All of us who purchased Canon EOS 5D mark III were slightly disappointed when we saw the reviewers considered 5D mark III as inferior product as compared to Nikon D800. I am not starting a flame war between Canon & Nikon. I know both of these companies produce a great set of cameras. Each one has their market, research and priorities set out. One of the main complaint was 5D mark III’s HDMI Output. It uses compressed HDMI Output. Soon this is going to change. Canon today announced a new firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera that significantly improves the camera’s performance and usability. The firmware update enables the use of uncompressed HDMI Output support, making possible more efficient video editing and monitoring procedures. Additionally, the upgrade supports the advanced needs of photographers through improved AF performance when capturing still images.
Uncompressed HDMI Output Support
When shooting video, HDMI Output makes possible the recording of high-definition uncompressed video data (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) from the EOS 5D Mark III to an external recorder via the camera’s HDMI terminal. This, in turn, facilitates the editing of video data with minimal image degradation for greater on-site workflow efficiency during motion picture and video productions. Additionally, video being captured can be displayed on an external monitor, enabling real-time, on-site monitoring of high-definition video during shooting.
Improved AF Functionality
Even when the EOS 5D Mark III is equipped with an extender and lens making possible a maximum aperture of f/8, the firmware update supports AF employing the camera’s central cross-type points (currently compatible with maximum apertures up to f/5.6). Accordingly, the update will allow users to take advantage of AF when shooting distant subjects, benefiting sports and nature photographers, particularly when using telephoto lenses. This is similar to EOS 1DX firmware just released which allows it to focus up to f/8 using central cross type sensor. Since both these cameras have a similar auto focus it is possible with 5D Mark III also.
One trouble I have is it is going to be released in few months time. That wait till April 2013 is an excruciating one.
That is great news for wildlife photographers using 5D.