steveg48

This is not correct. You must use usb cable for Sony.

Ksocha Loc: Bethesda, MD

I have both those cameras and an OM1-D. When we went on a long trip to Chile and Easter Island I took only the Sony.
No regrets. (I've had it since it came out and never upgraded the firmware, so thank you for the heads up.)

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

John, I see a number of posts telling you to follow instructions - and I totally agree!
I would add to this: Before you do anything at all, make sure you understand the instructions for your camera.

I had never updated any camera firmware, till a while ago, the new firmware for my camera included some features I was really interested in.
I first got a sheet of paper and pen, and wrote down all the steps - yes, even simple things like to plug in the USB cord (mine cannot be upgraded via the SD card).
After I'd written down all the steps, I popped a freshly charged battery into the camera, made sure it was a day no thunderstorms were expected, husband had gone shopping, telephone ringer turned off...
Finally, as I completed each step, I used the pencil to strike it off my list.

Maybe I was over-cautious, but after reading dire warnings to not interrupt the upgrading lest I end up with a camera-shaped doorstop, I felt I couldn't be cautious enough.
Now I laugh about it, because it really was easy - to the point that the program I had install on my computer first, also told me what to do for each step.

Regardless of what method your camera uses: USB cable or SD-card, I'll repeat: Make sure you understand all the steps before upgrading the firmware!

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Well, I bit the bullet and followed the onscreen instructions and it worked. My α6000 had version 1 and it went to 3.01 in one fell step. A PlayMemories panel kept popping up and got into the way. The Sony site seened slow (we have 25 Mb fiber optic). I also had to restart from the download icon several times.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I have learned to like the Gx8 very much ( still in learning mode). I keep the 100-400 mm lens on it practically all the time for birds, flowers and some landscapes. It's the camera I use the most. I bought a pistol grip for it (thanks for the suggestion UHH) and find it easy to handhold with good results. I absolutely love the touch screen focus system in the Gx8. It is the fastest, easiest and most accurate focus of any camera that I have owned. I would not be able to carry and hold a long DSLR lens like many do on this forum so this is perfect for me. When needed I have an excellent tripod and head but glad I don't need it often. I found the Gx8 can be used at higher ISO (3200-6400) with good results as long as it's not necessary to lighten a lot at post (high ISO has a very fine grain). If you have not used the video give it a try. Great video!

However before I bought the Gx8 I had other cameras that I continue to use.

I continue to use the Sony a6000- it's a very easy and forgiving camera to use and it's my go to camera to use with my collection of vintage lenses for it's very excellent focus peaking and IQ.

And I use my Olympus M-5 primarily wth the very excellent 12-40 mm f 2.8 lens for general photography and landscapes and while biking and hiking. I also have a Panasonic 35-100 mm lens and a Tamron 18-150 mm lens that can be used on both M 4/3 cameras.

And last but not least I have a Pentax K-3 ll that I use for landscapes and macros. I love Pentax cameras and lenses- in my opinion they are top of the line and relatively affordable, easy to use, dependable, not quirky and produce an excellent image.

My cameras/lenses are small and easy to tote around. They are each in their own camera bags with lenses attached so I just grab a bag or two and run. Rarely do I change lenses anymore.

John1046

I have just successfully updated firmware on my Fujifilm XT1. It sounded difficult, but then a colleague suggested I look on Utube, and it was all set out beautifully, including the vital step which the manufacturer had not mentioned.

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

I just finished updating my Sony PXW-X70 camcrder with 2 updates:a firmware update and then a 4K update. Boy was that time consuming. The firmware is done by hooking the camera to the pc but the 4K requires 3 separate emails from Sony to verify the camera, that you own it and they will give you a unique I.D. to use with your Device I.D. to download the software to your PC to then copy it to your memory card to install in your camera. The bad thing is if you goofed up the device I.D. you won't know it until your all done and go into your menu system and check it. If it says not installed you have to wait 24 hours to try again and start all over. I'm sure glad there was a video that walked me through it. He kept repeating himself by saying don't mess up the device I.D. there are no do-overs. Glad I listened.

Linckinn Loc: Okatie, SC and Edgartown, MA

Thank you, Suntouched. Parallels and confirms my thinking closely.

I hadn't thought of the pistol grip. I think I'll get that when I get the 100 -400 towards the end of the year.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

The pistol grip works great!! When I first got it I attached it to the camera tripod mount but since figured out to attach it to the lens collar which of course balances the camera much better :) I rarely use my monopod anymore.

Maybe by the end of the year the lens will come down in price-
Regards

Toment Loc: FL, IL

I bricked my a6000
Tried upgrading on PC and Mac
Ruined the camera
Took it back to SAMs and they replaced the camera
Afraid to try now
Leery of Sony helpers
Works fine on 1.0...,.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I was just getting ready to update however after your experience I may think twice!

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Tninking twice is never a bad thing. In fact I probably thought about it a dozen or more times before I took the "big step".
Regardless of what camera:
1. Check your camera's manual to find anything it may have to tell you about firmware upgrades.
2. Check the camera manufacturer's website to find anything it may have to tell you about firmware upgrades.
3. Make sure you not only read the steps, but understand them.
4. It may make it easier to write out the steps and strike each one out when it's done.
5. Charge your camera battery to make sure there's enough "juice."
6. Get everything you need, ready and within reach: camera, USB cable, memory card, your list and pen/pencil, a second sheet op paper to make notes if necessary. If the upgrade is done directly from the computer, make sure the power can't suddenly go out, (computer battery back-up; check the weather report to avoid thunderstorms...)
7. Double check everything and read the instructions one last time.
8. Sit down, take a deep breath, let it out slowly, relax....
9. Go for it!

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

Another precaution is to read the manufacturer's release notes to find out whether any of the changes from the earlier firmware make any difference to you.

On the other hand, I'd say if the camera is under warranty then just take a chance. But when you ship the camera, use UPS or some other service that will provide a receipt. I sent my A6000 back and a clerk at the other end claimed that my shipping box was empty. What saved me was that I had a receipt from UPS that showed the weight of the package - roughly the weight of the camera and clearly more than an empty box.