About 15 minutes

Did anyone try yet on the PMW-EX1 to see whether the MxR adapter still works after the firmware update?
I saw several using the EX3 and MxM reported no issue on this matter, but what about the EX1 and the MxR adapters?

Thanks in advance.
Armando.

No trouble, but I did loose 2 mins of record time on both my SxS and KxS-Transcend cards.
I have a EX3 and does anyone else on this board, has this happen to them?

EX1 also 2 minutes per card lost.

Can anybody provide a link for the Ex3 firmware upgrade as the Sony site does not seem to respond using Google Chrome?

Thanks

Greg,
are you seeing this using the adapters (like MxR, MxM) or with the original SxS cards?

About the link I get this one from my browser:
http://supportdocs.sonybiz.net/sf/0/3/G/C/SS03GC_1.ZIP

Thanks,
Armando.

Armando

Thanks for your reply.

I use S X S and Sansa SDHC with the Kingston adaptor if I need extra recording time.

I have two EX1 which I have just upgraded the firmware.

A friend of mine has two Ex3s and that is why I asked for the link.

No trouble, but I did loose 2 mins of record time on both my SxS and KxS-Transcend cards.
I have a EX3 and does anyone else on this board, has this happen to them?

This certainly sounds like a firmware bug - why loose 2 mins, even with the original SxS?!!

Armando

Thanks for your reply.

I use S X S and Sansa SDHC with the Kingston adaptor if I need extra recording time.

I have two EX1 which I have just upgraded the firmware.

A friend of mine has two Ex3s and that is why I asked for the link.

Thanks for the info you have provided.
I have couple of MxR adapters and wanted to make sure they will still be supported after the firmware update.

This thread is a MESS to follow. People are reporting record time changes and S&Q changes without posting all the details.

How about listing ALL the following in you posts:
Camera upgraded: EX1, EX3, EX1r, 350
Features gained or lost with Adaptor (LIST Adaptor) and/or SxS card.
None card related features gained or lost.
Changes in Menu specifically.

I reported overcrank 60p in 720/25P recording mode with Kensington/Transcend 16gB class 6.
Unfortunately it was just with the first combination it worked with no limits. My other Transcend cards are not able to overcrank to 60p in more than about 20 - 30 seconds.
EX3 - 1.1

Have anybody tried if the the Transcend 32gB SSD disk works now - after upgrade???

Why are we updating out EX1 cameras with this firmware? The release notes don't seem to offer any real advantage over firmware 1.11 as far as I can tell. Only (apparently) 2 minutes less record time.

John

Hi all,

Yesterday, I installed the firmware update onto my EX3 - everything went fine until the end, also with rebooting the camera in the middle of the process.

However, when the process was finished, I clicked Exit and the application crashed. The EX3 did not exit the update mode, the red light was still on. After waiting for some minutes without any change (and after trying to re-start the update tool that said it doesn't recognize the camera) I decided to switch the camera off and on again. It has stayed off ever since - no life sign whatsoever, not recognized by the computer and that's it.

To make matters worse, was told on Sony PrimeSupport hotline that "problems stemming from self-installations of the firmware are not covered by Silver Support contracts". WTF???
First they decide to release a firmware update in order to save time and money, basically saying "let the customers do the dirty work", and then they deny support for a $9.000 camera???

Found a contract repair center for Sony in Vienna that shares my opinion, they have it now, will take a look at it and agreed to charge Sony for this mess. Will let you know how it goes.

But BE CAREFUL WITH THIS UPDATE!

Why are we updating out EX1 cameras with this firmware? The release notes don't seem to offer any real advantage over firmware 1.11 as far as I can tell. Only (apparently) 2 minutes less record time.

John

Very much my thoughts. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. See the post above.

Anyone tested if there is 2 min less record time or is it just adjusted time pre-readout ?

Why did I update? There are some reports in other threads and forums (fora?) that the new firmware allows the successful use of adapters and shdc cards that previously gave Media Restore errors.

Included in these reports are statements (not yet corroborated by Sony) that the firmware update modifies the way the camera handles data overflow. If true, that would explain why formerly "reluctant" sdhc cards and adapters are now more accommodating.

Anything that improves the reliability of sdhc adapters has to be a good thing, right?

Pete

upgraded EX1 from 1.11 to 1.20, no problem, formatted cards (SxS 16g) , still showing 55min in 1080HQ.

Just some speculation but I wouldn't doubt that the improved SDHC performance and shorter record times are related. It may be reserving some buffer space on the cards themselves. Of course this is affecting SxS cards too.

