Sony released a firmware update today for the the A6500, ILCE-6500:
https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=ILCE6500&upd_id=11076&os_group_id=28
https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=ILCE6500&upd_id=11076&os_group_id=28
What Does This Do?
This utility updates the camera system software to version 1.01, and provides the following benefits:
Improvements over version 1.01:
Improves operability of the left side of the PMCA (PlayMemories Camera Apps) keyboard during touch panel operation
Improves overall stability of the camera
Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 1.02:
Improves a condition where the camera will not power-on after making certain setting changes
Applicable Products and Operating Systems (see full list...)
Model:ILCE-6500Operating System:
Windows® 10
IMPORTANT: This file is only for use with the models identified. Not all models are sold in all countries.
Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update
This update only applies to ILCE-6500 cameras that currently have a firmware version 1.01 or lower. If your camera firmware version is already version 1.02, this update is not necessary.
Check the version of your camera firmware:
Power on the camera.
Press the Menu button.
At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, and then select Version.
Menu Version Screen
The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.
Firmware Version Screen
If the current firmware version is 1.02 or higher, the camera does not need this update.
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 ILCE-6500 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 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.
One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems installed:
Windows 10
Windows 8, 8.1
Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1)
Camera power supply:
This update can only be performed when the remaining battery level has three bars Battery Indicater or more. When performing the System Software update, it's recommended that you use a fully charged NP-FW50 rechargeable battery pack, or the AC-PW20 AC adapter/charger (sold separately).
Detach the vertical grip (sold separately) before updating system software.
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
Remove the memory card from the camera
Ensure the camera has a fully charged battery pack or connected to the AC adapter/charger.
Download and Update the Firmware
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.
Download the Update_ILCE6500V102.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
Note: For Windows 8/8.1 and 10, the default settings for Internet Explorer® will save the file in the Downloads folder. For Windows 10, use File Explorer to locate the Downloads folder, for Windows 8/8.1, click the Desktop tile from the Start screen and then locate the downloaded file using Windows Explorer.
Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_ILCE6500V102.exe file to begin the updater.
The System Software Updater starts.
Connect the Camera Screen
Press the Menu button on the camera.
At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, USB Connection, and then ensure that Mass Storage is selected.
Mass Storage USB Setting
Connect the camera to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
Note: On the camera screen, USB Mode is displayed.
If the computer displays the message, Could not find the camera for this update:
Disconnect the USB cable and connect it again.
If the computer has multiple USB ports, connect to a different port.
If a message appears on the computer recommending a restart:
Disconnect the camera from the computer.
Remove the battery and/or AC adapter from the camera, and then reconnect them.
Restart the computer and then retry the update from starting the Software Updater (step 2 above).
When the updater recognizes the camera connection, the following screen is displayed.
Camera Connected Screen
Confirm that Current version is Ver.1.01 or lower, and that the Version after the update is Ver.1.02, then click Next.
Note: If the Current version is 1.02, this update is not needed. Stop the USB connection, and click Finish.
The following screen appears and the camera automatically resets.
Camera Reset Screen
After the camera resets, the following screen appears and the update starts.
Note: The progress bar is displayed during the update which takes about 15 minutes.
Run the Update Screen
WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable during the update.
When the update is complete, the camera will automatically restart and the following screen is displayed.
Update Complete Screen
Wait until the camera finishes restarting, click Finish, and then disconnect the USB cable.
Note: After restarting, the message Recovering data Please wait... may rarely display. This is normal, please wait until this message goes away.
Recovering data Please wait... message
Check the Firmware Version After Updating (optional)
Power on the camera.
Press the Menu button.
At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, and then select Version.
Menu Version Screen
The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.
Firmware Version Screen
If the current firmware version is 1.02, the firmware update was successful.
Note: If the firmware version number is not 1.02, please download and install the firmware update again.
Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.
This utility updates the camera system software to version 1.01, and provides the following benefits:
Improvements over version 1.01:
Improves operability of the left side of the PMCA (PlayMemories Camera Apps) keyboard during touch panel operation
Improves overall stability of the camera
Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 1.02:
Improves a condition where the camera will not power-on after making certain setting changes
Applicable Products and Operating Systems (see full list...)
Model:ILCE-6500Operating System:
Windows® 10
IMPORTANT: This file is only for use with the models identified. Not all models are sold in all countries.
Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update
This update only applies to ILCE-6500 cameras that currently have a firmware version 1.01 or lower. If your camera firmware version is already version 1.02, this update is not necessary.
Check the version of your camera firmware:
Power on the camera.
Press the Menu button.
At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, and then select Version.
Menu Version Screen
The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.
Firmware Version Screen
If the current firmware version is 1.02 or higher, the camera does not need this update.
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 ILCE-6500 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 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.
One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems installed:
Windows 10
Windows 8, 8.1
Windows 7 (with Service Pack 1)
Camera power supply:
This update can only be performed when the remaining battery level has three bars Battery Indicater or more. When performing the System Software update, it's recommended that you use a fully charged NP-FW50 rechargeable battery pack, or the AC-PW20 AC adapter/charger (sold separately).
Detach the vertical grip (sold separately) before updating system software.
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
Remove the memory card from the camera
Ensure the camera has a fully charged battery pack or connected to the AC adapter/charger.
Download and Update the Firmware
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.
Download the Update_ILCE6500V102.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
Note: For Windows 8/8.1 and 10, the default settings for Internet Explorer® will save the file in the Downloads folder. For Windows 10, use File Explorer to locate the Downloads folder, for Windows 8/8.1, click the Desktop tile from the Start screen and then locate the downloaded file using Windows Explorer.
Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_ILCE6500V102.exe file to begin the updater.
The System Software Updater starts.
Connect the Camera Screen
Press the Menu button on the camera.
At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, USB Connection, and then ensure that Mass Storage is selected.
Mass Storage USB Setting
Connect the camera to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
Note: On the camera screen, USB Mode is displayed.
If the computer displays the message, Could not find the camera for this update:
Disconnect the USB cable and connect it again.
If the computer has multiple USB ports, connect to a different port.
If a message appears on the computer recommending a restart:
Disconnect the camera from the computer.
Remove the battery and/or AC adapter from the camera, and then reconnect them.
Restart the computer and then retry the update from starting the Software Updater (step 2 above).
When the updater recognizes the camera connection, the following screen is displayed.
Camera Connected Screen
Confirm that Current version is Ver.1.01 or lower, and that the Version after the update is Ver.1.02, then click Next.
Note: If the Current version is 1.02, this update is not needed. Stop the USB connection, and click Finish.
The following screen appears and the camera automatically resets.
Camera Reset Screen
After the camera resets, the following screen appears and the update starts.
Note: The progress bar is displayed during the update which takes about 15 minutes.
Run the Update Screen
WARNING: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable during the update.
When the update is complete, the camera will automatically restart and the following screen is displayed.
Update Complete Screen
Wait until the camera finishes restarting, click Finish, and then disconnect the USB cable.
Note: After restarting, the message Recovering data Please wait... may rarely display. This is normal, please wait until this message goes away.
Recovering data Please wait... message
Check the Firmware Version After Updating (optional)
Power on the camera.
Press the Menu button.
At the Menu screen, use the Control Wheel to select Setup, and then select Version.
Menu Version Screen
The firmware version is displayed on the LCD screen.
Firmware Version Screen
If the current firmware version is 1.02, the firmware update was successful.
Note: If the firmware version number is not 1.02, please download and install the firmware update again.
Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.