Sony FDR-AX100, FDR-AX100E, HDR-CX900, HDR-CX900E User Manual

Help Guide: Digital 4K Video Camera Recorder/Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

FDR-AX100/FDR-AX100E/HDR-CX900/HDR-CX900E

How to Use

Before use

Model Information

Model Information [1]

Parts and controls

Parts and controls (front/top) [2]
Parts and controls (side) [3]
Parts and controls (back/bottom) [4]
Parts and controls (Wireless Remote Commander) [5]

Screen indicators

Screen indicators [6]

Movie recording format

Recording formats available with this product and their features [7]

Getting started

Checking the supplied items

Supplied items [8]

Attaching the lens hood [9]

Power source preparations

Attaching the battery pack [10]
Charging the battery pack using the AC Adaptor [11]
Charging the battery pack using your computer [12]
Turning the power on [13]
Using this product supplying power from a wall outlet (wall socket) [14]

Initial setup

Setting the language, date and time [15]
Adjusting the angle of the LCD monitor for easier viewing [16]
Adjusting the angle of the viewfinder for easier viewing [17]
Displaying items on the LCD monitor [18]

Preparing a memory card

Inserting a memory card [19]
Types of memory card you can use with this product [20]

Recording

Recording movies/photos

Recording movies [21]
Shooting photos [22]

Changing the brightness manually for recording

Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial [23]
Assigning frequently-used menu items to the MANUAL button [24]
Adjusting the IRIS (aperture) [25]
Adjusting the shutter speed [26]
Adjusting the gain (ISO) [27]

Adjusting the exposure [28]

Adjusting the light intensity (ND filter) [29]

Useful functions for recording

Zooming [30]
Adjusting the focus manually [31]
Magnifying the image to obtain better manual focus (Focus Magnifier) [32]
Capturing photos during movie recording (Dual Capture) [33]
Recording in mirror mode [34]
Intelligent Auto [35]
Decreasing the voice volume of the person recording the movie (My Voice Canceling) [36]
Recording the selected subject clearly (Face Priority) [37]
Recording subjects other than people (Tracking focus) [38]

Playback

Playing images using Event View

Playing movies and photos from the Event View screen [39]
Screen display on the Event View screen [40]

Playing images using Highlight Playback

Playing back a short movie (Highlight Playback) [41]
Changing the settings for Highlight Playback [42]
Saving Highlight Playback (Scenario Save) [43]
Playing back a saved scenario [44]

Playing MP4 movies (HD movie) (switching the movie format)

Playing MP4 movies (HD movie) (switching the movie format) [45]

Editing images from the playback screen

Notes on editing [46]

Deleting the selected images [47]

Deleting by date [48]
Dividing a movie [49]
Capturing a photo from a movie (models with the USB IN/OUT jacks) [50]

Playing images on a 4K TV

Viewing images on a 4K TV (models with the 4K functionality) [51]
Using the Trimming Playback function with an XAVC S 4K movie (models with the 4K

functionality) [52]

Playing images on a high definition TV

Connecting this product to a high definition TV [53]
Enjoying 5.1ch surround sound [54]
Using BRAVIA Sync [55]
On Photo TV HD [56]
On the HDMI cable [57]

Playing images on a non-high-definition TV

Connecting this product to a non-high-definition TV [58]

Saving images with an external device

How to save movies

Saving movies [59]

Using the PlayMemories Home software

Using the PlayMemories Home software [60]
Checking the computer system [61]
Installing the PlayMemories Home software in your computer [62]
Disconnecting this product from the computer [63]
About the dedicated software for this product [64]
Creating a Blu-ray disc [65]

Saving images on an external media device

Notes on use of the external media [66]
Saving images on an external media device [67]
Saving the desired images in this product to the external media device [68]
Playing back images in the external media device on this product [69]
Deleting images in the external media device [70]

Creating a disc with a recorder

Creating a disc with a recorder [71]

Using the Wi-Fi function

What you can do with the Wi-Fi function

What you can do with the Wi-Fi function [72]