One would hope that the EX1/3 would have record cache added but I think one person already posted negative.

I really truly wish people would be more complete in their posts.

Anything that improves the reliability of sdhc adapters has to be a good thing, right?

Pete

True and early adaptors must be applauded for being brave. But I'd rather other people discover the "undocumented features" grenade that Sony have a habit of throwing our way. My camera works and I hope to keep it that way.

2 months down the line I might change my opinion. Of course if a load of people have "bricked" their camera then I might have been proved right in waiting.

Just some speculation but I wouldn't doubt that the improved SDHC performance and shorter record times are related. It may be reserving some buffer space on the cards themselves. Of course this is affecting SxS cards too.


My guess is it is possibly reserving some kind of space for buffering or CRC checks. But I'd rather know what is actually going on before taking a leap of faith.

If you are happy with your EX1/EX3 then don't need this new firmware update.

For Sony EX1:
1. You will need to read the "PMW-EX1_1.20_ReleaseNote.pdf" which stated:
"Major functions updated with V1.20
Usable media
- SxS-1 series memory card added
- Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX with MEAD-MS01 Media Adaptor
- SDHC card with MEAD-SD01 Media Adaptor"

2. Read "Installation_Instructions_EN.pdf" (for English).
and follow it step by step. But if you don't have much experiences with computer (just an end user only) then you should not do it yourself - ask someone else do it for you. It will take less than 20 minutes.

The special tools: Phillips size 0 screwdriver to open the cover for USB port (Instruction has picture of the location)

For winXP user, you will need to install the .NET Framework 3.5 prior to install update software.

Last - need to use power supply NOT the battery during the update

For some of us this update will save us some money: don't have to buy SxS Pro card. Now we can use other options with a peace of mind :-)

TuyLe

Seems to me this most valuable to those of us who have been too busy, cheap or paranoid to send our cameras off to Sony. I have four EX1's with very early firmware and so it's a no-brainer for me.
That said, I'm in the US and I'm disinclined to fib about my whereabouts when I register. Anyone who converses with Sony have an inkling as to the intentions of Sony US in regard to the distribution of this firmware?

Posts 40 and 55 in this thread have links that go directly to a Zip download. (I used the one in #40). You don't have to register. Click to allow the download, let your computer unzip the files, open the English language document, and follow the instructions.

This update was a lot less anxiety inducing than the first update to 1.11 last year. Be aware that the update is in two halves. The updater will ask you to turn the camera off and back on halfway through the update process.

Pete

Thanks, very helpful. I'd downloaded those zip files, opened them up and then become concerned that the exectuables were a vehicle for implementing the firmware upgrade rather than the upgrade itself.

This thread is a MESS to follow. People are reporting record time changes and S&Q changes without posting all the details.

How about listing ALL the following in you posts:
Camera upgraded: EX1, EX3, EX1r, 350
Features gained or lost with Adaptor (LIST Adaptor) and/or SxS card.
None card related features gained or lost.
Changes in Menu specifically.

Please see my post, it might answer some of your questions.......http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-xdcam-ex-cinealta/474251-xdcam-ex-firmware-updates-available-2.html#post1496195

Is "copy all clips" in the menu, as in copy all clips from slot to slot instead of one at a time ?
I believe this function is in the EX1-R, it'd be nice if the EX1 had it with this new firmware upgrade.
Maybe someone could check.

Paul.

Paul- All I see is the same "Copy Clip". I don't see a copy all.
Pete

EX1: with new firmware - can copy/delete ONE clip at a time

Be aware that the update is in two halves. The updater will ask you to turn the camera off and back on halfway through the update process. --Pete

This is very important for people to understand before doing the firmware update. When you do it, it will pause around the 50%, a message will come up clearly stating what you should do about powering the camera down for 10 seconds and then powering it back up and then continuing the firmware update process by clicking a button for the update to continue.

One thing that to be mindful of... towards the end of the second part of the update it appears to hang around 99%. The wait is painful. Patiently wait. It takes a couple of minutes for the update to "wrap up" once it hits the 99% mark. At least it did for me.

A message will come up at the end stating that the update is complete, once successfully done.

I looked through all the menus and did not see copy all clips with new firmware installed.

I a few things. I went to a Windows computer to do the update after having the installer fail to open with Mac OS X (others have posted ways to get it to load). Seemed stable enough once it was going. When it says to power down that means unplug the power cable, not switch off. Takes 15 minutes. There is a small note not to run any other applications while the update is taking place... I would heed that warning. My update went well and my Hoodman adapters seem to be more stable with the update.

