Reading mode: Light Dark

DX6490 Firmware Wishlist

Go to last post
Val,,,I know that this has been beaten to death,,,but,,,,,,,

Is there any plans on a firmware update in the future for this (dx6490) DC...

I've been to some forums and they still go on about the compression level,,,I know a lot of people want everything including the kitchen sink,,,but that's a little unreasonable considering the cam works as advertised and does a heck of a job for the price....

It just seems to me a lot of people really think it would help there photos and the DC's performance in certain areas...

No i'm not complaining about my cam,,,i happen to love it,,,,can't wait to see what Kodak does to out-do this one,,,,it would just be nice to put that topic to rest,,,,if they get a variable compression firmware update,,,,then they have nothing to justifiably complain about,,,the rest of the "issues" people have are a wish list,,,,whick if Kodak makes in a new DC,,,they can go out and buy...

I know i'll take flak on this,,,but wouldn't it be to Kodaks best interest to address this issue,,,,might be to there advantage,,,,shows they're listening and willing to keep their customers happy or at least show them that the compression is not a problem if the update makes little or no difference....

I've just had one of my macro photos enlarged to 8x10,,,,it turned out really nice,,,i'm also sure i could have went larger but i'm going to put a "photo of the month" frame in my back porch and show the best photo i take each month that way,,,,gives me something to work on...

Certainly appreciate all the insite/answers,, you give us here,,,thanks for posting the wide angle pics so we can see how much more we can get with the new accessories we'll buy...

Brian Hare
 
I've been experimenting with this camera for a week now and some of its shortcomings (which presently have me teetering on returning it to point of purchase) would be addressed if your Firmware wishlist became reality.

1. Disable AF. A manual focus option would be greatly appreciated for those times when the AF fails to accurately lock which, unfortunately, occurs more often than I would like/expect. This "seems" to be a common problem attributable to many long lens cameras such as this one. Unfortunately for Kodak users, manual focus is the competitors option only.

I'm not an engineer of any sort so I can't say how easy or difficult it would be to achieve this through firmware (my understanding is that more specific functionality is required beyond simply enabling the option) and I highly doubt that it will happen. That being said, I will nevertheless second that wish! :-)

3. RAW support I do not see happening although I too would like to see at least 2 compression options (preferably 3) similar to my department's old 2 or 3 year old Kodak 2MP, 2X optical P&S camera (model number escapes me at the moment). With storage media being so much more affordable now, I'd gladly accept fewer pictures at a higher quality than to have more with less. As I mentioned in a different post, choice is a nice thing to have.

I would add a 4th wish although its level of importance is definitely minute. A faster refresh rate for the LCD and EVF would be a nice touch. It is already, IMHO, one of the most functional, efficient and highest quality LCD/EVF implimentations I've seen. An increased refresh would make a very good thing even greater!

Patrick
David J Russell said:
Just got this camera, love it! But here is my wishlist for the next
firmware release.

1) Include function to disable AF
2) On Menu's, allow you to go up (wrap- so you don't have to go all
the way down on the menu, to get to the last item).
3) Include an option to relax compression method used, or include
RAW support.

Thats about it.
Click to expand...
 
brianhare said:
Val,,,I know that this has been beaten to death,,,but,,,,,,,

Is there any plans on a firmware update in the future for this
(dx6490) DC...

I've been to some forums and they still go on about the compression
level,,,I know a lot of people want everything including the
kitchen sink,,,but that's a little unreasonable considering the cam
works as advertised and does a heck of a job for the price....

It just seems to me a lot of people really think it would help
there photos and the DC's performance in certain areas...

No i'm not complaining about my cam,,,i happen to love it,,,,can't
wait to see what Kodak does to out-do this one,,,,it would just be
nice to put that topic to rest,,,,if they get a variable
compression firmware update,,,,then they have nothing to
justifiably complain about,,,the rest of the "issues" people have
are a wish list,,,,whick if Kodak makes in a new DC,,,they can go
out and buy...

I know i'll take flak on this,,,but wouldn't it be to Kodaks best
interest to address this issue,,,,might be to there
advantage,,,,shows they're listening and willing to keep their
customers happy or at least show them that the compression is not a
problem if the update makes little or no difference....

I've just had one of my macro photos enlarged to 8x10,,,,it turned
out really nice,,,i'm also sure i could have went larger but i'm
going to put a "photo of the month" frame in my back porch and show
the best photo i take each month that way,,,,gives me something to
work on...

Certainly appreciate all the insite/answers,, you give us
here,,,thanks for posting the wide angle pics so we can see how
much more we can get with the new accessories we'll buy...

