I just updated my Z5ii firmware to 1.11, the second of two updates. Both involved changes to features I don't use so I skipped the previous update. All went smoothly and I have no issues (that I know of). But I m curious about something. Two things, actually.
The Nikon Download Center page shows Windows and MacOS options for downloading the bin file. I trying to get away from using <bleeping> Windows11 (which doesn't know how to get out of its own way) and use a Mint Linux computer for everything. But I decided to do it on Windows. I downloaded the bin file on both and they had identical sizes. After the file has been transferred to the SD card it shouldn't make any difference which computer was used for the download, unless I'm missing something. I have no idea why MacOS would be any different either. Have any of you done a firmware update with a Linux computer?
Second question is about an observation. After doing all this I had occasion to turn the camera on while a charging cable was attached, something I've never done before. The screen/viewfinder showed a message about being in upload priority mode and press the shutter release halfway to return to normal operation. When I turn the camera on without a charging cable attached it starts up normally.. Has that message been there all along and I've just never seen it? Just curious.
The files on the site are same whether selecting Windows or Mac, but of course a BIN is not specific. I suppose thay have two download sections since users are expecting that and possibly for metrics.
You should be able to use any OS to transfer the file to a memory card.
I use Win 10, 11, and Mint also.
RoamingScott wrote:
You should get into the habit of collecting those firmware files as you do updates.
You can always roll back to the last one, but finding the older file after the updates come out is nearly impossible.
Well, I supposed that's good advice. But it would seemingly be applicable for only the situation where an update breaks something so that a regression would be desirable. I skipped the first update because experiences with software from <bleeping> <big computer company> makes one caution about updating anything if it isn't strictly necessary.
It’s insurance. You don’t plan to use insurance but you expect it to be there when you need it.
jimmuller wrote:
Well, I supposed that's good advice. But it would seemingly be applicable for only the situation where an update breaks something so that a regression would be desirable. I skipped the first update because experiences with software from <bleeping> <big computer company> makes one caution about updating anything if it isn't strictly necessary.
RoamingScott wrote:
You should get into the habit of collecting those firmware files as you do updates.
You can always roll back to the last one, but finding the older file after the updates come out is nearly impossible.
Agreed and I'd also suggest saving your camera settings to a file before upgrading, and storing that settings file in the same folder as the old firmware on your computer. That way you can also revert the camera settings if there's an incompatibility going to the older version.
