New D70 ver 2.0 Firmware

[PiroStitch]

ARGGG I'm still stuck at work and dying to go home to try this upgrade out!

[Onyx]

I've downloaded but not installed yet. I was thinking of doing a half arsed job and just updating part A without part B. Perhaps someone else would like to update part B without part A and along with the fully old and fully new versions, we could have a 4 way comparison of what's what.

[Soulboy]

It's not available on the UK support site yet, I don't want to mess it up installing the US version, but it does look promising re the white balance issue.

[embi]

I just installed it...I like what I see so far. I'm glad the raw counter is accurate and the menu colours are much better.

I have also uploaded the firmware to here for later use if they change the WB.

[MattC]

Just got the updates installed. Cool new menu colour scheme.

The only change that I have noticed in the AF is the focus confirmation beeps (I think). Now all I have to do is find that new menu item that allows me to turn the shutter sound off

Cheers

Matt

[gstark]

The lack of WB encryption is the most awesome thing about this firmware IMO. I might leave mine with the older firmware, then we can do a side-by-side comparision of AF performance at the mini-meet on Saturday? Unless someone with two D70 bodies wants to do it in the meantime!

Trent,

There is no minimeet at Birddog's this weekend. Please check this post.

[embi]

...The only change that I have noticed in the AF is the focus confirmation beeps...

Now you say that I think its quieter....or am I imagining it?

[mudder]

... The only change that I have noticed in the AF is the focus confirmation beeps (I think). .. Cheers Matt

Maybe it's just me but I thought the focus beep was a menu setting somewhere, I'm sure mine's always beeped on focus grab...

[MattC]

Embi, Don't know about quieter, certainly different, maybe a little quicker (the beep that is).

Mudder, CSM 01

Cheers

Matt

[Oneputt]

Can someone help me with the mechanics of this upgrade. I have downloaded it and it is sitting on my desktop. The Download instructions on the website only refer to downloading it onto the memory card, but I am sure that last time I downloaded straight into the camera.

Can I do it this time and what are the step by step mechanics?

[Aussie Dave]

Just updated....you beauty !!!

And we were all worried about.....??????

I must say, I really like the fix they did on the counter. Now this thing kicks @$$. No more guessing And they even kept to their word when they said mid-May !!!

Thanks Nikon & great job

[Glen]

Oneputt, don't know the direct way, in fact I thought this was the first time they offered it. The CF method is easy, download file and unzip, place A upgrade on CF then insert in camera, go to menu for firmware version, upgrade option appears, press enter and wait. Delete A from CF, replace with B, repeat.

[embi]

Can someone help me with the mechanics of this upgrade. I have downloaded it and it is sitting on my desktop. The Download instructions on the website only refer to downloading it onto the memory card, but I am sure that last time I downloaded straight into the camera.

Can I do it this time and what are the step by step mechanics?

The instructions are here

Under "Direct USB Connection"

[digitor]

Oneputt, comprehensive instrustions are at the link in the first post - just make sure the firmware file is in the root dir of the card, or you won't see the update option in the menu. The instructions are at the bottom of the page.

Cheers

[Aussie Dave]

Oneputt, don't know the direct way, in fact I thought this was the first time they offered it. The CF method is easy, download file and unzip, place A upgrade on CF then insert in camera, go to menu for firmware version, upgrade option appears, press enter and wait. Delete A from CF, replace with B, repeat.

Indeed. If you have a card reader:
- unzip the new firmware onto your desktop (this will add a new folder called Firmware)
- place CF card into reader
- open windows explorer
- goto your removeable drive with the CF card and COPY firmwareA into the card
- take card out of reader and insert into your D70
turn camera on, go into menu and into firmware
- scroll down to UPDATE and press the ENTER button
- wait for the DONE sign to appear then disappear (takes about a minute)
- turn camera off, then on again
- format CF card "in-camera"
- turn D70 off and remove card.

Place CF card back into reader & repeat same process for FirmwareB, then you should be completely updated

[MattC]

The actual process is actually fairly basic. It just seems to be involved because of the very long winded explanation given by Nikon. They are covering their butts.

You'll need a fully charged battery and a Nikon approved CF card. No Microdrives! Format the CF in camera before use.
Copy A to the cards root directory (dont put it in a folder) using which ever method you prefer. I used a card reader, but you can use the USB cable to the camera if that is normally how you down load pics. If you use the camera, ensure that you use safely remove hardware to disconnect the camera prior to update. If you have a reader, use that.

When you insert the card with A go to Firmware in Tools menu. Installed versions will be displayed. Select update. The update that is on the card will be displayed . Update Firmware? Select Yes and Enter if everything is right.

