Canon EOS 7D Firmware Version 2 Coming Soon

[briansquibb]

Doesn't sound too exciting, some stuff that magic lantern can do on non-7d bodies - but the good thing is that Canon is updating firmware, even just too to sell their *** units. There doesn't seem to be support for the new radio flashes though.

AUTO ISO MAXIMUM SETTING Within the EOS 7D’s shooting menu photographers will have the ability to set a maximum ISO speed for ISO Auto, within the ISO range of 400-6400, so that you can minimise the amount of noise in your images.

It's as if my prayers have been answered...

Yes, this is the very one feature my 60D has that I was missing on my 7D - yeah.

The 7d didn't have this - ugh! How did you 7d guys use auto iso in the first place until now?

You pointed the camera at the brightest point and got it to iso200. There were few times when light changes more than 4 stops in a shoot without you noticing.

The total range min shutter speed for AV and autoiso would be very welcome.

 

[TheFarmer]

Excited.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Great!?! ... I just went out and bought a Zoom for audio recording, because the 7D couldn't set the levels. Looks like I didn't need to do that now. I was really hoping for them to unlock the native 1080P where it is effectively zoomed in. One of the other bodies has that, and I think it would be very cool to gain a lot of focal length(not really focal length) for free.

The zoom is still useful since the internal audio amp has horrible hiss. You need to hook a juicedlink pre-amp into it to get rid of hiss on internal recording (414 for ambient and low level sound, 200-level is ok for loud stuff or very close non-ambient mic). So the zoom would still sound way better unless you sell it and use the money for a JL or something.

 

[Marsu42]

Canon make the camera the best it can be and be only limited by the hardware. not the firmware..

Earth to Canon users: Canon doesn't want happy budget users, but unhappy premium users just before, but without actually jumping ship, resulting in optimal profit. But I agree, the unlocked raw rate after so many years is really a bad joke.

As for other features like auto iso, this is only a taste of what could be done with an open firmware, even magic lantern is just testing limits because the devs need to reverse engineer everything. New big marketing features on the 5d3/650d like in-camera hdr or multi-shot nr reduction are laughable, any half-competent programmer could do this in no time with a Canon sdk - actually ml did implement exposure fusion just like that, for free.

 

[crasher8]

Auto ISO max levels FTW but no Siri?

 

[DB]

Great!?! ... I just went out and bought a Zoom for audio recording, because the 7D couldn't set the levels. Looks like I didn't need to do that now. I was really hoping for them to unlock the native 1080P where it is effectively zoomed in. One of the other bodies has that, and I think it would be very cool to gain a lot of focal length(not really focal length) for free.

Ditto, but I went further and purchased a special expensive audio cable (50 bucks + almost same again in shipping costs) in the USA to connect my Zoom H4n to my 7D, so as not to damage it :-\

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sescom-LN2MIC-ZMH4-MON-Cable-line-to-Mic-for-Zoom-H4N-with-monitoring-jack-4027-/390425137253?pt=Camera_Cables_Cords&hash=item5ae726d065#ht_950wt_1251

 

[gmrza]

I love and hate. how canon can simply add features via just a firmware patch..
how they limit the cameras abilities on purpose..

Canon make the camera the best it can be and be only limited by the hardware. not the firmware..
If it could do these things.. and it was basically just locked out.. WTF is with that.. sure id be happy if i was a 7D user and I got new features.. for free.. that would be great. but it should have already been there..

Look at it this way: The way things currently are, the fact that features can be enabled by 3rd party developers like Magic Lantern places pressure on Canon to update its firmware. We all benefit. If the hardware had never had the capacity to support these updates in the first place, we would have been poorer for it.

Camera manufacturers are not the only ones who do this. I still remember one mainframe upgrade at a previous employer of mine. To perform the upgrade, an engineer from ICL came on site and cut a couple of jumpers.... done.

 

[Richard8971]

Now i'm guessing a 70D is coming this fall that would make the 7D look bad and that we will not be seeing a replacement for the 7D till spring.

I would have to say that with the features on the new T4i, the 70D/7DII merge is looking like more of a reality. Why?

Here are my reasonings.

1. Current 60D is 5.3fps and T4i is 5fps.
2. They share the same 63 zone dual layer metering system.
3. They share the same 9 point AF system.
4. The T4i shares some features of the 7D like the built-in speedlite transmitter.

The 70D would have to be placed in the 7-8 fps range and likely sport a higher MP sensor. Like I have mentioned before, 18MP cannot be where Canon draws the sensor limit. The features found in the T4i would likely make it into the 70D as well.

That leaves us with the 7DII. Now, if it remains APS-C then it would have to have speed and features that exceed the 70D... hmmmm.

It makes more sence now than ever that Canon will "intergrate" the two lines. Either a 7DII OR a high performance XXD line camera (70D). The only other thing I can think of for the 7DII is a high performance (without APS-H or a "pro" body) line similar camera to the 1D series, but that doesn't make much sence. It would have to sport 10-12 fps (and perhaps a lower MP sensor) and have superior low-light capibilities, but I suppose anything is possible.

