Professional Digital Video Firmware Update

Canon today announced new free-of-charge firmware1 updates for six professional-model Canon imaging devices. The new firmware updates target two cameras in Canon’s Cinema EOS System digital cinematography product lineup — the EOS C300 Mark II and the EOS C100 Mark II — along with the XC10, XF305 and XF300 professional camcorders and the ME20F-SH multi-purpose camera. In response to the sophisticated needs of users, the updates maximize the performance potential of each model, including support for Dual Pixel CMOS AF in EF Cinema lenses and support for wide-dynamic-range Canon Log 3, Canon’s proprietary log gamma. The first of the updates2 is to be made available in June 2016. 

Increased functionality with equipped EF Cinema lenses (for EOS C300 Mark II, EOS C100 Mark II)
Supporting smooth auto-focus operation, the new firmware updates will enable the two Cinema EOS System cameras to realise Dual Pixel CMOS AF and high-performance focus-tracking during movie capture not only when outfitted with conventional EF lenses, but also when paired with the new CN7x17 KAS S/E13 and CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S EF4 Cinema Lenses. Additionally, the updates will enable a Dual Pixel Focus Guide5, which provides highly efficient focus matching support and displays whether the focus is in front of or behind the subject when using manual focus, with Cinema Prime Lenses as well as the two new lenses.  

Canon Log 3 support (for EOS C300 Mark II) 
In addition to its earlier Canon Log 2 and Canon Log, the new firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark II will enable support for Canon Log 3. Canon Log 3 achieves colour characteristics approaching those of the HDTV ITU-R BT.709 colour gamut and realizes a 1600% wide dynamic range while retaining all the advantages of the user-friendly Canon Log. Users can choose the most appropriate log gamma for their production needs at any given time. 

Increased AF speed and MP4 support (for XC10) 
The new firmware update will enable the XC10 to achieve approximately double its current maximum AF speed. Also, in addition to the current MXF format, the new update will add the option to record in the versatile low-data-volume MP4 format. 

Three new image quality modes (for XF305 and XF300) 
The new firmware update will add three new image quality modes to the XF305 and XF300: Wide DR, which expands dynamic range from the cameras’ existing 300% to 600%; SN Priority, which suppresses noise; and Highlight Priority, which produces images with enhanced sharpness, colour reproduction and mid-to-high range brightness gradation for natural-looking video expression. 

Increased digital zoom, aspect ratio functionality, recording-data display control (for ME20F-SH) 
The new firmware update will enable the option of turning off recording parameter data, which is displayed on screen, when using a remote control or external recorder. In addition to the camera’s 2x and 4x digital zoom, the update will add a new 3x magnification ratio. Aspect Markers that display aspect ratio will also be enabled. Users will be able to choose from 4:3, 4:3 S35 mm, 2.39:1, 1.66:1 and 1.85:1 ratios.

1. Firmware is a type of software used to control camera hardware functions. 
2. Update availability and targeted functions vary depending on camera model. For more information, please visit the canon.jp professional imaging products page (Japanese language only). 
3. The CN7x17 KAS S/E1 lenses also require a firmware update. 
4. The CN-E18-80mm T4.4 L IS KAS S will go on sale in Japan in late October 2016. 
5. EOS C300 Mark II only.