posted Tuesday, 28 October 2008, 18:00 (+0800), by Martin
Earlier today, Canon released firmware
version 1.0.3
for the Canon EOS 50D DSLR camera.
According to Canon's website:
Some people have experienced "Err 99" issues with the 50D, and this topic has been
widely discussed.
Apparently
it's due to insufficient gold used in the lens contacts on the body.
However, this story has not been officially verified, so it could just be an unsubstantiated rumour.
The release notes for firmware version 1.0.3 specifically mention a fix relating to "Err 99", but indicate it's related to a timing issue with the shutter button, rather than a hardware issue.
In the four weeks since buying a 50D I haven't had any occurrences of the infamous "Err 99".
My 50D arrived with firmware 1.0.1 installed, and I've now upgraded it to firmware 1.0.3.
I suppose we'll need to see how many 50D users still experience "Err 99" after installing the 1.0.3 firmware, to see if the updated firmware has really addressed the issue.
Be sure to read Canon's firmware update procedure when upgrading your firmware, because you don't want to brick your camera!
According to Canon's website:
This firmware update (Version 1.0.3) incorporates the following fixes.
- Corrects a phenomenon in which an image becomes overexposed when C.Fn.II-3 Highlight tone priority is set to "1" together with other camera settings. (This correction has already been incorporated in the Version 1.0.2 and later firmware.
- Corrects a rare phenomenon in which "busy" blinks on the camera's display panel and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of battery installation.
- Corrects a rare phenomenon in which "Err 99" appears on the camera's display panel and LCD monitor and the shutter cannot be released due to the timing of pressing the shutter button.
The release notes for firmware version 1.0.3 specifically mention a fix relating to "Err 99", but indicate it's related to a timing issue with the shutter button, rather than a hardware issue.
In the four weeks since buying a 50D I haven't had any occurrences of the infamous "Err 99".
My 50D arrived with firmware 1.0.1 installed, and I've now upgraded it to firmware 1.0.3.
I suppose we'll need to see how many 50D users still experience "Err 99" after installing the 1.0.3 firmware, to see if the updated firmware has really addressed the issue.
Be sure to read Canon's firmware update procedure when upgrading your firmware, because you don't want to brick your camera!
I am a longstanding Canon fan. I still several Canon EOS film bodies, and a Canon D 350 (Rebel XT). The D 350 has never given me ANY problems. I Bought a D 50 a little over a month ago and have had ERR 99 issues right from the start. I cannot fire hi-speed multi shots; every time the camera grinds to a halt with ERR 99 issue. I updated the firmware and the issue is now ERR 50 but the frequency is STILL the same. Shooting with Canon or non-Canon lenses or without a lens at all, shooting with hi-speed (Sandisk Extreme IV) cards, or without any card at all,in any mode (P, AV, TV M, etc) yields the SAME result. I bought the unit in Dubai but live in Saudi Arabia; this means I have to somehow send it back and get it back from the agent without a guarantee I will get a "good" camera. Not to mention ofcourse additional expenses and "opportunity cost" for me. I love Canon but I am fed-up with this issue. The LEAST you can expect from a US $ 1,200/- camera is to function without these issues.
ANY help would be welcome.