New 7D firmware

[Rojin]

Looks like V2 firmware is on it's way for the 7D, looks pretty decent. It was apparently leaked on a Canon website as an official release which then got pulled...

I just picked up a 7D again to replace the 50D so quite happy to see this. Got quite a good deal as well so should only cost about £125 for the upgrade

http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/06/canon-eos-7d-firmware-version-2-coming-soon/

Coming soon
Canon has announced an upcoming firmware update, 7D Firmware Version 2, for the 18 Megapixel EOS 7D that includes a raft of new features to further enhance the capabilities of Canon’s flagship APS-C format DSLR.

The new EOS 7D Firmware Version 2 update will enhance the camera with the following additional features:

IMPROVED RAW MAXIMUM BURST
In the EOS 7D the maximum burst of RAW file frames was 15 – with the firmware update this will be significantly increased so that the camera’s buffer will handle up to 26 RAW frames in a continuous burst.

IN-CAMERA RAW CONVERSION
The EOS 7D will allow for in-camera post-processing of images. RAW images can be edited in-camera and options can be changed before saving the finished file as a ready-to-print JPEG or for sending wirelessly. This function can be used with full resolution RAW files, but not with M-RAW or S-RAW files.

The settings for in-camera RAW processing include White balance, Picture Style, High ISO speed noise reduction, Colour Space, and lens data corrections (Peripheral Illumination Correction, distortion correction and Chromatic Aberration Correction).

IMAGE RATING CAPABILITIES
Like other Canon EOS DSLRs, such as the EOS 60D, EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III, the EOS 7D will be able to rate images from 1 to 5 stars in-camera for quicker and easier sorting of images within your workflow. The ratings can be used to sort images in applications such as Adobe Elements, Adobe Bridge and Apple Aperture. The ratings are XMP compliant and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software has been updated to reflect this.

AUTO ISO MAXIMUM SETTING
Within the EOS 7D’s shooting menu photographers will have the ability to set a maximum ISO speed for ISO Auto, within the ISO range of 400-6400, so that you can minimise the amount of noise in your images.

MANUAL ADJUSTMENT FOR AUDIO RECORDING LEVELS
During EOS Movie shooting you will be able to manually adjust the audio recording levels to one of 64 levels, whilst the sound volume during playback can be set to one of 11 levels. During movie recording noise from the aperture is reduced and the camera also has an automatic wind cut filter.

JPEG RESIZING
Within the camera’s image-recording menu with all JPEG images you will be able to resize the image (for image downsizing) and save it as a new image. Note that the aspect ratio cannot be changed.

SUPPORT FOR THE GP-E2 GPS UNIT
The GP-E2 unit arrived with the EOS 5D Mark III and this firmware update will enable the GPS unit to be used with the EOS 7D, via a cable connection, so that photographers can geo-tag images with latitude and longitude data in the EXIF fields.

QUICK CONTROL DURING PLAYBACK
With the Quick Control (Q) button pressed during image playback photographers will be able to select options for protect images, rotate images, rate images, resize images, highlight alert, AF point display and image jump.

FILE NAME SETTING
In the EOS 7D’s camera settings menu in user setting 1 the first four characters of the file name can be adjusted, whilst in user setting 2 the first three characters of the file name can be adjusted and the fourth will be set automatically according to the recording quality.

TIME ZONE SETTING
Within the EOS 7D’s camera settings menu you will be able to set the time zone, plus daylight saving time can also be set.

FASTER SCROLLING OF MAGNIFIED IMAGES
The screen scrolling speed will be faster for scrolling through images when they are enlarged. The ease of use is improved when using the camera to zoom in and check focus.

The existing impressive specifications of the EOS 7D include up to 8fps shooting speed, high ISO sensitivity up to 12,800 for low light shooting, an iFCL metering system with a 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor for superbly accurate exposures, plus outstanding in-camera Speedlite Transmitter flash technology.

