[Leica] Fuji and Sony - OT

[B. D. Colen]

The biggest single thing Fuji has going for it is its program of firmware updates. Yes, the cameras are excellent, and I am convinced the glass is the best available other than Leica’s. But you buy a camera that doesn’t turn into a doorstop in 18 months. I’ll never forget when the XT2 came out and next thing I knew my XT1 and XPro1 gained electronic shutters that went to 1/32000th. Really? Without  buying a new camera? 

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 8, 2018, at 11:18 PM, Jayanand Govindaraj via LUG <lug at leica-users.org> wrote:
> 
> Fuji released a "Kaizen" firmware update yesterday for the Fuji X-T2 which
> effectively makes the X-T2 a Fuji XH1 (the latest model) without IBIS. Fuji
> are in the habit of releasing major upgrades through firmware even for
> older bodies which are not being manufactured anymore.
> 
> When Sony were asked about this (from Fuji Rumors):
> 
> Quote:
> What Sony Thinks About Firmware Updates
> 
> So there are Pros and Cons in Fujifilm’s firmware strategy. We take note
> that it is a strategy adopted almost exclusively by Fujifilm, whereas most
> companies go a different path, such as Sony.
> 
> In fact, when asked about firmware updates on Sony cameras like Fujifilm
> does, a Sony manager said here
> <https://www.dpreview.com/interviews/1178102988/sony-interview-if-cameras-are-going-to-develop-manufacturers-have-to-develop-mirrorless-technologies>
> :
> 
> “*We’re still in the early stages of challenging the market with our
> products, and the new model cycle is relatively rapid, compared to our
> competitors. But the next step is to increase our market share. And if we
> want to reach new customers, we need [to make] new types of cameras*.
> […] *Maybe
> this is one of the reasons our product release cycle is faster than some of
> our competitors*.”
> 
> The result is clear: Fujifilm releases slower new models and delivers lots
> of improvements via firmware, Sony instead chooses to be aggressive on the
> market by releasing tons of new cameras as soon as they can with little
> firmware support for older cameras.
> 
> I am sorry, but personally I do love Fujifilm approach much more. I simply
> like it to buy gear that I know will be really taken care of also after my
> purchase.
> 
> Unquote
> 
> Reminds me of Canon (Sony) vs Nikon (Fuji) in the old days. It is just a
> reminder to choose systems based on our requirements and not on marketing
> and social media hype.
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Jayanand
> 
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