a7s II and a7r II Firmware Update boost “Improved Video Quality”

A little Pre-Holiday gift for Sony a7s II and a7r II owners but what is this gift? The only one that stands out is “Improves picture quality” That is a big deal however Sony doesn’t define what that is. Improved color? Less noise? More dynamic Range? I suppose we have to install and see. I’m super busy right now so I cant stop down and do a pre-update to post update comparison. How’s your Pre-Holiday schedule looking? 😀

PAL users have had issues with a spot appearing on bright oblescts mainly on the sun or a very bright light bulb. In NTSC I tested mine and didn’t see the issue but it’s real and Sony has fixed this.

Below is the descriptions for both updates and the links. Let me know in the comments how it goes and if you see this “Improves picture quality” update.

File Description For a7s II LINK

This utility updates the ILCE-7SM2 camera firmware to version 2.00 and provides the following benefits:

Improvement over version 1.10:

Improves 4K movie recording time when using the vertical grip (VG-C2EM) or when the APS-C/Super35mm mode is activated
Improves picture quality

Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 2.00:

Addresses a condition where a black spot may occur in a high intensity lighting part of a shooting scene.
Note: This condition is especially seen in PAL 25p, it rarely happens in NTSC 30p or 60p.

Release Date12/18/2015Version3.00File Size253.65 MBDOWNLOAD

I just realized…..

that the a7s II cant record in 4K when in APS-C mode. I need to check this but it states the following for the a7s II “Improves 4K movie recording time when using the vertical grip (VG-C2EM) or when the APS-C/Super35mm mode is activated” So after the update APS-C mode will be activated? Okay. I just found a reason to drop everything and install the update. Stand by!

a7s ii update

Here we go!

I just did the update and can confirm NO APS-C in 4K. I’m left to think that Sony means the recording time improved without overheating. Ugh. Engineers.

File Description For a7r II LINK

This utility updates the ILCE-7RM2 system software to version 3.00, and provides the following benefits:

Improvements over version 2.00:

Improves 4K movie recording time when using the vertical grip (VG-C2EM) or when the APS-C/Super35mm mode is activated
Improves picture quality

Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 3.00:

Adds the selectable feature for uncompressed 14-Bit RAW image capture
Adds support to output video via HDMI during use of the Remote Camera Control software (still mode only)
Reduces the chance of the camera changing to front focus when shooting certain scenes.
Note: This symptom rarely occurs.
Decreases chroma noise when Long Exposure NR (Noise Reduction) is set to Off.
Note: The noise does not occur when Long Exposure NR is set to On.
Improves continuous shooting at Hi speed so that it can be used just as long when using the flash as without the flash.

Early reports from Paul Antico is the overheating issue with the ar7 II in s35 is much better. He cant get it to overheat anymore! That is great news. We will have to see if this could be a weather or environment change that is also helping. I was able to get the a7s II to overheat but it was hot outside.

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a7s II and a7r II Firmware Update boost “Improved Video Quality”