Brian Hare
Click to expand...
Hi Brian, I would say that as Kodak finally gave into pressure from outside Kodak (as well as in I would imagine) with this being added to the most recent DX camera the DX7630 I would think it highly likely now that the forthcoming DX7590 (according to an Amazon holding page at least) will feature this additional option. No one knows when though of course, accept Kodak but I doubt the'll tell us when this will be officially announced.

best regards

D
 
I guess people in Kodak do not read French-speaking forums, but I can tell them that there too, people blame the DX6490 for lack of manual focusing and too high compression. I'm sure a firmware would increase sales !!! So please... give us a glimpse of hope.
 
Hi all,

I am really very happy with the DX6490 and made about 5500 pictures with it since oktober, but only one thing stiil annoyes me: the compression level! Many people and reviewers have said this already....

I really think Kodak should release a firmware update for it to keep al there customers happy, strange they didn't do that already......:-(

In my opinion it is not so difficult for Kodak to put some options for the compression level in the Firmware......so come on Kodak....DO IT please!

Eric
brianhare said:
Val,,,I know that this has been beaten to death,,,but,,,,,,,

Is there any plans on a firmware update in the future for this
(dx6490) DC...

I've been to some forums and they still go on about the compression
level,,,I know a lot of people want everything including the
kitchen sink,,,but that's a little unreasonable considering the cam
works as advertised and does a heck of a job for the price....

It just seems to me a lot of people really think it would help
there photos and the DC's performance in certain areas...

No i'm not complaining about my cam,,,i happen to love it,,,,can't
wait to see what Kodak does to out-do this one,,,,it would just be
nice to put that topic to rest,,,,if they get a variable
compression firmware update,,,,then they have nothing to
justifiably complain about,,,the rest of the "issues" people have
are a wish list,,,,whick if Kodak makes in a new DC,,,they can go
out and buy...

I know i'll take flak on this,,,but wouldn't it be to Kodaks best
interest to address this issue,,,,might be to there
advantage,,,,shows they're listening and willing to keep their
customers happy or at least show them that the compression is not a
problem if the update makes little or no difference....

I've just had one of my macro photos enlarged to 8x10,,,,it turned
out really nice,,,i'm also sure i could have went larger but i'm
going to put a "photo of the month" frame in my back porch and show
the best photo i take each month that way,,,,gives me something to
work on...

Certainly appreciate all the insite/answers,, you give us
here,,,thanks for posting the wide angle pics so we can see how
much more we can get with the new accessories we'll buy...

Brian Hare
Click to expand...
 
Eric_L said:
Hi all,

I am really very happy with the DX6490 and made about 5500 pictures
with it since oktober, but only one thing stiil annoyes me: the
compression level! Many people and reviewers have said this
already....
I really think Kodak should release a firmware update for it to
keep al there customers happy, strange they didn't do that
already......:-(
In my opinion it is not so difficult for Kodak to put some options
for the compression level in the Firmware......so come on
Kodak....DO IT please!

Eric
Click to expand...
Eric,,,,I really hope they do,,,,I would really like to see what difference it would make,,,,

I've been told that most people feel they'll put this in a new cam,,,like the DX7590,,,But what about the 1000's of DX6490 cams already out there,,,,i can't really afford to upgrade every time they release something new,,,was kind of hoping i would keep this one a few years anyway,,,,,

Would it not improve sales for Kodak,,,releasing a firmware update,,,,Are they not going to keep making this DC after the newer model comes out,,,

I'm not trying to dig at this forever but I've talked and read a lot recently on this issue at forums and with fellow photographers and this is the first thing they say when i tell them i have a DX6490,,,"I hear that the compression is to high and not adjustable"....they also say the same about the Fuji's too though...

It's just my opinion,,,,but I think Kodak should address this issue,,,bringing it into new camera sales shows they know it's an issue for a lot of people,,,,I'm sure a person buying the new 7590 or 7630 will appreciate the fact we all got together and Kodak heard us,and made the new DC's with a fine compression setting,,,,,BUT,,,,,,what about the large amount of current owners that need this addition too....

I guess my point is if it was found necessary to put this "fine" setting in the new cameras then why not let us see what it'll do for us,,,,without having to sell our new DC's at a loss then repurchase,,,

I sincerly hope that Kodak does this for anybody that finds this an issue..

Brian
 
brianhare said:
I agree completely. Adjustable compression would be a great asset for the 6490. Kodak would go a long way toward showing that they are serious about meeting the needs of the more advanced amateur. It sure would make me more likely to buy another Kodak when I am ready for another DC.
Click to expand...
Maybe they will hear our pleas and make this happen!

