Higher maximum burst rate, in-camera editing functions and user-definable Auto ISO are all features supported by Canon's latest firmware release for the EOS 7D

Canon’s latest firmware update for the EOS 7D (firmware v2) is set to provide photographers with a host of new benefits that include a higher maximum burst rate, in-camera editing functions, user-definable Auto ISO as well as support for Canon’s latest GPS receiver, the GP-E2.

With an 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Dual “DIGIC 4” processors and an extended maximum ISO of 12,800, the EOS 7D offers fast, high-quality shooting at speeds of up to 8 frames per second. Thanks to the new firmware which adds powerful memory management algorithms taken from Canon’s flagship EOS-1 series, photographers can now enjoy greater flexibility in continuous shooting, with the maximum RAW buffer extended to a new high of 25 RAW files or 130 JPEGs.  

Adding to this are a range of newly-added editing functions giving photographers more control over how images look, allowing post-production to begin in-camera. Photographers can now process their RAW files and correct artefacts such as peripheral illumination, distortion and chromatic aberration. Additionally, adjustments to white balance, sharpness and Picture Style, as well as a host of other parameters, can now also be made immediately after shooting, with the results saved as new JPEG files. JPEGs can also be instantly resized, without the need for a PC or Mac.

As previously seen in Canon’s 5D Mark III, the new update also allows photographers to filter large volumes of pictures on their way back from a shoot using an image rating facility. Image rating data is stored in each file’s metadata, which can be read by a range of editing applications, including Canon Digital Photo Professional, and other industry software such as Apple Aperture, Adobe Lightroom and Bridge.

Additionally, the 7D’s firmware provides extra versatility for movie recording. Improved audio functionality in movie mode gives aspiring videographers greater control while shooting videos. Users can complement the camera’s Full HD (1920x1080p) movie footage with 16-bit digital stereo sound, sampled at broadcast-quality 48KHz, and new manual control of audio levels allows users to choose from 64 sound levels. A digital wind-cut filter also reduces noise made by movement of air around the microphone, ensuring sound is clear and free from peripheral interference.

Firmware v2 also provides added capacity for users to track the location of their images with new support for the GPS Receiver GP-E2 – Canon’s latest high-performance GPS unit that’s attached to the camera via the hotshoe and connected via a cable.

The v2 firmware for the EOS 7D will be available to download from August 2012. To check Canon’s support page for the latest firmware updates click here.