p.1 #1 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
Mark Galer mentions in his "Sony Alpha Firmware Updates" video the A7IV has a Software Update button on the A7IV's Version menu that becomes active/highlighted when a firmware update is available. Doesn't seem to do much for now other than become active/highlighted. Maybe someone with the A7IV can comment.
Could this indicate the future for Sony Firmware updates ? Mark suggests possibly via an SD card. I'm thinking maybe an indication the update could come via the camera's WIFI or connection through the Imaging Edge App on your mobile phone? (Leica now offers camera/lens firmware updates via their Fotos mobile app for some of their newer cameras.)
Either way, I truly hope Sony is working on a new firmware update process that doesn't require a computer. 🙏🏼
p.1 #2 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
Without question Sony's current firmware updating process is at best, very poor. This could be a rather elegant solution depending on how it's done. My concern is the Sony engineers that would be developing it might be the same ones who came up with what we have now which truly passes the smell test of engineers operating in their own vacuum without any user input to provide practicality to the effort. Also known as the 'not invented here' syndrome. Of course, heaven forbid they would adopt anything close to the proven industry standard of simply using an SD card.
p.1 #5 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
I think the point here is that another PC or computer shouldn't be required to update the firmware. Doing SD card based updates removes any requirements on the computer used to get that firmware to the SD card (enabling you to even do it on your phone or iPad). It's just a better, more flexible way to do things.
p.1 #6 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
hevaKmaI wrote:
I think the point here is that another PC or computer shouldn't be required to update the firmware. Doing SD card based updates removes any requirements on the computer used to get that firmware to the SD card (enabling you to even do it on your phone or iPad). It's just a better, more flexible way to do things.
In my experience, once I used an SD card to update my other brand cameras it really leaves a big question mark for me about Sony's computer based approach after all these years. Relying upon the state of someone's personal OS and computing environment Windows or Mac is risky with too much potential for things to go wrong IMO. There must be a reason for Sony to use a computer based approach...but the SD card approach is like a breath of fresh air IMO. So much simpler--just makes sense type feeling.
Admittedly, I've not had any problems updating Sony camera firmware via Mac computers for many years. This last Sony A1 update took about 10 mins on my Apple Silicon laptop which I was initially concerned might be a problem. But I also always re-read the install instructions before every update and there can be problems for those not familiar with macOS security.
p.1 #7 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
On my list of the top 100 things I want Sony to spend R&D money on, this is about 98. There are a couple of items lower on the list but I forget what they are.
p.1 #11 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
Anyone know why Sony must include a computer to update their camera/lens firmware? Is there some benefit or security reason behind what appears to be a unique approach.
p.1 #15 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
The last couple of updates for the A1 have not worked using a Mac. Using PC, no problem. Its the issue of Sony blaming Apple OS..you know the drill. And if you have a new M1 Mac? Get ready to spend twice as long since you have to change boot settings for security. Dont tell me Sony doesnt have the tech to come up with a better way.
p.1 #16 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
The issue lies solely with Sony. The firmware updates should be platform agnostic, they either lack the skills to do this or they simply don’t care too.
Apple provides additional levels of security for its OS. Sony is the only software I have seen that requires this setting to be (temporarily) disabled.
p.1 #17 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
LBJ2 wrote:
In my experience, once I used an SD card to update my other brand cameras it really leaves a big question mark for me about Sony's computer based approach after all these years. Relying upon the state of someone's personal OS and computing environment Windows or Mac is risky with too much potential for things to go wrong IMO. There must be a reason for Sony to use a computer based approach...but the SD card approach is like a breath of fresh air IMO. So much simpler--just makes sense type feeling.
Admittedly, I've not had any problems updating Sony camera firmware via Mac computers for many years. This last Sony A1 update took about 10 mins on my Apple Silicon laptop which I was initially concerned might be a problem. But I also always re-read the install instructions before every update and there can be problems for those not familiar with macOS security. ...Show more →
I had two A1's to update. My consideration was (1) Use my iMac or MacBook Pro, where I would need to download the latest driver, change security settings and reboot, first; or, (2) Use my Windows laptop, which required no preparation. I went with Windows.
p.1 #18 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
The update process is easier on PC only because Sony doesn't invest at all in their firmware updating software and Microsoft slavishly continues to allow legacy and insecure software on their platforms. It has nothing to do with the relative strengths of Macs or PCs. Sony is way behind the times here compared to other manufacturers — just take a look at how painless updating a Fuji camera is these days. And it's easy despite Fuji's mobile apps being relatively crummy. I'm hopeful to see some advancement here.
p.1 #19 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
Some of the commentary raises some interesting questions:
1. It seems that Apple has some additional security provisions in their OS that conflict with Sony's software. Is that the sole source of Apple OS problems with Sony updates?
2. Specifically what does the additional security protect against?
3. What does Sony do that is incompatible with the security provisions in the Apple OS.
4. Why do some Apple users say it went smoothly and other say it was a major problem? Is this because some did not suspend the security? (This may be redundant with question 1)
Question #2 is the most interesting to me. It has been several years since I have been a user of Apple computers and I have lost track of the OS capabilities and issues.
p.1 #20 · Is this the future of Sony Alpha firmware updates ?
Thanks @LBJ2.
Here is what I think are the answers to my questions.
1. Yes
2. Kernel access
3. Requires kernel access. What updating process requires kernel access is not known.
4. Yes
Is that right?
I believe this increased level of access is similar, if not identical, to what Windows call Administrative access, which can be given to an application if the user is using an Administrator account. It takes only a second. I don't recall if the Sony updater I used to install the latest firmware to my A1 asked for Administrative access or not, but if it did I would not be reluctant to grant it.
Apple has a much more difficult process, as described in your link, which greatly discourages and inhibits users from granting such access. I can see why users are aggravated.
Does anyone know why the firmware installer requires kernel access? What operations require it? I would guess that it may be low level access to the camera memory.
