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Canon is now charging $120 for a cropping guide feature available through a firmware update for select camera models, following a similar move by Sony. The tool is designed to help photographers capture consistently composed shots, particularly in high-volume environments like school portraits, sports, and event photography. While many cameras already offer basic grid overlays, Canon’s new feature is tailored for photographers focusing on headshots.
As Canon explained, “This new feature is designed to help photographers achieve consistent and professional-looking portraits, especially for high-volume environments such as school photography.” The update is available for Canon’s APS-C models, including the RF-S EOS R7. However, unlike typical free firmware updates, this one requires users to send their cameras to a Canon Service Center for installation, with the cameras being returned after the feature is added. For new camera purchases, buyers can opt to have the feature added before receiving the camera.
This move is notable as Canon rarely charges for firmware updates. Canon has also offered paid updates in the past, such as the Stop Motion Animation firmware for R-series cameras. By introducing this paid feature, Canon is catering to professional photographers who need specialized tools for efficiency in their work.
Though other brands like Sony have introduced similar gridline features for a cost, Canon’s decision to charge for the cropping guide shows the growing trend of monetizing software upgrades in the camera industry.
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