Sony A1 II Firmware v3.00 Released

Sony has released Sony A1 II Firmware v3.00, and this update addresses several workflow pain points while introducing a handful of new professional-grade features which should make the lives of photographers and filmmakers using that camera easier. Let’s dive right in!

The Sony A1 II was only announced in November last year, but it’s already getting its v3 firmware. In case you missed it, we tested it in our Lab Tests (dynamic range, rolling shutter and exposure latitude) and added it to the Camera Database – check out the results here.

Standout features of Sony A1 II Firmware v3.00: simultaneous deleting of clips on both cards, flag during recording

The firmware now allows simultaneous deleting and rating of images recorded on both memory card slots – a seemingly simple feature that could save considerable time when managing dual-card workflows. Great for video professionals is also the new ability to add OK/NG/KEEP flags to clips during or after movie recording. This real-time flagging system could prove invaluable for documentary filmmakers, event videographers, and anyone shooting large volumes of footage who needs to quickly identify usable takes without spending too much time in a post-production review.

New features for Sony Monitor & Control app

For those working with Sony’s Monitor & Control app (check our video about it here), the update adds focus map display and IRIS operation bar display functionality, requiring app version 2.3.0 or later to work.

Folder and file names displayed during playback

One significant improvement in that regard is the addition of folder and file name display during playback. This should make it much easier to track and organize content during shoots or review sessions, and it’s one issue we’ve heard users complain about before. To my knowledge,

Enhanced FTP and transfer capabilities

For news photographers and anyone requiring immediate image delivery, the update expands FTP transfer functionality significantly. New Transfer & Tagging settings include automatic scheduling of FTP transfers for protected still images and videos, plus the ability to cancel scheduled transfers of selected images during FTP operations.

The update also introduces automatic protection of still images transferred via FTP Upload Preset, which should help prevent accidental deletion of critical images during fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Display layout adapts shooting info for horizontal and vertical shooting

Sony has addressed the ergonomic challenge of portrait orientation shooting by adapting the display layout of shooting information for both horizontal and vertical viewing.

Additionally, users can now choose whether to change Shooting Mode, Drive Mode, and Focus Mode using physical dials or through menu navigation – a customization option that should appeal to photographers (and video shooters) coming from different camera systems.

Paid license options coming: Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping in-camera

Looking ahead, Sony is preparing several advanced features that will require paid licensing. These include Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands under a Volume Photography License, with availability scheduled to begin “after August 2025”.

WPA and WEP no longer supported

In a move reflecting current cybersecurity best practices, Sony has discontinued support for WPA and WEP Wi-Fi security protocols. Users will need to use WPA2 or WPA3 connections moving forward – a change that may require network configuration updates but ultimately provides better security.

Installation requirements and download link for Sony A1 II Firmware v3

According to Sony, the firmware update (file size: approximately 1.19GB) requires a battery level of at least 51% and takes approximately 6 minutes to complete. Sony recommends using the Creators’ App for download, though direct download is also available.

As with any major firmware update, we’d recommend waiting for early adopter feedback before updating cameras in active production use, particularly given the scope of changes included in version 3.00.

What’s your take on the Sony A1 II – are you a user of the camera, or wasn’t there enough innovation for you over the A1 to upgrade? Let us know in the comments below.