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:
Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 1.20:
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.
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.
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”.
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.”
9. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.
10. When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.
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.
13. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.
14. When the following screen is displayed, click “Run”.
Note: The update process takes about fifteen minutes to complete.
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”.
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.
If the current firmware version is 1.20, the firmware update was successful.
37 thoughts on “Firmware Update 1.20 for Sony a7 a7R a7S a7II & a6000”
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?
Update 1.20 is for exactly what I stated – support for the FE 24-240, FE 28 F2, FE 35 F1.4 ZA and FE 90 F2.8 Macro.
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?
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.
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.
Do you know if you can update an imported A7S to have 24p video recording?
The imports only do 25p.
Hmmmm…sounds like your camera is set to PAL. You need to change to NTSC for 24fps. PAL is not available on USA cameras. Are you outside the US?
Awesome Helpful information. Where to you go to check updates for lenses. Namely FE/PZ 28 – 135 GOSS
The firmware the FE 28-135mm G OSS shipped with is current.
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 ?
That would more likely be related to the app than camera firmware.
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.
Those options might be determined based on whether your camera is set to NTSC or PAL
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.
Sony a7II does this. I doubt it’s possible with a7/a7R/a7S as they do not have IBIS.
Thanks for the information Brian. I guess I will have to wait until I feel rich enough to to get an a7II.
Unfortunately many features are hardware related and software can’t change that.
Any thoughts on a possible one button press zoom feature?
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.
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?
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.
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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
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.
Do we need internet connection although the update?
You only need an internet connection to download the update to your computer. You do not need Internet connection while running the update.
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 ?
That’s a good question. I’m not aware of a way to do that but I’ll look into it.
Hello Frans, I just got confirmation from Sony Pro Support: “At the moment it is not possible to add PAL to the (North American) ILCE7.”
Hi Brian,
Do you know Sony A7 has select color feature as Nikon D750 ?
Thanks
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.
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/
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.
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?
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.
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.