Sony Releases Firmware Updates for a9, a7R III, a7 III, a7R II, a7 II, a7S II, a6500 and a99 II

Published: May 16, 2019

Sony-a9-Firmware-Update-5-01

Sony released firmware updates for a9, a7R III, a7 III, a7R II, a7 II, a7S II, a6500 and a99 II.

Benefits and Improvements list the rather vague “Improves the overall stability of the camera”. I suspect this relates to wireless flash systems since these cameras (and only these cameras) share the same wireless flash protocols.

It’s also worth noting that just yesterday, Profoto released the A1X AirTTL-S flash for Sony, which coincidently is compatible with these exact cameras.

Download Links

Sony a9 Firmware 5.01 for MAC | WIN
Sony a7 III Firmware 3.01 for MAC | WIN
Sony a7R III Firmware 3.01 for MAC | WIN
Sony a7 II Firmware 4.01 for MAC | WIN
Sony a7R II Firmware 4.01 for MAC | WIN
Sony a7S II Firmware 3.01 for MAC | WIN
Sony a6500 Firmware 1.06 for MAC | WIN
Sony a99 II Firmware 1.01 for MAC | WIN

MAC USERS PLEASE NOTE:

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:

Bulletproof Guide to Sony Camera Firmware Updates

Order Sony a9 from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony a7 III from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony a7R III from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony a7 II from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony a7R II from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony a7S II from B&H Photo | Amazon
Order Sony a6500 from B&H Photo | Amazon
Order Sony a9 II from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony

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19 thoughts on “Sony Releases Firmware Updates for a9, a7R III, a7 III, a7R II, a7 II, a7S II, a6500 and a99 II”

  1. Brian…Sony has great cameras but software are really bad. I cant run the new updates in my mac (latest OS) and in my windows laptop. Really frustrating! You should pressure them to improve their softeware. Neddeles to say Playmemories or others!

  2. Check the Security & Privacy setting.

    Message pops up and I dont know what setting should I change. First time that this happens to me

    1. That’s in Settings > Security on your Mac. You must allow downloads from “Apple and known developers” otherwise the Mac OS will block the download.

      You must also be signed in as Admin. Please read the specific Mac instructions here as well as the linked Firmware Update Guide

  3. opps thanks Brian..I did not see the message in the security setting. Thanks for your kindness in responding so quick…you’re the best!

  4. Does anyone know what the 5.01 firmware actually did to “improve stability”? I know that not all….but some other people and myself had some OCF issues after the V.5.0 upgrade….Hoping some of that is addressed.

  5. Still no playmemories for M3’s
    A7RM2
    Improved image quality when Long Exposure NR setting is OFF???
    But sounds like Sony has been working on things we talk about. I use NR anyway for a single shot But for those who do night panoramas this is good news. The temp issue and fingers??? The only issue with fingers is I touch lens release and get a loose lens BUT the camera lets me know about it (nice).
    Improved overall stability of the camera, WOW Even better now!!! That will get the geeks checking and not out shooting!!!
    the rest
    Added Auto Pwr OFF Temp. function
    NOTE: If the same part of your skin touches the camera for a long period of time while using the camera, even if the camera does not feel hot to the touch, it may cause symptoms of a low-temperature burn such as redness or blistering. Pay special attention in the following situations and take the necessary precautions, for example, use a tripod.
    When using the camera in a high-temperature environment
    When someone with poor circulation or impaired skin sensation uses the camera
    When using the camera with the Auto Pwr OFF Temp. function set to High
    Improved operability of the camera:
    Improved operability when AF area is set to flexible spot
    See here for details.
    Added Live View Display into custom button assignation
    Added Set File Name function
    Supports visible light LED in external flash for AF (HVL-F45RM)
    Improved release time lag when wireless flash is used
    Optimised exposure algorithm during focusing when Live View Display has Setting Effect OFF
    Improved image quality when Long Exposure NR setting is OFF
    Improved overall stability of the camera
    Support for Radio-controlled Lighting System
    Improves stability of the camera while shooting still images by regulating the internal temperature
    Overall stability and operability of the camera is improved.
    A7M3
    Improves the overall stability of the camera! how much better can it be?!!! But YEA!!!
    how about a ice/heat pack for around base of camera for hot and cold times!!! someone will make one.

  6. Hey Edwin, sorry to tell you this but the a7R ii changes you listed are from a previous firmware update from like 2017, not from the latest one.

    1. Sorry, thanks just trying to help!! The biggest like is Sony is on top of things.. But will look at it again!!

    1. I believe the update is primarily an update for wireless flash. It’s probably not a coincidence that it was released a day after a Profoto A1X for Sony was released for exactly this list of cameras. That said, updates often clean up a few random bugs, so I always recommend keeping firmware up to date.

        1. Sony is always a bit vague when it comes to explaining what’s in their firmware updates. Don’t expect that to change. It’s official policy.

  7. Hi I have the FE PZ 28-135mm f/4 G on my SONY a7s II , so only video I use this camera for. I never exerianced any stability or heating problmes. Do I really need this update in my case .I would like tto ahve a faster AF somtimes in video, but rearly I use AF anyway. so, What you recomend for me ?

    1. I always recommend keeping firmware up to date. Sony bundles lots of improvements as “Improves Stability.” While this is extremely vague, simply ask yourself, would you rather have camera firmware that’s less or more stable?

  8. I was considering updating my Sony a7R2 from version 4.00 to version 4.01. However, I was curious to know if it will reset any of the custom settings that I have set up and furthermore will it delete or render any of the Play Memories apps that I have on my camera unusable? I have the Time-Lapse, Smooth Reflection and Smart Remote Control Apps currently on my A7R2. I don’t want to update my camera to version 4.01 and loose these features. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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