Nikon firmware "GOTCHA"
May 15, 2015 08:10:13 #
Ace Backerds
Loc: Nashville, Tn.
Heard somewhere that in the latest Nikon firmware update it will neutralize any third party accessories...batteries, grips, etc. will no longer function. Any truth to that?
May 15, 2015 08:32:27 #
That depends in part on which "latest" update and for which camera(s). You're probably referring to firmware version 2.0 18 months ago for the D5200, D5100, D3200, D3100, and P7700 to improve the performance of the EN-EL14 batteries that seems to have snuck in coding to block third party batteries from communicating.
Just look for third party batteries that are "decoded" and they work fine. I have four Nikons, D3100, D7100, D750 and D800 and they all work perfectly with Wasabi batteries.
Just look for third party batteries that are "decoded" and they work fine. I have four Nikons, D3100, D7100, D750 and D800 and they all work perfectly with Wasabi batteries.
May 15, 2015 08:33:43 #
Ace Backerds wrote:
Heard somewhere that in the latest Nikon firmware update it will neutralize any third party accessories...batteries, grips, etc. will no longer function. Any truth to that?
I think they would be shooting themselves in the foot with a move like that. I would hope it doesn't extend to lenses.
May 15, 2015 09:23:28 #
Ace Backerds wrote:
Heard somewhere that in the latest Nikon firmware update it will neutralize any third party accessories...batteries, grips, etc. will no longer function. Any truth to that?
FWIW:
I keep my firmware up to date on my D7100 - I had a 3rd party grip - it always worked fine, I have a Wasabi & a Nikon battery, both work fine in the camera, I now have a OEM Nikon Battery grip and both the Wasabi & Nikon batteries work fine in grip also.
There has always been issue with 3rd party batteries after a certain model level of camera's. For example any battery would work in a D3000, but in a D5100, only properly chipped batteries would work, either Nikon or 3rd party.
May 15, 2015 09:34:05 #
Ace Backerds wrote:
Heard somewhere that in the latest Nikon firmware update it will neutralize any third party accessories...batteries, grips, etc. will no longer function. Any truth to that?
I have many Nikon rental and personal bodies that I always run the firmware updates on. I use third party batteries and accessories with them all and have never had any compatibility issues with any of them.
May 15, 2015 10:22:25 #
Ace Backerds wrote:
Heard somewhere that in the latest Nikon firmware update it will neutralize any third party accessories...batteries, grips, etc. will no longer function. Any truth to that?
Could be. Where did you hear that?
May 15, 2015 10:23:36 #
NoSocks wrote:
I think they would be shooting themselves in the foot with a move like that. I would hope it doesn't extend to lenses.
I think Canon has already started doing that, at least with batteries.
May 15, 2015 10:26:42 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Ace Backerds wrote:
Heard somewhere that in the latest Nikon firmware update it will neutralize any third party accessories...batteries, grips, etc. will no longer function. Any truth to that?
I buy only OEM accessories, and strangely have never experienced problems like others have reported.
May 15, 2015 10:45:56 #
Leitz wrote:
I buy only OEM accessories, and strangely have never experienced problems like others have reported.
Same here.
May 15, 2015 11:35:34 #
Ace Backerds
Loc: Nashville, Tn.
It was a small article in one of the numerous photo sites that I visit daily. I think Mister OddJobber pretty much nailed the essence of the article. It concluded with the assertion that Nikon is attempting to stifle competition from other producers of products that do the same job at a fraction of the price.
May 15, 2015 14:40:54 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
NoSocks wrote:
I think they would be shooting themselves in the foot with a move like that. I would hope it doesn't extend to lenses.
I trust Nikon to know what they're doing, and do not think they would block the use of independent lenses.
May 15, 2015 21:44:37 #
May 15, 2015 21:57:46 #
engineer405 wrote:
http://petapixel.com/2013/12/09/new-nikon-firmware-kills-3rd-party-battery-compatibility-several-models/
Don't believe everything you read. That report is very simply not true and was nothing more than a few fools trying to stir up issues. The aftermarket batteries, at least the name brand ones, all still work just fine. Even in bodies released well after this false scare rumor like the D5500 and even the Df full frame which shares that battery.
May 15, 2015 21:59:09 #
Yes, that's the old news I was referring to. But why keep bringing it up 18 months later when it's been easily sidestepped?
May 15, 2015 22:14:38 #
Third party batteries have the potential of causing a lot of damage. Most modern battery technologies require very precise monitoring when charging. You get it wrong you can get a huge fire.
Many of these batteries have built in electronics. Temperature sensors and memory chips to keep track of charging.
In our business we build battery packs with micro processors and built into the batteries. It would be difficult or impossible to make a third party battery without a lot of reverse engineering that would likely violate our patents and copyrights.
We add this level of sophistication for performance and safety. Get it wrong and the results are spectacular. We had six fires in our manufacturing and engineering department this year while trying to get it just right.
It would not surprise me at all that a manufacture would block third party batteries.
Many of these batteries have built in electronics. Temperature sensors and memory chips to keep track of charging.
In our business we build battery packs with micro processors and built into the batteries. It would be difficult or impossible to make a third party battery without a lot of reverse engineering that would likely violate our patents and copyrights.
We add this level of sophistication for performance and safety. Get it wrong and the results are spectacular. We had six fires in our manufacturing and engineering department this year while trying to get it just right.
It would not surprise me at all that a manufacture would block third party batteries.
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