Sony FX3, FX3A, and FX30 cameras just got a free firmware update which brings BIG6 home screen, new 1.5x and 1.6x magnification options to the De-Squeeze Display feature, external BRAW recording option via HDMI with a compatible Video Assist recorder, and more.
Today, popular Sony’s FX-line cameras are getting a new firmware update. The good news is that these newly released updates are available free of charge. The new firmware adds some interesting new features to the following three cameras:
- Sony ILME-FX3 (version 7.00)
- Sony ILME-FX3A (version 2.00)
- Sony ILME-FX30 (version 6.00)
Before I get to the list of the newly added features, there is something to keep in mind before updating:
- For the Sony FX3, when updating from Ver. 2.02 or earlier, you need to update to Ver. 2.04 or Ver. 2.05 first, and then to Ver. 7.00. Only upgrade to Ver. 7.00 after updating to Ver. 2.04 or Ver. 2.05. If you try to install Ver. 7.00 without updating to Ver. 2.04 or Ver. 2.05, an error will occur, and you will not be able to update your camera.
- For the FX30, when updating from Ver. 1.02 or earlier, you need to update to Ver. 1.05 first, and then to Ver. 6.00. Only upgrade to Ver. 6.00 after updating to Ver. 1.05. If you try to install Ver. 6.00 without updating to Ver. 1.05, an error will occur, and you will not be able to update your camera.
Sony FX3, FX3A, and FX30 firmware updates
With the newly released firmware, each of the three mentioned Sony cameras is getting the same features. One of the most notable ones, is the addition of the “BIG6” home screen known from other Sony cameras, such as the new FX2 (you can check our review of that camera here).
Furthermore, the cameras are getting 1.5x and 1.6x magnifications to the De-Squeeze Display feature, and an external BRAW recording option via HDMI with a compatible Video Assist recorder.
Here is the full list of contents of the firmware update from Sony:
- Adds a home screen (BIG6) where you can easily review the shooting settings and equipment configurations when shooting movies.
- Adds a Fixed/Variable mode that supports S&Q shooting settings by directly specifying the shooting frame rate without needing to set the S&Q mode.
- Adds support for the Focus Magnifier and Auto Magnifier in MF settings while using the Bright Monitoring feature.
- Adds 1.5x and 1.6x magnifications to the De-Squeeze Display.
- With RAW video output via HDMI, external recording of Blackmagic RAW has become possible (Sony recommends checking with Blackmagic Design regarding the corresponding Blackmagic Design products).
- Allows the camera to automatically recognize the USB-LAN conversion adapter (sold separately) and connect to the network when powered on.
- Allows the remaining capacity of both storage devices to be displayed during movie recording when using Simult. or Auto Switch Media (Relay Recording).
- Allows the optical density of pre-registered ND filters to be recorded in the metadata.
- Allows the filtering of camera images for smartphone transfer and FTP transfer using Clip Flag.
- Allows the direct upload of camera videos to Creators’ Cloud based on OK/NG/KEEP flags. Settings must be adjusted in the Creators’ App in advance. For more information, please visit the Creators’ App support website. Ver. 3.1.0 or later of the Creators’ App is necessary. This service may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Creators’ Cloud support website.
- Supports the following Monitor & Control app functions: Manual framing function, Attach Clip Flag, Notes: Ver. 2.4.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary. The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
- The Security (IPsec) functionality is no longer supported. Please enable and use Access Authen. as it provides more secure protection.
- WPA and WEP functionalities are no longer supported. You will no longer be able to select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 or WPA3 moving forward.
- Improves the operational stability of the camera.
As I mentioned above, all three new firmware updates are available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Sony support website. Alternatively, you can download the software update using the Creators’ App available in the App Store and Google Play.
Do you use the Sony FX3 or FX30 camera for your productions? What do you think about the new firmware updates? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.