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Canon firmware for 5D Mark III allows uncompressed video and AF at F8

Apr 30, 2013 at 18:00:24 GMT

UPDATE CANON FIRMWARE

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As Canon promised back in October, it has released a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III with significant benefits for both stills and video shooters. Firmware version 1.2.1 allows uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 video output with time code over the HDMI port. Uncompressed video can be output while the video feed is simultaneously displayed via the rear LCD panel and recorded to the camera's CF/SD cards. A 'mirroring' feature gives the option of displaying camera and shooting information overlays on the LCD while maintaining video-only output over HDMI.

Wildlife and nature photographers will be pleased to know that the firmware enables cross-type autofocus when working with a maximum aperture of F8, as is possible in the EOS-1D X. Using an F4 telephoto 'L' lens coupled with a 2x extender, for instance, you can autofocus using the center AF point with cross-type sensitivity. In addition, the surrounding four AF points can be used as focus assist points.

Click through to download firmware v1.2.1 for Canon EOS 5D Mark III

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III enthusiast full-frame 5D camera was launched in March 2012 as a successor to the popular EOS 5D Mark II.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

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Comments

Total comments: 46

I'd still love to buy a 5d3 if only I could afford one - I used one at a wedding a few months ago and didn't want to hand it back ! However even I as a massive Canon fan still feel that Canon are behind the game on FF mid stream DSLR's. No I'm not saying the Nikon D800 is simply better because of its 36MP but I am saying that I feel it very strange that Canon haven't introduced a similar BIG chip model - let's call it the 3D1 by now.

Then again the 700d is simply the 650d, which is simply the 600d etc - all based upon an 18MP sensor that is now 5 years old and didn't compare well to the Nikon sensor at the same price point even then....strange. Have all the top Canon designers gone to work elsewhere?

1 upvote

I'd certainly consider a 36mp Canon but when I'm copying the 22mp files from the 5D3, or moving them between LR and PS, I'm glad the files aren't any bigger. Of course I could go buy a new computer. It's only money, right?

0 upvotes

Canon feels the breath of Nikon ;)
This update doesn't make the crappy shadow detail any better compared to the D800, I suppose :)

1 upvote

Canon will improve their dynamic range when Nikon starts breathing.

0 upvotes

I would of thought that uncompressed video streams would be of interest to professional video production. Such situations would certainly call for seperate audio mixing and recording.

It's difficult to imagine the situation where you want top quality video but are content with the compromises that a DSLR body would inevitably offer.

0 upvotes

A year to do that, I find it ridiculous, sorry!

3 upvotes

I know nothing about programming for cameras, but is it possible that it took that long to code and debug? This is their most important camera, after all...

0 upvotes

it would be great to have these adittions for the MkII also... there is a huge number of videographers using the MKII.... me included... lots of them counting on Magic Lantern to have expanded features...

0 upvotes

You make a good point - after all Canon were able to upgrade the 7D with a new software upgrade package. I think its unlikely given that the 5D2 is still such a good camera (OK - AF is rubbish) for stills - was at a wedding yesterday and got chatting the pro photographer, John, he has 2x 5D2 and sees no point in upgrading to a 5D3 (for wedding stills) I think he has a point. The 5D3 in most conditions and without having to have ultra fast AF simply isn't worth the extra cost for many including John. Given this I think if Canon upgraded the 5D2 VIDEO it could impact strongly upon 5D3 sales and with Nikon improving/taking more market share all the time Canon need to sell as many NEW cameras as possible....

0 upvotes

Overhyped. An outmoded addition that the main competitor already have. F8 should have been included the day the camera took off the production line. Was there really any improvement in the AF accuracy and speed??

Comment edited 24 seconds after posting

1 upvote

About time Canon, can only guess why its taken you almost 7 months. How about a fix for the poor AF on the EOS-M next ? Would LOVE to buy one but cannot live with the current AF which is hopeless....

2 upvotes

oh yeah on the eos-m. When it focuses, the pictures are great, but if you've used one, you know just how f-----d up they made the firmware. I've own and have owned a ton of Canons. I cannot figure out how they got this one so wrong. I collect cameras and I've never seen such a totally screwed up intro on a camera and not even wait until we fix the firmware. I use it as a second camera and for that it's good and it's lightweight. Canon censored my review of it saying it didn't meet their guidelines. the EOS-m just didn't measure up when it came to my guidelines for being able to focus. The best is when I use an efs lens that I can focus manually --even with the error built into the low rez viewer screen.

1 upvote

Since all HDMI output is always uncompressed, this is not much of an accomplishment. And since the HDMI output doesn't include audio, it isn't HDMI at all, it's only DVI.

1 upvote

Sorry, that isn't true. No one ever made a big issue about it,but there has always been a compressed RAW file from most cameras. Leica gave a choice on compressed or uncompressed RAW on the M9, or at least hte M9 P which I have. I don't know that HDMI has anything to do with it because it's recorded in compressed in Compressed RAW format, then output via HDMI as an uncompressed file from compressed files.

The files are significantly larger if you shoot a lot. I was both surprise to find that Canon RAW was compressed and gratified to dis cover they were allowing a genuine uncompressed RAW.

0 upvotes

Auto focus at a minimum aperture of f/8 works quite well. I shot a bird in flight today with the Canon 100-400L zoom lens + Canon 1.4x III extender. The auto focus was quick and accurate. This was an impossible shot for me till yesterday.

