Sony SupportDSLR-A700P

DSLR-A700 Camera Firmware Update for Mac OS®

    Applicable Models
    About this download
    System Requirements
    File Info
    Preparation
    Download & Install

    IMPORTANT: This file is only for use with the models identified. Not all models are sold in all countries.

    This information is for the following models:

    • DSLRA700
    • DSLRA700H
    • DSLRA700K
    • DSLRA700KIT
    • DSLRA700KKIT
    • DSLRA700P

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    • This utility updates the DSLR-A700 Camera Firmware to version 4 and provides the following benefits:

      Benefits over firmware version 3:

      • Adds a "2 steps/3 shots" option to the "Bracket: Single" and "Bracket: Cont." Drive mode settings for auto exposure bracketing.
      • Adds an "Off" option to the "High ISO NR" (Noise Reduction) setting.
      • Provides improvements in picture quality when using a high ISO setting; color noise is minimized in images captured using an ISO setting of 1600 or higher.
      • Provides improvements to the Auto White Balance (WB), especially when taking pictures using the flash.
      • Improves performance of the D-range Optimizer (DRO). The ability to discriminate between scenes has been improved, and the scope to which the advanced DRO effect can be applied has been broadened.
      • Improves the ability to make a successful connection with the VG-C70AM vertical grip.

      Additional benefits over earlier firmware versions:

      • Resolves an issue where the Access Lamp remains lit and the camera stops responding when several pictures are taken in rapid succession.
      • Resolves an issue where powering the camera off while in "MR" mode may cause some registered settings to carry over to other shooting modes.
      • Sharper images for pictures taken under low contrast conditions
      • Reduced noise for pictures taken at ISO 3200
      • Improved flash control for objects closer than 1 meter with non ADI controlled lenses

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Apple® Mac OS X®

    File Info

    File Name

    • DSCA700v04.zip

    File Version

    • 4

    File Size

    • 4719538 bytes

    Release Date

    • 16-09-2008

    Before You Start

    This update only applies for DSLR-A700 cameras that currently have a firmware version earlier lower than version 4. If your camera firmware version is already Version 4, then this update is not necessary.

    Checking the version of your camera firmware:

    1. Slide the POWER switch to the ON position.
    2. Press the MENU button and the (display) button simultaneously.
    3. A window will show the firmware version on the LCD monitor.
      - If a version lower than 4 is listed: Please proceed with the steps below to download and perform the firmware update.
      - If version 4 or higher is listed: This firmware update is not necessary.
    4. Press the Center button of the Multi-selector to close the version number display.

    Important Notes

    • IMPORTANT: This utility is for Apple® Macintosh® operating systems only. If you are using a computer with a Microsoft® Windows® operating system please go to the DSLR-A700 Camera Firmware Update for Windows page.
    • WARNING!: This utility is only for use with the Sony® DSLR-A700 camera. Do not install this utility with any other model.
    • WARNING!: This Digital Camera firmware update and any changes incurred by it are permanent. It is not possible to return to a previous firmware version after updating this firmware. By continuing this update process and downloading and updating this firmware, you acknowledge that you are aware and understand that this update cannot be reversed.
    • This update process requires the following items for proper updating:
      • A computer with:
        • Available Hard Disk Space: 5 MB or more
        • Installed Memory: 32 MB or more
        • A USB port or a card slot which is suitable for recording media.
        • Mac OS X (v10.1.3 - v10.5)
      • Camera power supply:
        • When performing the firmware update, use a fully charged rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H or the AC adapter AC-VQ900AM AC adapter/charger (sold separately).
          WARNING!: The camera may not operate properly if the power is interrupted during the update.
      • USB cable:

        Note: A USB cable is necessary if your computer does not have a card slot which is suitable for the recording media.

