X2D - Firmware update priorities

[Andy Miller Photo UK]

My current list of "requests" with Customer Support at Hasselblad is shown below -- it has been forwarded to their R&D team.

I am holding an open but short list of firmware improvements on https://andymillerphoto.co.uk/blog/f/the-upcoming-hasselblad-x2d-medium-format-camera-is-confirmed https://andymillerphoto.co.uk/blog/f/the-upcoming-hasselblad-x2d-medium-format-camera-is-confirmed that I need urgently and a growing list of feature improvements that I and others would like to see if Hasselblad can deliver them with the technology in the new body.

Most urgent (as in NOW please) in order:

• we need the promised update to Phocus Mobile that allows the X2D to be controlled/triggered remotely
• we need the promised firmware update to the X2D that allows Live view to be seen in Phocus 3.7 AND for the automated functions in the capture sequencer to work with the X2D

Other features requested - in no order AND subject to what is possible with this new body:

• we need the ability to pull or jam GPS data from a smart device or accessory into the X2D so location data can be written into the exif data
• in body auto and manual focus stacking/ sequencing/ bracketing -- like the X1D-ii
• provide the option for additional VERY SMALL & pin point af/mf points (the new focus aid seems to use a far too large focus point group - the size of this group should be selectable) - like the X1D-ii BUT the 2 options requested would be for much smaller focusing "groups"
• provide the option to choose between focus peaking (really useful for landscape and product shooters) and the MF focus assist tool -- I am yet to test the new tool with a new XCD V lens - it works OK but is really only reporting on the focus around a single GROUP of points. Product and landscape shooter need traditional focus peaking -- like we had in the X1D-ii
• ability to save Compressed Lossless RAW and other types of compressed files
• ability to use a trigger connected via bluetooth (so not just a smart device)
• ability to select various aspect/crop ratios and image sizes -- we had a fairly full list on the X1D-ii -- please give us at least the same options for the X2D
• ability to record, save and apply custom white balance
• far better custom mode solution than the custom profiles -- minimum would be the ability to edit the name of each -- who knows what is in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
• EV and ISO steps 1/1, 1/2, 1/3
• timelapse - in camera
• ability to manually enter EXIF data for adapted lenses
• AF-C -- one commentator stated he thought this would only work when sing the new XCD V lenses -- which is a surprise to me -- Hasselblad do not appear to have delivered Continuous AF in any body -- so as a first step to other things let us have AF-C on the selected AF-group
• 3D AF tracking -- lock on to a subject and then track the subject as the camera or subject moves -- we had this in DSLRs -- this is the next step in AF development - for the focus point to move and AF to track continuously with a selected pattern of contrast
• eye/face identification and tracking -- since Hasselblad has not used this before they will either need to buy the capability and adapt it or build their own and we can expect this will take time to deliver
• live histogram - RAW histogram not just jpeg AND better exposure/clip warnings
• far more metering choices including TTL zone metering, multi-zone, average and AND, since I happen to like Nikon's Highlight protection version of matrix metering - it prevents white clipping (excluding specular highlights) - it should be possible to enable this too for ALL metering choices
• wider range of exposure and flash compensation options +/- 5EV
• ability to import/load/edit/save/export shooting profiles/presets based on Phocus settings and other emulations/LCC profiles
• ability to disable switching from LV to the EVF (to enable use of the camera in restricted spaces -- although I cannot see why since you can turn down the distance when EVF takes over - however why not)

AND more of a stretch

• hi-res / pixel shifting multi-shot option
• 2 shot averaging - like dual exposure+ on the IQ4

[/li]
[li]a long exposure shot averaging - like automatic frame averaging on the IQ4[/li][/list]

Of course we wait to see what if any of these the essential for X2D users update to Phocus Mobile will bring -- in my case to the iPhone and iPadPro.

[jwillson]

For me and my uses, the priorities would be:

1) Phocus Mobile 2.0 connectivity
2) Fous Peaking
3) Focus 3.7 Live View
4) Reach some agreement w/ Adobe so that "Camera Standard" profile is available on Lightroom mobile products--right now that profile (which best matches Hasselblad Natural Color) only works on the desktop products
5) Improved AF such that backlighting doesn't cause the AF to hunt so much
6) Face detect/eye detect with continuous AF
6) Bluetooth phone connectivity for GPS data
7) Ability to shoot a white card and set white balance in camera based off an eyedropper
Focus stacking routine to capture appropriate frames given two end points and an f/stop
9) Ability to choose different aspect ratios for the viewfinder and JPG files (though I expect the raw image to remain uncropped)
10) Ability to give descriptive names to the custom profiles so I can't forget whether I should be in Custom 3 or Custom 4

Those all seem like things that should happen given the inclusion of phase detect AF as well as features that have either been promised or were previously available in the X1Dii.