Check it out at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharad_medhavi/8698393272/

Thanks,
Sharad

3 upvotes

that's cool. I've got a Bigma 50-500 which focuses okay as is, but this should help with the extender of 1.4 which gives an effective 700mm on the 5DIII or something like 1120mm If I find a 1.6 crop that can focus it. I can focus it manually, but it's not the coolest way.

0 upvotes

Can this help me with my 100-400 L lens either standalone or with extender? If so, what focus settings are optimal?

Thanks,
Will

0 upvotes

No audio output through HDMI makes this update severely lacking. Canon seriously needs to fix this because so many of us use XLR low noise preamps straight into the camera. Also, without any reference audio, syncing with PluralEyes is impossible. I wrote an in depth review about this update on my blog: http://www.ecgprod.com/canon-5d-mark-iii-firmware-1-2-1-review/

1 upvote

Ta-daaaa: downloaded, tested, looks OK - so far. Now, Canon how about the following "firmware" update: a 5D with all these features/capabilities PLUS a 46 MP sensor MINUS a huge price increase, please... Cheers! :) (+ bonus :) :) )

0 upvotes

Are there any improvements to AF performance with faster lenses? Not that it really needs it, just wondering if I should bother with this update.

0 upvotes

Supposedly it can focus faster with speedlight assist now, so that's a pretty good reason

0 upvotes

Tested on 400 f/5.6 x 1.4. Able to track slow moving car.

0 upvotes

Autofocus at f8, in 2013...

1 upvote

I don't think you quite understand what this means...
This is not talking about stopping a lens down to f/8, but it's saying you can autofocus with a lens that has a maximum aperture of f/8. There is a difference.

13 upvotes

Actually, it means that once again, Canon releases a camera with the express intention that it's not finished, and that firmware updates are required to activate all its capabilities.

It's no longer an appliance that just works, like a vacuum cleaner, but software like a PC requiring maintenance, updates and bugfixes.

4 upvotes

@raincoat. actually the fact that you can get feature enhancements AND bug fixes for your large investment is a credit to Canon. Considering the complexity of actually engineering and building a digital camera as well as they do is a miracle.
If it were as easy as some seem to think, companies like Leica and Sigma would have all the features and ease of use that Canon and Nikon have.

Comment edited 35 seconds after posting

18 upvotes

"It's no longer an appliance that just works, like a vacuum cleaner, but software like a PC requiring maintenance, updates and bugfixes."

Like pretty much every decent digital camera on the market. With that glass-half-empty outlook I bet you wear that raincoat even in the sun.

5 upvotes

>> It's no longer an appliance that just works, like a vacuum...
Evidently. What's the problem?

0 upvotes

On the one hand, a vacuum cleaner can't be updated via firmware. On the other hand, if you buy an old Electrolux at a garage sale it will be reliable, repairable and state of the art long after your SLR has gone to the glue factory.

0 upvotes

The AF acquisition performance with the 600EX-RT seems to have been improved. It is interesting that the pattern changes depending on where you move the AF point to. Maybe that is not new but I had not noticed it before.

0 upvotes

Any guess if a similar update is coming for the 6D? My third party batteries already don't show charge level, so that doesn't matter!

4 upvotes

Dang Nikon, were is our video update?

1 upvote

Nikon D800 already has uncompressed 4:2:2 HDMI output. D5200 and D7100 also have uncompressed HDMI.

10 upvotes

Well. There it is. Found it.

0 upvotes

Not to mention, the D7100 focuses at F/8.

1 upvote

Don't be hard on yourself ARB1. A Nikon is a great compromise for people that can't afford a Canon. :)

14 upvotes

Very nice new features. I wish I could get an update like that for my GH3.

2 upvotes

Why would you need an update like this on the GH3? It already has uncompressed HDMI.

9 upvotes

Not to mention hacks for over 100mbps if you don't want to shell out for an external recorder.

1 upvote

and since there are no f8 lenses for m43, nor the tele-converters to get there, nor fixed "limits" on CDAF operation at smaller apertures...

1 upvote

fantastic news for both camps, photographers and videographers! ........until I read facedodge's post, if true, that would truly suck for us video shooters. /:

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Now 3rd Party Batteries don't report remaining charge and you get a warning when you start up.

Uncompressed video doesn't have audio.

Magic Lantern won't load with it...

Video users beware.

20 upvotes

thanks for this

3 upvotes

Also uncompressed video shows no real increase in quality and there's no 25p HDMI output for PAL users.

4 upvotes

Let's get serious... I'm in a country under the PAL standard, and I still can't find any reason for 25FPS; maybe for TV stations... And if you're a TV station and use a DSLR, maybe it's time to grow up. Right now, when the resolution is exactly the same, there is NO reason for the 24/25 and 50/60 fps schisma.

0 upvotes

Nice additions!!

Glad to see firmware development to add features and not just bug fixes.

8 upvotes

Total comments: 46


Accessory Review: Phottix BG-5D III Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark III May 25, 2013	Magic Lantern enables Canon 5D Mark III Raw video output May 13, 2013	DxOMark examines lenses for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Apr 4, 2013	Canon update for EOS 5D Mark III to offer uncompressed HDMI output Oct 23, 2012

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