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Archive 2015 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii

  
 
jimmy462
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p.18 #1 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii



justruss wrote:
My guess is that it's not totally trivial even in the latest cameras. And potentially not feasible in the older ones.


Matt Grum wrote:
Porting the code from one firmware branch to another is going to incur a large amount of testing (you really don't want to introduce bugs into the firmware). This takes resources away from developing the next generation of products which is a much more profitable activity than giving things away for free.



On the flipside, maybe the functionality has always existed within the firmware and there is nothing more to do than reset a flag.

From the business side of things, that the fix is simple and cheap (as I suggest it might be) I don't see where providing the patch to their Mark I models would cannibalize sales on their Mark II's. If anything, it would be an inexpensive marketing coup for Sony helping to smooth over the public online perception that they look at their camera releases as "abandonware" upon release! In common business parlance, this is known as "win win".

Sony, are you listening?



Oct 02, 2015 at 09:04 PM
chez
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p.18 #2 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii




jimmy462 wrote:
On the flipside, maybe the functionality has always existed within the firmware and there is nothing more to do than reset a flag.

From the business side of things, that the fix is simple and cheap (as I suggest it might be) I don't see where providing the patch to their Mark I models would cannibalize sales on their Mark II's. If anything, it would be an inexpensive marketing coup for Sony helping to smooth over the public online perception that they look at their camera releases as "abandonware" upon release! In common business parlance, this is known as "win win".

Sony,
...Show more

Jimmy, exactly right. In sales there is a saying that it's cheaper to keep a customer than to get a new one. If truly the addition to the A7R firmware is trivial once the A7R2 firmware was done, then it would be in Sony's best interest to make this enhancement for the A7R model as well. This builds brand loyalty and we've all seen how powerful brand loyalty is.



Oct 02, 2015 at 09:29 PM
justruss
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p.18 #3 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


jimmy462 wrote:
On the flipside, maybe the functionality has always existed within the firmware and there is nothing more to do than reset a flag.

From the business side of things, that the fix is simple and cheap (as I suggest it might be) I don't see where providing the patch to their Mark I models would cannibalize sales on their Mark II's. If anything, it would be an inexpensive marketing coup for Sony helping to smooth over the public online perception that they look at their camera releases as "abandonware" upon release! In common business parlance, this is known as "win win".

Sony,
...Show more

Since I'm getting a lot of pushback on this, let me clarify a few things:

1) I really don't know if there is a hard hardware limitation, or a limitation representing a threshold that some bean counter says is too much for the profit (or lack thereof) involved-- or Sony being stingy. And Matt (and Retro, since you've brought this up before), it's really not possible to say that just because one (larger) model had one feature than a first-of-its kind smaller model (heat dissipation, lack of room for certain electronics, attempt to keep costs down, etc, who knows) can necessarily do what that older model did.

What I am saying is that we are all just speculating (me too), and I think we really have little to stand on when we say it's definitely one way or the other. Unless Sony, or someone who actually knows, tells us why it isn't being rolled out to older models we just don't know.

2) I think Sony not rolling this out to older models isn't really all that different from what other companies have done as well, so if you're limiting buying from Sony in the future because of this... you're going to end up limiting yourself pretty severely since that more or less puts Canon (intentionally crippled firmware/features, including AF, in order to differentiate higher models), Nikon (release x10 bodies to fix issues they should have just fixed in x00 bodies), and Fuji (releasing beta-ish products, making fixes, but then dropping updates to older products still on sale while releasing 5 bodies a year with all the same general hardware) out of the option range too.

3) Believe me, I really wish Sony would pass this down to the mk1 bodies. It would make me feel more secure in having bought an A7r2 body-- and I'm very likely to buy an original A7r for long exposures (at night, of stars, where this matters most!) and as a backup. So don't think I'm expressing this opinion as a way of giving Sony a pass just because I am lucky enough to have a model getting the upgrade.

My point is that it's all really speculation as to why this isn't going back to older models, and that Sony isn't acting all that different from the other main players-- even if making this available to mk1 bodies is as easy as flipping a switch. I'd say this is more an indictment of the whole field of camera makers in particular, and electronics in general (see: TVs, phones, hell, washing machines).





Oct 03, 2015 at 03:20 AM
retrofocus
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p.18 #4 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


justruss wrote:
Since I'm getting a lot of pushback on this, let me clarify a few things:

1) I really don't know if there is a hard hardware limitation, or a limitation representing a threshold that some bean counter says is too much for the profit (or lack thereof) involved-- or Sony being stingy. And Matt (and Retro, since you've brought this up before), it's really not possible to say that just because one (larger) model had one feature than a first-of-its kind smaller model (heat dissipation, lack of room for certain electronics, attempt to keep costs down, etc, who knows) can necessarily
...Show more

A clear no - you are comparing apples with oranges when saying that older cameras from Canon/Nikon etc. are not updated - please look at their update cycle of 3 years or longer! It is quite funny how people make up excuses on behalf of Sony why technically a firmware update wouldn't work. Also interesting that this kind of argumentation only comes from people who already own the A7R II - as I said above, an excuse or defense to have put down all this money for the new A7R II and to have (maybe) an advantage over those who own the former A7 generation cameras? We are talking simply of larger file sizes which might need longer to process with the older A7 series bodies, yes. But I wouldn't worry about the speed anyway since I am not using the A7R as high fps / action camera.
Anyway, if I won't be able to get this update, it won't have an impact on my photography either since I never had an issue so far with the RAW compression. It would be just nice to have at least the option to get the uncompressed file.



