Updating Firmware: I have a Sony A9 camera with version 1 firmware on it. The current firmware is listed as version 4.1. Can I load 4.1 directly without adding all the previous...

folkus

I have a Sony A9 camera with version 1 firmware on it. The current firmware is listed as version 4.1. Can I load 4.1 directly without adding all the previous versions? Does 4.1 incorporate all the previous requisite firmware? What is the best way to update firmware? Thanks for your assistance, hoggers. BTW version 5 is supposed to be a real beauty!! Check out Google on it!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

folkus wrote:

I have a Sony A9 camera with version 1 firmware on it. The current firmware is listed as version 4.1. Can I load 4.1 directly without adding all the previous versions? Does 4.1 incorporate all the previous requisite firmware? What is the best way to update firmware? Thanks for your assistance, hoggers. BTW version 5 is supposed to be a real beauty!! Check out Google on it!

I Googled Sony A9 firmware update, and this is the first link that came up (from Sony with download, detailed instructions on installing, etc): https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-9-series/ilce-9

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"Can I load 4.1 directly without adding all the previous versions?"

Yes. Firmware updates replace all previous Firmware. It is not layered, sequential additions.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Before updating firmware, visit the vendor's site and ascertain what the updates accomplish. Do they fix a bug or problem you're experiencing? Do they add a new feature you're possibly going to use? If not, perhaps you need not bother. I've see some firmware updates that address very specific camera/lens or accessory incompatibilities that may not apply to you, or are only relevant to astrophotography or other special uses.

folkus

Thank you TriX, bsprague, and DWU2 for your helpful responses.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

DWU2 wrote:

Before updating firmware, visit the vendor's site and ascertain what the updates accomplish. Do they fix a bug or problem you're experiencing? Do they add a new feature you're possibly going to use? If not, perhaps you need not bother. I've see some firmware updates that address very specific camera/lens or accessory incompatibilities that may not apply to you, or are only relevant to astrophotography or other special uses.

In my opinion one should always update firmware. Often times hidden bug fixes or improvements are included that the manufacturer does not mention.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

joer wrote:

In my opinion one should always update firmware. Often times hidden bug fixes or improvements are included that the manufacturer does not mention.

Totally agree! 👍👍👍

Bill_de Loc: US

joer wrote:

... that the manufacturer does not mention.

That was supposed to be a secret, otherwise they would have mentioned it.

I agree with installing any firmware updates as they are offered. I have never had an issue with an update from Nikon.

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folkus

Thanks folks for your added guidance.

kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

Bill_de wrote:

That was supposed to be a secret, otherwise they would have mentioned it.

I agree with installing any firmware updates as they are offered. I have never had an issue with an update from Nikon.

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I live in the world of firmware updates for the paying job. I agree on installing them when possible, but I'm never on the 'bleeding' edge. I'll let others test and report.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

kmpankopf wrote:

I live in the world of firmware updates for the paying job. I agree on installing them when possible, but I'm never on the 'bleeding' edge. I'll let others test and report.

You bet. Many companies have an IT patch manager, and the conventional wisdom is to stay a few months behind the latest release for any bugs to appear before installing.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Since most manufacturers maintain only the latest version of firmware on their public website, a way to do this is to download and copy the firmware to a formatted and labelled memory card, then put it in a secure place, either holding it for a period of time before installing or installing it when the next firmware version is introduced. The risk with this strategy is that the newest firmware version may be fixing a bug in the version you are holding. There are no guarantees. But it is a good bet that the new firmware has been tested at least to the extent of making sure it doesn't cripple the camera. I figure that there is no more risk in installing now and possibly having to install an updated version faily quickly than in holding and waiting.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

TriX wrote:

You bet. Many companies have an IT patch manager, and the conventional wisdom is to stay a few months behind the latest release for any bugs to appear before installing.

Or a few years, in the case of Windows!

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

larryepage wrote:

Since most manufacturers maintain only the latest ... (show quote)

The only real risk of updating firmware is power loss during the update. Charge a new-ish battery to 100% before starting the update! If you lose power in the middle of an update, you may just have an expensive brick!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

burkphoto wrote:

Or a few years, in the case of Windows!

I dunno Bill, my IPADs have absolutely the buggiest OS and aps of anything in my house (and I have a lot of computing devices) 😢.