If you're computer savvy, you might wonder how your Digital Rebel XTi is able to overwrite its own operating system—that is, how can the existing firmware be used to load the new version on top of itself? It's a little like lifting yourself by reaching down and pulling up on your bootstraps. Not ironically, that's almost exactly what happens: at your command (when you start the upgrade process), the XTi shifts into a special mode in which it is no longer operating from its firmware but, rather, from a small piece of software called a bootstrap loader—a separate, protected software program that functions only at startup or when upgrading firmware. The loader's function is to look for firmware to launch or, when directed, to copy new firmware from a Compact Flash card to the internal memory space where the old firmware is located. After the new firmware has replaced the old, you can turn off your camera, and then turn it on again, and the updated operating system will be loaded.
Because the loader software is small in size and limited in function, there are some restrictions on what it can do. For one thing, it recognizes only Compact Flash cards that have been formatted using an organizational system called FAT16 (which again, you might be familiar with if you're comfortable with hard disk technology). To ensure that the Compact Flash card is formatted using FAT16, you must upgrade using a CF card at least 8MB in size and no larger than 2GB, and then format the card in your camera. Memory cards that are smaller or larger might be formatted using a different FAT system (FAT12 or FAT32, respectively).
Forum discussion: EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi / EOS 400D DIGITAL Firmware Update v1.1.1 This firmware update (Version 1.1.1) incorporates the following fixes.
In addition, the loader software isn't set up to go hunting through your Compact Flash card for the firmware file. It looks only in the top or root directory of your card, so that's where you must copy the firmware you download. Once you've determined that a new firmware update is available for your camera (you'll have to check the Canon website from time to time; they won't be sending you a telegram) and that you want to install it, just follow these steps. (If you chicken out, any Canon Service Center can install the firmware upgrade for you.)
WARNING
Canon Rebel Xti Firmware Update
- Firmware update. All Canon EOS cameras have firmware inside that controls how they operate and perform. A firmware update is created when there’s an improvement in functionality, or a correction of problematic behaviours and errors. What is a firmware update? A firmware update is a software program that is possible to install in to a camera.
- Hi I have EOS Rebel XTi with old version of firmware 1.0.4. I uploded new version of the firmware from Canon website into CF card and try several times to instal it but get a message. 'CF card containing firmware is required to update. Cannot update STOP' I did it already several times but get the same message.
- The Version of this firmware is 1.1.1. This firmware update (Version 1.1.1) incorporates the following fixes and improvement.: Adds detailed information about three new lenses. Polish has been added as a new display language in the menu screens.
Use a fully charged battery or Canon's optional ACK-DC20 AC adapter kit to ensure that you'll have enough power to operate the camera for the entire upgrade. Moreover, you should not turn off the camera while your old firmware is being overwritten. Don't open the Compact Flash card door or do anything else that might disrupt operation of the XTi while the firmware is being installed.
1. Download the firmware from Canon and place it on your computer's hard drive. The firmware is contained in a self-extracting file for either Windows or Mac OS. It will have a name such as e4kr3105.fir.
2. In your camera, format a Compact Flash card that's larger than 8MB and smaller than 2GB to ensure that the proper file system has been formatted onto the card. Choose Format from the Set-up 1 menu, and initialize the card (make sure you don't have images you want to keep before you do this!).
3. You can copy the upgrade software to the card either using a CF card reader or by connecting the camera to your computer with a USB cable.
4. Insert the CF card in the camera and then turn on the camera (if you used a card reader).
5. Select one of the Creative Zone modes.
6. Press Menu and use the cross keys to move to Firmware Ver. x.x.x at the bottom of the Set-up 2 menu and press the Set button. The firmware update screen shown in Figure 9.2 appears. Choose OK, and press the Set button to begin loading the update program (see Figure 9.3).
7. A final confirmation screen will appear. Choose OK, and press Set to confirm. The firmware will be updated (see Figure 9.4).
8. When you see the completion screen, shown in Figure 9.5, press the Set button to complete the process.
9. Turn off the Digital Rebel XTi, remove the AC adapter, if used, and replace the battery. Then turn on the camera to boot up your camera with the new firmware update.
10. Be sure to reformat the card before returning it to regular use to remove the firmware software.
Continue reading here: Update is complete
Canon Digital Rebel Xti Firmware 1.1.1.1
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