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 battery 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. You must be logged in with Admin privileges in order to run an update.
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!
You may wish to print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.
MAC USERS PLEASE NOTE:
All the latest Sony Firmware Updates are only compatible with Mac OS 10.12-10.14
You must first run UpdateSettingTool and follow the prompts to run it.
[UpdateSettingTool replaces Mac OS 10.13 Driver Loader from earlier firmware versions.]
1. Make sure the camera’s USB Connection is set to Mass Storage
2. WITHOUT CONNECTING THE CAMERA, Click on UpdateSettingTool.
3. Once you see this message, connect the camera.
4. When the above message goes away, click on the Resources Folder, click on “SystemSoftwareUpdater” and follow prompts to begin the firmware update.
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.â€
9. At the “Firmware Updater†screen, click “Nextâ€.
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 Nex.
Note: If the current version is up to date, your camera does not need this update. Stop the USB connection, click “Finishâ€, 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 “Nextâ€.
14. When the following screen is displayed, click “Runâ€.
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 “Finishâ€.
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 “Setupâ€, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.
4. At the “Setup†screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to “Versionâ€, 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.
Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian Smith photographs portraits of Hollywood A-List and Fortune's 500 for magazines, corporations and advertising. He's a Sony Artisan of Imagery, Profoto Legend of Light, Adobe Influencer and X-Rite Master Coloratti.
Comments
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Hi Brian,
Thanks for this, its really useful info. If you don’t mind though, would you mind letting me know what OS you’re using please? I ask because since Mavericks, I haven’t been able to perform a firmware update on any of my Macs, the same was true with Yosemite and now with El Capitan.
I have an old Lenovo Windows laptop that I’m using at the moment but as the Mac is my main computer I’d like to do it there. From the looks of your screenshots, you’re using a Mac too, so I’m hoping that would mean its not an OS issue, just a bug somewhere that I need to find and iron out.
To be honest Im having the similar issues with the playmemories site, it doesn’t recognise that the camera is connected, regardless of whether I use Chrome / Safari, MASS Storage or MLB (or whatever its called). So there may be a connection there.
Thanks again,
Andrew
Mac OS 10.7-10.11 are supported provided you follow the steps outlined here.
And therein lies a problem. macOS Sierra 10.12 is not supported and Sony don’t seem to be interested in sorting it. So if you buy a new MAC, don’t buy a Sony camera!
Do you have any information when Capture One will support the uncompressed raw files?
I do not. I’d imagine it will be in their next update which should be 8.3.4 but I have not seen that announced.
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Thanks for the instructions! Before I begin, I’d like to know if updating erases all of my settings. Thanks.
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Sigh! I can see from your screen shots, the firmware update seems to work fine on your system, but so far, I’ve been unsuccessful updating my Sony A7S II on my Macintosh (OS X 10.11.2) my laptop still on Yosemite, and my friend’s PC running Vista home edition premium. Same story on all: the camera mounts fine when connected to the USB cable, but the software doesn’t recognize it is connected. I’ve done all of the troubleshooting, dismounting all external devices, shutting all programs, trying different USB ports, etc. no luck.
Are you sure the USB cable is the one that came with the camera?
Yes, the cable is straight out of the box.
Then you are missing a step. I’ve done hundreds of updates now and as long as you have the correct firmware for your camera model and follow these steps, they work every time.
Sorry, no missing steps. I even went to the trouble of trying one of the older firmware upgrades for the ILCE7M2 and it correctly identified the camera and reported that the camera was already at the 1.1 firmware level. For some reason, firmware version 2 of upgrade software doesn’t work. Also I noted that when I loaded the version 1.1 firmware, the screen on the camera went dark. When I run the version 2 update, the screen displays “USB Mode MASS Storage -USB-” And just to be sure, I’ve tried this on three computers and with another micro USB cable.
Yes, the camera LCD screen will go dark for 15 minutes while the camera updates. Try downloading the firmware again. Be certain it’s the ILCE-7M2. Firmware for other cameras will not install.
I’ve downloaded the update on three computers more than once, and yes it is for the A7S II. The software fails right at the beginning of the process because it cannot locate the camera and times out. It asks that I disconnect the camera, remove the battery and try again. (Done that) I think I’m up to a dozen attempts so far…
I’ve got the same problem with ILCE-7M2 🙁
You’re missing one of the suggested warnings.
Hmm, My ILCE-7M2 is visible as a mass storage, (when the card is in, I can view the clips) but system Softwear Updater can’t connect to the body.I ve studied every warnings several times. I’ve tried on a different PC also, but nothing.. sorry for my english.
After connecting body via usb cable, I can see USB Mode Mass Storage, but also ” Playback” There is no card in the body, but some folders opens on the PC names PMHOME (H) is it correct ? Thank you for your answer !
Are you pressing the playback button? Don’t.
Be certain all other programs and applications are shot down and nothing but the camera is plugged into the computer. The camera must be connected with a Sony USB cord and plugged directly into the computer not through a hub. Launch the application before turning on the camera.
These steps are all in the directions.
Thank You, but I’ve made everything like is listed in your steps.. No I am not pressing playback button. When I reconect usb cabe the body become automataticly in playback mode.
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This link to the firmware updates is correct, now is working at once 🙂
Good information. You mention LR 6 to be compatable.
Does this mean that LR 5 is not compatable.?
Compatible with what?
any opinions on v3 firmware for 7Rm2
I recommend it.
So, my new computer crashed during the 3.00 firmware update about 25% through. Any ideas?
Never had that happen so I’m not sure. You might be able to start over. That is why I recommend shutting down all other programs and apps while running firmware updates
Thanks, Brian, for your response! Actually, I just had to remove the battery & unplug the camera for about 15min or so before trying again. The firmware update program recognized the camera & I completed the update fully second time around.
Glad to hear that!
Hi Brian,
Was the update firmware 3.0 solves the problem of Sony A7R II + Commlite + Canon 50mm f/1.4? Thanks.
A7RII FW update 3.00 has nothing to do with functionality of third-party lenses. Unlike Metabones Smart Adapter IV – Commlite FW is not updateable.
Sir, my A7 II together with iMac, latest software would not allow firmware update without a memory card in place!
Regards,
Jorgen Aage Jensen
Interesting. I’m still running 10.9.5 and I always remove the memory cards. I only suggest doing that because lots of people forget to disable auto-import pop-ups like Capture One.
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Thanks so much for this…as a newbie with an expesnvie bit of kit I was glad of the guidance. Cheers!
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Hi, Have tried to update my a7s2 with both a Mac and a PC but in both cases I get as far as step 7 and then the Mac/PC can’t find the a7s2
Any help would be really appreciated
That always comes down to one of two errors. Either:
1) The USB Cord is not the one that came with the camera. (It looks like a universal cord – but it’s not)
2) You’re running an update for the wrong camera. Firmware updates are camera specific and the updater protects you from loading firmware for a different camera.
The cord was just taken from the box and appears to work, it will allow me to access the SD card and charge.
Update_ILCE7M2V310.dmg This is the file I’m attempting to update my Sony A7Sii currently version 2.0
Just as I suspected you’re attempting to run a firmware for a7II on an a7SII.
The updater is protecting your ass. Thank Sony. Then download the correct firmware.
Haha, thank god you’re here! Any chance you have a link to the correct firmware so i don’t get it wrong again.
The current a7SII firmware is listed in this post.
Just make sure you pick the link for a7SII.
I have never updated my Sony A6000. Do I have to install previous updates before installing the current one? There is a 1.20 that has not been done on my Sony. Should I install it first or is this newest update all inclusive?
Sony Firmware updates include all previous versions so you just need to run the latest update, Karen.
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Forgive me if this is an old subject, but I didn’t find mention. I have a new to me NOS 2011 Sony A33 and downloaded the appropriate update. The update is 32 bit in form and my Mac’s are 64 bit El Capitan only. Cannot do the 3-2 finger start, nor are there any options to force Sony Firmware to boot to 32 bit. It just seems to be Not Compatible. Any ideas?
First off, check the camera to make certain it’s not already running firmware 2.00. You can find that in the menu under “Version”
If not, you have two options.
1. Find a friend with Mac OS 10.7 or older and use their Mac to run you update.
2. Don’t worry about it and just go shoot photos.
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Sorry, another one Brian! It’s really hit and miss on this update business. I’ve managed to make it work a couple of times with my A7Rll on my Mac but not at all now on my new a63000. The screen does not go black when the cameras connected? I’ve tried both leads and all USB sockets. Why can’t we upgrade by downloading the file to the SD like other cameras? Less variables in the process i.e. dodgy leads, dodgy sockets etc???
The latest a6300 fw update ran fine for me on Mac with El Capitan. Make certain all the settings are correct and the USB cord is the one that came with the camera.
