Firmware updates are cumulative so you do not have to update sequentially. What does that mean to you, updates can go straight from v1 > v5, there is no reason to make the updates in between releases if you missed one/some .
Notable elements when updating Firmware:
- Download the file from the Canon website directly, note that there are both Win and Mac OS files available for download. Download the correct file based on your operating system.
- Create a folder/directory on your computer using the body or lens name for easy ID and historical purposes if you save old files.
- Copy/Cut/Move the zipped file to this folder This will make it easy to find them if you need them at a later date.
- Extract the file on your computer, unzip pr unpack into this folder.
- Read and follow instructions that are located in a separate folder (update-procedure-pdf) of the unzipped file.
- Format the CF or SD card in the camera you will use for the update. Micro SD cards should never be used for firmware updates or any other reason in your camera; they are not compatible.
- Copy the file to the card you are using for the update. Move only the FIR (body) or .afu (lens) file to the root of your CF/SD Card.
- If you have two card slots only have the single card you are using in slot 1 for the update (CF or SD). Other slots should be empty.
- Place the camera mode to P, M, Tv or Av
- Turn the camera on, go to the menu, select the wrench menu, select firmware update.
- At this point you will need to use the quick control dial for all your selections during the update process. The quick control dial in located on the back of your camera, the placement and appearance may be different depending on the R series body you own. Use it to move menu from the preselected prompt highlighted which is Cancel to the prompt OK. Once your selection is complete use the Set button initiate the selection. Do not press any buttons or attempt to operate the camera until the firmware update is complete. The touch screen and other dials do not work during a firmware update.
- Follow the prompts in the firmware update menu selection (Body/Lens).
If you follow the procedures exactly and the update fails you may want to delete the original download from your computer, this includes the file in your download folder. Reformat the card used for the firmware update. Download a fresh file from Canon and attempt the process again with a clean file. Files can become corrupt during the download or the unzipping process.
Please be aware that you can also use the EOS Utility to update camera firmware. The software to download is located in the second section of the application on this linked page: Canon EOS / PowerShot / SELPHY Apps & software
I would like to thank shadowsports and Waddizzle for helping me tighten up this thread. Their contributions are appreciated and valued!
