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:

  • ILCE-5100

About this download

Benefits and improvements

This utility updates the ILCE-5100 camera firmware to version 3.10 and provides the following benefits:

Improvements over version 1.10:

  • New lenses are supported.
    NOTE: Please refer to the latest compatibility information on the Web.
  • Phase-detection AF is supported
  • The lens name will be correctly recorded in the EXIF
  • The AF can be used in movie recording mode with the SEL85F14GM

Benefit provided by the previous update and included in version 3.10:

  • Improves the power-on time after downloading the Smart Remote Control application of the PlayMemories Camera Apps™

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_ILCE5100V310.exe

File Version

  • 3.10

File Size

  • 209 MB

Release Date

  • 03-13-2016

Before You Start

Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update

This update only applies for ILCE-5100 cameras.

If your camera firmware version is already version 3.10, this update is not necessary.

Check the version of your camera firmware:

  1. Power on the camera.
  2. Press the Menu button.
  3. At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.
  4. At the Setup screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to Version, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.
  5. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.
    Firmware Version Screen
  6. Note: If the current firmware version is 3.10 or higher, the camera does not need this update.

  7. Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.

  • WARNING: This utility is only for use with the Sony® ILCE-5100 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.
  • IMPORTANT: Do not allow the computer to enter Sleep (Standby) mode during the update process. To change your settings, please refer to your computer manual or consult the manufacturer.
  • 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.

    • Camera power supply:
      • When performing the firmware update, use a fully charged NP-FW50 rechargeable battery pack, or the AC-PW20 AC adapter/charger (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.
      • 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.

  1. Remove the memory card from the camera
  2. Power on the camera.
  3. Press the Menu button.
  4. At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.
  5. At the Setup screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to USB Connection and verify that Mass Storage is selected.
    Mass Storage USB Setting

Download & Install

Download and Update the Firmware

  1. IMPORTANT: Do not allow the computer to enter Sleep (Standby) mode during the update process. To change your settings, please refer to your computer manual or consult the manufacturer.

  2. Download the Update_ILCE5100V310.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
  3. 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.

  4. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_ILCE5100V310.exe file to begin the Firmware Updater.
  5. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
  6. Note: The LCD screen on the camera will turn off when it is connected to the computer. If the LCD screen of camera does not turn off, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to the camera. If the computer has additional USB ports, try connecting the USB cable to different USB port.

  7. 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.
  8. At the Firmware Updater screen, click Next.
    Connect the Camera Screen
  9. WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.

  10. When the updater recognizes the camera connection, the following screen is displayed, and the camera screen displays the message, "Follow computer instructions."
    Camera Connected Screen
  11. At the Firmware Updater screen, click Next.
  12. When the next screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.
    Current Version Screen
  13. If the current version is Ver. 2.00 or earlier, click Next.
  14. Note: If the current version is Ver.3.10, your camera does not need this update. Stop the USB connection, click Finish, then remove the battery or disconnect the AC adaptor briefly, and then power on the camera again.

  15. When the following screen is displayed, click the Remove Hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon in the task tray to stop the USB connection.
  16. If the Remove Hardware icon is not displayed on the task tray, please proceed to the next step.
  17. Note: Do not disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.
    Reset Camera Screen
  18. On the camera, press the center button of the Control Wheel to reset the camera.
    Reset Camera Screen
  19. At the Firmware Updater screen, click Next.
  20. When the following screen is displayed, click Run.
    Run the Update Screen
  21. WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.

    Note: The update process takes about fifteen minutes to complete.

  22. When the following screen is displayed, click Finish.
    Update Complete Screen
  23. Important: After clicking Finish, make sure to wait for the camera screen to turn back on before you continue, this may take a few minutes.

  24. Click the Remove Hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon in the task tray to stop the USB connection, and then disconnect the USB cable.
  25. Power off the camera, then remove the battery pack or AC adapter.
  26. Reconnect the battery pack or AC adapter and power on the camera.

  1. Power on the camera.
  2. Press the Menu button.
  3. At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.
  4. At the Setup screen, use the Control Wheel to scroll to Version, and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.
  5. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.
    Firmware Version Screen
  6. If the current firmware version is 3.10, the firmware update was successful.
  7. Note: If the firmware version number is not 3.10, please download and install the firmware update again.

  8. Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.