[Andy Bright]

Nikon have released a firmware update for the cp4500 v1.2. Nikon say that it cures a bug when taking images in Tiff format ... which only applies to masochists.
However, a number of people have reported that the upgrade has improved the performance of their camera in a number of ways... more reliable focus lock in bad conditions, faster start-up and shot to shot time, less shutter-lag and even reduced blowouts of highlights.
This could all be in the mind, but Nikon are sly and wouldn't really like to highlight the deficiencies of the original camera by listing all the new improvements.

I've downloaded the upgrade and will instal it over the next day or so to see if it is an improvement (if I don't fry the camera in the process!).... I don't think there will be a huge improvement (if any), previous firmware upgrades on Nikon cameras has only had a subtle impact.
Remember to follow instructions carefully.
Upgrade can be found here (windows and Mac)

CP4500 v1.2 firmware upgrade

Andy

Thanks Andy. I'd be very interested to see if it makes a real difference.

[IanF]

Tell us how you get on Andy and if you can see any difference in camera operation. You are more au fait with the camera than most people and should probably spot any differences. I'm not bothered about the TIFF aspect, but a better start up and auto focus would be useful.

[robinm]

I got my new 4500 a couple of weeks ago and it already has version 1.2 firmware - so this must have been around a while. Obviously, I cannot comment on any improvement over 1.1, but if anyone would like me to try something specific I would be happy to. I am very pleased with it although I am still getting used to digiscoping with it - thanks Andy your guide to settings was a great help.

[Andy Bright]

Nikon have been using v1.2 for a while in the prodution cameras and have had the upgrade online for several weeks.... they're not overly keen on users upgrading themselves as accidents can happen (losing camera power during upgrade is a killer), at least they give you the option to d.i.y.... some manufacturers don't.
As I said, I'm not expecting anything major... Nikon users often debate what will come in the new firmware and they often seem to want a whole new camera in a small firmware upgrade!

btw Peter, if your cp4500 is v1.1 we can have a little test at Minsmere.
Regards,
Andy

Thanks Andy, I'll make sure I have it with me!

[Andrew]

I have looked through my papers and cant see what version my CP4500 is. Only just bought it.

[robinm]

Andrew: Turn on the 4500 while holding down the menu button. The screen shows you the version number.

[Andrew]

Sorted and thanks. One problem I have run through the whole upgrade process four times and everytime I press the Quickview button, instead of getting the upgrade page I simply get 'Card contains no images' every time. I have written to Nikon about this hoping to get an answer. Anyone else got this problem?

[Andy Bright]

Andrew, I expect you've gone through all this but make sure the card only contains the folder named 'firmware' ..... this folder contains 'firmware.bin' file. And you've obviously unzipped the downloaded file to give you the folder 'cp4500fw12' ... that contains the previously mentioned bits. I just dragged and dropped the 'firmware' folder into my card-reader.

I did mine today, not sure about improvements but didn't have much time to try.
If anyone has a v1.1 cp4500 and is going to the Minsmere bash, I 'll bring along my flashcard with it on for you to upgrade.. only takes a minute.
Andy

[IanF]

Thanks for all the info Andy. I took the plunge and did mine tonight.

Andrew, I couldn't get mine to work through using the card reader. It did work straight away using the USB cable - no problem at all. Not sure of any differences in camera operation, though it will be tomorrow before I can give it a work out.

[Andrew]

I am bushwacked and not feeling too good at the mo (ain't touched a drop!!) so I will give it a go tomorrow.

When I put the card in it has only the 'bin' file but when I take it out of the camera it has the folders for storing images!

[paclett]

Hi Andy,
Have done the upgrade and can see marginal improvements, faster start up with the eu1 and some perceptually faster auto focus. But the rest is a mystery as are the in built filters in the software etc..

[Andrew]

I am getting very angry and frustrated, no matter which option I use for the upgrade my camera keeps creating the DCIM file and when I switch on the camera and press playback button I keep getting the word Cards Contains No Images. I am at the end of my tether and can anyone tell me how tio disable this DCIM file creation?

[Andy Bright]

The DCIM folder is always on the card, just drag and drop the firmware folder next to this in the card. Are you 100% that you have v1.1 running in the camera..... relatively new 4500's have it (v 1.2) already.
From my tests, you're not missing much, start-up time from off is faster but I'm really not convinced about the other 'improvements'.
Andy

[IanF]

I'm finding it noticably faster too. I believe it is focusing better too. One lined up on a bird I always run off a few shots using the autofcus, just in case it goes. I then fiddle on setting the focus manually half depessing the shutter release and refocus using the scope. Far more often now I'm finding the first few shots are pretty good too, even the exposure settings appear better. Of course it could just be that I've gained a bit more experience.

[Andrew]

I am dragging the firmware file onto the card and even used the direct connection method. The camera has V1.1 firmware when I check it.

I am going to do one last download attempt and transfer to card. If it is not successful I will not be able to do anything as Nikon do not answer their emails.

[Andrew]

That is it, it will not work I just keep getting the no images message. Do you think I should take it back to Jessops for a new one?

[Andy Bright]

PM me your address and I'll send you the upgrade on a 16mb Nikon card (I have no use for a non-Lexar card).
If that doesn't work, we'll know where the problem is.... I don't expect Jessops will entertain the idea of replacing the camera, but they'll send it off to Nikon for them to do.
Andy

[Andrew]

Thanks for the kind offer and address is PMed to you.

[paclett]

I to start with I to had this problem,,, but then rather than drag the firmware file across I dragged the content of that file (cp4500fw12) across and it went of first time. Don't give up

[Andrew]

I'll try that option. Thanks Paclett.

[Andrew]

At last I have managed it, the instructions are not very clear as I dragged the Firmware folder not the actual Firmware.bin file onto the card and bingo it worked. So, Andy I hope you get this in time and save your money sending the card. If you still want to send the card I'll take it off you!! LOL. Thanks all for moral and practical support!!

NOW LET'S SEE THE CAMERA PARTAAAY!

[Andy Bright]

Great stuff, Andrew. I still send you the card :-)
Andy

[Andrew]

Thanks mate!!