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Will new sony alpha 700 come with old firmware version v.3?

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pgsmanian

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Hi,
I bought new sony alpha 700 from online site on 02-June-2009.
When I checked with camera latest Firmware version is V.3.
But sony released Firmware version V.4 last year Sep-2008.
Will they still manufacture with old firmware only even after 8
months?.

Also from my Sony box and camera I couldn't able to find manufacture or packed date.Also box does not seems to have any seal to conform not opened already.But box is totally in good condition and there is no sign of tamper.Please help me.

How can i find mine manufactured in recent months or from old stocks?.

Thanks in advance.
 
A short answer to your question would be, yes, new cameras may come with v.3 firmware. Also, it is more common these days to receive a new camera without the Sony seal.

Here is a link to these same concerns when I received my A700 from Adorama about a month ago with v.1 firmware. After a little trouble downloading v.4 firmware (Corkcampbell helped me a lot here), I have had no trouble. A great camera.

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1037&message=31731227
--
Cindy Young
 
pgsmanian said:
Hi,
I bought new sony alpha 700 from online site on 02-June-2009.
When I checked with camera latest Firmware version is V.3.
But sony released Firmware version V.4 last year Sep-2008.
Will they still manufacture with old firmware only even after 8
months?.
Click to expand...
pgsmanian said:
How can i find mine manufactured in recent months or from old stocks?.
Click to expand...
1. Did you buy it from a reputable source ?
(the camera could have been just sitting on the shelf )
did you pay regular price or was it heavily discounted ?

2. Contact Sony. They can give you the manufacturing date from the serial number . You need it to fill out your warranty card anyway (you DID get a warranty card with it ? )

3. Check how many times the shutter has been activated.
That will tell you if you bought a new one or if was previously used
 
Jean Stumberger said:
1. Did you buy it from a reputable source ?
(the camera could have been just sitting on the shelf )
did you pay regular price or was it heavily discounted ?

2. Contact Sony. They can give you the manufacturing date from the
serial number . You need it to fill out your warranty card anyway
(you DID get a warranty card with it ? )

3. Check how many times the shutter has been activated.
That will tell you if you bought a new one or if was previously used--
Click to expand...
Hi,

I Bought it from Amazon(Direct). Without any discount, paid actual prize as listed in Sony site.

How can I how many times shutter has been activated? can any one please expalin me?.

Thanks,
Manian
 
Oh hi,

My A700 is two weeks old and I bought it new. Came with v1 firmware and now seal on the box. I found the bos very stiff so it seemed to be new. I bought it from a Sony Style Store.

-Glen
--
Sony A700, SAL11-18, CZ16-80. 18-250, Beercan, F1.7 50mm, 70300G, and a Mac
 
pgsmanian said:
Hi,
I bought new sony alpha 700 from online site on 02-June-2009.
When I checked with camera latest Firmware version is V.3.
But sony released Firmware version V.4 last year Sep-2008.
Will they still manufacture with old firmware only even after 8
months?.

Also from my Sony box and camera I couldn't able to find manufacture
or packed date.Also box does not seems to have any seal to conform
not opened already.But box is totally in good condition and there is
no sign of tamper.Please help me.

How can i find mine manufactured in recent months or from old stocks?.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Don't worry... I am not sure if I have seen any with V4 FW out of the box V1 is not unheard of. There are no diffrences in the A700 except FW over the manufacturing period which may have ended months ago if there is an update coming in the fall.
Update and enjoy.. they don't go stale on the shelf :)
---------
Ken - A700 Owner..
Some of my work at:
http://gallery.cascadephotoworks.com
 
About a month ago while talking with a Sony rep he noted that he has found seen or heard of "new" cameras that come with the original version of the firmware. He said that once the camera is manufactured and boxed there is no policy of going back in and updating the firmware (which would be quite time consuming). Cameras are distributed from warehouses. There's also no way to know how long a camera was sitting on a dealer's shelves (for example, say it has an original A700, and when it gets in a new shipment with the older one getting shoved to the back of the shelf and the newer ones put in front).

