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A couple of days ago, Canon released updated firmware for the Canon 50D, 450D (Rebel XSi) and the 1000D (Rebel XS).

The firmware updates are available from the firmware updates page on Canon's website.


Canon EOS 50D

Changes in the version 1.0.6 firmware for the Canon 50D include:
  1. Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.
    In low light situations, the AF assist beam fires during autofocusing. Conditions that cause the AF assist beam to fire have been changed in Firmware Version 1.0.5 or later.If the firmware of the camera is version 1.0.3 or earlier, the AF assist beam may not fire even if the emitting conditions are met.
  2. Changes the error indications that are displayed on the camera.
    In previous firmware, if an error is detected, Err 99 is displayed on the camera in most cases. Firmware Version 1.0.5 or later further specifies the error indications as follows.

    10Malfunctions related to files have been detected.
    20Malfunctions related to the mechanical have been detected.
    30Malfunctions related to the shutter have been detected.
    40Malfunctions related to the power source have been detected.
    50Malfunctions related to the electric control have been detected.
    70Malfunctions related to images have been detected.
    80Malfunctions related to the electric control or images have been detected.

    If If malfunctions in the camera are detected, "Err XX" will be displayed. A two-digit number that corresponds to the malfunctions detected by the camera will be displayed in the "XX" section of the error number. Other than the error numbers listed above, there are other numbers such as "01". In that case, provide appropriate handling and servicing by following the details displayed on the LCD monitor of the camera.

    If an error code appears frequently, the camera is malfunctioning; therefore, note down the error number and contact our service center.
  3. Addresses the vertical banding noise phenomenon.
    If the recording format is set to sRAW1, vertical banding noise may become visible depending on the camera settings, subject, and background.This phenomenon is addressed by this firmware.

Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi) and 1000D (Rebel XS)

The only change in the firmware version 1.1.0 for the Canon 450D and firmware version 1.0.5 for the Canon 1000D is added support for the Speedlight 270 EX.
  1. Supports the AF assist beam features of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

For people who have a 450D or 1000D, there's little value in installing this updated firmware, unless you are intending to purchase a Speedlight 270 EX later this year.
However, for 50D owners, it's certainly worth installing the updated firmware, as the error reporting is now more detailed, providing error numbers that specify where the error is, rather than just reporting the generic "Err 99".

(Even though this firmware version is numbered 1.0.6, it's the first publicly available version since version 1.0.3.)


Firmware Update Procedure

Be sure to read Canon's firmware update procedure when upgrading your firmware, because you don't want to brick your camera!

Links to the firmware downloads and firmware update procedures can be found on these pages:
Comments:
AndrewBoldman wrote at 2009-06-05 00:15

Hi, good post. I have been woondering about this issue,so thanks for posting. I’ll definitely be coming back to your site.

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