Howto upgrade firmware correctly?

[pixelshaman]

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500 keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC? Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

 

[Ruhi]

Actually, instructions are pretty simple and straightforward. There is not much anything complicated or scary in doing a firmware update. Just make sure that it will not be interrupted before it is completed (such as dead batteries which I believe, in my opinion, should be checked by the installer software and allow or disallow the update based on the state of the battery/power source - that would be expecting to much from software geeks, wouldn't it?). Mac or PC should have nothing to with it since the update software is on the CF once you copied it from your computer. If the files are complete and intact, there should not be any problem, period.

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

 

[swepri]

I made a succesful upgrade by following the KM instructions and double checking every step.

First I downloaded the FW upgrade from both the US and Europe sites and extracted them in separate folders. I compared the exact filesizes of both versions to try to verify file integrity.

Then I think the most important step is to format the CF card in the camera.

I transfered the two files to the card via USB. My card reader is brand new, didn't know if I could trust it, so I thought the USB to camera method would be safer.

Then I just followed the instructions.

The first part of the actual upgrade can look a bit scary, there is a progress bar showing, and it kind of stuck for a while in the beginning.

I will have a new chance to try this next week when my replacement camera arrives (don't be scared, it was a tilted sensor, not FW upgrade error).

Good luck.

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

--
/ Paj

http://paj.smugmug.com

 

[John down under]

If you copy the firmware update files to your CF card using a card reader:

• As already stated here and in KM's update instructions, format the card in your camera beforehand.

• Once the files are copied to your card in the card reader, it can't hurt to remove the card, reinsert it in the card reader and copy the files from the card to another location on your PC. You can then compare the information from the copied files and the original files on your computer to help verify that they are the same. That should give you some confidence that the files on the CF card are ok and you should then have no problems with the upgrade.

First I downloaded the FW upgrade from both the US and Europe sites
and extracted them in separate folders. I compared the exact
filesizes of both versions to try to verify file integrity.

Then I think the most important step is to format the CF card in
the camera.

I transfered the two files to the card via USB. My card reader is
brand new, didn't know if I could trust it, so I thought the USB to
camera method would be safer.

Then I just followed the instructions.

The first part of the actual upgrade can look a bit scary, there is
a progress bar showing, and it kind of stuck for a while in the
beginning.

I will have a new chance to try this next week when my replacement
camera arrives (don't be scared, it was a tilted sensor, not FW
upgrade error).

Good luck.

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

--
/ Paj

http://paj.smugmug.com

--
Cheers from John
down under in Adelaide, South Australia
A1 25 Dec 03 to its drowning on 29 Dec 04 (
Dynax 7D from 25 Jan 05 )
My PBase galleries since 16 Apr 04: http://www.pbase.com/john_down_under
Konica Minolta Challenges, FAx and Faces: http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies
7D website: http://www.dyxum.com

 

[Shercando]

The installation killer is trying to do it with undercharged batteries. Recharge your batteries just before you start and use a clean (empty) freshly formatted (in the camera) card to do it. You can not underestimate the trouble caused by trying to use batteries not FULLY charged. It doesn't matter if you just used it a "little" since your last charge, the thingy needs full power.

• As already stated here and in KM's update instructions, format

the card in your camera beforehand.

• Once the files are copied to your card in the card reader, it

can't hurt to remove the card, reinsert it in the card reader and
copy the files from the card to another location on your PC. You
can then compare the information from the copied files and the
original files on your computer to help verify that they are the
same. That should give you some confidence that the files on the CF
card are ok and you should then have no problems with the upgrade.

First I downloaded the FW upgrade from both the US and Europe sites
and extracted them in separate folders. I compared the exact
filesizes of both versions to try to verify file integrity.

Then I think the most important step is to format the CF card in
the camera.

I transfered the two files to the card via USB. My card reader is
brand new, didn't know if I could trust it, so I thought the USB to
camera method would be safer.

Then I just followed the instructions.

The first part of the actual upgrade can look a bit scary, there is
a progress bar showing, and it kind of stuck for a while in the
beginning.

I will have a new chance to try this next week when my replacement
camera arrives (don't be scared, it was a tilted sensor, not FW
upgrade error).

Good luck.

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

--
/ Paj

http://paj.smugmug.com

--
Cheers from John
down under in Adelaide, South Australia
A1 25 Dec 03 to its drowning on 29 Dec 04 (
Dynax 7D from 25 Jan 05 )
My PBase galleries since 16 Apr 04:
http://www.pbase.com/john_down_under
Konica Minolta Challenges, FAx and Faces:
http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies
7D website: http://www.dyxum.com

--
Shercando

 

[Craig Gillette]

First I downloaded the FW upgrade from both the US and Europe sites
and extracted them in separate folders. I compared the exact
filesizes of both versions to try to verify file integrity.

