple production applications including broadcast news, documentary and independent filmmaking and event videography.
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