Canon 5D Mark III gets uncompressed HDMI, improved AF performance

 

 

The movie and TV guys convinced Canon they need uncompressed HMDI output so Canon released a firmware update to the 5D Mark III that does just that. Canon said it makes for "more efficient video editing and monitoring procedures."

But the firmware update has a benefit for still photographers, too, with improved autofocus performance.

Uncompressed HMDI output record high-def uncompressed video data as 8-bit YCbCr 4:2:2 from the camera to an external recorder via the camera's HDMI port. There's consequently less image degradation when editing the video, which makes for a more efficient onsite workflow for movie and television production. That video can, for example, be displayed during capture on an external monitor for real-time onsite monitoring of the high-def shoot.

With the improvement in autofocus function, the 5D Mark II now supports autofocus with central cross-type points beyond f/5.6 to f/8 even with a lens extender. That means sports and nature shooters can tap into AF to follow distant subjects when using their telephoto lenses.

Just one catch. The firmware update is free but it won't be available until April 2013.