*RELEASED* Canon EOS 7D Firmware 2.0.0 coming August 7, 2012

UPDATE – August 7, 2012: As previously announced in this post, the new firmware 2.0.0 for the Canon EOS 7D is now available.

  • You can download it for Mac & Windows from [HERE].

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Canon has today announced a new firmware update that will be available since August 7, 2012, and will add a new set of features to the EOS 7D.

Some considerations

This is a very welcome update, that indeed keeps the Canon EOS 7D competitive and as great choice in the APS-C line for a broad range of photographers and videographers.

This camera is really great, featuring a strong weather sealing, very fast burst rate, very good AF system and lot of other functions that makes is a very versatile tool. Updating the firmware is something like a “refresh” for the camera, but without any hardware redesign: just taking advantage of the potential that is already inside.

This is a clear demonstration that cameras CAN be improved a LOT, even in some areas where most people wouldn’t ever think they could be improved.

Unfortunately the announced improvements don’t include much for video mode, besides what is really welcome but supposed to be already in the EOS 7D since very long ago: Manual Audio Gain. At least all EOS 7D users will be able to manually set the audio gain before start recording video. This was a worldwide requested feature that Canon finally decided to include!

That’s why we always insist that cameras CAN and should be improved, because manufacturers CAN deliver more to customers, especially for those who pay many thousand dollars for a DSLR.

There are still many improvements requested (some even essential) for the EOS 5D Mark III. Let’s hope many users and potential customers take a simple action like sending an email to Canon requesting those features. For very detailed information about how to do it, please check this:

Good move Canon. Hopefully other manufacturers will incorporate this strategy, giving more and better features for current and future users.

As posted somewhere else, we already have watched Canon EOS 5D Mark III running Magic Lantern with extra features like “Peaking” (running very smoothly), showing the huge potential of Digic 5+ processor, which is not fully exploited yet.

Official Press Release & List of Improvements

Sydney 28 June, 2012: Canon Australia has today announced an exciting new firmware upgrade for the popular EOS 7D digital SLR camera. Available for download from the Canon Australia website*1 from 7 August 2012, firmware Version 2.0.0 introduces a number of enhancements that will allow photographers and videographers to get more out of their camera.

“The EOS 7D has established itself as the camera of choice for mid-range DSLR photographers who want the best in quality and performance in the APS-C segment,” said Rebecca Pearson, Assistant Brand Manager – EOS, Canon Australia. “Representing a major upgrade to the camera, the firmware update improves shooting performance, offers additional onboard features, and allows the camera to be used with our new GPS receiver.”

After installing the update, photographers using UDMA CF cards will notice a significant improvement in continuous shooting, with the ability to capture a burst of 25 RAW images at 8.0 frames per second (maximum burst of 15 images previously). For those who want to be able to tag their images with geo-positional data, the update also provides compatibility with the Canon GP-E2 GPS receiver.

However, it is the remaining feature upgrades that will be most welcomed by seasoned users of the Canon EOS 7D. “In releasing the firmware now, we’ve taken the opportunity to provide a number of feature enhancements that respond directly to feedback we have received from the photographic community,” continues Pearson. “Still shooters will enjoy the extra freedom afforded by the ISO Auto range maximum setting, in-camera RAW processing, and the ability to scroll around a magnified image with greater speed. And videographers will really appreciate the ability to set their audio levels manually.”

Increased maximum burst during continuous RAW shooting

The maximum burst is increased when shooting RAW images from approximately 15*a to more than 25*b consecutive shots and, when shooting RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine), from approximately 6*a to more than 17*b consecutive shots. The increased maximum burst enables users to capitalise on the EOS 7D’s fast continuous shooting speed of 8 approx. frames-per-second, to ensure that fast-moving action shots are not missed.

Support for the GPS Receiver GP-E2 (optional accessory)

When using the optional GPS Receiver GP-E2, firmware Version 2.0.0 makes it is possible to append images with the shooting location’s longitude, latitude, and elevation. Additionally, a separate log file is recorded, which tracks the route the photographer took, even though they may not have taken images during this time.

ISO Auto Range Maximum setting

With ISO Auto, it is now possible to set a maximum ISO figure from 400 up to 6400 ISO, in full stop increments. This makes it easier for photographers to prioritise better noise control over blur-free images.

In-camera RAW processing

Photos that were captured at full size RAW can now be processed in-camera, helping photographers to optimise their memory card usage while on the go.

In-camera rating function

A five-scale image rating function has been added to help streamline image management.

JPEG resizing

JPEG images can be resized in-camera and saved as a new file, useful when the photographer wants low resolution copies to email or upload to the web.

Quick Control during Playback

By pressing the Q button during playback, photographers have quick and easy access to functions such as rating, in-camera editing, and configuring how the image is displayed.

Audio Level Adjustment

Videographers can now manually set the sound recording levels in 64 increments. This provides far greater control over how audio is captured through built-in and external microphones, when capturing video.

Manual File Naming

Photographers can now set the file name prefix before capturing images, helping them to categorise their images based on who they are photographing or where they are, for example.

Faster scrolling of magnified images.

When checking focus at full magnification during playback, it is now possible to scroll around the frame much faster, allowing the photographer to be more productive.

Any new EOS 7D cameras shipped from Canon Australia after 7 August 2012 will have the new firmware installed.

*1 Firmware Version 2.0.0 will be available for download from 7 August 2012 at http://support-au.canon.com.au/P/search?model=EOS%207D&filter=0&menu=Download

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