Canon have announced updates to the firmware on a range of their cameras, from the low light ME20F-SH to the C300 MkII. There’s a full list of updates below, but most usefully focus magnification while recording is coming to the C300 Mk II in ‘late July’. To which one might ask ‘why isn’t it already possible?’ if one were feeling a little churlish. But still, as always it’s good to see manufacturers listening to feedback and updating cameras that are already out in the wild. More details of updates to Canon’s range below:
C300 Mk II – Late July
- Canon Log 3 added. This does not replace Canon Log or Log 2, but is in addition.
- Magnification during recording.
- Focus assist will be available on the CINE primes, as well as the CN7 & CNE18-80.
- This firmware will allow DAF, Focus Guides, One Shot AF & Auto Iris, Push Auto Iris to work with the CN7 & CN18-80mm lens (CINE Servo lens).
- To support the function of the Cine Servo lens, the firmware update introduces a new capability for the joystick. This will control the zoom operation of the lens, up for tele, down for wide.
C100 Mk II – Late July
- This firmware will allow DAF, Focus Guides, One Shot AF & Auto Iris, Push Auto Iris to work with the CN7 & CN18-80mm lens (CINE Servo lens).
- To support the function of the Cine Servo lens, the firmware update introduces a new capability for the joystick. This will control the zoom operation of the lens, up for tele, down for wide.
ME20F-SH – Late June
- 12 pin lens terminal at the front of the camera will be activated allowing the camera to provide power to EF mount CINE servo lens.
- Aspect ratio markers which can be output via the On Screen Display to assist the framing of the image. 5 ratio markers will be added.
- x3 magnification option on the camera added.
- Support for additional lenses
XF300/305 – Early June
- Users will be able to select Wide DR settings, giving a 600% / 12 stops of dynamic range option.
- Highlight priority function will be added.
- SN priority option added.
XF30/35 – Late May
- The firmware will add the capability of recording MP4 files / 8 Mbps at a resolution of 1280 x 720 at a frame rate of 59.94P or 50P.
XC10 – Late June
- Improvement to the AF performance of the camera. Speed will be increased by x 2 whilst also maintaining focus accuracy.
- Ability to record MP4 format video to the SD card added.
- Additional shutter speed settings have been included: 1/25 sec & 1/50 sec in NTSC and 1/30 when using PAL. These help reduce flicker in certain conditions.
