Sony Firmware Updates

Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 5.00 is available for download.

Firmware Version 5.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. We have added support for the "write electronic signature" function on still images, which is used in authenticity camera solutions.
   A license must be installed to use this service (fees apply).
   The timing of providing licenses (fees apply) to customers other than certain media organizations has yet to be determined.
   The service may not be available in some countries or regions.
2. Fixed an issue where switching the recording frame rate immediately after shooting resulted in audio and video being recorded at different speeds or the camera becoming unstable.
3. Fixed an issue where the cursor would not move correctly when multiple identical items were registered in the function menu.
4. Fixed an issue where some button operations were not accepted while recording video by pressing the MOVIE button in still image shooting mode.
5. Improved operational stability.

Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Announces Firmware Updates for Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III

Updates include shooting function improvements and additional support for the Camera Authenticity Solution

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 14, 2025 – Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announces new firmware updates for the Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), and Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) cameras. These firmware versions bring varying updates to shooting, movie, and operability functions, as well as added compatibility for Sony’s evolving Camera Authenticity Solution.

Shooting, Movie, and Operability Updates Per Model:

Camera Authenticity Solution Updates:

The new firmware updates bring compatibility with the Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III for Sony’s expanding Camera Authenticity Solution. This expansion includes the launch of an Image Validation Site and the Digital Signature Upgrade License¹, created for select news organizations and their staff photographers. The service is designed to enhance the implementation of C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)², particularly within the news industry, by providing additional authenticity information and introducing a streamlined workflow for professionals requiring higher content verification standards. As a member of the C2PA Steering Committee, Sony plays a leading role in developing these standards and driving their broader implementation.

Availability:

Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), and Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) firmware downloads will be available in January 2025.

To check the status of the latest firmware availability, please visit: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/cameras-camcorders-digital-cameras/downloads

Notes:

¹ Only still images in JPEG/RAW (.ARW) format are supported.

² A standards organization that develops open standards and technical specifications for the origin and authenticity of digital content.

Sony ZV-E1 firmware update version 2.00 is available for download.

Firmware Version 2.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Adapts the layout of shooting information on the display for both horizontal and vertical orientations
2. Allows you to select user LUTs via the Cinematic Vlog Set feature
3. Adds the Golden Ratio Grid option to the Grid Line Type setting menu
4. Allows the display of a specified aspect ratio marker on the shooting screen when shooting still images
5. Adds a function that allows you to narrow down played-back images using multiple filters (e.g. Rating)
6. Improves image quality when applying user LUTs
7. Adds a function that automatically creates still images with Shot Marks from movie frames after recordings
8. You can add a Shot Mark while shooting or playing a movie and use it as a mark for selecting, transferring, or editing the movie.
9. Increases the maximum number of images that can be recorded in one folder to 9,999
10. Displays the Wi-Fi signal strength when the Wi-Fi function is On
11. Allows the use of Focus Magnifier and Auto Magnifier in MF while using the Bright Monitoring feature
12. Allows notifications to be displayed when the latest software is available for your camera
13. You can now continue shooting while transferring captured photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet
    Note: Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
14. Transfer to smartphones and tablets can now be resumed even if interrupted in the middle of a transfer
    Note: Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
15. You can now transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, or add videos to be transferred during the transfer process
    Note: Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
16. Allows you to upload camera images directly to the Creators' Cloud
    Notes:
    Settings must be adjusted in the Creators' App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators' App support website.
    Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. This service may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
17. Adds support for the Network Streaming function Notes:
    Settings must be adjusted in the Creators' App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators' App support website.
    Ver. 2.6.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
18. Adds support for the Monitor & Control app
    Note: The Monitor & Control app connects wirelessly to a camera and enables video monitoring and remote control with a smartphone or tablet device.
19. Ver. 2.1.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
20. Improves the functionality and operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony ZV-E1 at B&H.

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Announces Firmware Roadmap for its Cinema Line

New firmware roadmap illustrates Sony’s commitment to the filmmaking community with continued investment in the Cinema Line

LOS ANGELES – Nov. 6, 2024: Sony Electronics announces upcoming firmware updates to its VENICE 2, FX6, FX3, FX30 and BURANO cameras, continuing its longstanding support for its cinema line cameras. The firmware will be available beginning next year through 2026.

“Firmware updates are an important way for Sony to continue to address the needs of our filmmaking community. Our Cinema Line is built for the future and the firmware will allow our products to continue to evolve with the needs of our filmmakers, especially at a time when the industry is undergoing incredible changes. This is yet another way Sony is looking to support the community,” said Theresa Alesso, President of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics.

