Today I am going to discuss Firmware Updates. Firmware is basically the operating system of your camera – think of it as the ‘ Windows’ of your camera !!
Just like Windows, updates are sometimes needed to correct bugs / faults, or to add new features or allow the camera to talk to new accessories.
This is one good reason why you should register your new camera when you purchase it, as any good manufacturer will email registered owners to advise of firmware updates.
It may sound scary – but it is not ! Most Firmware can be loaded into the camera by simply downloading the latest version to your computer, and dropping a file into the root directory of a Memory Card that has been formatted in the camera, and then going into the cameras Setup Menu and selecting the Firmware Version Tab.
A recent important Firmware upgrade we have become aware of in our repair shop, is for the Canon EOS Rebel XS / Eos 1000D. See details on Canon’s website – http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eosdigital5/firmware.html
This firmware update is very important ! As one of the faults it fixes is a blank LCD, the fix ( that is the new firmware ) cannot be applied by the camera owner AFTER the fault occurs, as once the LCD goes blank, you cannot see the menus to apply the changes!! The camera must then be returned to Canon for factory upgrade of the firmware !!
This demonstrates how important these updates can be – remember to check your manufacturers website often.
Till next time,
Cameradoctor
