Canon EOS-1D X Needs Firmware Update

Contents:

  • Photography capabilities
  • Video capabilities & Missing features
  • Video features in upcoming DSLR: 5D Mark III & 7D Mark II
  • Can I send features request to Canon? (Yes!)
  • Product Specifications
  • Readers comments at bottom

Canon EOS-1D X

The recently announced and still not released Canon EOS-1D X needs a firmware update.

This may sound weird, but keep reading… Just take a look at the specifications (posted below). This camera will be a “war machine” with tremendous processing power (two Digic 5+ and one Digic 4 processors), BUT Canon still does NOT give some basic features to the users!

Most of the specifications listed by Canon look amazing, while some others look unbelievable (not to the good side), and few others are unknown.

Let’s take a closer look…

Photography capabilities

In our previous article we posted the press release mentioning the key features:

  • 18.1 MP full frame CMOS sensor
  • Up to 12fps plus 14fps High speed mode
  • 100-51200 ISO, up to H:204800
  • 61 point AF system
  • 100,000 pixel RGB AE metering
  • Full HD 1080p EOS movie
  • Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors
  • Clear View II 8.11 cm (3.2”) 1,040k LCD
  • Ethernet port
  • … and lot more (please check EOS-1D X Announcement & Key Features)

They all seem to be fantastic, very promising. Not much to say before checking full size sample pictures (those posted at Canon site are almost useless, since they are tiny compared to a 18MP picture).

Some features like wireless flash triggering are missing, though (but available at entry-level DSLRs). There is no built-in Wi-Fi either, etc.

Photographers will probably be glad with the expected performance of this camera in almost all aspects. Although the price is not for a wide range of customers.

Video capabilities & missing features

Things may be different regarding video. Canon said in the press release:

Extreme power
Powered by next-generation processing technology, the EOS-1D X is the first-ever camera to feature dual “DIGIC 5+” processors. Offering performance up to three times faster than standard DIGIC 5, each processor is designed to manage huge levels of image data while simultaneously reducing image noise. In combination with the sensor’s 16-channel read-out, the dual processors enable full-resolution continuous shooting up to 12fps with 14-bit A/D conversion and full camera operation – the fastest of any DSLR currently available (etc.)

Great, this camera has huge power, as mentioned earlier. So let’s see what Canon specifically says about video and film making:

The film-maker’s DSLR
The EOS-1D X is ideal for all professionals who want to exploit the EOS system’s extensive selection of lenses and accessories – whether shooting stills or HD movies. Users can record Full HD (1920x1080p) movies from the full-frame sensor with a full range of manual settings to control exposure, focus and frame rate[3], while sound levels can also be displayed and adjusted on the LCD screen, ensuring complete control over every aspect of a shoot.

Thanks to the power provided by the dual “DIGIC 5+” processors moiré artefacts are also reduced, while EOS Movie now offers longer recording options, automatically creating a new file once the 4GB file limit has been reached. A new intra frame video codec also maintains the highest possible video quality, limiting compression of image data so users retain increased levels of information for post-production editing.

Canon called it “The film-maker’s DSLR”, impressive.

At first sight this looks pretty good but let’s get closer, checking the press release and the specifications sheet (posted below) to see if the features we all have been requesting since so long ago and so important for the filmmakers community are implemented in this new flagship camera:

  • 50p/60p at 1920×1080 (Full HD): No

This camera with “extreme power” does NOT record 50p/60p at Full HD, it only gives the option to record 50/60p at 1280×720. This is unbelievable! Three processors inside, $6,800 estimated price for body-only, and it does not record 1080p60? Even some consumer camcorders under $800 do it.

 1080p60 is now being used more than ever by professionals, indie filmmakers and amateurs. Obviously this is not a hardware limitation, since this camera can do it, and much more. Lot of potential customers had expected even faster frame rates.

  • REMAP” hot & stuck pixels function – almost essential for video mode: No

With “remap” function we mean a function on which the user can tell the camera where hot or stuck pixels are located to automatically “hide” them since then (doing an average of surrounding pixels). This would work very similar to the Dust Delete Data feature currently available in lot of DSLRs.

We called it “remap” because current DSLR cameras already have a “map” of hot pixels that are automatically hidden. This function is set on factory or service centers.

It is unbelievable that this feature is still not implemented by any manufacturer, considering that EVERY digital camera has hot, stuck or dead pixels, and that new ones can appear over time. Of course it should be implemented for photography too, but it’s even more important for video since removing hot/dead/stuck pixels in video takes lot more time and resources.

