topic HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list in Cyber-shot compact cameras

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

badgerme — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:30:08 GMT

I am very pleased with my HX9V, but I do have a few suggestions for possible firmware updates.

Does anyone else have any ideas?

How can we best communicate our ideas to the developers?

Here are my thoughts:

Suggestions for firmware updates to HX9V (and other Cybershots)

1/ Option to turn GPS on (or off) from position information page

2/ Add a continuous shooting mode

ie hold down shutter button and camera continues taking pictures (refocusing for each shot) as quickly as possible (depending on shooting conditions and file size) until finger lifted from shutter button (or card is full)

Include this function as fourth option: single / continuous / burst / bracket

3/ Increase bracket range to +/- 2EV

4/ Add function to ‘DISP’ – hold down 2 secs to enter panel brightness menu

(failing this, include panel brightness in top menu )

5/ Provide ‘automatic’ panel brightness option

6/ Save display detail settings separately for playback mode

eg detailed when shooting, clear screen on playback

Roger

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

@7624010000023031 — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:35:21 GMT

I would apprecia it if even while loosing some SD space I could save in RAW format.

I dislike the Dust and Scratch effect the camera has and would like to be able to adjust it to my needs ( I suppose its a compression problem).

I would love to be able to de-saturate the pictures when I take them.

I would love to have the possebility to take pictures adjusting manualy the contrast and noise ( I wouldn't buy this camera now after a month of having it).

I thought I had to get to know the camera but to me the still images are important and this camera has lots of gadgets but really poor image quality. not worth the cash payed. (I wish I could give it back).

David

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

blaireau_photo — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:17:07 GMT

Hello badgerme / @76240100000,

Sony members of staff do read these threads often so it is always worth leaving these comments as it will assist with the development of future firmware releases - thank you for your comments so far.

In the future, if there is an updated firmware released for the HX9V, it will be announced here:

http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/digistill/cyber/cyber.aspx?site=odw_en_GB&m=DSC-HX9V

Thanks,

Simon

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

i_am_jon — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:08:33 GMT

Not holding out much hope of sony taking any notice but heres my firmware wish list:

Bugs:

If you set ISO in manual mode this changes it when you return to Program mode as well, should have separate memory for these 2 settings.
Screen colour / saturation. Screen seems to over saturate colours compared to viewing photos on other displays. Makes the auto mode pictures look bad rather than just over saturated, especially on indoor shots.

Missing Options:

60p / 50p video setting. Why can't we choose rather than locking it to region? Surely it's just a firmware setting not hardware. Is there some licensing legal issue?
Colour setting for auto modes. Real colours in program mode look great, why can't we have this option in auto modes. I appreciate some users like the default vivid colour scheme but why can't we have a choice? This seems to be the most complained about issue with the camera.
NR settings (Plus, Normal and Minus) as on the HX100V

New features that would be nice:

Extra long shutter / Star trail mode. Camera takes decent night sky pics but miss the extra long shutter speeds CHDK gave me on my old canon. 5 min shutter is enough to get a good effect.
Continuous shooting mode (including hands free self timer mode). Also don't limit the shutter speed as it does on burst mode. Then I could use for image stacking on night sky shots etc.
Flash power setting on program & manual
Raw image option and disable NR / dark frame option

Message was edited by: i_am_jon

Just realised the NR that displays for exposures 1/3sec and longer is the dark frame subtraction (which explains the long processing time).Would be nice to remove the exposure restriction in burst / continuous mode and capture a single dark frame at the end for image processing. That would result in a 10 X 30 sec = 5 minute exposure once the images have been stacked. This could be a relatively minor change?

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

GoNz0- — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 23:07:40 GMT

lower compression of the jpg's / less noise reduction (selectable)

its doing to much work and making the pictures really soft, not good for your high end compact.

i do regret buying it as a point and shoot as the quality is poor compared to my A55

i expect an option that will allow proper size jpg's, ie average 6-10mb with good quality images, it must do them then over compensate and spoil it.

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

Stefan_77 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:23:19 GMT

• Selectable noise reduction

• Selectable compression (80%? you must be kidding! My 10 year old Kodak was better at this!)

• RAW (well lets not get overexcited here but memory IS cheap!)

• 3D mode is fun but hard to guess if it turned out well / at all - a simple toggle-mode flipping both pics would be fine.

General thoughts an ideas for the next model:

• GPS reception sucks and should have a selectable "keep alive" time where the cam holds the signal even when turned off. All GPS-receivers have modes for that so -please- use them!

• USB connector at the bottom? Seriously? And one that is unique? If a charging-cradle was in the kit maybe...

All in all I like this cam. It uses all that processing power to do stunning things.

The Panos are great and simple - Photoshop is way better of cause but be realistic: Who wants to take 30 pics manually and then stitch all night long?

