Mark III Firmware

[Falconer]

Looks like in other forums they are talking about a new firmware 1.0.9 that fixes a couple of things that have been discussed in this forum.. 1.) A fix for the LCD when reviewing pics and 2.) Changes to the AF system. I guess this is good news. The only bad news is that it seems this firmware is shipping with new camera's and won't be available to the first batches of Mark III's until the end of July.

[Roland Meier]

This seems to summarise the state of affairs

a) firmware 1.0.9 is now factory-installed for all new Mk3 production units

b) for all cameras turned into Canon for service (and independent of the problem), the firmware is upgraded to 1.0.9 to match the currently shipping products

c) the firmware will be made available for download at the end of the month unless further problems are encountered

d) between now and then it will be possible to make an individual appointment with the major Canon Service Centers for a firmware upgrade; there are credible reports about having this done in an afternoon.

About the fixes implemented in the firmware (this is apparently from a leaflet handed out by Canon to explain what has been changed; can't vouch for it being a genuine Canon document myself):

"EOS-1D Mark III Firmware Update, Version 1.0.9

Dear Canon Customer;

We have updated the firmware in your camera to the latest version (Version 1.0.9).
This firmware update incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens,

Please note that this Version 1.0.9 firmware will be made available for download
from the Web at the end of July. Howeve4 you will not need to take any action as
your camera has already been updated.

Thank you for your understanding."

Next to the more widely reported AI autofocus and LCD screen sharpness issues, I can't remember problem no 2 having been mentioned before.

Regards

Roland

[Roland Meier]

The firmware (1.1.0) can be downloaded from here:

It incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

• Improves the look of images when played back on the LCD monitor.
• Fixes a problem in the operation of the dials (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main).
• Reduces the tendency to autofocus on the background instead of the main subject when shooting in AI Servo AF under certain conditions.
• Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.
• Fixes a rare phenomenon in which the camera cannot start normally when the battery is inserted. (Version 1.0.9 only)

[AKPhotos]

Today I talked to the local Pro Rep for So Cal. Very interesting conversation. It seems Canon cant reproduce the Auto focusing errors that some gripe about so much. He mentioned the new firmware and it had some updates for the auto focus. He also mentioned if you are having a problem do not speed up the AF in the camera, slow it down as whats happening (or was on the Mark II) was it would focus on a runners hand and then it would be out of focus as the hand then moved front and back.... Going to try that with some baseball shoots this weekend and see.

[Terry Norris]

I updated the firmware last night about 11:30 so I haven't got a chance to try out the camera but the update went well. I wasn't having problems with the camera but believe in keeping the firmware up to date anyway. I think a lot of the problems reported on the internet were user error and people looking for trouble. Terry

[BarryRoden]

I agree Terry........ I love mine, and did my firmware upgrade, but have not tested it... but did not seem to have any problems to begin with.. I like the sharper images on the screen thing.. I did tend to find it kinda soft on the camera screen but on the computer it was fine...

have taken about 1500 ( not sports) with the pupy and it is realy cool to handle... I wish the joystick button thing would work like my 30d where it is active to select any focus point..

[Terry Zorich]

I got my 1DM3 on 8/3, and it had the 1.0.9 firmware already installed...but I see that 1.1.0 (with a battery/power-on fix) was announced a few days ago.

Right off the top, my first three thoughts about the camera were as follows:
- Wow! It's noticeably lighter than my 1DM2.
- Geez! Look how big the LCD screen is!
- When am I going to find time to re-learn how to make settings changes? No more press-n-hold? (And just as I had gotten over that annoyance...)

I've only shot about a dozen frames, but it seems perfect thus far.