Canon prepares 1D Mark III firmware update
By
Mike Tomkins
(Friday, July 20, 2007 - 20:40 EDT)
Canon will soon make available for download a new version of firmware for its EOS-1D Mark III digital SLR, says a press release from the company today.
Firmware version 1.0.9 for the Mark III incorporates four main changes. The LCD display has been tweaked just slightly to offer improved sharpness when images are enlarged, and the AI Servo AF mode adjusted so as to reduce the chance that the camera will switch focus to the background when dealing with a low-contrast subject, or one which is only partially covered by the AF frames. A problem where the Main, Quick Control, and Vertical-grip Main control dials could potentially stop responding or provide several clicks worth of change from only a single click turn has also been fixed. One other minor change is a correction of some errors in menu screens when using the camera in Italian or Simplified Chinese languages.
The new firmware is scheduled to be released at the end of July on Canon's website, however in the meantime it is possible to have the update performed on your behalf by sending the camera to a Canon Factory Service Center. Shipping costs for the return delivery would be borne by Canon, with the customer responsible for the shipping cost to Canon.
Full details on how to return your camera for upgrade can be found in the press release below.
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Original Source Press Release:
| EOS-1D Mark III Firmware Update, Version 1.0.9 In order to provide customers with enhanced customer support, Canon has developed a new Version 1.0.9 firmware for the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR camera. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes: - Improves the look of images when enlarged on the LCD monitor. Applies a slightly stronger sharpness setting to the LCD monitor when images are enlarged.
- Improves the consistency of AI Servo AF under certain conditions. Reduces the tendency of the camera to autofocus on high-contrast backgrounds when shooting in conditions where AF detection is difficult, such as when the main subject is not completely covered by the AF frames or if the main subject's contrast is low.
- Provides countermeasures for Main Dial response errors (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main). Fixes a rare response error in the Main Dials in which they either did not respond when rotated or would change several clicks' worth even if only clicked once.
- Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.
Please note that Version 1.0.9 firmware is currently scheduled to be made available for download from the Web at the end of July. It is NOT currently available for download. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, Canon U.S.A. Factory Service Centers in Jamesburg, NJ and Irvine, CA can install the updated firmware as of now. EOS-1D Mark III customers who wish to send their cameras into a Canon Factory Service Center for this upgrade are welcome to do so at their own expense. (Customer pays shipping to the Factory Service Center; Canon installs the firmware update and ships the camera back to the customer at no charge.) On the other hand, if the customer prefers, he or she can wait until version 1.0.9 is available for download at no charge from Canon's web site. If a customer sends his or her camera into the service department now, and firmware is upgraded by the service department, the soon-to-be-available download will not add any additional functionality to the camera -- there will be no need to perform a further firmware update when version 1.0.9 is made available for download on Canon's web site.
U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to [email protected]
This information is for residents of the United States of America and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
We appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products. |
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