PowerShot SX280 HS Worried that camera can't handle firmware update

[Michael55]

I am trying to update my PowerShot SX28HS camera that I have had since 2014. I recently started using it again with new NB-6LH 3.7 V batteries, except it still dies relatively quickly.

It seems that I need to update the firmware, and I know how to, but have yet to do it for fear of "bricking" the camera if it dies mid-update. Are there any potential solutions to this? I also looked online and it seems that firmware updates take longer (could be 30 minutes or more) and I feel like my SX280HS would definitely die within that time. 

Any help is appreciated.

[NatalyaP]

Greetings Michael55,

I can understand your concern for the camera powering down while it is in the middle of a firmware update. Update times may vary, and many are within ten minutes. Our best recommendation is to use a battery pack that is able to hold a charge for longer than thirty minutes. It is not necessary to update the firmware if you are still able to use the same functions you were used to using on the camera before you stopped using the camera. The camera will still be able to take photos and save the images onto the memory card.

[John_Q]

Hello Michael55,

I'm sorry to hear that you are having power issues with your camera.  You may want to try cleaning the contacts on the charger and battery especially, with a clean, dry, microfiber cloth to ensure good communication between them.  Have you been able to test the camera with a different battery? Looking over the most recent firmware details for the camera, it mostly seems to help with increasing the duration of movie shooting by 20% in cases where the zoom is used compared to cameras running previous versions of firmware. This is done through a reduction in the power consumption of the optical zoom.

I can certainly understand your concern of "bricking" the camera. Unless you are really using the camera to shoot a lot of video, I don't know that I would worry too much about updating the firmware. I've reviewed our service information and Canon no longer provides repairs for the PowerShot SX280 HS. This camera is considered 'Out of Service Life' and parts are no longer available. That is why I say I would likely leave it be in this case.