How to Update Firmware on A Mirrorless Camera?

19 minutes read

Updating firmware on a mirrorless camera is essential to ensure that your camera is functioning at its best and to access any new features or improvements. To update the firmware on your camera, the first step is to visit the manufacturer's website and find the firmware update for your specific camera model. Download the firmware update and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install it on your camera. Typically, this involves connecting your camera to your computer via USB and running the firmware update software. Make sure that your camera has a fully charged battery before starting the update process, and do not turn off the camera or disconnect it from the computer until the update is complete. Once the update is finished, your camera will have the latest firmware version installed and should be ready to use.

Best Mirrorless Cameras of October 2024

1
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible - ILCE-6400L/B, Black

Rating is 5 out of 5

Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible - ILCE-6400L/B, Black

  • Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor
  • Fast and accurate: Up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
  • Multiple movie functions: Make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
2
Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black

  • 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
  • Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking
  • 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
  • Sensor Type : 35mm full frame (35.6×23.8mm), Exmor R CMOS sensor
3
Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera (Black) w/RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera (Black) w/RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

  • Compact, lightweight RF mount camera with a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC X processor.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 651 AF zones with auto subject detection and tracking of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology
  • Continuous shooting with 12 fps with Electronic First Curtain and 15 fps with Electronic Shutter.
4
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera Kit - Black

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera Kit - Black

  • Large 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor and fast BIONZ X processor
  • 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
  • Product Showcase Setting transitions focus from face to object
5
Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixel Digital Camera, 14-42 mm Lens Kit, DMC-G7KS

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixel Digital Camera, 14-42 mm Lens Kit, DMC-G7KS

  • Superb DSLM image quality without the bulk and weight of traditional DSLRs
  • Never miss a photo with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes
  • Unwire your creativity with integrated Wi Fi sharing
6
Nikon Z 30 with Wide-Angle Zoom Lens | Our most compact, lightweight mirrorless stills/video camera with 16-50mm zoom lens | Nikon USA Model

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Nikon Z 30 with Wide-Angle Zoom Lens | Our most compact, lightweight mirrorless stills/video camera with 16-50mm zoom lens | Nikon USA Model

  • Designed for creators, vloggers and streamers: Nikon's easy to use Z 30 mirrorless 4K camera with a versatile 16-50mm wide-angle zoom lens
  • Easy live streaming: Plug and play webcam operation, smooth Full HD 60p streaming over USB-C, 4K 30p streaming over HDMI and constant power over USB-C
  • A kit that grows with you: Compatible with Nikon's entire line of exceptional NIKKOR Z lenses, from fast primes to macro lenses, so you can expand your capabilities over time
7
Canon EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Canon EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation

  • Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
  • Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
  • Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF
8
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Black

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Black

  • Offering the ultimate image quality, X-T5 features the class-leading, 40.2-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR CMOS sensor in a compact, lightweight body that maximizes functionality and portability. X-T5’s improved image processing algorithm delivers outstanding results, packed with detail right across the native ISO range, which now extends to ISO 125. The classic X Series design has been retained. Dials predominate, making key functions – including ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation – quick and easy to set, even with the camera switched off. X-T5 offers a new, 1.84 million dot, three-way tilting LCD and powerful in-body image stabilization.
  • Following in the footsteps of X-H2, find the stunning Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode in X-T5, delivering detailed files like never before. The feature utilizes the camera’s IBIS system to precisely shift the sensor, automatically recording 20 separate frames with one press of the shutter release. Resulting files are combined using Pixel Shift Combiner software to quadruple the camera’s resolution and produce a detail-rich, 160-megapixel file. Perfect for commercial applications or digital archiving, it’s also ideal for any static subject where image quality is of primary importance.
9
Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

  • Step up to full-frame with Canon’s lightest full-frame RF Mount mirrorless camera featuring a 24.2 million pixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor.
  • An affordable and compact camera with built-in 0.39” 2.36 million dots OLED EVF up to 120 fps refresh rate and 3.0” 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touchscreen.
10
Fujifilm X-T50 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens Kit - Charcoal Silver

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

Fujifilm X-T50 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens Kit - Charcoal Silver

  • Dedicated Film Simulation dial offering fast access to 20 Film Simulations (including REALA ACE mode)
  • 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor
  • Supports all X Series lenses and includes a 1.4x and 2x Digital Teleconverter
  • 6.2K/30P, 4K/60P, FHD/240P, 4:2:2 10-Bit Video


How to avoid bricking a mirrorless camera during a firmware update?

  1. Use a reliable power source: Make sure your camera's battery is fully charged or connect it to an AC power source to avoid any interruptions during the firmware update.
  2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Read the firmware update instructions provided by the camera manufacturer carefully before proceeding with the update. Make sure you understand all the steps involved.
  3. Use the correct firmware version: Ensure that you are downloading and installing the correct firmware version for your specific camera model. Using the wrong firmware can cause irreversible damage to your camera.
  4. Do not interrupt the update process: Once the firmware update is started, do not turn off the camera, disconnect it from the computer, or remove the memory card until the update is complete. Interrupting the update process can result in a bricked camera.
  5. Backup your data: Before performing a firmware update, make sure to backup all your data, such as photos and settings, to prevent any loss in case of a failed update.
  6. Check for any known issues: Check online forums or the manufacturer's website for any reported issues or bugs related to the firmware update before proceeding.
  7. Seek professional help if unsure: If you are unsure about how to perform a firmware update on your camera, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer's customer support for guidance.


