Sony Announces Firmware Update for a7 IV to Fix Minor Bug With Power Save Mode

Sony a7 IV Firmware Update 6.01

So, this firmware update is pretty much just here to fix this issue, which was reportedly happening to a small number of users who had updated to the previous 6.00 version. As is the case, these major firmware updates (like the 6.00 version) can sometimes cause new issues, which is what appears to have happened here.

Luckily, companies like Sony are pretty good at correcting these corrections when needed, so this won’t be a huge deal going forward. The update basically just does one thing, which is fix an issue where products that successfully updated to Ver. 6.00 would enter power save mode when the monitor was closed, regardless of the Power Save by Monitor setting.

Sony apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused and has some easy-to-follow steps for a7 IV owners to go through to get their cameras updated and running properly.

How to Download and Install

To download and install, all you need to do is head to Sony’s website here. If you’re curious to check out everything else that is being added or changed with this update, here’s a full breakdown below.

Benefits and Improvements

• Fixes an issue where some products were unable to update to Ver. 6.00, as well as an issue where products that successfully updated to Ver. 6.00 would enter power save mode when the monitor was closed, regardless of the Power Save by Monitor setting. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
• This update also includes the improvements that were introduced in Ver. 6.00.

Shooting and Playback Functions

• Adapts the display layout of shooting information for both horizontal and vertical viewing
• Adds Spot: XL under Spot in the Focus Area menu
• Adds Custom 1, Custom 2, and Custom 3 under Custom in the Focus Area menu
• Adds Tracking: Spot XL, Tracking: Custom 1, Tracking: Custom 2, and Tracking: Custom 3 under Tracking in the Focus Area menu
• Adds the Golden Ratio Grid option to the Grid Line Type setting menu
• Adds the option to enlarge the menu screen display
• Allows you to add OK/NG/KEEP flags to clips during or after movie recording
• Allows the remaining capacity of both storage devices to be displayed during movie recording when using Simult. or Auto Switch Media (Relay Recording)
• Displays audio levels on the screen at all times during movie recording
• Adds support for the Relay Playback function
• Adds a function that allows you to narrow down played-back images using multiple filters (e.g. Rating)
• Allows Custom Key settings to be assigned to the AF-ON, AEL, and Delete buttons during playback
• Adds support for importing/switching multiple IPTC Presets
• Supports the Write Digital Signature function for movies as part of Sony's Camera Authenticity Solution
  • The timing for the provision of licenses (paid) to customers other than certain media outlets is yet to be determined.
  • Services may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Authenticity Catalog Page.
• Supports Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands under the Volume Photography License
  • Installation of a paid license is required for use.
  • Services may not be available in some countries or regions.

FTP Transfer and Network Functions

• Allows scheduling of FTP transfers while writing data to the camera's storage media
• Allows you to automatically schedule FTP transfers of protected movies and still images
• Allows you to automatically protect movies/still images transferred via FTP transfer
• Allows you to transfer specific images with priority during FTP transfer
• Supports the following Monitor & Control app function:
  • Focus map display
    Note: The latest version of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The app may not be available in some countries or regions.

Others

• Improves the operational stability of the camera