A7s requests for firmware update: wish list?

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dsp_418

Active member
I was wondering what A7s folks would love to see in a firmware update: I guess top request is rolling shutter?

Also, I never been a Sony user so I've no idea whether Sony listen to customer requests or not. Are they good at that?
 
I only just recently recieved mine.
So far rolling shutter is not a big concern, as I don't wave my cameras around like a crazy person.
If it was improved I wouldn't mind though.

I would like like to be able to assign the crops mode setting to a button or at least to the FN button menu thingie.

Also so smoother digital zoom (is it possible?)

Other than that I haven't used it enough to have more wishes (yet)
 
Right, assigning the APS-C mode to the FN is another issue I've heard people complaining about.
Another one should be the histogram, I think it's too small now? Or disappear in record mode? not sure, I remember there's something wrong with it though...
 
Improving RS via firmware sounds unlikely at best.

This is my list right now, starting from the ones I need the most:

* Custom WB should work under slog2.
* Custom modes M1-M2-M3-M4 are stored in the card, and they are lost if you format the card in-camera, which is obviously a problem. If ML sorted this out, Sony certainly could do it too.
* Custom modes M1-M2-M3-M4 should remember the crop mode selected. I want to set them to 24p-FF-1/50s, 60p-FF-1/100s, 60p-APSC-1/100s, 120p-APSC-1/200s.
* More options for Zebras: 65%, 60%, 55%, etc. Also, divide this in two functions: zebras on/off (which I want to assign to some of the C buttons), and zebra settings (which I'll put on the Fn menu).
* The record button is ackward (though not completely unbearable, at least to me), please allow me to assign "start/stop video recording" to c1.
* My 5N has a setting that takes all the uneven ISO values out of the settings list, so it is faster to change if you're only going to use 100-200-400-etc. I haven't found it on the a7s, if it's not there, it should be.
* Also, allowing me to go to a grey ISO that can't be selected, just to show an error message afterwards, is slow and inefficient; just stop moving up if the next ISO value can't be selected, or skip them and go to the next "white" one.
* Crop mode should be an option in the function menu.

These things shouldn't be difficult to implement, it's just UI and housekeeping.
 
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Even limited to 30 seconds (or even 15 !!!) internal 4K would be a massive feature that would instantly made me switch from gh4 to a7s. We all know it's possible, firmware update could do that.
 
Great and thorough list Samuel H!
Thanks for posting it.

alohype, it seems 4k internally it's another big wish (even though I honestly thing is the less likely to gonna happen).
I'm just curious though, how 30 or even 15 sec. would be enough for you?
 
I just took mine out for a shakedown cruise this weekend, and have to say that I love the camera, but, PLEASE allow the movie record button to be remapped. It's very awkward when shooting on the go. Also, a bug I discovered was that if the iso is mapped to the c2 button, the rear scroll wheel jumps in increments of four, but the front scrolls iso values up and down one at a time. This may be a feature and not a bug, allowing big jumps in iso, but I'd rather both wheels be consistent.

I also agree others suggestions that crop mode should be able to be more easily accessed, both in the fn menu and as an assignable button.

All pretty minor requests, I think Sony's done a great job on this camera.
 
- Importing LUT's into the camera for Slog2 on set preview (BMPCC at least lets you preview .709 while shooting Log"
- Assignable APS-c crop mode button
- Remapped rec button
- Ability to change PP while in M mode (Stills camera) with Silen Shooting ON
- Removal of the super annoying "Running in NTSC" message. (#$%@!)
- RGB histogram wtih a scale and markings on it for grey, skintones and white. Auto switchable between .709 and slog2. Right now it's all just eyeballing.

all firmware. all possible.
 
dsp_418 said:
Great and thorough list Samuel H!
Thanks for posting it.

alohype, it seems 4k internally it's another big wish (even though I honestly thing is the less likely to gonna happen).
I'm just curious though, how 30 or even 15 sec. would be enough for you?
Click to expand...

I shot broadcast news for a couple years, most of my non interview clips were less than :30. I'm shooting a doc after this year, I would love to have 4k b-roll.

The OP's question, custom WB in slog, recording video with the shutter, improved startup time (though its still pretty good), crop mode added to custom button functions, and a couple more that I can't think of without my camera in front of me.
 
Crop mode assignable to fn button
Quicker start-up when changing batteries

First post and only purchased the camera a month ago. Really liking it so far.
 
