The Sony A7s might not have hit shelves yet, but Sony is already rolling out firmware updates adding a new completely silent shutter mode. Sony confirmed that it has pushed a new firmware update to early A7s beta testers with Photo Club Alpha. With the software patch, it seems, future A7s owners can look forward to a totally silent electronic shutter.
Although the A7, A99, A77, and A6000 have all featured an Electronic First Curtain for more stealthy captures, the A7s is equipped with a newer version that’s devoid of any noisy mechanical bits. Sadly, this difference in hardware could also kill any hopes of seeing the same silent shutter update coming to any of the aforementioned cameras.
The firmware update also has extended the A7s’ maximum ISO in movie mode from 102,400 to an expanded ISO 409,600. Similarly, the dynamic range has been bumped up with a maximum of 15.3 stops when shooting RAW. Both upgrades should serve to improve the camera’s overall low light shooting capabilities, which we have proven to be beyond expectations already.
