Sony SupportDSLR-A850

DSLR-A850 Firmware Update (version 2.00) (Mac)

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

    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:

    • DSLRA850

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    • This utility updates the camera firmware to version 2.00 and provides the following benefits:
      • Adds the ability to release the shutter even when no lens is mounted on the camera.
      • Expands the Exposure Compensation range to +/- 5 EV.
        Note: The range before the update is +/- 3 EV.
      • Adds a new Bracket Shooting setting to allow a deviation of 3.0 EV.
        Note: The maximum deviation setting before the update is 2.0 EV.
      • Improves the auto focus (AF) speed. This is especially noticeable when using a telescopic lens.
        Note: The improvement varies depending on the lens used and shooting conditions.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Mac OS X®

    File Info

    File Name

    • DSLRA850v20.zip

    File Version

    • 2.00

    File Size

    • 6896106 bytes

    Release Date

    • 02-12-2010

    Before You Start

    Determine Whether or Not this Firmware Update is Needed for Your Camera

    This update only applies for DSLR-A850 cameras that currently have firmware version 1.00. If your camera firmware version is already version 2.00 or higher, this update is not necessary.

    Check the version of your camera firmware:

    1. Slide the POWER switch to the On position.
    2. Press the MENU button, then the LCD monitor displays the menu.
    3. Press the DISP (display) button.

      Button Locations
    4. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD monitor.

      Firmware Version 1.00

      - If Version 1.00 is listed: Please proceed with the steps below to download and perform the firmware update.
      - If Version 2.00 or higher is listed: This firmware update is not necessary.
    5. Press the Center button of Multi-selector to close the version number display.

    Important Notes

    • IMPORTANT: This utility is for compatible Apple® Macintosh® computers only. If you are using a Microsoft® Windows® based computer please go to the DSLR-A850 Firmware Update for Windowss page.
    • WARNING!: This utility is only for use with the Sony® DSLR-A850 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.
        • Macintosh® OS X version 10.3 through 10.6.
      • Camera power supply:
        • When performing the firmware update, use the fully charged rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H or the AC-PW10AM AC Adaptor (AC adaptor sold separately).
          WARNING!: The camera may not operate properly if the power is interrupted during the update.
      • USB cable:
        • Use only the USB cable supplied with the camera. (Needed if your computer does not have a card slot compatible with the recording media.)
          IMPORTANT: 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™/Memory Stick PRO-HG™ media with capacity of 16 MB or more
        • CF (CompactFlash) card with capacity of 16 MB or more

        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 DSLRA850v20.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 "DSLRA850v20.zip" to extract the update file (DSCA850.APP - 6,895,968 bytes).

    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) 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.
      1. Slide the POWER switch to the ON position.
      2. Press the MENU button, and then on the Setup menu-2 tab, verify that the "Memory card" is set to the type of media you are using for the update (Memory Stick Duo / CF card).
      3. On the Playback menu-1 tab, use the Multi-selector to highlight "Format" and then press the Center button of the Multi-selector.
      4. When the confirmation window appears select "OK", and then press the Center button of the Multi-selector.
      5. After the format is completed, press the MENU button to close the menu.
      Format Screen
      Format Screen
    2. Copy the update files to the recording media 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:
        1. Insert the camera-formatted media into the card slot of your computer.
        2. Copy the update file (DSCA850.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 use the Multi-selector to select Setup menu-2.

          USB Connection Menu
        5. Make sure that "USB connection" is set to "Mass Storage".
        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 (DSCA850.APP) to the root folder 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 fully charged rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H or the AC-PW10AM AC Adaptor (AC adaptor sold separately). Do not remove the battery or AC adapter during the firmware updating, otherwise the camera may be permanently damaged.

    1. If it is not already there, insert the formatted recording media (Memory Stick Duo / CF card) into the camera
    2. Slide the POWER switch to the On position while simultaneously holding down the MENU button.

      Button Locations
    3. The confirmation window appears.


      Notes: If the confirmation window does not appear on the LCD:
      • Confirm that the recording media was formatted. If the media was not formatted before adding the update file, the firmware update may not start.
      • Make sure that the update file (DSCA850.APP) is in the root folder of the recording media.
    4. Use the Multi-selector to highlight "OK", then press the Center button of the Multi-selector. The Updating procedure will start.
    5. When the "Update is completed" message appears, the camera automatically restarts.
      Note: Please wait for the camera to restart.

    6. After the camera restarts, power off the camera and 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, then the LCD monitor displays the menu.
    3. Press the DISP (display) button.

      Button Locations
    4. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD monitor.

      Firmware Version 2.00
    5. Confirm the version number is now "Ver.2.00".
    6. Press the Center button of controller to close the version number display.
    7. After updating the camera, format the recording media or delete the update file (DSCA850.APP) from the recording media.
    Notes:
    • If the version number is not 2.00, 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.

    Questions & Answers

    Check the Memory Card Setting

    1. Slide the POWER switch to the ON position.
    2. Press the MENU button, and then on the Setup menu-2 tab, make sure that the "Memory card" is set to the type of media you are using for the update (Memory Stick Duo / CF card).
    3. Press the MENU button to turn off the menu, then slide the POWER switch to the OFF position.

    Format Screen