FAQs

 What software can be used for importing and exporting XAVC S content?For

information on compatible software for importing and exporting XAVC S content, refer

to the following website. Editing software for 4K/HD videos IMPORTANT: Sony does

not guarantee operation of third party editing

 Can movies recorded with the camera be transferred to a mobile device?Movies recorded

with File Format set to MP4 can be transferred. For some models, movies recorded as

XAVC S HD or XAVC S 4K files can also be transferred. NOTES: The File Format

setting that enables you to transfer

 When the camera is connected to an external device via HDMI during movie recording,

no image appears on the camera monitor.When the camera is connected to an external

device via HDMI with 4K Output Sel. set to Memory Card+HDMI, the image will not be

displayed on the camera during XAVC S 4K movie recording. To check the image,

display

 Can’t transfer pictures to my Android phone via Wi-Fi with the PlayMemories Mobile

AppIf this occurs, clear the cache memory of the mobile app, delete the camera Wi-Fi

settings from the mobile phone and try again. To clear the cache memory from your

Android phone select [Settings] > [Apps] > [PlayMemories

 Intelligente afstandsbed. (PlayMemories Camera Apps-helpgids)

 PlayMemories Mobile

 PlayMemories Online & PlayMemories Home

 Videos and tutorials

 How to use wireless flash to create studio quality pictures?  Wireless Flash

 How to transfer photos with PlayMemories Mobile

 The camera turns off even though there is still power in NPA-MQZ1 Multi Battery

AdapterThe NPA-MQZ1 Multi Battery Adapter can be used as a power supply for W-

series battery pack compatible cameras by attaching a Z-series battery (NP-FZ100). Note,

however, that the remaining battery level indicator

 How can I keep focusing on a certain subject?The following settings are recommended:

Focus mode: AF-C Focus area setting: Lock-on AF Follow the steps below: Select an

appropriate focus area for the subject. If the background is simple and the subject is

moving

 How to find free/paid PlayMemories Camera Apps that can be downloaded in your

countryThe available applications are depending on your country or region and the

camera you are using. Follow the steps below to find applications: Open the

PlayMemories Camera Apps website. Click on the upper right corner

 How to use wireless flash to create studio quality pictures?When using the flash mounted

on a camera, options for attractive lighting are limited. The on-camera flash is confined to

a single light source close to the lens and the illumination is usually harsh with strong

 What is S-Log?S-Log is a gamma curve with a wide dynamic range optimised under the

assumption that grading will be performed in the post-production process. S-Log3 allows

for better reproduction of gradation characteristics in

 What is S-Gamut?S-Gamut is a colour space or colour gamut defined by Sony. Examples

of a colour space or colour gamut include ITU-R BT.709 for HDTV and DCI-P3 for

digital cinema. The latter features a wider range of colour. S-Gamut  Why is only the left half of the histogram displayed when recording with S-Log2 or S-

Log3?When recording a subject with a small luminance differential using S-Log, the

histogram is displayed as if it is compressed and the right side of the histogram is rarely

displayed. S-Log2 and S-Log3 are gamma curves

 Noise appears in dark areas when recording with S-LogS-Log2 or S-Log3 are functions

optimised under the assumption that grading will be performed in the post-production

process. Before grading, videos recorded with the S-Log2 or S-Log3 gamma have more

noticeable noise

 Why is the minimum available ISO sensitivity higher than usual when Picture Profile is

set to S-Log?The minimum ISO sensitivity is higher than usual because S-Log2 or S-

Log3 uses a different kind of exposure control to achieve a wide dynamic range. S-Log2

or S-Log3 have gamma curves that enable recording with

 The F-value on the aperture ring differs from the F-value displayed on the monitorThe

maximum F-value or aperture value depends on the focal length of the lens. The correct

