Sony just released the new firmware update for the A7II. It improves the image stabilization performance. You can donwload the software here: Sony USA. Soon it will be available also on those pages at Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony Fance, Sony Italy, Sony Spain, Sony Netherland.
152 Responses
It was a Gold Award, now it’s Platinum!
Thank you for the quick response, Sony!
So does this mean it now works with focus magnification with legacy lenses?
yes
Have you confirmed this?
Wow, that was fast!
This is so out of character for Sony. We rarely see any firmware releases, but to get one within weeks of a camera launch is very unusual, although I’m sure very welcome if it provides genuine benefits.
I just wish they’d supply firmware that would give the Mk1 the same AF speed as the MkII. It should be possible as it is the same sensor, the same processor, and merely achieved by a new algorithm, according to Sony. I doubt it will happen, though.
Image stabilization is basically the only new feature of the A7II (well the remodeled grip and shutter placement is a bonus I guess), so to have messed it up required a high priority fix!
Indeed. I can only assume any problems were behind the many comments I read which suggested the system is not as good as that in the Olympus. That struck me as strange given Sony’s experience with sensor stabilising.
I’m not sure the performance will ever be up to that of the Olympus system as they have a much bigger, heavier sensor to move around in a similar space.
I think this is more to do with the stabilization being too jerky in video mode and bizarre omissions such as not turning on stabilization when focus magnification is engaged!
That is likely very true, and I’m astonished at your second point. Very bizarre indeed!
Nothing is more bizarre than that 80’s era Burt Reynolds mustache you wear. Indeed!
There’s an app for that on the Olympus.
Such wit! Such repartee! I bet you’re so popular amongst your friend…
YES
When the dust settles and the IBIS gets dialed in correctly, it will likely outperform the Olympus system. The Sony system if a far superior design and is perfectly silent during operation, unlike the spring loaded kludge Olympus uses.
Physics, why do you think there’s only a 1/2.3 sensor in our new AX33?
Physics merely means you need more force for a larger object. It doesn’t explain why it wasn’t implemented well initially, though.
AGAIN, do some proper research.
AGAIN, oh wise oracle, what research would that be?
M43 sucks and you’re an idiot.
And your reply qualifies you as a genius, I suppose?
Apart from all the video stuff……………..
Yes they ported XAVC S and S-LOG2 over from the A7s, but that’s not quite the same as the headline grabbing world’s first ever full frame mirrorless camera with image stabilisation, that didn’t work properly on release!
Errr you claimed IBIS as the only upgrade and now say it’s the biggest headlining spec… well duh.
Really, he is!
I said it’s “basically” the only upgrade, not it is “literally the only upgrade”. I really can’t imagine anyone would upgrade from the A7 for the different video codec, or the slightly different shutter button position.
>but that’s not quite the same as the headline grabbing world’s first ever full frame mirrorless camera with image stabilisation, that didn’t work properly on release!<
What are you talking about………….. you're not serious I hope!
I’m talking about the early tests that revealed the stabilization made no attempt to move the sensor smoothly when in video mode as opposed to jerking it back to where it should be (which is acceptable if you’re shooting stills but rubbish for video), and the bizarre ommissions from the feature set, such as not activating stabilization when focus magnification is activated, which is the raison d’être for stabilization for many users!
Everyone says this whenever Sony release a firmware update… which is pretty often. Yet we keep saying it’s out of character…. funny how these things work.
I’m not saying they don’t, but I’ve had A900/850s, A99s, A55s, and now an RX10, A7 and A7s (even KM7Ds before) and only ever had one firmware update for each model at most. Those usually some time into the life cycle.
Ask any Fuji owner if this is frequent…
RX1 never had a firmware update.
Ever been a Fuji user, or should I say beta tester?
I’m using both – Fuji and Sony. I prefer Fuji’s way of continuous improvements over Sony’s seldom updates. I never had a feeling of Fuji’s firmware to be beta. They are simply listening to wishes of their users and are finally implementing these features or enhancements.
Well that’s sad for you.
Even with continuous improvement it’s still a POS.
A7 (original version) has had 2 firmware updates since release. One in March 2014 (v. 1.02), the other in October 2014 (v. 1.10)
Well whoopity-do!
My basic pont remains the same. There are many, many requests for firmware updates, yet very few see the light of day.
As to those for the A7, there are many who can barely tell of the changes.
I ask again, ever own a Fuji or is this just a grass is greener type deal? The Fuji’s I owned were VERY seriously flawed, updates fixed problems and created new ones which then required another update and so it went on. Their products are becoming more mature to an extent and guess what? The number of updates for each models has dropped.
