Sony has released a7 III Firmware Update 4.01 which fixes an issue where the battery level indicator may not be displayed correctly when using a vertical grip. Even if you don’t use a vertical grip, I always recommend updating your camera to the latest firmware as there are always a few additional bug fixes not listed in the update notes.

Benefits and Improvements

Fixes an issue where the battery level indicator may not be displayed correctly when using a vertical grip

Previous Benefits and Improvements

[All Previous Benefits and Improvements are also included in this Update]

File Name

Update_ILCE7M3V401

File Version

4.01

Release Date

06-17-2021

Download Links:

Download a7 III FW 4.00 for MAC | WIN

MAC USERS PLEASE NOTE:

System Requirements

The latest version of the system software update is compatible with the following Macintosh versions:
MacOS 10.14, 10.15, 11

How to download the Sony Camera Driver:

Visit the Sony Camera Driver download page.
Click the Download button.
NOTE: The Camera_Driver_2102a.dmg file will start downloading.
Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).
File Size：130KB (129 582 byte)
After reading the disclaimer, click Download.
How to download the Updater:

Click the Download button above.

After reading the disclaimer, click Download.
NOTE: The Update_ILCE7M3V400.dmg file will start downloading.
Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).
File Size：315.9MB (315 889 936 byte)
Step 1: How to Install the Sony Camera Driver

Close all programs currently running on your computer.

Double-click the Camera_Driver_2102a.dmg file you downloaded. Do not connect the camera at this point.
NOTE: If you have connected the camera to a computer, disconnect it before following the procedure.
The Sony Camera Driver Installer is expanded.
Double-click the SonyCameraDriver.pkg icon.
The installer screen opens. Proceed as instructed.

Before Updating Firmware Please Read:

Bulletproof Guide to Sony Camera Firmware Updates

Save $300 on Sony a7 III through 6/27/21 from B&H Photo | Amazon

Sony has released a9 II Firmware Update 3.10 which improves operability when using the Remote Camera Tool, fixes an issue where the battery level indicator may not be displayed correctly when using a vertical grip and improves the overall stability of the camera

I always recommend updating your camera to the latest firmware as there are always a few additional bug fixes not listed in the update notes.

Benefits and Improvements

• Improves operability when using the Remote Camera Tool
NOTE: Please update the Remote Camera Tool to the latest version
• Fixes an issue where the battery level indicator may not be displayed correctly when using a vertical grip
• Improves the overall stability of the camera

IMPORTANT: When you update to this version, the camera settings will be reinitialized. Because of this, we recommend that you save the current settings before updating. You can use the Save/Load Settings function to save the current settings to a memory card and write them back after the update.

NOTE: For details on how to save the settings and the items that can be saved, refer to Save/Load Settings in the Help Guide.

Previous Benefits and Improvements

[All Previous Benefits and Improvements are also included in this Update]

File Name

Update_ILCE9M2V310

File Version

3.10

Release Date

06-17-2021

Download Links:

Download a7 III FW 4.00 for MAC | WIN

MAC USERS PLEASE NOTE:

System Requirements

The latest version of the system software update is compatible with the following Macintosh versions:
MacOS 10.14, 10.15, 11

How to download the Sony Camera Driver:

Visit the Sony Camera Driver download page.
Click the Download button.
NOTE: The Camera_Driver_2102a.dmg file will start downloading.
Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).
File Size：130KB (129 582 byte)
After reading the disclaimer, click Download.
How to download the Updater:

Click the Download button above.

After reading the disclaimer, click Download.
NOTE: The Update_ILCE7M3V400.dmg file will start downloading.
Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).
File Size：315.9MB (315 889 936 byte)
Step 1: How to Install the Sony Camera Driver

Close all programs currently running on your computer.

Double-click the Camera_Driver_2102a.dmg file you downloaded. Do not connect the camera at this point.
NOTE: If you have connected the camera to a computer, disconnect it before following the procedure.
The Sony Camera Driver Installer is expanded.
Double-click the SonyCameraDriver.pkg icon.
The installer screen opens. Proceed as instructed.

Before Updating Firmware Please Read:

Bulletproof Guide to Sony Camera Firmware Updates

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Sony’s First Professional Drone is World’s Smallest Drone that can carry Alpha Mirrorless Cameras, Boasts High Speed and Stable Flight Performance

SAN DIEGO, CA – June 9, 2021 – Sony Electronics Inc. today announced their first-ever professional drone, the Sony Airpeak S1. An introductory model in the new Airpeak line, the S1 is the world’s smallest[ii] drone that can be equipped with a full-size mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha camera, opening up a new world of creative possibilities.

