Friday, June 29, 2012

Canon EOS 7D Firmware Version 2.0.X Upgrade Review

Canon is offering up a bevy of new features for the camera with its soon to be released, free 2.0.X update and this update will brings the EOS 7D up to speed with the best technologies Canon has to offer, delivering performance and features befitting the flagship APS-C EOS DSLR. Firmware Version 2.0.X keeps the EOS 7D on the cutting edge of technological innovation by adding user-requested innovations developed for Canon’s high-end EOS cameras: A higher maximum burst rate for continuous shooting, definable maximum limit for ISO Auto, compatibility with the Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2, and manual audio level adjustment during video shooting and during review. Additional enhanced features include faster scrolling of magnified images, quick control during playback, in-camera RAW image processing, JPEG image resizing and ratings, plus customization of file names and time zone settings. A significant upgrade, Firmware Version 2.0.X raises the performance on one of the most popular Canon EOS DSLRs ever created.



Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions announced a firmware update for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera that adds new functionality to improve its performance for serious photographers and semi-professional users. The update, free to all EOS 7D owners, gives the camera more advanced shooting options, including an increase in the maximum number of burst images taken in the RAW file format (from 15i frames to 25ii frames) as well as the ability to process RAW image files directly in the camera and the option to set a maximum ISO setting in ISO Auto mode. The firmware also adds the ability to adjust up to 64 audio levels manually prior to recording video, supports custom file naming, and allows for compatibility with Canon's newly introduced, optional GPS Receiver GP-E2. "By introducing this firmware we want our customers to know that we are always looking to enhance the user experience for all of our current products in the marketplace," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "The latest firmware for the EOS 7D Digital SLR enhances the capabilities of the camera and brings new possibilities to its users, making it a more valuable tool for their craft." For budding action photographers who use the EOS 7D as their camera of choice, being able to capture the perfect shot comes down to a matter of milliseconds. The EOS 7D is capable of taking photos at a high-speed burst rate of up to 8 frames per second (fps). With the firmware installed the camera captures up to 25 consecutive frames when shooting in RAW and up to 17iii consecutive frames when taking RAW+JPEG images. Once the firmware is installed the EOS 7D will also be able to process RAW images directly in the camera, allowing dynamic adjustment of exposure compensation, white balance, picture style, noise reduction at high ISO speeds, distortion correction, and other processing parameters. For mobile photographers, this ability to adjust RAW images quickly and re-save them as JPEG files can be a huge time-saver as opposed to downloading files to a computer and making adjustments later. The camera will also be able to re-size JPEG image files in-camera. These features will be accessible through the Quick Control functions which will be accessible while the camera is in playback mode. When viewing images on the camera, image files can also be given a star ranking for easy sorting during post processing. The firmware will also enable faster scrolling of images when displayed in a magnified view on the camera's LCD screen.

The new firmware enables photographers to have more control over the maximum ISO speed when the camera is in ISO Auto mode by setting a maximum ISO range. In certain low-light scenarios, such as during a sunset, where light changes each minute, photographers can lose the brilliance and color if the ISO setting is too high. Now, photographers can ensure their ISO setting will remain within specific parameters allowing them to concentrate on the moment, knowing that they will achieve the desired photographic results. The firmware also adjusts the available ISO Auto range, previously 100-3200 and now ISO 100-6400. In addition to these enhancements, the new EOS 7D firmware enables manual adjustment of audio levels prior to recording video, similar to the functionality found on the EOS 5D Mark II. Videographers can now manually adjust up to 64 audio levels on the EOS 7D so that they can refine the captured audio to match their particular needs. Similar to the new EOS 5D Mark III, a new submenu provided with the EOS 7D firmware update enables photographers to modify the first four characters of file names, in the camera. This valuable feature makes it easier to use the EOS 7D camera in multi-camera shooting situations by providing a way to identify the files coming from a particular camera without opening each image individually. The new firmware adds full compatibility for the EOS 7D with Canon's GPS Receiver GP-E2. This GPS Receiver can be mounted to the camera's accessory shoe or clipped to a belt and tethered via a USB cable. The GP-E2 was created to serve outdoor photographers; it records shooting locations including latitude, longitude and altitude, as well as camera direction. The camera's internal clock can now synced through the GPS unit using UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), the primary standard by which time is regulated, for accurate time recording or syncing clocks on multiple cameras. A GPS Logging function can display the photographer's route on a map, using supplied software. The new firmware upgrade for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera together with installation instructions will be available in early August at no charge through Canon U.S.A.'s website.


Key Features:


With Firmware Version 2.0.X onboard, the EOS 7D is faster than ever! It’s capable of shooting up to 130** JPEG Large/Fine and 25** RAW images at 8.0 frames per second, which is up from 126* JPEG Large/Fine and 15* RAW images at 8.0 fps. The remarkable shutter, combined with speedy and sophisticated electronics, ensures instant response and performance. A rapidly occurring scene can be captured moment by moment, second by second, so that even the briefest of opportunities are captured in perfect clarity.