F-value or aperture value is the one displayed on the monitor. You cannot open the

aperture wider than the maximum, even

 What is grading?Grading is post-production image processing performed to adjust the

contrast and colouring. To allow for grading and flexible expression, videos must be shot

with a wide dynamic range and wide colour reproduction

 The brightness does not change when adjusting the aperture and shutter speed in Manual

exposure modeIf the brightness level does not change after adjusting the aperture and

shutter speed while in the Manual Exposure (M) mode, then the ISO sensitivity option is

set to AUTO. When ISO sensitivity is set to AUTO,  The camera settings did not save after turning off the powerThe camera setting may be

lost if the battery is removed from the camera immediately after the camera has been

turned off. It takes approximately 5-10 seconds for the settings to save after powering off

the camera

 Can the Audio Rec Level be adjusted when a microphone compatible with multi interface

shoe is used?It is not possible to adjust the Audio Rec Level of the camera if a multi

interface shoe compatible microphone is being used. The option to adjust the Audio Rec

Level of the camera is available only when using the

 Can I view a portrait image in full screen mode?Yes, this can be changed in the settings

of your camera. To view a portrait image in full screen mode at all times, follow the steps

below. On the camera, press the MENU button. Select Playback. Select Display Rotation

 Part or all of a recorded image is yellow, or belt-like contrast is recorded.This problem

may occur in the kinds of situations described below. Read on to confirm the details. Still

images: When pictures are shot under lighting conditions such as fluorescent, sodium-

vapor, mercury-vapor

 Why am I unable to focus on the object while the camera is set to Intelligent Auto-

mode?If there is a strong light source or a flashing incandescent lamp is on the shooting

screen, the scene may be recognized as Macro, not Night Scene. IMPORTANT: The

modes below vary between camera models. Refer to

 Nothing is displayed on the monitor.Check the monitor display settings. Models with a

LIVE VIEW/OVF switch Confirm that the switch is not set to OVF. If the switch is set to

OVF, set it to LIVE VIEW. Models with a FINDER/MONITOR (LCD) switching button  What is the PlayMemories Camera Apps Smart Remote Control?Smart Remote Control

works with the PlayMemories Mobile app on an Apple iOS or Android smartphone/tablet

or a Windows 8.1 64 bit VAIO computer. It allows wireless control of cameras that

have built-in Wi-Fi capability

 The shooting date is not recorded on the bottom right of the imageIf the shooting date is

not recorded on the bottom right of the image even though Write Date is set to On, the

camera orientation (vertical / horizontal) may not be detected properly depending on how

you hold the

 A noise is heard when playing back recorded video on a cameraDue to the lens and

camera structure, some internal operating sounds may be recorded in movies. The sounds

are inaudible in most recording environments but are easier to hear where it is very quiet.

Check the following

 Movie scenes recorded in bright light do not play back smoothlyWhen shooting movies

in direct natural or artificial light, the shutter speed of the lens may increase

automatically. It does this to try maintaining the correct exposure when shooting in bright

environment. This

 The NFC function is not working with the smartphone or the tabletAlign the (N mark) of

your camera and smartphone, then touch continuously (1 to 2 seconds) until

PlayMemories Mobile of the smartphone starts. NOTE: Make sure you have the

PlayMemories Mobile app downloaded and

 Wireless LAN access points cannot be registered to the camera using the Wi-Fi

functionTry the following procedures to solve the problem. For details on the communication method of the wireless LAN router for access points, refer to the

instruction manual of the device or contact the manufacturer

 The image blinks or appears in different colours when recording.This may occur when

recording under fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps. Adjusting the

shutter speed may reduce or minimize this issue. Set the shutter speed to improve the

flicker phenomenon according

 How to send images to a mobile device using NFC One-touch sharingIMPORTANT:

NFC function on the mobile device should be enabled. Sleep and lock-screen functions of

the mobile device should be disabled. Latest version of PlayMemories Mobile application

should be installed on your

 The zoom does not work or works erratically (DSC)If the zoom does not work as

expected please check the following items: On certain compact camera models, the zoom

does not work in movie mode. Check if the camera supports zooming while taking

movies. Make sure

 The battery will not charge through a USB connection or when connected to the AC

adapterThe following are possible causes for when the battery is not charging. Follow the

steps below to troubleshoot the issue. If you are using a computer with operating system

Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 installed, you

 What is a RAW image file?"RAW" has the same meaning of "raw" such as in "raw

vegetables," and is not an abbreviation like JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group).

