EX1 Firmware Update Info
 

I just spoke to a gentleman from Sony Japan at the Sony Booth and here is what he told me about the upcoming firmware:

•It will be available in July or August

•The only added features will be support for non-SxS media and the ability to output 24p from the SDI.

•No pre-recording.

There was definitely a language barrier between us, so I hope this is all accurate (actually I hope it's inaccurate). I was not able to find out how the update will be distributed.

I tried to inspect behind the lens of the EX3 to try to figure out what's going on with the EX1 backfocus (assuming the filter arrangement is the same on both cameras), but was interrupted by a Sony rep who asked me to stop before I could get a good look. Damn.

That's slightly disappointing. I do like the idea of 24p out on the HD-SDI, but there are many other things that I think could be added.

Phillip verified in another thread that the Firmware will be user upgradable...I just hope they can add easy access to change framerate.

Will this firmware allow us to correctly set the backfocus,is set it for ND off,ND1 and ND2 ?

Paul.

Paul,

The backfocus problem caused by switching the ND filters on is adressed in software version 1.05_0405
It is done through making an offset in the servo adjusted lens parts when you switch from ND-off to ND-1 or ND-2 and vice versa.

Is this a fact? Did you get this answer from Sony at NAB?

Dennis,

I was there when software version was installed.
Sony maintenance article said this version does address this problem and indeed it did in my case.

So when the firmware which we we can download and install via net/usb becomes available in a few months we can sort the backfocus and then redo the adjustments ourselves,that's great news.
It'll probably be firmware 1.06 xxxxxx or whatever by then.
I'd rather wait till then than send my cam off.

Paul.

Nice to see it will be possible to use non-Sxs media, I was already afraid that Sony wouldn't keep their promise. Are there certain specs a card has to have when shooting with the EX1 in HQ?

BTW, the new firmware 1.05 is already out, although some people can still get a camera with 1.03 (if they get an older camera), but if I'm correct you still can't upgrade yourself, as user? You still have to send your camera to Sony and have it lost for 2 weeks?

Thanks,

Very annyoing if true.

Ahh, the mystery of the Maintenance Article. Would be great if Sony made these public, then we'd all know what's up. Dreaming on...

George/

Hope they can fix the battery issue as well.

Thank You Peter for confirming this. Based upon your confirmation the Sony Pro Dealers in Western Canada are totally in the dark. As of April 12, 2008 are they claiming the EX1 has no issues they are asking Sony List $7400 minus $200.00. The Canadian dollar is on par with the US and has been for the last 6 months. Then there are the dealers, also as of April 12, 2008 who are quoting $400.00 below Sony list and pawning off their rental units. Sony Canada and its distributors have serious issues and for my part both have lost all credibility. I'm just glad that I have held off my purchase even though the EX1 with the latest 1.05 firmware may show good potential of resolving the major issues.

[QUOTE=My camera came back from repair two days ago and it still has the backfocus issue. The new firmware V1.05 was installed and the backfocus is worse than it ever was before... So this did not fix the... .[/QUOTE]

That is what Gerald wrote in the "Sony has confirmed backfocus problem" thread.

I don't think that the firmware update will automatically work wonders on the backfocus issue being that a few people have it and it has ot done anything for them...

Mine came back from service (two weeks ago) with firmware 1.05 and back-focus wasn't fixed either. Both cameras are back in Holland for the second time. It's been already two weeks and there is no reply from Sony about the repair progress.