The Sony A7 IV Firmware Update Ver. 6.00 introduces major improvements to autofocus, interface usability, movie recording tools, playback controls, and professional workflow automation. This update marks one of the most significant enhancements released for the ILCE-7M4.
What to Know Before Updating
Sony requires users updating from Ver. 1.01 or earlier to first install Ver. 1.05, because Ver. 6.00 cannot install directly on older versions. The update is performed only through a memory card, and no Windows or macOS updater is provided. Some settings including network streaming, cloud connections, and customized focus-area shortcuts reset during installation.
Key Shooting and Playback Improvements
The firmware introduces several focus-area enhancements, including Spot: XL and three new Custom 1–3 shapes. Tracking versions of these options are also added. The camera now adapts shooting information layout for horizontal and vertical orientations and provides a Golden Ratio Grid for improved composition. Menu magnification improves visibility during operation.
Movie creators gain the ability to add OK/NG/KEEP flags during or after recording. Remaining storage capacity displays for both memory cards when recording simultaneously or using relay mode. Audio levels stay visible on the screen throughout movie capture. The update also adds Relay Playback, multi filter image playback, and new playback mode custom key assignments for AF-ON, AEL, and Delete.
Support for multiple IPTC presets, Sony’s Digital Signature authentication for movies, and volume photography tools expands professional data management capabilities. Licensing is required for some features.
Network and FTP Enhancements
Workflow automation improves significantly in this update. Users can schedule FTP transfers during file writing, automatically transfer protected media, auto protect images already sent via FTP, and assign transfer priority to specific files. The camera supports Focus Map Display when paired with the latest Monitor & Control app.
How to Update the Sony A7 IV
To confirm the existing firmware version, navigate to Menu → Setup → Setup Option → Version → Body. Only Slot 1 reads the update file, so the memory card must be inserted there. The card must contain a single file, BODYDATA.DAT, saved to its root directory. The update requires a fully charged NP-FZ100 battery. Removing the battery or memory card during installation can cause failure.
New Features and Improvements
Shooting & Autofocus
New Spot: XL focus area size
New Custom 1, Custom 2, Custom 3 focus area shapes
New tracking versions for all Spot and Custom focus areas
Improved UI layout for horizontal and vertical shooting
Added Golden Ratio Grid option for composition
Menu & Usability
Option to enlarge the menu display
Better visibility of recording information
Audio levels displayed at all times during movies
Movie Recording
Add OK / NG / KEEP flags during or after recording
Display remaining capacity of both media slots
Enhanced relay recording visibility
Playback Functions
Relay Playback support
Multi-filter playback (e.g., by Rating)
Custom Key assignment during playback (AF-ON, AEL, Delete)
Professional Metadata & Authentication
Support for multiple IPTC presets
Support for Digital Signature for movies (license required)
Added Scan & Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands (license required)
FTP & Network Workflow
Schedule FTP uploads while writing to media
Auto-schedule FTP uploads for protected files
Auto-protect files after FTP transfer
Prioritize specific images for transfer
Support for Focus Map display in Monitor & Control app
Other Improvements
General operational stability enhancements
