Here Is How To Downgrade Firmware On A Canon Camera (if you have to)

Canon Eos R6 Review

There might be some rare cases forcing you to rollback to an older firmware version on your Canon camera. Here is a quick and dirty trick to do it.

This is not a method endorsed by Canon. It just works and might well not work in the future. You have been warned, proceed at your own discretion.

The video below by KH CAMS shows the procedure. He uses a Canon EOS R6 (with firmware 1.5.0 and 1.4.0) but it should do the trick on many Canon cameras. At a glance it works as follows:

  1. Copy firmware 1.5.0 on one card, copy firmware 1.4.0 on a second card
  2. Insert the card with firmware 1.5.0 into the card slot
  3. Navigate to the firmware update setting in the camera menu
  4. Press “okay”, and as quick as you can open the battery door of the camera
  5. Pull the card with firmware 1.5.0 and insert the card containing firmware 1.4.0
  6. Close the battery door and turn the camera back on
  7. The camera should now automagically do the update by downgrading from firmware 1.5.0 to 1.4.0

And here is the video.

Be aware that hacks like this one always come with an intrinsic risk of damaging your camera. If you feel you have an issue after a firmware update, in most cases it might be more appropriate to wait for the next firmware version instead of rolling back. In the past, when there have been issues with a firmware release, Canon has always been very swift in releasing a fix.

Canon EOS C70 Firmware Update Released

Video Gear Cinema Eos C70 Firmware Review

Canon released firmware update 1.0.2.1 for the Canon EOS C70.

Firmware Version 1.0.2.1 incorporates the following fix and enhancements:

1. Adds [EOS Standard] and [EOS Neutral] to the Custom Picture Presets.

2. Adds EF lenses compatible with EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter.

  • CN-E14mm T3.1 L F
  • CN-E20mm T1.5 L F
  • CN-E24mm T1.5 L F
  • CN-E35mm T1.5 L F
  • CN-E50mm T1.3 L F
  • CN-E85mm T1.3 L F
  • CN-E135mm T2.2 L F
  • EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
  • EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
  • EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM
  • EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
  • EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
  • EF 135mm f/2L USM

Download Canon EOS C70 firmware 1.0.2.1

Firmware Update: Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS

Firmware Update

Canon released a firmware update for the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS firmware update 1.1.0:

1. Adds an electronic full-time manual focus function (a function that enables constant manual focus adjustment in both One-shot AF and Servo AF), which is enabled when using the EOS R5, EOS R6, and EOS R3 cameras.

2. Improves an issue in which the background is not blurred when performing slow panning with the IS (Image Stabilization) mode set to Mode 2 or Mode 3.

Download Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS firmware update 1.1.0.

Here Is What Next Firmware Updates For Canon EOS R5, EOS R6 and EOS-1D X III Will Deliver

Canon Eos R5 Review 8k Video Firmware Updste

Some pretty interesting firmware updates coming for the Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6 and Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Downloads should be available soon. Courtesy of Canon New Zealand.

A lot of the interesting stuff is related to autofocus, as improved head detection performance to support helmets or goggles in winter sports, or vehicle AF. It’s all listed below.

EOS R5 Firmware Update Version 1.5.0

Firmware Version 1.5.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improves head detection performance to support helmets or goggles in winter sports.

2. Adds [Vehicles] selection to [Subject to detect] selection in the [AF] tab to support the detection of automobiles and motorcycles in motorsports. Adds [Spot detection] when [Vehicles] is selected as the helmet of the driver or rider*.

 *Detection may not be possible for ordinary passenger cars or bicycles, or for motorcyclists performing stunts or kicking up dirt and dust.

3. Improves detection performance for eye detection when:
 - there are shadows on the face.
 - hair is hanging over the eyes.

4. Adds support for torso detection of a person. If the eyes, face or head are hidden or cannot be detected, a person’s torso will be detected and tracked continuously.

5. Adds the ability to import manual white balance (MWB) data from the Quick Control screen when capturing still images.

6. Eliminates the center press operation of the multi-controller to prevent accidentally transferring images during FTP transfer.

7. Adds the ability, when using EOS Utility or Browser Remote for remote shooting with two cards inserted, to set the recording method and to select which card to be recorded to.

8. Adds [Suppress lower frame rate] to [Smooth] in [Disp. performance], enabling the shooting screen to be displayed with less drop frame rate even in dark locations.

9. Adds support for the RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens.

10. Changes the default value of [FTP server] → [Passive mode] to [Enable].

11. Improves operation stability during FTP transfer.

12. Optimizes controls of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) when using specific EF lenses not equipped with the image stabilization function.

13. Fixes an issue, in which noise occurs along the edges of bright subjects when using Canon Log for movie recording.

EOS R6 Firmware Update Version 1.5.0

Firmware Version 1.5.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improves head detection performance to support helmets or goggles in winter sports.

2. Adds [Vehicles] selection to [Subject to detect] selection in the [AF] tab to support the detection of automobiles and motorcycles in motorsports. Adds [Spot detection] when [Vehicles] is selected as the helmet of the driver or rider*.

 *Detection may not be possible for ordinary passenger cars or bicycles, or for motorcyclists performing stunts or kicking up dirt and dust.

3. Improves detection performance for eye detection when:
 - there are shadows on the face.
 - hair is hanging over the eyes.

