4-484-004-11(1)

Digital 4K Video
Camera Recorder
FDR-AX1/AX1E

Operating Guide
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.

© 2013 Sony Corporation

 Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding
this product.

Model No. FDR-

Serial No.
Model No. AC-
Serial No.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
1) do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
2) do not place objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, on the apparatus.

Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat

such as sunshine, fire or the like.

This symbol is intended to alert

the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert

the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

2
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW
THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.

• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
• If the shape of the plug does not fit the power outlet, use an attachment plug adaptor of the proper
configuration for the power outlet.

3
 Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world.

A Type B Type BF Type B3 Type C Type SE Type O Type

(American (British Type) (British Type) (British Type) (CEE Type) (CEE Type) (Ocean Type)
Type)

The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart.
Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used.
Attention: Power cord meeting demands from each country shall be used.
—For only the United States
Use a supplied power cord.
Europe
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Austria 230 50 C
Belgium 230 50 C
Czech 220 50 C
Denmark 230 50 C
Finland 230 50 C
France 230 50 C
Germany 230 50 C
Greece 220 50 C
Hungary 220 50 C
Iceland 230 50 C
Ireland 230 50 C/BF
Italy 220 50 C
Luxemburg 230 50 C
Netherlands 230 50 C
Norway 230 50 C
Poland 220 50 C
Portugal 230 50 C
Romania 220 50 C
Russia 220 50 C
Slovak 220 50 C
Spain 127/230 50 C
Sweden 230 50 C
Switzerland 230 50 C
UK 240 50 BF

Asia
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
China 220 50 A
Hong Kong 200/220 50 BF
India 230/240 50 C
Indonesia 127/230 50 C
Japan 100 50/60 A
Korea (rep) 220 60 C
Malaysia 240 50 BF
Philippines 220/230 60 A/C
Singapore 230 50 BF
Taiwan 110 60 A
Thailand 220 50 C/BF
Vietnam 220 50 A/C

4
Oceania
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Australia 240 50 O
New Zealand 230/240 50 O

North America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Canada 120 60 A
USA 120 60 A

Central America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Bahamas 120/240 60 A
Costa Rica 110 60 A
Cuba 110/220 60 A/C
Dominican (rep) 110 60 A
El Salvador 110 60 A
Guatemala 120 60 A
Honduras 110 60 A
Jamaica 110 50 A
Mexico 120/127 60 A
Nicaragua 120/240 60 A
Panama 110/220 60 A

South America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Argentina 220 50 C/BF/O
Brazil 127/220 60 A/C
Chile 220 50 C
Colombia 120 60 A
Peru 220 60 A/C
Venezuela 120 60 A

Middle East
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Iran 220 50 C/BF
Iraq 220 50 C/BF
Israel 230 50 C
Saudi Arabia 127/220 50 A/C/BF
Turkey 220 50 C
UAE 240 50 C/BF

Africa
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Algeria 127/220 50 C
Congo (dem) 220 50 C
Egypt 220 50 C
Ethiopia 220 50 C
Kenya 240 50 C/BF
Nigeria 230 50 C/BF
South Africa 220/230 50 C/BF
Tanzania 230 50 C/BF
Tunisia 220 50 C

5
 Note on the power cord (mains lead)
CAUTION The power cord (mains lead) is designed
specifically for use with this camcorder only, and
Battery pack should not be used with other electrical
If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack equipment.
can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns.
Observe the following cautions. Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
• Do not disassemble. source (mains) is still supplied to it while
• Do not crush and do not expose the battery pack connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the
to any shock or force such as hammering, AC Adaptor.
dropping or stepping on it.
• Do not short circuit and do not allow metal Excessive sound pressure from earphones and
objects to come into contact with the battery headphones cause hearing loss.
terminals.
• Do not expose to high temperature above 60°C
(140°F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car For customers in the U.S.A. and
parked in the sun. CANADA
• Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.
• Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION
batteries.
BATTERIES
• Be sure to charge the battery pack using a
genuine Sony battery charger or a device that Lithium-Ion batteries are
can charge the battery pack. recyclable.
• Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small You can help preserve our
children. environment by returning your
• Keep the battery pack dry. used rechargeable batteries to the
• Replace only with the same or equivalent type collection and recycling location
recommended by Sony. nearest you.
• Dispose of used battery packs promptly as
described in the instructions. For more information regarding
recycling of rechargeable batteries,
Replace the battery with the specified type only. call toll free
Otherwise, fire or injury may result. 1-800-822-8837, or visit
http://www.call2recycle.org/
AC Adaptor
Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow Caution: Do not handle damaged
space, such as between a wall and furniture. or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when Battery pack
using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
immediately if any malfunction occurs while conditions:
using the apparatus. (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
Charger interference received, including interference that
Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when may cause undesired operation.
using the Charger. Disconnect the Charger from
the wall outlet (wall socket) immediately if any
malfunction occurs while using the apparatus.

6
 the user is encouraged to try to correct the
For the customers in the U.S.A. interference by one or more of the following
measures:
UL is an internationally recognized safety —Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
organization. —Increase the separation between the equipment and
The UL Mark on the product means it has been receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
UL Listed.
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
If you have any questions about this product, you technician for help.
may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222- The supplied interface cable must be used with
SONY (7669). the equipment in order to comply with the limits
The number below is for the FCC related matters for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
only. 15 of FCC Rules.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
For Customers in EUROPE
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: FDR-AX1
Notice for the customers in the countries
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. applying EU Directives
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA Manufacturer: Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan
92127 U.S.A. Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 For EU product compliance: Sony Deutschland
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart,
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two Germany
conditions: (1) This device may not cause Notice
harmful interference, and (2) this device must If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
accept any interference received, including data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart
interference that may cause undesired the application or disconnect and connect the
operation. communication cable (USB, etc.) again.

CAUTION This product has been tested and found compliant

You are cautioned that any changes or with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for
modifications not expressly approved in this using connection cables shorter than 3 meters
manual could void your authority to operate this (9.8 feet).
equipment.
Note Attention
This equipment has been tested and found to The electromagnetic fields at the specific
comply with the limits for a Class B digital frequencies may influence the picture and sound
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. of this unit.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,

7
 life to the applicable collection point for the
Disposal of Old Electrical &
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.
Electronic Equipment For all other batteries, please view the section on
(Applicable in the European how to remove the battery from the product
Union and other European safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable
countries with separate collection point for the recycling of waste
collection systems) batteries.
For more detailed information about recycling of
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as this product or battery, please contact your local
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over Civic Office, your household waste disposal
service or the shop where you purchased the
to the applicable collection point for the recycling
of electrical and electronic equipment. product.
By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly,
you will help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and human
health, which could otherwise be caused by
inappropriate waste handling of this product. The
recycling of materials will help to conserve
natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local Civic
Office, your household waste disposal service or
the shop where you purchased the product.

Disposal of waste batteries

(applicable in the European
Union and other European
countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the packaging
indicates that the battery provided with this
product shall not be treated as household waste.
On certain batteries this symbol might be used in
combination with a chemical symbol. The
chemical symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb)
are added if the battery contains more than
0.0005% mercury or 0.004% lead.
By ensuring these batteries are disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent potentially
negative consequences for the environment and
human health which could otherwise be caused
by inappropriate waste handling of the battery.
The recycling of the materials will help to
conserve natural resources.
In case of products that for safety, performance or
data integrity reasons require a permanent
connection with an incorporated battery, this
battery should be replaced by qualified service
staff only. To ensure that the battery will be
treated properly, hand over the product at end-of-

8
Table of Contents

Overview
Location and Function of Parts ............................................. 12
On-Screen Indications ............................................................ 19
LCD/viewfinder screen ................................................ 19

Preparations
Power Supply ........................................................................... 21
Charging the battery pack ............................................ 21
Setting the Clock ..................................................................... 23
Attaching Devices .................................................................... 23
Attaching the lens hood with lens cover ...................... 23
Adjusting the LCD screen and viewfinder ................... 24
Using XQD Memory Cards .................................................... 25
About XQD memory cards .......................................... 25
Inserting an XQD memory card ................................... 25
Removing an XQD memory card ................................ 25
Selecting the memory card slot to be used for recording
................................................................................ 25
Formatting an XQD memory card ............................... 26
Checking the remaining time available for recording
................................................................................ 26

Recording
Basic Operation Procedure .................................................... 27
Changing Basic Settings ......................................................... 30
Recording format ......................................................... 30
Adjusting the image brightness .................................... 30
Adjusting to natural color (White balance) .................. 31
Audio setup .................................................................. 33
Useful Functions ...................................................................... 35
Assignable buttons ....................................................... 35

Table of Contents 9
 Thumbnail Screens
Thumbnail Screens ................................................................. 36
Configuration of the screen .......................................... 36
Playing Clips ............................................................................ 37
Playing the selected and subsequent clips in sequence
................................................................................ 37
Clip Operations ....................................................................... 37
Operations of the thumbnail menu ............................... 37
Displaying the detailed information of a clip ............... 38
Deleting clips ............................................................... 39
Changing information on the thumbnail screen ........... 39

Settings
Setup Menu Operations .......................................................... 40
Setup Menu List ...................................................................... 41
Camera menu ............................................................... 41
Paint menu .................................................................... 42
Audio menu .................................................................. 44
Video menu .................................................................. 44
LCD/VF menu .............................................................. 45
Media menu .................................................................. 46
System menu ................................................................ 46
Thumbnail menu .......................................................... 47

External Devices Connection

Connecting External Monitors and Recording Devices ...... 48
Managing Clips with a Computer ......................................... 49
Connecting with a USB cable ...................................... 49
Playing Images on a Computer .............................................. 50
What you can do with “PlayMemories Home” software
(Windows) ............................................................. 50
Software for Mac .......................................................... 50
Checking the computer system .................................... 50
Installing the “PlayMemories Home” software in your
computer ................................................................ 50
Editing images on a computer ...................................... 51

10 Table of Contents
Appendices
Important Notes on Operation .............................................. 52
Recording time of movies ............................................ 52
Using your camcorder abroad ...................................... 54
Formats and Limitations of Outputs .................................... 59
Video formats and output signals ................................. 59
Error/Warning Indications .................................................... 61
Error indications ........................................................... 61
Warning indications ..................................................... 61
Licenses .................................................................................... 63
On accessing software to which the GPL/LGPL applies
................................................................................ 63
Open software licenses ................................................. 63
Specifications ........................................................................... 63
Package configuration .................................................. 65
Index ......................................................................................... 66

Table of Contents 11
 Overview
Overview

Location and Function of Parts

For functions and usage, see the pages in parentheses.

1. Hook for shoulder strap (15)

2. ASSIGN 7/FOCUS MAGNIFIER button
(35)
3. Microphone holder*
4. IRIS PUSH AUTO button
5. Power zoom lever (27)
* When you use the microphone, refer to the operating
instructions supplied with the microphone.

12 Location and Function of Parts

 Overview
1. Lens (23) ** MENU button has a raised tactile bar for your
convenience in locating the button.
2. Lens hood with lens cover (23)
3. Internal microphone (33)
4. Front recording lamp (46)
The recording lamp flashes if the remaining
capacity of recording media or battery is low.
5. ASSIGN 4/ZEBRA button
6. ASSIGN 1 button
7. ASSIGN 2 button*
8. ASSIGN 3 button
9. ASSIGN 6/THUMBNAIL button
10. CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2) switch
11. AUTO/MAN (CH1) switch (34)
12. AUDIO LEVEL(CH1) dial (34)
13. STATUS CHECK button (16)
14. CANCEL/BACK button (40)
15. MENU button** (40)
16. AUDIO LEVEL(CH2) dial (34)
17. AUTO/MAN (CH2) switch (34)
18. CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2) switch
(34)
19. PUSH AUTO button (28)
20. FOCUS switch (28)
21. ND FILTER switch (31)
22. ASSIGN 5/PEAKING button*
* The ASSIGN 5/PEAKING button and the ASSIGN 2
button have raised tactile dots for your convenience in
locating the button.