There is nothing sinister about a new camera coming with an older version of the firmware. It may even be that Sony did not actually manufacture an A700 camera with the v.4 firmware, but that it came out after Sony ended the A700's production run (and that all A700's still being sold are from existing stock with firmware v.1-3, depending on its date of manufacture). Has anyone actually purchased a new A700 that had v.4 firmware?

--
Mark Van Bergh
 
Mark VB said:
About a month ago while talking with a Sony rep he noted that he has
found seen or heard of "new" cameras that come with the original
version of the firmware. He said that once the camera is
manufactured and boxed there is no policy of going back in and
updating the firmware (which would be quite time consuming). Cameras
are distributed from warehouses. There's also no way to know how
long a camera was sitting on a dealer's shelves (for example, say it
has an original A700, and when it gets in a new shipment with the
older one getting shoved to the back of the shelf and the newer ones
put in front).

There is nothing sinister about a new camera coming with an older
version of the firmware. It may even be that Sony did not actually
manufacture an A700 camera with the v.4 firmware, but that it came
out after Sony ended the A700's production run (and that all A700's
still being sold are from existing stock with firmware v.1-3,
depending on its date of manufacture). Has anyone actually purchased
a new A700 that had v.4 firmware?

--
Mark Van Bergh
Click to expand...
Indeed. Also note that Sony has never sealed the A700 or A900 boxes (for whatever reason). The best indicator of use is the inner packaging. If things looked new (no finger prints on the screen, etc), then you are just fine.

--
My ever-growing flickr gallery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsbphotography
 
--
i bought mine from sonystyle 3 weeks ago, new in box. it had v1 firmware on it.

does anyone know how to check how many times the shutter has been used?
 
ARGH69 said:
--
i bought mine from sonystyle 3 weeks ago, new in box. it had v1
firmware on it.

does anyone know how to check how many times the shutter has been used?
Click to expand...
There is no way to check shutter counts, but if you bought it new from Sony, I can tell you it is less than 10 (since each camera is tested before leaving).

Now, you can keep track of how many YOU take, simply by using the file names..
--
My ever-growing flickr gallery:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsbphotography
 
Mark VB said:
About a month ago while talking with a Sony rep he noted that he has
found seen or heard of "new" cameras that come with the original
version of the firmware. He said that once the camera is
manufactured and boxed there is no policy of going back in and
updating the firmware (which would be quite time consuming). Cameras
are distributed from warehouses. There's also no way to know how
long a camera was sitting on a dealer's shelves (for example, say it
has an original A700, and when it gets in a new shipment with the
older one getting shoved to the back of the shelf and the newer ones
put in front).

There is nothing sinister about a new camera coming with an older
version of the firmware. It may even be that Sony did not actually
manufacture an A700 camera with the v.4 firmware, but that it came
out after Sony ended the A700's production run (and that all A700's
still being sold are from existing stock with firmware v.1-3,
depending on its date of manufacture). Has anyone actually purchased
a new A700 that had v.4 firmware?

--
Mark Van Bergh
Click to expand...
--

As I am working in ERP supply chain management for me Amazon like company do LIFO logic error in FIFO logic it is not acceptable and Amazon or any company never do like this if they really having warehouse management.

Normally When items comes in to inventory for tracking purpose it will go to location segments(x,y,z,axis position in particular inventory) and it will be stored in system with serial number to pin point it. Amazon like store always store with batch or serial number. Like $1000 item surely they have to maintain serial number(like those numbers appears as barcode in box) . This one is the tracking purpose,when we order or if it is once confirmed then automatically or user can assign this serial number(s) to shipment. Warehouse can't leave old items in stock as it will always come first in top management monthly or weekly report, unless no reason if it stayed in stock it is pain for warehouse people. This should only happen if ware house people did error in entering in to system and added late.

Also i noticed one more thing from the software sony provided for picture motion browser is also old. It has new version in march 09. When i checked with updates it show this. If Firmware update was not done atleast we can accept it as some error or constraint in manufacturing,Like CD's are also in old days without last update which is almost 3 month back means something wrong.