Digital cameras generally perform digital processing to the output signals

 How to convert RAW file to JPEG or TIFF format with the Imaging Edge

softwareDownload and install the Imaging Edge software on your computer to convert your RAW files to JPEG and TIFF formats. A detailed instructions on how to use the

software to edit or convert your RAW files is available

 What software can be used for editing 4K and HD videos?An overview of all applicable

editing software for 4K/HD videos can be found on the following link: Editing software

for 4K/HD videos.

 How to shoot subjects that are backlitWhen your subject has a strong light source behind

it, the subject is going to appear darker compared to other parts of the scene. Although

this is normal in such shooting situations, it is possible to achieve the

 Can RAW images taken with the camera be developed with software other than the

Image Data Converter?Currently, two types of RAW converter software specifically for

Sony RAW files are available. Image Data Converter Image Data Converter offers a

simple UI and user-friendly features. It is compatible with Sony’s

 What are the differences between a camera with an optical low-pass filter and one

without?Most cameras on the market have a built-in low-pass filter to help eliminate a

moire effect. Moire can be seen when photographing a subject with very fine, repetitive

details; such as textile fabric. Although a

 What is the maximum shutter speed when shooting in Aperture Priority?The maximum

shutter speed of the camera varies depending upon the aperture value, or F-number, that

the camera is set to. The respective maximum shutter speeds according to the aperture

value are as follows: 1/2000

 How do I add or remove icons from the camera's LCD display?To select which icons you

wish to display on the LCD display: On the camera, press the MENU button. Select Custom Settings Press the DISP button. To remove or prevent icons from showing on the

LCD display: Select

 The angle of view changes significantly when shooting with Continuous Auto Focus

(AF-C)To downsize the lens in your camera, the focus lens is placed just in front of the

image sensor. This makes the variation of the angle of view, caused by movement of the

focus lens, wider than in previous cameras

 Mechanical noise is heard when playing back recorded video on the cameraThis is

because of the mechanism of the lens and camera; the mechanical noise of the internal

parts operating may be recorded. Particularly when panning the camera quickly up and

down and from side to side, the

 My camera will not turn onIMPORTANT: If model-specific information is required to

complete any of the steps in this solution, refer to the operating instructions supplied with

the product. If the camera will not turn on or power on, follow

 The battery pack cannot be charged using the battery charger.The resolution varies

according to the lighting status of the lamp of the battery charger. Check the status of the

CHARGE (charge) lamp of the battery charger and resolve the issue. The lamp

lights The battery

 When the camera is mounted to a tripod the control ring does not turn smoothly or does

not turn at all.Depending on the size of the mounting shoe (aka mounting plate) for the

tripod, the mounting shoe may interfere with the control ring on the front of the camera.

If the mounting shoe is made of soft material such

 What is Lens Compensation and which lenses are compatible with this feature?Lens

compensation is an in-camera optical correction feature. It comes with three options: shading, chromatic aberration and distortion. When these functions are activated in the

setup menu, the camera will attempt

 I cannot charge the battery when connecting to a computer by USB cableCheck the

connecting condition according to the following procedure. Turn on your computer.

NOTE: If you use a notebook computer, connect it to an AC adaptor. Before connecting

the USB cable to the terminal of the

 Unable to import videos recorded in 50p to Apple iMovie software.You can import and

play them back by updating to Mac OS X 10.9 and using iMovie (v10 or later). Apple

iMovie versions ‘08, ‘09 and ‘11 do not support the AVCHD 2.0 codec. This codec

encompasses AVCHD footage recorded

 Can MP4 video be burned to a DVD or Blu-ray Disc?To create AVCHD and Blu-ray

Discs from MP4 or XAVC S format videos that can be played back on DVD or Blu-ray

Disc players, the PlayMemories Home software application needs to be updated to the

latest version. Update

 The camera takes multiple pictures when pressing the shutter button.Depending on your

camera, you may have a setting selected that allows multi image capture. Here are some

scenarios when multi image capture is used: The camera is set to shoot with Superior

