Canon C300
In September 2013, Canon announced several big updates for the C300, including the ability to crank the camera to 80,000 ISO, a new Wide Dynamic Range mode, Push Auto Focus, and an improved magnification function. Most of these updates were released in November, followed by some smaller ones in December 2013. You can download the current firmware version 1.1.1.1.00 by visiting Canon's site.
Earlier this week, Canon announced the next major update to the camera, which is the inclusion of the Dual Pixel Autofocus function. This enables continuous autofocus on the C300, a much requested feature. Once this functionality is available in May 2014, users will have to send their cameras in to an authorized Canon Camera Service Center for installation.
Canon C500
Back in September, Canon also revealed several major updates for the C500, including DCI-P3+ and Canon Cinema Gamut modes, ACES output, additional LUTs, and expanded high-speed options. The C500 also gained the 80,000 ISO mode, Wide Dynamic Range gamma option (for video), and improved magnification function that were added to the C300. Released in December 2013, the current firmware version is 1.0.4.1.00, which can be downloaded from Canon's site.
Canon C100
The inclusion of Dual Pixel Autofocus for the C100 was announced by Canon in November 2013. This function enables continuous autofocus with a variety of lenses, as well as an AF lock that allows the user to keep the desired focus point and easily change the image framing. Dual Pixel AF is now available as a paid, $500 service by Canon.
Recently, Canon released new firmware, which enables a number of additional features. These include the 80,000 ISO mode found in the C300 & C500, a continuous record mode (flipping between the two SDHC card slots), menu navigation via the playback controls, and improved magnification options. Visit Canon's site to download the current firmware version 1.0.3.1.00.
Canon Remote RC-V100
Canon also just announced a remote paint box for the C500, C300, and C100 cinema cameras, as well as their XF305/300 professional camcorders. The RC-V100 connects directly to the LANC port on these cameras and allows for remote control of white balance, shutter, iris, and many other functions. It will be available in June 2014 and is supported in the latest firmware of all the cameras mentioned above.
Below is a chart that shows when each camera is expected to receive the newest updates:
C500 | C300 | C100 | XF305 | XF300 | |
Dual Pixel CMOS AF | May 2014 | (already available) | |||
Support for RC-V100 Remote Control | June 2014 | June 2014 | June 2014 | June 2014 | June 2014 |
Continuous Recording | Feb 2014 |
For more information on the specific features available for each of the EOS Cameras, visit Canon's dedicated site: Cinema EOS Firmware / Factory Updates