Thanks,
PGS.Manian
 
Relax and stop worrying! My a700 was bought new a year ago and had no seal on the box and firmware V 1.0. I have since upgraded to V4 without a problem. When I bought my Sony SAL-70-300G lens and 42 flash, they also did not have a seal on the box. Don't ask me why Sony doesn't put seals on anymore though.
--Phil
 
Madcat207 said:
There is no way to check shutter counts...
Click to expand...
Oh really ?
I was under the impression that this info. is available from every DSLR

I don't have a Sony, but here is how it's done for the Olympus E-3 :

1. turn on power
2. open the CF door
3. press "menu" and "OK" similtaneously
4. go down the menu to :
  • WB
  • ISO
  • Metering Icon
  • AF
5. press the shutter release
6. press menu nav button AF again

page 1 shows : a. lens code
b. flash code

page 2 shows :

R= number of SHUTTER ACTUATIONS
S= number of times the flash was activated
C= number of times the mirror has been locked up ( cleaning mode)
U= number of times the camera has been turned on
V= counts 2 operations :
a. how many times the mirror has been locked up in live view
b. number of times the AEL button has been used to auto focus while
in live view

page 3 shows : CS = Camera serial number

You may want to check with someone regarding the Sony
 
This is good information,Jean. But in the Sony the only way to tell the true activations is by picture count. And then that isn't reliable if a total reset is done. And the count has to be done in serial, otherwise it would restart every time you start a new card. Thanks for the info.
--
Glenn

I'm kinda partial to video, but I'm hangin!
 
pgsmanian said:
Mark VB said:
About a month ago while talking with a Sony rep he noted that he has
found seen or heard of "new" cameras that come with the original
version of the firmware. He said that once the camera is
manufactured and boxed there is no policy of going back in and
updating the firmware (which would be quite time consuming). Cameras
are distributed from warehouses. There's also no way to know how
long a camera was sitting on a dealer's shelves (for example, say it
has an original A700, and when it gets in a new shipment with the
older one getting shoved to the back of the shelf and the newer ones
put in front).

There is nothing sinister about a new camera coming with an older
version of the firmware. It may even be that Sony did not actually
manufacture an A700 camera with the v.4 firmware, but that it came
out after Sony ended the A700's production run (and that all A700's
still being sold are from existing stock with firmware v.1-3,
depending on its date of manufacture). Has anyone actually purchased
a new A700 that had v.4 firmware?

--
Mark Van Bergh
Click to expand...
--
As I am working in ERP supply chain management for me Amazon like
company do LIFO logic error in FIFO logic it is not acceptable and
Amazon or any company never do like this if they really having
warehouse management.

Normally When items comes in to inventory for tracking purpose it
will go to location segments(x,y,z,axis position in particular
inventory) and it will be stored in system with serial number to pin
point it. Amazon like store always store with batch or serial number.
Like $1000 item surely they have to maintain serial number(like those
numbers appears as barcode in box) . This one is the tracking
purpose,when we order or if it is once confirmed then automatically
or user can assign this serial number(s) to shipment. Warehouse can't
leave old items in stock as it will always come first in top
management monthly or weekly report, unless no reason if it stayed in
stock it is pain for warehouse people. This should only happen if
ware house people did error in entering in to system and added late.

Also i noticed one more thing from the software sony provided for
picture motion browser is also old. It has new version in march 09.
When i checked with updates it show this. If Firmware update was not
done atleast we can accept it as some error or constraint in
manufacturing,Like CD's are also in old days without last update
which is almost 3 month back means something wrong.

Thanks,
PGS.Manian
Click to expand...
Sorry,

but this is not correct. The cameras are made over a limited time. They are boxed and that is it. The CDs are not changed out the bodies are not updated. That is why there are free updates on the internet.

Also realized that supply is not a one way street. Sony ships to dealer. Dealer ships from main warehouse to retail or distoburion centers. At some point some dealers may return stock that is not moving. Ritz has before big Sony announcements recalled lenses so they can cover demand on the Web etc.

Stock that has not been opened is new and may end up back in a warehouse. Also Sony may stock one ware house fully for a period and unless they need to cover shortages elsewhere that warehouse may work from the stock.