Auto. Drive Mode is set

 What is the maximum duration of bulb exposure?Bulb exposure can be performed until

the battery is completely drained of power. IMPORTANT: Noise may increase on the

images recorded with long exposure times. NOTE: When noise reduction is turned on,

noise reduction  When attaching the LCD semi-hard protective sheet, a rainbow pattern may appear on the

sheet.If you press the centre of the protective sheet against the LCD screen, a rainbow

pattern may appear. To eliminate the rainbow pattern, remove and re-attach the protective

sheet. When attaching the protective sheet

 The camera does not recognize the lens and an error message is displayed.This solution

applies to both of the following error messages: Check the Lens attachment. No Lens

Attached. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot this issue. If model-specific information

is required to complete

 I copied an AVCHD format movie to my computer but I cannot play it back on my

computer.If the operating system on your computer is Windows Vista or earlier, you

cannot play AVCHD format movies directly via Explorer, etc. To play them back,

compatible playback software needs to be installed to your

 The images converted with the Image Data Converter from RAW to JPEG format appear

to contain more noise than JPEG images out of the camera.The BIONZ processing engine

installed in the camera and the processing engine of Image Data Converter are optimised

to the respective characteristics (hardware vs. software). Therefore, processing is

different in

 Wind noise is not reduced when using the ECM-XYST1M stereo microphone.The wind

noise reduction feature in the camera only works with the built-in microphone. It does not

work with the optional ECM-XYST1M microphone. To reduce wind noise when using

this optional microphone, you can

 The RAW data file cannot be opened or viewed on a computer.It is recommended to use

the supplied Image Data Converter software to view RAW data files on a computer. In addition to displaying the RAW data files, image adjustments and conversion of RAW

files to the common

 Which cameras are compatible with the RM-VPR1 remote control?The RM-VPR1

remote control is provided with both a Multi Terminal and REMOTE Terminal (3-

pin) cable so it can be used with cameras that have either of those connections.

Compatible camera models are listed below

 Can the built-in flash be used as a wireless control to trigger an external flash?The built-

in flash cannot be used as a wireless control to trigger an external flash. However, you

can attach a flash with a wireless flash controller function such as the HVL-F20M, HVL-

F60M, HVL-F43M, HVL-F20AM

 Are RAW image files compatible with Apple Macintosh computers?Computers running

the Apple Mac OS X (v10.4.11 or higher) operating system installed with the current

version of iPhoto software support RAW image files. The Aperture 2 software for

Macintosh computers also supports

 The AVCHD or PRIVATE folder appears as a QuickTime icon on a Macintosh OS X

(version 10.8) computer. Regardless of whether or not the AVCHD folder shows as a

QuickTime icon, you can import the video content from the camera using the iMovie

software as you normally would. The QuickTime Player also can be used

 How to take pictures of lightningWARNING: There is a risk of personal injury.

Lightning strikes can be extremely dangerous. For your safety, always take pictures at a

safe distance and do not stand near objects like radio antennas, power lines

 Can the battery be charged while it is connected to a computer using the USB cable?Yes,

the battery can be charged while the camera is connected to the computer with the supplied USB cable. Make sure the computer is turned on and operating while the camera

or camcorder is connected. The camera

 What accessories are compatible with the Multi Interface Shoe Adapter?The Multi

Interface Shoe Adapter can be used with the camera to attach accessories that are

compatible with an auto-lock shoe. Therefore, if you have flashes, viewfinders, or other

auto-lock accessories, they can

 What are the different Speed Class ratings for SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards?The

following are Speed Class ratings for SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards: Class 2:

Recommended for Standard Definition video recording Class 4: Recommended for High

Definition video recording Class 6: Recommended

 Pictures and movies do not upload even though an Eye-Fi card is inserted into the

camera.IMPORTANT: Visit Eye-Fi Support for information about the compatibility of

the camera and Eye-Fi card. Check the following if pictures and movies do not upload. If

your camera has an Upload Settings option in the

 Where is the NFC antenna located in the camera?If your camera supports files transfers

using the NFC function, the location of the antenna will be indicated with the following

mark: The location of the NFC antenna is different depending on the camera model.

 How to merge MTS files (movies) which have not been imported with PlayMemories

Home?The PlayMemories Home software can combine several MTS files if it detects

that they are a part of one recording. For this to happen, the footage has to be imported

directly from the camera using PlayMemories Home

 The edges of the image at the wide angle side of the zoom appear to be distorted.When

shooting with the zoom lens set at a wide-angle, the edges of the image may be distorted, depending on the subject. If the distortion is a concern, it is recommended that you shoot

with the digital or optical

 There is no image, the screen is blank or no sound is heard on the Clip-on LCD

MonitorFollow the troubleshooting steps outlines below if you are unable to display an

image on the clip-on LCD monitor.: Make sure the camera is not in power save mode.