Dim light situations are handled very well - point-and-shoot works great.

3D is a fun feature but not that important.

The video-function is superb.

Overall-useablility is well beyond of what I expected from a Sony product. Compared to other cams I own it's easy to use 🙂

Nice cam - get rid of the idiotic compression and we have a winner!

Edit:

A remote for the cam would top off my wish-list!

Should be possible via the sensor I gues...

Message was edited by: Stefan_77

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

SyrianFC — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:59:50 GMT

Owning a HX9V and it is well performing in total for compact zoom, but some things are really annoying. Hope someday there will be a firmware upgrade and excellent hardware meets corresponding software.

1. Please allow the NR level to be set by user - current one is a terrible loss of detail.

2. Same thing - allow setting camera JPG compression level.

3. Flash is really terrible - just killing everything closer than 2m. I think there must be flash power correction setting.

4. Shooting RAW is always a good option.

Anyway, Sony is performing well and hope it to continue so.

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

joschmi5569 — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:53:57 GMT

My enthusiasm vanished after uploading my first foto’s to my PC. The pictures were too sharp and not natural. I think this is due to an extreme JPEG compression.

I’ve tried all other options within the DX9V, but all appear in the same unnatural manner. Now I have this camera for some months and I hardly use it anymore. I wish I could change it for another one (even my old Canon G2 makes better quality pictures).

Conclusion: disappointing camera! Need a firmware update badly with at least an adjustable JPEG compression and preferably RAW-support. Besides this, I agree with the most of the updates mentioned in the other comments.

Hopefully Sony doesn’t wait with this firmware update too long, because else I’m sure I‘ll change to a better camera (probably Canon again)!

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

badgerme — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:01:07 GMT

Hi,

I agree that it would be nice to have a choice in terms of JPEG compression, but I haven't experienced pictures looking 'too sharp'.

Have you tried selecting low sharpness in the shooting menu?

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

badgerme — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:21:22 GMT

I agree with most of your points Stefan_77, except the gps.

I have been using a Garmin gps for some years - and still do use this for geotagging (using Copiks Photomapper http://software.copiks.com/photomapper/ ) - but I have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly the Sony gps locates. I presume that this is due to the 'GPS Assist Data' that is downloaded when the camera is connected to my pc.

Whilst agreeing that the option to have the gps function 'kept alive' when the cameara was turned off could be included, for me I don't think it would be of much day to day use due to the inevitable battery drain this would involve.

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

@6498705704009287 — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:04:51 GMT

I too own a HX9V and am very disapointed by the image quality. If the issue is with the compression algorithm or NR system then there should definitely by un update that would allow users of this camera to increase image quality.

I find it very disturbing that such an expensive camera can produce worse results than older Sony models.

the ideas that others have such as time lapse sooting, longer shooting times etc would also be very welcome and relatively easy to implement.

Lazaros.

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

Fini_hx9v — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:43:35 GMT

There are some problems that Sony should fix:

- Selectable compression. All of my older cameras do it better

- Selectable Noise Reduction (minus, normal, plus and OFF (I can reduce it with the pc with better results and more detail)). Best important is if I can switch off the NR

- Obviously shoot in RAW is the best way. In many situation the WB was wrong. With RAW there is no problem

- Do anything with flash. Everything near 2 m is killed by the flash. I can´t use it

In the other hand, video function is superb, don´t change it.

Please release a new firmware.

Thanks!

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

stels88 — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:48:21 GMT

1. compression level selecttion/disable

2. raw support.

3. color profile selection for video and photo

4. internal file/folder browser

5. video file compression codec selection.

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

Thomas789 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:02:29 GMT

I don't know why some people complain about the high compression here. This is completely unsubstantiated. I have the HX9V for about 6 weeks now, and I have not noted any compression artifacts. My file sizes are about 3-6 mb depending on the scene, and that is consistent with a quality setting of the JPEG compression of 97% (one can estimate the quality factor by re-compressing the image; if the file size stays the same, then this is the factor the original file was saved with in the camera). I have never seen any image deterioration for a JPEG quality factor below 85%; and only if one goes below 50%, will the artifacts be a serious issue.

It is also incorrect to draw conclusions here from compression factors in cameras with a much lower pixel count: if one has twice the number of pixels in an image, then there is also twice the probability that two pixels are the same, so the image can be compressed more without losing any information (just create a 1000x1000 image with a uniform colour in your photo editor, if you save this as a JPEG, it will result in a 6KB file regardless of the JPEG quality chosen; this compression is thus lossless, as is a large amount in a normal photo where many pixels will be identical).

If you want to have reliable test shots to compare with different cameras, just go to http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM . I made my decision to buy the HX9V on the basis of this, as the image quality outperforms all other compact cameras I compared it with. It even can compete with some entry level DSLR's like the EOS1100D as far as the image quality is concerned.

