Sony a9III and Sony a1II Firmware 4.00 Updates Release


Sony a9III:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sony a1 II:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

ILCE-9M3 Firmware 4.00 Benefits and Improvements Download Here

Benefits and Improvements

  • Adds support for Real-time Recognition AF+ with improved subject detection and tracking capabilities
  • Allows you to set Recognition Target to Auto, enabling the camera to automatically select subjects such as humans and animals
  • Adapts the display layout of shooting information for both horizontal and vertical viewing
  • Adds support for the Preset Focus function with lenses that do not have power zoom, including Sony’s manual zoom E-mount lenses
    • The registered positions of preset focus/zoom are incompatible before and after the camera software update. Please re-register the preset focus/zoom after the update.
    • Some zoom lenses without power zoom are not supported. For more details, please visit the following link: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/lens_body/
  • Adds FL2 (Film 2) and FL3 (Film 3) to the Creative Look options
  • Allows you to select whether to change the Shooting ModeDrive Mode, and Focus Mode using the dial or through the menu
  • Improves the metering accuracy when using bounce flash
  • Optimizes the battery level display
  • Allows simultaneous Delete and Rating of images recorded on both Memory Card Slot 1 and Slot 2
  • Allows the display of folder names and file names during playback
  • Allows you to cancel the scheduled transfer of selected images during FTP transfer
  • Adds support for the following Transfer & Tagging settings:
    • A setting to automatically schedule FTP transfer of protected still images from FTP Import
    • A setting to automatically schedule FTP transfer of protected still images and videos from FTP Upload Preset
    • A setting to automatically protect still images transferred via FTP from FTP Upload Preset
      • The latest version of the Transfer & Tagging app is necessary.
        The Transfer & Tagging setting may not be available in some countries or regions.
  • Supports the following Monitor & Control app functions:
    • Focus map display
    • IRIS operation bar display
      • The latest version of the Monitor & Control app is necessary.
        The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
  • 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 TagPhoto 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.
  • No longer supports WPA and WEP functionalities. You will no longer be able to select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 or WPA3 security setting moving forward
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

Notes:

  • If you are using the Camera Remote SDK (Software Development Kit), please check the Camera Remote SDK website for a list of supported devices, download instructions, and FAQs.
    • The Camera Remote SDK may be unavailable in some countries or regions.
  • Please refer to the Help Guide for details on all updated functions.

ILCE-1M2 Firmware 4.00 Benefits and Improvements Download Here

Benefits and Improvements

  • Adds support for Real-time Recognition AF+ with improved subject detection and tracking capabilities
  • Adds support for the Preset Focus function with lenses that do not have power zoom, including Sony’s manual zoom E-mount lenses
    • The registered positions of preset focus/zoom are incompatible before and after the camera software update. Please re-register the preset focus/zoom after the update.
    • Some zoom lenses without power zoom are not supported. For more details, please visit the following link: https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/lens_body/
  • Adds FL2 (Film 2) and FL3 (Film 3) to the Creative Look options
  • Improves the metering accuracy when using bounce flash
  • Optimizes the battery level display
  • 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.
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

Notes:

  • If you are using the Camera Remote SDK (Software Development Kit), please check the Camera Remote SDK website for a list of supported devices, download instructions, and FAQs.
    • The Camera Remote SDK may be unavailable in some countries or regions.
  • Please refer to the Help Guide for details on all updated functions.

File Info

  • Name: BODYDATA.DAT
  • Version: 4.00
  • Size: 1 194 332 648 bytes
  • Release Date: 10-30-2025

Preparation

Check the System Software Version

Follow the instructions below to check the system software version.

  1. Select Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version → Body.
  2. The system software version will be displayed.

Notes:

  • If the system software version is Ver. 4.00, the update is not required.
  • If the Date/Time setting screen appears when you turn on your camera, be sure to set the date and/or time to the correct values.

Saving the System Software Data to a Memory Card

IMPORTANT: Make sure there is only one BODYDATA.DAT file on the memory card.

