Sony Support

DSC-HX5V Firmware Update (Windows)

    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:

    • DSC-HX5V

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This utility updates the firmware to version 2 and resolves an issue where, under certain circumstances, the clock settings of the DSC-HX5V may be reset when GPS date information is received.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows Vista®
    • Windows Vista® 64-bit
    • Windows® 7
    • Windows® 7 64-bit
    • Windows® 8
    • Windows® 8 64-bit
    • Windows® XP
    • Windows® XP MCE

    File Info

    File Name

    • DSCHX5V2.exe

    File Version

    • 2

    File Size

    • 27.46 MB

    Release Date

    • 08-30-2010

    Before You Start

    Determine Whether or Not Your Camera Needs This Firmware Update

    This update is intended only for Sony® DSC-HX5V cameras with firmware version 1, and serial numbers in the following ranges:

    • 1350001 through 1351950
    • 7350001 through 7354210

    The serial number is listed on the label on the bottom of the camera.


    Please follow the steps below to determine the currently installed firmware version:

    1. Push and hold the Zoom Lever to the "T" side. While continuing to hold the Zoom Lever, push the Playback button.
    2. Push the MENU button.
    3. DSC-HX5V Controls
    4. On the camera menu, select "Setup".
    5. At the Main Settings menu check the Version number listed.
      Main Settings Version Number
      If the version number is 02 or higher, your camera does not need this update.

    System Requirements

    This update requires a computer with:

    • One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems:
      • Windows 8
      • Windows 7
      • Windows Vista® (with Service Pack 2)
        Note: The Starter Edition of Windows Vista is not supported.
      • Windows XP (with Service Pack 3)
        Note: 64-bit version, and the Starter Edition, of Windows XP are not supported.
    • Hard disk space: 200 MB or more
    • Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more

    You will also need:

    • One of the following power sources for the camera:
      • Fully charged battery pack (NP-BG1 or NP-FG1)
        Note: The update can only be performed when the remaining battery level is Battery Indicater (3 marks) or higher. It is strongly recommended that you use a fully charged battery pack or the optional AC adaptor.
      • AC adaptor AC-LS5A (sold separately) and cable VMC-MD2 (sold separately)
    • USB cable that was supplied with the camera

    Important Notes

    • WARNING! This utility is only for use with the Sony DSC-HX5V 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 the firmware. By continuing this update process and downloading and updating the firmware, you acknowledge that you are aware of this, and understand that this update cannot be reversed.
    • Performing this update requires a fully charged battery pack (NP-BG1 or NP-FG1), or AC adaptor AC-LS5A (sold separately).
    • WARNING! Do not remove the battery or disconnect the AC adaptor during the update. Doing so may cause the camera to become inoperable and require service.
    • Do not connect the camera to the computer until instructed to do so.
    • During the installation of this file, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights.
    • 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.

    Download & Install

    Download and Installation Instructions

    1. 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.
    2. Click the "Download Now" link at the top or bottom of this page.
    3. Download the DSCHX5V2.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    4. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the DSCHX5V2.exe file to begin the installation.
    5. Power on the camera
    6. Make sure the USB connection is set to "Mass Storage".
      1. Push the "MENU" button.
      2. At the menu, select Settings Icon (Settings), then select Main Settings Icon (Main Settings), and then select "USB Connect".
      3. Select "Mass Storage", and then press the center of the control button.
    7. When the "Firmware Updater" screen is displayed on the computer, connect the camera to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
      Note: When the camera is connected to the computer the LCD screen on the camera turns off.
    8. Confirm that the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon is displayed in the task tray at the lower right hand corner of the computer screen.
    9. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
    10. The connection confirmation screen is displayed on the computer and the LCD screen on the camera displays, "Follow the instructions on the PC".
      Connection Screen
      WARNING! Do not power off the camera or the computer, or disconnect, the camera from the computer until the firmware update is complete.
    11. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
    12. The "Update Information" is displayed at the lower left corner of the "Firmware Updater" screen.
      Version Check Screen
      Confirm that the "Current version:" is "Ver.1", and that the "Version after the update:" is "Ver.2".
      Note: If the "Current version:" is "Ver.2", the update is not required. Follow these steps to discontinue the update process.
      1. In the task tray at the lower right hand corner of the computer screen, click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon and stop the USB connection.
      2. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Finish".
      3. Disconnect the camera from the computer.
      4. Power off the camera and remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC adaptor.
      5. Replace the battery pack or reconnect the AC adaptor, and power the camera on.
    13. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
    14. Reset the camera:
      1. In the task tray at the lower right hand corner of the computer screen, click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon and stop the USB connection.
        IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the camera from the computer.
      2. The LCD screen on the camera displays the message, "Initialize this camera to update the firmware." Press the center of the control button on the camera to select "OK".
        Note: The camera screen turns off when the button is pushed.
    15. After the camera resets, the updater verifies the connection and the following screen is displayed:
      Run the Update Screen
      Click "Run" to continue the update process.
      Note: The progress bar appears while the update is in progress.

      WARNING! Do not power off the camera or the computer, or disconnect, the camera from the computer until the firmware update is complete.
    16. When the message, "The update process has been completed." is displayed, click "Finish".
    17. Power off the camera and remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC adaptor.
    18. Replace the battery pack or reconnect the AC adaptor, and power the camera on.

    Confirm Successful Update (optional)

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

    1. Push and hold the Zoom Lever to the "T" side. While continuing to hold the Zoom Lever, push the Playback button.
    2. Push the MENU button.
    3. DSC-HX5V Controls
    4. On the camera menu, select "Setup".
    5. At the Main Settings menu check the Version number listed.
      Main Settings Version Number
      If the version number is 02, the camera firmware was successfully updated..