Attention all Sony camera enthusiasts! Your a7R V and a7 IV just got a major upgrade, and it’s packed with features that could change the way you shoot. Sony has rolled out substantial firmware updates for these beloved full-frame mirrorless cameras, elevating the a7R V to version 4.00 and the a7 IV to version 6.00. These updates aren’t just minor tweaks—they bring a host of enhancements in autofocus, video workflow, and network capabilities that are sure to excite professionals and hobbyists alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: while these updates address long-standing pain points, they also raise questions about whether Sony is holding back features for future models. Let’s dive in!
First up, focus control has been supercharged. Both cameras now offer expanded autofocus options, including a new Spot XL mode for unpredictable subjects and three custom focus area slots. This means you can tailor your focus settings to match your shooting style, whether you’re capturing fast-paced sports or intimate portraits. And this is the part most people miss: the Tracking options now mirror these additions, allowing you to configure and switch between six custom tracking zones instantly. For event photographers, this is a game-changer.
Display and interface improvements also steal the spotlight. Sony has finally added portrait and landscape orientation support for shooting overlays, a feature users have been begging for. Plus, the menu screen can now be enlarged, making it easier to navigate in bright conditions or for those who prefer larger text. And for the compositional purists, a new Golden Ratio grid line option has been introduced. While some might dismiss grid overlays as basic, the Golden Ratio can be a secret weapon for fine art and architectural photography, where precision matters.
Video shooters, rejoice! The updates bring significant workflow enhancements, including the ability to flag clips with OK, NG, or KEEP markers during or after recording. This simple addition could save hours in post-production by letting you tag takes directly in-camera. Additionally, both cameras now display the remaining capacity for both media cards during simultaneous or relay recording, and relay playback between cards is now supported. The a7 IV also gets a dedicated audio level meter that displays constantly during video recording, bringing it on par with the a7R V.
Playback and organization features have been refined, too. You can now filter images by multiple conditions simultaneously, and custom key settings can be assigned to frequently used review functions. Support for multiple IPTC Presets is another standout addition, allowing photographers to switch metadata configurations seamlessly—a huge win for news and editorial shooters juggling multiple clients.
But here’s where it gets really interesting: both cameras now support Sony’s Authenticity Camera Solution, which embeds cryptographic signatures into files at capture to verify image authenticity. While this feature requires a paid license, it’s a timely addition in an era where AI-generated content is blurring the lines of reality. Is this a necessary safeguard or an overreaction to emerging tech? Let’s debate that in the comments!
Network capabilities have also been beefed up. Users can now schedule FTP transfers while the camera is still writing to media, and protected files can be automatically queued for transfer. Priority transfer for urgent shots ensures that your most critical images don’t get stuck in the queue—a lifesaver for news photographers on tight deadlines. Monitor and Control functionality, along with real-time focus map display, further enhances remote shooting capabilities.
On the security front, the a7R V update includes important protocol changes, such as the removal of the IPsec function in favor of Access Authentication and the deprecation of WPA and WEP Wi-Fi options for the more secure WPA2 and WPA3 standards. Bug fixes address issues like focus bracketing at infinity and color shifts during exposure bracketing, ensuring smoother operation.
Both firmware updates are available now on Sony’s support website. The a7R V update can be found here, and the a7 IV update is available here.
These updates highlight Sony’s commitment to supporting its cameras long after launch, though the timing has sparked speculation about potential successor announcements. Here’s the burning question: Have you updated your a7R V or a7 IV yet? Which feature are you most excited to use? And more importantly, do you think these updates are a step in the right direction, or is Sony holding back for future models? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take!
