Canon has quietly released a new version of its EOS Utility. The update restores compatibility with macOS Catalina version 10.15.2 and higher. The issue I reported on January 15, 2020, was created by Apple’s 10.15.2 update. The next update from Apple did not address the connectivity problem.
Tethering restored
Canon’s EOS Utility 3 and the older version 2 are both installed in the Mac’s Applications folder. Version 3 is for current cameras while version 2 covers older models. Below are links to the new version and its instruction manual.
EOS Utility 3.12.1 download
Scroll down to the EOS Utility 3.12.1 for macOS, then click Select.
I got all hopeful then, but it looks like they’ve just bundled the old EOS Utility 2 (not working on Catalina) in with the new version of EOS Utility 3. So I still can’t get my Canon 550D working with my new Macbook… :/
Hi Billy, EOS Utility 2 and EOS Utility 3 are separate applications. They are installed together so that no matter if you have a brand new 1DX Mark III or an older 5D or Rebel model the right software for each camera, is on your computer. The current version is 3.12.10 and can be downloaded from Canon This update fixed my current Canon cameras that use EOS Utility 3 on macOS Catalina 10.15.3. I have not updated the macOS to 10.15.4 yet. I don’t have an older Canon that I can use to check EOS Utility 2. What version of… Read more »
Do you have any further updates? I am using EOS 7D. If I try to update the EOS software on my Mac it tells me I am running Catalina and it can’t update…do you know of canon are working on this?
Steve – What version of the EOS Utility are you running?
Steve – What version of the EOS Utility are you running?
3.12.10.8
Struggling to be able to use my Canon 700d onto iOS Catalina 10.15.4 – whilst I’m aware my camera is an older, lower cost model – I would love to be able to get the videos from it to upload to my website. Any help is hugely appreciated.
canon Powershot ELPH 100HS Apple Cant See it?
it’s been my hip pocket camera for many years
with Microsoft systems of all kinds
New Old did not matter on PCs With PCs downloading Images off a Camera
is childs play.
But this MAC is HORRIBLE
in so many ways…
and now it cant compete with my old windows 7 OS ??
Something as fundamental as Digital Cameras?
Why ? is Apple Deliberatly Self Destructing
to make room for gates to rule the computer world?
It doesn’t work with canon eos m
When will the canon webcam software for mac OS Catalina be available? I have not been able to use my dslr for zoom meetings. I understand there are alternate third party softwares like camera live but, I find there is a lag in transfer. For example, when I speak into the dslr , my voice and body are not real time. Please help!
It’s available now — check back on Canon’s website.
i’ve just checked and it still not available , do you have a link
I am trying to bring an old microscope set-up back to digital imaging capabilities, and am suffering for the lack of EOS capability with MacOS 10.15.4 (Catalina). I have EOS 3.12.10 and 2.14.31….neither are recognizing the camera. Any insights or work arounds would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Ryan,
I am running macOS 10.15.4 on both my MacPro and MacBook Pro. Initially, the EOS Utility 3 did not work on either machine. I uninstalled the EOS Utility then downloaded what appeared to be the same version and installed it and everything works. I have a hunch (not a confirmation) that a small fix was added without updating the version number.
Thanks for your explanation! I updated mine but still not working. When I try to connect my camera, EOS Utility tell “Camera not recognize”. My camera is EOS T3i Rebel. Any idea?
Same issue on Mac OS X 15.5.5 and Eos M50. Latest firmware and apps.
Hi Carlo,
I am not familiar the EOS M50. If it works with EOS Utility, give the suggestions above a go.
I believe that the EOS T3i uses EOS Utility 2. I have also found that checking the cables can matter. Removing the camera battery with the camera on then turning it off and connecting it then reinstall the battery and turn the camera on. EOS Utility will sometime start on its own. If it doesn’t start if from the Applications > Canon Utilities folder. The screen will show dimmed out choices. Turn the camera off, then on again and it will probably connect.
Do you think the EOS Utility 3 software for CANON 6D mark II, is compatible with the newest MAC OS Catalina 10.15.6?
Thank you!
Same question. All was working fine until I updated my mac yestery. EOS Utility 3 and Canon 6Dm2 are up to date. I saw online some have issues if wifi is on, on the camera, I turned that off and it worked for a moment, and now it won’t connect at all.
I just installed EU3.12.10 on a 2013 Mac Pro with OSX 10.15.6. When I launch either EOS Utility 2 or 3, with my Rebel T5 camera connected, neither gives me the option to download images. Those menu choices on the startup screen are ghosted. EOS 3 gives me an error that it does not recognize the camera. EOS 2 connects to the camera, but that’s it. “Monitor folder” is the only menu choice not ghosted.
Hi to all I have been struggling with the issues described involving macbook pro on Catalina 10.15.4 and my Canon 6D even to having Apple help me via Time machine to go back several months to when it was working – no joy. I have come across a site that said to check that wifi was switched off on the camera as it will not work with usb connected – switched off wifi and with camera plugged in via usb, fired up utility 3 – hey presto, back in action!!! Program working once again I hope this helps other frustrated… Read more »
Have the same problem with my 5d. Got a new macbook and now I can’t download images- not even an option.
