Sony Support

System Software Update (Mac)

    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:

    • FDR-AX53

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This utility updates the system software to version 1.02 and provides the following benefits:

    Improvements over version 1.01:

    • Improves the stability of your image when using a tripod in pan or tilt operation

    Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 1.02:

    • Improves the auto focus performance of your camcorder when using the zoom function in XAVC S HD or AVCHD™ format

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Mac OS® X

    File Info

    File Name

    • Update_FDR-AX53V102.dmg

    File Version

    • 1.02

    File Size

    • 242.05 MB

    Release Date

    • 09-05-2016

    Before You Start


    Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update

    This update is only for FDR-AX53 cameras that currently have firmware version 1.01 or lower. If your camera firmware version is already 1.02 or higher, this update is not necessary.

    Check the version of your camera firmware:

    1. Power on the camera.
    2. On the camera, select Menu, General Settings, and then Version.
    3. If the version number is 1.02 or higher, the camera does not need this update.
      Main Settings Version Number

    Important Notes

    • This utility is only for use with the Sony® FDR-AX53 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.
    • 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: 300 MB or more
        • Installed Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more
        • A USB port.
        • Mac OS® X version 10.9 - 10.13
          IMPORTANT: For computers running Mac OS X version 10.13, the DriverLoader_1013 software must be installed before installing the camera software update for each camera that's being updated.
      • 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-FV70 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


    Table of Contents

    Download and Update the Firmware

    1. Download the Update_FDR-AX53V102.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_FDR-AX53V102.dmg file.
      Note: Do not connect the camera yet.
    3. On the desktop, double-click the SystemSoftwareUpdater icon.
      System Software Updater icon
    4. At the Password prompt screen, enter the Username and Password for the administrative account, and then click OK.
      System Software Updater Password
      .
    5. The System Software Updater starts.
      System Software Updater Screen
    6. Make sure that Mass Storage is selected in the USB Connection setting of the camera:
      1. Power on the camera.
      2. On the camera, select Menu, Setup, Connection, and then USB Connect Setting.
      3. Ensure Mass Storage is selected.
        USB Connect Screen
    7. Ensure the memory card is removed from the camera.
    8. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
      Once connected, USB Mode is displayed on the camera screen.
    9. After confirming the connection, at the Firmware Updater screen, click Next.
      System Software Updater Screen
    10. At the next System Software Updater screen, check the version number at the lower left.
      Current Version Screen
      Note: If the current version is 1.02 or higher, your camera does not need this update. Stop the USB connection, disconnect the USB cable, and then click Finish. Then power off the camera, briefly remove the battery pack or the AC adaptor, and then power on the camera again.
    11. If the current version is 1.01 or lower, click Next to continue with the update.
    12. The camera automatically resets and the following screen appears.
      Please wait... Screen
    13. After automatically resetting, the System Software Updater screen appears with a progress bar while updating the system software (approximately 20 minutes).
      Updating Screen
      WARNING!!: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
    14. When the update is complete, the camera will automatically restart. Make sure the camera is powered on and wait until the LCD screen appears again. When the LCD screen appears, click Finish.
      Update Complete Screen
    15. When the update has finished, disconnect the USB cable.

    Check the Firmware Version After Updating (optional)

    Please follow the steps below to confirm that the firmware was successfully updated:

    1. On the camera, select Menu, General Settings, and then Version.
    2. If the version number is 1.02, the camera firmware was successfully updated.
      Main Settings Version Number