Sony has launched firmware Ver. 4.0 for each the a1 II and a9 III. The replace brings Actual-time Recognition AF+, two new Inventive Look profiles referred to as FL2 and FL3, and a bunch of quality-of-life enhancements.
In comparison with earlier releases, firmware model 4.0 focuses on topic detection, preset focus conduct with extra zooms, and small however helpful UI and community tweaks that matter on set and within the discipline. The a9 III moreover will get expanded playback, FTP and remote-control choices geared toward quick newsroom and company workflows.
Key adjustments on a1 II
The a1 II (replace right here) now helps Actual-time Recognition AF+, supposed to enhance topic detection and monitoring. Sony additionally provides Preset Focus assist for sure non-power-zoom lenses, plus two new “Movie” Inventive Appears to be like, FL2 and FL3. Publicity management throughout bounce flash and battery degree indication are refined, and the digicam positive aspects assist for writing an digital signature into video information as a part of Sony’s Authenticity Digital camera Answer, which requires a license and isn’t accessible in all areas. Operational stability has been improved. Observe that beforehand saved preset focus or preset zoom positions have to be re-registered after updating.
Autofocus monitoring efficiency was considerably enhanced. Picture credit score: Sony
What’s new on a9 III
Past AF+ and the added FL2 and FL3 Inventive Appears to be like, a9 III customers can set topic recognition to Auto so the digicam picks individuals or animals as wanted (you will get the replace right here). The on-screen data structure now adapts to portrait or panorama taking pictures, and Preset Focus can be utilized with some non-power-zoom lenses, with the identical re-registration caveat after updating. Customers could select whether or not to vary taking pictures, drive, and focus modes through dial or menu. Sony additionally optimizes bounce publicity, battery show, and provides choices to delete or charge information recorded to each card slots concurrently. Playback now reveals folder and file names, and Monitor & Management integration provides focus map and an iris management bar. WPA/WEP are deprecated in favor of WPA2/WPA3. Numerous FTP automations and Switch & Tagging hooks are up to date for protected belongings. Stability is improved. Service availability for some options varies by nation.
In case you missed it, test our full Lab Take a look at of the Sony a9 III right here.
Face monitoring is now higher even for faces which are in a really small picture space. Picture credit score: Sony
Notes for video and authenticity workflows
Each cameras now assist writing an digital signature into video information for Sony’s Authenticity Digital camera Answer. It is a paid, licensable possibility supposed primarily for editorial chains the place provenance metadata is crucial. Sony states timing for license availability exterior choose information organizations is undetermined and regional assist could fluctuate.
Replace logistics and small gotchas
Sony flags that Preset Focus and Preset Zoom registrations are usually not appropriate throughout the replace. Plan to re-register positions after putting in Ver. 4.0. Additionally, legacy Wi-Fi safety choices WPA and WEP are eliminated on the a9 III, so networks should use WPA2 or WPA3 going ahead. As common, Sony lists “improved operational stability” amongst fixes.
AF monitoring now does a greater job staying on the best face. Picture credit score: Sony
Fast abstract of additives
- Actual-time Recognition AF+ on each cameras for improved detection and monitoring.
- New Inventive Look choices: FL2 (Movie 2) and FL3 (Movie 3).
- Preset Focus enabled with choose non-power-zoom lenses, with re-registration required after replace.
- a9 III workflow tweaks: adaptive data structure, dial-or-menu mode adjustments, slot-1/2 simultaneous delete/charge, playback folder and file names, FTP automations, Monitor & Management focus map and iris bar, WPA/WEP removing.
- Authenticity Digital camera Answer “digital signature writing” for video, license required, restricted availability.
The 4.0 firmware updates for the Sony a1 II and a9 III might be downloaded right here and right here.
You probably have already put in Sony a1 II / Sony a9 III firmware 4.0, what adjustments are you noticing in topic monitoring, and do FL2 or FL3 meaningfully velocity up “straight-out-of-camera” seems to your workflows?



