Semi-hot for Minolta Dimage 7 owners: $49 firmware upgrade

[ktg]

Minolta is selling a firmware upgrade for the Dimage 7 that gives almost all the enhancements found in the newer 7i model. From their info page:

Minolta Corporation introduces the new Minolta DiMAGE 7 Upgrade Kit (DG7-UGK). Comprised of Minolta?s new firmware upgrade and new DiMAGE Viewer software, this upgrade kit transforms the award-winning Minolta DiMAGE 7 into an even easier to use and more responsive digital camera. Significant improvements include increased autofocus (AF) speed, faster continuous drive rate, Direct Manual Focus (DMF) mode, and a real-time histogram for enhanced picture-taking. The upgrade also provides a new and enhanced image processing capability and editing tools for both Macintosh and PC computer users with the new DiMAGE Viewer.

Claims to increase autofocusing speed by 50%. Unfortunately, does not give you the ability to use the nifty wireless flash accessories like the Dimage 7i.

The firmware is available for purchase on CD (apparently not available as a download) at the Minolta store.

 

[weepul]

i know it wouldn't be right, but if a bunch of friends own the Dimage 7, they could buy just 1 cd and share the firmware upgrade? and more so, be spreading this online for free. is there some sort of cd key protection?

 

[ktg]

weepul---I had the same notion. Haven't ordered the upgrade myself so I don't know if their is some sort of keycode copy-protection. Sniffed around with Kazaa but didn't find any "volunteer" copies out there.

 

[olouie]

paying for upgrades is a growing trend .... needed, but still

 

[RideFree]

I know it wouldn't be right, but if a bunch of friends own the Dimage 7, they could buy just 1 cd and share the firmware upgrade? and more so, be spreading this online for free. is there some sort of cd key protection?

This is really sinking low... for you to even suggest this on the Hot Deals Forum. I own this camera and really am excited about paying another $50 for Minolta to get it "right" this time.
You bet your bippy!

 

[chuckyH]

You bet your bippy!

your kidding right

 

[EvanGeliSt]

Lol.. i agee that it's becoming a trend for upgrades... it seems that the companies wanna cut down on piracy and at the same time pull their old customers back. Offering upgrades is one of them

 

[T2T III]

I own this camera and really am excited about paying another $50 for Minolta to get it "right" this time.

What? Paying $50 to fix "corrections" for issues that should have never existed in the first place? NOT! However, if you're paying $50 to "unleash" additional options that were not present in your "7", but are now present in the "7i", then this is a good deal. Most people would lose more than $50 by selling their old "7" and purchasing a new "7i."

 

[CanisEstInVia]

Uhh...this wouldnt happen to increase battery performance would it? My dad hates his camera simply for the fact that it drains batteries like I do my jumpshots....or not

 

[Jingoro]

Originally posted by: CanisEstInVia
Uhh...this wouldnt happen to increase battery performance would it? My dad hates his camera simply for the fact that it drains batteries like I do my jumpshots....or not

Are you using Alkaline batteries? Those never last at all... I use NiMH batteries, and I get about 100 shots on a full charge w/ about 50% flash and LCD use... pretty decent, IMHO.

 

[EXman]

Damn it isn't free? should be free after what you have to spend on them! EEK

 

[yodayoda]

what a load of crap. visioneer started charging for updated drivers recently. if a product is "defective" because it does not work for a new OS and fails constantly, then they should provide for a user whatever it takes to get the product operation. if a product is buggy or slow, the company should recall or replace the units, not charge to "upgrade" them. this world is going straight to hell.

 

[RideFree]

Chucky, wje,
Hopefully some of the dripping sarcasm leaked onto the carpet in front of your computer(s), but somehow, you've missed the stains.
PS This wasn't sarcasm, just tongue-in-cheeky
i.e. This msg as opposed to the prior one.

 

[RideFree]

Dimage7 owners of the world! Unite! Join the league of pi$$ed owners that didn't get their free firmware & software updates. e-Mail: cab@teacher.com

 

[whatnow]

Please note, the $49.95 price is for the camera upgrade only. You have to pay another $49.95 for the viewer upgrade or pay $79.95 when u order both.

 

[RideFree]

Dimage7 support page
An update page for the Dimage7 ? latest file dated 7/12/2002?
These files are not what is being discussed in this thread.
The files being referred to in this post are freebies from Minolta but do not accomplish the upgrade of the Dimage7 to near 7i specs.

PS has anyone seen where the upgrade CD can be purchased?:disgust:

 

[gooseman]

Well, I guess if you own a Dimage 5 your just sh!t out of luck!!! Oh well, I'm very happy with my 5 anyway!

 

[anime]

you have to order the upgrade cd directly from minolta. they have the order form link somewhere on their website the last time I checked.