Sony has finally released the much-anticipated firmware updates for their flagship mirrorless cameras, the Alpha a1 and a7S III. These updates bring a host of new features, upgrades, and enhancements that the Sony Alpha community has been eagerly waiting for since they were announced last fall.
Download Firmware updates below:
Firmware Updates Across the Alpha Lineup
In addition to the a1 and a7S III, Sony has also released firmware updates for the a7 IV and a9 III, with the latter set to be released on April 9, 2024. This demonstrates Sony’s commitment to improving their cameras through software updates, even for older models.
The firmware updates are divided into two main categories: “New features” and “Existing feature support.” These categories are further broken down into sub-categories, including:
- Shooting functions
- Post-Shooting workflow
- Remote control
- SDK, B2B support
- Movie features
- Application, Cloud service
- Content Authenticity verification
Sony Alpha a1 Firmware Version 2.0 Highlights
The Alpha a1 firmware version 2.0 brings a wide range of improvements, such as:
- Relay playback of images in multiple media
- Select copy between memory cards
- EVF ON regardless of LCD angle
- Enhanced image stabilization (pairing certain OSS Sony lenses with IBIS)
- Marker display for stills
- Focus frame display
- Custom Grid Line License
- 4K 30P support for UVC streaming
- Breathing compensation
- Subject recognition frame display for movies
- Time Code sync
- Creator’s App support
- Cloud upload (camera direct) function
- C2PA Compliant
Sony Alpha a7S III Firmware Version 3.0 Highlights
The a7S III firmware version 3.0 introduces several new features and enhancements, including:
- Anti-Dust shutter when power off
- Touch operation enhancement
- My Menu registration by touch
- DCI 4K/24P Upgrade License (free upgrade similar to ZV-E1)
- Cam ID and Reel No. support for playback
- Focus Breathing compensation
- Up to 20 IPTC Presets
- Focus frame display
- Monitor & Control App support
- Creator’s App support
- RAW transfer to smartphone
- C2PA compliant
- Preset Focus/Zoom function
- Auto power off at high temperature
Sony Alpha a7 IV and a9 III Firmware Updates
The a7 IV firmware version 3.0 and a9 III firmware version 2.0 also receive notable updates, such as:
- Network streaming (a7 IV)
- Cloud upload (camera direct) function (a7 IV)
- Saving lens model name as MP4 metadata (a7 IV)
- Cam ID and Reel No. support for playback (a7 IV and a9 III)
- Custom Grid Line License (a7 IV)
- Creator’s App support (a7 IV and a9 III)
- C2PA compliant (a7 IV and a9 III)
- 1/80,000 s shutter speed in continuous shooting at f/1.8 or darker (a9 III)
- Max number of images per folder increased to 9,999 (a9 III)
- SFTP support (a9 III)
- Focus frame display (a9 III)
- Extracting still images from a movie (a9 III)
A Step in the Right Direction
These firmware updates demonstrate Sony’s commitment to the Kaizen mindset, continuously improving their cameras through software updates and breathing new life into older models. As a professional photographer and videographer who regularly uses the a1 and a7S III, I am thrilled to explore the new features and enhancements that these updates bring.
It’s important to note that the list of updates is not exhaustive, and many of the features listed for the a1 and a7S III are currently, or will also be added to other Alpha cameras. This is a testament to Sony’s dedication to providing a consistent and improved user experience across their lineup.