* Figure based on ISO 100, Standard Picture Style and with UDMA CF memory card.

** Figure based on updated firmware, ISO 100, Standard Picture Style and with UDMA 7 CF memory cards. Note: UDMA 7 CF memory card read/write speeds are not fully supported with the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, if using UDMA 7 memory cards, the read/write speeds will be equivalent to UDMA 6. 


All images and effects simulated.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE


Installing Firmware Version 2.0.X makes the EOS 7D compatible with the Canon GPS Receiver GP-E2. The GPS Receiver GP-E2 records location†† information such as longitude, latitude, elevation, and direction as EXIF data. It has a rugged, compact design, connects to the EOS 7D via USB and uses readily available AA batteries.


All images and effects simulated.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE


For the ultimate in custom audio when recording motion images, this firmware upgrade enables manual control of sound recording levels. The recording level can be manually adjusted to one of 64 levels, for precise, optimized audio. And to prevent mistakes in sound recording, an icon indicating manual sound recording is displayed on the info screen during video shooting.

All images and effects simulated.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE


Firmware Version 2.0.X also delivers customization over ISO Auto settings. When using M, P, TV, AV and B modes, users now have a choice of setting the maximum allowable ISO, up to ISO 6400. With more flexibility to shoot in diverse lighting situations, the EOS 7D will always optimize ISO settings to ensure the best possible exposure is recorded.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE


Additional Features:



The new upgrade extends the EOS 7D’s RAW image processing to P, TV, AV, M and B modes! Image-processing parameters such as White Balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, High ISO Noise Reduction, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, Distortion Correction and Lens Aberration Correction can be applied to RAW images, in-camera, for optimal results without a computer.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE

For quick resizing of recorded JPEG images, the EOS 7D can resize JPEG "L" and "M" images and save them as separate JPEG "M" and "S" images. A new feature for the EOS 7D, JPEG resizing can be a great time saver, eliminating the need for a computer to resize images for other applications.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE

To help keep track of a specific image, or to organize a number of images quickly, a rating system of 0–5 stars will be implemented into the EOS 7D, which is easily selectable during playback. Along with the rating system, the EOS 7D’s image browsing (jump) and slide show features have been improved, enabling image browsing and slide shows according to rating.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE

Another major improvement delivered with the upgrade, EOS 7D users can quickly access a number of features during playback via the Quick Control button. Images can be protected, rotated, resized, highlight alert and AF point displays can be accessed, and image jump can be accessed via the main dial, which are significant time-savers.

All images and effects simulated.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE
Also new with the firmware upgrade is the customization of file names. With the customization of file names, it’s simple to set the first four characters of the file name (replacing the default "IMG_"). With user setting 1, the first four characters can be replaced with alphanumeric characters, and with user setting 2, the first three characters are user-defined, with the last character reflecting the image quality as shown below:

VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE

For frequent travelers, the EOS 7D now offers simple time zone settings, making it simple to define not only time zone, but also daylight savings time. When shooting in a different time zone, the camera can be set to the local time. Upon the return home, reverting to the original time zone is quick and easy.

All images and effects simulated.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE

For quick check of focus and detail, the new firmware upgrade significantly speeds up scrolling of magnified images. This increased speed makes it easier to confirm expressions, details and sharpness, or whether recomposing, refocusing or reshooting is necessary.

All images and effects simulated.
VERSION 2.0.X UPGRADE



Comparison:

 Version 2.0.XVersion 1.X.X
Maximum Burst Rate for Continuous Shooting130
JPEG Large/Fine
126* JPEG Large/Fine
24
RAW
15* RAW
GPS Compatibilitycheck
GPS Receiver GP-E2† ††
Manual Audio Level Adjustment64
Levels
Maximum Limit for ISO Auto200-6400
Limit Set by User
ISO 3200
In-camera RAW Image Processingcheck
In-camera JPEG Image Resizingcheck
In-camera Ratingscheck
Quick Control 
During Playback
check
Customization of File Namescheck
Time Zone
Settings
check
Scrolling of Magnified Imagescheck
Improved Scrolling Speed
check

Image-recording
Quality
Maximum Burst
Version 2.0.XVersion 1.X.X
8GB‡‡ CF Card 
(UDMA Mode 7 128GB Card)
4GB CF Card 
(UDMA 4GB CF Card)
110 (130)94 (126)
660 (36,490 Full)469 (1,169 Full)
560 (35,020 Full)454 (1,122 Full)
4,240 Full (67,910 Full)2,178 Full (2,178 Full)
3,380 Full (54,230 Full)1,739 Full (1,739 Full)
6,420 Full (102,770 Full)3,297 Full (3,297 Full)
23 (25)15 (15)
34 (36)24 (24)
48 (53)38 (38)
17 (17)6 (6)
19 (19)6 (6)
19 (19)6 (6)

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