First video showing the new firmware 2.0 A6000 startup time and XAVC-S recording option.
Sony issued a new firmware update 2.0 for those cameras. It improves the startup time and adds XAVC-S recording on the A6000. The firmware software should go online within the next few hours here (not available yet at the time of writing!):
Enter your model name and download the software on Sony sites like Sony US, Sony Germany, Sony UK, Sony France, Sony Italy, Sony Spain, Sony Holland, Sony Belgium, Sony CH, Sony Austria, Sony Portugal, Sony Sweden, Sony Norway, Sony Finland.
UDPATE: A working FW 2.0 link to the A6000 MAC firmware: sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce6000-firmware-update-ver2_00-mac/ILCE-6000
UDPATE: And here is the first XAVC-S A6000 video sample:
Direct US links:
Sony a7 Firmware Update 2.o0: MAC | WIN
Sony a7R Firmware Update 2.o0: MAC | WIN
Sony a7S Firmware Update 2.o0: MAC | WIN
Sony a6000 (ILCE-6000) Camera Firmware Update 2.o0: MAC | WIN
235 Responses
Add XAVC-S recording for A6000??? You sure??!!!
https://youtu.be/mxrXSxlK3xs
Start shortened tried testing in α6000 videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVSwqRNvCFE
Huray!!!
A6000 WITH XAVC-S!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! You Rock SONY!!!
Just made everybody’s day so much better.
The link you gave for A7 goes to v1.20
not ready yet –> The firmware software should go online within the next few hours here (not available yet at the time of writing!)
Ready now @ http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=ILCE6000&upd_id=10403&os_group_id=23
that’s the link for the A6000.
http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=ILCE7&upd_id=10391&os_group_id=23
thanks. such a shame that only upgade is to the starup time though.
Should due to hardware “outdated” already 😛
yeah, I’ve heard programmable shutter speed on auto iso mode consumes a lot of cpu 🙂
Sigh… no XAVC for A7 🙁
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce6000-firmware-update-ver2_00-mac/ILCE-6000 here you can download it 203MB for MAC
How did you find it? It’s still not listed on the normal A6000 support page 🙁
Maybe he is the one who updating the website… hahahaa
Sony US @ http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=ILCE6000&upd_id=10403&os_group_id=23
I edit the link from 1.20 into 2.00 😉 and it worked 😉
And for Windows:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce6000-firmware-update-ver2_00-win/ILCE-6000
thanks!
Does it fix the compulsory skin-smoothing effect on videos on the A6000?
That was on the A5100. Never happened to me on the A6000 manual mode
Strange, the link for the A7S firmware worked when I clicked it. And I downloaded the new firmware. But now that link is no longer working.
Anyway, I just installed the new firmware on the A7S, and I think it might startup a little faster (from battery pull as well), but I’m not entirely sure. It doesn’t feel like a significant difference if it’s there. Well, any improvement there is appreciated, however slight.
Maybe internal 4K recording ?? no, ok I’m dreaming again… :s
Same reaction from my A7s. Hoping there’s more that they’re not telling, improved anti-jelly roll, something…
This is from Japan website ,they already update it.
Download link is in the end of the website.
http://www.sony.jp/ichigan/update/ILCE-7_7R_7S_6000.html
A6000 with xavc-s. Sony will asphalt all other brands. A7000 coming 4k ecc. Bye bye canon nikon and other dinosaurs era manufacturer
Maybe Sony felt bad about the delay of the next APS-C camera body (A7xxxx) or whatever it is, and decided to throw their A6000 owners a bone, to keep them happy for a while longer. Unfortunately for me, I sold my A6000 3 weeks ago in anticipation of the replacement. As I am hot on all the upgrades, I find it is better to sell the outgoing model (even though the A6000 is not actually outgoing) earlier, than later. After the new one is announced the market gets a bit flooded and prices drop quickly. Oh well at least I have an A7II to keep me going. No firmware fun though.
Why would Sony throw current owners a bone and decrease their chances of upgrading to the A7000? And why would they do it now, when they could have done this +6 months ago easily?
I think this action is not targeted at current owners, but prospective buyers. To me this is an indication that the A7000 is not coming before summer.
Because new model will have 4K so XAVC-S is not highest video mode
I have strong doubts with your assertions. If this firmware update is directed to prospective buyers then you must know how are these specifications changes being marketed towards existing stock which seats at retailers around the world ?
I am interested to know how the new codec improves the output from the A6000 though.
This tells me that we’re going to be waiting for the A7000 a while longer. Why else upgrade their old model now which they could have done waaaayyyyyy earlier….
