Published: June 21, 2026
Sony a7S III Firmware Update 5.01 fixes an issue where part of the green frame indicating the AF status was not displaying properly when using the Expand Spot feature and also improves the overall operational stability of the camera
Applicable Model
ILCE-7SM3
Benefits and Improvements
• Fixes an issue where part of the green frame indicating the AF (autofocus) status was not displayed when using the Expand Spotfeature
• Improves the operational stability of the camera
Previous Benefits and Improvements
All previous benefits and improvements are included in this update.
File Info
Name: BODYDATA.DAT
Version: 5.01
Size: 743 818 632 bytes
Release Date: 05-28-2026
Important precautions for updating from Ver. 2.15 or earlier
Update order: Ver. 2.15 or earlier → Ver. 3.01 → Ver. 5.01
• You must first update via Ver. 2.15 or earlier to Ver. 3.01 before proceeding to the latest version (Ver. 4.00).
• Attempting to update directly to Ver. 5.01 will cause an error.
Checking your System Software Version
Note: If the Date/Time setting screen appears when you turn on your camera, be sure to set the date or time to the correct values.
1. Select Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version.
2. The system software version will be displayed.
For Imaging Edge Mobile App Users:
• Updated cameras cannot connect to the Imaging Edge Mobile app.
• Install the Creators’ App after updating the camera.
• Ensure the Imaging Edge Mobile app is Ver. 7.7.2 or later to pair the camera with the Creators’ App.
• If using an iPhone/iPad, restart the device after the camera update and then pair the camera with the Creators’ App.
• Update the Imaging Edge Mobile app if it is not the latest version before pairing with the Creators’ App.
• For instructions on installing and connecting the Creators’ App, refer to this Guide for Migrating from the Imaging Edge Mobile app to the Creators’ App.
Is your firmware version later than Ver. 3.00?
No, Firmware Ver. 2.15 or earlier:
Update to Firmware Ver. 3.01 first and then to Ver. 5.01.
Firmware 3.01 for WIN
Firmware 3.01 for MAC
Yes, Firmware Ver. 3.00 or later:
Update to Firmware 5.01
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3 thoughts on “Sony Releases a7S III Firmware Update 5.01”
Again and into the future THANK YOU for keeping us Sony users (and others) up to date with updates to all things. This issue not seen or aware of by many, I for one. You have shared so much about Sony cameras since the beginning of the Sony A7 line with books (yes paper) found in book stores (back in 2013 I still have and study often). Those books have tricks to learn from and try to do even with todays, so called best of the best cameras.
Thank you Ed. It’s a bug that only pops up with one particular setting, yet it’s nice to see it addressed.
You got me started on the right foot when and why I went Sony in 2014 with the books I read and bought after reading. I drove to Orlando Mall to the closest Sony to hold all three and play with some because no camera store even knew about, I asked many, and online sales had not even started!
I am going to give you some information after all these years the military exchanges (stores) a couple of years ago I went to an Army one and in the camera department was all three A7, R and S Mod 2’s new in a box where I bought the A7S Mod 2 new and in the box and when I got home I put all the on camera apps, no longer available, on it. The apps not even many Sony Reps knew about and one at a Best Buy went over and bought a A7R Mod 2 after I showed him the Sony update page link to the Playmemories home and showed the “Digital Filter” app and what I did with it as well as many other apps that took the place of things attached to the camera. Today some of those apps are now part of the camera. Personally I think that makers of all the tools and filters asked Sony to take the apps down due to lack of sells mainly the filter people.
In many of my posts to Fstoppers when stating facts of an image using the “Digital Filter” for Astro Milky Ways I always say if looking for a used Mod 1 or 2 Sony camera of many types not just the A7 line ask if the camera has the apps, the problem is the used market always resets the cameras getting rid of the apps, I always note if they have them buy and run for that camera will be worth more than when it was new. The Mod 2’s for the unheard of IBIS years before Canon and Nikon went mirrorless.
Another note as far as Astro MW a APS-C lens of 2013 make that works in Full Frame the E 10-18mm (15-27mm in 35mm) f/4 OSS with treads up front for filters and if you remove the light shield in the rear in full frame mode you get 12-18mm, that at the time 2015 was before 2017 and 2020 the release date of the FE 12-24mm f/4 G and f/2.8 GM lenses. A big key in astro MW is the fact that the E 10-18mm mainly is it is very small and light weight perfect for on top of panorama rig with a degree stepper at the base where as the 12-24mm’s are big and heavy and if filter are needed an extra $2k in cost as well a filters cost. MW panoramas are a big deal and I can do them right of the Jacksonville Beach even with lit foregrounds. I know you are a portrait photographer but it is fun to do.