In the past, the camera at best received an update when an obvious error had to be rectified. Today, new features such as better autofocus are regularly added. The background to a welcome development.
Lately I've been receiving various reports about firmware updates. Sony has delivered comprehensive updates for the A7 III and the A9. They improve the autofocus, but also bring new functions such as interval shooting. This test report gives an impression of how extensive the update to the Sony Alpha A9 is.
More current examples: Fujifilm improves the autofocus of the X-T3 with a firmware update. Nikon has added eye autofocus to its mirrorless Z cameras. Less spectacular, but for me personally important was this news: The Nikon D5600, D7500 and D850 can now finally be connected to your smartphone via Wi-Fi.
It's a trend that has been emerging for some time: Updates for cameras are becoming an advertising tool.
Firmware updates for digital cameras have always existed. But for a long time, they primarily provided bug fixes. That's different today. Many updates extend the camera's range of functions.
This has to do with technical development. Computers are an important part of digicams. Progress in computing power has long been much greater than in optics or sensor technology. If developers utilise this power with advanced software, they can get a lot out of it.
A good example of this is autofocus. Although this also consists of hardware elements, software is becoming increasingly important. Today's autofocus systems are largely based on real-time image analysis. This is what makes it possible to automatically focus on the eyes or track a moving subject. This requires intelligent software.
Of course, users like free firmware updates. If a manufacturer is known for not being stingy with updates, this can be a competitive advantage. The camera becomes outdated less quickly. Conversely, you certainly won't make any friends if you only release updates for new cameras, even though it would be technically easy to add them to existing models.
This is also the reason why companies announce firmware updates long before they are even available. Sony has not only unveiled the next version of the A9, but also the version after that https://presscentre.sony.ch/pressreleases/grosse-firmware-updates-fur-die-alpha-9-alpha-7r-iii-und-alpha-7-iii-2824565.
The withholding of features can go so far that even new devices cannot do certain things simply because the camera software does not release the function. In the past, this was often the case with compact cameras that did not save RAW files. Every camera actually generates raw data; the only question is whether the software gives you access to it or not.
With Canon devices, such restrictions can be lifted with the Canon Hacker Development Kit and additional functions can be added. More important today is Magic Lantern, a firmware extension that adds important video functions to Canon cameras
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For me, firmware updates have never been a decisive factor when considering a purchase. However, if the development continues like this and the companies bring out proper roadmaps, this could become a selling point for me. What do you think about this?
Are firmware updates a purchase argument for you?
The competition has ended.
My interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