Thomas

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

Bibelo — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:27:48 GMT

Thomas, are you kidding me? Do you have glue in the eyes?

+what you said :

"twice the size = twice probablity two pixels are the same." HUH?

No, we usually choose twice the size ESPECIALLY for the pixels to NOT be the same.

Ce message a été modifié par: Bibelo

HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

BroughamUK — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:58:26 GMT

I'm very happy with my DSC-HX9V. I wished for a camera which would give me good zoom, image quality and video quality in one unit. I don't need RAW, in fact I set my images to 5MP and video to HQ - to reduce file sizes. Choosing the level of compression would seem sensible though.

I do however require the following.

Video edit (clip trimming/split etc.) in camera.
The ability to control the speed of zooming in and out. (I find the existing default too fast at times)
Aperture and Shutter Priority

I have Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum so I can amend clips in that of course but I really need to be able to basic edit in camera as I find that in most cases, it's the camera that I use to display via HDMI to a TV. Vegas Movie Studio of course cannot correct the too fast zoom.

Regards.

Re: HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

seasoul49 — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:25:14 GMT

Noise reduction feature in this camera is a real problem.. indoor shots like mood also outdoor shots are moody.. Up to 25x jpeg compression ratio just like ridicule, it is unbelieveble.

Sony must respect customers and add the camera disabling noise suppression feature.

This camera is real dissapointment that comparable picture quality with the my samsung d880 mobile phone

Re: HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

gazz1e — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:21:07 GMT

This camera is real dissapointment that comparable picture quality with the my samsung d880 mobile phone

These are my feelings exactly. If Sony want to have a future in the camera market (and not have the camera business eaten away by the smart phone), they must develop products that take better pictures than a phone. I've got a tread on this at... https://www.sony.co.uk/discussions/message/764266#764266

Re: HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

kmc2704 — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:43:26 GMT

Totally agree with the disappointment with the still image quality....a good compact ruined by the high compression. Have used this for 8 months and would never buy ANY Sony product again...NEVER !! It is a huge concern that Sony do not take action to correct an obvious & genuine consumer grievance. The support team replied to my email, but the reply they sent was not worth waiting on....actually insulting , as it indicated it was a standard reply to fob off my concerns and they had nothing to offer to effect the heavy noise compression. Unfortunately it was much too late for me and only after reading more reviews & tests ,comfirmed that Sony have no customer care worthy of the name. This is not sour grapes...just i have wasted money on a camera that has an in-built problem that could be resolved ...IF Sony cared !! I had planned to purchase a Sony HDTV and a Sony SLR but Sony will not ever be on my shortlist of goodies again. Oh, by the way...the new HX10v is not worth bothering about, either...i have tested this camera and it suffers the same noise compression problem !!!

Trust me, i have used all types of compacts over 25 years and my old Fuji 6mp camera has a much better image that is pleasing to the eye... that can be zoomed in, cropped and printed !!!! Cant say that about the HX9v......as i said to the support team, im not a pixel counter, being over analytical or expecting slr quality....but the final image quality is terribly DISAPPOINTING !!!!!!

Re: HX9V Cybershot firmware wish list

cmosse — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:09:41 GMT

I have been using "premium compacts" for years, which includes cameras like Minolta Dimage A2, Coolpix 5000, Ricoh GX100 - and today the DSC-HX9 is my all in one all purpose compact camera. I have bought it because it has all the new interesting features (panorama, 3D, HDR, GPS) + a class leading video mode. Add an excellent LCD, large zoom range with good quality optics, active mode steady shot and very reliable auto modes it is a near perfect companion. I was aware about lack of manual image paramenter settings, lack of RAW format or even JPEG settings, but of course I checked reviews beforehand. For "serious photography" I use the Nex or the new A65.

So when comparing DSC-HX9 with other cameras in the same class (e.g. Coolpix P7100, Canon SX260, Panasonic TS20) I found out that they all perform on a similiar level. You can read the reviews at dpreview as well. I have used the "image comparaometer" tool from imageing resource website (http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM) and checked the detail and color rendering at ISO400 on their standard studio test. ISO 400 because I think this is the highest ISO you can use without too much noise effect on a small sensor.

I have attached 6 comparsion screenshots, comparing HX9 to Coolpix P7100 (which is their flagship compact), Canon SX260 and Panasonic TS20 (both very comparable to HX9 with slightly less resloution.

See for yourself - the HX9 is as good as it competitors (HX9 always on right side).

Canon SX260:

Coolpix P7100:

Panasonic TS20:

I do understand that someone does not like the very processed look of the DSC-HX9. I am glad Sony has now seen the demand and potential for better image quality even in very compact cameras and released the large sensor DSC-RX100, which surely will be a better choice for people demanding highest possible image quality on a very small camera, which is what you are looking for.