Then I think the most important step is to format the CF card in
the camera.

I transfered the two files to the card via USB. My card reader is
brand new, didn't know if I could trust it, so I thought the USB to
camera method would be safer.

Then I just followed the instructions.

The first part of the actual upgrade can look a bit scary, there is
a progress bar showing, and it kind of stuck for a while in the
beginning.

I will have a new chance to try this next week when my replacement
camera arrives (don't be scared, it was a tilted sensor, not FW
upgrade error).

Good luck.

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

--
/ Paj

http://paj.smugmug.com

I had no trouble. I'd agree, make sure the battery is fully charged. Make sure the files are copied to the right level on the card. Follow the directions carefully. I made a print copy to have available "just in case." There is a sequence of events with inserting the card, when and what buttons may be pushed, things inserted, removed, powered on/off, etc., that isn't complicated but should be observed. I'd suggest reviewing the steps before starting, etc. I doubt it would make a difference but I used a almost new high speed card and used a card reader which I had been successfully using for quite a while to load the card.

 

[raminolta]

How can you check that the files are exactly the same?

Regards, Ramin

• As already stated here and in KM's update instructions, format

the card in your camera beforehand.

• Once the files are copied to your card in the card reader, it

can't hurt to remove the card, reinsert it in the card reader and
copy the files from the card to another location on your PC. You
can then compare the information from the copied files and the
original files on your computer to help verify that they are the
same. That should give you some confidence that the files on the CF
card are ok and you should then have no problems with the upgrade.

First I downloaded the FW upgrade from both the US and Europe sites
and extracted them in separate folders. I compared the exact
filesizes of both versions to try to verify file integrity.

Then I think the most important step is to format the CF card in
the camera.

I transfered the two files to the card via USB. My card reader is
brand new, didn't know if I could trust it, so I thought the USB to
camera method would be safer.

Then I just followed the instructions.

The first part of the actual upgrade can look a bit scary, there is
a progress bar showing, and it kind of stuck for a while in the
beginning.

I will have a new chance to try this next week when my replacement
camera arrives (don't be scared, it was a tilted sensor, not FW
upgrade error).

Good luck.

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

--
/ Paj

http://paj.smugmug.com

--
Cheers from John
down under in Adelaide, South Australia
A1 25 Dec 03 to its drowning on 29 Dec 04 (
Dynax 7D from 25 Jan 05 )
My PBase galleries since 16 Apr 04:
http://www.pbase.com/john_down_under
Konica Minolta Challenges, FAx and Faces:
http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies
7D website: http://www.dyxum.com

--
'Charter Member of the Konica Minolta 7D Adoption Society'

Maxxum 9, Maxxum 7.
100mm D Macro f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, 24-105mm D, Sigma 50-500mm.

 

[John down under]

I'm sure there are programs that can allow you to compare files in detail, but all I did was to check the properties of the original and copied files to make sure the information on file size was exactly the same.

Regards, Ramin

• As already stated here and in KM's update instructions, format

the card in your camera beforehand.

• Once the files are copied to your card in the card reader, it

can't hurt to remove the card, reinsert it in the card reader and
copy the files from the card to another location on your PC. You
can then compare the information from the copied files and the
original files on your computer to help verify that they are the
same. That should give you some confidence that the files on the CF
card are ok and you should then have no problems with the upgrade.

First I downloaded the FW upgrade from both the US and Europe sites
and extracted them in separate folders. I compared the exact
filesizes of both versions to try to verify file integrity.

Then I think the most important step is to format the CF card in
the camera.

I transfered the two files to the card via USB. My card reader is
brand new, didn't know if I could trust it, so I thought the USB to
camera method would be safer.

Then I just followed the instructions.

The first part of the actual upgrade can look a bit scary, there is
a progress bar showing, and it kind of stuck for a while in the
beginning.

I will have a new chance to try this next week when my replacement
camera arrives (don't be scared, it was a tilted sensor, not FW
upgrade error).

Good luck.