That is a fair observation which I can’t argue with, as I haven’t owned Fujis. Perhaps basing my opinion on the many threads in places like DPReview was wrong.
It always seemed that there were many detractors concerning the flaws (as with Sony), but others who said the issues were minimal and infrequent. However Fuji seemed to address users problems, whereas Sony remained resolute.
Of course, if doing so Fuji merely created new flaws then it would be rather silly. I will bow to your experience.
Of course I am only speaking from my own experience, but the Fuji’s I owned this is a true account. Yes they have brought many updates especially to the first gen products, but they were very much betaware on release and no amount of FW updates ever really changed that. Did they get better eventually after a few updates? You bet! But every Sony I have ever owned was more functionally complete from the factory than the Fuji’s I owned after a year or more of regular updates. Do I wish we could get more improvements for free? Yes indeed! But I certainly don’t expect them and I hope that no established brand follows the Fuji path. If you want to look at a brand that offers GOOD product support, have a look at Ricoh.
>Of course, if doing so Fuji merely created new flaws then it would be rather silly. I will bow to your experience.<
Give yourself a pat on the back Peter……. there are reasons why we don't always get what we want.
Oh I see, every camera ever released is as good as it can possibly be, both in hardware and software, because there are reasons!
So, who are all these people that raise issues again?
By the way, why exactly are you a ‘former’ engineer?
If it was that simple, don’t you think we’d do it…….. 🙂
The basic point is that you will complain about everything, didn’t your mommy hold you enough as a baby? WTF is your problem.
“..you will complain about everything”…er, no, I won’t.
Indeed, my original post wasn’t a complaint. I made a basic observation and merely expressed that I would like an update to provide the same image algorithm that is in the MkII.
So WTF was your point again, dimwit?
IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE. DON’T CARE WHAT YOU’VE READ!
Actually, your comment started with “This is so out of character for Sony. We rarely see any firmware releases”. There have been 4 for the NEX-7, two for both the a99 and the a7 etc. Of course, that is a bit like discussing market share without mentioning profit. What was the actual value of each update?
‘Actually’, that is an observation, not a complaint. As to ‘actual’ value of the update, value to whom?
The reality is that most of the requests (although I grant some were between impossible and ludicrous) were not incorporated in any of the updates. Those for the A99 were mainly concerned with increasing the depth map database as more lenses were profiled.
Value to the user. That is what your second paragraph is all about. While before you were mentioning number, which is different. Sony releases updates, certainly more than what you claim. Whether they are useful or not is yet another story, but I suggest (no sarcasm) you check what some of the updates from Fuji were fixing. In short, many more updates means squat. Same as MdB, I am not trying to make excuses for Sony, but I certainly don’t see Fuji as an example to follow.
Well you said there was just one; I was simply pointing out that there have been two. I’m not saying that’s enough by any stretch of the imagination. I totally agree that there are many things with the a7 and a7R that remain unaddressed.
I’ve had exactly 1 FW update for my x100s.
Plus one.
There’s a great deal more involved than firmware if you wish the A/F in the A7 to be as responsive as the A7ll.
But that’s my point: there isn’t. Even Sony acknowledge that the increase in AF speed is down to new algorithms. This is entirely firmware as the basic hardware remains the same.
Actually, there’s a great deal more.
Please, oracle of all that’s wise, do tell. Or is that not possible, actually…?
The A7ll is actually pretty much a new camera, even though it looks similar, buy a Mll if you want its functionality.
I really hope Sony keeps on releasing firmware (more frequently). There is always room for improvements in firmware.
Still waiting on the new video codec for my A6000. Sony only do the minimum needed sadly.
Why, does the A6000 not do something it was supposed to?
It lacks XAVCs, which even the A5100, RX10, and RX100mk3 have!
And? Was it supposed to have XAVC-S?
Obviously it wasn’t released with it, but it is a pretty obvious firmware upgrade that it should get.
Why ‘should’ it? It would be ‘nice’ to get it, but I have no illusions about ‘should’ get it.
How about ought. I replaced my PC with a Mac. After a year, Apple upgraded my operating system at no charge to include features my system was not “supposed to have”. Not part of the deal and I wasn’t entitled to it. But when the time comes to replace, think I’ll buy another Mac.
Sony is a real troll
You are troll ready.
Nice!
Wow!! Onto it Sony!!
Were is 4K 🙁
You must wait another month for the A7III.
