Good news for every street photographer: Sony’s acclaimed a7 III and a7R III mirrorless cameras have received an exciting firmware update – software version 3.0 – that enhances Real-time Eye AF performance and adds Real-time Animal Eye AF and interval shooting for time lapse.

Real-time Eye AF

Software Version 3.0 brings Real-time Eye-AF to the α7R III and α7 III, an AI-driven enhanced eye detection system that’s based on the results of machine learning. Through machine learning, Sony has created a system that can detect—and focus on—the human eye even if the subject is looking down, partially blocked in the frame, turning or backlit. This feature is available in AF-C mode with a simple half-press of the shutter button.

Real-time Animal Eye AF

As with human eye recognition, Software Version 3.0 brings AI-driven animal eye detection to Sony cameras for the first time. Advanced subject recognition allows the α7 III and α7R III to detect and track animal eyes, and is the first step in a robust animal-tracking AF system.

The development of Animal Eye AF performance will continue, increasing the range of animals recognized by the system as well the system’s ability to track their movement.

Interval Shooting

This new software adds a built-in interval timer, enabling photographers to easily capture and create time-lapse movies. The new feature can be set for anywhere between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999. AE tracking sensitivity is available to be adjusted to “High”, “Mid” or “Low” in order to reduce changes in exposure.

In addition to the interval shooting, the firmware breaks new ground with AI-driven autofocus features.

Real-time Eye AF builds on the continuous Eye AF technology with an AI-driven eye-detection system that will detect and keep focus on the eye even in particularly difficult situations.

Animal Eye AF which detects and tracks animal eyes (the feature currently works with dogs and cats and more animals will be supported in future updates).

For more information about firmware updates for Sony cameras and lenses see the Alpha Universe firmware page.