Canon has announced firmware updates for seven of its Cinema EOS and professional video cameras. The updates will be available as free downloads from December 2024.
Camera to Cloud
Following the firmware updates, the Canon EOS C80 and Canon EOS C400 will support Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud workflow. This means that you will be able to directly upload proxy files from the cameras via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to a Frame.io project in the cloud. As a result, the post-production team can start editing and color grading the footage as soon as it has been shot.
6K 60p external RAW
The EOS C80 firmware update will give the camera additional external RAW recording features. Currently the camera can shoot 6K RAW internally up to 30 fps. However, using the new external RAW recording functionality, you will be able to record 6K RAW up to 60 fps over HDMI to an Atomos Ninja or Shogun.
LP-E6P battery compatibility
When it was launched, the EOS R5 C camera could internally record 8K RAW. However, this was limited to 30 fps unless you used an external power supply. Following the firmware update, the EOS R5 C can use Canon’s new high-capacity LP-E6P batteries which launched together with the EOS R5 Mark II. As a result, the EOS R5 C will be able to record 8K at 60 fps internally when using an LP-E6P battery.
1.5x anamorphic de-squeeze
Currently, Canon’s Cinema EOS cameras feature de-squeeze options for 2x, 1.8x and 1.3x anamorphic lenses. The new firmware for the EOS C400 adds support for 1.5x de-squeeze. This will make it much easier to monitor on-set when using a 1.5x anamorphic lens.
Other new features
The December 2024 firmware adds lens distortion correction during playback for EOS C70. In addition, the updates add support for the latest RF lenses to the EOS R5 C, EOS C70, EOS C80 and EOS C400. Canon’s XF605 professional all-in-one camcorder is also getting new features from a firmware update. These include more sensitivity options for the focus ring control and the ability to adjust output volume with the joystick on audio status screen.
What we think
With the firmware releases, Canon is introducing a comprehensive set of updates across its Cinema EOS and professional video cameras. Although there are few headline-grabbing new features, these improvements will deliver practical benefits for a lot of video creators. The ability to use an internal battery for recording 8K 60p with an EOS R5 C is a simple change that will make for a much smoother workflow. If you use a Canon camera that’s getting new firmware in December, you should update as soon as you can.