 

[Hunders]

Loving the maximum ISO setting and faster scrolling when zoomed in!

How will I go about upgrading the firmware when it's released? Do I have to use Canon's own software or is there another way of doing it?

 

[Nexus]

I saw this on Canon Rumours the other day.
It's certainly interesting that they are releasing a pretty decent update for the 7D when there is so much talk that it is likely to be upgraded soon.

I agree, the ISO limit function is pretty nice.

 

[An Exception]

I saw this on Canon Rumours the other day.
It's certainly interesting that they are releasing a pretty decent update for the 7D when there is so much talk that it is likely to be upgraded soon.

I agree, the ISO limit function is pretty nice.

Tbh I don't know why it's taken them so long, if you compare it to thier competition they should have had this feature years ago, and I still can't see any mention of being able to set your minimum allowed shutterspeed.

On a side note, it looks like it's a pretty substantial FW update...

 

[D.P.]

Looks like a big FW upgrade, perhaps the &D replacement wont be coming any time soon?

Like An Exception says, if you cannot set the minimum shutterspeed then the auto ISO is kind of crippled. I rarely need to use such functionality but when I have it has been a mind blowing feature and is exactly what you want out of a digital camera. Nikon's version I think still has a few missing features, would be nice to set at least 2 different min shutter speed for wide and tele ends of lenses.

 

[An Exception]

Looks like a big FW upgrade, perhaps the &D replacement wont be coming any time soon?

Like An Exception says, if you cannot set the minimum shutterspeed then the auto ISO is kind of crippled. I rarely need to use such functionality but when I have it has been a mind blowing feature and is exactly what you want out of a digital camera. Nikon's version I think still has a few missing features, would be nice to set at least 2 different min shutter speed for wide and tele ends of lenses.

I'm not sure, but I think the D800/D4 added similar features...

 

[DJ_Switch]

Looks like a big FW upgrade, perhaps the &D replacement wont be coming any time soon?

Like An Exception says, if you cannot set the minimum shutterspeed then the auto ISO is kind of crippled. I rarely need to use such functionality but when I have it has been a mind blowing feature and is exactly what you want out of a digital camera. Nikon's version I think still has a few missing features, would be nice to set at least 2 different min shutter speed for wide and tele ends of lenses.

The D800 will adjust the minimum shutter speed depending on the focal length you are using of the zoom at the time. You can't set 2 different min speeds but it will do it automatically so you don't have to worry about changing the value depending on what end of the zoom you're using. It does drastically reduce the amount of times you'd have to set it.

As for the 7D firmware. That's a seriously nice upgrade for the buffer. It would be interesting to know how that was done.

Why does the auto ISO range start at 400 and not it's base ISO though?

 

[An Exception]

Why does the auto ISO range start at 400 and not it's base ISO though?

I don't understand that either, it severely gimps the feature. The good thing about Auto ISO was that you could walk into a church and the camera would use the minimum specified shutter speed and then bump the ISO for correct exposure. Then when you walk back outside, the camera reverts back to base ISO. If you do that with the 7D and you using wide apertures, the exposures will be all blown out on a sunny day...

 

[D.P.]

The D800 will adjust the minimum shutter speed depending on the focal length you are using of the zoom at the time. You can't set 2 different min speeds but it will do it automatically so you don't have to worry about changing the value depending on what end of the zoom you're using. It does drastically reduce the amount of times you'd have to set it.

As for the 7D firmware. That's a seriously nice upgrade for the buffer. It would be interesting to know how that was done.

Why does the auto ISO range start at 400 and not it's base ISO though?

One more reason to buy a D800...

 

[Demon]

Wow, impressive firmware upgrade.. lots of good improvements, I don't have a 7D, but it was on my shortlist a while back, this kind of improvements may have put it further up the list..

