Canon C300 Firmware Update Released (ver. 2.1.3.1.00)

C300 Firmware
Canon EOS C300 (alongside EF Cinema Lenses)

Canon released a new firmware for the C300:

Firmware Version 2.1.3.1.00 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:
1. Supports exFAT file system of CF cards over 128 GB, which decreases the waiting time required for accessing the card before being able to record footage.
2. Simplifies the process when fine-tuning the preset White Balance values.

Note:
Firmware Version 2.1.3.1.00 is only for EOS C300 cameras with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade applied. If the EOS C300 camera does not have Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade applied, please download Firmware Version 1.1.3.1.00.

Firmware Version 2.1.3.1.00 is for Cinema EOS C300 cameras running firmware version 2.1.2.1.00. If the camera’s firmware is already version 2.1.3.1.00, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Once the camera is updated to the latest firmware version, it cannot be restored to a previous version.

Download the firmware here.

Canon Announces Special Kits for C100 and C300 Cinema Cameras

C100
Canon C100 kit

Both the Canon C100 and C300 Cinema Cameras got the Dual Pixel AF update earlier this year. Now Canon offers both cameras in special kits.

The C100 kit includes the camera body, 24-105mm f/4L lens, and an Atomos Ninja 2 external monitor/recorder to take advantage of the camera’s uncompressed 1080p 8-bit 4:2:2 HDMI output. The Ninja 2 then gives you the option of recording that signal in 10-bit Apple ProRes LT, 422, or HQ codecs to an included 240GB SanDisk Extreme SSD. An HDMI cable and an articulating arm for attaching the Ninja 2 to the C100 round out the kit.

The C300 EF-mount kit is designed to provide a complete shoulder-mounted shooting solution by outfitting the camera with Zacuto accessories. The first accessory is the C300/500 Helmet and Coldshoe Handle Kit, which screws into the top of the camera and provides additional threaded accessory holes and a wooden top handle. The next accessory is Zacuto’s Z-Finder for the C300/500, which slides over the camera’s LCD screen, turning it into an electronic viewfinder. To better position the monitor for shoulder-mounted use, the Z-Finder comes with a mounting kit for attaching to the Helmet. To place the camera on your shoulder, Zacuto’s VCT Universal Baseplate is provided, featuring a cushioned shoulder pad and 15mm rods to support additional accessories. Completing the kit is a Grip Relocator, which lets you mount the C300’s grip on the baseplate’s 15mm rods for comfortable handling and camera control.

MAINcinemeos300
Canon C300 kit

Savings On Canon Professional Video Gear (C100, C300, EOS-1D C)

Canon Professional Video Gear
Canon EOS C100

After the new prices for many Canon lenses, there are also instant discounts on Canon’s professional video equipment. You can save from $500 (EOS C100) to $2,000 (EOS-1D C). Adorama has the following offers online:

  • $500 instant rebate on Canon EOS C100 Cinema Camcorder Body and Kits – click here
  • $2,000 instant rebate on Canon EOS-1D C – on sale for $9,999
  • $2,000 off on Canon EOS C300 Cinema EOS Camcorder with EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens and Dual Pixel CMOS AF Feature Upgrade – new price is $13,799

Canon EOS C300 Gets Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus Upgrade

Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus

The amazing Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus technology Canon first implemented on the EOS 70D is now available on the Canon EOS C300.

Canon press release:

Available soon from Canon will be an accredited Canon service center installed feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Digital Video Camera that will offer an autofocus mode to help ensure sharp focus and smooth focus transitions. The upgrade provides a new Continuous AF (Autofocus) Function for all Canon EF autofocus Lenses, using Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. A new AF Lock setting also lets you change the image framing while holding the desired focus. These critical focusing capabilities are designed to help reduce out of focus video while providing for smooth focus transitions and assist users when operating with small crews.

The accredited Canon service center installed feature upgrade for the EOS C300 camera is targeted at users who regularly shoot with smaller crews, who shoot moving subjects, or who want smoother, more natural-looking autofocus. Specific markets include documentary filmmakers, electronic news gathering, sports productions, weddings and similar special events, nature and wildlife, and many others.

To use and enjoy this milestone technology by Canon you don’t have to break your bank and get a $14,000 C300, it’s already available on the prosumer-oriented Canon EOS 70D. I am using the EOS 70D everyday while on the road in India (together with the awesome Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM). I am working on a review while abroad, first samples shot with the EOS 70D and the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 can be seen here.

Dual Pixel CMOS Auto-Focus
Canon EOS C300

Canon EOS C100 Dual Pixel Auto-Focus Real World Test

It is not since long that the Dual-Pixel CMOS AF unblocking firmware update for the C100 (Adorama | B&H) and C300 (B&H | Adorama) is available to the public, and Newsshooter reader Frank Redward already tested this feature and made a video about it.

Some excerpts:

The AF speed is so quick it puts the Panasonic GH2 and GH3 to shame.

I expected single-shot AF to work well. What I didn’t expect was that tracking focus is now quite possible and reliable. When subjects move past the camera you can maintain focus. Focus can also be held while zooming with lenses that are not Parfocal. This makes the whole experience of using stills zooms more similar to an ENG lens – all through the wonders of DUAL Pixel CMOS AF. DSLR lenses were never designed to work like this but it works because the Dual Pixel CMOS AF is just so fast.

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF is fantastic and works for me. It’s not 100% perfect but compared to what else is around it is amazing. It turns the C100 into a powerful real world shooting work horse. As an operator it adds a level of security and speed that’s very reassuring.

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology was first featured on the EOS 70D(price & specs). For some good 70D deals see here.

[via newsshooter]

 EOS C100 Dual Pixel

Canon Announces New Firmware for Cinema Cameras and Camcorders (and C300 gets Dual Pixel AF)

Firmware for Cinema Cameras
Canon EOS C300

Canon press release:

Canon Announces New Firmware Updates for Cinema Cameras and Camcorders Along with Optional Cinema EOS C300 Camera Dual Pixel AF Upgrade

Announcements Include a New Canon RC-V100 Remote Control and Firmware Updates for Peripheral Illumination Correction Support and Continuous Recording for EOS C100 Video Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 24, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced a variety of performance updates for cameras in its Cinema EOS and XF professional camcorder line. Announced today is a new optional feature upgrade for the EOS C300 Cinema camera which will support Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus (AF) technology and enable continuous autofocusing with the entire line of Canon EF lenses and optimized for Canon’s stepping motor (STM) line of lenses when used with the EOS C300 camera. This optional feature upgrade is expected to be available in May 2014 for a cost of $500.00 and will require the EOS C300 camera body to be shipped to an authorized Canon service center for installation.

In addition to the optional feature upgrade for the EOS C300 camera, Canon has also announced the new RC-V100 remote control for Cinema EOS cameras and the XF Series professional HD camcorders; a firmware update that allows for Peripheral Illumination Correction when using the Canon CN-E35mm T1.5 L F Cinema prime lens or the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM telephoto zoom lens with the EOS C500, EOS C300, or EOS C100 cameras and a Continuous Recording function for the EOS C100 Digital Video Camera to help ensure capture of crucial shots in unpredictable situations, such as wedding/event videography, documentary, news, or wildlife production.

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