The perception that Sony’s camera division releases “pathetic” firmware updates compared to Nikon, OM System, or Fujifilm likely stems from differences in how these brands approach firmware updates, their frequency, and the types of improvements they prioritize. Let’s break this down with a balanced perspective, based on available information and trends in the camera industry up to September 2025.
Why Sony’s Firmware Updates May Seem “Meagre”
- Philosophy and Strategy:
- Sony’s Approach: Sony tends to focus on releasing cameras with robust feature sets at launch, often prioritizing hardware advancements and new model releases over extensive post-launch firmware updates. Their updates frequently address stability, minor bug fixes, or compatibility with new lenses rather than adding significant new features. For example, Sony’s firmware updates for cameras like the a7 III, a7R III, and a9 have been described as focusing on “overall stability” without introducing major new functionality.
- Comparison to Competitors: In contrast, Fujifilm is renowned for its aggressive firmware updates that add substantial features, often transforming older cameras with new autofocus algorithms, film simulations, or connectivity options. Nikon and OM System also provide updates that sometimes include notable performance enhancements, like Nikon’s power zoom features for the Z6 II and Z7 II or OM System’s security protocol options for the OM-1 series.
- Perception: This difference creates a perception that Sony’s updates are less impactful because they rarely introduce game-changing features post-launch, unlike Fujifilm’s approach, which can make older cameras feel “new.”
- Frequency and Scope:
- Sony releases firmware updates less frequently and with less fanfare than Fujifilm, which often issues updates for multiple camera models simultaneously, addressing both bugs and adding features like AF tracking or app connectivity. For instance, Fujifilm’s updates for the X-T5, X-H2, and X100VI included Raw file uploads and improved AF performance.
- Sony’s updates, such as those for the a7C, a7 III, and ZV-E10, often focus on minor tweaks like improved Wi-Fi security or language support, which may not excite users looking for performance boosts.
- Nikon and OM System also provide targeted updates, but they sometimes include more noticeable improvements, like Nikon’s Z8 firmware addressing third-party lens compatibility or OM System’s OM-1 gaining new subject recognition modes.
- Market Positioning and Resources:
- Sony is a major player in both camera and sensor technology, and recent speculation (though unconfirmed) suggests they may be shifting focus toward sensor development, potentially reducing investment in camera firmware updates. This could explain why their updates seem less ambitious compared to Fujifilm, which relies heavily on its camera division and uses firmware to keep older models competitive.
- Nikon and OM System, while also major brands, have been playing catch-up in the mirrorless market, which may drive them to release more substantial firmware updates to retain customers and improve their systems’ competitiveness.
- User Expectations and Community Feedback:
- Sony users often express frustration over the lack of feature-heavy updates, especially when compared to Fujifilm’s “kaizen” philosophy (continuous improvement). For example, Fujifilm’s X-T2 received multiple updates that added hundreds of features, making it feel like a different camera over time.
- Sony’s menu systems and ergonomics have been criticized as complex, and users sometimes hope for firmware updates to address usability issues, but Sony rarely overhauls these aspects via firmware.
- Community discussions, such as on Reddit, highlight Sony users considering switching to Fujifilm for better ergonomics and more frequent updates, reinforcing the perception that Sony’s firmware support is lackluster.
Counterpoints: Sony’s Strengths
- Robust Initial Feature Set: Sony cameras, like the a9 III or a7R V, often launch with cutting-edge features (e.g., global shutter, advanced autofocus) that may not require as many post-launch updates. For example, the a9 III’s firmware v2.0 added support for its full shutter speed range at 120fps, which is significant but less transformative than Fujifilm’s updates.
- Reliability Focus: Sony’s updates prioritize stability and compatibility, which may not be flashy but ensures cameras remain reliable for professional use. This contrasts with Fujifilm’s riskier approach of adding features that sometimes introduce new bugs.
- Ecosystem Investment: Sony invests heavily in lens development and sensor technology, which may divert resources from firmware. Their sensors are used by many competitors, giving them a different revenue stream that Fujifilm, Nikon, or OM System don’t rely on as heavily.
Why Other Brands Seem Ahead
- Fujifilm: Known for its “kaizen” approach, Fujifilm treats firmware as a way to extend camera lifespans, adding features like tap-to-track AF, Frame.io uploads, or improved Wi-Fi connectivity. This keeps older models relevant and fosters brand loyalty.
- Nikon: Nikon has improved its firmware strategy in the mirrorless era, with updates for the Z8, Z9, and others addressing bugs, adding power zoom support, or enhancing autofocus. Their updates are often seen as more impactful than Sony’s, especially for video shooters.
- OM System: OM System’s updates, while not as feature-heavy as Fujifilm’s, often include practical improvements like security protocol options or subject recognition modes, which appeal to wildlife and action photographers.
Critical Perspective
It’s worth noting that the camera industry is highly competitive, and Sony’s focus on stability over feature additions may reflect a cautious approach to avoid breaking existing functionality. However, this can feel like a missed opportunity when competitors like Fujifilm use firmware to keep customers engaged without requiring new hardware purchases. Some argue that Sony’s corporate structure, with fingers in many industries (sensors, TVs, gaming), dilutes its focus on camera firmware compared to Fujifilm, which is more photography-centric.
Check out ILCE-7RM5 System Software (Firmware) Update Ver. 3.01 (This is from Sony website)
https://www.sony.co.in/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7rm5/software/00292266
Additionally, the rumor about Sony selling its camera division to Fujifilm (from an unverified source) suggests a potential strategic shift, but without confirmation, it’s speculative at best. If true, it could explain reduced firmware investment, but it’s more likely that Sony’s priorities lie in maintaining their lead in sensor technology and releasing new models rather than overhauling older ones.
Conclusion
Sony’s firmware updates may seem “pathetic” compared to Fujifilm’s feature-rich updates or Nikon and OM System’s targeted improvements because Sony prioritizes stability and new hardware over transformative post-launch updates. Fujifilm’s kaizen philosophy, Nikon’s catch-up efforts in mirrorless, and OM System’s niche focus on wildlife photography drive their more noticeable firmware updates. Sony’s approach isn’t inherently wrong—it ensures reliability—but it can feel underwhelming to users expecting significant enhancements. If you’re frustrated with Sony’s updates, consider whether their initial feature set meets your needs or if a switch to Fujifilm’s ecosystem, with its proactive firmware strategy, might better suit you.
