What is firmware update?

[love811]

I just read at Bebit about firmware updates for Canon digital cameras. I don't understand what it is for but I do know that there is one available for my powershot a75 and have checked the serial number of mine and I can install the firmware. However before doing any installation, I would like to ask if any of you have already tried installing this firmware update and what are advantages and disadvantages that you got from it?

[Geeeyejo]

There should be no disadvantages if the firmware is from the company. The firmware usually addresses functionality of the camera that had problems that was able to be resolved via software changes. I would go for it.

[love811]

thanks Geeeyejo! :)

[sw2001]

I updated that firmware about a week ago and to tell the truth, I really didn't notice appreciably differences, except the menu settings went back to default.
But generally I do all firmware updates cos of some bug fixes. Like Geeeyejo said, no disadvantages (usually).
If you do the update, take care that you have good (full) batteries in the camera.