Firmware

[Maureen Souza]

Okay...this is where I am baffled. Could someone please explain to me in simple terms what Firmware is, what it is for and do I have it...or need it. I have a Canon 20D (new) and a PowerShot Pro1. Told you all I would be asking a lot of questions...but I have learned more reading the comments on this site than I did in my camera class!!!
thanks in advance....
Maureen

[SloNeZ600]

Firmware in the internal software (instructions to perrform all camera functions) used to operate the cameras digital microprocessor:
Generally this software is upgradable when the manufacturer finds a bug that can be repaired by a software fix, thus allowing a download from the support site!
It is generally reccomended that the camera be powered by an AC adapter durning the upgrade to prevent a total loss of the firmware as in that case the camera would be rendered useless and would require factory service to restore it. If you plan on upgrading your firmaware be certain to read all the directions carefully.

[eastcoast909]

Software that is embedded in a hardware device that allows reading and executing the software, but does not allow modification, e.g., writing or deleting data by an end user. (188) Note 1: An example of firmware is a computer program in a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit chip. A hardware configuration is usually used to represent the software. Note 2: Another example of firmware is a program embedded in an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip, which program may be modified by special external hardware, but not by an application program.
www.bandwidthmarket.com/resources/glossary/F3.html

So, stated very simply (and simplistically) it is the software instructions (program) that resides in the camera on a chip that tells the camera how and what to do when you push the buttons.

Yes your camera has it, I think that you personally don't but thing are really changing fast in the world. LOL

As the camera features are improved and/or undesirable features (bugs) corrected, Canon will issue new "firmware" upgrades to handle this.

Hope this helps,

[Maureen Souza]

Okay...that helps a lot. I did see the Firmware icon on my 20D...so now I know a bit more than before.

Many thanks....
Maureen

[etaf]

have a look at your pro1 and see what firmware it has, as the firmware upgrade ( Firmware specification changes (Version 1.0.1.0) ) which came out in dec04 made the camera a very different product - it fixed all the issues I had with the camera.
you can also tell if the pro1 had the latest firmware installed in manufacture, because it has a little dot near the CF.
http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/pspro1/firmware-e.html

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=52713