I don’t applaud Sony for this; it is not service to their current A6000 owners, it is marketing for new buyers trying to convince them to buy the A6000, because the A7000 isn’t coming before summer 🙁
Sounds like a service to their current A6000 owners. You don’t even know that the A7000 exists! And you’re sad that it still doesn’t exist…
You are 100% correct that I am sad it still doesn’t exist (in an open market)! I have been waiting to buy it for a while….. Of course Sony is working on it, otherwise they would fall behind Panasonic and Samsung, which are already offering internal 4K in compact formats and low prices.
I was tempted to buy the A6000, but decided not to, due to it lacking XAVCS and expecting the release of new model with internal 4K in a small package with interchangeable lenses.
If this is truly a service to A6000 owners, than tell me why they waited so long to bring this “service”. First they give A6000 owners the finger by giving the lower positioned A5100 XAVCS and then they let you wait for a year to get it???? Doesn’t really sound like service to me, my logic says its marketing… Don’t get me wrong, Sony is a company aimed at making a profit (just like the other brands), and that’s fully understandable. But don’t think they would provide this as a kind service to current owners, they are just trying to maximize their profits on their old model, because the new one is not ready yet.
Do you know why I completely disagree with your accessment that this means that an A7000 isn’t coming anytime soon? Because they just announced the A7r ii last week, and yet here they are still updating the orig A7r. They don’t have to be connected. They can update the A6000 without it having anything to do with the A7000.
And by the way, the A7000 isn’t rumored to be replacing the A6000, the A6000 is supposed to still be sticking around along with the newer camera. There could be plenty of reasons why it’s taken so long for the A6000 to get this codec, we don’t know that the hardware inside is identical to the A5100- physically they are different cameras, XAVCS is a higher bit rate codec, this could lead to overheating in the A6000’s body, whereas maybe it didn’t in the A5100.
Just relax, go buy a used A6000 from Adorama (I just saw one for $419), use it for a month and then return it, maybe you’re A7000 will be out by then.
We will see, I really hope you are right.
The a6000 is an outstanding camera today. With the hardware you’ve already got, you ought to know how to make the a6000 perform at a high level. Most of us are already doing it. The a7000, if it ever comes will be great but missing some key features that the a8000 will fill. Then the a9000 will fill the gaps in the a8000. Get the a6000 today and enjoy it until the next great thing arrives!
The A6000 was and is a great camera. The GH4 and the NX1 costs what, twice as much (or more) than the A6000? I am actually glad that they upgraded the codec. In the meantime, I had my camera to use for stills. And the video that I captured (which included a baptism) was enjoyed by all. I am not a professional (perhaps you are), so my needs may be different than yours. All I know is that the A6000 is a great camera. The new codec makes it even better.
Thanks for sharing, I agree that the A6000 is a great camera at a great price point and it even got better. I am not a prof, but have the “latest and greatest” disorder 😉
i hate sony for that… I have been waiting for 3 months already. 3 months without camera.
Some people are never happy. a7000 doesn’t exist while a6000 is still a force in the apsc world and I as an owner am very happy to have XAVC-S on board. Makes a great camera even better! So saying it’s a disservice to existing owners is baffling.
You might have misunderstood me (or I did not communicate well, sorry). Of course it is nice to have the upgrade if you are already an owner, sure! All I am saying is that I believe that the reasoning behind this update (due to its timing) is most probably not because they really appreciate their current A6000 owners, because then they could have done it months ago, when everybody was begging for it. With the release being now, it is more likely marketing for prospective buyers.
Jos, Sorry but you have a very twisted mind.
In any case it would be in Sony’s best interest to market fully finished products with the highest specs as possible. Doing it after product release is certainly not as near as visible to existing and prospective customers. So it cannot be made for marketing purposes other than to please existing customers and reinforce brand loyalty.
Also, does anyone have an idea of the proportion of existing customers who upgrade their equipment each time a firmware update is made available ? In fact, without looking for these updates throughout internet I see no systematic means for existing customers to know about their release… Is Sony sending up e-mails announcing these firmware updates ?
These updates are a plus to owners of these cameras as well as prospective buyers who may be in the know. For the later we do have to assume that the updated specifications due to these firmware updates are marketed too which I very much doubt so… Does anyone know if Sony distributes stickers to apply on product boxes highlighting the new specs, new specs sheets to resellers, updated instruction manuals, etc… The only thing I imagine are updated are the product specs on the Sony website.
So, because they don’t really appreciate the current A6000 owners, they bring out an update that benefits that same group of people? Well, okay then.
Why would Sony spend millions in development of firmware update for a product that is already paid for reducing their profit margin? That does not make sense to me. That is why I think it is targeted at prospective owners.
You implied that Sony did this not as an appreciation for previous customers. I do not think that that is the case. I would think that they did not have the necessary resources available to fully develop and test the upgrade until the new products came in line. I would say that the three new cameras are major undertakings. I am glad they finally made the codec available to A6000 users. I ascribe no motive (for I don’t know whay they released it later than many people thought that it should have been released). That being said, I am thankful that it came out.