Controlling via a smartphone

Using your smartphone or tablet as a wireless remote commander [73]
Using your smartphone or tablet as a wireless remote commander using the NFC function

(NFC one-touch remote) [74]

Transferring images to a smartphone

Transferring movies (MP4) and photos to your smartphone or tablet [75]
Transferring movies (MP4) and photos to your smartphone or tablet using the NFC function

(NFC one-touch sharing) [76]

Transferring images to a computer

Send to Computer [77]

Transferring images to a TV

Playing images on a TV (View on TV) [78]

Connecting a smartphone

Low Lux [98]

Connecting to an Android smartphone or tablet [79]
Connecting to an iPhone or iPad [80]
Connecting to an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet [81]

Installing PlayMemories Mobile

About the PlayMemories Mobile software [82]

Menu operations

Using menu items

Setting up menu items [83]
How to use the keyboard [84]

Shooting Mode

Movie [85]
Photo [86]
Smth Slw REC [87]
Golf Shot [88]
High SpeedREC [89]

Camera/Mic

White Balance [90]
Spot Meter/Fcs [91]
Spot Meter [92]
Spot Focus [93]
Exposure [94]
Focus [95]
AGC Limit [96]
AE Shift [97]

Scene Selection [99]
Picture Effect [100]
Cinematone [101]
Fader [102]
Self-Timer [103]
SteadyShot (Movie) [104]
SteadyShot (Photo) [105]
Digital Zoom [106]
Auto Back Light [107]
Dial Setting [108]
NIGHTSHOT Light [109]
Face Detection [110]
Smile Shutter [111]
Smile Sensitivity [112]
Flash (Only when connecting an external flash) [113]
Flash Level (Only when connecting an external flash) [114]
Red Eye Reduction (Only when connecting an external flash) [115]
My Voice Canceling [116]
Blt-in Zoom Mic [117]
Auto Wind NR [118]
Audio Mode [119]
Audio Rec Level [120]
Ctrl with Smartphone [121]
My Button [122]
Grid Line [123]
Zebra [124]
Peaking [125]
Camera Data Disp. [126]
Audio Level Display [127]

Image Quality/Size

REC Mode [128]

Frame Rate [129]
Dual Video REC [130]
File Format [131]
Image Size [132]

Playback Function

Event View [133]
Scenario [134]

Edit/Copy

Send to Smartphone [135]
View on TV [136]
Send to Computer [137]
Delete [138]
Protect [139]
Direct Copy [140]

Setup

Media Info [141]
Format [142]
Repair Img. DB F. [143]
File Number [144]
Data Code [145]
Volume [146]
Download Music (HDR-CX900/FDR-AX100) [147]
Empty Music (HDR-CX900/FDR-AX100) [148]
WPS Push [149]
Access point settings [150]
Edit Device Name [151]
Disp MAC Address [152]
SSID/PW Reset [153]
Network Info Reset [154]

TV Type [155]
HDMI Resolution [156]
CTRL FOR HDMI [157]
USB Connect [158]
USB Connect Setting [159]
USB Power Supply [160]
USB LUN Setting [161]
Beep [162]
Monitor Brightness [163]
Display Setting [164]
Airplane Mode [165]
REC Lamp [166]
Remote Ctrl [167]
Language Setting [168]
24p Mode (HDR-CX900E/FDR-AX100E) [169]
Cancel 24p Mode (HDR-CX900E/FDR-AX100E) [170]
Calibration [171]
Battery Info [172]
Power Save [173]
Initialize [174]
Date & Time Setting [175]
Area Setting [176]

Charging time/recording time of movies/number of
recordable photos

Check the charging time

Charging time [177]

Expected recording and playback times for individual batteries

Expected recording time with each battery pack [178]
Expected playback time with each battery pack [179]

Expected movie recording time and number of recordable photos
for memory cards

Notes on recording [180]
Expected recording time of movies [181]
Expected number of recordable photos [182]

