Sony Firmware Update Enhances Real-Time Autofocus and Adds New Features to Alpha 1 II and Alpha 9 III

Sony has some great news that you’ll want to hear. Sony has released a free firmware update for two of their top cameras, the Alpha 1 II and the Alpha 9 III. This update, available from October 30, 2025, includes performance improvements that should really boost your photography experience.

Experience Real-time Recognition AF+ (Plus) Performance

If you enjoy shooting sports, action, or dislike missed focus, pay attention. Sony’s latest highlight is the new Real-time Recognition AF+ feature, which enhances how well the camera recognizes people.

Sony has improved its technology for estimating human poses. It goes beyond just spotting a face or an eye; it helps the camera predict how the whole body will move. For example, a busy football game or a packed marathon where athletes frequently overlap. In these situations, the camera might struggle to keep the right person in focus. Sony claims this firmware update will let your camera track the subject you’ve focused on more accurately, even in tough action scenes.

I think this is a major improvement. If the camera can maintain focus on your selected subject, even when they’re hidden or blocked by someone else, you’ll capture moments you previously missed. It seems Sony is really advancing its autofocus system to a whole new level. This feature is a great reason to consider upgrading your camera right away.

Authenticity Information for Video: Verifying Your Footage

As verifying content becomes increasingly important, Sony is providing videographers with a valuable new tool. You might recall that Sony previously allowed the recording of authenticity data, or digital signatures, for photos. Now, they’re applying that same concept to video.

The latest update allows authenticity information to be recorded right in your video files. This means that a digital signature will be linked to your footage, which, according to Sony, improves the ability to verify content. For photojournalists or anyone who needs to show that their original work is untouched, this is a significant development. It seems like Sony is helping you secure the integrity of your work from the moment you hit record.

Focus Flexibility: Preset Focus for All Zoom Lenses

Sony’s firmware update is small but important that changes how you work with certain types of glass. The new firmware update now allows you to use the preset focus feature with zoom lenses that do not have power zoom.

Previously, you might have only been able to use this useful tool, which lets you save a specific focus distance and quickly return to it, with power zoom lenses. Now, you can take advantage of this preset function with a wider selection of your zoom lenses. This is an easy improvement that gives you more speed and flexibility, especially when setting up shots in fast-changing situations.

Alpha 9 III Exclusive: Automatic Recognition and Vertical Shooting

The Alpha 1 II and Alpha 9 III both come with impressive autofocus and video features, but the A9 III has some extra perks.

Firstly, there’s a new [Auto] mode for Recognition Target settings. With this feature, when you choose Auto, the camera will automatically pick and identify a subject based on the targets you’ve selected in the [Auto Recog. Target] menu. This should help you switch subjects faster.

Secondly, the display is now more flexible. The shooting information will now adjust for both horizontal and vertical orientations. So, when you turn the camera sideways for a portrait shot, all your important settings will rotate with it, making it easier to see what you need without straining your neck.

It’s great to see major upgrades being added for free to flagship models. It really makes the purchase feel valuable. Be sure to download the update and share your thoughts on the new Real-time Recognition AF+.

[Image credits: Sony]

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