Update your firmware

To ensure you have the latest menus, bug fixes and lens data you need to ensure your D7500, D7200, D7100 or D7000 has the latest firmware.

What’s firmware?

A read only set of instructions that is embedded in a hardware device to either add or improve function. Essentially on the D7x00 (I’ll refer to all 3 DSLRs as this “collective noun”) this is the controlling software. It provides lens data, creates the menus, processes the picture and more.

What firmware version do I currently have?

To find out, go to MENU – SETUP MENU (spanner/wrench symbol) – Firmware version – OK.

This will tell you the firmware version installed in banks A, B and L.

Why A and B firmwares?

Sometimes there are two parts to a Nikon firmware update labeled A or B. Some updates will perform either A or B, and others may perform A and B. Some updates will perform both A and B at the same time, and others will only do one at a time.

What’s the L firmware?

L is Lens Distortion Data, controlling pincushioning and barelling for Nikkor lenses.

Latest versions:

Lens distortion data (all 4 DSLRs):

On 27/06/17 Nikon launched the latest version of it’s lens distortion data; version 2.016.  More information & download

Checking Versions:

To check what the latest version is, go to the Nikon support web site and the current firmware versions page. (24th August 2017; Nikon seem to be having issues with this page). Then scroll down or find “D7000”, “D7100”, “D7200”, or “D7500” and check the latest version available. If your firmware is older then you will want to upgrade. The procedure you perform depends on whether you’re using a Mac or PC and what operating system (e.g. Windows 7) your using. The Nikon firmware download page explains all.

Basic instructions:

1. Download the application from the Nikon firmware page, and either click Save to save the executable file to your computer or Run to autoexpand the file into the folder, which contains the bin file.

2. Format an approved SD (Secure Digital) memory card in the camera.

3. Use an SD card reader and copy the bin file to the memory card. Make sure it is outside of the DCIM folder – i.e. in the “root” folder of the SD card.

4. Insert the SD memory card containing the bin file into the camera’s memory card slot 1, and switch on the camera.

5. Go to MENU – SETUP MENU – Firmware version and follow instructions displayed to upgrade the camera’s firmware.

6. DO NOT turn off the camera until the instructions indicate it is safe to do so. After the firmware is completed, switch off the camera and remove the SD memory card.

7. Switch on the camera. Go to MENU – SETUP MENU – Firmware version and confirm that the camera’s firmware has been upgraded.

8. Switch  the camera off, WAIT 5 SECONDS before doing anything, and re-insert the SD card.

9. Format the memory card in camera for use. To do this press and hold the Waste Bin and Metering Mode buttons – which have FORMAT next to them.

If you’d like fuller instructions, then Nikon has a PDF to help here.

Caution: Please read the instructions carefully before performing the update, as firmware updates are permanent and cannot be ‘undone’ outside of the service department. Newer firmware versions will overwrite older versions and will also include all previous update changes.

Updating Lens Distortion Data

To update the Lens Distortion data, the process is the same as above, but you obviously put a different bin file into the root of the SD card.

NB: When you run the download for this, a folder called Nikon is created on your desktop – use the bin file inside this folder. The program won’t tell you where the folder is BTW – so this is important!

Caution: Do not put the A/B and the L firmware into the root. The DSLR will not see the L firmware. Just put the L bin file on the card. If you use the same SD card, ensure you remove the A/B bin file.

The following video may also help:

 

In the next article I’ll explain the top ten tips for taking better control and getting better photos with your D7x00….