EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Coming April 30, 2013

[Krob78]

From Canon USA's site:

Product Advisories
Thank you for using Canon products.

Affected Products
EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera
EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera

Details
Depending upon the shooting conditions, it may take slightly longer for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X digital SLR cameras to acquire focus when using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam, compared with that of the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam.

We are developing a solution to enhance the focusing feature for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X and plan to release a firmware update based on following estimated schedule:

EOS 5D Mark III: (estimated) Late April, 2013
EOS-1D X: (estimated) Late May, 2013

So this update does not address the issue with AF-assist beam lag. Is that a separate update?

I was wondering this myself as the Canon website does not specifically mention this. I thought that this was one of the big driving issues for a firmware update so I find it odd it's not in included.

First, it was f/8 AF then the clean HDMI out. Canon has also said they will update the AF-Assist issue, but it came later, and will likely be rolled up in a furure update.

Ha! I was just getting ready to post that! Good job! I'll schedule the update on my 5d3 for later in May... give everyone a chance to test drive it now that Canon is done test driving it!

 

[Tom W]

I'm looking forward to the f/8 autofocus, although I have admittedly been cheating by using a third-party teleconverter to achieve f/8 autofocus at times. The camera is very much capable of doing so, and I'm glad that Canon is doing this. It opens some new doors for me as far as super-telephoto lenses are concerned.

Not that I can afford any more long glass, but it would be nice to someday throw the 500/4 II and a 2X teleconverter on with a light graphite tripod and go shooting out in the woods and field.

 

[East Wind Photography]

What makes you think they tested it? LOL!

From Canon USA's site:

Product Advisories
Thank you for using Canon products.

Affected Products
EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera
EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera

Details
Depending upon the shooting conditions, it may take slightly longer for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X digital SLR cameras to acquire focus when using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam, compared with that of the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam.

We are developing a solution to enhance the focusing feature for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X and plan to release a firmware update based on following estimated schedule:

EOS 5D Mark III: (estimated) Late April, 2013
EOS-1D X: (estimated) Late May, 2013

So this update does not address the issue with AF-assist beam lag. Is that a separate update?

I was wondering this myself as the Canon website does not specifically mention this. I thought that this was one of the big driving issues for a firmware update so I find it odd it's not in included.

First, it was f/8 AF then the clean HDMI out. Canon has also said they will update the AF-Assist issue, but it came later, and will likely be rolled up in a furure update.

Ha! I was just getting ready to post that! Good job! I'll schedule the update on my 5d3 for later in May... give everyone a chance to test drive it now that Canon is done test driving it!

 

[charlesqian]

Anyone know of some good (cheaper) video recorders to use with that clean HDMI out that would be better than the compressed video on the SD card?

yes. Atomos Ninjia2 is a bit on the expensive side; the alternative will be Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle 2 SSD Video Recorder at $327.75, which does not have a monitor, but will do the work.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/841023-REG/Blackmagic_Design_HYPERD_PT2_HyperDeck_Shuttle_2_SSD.html

 

[rpt]

AF at f8. YES! So in May I can have effective 140-560mm!
Wonder how much it will slow down the AF.

 

[East Wind Photography]

Likely considerably. You also have to consider that it's possible the 2XIII may move your focus out of AFMA adjustment range. I had that issue in a 1DX recently. -20 was not enough. Will it be the same on my 5DIII? We'll see in May! The capability is just that. No one promised ideal capability.

AF at f8. YES! So in May I can have effective 140-560mm!
Wonder how much it will slow down the AF.

 

[rpt]

Likely considerably. You also have to consider that it's possible the 2XIII may move your focus out of AFMA adjustment range. I had that issue in a 1DX recently. -20 was not enough. Will it be the same on my 5DIII? We'll see in May! The capability is just that. No one promised ideal capability.

AF at f8. YES! So in May I can have effective 140-560mm!
Wonder how much it will slow down the AF.

I guess I'll find out in two weeks
Btw, I have the 1.4xIII not the 2xIII... Hence the 100-400 goes to 140-560...
And if it goes beyond -20 (or +20) the camera, 100-400 and the 1.4xIII will need to go to canon for calibration. I hope not!

