Sony firmware updates roll out

With new firmware for the Alpha 77 and 99 and most current models now up for download, the promised rush of new firmware is probably complete. The Alpha 77 firmware has errors in the web page for Europe, referring to the Alpha 57 and showing pictures of the 57. This is probably because the page has been based on another used as a template. The firmware, we can confirm, is for A77 and updates correctly.

Note that when using a Windows PC, 64-bit doesn’t work with Windows 8. You have to read the asterisk info carefully to see this. Mac OSX 10.8.x Mountain Lion does work in 64-bit and there is no need to reboot to do the upgrades; older Mac systems must be in 32-bit mode.

The firmware is specified as updating the on-board lens correction list, and for the A99 (v1.01) the ability to use sensor assisted PDAF with some lenses:
Provides support for the following ”Dual AF” function compliant lenses:
SAL24F20Z, SAL85F14Z, SAL135F18Z, SAL70300G, SAL70200G, SAL35F14G, SAL1635Z, SAL100M28, SAL50M28, SAL85F28, SAL300F28G
Provides support for the following automatic compensation compliant lenses:
SAL100M28, SAL50M28, SAL85F28, SAL18200, SAL20F28, SAL28F28

You can find the A77, 99 updates and some other software via these links:

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/SLT-A77/updates

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/SLT-A99/updates

To find the updates for other cameras change the URLs to include SLT-A57 (to version 1.04), SLT-A65 (to version 1.07), SLT-A37 (to 1.04). There are no updates for the A33, A35, or A37 and no updates for DSLR models such as the A580.

There are also firmware updates for the NEX series, including the 5N:

http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/NEX-5N/updates

The benefits for the 5N are considerable especially if you want to buy the pancake 16-50mm lens. Here is Sony’s list:

• Applies automatic compensation to “SELP1650”
• Updates RAW data format version
  *After this update, distortion correction of RAW data will be available with Image Data Converter Ver.4.2 or later. The latest version of Image Data Converter is available on the following site: http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/idc/us.html
• Adds bracket shooting exposure settings (three frames / 1.0EV, 2.0EV, 3.0EV)
• Makes “SELP1650” retract immediately after turning off the camera
• Improves autofocus operation stability
• Enhancement of AF response: When subject distance changes enormously.
• Improved stability in certain camera operations:
  • When setting [Lens Compensation: Distortion] “Auto” and [Picture Effect] “Miniature” at the same time.
  • When setting [Exposure Compensation], [Intelligent AF] operation improves.

Again, to find your updates, just change the model number – there are updates for the NEX-F3, NEX-5R, NEX-6, NEX-7 but not for the NEX-3, NEX-C3 or NEX-5. Improvements are given in the instructions and include correction for the 16-50mm on all cameras.

There is one software update – Alpha 99 compatible Remote Control 3 (USB control, shooting and image transfer from PC or Mac) is now released:

For Windows: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Win/

For Mac OS: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/

The same software can also be used as before (RC2) with Alpha 700, 900 and 850, reinforcing the value of these excellent DSLRs which were Sony’s three most professionally specified optical viewfinder models in their time (2007-2009) and remain so. The Alpha 77 is not supported. Settings can be changed on your computer, the camera can be triggered, and the resulting files stored on the computer.

RC3 is a stand-alone program now and does not require to be part of the Image Data Suite. It is Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion, on Intel systems) and Windows 8 compatible (but not 64-bit Windows 8).

There is also a NEX lens firmware update, which can only be installed using an updated NEX-6 or NEX-5R (not a 7, or any other model).

Lens Firmware Ver.02: SEL1855, SEL18200, SEL55210, SEL24F18Z, SEL30M35, SEL50F18 (Windows computers procedure)
Firmware update , 05/02/2013

Lens Firmware Ver.02: SEL1855, SEL18200, SEL55210, SEL24F18Z, SEL30M35, SEL50F18 (Macintosh computers procedure)
Firmware update , 05/02/2013

Each lens is a separate updater so you need a well-charged battery and a little patience in order to update all your lenses. At the time of checking, there are no firmware updates for the LA-EA1, LA-EA2 or LA-EA3 Alpha lens adaptors for NEX.