Since the camera has not changed in an physical way we have seen over its 2 years and the Software updates are easy to get. There is nothing wrong with the camera you have.. you are over thinking this.
---------
Ken - A700 Owner..
Some of my work at:
http://gallery.cascadephotoworks.com
 
Ken_5D said:
pgsmanian said:
Mark VB said:
About a month ago while talking with a Sony rep he noted that he has
found seen or heard of "new" cameras that come with the original
version of the firmware. He said that once the camera is
manufactured and boxed there is no policy of going back in and
updating the firmware (which would be quite time consuming). Cameras
are distributed from warehouses. There's also no way to know how
long a camera was sitting on a dealer's shelves (for example, say it
has an original A700, and when it gets in a new shipment with the
older one getting shoved to the back of the shelf and the newer ones
put in front).

There is nothing sinister about a new camera coming with an older
version of the firmware. It may even be that Sony did not actually
manufacture an A700 camera with the v.4 firmware, but that it came
out after Sony ended the A700's production run (and that all A700's
still being sold are from existing stock with firmware v.1-3,
depending on its date of manufacture). Has anyone actually purchased
a new A700 that had v.4 firmware?

--
Mark Van Bergh
Click to expand...
--
As I am working in ERP supply chain management for me Amazon like
company do LIFO logic error in FIFO logic it is not acceptable and
Amazon or any company never do like this if they really having
warehouse management.

Normally When items comes in to inventory for tracking purpose it
will go to location segments(x,y,z,axis position in particular
inventory) and it will be stored in system with serial number to pin
point it. Amazon like store always store with batch or serial number.
Like $1000 item surely they have to maintain serial number(like those
numbers appears as barcode in box) . This one is the tracking
purpose,when we order or if it is once confirmed then automatically
or user can assign this serial number(s) to shipment. Warehouse can't
leave old items in stock as it will always come first in top
management monthly or weekly report, unless no reason if it stayed in
stock it is pain for warehouse people. This should only happen if
ware house people did error in entering in to system and added late.

Also i noticed one more thing from the software sony provided for
picture motion browser is also old. It has new version in march 09.
When i checked with updates it show this. If Firmware update was not
done atleast we can accept it as some error or constraint in
manufacturing,Like CD's are also in old days without last update
which is almost 3 month back means something wrong.

Thanks,
PGS.Manian
Click to expand...
Sorry,
but this is not correct. The cameras are made over a limited time.
They are boxed and that is it. The CDs are not changed out the
bodies are not updated. That is why there are free updates on the
internet.

Also realized that supply is not a one way street. Sony ships to
dealer. Dealer ships from main warehouse to retail or distoburion
centers. At some point some dealers may return stock that is not
moving. Ritz has before big Sony announcements recalled lenses so
they can cover demand on the Web etc.
Stock that has not been opened is new and may end up back in a
warehouse. Also Sony may stock one ware house fully for a period and
unless they need to cover shortages elsewhere that warehouse may work
from the stock.

Since the camera has not changed in an physical way we have seen over
its 2 years and the Software updates are easy to get. There is
nothing wrong with the camera you have.. you are over thinking this.
Click to expand...
It's not just what Ken suggests, but don't forget smaller retail stores that simply put the stuff on their shelves. The rep I talked to (see my original comments above) mostly works with smaller retailers - he does not generally work with the big retail chains in his area (at least to my knowledge). It is not unusual for a smaller retail operation to have older stock on a shelf, either because it hasn't sold or because it got shoved to the back when new inventory arrived.

Very large retailers, like Amazon, may have detailed tracking of warehoused product and use a FIFO system (first in, first out), which minimizes or eliminates old stock being kept around. But smaller retail operations likely don't work that way.

Bottom line, I would not worry about the firmware that is in a new camera when someone gets it, provided the new owners does the upgrade to v.4. After-all, it's not like the Canon 1D Mk III that has gone through several mechanical and firmware efforts to fix that camera's AF problems (which apparently remain unfixed according to Rob Galbraith). Thankfully, Sony has not had that type of problem with any of its cameras (or black dots, or banding issues).

--
Mark Van Bergh
 
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