With the Hoodman adapter and a 16 Gb Hoodman card I am able to record 720p 30 HQ overcranking 60/30 based on a quick test. I used to get restore errors which seemed to be reduced. Have to run through more shooting days to be sure, but I would recommend the update.

Jerky zoom issue: may be better, but I got the 2/3" (B4) adapter a while ago so pretty much gave up on the supplied lens. With fast zoom speed set to 3-5 in the menu I can press the handle zoom all the way down and it goes in all the way without hesitations that I remember. The real issue with the zom on the grip is that it "kicks in"instead of feathering in like a top quality rocker... that is no different after the update.

Hilariously I spent ages wondering where on the Sony site the pdf of the instructions and release note pdf's were. They're not in the zip file you extract for the Windows installer. They are (all languages) in fact in the zip file with the Mac installer. Or the English one here as well :)

After the update of my EX1 I switched the camera on. Nothing seemed to happen. After some retries I learned that I had to be patient. Switch on and wait for a minute or so after that time the camera comes to life.

As a nervous updater, I've read through these posts and copied what seemed like the best instructions (thank you, posters)... but I'd appreciate it if someone would clear up the one part that's not clear to me:

1. unzip file on computer (in my case, a Mac)
2. switch off both computer and camera
3. connect camera to laptop via USB
4. boot laptop, launch UpVersioner, then switch on EX1
5. run updater...
Be aware that the update is in two halves. It will pause around the 50%, a message will come up clearly stating what you should do about *powering the camera down for 10 seconds and then powering it back up and then continuing the firmware update process by clicking a button for the update to continue.
**(note from someone else: when it says to power down that means unplug the power cable, not switch off)

One thing that to be mindful of... towards the end of the second part of the update it appears to hang around 99%. The wait is painful. Patiently wait. It takes a couple of minutes for the update to "wrap up" once it hits the 99% mark. At least it did for me.
A message will come up at the end stating that the update is complete, once successfully done.

O.K., so my question has to do with the items I've put asterisks next to: when the message tells you to power down the camera for 10 seconds and then power it back up, should I do this the way the second poster advises, by unplugging the cable, and NOT by switching the camera off?

Also, am I missing anything else in the rest of this list of instructions?
Thanks,
Malcolm

The instructions that Damian attached specifically say use the power switch. If someone is countermanding Sony's instructions they should explain WHY. Certainly Sony's instructions can be flawed but one should be responsible enough to explain the alternative in a procedure that could brick the camera.

I'm trying to install the version up tool before i attemp the upgrade.
I keep geting this message

Please run the upgrade toll as a member of the Administrators group.
Push the [OK] button to exit the upgrade tool.

Can anyone advise me.
I'm using a pc with vista intalled.

Thanks.
Paul.

I had the same problem..... this is from my post...

"I went to the UK Sony site, downloaded the EX3 file to my Sony Vaio, using Windows Vista, but when I went to install, I had a error message come up...."Must run install as a member of the administrators group"....so I decided to print out the instructions and there is was...how to fix it. Its very important to follow in the instructions, as it helped me."

Just right click on the .zip file and pick "run as administrator"..I think this is what I did but...if you look at the trouble shooting part on the install instructions, it tells you what to do.

HTH

a procedure that could brick the camera.

Yessir: I'm sticking with the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" motto. My EX3, the SXS cards and the Hoodman cards work fine (I don't need any long overcranking).

I already read in this thread about one guy who has "bricked" his camera. So I think I'll wait until they include cache record and copy all clips on the next upgrade, then I'll have Sony do it.

I don't blame you, Charles. I had a little scare myself when upgrading the firmware last night. I turned the camera on and got nothing but the XDCam EX logo for a few seconds then E-15030 appeared. Waited a few minutes...nothing.

So I plugged the darn thing back into the AC power adaptor. It booted up and has been working fine ever since.

Are the upgrades worth possibly bricking your camera? No. I'm glad I did it though as now my SDHC card adaptors work a lot better. It's more than overcranking, they're now less prone to media errors.

But yeah, I'd love me some cache record or at the very least a ALL clips copy function.

I updated 2 EX1 and I used the power switch as instruction.
I don't think it's a good idea to unplug the power cord.
Other note: never unplug power cord before turn off the power on/off switch for any equipment.
---------------

The instructions that Damian attached specifically say use the power switch. If someone is countermanding Sony's instructions they should explain WHY. Certainly Sony's instructions can be flawed but one should be responsible enough to explain the alternative in a procedure that could brick the camera.