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

TIA

--
/ Paj

http://paj.smugmug.com

--
Cheers from John
down under in Adelaide, South Australia
A1 25 Dec 03 to its drowning on 29 Dec 04 (
Dynax 7D from 25 Jan 05 )
My PBase galleries since 16 Apr 04:
http://www.pbase.com/john_down_under
Konica Minolta Challenges, FAx and Faces:
http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies
7D website: http://www.dyxum.com

--
'Charter Member of the Konica Minolta 7D Adoption Society'

Maxxum 9, Maxxum 7.
100mm D Macro f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, 24-105mm D, Sigma 50-500mm.

--
Cheers from John
down under in Adelaide, South Australia
A1 25 Dec 03 to its drowning on 29 Dec 04 (
Dynax 7D from 25 Jan 05 )
My PBase galleries since 16 Apr 04: http://www.pbase.com/john_down_under
Konica Minolta Challenges, FAx and Faces: http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies
7D website: http://www.dyxum.com

 

[Lee Beasley]

Also, if you've copied the files from your PC to the card, make sure you put them in the root directory of your CF card. I know it's elementary, but it's easy to drag a folder rather than individual files.

 

[Olaf Ulrich]

... switch off the camera, remove the CF card, and turn it on again WITH NO CARD INSERTED! The instructions say to do so but people seem to overlook it. Then perform a reset of the recording mode. Then turn the camera off again, insert a CF card, and you're done.

Of course, you must not re-insert the card with the firmware files on it! Remove the files using a card reader before you use it in the camera again. And in the beginning, do not confuse the Mac files with the Windows files. And do not hurry! The instructions are clear, easy to understand, and easy to follow.

Regards,
Olaf
--
Olaf Ulrich, Germany

 

[Mauricio23]

I updated the firmware on my 7D using my mac to download the files to the CF. I used a card reader. The instructions seemed crystal clear to me. Just keep in my mind that no point is "optional"; you have to perform all steps exactly as described. Where it says the battery must be fully charged, it means the battery must be fully charged. Where it says you must remove the card before turning the camera on again, it means exactly that. And where it says you have to perform a recording mode reset, it also means it. A very high proportion of firmware update screw-ups come from people not exactly following these steps (not that I didn't say "all screw-ups"). For added security, once you have performed the upgrade, you can download the updater files from the CF using your computer and card reader, thus ensuring the camera does not try to update itself again. At any rate, you should format the card once again in the camera at the end of the process.

During the update process, at one point the camera does seem to become "stuck," and the progress bar stops moving. It can stay there for a minute or so (feels like a year) before it completes the update. This is normal, so don't panic.

 

[Leon van Bommel]

I have another D7 on the way tomorrow (thanks, BH) and I wonder if
some of the experts could give me a step-by-step on upgrading the
firmware? From my research it seems like a)KM's instructions are
not the clearest in the world, even for computer/digital camera
experts and b)it's very easy to turn your camera into a $1500
keychain. I'm especially concerned about using my Mac to do the
upgrade. Has anyone done this? Or should I use a Windows XP PC?
Also, in-camera compact flash or in CF reader? After reading all
the horror stories I getting a little scared to this upgrade.

K-M instructions are crystal clear, and there is little you can do wrong if you follow them to the letter. The biggest problem is most people (and esp. "experts") only read the manual after something goes wrong. With a firmware update, that however means total system failure, without the possibility to recover (easily).

A K-M technician can reflash the camera, but likely only by taking it apart and attaching a special chip-programming cable to the board. It's a lot of work for something that 99.99% of the time could have been avoided.

 

[pixelshaman]

Mauricio,

I went to the KM site to download the upgrade files and even though KM offers files in OS9 and OSX, the download only works under Classic Mode. Is this correct? I've been using OSX for quite a while and feel very confident in its operation, but beyond running old programs, I wonder if Classic Mode is really the way download it files. Have I missed something somewhere?

Thanks,

I updated the firmware on my 7D using my mac to download the files
to the CF. I used a card reader. The instructions seemed crystal
clear to me. Just keep in my mind that no point is "optional"; you
have to perform all steps exactly as described. Where it says the
battery must be fully charged, it means the battery must be fully
charged. Where it says you must remove the card before turning the
camera on again, it means exactly that. And where it says you have
to perform a recording mode reset, it also means it. A very high
proportion of firmware update screw-ups come from people not
exactly following these steps (not that I didn't say "all
screw-ups"). For added security, once you have performed the
upgrade, you can download the updater files from the CF using your
computer and card reader, thus ensuring the camera does not try to
update itself again. At any rate, you should format the card once
again in the camera at the end of the process.

During the update process, at one point the camera does seem to
become "stuck," and the progress bar stops moving. It can stay
there for a minute or so (feels like a year) before it completes
the update. This is normal, so don't panic.