dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

I recently got a Canon 5D Mark I, (Classic). I saw the images that my friend gets from this camera and liked them a lot. So now I have it. The Firmware on it is 1.0.1, the latest version is 1.1.1.

Canon says that the firmware for 5D is no longer available. My question is should I get the latest firmware or leave it like that? The camera works fine.

Does anyone know where to get the latest firmware? Do I even have to worry about it? Thank you, David

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Your preference, especially if the camera works well.
I've never updated the firmware for my T1i.
I think there may have been at least two updates?
It works well...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This is a level of BS that frustrates me about Canon. I understand there's an expense to maintaining an active website with legacy (discontinued) camera manuals and software. But, really, how expensive and how much risk?

Anyway, a quick google found page = https://pel.hu/eoscard/

You can find a variety of firmware update files (just scroll down), including the latest / final for the original EOS 5D. Just 'click' the file name and the download should start. It's a larger file and will take a few seconds to complete. My Norton scan of the file says it's clean. You have to extract the contents from the download, copy into the root of a card, install to the camera and run the update.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

oh, thank you very much, I must have missed it. Do you think it is safe to run it in the camera if it's not from Canon web page?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I trust Norton's assessment of the web address and the scan of the downloaded file. No 'risk' pop-ups in either scan. If it was me, I'd use the file.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

ok, thanks again.

glennk

For the 5D, it depends upon the size of the memory cards you are going to use. As I remember, you are limited to 8gb cards with 1.0.1

Here's the important caveat from another Canon forum site:

If the newer FW doesn't have a specific feature or upgrade that you need, you do not need to do it. As a matter of fact if you have a perfectly running 5D, I would not under any circumstances chance a FW upgrade. On the chance, albeit slim chance, it goes wrong you will have a brick and Canon can no longer unbrick it for you.

So I would recommend the same advice unless you need to use a larger memory card.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So, in case you do want to move forward with a Firmware update:

I would add that unless you have some experience performing a firmware update, really take care and read how to do it before you try. It's not hard, but there are a couple of important steps on all updates.

You can Google it and you will get a number of websites. I just tried one (https://eoscard.pel.hu/) and successfully created the FW 1.1.1 fir file. Let me know if you'd like me to send the fir file to you. I have not used the file, so I take no responsibility for it. I just created it from the download site.

Let me know...

Glenn

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

Thank you Glenn. I pretty happy with how the camera performs and don't need any new feature. That is one of reasons that I got it, I just want a simple camera with few features and good IQ, simple to use. That's 5D. That's my first Canon DSLR, I used be a Nikon shooter. I really like the ergonomics and controls of this 5D. I use 4 GB cards, all works great.

I downloaded the file and created FW 1.1.1 fir file but didn't run it yet. It's almost 33MB. I have found another 1.1.1 fir file for 5D on line and it's 5MB. Which one is a good one? Makes me think, should I do it or not. Thank you.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The FIR file from the link Glen and I provided is a 5MB file. You might double-check your source and / or the camera involved for the file that differs.

Regarding what the firmware does, that's probably still available on the internet, someplace. (such as here: https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/index?page=content&id=FAQ100331) I'd expect some errors corrected, or new features implemented, such as the card size limitation. There might be some new EF lenses implemented too, as that is many of recent firmware updates.

Firmware updates are a normal course of business. You can be afraid, or not. It's your camera, and your decision.

glennk

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

... Firmware updates are a normal course of business. ...[/quote]

Yes, I've done it many times and I agree, it's normal course of business if the updates downloaded from Canon website.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Fair enough. Although, I think you're mentally inventing a mountain of risk over a molehill of benefit. I found the link to the firmware files from a Canon sponsored discussion site. That doesn't represent a Canon endorsement, but does put a bit more credibility onto the source of the file.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

Sounds like me