Canon announced firmware updates to EOS-1D X Mark III, EOS R5, EOS R6, RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS, RF 100-500mm L IS

From Canon USA :

Building on user feedback, Canon’s firmware unleashes new photographic and video possibilities for the EOS R5, EOS R6, and EOS-1D X Mark III cameras.

Canon is introducing a firmware update for three of its EOS cameras in response to customer feedback. Users of the EOS R5 (firmware v1.3), EOS R6 (firmware v1.3), and EOS-1D X Mark III (firmware v1.4) cameras have access to several feature updates helping to streamline workflows and provide users with greater creative freedom.

Increased Image Quality and Usability

The EOS R5 camera will benefit from several upgrades offered with the firmware update, including Full HD 120p and support for greater customization of the camera. Users will now be able to save personalized and preferred camera settings to a memory card, which can be copied to a different camera or used when the settings are adjusted. There is also the option to turn the LCD monitor off during shooting and use it for playback only, providing a familiar DSLR-style operation. For both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras, the firmware achieves full-time manual support update for select* RF lenses, allowing photographers to override the focus of RF lenses manually when in One Shot and Servo AF mode.

*RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM and RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Streamlined Professional Workflows

For the EOS R5 camera, professional photographers can safeguard and quickly share photos with the new Protect Image Transfer function allowing protected images to be locked - preventing them from accidentally being deleted - and transferred via FTP. Users of the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 cameras can now see FTP Transfer status on the LCD screen, clearly displaying how long it will take to transfer pictures.

Enhanced Video Functionality

The firmware enables low-bit rate RAW movies, which reduces the size of RAW video files allowing for faster file transfer rates for users of the EOS R5 and EOS-1D X Mark III cameras. The update also provides enhanced video capabilities for the EOS R5 camera with the addition of Canon Log 3 – a log gamma curve enabling greater dynamic range, superb color editing capabilities, and easier file management. For even greater flexibility of video formats across all cameras, the firmware unlocks a lower bit rate IPB movie option creating small, easily shareable video files.

Several software updates have also been released today to complement the firmware upgrades and bring forth support for Apple M1 processors via Rosetta for Digital Photo Professional (DPP) with v4.14 and EOS Utility with v3.13.1.

Canon’s commitment to photographers and videographers will continue through further plans to bring new functionality to these three models based on user feedback, including bringing Canon Log 3 to the EOS-1D X Mark III camera in a future update.

The firmware and software updates are now available to download on each product page :

Canon EOS R5 Firmware Update 1.3.0 - Download

Firmware Version 1.3.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

• Adds [Canon Log 3] to [Canon Log settings]. You can select [Canon Log] or [Canon Log 3] from [Canon Log settings] in the Shooting tab of the menu.
• - Support for RAW movies shot with Canon Log3 and RAW (Light) will be available in Cinema RAW Development and in Digital Photo Professional version in a future update.
• - Digital Photo Professional will also support the processing of RAW movies shot in Canon Log3 settings and the application of Viewing LUT in future update.
• Adds [RAW (Light)] to the movie recording size and [IPB (Light)] to 8K/4K to enable lower bit rate shooting. These settings can also be selected when RAW+MP4 is set.
• Adds a high frame rate of 119.9 fps/100.0 fps to the Full HD movie recording size.
• Adds [Electronic full-time MF] to the AF tab of the menu. When a lens is attached, manual focus adjustment is always possible with both One-shot AF and Servo AF.
• Adds [6: Monitor Off] to [Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings] in the Shooting tab of the menu. This update makes it possible for the camera's monitor to be turned off at all times during shooting.
• The transfer time (estimated value) now displays on the camera monitor during FTP transfer.
• Adds the ability, when transferring images via FTP, to select protected images that failed to be transferred and protected images that have not yet been transferred and transfer them all at once.
• Adds [Save/load cam settings on card] to the Function settings tab of the menu. This allows you to save the camera settings to a card, or load a saved file and restore the camera to the settings you saved to a card.
• Fixes a phenomenon, in which, in rare instances, the camera does not function normally when using certain CFexpress cards.
• Fixes a phenomenon, in which in rare instances, the camera cannot function normally when the drive mode is set to "High-speed continuous shooting" to shoot still images continuously.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the power may become suspended when the camera is powered via USB for an extended period of time.

