New firmware for the EOS 5D Mark III

A few days ago Canon announced a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III that offers support for HDMI output and autofocus (AF) improvements.

The company has worked on its DSLR in response to requests from professionals working on film and television productions, improving the camera’s performance and usability.

HDMI output without compression

Support for uncompressed HDMI output has been added in this firmware update, which significantly improves video workflow.

Thanks to this new feature, uncompressed HD video (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) can be captured on an external recorder via the camera’s HDMI connection. Simultaneously, it can be recorded to a memory card. All this makes it possible for the material to reach the editing room with minimal degradation.

Timecode output to the recorder will also be supported, as well as synchronization of the start and end of recording with the start and stop commands of an external device.

Another very important advantage is that while video is being captured, it can be displayed on an external high-definition monitor in real time.

Improved HF performance

The new features added to the new update do not only affect those involved in video, but there are also improvements in terms of still image capture functions.

If we use the EOS 5D Mark III, equipped with a multiplier and lens, we get a maximum aperture of f/8. This upgrade allows the use of cross center focus points, which until now was only possible with apertures up to f/5.6. Thus, users will be able to benefit from AF, especially when using telephoto lenses, if they are photographing distant subjects.

If you want to see the specifications of the AF you can check them here.

This update will be available from April 2013, completely free of charge, and can be downloaded through this link.