My list of things I want to see in the next G7 Firmware

Such a great camera with a few odd things about it. Like why in the world is the lens moving in and out all the time as I operate the camera? When I want to chimp, I don't need the lens to go back in, resetting my zoom level to wide - I'm chimping so I can tell if I need to take another shot. The last thing I want the camera to do at that moment is change ANY setting. Just show me the flipping image on the display and let's get on with the next shot please. So this is number 1 on my list of improvements I would like to see in the next firmware: Leave the lens alone while the camera is on, only put it away when the camera is turned off. It will please me no end, and the battery will be happier too.

After processing my trip images, I guess I don't really have to say it, (and it's probably a waste of effort too) that I would like to have Canon put RAW in this camera. I seriously doubt they'll do that, but hey, this is my wish list, not theirs.

And what is this ISO BS in the EXIF? Put it back in the right location so we don't have to resort to custom EXIF tools to get it viewable. And please don't tell me to use the Canon supplied software - when I put my images up on PBASE, they all show the ISO EXCEPT these images. Put it back where it belongs please.

That's my list of three items I would like to see Canon fix in the next G7 firmware. What is on your list?

Hi All,
as I'm new to the world of digital cameras, and to the practices of the major camera makers: is firmware upgrade part of common business practices by Canon, Nikon, etc... , as it is in other sectors (IT related, telephony, automotive, etc...) ?
If yes, do they include functional improvements (like Steve's wishlist), or rather pure bug removal ?
Steve, regarding the lens, did you try:
Menu, Tools
_ Lens retract "0 sec."
_ Power Saving "Auto Power Down Off"
This is the way I'm using it, and it makes one's life easier...

Canon has a reputation of not updating firmware to add functional improvements.

dexdex wrote in post #3316666
Hi All,
as I'm new to the world of digital cameras, and to the practices of the major camera makers: is firmware upgrade part of common business practices by Canon, Nikon, etc... , as it is in other sectors (IT related, telephony, automotive, etc...) ?
If yes, do they include functional improvements (like Steve's wishlist), or rather pure bug removal ?
Steve, regarding the lens, did you try:
Menu, Tools
_ Lens retract "0 sec."
_ Power Saving "Auto Power Down Off"
This is the way I'm using it, and it makes one's life easier...

I have lens retract set to 0, but it still retracts when I push the play button. I want the auto power down on - that shouldn't have anything to do with retracting the lens when I look at images. Are you saying that when you have yours set this way, the lens does not retract when you push play? If so I'm confused as to why that would be.

For the Play button, you're right, I didn't find any way to leave the lens out, and I fully back your wish list.

dexdex wrote in post #3322841
For the Play button, you're right, I didn't find any way to leave the lens out, and I fully back your wish list.

Well someone has finally provided the solution for this one. If you go into the menu and choose Lens Retract, there are two possible settings, 0 or 1. I never want the lens to retract, so I had chosen 0. But these settings are describing how much time is to elapse before the lens retracts, so a setting of 0 means immediately. I had mistakenly thought that 0 meant never. I changed mine to 1 and although the lens will retract after 1 minute, I have plenty of time to chimp an image and go on to the next shot. I read the entire manual when I got the camera - this one got past me somehow.

Works fine for me too. Thanks. Dex

RichardNYC wrote in post #3316886
Canon has a reputation of not updating firmware to add functional improvements.

As Richard says, you can hope, but don't hold your breath. I don't recall Canon ever adding features to a camera via a firmware update. The most they've ever done is add support for new accessories (such as the 20D, which got support code for the WFT-E1 network adapter). Many cameras never get a firmware update, and those that do almost always just get bug fixes.

David

All I want is a new setting for the shortcut button labled "Great Photographer"

When pressed this function will do the following:

1) Automatically alter the composition so that all elements are in the optimal position.
2) Open the lens up via the "secret stop" function to the magical f2.0
3) Open the hidden hatch on the right side of the camera where the true grip has been stored all this time.
4) Activate the remaining surface area of the sensor, revealing that it is really the same one used in the 5D
5) Activate "Boring Photo Alert" which will flash whenever a scene doesn't match one of 500,000 famous photographs.

Then again, from what I've read all these things could be accomplished with the simple addition of RAW...

sharky wrote in post #3354697
All I want is a new setting for the shortcut button labled "Great Photographer"

When pressed this function will do the following:

1) Automatically alter the composition so that all elements are in the optimal position.
2) Open the lens up via the "secret stop" function to the magical f2.0
3) Open the hidden hatch on the right side of the camera where the true grip has been stored all this time.
4) Activate the remaining surface area of the sensor, revealing that it is really the same one used in the 5D
5) Activate "Boring Photo Alert" which will flash whenever a scene doesn't match one of 500,000 famous photographs.

Hmmmm... Not using the shortcut button here, but if you can get Canon to put that stuff on there, I might be persuaded to give it a whirl.

Who needs RAW when you can just take a great shot with your Polaroid?

benttop wrote in post #3355943
Hmmmm... Not using the shortcut button here, but if you can get Canon to put that stuff on there, I might be persuaded to give it a whirl.

Who needs RAW when you can just take a great shot with your Polaroid?

Very true - I've seen some fantastic shots taken with a Polaroid. On a similar note I recently saw some wonderfully moody work done with a plastic Holga camera!