If Canon makes a budget FF, then this is the logical roadmap. The firmware update for the 7D suggests to me that this is where the line is going.

D

 

[Edwin Herdman]

I'm a bit shocked that they were able to improve the max RAW burst that far. It's nearly doubled. Wonder if it has something to do with newer CF cards, maybe? I really don't see optimizations in the firmware data being able to push it that far.

I also think the faster scrolling in magnified image view is great.

 

[kdsand]

AUTO ISO MAXIMUM SETTING Within the EOS 7D’s shooting menu photographers will have the ability to set a maximum ISO speed for ISO Auto, within the ISO range of 400-6400, so that you can minimise the amount of noise in your images.

It's as if my prayers have been answered...

I think you had indeed expressed some exasperated feeling regarding this. ;D

 

[kdsand]

AUTO ISO MAXIMUM SETTING Within the EOS 7D’s shooting menu photographers will have the ability to set a maximum ISO speed for ISO Auto, within the ISO range of 400-6400, so that you can minimise the amount of noise in your images.

It's as if my prayers have been answered...

Yes, this is the very one feature my 60D has that I was missing on my 7D - yeah. This also makes me happy I picked up a used 7D instead of waiting for a 7DII because I'm thinking this is going to happen later rather than sooner. Now if they gave the 60D a firmware update to give it AFMA, I'd be doubly happy.
Diane

Yes
Give me AFMA please please please!

I wouldn't mind some increased frame rate & 5-7 bracketing.

 

[downunder]

What is the chance of firmware update for the 5d3 and 5d2 10fps ?

 

[x-vision]

I wonder if this means a delay in the release of the 7DII.

It seems to me that the 7DII delay will be ... infinite 8).

Don't forget about the upcoming Nikon D600.
The longer Canon delays the 7DII, the less sense it makes to announce a 7DII in the first place.
Unless the 7DII gets a FF sensor, that is.

 

[x-vision]

What is the chance of firmware update for the 5d3 and 5d2 10fps ?

Don't know about the 5DII.
I heard a rumor, though, that Canon will have a firmware update to add additional megapixels to the 5DIII :-* :-*.

 

[RLPhoto]

They are going to introduce a 7D2...could also suggest that it may be APS-H...

Reaching out a hand to shake your shoulder and wake you up from the dream... :

Neuro, what's so bad about aps-H? It fits in the lineup perfectly.

 

[Gcon]

Now i'm guessing a 70D is coming this fall that would make the 7D look bad and that we will not be seeing a replacement for the 7D till spring.

I would have to say that with the features on the new T4i, the 70D/7DII merge is looking like more of a reality. Why?

Here are my reasonings.

1. Current 60D is 5.3fps and T4i is 5fps.
2. They share the same 63 zone dual layer metering system.
3. They share the same 9 point AF system.
4. The T4i shares some features of the 7D like the built-in speedlite transmitter.

The 70D would have to be placed in the 7-8 fps range and likely sport a higher MP sensor. Like I have mentioned before, 18MP cannot be where Canon draws the sensor limit. The features found in the T4i would likely make it into the 70D as well.

That leaves us with the 7DII. Now, if it remains APS-C then it would have to have speed and features that exceed the 70D... hmmmm.

It makes more sence now than ever that Canon will "intergrate" the two lines. Either a 7DII OR a high performance XXD line camera (70D). The only other thing I can think of for the 7DII is a high performance (without APS-H or a "pro" body) line similar camera to the 1D series, but that doesn't make much sence. It would have to sport 10-12 fps (and perhaps a lower MP sensor) and have superior low-light capibilities, but I suppose anything is possible.

If Canon makes a budget FF, then this is the logical roadmap. The firmware update for the 7D suggests to me that this is where the line is going.

D

I agree with you. The feature improvements of the 650D mean there's no great reason to buy a 60D right now (if you can put up with the smaller size and no rear thumb dial on the 650D). The xxD line is getting feature-squeeze from below and the next xxD is getting pushed right into 7D territory - makes a lot of sense to merge lines. It would tidy up the naming immensely if they reserved all the xD naming for full frame only, and pushed the next 7D into budget full-frame territory.

Here's my road-map prediction:
----------------------
CROP SENSOR
----------------------
xxxxD: Budget - 1100D, 1200D, 1300D...2000D, 2100D, 2200D...
xxxD: Enthusiast - 650D, 700D, 750D, 800D, 850D, 900D, 950D, 960D, 970D, 980D...
xxD: Premium - (7D), 70D, 71D, 80D, 81D, 82D, 90D, etc

-------------------
FULL FRAME
-------------------
7D: Budget - 7DmkII, 7DmkIII...
5D: Semi-pro - 5DmkIII, 5DmkIV...
3D: High MP - 3D, 3DmkII...
1DX: Premium - 1DX. 1DXmkII...