Things I would want to see that Hasselblad has been resistant to in the past, for various reasons...

1) Live histogram
2) Auto ISO in manual mode

For me, the above would be enough for me to consider the X2D a mature product. I am pleased that, at least, the X2D is quite stable--it doesn't seem to crash or behave erratically in any way, and the touch screen interface is much more responsive than on the X1Dii. I'm happy with my camera, but there are lots of improvements that could still be made. A few of the other updates you mentioned would be nice as well, but the ones I listed are, I think, the most critical. Of course, someone who uses the camera differently than I do would have very different priorities, I'm sure.

[fcarucci]

My current list of "requests" with Customer Support at Hasselblad is shown below -- it has been forwarded to their R&D team.

I am holding an open but short list of firmware improvements on https://andymillerphoto.co.uk/blog/f/the-upcoming-hasselblad-x2d-medium-format-camera-is-confirmed https://andymillerphoto.co.uk/blog/f/the-upcoming-hasselblad-x2d-medium-format-camera-is-confirmed that I need urgently and a growing list of feature improvements that I and others would like to see if Hasselblad can deliver them with the technology in the new body.

Most urgent (as in NOW please) in order:

• we need the promised update to Phocus Mobile that allows the X2D to be controlled/triggered remotely
• we need the promised firmware update to the X2D that allows Live view to be seen in Phocus 3.7 AND for the automated functions in the capture sequencer to work with the X2D

Other features requested - in no order AND subject to what is possible with this new body:

• we need the ability to pull or jam GPS data from a smart device or accessory into the X2D so location data can be written into the exif data
• in body auto and manual focus stacking/ sequencing/ bracketing -- like the X1D-ii
• provide the option for additional VERY SMALL & pin point af/mf points (the new focus aid seems to use a far too large focus point group - the size of this group should be selectable) - like the X1D-ii BUT the 2 options requested would be for much smaller focusing "groups"
• provide the option to choose between focus peaking (really useful for landscape and product shooters) and the MF focus assist tool -- I am yet to test the new tool with a new XCD V lens - it works OK but is really only reporting on the focus around a single GROUP of points. Product and landscape shooter need traditional focus peaking -- like we had in the X1D-ii
• ability to save Compressed Lossless RAW and other types of compressed files
• ability to use a trigger connected via bluetooth (so not just a smart device)
• ability to select various aspect/crop ratios and image sizes -- we had a fairly full list on the X1D-ii -- please give us at least the same options for the X2D
• ability to record, save and apply custom white balance
• far better custom mode solution than the custom profiles -- minimum would be the ability to edit the name of each -- who knows what is in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
• EV and ISO steps 1/1, 1/2, 1/3
• timelapse - in camera
• ability to manually enter EXIF data for adapted lenses
• AF-C -- one commentator stated he thought this would only work when sing the new XCD V lenses -- which is a surprise to me -- Hasselblad do not appear to have delivered Continuous AF in any body -- so as a first step to other things let us have AF-C on the selected AF-group
• 3D AF tracking -- lock on to a subject and then track the subject as the camera or subject moves -- we had this in DSLRs -- this is the next step in AF development - for the focus point to move and AF to track continuously with a selected pattern of contrast
• eye/face identification and tracking -- since Hasselblad has not used this before they will either need to buy the capability and adapt it or build their own and we can expect this will take time to deliver
• live histogram - RAW histogram not just jpeg AND better exposure/clip warnings
• far more metering choices including TTL zone metering, multi-zone, average and AND, since I happen to like Nikon's Highlight protection version of matrix metering - it prevents white clipping (excluding specular highlights) - it should be possible to enable this too for ALL metering choices
• wider range of exposure and flash compensation options +/- 5EV
• ability to import/load/edit/save/export shooting profiles/presets based on Phocus settings and other emulations/LCC profiles
• ability to disable switching from LV to the EVF (to enable use of the camera in restricted spaces -- although I cannot see why since you can turn down the distance when EVF takes over - however why not)

AND more of a stretch

• hi-res / pixel shifting multi-shot option
• 2 shot averaging - like dual exposure+ on the IQ4

[/li]
[li]a long exposure shot averaging - like automatic frame averaging on the IQ4[/li][/list]

Of course we wait to see what if any of these the essential for X2D users update to Phocus Mobile will bring -- in my case to the iPhone and iPadPro.