Location and Function of Parts 13

Overview

1. AUDIO OUT connectors/VIDEO OUT

connector (48, 60)
2. HDMI OUT connector (48)
3. UTILITY SD slot
(To be supported by future upgrade.)
4. Handle zoom lever (27)
5. START/STOP button
When the lever is set to the HOLD position, the
START/STOP button is not operable.
6. INPUT2 connector
7. INPUT1 connector
8. Cable holder
Provided for securing a microphone cable, etc.
9. INPUT2 switch (33)
10. INPUT1 switch (33)
11. REMOTE connector
The REMOTE connector is used for controlling
start/stop of recording, etc., on the video device
and peripherals connected to it.
12. Grip belt
13. POWER switch (27)
14. Record button (27)
15. Air outlet
Notes
• Areas around the exhaust vents may become hot.
• Do not cover the exhaust vents.
16. DC IN connector (22)
17. Cable holder
Provided for securing a DC cable, etc.

14 Location and Function of Parts

 Overview
1. Hook for shoulder strap To attach a shoulder strap
2. Focus ring (28) Attach a shoulder strap (sold separately) to the
hooks for a shoulder strap.
3. Lens cover lever (23)
4. Zoom ring (27)
5. Iris ring (30)
6. GAIN button (30)
7. WHT BAL button* (32)
8. SHUTTER SPEED button (31)
9. AUTO/MANUAL switch (30)
10. i (headphones) connector
For stereo mini-jack headphones
11. BATT RELEASE button (21)
12. Battery pack (21)
13. “Memory Stick” media/SD card C slot/
access lamp
(To be supported by future upgrade.)
14. XQD memory card A slot/select button/
access lamp (25)
15. XQD memory card B slot/select button/
access lamp (25)
16. USB connector (mini-B type) (49)
17. USB connector (A type)
(To be supported by future upgrade.)
18. (One push) button (31)
19. White balance memory switch (31)
20. Gain switch (30)
21. IRIS button* (30)
* WHT BAL and IRIS buttons have raised tactile dots
for your convenience in locating the buttons.

Location and Function of Parts 15

Overview

1. OPTION button (37)

Bottom
2. THUMBNAIL button (36)
3. Playback control buttons (PREV, PLAY/
PAUSE*, NEXT, STOP, F REV, F FWD)
(28)
4. DATA CODE button
(To be supported by future upgrade.)
5. DISPLAY button (19)
6. LCD screen (24)
7. Handle zoom switch (27)
8. Viewfinder (24)
9. Large eyecup
10. Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (24)
11. Viewfinder release lever (57)
1. Tripod receptacle (1/4 inch)
12. HEADPHONE MONITOR switch (34) This is a 1/4-20UNC screw compatible.
13. Rear recording lamp (46) Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the tripod
receptacle using a tripod screw (sold
14. SEL/SET dial buttons (40)
separately: the length of the screw must be
15. VOLUME buttons* less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).
16. STATUS CHECK button
17. CANCEL/BACK button (40) Status screen
18. V/v/B/b/SET buttons (40) To display a status screen
19. MENU button (40) • Press the STATUS CHECK button.

* VOLUME+ button and PLAY/PAUSE button have To switch status screens

raised tactile dots for your convenience in locating the
• Turn the SEL/SET dial.
buttons.

To hide the status screen

• Press the STATUS CHECK button.

16 Location and Function of Parts

Camera status screen Video output status screen
Displays the electronic shutter settings or the Displays the HDMI and video output settings.

Overview
status of the lens. HDMI Output picture size
Gain<H> Setting value of Gain <H> Output On/Off
level Video Output picture size
Gain<M> Setting value of Gain <M>
level
Assignable button status screen
Displays the function that is assigned to each
Gain<L> Setting value of Gain <L>
level
ASSIGN button.
Preset White Preset value of white balance 1 Function that is assigned to
Gamma Gamma category and curve the Assign 1 button
AE Level Setting value of AE level 2 Function that is assigned to
AE Speed Setting value of AE control the Assign 2 button
speed 3 Function that is assigned to
AGC Limit Setting value of the maximum the Assign 3 button
gain of AGC 4 Function that is assigned to
A.SHT Limit Fastest shutter speed of the the Assign 4 button
auto shutter function 5 Function that is assigned to
the Assign 5 button
Audio status screen 6 Function that is assigned to
Displays the input settings for each channel, the Assign 6 button
audio level meter, and wind filter setting. 7 Function that is assigned to
CH 1 level meter Level meter for CH 1 the Assign 7 button
CH 1 Source Input source for CH 1 Media status screen
CH 1 Ref. / Sens. Sensitivity of the internal Displays the remaining space of the recording
microphone input to CH 1, or media (XQD memory card A/XQD memory
the reference level of audio
card B).
input
CH 1 Wind Filter Setting status of the wind Media Media icon displayed when
filter for the microphone input information of recording media is inserted in
to CH 1 Media A the slot A
CH 2 level meter Level meter for CH 2 Protect Protect icon displayed when
CH 2 Source Input source for CH 2 information of recording media inserted in
Media A the slot A is write-protected
CH 2 Ref. / Sens. Sensitivity of the internal
microphone input to CH 2, or Notes
the reference level of audio
• You cannot protect the XQD
input
memory card on the
CH 2 Wind Filter Setting status of the wind camcorder.
filter for the microphone input Remaining meter Remaining capacity of the
to CH 2 of Media A recording media inserted in
Audio Format Audio format setting the slot A, expressed with a
Headphone Out Headphone output setting bar indicator
Remaining Remaining capacity of the
System status screen
capacity of recording media inserted in
Displays the video signal settings.
Media A the slot A, expressed in GB
Country Setting status of the region, Media Media icon displayed when
NTSC region or PAL region information of recording media is inserted in
Rec Format Recording format that is Media B the slot B
recorded on the XQD memory Protect Protect icon displayed when
card information of recording media inserted in
Picture Size Picture size that is recorded on Media B the slot B is write-protected
the XQD memory card Remaining meter Remaining capacity of the
Frame Rate Frame rate that is recorded on of Media B recording media inserted in
the XQD memory card the slot B, expressed with a
bar indicator

Location and Function of Parts 17

 Remaining Remaining capacity of the
capacity of recording media inserted in
Overview

Media B the slot B, expressed in GB

Media Media icon displayed when
information of recording media is inserted in
the UTILITY SD the UTILITY SD slot
card
Protect Protect icon displayed when
information of the UTILITY SD slot is write-
the UTILITY SD protected
card
Remaining meter Remaining capacity of the
of the UTILITY recording media inserted in
SD card the UTILITY SD slot,
expressed by a bar indicator
Remaining Remaining capacity of the
capacity of the recording media inserted in
UTILITY SD the UTILITY SD slot,
card expressed in GB

18 Location and Function of Parts

 On-Screen Indications

Overview
LCD/viewfinder screen
While recording, standing by to record, or playback, the statuses and settings of this unit are superimposed
on the LCD/viewfinder screen.
The statuses and settings of this unit can be turned on/off using the DISPLAY button.

Information displayed on the screen while recording

1. Shutter mode/shutter speed indication 15. White balance mode indication (page 31)
2. ND filter indication (page 31) ATW Automatic mode
3. Gain indication (page 30) PWB Preset mode
Memory A Memory A mode
4. Special recording/operation status Memory B Memory B mode
indication
n Preset mode (indoor)
zRec Recording in progress Preset mode (outdoor)
Stby Standby for recording

5. Color temperature indication (page 31) 16. UTILITY SD slot media status indication
6. Battery remaining indication (page 55) 17. Time data indication
7. Focus position indication 18. Audio level meter
Displays focus position. 19. A/B slot media status/remaining space
8. Zoom position indication indication (page 26)
When the left side of the icon is orange,
9. SteadyShot indication recording is possible.
10. Focus mode indication When the green lamp on the upper right of the
icon lights, playback is possible.
11. Auto shutter indication
20. Gamma indication (page 42)
12. AGC indication
Displays the gamma setting value.
13. Auto iris indication
21. Recording format (codec) indication
14. Iris position indication (page 30)
Displays iris position. Displays the format that is recorded on an
XQD memory card.

On-Screen Indications 19
 22. System frequency and scan method
indication
Overview

23. Recording format (picture size) indication

(page 30)
Displays the picture size that is recorded on
an XQD memory card.
Information displayed on the playback screen
The following information is superimposed on
the playback picture.

1. Clip no./total number of clips

2. Playback mode
3. Playback format (picture size)
4. Battery remaining
5. Playback format (frame rate)
6. Time data
The duration of the movie is displayed.
7. Audio levels
The audio levels for the recording are displayed.
8. Media
A mark appears to the left if the memory
card is write-protected.
9. Playback format (codec)

20 On-Screen Indications
 Preparations
Power Supply
Remove the battery pack from the Charger when
Charging the battery pack the charge is completed.

Preparations
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
Attaching the battery pack
(L series) with the supplied Charger.
Press the battery pack against the back of your
Notes
camcorder and slide it down.
• You can use a large capacity battery pack, NP-F970
(supplied), with your camcorder. You cannot use NP-
F570/F770 (sold separately).

Power cord
(mains lead)

To the wall outlet

(wall socket)

Charge lamp

Removing the battery pack

Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Push the BATT
RELEASE (battery release) button and remove
Mode switch the battery pack.
Charger AC-VL1

Notes
• You cannot use the AC-VL1 to connect the camcorder
to an outside power source. When you connect the
camcorder to a wall outlet (wall socket), use the
supplied AC Adaptor.

1 Set the mode switch to CHARGE.

2 Connect the power cord (mains lead) to

the Charger and the wall outlet (wall BATT RELEASE
socket). (battery release) button

3 Place the battery pack in the slot of the

Notes
Charger, press it down, and slide it in
the direction of the arrow. • Settings of the menu or settings adjusted using the
AUTO/MANUAL switch can be saved when the
The charge lamp turns on and charging starts. POWER switch is set to OFF. Remove the battery pack
after the display on the LCD/viewfinder screen has
completely disappeared. Otherwise, changed settings
After charging the battery may not be saved.
The charge lamp turns off (normal charge). If you • If you remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor with the
POWER switch ON, you cannot turn the camcorder on
continue charging 1 more hour after the charge even though you attach the battery pack or AC Adaptor
lamp turns off, you can use the battery a little again.
longer (full charge). Slide the POWER switch to OFF temporarily, then to
ON.

Power Supply 21
 Storing the battery pack
If the battery pack is not in use for a while, run
down the battery and store it. See page 55 for
details on storage of the battery pack.

Charging time
Preparations

Approximate time (minute) required when you

charge a fully discharged battery pack.
Normal charge
Battery pack Full charge time
time
NP-F970 365 425 DC IN
connector

Notes
• You cannot use the NP-F570/NP-F770 battery pack
with your camcorder.

On the battery pack AC

• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER Adaptor
switch to OFF. (AC-
NB12A)

Using a wall outlet (wall socket) as a Power

power source To the wall outlet cord
(wall socket) (mains
You can use the AC Adaptor to obtain AC power. lead)

1. Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the

AC Adaptor.
2. Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN
connector of the camcorder.
3. Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the
wall outlet (wall socket).

On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when
using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket)
immediately if any malfunction occurs while
using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the plug of the AC Adaptor
with any metallic objects. This may cause a
malfunction.
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the
AC Adaptor.
• You cannot charge the camcorder by
connecting it to the AC Adaptor.

22 Power Supply
 Setting the Clock Attaching Devices
When you turn the camcorder on for the first time
after purchasing or the backup battery has Attaching the lens hood with lens
completely discharged, the Initial Setting display cover
appears on the viewfinder screen and LCD

Preparations
screen. Set the date and time of the built-in clock,
using this display.
Time Zone
The value shows the time difference from UTC
(Coordinated Universal Time).
Change the setting if needed.

Setting the time and date

Clock starts after you turn the SEL/SET dial PUSH (lens hood release) button
(page 16) to select the items or value, then press
the SEL/SET dial to set them. Align the marks on the lens hood to those on
the camcorder, and turn the lens hood in the
After the setting display disappears, “Clock Set” direction of the arrow 2 until it is locked.
(page 47) in the System menu can be used to set
“Time Zone” and date/time. Opening or closing the shutter of the lens
Notes hood with lens cover
• If the clock setting is cleared because the backup Move the lens cover lever to OPEN to open the
battery fully discharged when no power was supplied lens cover, and move the lever to CLOSE to close
(no battery pack and no DC IN connection), the Initial
Setting display will be displayed when you next turn the lens cover.
the camcorder on.
• While the Initial Setting display is shown, no other
operation, except turning the power off, is permitted
until you finish the setting for this display.