What makes you think “they could have done it months ago”? Software development is NEVER as easy as most people think it should be.
They had it for the 5100 aug last year and let’s not pretend that Sony only has a hand full of people in software development.
Maybe Sony did do this as a gesture to the A6000 owners, nobody knows? All I am saying is that I think that it is not likely for a commercial company to spend so much time, money and effort for an already profitable product, just to please their customers. But maybe I am wrong, we’ll see…
This tells me that they solved problems with 4K in new camera, and they don’t have to hold A6000 back any more.
I hope you are right, but fear you are not, why else would they wait bringing it to market?
Think about this; Maybe out there are people not buying the A6000 as it does not have XAVC-S codec. It would have been a lot more logic for Sony to come with this update as soon as they had it ready.
Personaly i can think of a few reasons why it came out now:
1. The programmers of the new FW were bussy programming the new FW for the A7II, the A7rII, the RX100m4, the RX10mII A7000 etc. Now the A7000 is close to ready they can reuse the code for the A6000 too.
2. Sony had some trouble to get the XAVC-S Codec in the space they had left in the A6000, it was a lot harder then they thought
3. Sony did listen to all those people wanting XAVC-S codec and so started programming it, but it took time to create and test it.
So besides the negative option you give there are several positive options out there too!
You’re right there are a lot of possible options. To me though I don’t believe that Sony would spend money (apparently a lot due to the time it took) to program new code for purchases already made (they are not a non-profit organisation). Maybe they want to upgrade the A6000 for new buyers and the A7000 is around the corner and will have better specs and be priced higher so that they do not compete. That will be anybodies guess. For me, waiting for the A7000, I interpret this as not so good news: either we have to wait longer or there will be a significant price difference to justify different specs. We will see though, I hope everyone else is right and time proves me wrong, so that I can also become a very valued Sony customer 😉
Sorry, this tells us more about you then abut Sony. When Fuji or Samsung comes with a major update we here people praise them for it, but when Sony comes people are looking for a hidden reason. Could it be that Sony shows with this update that they realy care about their custommers and want to offer FW updates even at the end of the lifetime of a camera. Maybe this will get people excited and wanting to buy a Sony camera as they do FW updates just like the others?
End of lifetime… !!!?! What is the lifecycle of these cameras ? To me none of these cameras are old yet or are they ?
Did you not hear? SAR readers may like their Sony cameras, but they always want more and why give Sony credit when criticism is easier?
As this is a rumors website I posted my personal thoughts on how this update would possibly relate to the rumored A7000 launch. I really don’t care about giving criticism or praise to Sony, because they will certainly not read this website for it or even care what we have to say 😉
Yes you are correct, me posting my thoughts tells you more about me than Sony 🙂 This is true for all the comments, because nobody here works for Sony.
Maybe you are right in your thoughts. As said it is anybodies guess. Just posting my thoughts and how it would relate to the rumored A7000.
Actually I would see this in almost the opposite way: the new camera will be the a7000 and not the a6100, and the a6000’s life cycle will be extended so that it can be sold alongside the a7000 for another year. This doesn’t necessarily speak to the release date of the new camera, but I think it does quite possibly speak to the intended price bracket of it.
Agreed, did not think of this initially, but I fear it will be either of the two.
I do applaud Sony for each and every firmware update release as these firmware updates improve my camera as well as others. Trying to push sales of their products is natural from a business standpoint.
Yes you are very right. In March they told us that the hardware of a6000 could not work with xavc-s codec and now……Sony should be blamed about that!
Any improvements on A7 with Canon lenses secretly added alike A7RM2?????
I really hope so, or the same deal with ssm lenses on the la-ea3, but I won’t hold my breath.
Tried it, but still very slow!
That’s a shame – I’ll go back to waiting for the a7iii…
Nah, Sony main firmware updates come in new cameras.
They spend effort to add it in new cameras and you want to have it for free?
Yes, like Fuji gives it to its users. Example: Fuji’s brand new AF system in Firmware 4 coming next week
How do you want to add BSI sensor via firmware update?!?
Well, it’s impossible, but A7 has some OSPDAF points anyway, and at least for center point they can add OSPDAF support with non-E lenses.
or
they can open the firmware so enthusiasts will improve focusing themselves
However Sony is not a charity, so….
What does Back Illumination have to do with PDAF points on Sensor???? Back Illumination arguably gives you lower noise.
In short, everything. They might be both called “OSPDAF” but implementation is somewhat different. Just as well NEX-6 and A6000 don’t have the same PDAF points.
Done! I did the update on a6000, and yesssssss the Xavs-c mode is there!!! Well done Sony.
why is everybody so excited about xavcs? is the difference to avchd that big, or is it just relevant for professional users?
