Canon has released a free firmware update that significantly improves autofocus capabilities on its flagship EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II cameras. The update expands the Action Priority AF support and enhances face recognition, delivering better tracking performance for photographers capturing dynamic scenes.
Expanded Action Priority AF Adds American Football
The standout feature in this update is the inclusion of American football to the cameras’ Action Priority AF sports recognition list, which already covers soccer, basketball, and volleyball. This allows the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II to detect specific in-game actions such as ball carries and pass throws, enabling the autofocus system to track the relevant subject more accurately during fast-paced sequences.
Additionally, the update improves tracking recovery. If the camera momentarily loses focus due to a subject crossing, it can now quickly reacquire the intended target rather than locking onto an incorrect subject, enhancing reliability during critical moments. Related coverage: New TCL A400U QD-Mini LED TV Launches with Up to 288Hz Refresh Rate.
Improved Registered People Priority Enhances Face Recognition
The firmware also upgrades the Registered People Priority function. Recognition of pre-registered faces is now more effective for side profiles and partially obscured faces. This improvement makes subject discrimination in crowded multi-person scenes more dependable, which is particularly useful in environments like events or sports.
Video Features: False Color and Overlays
On the video front, both the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II gain the ability to display False Color while using View Assist, helping videographers monitor exposure levels more precisely. The update also adds grid and level overlays during video recording, assisting with composition and alignment.
Additional Updates for EOS R50 V and PowerShot V1
Alongside the flagship cameras, Canon has rolled out firmware updates for the EOS R50 V and PowerShot V1 models. These updates improve creator workflows by enabling Review AF across standard shooting modes, which is beneficial for live commerce and product review filming. Support for Canon’s upcoming BR-E2 wireless remote is also included.
The firmware update is available now through Canon’s Camera Connect app, with direct downloads from Canon’s website starting May 14.
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