Removing the lens hood with lens cover

Turn the lens hood in the opposite direction to the
arrow 2 in the illustration while pressing the
PUSH (lens hood release) button.
Notes
• Remove the lens hood with lens cover when you
attach/detach a 72mm polarized filter or protective
filter.

Setting the Clock / Attaching Devices 23

 You can switch the brightness of the viewfinder
Adjusting the LCD screen and backlight with “VF Backlight” of “VF Setting” in
viewfinder the LCD/VF menu (page 45).

LCD screen
Open the LCD screen 180 degrees (1), then
rotate it to the best angle to record or play back
Preparations

(2).

1Open 180 degrees.

290 degrees
(max.)

2180 degrees
(max.)

• Images are displayed as mirror images on the

LCD screen, but are recorded as normal images.
• You can switch the brightness of the backlight
of the LCD screen with “LCD Backlight” of
“LCD Setting” in the LCD/VF menu (page 45).

Viewfinder

Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture
becomes clear.

Notes
• You may see primary colors shimmering in the
viewfinder when you move your line of sight. This is
not a malfunction. The shimmering colors will not be
recorded on the recording media.

24 Attaching Devices
 Notes
Using XQD Memory • Data integrity is not guaranteed if the power is turned
off or a memory card is removed while it is being
Cards accessed. Data on the card may be destroyed. Be sure
that its access lamp is lit in green or off when you turn
off the power or remove a memory card.
• An XQD memory card removed from the camcorder
This camcorder records audio and video on XQD after recording ended may be hot. This is not a
memory cards inserted in the card slots. malfunction.

Preparations
About XQD memory cards Selecting the memory card slot to
be used for recording
Use the following Sony XQD memory cards.
Press the A or B button of the memory card slot
XQD memory card S series where the memory card you want to record on is
XQD memory card H series inserted. The lamp of the selected slot lights up in
XQD memory card N series green.

Operations are not guaranteed with other memory

cards.
For details on using XQD memory cards and usage-
related precautions, refer to the instruction manual
for the XQD memory card.

Inserting an XQD memory card

1 Open the cover of the card slot block.

2 Insert the XQD memory card until it

clicks into place with the XQD label
facing to the left.
The access lamp (page 15) lights in red then
changes to green once the memory card is Memory card slot A button
ready for use.
Memory card slot B button
3 Close the cover.
Notes
Notes
• You can only select a slot that already has a memory
• If you insert a memory card into the slot in the wrong
card inserted.
direction, the memory card, the memory card slot, or
• While movies are being recorded on the memory card,
image data may be damaged.
you cannot switch the slot even if you press the
memory card slot A/B buttons.

Removing an XQD memory card

• When only one slot has a memory card inserted,
Open the cover of the card slot block, the slot that has the memory card is selected
remove the XQD memory card by pressing automatically.
the XQD memory card once lightly. • If the memory card is fully recorded during
recording, the camcorder continues recording
automatically on the memory card inserted in
the other slot.

Using XQD Memory Cards 25

 Formatting an XQD memory card Replacing an XQD memory card
• If the available time on two cards in total
If an XQD memory card is not formatted, or was becomes less than 5 minutes, the warning
formatted with another system, the message message “Media Near Full” is displayed, the
“Media Needs to be Formatted” is displayed on recording lamp flashes, and a beep sound is
the LCD/viewfinder screen. output to the headphones to warn you. Replace
Format the card as follows. the cards with those that have sufficient space.
Preparations

Using “Format Media” (page 46) in the • If you continue recording until the total
Media menu, specify “Media(A)” (slot A) or remaining time reaches zero, the message
“Media(B)” (slot B) then select “Execute.” changes to “Media Full,” and recording stops.
On a confirmation message, select Notes
“Execute” again.
• Up to approximately 9,999 clips can be recorded on
The in-progress message and status bar are one XQD memory card.
displayed, and the access lamp lights in red. If the number of recorded clips reaches the limit, the
When formatting is complete, a completion remaining time indication becomes “0,” and the
message “Media Full” is displayed.
message is displayed. Press the SEL/SET dial to
hide the message.
If formatting fails
A write-protected XQD memory card or memory
card that cannot be used with this camcorder will
not be formatted.
As a warning message is displayed, replace the
card with an appropriate XQD memory card,
according to the instructions in the message.
Notes
• All the data, including recorded pictures and setup
files, are erased when a memory card is formatted.

Checking the remaining time

available for recording
While recording (or standing by to record), you
can check the remaining space for the XQD
memory cards loaded in the card slots on the A/B
slot media status/remaining space indication of
the LCD screen/viewfinder screen (page 19).
The available time for recording with the current
video format (recording bit rate) is calculated
according to the remaining space of each card and
displayed in time units of minutes.
Notes
• A icon appears if the memory card is write-
protected.

26 Using XQD Memory Cards

 Recording
Basic Operation Procedure
Basic recording can be performed with the To use the power zoom lever
following procedures. Move the power zoom lever D slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
1 Make sure that the necessary devices
Wide view: (Wide angle)
are attached to the camcorder and
power is supplied to them.

2 Load the memory card(s).

Recording
If you load two cards, recording is continued
by automatically switching to the second
card when the first card becomes full.
Close view: (Telephoto)
3 Open the shutter of the lens hood with
lens cover. • The minimum distance required between your
camcorder and the subject for focus is about
4 Slide the POWER switch to ON while
1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about
pressing the green button.
80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
The recording screen is displayed on the • The focus may not be adjusted at certain zoom
LCD/viewfinder screen. positions if the subject is within 80 cm (about
2 5/8 feet) from your camcorder.
5 Press the record button (page 14). • Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom
The recording lamp lights and recording lever D. If you move your finger off the power
begins. zoom lever D, the operation sound of the
power zoom lever D may also be recorded.
6 To stop recording, press the record
button again. To use the handle zoom
Recording stops and the camcorder enters 1. Set the handle zoom switch B to VAR or
STBY (recording standby) mode. FIX.
• When you set the handle zoom switch B
Adjusting the zoom to VAR, you can zoom in or out at variable
speed.
• When you set the handle zoom switch B
to FIX, you can zoom in or out at fixed
speed, as set in “Setting” in “Handle
Zoom” of the Camera menu (page 41).
2. Press the handle zoom lever A to zoom in or
out.
Notes
• You cannot use the handle zoom lever A when the
handle zoom switch B is set to OFF.
• You cannot change the zoom speed of the power zoom
lever D with the handle zoom switch B.
Using the zoom ring
You can zoom at the desired speed by turning the
zoom ring C. Fine adjustment is also possible.

Basic Operation Procedure 27

 Notes For focusing manually
• It is easier to focus on the subject when you use
• Turn the zoom ring C at a moderate speed. If you turn
it too fast, the zoom speed may lag behind the zoom the zoom function. Move the power zoom lever
ring rotation speed, or the operation sound of the zoom towards T (telephoto) and adjust the focus, then,
may also be recorded. towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom for
recording.
Adjusting the focus manually • When you want to record a close-up image of a
subject, move the power zoom lever towards W
(wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then
adjust the focus.
To restore automatic adjustment
Set the FOCUS switch B to AUTO.
The focus mode indication changes to “AF” and
Recording

the automatic focus adjustment is restored.

To use automatic focus temporarily
(Push auto focus)
Record the subject while pressing and holding the
PUSH AUTO button C.
If you release the button, the setting returns to
manual focusing.
Use this function to shift the focus on one subject
to another. The scenes will shift smoothly.
• The focal distance information (for when it is
dark and hard to adjust the focus) appears for
You can adjust the focus manually for different about 3 seconds in the following cases. (It will
recording conditions. not be displayed correctly if you are using a
Use this function in the following cases. conversion lens (sold separately)).
—To record a subject behind a window —When you rotate the focus ring while “MF”
covered with raindrops. is displayed on the screen
—To record horizontal stripes.
—To record a subject with little contrast To use the expanded focus (Expanded focus)
between the subject and its background. In the default setting, “Focus Magnifier” is
—When you want to focus on a subject in the assigned to the ASSIGN 7 button (page 35).
background. Press the ASSIGN 7 button.
The focus magnifier screen appears and the center
of the screen is magnified by about 2.0 times. It
will be easier to confirm the focus setting during
manual focusing. The screen returns to the
original size when you press the button again.
Notes
—To record a stationary subject using a • Even though the image appears expanded on the
tripod. screen, the recorded image is not expanded.

1 During recording or standby, set the Playing a recorded clip

FOCUS switch B to MAN.
You can play the recorded clip while the
The focus mode indication changes to “MF.”
camcorder is in standby mode.
2 Rotate the focus ring A and adjust the
1 Insert the XQD memory card.
focus.
2 Press the PLAY/PAUSE button of the
playback control buttons.

28 Basic Operation Procedure

3 Search for the desired clip by pressing
Clip (recording data)
PREV or NEXT button.
When you stop recording, video, audio and
4 Press the PLAY/PAUSE button. subsidiary data from the start to end of the
recording are recorded as a single clip on an
The playback image appears on the XQD memory card.
viewfinder.
Maximum duration of a clip
Playback operation is performed as follows. The maximum clip length is 13 hours.
PLAY/PAUSE button: Pauses playback. To The maximum continuous recording time for a
resume playback, press this button again. movie is approximately 13 hours. If recording
F FWD button/F REV button: Plays fast. To time reaches approximately 13 hours, the
return to normal playback, press the PLAY/ recording will stop.
PAUSE button.

Recording
STOP button: Stops playback or recording.

Monitoring audio
In normal playback mode, you can monitor the
recorded audio signals through the connected
headphones.
You can select audio channel to be monitored and
adjust the sound volume with “Audio Output”
(page 44) in the Audio menu.

Cueing Up
To start playback from the top of the clip
Press the PREV button or NEXT button of the
playback control buttons (page 16). You can cue
to the top of a desired clip by pressing either
button repeatedly.

Switching the XQD memory cards

When two memory cards are loaded, press the
select button (page 15) to switch memory cards.
Notes
• You cannot switch XQD memory cards during
playback.
Continuous playback of cards in slots A and B is not
possible.

Basic Operation Procedure 29

 1. During recording or standby, set the AUTO/
MANUAL switch H to MANUAL.
Changing Basic Settings 2. When the iris is automatically adjusted, press
the IRIS button E.
You can make changes to the settings based on The iris value appears. When the iris value is
the intended usage of the recorded video or automatically adjusted, “A.Iris” is displayed.
recording conditions.
3. Adjust the iris with the iris ring A.
• The F value becomes close to F3.4 as the zoom
Recording format position changes from W to T even when you
open the aperture by setting the F value lower
Selectable format depends on the setting of the than F3.4, such as F1.6.
region where the camcorder is used (Country). • The range of focus, an important effect of the
To change the format, use “Video Format” in aperture, is called the depth of field. The depth
Recording

“Rec Format” (page 46) of the System menu. of field gets shallower as the aperture is opened,
and deeper as the aperture is closed. Use the
aperture creatively to obtain the desired effect
Adjusting the image brightness in your photography.
• This is handy for making the background
blurred or sharp.
To adjust the iris automatically
Press the IRIS button E, or set the AUTO/
MANUAL switch H to AUTO.
“A.Iris” is displayed next to the iris value.
Notes
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch H to
AUTO, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter
speed, white balance) also become automatic.

Adjusting the gain

You can adjust the gain manually when you do
not want to use the AGC (automatic gain control).

1. During recording or standby, set the AUTO/

MANUAL switch H to MANUAL.
You can adjust the image brightness by adjusting 2. When the gain is automatically adjusted,
the iris, gain or shutter speed, or by reducing the press the GAIN button C.
light volume with the ND FILTER switch B. “AGC” is displayed.
3. Set the gain switch F to H, M or L. The gain
Adjusting the iris value set for the selected gain switch position
appears on the screen. You can set the gain
You can manually adjust the iris to control the
value for H/M/L from “Gain” of the Camera
volume of the light entering the lens. By adjusting
menu (page 41).
the iris, you can change or close ( ) the
aperture of the lens, which is expressed as an F To adjust the gain automatically
value between F1.6 and F11. The volume of the Press the GAIN button C, or set the AUTO/
light increases the more that you open the MANUAL switch H to AUTO.
aperture (decreasing F value). The volume of the The gain value disappears. “AGC” is displayed
light decreases the more that you close the next to the gain value.
aperture (increasing F value). The current F value
appears on the screen.

