HUGE EOS R Firmware Release from Canon

Last week, Canon dropped firmware updates for most of the cameras in the EOS R lineup. If you aren’t familiar with firmware updates, they are put out by manufacturers to either fix bugs that have been identified in their cameras, or sometimes, they can also add new features which the existing hardware can deal with. Whenever new firmware is released, I rush to the specification to see what is being changed and if it will enhance my picture-taking.

When I saw the announcement last week, I have to say, as a Canon R5 and R6 user, where newer models have replaced both cameras, I wasn’t holding my breath for new features. My thoughts were right; all we have been provided with this time are minor tweaks. It is pretty surprising to see how many cameras have all been updated on the same day. Let’s look at all the updates released and what they give to the various models.

I have summarised all the changes across the range on two pages. I have added a link under the video so you can download the document if it is quite small to read. As you would expect, the most recent cameras, the R3, R5 Mark II and R6 Mark II, have most of the enhancements and fixes; the R5 Mark II, in particular, has eight fixes in the latest firmware update. It’s interesting to see that three of the R3 fixes are issues that have also been present on early cameras, such as the original R5, both R6 versions, and the R10 and R50. I guess the thing to take from the list of fixes across the range is that none appear to be things that most users will encounter and generally happen in quite specific circumstances.

The enhancements are also relatively minor and won’t benefit a massive number of users. R3, R5 and R6 Mark II photographers can now include Protect and Rating flags when using FTP transfers directly from the camera. R3 users will also be glad to know that they can use a wired connection when the camera is in Airplane mode – I’m not sure why you might want to do this, but if you need it, knock yourself out. Both R6 versions and the original R5 can now use the new LP-E6P batteries launched with the R5 Mark II. This new battery is more powerful and longer lasting than the LP-E6NH batteries, so if you have the £119 to buy the official latest battery, you’ll get a few extra shots or recording time.

The more budget-end cameras in the EOS R range have added extra security to the Wi-Fi connection with the introduction of WPA2 and WPA3 security standards. They also now have support for the Software Development Assistance Kit. This allows third-party developers to create applications for these models that allow users to control shooting settings, control multiple cameras, and inject GPS and XMP metadata.

Besides R5 Mark II and R3 users, there isn’t much in these firmware updates that could be considered ‘to die for’. Therefore, I recommend holding off on adding these updates for a couple of weeks. Sometimes, manufacturers can introduce new issues as part of the firmware updates, so if you wait a couple of weeks, there will be time for others to identify the problems before they get added to your camera. For those who can’t wait, here’s how to apply the firmware update to your Canon camera.

The best and easiest way to apply a firmware update is through the Canon Camera Connect app. I’ve added the links to the app on the Apple Store and Google Play under the video. If you’re using the app for the first time, you’ll need to connect the camera to the app. The app will walk you through this process.

If you are already connected to the app, it will display a message that new firmware has been released. You can either ignore it by clicking on the ‘Later’ button or press the ‘Download’ button to continue. On the next screen, there is a summary of the firmware that is about to be downloaded. Press the download button again. You’ll need to accept the software licence agreement. Once that’s finished, we can connect the camera using Wi-Fi.

Once the camera is connected to the app,  we now have to pop over to the camera screen. A message will pop up telling you that new firmware has been identified and the version number that is about to be applied. Press the ‘SET’ button on your camera. You’ll be asked to confirm you want to apply the update, so toggle to the OK button and accept it. We now have to wait a few seconds for the update to apply. Make sure you don’t switch the camera off while it is applying the update, as you might open up the gates to hell, be responsible for several animals being wiped off the earth, or maybe cause problems with your camera – I don’t know, I’ve never tried it.

A message will tell you when the update has been completed. Press OK, and you’re all set to use the features and fixes in Canon’s latest update.

Canon CameraConnect App Links

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.canon.ic.cameraconnect&hl=en_GB

Apple iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/canon-camera-connect/id944097177

Link to enhancements and Fixes in the September 2024 Release https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/m16p6m4ns9aks8fyuwe0a/September-2024-Canon-Firmware-Enhancements-and-Fixes.pdf?rlkey=41xfw2bnvw97jc1jb0cy8p1av&dl=0