Fred
brianhare said:
Eric,,,,I really hope they do,,,,I would really like to see what
difference it would make,,,,

I've been told that most people feel they'll put this in a new
cam,,,like the DX7590,,,But what about the 1000's of DX6490 cams
already out there,,,,i can't really afford to upgrade every time
they release something new,,,was kind of hoping i would keep this
one a few years anyway,,,,,

Would it not improve sales for Kodak,,,releasing a firmware
update,,,,Are they not going to keep making this DC after the newer
model comes out,,,

I'm not trying to dig at this forever but I've talked and read a
lot recently on this issue at forums and with fellow photographers
and this is the first thing they say when i tell them i have a
DX6490,,,"I hear that the compression is to high and not
adjustable"....they also say the same about the Fuji's too though...

It's just my opinion,,,,but I think Kodak should address this
issue,,,bringing it into new camera sales shows they know it's an
issue for a lot of people,,,,I'm sure a person buying the new 7590
or 7630 will appreciate the fact we all got together and Kodak
heard us,and made the new DC's with a fine compression
setting,,,,,BUT,,,,,,what about the large amount of current owners
that need this addition too....

I guess my point is if it was found necessary to put this "fine"
setting in the new cameras then why not let us see what it'll do
for us,,,,without having to sell our new DC's at a loss then
repurchase,,,

I sincerly hope that Kodak does this for anybody that finds this an
issue..

Brian
Click to expand...
 
A really usable manual focus (with a focus ring) would add considerably to the cost of the camera. The only way to retrofit manual focus on the DX6490 would be through firmware, and using the front control wheel which is already a little confusing in full manual mode (I keep finding myself changing the wrong setting--one more setting for that same wheel may be too much for my feeble brain to manage).

Raw is not all that useful. But I wish Kodak would listen and update the firmware to add an option of less aggressive compression. Not that I need it most of the time, but there are those few shots where it would make a difference. Of course there are also costs involved, and they are not trivial--coding, testing for image quality and reliability, and additional or updated documentation, no to mention the problem of supporting users cameras already in the pipeline, additional tech support costs for people who mess up their firmware update, etc. But what is the value of customer goodwill in a competitive market? I think that there will be a lot of p....d off DX6490 owners if the only answer they get is "buy the new model" when the previous one is not even a year old. I also think that even if only a fraction of the DX6490 owners do bother to download and install an update, those are the ones that count in shaping opinions.
 
Here is my wishlist:

1) User selectable compression. If it requires a major software effort, it may be easier to launch a LOW-COMPRESSION FIRMWARE VERSION. I'd go for it. And it would be tomorrow on Kodak's web, if they want.

2) In PASM mode you may change the f/stop, the shutter speed and the exposure compensation with the index finger. I would also like to change with the jog-dial:
  • the ISO sensitivity
  • The focusing area for the automatic focusing: left, center, right, manual.
  • The focusing distance for the manual focusing.
3) I would like to select the seconds for quickview (post-view of the image).

3) I would like to see the 35mm equiv. of the focal length I'm using (good to know the shutter speed to use).

4) Shutter times larger than 16 seconds should be nice.

5) Menu wrap.

I bought it last week and I love this little machine.
Regards - Pablo Mañá - Spain
 
claudeo said:
A really usable manual focus (with a focus ring) would add
considerably to the cost of the camera. The only way to retrofit
manual focus on the DX6490 would be through firmware, and using the
front control wheel which is already a little confusing in full
manual mode (I keep finding myself changing the wrong setting--one
more setting for that same wheel may be too much for my feeble
brain to manage).

Raw is not all that useful. But I wish Kodak would listen and
update the firmware to add an option of less aggressive
compression. Not that I need it most of the time, but there are
those few shots where it would make a difference. Of course there
are also costs involved, and they are not trivial--coding, testing
for image quality and reliability, and additional or updated
documentation, no to mention the problem of supporting users
cameras already in the pipeline, additional tech support costs for
people who mess up their firmware update, etc. But what is the
value of customer goodwill in a competitive market? I think that
there will be a lot of p....d off DX6490 owners if the only answer
they get is "buy the new model" when the previous one is not even a
year old. I also think that even if only a fraction of the DX6490
owners do bother to download and install an update, those are the
ones that count in shaping opinions.
Click to expand...
claudeo,,,,,

They could use the wide/tele button for the focus "ring" if they wanted,,,you'd have to zoom first,,,then option the manual focus..

I really could care less for RAW,,,just a selectable compression ratio...

As for manual focus,,,,,,,I really don't need it,,,,if i did i would buy somewhere else with this already on the cam....

The people I hear from just want the compression issue looked at,,,,that's all...

Just for anyones info,,,, Toshiba just released the PDR-M700,,,,It's a 10X ZOOM,,,only 3.2 megs though,,,,but they included the adapter ring for lenses and filters with it....

