Canon released firmware version 1.1.0 to its flagship DSLR, the EOS-1D X Mark III, that added 23.98fps, commonly shortened to 24p to its video specs, and it immediately gave me flashbacks to the early days of the EOS 7D and 5D MK II.

For the uninitiated, in the fall of 2009 Canon introduced the EOS 7D, a cropped sensor SLR that shot full HD 1920 x 1080 at 23.976, 25, and 29.97fps. It also recorded 720p at 59.94fps. Cool.

At that time, the 5D MK II had already been out for a year, and it didn't tout 23.98fps video, something video shooters wanted in the camera. Canon didn't see it the same at first. It took 18 months of constant customer feedback for Canon to add NTSC 23.98fps and PAL 25fps in the 5D MK II via firmware update. 

A decade later, for one reason or another, Canon has not fully realized that video shooters who buy its equipment want 23.98fps and 25fps as an option for each resolution as well as straight 24fps. Right out the box. 

Canon_eosrp

Last year, Canon rolled out different cameras that omitted the frame rates in full HD and 4K resolutions. The EOS RP, EOS 90D, and EOS M6 Mark II to name a few. And again, customers requested 23.98fps, 24fps, and 25fps. And again, Canon began to offer firmware updates. 

Is there still a dead horse to beat? 

And I'm not just pointing a finger at Canon. Every manufacturer who makes a camera that has a nominal amount of video specs should include all three frame rates at each resolution. The medium format Leica S3, which is absolutely geared towards high-end photography has specs that include 24p, 25p, and 30p. It's baffling that common frame rates are not automatic checkboxes for modern cameras right out of the gate.

If you're a camera manufacturer not including them, let's fix this. Make it standard. If the thinking is to protect other high-end models in the camera lineup, that's asinine. Make creative workflows easier. Bridge the cameras, don't pin them against one another. Give creators matching frame rates, bit depth, and similar color science, so interpreting footage in post is easier. Workflow matters when budgets are tight and shooting days are shortened. 

Now to Canon's credit, the 1D X Mark II did eventually receive 23.98, 24 and 25fps in full HD, and it did only take a couple of months to add 23.98fps to the 1D X MK III, but for those waiting on 25fps, you might want to send Canon feedback now. 

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III Firmware 1.1.0

  • Full HD movies and 4K UHD movies in 23.98fps has been added 
  • The communication speed has been improved when connected via wired LAN
  • The "Browser Remote" function has been added
  • The function to transfer only protected images has been added
  •  Corrects the phenomenon in which, when the electronic level is set to "Show" in the viewfinder display, in rare cases, the camera may freeze when operating the AF-ON button or shutter button
  • Corrects the phenomenon in which the Custom Shooting Mode settings may change when the shooting mode is switched

You can download the EOS-1D X Mark III 1.1.0 firmware update on the Canon support page. 

Source: Canon

TechcanonEOS-1D X Mark III
Cinematography & Cameras