Canon has released firmware updates for its Cinema EOS cameras. The standout new feature is an Open Gate shooting mode for the Canon EOS C400. However, Canon’s EOS C70, C80 and R5 C also benefit from new firmware.
EOS C400 Open Gate
The new firmware for the Canon EOS C400 is version 1.0.4.1. It adds Open Gate recording which uses the full sensor of the camera. This is useful when you need to shoot for vertical and landscape delivery at the same time. Open gate recording is also ideal when you are using an anamorphic lens. With a CFexpress card, you can record RAW video with a resolution of 6,000 by 4,000 pixels at 29.97 frames per second (fps), 25 fps, 24 fps, and 23.98 fps. You can also record XF-AVC S/XF-HEVC S proxy files with a 1,920 by 1,280 resolution at the same frame rates.
EOS C400’s other features
With the new firmware for EOS C400, you can now change the LUT applied to your video during playback. Canon has also optimized focus peaking to reduce interference from noise when you are shooting at high sensitivity settings. The new firmware improves the responsiveness of joystick-driven AF Frame movement, with a faster initial reaction time. And, the update adds compatibility with some Cine-Servo lenses and some new assignable buttons settings menu functions.
EOS C70
Firmware update 1.1.2.1 for the Canon EOS C70 adds the option to apply and adjust View Assist during playback. As with the C400, you can also now change the LUT applied during playback and focus peaking has been optimized to reduce noise interference. In addition, compatibility with a Cine-Servo lens has been improved and some new display information options are now available.
EOS C80
The new firmware for the Canon EOS C80 is version 1.0.4.1. It adds the same new View Assist and focus peaking features as for the C70. The C80 also gets the compatibility with Cine-Servo lenses and new assignable buttons settings menu functions that the C400 firmware delivers.
Plus, the new firmware for the C80 improves the responsiveness of joystick-driven AF Frame movement.
EOS R5 C
Firmware update 1.1.2.1 for the EOS R5 C delivers the same improvements as those for the C70. However, the R5 C doesn’t gain the option to change the LUT applied during playback unfortunately.
What we think
Open gate recording has been a hot topic over the past couple of years. As a result, EOS C400 users will be happy to see that Canon has added the mode to their cameras. It’s the headline feature for this round of firmware updates. However, the other EOS Cinema cameras do gain useful new options such as the ability to change LUTs during playback. Improved focus peaking in low light will also make your filming life easier with these cameras. If you own an EOS C400, C70, C80, and R5 C you should update your camera as soon as you can.
Pricing and availability
The firmware updates for the EOS C400, EOS C70, EOS C80 and EOS R5 C are available to download free of charge from the Canon website.
