Published: March 27, 2024
Sony releases more than 45 Firmware Updates for Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III & Alpha 7 IV cameras to improve Shooting Functions, Workflow and C2PA Compliancy to Ensure Authenticity of Images. Additionally, Sony announces an upcoming Sony Alpha 9 III FW update.
SAN DIEGO, March 27, 2024 – Today, Sony Electronics delivers the highly anticipated firmware updates for the Alpha 1 (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 7S III (Ver. 3.00), Alpha 7 IV (Ver. 3.00), and after April 2024, the Alpha 9 III (Ver.2.00). The update contains some of Sony’s most impactful technology, including Camera Authenticity Solution, the proprietary in-camera digital signature and C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) format support1. Together, these tools will make it possible for news agencies to ensure the authenticity of images, contributing to industry efforts to protect creators, and society from fake imagery
Additionally, the firmware updates include many requested features to improve everyday use. The update evolves shooting functions and post-shooting workflow and brings advanced movie features like breathing compensation. It also includes new remote-control capabilities, new features for professional applications, and expanded access to cloud services applications.
“There is nothing more core to our mission than listening to the voices of the photographers, videographers, and filmmakers who shoot with Sony Alpha cameras. We know this community has been asking for these updates, and we’re happy to deliver. Each of these updates are designed to promote ease of use for our creators and allow them to maximize the strengths of their cameras,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’re especially pleased to deliver C2PA compliancy with this update. This compliancy paired with our unique digital signature technology, allows us to offer the most secure and comprehensive solution to protect professional photographers, news agencies, and society from manipulated imagery.”
Camera Authenticity Solution
Last year, Sony announced its commitment to developing technology in its cameras to aid in the fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. The severity of this issue is only increasing and it’s a complex problem that requires the focus and attention of our entire industry.
One critical part of the solution is making more Sony cameras C2PA compliant. C2PA is a Joint Development Foundation project, where Sony is a steering committee member. C2PA aims to develop an end-to-end open technical standard to provide publishers, creators and consumers with opt-in, flexible ways to understand the authenticity, and provenance of different types of media. The C2PA is a standards-setting body that will develop technical specifications on content provenance and authentication by certifying the source and history of media content. With this firmware update, the authenticity information embedded on images from Alpha 1, Alpha 9 III, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 7 IV can be maintained from capture through publication. This provides professional photographers with the ability to preserve their digital signature from the camera, while tracking the editing history throughout revisions.
Another critical component of the solution is Sony’s in-camera digital signature technology2 that signs images in real-time. This new feature certifies the authenticity of an image at the point of capture and creates a ‘digital birth certificate’ that is retained throughout revisions. The signature contains metadata including 3D-depth information captured through the proprietary technology in the image sensor developed by Sony. This depth information can show if the image captured was of an actual 3D object, vs a photograph of an image or video, providing an extra level of protection and even more assurance of the content’s authenticity, and making Sony’s solution especially unique for photojournalists and news agencies.
Sony’s solution also helps protect the authenticity of content by including an Image Validation Site, which verifies the image even after edits have been made by C2PA-compliant editing software. This service confirms the authenticity of the photo was taken by a specific camera and that the object of the photo is 3D. This service will initially be offered to select news media agencies, expanding to other agencies at a later date.
Shooting and Playback Updates
The firmware updates include over 10 new features, as well as improvements to existing features, designed to improve the user’s overall shooting experience. These improved capabilities showcase Sony’s commitment to continuing to evolve the functionality of Sony’s existing camera models. A few highlights of the firmware update functions include:
• Relay Playback: Enables seamless sequential playback from one memory card slot to another on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
• Playback Filter Condition: Lets users categorize image playback based on select criteria including date, folder, file format, and more on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III
• Breathing Compensation: The highly requested Breathing Compensation function3 is now available on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Upgrade DCI 4K / 24.00p Upgrade License on Alpha 7S III: via a free downloadable license through Creators’ Cloud4.
• Sync Release function: Enables simultaneous shutter release with two or more multiple cameras connected to the main camera5 on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
• Focus frame display: Focus frame will be displayed on the Remote Camera Tool screen on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
• Enhanced image stabilization: The camera body and lens effectively work together to correct larger blurs6 on the Alpha 1.
• Increased upper limit of recordable images in a folder from 4,000 to 9,999 on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, A7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
• Matching the time code with other devices is now possible with a dedicated adapter cable (sold separately)7 on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Up to 20 IPTC presets can be on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Custom Grid Line is available as a paid license basis for some models8.
File Transfer and Network Connectivity
Additional updates aimed to optimize the post-production workflow efficiency include improvements to International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) preset and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfer operability. To streamline processes for users, expanded cloud upload and application services will be available. Key updates include:
• Cloud upload (camera direct) function allows users to upload images directly to the Sony’s Creators’ Cloud9. Key additional features include simplified camera software updates, direct camera registration to the Creators’ Cloud and a flexible system for uploading, storing, and sharing content. Additionally, the capability to manage video and LUT files via mobile apps, along with the transfer of RAW files to smartphones, optimizes the creative process in fast-paced environments.
• FTP Transfer Improvements: A “Protected Images Only” option for the Auto FTP Transfer and a “Protect Image in FTP Transfer” option for the FTP transfer function have been added. Available on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
• Support for USB streaming10 on the Alpha 1.
• Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) has been added to secure protocol on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III and WPA3-SAE is now supported for wireless LAN on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
• Network streaming enables direct live streaming from the Alpha 7 IV to a streaming site7.