Massive difference. And the future…
Yes, the difference is really big. Not only is it a better codec, you gain a lot in data bitrate (80% increase) as well. Even a total video novice should be able to spot the difference. I hope the A6000 owners have their SDXC (not SDHC) cards ready.
What’s the bitrate now?
50 instead of 28 Mbitps.
Thanks. That’s still quite low, do you know what the a7s is in slog? Panasonic does 100mbps for 4k (just realised the a6000 only shoots 1080p so I suppose that’s quite good, although Panasonic can do 200mbps in 1080p).
A7S is also 50Mbitps, but looks really clean thanks to the excellent sensor. I have a Shogun for crucial work. If I recall correctly the 4K ProRes HQ is around 700 Mbitps in that one. The new A7RII does 100Mbitps in cropped 4K. Though I think it will look pretty good, there is little doubt the A7S+Shogun combo will look better.
It’s a noticeable difference in quality for sure.
German Firmware 2.00 Updates vor a6000:
MAC:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce6000-firmware-update-ver2_00-mac/ILCE-6000
WIN:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce6000-firmware-update-ver2_00-win/ILCE-6000
——————————————————
German Firmware 2.00 Updates vor A7
MAC:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7-firmware-update-ver2_00-mac/ILCE-7
WIN:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7-firmware-update-ver2_00-win/ILCE-7
——————————————————
German Firmware 2.00 Updates for A7R:
MAC:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7r-firmware-update-ver2_00-mac/ILCE-7R
WIN:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7r-firmware-update-ver2_00-win/ILCE-7R
—————————————————–
German Firmware 2.00 Updates for A7S:
MAC:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7s-firmware-update-ver2_00-mac/ILCE-7S
WIN:
http://www.sony.de/support/de/content/cnt-dwnl/prd-dime/sony-ilce7s-firmware-update-ver2_00-win/ILCE-7S
—————————————————-
NONE FOR A7 Mark II
:
German Firmware 2.00:
But NO XAVC-S:
This is the text:
Kürzere Anlaufzeit der Kamera (shorter startups)
Ermöglicht Filmaufnahmen mit 50p/25p(PAL-Modus), 60p/30p/24p(NTSC-Modus)
(filmodus 50p/25p (PAL)…….)
Whats going on in Germany?
User countrys?
So you’re waiting for something that hasn’t even been announced, you don’t know what it will be like, or even that it exists, and meanwhile left yourself without a camera. for 3 months.
And that is somehow Son’y fault? Hahahaha.
I can understand Carlos, I have been waiting also (but with my Canon still). It is not Sony’s fault to leave him without a camera, but this update could have come much sooner than now and he could have been tempted to go for the A6000 instead of waiting. I mean the A5100 had it August 2014, don’t tell me that you believe Sony needed a year to figure out how to bring it to the A6000….
Maybe they were so busy getting those four(!) other cameras they’ve released since Aug 2014 ready that it got put on the back burner.
As an A7s owner I can say that even with XAVCS the footage isn’t going to look all that great anyway without S-LOG. You really shouldn’t be getting an A6000 for its video features, unless you’re just shooting videos of your kids.
But then again, I’m sure the A7000 will have S-Log (if the new RX100 is getting it).
That is exactly why I want it! for my 6months old son 🙂 I have a dedicated FHD camcorder + 5DmIII, but want a quick and portable solution for pictures and video when travelling/around the house.
Does the rx100 m4 have slog? I missed that mention. If the a7000 gets it that would make a very temping buy for greatphoto/video quality!!
You’re giving people another reason to ping Sony. Although I don’t agree with everyone needing S-Log to take advantage of the new codec. How many people do color correction/grading of their videos? Probably not a great percentage of camera buyers. You are right though. It is a feature that will find its way in newer Sony cameras.
The main reason to skip A6000 is IBIS. If you own a A6000 you are forced to use OSS-lenses. Even if there is a very good non-OSS lens on the market you will likely not buy it – but maybe buy an OSSed compromise.
A7R UK
http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/ilce-7r
A7S UK:
http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/ilce-7s
Benefits and improvements:
shortened camera startup time
…….
Crickets…..
I’ve done the update but when XAVC-S is selected it’s telling me my Memory card does not support the codec but it’s an extreme pro! Anyone actually shoot something yet? A bug maybe?
is it a 64gb card?
Read my post further down. I knew this was coming…
Yes, annoying, so for anyone else that doesn’t know, you must use a SDXC card for the XAVC-S codec. Thanks Freddo.
30 minutes of XAVC equals about a 10GB file. SDHC only supports up to 4GB file size. So, if you intend to shoot XAVC-S, you’ll need a SDXC card, regardless if you use a Cybershot, Actioncam or Alpha camera.
It’s not the speed that is the bottleneck, most SDHC cards are fast enough, it’s the file size.