Make sure the HDMI cable between the camera and

 Some pictures that were not taken by the camera are displayed during playbackThis may

happen when the Auto Portrait Framing, Auto Object Framing or Auto Dual Rec feature

is switched on. Auto Portrait Framing or Auto Object Framing When these functions are

set to Auto, the camera automatically

 Some of the movies are divided after importing movies to the computer.If the movie file

size exceeds 2GB while recording a movie, the file is divided automatically, although it is

played back continuously on the camera. If the PlayMemories Home™ software is used

for importing pictures

 Frequently Asked Questions for PlayMemories Home This page introduces Frequently

Asked Questions (FAQs) and useful information for PlayMemories Home. If your

questions aren't covered in this article, don't hesitate to type your query in the search bar

on the

 Announcement for customers using PlayMemories Home, Action Cam Movie Creator,

MVR Studio and Sony Raw Driver - 19/09/2019Dear Valued Customer, As of March 31,

2020, the download services for the Windows 32-bit and Mac versions of PlayMemories

Home, Action Cam Movie Creator and MVR Studio, as well as the Sony Raw Driver,

will be terminated  macOS Mojave(10.14) Compatibility Information for Cyber-shot CamerasWe have

checked the performance of the products listed on this page that were released November

2018 or earlier. IMPORTANT: Performance is not guaranteed for all computers. Legend:

✓ : Compatible - : Not Compatible

 macOS Mojave (10.14) Compatibility Information for Digital Imaging Products and

Application SoftwareSelect a Product Category. Digital Imaging α (alpha) Digital

Cameras Cyber-shot Cameras Digital Camcorders Bloggie / Webbie HD Cameras

Accessories: Under Evaluation Application Software System Software (Firmware)

 Software for which download services have ended (Cameras & Camcorders)

 Can my camera take photos in RAW format?Perform the following steps to check if your

camera supports RAW format shooting: Check the camera. Check the support site. Check

the camera. To find out whether your camera can take in the RAW format, check the

 macOS High Sierra (10.13) Compatibility Information for Digital Imaging Products and

Application SoftwareSelect a Product Category. Digital Imaging α (alpha) Digital

Cameras Cyber-shot Cameras Digital Camcorders Bloggie / Webbie HD Cameras

Accessories Application Software NOTE: For details on updating your camera using

 How to transfer pictures and videos from a camera to a computer or device.USB

Connection: How to transfer pictures from a digital still camera to a computer with a

USB connection. Wireless Connection: How to transfer pictures and videos using a Wi-Fi

connection in Windows/Macintosh. How

 The Power Save Start Time function does not work and the camera remains on even

though the set time has elapsedPower Save does not operate. The power save mode feature of the camera will not work on this conditions: If Remote Ctrl is activated, the

power save mode will not function. To deactivate the Remote Ctrl function

 What methods or options are available to transfer still pictures from a memory card to a

computer?There are various ways to transfer still pictures from a memory card to a

computer. If the computer has a built-in memory card slot, the memory card can be

inserted directly into the computer. If the computer does

 macOS 10.12 (Sierra) Compatibility Information for Digital Imaging Products and

Application SoftwareSelect a Product Category. Digital Imaging α (alpha) Digital

Cameras Cyber-shot Cameras Digital Camcorders Bloggie / Webbie HD Cameras

Accessories Application Software

 How to change the language settings of the cameraEven though the menu is in a different

language, the steps to access the language menu remain the same. However, the menu

path for changing the language settings may differ, depending on the camera you are

using

 Warning regarding unauthorised software for Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera and

Digital Still CameraSony Corporation Sep 28th, 2016 We recently became aware that

unauthorised Sony software has been downloaded and used to modify specifications of

our interchangeable Lens Digital Camera α™ and digital still camera

 I cannot install or uninstall the software when the message PlayMemories Home is

running is displayed.Try the steps below to solve the problem. Click on the x (close)

button in PlayMemories Home to end PlayMemories Home. Try to install or uninstall

again when the PlayMemories Home screen closes. After restarting  The external HDD is recognized in Cameras and Media in PlayMemories Home.I cannot

assign the external HDD to the destination of files to be imported because the external