        • Use only the USB cable supplied with the camera.
          WARNING!: Update functionality is not guaranteed if you use any other USB cable.
      • Recording media (one of the following):
        • Memory Stick Duo™/Memory Stick PRO Duo™ with capacity of 16MB or more
        • CF (CompactFlash®) card with capacity of 16MB or more
        • Microdrive

        Note: The recording media should be formatted with the camera before using it to perform the update. Be sure to backup all pictures and data from the recording media before formatting it.

    • It is highly recommended to print out these instructions as a reference during the installation process.

    Download & Install

    Download and Extraction Instructions

    1. Download the DSCA700v04.zip file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded,
    3. Double-click the DSCA700v04.zip file to extract the DSCA700.APP file [File size: 4.50 MB] to the current directory.
      Note: The file extension (APP) may not be displayed depending on your computer configuration.

    Please continue with the section below.

    Prepare the Recording Media and Copy the Files

    1. Prepare the recording media (Memory Stick Duo/CF card/Microdrive) by formatting it with the camera.
      WARNING!: The recording media must be formatted in the camera. All data on the recording media, including even protected images, will be erased by formatting and cannot be restored.
    2. Copy the update file to the recording media (Memory Stick Duo/CF card/Microdrive) with one of the procedures below. These procedures vary based on your computer configuration.
      • If your computer has a card slot that is compatible with your recording media, or if you have a card reader that is compatible with your recording media:
        1. Insert the camera-formatted media into the card slot of your computer or card reader.
        2. Copy the update file (DSCA700.APP) to the root folder of the recording media.
      • If your computer does not have a card slot that is compatible with your recording media:
        1. Insert a formatted recording media in the camera.
        2. Insert a fully charged battery (NP-FM500H) in the camera, or connect the AC Adaptor to the camera.
        3. Slide the POWER switch to the On position.
        4. Press the MENU button and select "Setup Menu 2" with the Multi-selector.
        5. Please check that "USB connection" is set to "Mass Storage" in the Setup menu.
          If it is not, please follow these steps to set it to "Mass Storage".
          1. Select the Transfer mode with the Multi-selector.
          2. Press the Center button of the Multi-selector to display the options of USB Connection.
          3. Select the "Mass Storage" with the Multi-selector, then press the Center button of the Multi-selector.
        6. Press the MENU button to turn off the menu.
        7. Connect the camera to the computer with the USB cable.
        8. Copy the update file (DSCA700.APP) to the root directory of the recording media inserted in the camera.
        9. When copying is finished, disconnect the USB cable.

    Please continue with the section below.

    Update the Firmware

    WARNING!: When performing the firmware update, use a fully charged rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H or the AC adapter AC-VQ900AM AC adapter/charger (sold separately). Do not remove the battery or AC adapter during the firmware updating, otherwise the camera may be permanently damaged.

    1. Slide the POWER switch to the ON position and set the "Memory card" to the type you are using for the update (Memory Stick Duo/CF card/Microdrive) in Setup Menu 2 , then slide the POWER switch to the OFF position.
    2. If it is not already there, insert the formatted recording media (Memory Stick Duo/CF card/Microdrive) into the camera
    3. Press and hold the MENU button. While holding the MENU button, slide the POWER switch to the ON position. Continue to press the MENU button until the confirmation window (shown below) appears.
    4. The confirmation window appears.
    5. Use the Multi-selector to highlight "OK", then press the Center button of the Multi-selector. The Updating procedure will start.
    6. When the "Update is completed" message appears, the updating procedure is complete. Note: The camera automatically restarts after about 5 seconds.
    7. Power off the camera, then remove the recording media.

    Check the Firmware Version After Updating

    1. Slide the POWER switch to the ON position.
    2. Press the MENU button and the (display) button simultaneously.
    3. A window will show the firmware version.
    4. Confirm that the version number is now "Ver. 4".
    5. Press the Center button of the Multi-selector to close the version number display.
    6. After updating the camera, format the recording media or delete the update file (DSCA700.APP) from the recording media.
    Notes:
    • If the firmware version number is not 4, please download and install the firmware update again.
    • If you need assistance or if your camera will not power on, please call Sony Support for at 800-222-7669.