Canon has announced that a new firmware update, Version 2.0.3, for the EOS-1D X DSLR is now available as a free download – it includes a number of key enhancements to the camera’s AF, exposure and customisable options.
As part of Canon’s ongoing close relationship with professional photographers, feedback is always taken very seriously and this latest firmware upgrade further boosts the EOS-1D X’s capabilities, coming in time for photographers to take full advantage at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, from 7-23 February 2014. The features provided by firmware Version 2.0.3 are designed for more efficient automation that takes the task of changing settings away from the ‘heat of the moment’ and enables photographers to concentrate on creativity and more efficient operation.
EOS-1D X firmware version 2.0.3
Firmware Version 2.0.3 for the EOS-1D X includes the following key functional enhancements and improvements:
The EOS-1D X’s AF performance in low-light has been improved thanks to a new setting in AI Servo 2nd image priority.
1. Improvement of AF accuracy in low-light with AI Servo
The new firmware further refines the AF sequence in order to improve autofocus performance in low-light conditions. The AI Servo focusing algorithm has been improved to allow more time for light sampling during AF activation prior to shutter release, enhancing AF performance in low-light situations. This is due to the initial AF control being based on the new ‘+2 focus priority’ setting in AI Servo 2nd image priority, which has better measurement capabilities under low-light conditions. Upon full depression of the shutter button, settings from AI Servo 1st image priority take over and then settings from AI Servo 2nd image priority are applied on any subsequent images in the burst. This increases AF performance in low-light, while ensuring the probability that the first image in a burst sequence will be as sharp as possible.
Firmware 2.0.3 has added additional parameters for acceleration/deceleration tracking in AI Servo AF.
2. Expanded AF parameters
To improve tracking performance, additional parameters for acceleration/deceleration tracking in AI Servo AF have been added to provide photographers with more precise control when photographing rapidly moving subjects that may quickly or suddenly accelerate or decelerate.
In response to feedback from professional photographers, two new settings have been added to handle slower changes in speed compared to the previous firmware. Currently, the AF parameters are 0 / +1 / +2. The new firmware enables the parameters to be increased to -2 / -1 / 0 / +1 / +2. This is a feature that sports and wildlife photographers in particular will find useful, when shooting over a long distance or where obstacles such as football players cut across in front of the main subject during tracking.
Exposure Compensation can now be used with Auto ISO in manual exposure to adjust exposure in challenging lighting conditions.
3. Improvement in exposure control
A new feature utilises the EOS-1D X’s wide ISO range. The new firmware enables greater exposure control when using Auto ISO. Photographers can set aperture and shutter speeds as desired and still achieve the correct exposure when the light conditions change, whilst retaining creative control.
In response to user feedback, Canon has increased the minimum shutter speed option of Auto ISO to enable photographers to freeze moving subjects by now being able to select a minimum shutter speed as high as 1/8000th of a second before the ISO is increased. Exposure Compensation can now be used with Auto ISO in manual exposure to adjust the exposure for challenging lighting conditions (e.g. a very dark or very bright background). This new function can be activated through the exposure compensation option on the Quick Control Dial or by using the Main Dial while pressing the SET button.
With new customisable options offered by firmware 2.0.3, photographers can reconfigure their EOS-1D X camera quickly, while keeping their eye on the viewfinder to maintain concentration.
4. Increased customisable options
Faster control of the EOS-1D X is the goal of firmware Version 2.0.3 by increasing the number of customisable features. It is now possible to assign the ‘One Shot/AI Servo’ setting to M-Fn button 2, for example. This new customisation enables a combination of selectable settings to be assigned to the AE Lock and AF-ON buttons via Custom Controls including: Currently selected AF point vs. pre-registered AF point, AI Servo AF configuration sets (Case 1 through Case 6), One-Shot AF vs. AI Servo AF and Currently selected drive mode vs. 14fps Super High Speed drive mode.
With these new options, photographers can reconfigure their EOS-1D X camera ‘on the fly’, while keeping their eye on the viewfinder to maintain concentration. For example, the camera could be set up for One-Shot AF and single shot drive mode on the shutter button, AI Servo AF in Case 1 with high-speed continuous drive mode on the AE Lock button, and AI Servo AF in Case 4 with super-high-speed 14fps continuous drive mode on the AF-ON button.
- Please note: Firmware Version 2.0.3 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.2.4 or earlier. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 2.0.3 it is not necessary to update the firmware. To find out more about all aspects of the firmware, and to download it, please click here for EOS-1D X Product Support. Please read all of the instructions before downloading the firmware.
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