A&E

Camera Firmware

 
What is firmware?
Firmware is software that is found inside your camera (and other electrical items) If you bring up your camera's menu and have a look at the options in there, this is all part of your camera's firmware. It controls how the camera operates, from capturing the picture, to any processing to convert the picture into a JPEG, to writing the file to the memory card. Every function inside your camera is controlled by it's in-built software.
 
Why update it?
Occasionally when software is written, bugs or mistakes are present. Some of the updates correct things such colour balance or saturation.  At other times extra features are added, such as support for larger sized memory cards. When a mistake is discovered the camera manufacturers often release an updated version of their camera's in-built software. It is possible, provided you follow the instructions properly, to update this software yourself.
 
Warning.
If  something goes wrong during the process then you WILL convert your new and very expensive camera into a doorstop. It will become useless; and you will have to send your camera back to the manufacturer to see if they can repair it. The main problems that occur when trying to update the firmware are 1) power 2)button pressing. Oh, and obviously get the correct firmware for your camera - you won't convert your compact 3million pixel camera into a top of the range DSLR by trying to install the DSLR's software. Sometimes the software will check it's for the correct camera as you start the update, others don't, so be careful and GET THE RIGHT FILE.
    1) Some cameras only allow you to update the firmware whilst the camera is actually connected to a mains adaptor. If your camera does not come with a mains adaptor, or it does allow you to update it whilst powered up on the battery then MAKE SURE THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED. If you battery isn't fully charged and it dies during the update process then the update process will be unable to complete. If the process does not complete then you are in big trouble as you will not be able to power the camera up and retry it. If your camera is set to power down after a minute or so, then you will also need to change this. Set it up as high as it will go as you don't want it turning itself off half way through the update. This will have the same effect as the battery dying.
    2) Don't touch it. It is tempting to hold the camera and watch it updating to see how it is going. Don't. Place it on a firm surface and leave it well alone. Accidentally pressing a button can interrupt the update process and corrupt the camera's software.
 
Feeling brave?
OK, so you've decided you want to update your camera. How do I go about it? Well firstly you need to check if there is an update available for your camera. Go to your camera manufacturers website and have a look. If you find an update download the correct file to your PC. The update process for each manufacturer are slightly different so READ THE INSTRUCTIONS that come along with the file. Most camera updates are carried out by copying the downloaded file (or the contents of the file if it is an archive such as a zip file) to the root directory (not in a folder) of your memory card. The best way to do this is with a card reader. The camera off and remove the memory card. Then using a card reader copy the file across to the card. Then place the card back into the camera and switch it on. Some cameras will auto detect the file and ask you if you want to update, on others you will need to go through the menu to the firmware option.
 
WARNING.
If you attempt to update your cameras firmware you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK. Aston & Erdington Photographic Society will not be held responsible should the update process fail. We strongly suggest that you read all of the information on your camera manufacturers website, and if you have any doubts at all DO NOT ATTEMPT the update.
 
Where do I find the files?
Try doing a search on Google or you camera manufacturers web site. Here are the links to Canon, Nikon and Fuji's firmware pages.
Canon
Nikon
Fuji