The D800 will adjust the minimum shutter speed depending on the focal length you are using of the zoom at the time. You can't set 2 different min speeds but it will do it automatically so you don't have to worry about changing the value depending on what end of the zoom you're using. It does drastically reduce the amount of times you'd have to set it.

I thought most camera's do this when in a mode shutter speed is calculated (P/A etc), my A77 also does this, it observes the 1/focal length rule (x crop factor)..

Why does the auto ISO range start at 400 and not it's base ISO though?

I think That's the maximum ISO, so it'll allow from base up to whatever you set that max value to be.. e.g. if you set the max to 400, when in auto ISO it will allow 100-400 depending on what it thinks..

I can independently set min and max on mine, but to be honest, I just use the max value, I leave the min on ISO50..

 

[An Exception]

Wow, impressive firmware upgrade.. lots of good improvements, I don't have a 7D, but it was on my shortlist a while back, this kind of improvements may have put it further up the list..

I thought most camera's do this when in a mode shutter speed is calculated (P/A etc), my A77 also does this, it observes the 1/focal length rule (x crop factor)..



I think That's the maximum ISO, so it'll allow from base up to whatever you set that max value to be.. e.g. if you set the max to 400, when in auto ISO it will allow 100-400 depending on what it thinks..

I can independently set min and max on mine, but to be honest, I just use the max value, I leave the min on ISO50..

"within the ISO range of 400-6400"
I think it means Auto ISO works from 400-6400. If it limits you to ISO 100-400, that is even worse...

 

[Rojin]

The D800 will adjust the minimum shutter speed depending on the focal length you are using of the zoom at the time. You can't set 2 different min speeds but it will do it automatically so you don't have to worry about changing the value depending on what end of the zoom you're using. It does drastically reduce the amount of times you'd have to set it.

As for the 7D firmware. That's a seriously nice upgrade for the buffer. It would be interesting to know how that was done.

Why does the auto ISO range start at 400 and not it's base ISO though?

Why would you want to set the max ISO in auto ISO to base? That makes no sense. The setting is there so you can set the max ISO value used (400-6400) when using auto ISO.

I mainly use auto ISO in manual mode. If you use it in AV mode the camera first sets the shutter speed based on focal length of the lens, then it sets the ISO.

 

[An Exception]

I think we misinterpreted what it meant, setting the max ISO to 400-6400 makes sense...

 

[DJ_Switch]

I think we misinterpreted what it meant, setting the max ISO to 400-6400 makes sense...

+1

I read that as its range rather than max range.

 

[Demon]

I think we misinterpreted what it meant, setting the max ISO to 400-6400 makes sense...

Yep, that's what I meant..

So if you set the Max ISO to 6400 the camera can choose from 100 - 6400, or in other words its always able to choose between 100 and the 'max ISO' value?

 

[An Exception]

^^^
Yep that's it.

 

[a1ex2001]

Yep, that's what I meant..

So if you set the Max ISO to 6400 the camera can choose from 100 - 6400, or in other words its always able to choose between 100 and the 'max ISO' value?

If it doesn't work like that I'd a) be very surprised and b) be very disapointed!

 

[Rojin]

Now confirmed:

http://www.canon.co.uk/About_Us/Pre...ds_a_range_of_new_features_to_the_EOS_7D.aspx

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 28th June 2012 – Canon UK & Ireland today enhances the EOS 7D with firmware v2, adding a range of new features for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of their photography. Building on the camera’s high speed, advanced handling and creative versatility, the new firmware provides photographers with a host of new benefits including higher maximum RAW burst rate, in-camera editing functions, user-definable Auto ISO and support for Canon’s latest GPS Receiver, GP-E2.

Originally launched in 2009, the EOS 7D was carefully developed based on the feedback from thousands of photographers from across the globe. Offering the perfect combination of outstanding image quality and exceptional versatility across a range of photography styles, even today it is still considered to be one of the best APS-C cameras on the market. When developing the new firmware Canon followed a similar approach, gaining direct user feedback to bring the EOS 7D up to date with enhanced performance and a greater range of shooting capabilities and creative functionality.