Nothing prevents file sizes up to 32GB on SDHC card – they usually have a file system that doesn’t support larger files by default, but the camera COULD reformat it to the same exFat FS SDXC cards use by default if it wanted to… the card wouldn’t be readable in all older devices, but so what? You could prompt and warn about that.
But it doesn’t want to. If you pre-format a SDHC card to exFAT and slap it into a Sony camera, hoping you can trick it, the first thing you will see is a dialogue saying the camera must format the card, turning it back to FAT32. There also seems to be a lot of reliability issues involved when using exFAT on SDHC cards, so even if you managed to fool the camera, the one getting fooled in the end might be you and a heap of corrupted files.
Then it wouldn’t be an SDHC card. Formatting is part of the standard, Sony would be breaking the standard and that is not ideal for anyone (and possibly has legal ramifications). Just get the right card and quit moping. And no, formatting a SDHC card to exFAT doesn’t work.
Same as all Sony camera, RX10, RX100M3, A77ii,
You need a SDXC card which support exFat file format.
It means you need a 64Gb card or above.
I am surprise someone still don’t know about it,
because it has been ask million of time already. 🙂
Every time a Sony camera get support XAVC, the same sd card question will flood all the forum for a few weeks, 😉
A friend of mine was given A3500 as present. She shots using LCD only because there is no playback in EVF (compulsory DSLR emulation). I am so ashamed of Sony and being a Sony fanboy and mirrorless cameras in general. 🙁
I will have to check when I get home, but you can certainly use the EVF for shooting and the LCD for playback, I think it switches automatically, at worst you have to use the lcd/evf button. Does not seem like a terrible option. The A3000 and A3500 were designed to be the absolute cheapest possible body that Sony could get an APS-C sensor in. It lacks a lot of other features as well. But it can still take very good pictures.
When i pressed playback and it displayed picture, it did not react to evf/cld button. There’s nothing in a3500 being cheap prevent this.
Please report if your experience differs.
So she shoots and takes pictures, is there something I am missing that makes you so deeply ashamed of mirrorless?
She doesnt’ use a3500 evf.
Compulsory DSLR emulation does.
The EVF in the A3000/A3500 is crap anyway. I don’t blame her
I was really hoping they would add the new auto-iso features…
What new auto ISO features?
I guess Sean means the new Auto ISO from the A7IIR where you can select a minimum shutter speed. Great thing! I hope that too.
Minimum shutter speed in auto-iso
You don’t need it, shoot in manual with auto ISO
That’s not really the same. It’s semi-useful, until suddenly you realize you accidentally just shot 300 photos at iso 25,600 because you forgot to change your shutter speed when you came inside.
You can set limits to Auto ISO, if you don’t want to go over 6400 just set it to 100-6400
I respect that you’re trying to impart some knowledge to me, but I assure you, using manual is a bigger pain and results in messed up exposures. Give me that minimum shutter speed.
This is my preferred method as I like to set aperture and shutter, only time I will use auto ISO is in fast changing light situation
Still no RX1 update? WHY!??!
Because RX1 successor is coming.
A7II and A7rII are already here.
A6000 successor is coming too.
no need anymore.
Asking the same question!
The complaints still outnumber the thanks in this latest update. Sad but not unexpected.
But don’t worry, we will continue to see plenty of post to come in other articles that says ‘Sony’s firmware updates are new bodies’. I guess we can at least feel good that the number of complaints that Sony released this update for the A6000 is less than the number of complaints that they didn’t. It’s surprising that Sony even have a user base with all the wrist slitting that goes on with their users!
US 2.0 is up
Last time I mentioned here that it’s ridiculous that a5100 does support XAVC-S and a6000 doesn’t I was greeted by comments saying Sony doesn’t need to do anything and I should basically shut up. Now Sony adds XAVC-S to the a6000 and after a quick look at the comment section I see mostly complaints. WTF is wrong with you people? I just don’t get it.
Anyway, THANK YOU SONY FOR LISTENING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS!
I share in your thanks for Sony. This is an update that has been overdue, but now that it is here, I am glad that Sony finally made it possible for A6000 owners to record with the new codec. And the added improvements (especially the shortened start up time) are also most welcome.
Were you around when the A5100 was released and every FW update discussion since? The whining and “will we see a FW update to get XAVC” never ended. Now we have the A7 crowd making the same complaints. And A6000 users complaining about minimum shutter speeds. It never ends. Comment sections have elevated arguing and complaining to a sport.
How about some better focussing speed for a7 range and improved battery life??
maybe a6000 firmware 3.0 will add phase detection focus for DSLR lenses.
When I saw the announcement of a new “major version” update to the firmware, I was really hoping I’d see this.
