The Sony a1 mirrorless camera, a flagship model, has just received a significant firmware update, version 4.00. This update brings a range of exciting enhancements, especially for photographers and filmmakers, but it also comes with a word of caution due to recent issues with Sony firmware.
The a1's Evolution: From Launch to Legacy
Nearly four years since its release, the original Sony a1 continues to evolve, even with the a1 II now on the market. This latest firmware update, v4.00, introduces a host of improvements, many of which mirror those recently introduced for the a7R V.
Focus on Focus: Customization and Control
One of the key highlights is the expanded autofocus options. The Focus Area menu now offers more precise control with the addition of XL and XS spot sizes, and three new Custom slots (Custom 1, 2, and 3) allow photographers to define and quickly access their preferred focus zone configurations. This is a game-changer for professionals, especially those shooting sports, wildlife, or events, as it provides a more tailored and efficient autofocus experience.
Display and Management: A More Practical a1
Sony has also improved the display layout for shooting information, making it more adaptable for both horizontal and vertical viewing orientations. This enhancement makes the a1 more versatile for vertical video or portrait-mounted applications. Additionally, file management has been streamlined, allowing users to simultaneously delete and rate images across both memory card slots, and the camera can now display folder and file names during playback for easier identification.
FTP Transfers: Enhanced Professional Capabilities
Professional photographers will appreciate the enhanced FTP capabilities, which now include the ability to cancel scheduled transfers for specific images during ongoing sessions. New Transfer & Tagging app settings enable automatic FTP transfer scheduling for protected images and the automatic protection of successfully transferred files. These features, however, may have regional restrictions and require the latest app version.
Camera Authenticity Solution: Verifying Video Footage
The update also introduces support for the Write Digital Signature function for movies. This feature embeds cryptographic signatures into video files at capture, ensuring the footage's authenticity and addressing the growing concerns of news organizations. However, this feature requires a paid license, and its general availability is yet to be determined.
Security and Stability: Important Changes
On the security front, important changes include the removal of IPsec functionality (with Access Authentication recommended instead) and the deprecation of WPA and WEP Wi-Fi protocols. Users must now use the more secure WPA2 or WPA3 settings when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, the update addresses a bug where continuous shooting may pause for a few seconds after a burst sequence, fixes an issue with the vertical grip multi-selector, and includes general stability improvements.
A Cautionary Tale: Recent Update Issues
This release comes at a time when Sony firmware updates have been under scrutiny. Just weeks ago, similar updates were released for the a7R V and a7 IV, but the a7 IV update was suspended due to serious stability issues, including repeated reboots and power-saving mode activation when the monitor was closed. While the a7R V update remains available, and there are no reported issues with the a1 firmware 4.00 yet, cautious users might want to monitor community feedback before updating critical work cameras.
Have You Experienced Sony Firmware Update Issues?
We want to hear from you! If you've had any issues with firmware updates for Sony cameras in the past, share your experiences in the comments. We've even got a dedicated Reddit thread thanks to one of our readers, and we'll be addressing these issues with Sony moving forward. We also discussed this in our last Focus Check podcast.
Update Installation Notes
For those updating, users on firmware 1.32 or earlier must first update to version 2.01 before installing 4.00. Sony recommends a fully charged battery with at least 51% remaining and advises detaching any vertical grip before updating. The process should take around 6 minutes.
Get the Update Now
Firmware 4.00 is available immediately from Sony's support website. Have you updated your a1? Which feature are you most excited to use? Let us know in the comments below!
