firmware- how and what?

HeatherHahn · #1 01-26-2007, 08:10 PM

I have a confession- I am clueless when it comes to firmware. I have owned digital cameras and been in the business for years but have never given the slightest attention to firmware. Please help me understand what it is, why I need (or don't need) it, and how the heck I get it onto (or update) my D200 and D70 cameras. I have the USB cable, but is it just a drag and drop file? I have no idea where on the camera I would put it.

ChrisPerry · #2 01-26-2007, 09:04 PM

Firmware is the computer program that is in your camera. It is not loaded into RAM from a harddrive like a PC's 'software', so it's called 'firm'-ware.

Not sure about Nikon but it's probably like Canon - you get the latest version of the firmware as a download from their website under support or downloads. YOu must get the one for your camera, as each model will be different.

On your camera LCD you will be able to find the version you are running, and on their website the current version. the website should list what changes or fixes the newer software has compared to the older one.

On a Canon on a CF card you have a main directory and images are saved in sudirectories. to update the firmware you put the file you downloaded in the main directory, put the card in the camera and turn it on. it does the rest. It's easy and painless, if a bit nerve-racking the first time.

jeffcable · #3 01-26-2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeatherHahn

I have a confession- I am clueless when it comes to firmware. I have owned digital cameras and been in the business for years but have never given the slightest attention to firmware. Please help me understand what it is, why I need (or don't need) it, and how the heck I get it onto (or update) my D200 and D70 cameras. I have the USB cable, but is it just a drag and drop file? I have no idea where on the camera I would put it.

Heather, you can download firmware for your D70 from here...

http://nikonasia-en.custhelp.com/cgi...Z2U9MQ**&p_li=

The instructions are included for Windows computers.

Mac computer downloads, with instructions, for the D70 can be found here...

http://nikonasia-en.custhelp.com/cgi...ted=1103784182

The D200 firmware upgrades will be around somewhere on Nikon's site if you search for it. (I am Canon user so I don't know any more than this)

Kind regards,
Jeff

LarryLetzer · #4 01-26-2007, 11:28 PM

Go to Nikon USA and look for firmware downloads.

I copy the firmware to a camera card directly from my laptop, but you can do it from any camera card reader.

You will have to follow the instructions very carefully as you have to download both A and B firmware. The version for the D200 is 2.00

Follow the instructions and make sure when you are done you go the the menu that has the firmware in the camera and insure you have A. 2.00 B. 2.00

Basically firmware makes your camera perform properly. Newer versions of firmware improve operability.

Please take the time to read the manual. It will help you understand camera actions and functions. Besides, you will get so much more out of your camera.