update | Picturing Change

Canon 5D Mark III Firmware Update 1.2.1

Canon has released firmware update 1.2.1 for the Canon 5D Mark III, which includes uncompressed HDMI output and enables the center AF point to be cross-type at f/8 maximum aperture.

Both of these updates will mostly affect those who use their 5DIII in very specialized situations: high end video recording and super-telephoto lenses with extenders. However, there are also a number of other fixes, including increasing focusing speed when using the AF-Assist lamp and various minor errors with some functions or lenses.

Canon 5D Mark III Mk 3 5DIII 5D3

Uncompressed HDMI output for video means that you can save uncompressed – thus highest quality – video files to an external recorder via the camera’s HDMI port.

Cross-Type Center AF up to f/8 maximum aperture means that you can use a super-telephoto lens with an extender which limits the maximum aperture to f/8 (rather than say f/2.8 or f/5.6) yet still have accurate cross-type autofocusing with the center AF point.

Because the Uncompressed HDMI output update includes the addition of some new Movie menus, I will be updating my e-book guide to the 5DIII, Canon 5D Mark III Experience.

You can learn all about the firmware update, and find the download link and instructions on the Canon site here.

Here is the complete list of updates:

Firmware Version 1.2.1 for the EOS 5D Mark III incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.
Enables the centre AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
Improves the speed of the camera’s acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display ‘Err 70’ or ‘Err 80’ when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.
Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.
Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.
When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol an ‘O’ will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an ‘X’ will be displayed.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.
Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.
The lens compensation data for the EF24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens has been added.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the ‘Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO’ option.

What the Canon 7D Firmware 2 Upgrade Will Do For You

Soon after the release of the long awaited 5D Mark III professional full-frame dSLR, Canon announced that it would update the firmware of the EOS 7D to expand its functions and to add several new menu items that had been introduced on the 5D Mk III (as well as some additional features). And now, this Canon 7D Firmware 2 update is here! You can download it from Canon on the 7D product page:

Canon 7D Firmware 2 2.0 EOS upgrade update

With this update, Canon has increased the versatility and boosted the capabilities of the popular and powerful 7D. These improvements now give you more control over Auto ISO settings and over audio recording during Movie shooting, quick access to new and existing editing features during playback, and in-camera RAW processing. The 7D is also now compatible with the optional Canon GP-E2 GPS Receiver. Perhaps most dramatically, the maximum continuous burst capability has been increased so that the 7D is now able to shoot more continuous frames before pausing: up to 25 RAW or 130 JPEG images when using a 128GB UDMA card, or 23 RAW and 110 JPEG images when using a standard (8GB minimum) CompactFlash card. When saving both RAW+JPEG image files, the camera has improved from 6 consecutive shots to 17.

Here are all of the Canon EOS 7D Firmware 2 improvements:

Option to set the time zone and daylight saving time along with the date. Now when you travel, you merely have to adjust the time zone setting for your destination and not reset the time.
Increased maximum burst during continuous shooting. This is a fantastic update for those shooting long continuous bursts, allowing you to shoot 23 RAW or 110 consecutive JPEG images when using a typical memory card, or even 17 RAW+JPEG images over the previous 6. Invest in a 128GB UDMA card and shoot 25 RAW or 130 JPEG consecutively.
Ability to set the desired maximum ISO Auto setting. Now when using Auto ISO you can select the maximum ISO setting, between 400 and 6400, that the camera will choose – to avoid creeping into unwanted noisy ISO settings.
Registering or changing the file name prefix of JPEG and RAW files. If you have the need to customize the file name prefix of your images, due to using more than one camera or any other reason, the camera now offers you a few different ways to do this.
Manual adjustment of audio recording levels for Movie shooting (64 levels). Like the 5DIII, you can now adjust the audio level while shooting video. While the in-camera microphone is mono, an optional external mic can record in stereo.