  • Focusing Aids: No. There is no mention to any. We’re requesting focusing aids since more than 2 years ago. With such extreme power, this camera should certainly offer at least “Peaking”.
  • Zebras: No mention. Another feature missing that could be perfectly implemented.
  • False color: No
  • 1:1 Crop mode of the center of the sensor at Full HD resolution: No.
  • Digital Zoom: No
  • Clean Full HD output through HDMI while recording: No. It seems it will deliver 720p as the EOS 7D (will Canon let the user disable the white square? It doesn’t look like)
  • Compression level: The user can select between two different compression modes, but cannot select the bit rate of any. Canon should give the option to select at least 3 different levels of compression on each mode.
  • Rack Focus automatic operation/presets: No
  • Audio monitoring using headphones: No
  • Crop marks: No
  • Auto Focus while recording: No. Many people may say that it doesn’t work for serious filmmaking, but that is not completely right. IF the AF is well implemented and works correctly, then it can be VERY useful. Not for every situation, but it can help a lot on many. Just think about selecting an area of the frame and let the camera pull focus when the subject is moving closer to the camera. That’s just one case, and there are lot more.
  • Some other features that could be implemented for filming purposes…

Most of the above features are being requested since 2009 by thousands of users around the world. Check “EOS 5D Mark II Features Request“.

There is no possible excuse now about “hardware limitations”. It’s simply that Canon doesn’t want to include these features, even in the flagship camera at $6,800 body-only, which they have called “The film-maker’s DSLR“…

Of course this camera has many important improvements on video mode, but with such processing power inside, at a that high price, almost everyone would expect MUCH more, because the camera CAN deliver lot more. Customers are tired of cameras being crippled by manufacturers.

Video features in upcoming DSLR: 5D Mark III / 7D Mark II

The biggest question and most concerning matter is WHAT we can expect in upcoming DSLRs. If Canon does not implement those features in the highest and most expensive camera, will they do in cheaper ones?

One could answer “of course not”. But if we check the list of features of other models, even entry-level DSLR with movie mode, then the answer would be “they certainly could”. This inconsistency of Canon is confusing indeed.

WE SINCERELY HOPE that Canon updates the firmware of EOS-1D X and seriously consider the implementation of the mentioned features in the future EOS 5D Mark III, 7D Mark II, 70D, etc.

Can I send features request to Canon?

Yes!. As we posted in “Features Request: HOW to tell Canon what YOU need!” you can (and you should) send all your suggestions to carecenter@cits.canon.com. Please check that article for additional important details.

Product Specifications

Finally, below we post the released product specifications sheet of Canon EOS-1D X. Check official page here.