Bit-rate for each recording mode

Bit-rate and recording pixels [183]

Pixels recorded at each image size of photos

Recording pixels and aspect ratio [184]

Additional information

Precautions

About the AVCHD format [185]
About the memory card [186]
About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack [187]

Handling of this product

On use and care [188]
On connecting to a computer or accessory etc. [189]
Notes on optional accessories [190]
On moisture condensation [191]
Note on disposal/transfer of the memory card [192]
Notes on the Wireless Remote Commander [193]

Maintenance

On handling the LCD monitor [194]
To clean the casing surface [195]

About care and storage of the lens [196]

Using this product abroad

Using this product abroad [197]
World time difference [198]

Trademarks

On trademarks [199]

License

Notes on the License [200]

Zoom magnifications

Zoom magnifications [201]

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

If you have problems

If you have problems [202]

Overall operations

The power does not turn on. [203]
This product does not operate even when the power is set to on. [204]
The menu settings have been changed automatically. [205]
This product gets warm. [206]
Intelligent Auto is canceled. [207]

Batteries/power sources

The power abruptly turns off. [208]
The POWER/CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.

[209]
The POWER/CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. [210]
The remaining battery power is not displayed correctly. [211]
The battery pack is quickly discharged. [212]

Monitor

Menu items are grayed out. [213]
The buttons do not appear on the LCD monitor. [214]
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all. [215]
The buttons on the LCD monitor quickly disappear. [216]
There are dots in the shape of a grid on the monitor. [217]
The backlight of the LCD monitor turns off if you do not attempt to operate this product for a

while. [218]

Viewfinder

The image in the viewfinder is not clear. [219]
The image in the viewfinder is no-longer displayed. [220]

Memory card

Operations using the memory card cannot be performed. [221]
Images stored on the memory card cannot be deleted. [222]
The data file name is not indicated correctly or flashes. [223]
Images cannot be played back or the memory card is not recognized. [224]

Wireless Remote Commander

The supplied Wireless Remote Commander does not function. [225]
Another DVD device operates when you use the supplied Wireless Remote Commander.

[226]

Recording

Pressing START/STOP or PHOTO does not record images. [227]

terminates prematurely. [250]

Photos cannot be recorded. [228]
The access lamp remains lit or flashing even if recording has stopped. [229]
The imaging field looks different. [230]
The actual recording time for movies is less than the expected recording time of the

recording media. [231]
This product stops recording. [232]
There is a slight time lag between the moment when START/STOP is pressed and the actual

movie recording starts or stops. [233]
The auto focus does not function. [234]
SteadyShot does not function. [235]
Images cannot be recorded or played back correctly. [236]
The subjects passing across this product very fast appear crooked. [237]
Horizontal stripes appear on the images. [238]
[Monitor Brightness] cannot be set. [239]
Sound is not recorded correctly. [240]
Photos are recorded automatically. [241]

Playback

Images cannot be played back. [242]
Photos cannot be played back. [243]
The movie freezes. [244]
An icon appears on a thumbnail. [245]
No sound or only a quiet sound is heard during playback. [246]
Left and right sound is heard unbalanced when playing back movies on computers orother

devices. [247]

Wi-Fi

The wireless access point you want to connect to does not appear. [248]
[WPS Push] does not work. [249]
[Ctrl with Smartphone], [Send to Smartphone], [Send to Computer] or [View on TV]

Cannot transfer movies to your smartphone. [251]
The shooting screen does not display smoothly. The connection is cut off. [252]
The NFC connection does not work. [253]

Editing movies/photos on this product

Unable to edit. [254]
A movie cannot be divided. [255]

Playback on a TV

Neither image nor sound is played on the connected TV. [256]
The top, bottom, right, and left edges of images are trimmed slightly on a connected TV.

