It's coming
We know there's a firmware update coming. I've been told it'll arrive on Monday from one source, and another says the first week of January.
One interesting thing I was told is that a new functionality could be added in the update (24p). I'm not too sure about that, Canon hasn't really been know to add features in firmware updates. Welcome to the rumors.
Official Canon Statement on the Black Dot Issue
Service Notice
EOS 5D Mark II Body support
Support & Service
Black dot phenomenon and Vertical banding noise
Posted on: December 17, 2008
To Owners of the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera :
Thank you for using Canon products.
We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera have indicated two types of image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions.
1. “Black dot†phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
2. Vertical banding noiseWe are currently investigating ways to improve and/or mitigate these phenomena. An announcement will be made on the Canon Website when measures to address these phenomena have been decided.
The phenomena are likely to occur under the following shooting conditions.
1. “Black dot†phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black) When shooting night scenes, the right side of point light sources (such as lights from building windows) may become black. The phenomenon may become visible if the images are enlarged to 100% or above on a monitor or if large prints of the images are made.
2. Vertical banding noise If the recording format is set to sRAW1, vertical banding noise may become visible depending on the camera settings, subject, and background. The following camera settings can reduce the phenomenon.* Set the recording format to RAW or JPEG.
* Set C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority to 0: Disable if the recording format is set to sRAW1.
* The vertical banding noise is not noticeable if the recording format is set to sRAW2, but please set C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority to 0: Disable if you are concerned about noise.Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience these phenomena may have caused. We appreciate your kind patronage and support.
cr
22 Comments
I’ve been very happy with my 35 1.4 with the camera…
as for the upgrades – I don’t see canon doing it either…adding new abilities in fw has not been a staple of there’s even back when people hacked the spot metering in the older cameras canon never just said screw it and added it the way they could have…
I think it’s possible to put the squeeze on Canon to make them supply a firmware update that purchasers require/desire. If there’s enough noise they will be compelled. Believe it or not, RED has Canon in a tough place. Soon, $3k red cameras will rival the DLSR market, supporting multiple lenses, upgradeable sensors, full motion video etc. Canon really needs to keep it’s loyal customers loyal by listening to the people. 1Ds MKIII people want a reason why their camera cost $5k more than our 5D MKII – and they want a medium format digital Canon. Our request for a 24p (25p) manual control firmware update is valid. We just need to keep reminding Canon we want it, and then remind them again. Heck, i’d be willing to pay money to a third party firmware upgrade if they’re smart enough to figure out how to do it!
I fully agree. My tests here in Germany with the video footage done with 30p and finaly burning a DVD are absolutly disappointing. Surprisingly Cybershot Power Director can handle the mov. files and they look good before you try to burn them on any given media to play them on a PAL TV. In fact it is a NTSC video cam. We need 25p.
Best
Bernhard
Anyone heard any updates on an ETA for a firmware fix? My guess is that everyone is essentially shutdown for the holidays so it won’t be until late January at the earliest we see anything.
I am very disappointed with the canon brand.
25P mode is essential.
what they are inflicting on the European unbearable.
very disappointed.