fizzog Loc: Barry,Wales , UK

I have recently encountered a problem where my Sigma 18-250 lens will not operate with my Canon760D with live view.I am also having difficulties with the camera switching on and sometimes freezing ie shutter will not fire.I have found out Sigma are aware of this problem exists and are issuing firmware to deal with it(ie liveview).Excuse my lack of knowledge but what is firmware and how does it operate to solve this problem,I am sure the answer is going to be answered by someone out there

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The firmware is basically the Controlling program for the hardware, be it camera or lens. These two firmware need to be fully compatible in order to achieve full compatibility between the components. Older lenses on brand new bodies often have firmware compatibility issues that requires updates to correct.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Modern cameras and lenses are essentially computers that need control instructions to work, as MT said. In this case, the lens and the camera need to communicate properly together. It's a little bit like language translation.

Hardware is pretty much fixed - a design specification that cannot be changed without physically replacing components.

The control logic can come in different forms. Firmware is a control instruction set that is semi permanent. It remains in memory regardless of whether the device (camera or lens) is turned on or off. However it can be updated to add new or modified capabilities.

Software is also control logic, but needs to be loaded every time a device is powered up, think computer or mobile phone apps. Turn the device off and the software disappears until you actively start it again.

Think hardware - hard to change, software easy to change, firmware is in between, can be changed, needs a little effort, but stays until you change it. It is essentially software held in non volatile memory - does not change if the device is powered down, until specifically and actively upgraded to a new version.

A very simple analogy: A stick shift car is a stick shift car. A driver that can only drive an automatic vehicle will have trouble driving a stick shift. However, teaching that person to drive a stick shift is the equivalent of a firmware upgrade. Take a different driver they may or may not be able to drive a stick shift. If not, they may need the upgrade by being taught to drive a stick shift.

busmaster2 Loc: College Point NY

I recently attempted to update my Sony camera firmware with only partial success. My a7ii updated with no problem, but for whatever reason the firmware updates for the a7r wouldn't open. I called Sony and got something of an answer: we're working on it. This was the mac software.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

WHAT firmware is, is explained above.
I would just like to add, that you check your camera's/lens's manual and read all there is about updating firmware for your camera. You might also check the camera manufacturer's website.
For a number of cameras, you can download the new firmware, copy it to an SD card, and install it on the camera from there. I was actually advised by a camera shop staff member to do that with my camera, when in fact I had to download and install a software program, hook up the camera to the computer with the USB cable and use the software to install the firmware.
Make sure you understand the procedure before you start and follow instructions to the letter; if not, you could possibly render your camera to be a doorstop.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I'll just add to the above by stating that you should ALWAYS do two things with firmware updates:

1) Wait a little while after they're available, to let others test them for bugs (!).
2) Update your gear once the firmware is known to be stable!

Some camera companies, such as Panasonic, have begun treating their high end bodies to frequent updates that actually add features or enhance existing features. Sure, they fix bugs, but it is great to get new features on old hardware! It's sort of like updating your two-year-old iPhone to the latest operating system, although that's software.

Sigma is to be commended for keeping their older lenses in line with new camera features.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

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fizzog Loc: Barry,Wales , UK

Many thanks to all who replied but to be honest I havnt got a clew.Since this post I have contacted Sigma who state elsewhere on their site that this firmware is free but when I confronted them they asked to return the lens where it would be updated for free,however, it appears this is only if the lens is under guarantee.Since the lens is approx 3 yrs old I do not have the invoice so no proof of purchase.I have now advised them on part of their website they indicate a free fix but make no stipulation about age.I am now working on the tack that the lens was bought as a Canon fit but in actual fact does not fit the criteria of Canon fitting.My next port of call is Trading Standards (which in the UK is the official organisation where complaints against incorrect descriptions can be made).Does this make sense or am I expecting too much?Any comments on this?

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

You probably don't have legal recourse in any cost effective manner. If it is a one year international warranty, with no optional extension then they are under no obligation to fix it for free. When you bought it they didn't certify that it would work with a 760D. The best way to get it to work is most likely to send it to Sigma and pay for the fix, which would also be less time consuming and less costly than any other course of action. Sigma is not responsible for the future products of another vendor, and the lens may still work properly on a T3i (600D) for example.

It sounds as though Sigma could claim that the firmware itself is free, regardless of the age of the lens, and that the process for updating the firmware is free while the lens is under warranty. After that time, the firmware is still free, but there is a charge for performing the update. That seems fair to me, and they have more lawyers available than you do!

If I were you I would get a quote from Sigma and get it fixed. Even if you're not best pleased about that, all it may take to get over it is Brains. Or possibly Felinfoel!

Good luck, I hope you get it sorted easily.

Jim Bob

If the OP has not understood firmware after multiple and redundant posts perhaps you folks should give it up.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

You could be right, although telling him to pay for the fix, and go down to the pub for a few pints wasn't exactly redundant! That was fresh advice!

I suspect the problem is that Sigma lenses of this generation cannot have their firmware upgraded by the end user normally. Effectively the firmware upgrade is a repair center job, and as with vehicles, that usually has a fee associated with it.

Jim Bob

Quite right. As usual, your post makes good sense.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Fizzog, I have read your postings here, as well as some of the answers. I think I would like to agree with you that you don't have a clue about what firmware is, or how it works. Add to that the precision/care needed to install it on lens or camera, I respectfully submit that you forget about complaining to Trading Standards, but instead open your wallet and have a professional install the firmware for you. You will not be paying for the firmware itself if it is free from the Sigma website, you will be paying for the labour of the person installing it.
Instead of sending it to Sigma, you may be able to have the staff at the store where you bought the lens, install it for you.

fizzog Loc: Barry,Wales , UK

Thanks again for your comments and think you are all probably right.I had a pint of Brains last night and a few conversations with camera club members with mixed responses.I am glad to report this does not appear to happen very often.I cannot really blame Sigma because the lens is 3yrs old and the camera less than 1yr old so obviously there is a difference there.I think the point I am making is the firmware is said to be free with no mention of cost of installing.Anyway Morning Star you have hit the nail on the head.I do not know much about computer wizardry and certainly how it is applied to cameras and photography.