Sony A1 II and A9 III Received Firmware Updates
Sony released firmware v4.0 for its flagship A1 Mark II and the global-shutter A9 Mark III, and both downloads are now available. The update adds Real-time Recognition AF+, improving subject detection and tracking for fast action like sports and wildlife, along with other fixes and refinements. The A1 II and A9 III are Sony’s two priciest E-mount bodies. The A9 III is a pure speed beast with its global shutter and up to 120 fps burst, while the A1 II still rips at 30 fps and does it at 50 MP compared to the A9 III’s 24 MP. For most people, the A1 II’s mix of speed and resolution makes it the better all-around choice, while the A9 III is a more specialized tool for shooters who live on peak action.
Here are the v4.0 changes and improvements, plus the download links:
Sony A1 II Ver. 4.0 Changes and Improvements
- Compatible with “Real-time Recognition AF+,” which improves subject detection and tracking performance compared to previous versions.
- The “Preset Focus” function is now available even with zoom lenses that do not have power zoom.
- Preset focus/zoom registration positions are not compatible before and after the camera software update. Please re-register preset focus/zoom after updating.
- Some non-power zoom lenses are not supported. For details, see here.
- Added “FL2 (Film 2)” and “FL3 (Film 3)” to Creative Look.
- Improved accuracy and stability of exposure control during bounce shooting.
- Optimized battery level display.
- Added support for the “electronic signature writing” feature for videos, utilized in the Authenticity Camera Solution. Requires license installation for use. (Paid). The timing for providing licenses (paid) to customers other than certain news organizations is undetermined. Service may not be available in some countries or regions.
- Improved operational stability.
- *Customers using Camera Remote SDK should also check the Camera Remote SDK website. Camera Remote SDK may not be available in some countries or regions.
Download
Sony A9 III Ver. 4.0 Changes and Improvements
- Compatible with “Real-time Recognition AF+,” which improves subject detection and tracking capabilities compared to previous versions.
- Selecting “Auto” for the subject recognition target allows the camera to automatically choose subjects like people or animals.
- The layout of shooting information displayed on the screen now supports both portrait and landscape orientations.
- The “Preset Focus” function is now available even with zoom lenses that do not have power zoom.
- Preset focus/zoom positions are not compatible before and after the camera software update. Please re-register preset focus/zoom positions after updating. This feature is not supported with some zoom lenses that do not have power zoom.
- Added “FL2 (Film 2)” and “FL3 (Film 3)” to Creative Look.
- You can now choose whether to change “Shooting Mode,” “Drive Mode,” and “Focus Mode” using the dial or via the menu.
- Improved accuracy and stability of exposure compensation during bounce shooting.
- Optimized battery level display.
- Images recorded simultaneously to memory card slots 1 and 2 can now be deleted or rated together.
- Folder names and file names are now displayed during playback.
- During FTP transfer, scheduled images can now be selected to cancel their transfer reservation.
- The following settings are now available from Transfer & Tagging: Setting to automatically schedule FTP transfer for protected still images via “FTP Import”. Setting to automatically schedule FTP transfer for protected still images and videos via “FTP Upload Preset”. Setting to automatically protect still images transferred via FTP via “FTP Upload Preset”. Please update Transfer & Tagging to the latest version. This service may not be available in all countries or regions.
- Monitor & Control functionality is now supported. Focus map display and Iris control bar display. Please update Monitor & Control to the latest version. Service availability may vary by country or region.
- Support added for the “electronic signature writing” feature on videos, utilized in the Authenticity Camera Solution. Requires license installation for use. (Paid). The timing for providing licenses (paid) to customers other than select news organizations is undetermined. Service availability may vary by country or region.
- WPA and WEP functions are no longer supported. You can no longer select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 or WPA3 going forward.
- Improved operational stability.
- *Customers using Camera Remote SDK should also check the Camera Remote SDK website. Camera Remote SDK may not be available in some countries or regions.
| FEATURE and SPECS COMPARISON | |  |  |
| Model | Sony Alpha A1 Mark II | Sony Alpha A9 Mark III |
| Sensor Resolution | 50.0 MP | 24.6 MP |
| Announced Date | 2024-11-19 | 2023-11-07 |
| Camera Type | Pro Mirrorless | Pro Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | Global Shutter |
| Sensor Size | Full frame | Full frame |
| Sensor Sensitivity | ISO 100 - 32000( expands to 50 - 102400) | ISO 250 - 25600( expands to 250-51200) |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Image Stabil. | Sensor-shift ( up to 8.5 stops) | Sensor-shift ( up to 8.0 stops) |
| Eye Tracking Focus | | |
| Weight | 743g | 678g |
| Dimensions | 136 x 97 x 83mm | 136 x 97 x 83mm |
| Weather Sealing | | |
| Focus Points | 759 | 759 |
| Min AF Detecting Range | -4eV | -5eV |
| Animal Eye Tracking | | |
| Focus Bracket | | |
| Minimum Shutter | 30 sec | 30 sec |
| Maximum Shutter | 1/8000sec | 1/8000sec |
| Maximum Shutter Electronic | 1/32000 sec | 1/80000 sec |
| Continuous Drive | 10.0fps | 30.0fps |
| Max Video Reso | 7680 x 4320 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Video fps at Max | 30p,25p, 23.98p | 120p,60p,50p,30p,25p,24p |
| Video Formats | XAVC S, XAVC HS, H.264, H.265 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| High Speed Video | 240fps | 120fps |
| Max Video Color Depth | 10bit | 10bit |
| Storage Slot | 2 | 2 |
| UHS Support | UHS-II | UHS-II |
| CFexpress Support | Type A | Type A |
| Battery Life | 520 | 690 |
| Battery Model | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
| RAW Video | | |
| Webcam | | |
| Anti Flicker | | |
| Microphone Port | | |
| Headphone Port | | |
| Wifi | | |
| Weather Sealing | | |
| Timelapse | | |
| Screen Type | Fully articulated | Fully articulated |
| LCD Size | 3.20" | 3.20" |
| Screen dots | 2095000 | 2360000 |
| Touch Screen | | |
| Viewfinder | | |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.9x | 0.9x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 9,440,000 | 9,440,000 |
| Selfie Friendly Screen | | |
| High Resolution Mode | | |
| AF Joystick | | |
| Bluetooth | | |
| Full-size HDMI Port | | |
| Gyro data Stabilization | | |
| Vehicle Tracking | | |
| Price | Amazon, B&H Photo | Amazon, B&H Photo |
