Firmware Update for the Canon 40D

Just noticed today on Canon’s website that they have released a firmware  update for the 40D which happens to be the camera I currently shoot with (although I’m hoping a 5D Mark II will be in my future soon). Here are the details on the update from Canon’s site:

Firmware update Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following fixes and improvements.

1. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes a low battery indication to be displayed when using the EF 85mm F1.2L II USM lens. Depending on the battery check timing of the camera, the battery level displayed on the camera’s LCD data panel may shows Battery will be exhausted soon or Battery must be recharged, even though the battery capacity is sufficient.
2. Fixes a malfunction that in rare occurrence causes an Err 06 Self Cleaning Sensor malfunction to appear on the camera’s LCD monitor and LCD data panel, even when the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit is operating normally. This message may appear depending on the timing of when the camera is switch to the ON position.
3. Fixes a malfunction that prevents correct colors from being printed when direct printing. RAW images captured using the camera’s custom Picture Styles (Emerald, etc.), which have been downloaded from Canon’s Web site and registered under User Def. 2 or User Def. 3.
4. Modifies the level of subject brightness that causes the AF-assist beam to fire when using an external Speedlite.
5. Enables an external flash connected to the camera’s synchro terminal to fire even when the camera’s built-in flash is popped up.

For those wondering what a firmware update it, basically it’s an update to the software that runs on the camera. Sometimes these updates can provide new functionality to the camera while in most cases they are released to fix bugs that were discovered after the camera was released. Updating the firmware is actually quite straightforward for anyone with a little bit of computer knowledge.

Updating your camera consists of downloading the update to your computer, transferring the file to your camera’s memory card, and then inserting the card into your camera and selecting to update the firmware in the Camera’s menu. In the case of Canon you can also upgrade the firmware by connecting the camera to your computer and using the EOS Utility that shipped with your camera to install the update.

If you haven’t upgraded the firmware in your camera since you bought it, I would recommend checking the version of your firmware and upgrading if you are on an older version to ensure that you are getting the most out of your camera and not compromising your images as a result of any software bugs.