Canon Firmware Updates
Last update: December 20th.
WHY to release Firmware Updates?
Adding and improving functions and features via firmware updates on current Canon cameras would be a very smart and important action from a business point of view.
MAIN REASONS
• 5D Mark II has huge potential inside not exploited yet, that leaves lot of “room to move on” whenever you (the manufacturer) want.
• Canon has a product that has no competition (until now): a Full Frame sensor camera with Full HD capabilities that can really be used for serious Video and Cinematography purposes (along with its great still capabilities). Canon has been in this situation for more than 1 year. This is very significant and also a unique case in a very long time.
• Obviously with firmware updates customer satisfaction will increase notoriously. But what is even more important to any company: when customer satisfaction increases, sales are bigger and the loyalty to the brand also increases. Loyalty is a key factor for the long term company profit. Especially in a high competitive market area such as digital cameras.
• It is much more convenient to “refresh” a camera (of this level) and then get more profit from it (already designed and already in-production model) adding features and functions than “leaving it as is”, getting lower value over time and being surpassed by competition.
• This “refresh” can be easily made via firmware update, because the camera does have the possibilities inside, with insignificant costs to the company when compared to designing a new whole camera with its own firmware (and all the processes and very big costs that imply).
• Customers have already demonstrated the huge interest on this camera and these improvements. Just remember all the requests for Manual Control, STANDARD 24/25/30p modes and frame rates, and all other features being requested to Canon. Please check here and here.
• The Filmmaking Community (Amateurs, Professionals and even Studios) has adopted the 5D Mark II far beyond anyone could have expected (Canon included). This camera has been selling like almost no other camera in the past for over 1 year at the same price since its release date. So, improving and adding features will broaden the usage scope, keeping big sales on it.
• The addition of FILMMAKING features (like those achieved by Magic Lantern Project) is a hidden “card” that Canon CAN use if they want to make this camera more competitive, especially when competition arrives. We know that Nikon has learned a lot of Canon’s “mistakes” on the past. Even Panasonic has, and probably many more companies.
The following is what has been most requested by thousands of Canon customers around the world.
Canon Managers and Executives should take this list very seriously (and before Nikon) for further Firmware Updates. This is a big and free list of ideas on how to improve the camera with all the benefits mentioned above. Including them would make this camera unbeatable for a VERY LONG time.
LIST of FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS
▪ Frame Rates as in 7D
29.97 / 25 / 23.976 fps: STANDARD 30/25/24p modes.
▪ 720p mode at 29.97 fps
It will allow LONGER video recording time before reaching the 4GB file size limit.
▪ Improve AF contrast detection algorithm and/or add Focusing Aids
Magic Lantern has done a lot on this, and proven it is extremely useful, even essential. See additional Filmmaking features.
▪ Digital Zoom Video mode
To record on video a smaller area of the sensor as “digital zoom”. Very useful.
▪ 1:1 Crop Sensor Video mode
To record a native 1920×1080 area of the sensor, which extremely minimizes “jello” effect and eliminates aliasing issues/artifacts. This is possible in a similar way how Zoom level x5 and x10 works, but recording on video what you see on screen. This function could be part of the above one.
▪ 720p mode at 59.94 and 50 fps (if hardware possible)
▪ File Spanning function
A new file is automatically created when 4GB is reached without stop recording.
▪ “EDIT” option in playback mode
This would allow Cut and Save part of recorded video clip. It is available on 7D and P&S cameras.
▪ More frames in Bracketing mode
For still photography. Very easy to fix.
▪ Auto ISO in Manual mode
For still photography, improved and with selectable limits.
▪ “REMAP” hot & stuck pixels function
This will save Canon Technical Support LOT of money and time. It is an essential feature. We still don’t understand why it wasn’t already implemented.
▪ Live Histogram for video mode
▪ Remote Start/Stop video recording using cable release (if hardware possible)
▪ Full HD through HDMI output while recording (if hardware possible)
▪ Dropped Frames Bug
FIX. This happens sometimes when changing Aperture AND in normal situations without changing anything
▪ Exposure shift / flashing
FIX. This happens sometimes when zooming
▪ Audio Manual Gain for video recording
Very easy to fix, and essential for acceptable audio recording.
LIST of additional FILMMAKING features
Hugely demanded and used (until now only via Magic Lantern)
▪ Control of focus
▪ Peaking, false-color and edge detection on LCD
▪ Focus Assistance
▪ Focus rack
▪ Focus stacking
▪ Zebra stripes (video peaking)
▪ Manual gain control (audio)
▪ On-screen audio meters
… and LOT more features that has already been proven to be possible (and VERY useful) by Magic Lantern Project.