I would like to send these feedback from you guys to Sony Customer Support.
The only support page I've found though is this one:
https://s01.esupport.sony.com/US/p/contact-email.pl?mdltype_id=76

and it requires a serial number (which I don't have since I haven't bought it yet).
So, I'm gonna try to reach them over the phone and see how can I send the feedback.

That being said, I really hope Sony is not another Canon, they simply didn't listen to their customer requests.
Even small, simple things for the 7D, nothing... We've had to wait for the ML guys to jump in, but personally I don't feel comfortable with the ML solution, just not confident enough I guess.
The thing is, companies should respond to their clients' requests.

I'm wondering how much, with most of the requests above, the experience with the A7s would change.
 
dsp_418 said:
Great and thorough list Samuel H!
Thanks for posting it.

alohype, it seems 4k internally it's another big wish (even though I honestly thing is the less likely to gonna happen).
I'm just curious though, how 30 or even 15 sec. would be enough for you?
Click to expand...
It's more then possible, as they were able to squeeze 5-6 minutes before it starts to overheat.
Most of my shots are less then 30 seconds (except some interviews and long live action shots). They could do a limit with clever switch. So let's say you chose 4K, record for 30 seconds and then camera automatically switch to FHD and start new clip (without losing a single frame). It would be nice.

From previous cameras experience, how long it usually takes for Sony to release their first firmware update for a camera after initial release? Anyone know?
 
As far I'm aware any substantial changes to functionality is very rarely happening unless for the very high end cameras such as the F55.
Some things have been sorely been needing to be fixed on the FS700 for example. Now Sony has said a firmware upgrade is coming to fix the use of some zoom lenses such as the 18-105 PZ. But I guess that's mostly because Sony wants to sell the new €2500 power zoom to FS700 users.

I wouldn't bet on any firmware updates to the A7s. If you are interested in buying it do so based on what it offers now and don't expect anything to change or get added.
 
dmitrizigany said:
As far I'm aware any substantial changes to functionality is very rarely happening unless for the very high end cameras such as the F55.
Some things have been sorely been needing to be fixed on the FS700 for example. Now Sony has said a firmware upgrade is coming to fix the use of some zoom lenses such as the 18-105 PZ. But I guess that's mostly because Sony wants to sell the new €2500 power zoom to FS700 users.

I wouldn't bet on any firmware updates to the A7s. If you are interested in buying it do so based on what it offers now and don't expect anything to change or get added.
Click to expand...

Oh I'm not holding on buying this camera because of a firmware update. I think I'll buy it when and if I really find my self in the situation where I need it.
The quirks explained in this thread though are very interesting to get another point of view and be ready, in case of purchase, about what can be a downside and if I can live with it (and it seems so)

That being said, I think it's worth trying to push on the feedback though: I hear what you're saying, at the same time as stated by other folks here, fixing some of these issues is not that big deal.
 
I wouldn't expect things like improved RS or internal 4K recording to be added. But what I put on my list is basic UI programming, it should be relatively easy to do, so, let's hope...

Also, I added this to my list:
* More options for Zebras: 65%, 60%, 55%, etc. Also, divide this in two functions: zebras on/off (which I want to assign to some of the C buttons), and zebra settings (which I'll put on the Fn menu).
 
Most important things to me:

-Fix high contrasted edge artifacting issue
-Fix primary color highlight color shift issue
-Fix blue channel discontinuity that occurs at WB below 5000K and greatly worsens toward 2500K

These seem like no-brainers since they are basically all shot-ruiners of you aren't careful. Pretty dumb problems to have to deal with since all other manufacturers can build products without these problems.
 
Of course, but those are not easy to fix... they're probably unintended results of calculations that are basically emmbedded in the processor design.
 
Really, it greatly depends on us. If we're going to push them enough, with e-mails and flooding official forum it can happen. We know that from past. If we're going to stay silent they're not going to change a lot. So let's get to work!!! Let's push them!
 
The edge contrast issue has plagued the FS700 since it's release with no fix. And that was a $8000 camera.
But I'm all for pushing Sony. But how do you even contact them?
 
dmitrizigany said:
The edge contrast issue has plagued the FS700 since it's release with no fix. And that was a $8000 camera.
But I'm all for pushing Sony. But how do you even contact them?
Click to expand...
Let's register on official forum, post our issues and FM updates ideas there. I would also send e-mail to official support asking them when this and that will be resolved. Then after like 2 weeks or so send another one if there are any updates. Just repeat the process till the next firmware update.
If Sony will keep the usual 3 months release cycle we should see some updates in the next 2 weeks or so.
 
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