Canon R1 New Firmware testing

[David Stallard]

Ok so firmware 1.1.2 has been released for the R1, 'usually' I like to wait a few weeks before installing it but had time before my next race meeting so took the plunge and went for it!

All shot hand held, image stabiliser off, Canon R1, RF 100-300 2.8 with 1.4 extender.

The very first thing I did was to turn off password at start / wake, most stupid idea ever - your moving around trackside with the body asleep and you catch something out of the corner of your eye. . . pick camera up to eye and. . . . . . damn, 6 digit password fumble fumble and. . . . . moment is gone! Looking forward to trying out the SP AF setting at the circuit to see if it helps shooting through catch fencing, no mention of motorsport use but could be a game changer for the 'red zone' areas where we have to shoot / pan through catch fencing.

I nipped down to Brands Hatch for the BSB to give it a real world test, tested the 'through the fencing' autofocus setting, few shots below - is it totally idiot / fool proof no (I would have been very surprised if it was) but I honestly think it helped especially with the sun on the fencing.

I would normally stand closer to the fence but to test things out the fence was here:

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Panning left to right:

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Real tricky test - 3/4 on through the fence at an angle, YES you can see the fence BUT the test was to see if it would stay locked on to the bike - Check.

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Finally - a head on shot through the mesh fencing approx. 6' away.

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I also tried out the 'panning assist' and for me personally - my technique works very well so didn't really see a benefit, also - same as the R3 - it takes 2 shots each and every time no matter how quick I am on the shutter button.

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Without PA -

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Bit of a long post 'sorry' With so many negative posts on-line about the new update I thought I would share a good post ;-)

DAVID.

 

[TwoWheeler]

C’mon, ‘fess up - you took a pair of bolt cutters and made a hole in the fence, didn’t you?

That’s impressive.

 

[jcass]

I'm impressed. Shooting through a fence or net has always been a challenge requiring me to switch to manual focus. I think the ghost of the fence adds flavor in some of your photos. Very well done as always, and thank you!

 

[David Stallard]

C’mon, ‘fess up - you took a pair of bolt cutters and made a hole in the fence, didn’t you?

That’s impressive.

Thanks ;-) trust me if 'we' could get away with it we would. Getting to the point now where spectator side you only have the option of shooting through fencing. There are a couple of circuits where they haven't got them but they are getting few and far between.

 

[jcass]

Btw, that is one box of interest checked in the new firmware's features. The other two are precapture count and autofocus behavior (à la 1.0.2 vs 1.0.3).

 

[David Stallard]

Hey Jim, only tested those two as that's what I would use the most - I don't 'machine gun' shoot (I know right, 40fps and I set it to 3 ) will no doubt try the pre capture in Canada at the end of the year on the eagle's.

 

[jcass]

Understood. I've no expectation of you going out of you way to validate other firmware features.

I look for your photos here, so I was very happy to see your photos and feedback on the new AF scenario. I used to shoot football and want to get back into the habit. Two years ago, I missed a potentially "great" shot of a PK from behind the net because I couldn't focus fast enough.

 

[Only RF]

Pretty impressive with no IS at those shutter speeds. I'd never be able to do that. Idiot Proof? Perfect camera for me. When I win the lottery. Never been a fan of grips but I think I'd adapt.

What I really like about the R1 and R5II is Canon simplified the Case numbers and most importantly the added TS control to the Auto mode. I figured the Accel/Decel algorithms could self adjust as the subject changed speeds. I could never understand how the system would know if I wanted to hang onto the primary subject TS-2 or drop it and immediately refocus on an obstruction TS+2. Therefore I always assumed it waited towards -2 because I think most photogs want to hang onto the primary subject. I have no stats to back that. Just my thoughts.

Canon also got rid of Switching Tracked Subjects which is a very good thing IMO.

I think I'll have to settle for the R6III if some of those rumoured specs pan out. I'm also looking forward to the new Case number set up and no STS on the future bodies.

 

[Hali]

Those are great images. Thank you for a positive look at the update (although I have to agree that password thing is ridiculous!)

 

[Only RF]

Those are great images. Thank you for a positive look at the update (although I have to agree that password thing is ridiculous!)

So you add it once and forget about. It’s not affected me in any way because I requested that it not ask me every time the camera powers up.

 

[David Stallard]

So you add it once and forget about. It’s not affected me in any way because I requested that it not ask me every time the camera powers up.

Which begs the question - if we are going to turn it off, why have it? If it was just when you turn camera on I could live with it BUT every time it wakes from sleep. . . . I would miss hundreds of shots.

 

[Only RF]

Which begs the question - if we are going to turn it off, why have it? If it was just when you turn camera on I could live with it BUT every time it wakes from sleep. . . . I would miss hundreds of shots.

Canon says that it is adding this feature due to requirements issued by European cybersecurity regulations: “Some camera products have a password setting function for protecting personal information and security in the camera.” It is slated to become available on July 17, 2025.

Canon Adds Password Protection to Ten EOS R Series Cameras

Canon is adding a new password protection option to 10 of its mirrorless EOS R series cameras via a firmware update.

petapixel.com

With my limited memory I recall there were also regulations for radio controlled flashes. That was quite a few years ago.