They are helping thousands of users on filmmaking jobs, and Canon could do even a better implementation of them via Firmware update. That would be another BIG BANG to keep big sales on this great camera.
▪ Focus Assistance System / Focus Detection Area
It would tell (in LiveView mode, and in real time if possible) when a specific area of the frame is in focus or not. This feature would be very helpful and very much appreciated by filmmakers.
▪ Magic Lantern’s New Features Request: Check them here, you will get very good and creative ideas on new features.
As we said before, we really hope Canon Managers and Executives take this list very seriously (and before Nikon) for further Firmware Updates.
It will indeed benefit not only Canon customers, but also the company.
It would make this camera unbeatable for a very long time.
5D Mark II gets 720p60 Mode
According to this Canon Workshop, the 5D Mark II will get 720p60 video mode:
Createasphere – Canon Intensive Workshop – Canon EOS HD Video:
Shoot, Post and Deliver – Playback (source: www.cameradeparment.tv)
Pay special attention to what they say and show on the video at ~ 5:00.
- We still keep on requesting the Features and Improvements list posted long ago for this great camera with huge potential inside.
If Canon is interested to “compete” with RED, then Canon must include even more “Film making” Features in their current line of DSLRs with Full HD capabilities. And that’s completely possible via Firmwar Update.
Control of focus and bracketing, Focus Assistance, Focus rack, Zebra stripes (video peaking), Manual gain control (audio), On-screen audio meters, and LOT more features and improvements have already been proven to be possible by Magic Lantern.
Not to mention the big chance that Canon has to improve the AF algorithm in Live View mode (contrast detection Auto Focus), AND even the implementation of “Focus Assistance system” or “Focus Detection Area” which could tell when a specific area of the frame is in focus or not.
.
Magic Lantern – 10 Questions
There is a VERY interesting interview to the leader of Magic Lantern Project, posted on November 1st at Cinema5D, that is really worth reading.
Please check it here: 10 Questions with Magic Lantern’s Trammell Hudson
Some quotes from it:
“It would really please me if Canon incorporated all of the features from Magic Lantern into their firmware.“
(…)
“Perhaps they hadn’t considered the filmmaking market for the DSLR form-factor. In any event, Magic Lantern brings the ability to add these features to the user, not just the manufacturer.”
(…)
“The 5D is a great camera and I hope that my project helps Canon sell more 5D camera bodies. We’re not in competition, despite the rhetoric on some of the forums: Canon has created an incredible camera and I’m really pleased to be able to add some measure of additional value to it. The fact that they have added manual exposure control and will be adding 24/25p frame rates indicates that they are engaged with their user base and that they are working to improve the cameras that have already been sold.”
(…)
“It would be great if Canon would provide some documentation to make this easier (…)”
If you are interested on this project and/or in what CAN be improved on Canon 5D Mark II and 7D, please consider supporting us. It will certainly benefit all users.
We are acting as Community, your are not alone and your help is VERY valuable.
It can be provided in many ways. One is Calling Canon and registering your Features Request for the 5D Mark II and/or 7D. Please check the Features Request List that has been written as reference by lot of 5D Mark II users.
Another way is supporting Magic Lantern Project.
You can of course do both things 
We sincerely hope that Canon take a deep look on what the huge Community of Photographers and Filmmakers are requesting all around the world, and release so many improvements that can really be implemented via Firmware Update with minimal costs.
That will not only improve their own product line and make it more competitive and versatile, but also keep big sales on existing models, and that is a great deal from a business point of view.
It is MUCH cheaper to exploit the inner capabilities of an already designed and already in-production camera, than making a new whole design with its respective firmware and all the process it implies. The costs between both actions have no comparison, the difference is astronomical.
Additionally, if customers see that Canon is engaged with their users to improve the existing cameras, exploiting their huge potential, then they will certainly increase their LOYALTY to the brand. And that is a KEY factor for the long-term company profit, especially in the high competitive market of DSLRs.
As some reader and customer said:
“If Canon want to maintain customer loyalty people need to know when they purchase a Canon product they are going to be looked after. If I knew Canon would add if possible any features wanted by customers, I’d buy Canon EVERYTIME.”
24p & 25p Firmware Update Announcement
UPDATE:
- From CANON Europe:
EOS 5D Mark II firmware planned
” (…) This scheduled firmware development for the camera is being developed as a direct result of feedback received from cinematographers and photographers. “
GREAT, you have demonstrated once again that you are “listening to customers”!!
We think you are doing things right this time and you will also fix 30p mode to STANDARD 29.97fps, won’t you?…
At least and at last Canon said something!
- From CANON Europe:
“ Canon today announces that it is currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps. The decision to develop new firmware to support these features has been taken following feedback received from cinematographers and photographers.”