I’m wondering if this is a stopgap for the A7RII not going on sale until August and the next APS-C body being delayed by ???????
actually i want silence shutter mode more
Ok, I was a bit bitter/disappointed, you are right, but they sure took their time though 😉
Ah… sadly manual mode won’t work for me – my A6000 overheats too quickly when recording internally, but I really want to use the awesome AF (on a gimbal) so I was looking for a way to be able to record to an external recorder – which requires the A6000 to be in movie mode… And whatever settings I try, the rather aggressive skin smoothing smears itself all over faces as soon as they’re on screen for more than a few seconds. Booo!
The fact that I have a different point of view does not make “my mind very twisted”; people can differ in opinion without the need for these claims. I am no more wrong than you are right, the truth is that we both do not know.
I agree with your point that it is not in Sony’s best interest to improve upon a product after launch, however later on you contradict yourself. If nobody knows about the improvements, than how would it reinforce brand loyalty? I doubt that Sony would invest so much time, effort and money in firmware development and not make it publicly known.
NO XAVC-S recording option on a7R 🙁
Does it give the A6000 120fps 720 p?
Not that I can tell. 24/30/60p at 50 mbps 1080p
Thanks
No Issues with my a6000
Just did the update – from Sony Germany
I have XAVCS – an d can select between 25p und 50p
I don’t know about everyone else but I’m just fuming/ depressed… A6000 gets XAVC-S but not the A7. It’s not like it’s going to canabalize sales of the newer models. I can do without the S-Log, the color profiles, the crazy low light. I JUST WANT XAVC-S on my A7…sigh
I’m neither fuming or depressed. I made my choice when I bought my camera and, well, a firmware update is not something to fume/get depressed about.
Hug your partner, have a beer, enjoy life! Yours can’t be that bad if you can afford your hobby and have access to the internet.
Great points. lol I’ll have that beer and keep shooting!
I am not fuming, but I agree, I want XAVC-S on my A7 too. Why does the a6000 get that update while the higher end full frame A7 get skipped? As much as I am a Sony fanboy, at times there always seems to be a gotcha… lol
Sony never said that the A6000 hardware would not work with the XAVC-S codec. Customer reps ought to know all the answers, but some of them (Sony reps, Canon reps, Nikon reps) don’t always know the answers to every question posed to them. Officially, Sony never made an announcement that the A6000 was not going to get XAVC-S support.
What’s the benefit for a7r ?
Faster start up time.
Still no update on the A850~!?
Don’t expect one.
^^ You need to upgrade the firmware of your sarcasm detector.
Wow, you mean there will be two~!?
Now that’s what I call dedicated customer support~
They will add Hindi Language support like a77 firmware update
Regarding the improved speed on the A7 and A7r…. The is the second update to improve the speed of the startup, or is this the same update as the last, but just a different release number and worldwide distribution? I must agree with others that the lack of a codex upgrade would be appreciated, but glad that some of you received the update.
I applaud any change that improves function and that is certainly the case for the XAVC-S on the A6000, but I’m a little baffled as to the merits of updating for the A7 series.
There is always a risk when updating firmware and if the only change is a slightly shorter start up I don’t see the benefit. Perhaps if we currently had to wait 3 minutes for the camera to wake and could reduce it to a matter of seconds it could be considered, but here it seems almost undetectable.
It’s almost like suggesting that when you want to drive half a mile to the shops, just to pick up some milk, go at 60mph instead of 30mph. That way you’ll get there quicker. Certainly true, but of very dubious worth and very foolish!
Another way of looking at it is to measure the saving: perhaps half a second per turn on.
So if it takes 30 minutes to download, set up the camera, and do the update, you will need to turn on your camera 3,600 times just to break even…LOL!
What if you see a bird or something that is just about to go away, and the camera takes to long? Half a second is a lot when it comes to photography.
He just likes to be contrary. He blows his own argument out of the water with his first sentence.
And you just lke to think you’re clever, but never contribute a single useful comment.
First, I’m not sure if the improvement is even half a second (I haven’t seen any figures for it), but even if that were true, the simple answer is to be prepared.
If you are to be taking pictures of birds then have yor camera on and ready.
Otherwise the same argument could be applied to the bag you carry it in, ‘Why do the manufacturers make the zip so tricky because it takes 2 seconds longer to open it?’
Unlike Justtakethepiss seems to imply, I don’t regard this particular change as an improved function. It might be measurably faster by a fraction of a second, but it makes no difference in the real world.
Sorry, misspost, if needed please delete this
Genuinely surprised by this. Still will probably sell it when the new A7000 comes out, but happy with the boost till then.
Nice to see an update for the A6000. I just wish they included an auto ISO minimum shutter speed for the A7. I seems to be such an easy change and would improve the camera usage in A mode!
that’s a very welcome update for people interested in video. I was really surprised it took so long to get XAVC-S since the a5100 and a77m2 shared the same hardware.
