Canon C300 Firmware fix for Color Fringing

cowpunk52

Veteran
If you're currently experiencing the the color fringing issue across high-contrast edges, you may not have the latest firmware (v. 1.0.7.1.00) from Canon. Apparently it isn't available for download and is currently only being installed on cams that are sent in for service.

Here's a quote from another forum post on the subject:

"I recently had this issue whilst shooting a sunset across some mountains. It resulted in red/green - lines/pixels across the high contrast part of the image where the sun dipped behind the mountains. I sent the camera back to Canon complaining of this issue along with another problem that I was experiencing with the camera. To cut a long story short I ended up with a new camera along with a firmware upgrade 1.0.7.1.00 which apparently deals with the fringing issue. Can't guarantee 100% but had no problems since and have tried to recreate with other high contrast scenes!"


And later:

"Talked with Canon Cinema Eos tech support about firmware upgrade 1.0.7.1.00 earlier today. According to the rep, the firmware does address the color fringing issue and a some other minor (from my point of view) issues. Apparently Canon does not consider it a major firmware upgrade, as they are not announcing it. The firmware is not posted on the web because, at this point, the firmware upgrade can only be done by sending the camera in to Canon service."

I'm currently running 1.0.7.1.00 on my C300, which they may have installed when my cam was in for a cleaning and service a few weeks ago. I haven't noticed any fringing for a while, but I haven't really been looking for it either. I usually expose very carefully and got in the habit of avoiding shots that exacerbate the issue.

What firmware are you running, and are you noticing any color fringing on your C300?
 
Wow, thanks for that post. I have 1.0.6.1.00
Will give Canon in NJ a call and see if I can send the camera in for the firmware upgrade.
 
Brian Canon likes you. They told me the 1.0.7 does not exist.

Paul, you're going to have to push your tech support person to try a little harder. Brian's quote refers to a call I made a few days ago, and, in response to your post, I called again today. Luckily they had a record of my earlier call and were able to re-confirm the existence of firmware 1.0.7.1.00. I used the Canon Cinema Eos Support line (855) 246-3367.
 
Brian Canon likes you. They told me the 1.0.7 does not exist.

Amazing considering that it's the firmware installed on my camera right now! I suspect you'll have to push a little harder as redhouse suggested. It certainly exists even though it hasnt been made public for whatever reason yet. Thanks for chiming in redhouse!
 
You have to take your camera to Canon for firmware upgrades? Bummer. This should be user upgradable.

Not usually, actually. This one is apparently not publicly released likely b/c they don't consider it a major upgrade (although some may differ). Its features will likely be integrated in a major firmware that is forthcoming in the near future.
 
Canon put 1.07.1.00 into my C300 PL on November 2, when it was in for a $359.00 cleaning. This update should be available on their site as a free download. The problem is that Japanese camera makers historically don't like to admit to a problem and coming out with a fix makes them admit that the problem existed. "Secret" firmware updates that Canon technical assistance people won't always admit exist is unacceptable.

The other problem is that dust is getting into the optical path of the cameras and this is not fixable via firmware, obviously.

We need a comprehensive new firmware update(simple things like no zebras below 70% after a camera has been out for a year is not acceptable), free cleanings during warranty period and better transparency from Canon, overall. The $999.00 per year CSP service contract should not be necessary to purchase for a $16,000 camera, especially during factory warranty period, IMO.
 
This one is apparently not publicly released likely b/c they don't consider it a major upgrade (although some may differ). Its features will likely be integrated in a major firmware that is forthcoming in the near future.

I've had this happen to me with other products in the past. Given a "secret" firmware that was eventually incorporated into a newer one that was released publicly.
 
Canon put 1.07.1.00 into my C300 PL on November 2, when it was in for a $359.00 cleaning. This update should be available on their site as a free download. The problem is that Japanese camera makers historically don't like to admit to a problem and coming out with a fix makes them admit that the problem existed. "Secret" firmware updates that Canon technical assistance people won't always admit exist is unacceptable.

The other problem is that dust is getting into the optical path of the cameras and this is not fixable via firmware, obviously.

We need a comprehensive new firmware update(simple things like no zebras below 70% after a camera has been out for a year is not acceptable), free cleanings during warranty period and better transparency from Canon, overall. The $999.00 per year CSP service contract should not be necessary to purchase for a $16,000 camera, especially during factory warranty period, IMO.


Dino, did the image produced by your C300 change after the cleaning and firmware upgrade?

I used a rental C300 as a second camera recently, and it had been factory cleaned and updated. Prior to shooting, I matched the camera settings, Cine 2 gamma/EOS standard matrix as a baseline. Then I put up a Macbeth chart to compare and tweak the cameras. The rental camera was way off. Yellow and yellowish chips on the chart were not just slightly green, which is typical, they were full on green. I had to adjust the phase (in the matrix menu) +18 to get near matching my personal C300, which has never been upgraded or in for any factory service. 18 is the maximum adjustment you can make in the plus or minus direction. Saturation and black levels were also different, but that was easily adjusted.

I am hoping this is an isolated occurence, but, at the moment, I am concerned about sending my camera in for a cleaning and firmware upgrade.
 
redhouse, I have not noticed a difference in color science, not sure the camera has been on any multi-C300 shoots since the Canon service, it definitely matched other C300's previously. We know that Canon changed color profiles for the C100. I will check again, but I remember green screens looking blue as usual!
 
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