Does Canon update firmware on discontinued models ?

Now that the 5D2 is discontinued, it got me thinking. Does Canon or any other camera manufacture update firmware on discontinued models ? I hardly touch my 5D2 now that I got the 5D3 but it would be nice if they could add minimum shutter speed and ISO range on the 2.

I don't think they've ever done that, at least not to the extend you describe, for a discontinued model. For older models like the 7D, sure. For discontinued, I can't remember they've done that.

I've never even heard of them adding ISO range and "minimum shutter speeds" to even production cameras...definitely not discontinued ones...

Well, the 7D got ISO 6400 selectable in auto iso in firmware upgrade 2

The 5DII is out of production, but it's not discontinued. Canon maintains support for its models for a period of time after they stop making them. They have to continue support for the people who bought the camera just as production ended. They still have a year of warranty, so replacement parts and the full backing of the company have to be available.

Once they end support for a model, THEN it becomes discontinued. You can see Canon still lists the 5DII in the current EOS lineup on their web page. http://www.usa.canon.c​om …ducts/cameras/s​lr_cameras

As far as providing major firmware upgrades.. It's highly unlikely. Why release something that might prevent someone from upgrading their hardware

Hask wrote in post #15430413
Well, the 7D got ISO 6400 selectable in auto iso in firmware upgrade 2

Yeah, but I just meant they don't actually just come out and add a stop of ISO to the cameras. Usually firmware updates are pretty minor...allowing for f8 focus on the 1DX/5D3 is one of the most significant ones I've seen.

I'm hoping for a firmware update that'll allow for peripheral illumination correction on the 135L on the 5D2...I'm not sure why it didn't have it...Canon should have known that that lens will be popular on the 5D2, and that lens has been around for eons...they should have had no issues initially releasing the camera with that data.

Jim_T wrote in post #15430422
The 5DII is out of production, but it's not discontinued. Canon maintains support for its models for a period of time after they stop making them. They have to continue support for the people who bought the camera just as production ended. They still have a year of warranty, so replacement parts and the full backing of the company have to be available.

Once they end support for a model, THEN it becomes discontinued. You can see Canon still lists the 5DII in the current EOS lineup on their web page. http://www.usa.canon.c​om …ducts/cameras/s​lr_cameras

As far as providing major firmware upgrades.. It's highly unlikely. Why release something that might prevent someone from upgrading their hardware

Yeah, but support (especially hardware) and firmware upgrades are two different things...they just stopped doing hardware support for the 1D2 a month or two ago, but I bet it's been years since that camera has seen a firmware update...

To the OP: Depending on your (other) needs, a look at Magic Lantern might be something for you, it'll add plenty of features (though not officially).

http://magiclantern.wi​kia.com …gic_Lantern_Fir​mware_Wiki

cdang wrote in post #15430381
Now that the 5D2 is discontinued, it got me thinking. Does Canon or any other camera manufacture update firmware on discontinued models ? I hardly touch my 5D2 now that I got the 5D3 but it would be nice if they could add minimum shutter speed and ISO range on the 2.

I think you will be out of luck. I've never known a firmware update on any discontinued model I've owned since the 20D. I can't see Canon putting time/money into and old model.

Hask wrote in post #15430919
To the OP: Depending on your (other) needs, a look at Magic Lantern might be something for you, it'll add plenty of features (though not officially).

http://magiclantern.wi​kia.com …gic_Lantern_Fir​mware_Wiki

Canon has certain number of years even after stopping the marketing of a model to stop support.
Third party will contiue to show the magic potion as long as there is a demand.

NinetyEight wrote in post #15431115
I think you will be out of luck. I've never known a firmware update on any discontinued model I've owned since the 20D. I can't see Canon putting time/money into and old model.

Yup. And most of the bugs have been worked out, so there is no need for a firmware update. If you want the new features, they will be more than happy to sell you a 5d3.

vrjosh wrote in post #15431243
Yup. And most of the bugs have been worked out, so there is no need for a firmware update. If you want the new features, they will be more than happy to sell you a 5d3.

Or wait few months and all he 5DIII's bugs will be workded out and then Mk IV would be out too so you will have 2 good choices...

Oh I think it's quite possible that the most of the bugs have been fixed when it comes to the 5Dmk3. it's past the time that a new product has come out and it's full of bugs.

it's very unlikely that canon will release a firmware for a product that's discontinued. After all if you go to the canon web site it's no longer listed in the list of models.

Support for the camera will carry on tho.

Didn't the 5Dc get a firmware upgrade to accomodate larger size CF cards after it was disconinued?

Hask wrote in post #15430401
I don't think they've ever done that, at least not to the extend you describe, for a discontinued model. For older models like the 7D, sure. For discontinued, I can't remember they've done that.

Unless they already have a release in the pipeline, which I seriously doubt, then I can't see a firmware update forthcoming. If they'd kept producing it for another year then maybe a port from the 7D MkII firmware might have appeared. The 5D2 is still a damn good camera though and maybe if there are any bugs found from now on (not likely, considering its age) they will fix them, but I think that's about it.

The question then becomes "do you think that they are still actively producing the 5D Mark II ?".. I would think NO... One has two paths already for that product --- 1. Upgrade to a 5D Mark III - which has been out for some time and --- 2. Upgrade to the recently released 6D..

For the same reasons-- Canon would not likely pump out a firmware with new features--- one already has two new paths-- and Canon wants to make money selling new cameras-- not updating and releasing new firmware for an already superseded body.

Selling their current stock - yes... Manufacturing them-- doubt it...