 

[sanj]

Likely considerably. You also have to consider that it's possible the 2XIII may move your focus out of AFMA adjustment range. I had that issue in a 1DX recently. -20 was not enough. Will it be the same on my 5DIII? We'll see in May! The capability is just that. No one promised ideal capability.

AF at f8. YES! So in May I can have effective 140-560mm!
Wonder how much it will slow down the AF.

I guess I'll find out in two weeks
Btw, I have the 1.4xIII not the 2xIII... Hence the 100-400 goes to 140-560...
And if it goes beyond -20 (or +20) the camera, 100-400 and the 1.4xIII will need to go to canon for calibration. I hope not!

I doubt you will be happy with the IQ with 2x

 

[cayenne]

Anyone know of some good (cheaper) video recorders to use with that clean HDMI out that would be better than the compressed video on the SD card?

Not cheap, but one of the best:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/858661-REG/ATOMOS_ATOMNJA002_Ninja_2.html

What's your opinion on the Black Magic recorders that you can pop SSD drives in/out of?

C

 

[Krob78]

Ha ha! Lol! I didn't say they were done testing it! In fact, I'm sure they're not! lol!

What makes you think they tested it? LOL!

From Canon USA's site:

Product Advisories
Thank you for using Canon products.

Affected Products
EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera
EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera

Details
Depending upon the shooting conditions, it may take slightly longer for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X digital SLR cameras to acquire focus when using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam, compared with that of the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam.

We are developing a solution to enhance the focusing feature for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X and plan to release a firmware update based on following estimated schedule:

EOS 5D Mark III: (estimated) Late April, 2013
EOS-1D X: (estimated) Late May, 2013

So this update does not address the issue with AF-assist beam lag. Is that a separate update?

I was wondering this myself as the Canon website does not specifically mention this. I thought that this was one of the big driving issues for a firmware update so I find it odd it's not in included.

First, it was f/8 AF then the clean HDMI out. Canon has also said they will update the AF-Assist issue, but it came later, and will likely be rolled up in a furure update.

Ha! I was just getting ready to post that! Good job! I'll schedule the update on my 5d3 for later in May... give everyone a chance to test drive it now that Canon is done test driving it!

 

[ddashti]

What exactly is wrong with the autofocus at f/8?

 

[K-amps]

What exactly is wrong with the autofocus at f/8?

Does not exist where min aperture falls above F5.6 with phase AF at the moment... this change will bump it up to F8. This not you setting aperture in cam, but open wide (what the cam does when assessing AF). When capturing the image, the Cam will reduce F to whatever level you chose... the limitation still is what the value is wide open.

 

[jm977]

From Canon USA's site:

Product Advisories
Thank you for using Canon products.

Affected Products
EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera
EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera

Details
Depending upon the shooting conditions, it may take slightly longer for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X digital SLR cameras to acquire focus when using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam, compared with that of the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras using the Speedlite's AF Assist Beam.

We are developing a solution to enhance the focusing feature for the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X and plan to release a firmware update based on following estimated schedule:

EOS 5D Mark III: (estimated) Late April, 2013
EOS-1D X: (estimated) Late May, 2013

So this update does not address the issue with AF-assist beam lag. Is that a separate update?

I was wondering this myself as the Canon website does not specifically mention this. I thought that this was one of the big driving issues for a firmware update so I find it odd it's not in included.

First, it was f/8 AF then the clean HDMI out. Canon has also said they will update the AF-Assist issue, but it came later, and will likely be rolled up in a furure update.

Absolutely. However, the confusion comes from the Canon USA press release which does not mention the AF assist issue.

"New Firmware Update For Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera Provides Uncompressed HDMI Output Support And Improved AF Performance

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 23, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a new firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera that significantly improves the camera's performance and usability. In response to requests from professionals working in the fields of cinema and television production, the firmware update enables the use of uncompressed HDMI Output support, making possible more efficient video editing and monitoring procedures. Additionally, the upgrade supports the advanced needs of photographers through improved AF performance when capturing still images.

