Following several incidents of 'dead cameras' Canon pulled its 1.0.4 firmware update for the EOS 20D shortly after it was published. Today Canon has posted version 1.0.5 which includes all of 1.0.4's updates and should (hopefully) not cause any further update problems. On the update page there are no less than two 'apologies' to customers who may have had their cameras killed by the previous update. It's also worth noting the specific recommended procedure of update.

Click here for the Canon EOS 20D firmware update page

EOS 20D Firmware Update Version 1.0.5

Firmware specification changes

We have discovered that the version 1.0.4 firmware released on October 4 had a bug in the program that handles the update. In cases where the update was performed with a lens attached to the camera, there were situations in which the firmware could not be updated correctly.

In cases where the firmware was not updated correctly, the camera might not power on, the camera might not communicate properly with the lens and flash, or similar malfunctions might occur.

Canon offers its sincerest apologies to customers who have been inconvenienced by this situation.

Even for customers who successfully updated to the version 1.0.4 firmware without incident, Canon recommends updating to the new version 1.0.5 firmware for the sake of certainty.

Note: The bug described has been fixed in the version 1.0.5 firmware, but please remove the lens from the camera when performing this update.

Customers who were unable to update their camera's firmware from version 1.0.2 to version 1.0.4, or those who performed the update only to find that the camera would not power on afterward, please contact the service center listed on the service information that came packaged with your EOS 20D.

Canon would like to express once again its apologies to all customers who were affected by this situation.

Please note that the actual firmware content of versions 1.0.4 and 1.0.5 is the same. If your EOS 20D already had the version 1.0.4 firmware when you purchased it, there is no problem with leaving it as is. There is also no problem if you choose to update the firmware to version 1.0.5, but the content of the firmware is the same for both versions.

This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware versions 1.0.4 or earliers. It is not necessary to perform this update on cameras that already have version 1.0.5 firmware.

Please read this page in its entirety before making use of the download service.

Firmware Q&A

Q: What has been changed in version 1.0.5 of the firmware?

A: We have discovered that the version 1.0.4 firmware released on October 4 had a bug in the program that handles the update. In cases where the update was performed with a lens attached to the camera, there were situations in which the firmware could not be updated correctly. The version 1.0.5 firmware fixes the version 1.0.4 bug so that the firmware can be updated correctly.

Q: Does the version 1.0.5 firmware incorporate all of the fixes from previous versions?

A: Yes, it does. The following version 1.0.4 fixes are also included.
1. Fixes the problem of shutter release not working. In rare cases, the camera freezes and the shutter stops working if a lens removed or attached while the camera is in auto power off mode. (In other cases, the camera might hang up during continuous shooting.) - This problem has been fixed.
2. Improves reliability when using some CF cards. Improved reliability of communication with CF cards

Q: How do I check the camera's current firmware version number?

A: Turn the Main Switch ON, and press the "MENU" button to display the menu. Turn the Quick Control Dial, and you will see the "Firmware Ver.1.0.x" at the end of the settings shown in yellow, which is the currently installed firmware version number. For more details, please refer to the instruction manual on pages 30, 31.

Q: How do I update the EOS 20D's firmware?

A: These are two ways to update the camera's firmware.
Download the firmware file from this web site and install the update as shown in the updating procedure. Bring the camera to a Canon Service Center and have the firmware updated by the center. If you choose the latter method, contact a Canon Service Center in your region.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to update the EOS 20D's firmware?

A: The firmware update file needs to be copied to a CF card, so a card reader or a computer with a PC card slot will be required. When using CF cards with a card reader, however, there are cases where a PC card adapter is necessary.

Other required equipment is listed below
- Battery Pack BP-511A or BP-514 (The battery pack must be fully charged.)
- AC Adapter Kit ACK-E2 (sold serarately)
- CF card (8MB or more, 2GB or less)
- In order to supply power to the camera, either 1 or 2 is necessary.

Q: I do not have the equipment necessary for the firmware update.

A: Please contact a Canon Service Center in your region.

Q: While copying the firmware, the word "ERROR" is shown on the display.

A: The firmware updating procedure has failed. If you used battery pack BP-511A or BP-514, please change the power supply equipment to the AC Adapter Kit ACK-E2, and try to update the firmware again. If the word "ERROR" still appears on the display after the update, or some problems are found during the update, please contact the Canon Service Center.