Sony has announced plans for new firmware updates (though the wait is long):
Sony Electronics Announces New Firmware Updates to Cinema Line Cameras
Plans Include Updates to Cinema Line Cameras: FX30, FX3 and FX6
SAN DIEGO – Jan. 17, 2024 – Sony Electronics announces upcoming updates for the FX6, FX3 and FX30 cinema cameras at the BSC Expo 2024 in London, exhibiting its extensive range of filmmaking technology. The new firmware updates showcase Sony’s commitment to its cinema line.
The ILME-FX6 ver.5.0 firmware update is expected from May 2024 or later and will include:
The firmware update for FX3 and FX30 is expected from September 2024 or later and will include:
The firmware updates will be available free of charge starting in May 2024 for the FX6 ver.5.0 and the FX30/FX3 updates will be available starting in about September 2024.
Sony Alpha 7C R firmware update version 1.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 7C R at B&H.
Sony Alpha 7C II firmware update version 1.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 7C II at B&H.
Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 2.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version 2.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H.
Sony Alpha 6700 firmware update version 1.02 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.02 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 6700 at B&H.
Sony ZV-E1 firmware update version 1.02 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.02 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Support this site by ordering the Sony ZV-E1 at B&H.
Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 2.0.1 is available for download.
* Please read the provided instructions before proceeding. The firmware installation order requirement is specified.
Firmware Version 2.0.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.
Sony Alpha 6700 firmware update version 1.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version VERSION incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 6700 at B&H.
Sony ZV-E1 firmware update version 1.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Support this site by ordering the Sony ZV-E1 at B&H.
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens firmware update version 03 is available for download.
Firmware Version 03 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
While the benefits list is short, everyone appreciates better AF performance.
Get the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens at B&H.
Sony Alpha 1 firmware update version 1.32 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.32 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 1 at B&H.
From Sony Electronics:
Sony Electronics Announces New Firmware Update for FX3 & FX30
The new firmware enables the cameras to shoot DCI 4K in true 24 fps, adds anamorphic lens desqueeze and breathing compensation to bring unified operability and common workflow to the Cinema Line
SAN DIEGO, CA –Today, Sony Electronics announced new firmware updates for the FX3 full-frame digital cinema camera and the FX30 Super 35 digital cinema camera, enhancing their features for cinematic storytelling and connectivity for film creators. Since its launch, the FX3 has become a popular tool for everyone from high-end feature films, television series and independent filmmakers around the world. Now, after feedback from the community, Sony is pleased to offer new updates to enhance high-end filmmaking. FX3 Version 3.00 and FX30 Version 2.00 include highly requested features such as the ability to shoot DCI 4K in true 24.00p (4096 x 2160)ii with new format XAVC S-I DCI 4K (17:9).
"The FX3 is a great companion to the VENICE in the filmmaking adventure. Its color rendering and accuracy equals its bigger sibling, the VENICE. I have used the FX3 on my last several shows and always find myself excited and pleasantly surprised. I’m looking forward to seeing what else it can do,” says Emmy award-winning cinematographer Checco Varese ASC.
In addition to true 24p, FX3 Version 3.00 and FX30 Version 2.00 now offer anamorphic lens desqueeze options of 1.3x and 2.0x while FX3 Version 3.00 now features focus breathing compensation. When used with compatible lenses iii, focus breathing compensation minimizes the shifts in the angle-of-view as the focus point shifts, with additional compensation available in post-production using Catalyst Prepare/Browse and the Catalyst Prepare Plugin. Other functionality has also been added to improve the camera’s ease of use, including the ability to switch from Standard Movie and S&Q Motion modes via the press of a button. File naming is now similar to our high-end CineAlta cameras such as the FX9, VENICE and VENICE 2, to ensure easy workflow, especially in projects where the FX3/FX30 is used as a B- or C-cam iv.
The new firmware update also features smartphone connection and integrates with Sony’s new Creators’ Cloudv platform for individual content creators. Creators’ Cloud provides services and optimized applications from shooting to collaborating with creators around the world. This Creators' Cloud platform also includes Creators’ App, a content transfer mobile application from camera to cloud.
Pricing and Availability
The new FX3 Version 3.00 and FX30 Version 2.00 update will be available on April 11, 2023, at 9pm PT. Filmmakers can easily download the update directly to their camera using a PC or Mac. More details can be found HERE.
About Cinema Line
Cinema Line is a series of cameras that have a cinematic look – cultivated from Sony’s long experience in digital cinema production – plus enhanced operability and reliability that respond to the wide variety of creators’ high demands.
Cinema Line includes Sony’s flagship digital cinema camera VENICE, which has been used on over 500 feature films, television and commercials, including three of the top grossing feature films in the world in 2022. The Cinema Line includes the professional camera FX9, which is popular for documentary and drama production and the FX6, for grab and shoot action and content creation. With the addition of the FX3 and FX30, the most compact cameras in the series, Sony offers a true line up of versatile creative tools for all types of visual storytellers.