Thanks for compiling the list, Andy, some good stuff in there.

Let me play Devil's Advocate for a minute and look at your list from the point of view of the design principle applied to this wonderful piece of technology: "Less is More".

• we need the promised update to Phocus Mobile that allows the X2D to be controlled/triggered remotely
• we need the promised firmware update to the X2D that allows Live view to be seen in Phocus 3.7 AND for the automated functions in the capture sequencer to work with the X2D

[li]we need the ability to pull or jam GPS data from a smart device or accessory into the X2D so location data can be written into the exif data[/li][/list]

For the ones who need GPS (some people definitely do, I don't), there are apps that let you record GPS information every minute and then there is software that can correlate the GPS information with the raw file timestamp and write GPS in the RAW exif. I wouldn't add this functionality to the camera.

• provide the option for additional VERY SMALL & pin point af/mf points (the new focus aid seems to use a far too large focus point group - the size of this group should be selectable) - like the X1D-ii BUT the 2 options requested would be for much smaller focusing "groups"

Not sure, but there might be a hardware limitation here. I might certainly be wrong.

• ability to save Compressed Lossless RAW and other types of compressed files

With 1TB internal storage and the cheap storage these days, I don't see it worth to spend engineering time and/or camera compute resources on this.

• ability to record, save and apply custom white balance

Is there a mission critical use case for this when shooting RAW? If it's a nice to have, I wouldn't spend resources on implementing this.

• ability to manually enter EXIF data for adapted lenses

Surely EXIF data could be entered on a PC afterwards.

• 3D AF tracking -- lock on to a subject and then track the subject as the camera or subject moves -- we had this in DSLRs -- this is the next step in AF development - for the focus point to move and AF to track continuously with a selected pattern of contrast

I don't feel 3D AF Tracking is within the use cases for this camera.

Thanks!

[jwillson]

Thanks for compiling the list, Andy, some good stuff in there.

Let me play Devil's Advocate for a minute and look at your list from the point of view of the design principle applied to this wonderful piece of technology: "Less is More".

• we need the promised update to Phocus Mobile that allows the X2D to be controlled/triggered remotely
• we need the promised firmware update to the X2D that allows Live view to be seen in Phocus 3.7 AND for the automated functions in the capture sequencer to work with the X2D

[li]we need the ability to pull or jam GPS data from a smart device or accessory into the X2D so location data can be written into the exif data[/li][/list]

For the ones who need GPS (some people definitely do, I don't), there are apps that let you record GPS information every minute and then there is software that can correlate the GPS information with the raw file timestamp and write GPS in the RAW exif. I wouldn't add this functionality to the camera.

• provide the option for additional VERY SMALL & pin point af/mf points (the new focus aid seems to use a far too large focus point group - the size of this group should be selectable) - like the X1D-ii BUT the 2 options requested would be for much smaller focusing "groups"

Not sure, but there might be a hardware limitation here. I might certainly be wrong.

• ability to save Compressed Lossless RAW and other types of compressed files

With 1TB internal storage and the cheap storage these days, I don't see it worth to spend engineering time and/or camera compute resources on this.

• ability to record, save and apply custom white balance

Is there a mission critical use case for this when shooting RAW? If it's a nice to have, I wouldn't spend resources on implementing this.

• ability to manually enter EXIF data for adapted lenses

Surely EXIF data could be entered on a PC afterwards.

• 3D AF tracking -- lock on to a subject and then track the subject as the camera or subject moves -- we had this in DSLRs -- this is the next step in AF development - for the focus point to move and AF to track continuously with a selected pattern of contrast

I don't feel 3D AF Tracking is within the use cases for this camera.

Thanks!

