Help: EOS R7 Will not turn on after firmware 1.6.0 install

[BillBoese]

Hello, I installed the 1.6 firmware update on my R7 yesterday. The install completed and I clicked on the "OK" message. After that the camera shut off. I have not been able to turn it back on.

I have tried removing the lens, memory cards. I have tried turning it off and holding the shutter button. Nothing has helped.  Has anyone else seen this before?

Thanks

[BillBoese]

That is distressing, I am sorry to hear you had the same experience. I worked in the software industry my whole life too. I have been through a lot of patching efforts, updates, and upgrades. I have had to back out a few. I have never seen faulty software cause a physical device to fail (like my motherboard) though. It is a strange bit of engineering, and it is hard to understand why it can't just be backed out. 

[shadowsports]

To anyone affected.  I would not let one bad experience keep you from updating your camera's firmware again.  The process is not difficult, but the steps do need to be followed.  We don't know what happened here.  No widespread issues have been reported.  This appears to be isolated.  Like Ebiggs1 stated, you don't have to upgrade each time a new firmware is released, but eventually you may want to apply a newer version (they are cumulative) if it includes helpful performance enhancements or fixes.  It's definitely worthwhile.  

[MadJack70]

I have 3 Canon R7s.  I have performed every firmware update to each of these since their purchases.   After trashing one today doing the 1.6.0 firmware update, I doubt that I will ever do another firmware update to the 2 remaining R7s.  From the original post, if I also require a main circuit board replacement at my cost, I doubt that I will continue to purchase Canon equipment in the future.  It may be time to move to Nikon.  This problem was definitely caused by the firmware release.  Canon obviously did not thoroughly test the software prior to its release.  I was a software engineer for 34 years in the defense industry and am fully aware of possible causes of this issue!   

[MadJack70]

Unfortunately, at this point there is little that we can do.  The fix, if possible, would require direct connection to the hardware.  With our camera bodies not powering up, we have no way to interact with the hardware.  Thus, our cameras will have to be fixed at Canon.  They will take the easiest method of repair, which is to replace the entire motherboard, rather than to try to do a direct firmware burn onto the appropriate chips.  P.S.  I worked with real-time software in the defense industry.   All of our work was with weapon systems.  As you might surmise, our testing had to be extremely thorough.  System failures like this could cost the lives of our soldiers.  Obviously, the commercial industry has a lower standard of performance risk. 

[ebiggs1]

" It may be time to move to Nikon.  "

And you think Brand-N doesn't have any, or this, problem. Of the reasons to switch brands this would be number 99 out of 100.

[MadJack70]

I also sent my R7 to Canon for repair.  I was advised by the Canon Service Rep. when I first called to clearly indicate on the repair request that my camera had stopped working immediately after installing the 1.6.0 firmware update.  The Canon Service Rep. told me that there was a chance that I would not be charged for repairs since the problem occurred at the successful completion of the firmware update.   Yesterday, I received a repair estimate from Canon for $387.02.  I called Canon back to find out what specifically had to be done, but the Rep I spoke with did not yet have that information.  The Rep. did tell me that I could send my other 2 EOS R7s in to Canon and they would do the firmware updates for no charge if I wanted.  Considering the costs of insurance and shipping, I do not think that I will be doing that, as there is nothing in the 1.6.0 update that I need.  Further, after this event, I doubt that I will ever do another Canon firmware update to any of my Canon bodies or lenses.  For example, can you imagine the cost of shipping and insurance for my Canon EF 600 mm f/4L IS III lens for repair should the firmware update fail.  

[MadJack70]

My EOS R7 was just returned from the Canon Factory Service Center.  I experienced the same R7 failure following the 1.6.0 firmware update.  The repair invoice stated that the main circuit board had shorted out during the firmware update.  As a result, the camera could no longer power on.   Total cost of the repair to replace the main circuit board on my R7 was $387.02.

[MadJack70]

I just realized that I had not posted additional information regarding my October-November 2024 R7 repairs that were required due to issues with the 1.6.0 firmware update.   I had sent in my R7 to Canon after it had ceased to operate following completion of the 1.6.0 firmware update.  Canon had to replace the main circuit board, which they said had shorted out during the firmware update.   My R7 was returned to me on 11/3/24.  I had paid $387.02 in repair costs.  Later, I received a customer survey from Canon Factory Service regarding my satisfaction with the repairs.   I replied that I was quite pleased with the results of the repairs, but not happy that I had to pay for them, since the issue was a result of installing Canon's firmware update.   Late in November, I received a notice from my bank that my VISA account had been credited with a refund of my Canon repair charges.  I never received a notice from Canon that this was being done, but I was extremely satisfied with the results.  I guess sometimes it pays to complete satisfaction surveys.  Now, I am eager with anticipation for the rumored future release of the R7 Mark II!  🙂  

[ebiggs1]

Nice! 😁

[Photofanatic]

I had been enjoying the camera new out of the box for 3 days when I decided to updated the firmare. On my second birding expedicion it powered off mid shoot and wouldn't turn back on. After spending a few days trouble shooting and talking with a Canon technician it was recommended that I return the camera for a refund. 

I will note that this is the 3rd of 4 Canon cameras that I have purchased over the past 15 years that has done this. 2 Canon eos SL1s and now the R7. The exception being a 6Dm2

Fortunately I was able to return the camera under a 30 day seller's guarantee however I am back to square one without a camera. I am thinking about purchasing another R7 but after seeing how many people have had this problem it's hard to have the confidence to try another one. 

I'm still on the fence but this does seem to be a common problem with at least this model.