C100: Firmware released.

Curnsie

Curnsie

Well-known member
I haven't checked this out yet but according to Planet 5D its been released. I'm on my iPhone so I can't check it out...

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer?pageKeyCode=prdAdvDetail&docId=0901e024809259a6

it seems like a very minor update:

- A function has been added which allows automatic continuous focusing and iris setting on a subject in the center of the screen when using the EF-S18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.
- The polarity of the XLR terminal has been modified to improve compatibility with external audio devices. The pin configuration has been modified to be consistent with the Instruction Manual.

:-/
 
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Tried it on the 40mm Pancake STM and continuous autofocus doesn't work, so it is specific to the EF-S18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM only.
 
Don't want to continue the slightly under-awed theme, but I've tried the 18-135 STM on the new version of the software, and the continuous AF mode is slow to pick up on needing to change the focus (1-3 seconds) but it is accurate and positive.

The one-shot AF button is quicker and more accurate, but still hunts to start with.

Note also that the 18-135mm needs Peripheral Illumination Correction turned on, and could probably do with the ES-F correction turned on too.

The software update and STM lens together aren't yet quite a 'killer combo' - it's not like the 18-200 lens with the FS700. But it's a step in the right direction.
 
Thanks Matt, a very informative post.

I bet the polarity in the XLR department is a killer enhancement! ;)
 
It's sounding like I don't need a new lens after all. Do I even need to bother with this update? I usually hesitate to fix anything that's not broken. ;-)
 
@ Matt

So from what you have seen with the autofocus, would you say it's probably not worth getting the 18-135 to use as a run and gun lens?
 
Hmm, would have to say 'maybe'.

Optically, it's okay. Range is good. Limited aperture not really an issue. HOWEVER.... (and this is a bit of a downer): remember this?


And on another thread, I talked about the amount of vignetting on this lens:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...etting&p=1986336125&viewfull=1#post1986336125

So... the new software update allows continuous AF, which needs kicking into action sometimes (not ideal) and it can get confused (e.g. 'shooting through window') and there's no manual assistance or manual override, so if the lens gets confused on what it should be focusing on, your shot is toast. Not the best situation in Event Videography (where there are no take-2s). It's far better to manual focus with this lens, even though it's 'Fly By Wire'.

The one-shot mode is really good - quick and accurate, but it hunts, so you can't use it 'live' on a shot (like the Phase Detection lenses can).

Sigh. It's NOT the Sony SEL18200 - and even then that was a 'hated' lens. This one can't zoom, needs a special Peripheral Illumination Correction mode as well as the EF-S mode, and the Continuous AF doesn't measure up to what we actually need to do.

Mine's a keeper as a 'last ditch' or 'Mission Impossible' manual lens, though I'd prefer to carry the 24-105, or 17-55 & 70-200 if I could. It's currently on offer at silly money in some places, and I can also justify it as a 'walkabout' lens on my 'Dad-cam' Canon 550D, where I bet this lens absolutely shines. Your milage will vary, though. It's no silver bullet.
 
Newbie question here:

Does this automatic focus update means that It automatically sets the correct focus even when zooming (like in video cameras)?
 
Arska said:
Newbie question here:

Does this automatic focus update means that It automatically sets the correct focus even when zooming (like in video cameras)?
Click to expand...

It sounds like it will to a certain extent, not as good as a fixed lens camcorder though. Just going by Matts descriptions haven't tried it myself.
 
Alas not. On the 18-135, zooming shifts the focus which the lens will try to correct for AFTER the zooming action is done. The continual AF isn't fast enough, and there appears to be a 'period of analysis' after the zoom change.

The SUNY SEL18200 could Auto Focus during a zoom, but was a nightmare in manual focus mode. The Camon 18-135 lens is actually quite good in manual mode, so long as you treat it as a 'variable prime' rather than a zoom lens per se.
 
Word of warning, in case you're a numpty like me.

Firmware update completely resets the camera settings - everything for which you've carefully tuned your camera to suit your workflow - so backup your user settings first.

I didn't and it took me an hour to double check it was back to where I wanted it.

Doh!

Ben.
 
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