Firmware updates have been released for the Canon EOS R5, EOS R3 and announced upcoming (available late spring/summer of 2023) updates for some of their Cinema Cameras including the EOS R5 C, C70, C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II.
Canon also announced that the EOS R5 C has been added to the list of Netflix Productions approved cameras, bringing the total number of Canon cameras that it can be used by filmmakers working on Netflix productions to eight.
Below are the updates/improvements that the latest firmware brings for the R5 and R3 cameras. Both updates also add FTP automatic protection for images transferred via File Transfer Protocol as well as new features for the Mobile File Transfer app.
EOS R5 Firmware Update v. 1.8.1 – Download Here
The big news from this update is that the EOS R5 gains the ability to produce images with higher resolutions (up to 400MP) by enabling the in-body IS mechanism to move the sensor incrementally to replicate the effect of smaller pixels.
- Adds [IBIS High resolution shot] to the camera menu. By utilizing the in-body IS mechanism, it is now possible to record images with higher resolution.*
- *Use EOS Utility/Digital Photo Professional to check the images. EOS Utility/Digital Photo Professional will need to be upgraded.
- Adds [Save/load comm. settings on card] to the camera menu.
Network settings can now be transferred between cameras of the same model. - Adds the ability for images to be cropped and resized during transfer to the FTP server.
- Adds Protect Images During [FTP Transfer] to the camera menu. Images transferred via FTP can now be automatically protected. The user can determine if images have already been transferred via FTP.
- Fixes minor issues.
EOS R3 Firmware Update v. 1.4.0 – Download Here
This update adds support for Canon’s Speedlite EL-5 flash, panning assist which makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects and the ability to pre-register up to 10 people so that their faces can be detected and tracked based on a priority setting in the camera.
- Adds support for Speedlite EL-5.*
- *The automatic light intensity adjustment of the AF-assist beam is not supported.
- Adds [Register people priority] to the camera menu.
- Pre-registered people can now be detected and tracked with priority.**
- ** This feature may not operate if faces are too small to detect, in profile or turned at an angle or partially hidden; for scenes where the subject is moving; or due to certain shooting environments.
- Adds [Save/load comm. settings on card] to the camera menu.
- Network settings can now be transferred between cameras of the same model.
- Adds [Panning Assist] to the camera menu. When a compatible lens is used for panning shots, image stabilization and subject blur correction are applied during the exposure.
- Improves the Auto White Balance (AWB) setting to reduce the time it takes for the AWB result to be reflected in the camera’s viewfinder’s display when looking through the viewfinder.
- Adds Protect Images During [FTP Transfer] to the camera menu. Images transferred via FTP can now be automatically protected. The user can determine if images have already been transferred via FTP.
- Fixes minor issues.
Upcoming Cinema Camera Firmware Updates (available June/July 2023)
EOS R5 C Firmware Update
The current (March 28, 2023) firmware update to v. 1.0.31 adds improvements for the image quality of Canon Log 3 when shooting in XF-AVC or MP4 formats.
The upcoming firmware update for the EOS R5 C will include additions, improvements and support for the following:
- Improved AF performance when Face Detection AF is enabled, adding the ability to select a face with an RF Lens’ Control Ring or the camera’s Control Dial. Improved Head Detection allows the EOS R5 C to detect a subject’s head, even when the subject is looking backwards. The AF frame also changes size based on the subject detected during tracking. This update is also available for the EOS C70 camera.
- Power Save Mode improvements extend recording time by approximately 30% in 4K/60p1.
- Enhanced Clear Scan in Shutter Mode menu reduces potential flicker during LED wall usage.
- For usage with Canon’s Dual Fisheye Lens, the ability to switch from left to right lens during VR recording when using Magnify and enabled 2x magnification when recording in 8K.
- Reduced switching time between photo and video mode – approximately 40% faster from Photo to Video and 70% faster from Video to Photo.
Canon says that this upcoming firmware update will “expand the operational convenience and versatility that comes with the EOS C70, EOS C500 Mark II, and EOS C300 Mark III” by adding the following improvements and support:
- The EOS C70 camera will support added lenses expanding to CINE-SERVO 15-120mm lens and the newly launched Flex Zoom 14-35mm.
- The EOS C500 Mark II/EOS C300 Mark III cameras will support the Flex Zoom 20-50mm lens.
- Enhanced Clear Scan Shutter Mode reduces potential flicker during LED wall usage.
- Ability to change the on-screen Wave Form Monitor’s size (x2) and opacity by touch or through the camera’s menu.
