Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 camera firmware updates available for download

Canon released new firmware updates to the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 cameras. Although the EOS R5 is a great improvement over the original EOS R model, I am still not ready to buy a high end mirrorless camera. My readers know the reason why I am waiting for the EOS R1, which should be coming next year, before the delayed Tokyo Olympics in July, 2021.

EOS-1D X Mark III Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following enhancements :

1. Enhancements when using Browser Remote :

• The image list displayed will be refreshed automatically on the browser.
• On the shooting screen of the browser, you can set the movie resolution and a high frame rate.
• On the shooting screen of the browser, you can change the movie shooting mode.
• On the shooting screen of the browser, Live View will be displayed as soon as you select the movie shooting button.

2. Enhances Auto Focus (AF) for improved face and eye recognition at greater distances.

3. Fixes a phenomenon that may occur during viewfinder shooting, in which the shutter may not be released or the camera may not operate in the following settings:

• In One-Shot AF mode, when the AF Area Selection Mode is set as Zone AF, Large Zone AF or Automatic Selection AF.
• In AI Servo AF, when direct AF point selection is made using the smart controller.
• When the Register/Recall Shooting Function is assigned to the AE Lock button, in the Custom Controls.

4. Connectivity during FTP transmission, has been improved.

5. Improves Wi-Fi connectivity when using the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E9.

6. Fixes a phenomenon, in which the card access time may take longer, when using certain CFexpress cards.

Another new Canon mirrorless camera showed up for certification

I have just returned from a travel and wildlife photography tour in Japan over the weekend with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III camera. Personally, I felt very safe there and the Japanese authorities are keen on protecting the upcoming Summer Olympics. There are strong suggestions from the central government to many businesses to allow employees to work from home or shut down their operations for two weeks to stop the spread of the virus.

Many schools and colleges are closed for a few weeks as well. Accordingly, Canon is idling five facilities based in the Oita, Miyazaki and Nagasaki prefectures, from March 2nd to March 13th, ostensibly because of interruption of the supply chain from China. There are no employees who are affected by the virus at this time.

Luckily, I have received my EOS-1D X Mark III camera before the 2 week shutdown and will write a real world review of the new body in the near future. A few photographers have experienced a brief seize up of the camera while in burst mode. I can attest to that as well but not really concerned at this time. My backup EOS-1D X Mark II camera does that as well, once in a while. A quick pull out and reinsertion of the battery will clear up the problem. If this proves to be a lingering issue, I expect Canon to introduce a firmware update very soon. You can follow my travels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

A new upcoming Canon mirrorless camera has shown up for certification. This may prove to be the expected EOS R6 camera. Together with the upmarket EOS R5, these two cameras will basically replace the EOS 5Ds, EOS 5DsR and EOS R bodies and will be the main mirrorless camera lineup for Canon going forward. Sadly, both upcoming cameras will be delayed by the Coronavirus problem, not to mention the 2020 Olympics. We live in uncertain times for a little while until things get cleared up.