Canon 7D eos firmware 2 2.0 update video movie sound audio recording level manual adjust

Option to rate images (1 to 5 stars). You can now rate your images in-camera, which can help you to get a head start on editing.
Added option to Jump through images by Rating. The rating can also be used in conjunction with Image Jump or when putting together a slide show.
Quicker scrolling of magnified image view during playback. This is an unexpected but welcomed update to help make in-camera image review a bit easier.
Quick Control screen during playback to easily access various image options. The various Quick Control screens can often be the quickest and easiest way to access and change a variety of settings and features. The camera has now added a convenient Quick Control Screen for image playback. When reviewing an image, or when in Live View or Movie Shooting Modes, pressing the [Q] Button will bring up Quick Control screens specific to those operations. The Playback Quick Control Screen allows you to easily access image functions including Protect, Rotate, Rating, RAW image processing, Resize JPEG, Highlight Alert, AF Point Display, and Image Jump. During Live View shooting, you can quickly access Auto Lighting Optimizer and the image recording quality by pressing the [Q] Button. During Movie shooting, pressing the [Q] Button will allow you to quickly access similar functions as with Live View plus the movie recording size setting.

Canon 7D eos firmware 2 2.0 update quick control rating q screen

RAW image processing in-camera. Now you can process RAW images in-camera and then save them as JPEG images. This is useful if you need to quickly output a processed file, and you can apply a White Balance, Picture Style (and adjust its variables), Auto Lighting Optimizer, High ISO Speed Noise Reduction, choose the JPEG Image Quality output, select the Color Space (sRGB, AdobeRGB), and utilize Peripheral Illumination, Distortion, and Lens Aberration corrections.

Canon 7D eos firmware 2 2.0 update raw processing in camera

Ability to resize JPEG images in-camera. This new menu item can be used to resize (reduce only) a JPEG image in-camera, which could be useful if you need to quickly output a smaller JPEG file (with lower pixel count). You can also use the [Q] Button during image playback to quickly access Resize.
GPS settings menu and added compatibility with optional Canon GPS device. The 7D is now compatible with the optional Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2, which will allow you to record location information as part of the EXIF data of your image including elevation, direction, longitude, and latitude.

My e-book camera guide Canon 7D Experience is being updated to incorporate all the EOS 7D Firmware 2 updates. If you have already bought the guide from my Full Stop website or from Amazon you will be contacted about how to obtain the revised guide. This updated guide, perhaps the only Canon 7D guide incorporating Firmware 2 additions, should be available by mid-August.

Important Firmware Update to the Canon 7D

It has been reported that Canon will soon be releasing an important firmware update for the Canon EOS 7D. Unlike most firmware updates that correct a little bug and a typo in one of the foreign language menus, this update will add a considerable amount of features that were recently included in the Canon 5D Mark III. These include:

IMPROVED RAW MAXIMUM BURST
Increasing the maximum burst when shooting RAW images from 15 fps to 26 RAW frames in a singlecontinuous burst.

IN-CAMERA RAW CONVERSION
Post-processing of RAW images in-camera, including adjusting or setting the white balance, Picture Style, High ISO Noise Reduction, Color Space (AdobeRGB/sRGB) and lens corrections (Peripheral Illumination Correction, Chromatic Aberration Correction, and distortion correction).

The file can then be saved as a JPEG for immediate output and use.

IMAGE RATING CAPABILITIES
Rate your images in-camera, from 1 to 5 stars. This feature speeds up the process of sorting and organizing images when you return to your computer and begin to work in Adobe Bridge, Apple Aperture, etc.

AUTO ISO MAXIMUM SETTING
Set the maximum ISO that the camera will use while working in Auto ISO, between 400-6400 (inclusive).

MANUAL ADJUSTMENT FOR AUDIO RECORDING LEVELS
Manually adjust the audio recording level while shooting video, as well as the volume during playback.

JPEG RESIZING
Resize (downsize) a JPEG image in-camera and save it as a separate image, for easy immediate output and use.