I installed the recommended version of EOS Utility from Cannon, but no go.
Anybody find an answer for this?
Hi Karen,
I am using macOS 10.15.7 which is the current version of Catalina. My EOS Utility 3 for my 1DX works fine. EOS Utility 2 for the original 5D ought to work. What macOS are you using? (Click on the Apple logo and choose “About this Mac”)
Thanks. Works a treat with my ancient 7D.
Canon has recently released an update to its EOS Utility 3. The new version is 3.12.30 (3.12.30.10). I am on Catalina 10.15.5 and it runs an connects to the 1Dx MIII.
I just read this thread today, and it came just in time. I also made the disastrous upgrade to Catalina (10.15.5) onto my Macbook Pro about a month ago, losing Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite CS5, ability to create pdf’s and last but not least, was unable to download the latest photos from my Canon Rebel XSi 450D and who knows what else I will find I have lost. Had been able to use all of this software seamlessly, until …. upgrade to Catalina. I had no idea what awaited me. Because of your posts on this site, I got… Read more »
Hi Elizabeth, My experience as a digital creative (Photoshop user for 28 years) is that both Adobe and Apple strive to make our experiences better by adding functionality. Photoshop is so much better now than when I started with it. Back then, it didn’t even have layers! Unfortunately, sometimes, they make upgrades that break things. I have experienced this many times, particularly with Apple and Canon’s EOS Utilities 2 and 3. Ultimately Canon gets its software updated in a reasonable amount of time. As far as developing a computer dedicated to mere mortal creatives goes, we are the power users… Read more »
Yes, Kevin, agree with all that you said. Apple and Adobe have always been a terrific combo. Catalina and maybe earlier OS versions have rendered as useless the Adobe creative suite that we could at one time purchase once and download from CD’s. Now you have to purchase a monthly subscription for that, which many people will find too expensive unless you are a professional photographer or graphic artist. That is part of my complaint. Do you have any suggestions of a great non-subscription one-time-purchase Mac/Catalina photo/graphic software program? I saw a post (date?) on the Adobe site that Photoshop… Read more »
Hi Elizabeth, There are applications for processing photographs that are stand-alone, no subscription required. One of my favorites is Skylum’s Luminar 4. A new version has been announced for pre-orders — LuminarAI. I understand the issue you are having. You bought Creative Suite 6 which was discontinued in 2012. Being able to use a suite of software for over 8 years is a win in my book. I use Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription service and consider it a great value. Adobe’s Photographer’s Plan is $9.95 a month. You have to dig to get the version without cloud storage to get… Read more »
Ok, thanks much for your input, I will look into your suggestions. Doing a subscription just isn’t what I can do right now. I’m sure it is a great thing, though, for many.
I had same issues. I even bought a new IMac computer and same issues. Stayed on phone with apple trying to get my 7D and my 5D MK ll to open my photos. I bought a new high speed card reader and the corrected my issues.
Hi! I am hoping you can help me. I just got a Canon Powershot ELPH 360 and I am running into this same issue, as I am running OS Catalina. The Canon Website doesn’t have the driver software for me to connect wirelessly, and I don’t have a have a USB C to connect to my camera. I realize this article is about an other camera, but if you could shed any light on this, I would be grateful. Thank you!
Hi Carla,
I checked the specs and the camera uses Canon Connect for smartphones and tablets, apparently not to desktops. You might use Canon Connect to shoot into a phone or tablet then transfer the files to your desktop.
The Canon Powershot ELPH 360 does have a mini USB (USB-B) connector. The cables I have are mini USB to standard USB and they plug right into my desktop dock.
Your camera is not supported by the EOS Utility software I write about in the article.
I wish this could be more helpful.
Kevin
hi i need help here please … cannot see the EOS utility option when connecting my M50 with USB to my MacOS Monterery 12.3.1? using either OBS or Quick time..THANK YOU
Hi Essam,
The EOS Utility for your Canon M50 camera can be found here: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/details/cameras/eos-dslr-and-mirrorless-cameras/mirrorless/eos-m50-body?subtab=downloads-software
This is a separate application and is installed on macOS in the Applications folder in the Canon Utilities folder. Double-click its icon to launch it. Make sure your Canon M50 has the power off and is connected via USB to your Mac. The utility will show a grayed-out screen. Turn the camera power to on and the EOS Utility will light up. Choose remote shooting to launch the camera control interface.
I hope this helps you.
powershot elph 100HS ?? are poor people not allow to have digital images on MACS?
Kelly, this really doesn’t have anything to do with the EOS Utility software as described above, as EOS Utility is meant for Canon’s DSLR and mirrorless cameras, not point-and-shoot cameras. However, the 100HS records in JPEG format (and not RAW), so both Windows and Mac should have no problem seeing those photos. If you’re trying to connect the camera directly to your computer, I’d try using a card reader instead, and importing photos from your SD card that way. If that still doesn’t work, I’d try a different SD card to see if it’s an issue with your memory card.… Read more »