Sony firms up Alpha A700 firmware
Sony just released a firmware update for early models of the Alpha DSLR-A700--to version 2.x from firmware version 1.x--well as updates for the Image Data Converter and Image Data Lightbox bundled software applications. If your current firmware version is 2.x, you're already covered. To find the magic info, press Menu & Display together to check.
According to Sony, "The camera firmware update improves image sharpness and reduces noise under certain circumstances. It also improves flash control at very short distances with non-ADI control lenses. The updates for the bundled software applications correct the functioning of such features as image display and file type indication. These updates relate only to early production Firmware Ver.1 models, which were manufactured through early October. Firmware Ver.2 models already include this upgrade. Although these improvements are subtle, it is recommended that customers make the update to improve the camera and application software performance."
You can find the appropriate downloads here:
Windows Firmware
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?upd_id=3154&SMB=YES
Mac Firmware
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?upd_id=3156&SMB=YES
Windows Applications
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?upd_id=3158&SMB=YES
Mac Applications
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?upd_id=3160&SMB=YES
We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming
Senior Editor Lori Grunin has been covering digital imaging for two decades, but her memory's kind of sketchy on the details. You can hear about it every week on Indecent Exposure, the podcast she co-hosts with Matt Fitzgerald. 