Oct 03, 2015 at 08:43 AM
justruss
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p.18 #5 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


A clear no to what?

The Nikon D810 was released around 2 year after the D800.
The A7RII was released around 2 years after the A7r.
The Fuji X-E2 was released 1 year after the X-E1, and the X-T1 was released 6 months after that!

Canon has a long history of using artificial differentiation in AF systems (see: 5D2, Magic Lantern, 4K recording), among other things, to get buyers to buy newer or higher end systems. Fuji does too (see: AF improvements from X-E1, to X-M1, to X-E2, etc). Sony does too.

Sony does plenty of things wrong, and it abandons systems, but everyone seems to think their brand's sh$t don't stink. And those who don't like the stink of the Sony system always fall back on the myth that Sony's Alpha 7 cameras were replaced on a 6 month basis model to model (A7 -> A7II, A7r->A7rII) and that all other companies are on some kind of mythically long replacement schedule.

But the bottom line is that none of us-- none of us-- know the real reason these updates don't appear to filter back to the first generation cameras in the case of the A7. We have speculation and educated guesses. It's probably a mix of both (more work than Sony wants to do; and hey, incentive for its customers to upgrade).

I'm not arguing (so I am not an example of someone making said argument after buying the new camera) that Sony is holding the firmware from first gen because Sony can't possibly do it-- I'm only insisting that we don't know the real reason.

As someone who owns and uses the Canon, Fuji, and Sony-- let me be the first to tell you that both in terms of the hardware and systems, and in terms of customer-company relationships: none of these companies sh$t roses; there's plenty to be happy about and frustrated about with ALL these systems and companies.



Oct 03, 2015 at 09:39 AM
Fred Miranda
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p.18 #6 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


I would like to see the uncompressed option for the A7R as well but I'm very excited that the A7R II will be updated.

For those using non-supported models, KARWY may be the way to go.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1267511/5#13216900



Oct 03, 2015 at 11:35 AM
GMPhotography
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p.18 #7 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


Folks even in MF where costs are in Porsche land territory, getting firmware updates on older product is extremely rare and there is always the drive to buy new from these companies. Is it unfair, i guess it is how you look at things. Im a business owner i do not want to go back and reshoot something because I'm losing money, hire me again is what I want. Over simplified of course but once you buy a product there is no contract saying they will update it either. Its not written anywhere they will support a camera past the one year warranty they give you . After that your on your own. Its not just Sony others as well and than some are very good about these firmware updates to latency product. You vote with your money folks, you don't like how they do business than don't buy there products. Thats the only message that gets through to them. Im with everyone else , love to see these updates in other latency product. I hope it happens but I do not expect it too. I still think a nominal fee is not a bad idea. First off your not going to get it anyway lets say if you paid like 50 bucks for your A7 would you buy this upgrade. If your answer is yes than its revenue for Sony that may just swing them into doing it.


Oct 03, 2015 at 11:48 AM
chez
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p.18 #8 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii




GMPhotography wrote:
. I still think a nominal fee is not a bad idea. First off your not going to get it anyway lets say if you paid like 50 bucks for your A7 would you buy this upgrade. If your answer is yes than its revenue for Sony that may just swing them into doing it.


I don't like this idea. I can see it leading to intentionally leaving out some features on first release and then asking the consumer to pony up for those features later on. No thanks.



Oct 03, 2015 at 12:27 PM
GMPhotography
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p.18 #9 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


Certainly possible but they need to sell it in the first place so leaving features out would just kick there own butt. But point well taken. Catch 22 folks


Oct 03, 2015 at 12:49 PM
jimmy462
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p.18 #10 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


justruss wrote:
Since I'm getting a lot of pushback on this, let me clarify a few things:

1) I really don't know if there is a hard hardware limitation, or a limitation representing a threshold that some bean counter says is too much for the profit (or lack thereof) involved-- or Sony being stingy. And Matt (and Retro, since you've brought this up before), it's really not possible to say that just because one (larger) model had one feature than a first-of-its kind smaller model (heat dissipation, lack of room for certain electronics, attempt to keep costs down, etc, who knows) can necessarily
...Show more

Hi justruss,

No push back here at all, just offering an alternate view. As you mention, none of knows truly what is going on behind corporate doors (myself included), I was merely trying to be optimistic in my assessment of the situation.