- From FXGUIDE:
“We understand that EOS 5D Mark II users desire additional frame rates and we’re preparing a firmware update to allow the camera to shoot at both 24P and 25P,” said Chris Macleod, Brand Manager – EOS, Canon Australia. “The upgrade to 24P and 25P will broaden the usage scope for this popular camera to include cinema and broadcast applications, respectively.”Canon expects the firmware update to be available in the first half of 2010 and will release more details as they become available.
JUST IN CASE it isn’t still clear enough:
- ALL Frame Rates must be the STANDARD ones.
That means 29.97fps for “30p” and so on.
We are very happy with this announcement, BUT we don’t see a clear reason why to wait until 2010 for the firmware update, because it has been beta tested since months ago… (as mentioned here in previous posts)
Probably it is being improved, but it looks like more as a marketing strategy than a real technical reason. We hope the firmware is released sooner than later.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
It’s a great opportunity and it would be a SMART move from Canon to also fix, improve and add some other features in this firmware update, especially because this camera has a HUGE potential inside still not exploited, as Magic Lantern project has already proven. Check the Features Request List for reference.
Releasing the new firmware without fixing AGC (for instance, a VERY easy fix) would be ridiculous…
It would be GREAT to see some of Magic Lantern features in upcoming firmware updates indeed.
A NEW way of doing Business
Adding and improving functions via Firmware Updates on an already-designed and already in-production camera can be a new and VERY smart way of doing business,especially because this cameras has HUGE potential still not exploited and already known.
Keep on selling a camera model for longer periods of time and keep customers’ loyalty at the same time, is so important in a competitive market, and will reflect in more sales on in-production cameras, lenses, accessories and also future camera models.
Because when customers see that a company does care about improving existing cameras, the chances for buying that brand again are MUCH higher. (See previous post for a quoted reader’s comment).
All of that has the logical consequence of long term company profit.
KEEP ON CALLING
Until an official announcement with full details, you can keep on calling Canon to register your Features request for the 5D Mark II.
Check the previous post for instructions and a Reference List. It’s VERY easy and fast. Thanks for joining us! As you can see, community efforts do bring results.
THANKS
We want to express special thanks to all those people AROUND the WORLD who did help in any and many ways to achieve this goal, even while many others said it was futile or impossible (just like the campaign for Manual Control…).
It’s because of them, acting as a Community or by their own, but aiming the same goal, that we will all have the “so requested” update.
We also thank very much some few websites (some of them linked in previous post and/or at the right side of this page). Very specially to Cinema 5D forum which has become an incredible source of information and technical help for all 5D Mark II users, with lots of creative initiatives. Magic Lantern and many other improvements and accessories were born there.
Even Canon should take a deep look at that site… (if they aren’t already…)
While many websites were reluctant to write or post anything to help this “Campaign”, which in fact was and is for the benefit of ALL users, few others supported it without hesitation. So thank you very much.
And finally, but not in last place:
Thanks to Canon for “listen to customers”. You are leading the market with innovation, and addressing those (so requested) improvements to an existing and very popular model you ensure your leadership and also your profit.
As we already told: Community actions DO bring results. Thanks to everyone supporting this campaign.
5D Mark II Features Request
Last update: December 20th.
This is a list of improvements that have been requested since months ago by lot (thousands) of customers around the world. Please check “I Called Canon” and previous posts to see testimonials and procedure.
Some improvements could be more difficult or hard to achieve due “possible” hardware limitations, but others are REALLY easy for Canon.
This Campaign has reached Canon departments in the past for the Manual Control request, and now is reaching them again for improvements that ARE possible to this camera and VERY important for Film makers.
Most (if not all) of these features can be implemented via Firmware Update, and that means: no big costs to Canon at all, “refreshing” this camera and keeping big sales and profit on an already designed and already in-production model (especially important when competition arrives) is a big deal, isn’t it?
Doing so would reflect in: more sales, but also more loyalty to Canon, more credibility, then more long-term profit for the company.
The more customers requesting, the more chances (check Info & Testimonial).
As someone said:
“ If Canon want to maintain customer loyalty people need to know when they purchase a Canon product they are going to be looked after. If I knew Canon would add if possible any features wanted by customers, I’d buy Canon EVERYTIME. ”
LIST of FEATURES REQUEST
▪ Frame Rates as in 7D
29.97 / 25 / 23.976 fps: STANDARD 30/25/24p modes.
▪ 720p mode at 29.97 fps
It will allow LONGER video recording time before reaching the 4GB file size limit.
