Sony firmware update on macOS

[noggin2k1]

I'm just having a vent here.

Sony's firmware updater for macOS is just a joke - the fact that a company of their size can't properly deploy a firmware updater for what is generally "the OS for creatives" is embarrassing.

So, before I open up the firmware updater, I now have to download an initial piece of software (I love the fact that Sony's UK website links me to their .jp website, with the app opening in Japanese). Nice one, Sony.

Even with that installed, and using the Sony cable, as soon as you power the camera on, it makes the Mac eject all other USB & Bluetooth devices - bringing you to a standstill with no keyboard or mouse.

Sort your act out Sony - I love the kit you manufacture, but your firmware updating tools are a disgrace.

 

[TLopez]

Never had an issue on my windows machine. Just saying.

 

[noggin2k1]

Never had an issue on my windows machine. Just saying.

Yep, works fine for me on the Windows laptop. But that's besides the point; all other camera manufacturer doesn't have any firmware issues with macOS, it's just poor on Sony's behalf.

 

[vett93]

...

Even with that installed, and using the Sony cable, as soon as you power the camera on, it makes the Mac eject all other USB & Bluetooth devices - bringing you to a standstill with no keyboard or mouse.

...

I don't have this issue with my Mac Pro. The correct procedure is that one should run the Driver Loader and then immediately run the Firmware Update. Between the Driver Loader and Firmware Update, don't unplug the cable, reboot the computer, or quit any software.

 

[Beaverhelmet]

"the OS for creatives"

That expression is pretty embarrassing in itself. Modern creatives use Windows, OSX, Linux, paper and pen or whatever that can perform what they need. The idea that you need a Mac to be able to work in the creative industry is very very dated.
With that said, I can agree that it's embarrassing that Sony can't deliver a stable updater for the OSX platform, they've had quite a few years to do that by now.

 

[texdpl]

If are talking about A73 firmware 1.01:

It is a little tricky. But, if you do it right, it is easy. If you are using the latest High Sierra you need two files download to do the update.

Downloader (DL110_1712a.dmg) and the updater (Update_ILCE7M3V101.dmg)

You must open the downloader and turn on the camera, then connect the camera to the computer. Then open the updater and proceed.

Connecting the camera and computer at the. proper time is critical.

If you can't do it, call sony support and they will walk you through the whole thing.


Don L.

 

[bobhp]

If are talking about A73 firmware 1.01:

It is a little tricky. But, if you do it right, it is easy. If you are using the latest High Sierra you need two files download to do the update.

Downloader (DL110_1712a.dmg) and the updater (Update_ILCE7M3V101.dmg)

You must open the downloader and turn on the camera, then connect the camera to the computer. Then open the updater and proceed.

Connecting the camera and computer at the. proper time is critical.

If you can't do it, call sony support and they will walk you through the whole thing.

Don L.

What he said, I failed to upload the update several times until I did this but I think the instructions could be clearer.

 

[Brian_Smith]

...

Even with that installed, and using the Sony cable, as soon as you power the camera on, it makes the Mac eject all other USB & Bluetooth devices - bringing you to a standstill with no keyboard or mouse.

...

I don't have this issue with my Mac Pro. The correct procedure is that one should run the Driver Loader and then immediately run the Firmware Update. Between the Driver Loader and Firmware Update, don't unplug the cable, reboot the computer, or quit any software.

One suggested correction to this.

Run 10.13 Driver Loader BEFORE connecting your camera.

Bulletproof.

The need to run 10.13 Driver Loader is Apple's fault not Sony's. OS 10.13 blocks using your Mac to do things like firmware updates.

Driver Loader is a work-around. Don't be surprised if OS 10.14 blocks Driver Loader. My advice is to never be in a rush to update your Mac OS until you know they are compatible with ALL your devices.

--
Brian Smith
Sony Artisan of Imagery
Brian Smith Pictures

 

[noggin2k1]

"the OS for creatives"

That expression is pretty embarrassing in itself. Modern creatives use Windows, OSX, Linux, paper and pen or whatever that can perform what they need. The idea that you need a Mac to be able to work in the creative industry is very very dated.

You've read that wrong; I'm not suggesting you need to use macOS to be a creative, but that macOS tends to have a large chunk of it's user base in the creative sector - more so than other OS'.

 

[noggin2k1]

If are talking about A73 firmware 1.01:

It is a little tricky. But, if you do it right, it is easy. If you are using the latest High Sierra you need two files download to do the update.

Downloader (DL110_1712a.dmg) and the updater (Update_ILCE7M3V101.dmg)

You must open the downloader and turn on the camera, then connect the camera to the computer. Then open the updater and proceed.

Connecting the camera and computer at the. proper time is critical.

If you can't do it, call sony support and they will walk you through the whole thing.

Don L.

What he said, I failed to upload the update several times until I did this but I think the instructions could be clearer.

