The new firmware version 2.0.3 for EOS-1D X announced earlier is in response to valuable feedback and suggestions from worldwide professional photographers. EOS-1D X users can have their cameras enhanced by this free-of-charge firmware update. We have prepared a few articles to help you understanding the new functions brought by this firmware and explain what it means to photographers.

Improved AI Servo AF performance under low-light conditions
The innovative 61-point AF system of EOS-1D X has arguably the most powerful and mature AF system developed to date by Canon. Commitment to excellence is what Canon believes, the company is still investing substantial resources to further enhance this excellent AF system by responding to feedback from some of the world’s most demanding professional photographers.

Low-light AF performance during AI Servo AF is a key benefit of the new V. 2.0.3 firmware for the EOS-1D X. In AI Servo AF, initial low-light reading from the instant that AF is first activated and AF calculation for the first shot are improved — a new AF reading and control sequence gives the AF system a longer time to gather subject information, without slowing camera responsiveness. No action or settings are required from the photographer to realize this benefit.

Visualization of AI Servo AF low-light performance with Firmware 2.0.3

Enhanced [AI Servo 2nd Image Priority] to maximize the flexibility of high speed continuous shooting

More flexible option on choosing Speed or Focus Priority under[AI Servo 2nd Image Priority]

The range of Focus priority to Speed priority setting in [AI Servo 2nd Image Priority] is expanded from previously ‘-1 / 0 / +1’ to broader ‘-2 / -1 / 0 / +1 / +2’. User can choose the most suitable continuous shooting setting based on the given circumstances.

The new ‘-2’ for Speed priority will assign the camera to emphasize continuous shooting speed over focus, the camera will maintain the fastest speed of continuous shooting even autofocusing has not been completed. On the other hand, the new ‘+2’ for Focus priority will allow the camera to use extra time on focusing by reducing the continuous speed under special occasions (such as low-light environment).

Visualization of low-light performance and continuous shooting speed with different [AI Servo AF 2nd Image] settings

Better AF performance for subjects moving at steady speed or having little movement

New ‘-2’ and ‘-1’ settings under [Acceleration/Deceleration Tracking]

The [Acceleration/Deceleration Tracking] parameters in [AF Configuration Tool] is designed for subjects that accelerate or decelerate such as sports, car racing and wildlife. The previously 3-step ‘0 / +1 / +2’ setting is now expanded to a 5-step ‘-2 / -1 / 0 / +1 / +2’ in the new firmware.

‘+1’ and ‘+2’ settings are suitable for subjects that suddenly move, accelerate, decelerate, or stop. The higher the value, the more accurately erratic moving subjects are tracked. On the other hand, for subjects moving at a relatively constant speed (not much acceleration or deceleration) or having little movements, the new firmware has added two new parameters ‘-1’ and ‘-2’ to handle the situations. The two new ‘minus’ parameters will ensure AF tracking on the original subject is stable and consistent even if there are other subjects entering the focus point momentarily . This enhancement further improves EOS-1D X’s tracking performance for subjects moving at steady speed.

You can download the EOS-1D X firmware 2.0.3 here
Windows System： http://support-hk.canon-asia.com/contents/HK/EN/0400115902.html
MacOS： http://support-hk.canon-asia.com/contents/HK/EN/0400116002.html