Enhanced RAW performance
With an 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Dual “DIGIC 4” processors and an extended maximum ISO of 12,800, the EOS 7D offers fast, high-quality shooting at speeds of up to 8 frames per second. Thanks to the new firmware which adds powerful memory management algorithms taken from Canon’s flagship EOS-1 series, photographers will now be able to enjoy greater flexibility in continuous shooting, with the maximum RAW buffer now extended to a new high of 25 RAW files or 130 JPEGs. Combining with the camera’s high 18MP resolution and 14-bit image processing, this will allow photographers to capture the decisive moment with rich detailed images.

In-camera image editing and rating
A range of newly-added editing functions also gives photographers more control over how images look, allowing post-production to begin in-camera. Photographers can now process their RAW files and correct artefacts such as peripheral illumination, distortion and chromatic aberration. Additionally, adjustments to white balance, sharpness and Picture Style, as well as a host of other parameters, can now also be made immediately after shooting, with the results saved as new JPEG files. JPEGs can also be instantly resized, without the need for a PC or Mac.

Photographers can now easily filter large volumes of pictures on their way back from a shoot using an image rating facility. Image rating data is stored in each file’s metadata, which can be read by a range of editing applications, including Canon Digital Photo Professional, and other industry software such as Apple Aperture, Adobe Lightroom and Bridge.

Extra control in stills and movies
The EOS 7D’s new firmware provides extended versatility across both stills and movies. Newly-added control of Auto ISO enables photographers to limit the maximum ISO speed to any point within the native ISO 400-6,400 range. Offering greater control over exposure, this will enable photographers to customise the maximum automatic ISO speed to suit their personal preferences, or to adjust parameters in different situations to meet specific creative goals.

Improved audio functionality in movie mode also provides aspiring videographers with greater control while shooting videos. Users can complement the camera’s Full HD (1920x1080p) movie footage with 16-bit digital stereo sound, sampled at broadcast-quality 48KHz, and new manual control of audio levels allows users to choose from 64 sound levels. A digital wind-cut filter also reduces noise made by movement of air around the microphone, ensuring sound is clear and free from peripheral interference.

Track your travels with GPS compatibility
Firmware v2 also provides added capacity for users to track the location of their images with new support for the GPS Receiver GP-E2 – Canon’s latest high-performance GPS unit. The GP-E2 is attached securely to the hotshoe, and connected to the camera via a cable, making it easy for EOS 7D photographers to geo-tag photos with longitude, latitude and altitude data as well as the direction in which the shot was taken – adding the information to the EXIF file of the image¹. A GPS Logger tracks movements by downloading GPS data at regular intervals, and compatibility with Google Maps means users can easily view their route in Canon’s free Map Utility software.

Firmware v2 will roll out across the region from August 2012.

Canon EOS 7D firmware v2 – new features:
• Improved maximum burst for RAW images (up to 25)
• In-camera RAW image editing
• In-camera Image Rating
• In-camera JPEG resizing
• Maximum Auto ISO setting (ISO 400-6400)
• Manual audio level adjustment in movie recording
• GPS compatibility
• File name customisation
• Time zone settings
• Faster scrolling of magnified images
• Quick control screen during playback

Canon EOS 7D – Key features:
• 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Up to 8fps shooting
• ISO range up to 12800
• Approx. 100% Viewfinder
• 19 cross-type AF points
• iFCL metering system
• Dual "DIGIC 4" processing
• Full HD movie recording
• Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
• 3” Clear View II LCD
• Magnesium alloy body with environmental protection

Availability

The v2 firmware for the EOS 7D will be available to download from August 2012.

 

[Nexus]

Grr, I was hoping that would be today!

 

[gary996]

Grr, I was hoping that would be today!

Me 2