Sony has released a6000 Firmware Update 3.21 which improves autofocus stability. If you’re a Mac user and you haven’t run a firmware update in a while, several things have changed. Be sure to follow the directions at the bottom of this post.
Benefits and Improvements from the Latest Update
Improves stability of the AF operation
Previous Benefits and Improvements
[All Previous Benefits and Improvements are also included in this Update]
v3.20 (7-26-2016): Optimizes the performance of lens SEL70200GM
v3.10 (3-17-2016): The system software update for optimizing the new lenses performance. (Applied to lenses released after 2016 March)
v2.00 (6-16-2015): Startup time is shortened.
This update enables shooting movies in 60p/30p/24p due to the XAVC S format that supports high bit rates.
For NTSC model: 60p/30p/24p
For PAL model: 50p/25p(PAL mode)，60p/30p/24p(NTSC mode)
When shooting a movie in the XAVC S format, ensure that an SDXC card of Class 10 or faster is used after formatting the card using the unit updated with the system software.
If you format the memory card, all the data will be erased. Please ensure that the data on the card is backed up before formatting.
v1.21 (4-6-2015): Improves camera function and provides picture improvement for the new lenses (SEL35F14Z, SEL24240, SEL28F20, SEL90M28G)
v1.10 (10-30-2014): Improves the power-on time after downloading the Smart Remote Control application of the PlayMemories Camera Apps™
File Name
ILCE-6000 System Software (Firmware) Update Ver. 3.21
File Version
3.21
File Size
214.9 MB (214,920,547 bytes)
Release Date
03-19-2019
Download Links:
MAC USERS PLEASE NOTE:
All the latest Sony Firmware Updates are only compatible with Mac OS 10.12-10.14
You must first run UpdateSettingTool and follow the prompts to run it.
[UpdateSettingTool replaces Mac OS 10.13 Driver Loader from earlier firmware versions.]
1. Make sure the camera’s USB Connection is set to Mass Storage
2. WITHOUT CONNECTING THE CAMERA, Click on UpdateSettingTool.
3. Once you see this message, connect the camera.
4. When the above message goes away, click on the Resources Folder, click on “SystemSoftwareUpdater” and follow prompts to begin the firmware update.
Before Updating Firmware Please Read:
Order Sony a6000 from Order Sony a6000 from B&H Photo | Amazon
24 thoughts on “Sony a6000 Firmware Update 3.21 Improves AF Stability”
Brian,
I’ve been holding off on the FW update for the A7iii and A7Riii until the update announced in San Diego.
Do you know the expected release date for the FW?
Steve
This is firmware for a6000 – not a7 III/a7R III
I know that, I probably should have gone to the thread for the A7iii/A7riii FW update to ask the question. My mistake.
Great news. I’m looking forward to installing this firmware update on my A6000. I wish they added the option to extend the overheat warning.
It may not be safe to do that. Just because later Sony mirrorless cameras have that option does not mean it would be safe to add to a6000.
What does “Improves stability of the AF operation” mean?
Exactly what the words imply. It doesn’t make AF faster it just makes it more consistent.
I am an amateur, I appreciate the information you provide. Rest assured I googled AF Stability and searched for answers without getting any useful results before asking. With your help I found an explanation, of consistent AF. thank you.
http://www.imatest.com/2016/11/using-sharpness-to-measure-your-autofocus-consistency/
Sony’s firmware upgrade software is absolute trash, which is why you have to post articles like this. As you know. As a “Sony Artisan of Imagery,” is there any feedback you can provide?
This is a serious question. 🙂
Firmware updates are pretty simple if you follow the correct steps. Sony doesn’t do a very good job explaining a couple of the steps, so I posted them here. I have of course mentioned this to Sony. In the mean time, these will get you through it. It’s pretty simple once you’ve done it the first time.
I will admit I was in the midst of a temper tantrum. I’ve done it before, but most recently I was drawn away. When I was able to return, I found my computer asleep, the upgrade aborted, and my camera non-functional. That seems like a grim usability issue.
Anyway, I’ll muddle through. And I enjoy you site–so much good information in one place.
Thanks!
“3. 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.”
I had read that! On your blog! Life intervened.
I would suggest that life-intervention shouldn’t brick your camera. A cursory search, – if you have a spare two or three seconds and access to the World Wide Web – indicates this is kind of a common issue. Especially for middle-aged white guys on Macs, which is my demo. Maybe don’t blame the user for an obvious flaw?
But there’s good news! I tried all numbers of internet remedies, which mainly boiled down to removing and re-inserting the battery. Those cures are bunk, snake oil. Then I found one that said, “Just re-run the upgrade.”
That hadn’t occurred to me, because the camera seemed unresponsive. But I plugged it in and restarted the updater. Lo and behold, the updater recognized the camera, even though there was no outward indication of life. But something was alive inside. It just couldn’t express itself – just like JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN.
See? Every story can have a happy ending, even if nobody wants to help.
I like to add that make sure you use a USB cable that is for data/charging and not just for charging. I don’t know why they make 2 different kinds of cables.
Sony only makes the correct type of USB cable which is why I recommend using the USB cable that came with the camera.
in frimware 3.21, i can’t find PAL/NTSC selector, why?
That’s never been an option on North American a6000 cameras – no matter the firmware.
Do the Openmemories Tweaks still work after the update?
Or is it possible to instal them again after the update?
I do not want to miss these tweaks cause they really are a big fortune for me.
Cheers
to,y
I do not recommend nor do I test firmware hacks as any resulting damage to your camera would void the warranty.
Good morning, Mr. Brian Smith,
My doughter was updating his camare a6000 using MAC SIERRA 11.3, and then the mac went into sleep mode and the update failed. At this time the camera doesn t not turn on and a red light appears in the access light when i insert the battery or plug in the AC Adapter.
Is the camera dead???
Sorry about my english
Thank you for your attencion and help.
Looking forward to your response/help.
Best regards
Macbook sierra 10.13
Remove the battery.
With the On/Off switch set to On, hold down the shutter release for 30 seconds.
Reinsert the battery.
Turn off sleep mode on the Mac and try again following the directions at the bottom of this post precisely.
Dare I ask why the update to 3.21 was announced after Mac OSX 10.15 was released? So what happens now? Are all future updates invalid if I have a Mac with 10.15 or later? I tried over and over to follow the instructions to upgrade my Sony A6000 with never a mention anywhere of this limitation. It is just like Sony user manuals, totally useless. One has to wonder if Sony does it on purpose and if so why? If I ever need to get an answer on how to use the camera I use Google. Surely Sony can do better than this. Rant over.
Sony a6000 FW Update 3.21 was announced March 20, 2019.
LONG before Mac OS 10.15. Not after.
Full version Apple OS updates block third party applications such as Sony Firmware Updates.
Thank Apple for the inconvenience – not Sony.
Learn from this and NEVER, EVER update a full version Mac OS until all your cameras are updated and the new OS is 100% compatible with every device you own and app you use.