I just found that the US Sony Mini Site has the new EX firmware downloads posted. Here's the link:

Sony | Micro Site - XDCAM EX (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcamexsite/resource.downloads.bbsccms-assets-micro-xdcamex-downloads-XDCAMEXFirmwareUpgrade.shtml)

I was busy over the past week, so I didn't take the time to update my two EX1's with the firmware posted on the UK site. I did, however, notice that the size of this file, and the contents of the folders (for the Windows version anyway) look quite different from those of the UK offering. I will likely at some point soon follow the instructions for this install and see if there is any recording time shaved from either the SDHC or SxS cards as others have noted.

Like others, it seems that flashing these cameras with a new firmware is a little bit scary.

Ian

upgraded EX1 from 1.11 to 1.20, no problem, formatted cards (SxS 16g) , still showing 55min in 1080HQ.


Well, my EX1 with 16GB SxS cards have always said 57min so looks like you lost 2 minutes as well.

Anyone verify the actual MOU you get on a 16GB card is 55min or 57min? regardless of what the display says...

I always thought I got an actual 57min, will need to check mine. Maybe the FW resolves an error in displayed recordable Minutes and it is now 55min for a 16GB card The original Sony specs state 50min for 1080p HQ 35Mb so there has always been some discrepency.

Upgraded both my EX-1 and EX-3.

16gb SxS as well as SDHC cards show 55 minutes as opposed to the 57 minutes formerly displayed.

I was able to shoot over 3 min 720 24p / 60 fps to a green-stripe Transcend 16gb SDHC card in an original Kensington adapter. No errors.

EX-3 was a nightmare to upgrade since I have both the DM shoulder mount as well as a Bebob batter adapter. Had to remove all of that to reach the hidden USB service port on the EX-3. The EX-1 service port is much easier to access.

After 5 min. of putzing on the Sony site I found it here...
https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-software-model-PMWEX1.aspx
Bout time Sony!
:~)

Reading this thread regarding the various complexities of upgrading the EX1 and EX3, it certainly looks like the EX1r was actually designed for user upgrade. It was simple and flawless- just transfer the firmware upgrade file to an SxS card, or in my case SD card, stick it in the camera, go to "version up" in the camera menu, and execute. Took about 15 min- when finished, turn camera off, turn back on and shazaam- new firmware is installed.

Yes but did you loose 2 mins of record time?

I successfully upgraded my EX3 from 1.04_0084 to 1.10. With SxS media, 8GB went from 28 to 26 minutes, and 32GB went from 116 to 112. Since I don't trust other media, I can't report other card results. For me, it was a worthwhile upgrade because I will make use of the new SxS-1 cards authorized by Sony.

I printed the instructions provided by Sony, and read them through prior to doing anything. For me, it was clear the steps to complete the upgrade, as I followed the instructions verbatim.

I advise caution when working around the shoulder pad. The 'fixing plate' sort of jumped out at me when I loosened the screw and pulled on the pad a bit, and I thought for a moment that I cracked the plastic part. (But I didn't) The pad came completely off (the instructions say to pull it out until the notch appears). But it was easy to put back in place afterwards. (It also took me a second to find the USB port hidden behind the pad stopper.

The only other thing worth noting was about the device driver (page 5) for Windows users. During this stage, my PC informed me that it found new hardware, then Windows prompted me to choose a location for the driver. At the same time, it warned me that the hardware wasn't 'approved' by Microsoft. I choose to click 'ignore' (or something like that). I referred back to the instructions to see how to answer the 'choose driver location' question, but by then the dialog box disappeared and the update continued without issue. (I also couldn't find the driver when I attempted to remove it later)

Anyway, thank you to the others who have chartered these waters before me - and for posting your experiences.

I did my EX-1 upgrade last night on my Widows-7 64x machine. It took less than 30 muinutes and I had no problems only becasue I read the instructions several times as well as the helpful information in this forum. Everything seems 100% OK on the camera.

upgraded myself too ex1 and everything went well,maybe cam startup little faster,and indeed little test with overcranking seems to be improved.thats mean much reliable operation with sdhc media i guess.definietely recommend this upgrade for those who had problems with their sdhc media.

Regards

Raul

Has anyone noticed any problems with your specific Picture Profile settings or other settings being changed or wiped out with the EX1 update?