PDC

What does a firmware update do to the camera?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Changes the internal programming, fixing problems and / or expanding capability without having to release a new body or fix all the cameras via a recall.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I would add that, while pretty safe, it's possible to screw up and brick your camera. So, read carefully what the update accomplishes. If it's for something you'll never run into because of how you use the camera, then don't bother.

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

I had read so much about doing a firmware update, that I approached it with trepidation. I read enough comments about not starting without doing a battery charge first to drill that into my head as essential. I went to the Nikon website and read their instructions from top to bottom. It was at the bottom of the firmware update instructions there was this:

Detailed Firmware Upgrade instructions

Nikon should have added. "for dummies", for folks like me who had a trembling finger just about to hit a key to start. Using these instructions, the process was so fast I almost went back to do it again. I don't know if Canon, Fuji or other camera makers have something similar, but you might want to do some looking around to see if they do.
Relax, have a cup of tea, and get started. It will be over so quickly it will surprise you.
Good luck,

Rick

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Depends, some do not change much, others are more important. Most camera manufactures websites inform the consumer exactly what each update will change. You might want to check this out.

lamontcranston

What's the old adage....."If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

tankdonovan Loc: Tennessee

I have a Canon EOS M. You know the one when released with bad, bad focusing problem? Well, Canon released a firmware updated for that problem. It helped a lot, not perfect but, much better. It was worth the risk. Also it was easy to do.

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

I have done firmware updates for cameras and lenses on different brands.
If you follow the instructions and do exactly as they say you should have no problems.
Some updates fix minor problems, some will make the performance of the camera or lens better.
Just check out what the update will do to determine if it is something you want or need.

will

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

Canon firmware updates are simple to install and pretty much no brainers. Although the accompanying notes provide the main reasons for the update, there are often subtle tweaks included. I always install them at first opportunity.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

You don't say what camera you have or whether you are even seeking to do an update. I remember that my earliest cameras (Fuji S3 Pro and Nikon D200) had update procedures that were relatively complicated and could be subject to error. The Fuji, in particular, called for the camera to both have fully charged batteries and also to be connected to the AC supply. Latest models (at least from Nikon) have you download the necessary files and then use them to put the necessary files on your primary memory card (usually one at a time). The camera does the rest, the only requirement being a charged battery. And the camera protects you against mistakes.

There was a time when this process was to be feared, but not really any more. Just follow the instructions and all should be good.

The firmware is pretty comparable to the operating system on your computer (and sometimes the driver software). There is additional programming that is hard coded into the camera for the most basic functions, but a lot of the "intelligence" is in the firmware. As for whether to do the updates or not, I look at it this way...maintaining and updating software (firmware) is an expensive undertaking requiring significant resources at the manufacturer. It is not something that organizations do "just for fun." I believe that it is a best practice to keep firmware up to date. A couple of times that I have called customer support with a question, their initial response was to ask what formware version I was running. On occasions that I have bought a used camera, my first action has always been to check and update the firmware, if necessary.

Hope this helps answer your question.

PDC

I was just trying to find out more about the process. Does that mean I have to tell you what my equipment
is. Why does it matter what my intention is?

DHooch

I have updated the firmware of my Pentax K5 II, twice, with no problems. There is still one small update available, but, there aren't enough new features/bug fixes that I need.

That said, my firmware updates require fresh batteries or a power cord and a memory card that only has the firmware update file on it. Once initiated by pressing a couple of buttons simultaneously, the update just happens. Easy-peasy. Good luck.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

No offense intended. But there is a lot of misinformation here, and sometimes a real tendency not to answer the question that was asked. I was just trying to make sure that my answer addressed your question.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Also, most of the time you will see a text file that accompanies the firmware file that explains what the new version fixes or adds to your camera...

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

My, aren't we testy this morning. Sometimes people here are just trying to get more info in order to better answer questions.