Steve W
Well-known member
For computers, iPads etc I always wait a bit. I don’t even trust Apple, they’ve proven multiple times that they’re not infallible.
For cameras, well, I often forget.....
For cameras, well, I often forget.....
how quickly do you update firmware?
- Thread starter RichF
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Roy
Well-known member
My Z9 is still teaching me so I can afford to risk the update. But my D850 bodies I would only update when i'm sure...
Not A Speck Of Cereal
Well-known member
I do the same as other for things you didn't ask about (computers, tablets, phones) — I wait some period to be sure it doesn't come with new problems. But that's software and operating systems with possibilities for problems due to it being a device with many components / drivers from varied sources.
Cameras are a different thing, way different. The firmware is well tested. It's an embedded OS and is for a single device with no dependencies on other manufactures apps, hardware, drivers, or anything other than memory cards (which are very simple and strictly controlled).
I have never had a problem updating camera body firmware right away. Not ever.
Chris
Cameras are a different thing, way different. The firmware is well tested. It's an embedded OS and is for a single device with no dependencies on other manufactures apps, hardware, drivers, or anything other than memory cards (which are very simple and strictly controlled).
I have never had a problem updating camera body firmware right away. Not ever.
Chris
simonsi
Active member
That has been true while Nikon have limited firmware changes to fix issues, bring in new lens compatibility or new card compatibility but in the mirrorless line firmware is increasingly being used to upgrade or add core functionality such as AF features as these are now software driven. That change substantially increases the risk of those updates - off a very low base admittedly. For sure the only issues I have ever heard of related to firmware upgrades thus far have been related to failures of the upgrade process rather than the update itself causing issues (not counting 3rd party lens compatibility outside Nikon’s control), it will be interesting to see if that continues.
Not A Speck Of Cereal
Well-known member
Firmware is just software in non-volatile memory that can only be written to via hardware specific protocols.
But even if what you say were true (in a way that was never the case for a DSLR), it's still a closed embedded system. The risks still do not compare well to open-architecture computing devices (desktops to phones). We still do not 3rd party hardware / apps / drivers to a camera's controlling system like we do our computers (even Apple devices).
Chris
I would say infallible is letting them off nicely. When it broke that Apple programmed their phones and some other products to intentionally slow down after a certain time point, they lost all credibility with me. Can you imagine the uproar if, after four or five years, Canon's, Sony's, or Nikon's maximum frame rate dropped from its advertised speed to 70%-80% of what it promised?
If I could find an OS other than Windows to switch to,for iOS, I'd do so. Unfortunately, to me, Apple does what I need it to far better thans its competitors.
simonsi
Active member
Changing functions like AF that is firmware controlled rather than a dedicated AF module does increase risk, from a low base as I said. The chips in lenses do talk to the chips in the camera, firmware in both which is why I specifically mentioned 3rd party lenses as excluded. Not sure what was “never the case with DSLRs”??
Not A Speck Of Cereal
Well-known member
I didn't say there is no risk. I'm just commenting on people comparing the risks to Windows and Mac systems. It's not a useful comparison in my opinion, which you do not have to agree with.
Chris
simonsi
Active member
We are on the same page, I only referenced Nikon firmware.
Roy
Well-known member
Unlike the recent Z6/Z7 upgrade - the Z9 firmware update seems very minimal and unless you have come across an issue - a waste of time...
Not A Speck Of Cereal
Well-known member
The thing about firmware updates is that the notes don't always list what bugs have been fixed. One way to discover if you have the bug is to come across the issue in the field. Sometimes it's better to keep up with the fixes to not have the issue experience (which could be an even bigger waste of time if you drove a long ways to the location).Unlike the recent Z6/Z7 upgrade - the Z9 firmware update seems very minimal and unless you have come across an issue - a waste of time...
Chris
Roy
Well-known member
Minor updates are common - But I do take interest in major updates...
The problem with slowing the phone down was that they were trying to prevent the camera shutting down unexpectedly due to an aging battery. That’s a good idea…users are u happy if their phone shuts down. Where they screwed up was in not explaining the change to users and making it k own how users could over ride the default choice if they desired. It wasn’t any sort of force the user to upgrade their phone…that’s just internet paranoia and conspiracy theory. They deserve the hit for bad explaining…but the force upgrade flap is just crap.
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