Firmware Update 1.20 for Sony a7 a7R a7S a7II & a6000

Sony has released camera firmware update 1.20 for Sony A7, A7R, A7S, A7II and a6000 cameras providing improved function for the latest Sony FE lenses: FE 24-240mm F3.5-5.6, FE 35mm F1.4, FE 28mm F2 and FE 90mm F2.8 Macro

Improvements over version 1.10:

  • Improves camera function and provides picture improvement for the new lenses (SEL35F14Z, SEL24240, SEL28F20, SEL90M28G)

    Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 1.20:

  • Improves the power-on time after downloading the Smart Remote Control application of the PlayMemories Camera Appsâ„¢.
  • Provides support for the SEL70200G lens:
  • Supports the “Fast Hybrid AF” function and future Fast Hybrid AF compatible E mount lenses
  • Adds the “Focus hold button” function
  • Reduces start-up time when the camera is switched on immediately after being switched off
  • Improves image quality
  • Provides support for additional PlayMemories Camera Apps and additional features for previously supported apps:
  • Supports the “Liveview Grading” and “Smooth Reflection” applications
  • Supports the smooth automatic exposure feature in the “Time-lapse” application ver. 2.00 and later

    Before you attempt to update a camera, PLEASE READ & FOLLOW all the directions very carefully! Shut down every other application on your computer. Remove you camera memory card and Disable any pop-ups or security software

    DOWNLOAD LINKS:

    Sony a7R (ILCE-7) [UPDATE: Sony a7 Firmware Update 2.00 is now available here.]

    Sony a7R (ILCE-7R) [UPDATE: Sony a7R Firmware Update 2.00 is now available here.]

    Sony a7S (ILCE-7S) [UPDATE: Sony a7S Firmware Update 2.00 is now available here.]

    Sony a7II (ILCE-7M2) Camera Firmware Update 1.20: MAC | WIN

    Sony a6000 (ILCE-6000) [UPDATE: Sony a6000 Firmware Update 2.00 is now available here.]

    MAC 10.10 YOSEMITE USERS PLEASE NOTE:

    MAC 10.10 Yosemite users if you have not already done so, you will need to first install Mac OS X 10.10 Driver Loader before running any updates.


    UPDATE DIRECTIONS:

    Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update

    Each update is camera-specific – only use the firmware for your specific camera. Verify that currently have have firmware version 1.10 or earlier. If your camera firmware version is already version 1.20, this update is not necessary.

    Check the version of your camera firmware:

    1. Power on the camera.

    2. Press the Menu button.

    3. At the “Menu” screen, use the Control Wheel to select “Setup”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

    4. At the “Setup” screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to “Version”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

    5. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.

    Sony-Firmware-Version

    If the current firmware version is 1.20 or higher, the camera does not need this update.

    6. Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.

    WARNING: Each utility is designed for a specific camera. Do not install this utility with any other model.
    WARNING: This Digital Camera firmware update and any changes incurred by it are permanent. It is not possible to return to a previous firmware version after updating this firmware. By continuing this update process and downloading and updating this firmware, you acknowledge that you are aware and understand that this update cannot be reversed.
    IMPORTANT: Do not allow the computer to enter Sleep (Standby) mode during the update process. To change your settings, please refer to your computer manual or consult the manufacturer.
    WARNING: The camera may not operate properly if the power is interrupted during the update: When performing the firmware update, use a fully charged NP-FW50 rechargeable battery pack, or the AC-PW20 AC adapter/charger.
    To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs.
    It is highly recommended that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.

    Prepare the Camera for the Firmware Update

    1. Power on the camera.

    2. Press the Menu button

    3. At the “Menu” screen, use the Control Wheel to select “Setup”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

    4. At the “Setup” screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to “USB Connection” and verify that “Mass Storage” is selected.

    Mass Storage USB Setting

    Download and Update the Firmware

    IMPORTANT: Do not allow the computer to enter Sleep (Standby) mode during the update process. To change your settings, please refer to your computer manual or consult the manufacturer.

    1. Download the Update_ILCE7V120.dmg file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).

    2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_ILCE7V120.dmg file.
    Note: Do not connect the camera to the computer yet.

    3. On the desktop, double-click the Update_ILCE7V120 icon.

    4. Double-click the “Firmware Updater” icon.

    5. At the Password prompt screen, enter the Name and Password for the administrative account, and then click “OK”.

    6. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
    Note: The LCD screen on the camera will turn off when it is connected to the computer. If the LCD screen of camera does not turn off, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to the camera. If the computer has additional USB ports, try connecting the USB cable to different USB port.

    7. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.

    Sony_Firmware_1_10_update-1

    WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.

    8. When the updater recognizes the camera connection, the following screen is displayed, and the camera screen displays the message, “Follow computer instructions.”

    Sony_Firmware_1_10_update-2

    9. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.

    10. When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.

    Sony_Firmware_1_10_update-4

    If the current version is “Ver. 1.10 or earlier”, click “Next”.

    Note: If the current version is “Ver. 1.20”, your camera does not need this update. Stop the USB connection, click “Finish”, then remove the battery or disconnect the AC adapter briefly, and then power on the camera again.

    11. When the following screen is displayed, reset the camera.

    Note: Do NOT disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.

    12. On the camera, press the center button of the Control Wheel to reset the camera.

    Reset Camera Screen

    13. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.

    Sony_Firmware_1_10_update-5

    14. When the following screen is displayed, click “Run”.
    Note: The update process takes about fifteen minutes to complete.