They also made a firmware update to add among other things "from what i was told by a friend who just updated the firmware" manual focus,,,,

It's do-able "the compression issue"....

Brian
 
Is it really useful to keep on wondering about firmware ? Do we have any clue that this is something that may happen ?

The lack of manual focusing is more and more frustrating to me, above all when my kodak is unable to focus...

I like the device but I am not sure to keep it very long except in case Kodak works on that point. Moreover, I now also wonder if I will really put money in a lens adapter and a WA lens if this problem is not fixed.

It's now been six months since you started to discuss firmware whishlist but nobody told you that such a firmware may be released (thanks you artisto for transmitting but... this is only "transmission" : do they take into account ?)...
 
Thanks for the additional input....we are listening. There has been discussion on a FW update, but nothing definite at this time. Sorry I can't be the bearer of good news on this one.

Val
 
artisto said:
Thanks for the additional input....we are listening. There has
been discussion on a FW update, but nothing definite at this time.
Sorry I can't be the bearer of good news on this one.

Val
Click to expand...
Tell them the Old Europe would then be greatful to the Young and Inventive United States, for once ;-) ;-) ;-)
 
artisto said:
Thanks for the additional input....we are listening. There has
been discussion on a FW update, but nothing definite at this time.
Sorry I can't be the bearer of good news on this one.

Val
Click to expand...
Thanks Val,,,it's very nice to see they are considering it,,,tell whoever you may that appreciate their work on this issue,,,and also the DX6490's excellewnt ease of use,,,this is an excellent DC.....it will only improve with a "decompression" release...

Again,,,thank you for going to bat for us,,,,it's nice to see that Kodak is at least considering this for us,,,,,

Brian
 
Unfortunately, Kodak Digital tech support seems to think otherwise. I received a response from them today (April 20) on this subject;

"Thank you for your recent visit to the KODAK Web site and question
about KODAK EASYSHARE DX6490 Zoom Digital Camera.

There are no plans to change the camera firmware to offer other
compression levels."
brianhare said:
artisto said:
Thanks for the additional input....we are listening. There has
been discussion on a FW update, but nothing definite at this time.
Sorry I can't be the bearer of good news on this one.

Val
Click to expand...
Thanks Val,,,it's very nice to see they are considering it,,,tell
whoever you may that appreciate their work on this issue,,,and also
the DX6490's excellewnt ease of use,,,this is an excellent
DC.....it will only improve with a "decompression" release...

Again,,,thank you for going to bat for us,,,,it's nice to see that
Kodak is at least considering this for us,,,,,

Brian
Click to expand...
 
Answer from Kodak in France :

"there are no plan, for the moment, for the release of a firmware"...
 
Maybe we should consider an online international petition... I am not sure that releasing a firmware is so difficult... What Kodak lacks might just be motivation. That we could give it with an online petition focusing the problems about the DX6490...
 
Yes that is the correct response from our technical support centers. I only instruct them to change that stance once we have 100% confirmation of a change.

val
photo_paddy said:
"Thank you for your recent visit to the KODAK Web site and question
about KODAK EASYSHARE DX6490 Zoom Digital Camera.

There are no plans to change the camera firmware to offer other
compression levels."
brianhare said:
artisto said:
Thanks for the additional input....we are listening. There has
been discussion on a FW update, but nothing definite at this time.
Sorry I can't be the bearer of good news on this one.

Val
Click to expand...
Thanks Val,,,it's very nice to see they are considering it,,,tell
whoever you may that appreciate their work on this issue,,,and also
the DX6490's excellewnt ease of use,,,this is an excellent
DC.....it will only improve with a "decompression" release...

Again,,,thank you for going to bat for us,,,,it's nice to see that
Kodak is at least considering this for us,,,,,

Brian
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Penduick said:
Maybe we should consider an online international petition... I am
not sure that releasing a firmware is so difficult... What Kodak
lacks might just be motivation. That we could give it with an
online petition focusing the problems about the DX6490...
Click to expand...
Or maybe we should sit back and be patient,,,getting all up in arms about this is no way to deal with it...

If Kodak is going to be nice enough to consider a firmware update then we should sit and wait,,,,,maybe Val cannot get this for us,,,I purchased this cam in DEC,,,I did not know about the compression issue then but noticed a little something in a few pics...

I still stand and say I really do mind if they do nothing,,,,,but IF they do update this DC i'll be very happy to see Kodak listening and acting on this issue.....

If not then anybody with a major problem with the artifacts can go buy something better suited to them

I remain waiting,,,,,,to see if they'll help us on the compression issue,,,and i will not do any petition,,,,or be part of one,,,,just wait like we have for the wide angle lense,,,,

In the meantime i'll take some nice pics,,,enjoy my DC and discard all the bad pics as i've done in my SLR day's....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top