But I was expecting to see more flexibility on show you shoot stills with the camera. The new minimum shutter selection on the a7Rm2 as seen on Canon and Nikon cameras was a very good added feature that should be put on all Sony cameras.
Yeah I wonder why Sony can’t fix the minimum shutter option. SInce they have already implemented it in the A7rII which must have been designed like last year at least it shouldn’t be too difficult to add a few lines of code to implement it.
The missing XAVC-S was the only thing that hold me back from buying an A6000 and made me wait for the A6XXX/A7XXX release. For people with little money to spend like myself, this is great news since good deals can be found on the A6000. I rather invest the €200-€300 difference in some vintage glass.
Anyways, after waiting so long, I’d wait a bit longer to see what the A6XXX/A7XXX has to offer that could convince me over the A6000. I am afraid it is going to be much more expensive, just like the A7r2 is compared to the previous model, or simply not even be an update but rather an upper model.
Same here. I wanted XAVC so bought a cheap used A5100 instead. Until a new APS-c body surfaces with 4k to compliment the A7rII, I’m sticking with this one.
A5100 will still have advantage in that its screen flips for selfies, and touchscreen but a6xxx won’t
The a5100 is incredibly underrated – touchscreen and very pleasing af performance. The only problem is the price… It’s only £10 cheaper than the a6000!
In the Netherlands, there is a price difference of 200€
Really? The UK prices have always been very close when I’ve checked. The a5000 on the other hand is an absolute bargain…
and it records at 120fps
I think if you don’t need the 10fps then A5100 is the way to go.
FYI Updated my A7r to Ver. 2.00 The startup time is extremely fast now!!! They finally got it right this time. Camera comes on instantly with live view showing! Power On to capture with auto focus under 1/2 sec. Thank You Sony! Tested on my FE 24-70 will update if any issues with other FE lenses
Yeah I don’t feel so bad about my A7 anymore. I was very upset the price dropped so low so fast. The camera is much faster so I will just concentrate on buying lenses for now.
Does this put the a6000 at a decent b-camera for shooting interviews? Has anyone used these for professional video work? looking for something to tide me over until a7sII or I might cave and go with the a7rii
I am pretty sure with correct lighting and a good lens you will be fine. You can pick one up from bestbuy and if you don’t like it return it. You have 14 days and you wont be charged a restocking fee.
I was kinda hoping for the new AF Performance with Canon/Sony DSLR lenses, this would have been a real groundbreaking function on A6000. Nevertheless the start-up time is much better, so I can’t complain
“…and adds XAVC-S recording on the A6000…”
And lo, there was a great cry that resonated throughout all the lands, ringing in the ears of all men; carried on the winds were the words “ABOUT F***ING TIME!”
update does not work. did everthing step by step as written on the sony homepage.
typical sony … i never had problems updating firmware on my nikons.
A little bit annoying that my 32GB Class 10 card isn’t supported on the a6000 for XAVC-S. Amazon has 64GB cards for a really great price right now, can’t wait for that. Picking one up from Best Buy after work!
Pretty dumb if you ask me, I REALLY prefer to work in 16 and 32 gb increments. I have dozens of these cards. It keeps me from overshooting and the cards themselves are more stable. So now I’m being forced to purchase and shoot on a 64 gig card… yay….
I don’t see where it says we have to use larger than 32GB card. It only says you must use a Class 10 or faster SDXC card. Am I missing something?
you need 64gb or it wont work.
Some people claim to have XAVC-S working on 32GB SD cards. Supposedly you just need it formatted as exfat instead of fat32/ntfs etc. Having said that I haven’t gotten it to work on my pile of 32GB SD cards.
I tested it … same error … ;( So need to buy a 64 card
It won’t work on a 32Gb. I have tried it.
Excellent update !
a6000 gets XAVC-S and improved startup time – and that’s it? And they’re calling this a 2.0 release?
why not? what more could you add to make it 2.0?
I’m also intrigued as to what this random dude has arbitrarily decided is worthy of the title 2.0.
If it doesn’t change the number on the outside of the camera it’s not a proper firmware update.
As I am not sure if you are serious or not, I am going to say this “FIRMware update, not HARDware.” But i think you are joking…
You guessed right…
They can call the update 10.0 if they want, but bumping the ‘major’ version number is traditionally reserved for a ‘major’ release with significant new functionality. It sounds like this release would be more properly called 1.3.
I just installed 1.21 (from the Japan site) and it has the improvements in startup speed. So, it’s a bit odd that a ‘2.0’ release wouldn’t even be worth bothering with, for many users. But, it doesn’t matter.
it adds XAVC-S. That is a significant new function.
