Canon Firmware Update

[rpcrowe]

I have firmware 1.2.1 installed in my new Canon 7D. The present firmware for that camera is 1.2.3. If I were to install firmware 1.2.3; would the installation include the 1.2.2 firmware update or do I have to install each update separately?

[Donald]

I have firmware 1.2.1 installed in my new Canon 7D. The present firmware for that camera is 1.2.3. If I were to install firmware 1.2.3; would the installation include the 1.2.2 firmware update or do I have to install each update separately?

Richard

My understanding has been that if you install, in your case, 1.2.3, then whatever was in 1.2.2 is also bundled in that. So you install the latest version and it does all the necessary 'catch-up' for you.

[ktuli]

Richard,

Unless Canon does things completely different from everyone else in the world, yes it will include the 1.2.2 updates.

Firmware is not handled like regular software on your computer. It is a completely self-contained, pre-compiled piece of software. There is usually no way to replace just a portion of firmware, it is an all-or-nothing kind of thing. That is why they always give so many warnings to avoid power loss during firmware updates. The code to do the firmware updates is being updated while you're updating the firmware, so if you hose it, your camera won't know how to do anything... including install firmware to fix itself!

Have I sufficiently scared you about firmware updates yet?

But I did answer your question...

- Bill

PS: Despite my description above, it is pretty safe to update firmware.

[rpcrowe]

Thanks all - I figured that was the case but, I wanted to make sure. I have installed new firmware in the past but, have always just needed to install it one version at a time. I was a little surprised that the refurbished camera did not come with the latest firmware installed.