Sony has just released the new firmware version 4.00 for the Alpha 1. This brings numerous improvements in the areas of focus control, playback/FTP workflows, app integration, and network security. Additionally, the A1—like other cameras in the Alpha series before it—receives a digital signature for proof of origin via C2PA (Camera Authenticity Solution). Here are the new features in detail:
Focus Area: Finer Spot Sizes and Custom Presets
- Two additional spot sizes (Spot XS, Spot XL) complement the existing variants.
- Three freely assignable custom presets are added to the "Focus Area" menu.
- In the "Tracking" menu, the options Spot XS/XL as well as Tracking: Custom 1–3 are new.
Especially with telephoto focal lengths or dense subject matter, the metering area size and logic can be adjusted more precisely to avoid focus errors.
Sony Alpha 1
Display & Operation: Layout and File Names
- The Info Layout now adapts separately for portrait and landscape orientation.
- Folder and file names can be displayed during playback.
Playback & Culling: Delete and Rate Across Cards
- Images on memory card Slot 1 and Slot 2 can be deleted and rated simultaneously, for example, to cull images directly in the camera when RAW/JPEG are recorded in parallel.
FTP - New Transfer & Tagging Functions
- Scheduled FTP transfers can be specifically canceled.
- New Transfer & Tagging settings automate the FTP transfer of protected photos/videos (via both FTP Import and FTP Upload Preset) and can automatically protect transferred files.
App Integration: Monitor & Control
- Support for Focus Map display as well as an aperture (IRIS) control bar in the Monitor & Control app. This innovation is aimed at one-person setups or gimbal use when focus/iris control via tablet/phone is required.
Authenticity for Video: Write Digital Signature
The Alpha 1 can now write digital signatures in video files (license required) – part of Sony's Camera Authenticity Solution.
Sony recently introduced the video counterpart to the C2PA-based image signature 
presented – the solution aims for verifiable origin data, including depth information and trim verification for large video files.
Sony C2PA
The recording of authenticity information, which enables verification of the genuineness of still and video recordings, is based on the C2PA standard (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity), but is initially aimed not at regular users but only at news agencies. Sony has not yet specified when the (paid) video signature license for the C2PA service, whose verification is done via proprietary servers, will also be accessible to other customers.
Licenses for Volume Photography
- Support for Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands (separately licensed).
Network Security: Legacy Issues Removed
- IPsec is no longer supported; access authentication must be activated instead.
- WEP and WPA have been removed; WPA2/WPA3 remain.
Stability & Bug Fixes
- Continuous shooting starts more reliably after a burst (previously a delay of 1–2 s was possible).
- The multi-selector on the vertical grip works more reliably.
- General operational stability improved.
Availability
The firmware update to version 4.00 is available immediately – however, users currently running firmware version 1.32 or earlier must first update to version 2.01 before updating.
Here is our practical test of the Sony A1: The best full-frame DSLM for photo and video? 8K 10 Bit, 4K 120p, skin tones, and much more.
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