Canon EOS R6 Firmware Update Adds Log 3 & Simultaneous Video Recording

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaJuly 9^th, 2021

Canon just released firmware v1.4.0 for the EOS R6. Along with compatibility improvements and bug fixes, the new firmware adds Canon Log 3 as well as simultaneous video recording on both memory cards. This update is now available for free download.

First announced in July 2020, the Canon EOS R6 turned out to be a challenging camera to shoot videos with. Subject to severe overheating problems and recording time limitations, the R6 also exhibits the worst rolling shutter and dynamic range of any full-frame camera we have ever tested at CineD. You can check out our full lab test here.

Nonetheless, Canon is trying to make it more popular by adding new features and fixing problems via firmware updates.

Canon R6: Canon Log 3

Canon Log 3 was already added to the EOS R5 back in March. Now it’s the R6’s turn.

The camera already has Canon Log 1 on board. Originally designed for the C300, this gamma curve is optimized for 8-bit encoding. However, the Canon R6 features both 4:2:0 8-bit and 4:2:2 10-bit recording options, so a more suitable curve for 10-bit encoding doesn’t hurt.

In fact, Canon Log 3 is designed with 10-bit recording in mind and it should be a better match for the Canon EOS R6 sensor, so we are curious to test it out.

Canon Log 2, which is the most aggressive Canon curve, is probably too much for this camera considering the performance of the Canon R6’s sensor.

Having an extra Gamma curve option is great, but always keep in mind that shooting log isn’t always the best solution. Log curves are helpful for handling high dynamic range scenes, but they can be counterproductive in low light situations and studio environments.

Canon R6: simultaneous recording

The Canon R6 features a dual SD card slot. This firmware unlocks the ability to simultaneously shoot videos on both cards. Having a backup in-camera is an extremely important first step towards a correct backup strategy.

Canon R6: further improvements

According to Canon, this firmware should also improve operation stability when pairing the camera with the RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF600mm F4 L IS USM lenses.

Moreover, the camera was affected by an issue that would prevent image stabilization to start working immediately and efficiently right after pressing the recording button. This problem should now be fixed as well.

Another bug involving an undesired zebra pattern displaying when connecting the camera via HDMI has also been resolved.

Availability and download

Firmware v1.4.0 for the Canon EOS R6 is already available. You can download it for free from the Canon website.

Are you a Canon EOS R6 user? How was your experience shooting Canon Log 1 with this camera? Are you planing on trying out the Canon Log 3? Let us know how it goes in the comments below.