IMAGE SENSOR
Type 36 x 24 mm CMOS
Effective Pixels Approx. 18.10 megapixels
Total Pixels Approx. 19.3 megapixels
Aspect Ratio ‘3.2
Low-Pass Filter Built-in/Fixed with fluorine coating
Sensor Cleaning EOS integrated cleaning system
Colour Filter Type Primary Colour
IMAGE PROCESSOR
Type Dual “DIGIC 5+”
LENS
Lens Mount EF (excludes EF-S lenses)
Focal Length Equivalent to 1.0x the focal length of the lens
FOCUSING
Type TTL-CT-SIR with a dedicated CMOS sensor
AF System/ Points 61 Point / 41 f/4 cross-type AF points inc 5 dual cross type at f/2.8
The number of cross-type AF points will differ depending on the lens.
AF Working Range EV -2 – 18 (at 23°C & ISO100)
AF Modes One Shot
AI Servo
AF Point Selection Automatic selection: 61 point AF
Manual selection: Single point AF (61, 41 cross type only, 15 or 9 points selectable)
Manual selection: Spot AF
Manual selection: AF point Expansion 4 points (up, down, left, right)
Manual selection: AF point Expansion surrounding 8 points
Manual selection: Zone AF
AF points can be selected separately for vertical and horizontal shooting
Selected AF Point Display Superimposed in viewfinder
Predictive AF Yes, up to 8m
AF Lock Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode or AF-ON button is pressed.
AF Assist Beam Emitted by optional dedicated Speedlite
Manual Focus Selected on lens, default in Live View Mode
AF Microadjustment AF Menu
+/- 20 steps ( wide and tele setting for Zooms)
Adjust all lenses by same amount
Adjust up to 40 lenses individually
Adjustments remembered for lens by serial number
EXPOSURE CONTROL
Metering Modes TTL full aperture metering with 252 zone from 100,000-pixel RGB AE sensor
(1) Evaluative metering (linked to all AF point)
(2) Partial metering
(3) Spot metering:
Center spot metering
AF point-linked spot metering
Multi/Spot metering (Max 8 spot metering entries)
(4) Center weighted average metering
Metering Range EV 0 – 20 (at 23°C with 50mm f/1.4 lens ISO100)
AE Lock Auto: In One-shot AF mode with evaluative metering exposure is locked when focus is achieved.
Manual: By AE lock button in P, TV and AV modes.
Exposure Compensation ‘+/-5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments (can be combined with AEB).
AEB 2, 3, 5 or 7 Shots +/-3 EV 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
ISO Sensitivity* Auto (100-51200), 100-51200 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments)
ISO can be expanded to L: 50, H1 102400, H2 204800
SHUTTER
Type Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter
Speed 30-1/8000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments) + Bulb (Shutter speed range available varies according to shooting mode)
WHITE BALANCE
Type Auto white balance with the imaging sensor
Settings AWB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White
Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom, Colour Temperature Setting.
White balance compensation:
1. Blue/Amber +/-9
2. Magenta/ Green +/-9.
Custom White Balance Yes, 5 setting can be registered
WB Bracketing ‘+/-3 levels in single level increments
3 bracketed images per shutter release.
Selectable Blue/Amber bias or Magenta/ Green bias.
VIEWFINDER
Type Pentaprism
Coverage (Vertical/Horizontal) Approx. 100%
Magnification Approx. 0.76x¹
Eyepoint Approx. 20mm (from eyepiece lens centre)
Dioptre Correction ‘-3 to +1 m-1 (dioptre)
Focusing Screen Interchangeable (12 types, optional). Standard Focusing Screen Ec-CV
Mirror Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4 or shorter)
Viewfinder Information AF information: AF points, focus confirmation light, AF status indicator
Exposure information: Metering mode, shooting mode, AE lock, shutter speed, aperture,
exposure compensation, ISO speed (always displayed), exposure level,
exposure warning
Flash information: Flash ready, FP flash, FE lock, flash exposure level
Image information: White balance correction, highlight-tone priority (D+), maximum burst
(2-digit display), CF card information, JPEG/RAW indicator, battery check icon.
Composition information
Grid, electronic level
Depth of Field Preview Yes, with Depth of Field preview button.
Eyepiece Shutter Built in
LCD MONITOR
Type 8.11cm (3.2″) Clear View II TFT, approx. 1040K dots
Coverage Approx. 100%
Viewing Angle (Horizontally/Vertically) Approx. 170°
Coating Anti-reflection and Solid Structure
Brightness Adjustment Adjustable to one of seven levels
Display Options (1) Quick Control Screen
(2) Camera settings
(3) Dual Axis Electronic Level
FLASH
Modes E-TTL II Auto Flash, Metered Manual
X-Sync 1/250sec (EX series Speedlites only)
Flash Exposure Compensation ‘+/- 3EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
Flash Exposure Bracketing Yes, with compatible External Flash
Flash Exposure Lock Yes
Second Curtain Synchronisation Yes
HotShoe/ PC Terminal Yes/ Yes
External Flash Compatibility E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wireless multi-flash support
External Flash Control via camera menu screen
SHOOTING
Modes Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual
Picture Styles Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined (x3)
Colour Space sRGB and Adobe RGB
Image Processing Highlight Tone Priority
Auto Lighting Optimizer (4 settings)
Long exposure noise reduction
High ISO speed noise reduction (4 settings)
Auto Correction of Lens Peripheral illumination
Chromatic aberration correction
Distortion correction
Resize to M1, M2 or S
RAW image processing – during image Playback only
Multiple exposure
Drive Modes Single, Continuous L, Continuous H, Self timer (2s+remote, 10s+remote), Silent single shooting
