Sony has announced new firmware updates for its flagship Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), & Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) mirrorless hybrids.
According to Sony, these firmware updates bring a range of improvements designed to elevate the experience for professional photographers and filmmakers.
Highlights of the Firmware Updates:
- Shooting Enhancements: Expanded shutter speed options and focus bracketing improvements.
- Movie Features: Better image quality with User LUTs and automatic still creation from movie frames.
- Operability Upgrades: Custom key settings during playback, FTP scheduling, and continued shooting during transfers.
- Camera Authenticity Solution: Enhanced content verification for professional photographers, with expanded compatibility and streamlined workflows.
Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00)
- Supports the Write Digital Signature function for still images as part of Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution
- The timing for the provision of licenses (paid) to customers other than certain media outlets is yet to be determined.
- Services may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Authenticity Catalog Page.
- Allows the use of shutter speeds up to 1/80000 seconds at all aperture values when Exp. Value Expand is set to On
- Allows the use of Focus Magnifier and Auto Magnifier in MF while using the Bright Monitoring feature
- Improves the image quality when applying user LUTs
- Allows scheduling of FTP transfers while writing data to the camera’s storage media
- Allows notifications to be displayed when the latest software is available for your camera
- You can now continue shooting while transferring captured photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet
Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00)
- Supports the Write Digital Signature function for still images and the C2PA format as part of Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution
- The timing for the provision of licenses (paid) to customers other than certain media outlets is yet to be determined.
- Services may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Authenticity Catalog Page.
- Improves image quality when applying user LUTs
- Improves the operational stability of the camera
Camera Authenticity Solution Updates
The new firmware updates bring compatibility with the Alpha 1 II, Alpha 1, and Alpha 9 III for Sony’s expanding Camera Authenticity Solution. This expansion includes the launch of an Image Validation Site and the Digital Signature Upgrade License1, created for select news organizations and their staff photographers. The service is designed to enhance the implementation of C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity)2, particularly within the news industry, by providing additional authenticity information and introducing a streamlined workflow for professionals requiring higher content verification standards. As a member of the C2PA Steering Committee, Sony plays a leading role in developing these standards and driving their broader implementation.
Availability
Alpha 1 II (Ver. 2.00), Alpha 1 (Ver. 3.00), and Alpha 9 III (Ver. 3.00) firmware downloads will be available in January 2025.
To check the status of the latest firmware availability, please visit: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/cameras-camcorders-digital-cameras/downloads