SUPPORT FOR THE GP-E2 GPS UNIT
Use the new Canon GP-E2 GPS unit to geo-tag your images.

QUICK CONTROL DURING PLAYBACK
Press the Q Button during image playback to quickly access several options including Protect Image, Rotate, Rate, Resize, Highlight Alert, AF Point Display, and Image Jump.

FILE NAME SETTING
This adds the ability to change the naming convention of file name prefixes, so that instead of an image file being named IMG_xxxx, it can now be anything you wish such as DJK1xxxx or 7D12xxxx. The second option of this feature allows you to change just the first three letters of the name, and the third letter will reflect the file size setting, such as IMGL0025.JPG for Large JPEG files or IMGL0025.CR2 for large RAW files.

TIME ZONE SETTING
Set your time zone with the option to adjust for daylight savings time.

FASTER SCROLLING OF MAGNIFIED IMAGES
When reviewing an image during playback, this will allow you to scan around a magnified image quicker.

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Be sure to check the Canon 7D page under Drivers and Software to see when this update has been released.

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Canon 7D Experience e-book guide to the 7D – If you are looking to take full control of your Canon EOS 7D and the images you create, be sure to have a looks at my e-book guide Canon 7D Experience. Since I publish only in e-book form, this may be the only book that will be able to quickly incorporate these major changes to the menus and features of the camera! I will send out an update supplement to all those who have purchased the PDF version of Canon 7D Experience, and I will incorporate all the changes in an updated version of the guide, so that all new readers will obtain the latest information.

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II vs. 24-70mm f/2.8L

Canon has just announced an updated, improved version of it’s high-quality EF 24-70mm f/2.8L standard zoom, called the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. (To understand what all the notions mean, please see my Canon Lens Notations post.)

Some would call this the full frame standard zoom, though as an EF lens it can also be used on non-full-frame cameras such as the 7D, 60D, and T3i/600D. The difference is that on non-full-frame bodies, it will act more like a 38-112mm focal length lens due to the crop factor of the smaller sensors.

Canon 24-700mm f/2.8L II lens new updated improved
New Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM – (image from Canon USA)

Many, including myself, had hoped for – or even expected – this update to incorporate image stabilization, but this was not included. The image stabilization would have made it an even tougher decision between the new 24-70 f/2.8L II and the 24-105mm f/4L IS, which offers a similar focal length plus image stabilization, but has a minimum aperture of “only” f/4.0.

Canon states that the lens has been completely redesigned, and in addition to still offering great weather sealing like the original, the same .38m / 1.25 ft. minimum focus distance, and improved durability, it also now “features completely redesigned optics to provide outstanding clarity, image quality and durability. A compact design makes it ideal for carrying on every shoot, and a range of optical enhancements provide improved performance – capturing greater detail across the frame while reducing distortion throughout the entire zoom range, particularly at the maximum 70mm focal length.

With a redesigned optical system that includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimise chromatic aberration and colour blurring, the lens delivers consistently sharp, high-contrast images. Each lens element also features Canon’s optimised Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare and ensure excellent colour balance. Additionally, a fluorine coating minimises the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens, helping to maintain superior image quality.”

The original 24-70mm f/2.8L lens included “the use of two different types of aspherical lens elements and a UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element for obtaining sharper image quality.” (quotes from Canon press releases)

Original Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L USM – (image from Cburnett, Wikipedia, GFDL license)
PLEASE do not put a cheap Tiffen filter on an L lens – use a high quality multi-coated B+W MRC filter

There are some significant differences in the design of the new lens vs. the older version. They both have ultrasonic motors for autofocus and full time autofocus (you can override the AF by turning the focus ring without switching to manual focus). And they both use an external zoom mechanism, meaning the lens extends as you zoom in and out. However, the original lens extended as you zoomed toward the 24mm wide end, which is “backwards” from a typical zoom lens. The new version acts as a more typical zoom, extending as you zoom towards the 70mm telephoto end. They both include a lens hood, though the older hood attached to the main section of the lens and the lens extends inside of the hood, thus working more effectively as a hood throughout the entire focal range from wide to tele. The hood of the new version attaches to the extending section, and thus is a smaller tulip style lens hood typical of most lenses. Perhaps the new coatings and lens elements make up for any internal reflections that might have resulted from this less effective hood. The new lens offers a lock switch for when it is retracted, though L lenses typically zoom so smoothly and tightly that they don’t tend to creep.