To add to my earlier comments, methinks there would be a cost benefit to Sony in providing Mark I upgrades with uncompressed RAW (that it's the cheap/easy fix I suggest)...they need to build and maintain a core of brand loyalists to succeed in this market. In a nutshell, early adopters to their system are an economic asset, if they can keep them. However, if a company takes actions or makes decisions that end up alienating those buyers or making them feel either disenfranchised or, worse, "taken advantage of" then whatever hopes they had at loyalist core building will evaporate.

Case in point, Canon lost any chance of me upgrading to their 7DII after a five year wait, 1-stop ISO improvement and no 4K video. So, this buyer's thinking then went, "What? I have to wait another five years for another 1-stop ISO improvement and 4K?" Instead I kept my 7D, purchased an FZ1000 and got on with my life! Ha! And, again on the flipside, Apple still provides plenty of OS and software updates for my 2011 iMac and my iPhone 5S and so I'm not going anywhere as a customer...in fact, when it comes time to replace these units, they'll be Apple products again!

Happy, unalienated customers promote sales and growth for emerging products, maintaining market share, and for enticing new buyers. Apple gets great "word of mouth" from me (and I have helped many folks, friends and relations over the years to migrate from windows and android), Canon no longer does.

The choice is Sony's...build brand loyalty or don't.

Anyhoo, that's all I've got!



Oct 03, 2015 at 02:17 PM
justruss
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p.18 #11 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


jimmy462 wrote:
Hi justruss,

No push back here at all, just offering an alternate view. As you mention, none of knows truly what is going on behind corporate doors (myself included), I was merely trying to be optimistic in my assessment of the situation.

To add to my earlier comments, methinks there would be a cost benefit to Sony in providing Mark I upgrades with uncompressed RAW (that it's the cheap/easy fix I suggest)...they need to build and maintain a core of brand loyalists to succeed in this market. In a nutshell, early adopters to their system are an economic asset, if they
...Show more

Totally agree. It's a good point.

In fact, customer loyalty might be an even bigger deal for Sony. Canon can afford to lose folks who aren't satisfied with the last round or two of updates (you and I, making two). We (or at least I) might go back if within a generation they get it together; as much as I'm enjoying this Sony, a smaller Canon that could compete in IQ would be enticing!

But people who switch... and then feel burned. That's not going to be good for an insurgent in this field like Sony.



Oct 03, 2015 at 02:54 PM
retrofocus
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p.18 #12 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


justruss wrote:
But people who switch... and then feel burned. That's not going to be good for an insurgent in this field like Sony.


Here I agree with you - comes back to the point I made above on the previous page. I would call it an "Own Goal" for Sony if they decide to leave out the first A7 series cameras in this update.



Oct 03, 2015 at 03:09 PM
Stoffer
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p.18 #13 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


DP Review has updated their ongoing review of the a7rII with some DR test samples done in the new uncompressed raw format. They are about 82 MB.

Anyway, I downloaded one and converted it to DNG and the file size got down to 42-43 MB, almost in half.

I know some would rather poke their eye balls out than use DNG, but the option is efficient if you're low on space like on a laptop with a small SSD drive. It might make sense to have a DNG version on the local drive and the original arw files on your backup drives.

If you just compress it to zip, the file size only goes down to 61 MB.




Oct 06, 2015 at 01:39 AM
taran
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p.18 #14 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


chez wrote:
I don't like this idea. I can see it leading to intentionally leaving out some features on first release and then asking the consumer to pony up for those features later on. No thanks.


How is this fundamentally different from introducing a new, incrementally upgraded body every 4 months?




Oct 06, 2015 at 01:52 AM
mcbroomf
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p.18 #15 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


Uncompressed available for the A7r2 next week ...

http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-to-release-%CE%B17rii-firmware-adding-uncompressed-14-bit-raw-on-october-19th/



Oct 14, 2015 at 12:47 PM
Stoffer
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p.18 #16 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


mcbroomf wrote:
Uncompressed available for the A7r2 next week ...

http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-to-release-%CE%B17rii-firmware-adding-uncompressed-14-bit-raw-on-october-19th/


Praise the lord!



Oct 14, 2015 at 02:09 PM
MAubrey
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p.18 #17 · Uncompressed 14 bit for A7sii and A7rii


Stoffer wrote:
DP Review has updated their ongoing review of the a7rII with some DR test samples done in the new uncompressed raw format. They are about 82 MB.

Anyway, I downloaded one and converted it to DNG and the file size got down to 42-43 MB, almost in half.

I know some would rather poke their eye balls out than use DNG, but the option is efficient if you're low on space like on a laptop with a small SSD drive. It might make sense to have a DNG version on the local drive and the original arw files on your backup
...Show more

I'll be giving this a try--or at least making a comparison.



Oct 14, 2015 at 02:33 PM
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