Sony FDR-AX40, FDR-AX53, FDR-AX55, FDR-AXP55 Instruction Manual

4-586-523-11(1)

Digital 4K Video
Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

“Help Guide” (Web manual)

Refer to “Help Guide” for
in-depth instructions on the
many functions of the camera.

http://rd1.sony.net/help/cam/1630/h_zz/

Getting started

Recording/Playback

Saving images

Customizing your
camcorder

Others

FDR-AX40/AX53/AX55/AXP55

Read this first

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. _________________________

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.

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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-ty pe
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.

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3

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

A Type

(American

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.

B Type
(British

Type)

BF Type

(British

Type)

B3 Type

(British

Type)

C Type

(CEE

Type)

SE Type

(CEE

Type)

O Type
(Ocean

Europe

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Austria
Belgium
Czech
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Luxemburg
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Slovak
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
UK

GB

230
230
220
230
230
230
230
220
220
230
230
220
230
230
230
220
230
220
220
220

127/230

230
230
240

50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50

C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

C/BF

C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C

BF

4

Type)

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

Oceania

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Australia
New Zealand

240

230/240

50
50

O
O

North America

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Canada
USA

120
120

60
60

A
A

Central America

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Bahamas
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican (rep)
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama

120/240

110

110/220

110

110
120

110

110

120/127
120/240
110/220

60
60
60
60
60
60
60
50
60
60
60

A
A

A/C

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

GB

5

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

Middle East

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

Africa

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Algeria
Congo (dem)
Egypt
Ethiopia
Kenya
Nigeria
South Africa
Tanzania
Tunisia

127/220

220
220
220
240
230

220/230

230
220

50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50

C
C
C

C
C/BF
C/BF
C/BF
C/BF

C

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6

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.

• Do not incinerate or dispose of in
fire.

• Do not handle damaged or leaking
lithium ion batteries.

• Be sure to charge the battery pack
using a genuine Sony battery
charger or a device that can charge
the battery pack.

• Keep the battery pack out of the
reach of small children.

• Keep the battery pack dry.

• Replace only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by
Sony.

• Dispose of used battery packs
promptly as described in the
instructions.

 AC Adaptor

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

 Note on the power cord

(mains lead)

The power cord (mains lead) is
designed specifically for use with this
camcorder only, and should not be
used with other electrical equipment.

Even if your camcorder is turned off,
AC power source (mains) is still
supplied to it while connected to the
wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC
Adaptor.

For Customers in the
U.S.A. and Canada

 RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION

BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries
are recyclable.
You can help
preserve our
environment by
returning your used
rechargeable batteries to the
collection and recycling location
nearest you.

For more information regarding
recycling of rechargeable batteries,
call toll free
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://
www.call2recycle.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or
leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

GB

7

 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 interfer ence that may cause
undesired operation.

CAN ICES-3 B/NMB-3 B

This equipment complies with FCC/IC
radiation exposure limits set forth for
an uncontrolled environment and
meets the FCC radio frequency (RF)
Exposure Guidelines and RSS-102 of
the IC radio frequency (RF) Exposure
rules. This equipment has very low
levels of RF energy that are deemed
to comply without testing of specific
absorption ratio (SAR).

For Customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Center

1-800-222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC
related matters only.

GB

8

 Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: FDR-AX53
Responsible Party: Sony

Address: 16535 Via Esprillo,

Telephone No.: 858-942-2230

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.

This equipment must not be co­located or operated in conjunction
with any other antenna or
transmitter.

Electronics Inc.

San Diego, CA 92127
U.S.A.

 CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes
or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this
equipment.

 Note:

This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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,

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.

– Consult the dealer or an

experienced radio/TV technician
for help.

The supplied interface cable must be

used with the equipment in order to

comply with the limits for a digital

device pursuant to Subpart B of Part

15 of FCC Rules.

For Customers in Canada

This device complies with Industry

Canada licence-exempt RSS

standard(s).

Operation is subject to the following

two conditions: (1) this device may

not cause interference, and (2) this

device must accept any interference,

including interference that may cause

undesired operation of the device.

For EU product compliance: Sony
Belgium, bijkantoor van Sony Europe
Limited, Da Vincilaan 7-D1, 1935
Zaventem, Belgium

Hereby, Sony Corporation, declares
that this equipment is in compliance
with the essential requirements and
other relevant provisions of Directive
1999/5/EC. For details, please access
the following URL:
http://www.compliance.sony.de/

 Notice

If static electricity or
electromagnetism causes data
transfer to discontinue midway (fail),
restart the application or disconnect
and connect the communication
cable (USB, etc.) again.

This product has been tested and
found compliant with the limits set
out in the EMC regulation for using
connection cables shorter than 3
meters (9.8 feet).

The electromagnetic fields at the
specific frequencies may influence
the picture and sound of this unit.