There must have a been a problem for Sony to do that it is so out of charactrer; maybe it was anti N. Korea security patch?
I wonder is this fixes the bug where IBIS doesn’t work after swapping from a native OSS lens to a third-party lens.
That’d be my guess…
Wasn’t that bug appearing only when swapping lenses while the camera is turned on?
I heard it was the other way round.
No, the bug appears whether camera on or off during lens change. I’d say more: you need not only change OSS lens to a native non-OSS lens, but make some shots with it (or maybe otherway use an IBIS). After that you can mount the third-party lens and manually set up the stabilizer.
I hope this firmware update fixes the bug.
…..there was no image stabilization in movie recording before??
I think there was, but it was very jerky as it was just acting exactly the same as in stills mode.
IS is on, but high frequency shake will make the recording look jerky. This fw update seems to solve it and smoothen it out
And how long until people start complaining that their cameras now use to much battery with stabilization on…
Finally! Will it make the mount broader? 🙂
Will it make you smarter?
fw fw fw, always asking for fw….. here it is: (are these enough? lol…)
In mid January Samsung will release a new NX1 firmware update and add the following many features and fixes:
–
Movie Mode Refinements
•Users can now adjust audio levels while recording video.
•Users can now control ISO while recording video.
•23.98 and 24 frame per second rates now available for UHD & FHD.
•Pro Quality mode added to Full HD. Previously only HQ and Normal were provided for FHD.
•Display marker enhancements: •Gridlines and center marker overlays in movie mode are now visible.
•Added 4:3 and 2.35:1 aspect ratio markers.
•Added Action-safe area marker option.
•The Samsung NX1 now supports Time Code through HDMI for use when using an external recorder such as the ATOMOS Shogun.
•‘Free Run’ time code supported.
•Time Code not supported for internal recording.
•Two Gamma modes now provided for more control of aesthetic look of footage. Both gamma modes are designed for a more cinematic look. •C Gamma mode is a preset logarithmic color setting designed to deliver higher overall contrast.
•D Gamma is a preset logarithmic color setting designed to capture a wider tonal range for increased dynamic range.
•Master Black Level Control: •Users can now control dark level gamma.
•31 levels: -15 ― +15.
•Three luminance level options are now provided: •[0-255], [16-235], [16-255].
•AF speed control implemented for more cinematic autofocus control: •User can now select one of three AF speeds.
•Added AF responsiveness control: •This is a new AF feature for controlling continuous AF behavior when tracking focus on a moving subject.
•User can select from five different speeds to control how quick the camera will refocus and begin tracking a new subject if something comes in-between the camera and the original subject being tracked.
•Added control for seeking specific frame to grab from video. •Users can select by individual frame in the forward direction.
•If seeking in the backward direction frames within a half-second are selectable.
Physical User Interface
•Added Autofocus Lock (AFL) to movie mode. Users can now set the AEL button to lock focus in Movie mode.
•Auto Focus/ Manual Focus Toggling to movie mode. Users can now set the AF ON button to toggle between auto focus and manual focus during recording.
•Customizable physical user interface refinements: •Reverse the functions of the Mobile Button and the Record button.
•Reverse the functions of the AF On button and the AEL button.
•Reverse the direction of the Command dials based on preference.
•Additional customization options to the functions of the command dials when in P/A/S/M.
•Customize the Optical Preview and Delete buttons with a different function.
Wireless
•Bluetooth Remote – Can now use Bluetooth as simple remote trigger. Speeds up and simplifies using a smart device as remote control.
•The Samsung Camera Manager App now provides the ability to trigger the shutter release / video start/stop from a smart device using Bluetooth as opposed to Wi-Fi
•User can choose ‘Quick transfer’ which will send a QVGA still to the smartphone after it’s taken
•The Samsung NX1 can now store multiple paired Smart devices. If a user has multiple smart devices, they only need to register them with the camera once to store them. For example, users do not have to re-register devices when shifting from a phone to a tablet.
•Added wireless firmware updating: •When connected to a Wi-Fi network, the camera will notify users if a new firmware version is available, and will allow them to download and install the update wirelessly.
Other
•“Trap Shot” feature added to Samsung Auto Shot mode. Allows users to adjust the guide line so that when a moving object hits it, the camera will automatically take a picture.
•PC tethering implemented: •Using Samsung Remote Studio software, the Samsung NX1 now supports tethered shooting via USB Windows PC only.
•Samsung Remote Studio Software will be available via Samsung iLauncher.
•Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows PC: •Samsung will provide an SDK for Windows allowing developers to make remote access and control software for the Samsung NX1.
found via Imaging Resource.
yeah, but it’s still Samsung – a FW won’t fix that 🙂
But you can always take advantage of Samsung’s trade in policy, and get a discount on a washer/dryer combination.
Full frame dryer?
The washer and dryer will have weekly firmware upgrades just like the toy cameras.
Kimchi refrigerator.
No the washer and dryer tubs are half normal size, just like M43.
there’s nothing i would ever want from samsung – thank you
Tis true. Samsung’s current offerings are no where near the ‘quality’ of Sony’s. OP’s main point being, Samsung is showing others how to do a real FW upgrade. This could be good news for the consumer, as it puts pressure on other manufacturers to manipulate more than just a few variables in the FW and call it good.
to me it looks more like samsung didn’t really have a clue as to what customers might want (they’re great at that) and released half-arsed product and waited for feedback from customers to add features – yeah, brilliant attitude NOT
You’re a glass is half cancer kind of guy aren’t you?
eh? what do you mean? ppl praise fuji for the same reason (i have 2 fuji cameras) but i’d prefer if certain feature were there from start rather than added later once large enough group of customers start to winge
That not make NX1 better than A7II.
thats why Sony feeds fanboy with support new lenses fw mostly lol…
A link would’ve been sufficient. It would’ve allowed you to have the space to make a point.
Do you need a point?
No. The guy I replied to does.
So you have a point already, right?
Yes. I made it with my first comment.
That’s not a point, it is a supercilious rant. Very nerdic.
Haha, lost the ball there.
🙂
Even with all that the NX1 is still a POS.
So they will do a great big firmware update to have all the stuff it should have had to begin with? Great! 😉
Let us know when firmware is released to make the NX1 a full frame camera, until then it’s a toy camera with a tiny little sensor.
Really? It just shows how pathetic Samsung cameras still are.
•Users can now adjust audio levels while recording video.
•Users can now control ISO while recording video.
I can do on NEX-5N and NEX-7.
“PC tethering implemented” – Wow!!! Will you be able to control shutter or this is planned for 2018?
I do not want to comment on the other stuff but we are talking mostly things my Minolta 5D did 10 years ago…..
Does the firmware update include the option for uncompressed raw files true 14 bit like canikon cams?
Anyone?? Not the 11+7bit raw files with artefacts esp. in shadow areas etc….as Digloyd and others reported….
Major missing feature beside dual sd UHS II slot and more lenses and better flashes of course 😉
PLEASE true 14 bit raw files SONY ENGINEERS ARE YOU HEARING US?
The answer is the Nikon D750-POS, look at that 14 bit quality! The dual SD slots is just the frosting on the cake.
Nikon is issuing a firmware release this week to correct the flare problem.
How do you correct flare (hardware issue) with software and expect people to be content with that?
It’s true, it’ll be a lossy 4bit picture style made by Instagram……………. I’m told it’s called the “retro-flare” look. LOL
This is a cruel joke, right?
The new firmware will simply crop the frame to remove the flare, the dpreview award will be updated from gold to platinum. Nikon fanboys will rejoice.
Why are you shooting into the sun without a lens hood?
I was wondering, do I get the privilege of paying for this Nikon Sunset? I was hoping I could pony up some serious cash for it. Also, any chance you could gimp out the shutter for me and slap in some old skool 1/4000th? I’d love that. Take my money please.
As soon as the issue is solved I replace my D610 with it. A great camera otherwise. Nice complement for wedding to go with A7ii and D810. To SD slots can literally save a day.
No.
You actually shoot any of these cameras? If you have shot say Canon, what are the differences you see in the files when shadows are pulled? Like most who comment on the Sony file I’m calling you here, I think you’ve never actually done a direct comparison. If you have, post an example of YOUR COMPARISON.
I have done direct comparisons between the D810 and A7r….absolutely no difference…small differences in how each camera hands the file. But basically identical. Can drag a couple of stop each way on both files….no difference…none.
And the Canon looks great. These guys are to busy listening to idiots named Lloyd…….
Agree, mostly a non-issue. So far, I could only see it once in a firework shot of mine after pushing clarity and sharpness to unreasonable levels (deleted the shot unfortunately). We shot similar scenes with D810 and A7ii using the same workflow and found no significant difference (despite sharpness and DR benefits from the Nikon) related to the compression.
BTW. Instead of quoting non-photographers like diglloyd, why not simply ask some proper PHOTOGRAPHERS who ACTUALLY choose to use the Sony, “what do you think about Sony’s compressed raw?” Start with say, Brian Smith, he’s actually a pretty good shooter and has a direct line to Sony HQ if you want some clarification from the people who make this stuff. Or you can simply regurgitate the ravings of that retired computer programmer who cannot shoot for toffee.
And before you comeback and say, “but he’s paid by Sony” THINK about this, his clients don’t give a crap about that, as long as his images OF THEM LOOK GREAT they’ll keep paying him too, and they do!
I just heard from a trusted source that the next firmware (1.11) will actually make it so that the A7II has two SD card slots. It will also make it 100 grams lighter.
And the same losers would be complaining about it, Peter Kelly for example.
Firmware updates to 36bit RAW in full ASCII mode.
LOL!
Please…!
what firmware you would like to have in your RX1?
Maybe there will be a faster AF algorithm? How about focus peaking without magnification? Or selectable min. Shutter speed when in aperture priority?
Or maybe even xavc’s? Would be nice to do some decent video with it. Or change the compression of raw files to a bit less compressed?
Oh yes. I want the same:
– focus peaking without magnification
– minimum shutter speed when in aperture priority
– improved AF performance
People often say Fuji is just fixing bugs with firmware updates.
Sony should address these user’s whishes with an update!
Firmware works flawlessly and improves the EVF view while confirmed to fix a bug that would disable IBIS after un-mounting an OSS lens. High frequency jitter that was still visible in the original release is completely gone. Really slick implementation of IBIS.
Would you mind recording and uploading a video with stabilization on/off for comparison sake now? When reviews came out, I was very unimpressed with IS during video in comparison to the EM1.
Joe, video looks much improved. No high frequency jiggle. I’m sure sites like EOS HD will do a proper evaluation so you can see for yourself. I think they were the ones that originally pointed the HF shake out. In my test I used a 90mm Contax G lens so was not even getting the full 5-axis benefit and it still looked fantastic.
I tried it as well with 85mm- looked amazing- really really impressed and didnt notice any jitter- pretty much how I had hoped it would be as I was also disappointed with early results
Before (off/on) / After (off/on):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ez9u1vIbfQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6gIUVn2Cpk
Video was removed?
The first one apparently yes. The second one is after update.
The second video shows a significant improvement!
Yeah, I am seeing the same level of improvement. Well done.
Found it better, too. The one thing I would like to have seen is that magnification view would stay after half pressing shutter button.
After much thought, I think I’ve decided to trade in my A7 for an A99.
After much thought, I still didn’t understand why you post that here. While it may be a lovely plan of yours, it doesn’t have anything to do with the topic of this post. Or were you deciding between an A7II and A99? Care to share why you would prefer an A99 over an A7II? A-mount lens much? Do you need better controls and battery life?
Ok, let me back track. Awesome sony is releasing A7II firmware update. Awesome camera and major improvement in numerous ways over A7. As for my previous comment, I listed reasons in another thread. I’m thinking out loud online. Peace.
Ah ok, so based on your post history you want an A99II, but Nikon is tempting, and you have some nice A-mount Zeiss glass. Understandably you want the best A-mount camera possible behind that lovely glass. I hope Sony delivers on that soon.
I tried the a7 II tonight with new firmware and the samyang 85 1.4 and it seemed as smooth as butter. I can never use that lens on my a99 handheld but no problem on the a7 iI! . As far as I could tell it was rock solid and pans were beautifully smooth!
That lens doesn’t look to bad. I’m still in need of an 85 and the pictures I’ve seen seem pretty solid. What do you think…contrast and sharpness ok at say…F2 and above? Seems so cheap.
Put pressure on Sony and convince them to change/impove something long seeked…
https://www.change.org/p/sony-enable-uncompressed-or-lossless-compression-raw-files-on-the-a7-cameras-and-future-f-e-mount-cameras
It won’t do any harm at least……
I took a look at the D750 comparison pics as well. YOU HAD TO JACK IT UP 5 STOPS TO SHOW THIS AFFECT!!! 5 stops man. That means you didn’t nail your exposure. I can’t imagine why anyone would or should be jacking up the shadows 5 stops. The second set of pics I can’t even tell the difference. I suggest you’re asking Sony to adjust a spec. for the absolute extreme end of photography. One in which most people…even pro’s…wouldn’t touch and with plenty of existing workarounds when needed.
http://youtu.be/eYqxVjK5eqQ before and after 1.10 update. 50mm 200% scaling.