4-586-523-11(1) Digital 4K Video Camera Recorder Getting started Recording/Playback Saving images Operating Guide “Help Guide” (Web manual) Refer to “Help Guide” for in-depth instructions on the many functions of the camera. http://rd1.sony.
Read this first IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. 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.
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.
Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world. A Type (American Type) B Type (British Type) BF Type (British Type) B3 Type (British Type) C Type (CEE Type) SE Type (CEE Type) O Type (Ocean 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.
Asia Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type China Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Korea (rep) Malaysia Philippines Singapore Taiwan Thailand Vietnam 220 200/220 230/240 127/230 100 220 240 220/230 230 110 220 220 50 50 50 50 50/60 60 50 60 50 60 50 50 A BF C C A C BF A/C BF A C/BF A/C Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Australia New Zealand 240 230/240 50 50 O O Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type 120 120 60 60 A A Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Pl
South America Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Peru Venezuela 220 127/220 220 120 220 120 50 60 50 60 60 60 C/BF/O A/C C A A/C A Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Iran Iraq Israel Saudi Arabia Turkey UAE 220 220 230 127/220 220 240 50 50 50 50 50 50 C/BF C/BF C A/C/BF C C/BF Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Algeria Congo (dem) Egypt Ethiopia Kenya Nigeria South Africa Tanzania Tunisia 127/220 220 220 22
CAUTION Battery pack If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions. • Do not disassemble. • Do not crush and do not expose the battery pack to any shock or force such as hammering, dropping or stepping on it. • Do not short circuit and do not allow metal objects to come into contact with the battery terminals. • Do not expose to high temperature above 60°C (140°F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.
For supplied accessories This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. – Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Disposal of waste batteries and electrical and electronic equipment (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems) GB 10 This symbol on the product, the battery or on the packaging indicates that the product and the battery 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.
This manual describes 1080 60icompatible devices and 1080 50i-compatible devices. To check whether your camera is a 1080 60i-compatible device or 1080 50i-compatible device, check for the following marks on the bottom of the camera. 1080 60i-compatible device: 60i 1080 50i-compatible device: 50i Learning more about the camcorder (Help Guide) Help Guide is an on-line manual. Refer to it for in-depth instructions on the many functions of the camcorder. Access the Sony support page. http://rd1.sony.
Selecting the recording format for movies The camcorder is compatible with the XAVC S format. What is XAVC S? XAVC S is a recording format that allows high-resolution images, such as 4K, to be highly compressed with MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 and recorded in the MP4 file format. High image quality will be obtained while keeping the data size within a certain level.
Recording format and the available shooting mode Recording format XAVC S 4K XAVC S HD AVCHD Shooting mode Movie Movie High Speed REC Movie Smth Slw REC Golf Shot • You can change the recording format by selecting Quality/Size] [ File Format].
Getting started Supplied items The numbers in ( ) indicate the supplied quantity.
Charging the battery pack 1 Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD monitor, retract the viewfinder*, and attach the battery pack. Getting started Battery pack * Models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55) only the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains 2 Connect lead) to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket). AC Adaptor DC IN jack Power cord (mains lead) DC plug* Wall outlet (wall socket) * Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack.
Charging the battery using your computer Turn off your camcorder and connect the Multi/Micro USB Terminal of the camcorder (page 52) to the USB jack of a computer using the micro USB cable. • Change the setting of your computer so that it would not enter the sleep (hibernation) state before charging your camcorder.
To remove the battery pack Turn off your camcorder. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever () and remove the battery pack (). Getting started To charge the battery pack abroad You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range. • Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.
Turning the power on 1 Open the LCD monitor of your camcorder and turn the power on. • You can also turn on the camcorder by pulling out the viewfinder (models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55) only). the instructions on the LCD monitor, select 2 Following the language, the geographical area, Daylight Savings or Summer Time, date format, and the date and time. Touch the button on the LCD monitor. • To go to the next page, touch [Next]. • To turn off the power, close the LCD monitor.
Inserting a memory card 1 Open the cover, and insert the memory card until it clicks. Access lamp Getting started Insert the card with the notched corner in the direction as illustrated. • The [Preparing image database file. Please wait.] screen appears if you insert a new memory card. Wait until the screen disappears. • To select a memory card as the recording medium, select [Setup] [ Media Settings] [Media Select] [Memory Card] (FDR-AX40/AX55/AXP55).
Memory card SD memory card AVCHD XAVC S *1 – SDHC memory card *1 *2 SDXC memory card *1 *2 *1 microSD memory card microSDHC memory card *1 *2 microSDXC memory card *1 *2 *1 *2 – SD speed class 4: or faster, or UHS speed class 1: or faster Memory cards that meet the following conditions – Capacity of 4 GB or more – SD speed class 10: , or UHS speed class 1: or faster When recording in 100 Mbps or faster, UHS speed class 3: is required.
