Firmware Updates for Canon EOS Cinema Cameras

Canon is developing firmware updates for three of its interchangeable-lens Cinema EOS System cameras. Following the release of these upgrades, the Canon EOS C500 (pictured), EOS C300 and EOS C100 will offer support for a new Magnify function that will allow users to check focus in different parts of an image, on the camera LCD, as well as the centre. The EOS C300 will also be upgraded to support an additional range of features designed to assist independent videographers. Push Auto Iris and One Shot AF will provide further versatility on small-crew shoots, offering a quick, easy way to check and adjust exposure and focus prior to recording. The EOS C300 will also gain additional support with 1440x1080 HD video recording at 35Mbps. A further upgrade for the EOS C100 will add support for Continuous AF when used with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens. In addition to these updates, Canon will also add new features to the Cinema Raw Development (CRD) software. The firmware updates for the EOS C500, EOS C300, EOS C100 and CRD software will be available later in 2013.

Canon Press Release

Canon announces firmware updates for EOS C500, EOS C300, EOS C100 and improvements to Cinema RAW Development software

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland,  3 April 2013 – Canon has today announced the development of firmware updates for three of its ground-breaking Cinema EOS System cameras, as well as a selection of new functions for its Cinema RAW Development (CRD) software. The upgrades are the latest to be developed in response to feedback from imaging professionals, demonstrating Canon’s continued commitment to supporting the needs of the professional video community.

Following the release of the upgrades, the EOS C500, EOS C300 and EOS C100 will now offer support for a new Magnify function that will allow users to check focus in different parts of an image, on the camera LCD, as well as the centre. This offers enhanced control and flexibility during shooting.

The EOS C300 will also be upgraded to support an additional range of features designed to assist independent videographers. Push Auto Iris and One Shot AF will provide further versatility on small-crew shoots, offering a quick, easy way to check and adjust exposure and focus prior to recording. The EOS C300 will also gain additional support with 1440x1080 HD video recording at 35Mbps – a broadcast-friendly recording mode employed by many news and broadcast organisations.

To offer greater flexibility for single shooters, a further upgrade for the EOS C100 will add support for Continuous AF when used with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.

Cinema RAW Development software – enhanced with new functionality

As well as updates to Cinema EOS cameras, Canon will also add new features to the Cinema RAW Development software.  This software is supplied with the EOS C500 and is designed to support development, playback, and export of 4K Canon Cinema RAW clips.

The update will add support for the Academy Color Encoding Specification (ACES), providing an Input Device Transform function to allow output of developed Canon Cinema RAW files in an ACES-compliant OpenEXR file format.  ACES has been proposed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a SMPTE colour space standard, intended to define the colour response for input and output devices to achieve an end-to-end pipeline of colour management from filming to editing, grading, distribution and screening.

A new function will also allow users to specify in/out points before developing or copying their RAW footage, streamlining workflow both on-set and during post-production.  Finally, it will be possible to generate a development log, which will list details of files that have been copied or developed using the CRD software for future reference.

The firmware updates for the EOS C500, EOS C300, EOS C100 and CRD software will be available later in 2013.