Why Updating Your Camera Lens Firmware Is Essential

Keeping your camera's firmware up to date is a good idea, just like keeping your computer's operating system current. Firmware updates are like an operating system for your camera, and they can add new features and improve performance. For example, you could gain faster autofocus, better AF tracking, and improved menus. Manufacturers release firmware updates for three main reasons: to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.

While you don't have to install firmware updates, and nothing will happen to your camera if you don't, you won't benefit from any improvements or fixes. It's worth noting that updates can also be offered for camera lenses, though not as often as for camera bodies.

Extending the useful life of your camera

Firmware updates are a great way to extend the life of your camera. They are like the operating system for your camera, and can offer great benefits such as:

Fixing Bugs and Issues

Firmware updates can correct any bugs or glitches that have been identified since the camera's release. This could include a setting that doesn't work as intended or something that causes the camera to freeze up.

Improving Performance

Manufacturers often release updates to improve the performance of various functions, such as autofocusing, image stabilisation, and video recording. For example, the Fujifilm X-T3's autofocus got a big upgrade in 2020.

Adding New Features

Firmware updates can also bring brand new features to older models, such as new colour modes, expanded ISO settings, or advanced video functionality. Some manufacturers have even added a Raw shooting mode to basic cameras through firmware updates.

Compatibility with New Accessories

Firmware updates can also improve compatibility with lenses and other accessories that were released after the camera first came to market. This ensures your camera stays relevant even as new accessories are released.

Saving Money

By keeping your camera up-to-date with the latest firmware, you can also save money in the long term by not having to purchase a new camera to access new features or improvements.

When to Update

Firmware updates are typically issued throughout the course of a camera's lifetime, and it's more likely to see them within the first six months after a camera's release. However, they can be offered at any time, so it's worth checking for updates every few months or so.

You aren't compelled to update your camera's firmware every time a new update is released. However, updates that address issues like image quality, autofocusing, and stabilisation are usually worth installing.

How to Update

The process for updating your camera's firmware will vary depending on the manufacturer and model. However, some general steps include:

• Checking your current firmware version in your camera's settings or tools menu.
• Locating and downloading the correct firmware update from the manufacturer's website.
• Copying the update to the camera, either by dragging the file to a memory card or using the manufacturer's software utility.
• Executing the update by turning the camera on and following the on-screen instructions.

Fixing bugs or operational glitches

Firmware updates are a great way to fix bugs or operational glitches in your camera lens. These updates can be thought of as the 'operating system' for your camera. Just as computers need OS updates or Windows updates, cameras and lenses sometimes require updates too.

Cameras are complex devices, and sometimes a menu option or a feature doesn't work as intended and needs fixing. Firmware updates can address these issues, ensuring your camera functions as it should.

For example, a firmware update for the Sony A7 III and Sony A7R III added Animal Eye AF, an autofocus technology not available when the cameras were first launched.

Firmware updates can also fix more serious issues, such as battery-draining problems, unexpected camera lockups, and autofocus issues. These updates can be the solution to problems you may be experiencing with your camera, improving its performance and your overall experience.

It's important to note that firmware updates are not always necessary. Sometimes, they address minor issues or very specific problems that may not be relevant to you. If your camera is functioning well and the update doesn't address any issues you're facing, you may not need to install it.

However, keeping your camera's firmware up-to-date is generally good practice. It can help fix bugs and glitches, improve performance, and add new features.

To check for firmware updates, you can refer to your camera's manual or the manufacturer's support pages. These sources will guide you on how to find your current firmware version and compare it to the latest available version.

If you decide to update your firmware, it's crucial to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully. A mistake during the update process can potentially cause issues with your camera.

Improving performance

Firmware updates can improve the performance of your camera and lenses in several ways.

Firstly, they can improve autofocus accuracy and speed. This is a common enhancement, with updates often providing upgraded autofocus functionality, such as autofocus tracking and autofocus technologies not available when the camera was first launched. This can include improvements to autofocus during video shooting and support for specific camera models. In addition, firmware updates can enhance image stabilisation, particularly during handheld shooting with a slow shutter speed.

Secondly, firmware updates can improve the reliability of your camera's exposure system. This could include providing better compatibility with lenses and other accessories released after the camera first came to market. For example, updates can improve compatibility with memory cards, addressing issues such as memory card incompatibility or unexpected camera lockup.

Thirdly, firmware updates can add new features to your camera and lenses. This could be a new colour mode, an expanded ISO setting, or advanced video functionality, such as live streaming. In some cases, manufacturers have even added a Raw shooting mode to basic cameras through a firmware update.

Finally, firmware updates can extend the useful life of your camera and lenses by providing enhancements that improve their overall operation. For example, the Fujifilm X-T3's autofocus received a big upgrade in 2020, and Olympus has been known to substantially update older cameras to bring them much closer to newer models.

Adding new features

Firmware updates can add new features to your camera and lenses, such as faster autofocus, better AF tracking, improved menus, and advanced video functionality. Manufacturers may also use these updates to provide better compatibility with lenses and other accessories that were released after the camera first came to market.

For example, Sony added Animal Eye AF to the Sony A7 III and Sony A7R III via a firmware update, adding autofocus technologies not available when the cameras were first launched.

Firmware updates can also add new colour modes, expand ISO settings, and even enable basic cameras with a Raw shooting mode.

It's worth noting that not all updates will add features that are relevant or useful to you. For example, you may not need new functionality for a specific lens model that you don't own, or you may not use the video recording capabilities of your camera. In these cases, it's generally safe to ignore the update.

However, some manufacturers require previous versions of the firmware to be installed before a new version can be added, so it's important to check the policies of your equipment's manufacturer.

Additionally, while firmware updates can add new features, they cannot change the hardware of the camera or lens.

Correcting issues

Camera and lens manufacturers issue firmware updates for three main reasons, one of which is to correct issues that have been identified since the equipment was released. While it's more likely to see firmware updates within the first six months after a camera or lens is released, they can be offered at any time in a product's life cycle.

Firmware updates can correct a variety of issues, including autofocusing, stabilisation, and image quality. For example, a firmware update for the Fujifilm X-T3 in 2020 brought a big autofocus upgrade. Sony added Animal Eye AF to the Sony A7 III and Sony A7R III via a firmware update, adding autofocus technologies not available when the cameras were first launched.

Firmware updates can also correct more serious issues, such as battery-draining problems, unexpected camera lockup, and autofocus issues. For example, a firmware update for the Canon EF 40 STM corrected an issue where autofocusing would stop working if pressure was applied to the lens barrel.

Firmware updates can also improve the performance of functions like autofocusing, stabilisation, and video recording, as well as provide additional functionality.

Frequently asked questions