Sony A7 III / A7RIII firmware 2.0 unlocks all AF modes with adapted lenses

Last month, Sony released firmware version 2.00 for the a7 III and the a7R III, and it brings a huge update for photographers using adapted lenses.

The new firmware allows all autofocus modes using adapted lenses. Sony specifies that this new functionality is specifically enabled with the LA-EA3 adapter, but I just tested it with my Metabones V and can confirm all AF modes were available. DPReview also tested it with both Sigma and Metabones adapters and saw the same results. This brings modes like Lock-on AF (for subject tracking) to adapted Canon lenses as well. With so many Sony shooters using adapted lenses, this is definitely huge news and another draw to Sony bodies. While you can expect a bit of a performance hit with some lenses, I’ve seen good results with many of my Canon lenses, good enough for all but the most demanding situations, and it’s made the decision to switch bodies far easier, as I didn’t have to immediately dump all my glass at a loss and buy an entirely new lineup. You can see the full list of changes and download the updates below.

Benefits and Improvements from the latest update

- - Optimizes the optical image stabilization performance.
  - For the SEL400F28GM lens only, adds support for new image stabilization mode (Mode 3) of the lens.
  - Adds the Function Ring(Lens) feature to the to the Camera Settings2 menu.
    Note: For the SEL400F28GM lens, the APS-C S35/Full Frame Sel. setting is assignable to the Function Ring in addition to Power Focus.
  - Addition of [Aperture Drive in AF] setting in the menu.
    *Using the lens “SEL400F28GM” or “SEL24F14GM”, when [Silent priority] is selected, the sound emitted by the aperture drive will be reduced. This is useful in shooting conditions where camera.
    noise should be kept to a minimum. Note that Auto Focus may become slower when [Silent priority] is selected.

New features:

- - Adds AF Track Sens as a selectable option for custom key settings.
  - Adds support for Zone, Expand Flexible Spot, and Lock-on AF focus areas when using the LA-EA3 mount adaptor.
    Note: Focus Area options added : Zone, Expand Flexible Spot, and Lock-on AF.
  - Enables Bracket shooting to be available during silent shooting when the File Format is set to RAW or RAW & JPEG, and the RAW File Type is set to Uncompressed.

Other improvements:

- Improvement of the performance and the overall stability of the camera.
- Improves image expression by evolution of gradation correction.
  Note:Imaging Edge softwareneeds to be updated to benefit from the improvement in the RAW processing.
- Improves dimming stability under flicker light conditions.
- Improves managing continuously shot images as a group.
  Please refer to theHelpGuidefor updated function usage.

Sony a7 III Firmware 2.00: Mac | Windows

Sony a7R III Firmware 2.00: Mac | Windows

How to download the Updater:

1. Make sure that you are logged on as a user with administrative rights.
2. After reading the disclaimer, click Download.
3. The file [Update_ILCE7M3V200.exe] file will start downloading.
4. Save the file to the desktop of your computer (recommended).

Step 1: Start the Updater

Close all programs currently running on your computer.
Double-click the [Update_ILCE7M3V200.exe] file that you downloaded. Do not connect the camera to the computer yet.
The System Software Updater starts.
Turn on the camera.
Following the instructions in the System Software Updater window, on the camera, select Menu > Setup subpage 4 > USB Connection and check if Mass Storage is selected.
If a mode other than Mass Storage is selected, please select Mass Storage.
Connect the camera to the computer with the supplied USB cable. “USB Mode” appears on the LCD screen of the camera.
Note: If the computer cannot find the device, the message “Could not find the camera for this update” is displayed on the computer screen. Please try the following:
- Disconnect the USB cable and connect it again.
- If the computer has multiple USB terminals, try with the other terminals.
Sometimes when the camera is connected to the computer with the USB cable, a message prompting you to restart the computer may be displayed. In this case, remove the battery pack from the camera, reboot the computer, and follow the instructions from “2. Start the System Software Updater”.
Check the LCD screen of the camera, then click Next. The current version number and updated version number appear on the lower left side of the screen. After confirming that the current software version is “Ver.1.01 or earlier”, click Next. If the current system software version is 2.00 or later, the update is not required. In this case, disconnect the camera from the computer and click Finish. Turn off the camera, remove the battery pack, reinsert the battery and turn the camera back on.Update is required
Update is not required
Click Next. The following screen appears.
After automatically resetting, the following screen is shown.
The progress bar appears during the update process (approximately 5 minutes).

Note: Never turn off the camera or disconnect the USB cable while updating.
When the update is complete, the device will automatically restart. Make sure the device is turned on and wait until the LCD screen starts up. Click Finish when the LCD screen appears and disconnect the USB cable.

After restarting, a data recovery warning is sometimes displayed. This is normal. Please wait until this warning disappears.