Changing the firmware region of the Canon 5Dm3

[ovdmse]

Hi. A friend of mine bought a Canon 5Dm3 used, and it has an Asian firmware (two characters and English in the languages). Is it possible to simply update it to the latest European firmware (possibly the same in terms of numbers)?

[Peter]

The firmware is the same and this has to do with a tag in the firmware.

But I would say that this question is better to ask on Dpreview than Canon's own forum.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

We haven't seen a question like this one for several years.  

I would definitely defer to @Peter in this case as he has extensive experience with DSLRs and international models.  

Based on memory,  these cameras have a hardware restriction that keeps the languages fixed.  Meaning what you have now will be what you have after when applying newer firmware, regardless of region.  Your friend should be willing to accept the risk for any problems that could arise from performing this "upgrade".

I would do as much research as I could using several resources to learn what the potential outcomes might be.  

[ebiggs1]

"...two characters and English in the languages..."

But he can read the menus OK? If so, I would leave it alone and use it as is.

[ovdmse]

Yes, this decision has been made.
Use English.