Should You Update Your Camera Firmware? (Watch This First)
Before you update your camera’s firmware, stop — just for a second.
Firmware updates can be incredibly helpful. They can fix bugs, improve performance, and sometimes even add entirely new features to your camera. But they can also change how your camera behaves, introduce surprises you weren’t expecting, or cause real problems if something goes wrong.
That’s why it’s important to understand what firmware updates actually do, when you should install them, and how to update your camera safely.
In this post, I’ll walk through my philosophy on firmware updates and give you a clear, step-by-step process you can follow with confidence.
Why Camera Firmware Updates Matter
Firmware is essentially software for your camera’s hardware. When a camera is released, the manufacturer does their best to ship stable firmware — but real-world use always reveals things that need improvement.
Most firmware updates fall into one of three categories:
Bug fixes
New features
Minor performance or stability improvements
Sometimes the update you skip is the one that causes issues later. Other times, updating too quickly can expose you to bugs that haven’t been fully discovered yet. The key is knowing when to update.
How I Decide When to Update Firmware
Here’s the simple philosophy I personally follow.
Major Version Changes (1.x → 2.x)
If the number to the left of the decimal changes, that’s a major update.
I almost always wait on these.
Major updates can:
Add large features
Change menus or behavior
Introduce unexpected issues
I like to let other photographers test these first and see if any major problems surface.
Minor Feature Updates (1.1 → 1.2)
These are smaller feature updates.
I still wait — just not as long — unless the update fixes a problem I’m actively dealing with.
Bug Fix Updates (1.2.1 → 1.2.2)
These are usually stability or bug fixes.
I typically update these when I have time, not because I’m rushing, but because they’re generally low risk.
Step-by-Step: How to Update Your Camera Firmware Safely
This process is nearly identical for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and most modern cameras.
1. Check Your Current Firmware Version
Start by checking which firmware version your camera is currently running.
You’ll usually find this in the camera menu under Firmware, Camera Info, or Setup.
Call to Action #1:
Check your camera’s firmware version today.
Even if you don’t update yet, just know where you stand.
2. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website
Go directly to the manufacturer’s official website and look up your exact camera model.
Don’t guess — cameras with similar names often use different firmware files.
3. Download the Firmware Update
Download the firmware update that matches your camera model exactly.
Avoid third-party sites. Always use the manufacturer’s official download.
4. Format the SD Card in Your Camera
Before copying anything, format an SD card in the camera itself.
This is one of the most important steps. Formatting in-camera avoids file system issues that can cause update failures.
5. Insert the SD Card Into Your Computer
Remove the freshly formatted SD card and insert it into your computer.
6. Copy the Firmware File to the SD Card
Copy the firmware file directly to the root of the SD card.
Do not place it inside any folders.
7. Insert the SD Card Back Into the Camera
Put the card back into the camera and make sure your battery is fully charged.
This is not the time to risk losing power.
7A. Set the Camera to “P” Mode
Canon recommends switching the camera to P (Program) mode before updating firmware.
In reality, once the update starts, the camera exits shooting mode entirely — which is why some people successfully update in other modes. That said, P mode is the safest and most repeatable option, especially if you’re new to firmware updates.
8. Run the Update and Follow the Prompts
Go into the menu, choose Firmware Update, and follow the on-screen prompts.
Do not:
Power the camera off
Press buttons
Remove the battery
Just let the update finish.
Important Note for Canon R5 Users: The New Password
Canon R5 users will notice a new step during the firmware update process — you’ll be asked to create a camera password.
This is not a lock screen.
You will not be asked for this password when:
Taking photos or video
Changing normal menu settings
Formatting cards
Turning the camera on
Reviewing images
When You Will Need the Password
You’ll only be asked for it in specific situations, such as:
Certain network or wireless configuration changes
Some protected resets or ownership-related actions
Potential future firmware updates involving security features
For everyday photography, you can honestly forget it exists — just don’t forget the password itself.
Canon is clearly moving cameras toward the same security model we already see with phones, laptops, and drones. Cameras are more connected and more valuable than ever, and this is about security and future-proofing, not making cameras harder to use.
Write the password down somewhere secure. Resetting it may require proof of ownership.
Final Thoughts
Firmware updates aren’t about chasing the newest thing.
They’re about keeping your camera reliable, predictable, and working for you.
Update thoughtfully, follow a safe process, and you’ll avoid nearly every problem people run into with firmware updates.
🎯 Final Calls to Action
Update your firmware — or at least check your current version
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Thanks for reading — and for watching the video.
Doug Gabbard
Getting Better, One Photo at a Time
