System Software Update
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:
- HDRAZ1
- HDRAZ1VR
- HDRAZ1VRW
- HDRAZ1W
About this download
Benefits and improvements
- This utility updates the system firmware to resolve the following:
- Depending on the region where the camera is used, GPS logs (in movie recording) and/or location information (in still image recording) may not have been recorded
- When using the Live-streaming function, images were distributed in an incorrect size with the display size set at 1280x720
System Requirements
Operating Systems
- Mac OS® X
File Info
File Name
- Update_HDRAZ1V101.dmg
File Version
- 1.01
File Size
- 203999674 bytes
Release Date
- 16-12-2014
Before You Start
Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update
This update is only for HDR-AZ1 cameras that currently have firmware version 1.00. If your camera firmware version is already Version 1.01, this update is not necessary.
Check the version of your camera firmware:
- Power on the camera.
- Start the PlayMemories Mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet and connect it to the camera. For information regarding the installation method of PlayMemories Mobile and the connection method to the camera, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the camera or view this Connecting the Camera to Your Smartphone document from the HDR-AZ1 Help Guide.
- The version is available on your smartphone or tablet displayed in the PlayMemories Mobile app by selecting "Settings"and then "Camera Information".
Important Notes
- This utility is only for use with the Sony® HDR-AZ1 cameras. Do not install this utility with any other model.
- WARNING!: This 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:
- CPU: Intel® processor
Note: Core™ Solo and Core Duo processors are not supported. - Available Hard Disk Space: 200 MB or more
- Installed Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more
- A USB port.
- Macintosh® OS X versions 10.7 to 10.11.
IMPORTANT: For OS X version 10.10 or 10.11, please ensure the Mac OS Driver Loader has been installed before continuing to update your firmware.
Note: This utility is for Mac OS computers only. If you have a Windows computer please download the Windows version.
- CPU: Intel® processor
- Camera power supply
WARNING!: This update can only be performed when the remaining battery level has three bars or more. When performing the firmware update, it's recommended to use a fully charged NP-BY1 rechargeable battery pack. 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.
IMPORTANT: Update functionality is not guaranteed with any other USB cable. - To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
- It is highly recommended that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.
- Remove the memory card from the camera
- Ensure the camera battery is fully charged.
Download & Install
Download and Update the Firmware
- Download the Update_HDRAZ1V101.dmg file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
- Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_HDRAZ1V101.dmg.
Note: Do not connect the camera to the computer yet. - Double-click the "Firmware Updater" icon.
- At the Password prompt screen, enter the Name and Password for the administrative account, and then click "OK".
Note: If the pop-up message "FirmwareUpdater can�t be opened because the identity of the developer cannot be confirmed" appears, click "OK" and perform the following procedure.
While pressing the "Control" key, click the "Firmware Updater" icon and select "Open" in the menu.
When the pop-up message appears again, click "Open".
- Ensure the memory card is removed from the camera.
- Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
- At the "Firmware Updater" window, click "Next".
WARNING!: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete. - At the "Firmware Updater" window, click "Next".
- When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.
If the current version is "1.00", click "Next".
Note: If the current version is "1.01", your camera does not need this update. Stop the USB connection and click "Finish". Then power off the camera, briefly remove the battery pack, and then power on the camera again.
IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.- On the camera, press the REC (Movie/Photo) button to reset the camera.
After resetting, reconnection of the camera is verified, and the following Firmware Updater screen appears. - At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
- When the following screen is displayed, click "Run".
Note: The update process takes about 12 minutes to complete.
WARNING!: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete. - When the update is completed, the camera will automatically restart. Make sure the camera is turned on and wait until the LCD screen appears again.
- When the LCD screen appears, click "Finish".
- You may now disconnect the USB cable.
- Power on the camera.
- Start the PlayMemories Mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet and connect it to the camera. For information regarding the installation method of PlayMemories Mobile and the connection method to the camera, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the camera or view this Connecting the Camera to Your Smartphone document from the HDR-AZ1 Help Guide.
- The version is available on your smartphone or tablet displayed in the PlayMemories Mobile app by selecting "Settings"and then "Camera Information".
- If your camera system software version is 1.01, the update was successful.