[257]
The image appears distorted on the 4:3 TV. [258]
Black bands appear at the top and bottom of the LCD monitor of the 4:3 TV. [259]

Copying/Connecting to other devices

Images are not copied correctly. [260]

Connecting to a computer

PlayMemories Home cannot be installed. [261]
PlayMemories Home does not work correctly. [262]
This product is not recognized by the computer. [263]

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators

Self-diagnosis display [264]

Warning messages

Warning messages

Warning Indicators [265]

[1] How to Use Before use Model Information

Model Information

In this Help Guide, the differences in the specifications for each model are described together.
If you find the description “Models with ... ” like below, confirm in this chapter whether the
description applies to this product.

(models with the 4K functionality)
(models with the NTSC color system)

To confirm the model name of this product

See the bottom of this product.

A: Model name (FDR-xxxx/HDR-xxxx)

Differences in functions

Models with the NTSC color system: FDR-AX100/HDR-CX900
Models with the PAL color system: FDR-AX100E/HDR-CX900E
Models with the 4K functionality: FDR-AX100/FDR-AX100E
Models with the USB IN/OUT jacks: FDR-AX100/HDR-CX900
Models with the USB Output only jack: FDR-AX100E/HDR-CX900E

Note

For the following items, the descriptions are explained with the model name.

Parts and controls
Menu items
Expected recording time of movies
Expected number of recordable photos

[2] How to Use Before use Parts and controls

Parts and controls (front/top)

1. Multi interface shoe

For details on compatible accessories of the Multi interface shoe, visit the Sony website in
your area, or consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Operations with other manufacture’s accessories are not guaranteed. If you use a shoe
adaptor (sold separately), you can also use accessories compatible with an Active
Interface Shoe.

2. PHOTO button

3. Power zoom lever

4. N mark
NFC: Near Field Communication

5. Loop for a shoulder belt

6. Grip belt

7. FOCUS MAGNIFIER button

8. (microphone) jack (PLUG IN POWER)

9. Remote sensor

10. Camera recording lamp

11. NIGHT SHOT light

12. Multi/Micro USB Terminal
Supports Micro USB compatible devices.
If you use an adaptor cable (sold separately), you can also use accessories via an A/V
Remote Connector.

13. Built-in microphone

14. Lens ring

15. Lens (ZEISS lens)

16. ZOOM/FOCUS switch

17. AF/MF button

18. MANUAL button

19. MANUAL dial

[3] How to Use Before use Parts and controls

Parts and controls (side)

1. Speaker

2. Memory card access lamp
While the lamp is lit or flashing, this product is reading or writing data.

3. Memory card slot

4. HDMI OUT jack

5. (headphones) jack

6. ND FILTER (AUTO/MANUAL) switch

7. ND FILTER switch

8. POWER button

9. WHITE BALANCE button

10. PROGRAM AE button

11. IRIS button

12. GAIN/ISO button

13. SHUTTER SPEED button

14. (View Images) button

15. (My Voice Canceling) button
Suppresses the voice of the person recording the movie.

16. DISPLAY button

17. NIGHT SHOT button

[4] How to Use Before use Parts and controls

Parts and controls (back/bottom)

1. LCD monitor/Touch panel
If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees, you can close the LCD monitor with the screen
facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.

2. Viewfinder
This product is turned on when the viewfinder is pulled out.

3. Eye sensor
When the LCD monitor is closed, pull out the viewfinder and move your eye closer to the
viewfinder. You can view the subject through the viewfinder.

4. Viewfinder lens adjustment dial

If the indications in the viewfinder appear blurred, adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment
dial.

5. Battery pack

6. POWER/CHG (charge) lamp

7. / (Shooting Mode) button

8. START/STOP button

9. Built-in USB Cable

10. DC IN jack

11. Tripod receptacle
Attach a tripod (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32
in.)). Depending on the specifications of the tripod, this product may not attach in the
proper direction.