30 Changing Basic Settings

 Notes Adjusting the volume of light
• When you set AUTO/MANUAL switch H to AUTO, (ND filter)
other manually adjusted items (iris, shutter speed,
white balance) also become automatic. You can record the subject clearly by using the
ND FILTER switch B when the recording
Adjusting the shutter speed environment is too bright.
You can manually adjust and fix the shutter OFF: ND filter is not used.
speed. You can make a moving subject look still 1: Reduce the amount of light to 1/4.
or emphasize the movement of a moving subject 2: Reduce the amount of light to 1/16.
by adjusting the shutter speed. 3: Reduce the amount of light to 1/64.

1. During recording or standby, set the AUTO/ While the iris is automatically adjusted, the
MANUAL switch H to MANUAL. “Video Level Warning” is displayed.

Recording
2. Press the SHUTTER SPEED button D to If ND OFF flashes, set the ND FILTER switch to
display the Shutter Value. OFF. The ND filter icon will disappear from the
screen.
3. Change the Shutter Value displayed on the
screen by turning the SEL/SET dial G. Notes
You can adjust the shutter speed in a range of • If you change the ND FILTER switch B during
1/4 second through 1/9000 second (NTSC recording, the movie and sound may be distorted.
Area) and 1/3 second through 1/9000 second • When adjusting the iris manually, the “Video Level
Warning” is not displayed even if the light volume
(PAL Area). should be adjusted with the ND FILTER switch.
The set Shutter Value appears on the screen.
For example, “1/100” appears on the screen While recording a bright subject, diffraction may
when you set the shutter speed to 1/100 occur if you close the aperture further down,
second. The larger the denominator value on resulting in a fuzzy focus (this is a common
the screen, the faster the shutter speed. phenomenon with video cameras). The ND
4. Press the SEL/SET dial G to lock the FILTER switch B suppresses this phenomenon
Shutter Value. and gives better recording results.
To readjust the shutter speed, do steps 2 to 4.
• The shutter speed range that can be set depends
Adjusting to natural color (White
on the frame rate.
• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower balance)
shutter speed. Manual focusing with your
camcorder attached to a tripod is recommended.
• When recording under fluorescent lamps,
sodium lamps, or mercury lamps, the picture
may flicker or change colors, or may have
horizontal bands of noise. You may be able to
improve the situation by adjusting the shutter
speed.
To adjust the shutter speed automatically
Press the SHUTTER SPEED button D twice, or
set the AUTO/MANUAL switch H to AUTO.
The Shutter Value disappears. When the shutter
speed is automatically adjusted, “A.SHT” is
displayed.
Notes
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch H to
AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, white
balance) also become automatic.

Changing Basic Settings 31

 You can adjust and fix the white balance • You can change the color temperature. Set
according to the lighting conditions of recording “Color Temp.” in “Preset White” in “White” of
environment. the Paint menu, and the white balance memory
You can store white balance values in memory A switch B to PRESET, then press the (one
( A) and memory B ( B), respectively. push) button C. Turn the SEL/SET dial E
Unless a white balance is readjusted, values will until the desired temperature appears on the
remain even after the power has been turned off. screen, then press the dial to set the temperature.
When you select PRESET, “Outdoor,” “Indoor” You can also set the color temperature by
or “Color Temp.” is set, according to which one pressing the WHT BAL button A + (one
you previously selected with “Preset White” in push) button C.
“White” of the Paint menu.
To save the adjusted white balance value in
memory A or B
1 During recording or standby, set the
AUTO/MANUAL switch D to 1. Set the white balance memory switch to A
Recording

MANUAL. ( A) or B ( B) in step 3 of “Adjusting to

natural color (White balance).”
2 Press the WHT BAL button A.
2. Capture a white subject, such as white paper,
3 Set the white balance memory switch full-screen in the same lighting condition as
B to any one of PRESET/A/B. the one in which the subject is.
Select A or B for recording with the white 3. Press the (one push) button C.
balance setting stored in memory A or B. A or B starts flashing rapidly. It will
stay on when the white balance adjustment is
Indicator Shooting conditions
completed and the adjusted value is stored in
A • White balance values adjusted
A or B.
(Memory A) for light sources can be stored in
memory A and memory B. Notes
B Follow the steps in “To save the
(Memory B) • It may take a long time to adjust the white balance,
adjusted white balance value in depending on the recording conditions. If you want to
memory A or B” (page 32). perform a different operation before completing the
• Recording neon signs or adjustment, set the white balance memory switch B to
fireworks another position to temporarily suspend white balance
Outdoor adjustment.
• Recording sunset/sunrise, just
after sunset or just before To adjust the white balance automatically
sunrise Press the WHT BAL button A or set the AUTO/
• Under daylight color fluorescent
MANUAL switch D to AUTO.
lamps
n • Under the lighting conditions Notes
Indoor that change in many ways, such • When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch D to
as a party hall AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, and
• Under strong light, such as in a shutter speed) also become automatic.
photography studio
• Under sodium lamps or mercury
lamps
Color temperature • Color temperature can be set
(“Color Temp.”) between 2300K and 15000K
(the default setting is 3200K).

32 Changing Basic Settings

 • If the recording level is low, set “INT MIC
Audio setup Sensitivity” in “Audio Input” of the Audio
menu to “High” (page 44).
The following connectors, switches and dials • To reduce wind roar, set “INT MIC Wind
allow you to set the sound to be recorded. Filter” in “Audio Input” of the Audio menu to
“On” (page 44).

Recording sound from an external audio

device
To use an external audio device, or a microphone
(sold separately), change the settings as follows.

Recording
1. Select the input source.
Set the INPUT 1/INPUT 2 switches
according to the devices connected to the
INPUT 1/INPUT 2 jacks.
Audio devices Switch
position
External audio device (mixer, LINE
etc.)
Dynamic microphones or MIC
microphones with a built-in
battery
+48V powering (Phantom MIC+48V
powering) microphone

• If you connect a device that does not

support +48V phantom power, malfunction
External audio input jacks and switches may result from setting this switch to
INPUT 1 jack B MIC+48V. Check before connecting the
INPUT 2 jack A device.
INPUT 1 switch C • When there is no audio device connected to
INPUT 2 switch D an INPUT jack, set the INPUT switch of
that jack to LINE to prevent noise.
Audio source switches
CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT 1/INPUT 2) switch E
2. Set the input level of the microphone.
CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT 1/INPUT 2) switch J • Set the input level of the microphone by
“INPUT1 Reference/INPUT2 Reference” in
Audio level controls “Audio Input” of the Audio menu
CH1 (AUTO/MAN) switch F (page 44). Adjust according to the
CH2 (AUTO/MAN) switch I sensitivity of the microphone.
AUDIO LEVEL (CH1) dial G 3. Select the channel you want to record.
AUDIO LEVEL (CH2) dial H Using the CH1/CH2 switches, select the
source to be recorded on each channel.
Using the internal microphone
The sound will be recorded in stereo when using
the internal microphone.
Set the CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT 1/INPUT 2)
and CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT 1/INPUT 2)
switches to INT MIC.

Changing Basic Settings 33

 When the CH1 switch is set to INT MIC 2. During recording or standby, turn the
Input source and recorded CH2 AUDIO LEVEL dial (G or H) of the
channel switch channel to be adjusted.
setting
To restore automatic adjustment
INT MIC (L) CH1 Set the AUTO/MAN switch (F or I) of the
INT MIC (R) CH2 manually adjusted channel to AUTO.

Setting the headphone sound

INT MIC (mono) CH1
INPUT 1 CH2
Recording

INT MIC (mono) CH1

INPUT 2 CH2

When the CH1 switch is set to INPUT 1

Input source and recorded CH2
channel switch You can select the channel by setting the switch
to CH1 or CH2, to output from the headphone.
setting
See “Headphone Out” in “Audio Output” of
Audio menu on the sound at STEREO MIX
INPUT 1 CH1 (page 44).
INT MIC (mono) CH2

CH1
INPUT 1
CH2

INPUT 1 CH1
INPUT 2 CH2

• When the CH1 switch is set to INPUT 2, the

INPUT 2 source is recorded to CH1.
• When you use a stereo microphone (2 XLR
plugs), connect the L (left) channel plug to the
INPUT 1 jack, and the R (right) channel plug to
the INPUT 2 jack. Set the CH1 switch to
INPUT 1, and the CH2 switch to INPUT 2.

Adjusting the volume

When both the CH1/CH2 switches are set to INT
MIC, left and right channels are linked to the CH1
switch and dial.

1. Set the AUTO/MAN switch (F or I) of

the channel to be adjusted to MAN.
appears on the LCD screen.

34 Changing Basic Settings

 Useful Functions

Assignable buttons
The camcorder has seven assignable buttons
(pages 12, 13) to which you can assign various
functions for convenience.

Changing functions
Use “Assignable Button” (page 46) in the System

Recording
menu.
The assigned functions can be viewed on the
assignable button status screen (page 17).
Default assigned functions
Button 1 Off
Button 2 Off
Button 3 Off
Button 4 Zebra
Button 5 Peaking
Button 6 Thumbnail
Button 7 Focus Magnifier
Assignable functions
• Off
• Marker (page 45)
• Zebra (page 45)
• Peaking (page 45)
• Focus Magnifier (page 28)
• Auto Exposure Level (page 41)
• SteadyShot (page 41)
• Color Bars (page 41)
• Rec Lamp[F] (page 46)
• Rec Lamp[R] (page 46)
• Thumbnail (page 47)

Useful Functions 35
 Thumbnail Screens
Thumbnail Screens
When you press the THUMBNAIL button (page 16), clips recorded on the XQD memory card are
displayed as thumbnails on the screen.
You can start playback from the clip selected on the thumbnail screen. The playback picture can be seen
on the LCD/viewfinder screen and external monitors.
Press the THUMBNAIL button to exit the thumbnail screen and return to the recording screen.

Configuration of the screen

Information for the clip selected with the cursor are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

The icon of the current XQD memory card is highlighted, shading the nonselected
one. (If the card is write-protected, a lock icon is displayed to the right.)
Current clip No./ Total number of clips
Thumbnail Screens

Cursor
(yellow)

1. Thumbnail 3. Recording video format

The thumbnail image for each clip is an index The file format of the selected clip is displayed.
frame from the clip. When recording, the first 4. Duration of the clip
frame of a clip is automatically set as the index
frame. 5. Creation date and time
Below each thumbnail, the clip/frame
information is displayed. You can change the
displayed item on “Thumbnail Caption” in
“Customize View” (page 37) of the thumbnail
menu.
2. Clip name
The clip name of the selected clip is displayed.

36 Thumbnail Screens
 Playing Clips Clip Operations
On the thumbnail screen, you can operate the
Playing the selected and clips or confirm the subsidiary data for clips using
subsequent clips in sequence the thumbnail menu. The thumbnail menu
appears when you press the OPTION button
1 Turn the SEL/SET dial (page 16) to (page 16) on the thumbnail screen.
move the cursor to the thumbnail image
of the clip with which you wish to start
playback. Operations of the thumbnail menu

2 Press the SEL/SET dial. Turn the SEL/SET dial (page 16) to select a menu
item, then press the SEL/SET dial.
Playback starts from the beginning of the
Pressing the CANCEL/BACK button (page 16)
selected clip.
restores to the previous condition.
Notes Pressing the OPTION button while the thumbnail
• The playback picture may be momentarily distorted or menu is displayed turns the thumbnail menu off.

