Canon Updates Firmware (Again)
•Improves the look of images when played back on the LCD monitor. •Fixes a problem in the operation of the dials (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main). •Reduces the tendency to autofocus on the background instead of the main subject when shooting in AI Servo AF under certain conditions.•Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.•Fixes a rare phenomenon in which the camera cannot start normally when the battery is inserted. (Version 1.0.9 only)
In the second firmware release for their new 1D Mark III model in just two weeks, Canon addresses an additional power-on issue with a newly inserted battery. The 1.0.9 firmware was released to Canon authorized service centers and some dealer reps at the end of July in response to autofocus issues discussed in communities such as this one. Apparently this update created an issue with powering on the camera that had not previously existed. The complete list of addressed issues with the 1.1.0 version is as follows:
•Improves the look of images when played back on the LCD monitor.
•Fixes a problem in the operation of the dials (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main).
•Reduces the tendency to autofocus on the background instead of the main subject when shooting in AI Servo AF under certain conditions.
•Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.
•Fixes a rare phenomenon in which the camera cannot start normally when the battery is inserted. (Version 1.0.9 only)
I was able to get my hands on the 1.0.9 firmware and installed it on a handful of cameras— the firmware did in fact help with the jumpiness problem when focusing on a static subject. I have not heard back about the 1.1.0 firmware yet, but it is available here, so if you are a Mark III user just plug in your serial number and give it a go, let us know what you think.
_ —Matthew Panzarino
Contributing Blogger_