12. BATT (battery) release lever

To fasten the grip belt

[5] How to Use Before use Parts and controls

Parts and controls (Wireless Remote Commander)

1. DATA CODE button
Displays the date and time and the camera settings data when you press this button
during playback.

2. PHOTO button
The on-screen image when you press this button will be recorded as a still image.

3. SCAN/SLOW buttons

4. / (Previous/Next) buttons

5. PLAY button

6. STOP button

7. DISPLAY button

8. Transmitter

9. START/STOP button

10. Power zoom buttons

11. PAUSE button

12. VISUAL INDEX button
Displays a VISUAL INDEX screen during playback.

13. / / / /ENTER buttons
When you press any of these buttons, the light blue frame appears on the LCD monitor.
Select a desired button or an item with / / / , then press ENTER to enter.

[6] How to Use Before use Screen indicators

Screen indicators

The following indicators appear when you change the settings.

On the left side of the screen ( )

MENU button

Self-timer recording

[Airplane Mode] set to [On]

Fader

[Face Detection] set to [Off]

[Smile Shutter]

Manual focus

Scene Selection

SteadyShot off

Zebra

Peaking

Intelligent Auto

At the center of the screen ( )

Slideshow Set

Warning

Playback mode

REC/STBY Recording mode

AE/AF lock

Nightshot

NFC

Wi-Fi

Picture Effect

On the right side of the screen ( )

60i Frame rate (30p/60p/50p/60i/50i/24p/25p), recording mode

(PS/FX/FH/HQ/LP) and movie size

Dual Video REC

60 min Remaining battery

Recording/playback/editing media

0:00:00 Counter (hour:minute:second)
00min Estimated recording time
9999 20.0M/14.2M Approximate number of recordable photos and photo size

Playback folder of the memory card

100/112 Current playing movie or photo/Number of total recorded movies or photos

Connection to the external media device

At the bottom of the screen ( )

Audio Rec Level

[Auto Wind NR] set to [Off]

[My Voice Canceling] set to [On]

Blt-in Zoom Mic

Audio Mode

Cinematone

Low Lux

AGC Limit

Audio Level Display

EV AE Shift

F2.8 IRIS
30dB Gain
60 Shutter Speed

Exposure Auto/Manual

Intelligent Auto

Data file name

Protect

5500K White Balance

ND filter

Note

Indicators and their positions are approximate and may differ from what you actually see.
Some indicators may not appear, depending on the model.

[7] How to Use

Before use Movie recording format

Recording formats available with this product and their
features

This product supports XAVC S 4K (models with the 4K functionality), XAVC S HD and AVCHD.
The image quality of XAVC S 4K is 4-times greater than the conventional high definition image
quality.

XAVC S 4K
Recording pixels:

3,840 × 2,160 dots

Bit-rate:

60 Mbps

Feature:

Records in 4K. Even if you do not have a 4K TV, recording in 4K format is recommended for
future purpose.

XAVC S HD
Recording pixels:

1,920 × 1,080 dots

Bit-rate:

50 Mbps

Feature:

Allows you to record clearer images since XAVC S HD has more information compared with
AVCHD.

AVCHD
Recording pixels:

1,920 × 1,080 dots

Bit-rate:

Max. 28 Mbps

Feature:

Allows you to save images on devices other than computers.

Hint

Bit-rate refers to the data amount recordable over a certain period of time.

[8] How to Use

Getting started Checking the supplied items

Supplied items

The numbers in ( ) indicate the supplied quantity.

For all models

Camcorder (1)
AC Adaptor (1)

HDMI cable (1)

USB connection support cable (1)

Power cord (mains lead) (1)

Lens hood (1)

Lens cap (attached to this product) (1)

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

Operating Guide (1)

Only for FDR-AX100/FDR-AX100E

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV70 (1)

Only for HDR-CX900/HDR-CX900E

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1)

Hint

The USB connection support cable is designed for use with this product only. Use this cable
when the Built-in USB Cable of this product is too short for connection.

[9] How to Use Getting started Checking the supplied items

Attaching the lens hood

Attach the lens hood to prevent stray light from affecting your images.

