Firmware Updates

Firmware covers both routine processes and enabling functions for higher-level procedure. The more complex the device, the more reliant it is on effective firmware.

For this reason, camera manufacturers sometimes issue firmware updates to correct errors that have been identified since the camera was released and enable additional functionality. It’s worth checking the website of the manufacturers of your digital cameras periodically to see whether a firmware update has been released. They are more common in the first six months of a product’s market life, but updates will continue to be released as long as the manufacturer feels there are sufficient users of the product in the marketplace to justify the effort.

However, don’t feel you MUST update your equipment’s firmware each time a new update is released. Sometimes a firmware update may add functionality that doesn’t apply to equipment you use, such as specific lens models. Before downloading firmware it’s wise to check exactly what the new firmware provides, so you can decide whether it’s relevant. (Updates that address issues like image quality and general camera functionality are always worth applying.)

The first step in the updating process is to check whether an update is available for your camera. Go to the manufacturer’s website (see boxed out section on Recent Updates) and look for your camera’s model number. The version number of the latest update should be listed.

Then check the firmware on your camera to see whether it corresponds with the listed version. If it does, you don’t need to update. If it doesn’t – and you consider the update to be worthwhile – follow the steps listed to download, extract and install the update.

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Firmware details are usually found in the Set-up menu. The above illustration is from a Canon DSLR camera.

Downloading Updates
Different camera manufacturers present their update information in different ways, but in all cases you should expect to find the following when you go to an update site:
1. The version number for the update and the name of the product it relates to.
2. The modifications provided by the update – which you should read.
3. Detailed instructions for downloading and installing the update.

In most cases, the following procedure will be outlined:

a) Fully charge the camera’s battery (loss of power during the firmware writing operation may disable the camera).
b) Format a memory card in the camera then remove the card and insert it into a card reader, which is connected to your computer.
c) Locate the firmware update and download it to the memory card. Many updates are provided in compressed, self-extracting files that should automatically transfer to the card. Check the size of the file on the card against the file size listed on the manufacturer’s website to ensure all data has been extracted.

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Downloading an update from Sony’s website.

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Check the files on the memory card to make sure they conform with the details provided on the manufacturer’s website.

d) Once the update has been transferred to the card, remove the card from the card reader as described in the documentation for your computer or the card reader, and prepare to install it in the camera.

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The user interface for updating firmware on Canon cameras.

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The user interface for updating firmware on Nikon cameras.

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The user interface for updating firmware on Sony cameras.

Installing Updates
To install the update in your camera, insert the memory card containing the update into the camera and switch the camera on. Set the camera to one of the P, A, S or M shooting modes so you can access all the menu items.

Navigate to the folder in the Setup menu that contains the firmware. Press the Set or OK button to select this item. Then follow the installation instructions on the manufacturer’s website. The camera will usually recognise the update file so usually all you need do is press the OK or Set button to start the updating process.

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Selecting Yes will start the updating process.

A display on the camera’s LCD shows the progress of the updating. Don’t make any adjustments to the camera or press any control buttons while updating is in progress as this may damage the camera’s controls.

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The camera will show the progress of the update.

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Once the update is completed, the camera will instruct you to switch the power off. You can then remove the memory card with the firmware update on it.

Once the update has been installed you may switch off the camera and remove the memory card. In some cameras you also need to remove the battery for a minute or so and then replace it. The update will take effect immediately and you can check in the camera’s set-up menu to ensure it has been installed.