Sony's apex mirrorless cameras, the a1 II and the a9 III, just got more powerful with the release of a major new firmware upgrade. Available now for download and installation, version 4.0 introduces Sony's best autofocus algorithms yet—Real-time Recognition+—to both cameras, along with a few other notable improvements.
The two cameras already represent Sony's most advanced autofocus system in its lineup, combining with their fast continuous shooting speeds to become some of the most popular cameras for professional sports and wildlife photography. According to the download site, the new firmware promises "improved subject detection and tracking capabilities," realized as the camera's ability to better isolate individuals in a crowd, consistently track subjects across horizontal, vertical, and depth axes, and track subjects as they pass around and behind obstacles.
Sony's promotional video emphasizes that all the Real-time Recognition+ improvements apply to eye recognition and tracking, a huge boon for sports and wildlife shooters.
The other key update for both cameras is the introduction of C2PA content authenticity verification for video. The technology was first deployed over the summer in the PXW-Z300 camcorder and supports Sony's Write Digital Signature function, which embeds information indicating the image was captured by a Sony device and not AI. Additional 3D-depth information verifies videos captured actual existing subjects.
The update, which aims to benefit journalists' ongoing battles against the spread of inauthentic imaging content, is also available now for the FX3 and FX30 cinema cameras and soon for the a1, a7R V, a7 IV, and a7S III mirrorless cameras.
Other updates in firmware version 4.0 for both the a1 II and a9 III include two Creative Look options (Film 2 and Film 3 from the RX1R III), improved metering when bouncing flash, and new support for the Preset Focus function with non-power zoom lenses.
The new firmware also gives the a9 III vertical orientation support when shooting and adds an Auto mode to the Recognition Target function, allowing the camera to automatically detect subject types, and other workflow and UI customization options.
Learn more about Sony's latest cameras at the B&H's Explora blog or at our SuperStore.