Canon Unveils New Firmware For EOS 5D Mark III

Canon has unveiled a new firmware upgrade for the EOS 5D MK III DSLR.

The firmware upgrade will improve both video workflow efficiency and still shooting. The new firmware enables HDMI output functionality, ideal for professional videographers, as well as improved AF performance for photographers shooting with telephoto lenses.

Following feedback from cinema and TV production professionals, the new firmware includes ‘clean’ HDMI output, enhancing overall video editing and monitoring procedures. Videographers will be able to output high-definition uncompressed video data (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) without any embedded icons or symbols, from the EOS 5D Mark III to an external recorder using the camera’s HDMI terminal. The new functionality will enable easier editing of data with minimal image degradation for greater on-site workflow efficiency during production, as well as the option to record to the internal memory card at the same time.

When using a lens and extender, resulting in a maximum f/8 aperture, the new firmware enables the camera to utilise the EOS 5D Mark III’s central dual cross-type focal points, currently only available up to an f/5.6 aperture.

The free firmware upgrade will be available from April 2013, from the Canon Software Europe website.