Sony a1 Firmware Update adds 8K XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-bit Internal Recording Option

Firmware Update

by Jeff LochJune 17^th, 2022

Sony has just released a firmware update version 1.30 for its flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, the Sony a1, that adds an 8K XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording option. Also, this firmware fixes a couple of bugs and improves the accuracy of the Eye AF feature. Let’s take a closer look at it!

The Sony Alpha 1 recently celebrated its first birthday, and to this day, it’s still Sony’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera. Indeed, the camera has incredible filmmaking capabilities, like 8K internal recording at up to 30 frames per second, 4K 120fps slow-motion recording, and Apple ProRes RAW externally to an Atomos Ninja V/V+ monitor-recorder. You can watch our entire Sony a1 review and dynamic range Lab Test if you missed these.

The Sony a1 was already capable of recording footage in S-Log2 and S-Log3 picture profiles in 8K 4:2:0 10-bit. However, with the new Sony a1 firmware update v1.30, you’ll now have the option to record in 8K 4:2:2 10-bit internally.

Sony a1 firmware update v1.30

The recent firmware update v1.30 for the Sony a1 significantly improves the – already excellent – camera’s internal video recording capabilities by adding an 8K XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-bit recording option. Below is a complete list of all the improvements this new firmware update for the Sony a1 brings:

• Allows you to select M and S sizes in addition to L when using the RAW recording lossless compression method
• Adds the 4:2:2 10bit selection when shooting XAVC HS 8K
• Allows proxy recording during a remote computer connection
• Improves the accuracy of the Eye AF feature
• Fixes an issue where the remote shooting may not work with Imaging Edge Desktop (Remote)
• Improves the stability of the custom white balance
• Improves the operational stability of the camera

As you can tell, this update addresses one of the major improvement suggestions my colleague Johnnie made when writing his Sony a1 review: a “stronger CODEC when recording 8K (XAVC S-I 4:2:2 as a minimum.).”

Furthermore, it’s nice to see Sony improved the accuracy of the Eye AF feature, especially when recording in such high resolutions.

Availability

The Sony a1 firmware update v1.30 is a free update for all users. You can download it directly on Sony’s website here.

What do you think about this new Alpha 1 firmware update? Are you happy with your a1, or do you consider changing your camera soon? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!