    Sony_Firmware_1_10_update-6

    WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.

    15. When the following screen is displayed, click “Finish”.

    Sony_Firmware_1_10_update-7

    Important: After clicking Finish, make sure to wait for the camera screen to turn back on before you continue, this may take a few minutes.

    16. Disconnect the USB cable, power off the camera, then remove the battery pack or AC adapter.

    17. Reconnect the battery pack or AC adapter and power on the camera.

    Check the Firmware Version After Updating

    1. Power on the camera.

    2. Press the Menu button.

    3. At the “Menu” screen, use the Control Wheel to select “Setup”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

    4. At the “Setup” screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to “Version”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

    5. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.

    Firmware Version Screen
    If the current firmware version is 1.20, the firmware update was successful.

    Note: If the firmware version number is not 1.20, please download and install the firmware update again.
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    37 thoughts on “Firmware Update 1.20 for Sony a7 a7R a7S a7II & a6000”

    1. Does anyone know if this firmware update (1.20) allows the A7R to use Live View in Capture One 8.2? Version 1.01 allowed a limited Live View, 1.10 cut out Live View functionality. I wasn’t able to get a definitive answer from Sony, and wondering if anyone has updated and tried?

    2. Been hearing comments about 1.21. It is supposed to improve low light focus over 1.20 and is supposedly only available from Japan. Any comments on this please?

      1. I generally wait to post until it’s on the US site. The update is only for AF speed on the new FE lenses so is only of value if you have the FE 35/1.4, FE 28/2 or FE 24-240.

        1. Thanks.

          I am about to buy a 35 1.4 for my A7ii but will wait until that happens and for the posting on the USA site.

          As an aside, I’m really enjoying my migration from Nikon D800e and gear to the Sony system.

    3. The Sony timelapse ap is set to import in 24p on the A7S wether in PAL or NTSC – will firmware update mean I can import timelapse in 25p do you know ?

        1. Hi Brian, does the timelapse app only offer 24P setting, not 25P? I’m shooting for broadcast in the UK and I don’t think 24P will work for me.

    4. For Brian Smith

      Do you think Sony will ever provide a software upgrade to digitally stabilize the enlarged image in the magnified manual focus mode? This will be very useful for manual focusing of a large telephoto lens.

      1. I assume you mean ‘zoom’ in terms of focal length. That would only be possible with a power zoom lens like the FE 28-135 F4 PZ and I suppose it would actually require 2 buttons – one to zoom in and one to zoom out.

    5. Sony A7R updated to v1.20 firmware but noticed no my IR Remote do not trigger the shutter. Do you know if this is a known issue? Have you heard this happening to anyone else?

      1. I’ve never heard of that, Oliver. Do you have Remote Control enabled?

        Menu > Setup 3 > Remote Ctrl > On

        Be sure to turn that off when you’re finished using the IR remote as the camera will not go to sleep with that on.

    6. Pingback: Sony Firmware Update 1.10 for Sony A7 A7R A7S

    7. Pingback: Sony Releases A7 / A7R Firmware Update 1.02

    8. Can someone please help me? I had trouble updating my 1.20 firmware to 2.00 my a7s doesn’t reboot…is dead…i take the baterie out and put it again…only get a red led light on…nothing works more than that. Im trying to downgrade to the 1.20 again but i can’t find the link for mac anywhere anyone got the link? Please send it to diogo_caramujo@sapo.pt

      1. You need to turn the camera off. Remove the USB cord. Take the battery out for at least 10 seconds until the status light goes out.

        Then start over.

    9. I bought my A7 in USA, and brought it back to Denmark. Is it possible to change the firmware into the european version which includes PAL ?

      1. Sony a7-series cameras have a Picture Effect called Partial Color that creates an image which that retains a specific color, but converts the others to black and white.

    10. As far as I know, I followed all of the steps to the letter with my a7 ii. Now I get “Camera error. Turn off and then on. Talked to Sony, and they want me to send it in. ??? I have an a7r, and have been updating camera firmware forever. Has this happened to anyone else? If so, is there a fix I can do myself?

      No offense, but it is way easier with my Canons/

      1. Sounds like an update “hang”

        You must turn the camera off and remove the battery for at least 30 seconds.

        After 30 seconds reinsert the battery and turn the camera on and start over.

        The steps I’ve detailed have been 100% bulletproof for me.

    11. Sending back an a5100 and got a a6000 mainly for the ability to add a flash and external mic. Sadly, the vanity LCD feature on the a5100 does not exist on the a6000 so I’m using the app but noticed it doesn’t have a video record button. Any ideas for me on how to remotely control and view video recording for selfie video content production?

      1. Actually that’s one of the best reasons to choose Sony A5100. You can connect an external HDMI monitor to your a6000 but if you want the eyeline into the lens – you can’t choose a better option for the price than a5100.

    12. I was able to fix the failed/corrupted firmware update problem with the help of Sony Support. While updating the firmware on my A7ii, the update software would fail about 5% into the “run the update section.” My camera wouldn’t turn on. The display and EVF were completely black and only the red led light was solid on.

      This is how I was able to fix the problem:
      1. Remove battery for 1 minute
      2. Turn the camera to the on position (without battery) for 30 seconds to completely drain camera.
      3. Turn camera off, insert battery, turn camera on
      4. IMPORTANT connect camera through USB port on BACK of desktop pc. (this is where my problem originated. plugged into USB on front of desktop computer resulted in the update not being able to get past 5%. This caused a firmware corruption)
      5. Follow instructions on update software and it should work.

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