• Expansion of app support with Creators’ App and Monitor & Control app now supported with the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
Many of these updates are applicable to multiple cameras, however for a list of each body’s specific update please check the Sony website.
Download Links:
Sony Alpha 1 Firmware Update 2.00 for MAC | WIN
Sony Alpha 7S III Firmware Update 3.00 for MAC | WIN
Sony Alpha 7 IV Firmware Update 3.00
MAC Users Updating Alpha 1 and a7S III Please Note:
In order to update Alpha 1 and a7S III cameras via MAC, you must first Download & Install the Sony Camera Driver
Download the Sony Camera Driver:
1.Visit the Sony Camera Driver download page and download the appropriate driver:
Note: The Sony Camera Drivers are different for Mac computers with an Intel processor and those with an Apple silicon processor.
• Sony Camera Driver (For Mac computers with Apple silicon)
• Sony Camera Driver (For Mac computers with an Intel processor)
2. Click the Download button.
3. After reading the disclaimer, click Download.
4. Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).
On Mac computers with an Apple silicon (Apple M1) processor, you need to change the security policy. The About This Mac screen will show an item labeled Chip, followed by the name of the chip. Refer to the How to change the security policy on Mac computers with Apple silicon article. For Mac computers with an Intel processor, this step is not necessary.
Step 1: Install the Sony Camera Driver
1. Close all programs currently running on your computer.
2. Double-click the Camera_Driver_2102a.dmg or Camera_Driver_2110a.dmg file you downloaded. Do not connect the camera at this point.
Note: If you have already connected the camera to your computer, disconnect it before following the procedure.
3. The Sony Camera Driver Installer is expanded.
4. Double-click the SonyCameraDriver.pkg icon.
5.The installer screen opens. Proceed as instructed.
6.You are prompted to allow the application to install new software. Type the password for the administrative account.
• If the operating system displays the System Extension Blocked dialog message (the actual message will vary depending on the operating system version), click the Open Security Preferences button. The macOS Security & Privacy screen opens.
• If the operating system does not display the System Extension Blocked dialog message, go to Step 2: Start the Updater to continue.
7. In the Security & Privacy screen, open the General tab and then click the key icon. When prompted to enter the password, type the password you used when logging in with the administrator account, and then click the Unlock button.
8. Click the Allow button to allow the system to start loading the system software.
9. After clicking the Allow button, if you are asked to restart, restart the computer and return to the beginning of the update procedure.
10. If the Security & Privacy screen does not disappear, close the window.
Step 2: Install Firmware Update
Follow all Firmware Installation instructions in the download instructions
Notes:
1 This feature is available to some news organizations at the press release timing.
2 Both Sony’s in-camera digital signature technology and C2PA compliancy are currently available through a separate upgrade license.
3 For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page (https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/)
4 For regional app/service availability, check here. To use this service, it is necessary to download and install the upgrade license.
5 Remote Camera Tool Version 4.1.0 is required to activate the function.
6 For compatible lens information, please refer to the support page (https://www.sony.net/dics/func1002/)
7 A dedicated adapter cable, which is sold separately, is required to connect to the timecode source equipment.
8 Availability varies depending on country and region. Available through the Upgrade and License Management Suite at https://ulms.sony.net.
9 For regional app/service availability, check here. Creators’ App Ver.2.3.1 or later is necessary. Settings must be made in the Creators’ App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators’ App support website (https://www.sony.net/ca/help/opr/)
10 When connecting to a device with a USB Type-C port, please use a commercially available USB cable or a conversion adapter.
Order Sony Alpha 1 from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony a7S III from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony a7 IV from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony Alpha 9 III from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
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3 thoughts on “Sony Releases More than 45 Updates for Alpha 1, a7S III, a7 IV & a9 III Cameras”
Why no love for the a7RIV?
Sony a7R V is the current version of that camera.
Aside from possible bug fixes or compatibility updates, don’t expect any firmware updates for a7R IV or a7R IVA.
A long read but understandable! A reason I went Sony in ’14 is Canon had no more updates for my T2i as well it disappeared from its site in a effort to sell the newer models. It is great Sony is keeping it’s models up to date with user wants.
But an issue that really bothers me, The Sony A7M2 still sells new as a great starter camera, has IBIS and before other makers as well of many other things, But again somethings that Mod 1’s and 2’s have the ability to have and that is on camera apps downloaded from sony playmemories apps – https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/portal/ . Right now even if someone buys a new out of the box A7M2 that person probably will never hear about the apps like most even representatives never heard of, I was in a Best Buy and I told a rep about them then went and bought one after I showed them on my A7RM2 and now the site is turned off for buying and will in a year be gone.
I have been a part of the Sony growth since the beginning and know the older cameras will be around for a long time and Brian Smith still has Books (today PDF’s) filled with info on the uses. I downloaded all the apps to my Mod 1’s and 2’s. The mod 1’s and 2’s will be on the used market for a long time and great starter cameras and the apps are great to play with for a first time camera owner used or new.
Not a social media person but the apps like the Digital Filter is great to have, a little slow but great results and no need to carry a bunch of filters around.
My point to Sony is that digital cameras like the old film cameras are forever like camera lenses will be around forever. So if a person wants to start playing with photography a low cost used camera will get users to be Sony members bragging to others meaning possible future sells. It is like the old film cameras are on a comeback and film is being made 24/7 again.
Sorry to be long winded about this issue but I had a door slammed in my face once and I just feel others should be able to get on the Sony train for there are more tracks to future cameras and lenses.