Firmware updates are now available for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, which will improve both DSLRs USB 3.0 connection compatibility. Although the update is a minor one, it underlines Canon's continuing commitment to its professional full-frame DSLRs, including models that are five years old.
Firmware version 1.3.2 is available for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II (opens in new tab) and version 1.1.8 for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (opens in new tab) – both updates offering the same improvements to connection compatibility to PCs when using a USB 3.0 or higher compatible cable.
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Mac and Windows version of the firmware update are available on the product pages on Canon website – download firmware version 1.1.8 (opens in new tab) for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and for firmware version 1.3.2 (opens in new tab) for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.
USB 3.0 can transfer data at up to 5 Gbit/s (625 MB/s), which is about 10 times faster than the USB 2.0 standard. USB 3.0 connectivity offers fast file transfer to PC and Mac computers, which is ideal for tethered shooting in studio environments – an area in which both the 5D Mark IV and 1D X Mark II excel.
It is good to see that Canon is still committed to its DSLRs, and hasn’t abandoned them despite the pronounced shift that all the big producers are making towards mirrorless. In fact DSLRs like the Canon EOS 90D (opens in new tab) have adopted mirrorless technology to incorporate the same capabilities. Canon 5D Mark IV owners will be encouraged that there’s still life in the camera, which remains a powerhouse DSLR despite somewhat ageing technology.
Also it is encouraging to see Canon remaining true to its word regarding offering support for professional products like the 1D X Mark II throughout its lifespan, even though it was released in 2016 and was replaced by the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III (opens in new tab) last year.
Read more:
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review (opens in new tab)
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II review (opens in new tab)
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III review (opens in new tab)
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