--------------------------
FULL FRAME CINE
--------------------------
1DC: Premium - 1DC, 1DCmkII...


The 7D, 5D and 3D lines will natually get more cine features as they go on which gives them "feature headroom". Thus I doubt there will be a 7DC, 5DC or 3DC, but you never know.

As for the "3D", sure it creates confusion but in terms of price, it would probably sit in-between the 5D and 1DX, thus the 3D moniker is most likely.

P.S. - APS-H is dead.

 

[unfocused]

They are going to introduce a 7D2...could also suggest that it may be APS-H...

Reaching out a hand to shake your shoulder and wake you up from the dream... :

Thank God somebody has some sense here.

Canon just produced a major firmware upgrade for their "flagship APS-C format DSLR" (Their words, not mine) and people are imagining that they are going to a) merge this with an inferior model or b) change to a sensor size that they've abandoned.

These aren't mere dreams, they are full-on drug-induced, hallucinogenic fantasies.

The 70D will get the autofocus and most other characteristics of the 7D (except the alloy body). It will go up to about $1,300-$1,400 U.S. Close enough to the T4i to enable retailers to upsale potential customers. (Once a buyer crosses the physiological threshold of $1,000, it's pretty easy to get them to pop for a few hundred dollars more.)

That still leaves lots of room for a 7DII, which will get a new sensor, higher frame rate, enhanced autofocus, enhanced weathersealing and whatever else Canon decides to cram into it (driven by their targeted price point.) Pricing will be anywhere from $1,700 to $2,400 depending on features.

If it's under $2,000, we could see a 7Dx with an integrated grip and full weathersealing. (Professional sports/wildlife camera to replace the APS-H 1D. They can sell the pro-level for anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 depending on how they target and market it.

Bottom line, Canon has at least $1,000 to $1,500 in headroom between the top Rebel and the flagship APS-C 7DII. That's plenty of room for a 70D and maybe even something else.

This fixation with an arbitrary numbering nomenclature as though it has to follow certain imaginary rules is just weird.

 

[Richard8971]

What is the chance of firmware update for the 5d3 and 5d2 10fps ?

Honestly? 0%

Why? Firmware cannot change a camera's mechanical limits. The camera's fps is rated for it's optimum speed, under perfect conditions. Firmware cannot change that.

However...

Firmware CAN change the programming of the Digic chip. The Digic 4 chip in the Rebel is the same as the Digic 4 in the 1Ds series and 50/60D. It would cost way to much to make a seperate chip for each camera. All they have to do with one Digic chip is to load different programs in to lock/unlock different features of each camera. I would imagine that Canon put in the size of ROM chip to suit the max. burst rate that best suit the output of the camera's firmware program.

Seems to me that Canon might have found a way to process the images differently so that the burst rate can be increased. Or the 7D came with more ROM space than what the original firmware was programmed to take advantage of. They do that all the time in computers. Sometimes larger capacity chips are cheaper than smaller capacity chips, but because of marketing they downsized the capacity of the memory installed to the user. Maybe Canon will shed some light as to why it was able to be inceased, but I for one am looking forward to the update! ;D

D

 

[Richard8971]

Canon just produced a major firmware upgrade for their "flagship APS-C format DSLR" (Their words, not mine) and people are imagining that they are going to a) merge this with an inferior model or b) change to a sensor size that they've abandoned.

These aren't mere dreams, they are full-on drug-induced, hallucinogenic fantasies.

Um, didn't Canon just do this with the 1DX? ??? They took the flagship IDs line and the inferior ID line and merged them together to make one of the most advanced DSLR's ever made. Hmmm... I very clearly see them doing this with the XXD line and the 7D line.

The new list of VERY impressive features on the T4i ( and 1DX/5DIII) tell me that Canon isn't joking around anymore. They are out to produce some of the best cameras ever developed. Why sould the next 7D be any different?

Besides, with a possible new budget FF being rumored, it would likely be placed in the $2200-$2600 price range. The new 7D would then have to be kept in the $1600-$1800 price range, which would mean the 70D with a 18+ MP sensor, at 7-8 fps and added with the features of the 7D or 5DIII would have to be placed in the $1200-$1400 price range.

Um, I'm thinking no...

D

 

[unfocused]

Canon just produced a major firmware upgrade for their "flagship APS-C format DSLR" (Their words, not mine) and people are imagining that they are going to a) merge this with an inferior model or b) change to a sensor size that they've abandoned.

These aren't mere dreams, they are full-on drug-induced, hallucinogenic fantasies.

Um, didn't Canon just do this with the 1DX? ??? They took the flagship IDs line and the inferior ID line and merged them together to make one of the most advanced DSLR's ever made. Hmmm... I very clearly see them doing this with the XXD line and the 7D line.

Um, no they didn't do that.They dropped an obsolete technology and merged the models into the flagship full frame. You would have a point if they had dropped the full frame flagship and kept the cheaper APS-H, but they didn't. They upgraded the more expensive model and gave it a new letter.