Skip to main content

Is your A6300 overheating? Sony’s latest firmware update may hold a solution

Sony Alpha 6300
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The A6300 is Sony’s flagship APS-C-based mirrorless cameras offering DSLR-like autofocus, a small and convenient form factor, and 4K video recording. However, not everything has been bubblegum and cotton candy. Since its launch, reports of overheating issues have plagued the camera – especially among video shooters.

A new firmware for the A6300 may possibly hold a solution to those issues, if Sony’s description is accurate. In addition to the “overall stability and operability” of the camera, the firmware description notes improved stability in picture shooting mode achieved by optimizing temperature control.

Now, as that clearly states, the firmware appears to only affect the still-image-related overheating issues. It is unclear exactly how it achieves this, but it appears to have something to do with optimizing how the cameras heat management algorithms work. Any true overheating issues would likely need to be addressed with hardware modifications, which obviously aren’t happening with a firmware update.

For video shooters though, it looks as if the A6300 overheating issues will continue, and as noted above — short of some sort of hardware modification — it seems unlikely that any significant progress can be had in that regard.

Sony isn’t the only company dealing with heat-related problems on small form-factor cameras, either. Many Fujifilm owners wanted to know if the X-Pro 2 would be able to support 4K video as the newer X-T2 does, but Fujifilm responded that it would not, in large part to its lack of the necessary hardware heat sink needed to effectively dissipate the heat produced by recording 4K video footage.

A6300 owners can download the firmware at Sony’s website.

Anthony Thurston
Anthony is an internationally published photographer based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Specializing primarily in…
How to remove location data from your iPhone photos
How to transfer photos from an iPhone to an iPhone

We all love making memories, and a great way to collect those memories is to take a quick snap of a gorgeous landscape, a party in full swing, or a particularly incredible meal. The Apple iPhone now also adds a location to your pictures, meaning it can collate those images together into a location-themed album, or show you all the shots you've taken in a specific location. It's a fun little addition, and it's one that adds a lot of personality to the Photos app.

Read more
‘Photoshopped’ royal photo causes a stir
The Princess of Wales with her children.

[UPDATE: In a message posted on social media on Monday morning, Princess Kate said that she herself edited the image, and apologized for the fuss that the picture had caused. “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she wrote, adding, "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused."]

Major press agencies have pulled a photo of the U.K.’s Princess of Wales and her children amid concerns that it has been digitally manipulated.

Read more
Nikon sale: Get up to $700 off select Nikon cameras and lenses
nikon d780 review product  1

Crutchfield has a huge sale on many different Nikon cameras with some of the best camera deals that we’ve seen in a while. With nearly 30 different items in the sale, the best thing that avid photographers can do is take a look for themselves. However, if you want a little insight before you dive in, take a look at what we have to suggest below.

What to shop for in the Nikon sale
Nikon makes some of the best DSLR cameras around with our overall favorite -- the -- available for $2,197 reduced from $2,297. The camera is perfect for both photographers and videographers with a 24.5-megapixel full-frame image sensor. Its rugged magnesium-alloy body is weather-sealed against dust, dirt, and moisture so it’s great for all occasions. The Nikon EXPEED 6 image processor is optimized for low-light performance while maintaining long battery life with an autofocus sensor module with support for 51 focus points. You just need to add a lens to reap the benefits with features like the 273-point phase-detection AF system detecting and tracking subjects throughout the entire frame.

Read more