The long awaited firmware 3.0 for the Sony A7III is finally here and I have to say, it was well worth the wait! This update includes some cool upgrades such as…
REAL TIME AF…Which means through machine learning, Sony has created a system that can detect, and focus on, the human eye even if the subject is looking down, partially blocked in the frame, turning, or backlit. This feature is available in AF-C mode with a simple half-press of the shutter button. Improving on an already amazing auto focus system.
INTERVAL SHOOTING…This new software adds a built-in interval timer, enabling photographers to easily capture and create time-lapse movies. The new feature can be set for anywhere between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999. AE tracking sensitivity is available to be adjusted to “High”, “Mid” or “Low” in order to reduce changes in exposure.
But in my personal opinion as an animal owner and lover, THE coolest addition in this upgrade is the…
REAL TIME ANIMAL EYE AF…As with human eye recognition, Software Version 3.0 brings AI-driven animal eye detection to Sony cameras for the first time. Advanced subject recognition allows the α7 III and α7R III to detect and track animal eyes, and is the first step in a robust animal-tracking AF system. And I have to say, it works really really well! The development of Animal Eye AF performance will continue, increasing the range of animals recognized by the system as well the system’s ability to track their movement.
Here are a few shots of my pups and my buddy’s cats that I took after I downloaded the update. I would say I experienced a 95% hit rate for sharp eyes (and that’s with hyper active dogs)! Sony continues to impress me by pushing the envelope and listening to what photographers are asking for.
*ALL images shot with the Sony 50mm 1.8 lens.
