New firmware has been released by Sony for its α7 III and α7R III cameras to add Real-time Eye AF and Animal Eye AF capabilities plus an interval timer mode.
Sony’s α7 III is one of two cameras to gain new features through the latest firmware updates. (Source: Sony.)
Firmware Version 3.0 adds the AI-driven, enhanced eye detection systems based on the results of machine learning to both cameras. Through machine learning, Sony’s Real-time Eye AF system 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. Also driven by AI, Animal Eye AF uses advanced subject recognition to enable the α7 III and α7R III to detect and track animal eyes. It represents the first step in a robust animal-tracking AF system.
The new software also includes a built-in interval timer that 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.
The new software for each camera is available for downloading through Sony’s Alpha Universe website, which also provides a step-to-step guide to installing it as well as details of the new features added.