Thumbnail Screens
frozen between clips. You cannot operate the
Notes
camcorder during this condition.
• When you select a clip on the thumbnail screen and • When the XQD memory card is write-protected, some
start playback, the playback picture at the beginning of operations are unavailable.
the clip may be distorted. To start playback without • There may be items that cannot be selected, depending
distortion, pause playback once after starting it, press on the status when the menu is displayed.
the PREV button of the playback control buttons to
return to the top of the clip, then restart playback.
Clip operation menu
Display Clip Properties
Displays the detailed information of a clip screen
(page 38).
Delete Clip
Select Clip: Deletes the selected clip (page 39).
Customize View
Thumbnail Caption: Changes the items that are
displayed under the thumbnail image.
(page 39)

Playing Clips / Clip Operations 37

 Displaying the detailed information of a clip
Select “Display Clip Properties” from the thumbnail menu.
Thumbnail Screens

1. Image of the current clip 10. Recording format

2. Timecode Video Codec: Video codec
Duration: Duration of the clip Size: Picture size
FPS: Frame rate/bit-rate
3. Date of recording/modifying Audio Codec: Audio codec
4. Currently selected memory card Ch/Bit: Number of the recorded audio channel/
audio recording bit
5. Media protect icon
11. Special recording information
6. Clip number/Total number of clips
7. Battery icon 12. Recording device name
8. Clip name
9. Clip title 1/2

38 Clip Operations
Deleting clips
You can delete clips from the XQD memory card.
Select “Select Clip” from “Delete Clip” on the
thumbnail menu.
You can select multiple clips to be deleted. Press
the OPTION button (page 16) after selecting the
clip to be deleted.

Changing information on the

thumbnail screen
You can change information of the clip/frame that
is displayed under thumbnail.
Select the displayed item from “Thumbnail
Caption” in “Customize View” on the thumbnail
menu.
Date Time: Creation date or modified time

Thumbnail Screens
Time Code: Timecode
Duration: Duration
Sequential Number: Thumbnail number

Clip Operations 39
 • When you select an item that you must confirm
Settings before execution, the menu display temporarily
Setup Menu Operations disappears, and a confirmation message is
displayed. Follow the instructions of the
message, and specify whether to execute or
The Setup menu allowing you to perform various cancel.
settings that are needed for recording and playing,
appears on the LCD/viewfinder screen by
pressing the MENU button. (You can display the
Setup menu on the external video monitor.)

Menu controls
MENU button (page 16)
To turn the menu mode to use the setup menus on/
off.
SEL/SET dial (page 16)
When you turn the dial, the cursor moves up or
down, permitting you to select menu items or
setting values.
Press the SEL/SET dial to select the highlighted
item.
CANCEL/BACK button (page 16)
To return to the previous menu. An uncompleted
Settings

change is canceled.
V/v/B/b SET button
When you press the V/v/B/b buttons, the cursor
moves in the corresponding direction, permitting
you to select menu items or setting values.
Press the SET button to enter the highlighted
item.
Notes
• In Focus Magnifier mode (page 28), the setup menu
cannot be used.

Setting the Setup menus

Turn the SEL/SET dial to set the cursor to the
item of the menu you wish to set, then press the
SEL/SET dial to select that item.
• The menu item selection area can show 9 lines
at maximum. When all the selectable items
cannot be displayed at one time, you can scroll
the display up or down by moving the cursor.
• For items having a wide range of available
values (example: –99 to +99), the available
value area is not displayed. The current setting
is highlighted instead, indicating that the setting
is ready for change.
• When you select “Execute” for an execution
item, the corresponding function is executed.

40 Setup Menu Operations

 Setup Menu List
The functions and available settings of menus are listed below.
The default settings set at the factory are shown in bold face (example: 18dB).

Camera menu

Camera
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Gain Gain<H> Sets the preset value <H> of the gain.
Setting for the gain 0dB / 3dB / 6dB / 9dB / 12dB /
15dB / 18dB / 21dB
Gain<M> Sets the preset value <M> of the gain.
0dB / 3dB / 6dB / 9dB / 12dB /
15dB / 18dB / 21dB
Gain<L> Sets the preset value <L> of the gain.
0dB / 3dB / 6dB / 9dB / 12dB /
15dB / 18dB / 21dB
Auto Exposure Level Sets the TLCS level.
Setting for the total –2.0 / –1.75 / –1.5 / –1.25 /
level control –1.0 / –0.75 / –0.5 / –0.25 / 0 /

Settings
system +0.25 / +0.5 / +0.75 / +1.0 /
+1.25 / +1.5 / +1.75 / +2.0
Speed Sets the control speed of the TLCS.
–99 to +99 (±0)
AGC Limit Sets the maximum gain of the AGC function.
3dB / 6dB / 9dB / 12dB /
15dB / 18dB / 21dB / 24dB
A.SHT Limit Sets the fastest shutter speed for the auto shutter function.
Off / 1/100 / 1/150 / 1/200 /
1/250
Color Bars Setting Turns the color bars on/off.
Setting for the On / Off
color bars Type Selects the type of color bar.
ARIB / SMPTE / 75% / 100%
Flicker Reduce Mode Sets the flicker correction mode.
Setting for the Auto / On / Off
flicker correction Frequency Sets the power frequency of lights that cause the flicker.
50Hz / 60Hz
SteadyShot Setting Turns on/off the SteadyShot function.
Setting for the On / Off
SteadyShot SteadyShot Type Selects the SteadyShot type.
function Hard / Standard / Soft / Wide
Conversion
Handle Zoom Setting Sets the handle zoom speed.
Setting for the 1 to 8 (3) (This setting is available only when the handle zoom switch is
handle zoom speed set to “FIX.”)

Setup Menu List 41

 Paint menu

Paint
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
White Preset White Selects the type to be used as the preset.
Setting for white Outdoor / Indoor / Color Temp.
balance Color Temp. <Preset> Displays and sets the color temperature of white balance that
2300K to 15000K (3200K) is stored in the white memory.
Shockless White Sets the speed of change in white balance when the white
Off / 1 / 2 / 3 balance mode is switched.
Off: Changes instantly.
1 to 3: Select a larger number to change the white balance
more slowly through interpolation.
ATW Speed Sets the reaction speed when in ATW mode.
1/2/3/4/5 1: Fastest reaction speed
Offset White Setting Turns on/off “Offset White” that is for the auto white balance
Setting for the On / Off (one push) and ATW function.
offset white Offset<A> Adjusts the volume of the offset white for the white memory
balance –99 to +99 (±0) (A).
Offset<B> Adjusts the volume of the offset white for the white memory
–99 to +99 (±0) (B).
Offset<ATW> Adjusts the volume of the offset white for the ATW.
–99 to +99 (±0)
Settings

Gamma Gamma Category Select from among “STD” (standard gamma), “CINE.”
Adjusting the STD / CINE
gamma Gamma Select Selects the gamma table that is used for the gamma
compensation compensation.
When “Gamma Category” is set to
“STD”
STD1 DVW / STD2 ×4.5 /
STD3 ×3.5 / STD4 240M /
STD5 R709 / STD6 ×5.0
When “Gamma Category” is set to
“CINE”
Cinematone1 / Cinematone2
Detail Manual Setting Turns the detail adjusting function on/off.
Setting for the On / Off
detail adjusting Level Adjusts the detail level.
–99 to +99 (±0)

42 Setup Menu List

Paint
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Skin Detail Setting Turns the skin detail compensation function on/off.
Adjusting the skin On / Off
detail Area Detection Detects the color for the skin detail compensation.
compensation Execute/Cancel Execute: Executes this function.
Area Indication Turns on/off the function that displays the zebra pattern in the
On / Off target area for the skin detail compensation.
Level Adjusts the skin detail level.
–99 to +99 (±0)
Saturation Adjusts the color (saturation) level for the skin detail
–99 to +99 (±0) compensation.
Hue Adjusts the color hue for the skin detail compensation.
0 to 359
Width Adjusts the width of the color hue for the skin detail
0 to 90 (40) compensation.
Matrix Setting Turns the matrix correction function on/off.
Setting for the On / Off
Matrix correction Preset Matrix Turns the preset matrix function on/off.
On / Off
Preset Select Selects the preset matrix.
Standard / High Saturation /
FL Light / Cinema
User Matrix Turns the user matrix correction function on/off.

Settings
On / Off
Level Adjusts the color saturation for the entire picture area.
–99 to +99 (±0)
Phase Adjusts the color phase for the entire picture area.
–99 to +99 (±0)

Setup Menu List 43

 Audio menu

Audio
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Audio Input INPUT1 Reference Selects the reference input level for when the INPUT1 switch
Setting for audio –60dB / –50dB / –40dB is set to MIC.
inputs INPUT2 Reference Selects the reference input level for when the INPUT2 switch
–60dB / –50dB / –40dB is set to MIC.
INT MIC Sensitivity Selects the sensitivity of the internal microphone.
Normal / High
INPUT1 Wind Filter Turns on/off the wind filter for CH1.
On / Off
INPUT2 Wind Filter Turns on/off the wind filter for CH2.
On / Off
INT MIC Wind Filter Turns on/off the wind filter for the internal stereo
On / Off microphone.
Limiter Mode Turns the limiter on/off when a loud signal is input while
On / Off setting audio input level manually.
AGC Mode Selects the cross-channel linkage of the AGC.
Mono / Stereo
1KHz Tone Turn the 1-kHz reference tone signal on/off.
On / Off
Settings

Audio Output Headphone Out Selects the headphones output, “Mono” or “Stereo.”
Setting for audio Mono / Stereo
outputs

Video menu

Video
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Output Format HDMI Sets the resolution of the HDMI output.
Setting for the The setting value changes SET: Execute this function.
output format depending on the setting of
“Video Format” in “Rec
Format” of the System menu.
The default options are as
follows.

NTSC model:
3840×2160P / 1920×1080P /
1920×1080i / 720×480P
PAL model:
3840×2160P / 1920×1080P /
1920×1080i / 720×576P
VIDEO Displays the resolution and scan method. (Display only)

44 Setup Menu List

Video
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Output Display HDMI Selects whether to add the menu or status on the HDMI
Setting for the On / Off output signal.
output signal VIDEO Selects whether to add the menu or status on the video output
On / Off signal.

LCD/VF menu

LCD/VF
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
LCD Setting Color Adjusts the color saturation of the LCD screen.
Setting for the –99 to +99 (±0)
LCD screen Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen.
–99 to +99 (±0)
LCD Backlight Adjusts the backlight level of the LCD screen.
Normal / Bright
VF Setting VF Backlight Adjusts the brightness of pictures on the viewfinder.
Setting for the Normal / Bright
viewfinder Power Mode Sets the lighting mode according to the LCD screen.
Auto / On Auto: Lights when the LCD is closed or inverted.

Settings
On: Always lights
Peaking Setting Turns the peaking function on/off.
Setting for the On / Off
peaking function Color Selects the signal color of the color peaking.
White / Red / Yellow / Blue
Color Peaking Level Sets the color peaking level.
0 to 99 (50)
Marker Setting Turn all marker indications on the viewfinder on/off.
Setting for the On / Off
marker indications Center Marker Turns on/off the center marker.
On / Off
Guide Frame Turns on/off the guide frame display.
On / Off
Zebra Setting Turns the zebra function on/off.
Setting for the On / Off
zebra pattern Zebra Select Select the zebra pattern(s) (Zebra 1, Zebra 2, or both of Zebra
1 / 2 / Both 1 and Zebra 2) to be displayed.
Zebra1 Level Sets the display level of zebra 1.
50% to 107% (70%)
Zebra1 Aperture Level Sets the aperture level of zebra 1.
1% to 20% (10%)
Zebra2 Level Sets the display level of zebra 2.
52% to 109% (100%)

Setup Menu List 45

 Media menu
This menu is not available when the media is not loaded.

Media
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Format Media Media(A) Formats the XQD memory card in the slot A.
Formatting a Execute / Cancel Execute: Executes format.
memory Media(B) Formats the XQD memory card in the slot B.
Execute / Cancel Execute: Executes format.
SD card Formats the UTILITY SD card
Execute / Cancel Execute: Executes format.

