Firmware what is it ?

It's the operating system for your camera.

You update it whenever there is an update available
 
Firmware adjusts the camera's inbuilt settings in some way to eliminate a known problem or provide compatibility with a new lens for example - download when available on the manufacturers site unless the list of reasons for the firmware (always listed) are irrelevant to you.
 
Always a minute behind this morning :D
 
taff63 said:
What does it do
Also how often do you download it

Mark
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Technically, it's the interface between hardware and software. So in a camera, you set the software to f/2, the firmware converts this to the electrical signals required to actuate the aperture.
 
gramps said:
Firmware adjusts the camera's inbuilt settings in some way to eliminate a known problem or provide compatibility with a new lens for example - download when available on the manufacturers site unless the list of reasons for the firmware (always listed) are irrelevant to you.
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Actually I'd suggest that whilst you might want to wait 2-3 weeks in case there is an issue with the update (as sometimes happens) you should keep your camera at latest firmware even if the description doesn't add anything you specifically see as requiring.

During the Canon 1D MKIII saga when there were about 6 firmware updates in a short space of months trying to resolve the focussing issues one of the most significant improvements occurred in a latter release when the only stated fix was to add Chinese language support. The focus improvement was not mentioned as it was such a hot topic and was supposed to have been finally resolved some time before.

Some fixes on both brands are hidden beneath something innocuous.
 
Good point - I suspect the recent Nikon firmware for the new 800 mm lens might be a case in point!
 
gramps said:
Good point - I suspect the recent Nikon firmware for the new 800 mm lens might be a case in point!
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Quite. There's as much chance of me using a 800mm as me walking on the moon, but you never know what other improvements have been snuck in (As a software developer I know you never admit an issue you found)
 
maninsuitcase said:
Quite. There's as much chance of me using a 800mm as me walking on the moon, but you never know what other improvements have been snuck in (As a software developer I know you never admit an issue you found)
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Similar thing to the automotive industry, the dealership service on your new car is often more of an opportunity to carry out a silent recall on any known faults. This way the media/press doesn't get chance crucify the manufacturer over potentially life threatening design faults.

When it comes to firmware and software, the fixes they state in the release notes are often just the tip of the iceburg.
 
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