1. Align the red line on the lens hood with the red point on the lens (Lens hood index), then
insert the lens hood into the lens mount and rotate it clockwise until the lens hood clicks
into place.

[10] How to Use Getting started Power source preparations

Attaching the battery pack

Attach the battery pack to this product.

1. Close the LCD monitor and retract the viewfinder, and then attach the battery pack ( ).

Align the indentation on this product and projection on the battery pack, then slide the
battery pack upwards.

To remove the battery pack

Turn off this product. Slide the battery release lever ( ) and remove the battery pack ( ).

Note

You cannot use any InfoLITHIUM battery pack other than the V series to this product.
You cannot use the NP-FV30 InfoLITHIUM battery pack with this product.
In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave this product without any
operation for about 2 minutes, to save battery power (Power Save).

[11] How to Use

Getting started Power source preparations

Charging the battery pack using the AC Adaptor

Charge the battery pack using the supplied AC Adaptor. Attach the battery pack in advance.

1. Close the LCD monitor.

When the viewfinder is pulled out, retract it.

2. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to this product and a wall outlet
(wall socket).

The POWER/CHG (charge) lamp lights orange.
The POWER/CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.

Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of this product.

A: AC Adaptor
B: Power cord (mains lead)
C: DC IN jack
D: Align the mark on the DC plug

Note

Be aware of the following notes on using the AC Adaptor.

Use a 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 this product.

Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.

Do not short- circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This
may cause a malfunction.

Hint

It is recommended that you charge the battery in a temperature range of 10 °C to 30 °C (50
°F to 86 °F).

[12] How to Use

Getting started Power source preparations

Charging the battery pack using your computer

Charge the battery pack by connecting this product and your computer with the Built-in USB
Cable. Attach the battery pack in advance.

1. Close the LCD monitor.

When the viewfinder is pulled out, retract it.

2. Pull out the Built-in USB Cable from this product.

3. Connect this product to a running computer using the Built-in USB Cable.

The POWER/CHG (charge) lamp turns orange.
The POWER/CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.

Disconnect the Built-in USB Cable from the computer, and then store it in the pocket on
the grip belt.

If the Built-in USB Cable is not long enough for the connection, use the USB connection
support cable.

: Built-in USB Cable
: To a wall outlet (wall socket)

To put the Built-in USB Cable away

Put the Built-in USB Cable back in the pocket on the grip belt after use.

Hint

It is recommended that you charge the battery in a temperature range of 10 °C to 30 °C (50

°F to 86 °F).

[13] How to Use Getting started Power source preparations

Turning the power on

Turn on this product.

1. Open the LCD monitor of this product and turn the power on.

You can also turn on this product by pressing POWER or by pulling out the viewfinder.

To turn off the power

Close the LCD monitor.
If the viewfinder is pulled out, retract the viewfinder as shown in the illustration below.

You can also turn off this product by pressing POWER.

On turning this product on or off using the LCD monitor or the
viewfinder

The power of this product is turned on or off depending on the status of the LCD monitor or the
viewfinder.

LCD monitor: Open, Viewfinder: Retracted

Power On

LCD monitor: Open, Viewfinder: Pulled out

Power On

LCD monitor: Closed, Viewfinder: Retracted

Power Off

LCD monitor: Closed, Viewfinder: Pulled out

Power On

Note

Even if the LCD monitor is closed, if the viewfinder is pulled out, this product is not turned off.
When you turn off the power of this product, make sure that the viewfinder is retracted to the
original position.

[14] How to Use

Getting started Power source preparations

Using this product supplying power from a wall outlet (wall
socket)

Supply power to this product using the AC Adaptor.

1. Make the same connections as shown in “Charging the battery pack using the AC
Adaptor” to use this product.

Even if the battery pack is attached, it will not be discharged.

[15] How to Use Getting started Initial setup

Setting the language, date and time

Set the language, date and time when using this product for the first time.

1. Open the LCD monitor of this product and turn the power on.

2. Select the desired language, then select [Next].

A: Touch the LCD monitor