Sony A1 Firmware Update 4.00 Released: Full Changelog & Installation Guide

Sony has officially released ILCE‑1 (Sony A1) System Software (Firmware) Update Ver. 4.00. This update brings new autofocus options, workflow improvements, and enhanced stability. Below you’ll find what’s new, how to install it, and whether you should update.

What’s New in Ver. 4.00

• Display layout: Shooting information now adapts for both horizontal and vertical viewing.
• Focus Area options: Adds Spot: XL and Spot: XS, plus Custom 1, 2, and 3 focus areas.
• Tracking options: Adds Tracking: Spot XL, Tracking: Spot XS, and Tracking: Custom 1–3.
• Dual card operations: Allows simultaneous deletion and rating of images stored on both slots.
• Playback improvements: Folder and file names can now be displayed during playback.
• FTP workflow: Cancel scheduled transfers; new settings for automatic FTP transfer and protection of stills/videos.
• Monitor & Control app: Adds Focus map display and IRIS operation bar support.
• Camera Authenticity Solution: Supports Write Digital Signature for movies.
• Volume Photography License: Adds Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands (paid license required).
• Security updates: Removes IPsec, WPA, and WEP; use WPA2/WPA3 for Wi‑Fi security.
• Bug fixes: Resolves continuous shooting delay, vertical grip multi‑selector issue, and improves overall stability.

Official download: Before downloading, Sony recommends creating a Sony account (required for USA/Canada). You can also download without an account. The update is provided in memory card format and available via Creators’ App on iOS/Android. Visit the official page here: Sony A1 Firmware Ver. 4.00 Download.

How to Install

1. Check your version: On the camera, go to Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version → Body. If already Ver. 4.00, no update is needed.
2. Update path: If your camera is on Ver. 1.32 or earlier, update to Ver. 2.01 first before proceeding to Ver. 4.00.
3. Prepare the card: Format a memory card in the A1, then copy the BODYDATA.DAT file to the root directory.
4. Power requirements: Use a fully charged NP‑FZ100 battery (51%+ required, fully charged recommended). Remove vertical grip before updating.
5. Run the update: Insert the card into slot 1. Go to Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version → Body → Software Update → Execute. The process takes ~6 minutes.
6. Do not interrupt: Keep the camera powered on; do not remove battery or card until completion.
7. Confirm: After restart, verify the version at Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version → Body.

Should You Update?

Direct answer: Yes. Ver. 4.00 introduces valuable autofocus options, workflow enhancements, and critical security updates. The removal of outdated WPA/WEP protocols ensures stronger Wi‑Fi security, while bug fixes improve reliability. If you rely on FTP transfers, Monitor & Control, or advanced focus tracking, this update is highly recommended.

Stay tuned for more firmware news and photography updates here on DailyCameraNews.

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