WARNING!!! Do not turn the camera off, operate controls... put it down and walk away. Update A takes a couple of minutes. IMPORTANT...When done the screen will display "done", leave the camera alone until this screen turns off and top LCD returns to normal. Failure to observe these points may result in an unusable camera.

Format the card in the camera, copy B to the card and repeat the process.

Seriously, have a good read of the Nikon instructions and understand them thoroughly. Do not take my word for it. If you do not feel confident that you can successfully update, don't do it. I only provide the abbreviated guide so that you can see the steps involved more clearly. It is a simple process.

Cheers

Matt

[MCWB]

There is no minimeet at Birddog's this weekend. Please check this post.

Yup, I already knew, but thanks for the post and your concern anyway Gary, appreciate it!

[Oneputt]

Thanks guys I just needed to read the instructions Now done.

[birddog114]

I have done upgraded for 10 x D70 today for my customers, it seems to me they're very happy.
I have another 40 to go by the end of the week.

[BBJ]

Well jumped on the band wagon as well, so yeh will play at some stage when i get a chance. Did it in between getting orders ready to print,pics for local paper and sticky beakin on here at times. LOL

[darb]

ive just done mine, so far so good. Nothing really useful for me except prettier menu.

the faster AF only applies if youre shooting in dynamic area or closest subject AF modes. I shoot using fixed centre AF point so i believe theres no benefit for me.)

about to shoot a nef and see how i go in cs / acr

[BBJ]

Can just see Birdy now, Welcome to Birdies production line, 40 to go lol oh well birdie could be worse things to do hey!!!

[sheepie]

Am looking forward to your impressions of the focusing improvements BBJ - you're probably one of those most likely to benefit if there is an improvement

[johndec]

Well, I've done the upgrade and all went fine. A couple of observations:

- Before I upgraded, I took my camera out the back and only under the light of a flouro, did several practice focuses using my 24-120VR (it was on the camera). After upgrading I repeated the exercise and perhaps, maybe,possibly noticed a slight improvement in AF speed, although we are talking milliseconds Both tests used Dynamic AF mode

- I had previously disabled the AF beep as it was quite loud and of an annoying pitch and tone. The new AF beep is much more subtle, yet still audible, so I might leave it on.

All in all, I'm a happy camper

[darb]

it would be nice if they fixed the ISO tags on jpegs. (from the unique and non recognised "sensitivity" tag, back to the "ISO" tag that photoshop and most other web apps 1) recognise, 2) keep intact when re-saving a file.)

nef doesnt seem to be a problem, ACR seems to migrate it to "ISO" automatically becauase when i consequently save to 8bit jpeg, "ISO" is intact.

[darb]

johndec : i havent noticed any change in the beep !?

[big pix]

I have just finished updating my D70, with a very quick test and not worth showing I have noticed that the camera on auto focus is a lot quicker in low light areas. Images shot in raw I have opened in PSCS as normal, I will be giving the little beast a workout at the duck pond in the morning, yes with the 500mm mirror lens, as this park is also bird heaven and only 3-4 minutes from my door.

cheers
bp

[nito]

Thank you for pointing me to the update. Worked like a charm. The new menu is much better than the old. Other than that I havent noticed anything Substantial.

[johndec]

johndec : i havent noticed any change in the beep !?

Maybe you're tone deaf

[endymion]

I've just updated my firmware and all seems well. It even imports into Photoshop without a hitch. I finally had a reason to use the overprice EH5 powersupply I purchased ages ago.

[darb]

I've just updated my firmware and all seems well. It even imports into Photoshop without a hitch. I finally had a reason to use the overprice EH5 powersupply I purchased ages ago.

yeah, 3 minutes is a long time for a nikon battery

[xorl]

Yay, a firmware release with useful improvements . The TV out display "bug" has been fixed too. Definitely worth upgrading.

[darb]

im still curious about this alledged change to the beep.

I feel like ive been ripped off!

booking into ear specialist tommorow. *taps head*

[xorl]

I surprised about all the attention that the beep change is getting. Disabling the beep was the first thing I did after taking my D70 out of it's box. Does anyone use/like the beep? Usually I have my eyes open when I take a photo, so the little green dot is all I need .

[darb]

i LOVE the beep and cant notice any difference!

im going to get my mates un-upgraded d70 tommorow

[Charlie Chalk]

I surprised about all the attention that the beep change is getting. Disabling the beep was the first thing I did after taking my D70 out of it's box. Does anyone use/like the beep? Usually I have my eyes open when I take a photo, so the little green dot is all I need .