Notes:
i When de-squeeze is active, autofocus and image stabilization are disabled. This function cannot be assigned to a custom button or Fn menu. ii At 24.00p, proxy recording is disabled. When 24.00p is selected or deselected, the camera will automatically restart.
iii Compatible lenses are listed at: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/support/ilc/breathing/en/ Angle of view and imager quality may change slightly when this function is turned ON. Full compensation may not be possible with some lenses. This function is not available when shooting movies at 120p, when using the S&Q mode at 120p or when shooting stills.
iv The file name of the recorded movie becomes "Camera ID+Reel number+Cameraposition+File number+Date+Random” string.
v Availability will vary by timing, countries and regions. The service will be updated regularly.
Sony Alpha 7R V firmware update version 2.00 is available for download.
Firmware Version 2.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 7R V at B&H.
Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 2.00 is available for download. Read the instructions carefully.
Firmware Version 2.00 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.
Sony E PZ 16–50 mm F3.5–5.6 OSS Lens firmware update version 02 is available for download: Windows | Mac.
Firmware Version 02 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony E PZ 16–50 mm F3.5–5.6 OSS Lens at B&H.
Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 1.11 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.11 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Lens firmware update version 2.0 is available for download.
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens firmware update version 2.0 is available for download.
Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens firmware update version 3.0 is available for download.
Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens firmware update version 2.0 is available for download.
Firmware updates incorporate the following fixes and enhancements:
"This update was originally released and then suspended on August 24, 2022, because some products could not operate properly after the update to Ver.1.10. However, the update has resumed with countermeasures, and we are happy to bring all of its added functionality to the Alpha 7 IV."
Note: "This update is executed via SD card/CFExpress card, and users will need to ensure the Alpha 7 IV is running or updated to Ver.1.05 first, before updating to v1.1. Instructions can be found in the links in the release."
Here is the original press release from Sony:
New Alpha 7 IV Firmware Update Enables Lossless RAW File Options and Improved Accuracy and Operability
SAN DIEGO, CA – August 23, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the v1.1 firmware update for the Alpha 7 IV full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, adding Lossless Compressed RAW in three sizes for still images, shutter speed and ISO setting retention, touch shutter function, improved Eye AF (autofocus) accuracy and more. ? ?
The update adds Lossless Compressed RAW files in S, M and L (small, medium or large) file sizes – a highly requested feature. Selecting L size preserves the same image quality as an uncompressed RAW format while significantly reducing the file size. The M and S sizes record fewer pixels than the L size, providing even smaller RAW file sizes.
Alpha 7 IV v1.1 allows photographers to retain shutter speed and ISO settings for flash photography. This newest update also offers a Touch Shutter Function and improves the accuracy of the Eye AF feature.
Other updates in the Alpha 7 IV v1.1 include:
Availability
Alpha 7IV v1.1 is available now and can be downloaded HERE.
Download instructions can be found HERE.
More Information
Order the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
Rent the Sony Alpha 7 IV from Lensrentals.
Sony temporarily made a7 IV firmware version 1.1 available as shared below. The firmware was since taken down, with this notice provided:
"It was confirmed that some products that updated may not operate properly in some cases. Distribution will be suspended until we can inform you of modified version. (August 24, 2022)" [Sony]
I expect that we will see this update become available again very soon.
Here is the original press release from Sony:
New Alpha 7 IV Firmware Update Enables Lossless RAW File Options and Improved Accuracy and Operability
SAN DIEGO, CA – August 23, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the v1.1 firmware update for the Alpha 7 IV full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, adding Lossless Compressed RAW in three sizes for still images, shutter speed and ISO setting retention, touch shutter function, improved Eye AF (autofocus) accuracy and more. ? ?
The update adds Lossless Compressed RAW files in S, M and L (small, medium or large) file sizes – a highly requested feature. Selecting L size preserves the same image quality as an uncompressed RAW format while significantly reducing the file size. The M and S sizes record fewer pixels than the L size, providing even smaller RAW file sizes.
Alpha 7 IV v1.1 allows photographers to retain shutter speed and ISO settings for flash photography. This newest update also offers a Touch Shutter Function and improves the accuracy of the Eye AF feature.
Other updates in the Alpha 7 IV v1.1 include:
Availability
Alpha 7IV v1.1 is available now and can be downloaded HERE.
Download instructions can be found HERE.
More Information
Order the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
Rent the Sony Alpha 7 IV from Lensrentals.
Sony a7S III firmware update version 2.10 is available for download.
"A new v2.1 firmware update for Sony’s acclaimed Alpha 7S III full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is also available for immediate download. Most notably, this latest update includes the introduction of proxy recording during remote computer connect and improvements to Eye AF (autofocus) performance."
Firmware Version 2.10 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sony a7S III at B&H.