TeachMeToShoot blog » firmware

Nikon and Sigma Firmware Updates

Karl Peschel — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:05:08 +0000

Nikon D300 owners who shoot long exposures should update their cameras. And Sigma SD14 users, all of them. need to update their’s.

According to the Nikon site, the new firmware fixes "An issue that, in rare cases, caused vertical bands (lines) to appear in images captured at shutter speeds slower than 8s has been resolved." That’s it: one fix. If this doesn’t apply to your type of shooting you may want to just wait until the next firmware revision comes out.

Be sure to exactly follow the directions on the website for updating. You’ll need a fresh battery, memory card and some patience. Grab your D300 v1.02 firmware update at Nikons Tech site.

All SD14 users should update to the new v1.06 firmware. Fixes include:

Accuracy of the custom white balance has been improved.
One-day advance date counter that occurs with X3F images during an intercalary year was corrected.
Review image quality on the camera’s LCD is improved.
Users now have the option to disable the shutter release if there is no CF card in the camera. This option is found in the ‘Preview Style’ menu.

SD14 users can get the new v1.06 firmware from Sigmas website.

Keeping your cameras firmware updated is akin to updating Windows when patches are released. It’s especially important since camera makers rush to get products out the door and into our hands. Sometimes they don’t fully test products and new firmware can fix these errors.

Firmware Upgrade - Canon EOS 1D MarkIII

Karl Peschel — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:41:52 +0000

Canon promised users to have the firmware upgrade available by the end of the month and just made it. Those who own a 1D MarkIII are loving all the great features and have been anxiously awaiting this fix.

Here’s a list of changes in this firmware version 1.1.0

Improves the look of images when enlarged on the LCD monitor.
Countermeasures for Main Dial response errors (Main, Quick Control, Vertical-grip Main).
Improves the tendency to focus too easily on the background when shooting in AI servo AF under certain conditions.
Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.
Fixes a rare phenomenon in which the camera cannot start normally when the battery is inserted (Version 1.0.9 only).

You can grab the upgrade at Canon’s EOS website here. The link is toward the bottom of the page and it’s about a 10 meg download. Update instructions are provided after clicking the link.

Canon releases firmware for Digital Rebel XTi

Karl Peschel — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:04:00 +0000

If you own the Rebel XTi you’ll want to go to Canon’s website and download the latest firmware update. Be sure to read the install instructions so that you perform the update correctly. (I could have killed my Nikon D70 if I had not read the instructions first.)

Fixes include:

1. Fixes the printing of lens names when using PictBridge.
2. Red-Eye 1 can now be selected when connecting with specific printers.
3. Improves the reliability of communication with the Speedlite 380EX.

Go Get the Update