I reported a couple of weeks ago that we'd be getting new firmware for the Canon EOS R5 sometime around the Canon EOS R3 ship date of November 26, 2021. This release has now been confirmed along with new firmware for both the Canon EOS R6 and Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.
One of the new features for the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 is “vehicle” AF mode. The EOS-1D X Mark III will not get this feature. The Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 will also receive updates to eye and face detection AF.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III will receive an update to head detection AF.
Another worthwhile new feature for the EOS R5 and EOS R6 is “SMOOTH EVF” when shooting in dark situations and the framerate of the EVF isn't ideal.
The firmware updates will be available on December 2, 2021.
Press Release
London, United Kingdom, 16th November 2021 – Canon Europe today announces firmware updates for the EOS R5 (firmware v1.50), EOS R6 (firmware v1.50) and EOS-1D X Mark III (firmware v1.60). Following the recent launch of the EOS R3, a powerhouse for sport and reportage photography, Canon bolsters its professional range of cameras with enhanced detection, seamless file transfer and optimized support for lenses.
Unrivalled detection for subject tracking
Across both the EOS R5 and EOS R6, this update delivers enhanced recognition of subjects. Users of these cameras are now able to select “vehicles” as the main subject. Inheriting this abilty from the EOS R3, the cameras can track racing cars and bikes. The update also enhances the overall AF tracking of people, with improved eye and face detection even when the subject is wearing a mask, as well as adding body detection. Strengthening detection within the EOS-1D X Mark III for winter sports, the firmware provides improved head detection for subjects wearing goggles and helmets.
Simplified operation for streamlined workflows
For professional photographers, their camera needs to operate as an extension of them, with seamless and intuitive functionality to help them capture the shot. This upgrade gives EOS R5 and EOS R6 owners the ability to set a custom white balance in Live View, streamlining manual white balance control. Across all models, the firmware ensures that photographers aren’t able to mistakenly transfer files by pressing the multi-controller when “Transfer with SET” is set for FTP transfer. Previously, the EOS-1D X Mark III employed separate buttons for voice memo and image rating, but with newly added settings users can use one button to do both functions simultaneously.
Enhanced support for lenses
As the RF lens range continues to grow, photographers are able to unlock new possibilities with their cameras. Thanks to this latest update, the EOS R5 is now compatible with Canon’s EOS VR SYSTEM and the RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens, enabling content creators to easily capture immersive footage for virtual reality. The update also offers full-time manual support for the RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM, even if AF is selected.
The EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS-1D X Mark III firmware updates will be available to download from 2nd December 2021 from local online support centres:
| No. | Update | EOS R5 | EOS R6 | EOS-1D X Mark III |
| 1 | Change the settings for “simultaneous recording” and “current drive” during remote operation | X | X | X |
| 2 | Disable the multi-controller for FTP transfer | X | X | X |
| 3 | Change the default from Active to Passive with the FTP Server Passive Mode Setting | X | X | X |
| 4 | Enhanced recognition of subjects, including
vehicle and body detection |
X | X | |
| 5 | Improved Face/ Eye Detection with masks | X | X | |
| 6 | Added White Capture Mode in Live View (Manual White Balance) | X | X | |
| 7 | Added EVF Smooth to suppress lower frame rates in low light | X | X | |
| 8 | Full-time manual focus support for RF 70-200 mm F4L IS USM | X | X | |
| 9 | RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE support | X | ||
| 10 | Added settings to enable image rating and voice memo to be set at the same time | X | ||
| 11 | Change the Default Power Saving Settings for
FTP Transfers from “use” to “not use” |
X | ||
| 12 | Enhanced Head Detection for winter sports athletes wearing goggles | X |
The R3 doesn’t have it, either. I think in the digital ILC world, Canon will forever reserve that feature for 1-series bodies.
Here's hoping this to be also available in video mode to save having to switch between photo and video just to custom white balance.
Correction: $1600
- The old school servo tracking is exactly that - well, old school. Working against the logic of other modes. I don't want my camera to refocus when I move it, I want it to lock on the subject and track it. So in single point mode, no servo for me.
- Face tracking mode - default setting is useless for most users - no initial point displayed? So you are basically waiting for a camera to choose something from the scene to jump onto? This is a joke. So for face tracking mode, the servo mode feels better, at least to both me and my wife.
So, from focus and recompose, we've got ourselves to focus, track and recompose.
I can't read anything about that on the internets anymore, so I thought the limitation is gone already? :-)
Pleasantly surprised with "Added EVF Smooth to suppress lower frame rates in low light" - hopefully this improves handheld low light shooting when manually focusing for macro by reducing the image "jitter" when the light is low.
In my life a focus point does not represent anything needed for perfect exposure, nothing!