If you keep an eye on camera tech, you'll have seen the recent press release from Sony about new firmware for Alpha cameras, providing support for Camera Authenticity Solution and Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) format support. C2PA support is a huge development, and will be well appreciated by newsgathering agencies worldwide, but, more importantly for the rest of us, the updates bring a swath of new and updated features for the Alpha 1, Alpha 7 IV, Alpha 7S III, and soon the Alpha 9 III (colour coded here for your article-scanning convenience). So, let's dig in and take a look at what's in store for anyone who installs the latest updates.
Shooting and Playback Updates
The real meat for most users is here, with new features across a range of different areas including playback, movie recording, file management, and user interface. Here are the highlights:
- Relay Playback
Enables seamless sequential playback from one memory card slot to another, essentially treating both memory cards as a single seamless volume in playback.
Added 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.
Added on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III (already available on Alpha 9 III).
- Breathing Compensation
Allows the camera to automatically compensate for small focal length changes that occur during zooming. This normally requires the use of expensive "parfocal" lenses, but can now be achieved with in-camera software.
Added on the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III (already available on Alpha 7 IV and Alpha 9 III).
- DCI 4K / 24.00p Upgrade License
Available as a free license through Creators’ Cloud, this will allow the Alpha 7S III to record the extra-wide aspect DCI 4K format and expand available frame rates.
Added to the Alpha 7S III only.
- Sync Release Function
Enables simultaneous shutter release with two or more multiple cameras connected to the main camera.
Added to the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
- Focus Frame Display
When using the Remote Camera Tool app, the focus frame can now be visually previewed.
Added to the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 III.
- Enhanced Image Stabilization
A software update to enhance the ability of the camera body and lens to effectively work together to correct larger blurs. Significantly improves stabilisation for lenses with OSS.
Added to the Alpha 1 (already available on Alpha 9 III).
- Increased Maximum Folder Size
Increased upper limit of recordable images in a folder from 4,000 to 9,999.
Added on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
File Transfer and Network Connectivity
In addition to the core feature updates, this latest set of firmware adds some network features that are especially interesting for photojournalists, or anyone else who needs to share and upload images quickly in the field. Key updates include:
- Cloud Upload (Camera Direct)
This function allows users to upload images directly from the camera to Sony Creators’ Cloud. 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.
Added on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 7 IV, and Alpha 9 III.
- 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.
Added on the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S III, and Alpha 9 III.
- USB Streaming
Support for 4K 30p streaming over USB with the UVC protocol.
Added on the Alpha 1.
- Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
Support for this protocol has been added 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 site via RTMP.
- Expansion of App Support
Creators' App and Monitor & Control app now supported by the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III.
We've tried to compile some of the most exciting and impactful updates for these cameras in one place here, but for full details, be sure to check the update pages below:
