Sony camera firmware updates can be confusing if you have not done them before, but following these steps will make the process bulletproof. Please read these carefully before you start! If you missed several updates – you can skip straight to the newest firmware since it includes all the previous updates.

Ten Tips for Sony Camera Firmware Updates

1. Firmware updates are designed for one specific camera. Do not install this utility with any other model. Only update using a supported Operating System!

2. Digital Camera firmware updates and any changes incurred by it are permanent. It is not possible to return to a previous firmware version after updating this firmware. The update cannot be reversed.

3. Do not allow the computer to enter Sleep (Standby) mode during the update process. To change your settings, please refer to your computer manual or consult the manufacturer.

4. Use a fully charged NP-FW50 rechargeable battery pack, or the AC-PW20 AC adapter/charger when performing firmware updates. The camera may not operate properly if the power is interrupted during the update.

5. Close ALL other programs and apps. Disable all pop-ups and security software while running updates. You can turn it back on once you’re finished.

6. Use the USB cable that came with your camera or a compatible tethering cable. Generic mini-USB cords may appear to be compatible but many are missing one connection needed to perform updates.

7. Remove all external drives and devices. Connect the cord directly into your computer’s USB port – not through a USB hub.

8. Before connecting your camera, remove the SD card. This will prevent programs like Capture One and Lightroom from opening an import window if they detect a memory card when the camera restarts during the update.

9. If you’re using a vertical grip on your camera, remove it and place the battery directly in the camera for the duration of the update.

10. Updates generally take 15 minutes to complete. During that time you camera may appear unresponsive. Your camera is NOT “Bricked” – it’s updating…
DO NOT TOUCH IT UNTIL IT’S FINISHED. Just walk away….Really!

I highly recommended that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.

Mac OS 10.10 & 10.11 Require Installation of Mac OS Driver Loader

PLEASE NOTE: Mac OS 10.12 is Not Fully Supported – Click Here for Details

Prepare the Camera for the Firmware Update

1. Power on the camera.

2. Press the Menu button

3. At the “Menu” screen, use the Control Wheel to select “Setup”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

4. At the “Setup” screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to “USB Connection” and verify that “Mass Storage” is selected.

Download and Update the Firmware

IMPORTANT: As mentioned above – Do not allow the computer to enter Sleep (Standby) mode during the update process. To change your settings, please refer to your computer manual or consult the manufacturer.

1. Download the Update dmg or exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).

2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_.dmg or Update_.exe file.
Note: Do not connect the camera to the computer yet.

3. On the desktop, double-click the Update_ icon.

4. Double-click the “Firmware Updater” icon.

5. At the Password prompt screen, enter the Name and Password for the administrative account, and then click “OK”.

6. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
Note: The LCD screen on the camera will turn off when it is connected to the computer. If the LCD screen of camera does not turn off, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to the camera. If the computer has additional USB ports, try connecting the USB cable to different USB port.

7. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.

WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.

8. When the updater recognizes the camera connection, the following screen is displayed, and the camera screen displays the message, “Follow computer instructions.”

9. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.

10. When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.

If the current version is a prior fw to the version after update, click “Next”.

Note: If the current version is up to date, your camera does not need this update. Stop the USB connection, click “Finish”, then remove the battery or disconnect the AC adapter briefly, and then power on the camera again.

11. When the following screen is displayed, reset the camera.

Note: Do NOT disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.

12. On the camera, press the center button of the Control Wheel to reset the camera.

13. At the “Firmware Updater” screen, click “Next”.

14. When the following screen is displayed, click “Run”.
Note: The update process takes about fifteen minutes to complete.

WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.

15. When the following screen is displayed, click “Finish”.

Important: After clicking Finish, make sure to wait for the camera screen to turn back on before you continue, this may take a few minutes.

16. Disconnect the USB cable, power off the camera, then remove the battery pack or AC adapter.

17. Reconnect the battery pack or AC adapter and power on the camera.

Check the Firmware Version After Updating

1. Power on the camera.

2. Press the Menu button.

3. At the “Menu” screen, use the Control Wheel to select “Setup”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

4. At the “Setup” screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to “Version”, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.

5. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.

Make sure the Version listed on this screen is the current update firmware version. If it does, the firmware update was successful. If not, install the firmware update again.