Sony Support

DSC-HX5V 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:

    • 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

    • Mac OS X®

    File Info

    File Name

    • Update_DSCHX5V2.dmg

    File Version

    • 2

    File Size

    • 27.03 MB

    Release Date

    • 07-20-2011

    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:

    • CPU: Intel® processor
    • Available Hard Disk Space: 200 MB or more
    • Installed Memory (RAM): 256 MB or more
    • A USB port.
    • Macintosh® OS X version 10.5, 10.6, or 10.7.
      Note: Versions 10.6 and 10.7 are not supported in 64-bit kernel mode. If your computer uses the 64-bit kernel by default, you can start up with the 32-bit kernel by holding down the 3 and 2 keys during startup.
    • 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. Download the Update_DSCHX5V2.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_DSCHX5V2.dmg file.
      Note: Do not connect the camera to the computer yet.
    3. On the desktop, double-click the Update_DSCHX5V2 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 the camera will turn off when it is connected to the computer.
    7. At the "Firmware Updater" window, click "Next".
      Connect the Camera Screen
    8. 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
      WARNING!: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
    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
      If the current version is "Ver.1", click "Next".
      Note: If the current version is "Ver.2", 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.
    11. When the following screen is displayed, Press the center button of the Control Wheel to reset the 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 update process takes about four 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.
    14. When the following screen is displayed, click "Finish".
      Update Complete Screen
    15. Disconnect the USB cable, power off the camera, then remove the battery pack or AC adapter.
    16. Reconnect the battery pack or AC adapter and power on the camera.

    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.