olcoach Loc: Oregon

I am hoping that some very patient person can help me get the new Canon 7D# 2. update onto my camera. I am an old man that is technologically impaired so I need as simple an explanation as possible. For most folks this stuff is apparently pretty easy but I have had so many bad experiences that I am really paranoid about this stuff. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Go to the canon website

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_7d#DriversAndSoftware

Download the firmware. There is a pdf attached with very easy to follow instructions. All you need is your camera with a fully charged battery and a cf card larger than 64mb.

Unzip the file and transfer it onto the EMPTY cf card, put it into the camera and go to the firmware version in the menu.

I was apprehensive also, but it is easily done.

wylie Loc: Canada

Hello olcoach,

The only advice I have to offer is that you take your Camera tio a Canon dealer and have them do it. If you are indeed technology challenged, play safe. If your camera is bringing you joy, ensure you remain comfortable that it will continue. Have a pro do it!

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

It really is as simple as downloading the file from the Canon website, unpacking the file and saving it to a CF card, putting the CF card into the 7D, then use the menu function to write the new file to the cameras firmware. I've done firmware upgrades a couple of times to both of my 7Ds.

brccli1 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

There is an even easier way that does not involve having an external card reader. Read the pdf instructions and continue down a little way and it will tell you how to do it with the camera linked directly to the computer. If you are really uncomfortable, any camera repair center will do the upgrade when you bring the camera in for servicing (ie lubrication, calibration etc). Hope this helps

olcoach Loc: Oregon

First, thank you all for your replies. However I live in Central Oregon and there are NO camera stores left here and so that option isn't available. I went to the web site but I couldn't find the download. I need to know the exact download adress and if you can tell me how to get the download onto the camera it would help. I know this is basic to most of you but I really am DUMB when I deal with this. Thanks, Mike

brccli1 Loc: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Go to Canon.com Get on the consumer...cameras...7d etc. Easy to follow once you get on the site. You will have to update your drivers for the eos utilities while you are on there. This happens if you have updated your operating system and not updated the drivers. Once you have updated the drivers, go to the 7d firmware update and download. If you want, I can talk you through this on the phone. Send me an e-mail to brccli1@gmail.com and we can converse outside of UHH.

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_7d#DriversAndSoftware
is the exact link.
on that page you'll need to input the operating system of the computer you will use to download and unpack the firmware for the 7D.
then, scroll down and click on "Firmware"
then, click on the words "EOS 7D Firmware Version 2.0.3"
then, scroll down and click on "I agree - Begin Download"

Another, smaller window, will open, showing you the file being downloaded - probably into your downloads folder.

The file is 18.2 MB so it may take a little while to download depending on your internet connection speed.

Navigate to the folder on you computer where the file is now located.
place your mouse/cursor over the file and click the right mouse button.
You'll see a menu appear.
Move your cursor over the words "Extract all..."
Click in the box next to "Show extracted files when complete"
Go ahead and click on the "Extract" button at the bottom of the dialog box that appears.
When the extraction process finishes you'll see 2 things:
update-procedure-pdf
7D000203.FIR

The "FIR" file is the firmware
the "update-procedure-pdf" is a folder, inside of which are 5 pdf documents. Those are the step-by-step instructions, with pictures of how to proceed from here.
Double click on the file "7d-fiirmwareupdate-en.pdf"
read the entire document first, then proceed, step-by-step to update the firmware on your 7D.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Your instructions worked great and when I hit the fir it gave me four "microsoft" sites, 3 "best" and 1 recommended that would fix mycomputer problem for a small amount of $ and I instantly smell scam. None of the sites when opened had anyhing to do with microsoft. Help.Thanks, Mike

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

I don't think you need to click on the FIR file, just copy it to a CF memory card.
Not sure what's going on with the scam microsoft sites.
Sorry 'bout that. It was not intentional.
Did you get your firmware updated?

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

Big hint! Widows XP, 7 and 8, will normaly automatically unzip the downloaded file. If you see a .FIR file dont try to unzip it. Just right click and copy it to the memory card. It's all good.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, Bet you thought you were done with me. Ok I'm half way to where I need to be in that I have the file on my computer now I need to know how to get it off that and into camera. More importantly, I want to thank all of you that have been so helpful and patient with an old man. If I never get the thing done I have already learned a ton and for that I humbly thank you so much. This site has the best folks in the world. Mike

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

Basically you need to copy the FIR file to a CF memory card, put that card in your camera, then go to the specific menu to update the firmware.

The PDF that was in the ZIP file has step-by-step instructions.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, Hopefully, with all of you helping I think I have it on my camera. My last problem is how do I check to determine if it is in fact on the camera. Again, no matter what my deepest thanks and appreciation for all your help. What a great and wonderful group. Mike

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

On the camera, go back into the menu where you did the update, and it should tell you what version of the firmware is currently installed.