Why would you not add the Cell Phone/GPS functionality? While I agree there is a workaround, it is far from elegant. Adding the functionality would not in any way detract from the minimalism of the camera. Literally, not at all. There is already a WiFi menu option within the camera including pairing (presumably Bluetooth), so no additional menu items would need to be added. Any complexity, such as when to use the connection, etc. could be embedded in Phocus Mobile, so it need not change the camera settings at all. This could be completely transparent to those who do not use GPS coordinates. No drain on battery, no additional in-camera menu items, no visibility at all that the functionality was there.

As to your comments on compressed raw and custom white balance, you suggested these aren't worth the engineering time and effort because these are "nice to have" items rather than critical issues. I can certainly understand downgrading them if there are other, more critical bugs or needs, but even from a "minimalism" standpoint, I don't have a problem with engineers working on "nice to have" items once any more critical issues have been addressed. Again, these would not detract from the "less is more" aesthetics as, again, they would easily fit within the existing menu structure. We already have a menu item for choosing between file formats, and we already have a menu item for selecting amongst a swath of white balance options.

Finally, as to your comments on focus tracking. This is the one I feel most strongly about from your list... I strongly believe this is within the use case of the camera. I am not at all worried about the ability to track a football player running across the pitch, but for a portrait camera to not be able to track a subject's eye as the head moves around is a weakness that results in fewer "hits" than competing cameras. I think this is definitely a core use case for the camera. Or do you feel the camera is only well suited to product photography and landscape work? Perhaps we have different visions on who might be drawn to the X2D.

[flash]

I'd like the active custom profiles to be both named and part of the regular program button rather than separate in a menu. No point having them if it takes half a dozen screen presses to find them. Push the M button. Scroll to the one you want like the other exposure modes.

Although I love the idea of GPS, in practice I usually turned it off. Either it was for battery or I didn't need instagrammers knowing where the image was taken. I usually grab a reference with my phone so I can find the location easy enough, if I forget.

Currently missing the aspect ratios. XPan finally useful for printing on the 100MP sensor. Also some form of remote release.

I'd REALLY like a multishot mode (processed in camera please) especially if I can combine it with the XPan crop.

Extra small af point is nearly essential.

Tracking and eye AF are nice but not my priority. But I see how useful they would be for many.

Gordon

[boojum]

I'd like the active custom profiles to be both named and part of the regular program button rather than separate in a menu. No point having them if it takes half a dozen screen presses to find them. Push the M button. Scroll to the one you want like the other exposure modes.

Although I love the idea of GPS, in practice I usually turned it off. Either it was for battery or I didn't need instagrammers knowing where the image was taken. I usually grab a reference with my phone so I can find the location easy enough, if I forget.

Currently missing the aspect ratios. XPan finally useful for printing on the 100MP sensor. Also some form of remote release.

I'd REALLY like a multishot mode (processed in camera please) especially if I can combine it with the XPan crop.

Extra small af point is nearly essential.

Tracking and eye AF are nice but not my priority. But I see how useful they would be for many.

Gordon

And you have my vote.

[fcarucci]

Why would you not add the Cell Phone/GPS functionality? While I agree there is a workaround, it is far from elegant.

I agree with you here. Once support for Phocus mobile is added, I feel that sending GPS data through would be relatively straightforward.

Finally, as to your comments on focus tracking. This is the one I feel most strongly about from your list... I strongly believe this is within the use case of the camera. I am not at all worried about the ability to track a football player running across the pitch, but for a portrait camera to not be able to track a subject's eye as the head moves around is a weakness that results in fewer "hits" than competing cameras. I think this is definitely a core use case for the camera. Or do you feel the camera is only well suited to product photography and landscape work? Perhaps we have different visions on who might be drawn to the X2D.

Yeah, I see we definitely disagree on this one though. I'm also biased since I use it for landscape only.

[boojum]

I am not the brightest light on the tree so correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it adding the XPAN aspect ratio can only be achieved by lopping off some of the top and bottom of the sensor used to create the image.  Likewise with all other aspect ratios.  It is done by subtraction not addition.  So it cannot do more than we can do in a post edit.  But it can make it easier by showing us exactly what will be in whatever aspect ratio is selected.  So, in essence, it is a convenience, a very nice one.

As for better tracking, well, if some folks do not need or use it is that reason to leave it out of the reach of all the others?  It is quite possible that some of us do not use all the features now supplied.  So?  And some of us use features others do not.  It is like a buffet, take what you want and leave the rest.

