This update is for Coolpix 950 cameras that have NTSC video output. This includes all cameras shipped to the USA, Canada, Mexico and South America. If you have a camera that was purchased in Europe, DO NOT attempt to install this update. Your camera will be disabled. You can obtain the PAL update at Nikon's European support site. Http://WWW.Nikon-Euro.com. Your camera type is identified on the carry strap attachment point.

It is strongly suggested that you avoid any background process which may disrupt the Updater communication process. It is advised not to touch the mouse or keyboard once the uploader starts to ensure against accidental launch of an application or other process.
Precautions when using the uploader

This utility will update the software in your CoolPix 950 from version 1.0 or 1.1 to 
version 1.2. If the version of the software in your COOLPIX 950 is not 1.0 or 1.1, 
please do not use this utility.
Use the following procedure to check the version of the software in your 
COOLPIX 950.

Checking the software version
1.	Turn the select dial off.
2.	Hold down the MENU button, and set the select dial to A-REC.
 	Continue holding down the MENU button until the image appears.
3.	The screen will display Nikon E950V*.*
	The "*.*" will be the version number, such as "1.0." If it reads 1.0 or 1.1,you can use this utility.
	If the version number is anything else, such as 1.2, do not use this utility.
4.	Turn the select dial back off.
	This completes the version check procedure.

Please read the following.
Warning
If any of the following problems should occur while using the uploader, it is 
possible that the COOLPIX 950 will stop functioning. Please take care in 
operation.

When using the uploader, the COOLPIX 950 may cease functioning normally if:
The camera power is turned off 
The serial cable is disconnected, 
A fault occurs in the connected personal computer, or there is excessive electrical 
noise (such as from nearby electrical equipment). The same problem may occur if
you forcibly terminate uploader operation, or use other applications at the
same time.
Before launching the uploader please terminate all other applications.

The following preparation is required to upgrade your COOLPIX 950.
Preparation
1.	Batteries or AC adapter
	Make sure you have an AC adapter, four new alkaline batteries within three
	months of manufacture, or four fully-recharged rechargeable batteries (size
	SUM-3, or AA). If you have the Nikon EH-30 AC adapter please us it, in which
	case you will not need the batteries.
2.	Serial cable
	Please use the Nikon SC-EW2 serial cable.
	If you are using a Macintosh you will require the SC-EM2 conversion cable.
3.	User's manual
	Have the user's manuals for the COOLPIX 950 and Nikon View Ver. 2 ready at hand.

Please use only authentic Nikon AC adapters and serial cables. Other products 
may damage the COOLPIX 950.

Update procedure
Connect the COOLPIX 950 and the personal computer.
1.	Set the serial communication parameters on the personal computer. For details,
	please refer to the reference manual.
2.	Connect the serial cable to the personal computer.
	For a Windows machine connect the Nikon SC-EW2 cable to the serial 
	communication port.
	For a Macintosh connect the Nikon SC-EM2 conversion cable to the serial 
	communication port. Connect the Nikon SC-EW2 to the SC-EM2 conversion cable.
	Please note that a USB to serial converter should NOT be used to install this update.
3.	Turn on the COOLPIX 950.
	If you have a Nikon EH-30 AC adapter please connect it to the COOLPIX 950,
	and plug it into the outlet.
	If you do not have a Nikon EH-30 AC adapter, please insert four new alkaline 
	batteries within three months of manufacture, or four fully-recharged 
	rechargeable batteries.
4.	If you are using batteries, be sure to set the auto power-off time (on the 
	SETUP menu) to 30 minutes, to prevent the camera power from being turned 
	off automatically during the upgrade. For details, refer to the
	reference manual. This setting is not required if you are using the AC adapter.
5.	Connect the serial cable from the personal computer to the serial port on
	the COOLPIX 950.
	For details on connection, refer to the section on "Connecting your personal
	computer" in the COOLPIX 950 reference manual.
6.	Set the COOLPIX 950 select dial to A-REC.

Upgrading the firmware after launching the uploader utility.

1.	If you are using batteries, check that the auto power-off time (on the 
	SETUP menu) is set to 30 minutes.
2.	Launch the uploader utility.
	In Windows, open Explorer, and double-click on the UPLOADER file.
	On the Macintosh, double-click the UPLOADER icon.
3.	When the following dialog box is displayed, click the Upload button. 
	Once you have pressed this button, do not halt utility execution until is has
	completed, or the COOLPIX 950 may be damaged.
	Click "Upload" button to start uploading
4.	The firmware will be upgraded.
	This should take about three minutes, but may take as long as ten minutes
	depending on your specific personal computer and settings.
	The following messages will be displayed during execution:
	Uploading: The firmware is being transferred to the COOLPIX 950
	Writing Firmware: The firmware is being updated.
	Checking Firmware: The new firmware is being verified.
5.	When the following dialog is displayed the process is complete. Click
	"Close" to close the utility.
	Writing Firmware is complete
6.	Turn the COOLPIX 950 select dial to off.
7.	Disconnect the serial cable.

This completes the firmware update.
Please verify that the COOLPIX 950 software version number is 1.2, using the
procedure outlined above. If you changed the auto power-off setting to 30 
minutes, you may now change it back to your original setting.