Lost in all of the hubub during the last few days with CES announcements was this interesting little gem about an upcoming – apparently already in the wild – but unannounced firmware update to the Canon 5D Mark III.
So far, not much is known about this firmware update, other than that it is version 1.3.3, but an interesting note is that apparently the upcoming firmware contains some code that blocks Magic Lantern. If this rumor, which is all it is at this point, is correct, than this is a very strange move on Canon’s part.
ML being blocked? Just load an older firmware, right? Wrong. Apparently the new firmware also blocks users from downgrading to an older firmware. It is not super surprising that Canon doesn’t want people messing around in their firmware and running cod, ML, on their cameras… but their lack of enthusiasm for enforcing this over the years, and their praising of content produced using this ‘hack’ makes for very mixed messages from Canon.
It will be interesting to see how this all pans out. If this does, in fact, block Magic Lantern, could this trigger a mass exodus of video people from the Canon system (those that already didn’t jump ship, of course)? Also, new 5D Mark III bodies are apparently ALREADY shipping with this firmware, so it’s too late to get one without it unless you buy used.
[via EOSHD]
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Don’t know if anyone has interest, but ML has an Alpha version for Canon70D :) Finally!!
Why would Canon do that? Some people are getting Canon because you can install third party firmware like ML. If ever an exodus will happen, where would Canon users go? Nikon? Nikon doesn’t have any ML.
This would be incredibly stupid of Canon. Their behavior so far seems to have been the correct one: they don’t endorse ML, but they also know that’s a very good accessory for some photographers/videographers. And it sells cameras.
And of course, at any big company, it’s possible to have some idiot come along, not understand the situation, and screw things up. Hopefully not true.
Man, this gota be a false alarm and a rumor created do weaken Canon´s image even more. At least that´s what I would like to think. It would simply be just a f*** stupid move………..considering what the ML team have done so far, how could someone on their right mind think that a firmware block could stop them for long? I mean……..that´s just more bad words on you Canon, come on.
Canon doesn’t let you downgrade firmware versions on your camera using the update via card method. At least I’ve never been able to do that so it’s all just standard procedure. In terms of blocking magic lantern I think you’ve just come to the wrong conclusion. So now we have a bunch of people bashing Canon for working on a firmware update like they normally do. Settle down folks.
just another silly little reason to leave them.
I thought the new Canon countdown slogan was:
We See Impossible
not
We Be Impossible
The EOS 5D Mark III is such a older platform as per firmware, I find it very questionable Canon would try to block ML firmware from this camera. Take a look at what Canon has going on, getting ready to introduce a new full frame high mega pixel camera, the recent introduction of the EOS 7D Mark II, working on the introduction of a new “M” series camera. Why would Canon want to write code to hinder Magic Lantern from installing firmware add on in a older generation of camera. Now, should a ML firmware come available for the 7D Mark II, and be blocked by the current version installed in the Mark II, you have something. It was mentioned the ML firmware was successfully installed using EOS Utility, no actual proof exists for the alleged Canon blockage. Just my 2 cents.
Sure, maybe right now the new firmware won’t allow magic lantern, but I’m sure that can be fixed in no time by magic lantern just like the new IOS software initially doesn’t let you jailbreak your phone. They’ll figure it out.
Very interesting article. I am interested to see what is contained in the new firmware.
Anthony, you can see in ML forum that some guys tried and the downgrade is possible using the EOS utility. At least one “good” thing.
Aye, that is good news.
Thanks for that input, and another thanks for your research.
If this turns out to be true, it’s a silly move by Canon. Huge lack of vision and market positioning.
This is so silly! Canon clearly has bigger problems than product software hacks. Heck if they really cared they would do more upgrades in the first place. They have the resources to beat hackers to the market and even charge for upgrades. What a waist of time money and energy Canon. Get your act together and focus on innovation. Meanwhile Sony and Fuji steal market share.