The firmware updates will be available to download for free and include:

VENICE 2 VERSION 4.0

The Sony VENICE Camera System has been used on more than 500 productions including commercials, television and feature films since it was introduced, with the VENICE 2 digital cinema camera recognized as a world-class cinema camera for cinematographers around the world. VENICE 2 Version 4.0 firmware update is planned to be available August 2025 and will add:

Support of the EL Zone System™, created by three-time Academy award-nominated Director of Photography Ed Lachman, ASC. The EL Zone System™ is an intuitive tool that displays exposure values by using stops instead of IRE, bringing back the direct relationship between lighting and lens stops. The EL Zone System™ comes in addition to the existing tools in VENICE 2.

Based on users’ feedback, Version 4.0 will offer the ability to display frame lines in different colors, simplifying the ability to shoot images for multiple delivery formats.

Sony is pleased to continue to upgrade and evolve the VENICE 2 platform over the coming years, protecting the investment for owners and rental houses: Version 5.0 will be made available in 2026 and Version 6.0 in 2027.

FX3 VERSION 7.0 AND FX30 VERSION 6.0

Based on user feedback, the Sony FX3 and FX30 cameras will get a new firmware update in September 2025. This update to the menu system will standardize the user experience and operational menu across the entire Cinema Line. This will be beneficial for users that combine our multiple level of cameras for production or move throughout the line for different projects.

Other new features of this firmware will include:

A new "BIG 6" menu, similar to the BURANO and VENICE. The new BIG 6 menu will allow filmmakers to check and adjust key items at a glance, including ISO, frame rate, LUT, NDs, and more.

The addition of anamorphic de-squeeze 1.5x, due to the rise of anamorphic lens usage by cinematographers. This new ratio brings new flexibility in terms of lens selection.

The capability of HDMI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorders.

FX6 VERSION 6.0

Sony is pleased to announce that FX6 now supports SDI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.

FX6 Version 6.0 is planned for February 2026 and will include:

The FX6 will see a new “BIG 6” menu, similar to the BURANO and VENICE. The new BIG 6 menu will allow filmmakers to check and adjust key items at a glance, including ISO, frame rate, LUT, NDs, and more.

Camera data will no longer be overlaid on top of the image in the viewfinder (On-Screen Display (OSD)) to allow operators to see the full image and necessary data more clearly.

1 Sony recommends that users check update timing on Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.

BURANO VERSION 2.0

Planned to be released in March 2025, BURANO Version 2.0 offers many new features and improvements requested from the user community, including new recording formats, new 1.8x de-squeeze, and monitoring improvements.

Version 2.0 will include new recording formats including a new 3.8K Full Frame crop that leverages nearly the entire sensor and can shoot up to 120 fps. This new recording mode allows the filmmaker to prioritize faster sensor performance depending on the needs of their application. Other new recording formats include the addition of 24.00 fps to X-OCN 16:9 imager modes and the following:

Full Frame 3.8K 16:9 Mode Up to 120 fps

Super 35 4.3K 4:3 Mode (for Anamorphic) Up to 60 fps

Super 35 1.9K 16:9 Mode Up to 240 fps

BURANO Version 2.0 will also add 1.8x de-squeeze setting as well as additional high frame rate (S & Q) modes including 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96, 110 fps.

Version 2.0 also offers monitoring improvements, including standardized SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVC and an improved on-screen display which places camera status information outside of the image. Version 2.0 will also include View Finder Gamma Display Assist while using S-Log3 for monitoring.

BURANO Version 2.0 also includes additional exposure tools (High/Low Key) derived from the flagship VENICE camera system. Version 2.0 will also expand white balance memory presets from 3 to 8 and support Active/High Image Stabilization in Full-Frame 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 imager modes.

Finally, Version 2.0 will add breathing compensation and image stabilization metadata in X-OCN.

Availability

The new BURANO Version 2.0 will be available in March 2025. Filmmakers can easily download the update directly to their camera using a Mac or PC.

For more information, visit sonycine.com or follow us on Instagram @sonycine for more information.

Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 4.00 is available for download.

