Sony Alpha 1 II - New firmware brings numerous new professional features

[14:14 Wed,6.August 2025 by Thomas Richter]

Sony has released the new Firmware 3.0 for its mirrorless camera Alpha 1 Mark II. The update brings a variety of functional improvements to Sony&s full-frame flagship, specifically targeting the needs of professional users in photography and video production. The new features include, among other things, improved image organization when using two memory cards in parallel, a display layout adapted to the camera&s orientation, and special licensable functions for volume photography.

Sony Alpha 1 II

Optimized Display Layout for Flexible Orientation

A key detail of the update is the dynamic adaptation of the display elements to the horizontal and vertical camera position. Shooting information such as aperture, shutter speed, or focus mode is now displayed clearly regardless of the orientation. This improves readability for portrait format shots and supports photographers working with movable displays or external monitors.

Direct Control of Central Camera Functions

With version 3.00, it is now possible to select three essential shooting parameters – shooting mode, continuous shooting mode, and focus mode – via the front control dial or alternatively via the menu. The standardization of this operating logic allows for faster adjustments during shooting and facilitates switching between different scenarios, such as from single-frame to continuous shooting or from AF-C to manual focus.

Sony Alpha 1 II

Improved Management

The update also expands the possibilities for image organization. For example, images that were simultaneously saved to both memory card slots can now be rated or deleted simultaneously. In addition, folder and file names can be displayed directly during playback.

Interactive Evaluation of Shots

Also new is the ability to mark clips during or after recording with labels such as "OK", "NG" (No Good), or "KEEP". These markings simplify editing, especially for documentary video material, for example.

Sony Alpha 1 II

Extended FTP Functions

The FTP functionality has also been significantly expanded - photos and videos that are transferred via FTP upload preset can now be automatically protected, while protected files can be automatically scheduled for transfer. These new options, which can be found in the "Transfer & Tagging" settings, are specifically aimed at use in agency environments, where image security and time-critical transfers play a central role.

Extended Compatibility with Monitor & Control App

Compatibility with the Sony app "Monitor & Control" has been extended. New additions include the focus map display and an aperture control bar within the app.

New Licensable Functions Specifically for Volume Photography

For photographic series productions ("Volume Photography"), as with other Sony Alpha cameras such as the Sony Alpha 1, 6700 and 7R V, several

licensable special functions are available.
- The Scan & Tag Upgrade License enables the automatic linking of photos to people by scanning QR or barcodes.
- The In-camera Photo Cropping License allows images to be cropped to preset formats directly during photography, significantly reducing post-processing time.
- The Volume Photography Commands License offers precise control of important camera settings, such as white balance in 10K steps, and prevents shooting if defined conditions are not met.

All functions for mass photography are available either individually or as a package with immediate effect, and can be licensed monthly, annually or permanently.

Sony Alpha 1 II

Changed Metadata Display for Authenticated Shots

A function specifically for

Sony&s Camera Authenticity Solution is the adjustment of the metadata display for authenticated shots. In conjunction with the "Write Digital Signature" function, the local recording time and date of the camera is now used - no longer the server date. This is intended to improve the traceability and integrity of visually documented content, especially in the context of image authentication and journalism. However, a paid license is also required for this function, which is currently only available to certain media companies.

Old WLAN Authentication Mechanisms Become Obsolete

With the update, support for the outdated WLAN security standards WPA and WEP will be discontinued. In the future, users must rely on WPA2 or WPA3, which corresponds to current practice in terms of network security.

Overview of the New Features of Firmware 3.0 for the Sony Alpha 1 II

- Customizable display layout for portrait/landscape format
- Menu-based selection of central recording functions
- Simultaneous deletion/evaluation of dual-slot recordings
- Markings during/after video recording (OK/NG/KEEP)
- FTP workflow extensions: protection, planning, cancellation
- Support for new app functions (e.g. focus map display)
- Volume Photography Features (licensable)
- Display of local time for digitally signed recordings
- Abolition of WPA/WEP; WPA2/WPA3 now standard
- General system stability improved

more infos at bei www.sony.de

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