1
\$\begingroup\$

I've been wanting to bite on the new Sony a7 mirrorless full-frame camera, but reviews are surfacing poor JPEG quality compared to other FF cameras. While I often shoot RAW, JPEGs are critical if you want to use the WIFI to send images to your phone for uploading or proofing.

Question:

Would it be possible for Sony to significantly increase JPEG quality (sharpening, WB,posterization, etc.) with a firmware upgrade, or are there other variables that can only be addressed with a new version (processor, meters, etc.)?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
6
  • \$\begingroup\$ What do you mean by "JPEG performance"? \$\endgroup\$
    – TFuto
    Jan 24, 2014 at 14:35
  • \$\begingroup\$ JPEG performance would be sharpness, noise reduction, posterization, etc. \$\endgroup\$
    – AndyML
    Jan 24, 2014 at 15:30
  • \$\begingroup\$ You'd need to clarify your question, if it's a case of quality then the ASICs (hardware optimisation burned into the processor chips) could be instructed to use better quality settings via a firmware update. If the implementation of those is slow or in some way poor or flawed then it would require a hardware change, although that could be introduced into the same production line without changing the model. \$\endgroup\$
    – James Snell
    Jan 24, 2014 at 15:30
  • \$\begingroup\$ Good point. I changed the wording from performance to quality. \$\endgroup\$
    – AndyML
    Jan 24, 2014 at 15:37
  • \$\begingroup\$ Related but less specific: Can firmware improve a camera? \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Jan 24, 2014 at 16:17

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "JPEG performance", but generally digital cameras use specialized hardware to perform calculations and generate JPEG outputs. Unfortunately this also means that there is far less playroom for firmware updates to modify this than for example a desktop computer.

All in all I would not count on a significant makeover of the JPEG generation in the camera.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Even though it is possible, there's still no guarantee the manufacturer will ever actually release such a firmware update. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Jan 24, 2014 at 21:07

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.