Canon EOS R6 Firmware Update 1.3.1 - Download

Firmware Version 1.3.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

• Adds [IPB (Light)] to 4K to enable lower bit rate shooting.
• Adds [Electronic full-time MF] to the AF tab of the menu. When a lens is attached, manual focus adjustment is always possible with both One-shot AF and Servo AF.
• The transfer time (estimated value) now displays on the camera monitor during FTP transfer.
• Fixes a phenomenon, in which in rare instances, the camera cannot function normally when the drive mode is set to "High-speed continuous shooting" to shoot still images continuously.
• Fixes a phenomenon that may corrupt the image displayed in the viewfinder.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the power may become suspended when the camera is powered via USB for an extended period of time.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Firmware Update 1.4.0 - Download

Firmware Version 1.4.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

• Adds [RAW (Light)] to the movie recording size and [IPB (Light)] to 4K to enable lower bit rate shooting. These settings can also be selected when RAW+MP4 is set.
• The transfer time (estimated value) now displays on the camera monitor during FTP transfer.
• Improves communication reliability when using FTP and USB simultaneously.

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS Lens Firmware Update 1.1.0 - Download

Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

• Adds a digital full-time manual focus function (a function that enables constant manual focus adjustment in both One-shot AF and Servo AF).
• Improves a phenomenon in which the background is not blurred when performing slow panning with the IS (Image Stabilization) mode set to Mode 2 or Mode 3.

Canon RF 100-500mm L IS Lens Firmware Update 1.0.9 - Download

Firmware Version 1.0.9 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements :

• Adds a digital full-time manual focus function (a function that enables constant manual focus adjustment in both One-shot AF and Servo AF).
• Improves a phenomenon in which the background is not blurred when performing slow panning with the IS (Image Stabilization) mode set to Mode 2 or Mode 3.

Canon holds Number 1 share of global Interchangeable lens Digital Camera market for 18 consecutive years

MELVILLE, NY, March 29, 2021 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc., has maintained the number one share of the global market for interchangeable-lens digital cameras (Digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) for 18 consecutive years1 from 2003 to 2020.

Canon develops their key imaging system components featured in its EOS series of digital interchangeable-lens cameras — CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses — under the core concept of “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality.” Developing a wide-ranging product lineup — from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy high-image-quality shooting with easy operation, as well as a rich selection of 1182 combined RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression — Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

During the dawn of Digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. This groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, captured the top share of the global market and set the stage for growth in the Digital SLR market. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for industry-changing Digital SLR video recording. In September 2018, Canon announced the EOS R system — including the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera and RF lenses that fully leverage their optical technologies — that further expanded the range of imaging creativity and opened up new possibilities for visual expression. Over a long history beginning in the age of film, and with the support of loyal users, in 2019 the EOS series achieved the remarkable milestone of 100 million3 total EOS cameras sold.

In July 20204, Canon launched the EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera, equipped with cutting-edge technology in pursuit of next-generation visual expression. In striving to further expand its lineup, Canon managed to secure the number one share of the global market for the 18th consecutive year.

Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technology while further strengthening and expanding the EOS series of cameras and RF/EF series of lenses, opening up new avenues of image capture to meet the needs of increasingly diverse users and to promote the spread of photo and video culture.

Canon EOS R5C mirrorless camera will come in the second half of 2021

 

Canon is expected to launch a Cinema version of its wildly popular EOS R5 mirrorless camera. The announcement should come in the second half of the year with delivery perhaps in late 2021 or early 2022.

The EOS R5C should have no cooling 'problems' of the EOS R5 and may be a bit larger for those who prefer a slightly better grip but not add the extra battery grip. It may retain the same sensor as the R5 and will be just as capable with still photography as well as advanced videography, replete with C-Log 2

The cameras I am looking forward to review and possibly buy are the highly anticipated Canon EOS R1 and EOS R7. Hopefully it will be announced before the EOS R5C. 

Canon USA announced a line of 4K UHD PTZ cameras for integration into various environments

 

MELVILLE, NY, March 17, 2021 - Designed for use in a wide-range of applications in broadcast, education, house of worship, sports, and corporate environments, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to introduce the company’s first line of 4K UHD PTZ cameras – the CR-N500 and CR-N300 for indoor live-streaming and the outdoor CR-X500.

This new line of cameras capitalizes on Canon’s digital imaging and operational expertise from both professional camcorders and network cameras. This enables the cameras to not only deliver brilliant 4K imagery thanks to Canon’s CMOS sensors, DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor, and optical zoom lenses, but also smooth pan, tilt and zoom functionality that allows for on-air camera movement. The new indoor PTZ cameras support various video interfaces, including HDMI, IP, and 3G-SDI, and are also compatible with popular live production protocols like NDI|HX®, RTMP and more. The new outdoor PTZ camera supports 12G-SDI, and includes a durable, IP55 rated weather-resistant housing. In addition to the cameras, Canon has also introduced a new remote camera controller, the RC-IP100, which supports IP and serial connections and can operate camera functions such as pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and iris.