  1. Click the Download button.
  2. After reading the disclaimer, click Download.
  3. Save the file to your computer.
  4. Insert the formatted memory card into the computer.
  5. Save the BODYDATA.DAT file in the root directory of the memory card. Do not change the file name.

Notes:

  • Please format the memory card in advance using this camera.
  • Before formatting, copy the data to a computer or other device.
    Once you format the memory card, all the data recorded on the memory card will be deleted and cannot be restored.
  • Please refer to the instruction manual of the camera for compatible memory cards.

Other Hardware

  • Power source for the camera: Use a fully charged rechargeable battery pack (NP-FZ100).
    Note: The update can only be performed when the battery power level is 51% or more. We recommend you use a fully charged battery.
  • Detach the vertical grip from the camera before updating the system software.

Updating the System Software Version

Important Notice

  • Use a fully charged rechargeable battery pack (NP-FZ100).
  • Do not remove the battery during the update as the sudden loss of power may render the camera inoperable.
  • It may not be possible to update if the camera temperature is high. Please wait to update until after the temperature drops.

Step 1: Update the System Software

  1. Insert the memory card that contains the saved system software data into slot 1 of the camera. Only slot 1 will recognize the system software data.
  2. Select Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version → Body.
  3. Select Software Update.
  4. Select Execute on the system software update confirmation screen. The software version update will start.

    On-screen message:

    • Update? X.XX → Y.YY
      • X.XX: Current version number
      • Y.YY: Newest version number

    Notes:

    • Do not remove the battery or memory card during the update.
    • After confirming the details, you may click Execute.
    • Please scroll down the screen as necessary to view the full text.
  5. When the system software update starts, a black screen will appear and the access lamp will flash 1 time → 3 times → 5 times depending on the progress of the update. The update will take approximately 6 minutes to complete.
    Location of the Access lamp: It's on the bottom right of Rear side.
    Notes:

    • If the system software data copy is incorrect, the message “The target model for the update file is incorrect” will be displayed on the camera monitor.
    • If the access lamp repeats 5 long blinks (0.5-second cycle) and 6 short blinks (0.25-second cycle), or 7 long blinks (0.5-second cycle) and 7 short blinks (0.25-second cycle), the system software may have been incorrectly copied to the memory card.
      • In this case, remove the battery and memory card from the camera, prepare another memory card, and then start over from the Saving the System Software Data to a Memory Card section of this article.
  6. When the update is complete, the camera will automatically restart. After restarting, when the Body update complete screen appears, press OK.

Step 2: Confirm the System Software Version of Your Camera

    1. Select Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version → Body.
    2. The system software version will be displayed.

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Posted in Firmware updates, Sony A1, Sony a9III| Tagged , | 23 Comments

Sigma 200mm F2 OS and 300mm F2.8 OS Patents Found


Patents were found for a Sigma 200mm F2 OS and a Sigma 300mm F2.8 OS.

overview

  • [Publication number] P2025162727
  • [Release date] 2025-10-28
  • [Title of Invention] Imaging optical system
  • [Application date] 2024-04-16
  • [Applicant]
    [Identification number] 000131326
    [Name or company name] Sigma Corporation
  • An imaging optical system is provided that is lightweight, has excellent correction for longitudinal chromatic aberration, and is suitable for a large aperture ratio telephoto lens.
  • [Background Art]
    [0002]
    In recent years, digital cameras have become lighter due to the shift to mirrorless cameras, and imaging devices have become more highly pixelated. Therefore, there is a demand for lighter and more powerful imaging optical systems.
  • [0003]
    In particular, in large-aperture telephoto lenses with long focal lengths and large aperture ratios, the weight of the imaging optical system tends to increase due to the large effective aperture and the large diameter of the lenses arranged on the object side, and therefore further weight reduction is desired. One method for reducing the weight of large-aperture telephoto lenses is to reduce the number of lenses with large effective diameters arranged on the object side.
  • [0004]
    Furthermore, in large aperture ratio telephoto lenses, axial chromatic aberration is likely to occur due to the generally long focal length and large aperture ratio. It is known that increasing the number of lenses arranged on the object side is an effective way to correct axial chromatic aberration.
  • [0007]
    The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an imaging optical system suitable for a telephoto lens with a large aperture ratio, which is lightweight and has well-corrected axial chromatic aberration.
  • [0058]
    The vibration reduction group Gos moves in a direction including a component perpendicular to the optical axis so as to reduce image blur caused by shaking of the imaging optical system.


