Canon C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II Firmware Updates Now Available

Firmware Update

by Olaf von VossAugust 2^nd, 2021

This is a quick note for Canon C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II owners or regular users: Canon has just released firmware 1.0.1.1 for the C300 Mark III and version 1.0.3.1 for the C500 Mark II. Let’s take a look at what’s new!

Canon isn’t exactly known for regularly releasing firmware updates for its higher-end cameras, so it’s always nice to see one. This time, the company has released two firmware updates at once: one for the C300 Mark III (s35 sensor) and one for the C500 Mark II (full-frame sensor).

Both cameras, while no longer brand new, are still frontrunners in their respective lines of S35 and full-frame Canon cinema cameras. And they are especially popular amongst documentary filmmakers. You can check out our lab tests on both cameras here (C300 Mark III) and here (C500 Mark II).

C300 Mark III and C500 Mark II firmware updates

Version 1.0.1.1 for the C300 Mark III sports the following enhancements:

• Adds [XC Protocol].
• Adds [1.8x] to the Anamorphic De-squeeze setting.
• Add 2048×1080/1920×1080 option to the 12G-SDI output when recording resolution is 4K or 5.9K RAW
• Adds MON.OUT and HDMI Simultaneous output option. (1920×1080p/i)
• Adds Look File function(3D LUT file .cube)
• Adds ITU-R.BT.709 standard compliant Gamma [BT.709 Standard / BT.709] the to the Custom Picture.
• Adds Power Saving Mode. (by restricting some functions)
• Adds [2x] option to the Magnification.
• Adds [Mask 100%] to the [Aspect Marker]
• Adds the ability to update the MON.OUT/HDMI output from 59.94P to 29.97P (or 23.98P) has been added.
• Adds the option for ‘same file name’ simultaneous recording in XF-AVC or Cinema RAW Light.
• Adds “B&W during Magn.” as an option to the Assistance Function menu.
• Modifies the default value of the assign button from “Magnification: Video terminal” to “Magnification.”
• Improvement in retaining recording settings when switching sensor modes
• Clips can now be played by operating the joystick.
• Adds Ukrainian language to the Language.

The firmware update version 1.0.3.1 for the C500 Mark II follows suit and offers these improvements:

• Adds [XC Protocol].
• Adds Anamorphic resolution options of 4192×3140(4:3)and 3768×3140(6:5)when Sensor Mode is Full Frame, when RAW format is selected.
• Adds [1.8x] to the Anamorphic De-squeeze setting.
• Add 2048×1080/1920×1080 option to the 12G-SDI output when recording resolution is 4K or 5.9K RAW
• Adds MON.OUT and HDMI Simultaneous output option. (1920×1080p/i)
• Adds Look File function(3D LUT file .cube)
• Adds ITU-R.BT.709 standard compliant Gamma [BT.709 Standard / BT.709] the to the Custom Picture.
• Adds Power Saving Mode. (by restricting some functions)
• Adds [2x] option to the Magnification.
• Adds [Mask 100%] to the [Aspect Marker].
• Improvement in retaining recording settings when switching sensor modes.
• Clips can now be played by operating the joystick.
• Adds Ukrainian language to the Language.

Availability

Both updates can be downloaded free of charge. In case of the C300 Mark III please use this link, for the C500 Mark II this link is the one to choose. Both firmware updates are available for Mac OS and Microsoft Windows.

Since firmware updates are usually quite complex, you should follow Canon’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and error-free update.

Links: C300 III | C500 II

Are you a regular user of one of these cameras? What do you think? Is this upgrade worth a closer look? What other features you would like to see? Let us know in the comments section!