Ted 2455

If your camera company came out with a firmware that would drastically improve your camera, to the latest specs, would you pay for this firmware?

You would not have to buy the newest camera from your camera company, reduce the supply shortage and your camera would be top of the line for another couple of years.

We all hope the new technology in the newest cameras gets passed down to other cameras but many of us go out and buy a new camera with all the new bells and whistles. Example the Sony a9 3, comes out with new bells and whistles. If you could buy that firmware and install those bells and whistles on your Sony a9 2, would you make that purchase? I think most people are happy with their camera bodies, an update firmware at a reasonable price might be the way to go.
Your thoughts?

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

My thought is since I've already paid for the camera, firmware should be free.

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

It would all depend:

1. Improvements that would be gained by the upgrade & how necessary they would be for me.
2. How much would the upgrade cost. (the key - deciding factor)

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

NO

13 Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what

Maybe.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I can't imagine a firmware upgrade that would be so profound as to make it worth paying for.

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

I have had thoughts along the same lines. New cameras have less noise at higher ISOs than older models. Is the improvement the result of improved sensor technology or improved processors? If the former, then you won’t be changing that. If it’s a processor that has different functions or capabilities, you won’t be changing that either. But if it is simply the software and an old processor can run it, then that would make a big change. With personal computers, it is oftentimes possible to load a newer operating system on an older machine. Many years ago I put windows xp on a windows 98 machine with no problems.

Capn_Dave

They are starting just that with new cars now https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimhenry/2022/08/30/will-drivers-pay-extra-for-software-upgrades-new-features-sure-if--automakers-choose-wisely/?sh=7b65e9d170e2

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

What a terrible idea!!

Red6

It depends. If the new firmware is to fix issues or problems and those problems do not affect me then the answer may be no. If the upgrade installed new functions and features that I would desire then the answer would be yes.

Most photographers are what could be called "hardware-based", meaning their perception of owning a device is based on the hardware they purchased. You buy the hardware and that is the end. Many do not want to pay for any additions or improvements, however they are implemented.

However, that is changing, many electronic devices now are "software-based", meaning that most of their functionality is based within the software, not the hardware. The hardware is just the container and extension of the software.

These changes have been happening in other areas of electronics for years now. In industrial, military, and aerospace, much of the functionality of a system is software based. Changing or upgrading the software can provide new capabilities, functions, and operational parameters.

It is also starting to be more prevalent in photography. Many of the changes in cell phone photography are due to software/firmware upgrades rather than hardware. The life of the product can be extended and improved with software/firmware updates.

A good analogy is your laptop or desk computer. Should you pay for a software package that provides you much greater capabilities than the older software package that your 5-year old computer came with? I think so, a lot of development and labor went into developing the new software. If not, who will develop these new capabilities?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I absolutely would pay for updates that actually improved the camera with new features etc.
I absolutely would not pay for updates needed to fix glitches as they are discovered.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

A firmware upgrade is not a hardware upgrade. Putting a modern engine in a 1950's car does not make it the same as a modern car.

uhaas2009

I would check what’s the change in update. Not every update is necessary…..

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

This may be a future expense. Camera's can be changed drastically with firmware updates. Will companies start charging one price for a firmware update and another price for a newer camera with the same features?
Only time will tell.

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

Why not for new and innovative features. Not for bug fixes