Firmware Version 4.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Adds support for focus bracket shooting, which allows for continuous shooting while automatically shifting the focus position
2. Introduces additional settings for exposure value adjustments and number of shots in the exposure bracketing
3. Adds a function that automatically creates still images with Shot Marks from movie frames after recordings
   Note: You can add a Shot Mark while shooting or playing a movie and use it as a mark for selecting, transferring, or editing the movie.
4. Allows the use of Focus Magnifier and Auto Magnifier in MF while using the Bright Monitoring feature
5. Allows notifications to be displayed when the latest software is available for your camera
6. You can now continue shooting while transferring captured photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet
   Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
7. Transfer to smartphones and tablets can now be resumed even if interrupted in the middle of a transfer
   Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
8. You can now transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, or add videos to be transferred during the transfer process
   Note: Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Creators' App is necessary. The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators' Cloud support website.
9. Adds support for the Monitor & Control app
   Note: The Monitor & Control app connects wirelessly to a camera and enables video monitoring and remote control with a smartphone or tablet.
10. Ver. 2.1.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
11. Fixes an issue where peaking display would appear during movie playback
12. Improves the functionality and operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.

Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 3.00 is again available for download.

"We suspended the Ver. 3.00 software release on 09-13-2024 due to some products failing to update. However, after taking the necessary measures, we resumed the release on 10-09-2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If your camera successfully updated to Ver. 3.00, you may continue using it without issue." [Sony]

Firmware Version 3.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. You can now shoot new footage while transferring previously shot footage to your smartphone or tablet.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
2. Transfers to smartphones or tablets can now be resumed even if they are interrupted midway.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
3. It is now possible to transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, and to add footage to be transferred while transferring.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
4. You can now upload images from your camera directly to Creators' Cloud.
5. You must first set it up in the Creators' App. For details, please click here.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).
   The service may not be available in some countries or regions. For details, please click here.
6. Network streaming is now supported.
   You need to set it up in the Creators' App beforehand. For details, please see here.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
7. Added support for Monitor & Control.
   A mobile application specialized for video recording that wirelessly connects to the camera and enables video monitoring and remote control on a smartphone or tablet.
   Please update Monitor & Control to the latest version (ver.2.1.0 or later). Monitor & Control may not be available in some countries or regions.
8. After shooting, you can now automatically create still images from video frames with shot marks.
9. The maximum number of images that can be stored in one folder is now 9,999.
10. Wi-Fi signal strength is now displayed.
11. "Focus Magnification" and "Automatic Focus Magnification in MF" can now be used during bright monitoring.
12. You'll now be notified if new software is available for your camera.
13. You can now display any custom grid lines.
    To use this service, you must install a license (fees apply). Please note that the service may not be available in some countries or regions.
14. Fixed an issue where auto review was not displayed on the camera when outputting via HDMI.
15. Improved operational stability.

* The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions.

Get the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H.

Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 3.00 is available for download.

Firmware Version 3.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. You can now shoot new footage while transferring previously shot footage to your smartphone or tablet.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
2. Transfers to smartphones or tablets can now be resumed even if they are interrupted midway.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
3. It is now possible to transfer only the differences that have not yet been transferred to your smartphone or tablet, and to add footage to be transferred while transferring.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
4. You can now upload images from your camera directly to Creators' Cloud.
5. You must first set it up in the Creators' App. For details, please click here.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).
   The service may not be available in some countries or regions. For details, please click here.
6. Network streaming is now supported.
   You need to set it up in the Creators' App beforehand. For details, please see here.
   Please update the Creators' App to the latest version (ver.2.5.0 or later).*
7. Added support for Monitor & Control.
   A mobile application specialized for video recording that wirelessly connects to the camera and enables video monitoring and remote control on a smartphone or tablet.
   Please update Monitor & Control to the latest version (ver.2.1.0 or later). Monitor & Control may not be available in some countries or regions.
8. After shooting, you can now automatically create still images from video frames with shot marks.
9. The maximum number of images that can be stored in one folder is now 9,999.
10. Wi-Fi signal strength is now displayed.
11. "Focus Magnification" and "Automatic Focus Magnification in MF" can now be used during bright monitoring.
12. You'll now be notified if new software is available for your camera.
13. You can now display any custom grid lines.
    To use this service, you must install a license (fees apply). Please note that the service may not be available in some countries or regions.
14. Fixed an issue where auto review was not displayed on the camera when outputting via HDMI.
15. Improved operational stability.

* The Creators' App may not be available in some countries or regions.

Get the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H.

Sony ZV-E10 firmware update version 2.01 is available for download (Sony Japan).

Firmware Version 2.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improved operational stability when transferring images to a smartphone.
2. Other operational stability improvements have been made.

Get the Sony ZV-E10 at B&H.

Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 3.02 is available for download.

Firmware Version 3.02 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improved an issue where recording may stop during video recording.

