Firmware Friday: New features for Canon Cinema EOS C300 II, C700-series; Sigma updates Optimization Pro

 

 

For the second week running, our Firmware Friday roundup is a relatively brief affair, with little news to report other than for Canon's Cinema EOS video camera lineup, and Sigma's Optimization Pro software package. In all, there are updates for six Cinema EOS camera models in the C300 II and C700-series, while Sigma's software update will be of most utility to those shooting its 70-200mm f/2.8 Sports lens, and those using the current version of Apple's MacOS.

Let's get right down to the nitty gritty!

Canon Cinema EOS C300 II, C300 II PL, C700, C700 PL, C700 GS PL and C700FF

We'll start things off this week with Canon, and its updates for six models from its Cinema EOS movie camera lineup. The EOS C300 II and C300 II PL are now compatible with firmware version 1.1.2.1.00 (downoad here), while the C700 and C700 PL gain firmware version 1.0.7.1.00 (download here). The C700 GS PL is updated to version 1.0.5.1.00 (download here), and the C700FF to firmware version 1.0.1.1.00 (download here). All but the C700FF gain peripheral illumination correction support for the CN-E20mm T1.5 L F and EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lenses, and add a Reset function for the clip number when the reel number is set.

All but the C300-series models also receive new support for the CJ24e×7.5B IASE S, CJ18e×7.6B IRSE S / IASE S and CJ14e×4.3B IRSE S / IASE S EFP lenses, as well as peripheral illumination correction for the CJ45e×9.7B IASE-V H and CJ45e×13.6B IASE-V H lenses. And all of the C700-series cameras also gain support for the ITU-R BT.2100 standard and ITU-R BT.2408 report functions for the SDI OUT, HDMI OUT and video terminals, and get a fix for signal output issues using the HDR-HLG lookup table and BT.2020 color space.

In addition to these changes, the C700, C700 PL and C700 GS PL also gain three new sets of customizable My Menu functions, and a new 4x magnification mode as well. Other changes are specific to the individual models as follows, and include:

• Canon Cinema EOS C300 II and C300 II PL

  • Fixes a phenomenon in which joy stick operation does not reverse in Mirror mode for the LM-V1.

  • Fixes a phenomenon in which a green image may display when using OLED Viewfinder EVF-V70.

  • Optimizes the [Black Gamma] compensation when [Normal 1] to [Normal 4] is set for [Gamma] in the Custom Picture settings.

  • Optimizes color accuracy in areas of high brightness when [Normal 1] to [Normal 4] is set for [Gamma] in the Custom Picture settings

• Canon Cinema EOS C700FF

  • Support for Double slot recording in Full Frame sensor mode has been added for the following settings.

    • XF-AVC 59.94P/50P

    • ProRes 59.94P/50P

Sigma Optimization Pro

That just leaves one piece of software to discuss: Sigma's Optimization Pro version 1.5 update for both Mac and Windows computers. Both platforms gain a new "AF function button" setting in the customization menu, which can be used to repurpose the AF function button of the 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports lens. Mac users also get compatibility with MacOS 10.14 Mojave, and a correction for a traditional Chinese-language display error. Download the latest version for your platform of choice here.

And that's all for this week. Be sure to check back next time for more firmware and software update news!

(Camera parts image courtesy of Kelly Hofer / Flickr; used under a Creative Commons CC-BY-2.0 license. Image has been modified from the original.)