▪ Improve AF contrast detection algorithm and/or add Focusing Aids
Magic Lantern has done a lot on this, and proven it is extremely useful, even essential. See additional Filmmaking features.
▪ Digital Zoom Video mode
To record on video a smaller area of the sensor as “digital zoom”. Very useful.
▪ 1:1 Crop Sensor Video mode
To record a native 1920×1080 area of the sensor, which extremely minimizes “jello” effect and eliminates aliasing issues/artifacts. This is possible in a similar way how Zoom level x5 and x10 works, but recording on video what you see on screen. This function could be part of the above one.
▪ 720p mode at 59.94 and 50 fps (if hardware possible)
▪ File Spanning function
A new file is automatically created when 4GB is reached without stop recording.
▪ “EDIT” option in playback mode
This would allow Cut and Save part of recorded video clip. It is available on 7D and P&S cameras.
▪ More frames in Bracketing mode
For still photography. Very easy to fix.
▪ Auto ISO in Manual mode
For still photography, improved and with selectable limits.
▪ “REMAP” hot & stuck pixels function
This will save Canon Technical Support LOT of money and time. It is an essential feature. We still don’t understand why it wasn’t already implemented.
▪ Live Histogram for video mode
▪ Remote Start/Stop video recording using cable release (if hardware possible)
▪ Full HD through HDMI output while recording (if hardware possible)
▪ Dropped Frames Bug
FIX. This happens sometimes when changing Aperture AND in normal situations without changing anything
▪ Exposure shift / flashing
FIX. This happens sometimes when zooming
▪ Audio Manual Gain for video recording
Very easy to fix, and essential for acceptable audio recording.
LIST of additional FILMMAKING Features:
Hugely demanded and used (until now only via Magic Lantern)
▪ Control of focus
▪ Peaking, false-color and edge detection on LCD
▪ Focus Assistance
▪ Focus rack
▪ Focus stacking
▪ Zebra stripes (video peaking)
▪ Manual gain control (audio)
▪ On-screen audio meters
… and LOT more features that has already been proven to be possible (and VERY useful) by Magic Lantern Project.
They are helping thousands of users on filmmaking jobs, and Canon could do even a better implementation of them via Firmware update. That would be another BIG BANG to keep big sales on this great camera.
▪ Focus Assistance System / Focus Detection Area
It would tell (in LiveView mode, and in real time if possible) when a specific area of the frame is in focus or not. This feature would be very helpful and very much appreciated by filmmakers.
▪ Magic Lantern’s New Features Request: Check them here, you will get very good and creative ideas on new features.
- We hope Canon consider all these features very seriously to be implemented via Firmware update, because they ARE possible and they ARE VERY IMPORTANT for Film Making jobs (Nikon could do it before indeed…)
The importance of STANDARD frame rates
Until now the 5D Mark II has not even a single frame rate compatible with any other video camera made by Canon, 7D included! That’s why we request “AT LEAST” the standard 29.97 fps.
We hope that Canon is now aware of what this unique camera has started: a revolution in DSLRs, and the huge importance it has for professionals who already adopted it (along with lot of expensive full frame lenses) for serious videography and filmmaking jobs.
INFORMATION & TESTIMONIALS
See by yourself, this is HUGE, you are NOT alone:
- Grass roots Campaign for 5DMk2 Updates
- Have you called Canon today? 1-800-828-4040
- POTN Admin’s RE: I CALLED CANON requesting 5D Mark II Update – Guess what?!
- I just attended the HDExpo in NYC
- I CALLED CANON !
- JACK’S PHOTO BLOG
- FOTOGRAFIA ACTUAL – Usuarios Canon 5D MK-II exigen mejoras
- Petition to Canon Inc.
- OFFICIAL Manual Control release “By Popular Demand”…
- Recent official Canon USA Survey related to video for DSLR
- Canon Press Conference REPORT about 7D, 5D Mark II and Digic 4
CAN I HELP?
Absolutely! You CAN help. Community efforts DO bring results, like in the “Manual Control” request campaign. Just check “I Called Canon” and links above to see some proofs and testimonials.
EVERY effort by every individual or group in the right way is VERY important and valuable, and will benefit all users. That’s the way this works.Peaking, false-color and edge detection on LCDPeaking, false-color and edge detection on LCD▪ Peaking, false-color and edge detection on LCD
About
This is an effort by the Community of Photographers, Videographers and Filmmakers around the world who have invested in Canon equipment and already requested for Manual Control, which Canon released on June 2009 “by Popular Demand“.
This time we are taking another campaign to extend the improvements a bit more, since these features are essential for serious purposes and 5D Mark II still has HUGE potential inside.
Any help in this regard will be very much appreciated. If you want to contact us, please check the Contact page.
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