This was particularly relevant for cameras like the EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark II, all of which saw major firmware updates to their capabilities and functionality.įor significant firmware updates, a new instruction manual is often released, to help owners get the most out of the new features. However, from time to time more important changes are introduced, typically indicated by an increase in the top-level numeral (eg. Typically firmware updates offer minor corrections – like fixing rare phenomena in very specific operating conditions or correcting spelling mistakes in non-English menus. If you run out of power at the wrong point, it could be a costly error. So, for a short time in the process, your camera essentially doesn’t have an operating system. That’s because the process wipes the existing firmware before installing the new version.

The most important thing to ensure is that you have a full battery in your camera, or a mains power supply. There are two different ways in which to install the updates onto your EOS camera – using a memory card and via EOS Utility. Your camera comes installed usually with version 1.0.0 if you bought it near to its initial release, but if you bought it a few years after launch, then you’ll usually have a later version installed, depending on how long the camera has been sat on the stock shelves.Ĭamera updates are designed so that they can be installed by the user. Despite rigorous testing, there can be flaws.įrom time to time Canon provides firmware updates for different cameras to correct any flaws that it discovers or, more commonly, are reported. It is complex and not always perfect when developed and installed by Canon during production. Think of it as your camera's operating system, just like what’s installed on your smartphone or computer.

Firmware is an interface between the camera features and the camera hardware.

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