What can be upgraded through firmware?

[Chisox2335]

Forgive my lack of knowledge but what can be upgraded through firmware? Can the autofocus system? I assume the FPS cannot as it is limited by the shutter itself which is hardware? Can the flash sync speed? Just questions I have based on a few things people seem to dislike about the 6d.

Could canon come out with a firmware upgrade for a couple hundred bucks (I do realize they are typically free) to upgrade some of these things to be a little better but not compete with the 5dmkiii?

 

[Chaitanya]

algorithms used for acquiring af can be upgraded using a firmware. this can help in speeding up of af. also image writing algorithms can be changed to increase the number of shots in continuous shooting(firmware v2.x for 7d did increase the number of shots). i dont believe flash sync speed can be increased via a firmware update.

 

[Chisox2335]

algorithms used for acquiring af can be upgraded using a firmware. this can help in speeding up of af. also image writing algorithms can be changed to increase the number of shots in continuous shooting(firmware v2.x for 7d did increase the number of shots). i dont believe flash sync speed can be increased via a firmware update.

Interesting thanks. Can it increase the number of AF points? Or create more cross type AF points? Or just speed up the existing ones?

Do you think Canon would ever consider this with the 6d? I have a 60d and 70d which I like. Looking to get a FF for my safari I'm just concerned about the 6D AF and FPS and therefore looking at the 5d3 instead. I feel there is just such a big gap on AF. This thinking is probably the exact reason they wouldn't do it.

 

[Chaitanya]

any hardware changes like increasing number of af points or configuration of those af points cannot be done via a firmware update. so those changes may be offered as an paid upgrade from the manufacturer service centre. just a few days back canon offered sensor upgrade for one of the C series of camera. firmware will only add software based features to existing hardware.

 

[Chisox2335]

Makes sense I assumed # AF points would've been software based not hardware based. Poor assumption on my part.