Sony Support

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:

    • HDR-AZ1
    • HDR-AZ1VR

    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

    • Windows Vista®
    • Windows Vista® 64-bit
    • Windows® 10
    • Windows® 10 64-bit
    • Windows® 7
    • Windows® 7 64-bit
    • Windows® 8
    • Windows® 8 64-bit
    • Windows® 8.1
    • Windows® 8.1 64-bit

    File Info

    File Name

    • Update_HDRAZ1V101.exe

    File Version

    • 1.01

    File Size

    • 196 MB

    Release Date

    • 12-16-2014

    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

    • 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:
        • Available Hard Disk Space: 200 MB or more
        • Installed Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more
        • A USB port.
        • One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems installed:
          • Windows 10
          • Windows 8/8.1
          • Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1)
          • Windows Vista® (with Service Pack 2)
            Note: Starter Edition of Windows Vista is not supported.

          IMPORTANT: This utility is for Windows computers only. If you have a Mac OS computer please download the Mac OS version.
      • Camera power supply:
        • This update can only be performed when the remaining battery level has three bars Battery Indicater or more. When performing the firmware update, it's recommended to use a fully charged NP-BY1 rechargeable battery pack.
          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.
          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.

    Prepare the Camera for the Firmware Update

    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.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
      Note: For Windows 8/8.1 and 10, the default settings for Internet Explorer® will save the file in the Downloads folder. For Windows 10, use File Explorer to locate the Downloads folder, for Windows 8/8.1, click the "Desktop" tile from the Start screen and then locate the Downloads folder using Windows Explorer.
    2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_HDRAZ1V101.exe file to begin the Firmware Updater.
    3. Ensure the memory card is removed from the camera.
    4. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
      Note: If the message "Could not find the camera for this update." appears on the computer display, try disconnecting and reconnection the USB cable or try another USB port on the computer.
    5. 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.
    6. At this time, verify that the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon is displayed in the task tray at the lower right-hand corner of the computer screen.
    7. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
      Camera Connected Screen
    8. 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 by clicking the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon in the task tray in the lower right corner of the computer screen and then click the "Finish" button on the "Firmware Updater" screen. Then power off the camera, briefly remove the battery pack, and then power on the camera again.

    9. IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.
    10. To continue the update, stop the USB connection by clicking the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon in the task tray in the lower right corner of the computer screen.
      Note: Please keep the USB cable connected even after stopping the USB connection on the computer.
    11. On the camera, press the REC (Movie/Photo) button to reset the camera.
      Camera ENTER Button Screen
      Note: The display panel turns off when the REC (Movie/Photo) button is pressed. Please proceed to the next step.
    12. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".

    13. Click Next Screen
    14. 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.
    15. 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.
    16. When the LCD screen appears, click "Finish".
      Update Complete Screen
    17. You may now disconnect the USB cable.

    Check the Firmware Version After Updating (optional)

    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.