Mine is for the A9; I follow it to a tee, but it still dies a death.

 

[noggin2k1]

The need to run 10.13 Driver Loader is Apple's fault not Sony's. OS 10.13 blocks using your Mac to do things like firmware updates.

This may be true, but other manufacturers don't have this issue - I struggle to see why Sony have such a big problem with it, but Canon & Nikon don't.

 

[Brian_Smith]

If are talking about A73 firmware 1.01:

It is a little tricky. But, if you do it right, it is easy. If you are using the latest High Sierra you need two files download to do the update.

Downloader (DL110_1712a.dmg) and the updater (Update_ILCE7M3V101.dmg)

You must open the downloader and turn on the camera, then connect the camera to the computer. Then open the updater and proceed.

Connecting the camera and computer at the. proper time is critical.

If you can't do it, call sony support and they will walk you through the whole thing.

Don L.

What he said, I failed to upload the update several times until I did this but I think the instructions could be clearer.

Mine is for the A9; I follow it to a tee, but it still dies a death.

Are you running 10.13 Driver Loader BEFORE connecting the camera. If not, it won't work.

 

[noggin2k1]

If are talking about A73 firmware 1.01:

It is a little tricky. But, if you do it right, it is easy. If you are using the latest High Sierra you need two files download to do the update.

Downloader (DL110_1712a.dmg) and the updater (Update_ILCE7M3V101.dmg)

You must open the downloader and turn on the camera, then connect the camera to the computer. Then open the updater and proceed.

Connecting the camera and computer at the. proper time is critical.

If you can't do it, call sony support and they will walk you through the whole thing.

Don L.

What he said, I failed to upload the update several times until I did this but I think the instructions could be clearer.

Mine is for the A9; I follow it to a tee, but it still dies a death.

Are you running 10.13 Driver Loader BEFORE connecting the camera. If not, it won't work.

100% before connecting the camera.

 

[BBQue]

If are talking about A73 firmware 1.01:

It is a little tricky. But, if you do it right, it is easy. If you are using the latest High Sierra you need two files download to do the update.

Downloader (DL110_1712a.dmg) and the updater (Update_ILCE7M3V101.dmg)

You must open the downloader and turn on the camera, then connect the camera to the computer. Then open the updater and proceed.

Connecting the camera and computer at the. proper time is critical.

If you can't do it, call sony support and they will walk you through the whole thing.

Don L.

What he said, I failed to upload the update several times until I did this but I think the instructions could be clearer.

Mine is for the A9; I follow it to a tee, but it still dies a death.

Are you running 10.13 Driver Loader BEFORE connecting the camera. If not, it won't work.

100% before connecting the camera.

Are you using Safari, or different browser? There used to be an issue with browsers other than Safari during the update procedure, not sure if that is still the case or not.

 

[texdpl]

If you call Sony support they will get the update done.

 

[khaw]

...

Even with that installed, and using the Sony cable, as soon as you power the camera on, it makes the Mac eject all other USB & Bluetooth devices - bringing you to a standstill with no keyboard or mouse.

...

I don't have this issue with my Mac Pro. The correct procedure is that one should run the Driver Loader and then immediately run the Firmware Update. Between the Driver Loader and Firmware Update, don't unplug the cable, reboot the computer, or quit any software.

One suggested correction to this.

Run 10.13 Driver Loader BEFORE connecting your camera.

Bulletproof.

The need to run 10.13 Driver Loader is Apple's fault not Sony's. OS 10.13 blocks using your Mac to do things like firmware updates.

Driver Loader is a work-around. Don't be surprised if OS 10.14 blocks Driver Loader. My advice is to never be in a rush to update your Mac OS until you know they are compatible with ALL your devices.

--
Brian Smith
Sony Artisan of Imagery
Brian Smith Pictures

Many thanks. Updated successfully my A9 to Version 3.01 under macOS 10.13.6 following the above instructions.

 

[Ben2e]

I'm trying to make this work too but so far, after responding to the prompt to connect the camera (even if I wait for that prompt to connect), the tool crashes without error. So far haven't found any issue in the system logs. I did see one error earlier on about a duplicate UDID. I'm on High Sierra.

 

[Resseh_2k]

If are talking about A73 firmware 1.01:

It is a little tricky. But, if you do it right, it is easy. If you are using the latest High Sierra you need two files download to do the update.

Downloader (DL110_1712a.dmg) and the updater (Update_ILCE7M3V101.dmg)

You must open the downloader and turn on the camera, then connect the camera to the computer. Then open the updater and proceed.

Connecting the camera and computer at the. proper time is critical.

If you can't do it, call sony support and they will walk you through the whole thing.

Don L.

thank you. previous to your instructions, the firmware update would lock my Mac up. this worked perfectly.

The firmware hasn't fixed the loudness of my 85mm GM focusing but one thing at a time ...