Cameras with downloadable features

[N/A]

Crazy thought.

A company like Canon offers a large number of camera models with different bodies, features, etc. It's clear that these cameras are capable of so much more in light of the recent accomplishments of the ML team. So why not let consumers decide which capabilities they'd prefer through downloads that offer different sets of features?

We already have this idea implented successfully in video games and other forms of entertainment. So why not offer it on higher priced electronics, especially cameras? The firmware "upgrades" are free, sure; but what if we wanted something more specific? It would work the same way as the upgrades but would let us customize our cameras exactly how we wanted them. Also, companies would continue to profit from camera models for years after whenever they released new features for particular models.

Or maybe I'm just ahead of my time. Who knows.

[LucaBrasi]

Actually, in production cameras like the all mighty Arri Alexa you can buy licence keys to unlock for example higher fps

[N/A]

Yeah exactly, I think the first consumer camera company to offer this is going to profit tremendously. Buy a single, affordable camera body and them have different packages for timelapsers, videographers, wedding photographers, even paparazzi lol...

[ItsMeLenny]

Actually, in production cameras like the all mighty Arri Alexa you can buy licence keys to unlock for example higher fps

That is quite unfair, as the consumer is buying the hardware, not the extra rubbish features.
It's be like buying a car, but letting it only drive at 20kmph until you pay the unlocking fee.
Although the way cars are sold nowadays they are basically locked down, they should just weld the bonnet shut.

[N/A]

Looks like Samsung had the same idea with the NX1. Let's hope it works out, imagine the possibilities of designing apps for an already well-known platform. Different codecs, video and stills tool packs, maybe even a 4k raw video app?

[lintoni]

You already get it, to a small extent, with lens profiles (for in camera jpeg rendering)  for Canon cameras, so it wouldn't be that big a leap.