The sizes of the lenses are similar, though the new version is slightly shorter and lighter but wider. Due to the changed design, the new lens boasts a larger 82mm filter size. And the prices at this point are dramatically different. As far as the image quality, it is certain that the new 24-70mm is going to demonstrate dramatically improved image quality, especially when paired with the new Canon 5D MkIII (Canon 5D X?) when it comes out, as it is rumored to boast 30+ MP, which is going to require excellent glass to fully take advantage of.

24-70mm f/2.8L
3.3″ x 4.9″
2.1 lbs (950 g)
77mm filter size
$1,269 at B&H
$1,299 on Amazon

24-70mm f/2.8L II
3.5″ x 4.4″
1.77 lbs (805 g)
82mm filter size
$2,299 at B&H available for pre-order, expected in mid-April

New Firmware for the Nikon D7000 and D5100

New firmware has been released for the Nikon D7000, version 1.03. Be sure to update your camera, as it will fix several minor bugs including some settings and displays that have mysteriously changed on their own previously.

Update information on the Nikon site here:

http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/22.html

The Nikon D5100 firmware has also been updated for the first time, v 1.01, with fixes including:

An error recognizing some memory cards has been addressed.
When Selective color from the retouch menu is performed on a picture taken with the image quality set to NEF (RAW)+JPEG and an image size of M or S, the edges of the image may not have changed color. This issue has been resolved.
When Metering was set to Matrix metering, the exposure mode set to M (Manual), and the HDR exposure differential set to Auto, the exposure differential was fixed at a value equivalent to 2 EV. This has been changed to enable automatic adjustment of exposure differential so that it is appropriate for the scene.

D5100 firmware upgrade available here:

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/index.page

Nikon D7000 D5100 firmware update upgrade

Canon 60D Firmware Update 1.1.0

A firmware update for the Canon 60D has been released, version 1.1.0. You can download and learn how to install it here:

According to Canon, Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:
1. Fixes a phenomenon where the wireless built-in flash settings are reset to defaults when the battery is removed from the camera.
2. Fixes an intermittent phenomenon where image-rotation information is not recognized correctly when shooting with the camera in the vertical position depending on the timing of the shutter release.

New Firmware for the Canon 50D

Canon has just released new firmware for the Canon EOS 50D, a camera I still use and love. Although it is uncommon for firmware to be updated for older cameras, I guess it becomes necessary when memory card technology evolves.

According to Canon, this update:

Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
Fixes incorrect indications in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai and Turkish menu screens.

You can find the new firmware here:

Canon 60D Firmware Update

Canon has released updated firmware for the Canon 60D, version 1.0.9. According to Canon, this update:

Changes the name of the feature called “Art Filters” to “Creative Filters” (which is used in markets other than Japan) in the Japanese version to make the terms consistent. (This change only applies to the Japanese version and does not apply to other language versions.)
Fixes a phenomenon where the camera may operate abnormally when it is set to Quick Mode AF during Live View shooting immediately after capturing an image with the C.Fn II-1 Long exposure noise reduction setting set to [2: On] and a shutter speed setting of 5 seconds or more.
Fixes a phenomenon where the camera may operate abnormally when after Live View shooting, the remote switch on the EOS Utility screen is pressed to immediately start movie-shooting. This phenomenon only occurs when the camera is connected to a compatible personal computer and the Remote Live View function of EOS Utility software is being used.

Head over to the Canon website to download and install the new firmware.