Sony Firmware Updates Solve a9 Heat Warning and ‘Star Eater’ Issue
Sony has just released a wave of new firmware updates for its mirrorless cameras. Found among the various fixes and improvements are solutions to the a9 overheating warning issue and the “star eater” issue reported by astrophotographers.
In other words, it seems that Sony concluded that the a9 wasn’t actually overheating in ordinary conditions with ordinary use, but rather that the camera’s overheating warning indicator was set to display at lower internal temperatures than it should have been. If that’s true, then all this “fix” did was increase the temperatures at which the indicator shows up.
The new firmware also reportedly fixes Sony’s “star eater” issue, which was causing its cameras to mistakenly identify stars in photos as noise and remove them. This has been a big deal for astrophotographers who want to make sure they capture as much detail and as many stars as possible in their long exposure photos.
Here’s a full list of improvements found in the new firmware updates:
Sony a9 Firmware v.1.01
- This utility updates the camera firmware to version 1.01 and improves the overheating warning functionality.
Sony a7R II Firmware v.4.0
- Adds the Auto Pwr OFF Temp function
- Improves operability when the AF area is set to flexible spot
- Adds Live View Display into custom button assignment
- Adds the Set File Name function
- Supports visible light LED with external flash for AF (HVL-F45RM External Flash)
- Improves release time lag when wireless flash is used
- Optimizes exposure algorithm during focusing when Live View Display is set for Setting Effect OFF
- Improves image quality when Long Exposure NR setting is OFF
- Improves overall stability of the camera
Sony a7S II Firmware v.3.0
- Adds the Auto Pwr OFF Temp function
- Improves operability when the AF area is set to flexible spot
- Adds Live View Display into custom button assignment
- Adds the Set File Name function
- Supports visible light LED with external flash for AF (HVL-F45RM External Flash)
- Improves release time lag when wireless flash is used
- Improves image quality when Long Exposure NR setting is ON
- Improves overall stability of the camera
Sony a7 II Firmware v.4.0
- Improves operability when the AF area is set to flexible spot
- Adds Live View Display into custom button assignment
- Adds the Set File Name function
- Supports visible light LED with external flash for AF (HVL-F45RM External Flash)
- Improves release time lag when wireless flash is used
- Improves overall stability of the camera
Sony A6500 Firmware v.1.03
- Supports new lens “SEL100400GM” [FE 100–400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS]
- Optimizes image stabilization performance in movie mode
Sony A6300 Firmware v.2.00
- Adds “Auto Pwr OFF Temp.” function(*)
- Supports new lens “SEL100400GM” [FE 100–400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS]
- Modifies aspect of guide frame display in LCD (2.35:1 mode)
- Improves overall stability of the camera
You can download the firmware updates for yourself through these links: a9, a7R II, a7S II, a7 II, a6500, and a6300.
(via Sony via sonyalpharumors)