Continuous Shooting Max. Approx. 12fps. (speed maintained for up to TBA images (JPEG) or TBA images (RAW) (with UDMA card)¹ ² ³, 14fps with mirror locked up and exposure and AF locked on first frame
LIVE VIEW MODE
Type Electronic viewfinder with image sensor
Coverage Approx. 100% (horizontally and vertically)
Frame Rate 30 fps
Focusing Manual Focus (Magnify the image 5x or 10x at any point on screen)
Autofocus: Quick mode, Live mode, Live Face detection mode
Metering Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor
Active metering time can be changed
Display Options Grid overlay (x3), Histogram, Aspect ratios
FILE TYPE
Still Image Type JPEG: 10 compression options (Exif 2.3 compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system (2.0),
RAW: RAW, sRAW (14bit, Canon original RAW 2nd edition),
Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
RAW+JPEG Simultaneous Recording Yes, any combination of RAW + JPEG possible, separate formats to separate cards possible
Image Size JPEG: (L) 5184×3456, (M1) 4608×3072, (M2) 3456×2304, (S1) 2592×1728,
RAW: (RAW) 5184×3456 (M-RAW) 3888×2592, (S-RAW)2592×1728
Movie Type MOV (Video: H.264 Intra frame / inter frame, Sound: Linear PCM)
Movie Size 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps) intra or inter frame
1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps) intra or inter frame
640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps) inter frame
Movie Length Max duration 29min 59sec, Max single file size 4GB
Sound Files WAVE (monaural)
Folders New folders can be manually created and selected
File Numbering (1) Consecutive numbering
(2) Auto reset
(3) Manual reset
OTHER FEATURES
Custom Functions 31 Custom Functions with 99 settings
Metadata Tag User copyright information (can be set in camera)
LCD Panel / Illumination Yes / Yes
Water/ Dust Resistance Yes
Sound Memo Up to 30sec per image – 48Khz or 8Khz
Intelligent Orientation Sensor Yes
Playback Zoom 1.5x – 10x, Pixel level magnification
Display Formats (1) Single image with information (2 levels)
(2) Single image
(3) 4 image index
(4) 9 image index
(5) Magnified view
(6) Movie edit
Slide Show Image selection: All images, by Date, by Folder, Movies, Stills, Rating
Playback time: 1/2/3/5/10 or 20 seconds
Repeat: On/Off
Histogram Brightness: Yes
RGB: Yes
Highlight Alert Yes
Image Erase/Protection Erase: Single image, All images in folder, Checkmarked images, unprotected images
Protection: Erase protection of one image at a time
Data Verification data not available
Menu Categories (1) Shooting menu (x4)
(2) AF Menu (x5)
(3) Playback menu (x3)
(4) Setup menu (x4)
(5) Custom Functions menu (x7)
(6) My Menu
Menu Languages 25 Languages
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese
Firmware Update Update possible by the user.
INTERFACE
Computer Hi-Speed USB
Other Video output (PAL/ NTSC) (integrated with USB terminal), HDMI mini output (HDMI-CEC compatible), Extension system terminal (for WFT-E6/GP-E1), External microphone (Stereo mini jack), RJ-45(gigabyte ethernet)
DIRECT PRINT
Canon Printers Canon Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge
PictBridge Yes
STORAGE
Type 2x CompactFlash Type I/II (incompatible with Microdrive) (UDMA 7 compatible)
SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEM
PC & Macintosh Windows XP (SP2/SP3) / Vista inc SP1 (excl. Starter Edition) / 7 (excl. Starter Edition)
OS X v10.4-10.6
SOFTWARE
Browsing & Printing ZoomBrowser EX / ImageBrowser
Image Processing Digital Photo Professional
Other PhotoStitch, EOS Utility (inc. Remote Capture, WFT utility*), Picture Style Editor
* Requires optional accessory
POWER SOURCE
Batteries Rechargeable Li-ion Battery LP-E4N (supplied), 1xCR2025 for date & settings
Battery Life Approx. TBA (at 23°C)?
Approx. TBA (at 0°C)
Battery Indicator 6 levels + percentage
Power Saving Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30mins or Off.
Power Supply & Battery Chargers AC Adapter Kit ACK-E4, Battery charger LC-E4N, Car Battery charger cable CG-570 (use with LC-E4N)
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Body Materials Magnesium Alloy body covers
Operating Environment 0 – 45 °C, 85% or less humidity
Dimensions (WxHxD) 158 x 163.6x 82.7mm
Weight (Body Only) Approx. TBA
ACCESSORIES
Viewfinder Eyecup Eg, Eg-series Dioptric Adjustment Lens with Rubber Frame Eg, Anti Fog Eyepiece Eg, Focusing Screens Ec, Angle Finder C
Wireless File Transmitter Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E6
Lenses All EF lenses (excludes EF-S lenses)
Flash Canon Speedlites (220EX, 270EX, 270EX II, 320EX, 420EX, 430EX, 430EX II, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II, Macro-Ring-Lite, MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2,)
Remote Controller/ Switch Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5
Other Hand Strap E2, GP-E1 GPS reciever
Magnification ¹ with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1 dpt
Continuous Shooting ¹ Based on Canon’s testing conditions, JPEG, ISO 100, Standard Picture Style. Varies depending on the subject, memory card brand and capacity, image recording quality, ISO speed, drive mode, Picture Style, Custom functions etc.
² Maximum fps and buffer capacity may be reduced depending on the cameras settings and light level
³ With Battery strength 50% or higher
Battery Life ¹ Based on the CIPA Standard and using the batteries and memory card format supplied with the camera, except where indicated

*Recommended Exposure Index
All data is based on Canon standard testing methods except where indicated.
Subject to change without notice.

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