Canon Supports Filmmakers With Release Of New Firmware For Its Professional Cameras

Canon Europe announced early July firmware updates for the EOS R5¹, EOS R6 (firmware v1.4) and EOS-1D X Mark III (firmware v1.5). In response to feedback from users, these firmware updates make each camera a powerhouse for professional video capture.

Cinema quality video content

Already available in the EOS R5, the new firmware update brings the highly requested Canon Log 3 (C-Log 3) to the EOS R6 and EOS-1D X Mark III. Canon’s renowned Log 3 expands the dynamic range and offers more colour space options to achieve rich, high-quality video that mirrors that of Hollywood standard cinema cameras. This logarithmic gamma curve also increases the compatibility of these models with cinema production workflows, making it easier to colour match footage captured with Canon’s Cinema EOS Series cameras.

Simplified video workflows

Alongside the availability of C-Log 3, these firmware upgrades add dual card recording to all three cameras. Users can now record the same video file – resolution, fps and codec – to both memory cards, ensuring that if one card is corrupted there is still a back-up of their footage2. The firmware update for the EOS-1D X Mark III and EOS R5 also adds support for the new industry standard CFexpress VPG400 cards, which guarantees a minimum write speed of 400 MB per second for more reliable filming. This is essential when shooting in 8K or recording RAW footage.

Compatible with cinema products

The upcoming firmware update to the EOS R5 introduces compatibility to Canon’s CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S and CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S Cine servo zoom lenses, making it a versatile camera to help users take content to the next level. With the new firmware, EOS R5 operators can control exposure, focus and zoom from the body, as well as start recording using the record button on Canon Cine servo zoom lenses. This compatibility also extends to Canon’s EOS utility and Camera Connect software, so users can seamlessly integrate the EOS R5 into any workflow.

Canon’s new EOS R5 firmware makes external full frame 8K ProRes RAW and 5K cropped ProRes RAW recording possible when connected to the Atomos Ninja V+ recorder and 5K cropped ProRes RAW recording with the Atomos Ninja V recorders, offering unrivalled image quality from an affordable and compact camera system.

When combined with the EOS R5, the Atomos Ninja V+ is able to record 8K recording at 30 fps, unlocking new possibilities for filmmakers and videographers. These professional recording formats also allow the white balance and ISO to be seamlessly changed during processing.

These latest firmware updates unlock critical video capabilities to catapult content creators to new levels of production value.

The EOS R6 and EOS-1D X Mark III firmware update is now available to download from here:
https://www.canon.co.za/support/consumer_products/products/cameras/digital_slr/eos-r6.html?type=important
https://www.canon.co.za/support/consumer_products/products/cameras/digital_slr/eos-1d-x-mark-iii.html?type=important

The EOS R5 update will be available summer 2021.

1 The firmware version for the EOS R5 will be announced once available for download
2 Some restrictions apply to the EOS R5 due to the different memory card used which means some resolution and frame rates cannot be recorded to both cards.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb