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(UPDATED) Sony A77 and A65 firmware 1.04 is finally out!

The firmware has been released by Sony Asia (Click here).

SLT-A65 Firmware Upgrade
Ver.1.04 (Microsoft Windows)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478855
Ver.1.04 (Apple Macintosh)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478884

SLT-A77V Firmware Upgrade
Ver.1.04 (Microsoft Windows)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478891
Ver.1.04 (Apple Macintosh)
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478893

Here is the improvement list:
1) Added support for auto-correction lens: Vario-Sonnar T * DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA (SAL1680Z) and DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 (SAL16105)
2) Improved usability
3) Improved Quality
4) Improvement Response

If you have some time to test the new firmware let us know if you see some some REAL improvement! Thanks!

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94 Responses

  4. Ok Guys need some feedback on this…

    Don’t know if it is possible or not with our Steady Shot.

    But lets say there is a kind of shooting mode developed to take multiple shots in quick succession…
    If we program the Sensor Image Stablizer to move ever so slightly between each of this shots, like a sub mm, possibly a few hundred microns then wouldn’t it be possible to create a shooting function to capture higher resolution pictures that what the Sensor is rated at…..

    Some like what the Hasselblad 200 does with its 50 MP sensor?

    Now some of you will say something stupid like why do we need that… All I can say is that it would be a really good feature to have with Landscape shots etc…

    So what do you guys say?

    Reply

    1. I’m sure it can be done… But by shifting the sensor only a few mm, you would only gain the surface area presented by the shift. You would be better served with a shift lens or with normal pano stitching, then do correction.

      If you mean to get more resolution in the same space, by shifting, you are already getting that: ie, camera shake cancellation. The other method would be stacking images to cancel out signal noise.

      Reply

    2. I doubt the picture quality would be good. Pixel size is not smaller if we move the pixels. Also it would have to be EXTREMELY acurate. I doubt that is doable in this price range.

      Reply

    4. Hey WTH, I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but there is a way to do similar thing already with software only.

      There already is software out there to do superresolution like this one here: http://www.photoacute.com/studio/examples/mac_hdd/index.html

      I’ve done images from the a700 that were upsampled. I was a bit sceptical, but I did see the software magically add information where it looked like there was none. An example is taking text that’s illegible in multiple shots (from lack of resolution not blur) and be able to make out the text.

      The reason it works (IMO) is that there is small movement already in the camera, even when the camera is on the tripod(unless it’s secured like a rock).

      Nice thing about the software is that if you send them the calibration information for your camera/lens you get a free copy. While I already have one, I’m looking to get some of my lenses working with a77 when I have some time.

      Reply

  7. I installed 1.04 from China and on Sunday shoot-out PoleDance concert – more than 2000 RAW files on ONE battery – 2450 RAW files with one battery empty and second used only 10% of charge. (Girls was so good, that I missed moment battery switch in grip)

    All photos made with Zeiss 24-70 FL58 1/125 in autofocus mode via EVL.
    Firstly there was ISO 100 F5,6 and front flash at TTL mode, but after ~ 150 photos flash send Overheat message (BTW – it can be dropped of if You open battery door on working flash and close it) after that flash was settled in 1/16 M mode with F4.0 / ISO 400 – but You need to regular check flash mode – it switched back to TTL randomly without any logic. (same was on A580 and didnt fixed at all)

    Reply

    2. some CRC check claim both file are identical… so i guess no differences.

      it works great so far so good, it would be great to let user customise the zoom button to manual focus zoom assist in 1.05

      Reply

  8. The released firmware seems to be the same than the one released by Sony China last week: the size and timestamp of the file FirmwareData_SLTA77V104.dat are identical: 64515224 Bytes 22/11/2011 11:53.

    Reply

  12. Fail for the a65 (yes, downloaded the correct version). Hung while first trying to find the camera. Then started over and now it says the camera is not able to be upgraded. The recovery process doesn’t change that status. Camera still works fine and has 1.03 on it – the updater just won’t put 1.04 on it. 0-1, not sure I’ll try the a77 at work tomorrow until others report success…

    Reply

    1. Did you follow the instructions and eject the camera using the PC task bar before installing? I missed that and the update aborted. I got it right second time around.

      My A77 updated OK and is working fine so far. It’s too early in the morning to do any real tests on AF and IQ but startup seems much quicker, the control wheels are instant but the EV scale still lags behind. Closing down is still slow.

      I’ll know more when I do some proper shooting.

      Reply

      1. I’m on a Mac so no taskbar ;-). The problem is actually at the first step. I prep the camera per the instructions, then fire up the app and connect the camera. It sits for awhile, then give an error saying that it can’t connect and suggest powering down the camera, removing the battery, and restarting the updater app. None of those steps change anything, and if you don’t go through the whole routine again with the camera (initialize, set USB mass storage, etc), you get the “not able to update” error.

        Reply

        1. The 64bit-Kernel of OS X is not supported. You have to use the 32-bit-Kernel on your mac. Press and hold the keys 3 and 2 by starting it. Now you can update your camera. 🙂

          Reply

    2. Just installed 1.04 on my A77 (from Sony Australia) it all worked as per plan. Have yet to try much but the camera does fire up quicker!

      Reply

  13. Installed NEW firmware

    Yes it is GREATLY improved in start up time
    before one in two start up will require reboot or battery removal or a reset.. NOt any more after 1.04!!!

    Focus is better, but as long as that bloody start up crash is gone, A77 is finally usable!!!

    bring on 1.05 with more lens profile!!!

    Reply

    1. Todd – try to change USB cable – may be take shorter one. And check is USB connection in mass storage mode – in auto I got similar error on 77.
      And last option – try to do it via Windows.

      Reply

      1. Well, the a77 updated no problem at work. I was able to boot into 32-bit mode and everything went smoothly. One note: if you have a bluetooth keyboard apparently you can’t boot into 32-bit mode as that loads before the BT comms, so no “32” keypress is sent.

        I’ll try again with the laptop at home with the a65. If it doesn’t work I’ll bring that into work and see how it goes.

        Reply

        1. Still no love on the a65. Trying to update using my MacBook Pro (in 32 bit mode) it times out on the first step trying to communicate with the camera. The battery is at 91% so I suppose I’ll try to top that off and see if it makes a difference. If not it’ll go into work and I’ll use the iMac that worked for the a77. Not exactly seamless so far.

          Reply

          1. If you can’t beat them, join them. I booted into windowsXP on the Mac and downloaded the update. Worked this time. Not much to report – don’t see a lot of difference in iq but I haven’t done a lot of pixel peeping.

  14. Well, avoided the “cannot be upgraded” error (evidently you need to do the default reset and then set usb mass storage if you have to try a second time), but still isn’t recognizing the camera so it throws an error at the first step. This is on a mac – maybe the windows updater works better.

    Reply

  15. question is what is the nature of the IQ improvements? From chinese release I dont think I’ve heard of any and this looks like it may possibly be the same file.

    Reply

    1. It seems it’s exactly the same file as the one from last week on the Chinese website (at least a quick file compare showed they are identical)

      Reply

  17. Just updated the A77 to 1.04. Responsiveness is improved. The camera reacts much faster on any input changes. Also powering on the camera goes a lot quicker. Powering off is still as slow as before. Can’t comment on IQ.

    Reply

      1. I got it ten days ago and has the clicking issue.
        All the people with this problem expect Sony to solve it, right?

        Reply

        1. It’s a hardware issue. What on earth makes you think a firmware will fix it?

          Sony does fix it, you send it to their service centre.

          Reply

        2. FYI, we determined that the UK rep basically didn’t know what he was talking about. The official statement on the service website is clearly that this is a mechanical issue that needs to be sent to a repair center for fixing. If you’re concerned, drop it off at your nearest Sony store.

          Reply

    3. Mythical firmware or real “mechanical” fix, available by sending it to Sony (one week or so turnaround, Sony pays shipping). Unicorns or horses, as they say.

      Reply

  20. Still, there is no 64bit updater for OSX. Honestly, that is quite embarrassing for SONY. Any moderately modern OSX machine has a 64bit architecture.

    I’ve heard that it is possible to upgrade the firmware by placing the firmware binary on the SD card. Has anyone done that? If so, can that person kindly provide instructions how to do that? I’ve already located the firmware binary (“FirmwareData*.DAT”) within the package.

    Cheers,

    Christopher

    PS: My first post here. I really like your site Andrea and appreciate you tireless efforts to keep us informed! Daily checking you site. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Christopher,

      besides the fact that there should be a 64 bit installer, you can start your Mac up in 32 bits mode by holding down the 3 and 2 keys while starting up.
      Not the most elegant solution but it works.

      Reply

    2. It’s indeed sad to see that there is no 64bit update. But, restart your mac (lion and leopard both possible) and hold the 3 and the 2 (32, logical like mac is always 😉 ) and you will start up in 32 bit mode. After installed the update restart your computer and it will automatically start as 64 bit again. If not hold the 6 and 4 while restarting.

      Good luck, worked fine for me and update installed on the a77.

      Reply

  22. it looks like the iso performance is a little better. Specially details look better but iso should still be improved a lot before you can actually use high iso. So small step forward and big step to go

    Reply

      1. I also have the same pref. as you do. From what I experienced, the focusing is much better. AF is more accurate. Maybe the margin is not that big to be notice. But it helped.

        Reply

    1. Just upgraded to 1.04. The trick does not work on my A77 with DT 16-80 ZA. When pushing the AF/MF button, the MF will not hold, and trying to switch between MF and AF does not help either.

      Reply

      1. you mean even if the AF/MF button is set to toggle, it will not stay on MF? or do you mean that if you set to MF and change the settings [to shutter] it returns to AF and trick basically doesnt work?

        Reply

    2. I would not worry about the hack with autofocus in video S mode. I just checked. You can simulate S (e.g. fixed exposure) with ease in P mode. Just switch ael button to toggle mode, focus on something with brightbess that will make camera set exposure you need, press ael and you good to go. You have P mode with autofocus and fixed exposure. The only thing I noticed, in P mode, camera will not set exposure timing lower theb current framerate, e.g. not lower 1/50 for 50p video.

      Reply

  26. i wish 1.05 can add another button to be customisable such as that comp -+ button, which is useless when you assign the wheel to do the same and there is a meter on the LCD and eye finder!!!

    Reply

  27. Any change in Sony’s crappy JPG engine. I shoot with a Fuji HS10 and have been proud of it with every shot but the JPG engine makes for way to soft and muddy photos as in contrast to RAW. It would seam both Sony and Fuji use the same programing. Nikon has by far the best .JPG engine. It’s not the size of the sensor as both Sony and Nikon use the same size APSC which is larger than Cannon’s APSC. It’s all in the programing. Sony please face facts that you make industry leading hardware but your programing sucks on every level from game consols to HR TVs to Cameras to phones. Realy just give it up and pay royalty to Apple to program for you while you make the best hardware in the world. Or by Apple out 🙂

    Reply

  28. I had the update fail over and over at different points in the progress bar until I switched to a different USB cable, then it worked fine. Just an FYI in case anyone else has the same problem.

    Reply

      1. Hy!
        Just my two cents here:

        I was trying to upgrade the camera with the original cable and the problem I had (at least I think so) was with the battery. I fully charged the battery and problem solved. The upgrade started to work 🙂

        Reply

  30. Updated today to 1.04.
    For all those start-up, and other times. I can’t say anything, because they weren’t bothering me. And I didn’t notice them before.
    But what I did notice is a huge IQ improvement on the highest ISO modes. Just do an ISO test of bright colored object on a pastel background before update and after update.
    On 1.03 ISO 3200 was bearly usable (if you really don’t have the oppurtunity to redo a shot) and all above was just trash, especially 12800 and 16000 – total trash.
    Now on 1.04 I can say, that 6400 is like 3200 before. And 3200, maybe not so good as 1600 was, but definitely much better. 12800 and 16000 are still not practically usable, but on them, you will see the biggest improvement. From trash consisting of color whirlwind on 1.03 with huge overall colorshifting, on 1.04 ISO 16000 came to just very noizy image, like some cameraphones do normally 🙂

    Request to anybody, who may simulteneously have 1.03 and 1.04 A77s. Please do a full ISO test on the same settings, so we can really compare. To my shame, I did 1.03 ISO test a couple of days ago, with a bit different ambient lighthing. And forgot to redo it today before updating. So my results may be not 100% accurate.

    Reply

    1. I have a US A77 and downloaded the 1.04 update went fine and works on the US A77. Just make sure you us the sony supplied usb cable, and follow all instructions on the update file.
      The Sony/US web site is always slow updating thier content.

      Reply

  32. Downloaded the China and Japanese versions of the DMG and both are the same:

    MD5 (Update_SLTA77V104 (1).dmg) = 39ac0a8a93f83e857de22aaf30c6083a
    MD5 (Update_SLTA77V104.dmg) = 39ac0a8a93f83e857de22aaf30c6083a

    -rw-r–r–@ 1 wing staff 65404441 Nov 29 09:38 Update_SLTA77V104 (1).dmg
    -rw-r–r–@ 1 wing staff 65404441 Nov 29 09:42 Update_SLTA77V104.dmg

    It’s safe to say that this is the production release….

    Reply

  34. After I updated my A65 to 1.04 I quickly found out that the panorama function did not stitch properly anymore.

    Did anyone else experience this. This is thus far the only flaw I could find.

    Reply

  36. I used the Asia-Pac download site and it was seamless 🙂 I had to put the grid back on to rule of thirds and the ISO off of auto as the camera gets reset. It also trips the file numbers. It appears to power on and off much faster. I was happy with the picture quality before and I typically don’t shoot above ISO 800 so I will have to give 3200+ a shot.

    Reply

  37. I found another great improvement in the 1.04 FW!
    Look at series shots.
    On 1.03 shooting at 9fps I could take only 12 raw shots. Now its 17!
    And at 12fps its 14 raw shots instead of 12 before. The only small downside, that before at 12fps camera was shooting without any pauses. But now, it shoots 10 frames, then makes 0.3s pause and shoots another 4. To me, this is still better, then it was, especially for 9fps mode, improvement from 12 to 17 frames is huge!
    12fps, 6mp jpeg standard: 19 shots.
    9fps, 6mp jpeg standard: 20 shots.

    Jpeg performance seems to be pretty the same. So it looks like they’ve really worked on raws. Though it doesn’t seem, they are performing raw compression (size of result files is the same).

    PS I used a simple class 10 SDHC card with 18mb/s write speed, will see where it goes, when I get 90mb/s card for me.

    Reply

  39. Fw 1.04 improve speed:Slightly better and faster auto focus with 16-105, Faster shut down time,noise and picture quality is still the same to 1.03, still need picture quality improvement on 1.05

    Reply

  40. I have UHC 45 Mbs didn’t check yet about series. BUT battery performance rocks – instead of 500 – 700 photo with one battery 1500 – 2000 – via EVF.
    ISO 400 near 2000
    ISO 1600 yesterday 1300 RAW and stayed 18% of battery charge.

    Reply

  42. Anyone else have a problem with RAW format after updating?
    Viewing RAW images converted and viewed in lightroom at 100% are not sharp at all.

    Wish I had never updated.

    Reply

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