Example 1

  • Focal length: 194.30
  • F-number: 2.07
  • Angle of view: 12.45
  • Image height: 21.63
  • Total length: 212.00
  • Back focal length: 22.4456


Example 3

  • Focal length: 290.30
  • F-number: 2.90
  • Angle of view: 8.35
  • Image height: 21.63
  • Total length: 286.83
  • Back focus: 29.5555

via asobinet

Posted in 3rd Party Lens, Patents| Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments

New Cheecar 50mm f/1.2 Fluorescent

Chinese lens maker Cheecar will be releasing a lens with fluorescent markings on it, the Cheecar 50mm f1.2.

  • 5-group, 7-element construction, 11 aperture blades
  • stepped aperture design
  • a minimum focusing distance of 0.7m
  • 52mm filter interface
  • an all-metal body
  • APS-C format
  • fluorescent design
  • compatible with Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF-S, EF-M, Fujifilm X, and M43 mounts.



via weibo

Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged , , | 24 Comments

New AstrHori 9mm f/2.8 Listed Early


B&H Photo listed the AstrHori 9mm f/2.8 early, and it is likely APS-C since it is also for Fujifilm X mount. There are no details about this lens at this time, but you can preorder one from B&H Photo today.

Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged , | 12 Comments

OL: Viltrox AF 85mm f/2 FE EVO Review – Almost Excessively Sharp


Viltrox 85mm f/2.0 EVO:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Optical Limits has posted its full review of the Viltrox 85mm f/2.0 EVO, the first EVO line lens from Viltrox. You can read in full here or check out the excerpt below:

Optically, it’s almost excessively sharp while still maintaining a nice bokeh. On the downside, it doesn’t offer correction profiles for vignetting and distortions.

Pro

  1. Exceedingly sharp center quality
  2. Very compact & lightweight, yet high quality construction
  3. Nice bokeh

Con

  1. No built-in correction profile

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Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged , , | 24 Comments

ON1 2026 Now Available


ON1 Photo RAW 2026
ON1 PhotoKeyword AI
ON1 Sky Swap AI
ON1 Photo Resizer AI
ON1 NoNoise AI
ON1 Portrait AI
ON1 HDR

ON1 Inc. is excited to announce ON1 Photo RAW 2026, the latest version of its all-in-one RAW photo editor for professionals and enthusiasts. The new release, officially available this fall, delivers next-generation enhancements to three of the most-used editing areas—Resize AI, Masking, and Effects—while also introducing user experience updates, grayscale support, and expanded camera compatibility.

“Photo RAW 2026 isn’t just about adding new features,” said Dan Harlacher, VP of Product at ON1. “It’s about improving the core tools photographers rely on every day and making AI editing more flexible and reliable. From stunning super-resolution to the most accurate masks we’ve ever shipped, this release brings real-world value to every customer.”

Masking Overhaul: More Power, Easier to Use
The biggest masking update since Super Select AI gives photographers more control and speed when selecting and adjusting parts of an image. They can work faster, make more accurate selections, and achieve better results with less effort. The update includes:

  • One-click Subject & Background Masks: Photographers can easily isolate subjects or backgrounds for targeted adjustments.
  • New Mask Layers: Users can stack, combine, or subtract multiple masks for each layer or filter, providing full control without destructive edits.
  • Improved AI Edge Quality: Cleaner edges around hair, branches, and other complex shapes reduce the need for manual touch-ups.