Always read the precautions.

Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.

Sony a7S III firmware update version 3.02 is available for download (Sony).

Firmware Version 3.02 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixed an issue where the ISO value was not reflected correctly when outputting RAW video to a RAW-compatible device connected via HDMI, and where the upper and lower limit ranges that could be set when the ISO value was set to AUTO were incorrect.
2. Fixed an issue where network connection was not possible.
3. Improved operational stability.

This update is only available for Windows and macOS. The memory card version is not available.

* Read the precautions before beginning this update.

Get the Sony a7S III at B&H.

Sony Alpha 9 III firmware update version 2.01 is available for download (Sony USA).

Firmware Version 2.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes an issue where the exposure may be underexposed when shooting continuously with an aperture value of F18 or higher
2. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony Alpha 9 III at B&H.

Sony Alpha 1 firmware update version 2.02 is available for download.

Firmware Version 2.02 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes an issue where the camera might not work properly when using the SEL200600G lens
2. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Notes from Sony:

• Updates should be installed in chronological order. When updating from Ver. 1.32 or earlier, you need to update to Ver. 2.01 first before proceeding with the Ver. 2.02 update. [and the version 2.01 upgrade will require reconfiguration of the camera]
• Update software for this product will be provided in the memory card version.
• You can download the software update using the Creators' App available in the App Store and Google Play.

Get the Sony Alpha 1 at B&H.

Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 3.01 is available for download.

Firmware Version 3.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixed an issue where network connection may not be possible.
2. Improved operational stability.

Important: Read the notices, including "Updates should be installed in chronological order."

Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.

Sony a7S III firmware update version 3.01 is available for download.

Firmware Version 3.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes the following issues with the ISO value:
   The ISO value is displayed incorrectly when outputting a RAW video to a RAW-compatible device connected via an HDMI cable
   The upper and lower limit setting ranges are incorrect when the ISO value is set to Auto
2. Fixes an issue where the camera may not be able to connect to the network
3. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Important: Read the notices, including "After updating to this version, the camera settings will be reset to the default values."

Get the Sony a7S III at B&H.

Sony Alpha 9 III firmware update version 2.00 is available for download (Canon USA).

Firmware Version 2.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

Shooting & playback functions:

• Allows you to turn the camera on/off remotely from a computer using a wired connection to the internet (LAN) (Note: Remote Camera Tool Ver. 4.1.00 is required to activate this function.)
• Adds a function that automatically creates still images with Shot Marks from movie frames after recordings (Note: You can add a Shot Mark while shooting or playing a movie and use it as a mark for selecting, transferring, or editing the movie.)
• Allows the use of shutter speeds up to a maximum of 1/80000 seconds in all drive modes and the NR Shooting setting (long-exposure noise reduction) when the aperture value is F1.8 or higher
• Adds support for the Relay Playback function
• Adds the Sync Release function that releases the shutters of multiple sub-cameras in conjunction with the main camera's shutter timing (Note: Remote Camera Tool Ver. 4.1.00 is required to activate this function.)
• Adds a function that displays the focus frame on the Remote Camera Tool app screen when the monitor and viewfinder are turned off (Note: Remote Camera Tool Ver. 4.1.00 is required to activate this function.)
• The maximum number of images that can be recorded in one folder has been increased to 9,999
• Enables display of the Wi-Fi signal strength
• Adds support for C2PA format (The license availability date is undecided) (C2PA = Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)
• Adds support for Custom Grid Line (Note: Custom Grid Line is available as a paid license. Availability depends on the country and region.)

FTP transfer & network functions:

• Allows you to upload camera images directly to the Creators' Cloud app (Note: Creators’ App Ver. 2.3.1 or later is necessary. Settings must be made in the Creators' App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators' App support website. Service may not be available in some countries or regions. Please refer to this support page.)
• You can now automatically schedule FTP transfer of protected movies and still images
• Movies/still images transferred via FTP transfer can now be automatically protected
• Adds a function to prioritize specific images via FTP transfer
• Adds support for SFTP (SFTP = Secure File Transfer Protocol)

Others:

• Fixes an issue where the camera would occasionally become unstable during continuous shooting
• Fixes an issue where the color of a JPEG image may change when cropped in the camera
• Fixes an issue where images may not be transferred properly during FTP transfer
• Fixes an issue where the folder name setting for still images may switch from the set value to the default value (MSDCF) when the battery is removed
• Fixes an issue where the camera may not be able to connect to the network
• Fixes an issue where the timecode wasn’t always retained after a power restart
• Improves the functionality and operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony Alpha 9 III at B&H.