Uncompressed HDMI Output Support

When shooting video, HDMI Output makes possible the recording of high-definition uncompressed video data (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) from the EOS 5D Mark III to an external recorder via the camera's HDMI terminal. This, in turn, facilitates the editing of video data with minimal image degradation for greater on-site workflow efficiency during motion picture and video productions. Additionally, video being captured can be displayed on an external monitor, enabling real-time, on-site monitoring of high-definition video during shooting.
Improved AF Functionality

Even when the EOS 5D Mark III is equipped with an extender and lens making possible a maximum aperture of f/8, the firmware update supports AF employing the camera's central cross-type points (currently compatible with maximum apertures up to f/5.6). Accordingly, the update will allow users to take advantage of AF when shooting distant subjects, benefitting sports and nature photographers, particularly when using telephoto lenses.

The new firmware update will be available, at no charge, in April 2013 from the Canon U.S.A. website and can be downloaded by end users or through Canon Factory Service Centers"
I just find it odd that it's left out of the press release since such a big deal was made of it.

 

[RGomezPhotos]

Good stuff. If the big MP camera that we've heard about isn't 90% of what rumors spec it to be, I'll probably go with the 5D MKIII...

 

[Barrfly]

I'm slightly confused, maybe someone can clear this f8 focusing thing up for me.
When I use my Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM with a 2X converter my widest usable aperture is effectively f13 and the auto focusing works fine.

Am I missing something ?

 

[East Wind Photography]

Yep, the issue is with Canon lenses and Canon teleconverters. Some 3rd party extenders have worked all along.

I'm slightly confused, maybe someone can clear this f8 focusing thing up for me.
When I use my Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM with a 2X converter my widest usable aperture is effectively f13 and the auto focusing works fine.

Am I missing something ?

 

[Roger Jones]

Anyone know of some good (cheaper) video recorders to use with that clean HDMI out that would be better than the compressed video on the SD card?

yes. Atomos Ninjia2 is a bit on the expensive side; the alternative will be Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Shuttle 2 SSD Video Recorder at $327.75, which does not have a monitor, but will do the work.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/841023-REG/Blackmagic_Design_HYPERD_PT2_HyperDeck_Shuttle_2_SSD.html

Lowest price may not lead to the lowest TCO. The shuttle only works with SSDs while the ninja is supposed to work with spinning disks which will make media costs much lower. It would be practical to use the disks to archive camera masters. Ninja has a built in monitor, if you already have one its not an issue but if you don't and you can get by with the one on the ninja thats a savings as well. Also it remains to be seen exactly what the 5dIII will output on the HDMI. Ninja can detect the cadence on a 60i signal and record the stream as 24p. Not sure if the shuttle will be able to do that. If not you will have to de-interlace as a post process which adds time to the work flow. I was tempted by the shuttle and I already have monitors but I think I'm going to opt for the ninja after the new firmware ships and the field reports come in.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Well...theydid say, "April"....

b&

Arggh why do they always hold it every single time to the last day of the month. It would've been a cool test of external video recorders to record falling cherry/apple blossoms. April 30th will be JUST a week too late. damn can't believe they pulled that last day of the month thing again.

I guess it will be in time for the second of spring migration (f/8 AF) at least.

And it is awesome that were are getting these two upgrades (why they didn't also remove the AutoISO shutter speed crippling I have no clue though).

 

[Krob78]

Well...theydid say, "April"....

b&

Arggh why do they always hold it every single time to the last day of the month. It would've been a cool test of external video recorders to record falling cherry/apple blossoms. April 30th will be JUST a week too late. damn can't believe they pulled that last day of the month thing again.

I guess it will be in time for the second of spring migration (f/8 AF) at least.

And it is awesome that were are getting these two upgrades (why they didn't also remove the AutoISO shutter speed crippling I have no clue though).

I'm glad I didn't expect it until May! I was hoping for April 30th, as usual but secretly praying for April 15th! Oh well, it's as I suspected... that's not too bad, other than migrations as you state...

 

[Rienzphotoz]

Yippy ... finally, AF at f/8 is less than a couple of weeks away ... been waiting for it patiently - better late than never.