System menu

System
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Rec Format Video Format Sets the recording format.
Setting the NTSC Area: SET: Execute this function.
recording format 3840×2160 59.94P 150
3840×2160 29.97P 100
Settings

3840×2160 29.97P 60
3840×2160 23.98P 100
3840×2160 23.98P 60
1920×1080 59.94P 50
1920×1080 29.97P 50
1920×1080 23.98P 50
PAL Area:
3840×2160 50P 150
3840×2160 25P 100
3840×2160 25P 60
1920×1080 50P 50
1920×1080 25P 50
Assignable <1> to <7> Assign a function to the assignable buttons.
Button Off / Marker / Zebra / Peaking / Marker: Turns the marker on/off.
Assigning Focus Magnifier / Auto Zebra: Turns the zebra function on/off.
functions to the Exposure Level / SteadyShot / Peaking: Turns the peaking function on/off.
assignable buttons Color Bars / Rec Lamp[F] / Rec Focus Magnifier: Turns the focus magnifier function on/off.
Lamp[R] / Thumbnail Auto Exposure Level: Turns the auto exposure level function
on/off.
SteadyShot: Turns the SteadyShot function on/off.
Color Bars: Turns the color bars display on/off.
Rec Lamp[F]: Turns the front recording lamp on/off.
Rec Lamp[R]: Turns the rear recording lamp on/off.
Thumbnail: Turns the thumbnail display on/off.
Rec Lamp Rec Lamp[F] Turns the front recording lamp on/off.
Setting for the On / Off
recording lamp Rec Lamp[R] Turns the rear recording lamp on/off.
On / Off

46 Setup Menu List

System
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Language Select Sets the language to be displayed.
Setting the SET: Execute this function.
language
Clock Set Time Zone Sets the time-zone difference from UTC in steps of 30
Setting the built-in UTC –12:00 Kwajalein to UTC minutes.
clock +14:00
Date Mode Selects the display mode of the date.
YYMMDD / MMDDYY / YYMMDD: In sequence of year, month, day
DDMMYY MMDDYY: In sequence of month, day, year
DDMMYY: In sequence of day, month, year
12H/24H Selects the display mode of time.
12H / 24H 12H: 12-hour mode
24H: 24-hour mode
Date Sets the current date.
SET: Sets the date.
Time Sets the current time.
SET: Sets the time.
Country NTSC/PAL Area Sets the region in which you use the camcorder.
Setting the region Execute: Execute this function.
Hours Meter Hours(System) Displays the non-resettable accumulated time of use.
Displaying the Hours(Reset) Displays the resettable accumulated time of use.
hours meter
Reset Resets the “Hours(Reset)” value to 0.

Settings
Execute / Cancel Execute: Execute resetting.
All Reset Reset Resets the camcorder to the factory status.
Resetting to the Execute / Cancel Execute: Executes resetting.
factory status
Version Number Displays the current software version of the camcorder.
Showing the Vx.xx
version of this Version Up Upgrades the camcorder*.
camcorder Execute / Cancel Execute: Executes.
* Upgrade is the function for updating the software of the
camcorder.

Thumbnail menu

Thumbnail
Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents
Display Clip Opens the detailed information screen of the clip.
Properties
Displaying the
detailed
information screen
of a clip
Delete Clip Execute / Cancel Deletes a selected clip (one or more clips should be selected).
Deleting a clip Execute: Executes this function.

Setup Menu List 47

 External Devices Connection
Connecting External Monitors and Recording Devices
To display recording/playback pictures on an
external monitor, select the output signal and use
an appropriate cable for the monitor to be
connected.
An output signal from the camcorder can be
recorded when a recording device is connected.
The same status information and menus can be
displayed on the external monitor as those on the
viewfinder screen.
According to the signal fed to the monitor, set
“Output Display” (page 45) in the Video menu to
“On.”

HDMI OUT connector (Type A connector)

Set the on/off setting of the output, and output
format in the Video menu (page 44).
Use a supplied HDMI cable for connection.
When you use a commercially available HDMI
cable, use a high speed HDMI cable.

VIDEO OUT connector (Pin connector)

Use the supplied A/V connecting cable for
connection.
For details, see “Video formats and output
External Devices Connection

signals” (page 59).

48 Connecting External Monitors and Recording Devices

 3 With Windows, check that the memory
card is displayed as a removable disk in
Managing Clips with a My Computer.
Computer With Macintosh, check that a “NO
NAME” or “Untitled” folder was
created on the desktop. (The Macintosh
Connecting with a USB cable folder name can be changed.)
Notes
To use an XQD card reader (sold • The following operations must be avoided when the
access lamp is lit in red.
separately) —Turning the power off or disconnecting the power
When you connect the MRW-E80 XQD card cord (mains lead)
—Removing the XQD memory card
reader (sold separately) using a USB cable, the —Disconnecting the USB cable
memory card in the slot is acknowledged as an • When removing an XQD memory card from a
extended drive by the computer. Macintosh, do not select “Card Power Off” from the
When two memory cards are mounted in this XQD memory card icon displayed on the menu bar.
• Operation is not guaranteed with all computers.
camcorder, they are acknowledged as two
independent extended drives by the computer.
Notes
• The MRW-E80 does not work on the bus power from
the computer. Supply the operating power
independently.

To use mass storage mode of the

camcorder

1 Set the power switch to ON to turn on

the camcorder.
A message prompting you to confirm that

External Devices Connection

you wish to enable the USB connection is
displayed on the LCD/viewfinder screen.
Notes
• This message will not be displayed while another
confirmation message or in-progress message
(e.g., for formatting or restoring of an XQD
memory card) is shown on the screen. It appears
when formatting or restoration has completed.
The message is also not displayed while the
screen for the detailed information of a clip is
shown on the screen. It appears when an
operation on the screen for the detailed
information of a clip is completed or you return to
the thumbnail screen.

2 Select “Execute” by turning the SEL/

SET dial.

Managing Clips with a Computer 49

 Checking the computer system
Playing Images on a
Computer OS*1
Windows Vista SP2*2/Windows 7 SP1/Windows 8

The “PlayMemories Home” software allows you CPU

to import movies and still images to your Intel Core i3/i5/i7
computer to use them in a variety of ways. GPU
Intel HD Graphics (4,000 or more)
Memory
What you can do with 2 GB or more
“PlayMemories Home” software Hard disk
(Windows) Disk volume required for installation:
Approximately 600 MB
• Import images from the camcorder Display
• Export images stored in a computer to the Minimum 1,024 dots × 768 dots
camcorder
*1 Standard installation is required. Operation is not
• View images in a calendar assured if the OS has been upgraded or in a multi-
“PlayMemories Home” can be downloaded from boot environment.
the following URL. *2 Starter (Edition) is not supported.
http://www.sony.net/pm
Notes
Notes
• Operation with all computer environments is not
• An Internet connection is required to install assured.
“PlayMemories Home.”
• An Internet connection is required to use
“PlayMemories Online” and other online services. The
services may not be available in some countries/ Installing the “PlayMemories
regions. Home” software in your computer
1 Access the following download site
External Devices Connection

Software for Mac using an Internet browser on your

To import images from the camcorder to your computer, then click “Install” t
Mac and play them, use the appropriate software “Run”.
on your Mac. www.sony.net/pm
For details, visit the following URL.
http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/
2 Install according to the on-screen
instructions.
Notes When the on-screen instructions prompting
• This camcorder does not support XAVC format. you to connect the camcorder to a computer
appear, connect the camcorder to your
computer with the supplied USB cable.
When the installation completes,
“PlayMemories Home” starts up.

Notes on installation
• If the “PlayMemories Home” software is
already installed on your computer, connect the
camcorder to your computer. Functions that can
be used with this camcorder will then be
available.

50 Playing Images on a Computer

• If the “PMB (Picture Motion Browser)”
software is installed on your computer, it will be
overwritten by the “PlayMemories Home”
software. In this case, you cannot use some
functions that were available with “PMB” with
this “PlayMemories Home” software.

To disconnect your camcorder from the

computer

1. Click the icon at the bottom right of the

desktop of the computer t “Safely remove
USB Mass Storage Device”.

2. Select t “Yes” on the camcorder

screen.
3. Disconnect the USB cable.
If you are using Windows 7 or Windows 8, click
, then click .
Notes
• When you access the camcorder from the computer,
use the “PlayMemories Home” software. Operation is
not guaranteed if you operate the data using software
other than the “PlayMemories Home” software or you
directly manipulate files and the folders from a

External Devices Connection

computer.
• The camcorder automatically divides an image file
depending on the recording time when shooting in
XAVC S. All image files may be shown as separate
files on a computer, however, the files will be handled
properly by the import function and the playback
function of the camcorder or the “PlayMemories
Home” software.

Editing images on a computer

Using a nonlinear editing system

For a nonlinear editing system, a editing software
that corresponds to the recording formats used
with this camcorder (sold separately) is required.
Store the clips to be edited on the HDD of your
computer in advance, using the dedicated
application software.

Playing Images on a Computer 51

 Appendices
Important Notes on Operation

Recording time of movies

Estimated duration of recording and playback

Recording time
Approximate time available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
(unit: minute)
Continuous Typical recording
recording time time
4K HD 4K HD
LCD screen 165 (30P) 155 (60P) 75 (30P) 70 (60P)
175 (25P) 160 (50P) 80 (25P) 70 (50P)
Viewfinder 170 (30P) 160 (60P) 80 (30P) 75 (60P)
180 (25P) 165 (50P) 85 (25P) 75 (50P)

Notes
• Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, zooming, and so on.
• Times measured when using the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F) (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended).
• The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.
Playing time
Approximate time available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
(unit: minute)
4K HD
LCD screen 230 (30P) 230 (60P)
235 (25P) 245 (50P)
Viewfinder 240 (30P) 240 (60P)
245 (25P) 245 (50P)

Estimated recording time of movies

Appendices

(unit: minute)
Format Resolution Frame rate Bit-rate Recording Recording
(approx.) time time
32GB 64GB
(approx.) (approx.)
XAVC S [4K] 3840×2160 59.94P/50P 150Mbps 25 50
Long 420 8bit 29.97P/25P/23.98P 100Mbps 35 75
29.97P/25P/23.98P 60Mbps 60 125
XAVC S [HD] 1920×1080 59.94P/50P/29.97P/ 50Mbps 70 150
Long 420 8bit 25P/23.98P

52 Important Notes on Operation

 Notes
• Available recording time may vary depending on the recording conditions, subject conditions, etc.

• You can record movies to a maximum of 9,999 scenes in total.

• The maximum continuous recording time of movies is approximately 13 hours.
• Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit
the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of the media. Movies
containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit-rate, and this reduces the
overall recording time.

Appendices

Important Notes on Operation 53

 Do not leave the camcorder with the lenses
Using your camcorder abroad facing the sun
Direct sunlight can enter through the lenses, be
Power supply focused in the camcorder, and cause fire.
You can use your camcorder in any country/
region using the AC Adaptor or Charger supplied
Shipping
with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to
240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range. • Remove the memory cards before transporting
the unit.
Viewing on TV
• If sending the unit by truck, ship, air or other
Before recording a movie with your camcorder
transportation service, pack it in the shipping
for viewing on a TV, set “NTSC/PAL Area” in
carton of the unit.
“Country” of System menu to the appropriate TV
system for the country/region in which you
intended to view the movie. The following shows Care of the unit
which countries and regions require “NTSC If the body of the unit is dirty, clean it with a soft,
Area” or “PAL Area” setting. dry cloth. In extreme cases, use a cloth steeped in
NTSC Area: a little neutral detergent, then wipe dry. Do not
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, use organic solvents such as alcohol or thinner, as
Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, these may cause discoloration or other damage to
Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the the finish of the unit.
Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.
PAL Area: About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil,
Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Your camcorder operates only with an
Finland, France, Germany, Guiana, Holland, “InfoLITHIUM” L series battery pack of a large
Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, capacity, NP-F970 (supplied).
Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, You cannot use NP-F570/F770 (sold separately).
Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, “InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the
Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, mark.
Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?
etc. An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion
Simple setting of the clock by time difference battery pack that has functions for
When you are abroad, set “Time Zone” of “Clock communicating information related to operating
Set” in the System menu (page 47). conditions between your camcorder, the supplied
AC Adaptor or Charger.
Use and Storage To charge the battery pack
Appendices

• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you

Do not subject the unit to severe shock start using your camcorder.
The internal mechanism may be damaged or the
To use the battery pack effectively
body warped.
• Battery pack performance decreases when the
Do not cover the unit while operating ambient temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or below,
Putting a cloth, for example, over the unit can and the length of time you can use the battery
cause excessive internal heat build-up. pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the
After use following to use the battery pack for a longer
Always set the power switch to OFF. time.
—Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it
Before storing the unit for a long period up, and install it in your camcorder right
Remove the battery pack. before you start taking shots.

