Canon EOS-1D C vs EOS-1D X – More Than Just Firmware

Some time ago we reported a news saying that the only difference between the Canon EOS-1D X ($6,799 – click here for specs) and the Canon EOS 1D C ($12,999 – click here for specs) was the firmware and that the two cameras had the same hardware. Exactly the same hardware, and $7000 more to pay for the EOS-1D C and its Cinema features (4k recording). The information we reported (source: EOSHD) came from a Canon Europe product manager

Canon confirmed me today the 1D C 4K DSLR is a 1D X with a firmware update. Identical hardware. […] I also had a impromptu talk to a Canon Europe product manager who was very open and honest about Canon’s approach with this camera

The 1D C is a 1D X with a 4K firmware update. Canon’s man told me that the only hardware change was to do with the flash sync jack (or one of the other jacks if my exact memory fails me). So essentially the 1D X hardware – sensor, processor, everything – is capable of 4K video, 100%, no heat or bandwidth issues either.

But things are not as they appeared. Canon Rumors investigated further and it seems there is more than just firmware that differentiates the EOS-1D C from the EOS-1D X. While it wasn’t possible (so far) to find someone who agreed to open his or hers EOS-1D C and have a look inside, some more information came in about the EOS 1D C internals, saying that, yes, the CPU, the image sensor and the auto-focus system are the same as in the EOS 1D X, but there is «reworked circuitry and design to dissipate heat for the 4K recording». I guess the info came from someone at Canon. Sounds plausible, but does this legitimate the $7000 price difference between the two cameras? We will know for sure as soon as someone will open the camera. It’s a pity that Canon doesn’t release an official statement about this issue.

One of the reasons for the higher price tag of the EOS-1D C are taxes. In Europe, for instance, there are much higher import taxes to pay for the EOS-1D C than for the EOS-1D X. The reason is: the 1D C is classified as a video camera, hence the different tax tarrifs. Have you ever questioned why there is a 29 minutes limit for clips you record with your DSLR? For exactly the same reason. If a camera can record clips longer than 30 minutes it would be classified as a video camera and get a higer price because of the taxes.

Canon EOS-1D X price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

 

Remains Of The Day

 

Deal: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Kit For $2200 (EF 24-105mm, Pro9000 Mark II And More Stuff)

Canon EOS 5D Mark II with EF 24-105mm, Pro9000 Mark II And More Stuff For $2.200

There is a very interesting sale going on at B&H: Get the Canon EOS 5D Mark II kit for $2.200 with EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II printer and more stuff (after additional mail-in rebate of $400). The kit includes:

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera
  • Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens
  • Lowepro Rezo 170 AW Camera Shoulder Bag
  • Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Shutter Release – 2.4GHz (for Canon)
  • Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Inkjet Printer
  • Canon Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss 13 x 19″ (50 Sheets)

The kit is listed with a price tag of $2,599 but there are additional rebates to top on. After the mail-in rebate of $400 the kit comes for $2,199 (click here). The offer lasts until December 31st, but it will probably be over much earlier (limited quantity).

In order to start you off right with professional level equipment, B&H Photo has created this EOS 5D Mark II DSLR with 24-105mm f/4L IS Lens and Pro9000 Mark II Printer Kit which also includes a wireless remote, semi-gloss photo paper, and camera bag to store and carry your gear. The EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera improves upon the previous EOS 5D model with an increased resolution of 21.1MP and the addition of Live View to preview your shots on the 3.0″ 920K-dot LCD display, or shoot Full HD 1080p video with stereo sound. You can also use the included remote to shoot hands-free for self-portraits or vibration sensitive images.

Chris Gampat over at The Phoblographer wrote an interesting post about why he is still sticking with the Mk II.

Three Canon EOS M Kits In Stock At DigitalRev (and Gizmodo EOS M review)

Three different Canon EOS M kits in stock at DigitalRev, all are ready to ship:

  • Canon EOS M with EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM (click here)
  • Canon EOS M with EF-M 22mm f/2 STM (click here)
  • Canon EOS M with EF-M 18-55mm and EF-M 22mm (click here)

The price of the kits depends by your check-out location. To see all of the Canon EOS M kits in stock at DigitalRev click here.

Gizmodo published a very positive review of the Canon EOS M. The small size makes the difference for Gizmodo’s reviewer. It’s true that the Canon EOS M is barley larger than a staple of card, yet featuring an advanced APS-C sensor and lots of functionality and features.

More than a shrunken down DSLR, the magnesium and stainless steel build and smooth lines remind us of Canon’s slick, consumer-minded Powershot cameras like the Canon s100. The EOS M has been stripped of everything that could add any bulk to it and it shows in its size: the camera with kit lens and battery included weighs just 14 ounces. That’s crazy light. Canon basically built a box around an image sensor.

Gizmodo’s conclusion:

We’ve been waiting a long time for a compact interchangeable-lens camera from Canon, and from the looks of it the Canon EOS M is a winner. Some of the traditional questions about mirrorless cameras remain, though. Will the camera be practical and easy enough for regular consumers who want a more powerful camera? Is the camera powerful enough for someone who’s used to a DSLR? At $800 with the 22mm lens, it’s not the cheapest camera of its kind out there, but it’s mighty reasonable considering others can cost upwards of $1000. We’ll know for sure how good a deal it is when the Canon EOS M is available in October.

New Canon EOS-1D X Firmware Released (center cross-type AF at f/8, and more)

New Canon EOS-1D X Firmware Released

A new Canon EOS-1D X firmware (rel. 1.1.1) has been released. Among the fixes and new features, two stand out and one of them answers a diffuse user complaint:

  • Center auto-focus is cross-type down to f/8 (was f/5.6 with previous firmware)
  • AF points are now shown in red when in AI servo mode

The firmware and an updated manual can be downloaded (click here) from the EOS-1D X page. The product advisory:

Details
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with lens/extender
combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8 (f/5.6 without the firmware
update).
* Please see the “Lenses and Usable AF points” section of the revised instruction manual
for more details on the lens & camera combinations.
2. Displays the viewfinder information (such as the AF frames, grid, etc.) in red during
autofocusing in AI Servo AF.
* When shooting in dark environments during AI Servo AF, the AF points can be easily
confirmed.
* During AI Servo AF, the viewfinder will be lit intermittently, not continuously.
3. Corrects a phenomenon in which the metering value of the AE sensor becomes incorrect and the captured images become pitch-black depending on the timing of lens attachment and/or detachment.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which Err 70 may occur during AEB shooting.
5. Corrects errors in the Arabic menu.
6. Fixes a phenomenon in which the firmware of the lenses cannot be updated normally.

Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.6. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. The firmware update takes approximately seven minutes.

When updating the firmware of your camera, please first go over the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware.

The instruction manual has been revised consistent with the changes outlined in items 1 and 2 listed above. Users are asked to download both the latest firmware and the instruction manual from our Web site.

Canon EOS-1D X price and availability check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA [via Canon USA]