4. Adds support for torso detection of a person. If the eyes, face or head are hidden or cannot be detected, a person’s torso will be detected and tracked continuously.

5. Adds the ability to import manual white balance (MWB) data from the Quick Control screen when capturing still images.

6. Eliminates the center press operation of the multi-controller to prevent accidentally transferring images during FTP transfer.

7. Adds the ability, when using EOS Utility or Browser Remote for remote shooting with two cards inserted, to set the recording method and to select which card to be recorded to.

8. Adds [Suppress lower frame rate] to [Smooth] in [Disp. performance], enabling the shooting screen to be displayed with less drop frame rate even in dark locations.

9. Changes the default value of [FTP server] → [Passive mode] to [Enable].

10. Improves operation stability during FTP transfer.

11. Optimizes controls of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) when using specific EF lenses not equipped with the image stabilization function.

12. Fixes an issue, in which noise occurs along the edges of bright subjects when using Canon Log for movie recording.

EOS-1D X Mark III Firmware Update, Version 1.6.0

Firmware Version 1.6.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improves head detection performance to support helmets or goggles in winter sports.

2. Eliminates the center press operation of the multi-controller to prevent accidentally transferring images during FTP transfer.

3. Adds the ability, when the Rating function is assigned to the Protect/Voice memo button, for voice memos to now be recorded by pressing and holding the button.

4. Adds the ability, when using EOS Utility or Browser Remote for remote shooting with two cards inserted, to set the recording method and to select which card to be recorded to.

5. Changes the default value of [Connection option settings], [FTP transfer settings], and [Power saving] to [Disable].

6. Changes the default value of [FTP server] → [Passive mode] to [Enable].

7. Improves operation stability during FTP transfer.

8. Fixes an issue, in which noise occurs along the edges of bright subjects when using Canon Log for movie recording.

Vehicle AF Coming To Canon EOS R5 and R6 With Next Firmware Update

Canon Firmware Canon EOS R6 Review Camera Sales

It seems that Canon might add a new autofocus mode to the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 through a firmware update.

Canon latest press release tells the company will release a firmware update for the EOS R5 and EOS R6. Besides receiving updates to eye and face detection AF, both cameras will also get “vehicle AF”. Both cameras will also get “SMOOTH EVF”, a special mode for when you are shooting in dark settings. The firmware update is expected for the end of November or the beginning of December. All new features coming with the firmware update are described below.

Canon press release:

Canon brings the precision and simplicity of the EOS R3 to its range of professional cameras

London, United Kingdom, 16ᵗʰ November 2021 – Canon Europe today announces firmware updates for the EOS R5 (firmware v1.50), EOS R6 (firmware v1.50) and EOS-1D X Mark III (firmware v1.60). Following the recent launch of the EOS R3, a powerhouse for sport and reportage photography, Canon bolsters its professional range of cameras with enhanced detection, seamless file transfer and optimized support for lenses.

Unrivalled detection for subject tracking

Across both the EOS R5 and EOS R6, this update delivers enhanced recognition of subjects. Users of these cameras are now able to select “vehicles” as the main subject. Inheriting this abilty from the  EOS R3, the cameras can track racing cars and bikes. The update also enhances the overall AF tracking of people, with improved eye and face detection even when the subject is wearing a mask, as well as adding body detection. Strengthening detection within the EOS-1D X Mark III for winter sports, the firmware provides improved head detection for subjects wearing goggles and helmets.

Simplified operation for streamlined workflows

For professional photographers, their camera needs to operate as an extension of them, with seamless and intuitive functionality to help them capture the shot. This upgrade gives EOS R5 and EOS R6 owners the ability to set a custom white balance in Live View, streamlining manual white balance control. Across all models, the firmware ensures that photographers aren’t able to mistakenly transfer files by pressing the multi-controller when “Transfer with SET” is set for FTP transfer. Previously, the EOS-1D X Mark III employed separate buttons for voice memo and image rating, but with newly added settings users can use one button to do both functions simultaneously.

Enhanced support for lenses

As the RF lens range continues to grow, photographers are able to unlock new possibilities with their cameras. Thanks to this latest update, the EOS R5 is now compatible with Canon’s EOS VR SYSTEM and the RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE lens, enabling content creators to easily capture immersive footage for virtual reality. The update also offers full-time manual support for the RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM¹, even if AF is selected.

Firmware update summary:

No.UpdateEOS R5EOS R6EOS-1D X Mark III
1Change the settings for “simultaneous recording” and “current drive” during remote operationXXX
2Disable the multi-controller for FTP transferXXX
3Change the default from Active to Passive with the FTP Server Passive Mode SettingXXX
4Enhanced recognition of subjects, including vehicle and body detectionXX 
5Improved Face/ Eye Detection with masksXX 
6Added White Capture Mode in Live View (Manual White Balance)XX 
7Added EVF Smooth to suppress lower frame rates in low lightXX 
8Full-time manual focus support for RF 70-200 mm F4L IS USMXX 
9RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE supportX  
10Added settings to enable image rating and voice memo to be set at the same time  X
11Change the Default Power Saving Settings for FTP Transfers from “use” to “not use”  X
12Enhanced Head Detection for winter sports athletes wearing goggles  X