Sony Support

NEX-5R Camera Firmware Update

    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:

    • NEX-5R

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This utility updates the NEX-5R camera firmware to version 1.03 and provides the following benefits:

    Improvements over version 1.02:

    • Provides support for the following Fast Hybrid AF compliant and future compatible E mount lenses:
      • SELP18105G, SEL35F28Z, SEL55F18Z, SEL2470Z, SEL2870, SEL70200G

        Note: For the following lenses, the Fast Hybrid AF is effective only in the central area of the frame.
        SEL35F28Z, SEL55F18Z, SEL2470Z, SEL2870, SEL70200G

      Benefits provided by previous updates and included in version 1.03:

      • Provides support for the SEL20F28 and SEL1670Z Fast Hybrid AF compliant lenses
      • Adds the AF drive system for movies

        Note: The AF drive system for movies is added in order to enhance the scalability of future E-mount systems.
      • Provides support for the following Fast Hybrid AF compliant lenses:
        • SEL1018, SEL35F18, SELP18200, SEL30M35, SEL50F18, SEL18200LE

          Note: When using the SEL30M35, SEL50F18, and SEL18200LE lenses, please update the lens firmware to the latest available version.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows Vista®
    • Windows Vista® 64-bit
    • Windows® 10
    • Windows® 10 64-bit
    • Windows® 7
    • Windows® 7 64-bit
    • Windows® 8
    • Windows® 8 64-bit
    • Windows® 8.1
    • Windows® 8.1 64-bit
    • Windows® RT
    • Windows® XP

    File Info

    File Name

    • Update_NEX5RV103.exe for LA

    File Version

    • 1.03

    File Size

    • 179.51 MB

    Release Date

    • 03-18-2014

    Before You Start


    Determine if Your Camera Needs the Update

    This update only applies for NEX-5R cameras that currently have a firmware version 1.02 or earlier. If your camera firmware version is already version 1.03, this update is not necessary.


    Check the version of your camera firmware:


    1. Power on the camera.
    2. Press the Menu button.
    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
      If the current firmware version is 1.03 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-5R 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.
    • This update process requires the following items for proper updating:
      • A computer with:
        • Available Hard Disk Space: 200 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)
          • Windows Vista® (with Service Pack 2)
            Note: Starter Edition of Windows Vista is not supported.
          • Windows XP (with Service Pack 3)
            Note: 64-bit and Starter Editions of Windows XP are not supported.
      • Camera power supply:
        • When performing the firmware update, use a fully charged NP-FW50 rechargeable battery pack, or the AC-PW20 AC adapter/charger (sold separately).
          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
    1. Remove the memory card from the camera
    2. Power on the camera.
    3. Press the Menu button.
    4. At the "Menu" screen, use the Control Wheel to select "Setup", and then press the center button of the Control Wheel.
    5. 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


    Table of Contents

    Download and Update the Firmware

    1. Download the Update_NEX5RV103.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
      Note: For Windows 8 and 8.1, the default settings for Internet Explorer® will save the file in the "Downloads" folder. To locate the Downloads folder, click the "Desktop" tile from the Start screen and then locate the downloaded file using Windows Explorer.
    2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the Update_NEX5RV103.exe file to begin the Firmware Updater.
    3. 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. If the LCD screen of camera does not turn off, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable to the camera. If the computer has additional USB ports, try connecting the USB cable to different USB port.
    4. Verify that the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon is displayed in the task tray at the lower right-hand corner of the computer screen.
    5. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
      Connect the Camera Screen
      WARNING!!: Do not power off the camera or disconnect the USB cable until the update process is complete.
    6. 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
    7. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
    8. When the following screen is displayed, check the version number at the lower left.
      Current Version Screen
      If the current version is "Ver.1.02 or earlier", click "Next".
      Note: If the current version is "Ver.1.03", 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.
    9. When the following screen is displayed, click the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon in the task tray to stop the USB connection.
      Note: Do not disconnect the USB cable from the camera or the computer.
      Reset Camera Screen
    10. On the camera, press the center button of the Control Wheel to reset the camera.
      Reset Camera Screen
    11. At the "Firmware Updater" screen, click "Next".
    12. When the following screen is displayed, click "Run".
      Note: The update process takes about fifteen 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.
    13. When the following screen is displayed, click "Finish".
      Update Complete Screen
      Important: After clicking Finish, make sure to wait for the camera screen to turn back on before you continue, this may take a few minutes.
    14. Click the remove hardware icon Remove Hardware Icon or Remove Hardware Icon in the task tray to stop the USB connection, and then disconnect the USB cable.
    15. 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.
    Check the Firmware Version After Updating (optional)
    1. Power on the camera.
    2. Press the Menu button.
    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
      If the current firmware version is 1.03, the firmware update was successful.
      Note: If the firmware version number is not 1.03, please download and install the firmware update again.
    6. Press the center button of the Control Wheel to close the version number display.