To format the recording media • To ensure stable operation of the memory card, it is recommended to format the memory card with your camcorder before the first use. • To format the memory card, select [Setup] [ Media Settings] [Format] desired recording medium . • Formatting the memory card will erase all the data stored on it and the data will be irrecoverable. Save your important data on your PC, etc.
Recording/Playback Recording Recording movies 1 Open the LCD monitor, and press START/STOP to start recording. Power zoom lever • To stop recording, press START/STOP again. • Items on the LCD monitor disappear if you do not operate the camcorder for a few seconds. To display items again, touch anywhere except the buttons on the LCD monitor.
Recording photos during movie recording (Dual Capture) You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO. Notes • You may not be able to shoot photos depending on the setting in [ REC Mode] and [ Frame Rate]. • You cannot specify the storage destination (internal memory/memory card) of photos and movies separately (FDR-AX40/AX55/AXP55). Recording/Playback To suppresses the voice of the person recording the movie (My Voice Canceling) Press (My Voice Canceling) (page 53).
Shooting photos 1 Open the LCD monitor and select [MODE] (Photo). • You can also switch between (Movie) and (Photo) by pressing the / (Shooting Mode) button (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55). PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it 2 Press fully. Power zoom lever • When the focus is adjusted properly, AE/AF lock indicator appears on the LCD monitor.
Using the manual adjustment features Assigning a menu item to the MANUAL ring (FDR-AX53/ AX55/AXP55) 1 Press and hold MANUAL button (page 53) for a few seconds. • The menu items you can control with the MANUAL ring will appear on the [Manual Ring Setting] screen. Recording/Playback the MANUAL ring (page 53) to select the item 2 Rotate to be assigned, and then press MANUAL button. Making the manual adjustment using the MANUAL ring Press the MANUAL button to switch to manual adjustment mode.
Playback 1 Open the LCD monitor and press the (View Images) button on the camcorder to enter the playback mode. • The Event View screen appears after some seconds. / to move the desired event to the 2 Select center, and then select the part circled () in the figure.
3 Select the image. To go back to the Event View screen Recorded time/ number of Event name photos Previous Switch Image Type button (Visual index) Movie Next Recording/Playback Change to the movie/photo recording mode Photo Last played image To switch between movies and photos (Visual index) Select the desired type of images.
To delete the images Select [Image Quality/Size] [ format of images to be deleted. • The available format varies depending on the [ File Format] File Format] setting. Select [Edit/Copy] [Delete] [Multiple Images] image type to be deleted. Touch and display the mark on the images to be deleted, then select . Switching to MP4 Select “Switch Movie Format button.” Switch Movie Format button • The Movie Format Select screen appears. Select the format of the movie.
Viewing images on a TV Playing back images Playable images may be restricted depending on the combination of the movie format at the time of recording, the type of playback images selected on the Event View screen, and the HDMI output settings. 1 Connect the HDMI OUT jack of the camcorder to the HDMI IN jack of a TV using the HDMI cable supplied. Recording/Playback Signal flow 2 Set the input of TV to HDMI IN. 3 Play back images on the camcorder.
How to set the playback images Movie format TV XAVC S 4K 4K TV [HDMI Resolution] Visual index (page 27) Playback image quality [Auto], [2160p/ 1080p] MOVIE PHOTO MOVIE/ PHOTO 4K image quality [1080p], [1080i], [720p] MOVIE MOVIE/ PHOTO High definition image quality (HD) PHOTO High [Auto], [1080p], definition TV [1080i], [720p] MOVIE PHOTO MOVIE/ PHOTO High definition image quality (HD) XAVC S HD 4K TV or [Auto], [2160p/ MOVIE High 1080p], [1080p], MOVIE/ AVCHD definition TV [1080i], [720p]
Connecting the camcorder to a network-compatible TV Connect the camcorder to an access point with a security setting (page 41). Press (View Images) on the camcorder, and then select [Wireless] [ Function] [View on TV] image type to be played back. • You can view AVCHD movies, MP4 movies, and photos only.
TV [HDMI Resolution] 4K TV [Auto]*, [2160p/1080p]*, [1080p], [1080i], [720p] High definition TV [Auto], [1080p], [1080i], [720p] * The screen turns blank for a few seconds when you turn on or off the trimmed movie playback function. (trimming on) on the LCD monitor during 3 Touch playback, and then select the part to be trimmed by touching there. • The playback image is trimmed in high definition image quality (HD).
Viewing images using the built-in projector (FDR-AXP55) 1 Press the PROJECTOR button (page 53). 2 Select [Image Shot on This Device]. the operating guide on the LCD monitor, and 3 Follow then select [Project]. Recording/Playback Power zoom lever/PHOTO*2 PROJECTOR FOCUS lever*1 *1 *2 Adjust the focus of the projected image. Use the power zoom lever to move the selection frame that appears on the projected image, then press the PHOTO button.