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Can someone Help me? I tried to update my Sony alpha 5000 to 1.10 . Sadly, the update failed. It said i should disconnect my camera and take the battery out. I did so. After that i put the battery back. A red light turned on. I waited long. After a couple of minutes (or hours) the light turned off. I tried to turn on the camera. But it didn’t turn on. I tried to charge the camera. Even the charging light didn’t turn on. PLEASE HELP ME 🙁
It’s very important to follow these directions to the letter. Don’t disconnect while an upgrade is in progress. They take at least 15 minutes during which time the camera in unresponsive as it upgrades.
This was extremely helpful! I had the wrong cable…but didn’t believe it. Had to turn the house upsidedown to find the right one.
You’re not the first to do that. Be sure to put it somewhere you can find it easily the next time.
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Hi Brian,. in your Step 7 you state “remove all external drives and devices” Understand the external drives OK, but do you also mean as other devices -Printers and Scanners?
I’d disconnect everything but the cord to the camera.
Thanks for the quick response Brian.
Dear Brian
Firstly: thanks for your info!
I have a question regarding my Sony A7S2… I suspect a firmware glitch.. perhaps you are familiair with it, so please bare with me:
With my A7S2 I sometimes experience some kind of firmware glitch, I suspect
Actually have been experiencing it since the moment I got it from the store in April but due to deadlines and projects I wasn’t able to check on it before today…
After shooting (video) I always tend to check the result by hitting the play button… After checking I just want to go back straigh to shooting the clip
And here lies the problem: after coming back from the reply menu my image is either blown up in over exposing and sometimes under exposed!
This happens without any changes in lighting on the set or in camera: Shutter, ISO, Aperture and ND filter are untouched. At first I thought it was just me accidentally changing my shutter etc.
But then it sometimes also happens when coming out of standby or just turning the cam on…
Only way I can help it is by either adjusting my settings (but kind of difficult when you already are on F22, ISO 800 and Shutter 50 and your shot is over exposed) or by turning it off and on which doesn’t always work unless getting my battery out and inserting it again.
Anybody familiar with this problem?
Thanks in advance!
Okayyyy, not exactly a camera firmware update question, but here goes…If you’re at F22 with 1/50 sec there’s no room to stop down. Is there a reason you need to be at ISO 800? Auto ISO or a variable ND might be the way to go to keep exposure from blowing out.
I am hoping you might can help me. I just did the 3.20 update on my a7ii. Previously when I was shooting in Auto HDR, it would fire the flashes every time it took a frame. I use this very often and have been for about a year in doing real estate photography. Since the upate, the flash will not fire but once when the shutter is pressed. Before, I stayed connected through Smart Remote and fire from my ipad. Now it doesn’t matter if I try to fire in the app or not, it does the same thing- it will shoot the frames but only fire the flashes once. I even spoke with Sony rep last night who got me to reset the camera and still, it won’t work. Please let me know if you have heard of such an issue and know how to fix it or if somehow it could have messed up my camera. Thank you in advance.
I’ve never used Auto HDR with flash since the strobes I use won’t recycle that quickly. As long as you’ve reported the issue to Sony, you’ve already done what I would have suggested.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for maintaining such a helpful site. I’ve hit a snag that probably is beyond your grasp, but I thought you might know if anything is in the works to solve it.
I need to update my A7 software, but when I try I get this message:
You can’t use this version of the application “FirmwareUpdater†with this version of macOS.
I’m running 10.12.1 on a 15-inch macbook pro.
I presume this is a case of Sony software that needs to be updated, but thought I’d run it by you just in case there’s a work around.
Many thanks
The only camera firmware updates I’ve found to be compatible with OS 10.12 are the most recent firmware updates for a7II, a7RII, a7SII. Everything else was written before the release of Mac 10.12, so I’d imagine future firmware updates with be 10.12 compatible. I always, always recommend updating all cameras and apps BEFORE updating your Mac OS.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for maintaining such rich and informative site.
I’ve hit a snag that is probably beyond your grasp, but thought I’d ask. I need to update my A7 firmware, but when I try I get this message:
You can’t use this version of the application “FirmwareUpdater†with this version of macOS.
I’m running a 15-inch macbook pro with 10.12.1 (sierra).
I presume this is a case of Sony software in need of a compatibility update, but thought there might be an outside chance of a work around or that you might possibly know when an update would be forthcoming. Thanks for the help!
That’s right OS 10.12 is not yet supported by Sony. http://briansmith.com/mac-os-10-12-sierra-warning-sony-camera-users/
I just discovered that my son’s iMac is still on Yosemite, so that should solve the issue. Thanks again for your site.
Be sure to install the Yosemite patch shown in this post first.
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