What to do if the firmware update process takes longer than expected on a mirrorless camera?

If the firmware update process on a mirrorless camera takes longer than expected, it is important not to turn off the camera or disconnect it from the computer during the update process as this could potentially brick the camera.


Here are some steps to take if the firmware update process is taking longer than expected:

  1. Check the progress bar: If there is a progress bar or indicator on the camera or computer screen, monitor it to see if the update is still in progress. Sometimes firmware updates can take a long time, especially if there are significant changes being made.
  2. Check the camera's battery: Ensure that the camera has a full battery or is connected to a power source during the update process. If the battery dies during the update, it could brick the camera.
  3. Restart the update process: If the update is stuck or seems to be taking an unusually long time, try restarting the update process. Turn off the camera, disconnect it from the computer, and then restart the update process from the beginning.
  4. Contact customer support: If the firmware update process continues to take longer than expected or if you encounter any errors during the process, it is best to contact the camera manufacturer's customer support for assistance. They may be able to provide guidance on how to proceed or troubleshoot any issues.


It is important to be patient and cautious during the firmware update process to ensure that the camera is not damaged. Following these steps should help resolve any issues that may arise during a firmware update on a mirrorless camera.


What precautions should be taken before updating firmware on a mirrorless camera?

  1. Make sure the camera's battery is fully charged or connect the camera to a power source to prevent it from turning off during the update process.
  2. Backup all important photos and settings on the camera to a computer or external storage device in case anything goes wrong during the update process.
  3. Ensure that the firmware update is specifically designed for your camera model and not a different version, as using the wrong firmware can cause damage to the camera.
  4. Read the instructions and release notes provided by the camera manufacturer for the firmware update to understand the changes and improvements being made.
  5. Make sure the camera has sufficient memory space available to accommodate the firmware update file.
  6. Disable any power-saving features that could interrupt the firmware update process, such as auto power-off or sleep mode.
  7. Use a reliable and stable internet connection to download the firmware update file from the manufacturer's website to avoid any interruptions or errors during the download process.
  8. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the camera manufacturer for updating the firmware, and do not interrupt the update process until it is completed.


How to update firmware on multiple mirrorless cameras simultaneously?

To update firmware on multiple mirrorless cameras simultaneously, you can follow these steps:

  1. Check for firmware updates: Make sure to visit the official website of the camera manufacturer and check for the latest firmware updates for your specific camera model.
  2. Download the firmware update: Download the firmware update file onto your computer and make sure to save it in a location that is easily accessible.
  3. Format multiple memory cards: Format multiple memory cards that will be used to update the firmware on each camera. Make sure to use separate memory cards for each camera to avoid any confusion.
  4. Copy the firmware update to the memory cards: Copy the firmware update file onto each of the formatted memory cards, ensuring that each memory card contains the correct firmware update for the corresponding camera.
  5. Insert the memory cards into the cameras: Insert the memory cards into each of the cameras that you wish to update.
  6. Start the firmware update process: Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to start the firmware update process on each camera. This may involve navigating to the firmware update option in the camera's menu and selecting the appropriate update file.
  7. Wait for the update to complete: Allow each camera to complete the firmware update process. This may take some time, so be patient and do not turn off the camera or remove the memory card until the update is complete.
  8. Verify the firmware update: Once the update is complete, verify that the firmware has been successfully updated by checking the firmware version in the camera's settings or menu.


By following these steps, you can update the firmware on multiple mirrorless cameras simultaneously to ensure that they are running the latest software and performance improvements.


What is firmware?

Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in hardware devices, such as computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. It provides the necessary instructions for the device to operate and communicate with other hardware components. Firmware is typically stored in read-only memory (ROM) within the device and is responsible for controlling the device's basic functions and operations. It differs from traditional software in that it is permanently programmed into the device and cannot easily be modified by the user.


How to troubleshoot a camera that is unresponsive after a firmware update?

There are several steps you can take to troubleshoot a camera that is unresponsive after a firmware update:

  1. Check the battery: Make sure the camera's battery is fully charged or replace it with a fully charged battery.
  2. Remove and reinsert the battery: Sometimes simply removing and reinserting the battery can help reset the camera and resolve the issue.
  3. Reset the camera: Most cameras have a reset button or option in the settings menu. Try resetting the camera to its default settings to see if that fixes the issue.
  4. Remove memory card: Sometimes a corrupted or incompatible memory card can cause issues with the camera. Try removing the memory card and turning on the camera without it.
  5. Check for updates: If the firmware update didn't install correctly, you may need to retry the update process. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest firmware update and follow the instructions carefully.
  6. Contact the manufacturer: If none of the above steps work, contact the camera manufacturer's customer support for further assistance. They may be able to provide additional troubleshooting steps or suggest sending the camera in for repairs.
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