Sony Alpha 1 firmware update version 2.01 is available for download.

Firmware Version 2.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes an issue where the camera may not be able to connect to the network after installing the system software update for Ver. 2.00. We apologize for the inconvenience.
2. This update also includes the benefits from the Ver. 2.00 update.

Notes from Sony:

Make a note of your settings (in case of updating from Ver. 1.32 or lower). After updating to this version, the camera settings will reset to the default values. Since this update adds functions and major specification changes, the camera settings will be initialized as part of the update process. We recommend you make a note of all the camera settings before proceeding. Even if you have saved the settings using the various save features available (such as Save/Load settings and Save/Load FTP settings) the settings before Ver. 1.32 cannot be applied after the update.

Switching from Imaging Edge Mobile to Creators' App: If you’re using the Imaging Edge Mobile app, please be aware that updated cameras will no longer be able to connect to this app. After updating your camera, install the Creators' App. Please make sure the Imaging Edge Mobile app is Ver. 7.7.2 or later in order to pair the camera with the Creators' App. If the Imaging Edge Mobile app is not Ver. 7.7.2 or later, update it before trying to pair the camera with the Creators' App.

Get the Sony Alpha 1 at B&H.

Sony Alpha 6700 firmware update version 1.03 is available for download.

Firmware Version 1.03 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes an issue where the movie recordings weren’t recorded under certain shooting conditions
2. Fixes an issue where the camera could restart if many faces were simultaneously recognized when shooting a movies
3. Fixes an issue where the time code wasn’t always retained after a power restart
4. Improves the exposure stability when using extended ISO during movie recordings
5. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Get the Sony Alpha 6700 at B&H.

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Delivers Firmware Updates including C2PA Compliancy as a Next Step to Ensure Authenticity of Images

More than 45 Updates for the Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV will also improve Shooting Functions and Workflow

SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sony Electronics delivers the highly anticipated firmware updates for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00). The update contains some of Sony's most impactful technology, including Camera Authenticity Solution, the proprietary in-camera digital signature and C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format supportⁱ. Together, these tools will make it possible for news agencies to ensure the authenticity of images, contributing to industry efforts to protect creators, and society from fake imagery.

Additionally, the firmware updates include many requested features to improve everyday use. The update evolves shooting functions and post-shooting workflow and brings advanced movie features like breathing compensation. It also includes new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.

"There is nothing more core to our mission than listening to the voices of the photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras. We know this community has been asking for these updates, and we're happy to deliver. Each of these updates are designed to promote ease of use for our creators and allow them to maximize the strengths of their cameras," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "We're especially pleased to deliver C2PA compliancy with this update. This compliancy paired with our unique digital signature technology, allows us to offer the most secure and comprehensive solution to protect professional photographers, news agencies, and society from manipulated imagery."

Camera Authenticity Solution

Last year, Sony announced its commitment to developing technology in its cameras to aid in the fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. The severity of this issue is only increasing and it's a complex problem that requires the focus and attention of our entire industry.

One critical part of the solution is making more Sony cameras C2PA compliant. C2PA is a Joint Development Foundation project, where Sony is a steering committee member. C2PA aims to develop an end-to-end open technical standard to provide publishers, creators and consumers with opt-in, flexible ways to understand the authenticity, and provenance of different types of media. The C2PA is a standards-setting body that will develop technical specifications on content provenance and authentication by certifying the source and history of media content. With this firmware update, the authenticity information embedded on images from Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV can be maintained from capture through publication. This provides professional photographers with the ability to preserve their digital signature from the camera, while tracking the editing history throughout revisions.

Another critical component of the solution is Sony's in-camera digital signature technologyⁱⁱ that signs images in real-time. This new feature certifies the authenticity of an image at the point of capture and creates a 'digital birth certificate' that is retained throughout revisions. The signature contains metadata including 3D-depth information captured through the proprietary technology in the image sensor developed by Sony. This depth information can show if the image captured was of an actual 3D object, vs a photograph of an image or video, providing an extra level of protection and even more assurance of the content's authenticity, and making Sony's solution especially unique for photojournalists and news agencies.

Sony's solution also helps protect the authenticity of content by including an Image Validation Site, which verifies the image even after edits have been made by C2PA-compliant editing software. This service confirms the authenticity of the photo was taken by a specific camera and that the object of the photo is 3D. This service will initially be offered to select news media agencies, expanding to other agencies at a later date.

