When are we getting a frikkin' firmware update?!

Editman Sweden said:
They use the same digic processor as on the XF-series. Neither camera does 1080p60. They have explained it time after time that the sensor is capable of 60fps output but not the processor. It would be good if they are wrong but they should know their camera and the limits within right? I talked to Peter Yabsley about it half a year ago and got the same answer.
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Not to discount your experience, but everytime I've asked about 1080p60, especially recently, they've been explicitly mum about whether it was within the capability of the camera or not. What I have been assured of, though, is that the processor is capable of doing more than it's currently tasked with. Perhaps they have or are trying to find a solution? Maybe it will happen, and maybe it won't, but Canon's pulled a few unexpected rabbits out of the hat before. We'll see when a new firmware is released, until then we're really only postulating.
 
Had a conversation last night with a senior member of the CinemaEOS team at Createasphere last night. Mostly we spoke about the C500, the differences between it and the C300, what they've learned from user feedback, and what the cameras are capable of. He confirmed that the same single Digic DV III chip that is in the C300 is what it is used in the C500 to enable it's variable 2K and 4K outputs (up to 12-bit, 120 fps, 4:4:4 for 2K, and 10-bit, 120fps 4K half raw). Interestingly, he said that when the Digic DV III chip was designed, it was made to be massive overkill and is an extraordinarily capable processor. They are very quiet publicly about it's exact capabilities and don't publish it's specifications anywhere, so anyone that is saying it can do x or it can't do y is speculating.

When asked about future firmware for the C300, he was vague, and would only say that you could likely expect something. He didn't give a timetable. He did say, though, that Canon was responding to customer needs & requests and pointed towards the 5DII manual control update as something as a turning point for the company.

Finally, that being said, I must say that the C500 is an extraordinary camera. I love it to death. It's most exciting feature to me isn't the 4K raw, but it's 12-bit 2K @ 4:4:4 and 120 fps. If I had the camera, this is what I would shoot 90% of the time, I think.

Also of note, he said that there was recently a social media policy change within the company that will allow certain Canon people to officially participate in online forums and discussions. They are a bit nervous to start, but I would expect more active involvement from them in the future. They do read these forums and are paying attention, this was made very clear.

Anyway, just thought I'd share.
 
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Thanks for the info Brian. Encouraging news about the Digic DV III processor, even though C300 is an 8-bit only camera, at least higher frame rates may be possible. I think it would be a positive step for Canon Cine EOS to start interacting on the forums, especially if an engineer vs. marketing person.
 
Dino said:
Thanks for the info Brian. Encouraging news about the Digic DV III processor, even though C300 is an 8-bit only camera, at least higher frame rates may be possible. I think it would be a positive step for Canon Cine EOS to start interacting on the forums, especially if an engineer vs. marketing person.
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Sure thing - and I agree with you on all fronts. There may be other things, such as heat dissipation abilities, to consider with higher frame rates on any firmware update, but that's only me pontificating - Canon didn't say anything about it. I'm remaining hopeful!

One final thing; we discussed the 1D C a bit as well. It's very complex internally, and while based on the stills cam, it's most definitely not just a 1D X with different firmware. The cam is a big experiment for Canon, and they're very interested to see how the market responds to it. Partly because of the uncertainty about how it will be embraced, he said that Canon was very focused on making sure they get everything right with that camera before it's released.
 
cowpunk52 said:
Sure thing - and I agree with you on all fronts. There may be other things, such as heat dissipation abilities, to consider with higher frame rates on any firmware update, but that's only me pontificating - Canon didn't say anything about it. I'm remaining hopeful!

One final thing; we discussed the 1D C a bit as well. It's very complex internally, and while based on the stills cam, it's most definitely not just a 1D X with different firmware. The cam is a big experiment for Canon, and they're very interested to see how the market responds to it. Partly because of the uncertainty about how it will be embraced, he said that Canon was very focused on making sure they get everything right with that camera before it's released.
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Canon FULL FRAME 1D-C. Come to Papa! Thats my camera. My full frame set of Zeiss Primes is waiting for this Baby which will create some shockwaves in f3/c300 market. I just wish they have 2k 4:2:2 not just 4K.
 
philiplipetz said:
Did they say anything about the C100?
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No, we didn't really discuss the C100 much. Sorry, I should have asked, but I'm not really in the market for that camera so it slipped my mind. I do know that there is a new promotional video coming out in the next week or so. Supposed to be much better.
 
There is a rumor that the C300 may be acquiring more than just 60p, did you hear any hints? have the Canon people said explicitly that it is internally limited to 8 bits? Canon tends to reuse the same chips for many cameras and I would guess that they could possibly be similar to the C500, but have absolutely zero concrete evidence for that guess.
 
The C500 will need a Codex or single Gemini 444 will support 12-bit. I believe the Ki Pro Quad will only support 10-bit 4:4:4.

The C300 is indeed hardware limited to 8-bit, but not at sensor level. I got zero hints as to whether high frame rate may or may not be coming to the camera. The processor and sensor is identical between the C100, C300, & C500.
 
Oh, last thing (I keep forgetting stuff)! Canon has an really nice new EF mount with a twist-lock mechanism (much like a PL mount) that makes it unnecessary to turn the actual lens. It's being used on the C500 EF version, and is being considered as a hardware upgrade for C300 users.
 
Bern Caughey said:
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, some flavor of 1080p/60, or even 1080/48, would attract even more buyers. Probably many more.

I'd order two immediately, especially with the current incentives, & more down the road.
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I would buy in with a 1080 60p upgrade. Reluctantly, but would do it. They'd need to hurry up though.
 
philiplipetz said:
Did they say anything about the C100?
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I'm with you buddy, I too am interested in the C100, the only thing that is holding me back is the lack of 60p.

Sony and Panasonic are looking into 120fps while we have kick and scream at Canon just to get messily 60p. Why? I just don't get it.

60p should be a standard feature on every camera they make...
 
Yes to add - Ive often heard the statement the Cinema EOS cameras use the DIGIC III processor and why? when 5DMKIII's are using the Digic V+ etc. The answer on that one is simple - Theres a very big difference between a DIGIC processor used in DSLRS and the DIGIC DV processor used in motion cameras.
 
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