“In 2020, Canon introduced the System Integrator Program with the goal of developing strategic relationships with integrators, providing the organizations world-class support and cutting-edge digital imaging equipment,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “These new PTZ cameras and remote camera controller were designed with the system integrator market squarely in mind. We are eager to see how these cameras are incorporated into the creative solutions that they develop for end users.”

The Vivid CR-N500 4K UHD PTZ Camera

When combined, the 1.0-inch CMOS sensor, 3.2µm pixel pitch, and DIGIC DV 6 image processor featured in the CR-N500 4K UHD PTZ camera provide users with the capability to capture images with high sensitivity, low noise, and a minimum subject illumination of approximately 1.5 lux1.

Utilizing a 15x optical zoom 4K UHD lens, users will also experience cinematic images with shallow depth-of-field and beautifully blurred backgrounds with brilliant image quality. The 15x optical zoom covers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 25.5-382.5mm, and the camera is capable of a variable pan and tilt speed from 0.1° - 100° per second to support smooth on-air movement or fast preset transitions. An independent, built-in three-density ND filter and nine-bladed iris create natural bokeh effects, with diffused, diffracted light. The CR-N500 features Dual Pixel CMOS AF with dual pixel focus guide, as well as face detection and tracking. The CR-N500 also supports Canon Log 3 for color grading and wide dynamic range gamma of 800%, along with image quality mode and adjustment functions to enhance an operator’s image customization capabilities from capture to post-production.

The Versatile CR-N300 4K UHD PTZ Camera

The CR-N300 4K UHD PTZ camera uses a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV 6 image processor, and a 20x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 29.3-601mm. The camera features Canon’s Hybrid AF system that combines high-precision contrast AF and high-speed phase-difference AF, allowing operators to gain focus and lock-in subjects even in dim or dark situations. The variable pan speed of the camera clocks in at 0.2° - 300° per second and the variable tilt speed is 0.2° - 170° per second. The CR-N300 can also be used as a webcam via a USB connection.

The CR-N300 is equipped with four unique scene modes: portrait, sports, low-light, and spotlight, which allows users to select the mode most suitable for the desired subject.

• Portrait Mode achieves sharp focus while blurring the background.
• Sports Mode enhances the ability to capture moving objects.
• Low-Light Mode brightens images when in dim or dark shooting situations.
• Spotlight Mode allows users to capture beautiful images in brightly lit situations.

The CR-N300 and the CR-N500 both offer peace of mind, being backed by Canon’s 3-year limited warranty. (See website for more information)

The All-Weather CR-X500 4K UHD PTZ Camera

The Canon CR-X500 4K UHD PTZ is rated IP55 for water and dust resistance, and is designed for outdoor uses including sports, news/weather coverage, and television production. The camera features a 1.0-inch CMOS sensor that captures 4K UHD images in 60p/4:2:2/10-bit. The sensor’s 3.2µm pixel pitch combined with dual DIGIC DV 6 image processors produces improved signal-to-noise ratio from previous HD models and a minimum subject illuminance of 3 lux. The camera features a 15x 4K UHD lens with an optical 35mm equivalent zoom range of 25.5-382mm. When the camera is in FHD mode, operators can use the camera’s 4K multi-pixel sensors for up to a 30x advanced zoom. Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Canon’s renowned and popular autofocus system, allows for superb tracking performance and successfully captures 4K scenes where outstanding accuracy is required. Image Stabilization mode helps to reduce camera shake and produces stable and clear images even in windy conditions, and a built-in wiper helps to clear away rain from the camera. The camera also supports Canon Log 3 for color grading and a wide dynamic range gamma of 800%, as well as image quality mode and adjustment functions to enhance an operator’s image customization capabilities.

Features of the Canon RC-IP100 Camera Remote Controller

The Canon RC-IP100 camera remote controller supports IP and serial connections and is compatible with all three of the new PTZ cameras, allowing operators to control multiple cameras simultaneously. By virtue of the control and seesaw zoom levers and 7-inch touch panel, users can control each camera’s functions such as pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and iris. When connected via IP, it is possible to control up to 99 CR-N500/CR-N300 cameras, and when connected via serial, an outdoor CR-X500 can be controlled, allowing for a total of 100 cameras.

Included with the Indoor PTZ Cameras is the Remote Camera Control Application software which allows PC users to register up to 20 cameras, viewing up to nine different cameras live at once. Full camera control, including setting trace functions and presets, is easily accessible with the click of a mouse.

Along with the new PTZ cameras and controller, Canon is also introducing a newly-developed XC Protocol2 that offers control and communication with select Canon video production devices for high quality video streaming over IP. Later this year, Canon will look to release new firmware to introduce the new XC protocol to select Cinema EOS System cameras.