The new drone utilizes a proprietary motor, propeller, control system and sensing technology, allowing it to fly at extremely high speeds with very stable wind resistance. Additionally, the Airpeak S1 features an advanced remote controller that can support the production of high-quality aerial images and freely control the aircraft. It also includes obstacle detection, automatic flight control via sensing and increased safety via cloud management of the aircraft and flight information.

“Sony is excited to launch our new drone business with the Airpeak S1,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Combining an extremely compact size with some of Sony’s most advanced imaging, sensing, AI and robotics technologies, the S1 will allow content creators, storytellers and commercial professionals to capture that which they’ve never been able to capture before.”

Aircraft with Advanced Flight Performance

The new Airpeak S1 offers dynamic flying capabilities, including a maximum speed of 55mph (90km/h)[iii], a maximum angular velocity of 180°/s[iv], and a maximum tilt angle of 55°[v].

Propulsion technology using a combination of Sony developed key devices provides wind resistance in strong wind speeds up to 44.7mph[vi] (20m/s). An example can be viewed HERE.

Independently developed propulsion device and flight control system

In addition to the lightweight, highly efficient, sturdy and responsive proprietary 17″ propeller and brushless motor, the Airpeak S1 is equipped with an ESC (Electric Speed Controller) for optimal control of these components. A unique, high-performance flight control system integrates the propulsion device and all sensor information to ensure stable flight and high maneuverability.

Stable Flight by Sensing

Stereo cameras equipped with Sony’s image sensors are installed in 5 locations (front, back, left, right, bottom) of the aircraft. Sony’s Vision Sensing Processor, which processes camera data at high speed and with low power consumption, and proprietary algorithms are used to accurately estimate the aircraft’s spatial position and orientation in real time, enabling stable flight even in environments where GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) reception may be hindered, such as indoors or under bridges. The Airpeak S1 is also equipped with a unique high-performance flight control system that integrates all sensor information such as IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), direction, barometric pressure and infrared ranging to optimize the propulsion device.

The Airpeak S1 uses Multi-directional sensors to enable its obstacle braking function. The front, rear, left and right stereo cameras and the infrared range-finding sensor mounted on the top recognize obstacles in the vicinity of the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to automatically decelerate and stop according to the behavior of the aircraft and the surrounding conditions.

Gremsy T3 for Airpeak Gimbal

Multiple Camera and Lens Variations

Users have the flexibility to choose the right Alpha system for their desired application to expand their filmmaking horizons. The Airpeak S1 is compatible with a wide range of camera bodies including: the Alpha 7S series and FX3 for high descriptive capability with suppressed noise, the Alpha 7R series for ultra-high definition, and the Alpha 9 series and others for distortion-free images. The Alpha 1, which can shoot footage in 8K, is also compatible.

Free Operability

The new professional drone includes “Airpeak Flight,” an iOS® and iPadOS® compatible application[vii] that integrates the aircraft, transmitter, camera, and gimbal, allowing the operator to monitor status information such as flight distance and remaining battery power, and change various operations and settings on the screen.

Airpeak S1 also includes a dual operation mode so that one user can operate the drone, while another user can operate the gimbal and camera simultaneously, all while checking the same image, even in complicated scenes. The FPV (First Person View) camera, which can be tilt-operated from the remote controller, is mounted on the nose of the aircraft and is useful for the operator to check the direction of the aircraft and the direction of travel.

Highly Efficient Workflow with Automatic Flight

The new drone includes “Airpeak Base,” a web application that allows the operator to manage equipment, create flight plans, and manage flight logs. In the equipment management, information on the equipment used is automatically listed and managed based on the flight log. This allows the operator to check the condition of the aircraft before going to the field, minimizing on-set issues.

With Airpeak Base, the operator can create advanced flight plans and automatically fly the aircraft along the same course repeatedly, as if the drone were on rails installed in the air. It is able to set the position (latitude, longitude and altitude) and speed of the aircraft along the timeline, and specify the orientation of the gimbal and the timing of video or still image shooting. It can also draw smooth curves on the map. Reproduction flight is an automatic flight function that reproduces the flight route, gimbal, and camera movements based on the flight logs that have flown in the past.