[jwillson]

I am not the brightest light on the tree so correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it adding the XPAN aspect ratio can only be achieved by lopping off some of the top and bottom of the sensor used to create the image.  Likewise with all other aspect ratios.  It is done by subtraction not addition.  So it cannot do more than we can do in a post edit.  But it can make it easier by showing us exactly what will be in whatever aspect ratio is selected.  So, in essence, it is a convenience, a very nice one.

As for better tracking, well, if some folks do not need or use it is that reason to leave it out of the reach of all the others?  It is quite possible that some of us do not use all the features now supplied.  So?  And some of us use features others do not.  It is like a buffet, take what you want and leave the rest.

On the first point, correct, you are just lopping off a bunch of the top and bottom of the image. Given the very significant loss in megapixel count, it becomes even more important to accurately frame the image (so you won't end up cropping even more to get the "perfect" composition). Giving you a field of view that lets you accurately visualize your ending composition is extremely helpful.  Obviously, you can still perform your own crop in post. It is a nice convenience but does not affect the ability of the camera to capture the image. It just affects the photographer's ability to accurately compose with a particular aspect ratio in mind.

[SrMi]

I am not the brightest light on the tree so correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it adding the XPAN aspect ratio can only be achieved by lopping off some of the top and bottom of the sensor used to create the image.  Likewise with all other aspect ratios.  It is done by subtraction not addition.  So it cannot do more than we can do in a post edit.  But it can make it easier by showing us exactly what will be in whatever aspect ratio is selected.  So, in essence, it is a convenience, a very nice one.

As for better tracking, well, if some folks do not need or use it is that reason to leave it out of the reach of all the others?  It is quite possible that some of us do not use all the features now supplied.  So?  And some of us use features others do not.  It is like a buffet, take what you want and leave the rest.

The major advantage of crop mode (1:1, XPAN) is that I can see how I am framing and my selection is displayed as the default crop in LrC. Without it, I would be only guessing.

[flash]

It doesn't actually crop. It just shows the crop and then sends the meta data to Lightroom etc... The full sensor is still recorded in the crop modes so if you decide youdon't like it you can revert.

The XPan crop is about 50MP. Still a good file. 80MP for 1:1

Gordon

[mikeinpa]

I would like to understand just what resources Hasselblad are applying to future firmware revisions to add/improve features to the X2D and X1Dii.

A month ago I bought a used X1Dii and a 45mm f/3.5 lens. I wanted to get back to taking more landscape shots and in that respect it is awesome. In trying to photograph anything that is even slightly moving is problematic to say the least. The lack of even basic features such as AF-C (Continuous Autofocus) is appalling for such a modern camera. This is a feature available on even the earliest digital cameras from the early 2000's. Andy's excellent wishlist in my opinion contains features that should have been available from day 1. I just bought a 120mm Macro for close ups of flowers for instance. Optically it is superb, focussing is absolutely pathetic, without AF-C any movement at all is requiring a refocus which takes seconds as the lens travels through the full range. This is basic functionality not a wishlist item.

Don't misunderstand me, I love my X1Dii the way it feels in your hand and construction is superb. Hasselblad need to start adding features that even the most basic point and shoot cameras have.

[flash]

I would like to understand just what resources Hasselblad are applying to future firmware revisions to add/improve features to the X2D and X1Dii.

A month ago I bought a used X1Dii and a 45mm f/3.5 lens. I wanted to get back to taking more landscape shots and in that respect it is awesome. In trying to photograph anything that is even slightly moving is problematic to say the least. The lack of even basic features such as AF-C (Continuous Autofocus) is appalling for such a modern camera. This is a feature available on even the earliest digital cameras from the early 2000's. Andy's excellent wishlist in my opinion contains features that should have been available from day 1. I just bought a 120mm Macro for close ups of flowers for instance. Optically it is superb, focussing is absolutely pathetic, without AF-C any movement at all is requiring a refocus which takes seconds as the lens travels through the full range. This is basic functionality not a wishlist item.

Don't misunderstand me, I love my X1Dii the way it feels in your hand and construction is superb. Hasselblad need to start adding features that even the most basic point and shoot cameras have.