I find the beep a great help. I wear glasses, so can’t get my eye as close to the view finder as people without glasses can. This means I sometimes miss the data at the bottom of the view finder, not a problem if I’ve time to move my eye to see it, but on quick candid shots the beep lets me know I’ve got the shot in focus (unfortunately it doesn’t tell me if its correctly exposed and well composed )

And before anyone says it, I know I can adjust the view finder to compensate for my short sightedness, but it then means I have take my glasses on and off every time I take a shot.

I’m looking forward to the UK Nikon site having the new Firmware so I can test out the new funky beep!

CC

[darb]

i just love it for confirmation of focus lock ... particularly if im repeatedly refocussing on a fast moving subject.

part of my workflow ! heh

[Onyx]

 LOL, after reading the latter part of this thread, I turned on the focus confirmation beep and was pleasantly surprised that it has changed somewhat. It sounds slighty lower pitched and quieter compared to the old.

I've upgraded my camera and have been using it normally as I would. Then it got me thinking. This is now a perfect camera - I have absolutely nothing to complain about now. The NEF images remaining counter is correct, the AF is supposedly improved (judging by user reports here), its exposure and flash metering systems are state of the art. Not just best in its class - we're talking lifted straight off Nikon's flagship products, endless shooting options, infinite selection of image parameters to suit all needs, a very fast and responsive camera... what's there left to fault on this camera?

[Glen]

Onyx, very well put. I also appluad Nikon for upgrading our cameras for us

[darb]

charlie : why not use the firmware we've all downloaded?
i got mine from some asian site linked on here.

[beetleboy]

You're right Onyx, now we only have "user error" to fall back on..dang!

Liam =]

[darb]

is there any documetation about the beep change? i cant seem to find any.

weird they wouldnt document it.

i sure cant notice the difference. perhaps i really am tone deaf

[cyanide]

I have to say, I can't hear any difference in the beep either.....

[Neeper]

what's there left to fault on this camera?

Higher res???

There definitely a noticable beep different. It was the first thing I noticed actually.

[dooda]

I surprised about all the attention that the beep change is getting. Disabling the beep was the first thing I did after taking my D70 out of it's box. Does anyone use/like the beep? Usually I have my eyes open when I take a photo, so the little green dot is all I need .

 LOL, I think it might have been the first thing that I did as well XORL. Mine doesn't take the shot when it isn't in focus anyway. That beep makes it soundn like a complaining robot or something.

[gstark]

I surprised about all the attention that the beep change is getting. Disabling the beep was the first thing I did after taking my D70 out of it's box. Does anyone use/like the beep? Usually I have my eyes open when I take a photo, so the little green dot is all I need .

 LOL, I think it might have been the first thing that I did as well XORL. Mine doesn't take the shot when it isn't in focus anyway

That can be cured, Dave.

As to the beep, that was the second thing I changed when I took my camera out of the box. The first thing was to switch it to A mode.

The beep, to me, is more than annoying. It's telling me that i don't know what I'm doing. I can see when the image is in focus.

I liken it to the "You've left your keys in the ignition" buzzers that you get in many cars, and particularly in the USA.

[Charlie Chalk]

Ahhhh, now where would I be if it wasn't for my Citroen telling me my keys were still in the ignition!

I've had the whole family listen to the beep pre-upgrade, I'm now going to upgrade and ask for their views on it post-upgrade - there, hows that for laboratory condition testing!

here goes...

[birddog114]

The same buzzer for not wearing the seatbelt when you got in the car with the key in the car ignition.

I get rid of all the "beep" on all my camera bodies. I gotta control the cameras, not the cameras controls me it's similar to the "PHD" mode

[dooda]

I surprised about all the attention that the beep change is getting. Disabling the beep was the first thing I did after taking my D70 out of it's box. Does anyone use/like the beep? Usually I have my eyes open when I take a photo, so the little green dot is all I need .

 LOL, I think it might have been the first thing that I did as well XORL. Mine doesn't take the shot when it isn't in focus anyway

That can be cured, Dave.

As to the beep, that was the second thing I changed when I took my camera out of the box. The first thing was to switch it to A mode.

The beep, to me, is more than annoying. It's telling me that i don't know what I'm doing. I can see when the image is in focus.

I liken it to the "You've left your keys in the ignition" buzzers that you get in many cars, and particularly in the USA.

It would almost be akin to your car flashing a sign saying "make sure you have your keys in the ignition" every single time you sat down, except it would be an annoying beeping robotic voice sound. "No kidding, I need keys to turn my car on? Well I'll be" I can only imagine the incessant beeping at the minimeets. Might drive a man batty.

[Charlie Chalk]

Well I can honestly say after my strict testing system the pre-upgrade and post-upgrade beep is exactly the same!

Unless my ears are buggered as well as my eyes!

CC