Sony SupportNEX-5

NEX-5 Camera Firmware 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:

    • NEX5
    • NEX5A
    • NEX5AB
    • NEX5AS
    • NEX5D
    • NEX5H
    • NEX5K
    • NEX5KB
    • NEX5KS

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    • This utility updates the NEX-5 Camera Firmware to version 05 and provides the following benefits:

      Improvements over version 04:

      Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 05:

      • Adds the function to use "Picture Effect" modes
      • Adds the function to use "Peaking Level" and to select the "Peaking Color" in manual focus mode
      • Adds "Soft key Settings" to the "Setup" menu to allow customization of the soft keys
      • Adds the "Menu start" function
      • Adds two more settings to the "MF Assist" function
      • Improves menu item selection using the Control Wheel
      • Changes the aperture setting function so the setting is maintained when using "Background Defocus Control" or "Aperture Priority" movie recording modes
      • Adds support for auto focus with Supported A-mount Lenses
        Note: Requires a firmware update for the LA-EA1 Mount Adapter (Mount Adapter sold separately).
      • Adds a function to enlarge the image when "Release w/o Lens" is set to "Enable"
      • Adds the 3D Sweep Panorama™ function (More information about supported 3D functions.)
      • Improves the Sweep Panorama™ function
      • Resolves an issue where the battery may be drained even if the camera is turned off
      • Reduces start-up time under low light conditions

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Mac OS X®

    File Info

    File Name

    • NEX-5V5_Update1112a.dmg

    File Version

    • 05

    File Size

    • 64257623 bytes

    Release Date

    • 14-12-2011

    Before You Start

    Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update

    This update only applies for NEX-5 cameras that currently have a firmware version 01, 02, 03, or 04. If your camera firmware version is already Version 05, this update is not necessary.

    Check the version of your camera firmware:

    1. Turn on the camera.
    2. Press the Menu button (upper soft key).
    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
      Note: If the current firmware version is05 or higher, the camera does not need this update.
    6. Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.

    Important Notes

    • WARNING!: This utility is only for use with the Sony® NEX-5 camera. Do not install thisutility with any other model.
    • WARNING!: This Digital Camera firmware update and any changes incurred by it are permanent. It is notpossible to return to a previous firmware version after updating this firmware. By continuing this update process anddownloading and updating this firmware, you acknowledge that you are aware and understand that this update cannot bereversed.
    • To use the auto focus function with firmware update for the LA-EA1 Mount Adapter (Mount Adapter sold separately).
    • This update process requires the following items for proper updating:
      • A computer with:
        • CPU: Intel® processor
        • Available Hard Disk Space: 200 MB or more
        • Installed Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more
        • A USB port.
        • Mac OS X® version 10.5, 10.6, or 10.7.
          Note: The 64-bit kernel is not supported. If your computer uses the 64-bit kernel bydefault, you can start up with the 32-bit kernel by holding down the 3 and 2 keys during startup.
      • Camera power supply:
        • When performing the firmware update, use a fully charged NP-FW50 rechargeable battery pack, or the AC-PW20 ACadapter/charger (sold separately).
          WARNING!: The camera may not operate properly if the power is interrupted during theupdate.
      • 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.
    • It is highly recommended that you print out these instructions for use as a reference during the installation process.

    The SAM and SSM lenses support auto focus when used with the NEX camera and the LA-EA1 Mount Adapter (sold separately).

    The SAM and SSM lenses support auto focus when used with the NEX camera and the LA-EA1 Mount Adapter (sold separately).
    Note: This feature also requires a firmware update for the LA-EA1 Mount Adapter.

    SAM Lenses

    • DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM (SAL1855)
    • DT 28-75mm F2.8 SAM (SAL2875)
    • DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM (SAL55200-2)
    • DT 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM (SAL30M28)
    • DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)
    • DT 50mm F1.8 SAM (SAL50F18)
    • 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28)

    SSM Lenses

    • Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL1635Z)
    • Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM (SAL2470Z)
    • Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (SAL24F20G)
    • 70-200mm F2.8 G (SAL70200G)
    • 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM (SAL70300G)
    • 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM (SAL70400G)
    • 300mm F2.8 G (SAL300F28G)

    Note: With an A-mount lens attached, the auto focus speed will be slower than when an E-mount lens is attached. It takes approximately 2 to 7 seconds (based on Sony’s measurement standard) and may vary depending on the subjects or brightness of the shooting environments.

    Prepare the Camera for the Firmware Update

    1. Turn on the camera.
    2. Press the Menu button (upper soft key).
    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 USB Connection and verify that Mass Storage is selected.
      Mass Storage USB Setting

    Download & Install

    Download and Update the Firmware

    1. Download the NEX-5V5_Update1112a.dmg file to a temporary or download directory (pleasenote this directory for reference).
    2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the NEX-5V5_Update1112a.dmg file.
      Note: Do not connect the camera to the computeryet.
    3. On the desktop, double-click the NEX-5V4_Update1104a icon.
    4. Double-click the Firmware Updater icon.
    5. At the Password prompt screen, enter the Name and Password for the administrative account, and then click OK.
    6. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
      Note: The LCD screen on thecamera will turn off when it is connected to the computer. If the LCD screen of camera does not turn off, disconnect andreconnect the USB cable to the camera. If the computer has additional USB ports, try connecting the USB cable to different USBport.
    7. At the Firmware Updater window, click Next.
      Connect the Camera Screen
      WARNING!: Do not turn off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
    8. When the updater recognizes the camera connection the following screen is displayed, and the camera screen displays themessage, Follow computer instructions.
      Camera Connected Screen
    9. At the Firmware Updater window, click Next.
    10. When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.
      Current Version Screen
      Note:If the current version is not Ver.5, click Next. Ifthe current version is Ver.5, your camera does not need this update. Stop the USB connection, clickFinish, then remove the battery or disconnect the AC adapter briefly, and then power on the cameraagain.
    11. When the following screen is displayed, Press the center button of the Control Wheel to resetthe camera.
      Note: Do not disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.
      Reset Camera Screen
    12. At the Firmware Updater window, click Next.
    13. When the following screen is displayed, click Run.
      Note: The updateprocess takes about four minutes to complete.
      Run the Update Screen
      WARNING!: Do not turn off the camera or disconnect the USBcable until the update process is complete.
    14. When the following screen is displayed, click Finish.
      Update Complete Screen
    15. Disconnect the USB cable, turn off the camera, then remove the battery pack or AC adapter.
    16. Reconnect the battery pack or AC adapter and power on the camera.

    Check the Firmware Version After Updating (optional)

    1. Turn on the camera.
    2. Press the Menu button (upper soft key).
    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
      Note: If the current firmware version is05, the firmware update was successful. If the firmware version number is not 05, please download and install the firmware update again.
    6. Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.