Saving images Importing images to your computer What you can do with PlayMemories Home™ PlayMemories Home allows you to import movies and photos to your computer to use them in a variety of ways. • Update PlayMemories Home to the latest version before using. Playing back imported images Import images from the camcorder. For Windows, the following functions are also available.
Saving images on an external media device How to store movies and photos to an external media device is explained here. Also refer to the instruction manual supplied with the external media device. Store movies to a computer using PlayMemories Home software (page 34).
How to connect a device Recorder without a USB jack Connect a recorder to the Multi/Micro USB Terminal of your camcorder using an AV cable (sold separately). Signal flow • For how to save images, also refer to the instruction manual of your recoding device. • Movies are copied with standard definition image quality. USB external hard disk Connect an external media device to the Multi/Micro USB Terminal of your camcorder using VMC-UAM2 USB Adaptor Cable (sold separately).
Using the Wi-Fi function Installing PlayMemories Mobile™ on your smartphone For the latest information and more detailed information on the functions of PlayMemories Mobile, visit the following URL. Android OS Install PlayMemories Mobile from Google Play. Notes • You may not be able to download PlayMemories Mobile from Google play or App Store depending on the country or the region. In that case, search for “PlayMemories Mobile”.
Transferring MP4 movies and photos to your smartphone 3 Touch the camcorder to the smartphone. One-touch connection with an Android supporting NFC 1 On the smartphone, select [Settings], then, select [More...] to check that [NFC] is enabled. Notes 2 On the camcorder, play back an image to be sent to the smartphone. • You can transfer MP4 movies and photos only. • To select MP4 movies when you play back movies, see “Switching to MP4” (page 28).
2 Select the image you want to transfer, and add , and then select . • The QR Code, SSID, and 5 Select [OK]. (If a message appears, select [OK] again.) password are displayed. 6 With your smartphone, read Mobile. Saving images 3 Start up PlayMemories the QR Code displayed on the LCD monitor of the camcorder. Android Perform the following operations. When [Connect with the camera?] is displayed, select [Connect].
On Home, select [Settings] [Wi-Fi]. Select the SSID of the camcorder. • If the camcorder cannot be connected with the smartphone by NFC and by reading the QR code, connect by using the SSID and the password. For more details, refer to “Help Guide”. Using your smartphone as a wireless remote commander You can record with the camcorder using your smartphone as a wireless remote commander. 1 Go back to Home and start up PlayMemories Mobile.
Saving movies and photos to your computer via Wi-Fi Connect your computer to a wireless access point or wireless broadband router in advance. 1 Install the dedicated software in your computer (first time only). If you know the SSID and the password of your wireless access point On your camcorder, select [Wireless] [ Setting] [Access point settings]. Select the access point you want to register, enter the password, then select [Next]. Windows: PlayMemories Home http://www.sony.
Customizing your camcorder Using the menus 1 Select . Menu lists Shooting Mode Movie Photo Time-lapse Capture Smth Slw REC*1 Golf Shot*1 2 Select a category. High Speed REC*2 Camera/Mic Manual Settings White Balance Spot Meter/Fcs Spot Meter Spot Focus a desired menu 3 Select item. Exposure Focus IRIS Shutter Speed AGC Limit AE Shift White Balance Shift Low Lux Camera Settings Scene Selection Scroll the menu items up or down.
Manual Ring Setting*3 Live Streaming NIGHTSHOT Light*3 Send to Smartphone Face Face Detection Smile Shutter Smile Sensitivity Flash*4 Flash Flash Level Red Eye Reduction Microphone My Voice Canceling Blt-in Zoom Mic View on TV Setting Airplane Mode Multi Camera Ctrl Set Vid REC during strm.
TC/UB TC/UB Disp TC Preset UB Preset TC Format*9 TC Run TC Make UB Time Rec Connection TV Type HDMI Resolution CTRL FOR HDMI USB Connect USB Connect Setting USB LUN Setting General Settings Beep Monitor Brightness Auto Keystone ADJ*10 REC Lamp Remote Ctrl Power ON w/monitor*11 Language Setting 24p Mode*12 Cancel 24p Mode*12 Battery Info Power Save Initialize Demo Mode Version Clock Settings Date & Time Setting Area Setting *1 GB 44 When image size is set to [AVCHD] *2 When image size is set to [XAVC S H
Others Precautions AC Adaptor Do not short-circuit the battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. Playing back images with other devices You may not be able to play back images that were recorded on your camcorder with other devices normally. Also, you may not be able to play back images recorded on other devices with your camcorder.
