Canon releases firmware updates for EOS R1, EOS R5 Mark II, and more

A whole load of Canon firmware updates launch today, with the main targets being high-speed news and sports environments.

Canon announced firmware updates for the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II today. The updates are designed to refine performance in high-speed news and sports environments and further streamline workflows, alongside further enhancements across its mirrorless camera line-up. 

There is a bit of confusion surrounding them though. New C2PA Authenticity support was initially included in the firmware announcement, but Canon now says that this is "not intended for this release and will not be available as part of this update." No information on when that will be coming. And Canon Rumors says there are alarums from Japan that the firmware downloads have been suspended while an issue surrounding shooting video with 2 TB+ cards is investigated.

So, here's the list - perhaps. 

Sports and action photography

• EVF Viewfinder priority
Enhanced electronic viewfinder responsiveness to eliminate EVF turning-on lag when camera is raised to eye (applicable to EOS R1).
• Panning Assist
Now further refined for the EOS R1 to provide stabilisation for smooth, dynamic panning – ideal for motorsports and fast-moving subjects.
• Pre-Continuous Shooting Adjustment
Allows the number of shots taken using pre capture to be selected in the camera’s menu from 1 to 20 (on EOS R1) or 1 to 15 (on EOS R5 Mark II).
• Auto Focus Through Nets
Advanced AI-driven autofocus now intelligently locks onto subjects through obstacles like nets or fences.
• Flickerless Shooting – Always Detection
Canon’s highly praised auto-detection and warning system for 100/120 Hz flicker, first seen in the EOS R3, is now seamlessly integrated into both the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II with the latest firmware update, working continuously to alert users of exposure issues under artificial lighting.

Workflow improvements for fast-paced environments

• Support for high capacity CFexpress Cards: Enables cards up to 8TB to be used for longer shooting sessions without the need to swap storage.
• Auto Protection for Rated Photos: Automatically locks images with specified rating to prevent accidental deletion – available across the EOS R5, EOS R3, and EOS R6 Mark II.
• FTP Transfer order update: The transfer order has been modified to suit agency preferences, with voice memos now being sent before images.

General system and usability upgrades

With usability and customisation at the forefront, Canon has implemented multiple refinements across the system:

• Button Customisation – Airplane Mode: Allows quick disabling of Wi-Fi for travel or secure environments.
• Exposure Simulation with Flash: Now supported across a wide range of bodies including the EOS R1, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R6 Mark II, and EOS R8.
• IBIS (In-body Image Stabilisation) and Peripheral Coordinated Control IS Support: Now enabled on the EOS R5 Mark II for smoother stabilisation with compatible lenses.
• Improved Servo AF When Zooming: Enhanced autofocus tracking during zooming motions on the EOS R3 and EOS R6 Mark II.

EOS R50

A new firmware released for the EOS R50 adds support for the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE and the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lenses.

New accessories for action sports

Canon today also announced the EL-1 (Ver.2), an updated Speedlite flash delivering lightning-fast recycle times, long continuous flash burst and advanced wireless communication. With both radio and optical triggering, users can control the EL-1 (Ver.2) wirelessly from anywhere in the scene, and preview flash outputs through the built-in bi-colour LED modelling light.

Updated on July 19 to remove mention of CP2A support following confirmation from Canon.