Canon EOS mag

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Technique Updating camera and lens firmware

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Firmware for EF lenses Canon has released a firmware update for the EF 40mm f2.8 STM – the first Canon lens with user-installable firmware. The new firmware corrects a problem where pressure applied to the lens barrel while the lens is mounted to the camera (pressure can be applied even while attaching the lens cap or while carrying the camera with the lens attached in a bag), stops the autofocus function of the lens. You will need a card reader for the update process – the lens firmware cannot be updated using EOS Utility software. The update is also limited to the lens on a compatible camera – currently only the EOS-1D X, 5D Mark III and 650D. Make sure the camera firmware is up-to-date before updating the lens. If you have the lens with another EOS you need to contact a Canon Service Centre for the update. Go to the Canon Download Centre (page 71), find the EF 40mm f2.8 STM lens (it is under the camera menu), select the firmware option and download to your computer. Double-click the downloaded document to obtain the .lfu file – the lens equivalent of the camera .FIR firmware – and a folder of PDFs. Copy the file to a formatted media card. This procedure is described on page 71 – just substitute the .lfu file for the .FIR file. Read the instructions in the PDF folder before proceeding. You do not need to update if your lens already has the latest firmware. Insert the media card into the camera and switch the camera on. The screens below are from the EOS 650D.

Super-telephoto firmware updates Canon has also released firmware update version 1.1.1 for the EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM, EF 500mm f4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f4L IS II USM lenses. However, this firmware cannot be installed by the user. The update needs to be carried out by a Canon Service Centre – and will be done free of charge. Version 1.1.1 changes the control algorithm of the focus drive and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby. The new firmware is for lenses which currently have firmware version 1.0.0. The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with firmware version 1.0.0 are as follows:

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EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM

The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx; xx1xxxxxxx; xx2xxxxxxx; xx3xxxxxxx).

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EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).

1 Go to the camera settings menu and find the ‘firmware ver.’ item. Press the camera ‘SET’ button.

2 The next screen shows the camera and lens firmware versions. Select ‘Lens’ and press the camera ‘SET’ button.

Firmware hacks Firmware updates offer a way for third-party software developers to modify the operation of an EOS camera. Most of the attention has been aimed at the movie functions, but there are hacks relating to still photography with EOS cameras. The hacked firmware is usually available for free download. Enter ‘canon eos firmware hacks’ in a search engine for more information. Is it legal and safe? Magic Lantern (www.magiclantern.fm) is one of the best known suppliers of modified firmware for EOS cameras. They say that their software is reverse-engineered and contains no Canon code, so should be legal. Magic Lantern firmware runs from the media card and operates alongside Canon’s firmware, but it does change camera settings. No warranties or guarantees are provided. If the firmware damages the camera in any way that requires a repair, it will probably void the Canon warranty, though we have not heard of this happening. Use it at your own risk.

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3 This confirmation screen is asking if you want to proceed with the update. Select ‘OK’ and press the camera “SET’ button.

4 Check that the camera has found the update file. This is the last opportunity to cancel. Press the ‘SET’ button to proceed.

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5 This screen shows the progress of the update. It only takes a few minutes. Take note of the warning!

6 The camera confirms that the update is complete. Press the ‘SET’ button to return to the normal camera screen.

7 Turn the camera off and remove the battery for a few seconds. The new firmware takes effect after the battery has been reloaded and the camera turned on again.

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50 Reproduced from EOS magazine October-December 2012