LCD monitor Wireless LAN The LCD monitor is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD monitor. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.
Specifications System Others Signal format: UHDTV HDTV NTSC color, EIA standards (1080 60i-compatible models) PAL color, CCIR standards (1080 50i-compatible models) Movie recording format: XAVC S (XAVC S format) Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Audio: MPEG-4 Linear PCM 2ch (48 kHz/16 bit) AVCHD (AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compatible) Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Audio: Dolby Digital 2ch/5.1ch Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator*1 MP4 Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.
Approx. 8.29 mega pixels Effective (photo, 16:9): Approx. 8.29 mega pixels Effective (photo, 4:3): Approx. 6.22 mega pixels Lens: ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T Lens 20× (Optical)*5, 4K: 30× (Clear Image Zoom, while recording movies)*6 HD: 40× (Clear Image Zoom, while recording movies)*6, 250× (Digital) Filter diameter: 55 mm (2 1/4 in.) F2.0 - F3.8 Focal length: f= 4.4 mm - 88 mm (3/16 in. 3 1/2 in.) When converted to a 35 mm still camera For movies*5: f=26.8 mm - 536 mm (1 1/16 in. - 21 1/8 in.
Supported security protocols: WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK Configuration method: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)/manual Access method: Infrastructure Mode NFC: NFC Forum Type 3 Tag compliant General Others Power requirements: DC 6.8 V/7.4V (battery pack), DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor) USB Charging: DC 5 V 1 500 mA Average power consumption: During camera recording using the viewfinder (FDR-AX53/ AX55/AXP55): 4K: 4.9 W, HD: 3.6 W* During camera recording using LCD monitor at normal brightness: 4K: 4.9 W, HD: 3.
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other specifications. Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV70 Maximum output voltage: DC 8.4 V Output voltage: DC 6.8 V Maximum charge voltage: DC 8.4 V Maximum charge current: 3.0 A Capacity Typical: 14.0 Wh (2 060 mAh) Minimum: 13.3 Wh (1 960 mAh) Type: Li-ion Trademarks • AVCHD, AVCHD Progressive, AVCHD logotype and AVCHD Progressive logotype are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. • XAVC S and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
On GNU GPL/LGPL applied software Others The software that is eligible for the following GNU General Public License (hereinafter referred to as “GPL”) or GNU Lesser General Public License (hereinafter referred to as “LGPL”) are included in this product. This informs you that you have a right to have access to, modify, and redistribute source code for these software programs under the conditions of the supplied GPL/LGPL. Source code is provided on the web. Use the following URL to download it. http://oss.
Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages. accessories compatible with an Active Interface Shoe. To prevent failure, do not use a commercially available flash with high-voltage synchro terminals or with reverse polarity. N mark (38) NFC: Near Field Communication Camera recording lamp Remote sensor NIGHTSHOT light (FDR-AX53/ AX55/AXP55) PHOTO button (22, 24) Power zoom lever (24) Multi/Micro USB Terminal GB 52 Supports Micro USB compatible devices.
Built-in microphone MANUAL ring (FDR-AX53/ AX55/AXP55) (25) Manual functions can be assigned to the button and the dial. Lens (ZEISS lens) MANUAL button (FDR-AX53/ AX55/AXP55) Speaker / (Shooting Mode) button (24) (FDR-AX53/ AX55/AXP55) (My Voice Canceling) button Others Suppresses the voice of the person recording the movie.
To fasten the grip belt Viewfinder (FDR-AX53/AX55/ AXP55) The camcorder is turned on when the viewfinder is pulled out. Viewfinder lens adjustment dial (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55) If the indications in the viewfinder appear blurred, turn the viewfinder lens adjustment dial. START/STOP button (22) POWER/CHG (charge) lamp (15) DC IN jack Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).
Index iOS 37 A LCD monitor 52 AC Adaptor 15 Android 37 App Store 37 Assigning a menu item 25 AVCHD 12, 13 B Battery pack 15 Beep 18 C M Manual recording 25 Memory card 19 Memory Stick Micro™ (M2) media 19 Menu lists 42 Menus 42 Micro USB cable 16 microSD memory card 20 Movies 22 MP4 38 My Voice Canceling 23 N Network 31 NFC 38 D O Date and time 18 Delete 28 Dual Video REC 22 One-Touch functions (NFC) 37 E Edit 26 F Format 21 Full charge 16 G Google play 37 Grip belt 54 H HDMI cable 29 Help G
Supplied items 14 T Touch panel 52 Trimming Playback 31 Tripod 54 Troubleshooting 46 TV 29 W Wall outlet (wall socket) 16 Wi-Fi 37 Windows 34 Wireless access point 41 X XAVC S 4K 12, 13 XAVC S HD 12, 13 Z Zoom 22 GB 56
GB Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.
