EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II: Powerful new firmware and system updates for professional news and sports photographers
Canon today announces firmware updates for the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, designed to refine performance in high-speed news and sports environments and further streamline workflows, alongside further enhancements across its mirrorless camera line-up. These updates reflect Canon’s continued commitment to professional users and news agencies demanding reliability, speed, and innovation in every frame.
Sports and action photography
In response to the evolving needs of sports photographers, Canon introduces a series of enhancements to boost performance and accuracy:
• 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
Designed for high-pressure environments where speed and accuracy are critical, Canon is introducing new tools to streamline the professional workflow:
• Support for high capacity CFexpress Cards: Enables cards up to 8TB to be used for longer shooting sessions without the need to swap storage.
• C2PA Authenticity: Integrated support for the C2PA standard for photo authenticity verification – initially available exclusively for registered news agencies.
• 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.
These updates reaffirm Canon’s commitment to delivering advanced functionality to professional users, responding to the demands of an ever-changing imaging landscape. For a full breakdown of the new firmware benefits and supported models, please visit: https://www.canon.co.uk/support/consumer/products/cameras/eos/
