Canon Firmware Updates for the EOS R5 C, EOS C70, C500 Mark II, and C300 Mark III Announced

Firmware Update

by Jeff LochApril 4^th, 2023

Canon has several firmware updates for its Cinema lineup of cameras, including the EOS R5 C, EOS C70, EOS C300 Mark III, and EOS C500 Mark II. While these firmware updates are not significant, all cameras will benefit from Auto Focus improvements and more lens support. Also, the EOS R5 C will now be faster when switching time between photo and video mode. So let’s take a closer look at all these updates!

On the heels of the Canon S35 Flex Zoom announcement – that consists of the CN-E14-35mm T1.7 L S / SP and the CN-E31.5-95mm T1.7 L S / SP – the company is already back with many firmware updates for nearly all its cinema cameras.

Firmware update for the Canon EOS R5 C

Let’s start with the camera that recently got Netflix approved and is getting the more significant updates of the bunch, the Canon EOS R5 C. Here is the entire list of added and improved features:

• Improved AF performance when Face Detection AF is enabled, adding the ability to select a face with an RF Lens’ Control Ring or the camera’s Control Dial. Improved Head Detection allows the EOS R5 C to detect a subject’s head, even when the subject is looking backward. The AF frame also changes size based on the subject detected during tracking. This update is also available for the EOS C70 camera.
• Power Save Mode improvements extend recording time by approximately 30% in 4K/60p.
• Enhanced Clear Scan in Shutter Mode menu reduces potential flicker during LED wall usage.
• For usage with Canon’s Dual Fisheye Lens, the ability to switch from left to right lens during VR recording when using Magnify and enabled 2x magnification when recording in 8K.
• Reduced switching time between photo and video mode – approximately 40% faster from Photo to Video and 70% faster from Video to Photo.

The improved AF performance, also coming to the EOS C70, sounds exciting and will come in handy in complex shooting situations. Also, it’s nice that Canon reduced the EOS R5 C switching time between photo and video mode and vice versa. Indeed, waiting in front of the camera for what sounded like ages was sometimes annoying.

Now let’s look at what Canon has for its “full-size” Cinema Cameras.

Firmware updates for the Canon EOS C70, C300 Mark III, and C500 Mark II

The firmware updates for the Canon EOS C70, C300 Mark III, and C500 Mark II are minor, but always welcome anyway:

• The EOS C70 camera will support added lenses expanding to CINE-SERVO 15-120mm lens and the newly launched Flex Zoom 14-35mm. Another firmware update in October should also make it compatible with the Flex Zoom 31.5-95mm.
• The EOS C500 Mark II/EOS C300 Mark III cameras will support the Flex Zoom 20-50mm lens.
• Enhanced Clear Scan Shutter Mode for all cameras reduces potential flicker during LED wall usage.
• Also, for all cameras: the ability to change the on-screen Waveform Monitor’s size (x2) and opacity by touch or through the camera’s menu.

I sometimes find the Waveform small on the EOS C70 built-in screen, so giving users more options is always much welcomed.

Availability

All these firmware updates will be free of charge and available soon on Canon’s website

What do you think about these Canon firmware updates? What feature are you still missing from the Canon Cinema lineup of cameras? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!