Sony adds support for radio controlled flashes to the A7R II with new firmware update
Aug 19, 2016
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Sony first mentioned their new wireless radio controlled flash system in March and officially launched it in July. It allows the control of up to 15 separate flash units in up to 5 different groups. A very useful and welcome addition for Sony shooters. But, not every camera has been able to support the new system.
Sony have now released firmware v3.30 for the Sony A7R II. This update adds support for the new system, as well as a couple of other fixes and features.
This utility updates the ILCE-7RM2 system software to version 3.30, and provides the following benefits:
- Adds support for Radio Controlled Lighting System
- Improves stability in picture shooting mode (optimizing temperature control, effect is different according to temperature)
- Adds support to output video via HDMI (still mode) when using the Remote Camera Control software
- Improves overall stability and operability of the camera
Godox and Phottix have given radio remote control flash to Sony shooters for a little while now. But, it’s nice to see Sony catching up and supporting their own cameras.
HDMI output while shooting stills with Sony’s Remote Camera Control software should be helpful, too for those that use it. When I shoot remote control it’s often because I can’t physically access the camera while shooting. I couldn’t imagine trying to do that without some kind of liveview stream. At least now, Sony shooters can setup a remote monitor to see what their camera sees.
The firmware update is available now from the Sony Support website.
Have you bought into Sony’s wireless flash system yet? Were you waiting for your camera to be compatible? Or did you get sick of waiting and invested in Godox or Phottix already? Let us know in the comments.
[via DPReview]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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3 responses to “Sony adds support for radio controlled flashes to the A7R II with new firmware update”
Joseph Parry didnt you have problems before?
Godox. Sony will never have a full lighting system.
the mount of the A7 cameras is weak.
the shutter release button is in a crappy position (ergonomics suck).
battery life is bad.
sensor collects dust like bill gates money.
fix THAT with a firmware update.