These ARE QC issues, both in manufacturing (Firmware) & product packaging (software). If these things were checked before the camera left Sony, they would not have left the factory, therfore Sonys' QC IS lacking.David Kilpatrick wrote:
The Alpha 77 does not, in my opinion, have a QC problem - it has an actual mistake. My package included the previous version of the Sony software burned to CD, incorrectly labelled with the new version. The installation for Mac was actually a full year out of date and of course wrong for A77 files. The camera seems to have included the wrong firmware version. Could these be connected? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on whether there is a process where final firmware is burned shortly before delivery and manuals and CDs are added. The manual comes with an erratum sheet which indicates there was a clear change to an intended specification.
I think QC is not exactly the same as errors of the firmware/software kind. QC on the camera components and assembly was probably carried out diligently and they may prove very reliable and well-made. But the same could be said of a perfectly well-made computer which is hopeless because a poor operating system or the wrong BIOS has been loaded. It's QC but not manufacturing QC or component sourcing QC. More human error I would guess - and that happens.
David
Regarding the QC problems with Canons black spots, or the focusing problems (of the EOS 1D mkIII?), Canon held their hands up, and rectified the issues, whereas Sony have made no such announcement, aknowledged any problems, or made any effort to put things right in any cohesive way. In fact, other than the instances reported here, and on other sites members have posted links to, the only mention of QC or customer services failings at Sony was in the letters page of Amateur Photographer two weeks ago.
It is sad that there is a negative vibe here, which I admit to having contributed to, but the real fault at the root of the negativity lies with Sony. If they had the guts or the gumption to admit there are issues with their cameras, and say what they intend to do about them, it would improve their standing in the eyes of many here, if, of course, they were to come good on any promises made.
A small start in that direction would be for Mr Genge to answer the questions posed to him on Facebook over a week ago, which he said he'd try to answer during last week. Still waiting......