HDD is displayed under Camera and Media in PlayMemories Home. If the external HDD

is displayed under Camera and Media

 Troubleshooting for when the camera turns off automaticallyUnder certain

circumstances, it is normal that the camera turns off automatically. For instance, If you

do not operate the camera for given period of time, the camera turns to power saving

mode and nearly shuts

 How to unlock an SD memory card.If an SD memory card is locked, you can unlock it by

moving the Lock tab to the position shown in the diagram below. If the tab is in the up

position, the memory card is unlocked. When the tab is down, the memory

 How to attach an accessory lens or filterTo attach an accessory lens or filter, follow the

steps below. IMPORTANT: Some cameras require a lens adapter ring to connect

accessory lenses and filters. In addition, some cameras have a lens ring that should

 I cannot save data on my computer by wirelessly connecting using PlayMemories

HomeThe camera is connected to an access point (wireless router) but may not be

connected to the computer due to the settings or connection status of the computer.

NOTES: To import images from the camera to the computer

 The memory card is not recognized by the cameraThis article covers the following error

messages: REINSERT THE MEMORY CARD NO MEMORY CARD MEMORY

CARD ERROR C:13:xx ERROR Check that the camera supports the type and capacity

of the memory card: NOTE: Refer to the  Mac OS X v10.11 (El Capitan) compatibility information for Digital Imaging Products

and Application SoftwareTo find out if your model is compatible with Mac OS X v10.11

(also known as El Capitan), select one of the product categories below: Digital Imaging α

(alpha) Digital Cameras Cyber-shot Cameras Digital Camcorders

 The pictures are dark or discoloured even when using the flashIf the subject is beyond the

flash range (the distance that the flash can reach), the pictures will be dark because the

flash light cannot reach the subject. If you change the ISO, the flash range also changes.

 Frequently Asked Questions about connecting a camera using a USB cableRefer to the

following questions and answers. Charging How to: Can I use a USB mobile battery as

an external power supply for the camera? Is there a battery charger other than the

supplied AC adapter for USB charging

 Using an installer that does not require an Internet connection to install PlayMemories

Home (Windows)PlayMemories Home is normally installed while downloading the

program file. The installer downloaded by the procedures below allows you to install

"PlayMemories Home" without downloading the program file. A network

 The computer does not recognize the USB connection from a digital cameraThe check

the connected device message appears and the camera is not recognized after connecting

it to Windows® XP computer. IMPORTANT: See the website of each computer

manufacturer to check whether your computer

 How to transfer videos and pictures to a Macintosh computer with PlayMemories

HomeIMPORTANT: Make sure to install the latest version of PlayMemories Home

software for Mac OS on the computer. The PlayMemories Home software is supported

on computers running Mac OS X 10.10, 10.11., 10.12. Information  How to transfer images in the camera or memory card to USB external HDD using

PlayMemories HomeIMPORTANT: When importing to a USB external Hard Disk

Driver (HDD) for the first time, check its file system beforehand. If the file system is

FAT32, image files of a size greater than 2 GB (long AVCHD videos, etc

 The PlayMemories Home software will not open, stops responding or has errorsFollow

the steps below if the PlayMemories Home software is not working correctly. Because

each of these steps represents a possible solution to this issue, check the status of the

connection after completing each

 How do I change the location where videos and photos are saved with PlayMemories

Home?Start the PlayMemories Home software. In the PlayMemories Home window,

click File. Click Import Media Files. NOTE: The destination drive and folder will be on

the right side of the window. Under the destination

 How to run PlayMemories Home Settings Initialisation Tool (Windows)This article

pertains to models that are compatible with PlayMemories Home. For details, refer to the

manual and other documentation for your device. This section explains how to use the

PlayMemories Home Settings

 How to reset a camera back to original factory settings.To restore the camera to its

original factory settings, you can perform a settings reset. The process to reset a camera

back to the original factory settings differs depending on the type and model of camera.

Using