Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

If Nikon does not put out an update and send it to you because you have registered your newer camera, what am I really missing if I don't regularly visit their web site and check for updates? I have a number of Nikon cameras going back to D70s

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

In some cases, you're missing an incredible amount.
--Bob

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

All depends on what issue the update addresses and whether or not that issue affects you in any way. One of the firmware updates for one of my Canons was for a video related issue. I never shoot video, so I had no need for the update, even though I installed it anyway. I have had no problems from updates to my Canons, but years ago I had a Kodak bridge camera. It took beautiful photos. I did a firmware update and after that it never focused quite right. Always a bit soft. So, I suppose there is a possible downside to updates, but, I haven't heard of very many people having such problems.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

As the old man said to the pharmacist, "Depends." Usually, the updates are minor, but sometimes they will add a feature. I read about that a while ago. One of the not as popular brands added a major feature through a firmware update.

Here are changes made to the Panono 360h camera.

Bugfixes
- camera is suddenly unavailable when reconnecting WiFi frequently

# 3.2.749 (2016-12-01)

Bugfixes
- fix a bug where camera is suddenly unavailable to app
- fix a bug where camera doesn't power off correctly
- fix a bug where camera raises an error "Update error - Request timeout" in iOS update when updating firmware and is unavailable after the error
- fix a bug where camera may start updating firmware even its battery capacity is lower than safe level

# 3.2-Dandelion.product.723 (2016-11-11)

Bugfixes
- fix a bug where camera is suddenly unavailable to app
- fix a bug where it takes more than 10 seconds for camera to shutdown
- fix a bug where camera cannot shutdown correctly
- fix a bug where camera does not store previous settings correctly
- fix a bug where wrong gravity vector is stored when multiple throwing triggers capture
- fix a bug where preview image is slightly tilted although panorama is fine
- fix a bug where battery values from camera shows jittering
- fix a bug where a forced shutdown can break the stored settings of the camera

fotografz

It depends on the purpose of the update. Many updates are important to get the most from your camera, but not all of them.

For example, one of my cameras needed a firmware update to use a Profoto TTL/HSS transmitter (or any other brand TTL/HSS strobe transmitter). Otherwise, I didn't need the update.

It is easy to determine by reading the update notes usually supplied as a separate document.

I've skipped some firmware updates in past, or wasn't aware of them, because everything was working fine.

However, they usually do not issue a firmware update for no reason. Most of the time some bug or whatever has been addressed.

This tends to more important at the start of a new camera's life-cycle because the manufacturer uses firmware to correct or improve a newer camera model's performance (better color rendering, faster/more accurate AF, etc.).

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

BTW - none of the camera manufactures "sends" you the update, not as a notification nor as an installation file. The updates via firmware can be trivial or non applicable to your camera or lenses. Others may be significant. You'll have to judge how much effort you personally need to expend monitoring the manufacture's website for firmware updates.

Software updates are similar but different. I'm more familiar with Canon's sofware. Their DPP is updated for new camera bodies and lenses. Unless I have a new camera or lens (or help someone), I don't bother to search and install every update. Major updates like 3.x to 4.x are important.

Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

Thanks

Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

Thank you VERY much - I guess it does DEPEND! I appreciate your insight

Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

I appreciate your response

Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

Thank you - I think I will regularly check the Nikon web site for these

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

As a reminder, <quote reply> helps to relate specific responses to specific comments... On the Canon side, the first firmware update for the 7DII was to fix issues in the autofocus system. The camera went from an potential dud in the market to being their professional crop-sensor sports and wildlife model. Canon also updated their flagship 1DX model restoring autofocus for f/8 effective apertures that was found to be missing when the model was initially released. The same update was released for the 5DIII model. These firmware updates essentially changed the camera without a new release or returning to Canon for maintenance. I would expect both Nikon and Canon to continue to approach changes to sold models via firmware updates, where possible, making periodic review of available firmware updates a necessity by the camera owner. Maybe monthly or quarterly or at least once a year.

Jim Bob

Depends on the update in question. How about reading what features/issues the updates cover. Don't you think that makes more sense than posing a generic question in a thread? Guess not.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Usually but not always.
I Google updates to see what they really do since a Nikon update (I think for D7100) had a couple of tweaks I didn't need but they didn't tell us it also included a function to detect and reject third party batteries. Once installed you can't uninstall.

Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

Thank you very much!

Baracuda Loc: Kentucky

Sorry for my error. I am still getting used to this forum and how it works efficiently