Sony has announced several new firmware updates over the past few months and I wanted to make sure you all had the latest information and links on the matter 😉 First we have the New 14-Bit uncompressed Raw File support for both the Sony A7r Mark II and Sony A7 Mark II full frame mirrorless cameras. Many hardcore editors wanted this option really bad. slightly more dynamic range is possible and no more compression artifacts which were being reported. This effected astro photography and other really high contrast situations combined with the raw compression with resulted in a artifacts when viewing at 100% and beyond…
Another release came out for the Sony A7s Mark II that fixes a dark spot issue caused by the sun I guess, but more info on that below.
The Sony A6000 also has an update that is a little older, but still relevant for those that did not know and adds XAVC S format for video!
There is also an update for the new Cyber-shot RX10 Mark II and RX100 Mark IV which fixes some potential focus wondering while recording at higher “Slow Motion” frame rates.
Checking Your Firmware Version
You can check your current Sony camera firmware version by navigating in the menu to the toolbox icon, which is located on the right side. Then under the last number, which in my case is 6, we have the Version. Select Version to see what you camera is currently running on. Once you determine that, you can see if a update is available for you 🙂
Sony A7 Series Firmware Links:
– Sony US link path requires you select the computer operating system first:
Sony A7S Mark II
Sony A7s Mark II Firmware Update (Click Here)
Release Date 11/20/2015 – Version 1.20
File Description
This utility updates the ILCE-7SM2 camera firmware to version 1.10 to address a condition where a black spot may occur in a high intensity lighting part of a shooting scene.
Note: This condition is especially seen in PAL 25p, it rarely happens in NTSC 30p or 60p.
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Sony A7R Mark II
Sony A7r Mark II – latest current firmware (Click Here)
Release Date 10/19/2015 – Version 2.00
File Description
This utility updates the ILCE-7RM2 system software to version 2.00, and provides the following benefits:
Improvements over version 1.10:
- Adds the selectable feature for uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture
- Adds support to output video via HDMI during use of the Remote Camera Control software (still mode only)
Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 2.00:
- Reduces the chance of the camera changing to front focus when shooting certain scenes.
Note: This symptom rarely occurs. - Decreases chroma noise when Long Exposure NR (Noise Reduction) is set to Off.
Note: The noise does not occur when Long Exposure NR is set to On. - Improves continuous shooting at Hi speed so that it can be used just as long when using the flash as without the flash.
Sony A7 II
Sony A7 Mark II Latest Firmware (Click Here)
Release Date: 11/18/2015 Version 2.00
File Description
This utility updates the ILCE-7M2 camera firmware to version 2.00 and provides the following benefits:
Improvements over version 1.20:
- Adds the 14-bit uncompressed RAW format option
Note: PlayMemories Camera Apps™ currently does not support shooting or recording using uncompressed RAW format. - Adds Phase-detection AF support for A-mount Lens Adaptor LA-EA3 (LA-EA1)
- Adds MOVIE button custom key settings that can be assigned for the MOVIE recording function
Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 2.00:
- Improves camera function and provides picture improvement for the new lenses (SEL35F14Z, SEL24240, SEL28F20, SEL90M28G)
- Provides enhanced image stabilization system for the following:
- Image stabilization in half-pressing the shutter
- Image stabilization in Focus Magnifier
- Image stabilization in movie recording
- Image stabilization in other functions
More Sony Camera Firmware Updates
Sony A6000
Sony A6000 Latest Firmware (Click Here)
Release Date 6/05/2015 Version 2.00
File Description
This utility updates the ILCE-6000 camera firmware to version 2.00 and provides the following benefits:
Improvements over version 1.20:
- The startup time is shortened
- Adds support for recording movies in the XAVC S format that supports high bit rates (NTSC: 60p/30p/24p PAL: 50p/25p)
Notes:- When recording a movie in the XAVC S format, you must use a Class 10 or faster SDXC card.
- If you format the memory card, all of the data will be erased. Please make sure that the data on the card is backed up before formatting the card.
Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 2.00:
- Improves camera function and provides picture improvement for the new lenses (SEL35F14Z, SEL24240, SEL28F20, SEL90M28G)
- Improves the power-on time after downloading the Smart Remote Control application of the PlayMemories Camera Apps™.
Sony RX10 Mark II
Sony RX10 Mark II Latest Firmware (Click Here)
Release Date 10/27/2015 Version 1.20
File Description
This utility updates the camera firmware to version 1.20 to improve a focus shift condition with HFR (High Frame Rate) recording.
Sony RX100 Mark IV
Sony RX100 Mark IV Latest Firmware (Click Here)
Release Date 10/27/2015 Version 1.20
File Description
This utility updates the camera firmware to version 1.20 to improve a focus shift condition with HFR (High Frame Rate) recording.
H0w-To Update Firmware
Here is an excellent video tutorial on How-to update the firmware using the Sony A6000 camera body courtesy of Robert Wilson
All the latest Sony cameras work the same way as far as updating, so just keep that in mind even though this is for the A6000.
Closing Remarks
Having the latest firmware installed on your Sony camera will insure you are getting the most performance and I recommend updated if applicable 😉
Thanks for checking in,
Jay
