Sony SLT-A77, A65: New firmware improves responsiveness, fixes bugs

Sony Corp. has released updated firmware for its flagship Translucent Mirror camera, the Sony Alpha SLT-A77, as well as its more affordable enthusiast sibling, the SLT-A65.

In both cases, the new firmware aims to improve overall operation and responsiveness of both cameras, as well as adding compensation data for further lens models. The newly-supported lenses for in-camera corrections include the Vario-Sonnar T DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA (SAL1680Z), and the DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 (SAL16105).

The new firmware v1.04 for the two cameras incorporates several changes that are applicable to both models. A rare issue with interference during 24p movie capture on US-market (NTSC) models has been corrected, as has an occasional overexposure issue when shooting with ADI flash metering. There's also a fix for an issue with delayed turn-off on both cameras, and a minor fix to operation of the AEL button. The rear control dial can now be used to adjust Program Shift while half-pressing the shutter button, and the front control dial can now be used to adjust ISO Auto limits in setup.

The Sony Alpha A77 firmware update v1.04 also improves responsiveness of the front and rear control dials when adjusting exposure compensation, and we understand that overall control responsiveness has also improved noticeably. Additionally, the A77's Memory Recall mode has been updated to retain further settings, which weren't previously recalled by the function.

Sony's Alpha SLT-A77 Translucent Mirror interchangeable-lens digital camera. Photo provided by Sony Corp.

The new firmware is available immediately from various Sony websites around the world, including those listed below.

Sony USA:

• Alpha SLT-A77 firmware v1.04

  • Update for Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (except 64-bit and Starter), Windows Vista SP2 (except Starter), and Windows 7 SP1

  • Update for Apple Mac OS X v10.5 - 10.7 (except 64-bit kernel)

• Alpha SLT-A65 firmware v1.04

  • Update for Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (except 64-bit and Starter), Windows Vista SP2 (except Starter), and Windows 7 SP1

  • Update for Apple Mac OS X v10.5 - 10.7 (except 64-bit kernel)

Sony UK:

• Alpha SLT-A77 firmware v1.04

  • Update for Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (except 64-bit and Starter), Windows Vista SP2 (except Starter), and Windows 7 SP1

  • Update for Apple Mac OS X v10.5 - 10.7 (except 64-bit kernel)

• Alpha SLT-A65 firmware v1.04

  • Update for Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (except 64-bit and Starter), Windows Vista SP2 (except Starter), and Windows 7 SP1

  • Update for Apple Mac OS X v10.5 - 10.7 (except 64-bit kernel)

Sony Asia:

• Alpha SLT-A77 firmware v1.04

  • Update for Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (except 64-bit and Starter), Windows Vista SP2 (except Starter), and Windows 7 SP1

  • Update for Apple Mac OS X v10.5 - 10.7 (except 64-bit kernel)

• Alpha SLT-A65 firmware v1.04

  • Update for Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (except 64-bit and Starter), Windows Vista SP2 (except Starter), and Windows 7 SP1

  • Update for Apple Mac OS X v10.5 - 10.7 (except 64-bit kernel)