Sony SupportHDR-AZ1VR

System Software Update

    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:

    • 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:


    1. Power on the camera.
    2. 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.
    3. The version is available on your smartphone or tablet displayed in the PlayMemories Mobile app by selecting "Settings"and then "Camera Information".
      Android Settings
      iPhone Settings

    Important Notes

    1. Remove the memory card from the camera
    2. Ensure the camera battery is fully charged.

    Download & Install

    Download and Update the Firmware

    1. Download the Update_HDRAZ1V101.dmg 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_HDRAZ1V101.dmg.
      Note: Do not connect the camera to the computer yet.
    3. Double-click the "Firmware Updater" Firmware Updater Icon icon.
    4. At the Password prompt screen, enter the Name and Password for the administrative account, and then click "OK".
      Password Prompt Screen
      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.

      Firmware Updater Error
      While pressing the "Control" key, click the "Firmware Updater" Firmware Updater Icon icon and select "Open" in the menu.

      Firmware Updater Error Menu Open
      When the pop-up message appears again, click "Open".

      Firmware Updater Error
    5. Ensure the memory card is removed from the camera.
    6. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
    7. At the "Firmware Updater" window, click "Next".
      Connect the Camera Screen
      WARNING!: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
    8. At the "Firmware Updater" window, click "Next".
      Camera Connected Screen
    9. When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.
      Current Version Screen
      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.

    10. IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.
    11. On the camera, press the REC (Movie/Photo) button to reset the camera.
      Camera ENTER Button Screen
      After resetting, reconnection of the camera is verified, and the following Firmware Updater screen appears.
    12. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
      Click Next Screen
    13. When the following screen is displayed, click "Run".
      Note: The update process takes about 12 minutes to complete.
      Run the Update Screen
      WARNING!: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
    14. 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.
    15. When the LCD screen appears, click "Finish".
      Update Complete Screen
    16. You may now disconnect the USB cable.
    1. Power on the camera.
    2. 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.
    3. The version is available on your smartphone or tablet displayed in the PlayMemories Mobile app by selecting "Settings"and then "Camera Information".
    4. If your camera system software version is 1.01, the update was successful.