Shooting and Playback Updates

The firmware updates include over 10 new features, as well as improvements to existing features, designed to improve the user's overall shooting experience. These improved capabilities showcase Sony's commitment to continuing to evolve the functionality of Sony's existing camera models. A few highlights of the firmware update functions include:

• Relay Playback: Enables seamless sequential playback from one memory card slot to another on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
• Playback Filter Condition: Lets users categorize image playback based on select criteria including date, folder, file format, and more on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III
• Breathing Compensation: The highly requested Breathing Compensation functionⁱⁱⁱ is now available on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Upgrade DCI 4K / 24.00p Upgrade License on Alpha 7S III: via a free downloadable license through Creators' Cloud^iv.
• Sync Release function: Enables simultaneous shutter release with two or more multiple cameras connected to the main camera^v on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
• Focus frame display: Focus frame will be displayed on the Remote Camera Tool screenⁱⁱⁱ on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
• Enhanced image stabilization: The camera body and lens effectively work together to correct larger blurs^vi on the Alpha 1.
• Increased upper limit of recordable images in a folder from 4,000 to 9,999 on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, A7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
• Matching the time code with other devices is now possible with a dedicated adapter cable (sold separately)^vii on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Up to 20 IPTC presets can be on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Custom Grid Line is available as a paid license basis for some models^viii.

File Transfer and Network Connectivity

Additional updates aimed to optimize the post-production workflow efficiency include improvements to International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) preset and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfer operability. To streamline processes for users, expanded cloud upload and application services will be available. Key updates include:

• Cloud upload (camera direct) function allows users to upload images directly to the Sony's Creators' Cloud^ix. Key additional features include simplified camera software updates, direct camera registration to the Creators' Cloud, and a flexible system for uploading, storing, and sharing content. Additionally, the capability to manage video and LUT files via mobile apps, along with the transfer of RAW files to smartphones, optimizes the creative process in fast-paced environments.
• FTP Transfer Improvements: A "Protected Images Only" option for the Auto FTP Transfer and a "Protect Image in FTP Transfer" option for the FTP transfer function have been added. Available on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
• Support for USB streaming^x on the Alpha 1.
• Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) has been added to secure protocol on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III and WPA3-SAE is now supported for wireless LAN on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Network streaming enables direct live streaming from the Alpha 7 IV to a streaming site^vii.
• Expansion of app support with Creators' App and Monitor & Control app now supported with the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.

Many of these updates are applicable to multiple cameras, however for a list of each body's specific update please check the Sony website.

Firmware Downloads

Download the latest firmware from Sony's support pages (not all updates are available at press time):

Sony a1

Sony a9 III

Sony a7 IV

Sony a7S III

Notes:

ⁱ This feature is available to some news organizations at the press release timing.

ⁱⁱ Both Sony's in-camera digital signature technology and C2PA compliance are currently available through a separate upgrade license.

ⁱⁱⁱ For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page

^iv For regional app/service availability, check here. To use this service, it is necessary to download and install the upgrade license.

^v Remote Camera Tool Version 4.1.0 is required to activate the function.

^vi For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page

^vii A dedicated adapter cable, which is sold separately, is required to connect to the timecode source equipment.

^viii Availability varies depending on country and region. Available through the Upgrade and License Management Suite.

^ix For regional app/service availability, check here. Creators' App Ver.2.3.1 or later is necessary. Settings must be made in the Creators' App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators' App support website

^x When connecting to a device with a USB Type-C port, please use a commercially available USB cable or a conversion adapter.

Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 2.02 is available for download (read the precautions on the download page before installing this update).

Sony Alpha 7C R firmware update version 1.02 is available for download.

Sony Alpha 7C II firmware update version 1.02 is available for download.

Sony ZV-E1 firmware update version 1.03 is available for download.

Firmware updates incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Fixes an issue where the camera could restart if many faces were simultaneously recognized at the same time when shooting a movies
2. Fixes an issue where the time code wasn’t always retained after a power restart
3. Fixes an issue where the certain custom key operations may cause the restart
4. Improves the exposure stability when using extended ISO during movie recordings
5. Improves the operational stability of the camera

Get your Sony camera at B&H.

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens firmware update version 06 is available for download.

Firmware Version 06 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Adds support for continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking up to a maximum of 120 images/second when used with the ILCE-9M3 camera body
2. Fixes an issue where, after updating to Ver. 04, the AF (autofocus) and MF (manual focus) do not work after setting the camera shooting mode to S&Q mode or 4K video mode

Get the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens at B&H.