Canon 5D Mark III Firmware update for uncompressed HDMI

Canon has announced a Firmware update for the 5D Mark III camera promising ability to record uncompressed video through HDMI Out and ability to AF at f8. This would be the first time ever that a non 1 series camera gets the facility to auto focus at f8. The fimware update will be available in April 2013.

Sharing the press release below.
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PRESS RELEASE

New Firmware Update For Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera Provides Uncompressed HDMI Output Support And Improved AF Performance


LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 23, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced a new firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera that significantly improves the camera's performance and usability. In response to requests from professionals working in the fields of cinema and television production, the firmware update enables the use of uncompressed HDMI Output support, making possible more efficient video editing and monitoring procedures. Additionally, the upgrade supports the advanced needs of photographers through improved AF performance when capturing still images.

Uncompressed HDMI Output Support
When shooting video, HDMI Output makes possible the recording of high-definition uncompressed video data (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) from the EOS 5D Mark III to an external recorder via the camera's HDMI terminal. This, in turn, facilitates the editing of video data with minimal image degradation for greater on-site workflow efficiency during motion picture and video productions. Additionally, video being captured can be displayed on an external monitor, enabling real-time, on-site monitoring of high-definition video during shooting.

Improved AF Functionality
Even when the EOS 5D Mark III is equipped with an extender and lens making possible a maximum aperture of f/8, the firmware update supports AF employing the camera's central cross-type points (currently compatible with maximum apertures up to f/5.6). Accordingly, the update will allow users to take advantage of AF when shooting distant subjects, benefitting sports and nature photographers, particularly when using telephoto lenses.

The new firmware update will be available, at no charge, in April 2013 from the Canon U.S.A. website and can be downloaded by end users or through Canon Factory Service Centers.

Original press release can be found here: http://usa.canon.com/cusa/about_cano...01e024806daf9c

Finally Canon has released the 5D Mark III firmware update.

Canon has announced a new firmware update – Version 1.2.1 – for the EOS 5D Mark III DSLR, which includes features for enhanced shooting and improved video workflow, is now available to download. Details of the exact firmware fixes and improvements are shown below…

EOS 5D Mark III firmware version 1.2.1
Firmware Version 1.2.1 for the EOS 5D Mark III incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.
Enables the centre AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
Improves the speed of the camera’s acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display ‘Err 70’ or ‘Err 80’ when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.
Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.
Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.
When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol an ‘O’ will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an ‘X’ will be displayed.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.
Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.
The lens compensation data for the EF24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens has been added.
Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the ‘Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO’ option.

5D Mark III owners can download the software from here: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consum...ersAndSoftware