Breathing new life into a five-year-old mirrorless platform, Sony has released a free firmware update that promises to bring support for LUTs, a new LOG shooting mode, and more.
The update brings the A7S III a bit closer to its cinematic cousin, the FX3.
Sony firmware version 4.0 for the ILCE-7SM3 (aka the a7S III) adds a new LOG shooting mode to the A7S III, which allows shooters to display the monitor image with custom-designed LUTs.
Unfortunately, this eliminates the use of S-Log2 gamma setting in favor of S-Log3.
Image Credit: Sony
A corresponding update to Sony’s Catalyst Browse and Catalyst Prepare also enables users to apply the LUT to the original camera files during editing sessions.
Users also get the ability to automatically create shot marks while recording to use for editing, transferring, or selecting a specific video clip.
This feature generates a still image from movie frames that can be applied to the video timeline.
Speaking of making marks on a video file, users also have the ability to rate video clips with an OK, NG, or KEEP flag for better organization of original camera files when importing them into the video editor.
Image Credit: Sony
Other features include:
- Sony has also added an option to the Grid Line Type settings menu that provides the Golden Ratio Grid.
- A New Focus and Auto Magnifiers in manual focus while using Bright Monitoring mode.
- Additional exposure value setting adjustment marks and expanded images when using exposure bracketing.
- Focus Bracketing shooting while shifting the focus position.
- A Custom Key Setting on the AEL button, and a new delete button during playback.
- Fixes an issue where the detail feature of the Picture Profile doesn’t work when S-Cinetone is selected.
- Allows notifications to be displayed when a new firmware update is available
Moreover, the Sony A7S III now supports Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution program, incorporating a Write Digital Signature function into the camera menu architecture.
SCA Authentication requires an additional paid license, but there is guidance on how long the license is for and when it will have to be renewed.
Sony has also removed WPA and WEP wifi encryption protocols. With those wireless support tools being insecure due to previous vulnerabilities, Sony has removed them in favor of the newer WPA2 and WPA3 encryption.
Additionally, Sony has replaced the Security (IPsec) functionality with a new feature called “Access Authen,” which users must enable.
Sony has also released an update to the Sony Creator’s App. This update allows users to schedule FTP file transfers while writing data to the camera’s media.
It introduces a new network streaming function, enables the transfer of only additions or differences instead of recopying already transferred files, and allows the resumption of interrupted file transfers when using smartphones and tablets.
Furthermore, it supports Version 2.3.0 or later of the Sony Monitor and Control App, which includes clip review during camera playback mode, a focus map display, and an IRIS operation bar display.
Availability
Sony advises users to install all updates in chronological order. If users have skipped any previous updates, they must complete those before proceeding to version 4.0.
You can find the version 4.0 firmware update on the Sony Support Website, while the Sony Creator’s App update is available through the App Store and Google Play.
[Source: Sony]
Order link:
- Sony a7SIII Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
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