HIDDEN FEATURES?! Sony a7S III 3.0 Firmware Update Overview

It's here! Sony a7S III owners have long-awaited crucial updates to their cameras, including features such as Breathing Compensation found on similar Sony models like the a7 IV, a7R V, and more. However, many have also wanted to see features additionally granted to cinema cameras like the FX3 and FX30, like DCI 4K and true 24p. But beyond this, are there extra hidden features, quirks or any bugs present in this firmware update that people - Sony or otherwise - aren't talking about? And did Sony ultimately deliver with this first major firmware update in years?

In this video, I'll go into a detailed overview of the latest version 3.00 firmware update for the a7S III. I'll explain the basics around the installation process, and what was required of me in installing the update from my Apple MacBook Pro. Below, I'll also include a link to my updated a7S III video and photo settings file from my website, where you can download my settings and save hours re-setting up all of your custom settings, which will be required for those installing the update.

Following this, I'll then explore all of the crucial features most people would consider downloading the update for. However, I'll also go much further in-depth, describing additional hidden features, quirks and any other observations I've noticed in the process of using it. Last, I'll describe my take on what features are still missing that would be good to see in future updates, and offer my final thoughts on the firmware upgrade overall.

All in all, if you own an a7S III, and you haven't kept up with firmware updates in the past, now is definitely the time to upgrade. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. And feel free to leave a like and subscribe if you like Sony-related content like this, and check out the many Sony camera videos on my channel, as there will be even more on the way!

How to Save/Load Settings in Sony Alpha Cameras:

My COMPLETE Sony a7R V Photo and Video Settings!:

Sony a7S III Low Light Dual ISO EXPLAINED:

SmallRig NP-FZ100 USB-C Rechargeable Battery for Sony Cameras:

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My Current Kit:
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Cameras & Lenses:

Audio:

Lighting:

Tripod/Monopod and Stabilizers:

[NatesFilmTutorials]

Sony should’ve hired you to explain the update! 🔥

[LaloRacer]

Watched a few videos on the update, and this was the most complete. Had not heard about the shutter closed when off feature along with others. Great work!

[og]

You're the only channel that mentioned the shutter curtain. You got my Sub, awesome video!

[jwate]

Also: if you still use the rsc2 gimbal then any usbc wire will work with the camera to communicate with the gimbal. No setting adjustments needed for it to work. And you can play vids back without putting the gimbal to sleep.

[OrdnanceTV]

Dude. Out of the 931, 048, 117 Sony-oriented Youtubers out there, you are my absolute favorite. *ZERO* annoying intros. *ZERO* forced ads "before I tell you the [insert whole reason for viewer watching video]" BS. And most importantly *DIRECT, CONCISE, ACCURATE, DETAILED* info on everything relevant to the topic. All that is needed or wanted. THANK YOU.

[mkphotofilm]

I love your work; it is refreshing. Packed with info and no sales talk. You are fast and informative and you're also the only person who bothered to show how to activate 4k DCI. Happy shooting!

[BarranteMotion]

Thanks @Andrew for putting this review together. I've just updated our a7s III's from a pre 2.15 firmware, all the way up to 3.0. Excited to try out some of the new features! I wanted to share a tip that many of your viewers may find useful. For reasons that I'm unsure of, my camera some how defaulted to PAL only. It took me a moment to understand that was why I could only select "rec frame rates" of 50p and 25p. To fix this for anyone looking for the additional frame rates, go to the Utility section in the menu (little suitcase icon) -> Area/Date, and NTSC/PAL Selector. Select NTSC and you should get all the frame rates back from 24p to 120p. Hope that helps!

[shahrier]

Me and everyone else wanted Custom luts support in this update. Sony didn’t give that. Really need that man 😢 other than that It's a good update. Do you face any bugs or problem during or after update?

[bluetvsports]

To me dont work the DCI 4K license, i try many times but always same result. "ERROR OBTAINED"

[cosmocalisse]

Solid update, but the best improvements were undocumented in the notes: the viewfinder Auto 1 setting finally allows you to switch between all shooting modes without ever needing to change it manually again. And 1/48 shutter is great, but what was the point of adding 1/96 shutter when the camera doesn't shoot 48fps? And since it shoots 120p instead, where's the 1/240 shutter?

[HiFocusedCinematography]

Thanks for the video! Is there a way to dial in the shutter speed to help with flickering lights like how you can with the A74? Also is there a benefit to filming DCI 4K instead for UHD?

[markspencer]

I finally got around to updating the firmware specifically so I could use the M&C app - great overall explanation, thank you.

[georgespecter]

1. It shows percentage in third party batteries but at some point notification pops up about third party battery and after that it disables percentage.

2. Another hidden function is ability to manually override autofocus (Focus assist).

[giuliodeleo]

Tank you for mentioning the shutter curtain! Just a question... The touch menù comes up swiping on the screen, but how is it possibile to switch it off? Thanks in advance for your kind answer!

[SwembaGaming]

Between the license installation for DCI 4k and the license installation for H265 and ProRes Raw on the new Atomos products, the future is looking very grim. We'll have monthly subscriptions to turn our cameras on eventually.

[lefiesh]

Very helpful, thx! Still not able to measure custom white balance in preset mode, though 😢

[PreethamRameshNaik]

I did install new firmware but I am unable to activate DCI 4k from creators app. It says bluetooth malfunction error on camera. Any remedy?

[TomJorman]

Hi,
Maybe You can help - Switching between still images and movies (View Mode)
Sets the View Mode (image display method).

MENU → (Playback) → [Playback Target] → [View Mode] → desired setting.

This Was possible in 2.01 now in 3.01 I cant change veiw mode what equals that I can't see movei lenght in playback...

[moorsmedia]

It seems curious you can bring up the somewhat useful side icons by swiping but to make them go away you have to turn off touch.
The
FN menu up/down works as you'd expect.

[EriveFilms]

Best video on the update I have seen. Great video