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 p.14 #20 · Mark IV Firmware 1.0.6 problems | |
For the moment I'm on negotiations with Canon to free up the firmware to the general public so It's just a matter of time.
Please people keep pressure on Canon about this issue and pressure them to downgrade your firm to 1.0.4 as they are not aware of this affecting their cameras.
I also got a reply from Canon Germany that it's very interesting and that could help a lot of the questions raised about blurry images (what I mean is: the image is in focus but not quite) on Canon 1D MarkIII and 1D MarkIV.
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"Increased likelihood of blur
EOS-1D Mark IV's 16.1 megapixels - approx. 1.6 times more than the EOS-1D Mark III and approx. twice that of EOS-1D Mark II. Images shot with the 1D Mark IV will show the effects of blur and defocus more than images shot with the Mark III or Mark II especially when viewed at the same size (i.e. at 100% on a computer monitor). When printed at same size, the visible effects of blur and defocus are not as noticeable. EOS-1D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark III users should be informed of the increased likelihood of blur and/or defocus when using high-resolution cameras. To prevent these image defects, photographers should use faster shutter speeds at high ISO settings and/or shoot with IS (Image Stabilizer) lenses.
Predicitve AF
When using AI Servo AF for continuous shooting of moving subjects, one of the most common issues is the focus shifting to the background instead of the targeted subject. Focus shifting to the background usually occurs because the subject is moving extremely quickly, and it is caused by the selected AF point not being able to continue tracking the subject. When the AF point is on the background instead of the subject, focus naturally shifts to the background.
Custom Function C.Fn III-8 ‘AF point expansion’ can reduce occurrences of this issue. When option 2: ‘Surrounding AF point’ is selected, it increases the number of active AF points. The subject is easier to track because it is more likely to remain within the area covered by the active focusing points. Also, setting C.Fn III-2 ‘Tracking Sensitivity’ to one of the slower options can improve the stability of subject tracking.
Additional to the better AF accuarcy due to the larger AF-area, helps the pre tracking ca. 0.5 sec to get a better AF-prediction, see the following example:
In your example with the flying eagle, you can notice, that the eagle is not hit accurate with the AF-points and sometimes get lost, even with 'surrounding points'. The AF switch's every time between the subject and background, you can improve such a situation, like I explained above, with C.Fn III-2 'tracking sensivity. With setting 'slow (-2)' or 'moderate slow (-1), the focus stay's longer on the detected subject, also C.Fn III-4 affect the tracking, see the following example:
Please keep in mind, when using C.Fn 4-1 'Continuous AF tracking priority' that you hit the subject with the AF-point on the first frame, if you fail the background could be the main subject for the camera, if this happens release the AF-button and press again.
Summary:
The delivered sample images, gave me no possibility to give a clear statement. I discovered only two issues, that the chosen shutter speed in that resolution class and combined with long telephoto lenses is quite long, so a reduced shutter time should improve the results. 2nd the tolerance level of camera and lenses should be checked by our service, to see, that lenses and body fit on each other. Today's service adjustments are more precise than in the past. When was the equipment adjusted, last time?
Please don't feel misunderstood, we don't want to disabuse you or rate your photographic skill's. We think that you have good knowledge and photographic experience. But because of the much higher accuracy of the new cameras, a lot of details will be visible, we didn't see before. A view at 50 % on the screen, the resolution of Mark IIN (8 Megapixel), shows a lot more sharp images. We still want to handle your complain serious and this explanation is only a assumption. Please try the above illustrated topics and get an appointment with your service to see what changes they will deliver.
Our actual experience show, that 1.0.6 delivers better results than 1.0.4, especially the described hunting issue, is more less with the new 1.0.6. That matches also the experience photographers told us on the olympics in vancouver, I personally attend. It's confusing that you'll get better results with 1.0.4.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.
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This was the answer I got from them after sending a DVD with a collection of a football game I did to test both versions.
My conclusion is still the same, at the moment, the 1.0.4 is a more stable version if you shoot on low light and football, but hey! that is just me talking.
I'm very apprehensive about the double speed to freeze things up and to maintain sharp images as this result in a higher ISO and a not so good quality for the final image also not talking if you need to make a crop of that image with high ISO as it sometimes it's necessary on football games.
I believe Canon could have deliver a much better sensor and even moved into a full frame one but you know Canon, marketing above all.
Last words if you are shooting moving targets remember to always, at least, double your shutter speed to get those really crispy images and try to keep you ISO low as possible to maintain HQ files. If you are on Low Light then you are f... or you can always try to change to the Dark side. 
Edited on Mar 16, 2010 at 12:54 AM · View previous versions
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