Sony has suspended firmware version 6.00 for the a7 IV mirrorless camera after confirming that some units experience unstable operations including repeated reboots following installation. The company is investigating the cause while the a7R V version 4.00 update, released simultaneously, remains available. The suspension comes just days after Sony released major firmware updates for both cameras on November 25. Users who have already installed the a7 IV update and are experiencing issues should contact Sony support directly. What went wrong According to Sony’s official notice posted today, the company has identified two distinct problems. The more serious issue involves unstable operations that manifest as repeated reboots immediately after installation, potentially rendering the camera unusable. A second bug causes the camera to enter power saving mode whenever the monitor is closed, regardless of the Power Save by Monitor settings. Sony notes this can be resolved by initializing all camera settings to factory defaults, though this requires users to reconfigure their entire setup. Sony a7 IV. Credit: CineD User reports and community reaction Photography communities have documented various experiences with the problematic firmware. Some users report increased crash frequency, with screens staying on or going blank when attempting to power cycle, requiring battery removal to restore functionality. The incident has reignited criticism of Sony’s firmware development practices. Professional users expressed frustration over what they perceive as inadequate quality control testing. Several commenters noted they deliberately wait months after firmware releases before updating cameras used for professional work. Professional implications For working professionals,...
Published By: CineD - Yesterday