Availability

The Canon CR-N500, CR-N300, CR-X500 4K UHD PTZ cameras and RC-IP100 camera remote controller are scheduled to be available in the Summer of 2021*.

More rumors about the upcoming Canon EOS R1 top-of-the-line mirrorless camera

Canon is expected to announce their top-of-the-line, full frame mirrorless camera - EOS R1 and the APS-C EOS R7 cameras in the second half of 2021, perhaps just before the July Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. There may be a development announcement in Q2 of this year.

There are wild rumors all over the internet as to the possible specifications of the EOS R1, especially now that Sony has announced their Alpha a1 top-of-the-line camera. 

Canon EOS R1 Specs : (Rumored)

• 85 MP global shutter CMOS imaging sensor
• 85 MP at 20 fps, 21 MP at 40 fps, unlimited continued shooting
• Full Sensor Large Quad Pixel Auto Focus
• 15.5 EV+ Dynamic Range
• ISO 160 - 1638400
• 5-axis IBIS up to 9 stops
• 3.5 inch 9.33 MP 1280nit 10-bit WCG RGB-OLED touch screen with 120Hz AE-AF
• 9.44 MP 120Hz SuperSpeed AE-AF electronic viewfinder
• Price $6,500 USD

These are obviously a fanciful wish list of many photographers but I venture to guess some specs are not too far from reality.  The current top-of-the-line Canon EOS-1D X Mark III has a brand new DIGIC X processor. It is almost certain the EOS R1 will have dual processors, perhaps DIGIC X but the 85 MP and 40 fps sounds silly for primarily a sports and wildlife photography camera. My guess is 40 to 50 MP and a 25 to 30 fps with the viewfinder is doable and very desirable.

Full sensor quad pixel AF is something Canon can produce and I hope this will be included in the new camera. 15 EV dynamic range sounds unlikely but around 8 to 10 EV and the 5-axis IBIS with up to 9 stops are realistic.

The 3.5 inch 9+M dot OLED electronic viewfinder with indistinguishable lag time from a DSLR camera will be most welcomed by me because this is one of my biggest complaint with the current crop of mirrorless cameras.  

The most expensive pure digital camera (not including the EOS-1D C) Canon has introduced so far was the EOS-1Ds Mark III in 2007, priced at $8,000. I hope the upcoming EOS R1 will be about the same price or less. 

Unless something drastic relating to the Covid pandemic happens in Japan in the next few months, the Summer Olympics will be a definitely GO. This means Nikon and Canon will announce (perhaps development announcement) their top-of-the-line mirrorless cameras this summer. Delivery will be pushed back to second half of the year at the earliest, depending on whether Canon can work through their supply chain delays due to the pandemic. I do not have any worthwhile rumored specs for the Canon EOS R7 camera yet. Stay tuned to this blog for the latest development and news. 

The Ethisphere Institute recognized Canon U.S.A. as one of the world’s most ethical companies for the fourth consecutive year

MELVILLE, NY, March 1, 2021 - During a time when it has been crucial for companies to prioritize the values and needs of their customers and employees, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has remained committed to developing solutions that are designed to support ever-changing business needs. Reflecting this commitment, Canon U.S.A. is proud to share it has been recognized as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fourth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

Of the 135 honorees spanning 22 countries and 47 industries, Canon U.S.A. is the only company to be recognized within the Imaging Technology industry category, showcasing the company’s strong global standards, business integrity, corporate citizenship and overall brand value. As a result of the company’s positive influence, impact in business communities, and ongoing support during COVID-19, Canon U.S.A. stands out amongst others to the Ethisphere Institute.

“While addressing the tough challenges of 2020, we saw companies lead – above all other institutions – on earning the trust of stakeholders through resilience and a commitment to ethics and integrity,” said Timothy Erblich, CEO, Ethisphere Institute. “The World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the highest values and positively impacting the communities they serve. Congratulations to everyone at Canon U.S.A. for earning the World’s Most Ethical Companies designation.”

Rooted in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework designed to showcase the leading practices of organizations across industries around the world. This year, the process was streamlined and set to further gauge how applicants are adapting and responding to the global health pandemic, environmental, social, and governance factors, safety, equity and inclusion, and social justice.

“Over the past few months, Canon U.S.A. has shifted its business to develop solutions and provide high-quality support to our customers to help them navigate through these difficult times,” said N. Scott Millar, senior vice president & general manager, Corporate Human Resources, Audit, Ethics & Business Consultation and senior vice president, Human Resources, Canon Solutions America, Inc. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute as it speaks to the ongoing support and developments we have made and reflects our company’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei. We look forward to continuing to develop solutions, participating in corporate social responsibility initiatives and supporting our customers for years to come.”

To check out the full list of Ethisphere’s 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies, please visit here.