I would have thought you knew these things going in. They're well documented. The older 50MP sensor just doesn't have the power to run an effective AFC. Even the new one is somewhat behind the 24x36mm sensors (on the GFX). The X1Dii is like an AF M11, with a bit more DR and MUCH better long exposure implementation. It's a huge upgrade from the older MF digital cameras. Remember it was the first of it's kind. Before that MF cameras had ONE Af point.

The 120 is by far the slowest focusing XCD lens. Even the 80 is faster. Have a look at the 135. It's about twice as fast.

I've travelled all over the world with the X1D and X1DII and except for sports and wildlife I've shot pretty much everything with it. It's as versatile as you want it to be with a bit of forethought. But it is a system that requires user input and some planning. There's no autopilot like a Sony. And there propably won't be. That's what I like about the X system.

Gordon

[mikeinpa]

I would like to understand just what resources Hasselblad are applying to future firmware revisions to add/improve features to the X2D and X1Dii.

A month ago I bought a used X1Dii and a 45mm f/3.5 lens. I wanted to get back to taking more landscape shots and in that respect it is awesome. In trying to photograph anything that is even slightly moving is problematic to say the least. The lack of even basic features such as AF-C (Continuous Autofocus) is appalling for such a modern camera. This is a feature available on even the earliest digital cameras from the early 2000's. Andy's excellent wishlist in my opinion contains features that should have been available from day 1. I just bought a 120mm Macro for close ups of flowers for instance. Optically it is superb, focussing is absolutely pathetic, without AF-C any movement at all is requiring a refocus which takes seconds as the lens travels through the full range. This is basic functionality not a wishlist item.

Don't misunderstand me, I love my X1Dii the way it feels in your hand and construction is superb. Hasselblad need to start adding features that even the most basic point and shoot cameras have.

I would have thought you knew these things going in. They're well documented. The older 50MP sensor just doesn't have the power to run an effective AFC. Even the new one is somewhat behind the 24x36mm sensors (on the GFX). The X1Dii is like an AF M11, with a bit more DR and MUCH better long exposure implementation. It's a huge upgrade from the older MF digital cameras. Remember it was the first of it's kind. Before that MF cameras had ONE Af point.

The 120 is by far the slowest focusing XCD lens. Even the 80 is faster. Have a look at the 135. It's about twice as fast.

I've travelled all over the world with the X1D and X1DII and except for sports and wildlife I've shot pretty much everything with it. It's as versatile as you want it to be with a bit of forethought. But it is a system that requires user input and some planning. There's no autopilot like a Sony. And there propably won't be. That's what I like about the X system.

Gordon

I bought the X1Dii as a landscape camera so I'm not that concerned about AF-C as I would be on a tripod mostly. For macro I mostly use manual focusing also on a tripod. In a purely landscape camera it behaves exactly as I expected, superbly. However its when trying to photograph one of my cats where the most basic of functions that have been around for 20 years are sadly lacking. I believe that the Fuji GFX50Sii uses the same sensor and that camera has both AF-C and Eye Detection.

So the question remains, if Fuji can do it why can't Hasselblad? If they can't get the basic functionality that's available on cameras at 10% of the price what chance has Andy's wishlist got?

[boojum]

OK, consider what the camera is, a medium format with exceptional resolution and image color quality.  It is not nor was it conceived as an action/sports coverage camera.  I believe its release date may have been hurried to step on the Leica M11 which with a lens costs nearly the same.  And look how much more you get with the X2D.  As for the firmware, well, it is incomplete.  This is common.  Time is crucial in any industry using computer code.  Get it out the door, patch, improve, enhance later, but first get it into user hands.  If it were up to the programmers it may have never been released and those guys in marketing are happy with shell code that makes the lights blink.  There are competing needs.

The folks writing the code at/for Hasselblad have a prioritized "To Do" list which is directed by Hasselblad's top brass.  It will not please everybody.  The code that pleases everybody will not fit into the camera or be done in our lifetime.  So like everything else in life the firmware will be what Hasselblad believes to be the best compromise between want and doable  When I regard what I already have in the X2D I believe I have a very fine camera.  Any firmware improvement will make it better.  I do not need any upgrades as the camera takes great photos now.  Yes, I would be happy with enhancements like focus tracking, eye tracking, aspect ratio selections and other things.  But to be honest the camera is really great now.  And, yes, I will be as thrilled as the rest of you with the first firmware rollout and those which follow.