54 Important Notes on Operation

• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF when About battery life
not recording or playing back on your • Battery capacity decreases over time and
camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed through repeated use. If decreased usage time
when your camcorder is in recording standby or between charges becomes significant, it is
playback pause. probably time to replace it with a new one.
• Have spare battery packs ready for 2 or 3 times • Each battery’s life is governed by storage,
the expected recording time, and make trial operating and environmental conditions.
recordings before making the actual recording.
About charging the battery pack
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The
• Use the Charger (supplied) to charge the
battery pack is not water resistant.
designated batteries only. If you charge other
About the remaining battery indicator types of batteries, those batteries may leak, heat
• Check the level with the following indicators up, burst, or give an electric shock, resulting in
displayed on the LCD screen. burns or injury.
• Remove the charged battery from the Charger.
Battery remaining Detected voltage • The charge lamp of the supplied Charger
indicator flashes in 2 patterns as follows:
7.4 – Fast-flashing...Turns on and off rapidly at about
7.2 – 7.3 0.15-second intervals.
Slow-flashing...Turns on and off alternately for
7.0 – 7.1
about 1.5 seconds, and turns off completely for
6.8 – 6.9 about 1.5 seconds. The lamp repeats this
sequence.
6.6 – 6.7
• If the charge lamp is fast-flashing, remove the
– 6.5 battery that is being charged, and then reattach
the same battery again firmly. If the charge
• The displayed level may not be correct under lamp continues fast-flashing, the cause could be
certain circumstances. that the battery is damaged, or the battery is not
• When the power goes off even though the a designated type. Check the battery to confirm
remaining battery time indicator indicates that whether it is a designated type or not. If it is a
the battery pack has enough power to operate, designated type, remove the battery first, and
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining then attach a brand-new battery or another
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note, known-to-be-good battery to see if the Charger
however, that the battery indication will not be is working correctly. If the Charger is working
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a correctly, the cause could be that the battery is
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or damaged.
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use • If the charge lamp is slow-flashing, the Charger Appendices
the remaining battery time indication as a rough is in standby mode and charging is suspended.
guide only. When the ambient temperature is out of the
About storage of the battery pack appropriate temperature range for charging, the
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time, Charger suspends charging automatically and
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on enters standby mode. When the ambient
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper temperature returns to an appropriate
function. To store the battery pack, remove it temperature, the Charger restarts charging and
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool the charge lamp lights up. We recommend
place. charging the battery pack in an ambient
• To discharge the battery pack on your temperature of from 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to
camcorder completely, leave your camcorder in 86 °F).
recording standby until the power goes off
(page 19).

Important Notes on Operation 55

 • Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)
About handling of your camcorder such as by placing anything heavy on it.
On use and care • Keep metal contacts clean.
• Do not use or store the camcorder and • Keep the Wireless Remote Commander and
accessories in the following locations. button-type battery out of children’s reach. If
—Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never the battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a
leave them exposed to temperatures above doctor immediately.
60 °C (140 °F), such as under direct • If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,
sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in —consult your local authorized Sony service
the sun. They may malfunction or become facility.
deformed. —wash off any liquid that may have contacted
—Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical your skin.
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction. —if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with
—Near strong radio waves or radiation. The plenty of water and consult a doctor.
camcorder may not be able to record When not using your camcorder for a long time
properly. • Turn on the camcorder and record and play back
—Near AM receivers and video equipment. images about once a month to keep it in an
Noise may occur. optimum state for a long time.
—On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If • Use up the battery pack completely before
sand or dust gets in your camcorder, it may storing it.
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction
Moisture condensation
cannot be repaired.
If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold
—Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD
place to a warm place, moisture may condense
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be
inside your camcorder and cause a malfunction of
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the
your camcorder.
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.
—Anywhere very humid. If moisture condensation has occurred
• Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery Leave your camcorder for about 1 hour without
pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor). turning it on.
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories Note on moisture condensation
recommended in these operating instructions. Moisture may condense when you bring your
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example, camcorder from a cold place into a warm place
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this a humid place as shown below.
malfunction cannot be repaired. • When you bring your camcorder from a ski
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the slope into a place warmed up by a heating
Appendices

casing, unplug your camcorder and have it device.

checked by a Sony dealer before operating it • When you bring your camcorder from an air
any further. conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling, • When you use your camcorder after a squall or
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as a shower.
hammering, dropping or stepping on the • When you use your camcorder in a hot and
product. Be particularly careful of the lens. humid place.
• Do not use a deformed or damaged battery pack.
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF when How to avoid moisture condensation
you are not using your camcorder. When you bring your camcorder from a cold
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for place into a warm place, put your camcorder in a
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag
heat to build up inside. when the air temperature inside the plastic bag
• When disconnecting the power cord (mains has reached the ambient temperature (after about
lead), pull it by the plug and not the lead. 1 hour).

56 Important Notes on Operation

LCD screen On charging the pre-installed rechargeable
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD battery
screen, as it may cause damage. Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a battery to retain the date, time, and other settings
residual image may appear on the LCD screen. even when the POWER switch is set to OFF. The
This is not a malfunction. pre-installed rechargeable battery is always
• While using your camcorder, the back of the charged while your camcorder is connected to the
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor or
malfunction. while the battery pack is attached. The
To clean the LCD screen rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in
about 3 months if you do not use your
The surface of the LCD screen is coated. If you
scratch the surface, the coating may be come off. camcorder at all without the AC Adaptor
Mind the following points when cleaning and connected or the battery pack attached. Use your
camcorder after charging the pre-installed
handling it.
• If hand grease or hand cream remains on the rechargeable battery.
screen, the coating comes off more easily. Wipe However, even if the pre-installed rechargeable
battery is not charged, the camcorder operation
it early.
• The coating may be scratched if you wipe the will not be affected as long as you are not
screen with a tissue, etc. recording the date.
• Remove the dust or sand with a blower, etc.
before wiping the dirt. Removing dust from inside the
• Use a soft cloth (a cloth for glasses, etc.) gently viewfinder
to clean the dirt.
On handling the casing 1 Remove the eye piece of the viewfinder.
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body Slide down the viewfinder release lever and
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water, hold it at the position (1), then lift the eye
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth. piece of the viewfinder as indicated with the
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the arrow in the illustration (2).
finish.
—Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent,
insecticide and sunscreen.
—Handling with above substances on your
hands.
—Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or
Appendices
vinyl objects for a long period of time.
About care and storage of the lens
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft
cloth in the following instances:
—When there are fingerprints on the lens
surface.
—In hot or humid locations
—When the lens is exposed to salty air such as
at the seaside.
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to
little dirt or dust.
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as
described above.

Important Notes on Operation 57

 2 Remove dust inside the eye piece and
Note on the display
viewfinder with a blower.
• Pictures on the LCD screen and viewfinder
screen may be distorted by the following
operations:
—Changing the video format
—Starting playback from the Thumbnail
screen
—Reversing the LCD screen
• When you change the eye direction in the
viewfinder, you may see primary colors red,
green, and blue, but this is not a defect of the
camcorder. These primary colors are not
recorded on any recording media.
To prevent electromagnetic interference
from portable telephones, wireless Fragmentation
devices, etc. If pictures cannot be recorded/reproduced
properly, try formatting the recording medium.
The use of portable telephones, wireless devices,
While repeating picture recording/playback with
etc., near this unit can result in malfunctions and
a certain recording medium for an extended
interference with audio and video signals.
period, files in the medium may be fragmented,
It is recommended that such equipment near this
disabling proper recording/storage. In such a
unit is powered off.
case, make a backup of clips in the medium then
perform formatting of the medium using “Format
About the LCD screen Media” (page 46) in the Media menu.
• Do not leave the LCD screen facing direct
sunlight, as this may damage the LCD screen.
• Do not press/swipe the LCD screen forcefully,
or leave objects on the LCD screen, as it may
cause a malfunction, such as picture
irregularity, etc.
• The LCD screen may become warm in use. This
is not a malfunction.

About the stuck pixels

Appendices

The LCD screen fitted to this unit is manufactured

with high precision technology, giving a
functioning pixel ratio of at least 99.99%. Thus a
very small proportion of pixels may be “stuck”,
either always off (black), always on (red, green,
or blue), or flashing. In addition, over a long
period of use, because of the physical
characteristics of the liquid crystal display, such
“stuck” pixels may appear spontaneously. These
problems are not a malfunction, and will not be
recorded on recording media.

58 Important Notes on Operation

 Formats and Limitations of Outputs

Video formats and output signals

Output formats from the HDMI OUT connector

Region setting Recording format HDMI output setting Output signal/
setting Conversion method
“NTSC/PAL Area” in “Video Format” in “HDMI” in “Output Output signal
“Country” of System “Rec Format” of Format” of Video menu
menu System menu
NTSC Area 3840×2160 59.94P 150 3840×2160P 3840×2160 59.94P*
1920×1080P 1920×1080 59.94P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 59.94i
720×480P 720×480 59.94P
3840×2160 29.97P 100 3840×2160P 3840×2160 29.97P
3840×2160 29.97P 60 1920×1080P 1920×1080 59.94P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 59.94i
720×480P 720×480 59.94P
3840×2160 23.98P 100 3840×2160P 3840×2160 23.98P
3840×2160 23.98P 60 1920×1080P 1920×1080 23.98P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 59.94i
720×480P 720×480 59.94P
1920×1080 59.94P 50 1920×1080P 1920×1080 59.94P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 59.94i
720×480P 720×480 59.94P
1920×1080 29.97P 50 1920×1080P 1920×1080 59.94P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 59.94i
720×480P 720×480 59.94P
1920×1080 23.98P 50 1920×1080P 1920×1080 23.98P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 59.94i
720×480P 720×480 59.94P
PAL Area 3840×2160 50P 150 3840×2160P 3840×2160 50P* Appendices
1920×1080P 1920×1080 50P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 50i
720×576P 720×576 50P
3840×2160 25P 100 3840×2160P 3840×2160 25P
3840×2160 25P 60 1920×1080P 1920×1080 50P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 50i
720×576P 720×576 50P
1920×1080 50P 50 1920×1080P 1920×1080 50P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 50i
720×576P 720×576 50P
1920×1080 25P 50 1920×1080P 1920×1080 50P
1920×1080i 1920×1080 50i
720×576P 720×576 50P

* Compatible with the Sony transmission system.

You can connect the camcorder to a Sony 4K television, or a 4K monitor.
Picture resolution is Y:Cb:Cr=4:2:0.

Formats and Limitations of Outputs 59

 Output formats from the VIDEO OUT connector
Signals to the VIDEO OUT connector cannot be output when “HDMI” in “Output Format” of the Video
menu is set to “3840×2160P.”
Video output signal
Setting for the region where the camcorder is used
VIDEO output
“NTSC/PAL Area” in “Country” of System menu
NTSC Area 720×486 59.94i
PAL Area 720×576 50i
Appendices

60 Formats and Limitations of Outputs

 Error/Warning Indications
The camcorder informs you of situations where warning, caution, or an operation check is required,
through messages on the LCD/viewfinder screen, the recording lamp, and a buzzer.
The buzzer is output to the headphones connected via the headphone connector.

Error indications
The camcorder stops operation after the following indications.
Error indication on Buzzer Recording Cause and measures
LCD/viewfinder lamp
C:04:ss The battery pack is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use
an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (page 54).
C:06:ss The battery pack temperature is high. Change the battery
pack or place it in a cool place.
C:32:ss Remove the power source. Reconnect it and operate your
camcorder again.
E:20:ss/E:40:ss/ Perform the following steps.
E:41:ss/E:50:ss/ 1 Check the list, and inspect your camcorder.
E:51:ss/E:61:ss/ 2 Disconnect the power source, attach the power source again
E:62:ss/E:92:ss/ after about 1 minute, and turn the camcorder on.
E:94:ss/E:95:ss 3 Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service
facility.