New Effects & Filters: More Creativity, Less Complexity
ON1’s most popular module, Effects, is now easier and faster to use. Four all-new filters have been added, along with workflow improvements that help photographers find their favorites quicker, start with the look they want, and enjoy a smoother editing process from start to finish. The upgrade includes:

  • Depth Lighting: Adjust lighting and color of the foreground and background to emphasize subjects.
  • Split Field: Simulates a split diopter effect to enlarge backgrounds without losing wide-angle foregrounds.
  • Double Exposure: Allows photographers to quickly blend subjects with artistic backgrounds.
  • Motion Filter: Adds realistic camera movement (ICM) after the shot.
  • Favorites and Search in Add Filter Dialog: Customers can tag go-to filters, hide unused ones, and streamline filter selection.
  • Starting Point Presets: Offers options to mimic the look of Adobe® Lightroom® or Capture One®, or to set a personal default stack.

Resize AI 2026 — Now Fully Integrated in Photo RAW 2026
With Photo RAW 2026, Resize AI 2026 is built directly into the core application, giving every customer access to ON1’s most advanced super-resolution technology without needing a separate app or plugin.

Two brand-new AI models headline the integration:

  • 2026 Highest Quality Model – A state-of-the-art generative AI model that recreates fine details, restores sharpness, and removes noise and artifacts from even the smallest or lowest-quality images. Perfect for extreme crops, AI-generated art, or vintage photos that need restoration.
  • 2026 Standard Model – Optimized for speed and batch work, this model still outperforms previous versions when dealing with noisy or compressed input, making it ideal for large projects and older GPUs.

Photographers can now enlarge images, clean up noise, and add creative edits while keeping their workflows fully non-destructive.

“I have used a trial of ON1 Resize 2026 applied to various types of image from portraits to landscape and I am very impressed. Whilst I have used ON1 PhotoRaw for most of my editing since 2018, I have been using Topaz Photo AI for some years specifically for upscaling as the previous version of ON1 Resize introduced odd textured artifacts on smooth surfaces. My tests show this has been eliminated and the newest version of ON1 Resize 2026 BEATS Topaz by a country mile,” says Chris, a happy ON1 customer.

Other New Features and Experience Improvements
Beyond the major upgrades, Photo RAW 2026 includes a range of improvements designed to make editing faster, smoother, and more customizable for photographers. These updates benefit everything from working with older photos to personalizing the workspace. Highlights include:

  • Negative Mode: Ideal for photographers digitizing film negatives with interchangeable lens cameras—automatically inverts and color-corrects scans.
  • Grayscale Support: Native support for editing grayscale images from legacy cameras and scans.
  • UI Improvements: Popular panels can be docked on either side, tool panes floated, and workspaces customized with more control.
  • Improved Perspective Tools: Separate controls for horizontal and vertical keystoning, with automatic scaling to eliminate blank edges.
  • First-Run Experience: A guided onboarding process that helps new users, especially those migrating from other platforms, get started faster.
  • Expanded Camera Support: Sony RX1R III, Alpha 6400A, DSC-RX100M7A, OM System OM-5 II, Fujifilm X-E5, Panasonic Lumix DC-S1IIE, DMC-GX7MK2, DC-G97, DC-ZS99/TZ99, and more.

Price and Availability for This Fall
Customers can pre-order ON1 Photo RAW 2026 today at a special reduced price and begin using Photo RAW 2025 right away, with the upgrade to the 2026 version included at no additional cost when it is released this fall. ON1 Photo RAW 2026 provides a complete standalone photo editor, while the MAX Edition expands functionality by allowing photographers to run Photo RAW and all its tools as plugins inside Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Apple Photos, Capture One, Affinity Photo, and Corel PaintShop Pro. The MAX Edition is also available through the Photo RAW MAX Subscription and the Everything Plus Subscription, which include future upgrades along with additional ON1 apps. A free 30-day trial will also be available at launch.

For photographers seeking a fast, powerful, and affordable Lightroom alternative with AI photo editing and non-destructive workflows, ON1 Photo RAW 2026 delivers a compelling option.

Posted in Software| Tagged , | 18 Comments