All aircraft information, including logs, can be uploaded to the cloud via the mobile app Airpeak Flight. Airpeak Base allows users to check the status of the aircraft and can provide notifications if necessary. Users can manage the status of all managed aircraft in one place before flight. Past flight logs can be viewed on the logbook screen, and details such as in-flight errors can also be reviewed.

Related Services

“Airpeak Plus,” a cloud service that allows users to use the rich features of Airpeak Base, and “Airpeak Protect Plan,” a service plan to cover accidental damage to the product, will be available to customers. Further details regarding both services will be available on the Airpeak website before the related products and services go on sale

Pricing and Availability

The new Airpeak S1 suggested retail price is approximately $9,000.00 and will ship with two (2) pairs of propellers, a remote controller, two (2) batteries and a battery charger. A third-party gimbal made specifically for the Airpeak S1 will be sold separately. The Airpeak S1 will be available for pre-order and ship to customers in the fall of 2021. Airpeak S1 is made in Japan.

For more information, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/airpeak

Sony Group will be exhibiting Airpeak S1 at Japan Drone 2021, a drone exhibition to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from June 14-16, 2021. In addition, Izumi Kawanishi, Senior Vice President, AI Robotics Business, Sony Group Corp. will provide the keynote speech in the morning of June 14, 2021.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new Airpeak S1 and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com and www.sonycine.com, sites created to educate and inspire fans and customers of Sony α – Alpha brand and Sony’s Cinema Line.

Airpeak is a trademark of Sony Group Corporation.

Notes:

[i] Operating a drone in the USA is regulated by federal law and regulations. State and local ordinances may also apply to certain operations. When operating a drone, it is the remote pilot’s responsibility to always comply with applicable laws and regulations.
[ii] Based on Sony research and testing.
[iii] No payload, and obstacle brake disabled.
[iv] Vision positioning disabled.
[v] Obstacle brake disabled.
[vi] No payload.
[vii] All apps require network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information.
[viii] Those who use drones to provide products and services to customers. If you register as a professional supporter, you will receive emails about events sponsored by Sony, opportunities to experience aircraft flight, and the latest product information.

Sony Airpeak S1 will be available from B&H Photo

$1 Million Social Justice Program Offers Funding, Product, Creative Resources and Increased Awareness for Local Organizations Supporting Underrepresented, Underserved Communities

SAN DIEGO, CA – Jun 9, 2021 – Sony Electronics today announced the launch of ‘CREATE ACTION’, a new $1 million grant program designed to support underserved, underrepresented communities by amplifying the efforts of local, non-profit organizations embedded within these communities. This program is part of Sony’s broader social justice efforts, with funding sourced from the company’s Global Social Justice Fund.

Why CREATE ACTION?

88% of non-profits, over 1 million organizations in the U.S., have annual budgets of less than $500,000. Marketing and fundraising are the two most cited challenges for these smaller organizations*. Many times, they lack the necessary budget, creative resources or accessibility to larger platforms to help spread their message.

Grant Program Details

Sony will select a total of 10 organizations to receive the CREATE ACTION grants, with one new grant being announced each month from June 2021 through March 2022.

Grant winners will receive:

• $50,000 cash grant (by check)
• $50,000 in Sony Electronics products

Additionally, Sony will provide grant winners:

• A custom short film promoting the organization’s mission and efforts, created in collaboration with a team of Sony-affiliated creators
• Support of the Sony brand and platform to help spread their message and raise awareness
• Additional opportunities for collaboration with Sony Electronics and extended network of corporate partners

Eligible non-profit organizations need to be 501(c)(3) with less than $500k annual operating revenue for 2019 and 2020, with a key focus on programs including, but not limited to:

• STEAM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics)
• Academic Enrichment
• Workforce Development
• Community and Civic Engagement

“Sony’s main purpose is to ‘Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology,’” said Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics Inc. “CREATE ACTION is designed to support this purpose. It is a program that summons the power of Sony – including funding, product, creative resources and accessibility – to expand the impact and influence of local organizations that are creating a tremendous positive impact in their community.”

The program launches with a national call-to-action for applications, open from today through March 29th, 2022. After initial submission, each application will be within consideration throughout the entirety of the program.

To learn more, see Sony Electronics’ Create Action Grant Program Official Rules, including awards, entry instructions, etc. and to apply for a CREATE ACTION grant, please visit alphauniverse.com/createaction