Where did you see that added to 2.0? My Sony USA A7 download reads, “Improvements over version 1.20:
The startup time is shortened”
I was expecting a more significant firmware update. I want 1000 additional PD autofocus points, 100 megapixels, uncompressed raw, 8k video at 10,000 FPS.
You are easily satisfied
You must be the only one who managed to mess this up…
Maybe you should take some responsibility for your own choices?
Definitely seeing faster startup times on my a7. A soft startup is near instant (less than 1 second from from hitting the power button to af) and startup after removing the battery is also much faster (though not as fast as a soft startup)
What was your previous firmware ? Want to know its its worth upgrading.
I can’t remember the version, but it was the last version Andrea linked to here.
You probably shouldn’t try to install Sony firmware on your Nikon…
Good one
If XAVC-S is only a firmware thing then it should also be available for the A99
Sorry but no. The A99 has the older Bionz processor and so it can’t handle XAVC-S.
Couldn’t have arrived at a better time! Going overseas to shoot a party on Thurs. Already loved the video out of the A6000, and now it’ll look even better. 🙂 Can’t wait to check it out when I get home!
Just what my A7S needed. Faster startup time…. not getting rid of the stupid “NTSC Mode” screen that I get every time I turn it on. I know the camera is in NTSC mode… I chose that, why do I need to see that message every time I turn on. Always have to press a button to actually use the camera.
now Sony please work on Firmware v3.0 for A6000
1. full electronic shutter (silence shutter mode)
2. enable the level gauge (the sensor is there I’m sure, nex-6 had it)
3. XAVCS 720 120p
4. Choice between using phase-detection only or existing hybrid autofocus for AF-S
5. enable movie shooting mode in PlayMemories Remote App
I don’t get it. What is so special about XAVC-S? What did it have before?
If you aren’t concerned with video then you don’t really require it. XAVC-S is a better codec compared to AVCHD and offers better IQ at the expense of larger file sizes. Plus XAVC-S has far better compatibility with different editors and is easier to work with.
Higher quality (more bitrate) than AVCHD and better file format
You lost audio if you didn’t import AVCHD correctly since it had multiple files (and folders) to ‘one video’
For all of you who are complaining about Sony not adding enough to firmware 2.0, Olympus added “UnderWater” function to the firmware update. All the Olympus photographers requested one and only feature.. “underwater” function.
Don’t my A7S starting a bit faster, but v1.10 already made starting up fast enough. What I really want is XAVC-S for my FS700. Sony please? 😉
Anyone got the US link for the A7 for Windows ? please, links aboce wont work
It will go Taliban on you and starts to count-down from five backwards
It depens of course on your needs but XAVC-S won’t be used by me. It eats up to much diskspace and for my personal needs (holiday video’s) it is not worth the hassle.
AVCHD is more of a hassle than XAVC-S. XAVC-S gives an nice sharable mp4 file. If you’re not using either of those then >.>
Is this XAVC-S on regular a7 model too?
No. 🙁
just updated mine and found out the bad news 🙁
There is no level gauge. Sorry but if the A6000 had that hardware Sony would have included it long ago.
so… XAVC-S is only working with a 64 GB SD Card ? I got a 32 95MB/s and cant enable it 🙁 (A6000)
UPDATE: There is another post… soory ! Ignore it
What post? Can you share a link?
search for 64 or scroll down ( Wes Vasher )
Which OS are you on?
So to be 100% sure.. this is not needed for the A7II correct? I just want to make sure because some firmware updates are for the A7II but they list them under “A7”
Ladies and Gentlemen… introducing the Sony Alpha 7000! AKA A6000 2.0
Just tried the update on A7r, failed on first attempt, second go caused camera to stop working, not even turning on!! It’s off to Sony Repair Centre
CAUTION
a6000 now has XAVC-S, modes include 25p and 50P both at 50MPS – but wheres the logic here… the two modes have same bitrate, generate same file size, so does that mean 25p is better quality? it doesnt make sense… can someone enlighten me ? ……
The physical hardware capabilities of the camera probably limit the data rate captured from the sensor to 50mb/s. What Sony has done is opened up the option to film at 50fps at a lower bitrate per frame, for those who want the most out of their camera rather than just limiting it to 25p only. Personally I agree with their decision as I’d rather have the option of slightly lower quality 50fps than just 25fps. So yes 25p will be better quality than 50p in this case. Hope this helps!
Hey I was so excited for this update. I love that the resulting XAVC videos are MP4 files, easier to view, and the upgraded quality.
Yesterday I was shooting some videos of my friends band performing and the video recording kept stopping and showing me what mode/setting I had the camera in, definitely seemed like a bug. I was able to get some videos but a few times it would just show me the mode the camera was in (manual btw) and then the recording would stop.
Thinking this was limited to just vide capture, it also occurred while taking photos later.
Any one else having this issue? Any suggestions?
when will Sony do something about the aweful noise at HIGH ISO?