Warning indications
When one of the following indications is generated, follow the message to resolve the problem.
Warning indication Buzzer Recording Cause and measures
on LCD/viewfinder lamp
Media Near Full Intermittent Flashing Free space on the XQD memory card has become
insufficient.
Replace it with another at the earliest opportunity. Appendices
Media Full Continuous Rapidly No space is left on the XQD memory card. Recording, clip
flashing copying and clip division cannot be performed.
Replace it with another.
Battery Near End Intermittent Flashing The battery power will be discharged soon.
Charge the battery pack at the earliest opportunity.
Battery End Continuous Rapidly The battery pack is discharged. Recording cannot be
flashing performed.
Stop operation and change the battery pack.
Battery Temperature The temperature of the battery pack has risen above a safe
High operation limit.
Turn Power Off The camcorder turns off automatically.
Temperature High Intermittent Flashing The internal temperature has risen above a safe operation
limit.
Suspend operation, turn off the power, and wait until the
temperature falls.
Battery Error An error was detected with the battery pack.
Please Change Battery Replace the battery pack with a normal one.

Error/Warning Indications 61
 Warning indication Buzzer Recording Cause and measures
on LCD/viewfinder lamp
Unknown Media(A)* A partitioned memory card or one that contains recorded
Please Change clips exceeding the number permitted with this camcorder is
loaded.
This card cannot be used with this camcorder. Remove it and
load a compatible card.
Media Error An error occurred with the memory card. The card requires
Media(A) Needs to be restoration.
Restored* Remove the card, load it again, and restore it.
Media Error Recording cannot be done, because the memory card is
Cannot Record to defective.
Media(A)* Because playback may be possible, it is recommended to
replace it with another card after copying the clips, as
required.
Media Error Neither recording nor playback can be done, because the
Cannot Use Media(A)* memory card is defective.
It cannot be operated with this camcorder. Replace it with
another card.
Will Switch Slots Soon This is an advanced notice that the camcorder will switch
from the current memory card to the other memory card for
continuous recording.
Cannot Use Media(A)* A card of a different file system or an unformatted card was
Unsupported File inserted. It cannot be used with this camcorder.
System Replace it or format it with this camcorder.
Media Error An error occurred in reading data from the memory card, and
Playback Halted playback cannot be continued.
If this frequently occurs, change the memory card after
copying the clips, as required.
Media(A) Error* Recording cannot be done, because an error occurred with the
memory card.
If this frequently occurs, change the memory card.
Media Reached The memory card comes to the end of its service life. Make a
Rewriting Limit backup copy and replace the card with another one as soon as
Change Media(A)* possible. Recording/playback may not be performed properly
if you continue to use the card.
For details, refer to the operating instructions of the memory
card.
Appendices

Cannot Use Media(A)* A memory card with different file system is inserted.
Unsupported File Replace the card, format it with the camcorder.
System
Battery Temperature Intermittent Flashing The temperature of the battery pack is rising.
High Turn off the power and replace the battery pack with another
one or wait until the temperature falls.

* “Media(B)” for the card in slot B.

62 Error/Warning Indications
 Licenses Specifications
System
On accessing software to which Video signal
4K image quality (3840×2160): UHDTV
the GPL/LGPL applies HD image quality: HDTV
Video recording system
This product uses software to which the GPL/
4K image quality (3840×2160): MPEG-4
LGPL applies. This informs you that you have a
AVC/H.264 XAVC S format ver.1.0
right to have access to, modify, and redistribute
compatible
source code for these software programs under
HD image quality: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
the conditions of the GPL/LGPL.
XAVC S format ver.1.0 compatible
The source code is provided on the internet. Use
Audio recording system
the following URL and follow the download
Linear PCM 2ch (48 kHz 16-bit)
instructions.
Recording media
http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/common/
XQD memory card
search.html
Image device
We would prefer that you do not contact us about
7.82 mm (1/2.3 type) CMOS sensor
the contents of the source code.
Gross: Approx. 18 900 000 pixels
Effective (movie, 16:9): Approx. 8 300 000
For the content of these licenses, see
pixels
“License1.pdf” in the “License” folder of the
Lens
supplied CD-ROM.
G Lens
20 × (Optical)
Adobe Reader must be installed on your
Focal length
computer to view PDF files.
f=4.1 mm - 82.0 mm (3/16 in. - 3 1/4 in.)
If Adobe Reader is not installed on your
When converted to a 35 mm still camera
computer, you can download it by accessing the
31.5 mm - 630 mm (1 1/4 in. - 24 7/8 in.)
following URL.
(16:9)
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
F1.6 - F3.4
Filter diameter: 72 mm (2 7/8 in.)
Color temperature
Open software licenses “Indoor” (3 200K)
“Outdoor” (5 600K)
On the basis of license contracts between Sony “Color Temp.” (2 300K - 15 000K) Appendices

and the software copyright holders, this product Minimum illumination

uses open software. 60P (NTSC Area):
To meet the requirements of the software 4 lx (lux) (Fixed Shutter Speed 1/30, manual
copyright holders, Sony is obligated to inform gain (27 dB), auto iris (F1.6))
you of the content of these licenses. 50P (PAL Area):
For the content of these licenses, see 3 lx (lux) (Fixed Shutter Speed 1/25, manual
“License1.pdf” in the “License” folder of the gain (27 dB), auto iris (F1.6))
supplied CD-ROM. Input/Output connectors
VIDEO OUT connector
Pin connector
1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms) unbalanced, sync
negative

Licenses / Specifications 63
 AUDIO OUT connectors Dimensions (approx.)
Pin connectors Camcorder body only (including the
-10 dBu (at load impedance 47 kΩ projecting parts):
(kilohms)), Output impedance with less than 189 mm × 193 mm × 362 mm
2.2 kΩ (kilohms) (7 1/2 in. × 7 5/8 in. × 14 3/8 in.) (w/h/d)
(0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms) When recording (including the projecting
HDMI OUT connector parts):
HDMI connector (Type A) 189 mm × 193 mm × 413 mm
i (headphones) connector (7 1/2 in. × 7 5/8 in. × 16 3/8 in.) (w/h/d)
Stereo-minijack (Ø 3.5 mm) (With the accessories (battery pack (NP-
INPUT1/INPUT2 connectors F970), large eyecup) attached.)
XLR 3-pin, female, Mass (approx.)
MIC: -50 dBu: 3 kΩ (kilohms) Camcorder body only:
LINE: +4 dBu: 10 kΩ (kilohms) 2 440 g (87 oz)
(0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms) When recording:
USB connector 2 770 g (98 oz) (With the accessories (battery
Mass-storage: mini-B pack (NP-F970), large eyecup) attached.)
Host: Type A
AC Adaptor AC-NB12A
Remote connector
Power requirements
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm)
AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz
LCD screen Current consumption
Picture 0.65 A - 0.35 A
8.8 cm (3.5 type, aspect ratio 16:9) Power consumption
Total dot number 30 W
1 229 000 (854 × 480 × 3 [RGB]) Output voltage
Viewfinder DC 12 V*
Picture Operating temperature
0 °C to 45 °C (32 °F to 113 °F)
0.45 type, aspect ratio 16:9
Total dot number Storage temperature
Approx. 1 226 880 -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)
Dimensions (approx.)
General 49.5 mm × 28 mm × 99.5 mm
Power requirements (1 31/32 in. × 1 1/8 in. × 3 15/16 in.) (w/h/d)
DC 7.2 V (battery pack) excluding the projecting parts
DC 12 V 2.5 A (AC Adaptor) Mass (approx.)
Average power consumption 200 g (7.1 oz) excluding the power cord
Appendices

During camera recording using the internal (mains lead)

microphone and LCD with normal brightness * See the label on the AC Adaptor for other
NTSC Area: specifications.
4K: 14.5W (29.97P, 60Mbps) Charger AC-VL1
HD: 15.7W (59.94P, 50Mbps) Power requirements
PAL Area: AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz
4K: 13.8W (25P, 60Mbps) Current consumption
HD: 14.9W (50P, 50Mbps) 0.35 A - 0.18 A
Operating temperature Power consumption
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) 22 W
Storage temperature Output voltage
-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F) DC 8.4 V*
Operating temperature
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Storage temperature
-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)

64 Specifications
Dimensions (approx.) • Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and
136 mm × 51 mm × 90 mm Windows Media are trademarks or registered
(5 3/8 in. × 2 1/8 in. × 3 5/8 in.) (w/h/d) trademarks of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the
excluding the projecting parts U.S. and other countries.
Mass (approx.) • Mac and Mac OS are registered trademarks of
270 g (9.6 oz) excluding the power cord Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
(mains lead) • HDMI, HDMI logo, and High-Definition
* See the label on the Charger for other specifications. Multimedia Interface are registered trademarks
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F970 of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States
Maximum output voltage and other countries.
DC 8.4 V • Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks or
Output voltage registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its
DC 7.2 V subsidiaries in the United States and other
Maximum charge voltage countries.
DC 8.4 V • Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are
Maximum charge current either registered trademarks or trademarks of
3.0 A Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United
Capacity States and/or other countries.
Typical: 47.5 Wh (6 600 mAh)
Minimum: 45 Wh (6 300 mAh) All other product names mentioned herein may be
Type the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
Li-ion respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®”
are not mentioned in each case in this manual.
Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.
• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

Package configuration
Charger (1) (AC-VL1)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F970 (1)
AC Adaptor (1) (AC-NB12A)
Power cord (mains lead) (2)
A/V connecting cable (1)
HDMI cable (1)
USB cable (1) Appendices
Lens hood (1)
Large eyecup (1)
CD-ROM “License” (1)
Operating Guide (2)

On trademarks
• “Handycam” and are
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• “XAVC S” and are trademarks of
Sony Corporation.
• XQD, and are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.

Specifications 65
 H
Index Handle Zoom 41
Handle zoom 27
Handle zoom lever 27
A Handle zoom switch 27
AC Adaptor 22 HDMI OUT connector 48, 59
All Reset 47 Headphones connector 15
Assignable Button 35, 46 Hook for shoulder strap 15
Audio 29 Hours Meter 47
Audio Input 44
Audio menu 44 I
Audio Output 44 Indoor 32
Auto Exposure 41 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack 54
AUTO/MANUAL switch 30 IRIS button 30
Iris ring 30
C
Camera menu 41 L
Charging time 22 Language 47
Clip 29, 37 LCD screen 19, 24
Clock 23 LCD Setting 45
Clock Set 47 LCD/VF Menu 45
Color Bars 41 Lens 57
Country 47 Lens cover lever 23
Cueing up 29 Lens hood with lens cover 23

D M
Delete Clip 47 Marker 45
Detail 42 Matrix 43
Display Clip Properties 38 Media Full 26
Media menu 46
E Media Near Full 26
Error Indications 61 MENU button 40
Expanded focus 28 MIC+48V 33
Appendices

External Monitor 48 Moisture condensation 56

MRW-E80 49
F
Flicker Reduce 41 N
Focus 28 ND filter 31
Focus ring 28 Nonlinear editing 51
FOCUS switch 28
Format 26 O
Format Media 46 Offset White 42
One push button 32
G OPTION button 37
Gain 30, 41 Outdoor 32
GAIN button 30 Output Display 45
Gain switch 30 Output Format 44
Gamma 42

66 Index
Output signal 59 W
Wall outlet (wall socket) 22
P Warning Indications 61
Paint menu 42 White 42
Peaking 45 White balance 31
Power cord (mains lead) 21 White balance memory switch 32
Power zoom lever 27 WHT BAL button 31
Pre-installed rechargeable battery 57 Wide angle 27
PUSH (lens hood release) button 23
PUSH AUTO button 28 X
Push auto focus 28 XQD Memory Cards 25

R Z
Rec Format 46 Zebra 45
Rec Lamp 46 Zoom 27
Record button 27 Zoom ring 27

S
SEL/SET dial 40
Setup menu 40, 41
Shoulder strap 15
Shutter speed 31
SHUTTER SPEED button 31
Skin Detail 43
SteadyShot 41
System menu 46

T
Telephoto 27
Thumbnail menu 37
Thumbnail screen 36
Time and date 23
Time Zone 23 Appendices

U
USB cable 49
Using your camcorder abroad 54
UTC 23

V
Version 47
VF Setting 45
Video format 59
Video menu 44
VIDEO OUT connector 48, 60
Viewfinder 19, 24
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever 24
Viewfinder release lever 57

Index 67
 Additional information on this product and
answers to frequently asked questions can be
found at our Customer Support Website.

Printed in China