For Customers in Europe

 Notice for the customers in

the countries applying EU
Directives

Manufacturer: S ony Corporation, 1-7-1

Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075

Japan

GB

9

 Disposal of waste batteries

and electrical and electronic
equipment (applicable in the
European Union and other
European countries with
separate collection systems)

This symbol on the
product, the battery or
on the packaging
indicates that the
product and the

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 products and 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. 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 and the electrical and
electronic equipment will be treated
properly, hand over these products at
end-of-life to the applicable
collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment.
For all other batteries, please view the
section on how to remove the battery
from the product safely. Hand the
battery over to the applicable

GB

collection point for the recycling of

10

waste batteries. For more detailed

battery shall not be

information about recycling of this
product or battery, please contact
your local Civic Office, your household
waste disposal service or the shop
where you purchased the product or
battery.

For Customers in
Singapore

For Customers in U.A.E.

For Customers in
Malaysia

For customers in India

 Battery Pack

Self Declaration –Conforming to
IS:16046:2012, R-41022659

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.net/help/cam/

1630/h_zz/

You will find further information such

as the following functions in Help

Guide.

• Time-lapse Capture

• TC/UB (Time Code/User Bit)

• Highlight Movie Maker

• Live Streaming

• Multi Camera Control

• Trimming Playback

Table of Contents

Read this first ............................ 2

Learning more about the

camcorder (Help Guide) ......11

Selecting the recording format

for movies ........................... 12

Getting started ........... 14

Supplied items ......................... 14

Charging the battery pack ...... 15

Turning the power on ..............18

Inserting a memory card .........19

Recording/Playback ... 22

Recording ................................ 22

Using the manual adjustment

features .............................. 25

Playback ................................... 26

Viewing images on a TV ......... 29

Viewing images using the built-

in projector (FDR-AXP55) .. 33

Saving images ............ 34

Importing images to your

computer ............................ 34

Saving images on an external

media device ..................... 35

Using the Wi-Fi function ..........37

Customizing your

camcorder ..................42

Using the menus ..................... 42

Others ........................ 45

Precautions .............................. 45

Specifications .......................... 47

Parts and controls ................... 52

Index ........................................ 55

GB

11

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 formats available and their features

XAVC S 4K XAVC S HD AVCHD

Pixels

3840 × 2160 1920 × 1080 1920 × 1080

*1

Bit-rate

Features Records images in

*1

Bit-rate indicates the quantity of data recorded in a certain period.

*2

When recording using the high-speed recording function, select from
60 Mbps or 100 Mbps.

60 Mbps/
100 Mbps

4K. Recording in
this format is
recommended
even if you do not
have a 4K TV so
you will be able to
enjoy the benefits
of 4K in the future.

*2

50 Mbps

Information
volume is greater
compared to
AVCHD, enabling
recordin g of clearer
images.

Max. 28 Mbps

Compatibility with
recording devices
other than
computers is good.

12

GB

Recording format and the available shooting mode

Recording
format

Shooting mode Movie Movie

• You can change the recording format by selecting  [Image
Quality/Size]  [ File Format].

XAVC S 4K XAVC S HD AVCHD

High Speed REC

Movie
Smth Slw REC
Golf Shot

Storage method

Recording format Storage method

XAVC S 4K Computer using

XAVC S HD XAVC S HD 34

AVCHD Computer using

• See the following website for the latest storage environment.
http://www.sony.net/

• You can store images by connecting to a recorder with an analog AV
cable (sold separately). Movies are copied with standard definition image
quality (page 36).

• You can directly copy images to an external media device with the VMC­UAM2 USB Adaptor Cable (sold separately).

PlayMemories
Home™ software

•External media
device

PlayMemories Home
software

External media
device

Image quality
stored at

XAVC S 4K 34

AVCHD 34

AVCHD 35

Page



To transfer images to a smartphone

You can transfer MP4 images to a smartphone connected to the
camcorder via Wi-Fi (page 37). MP4 format is good for uploading to
the Internet. When [Dual Video REC] is set to [On], the camcorder
records movies in XAVC S 4K format, XAVC S HD format, or AVCHD
format while recording movies in MP4 format at the same time.

GB

13

Getting started

Supplied items

The numbers in ( ) indicate the
supplied quantity.

All models

•Camcorder (1)

•AC Adaptor (1)

• Power cord (mains lead) (1)

•Micro USB cable (1)

•HDMI cable (1)

• “Operating Guide” (This manual)
(1)

• Rechargeable battery pack NP­FV70 (1)

14

GB

Charging the battery pack

Battery pack

DC plug*

AC Adaptor

Wall outlet (wall socket)

DC IN jack

Power cord
(mains lead)

Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD monitor,

1

retract the viewfinder*, and attach the battery pack.

* Models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55) only

Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains

2

lead) to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall
socket).

Getting started

* Align the  mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack.

• The POWER/CHG (charge) lamp turns 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 the
camcorder.

GB

15



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.



Estimated time of charging the supplied battery pack
(minutes)

Battery pack AC Adaptor (supplied) Computer

NP-FV70 205 555

• The charging times are measured when charging an empty battery pack
to its full capacity at a room temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).



Estimated time of recording and playback using the
supplied battery pack (minutes)

Battery pack

NP-FV70 150 75 250

• The recording and playback times are measured when using the
camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F).

• The recording times are measured when recording movies with the
default settings ([ File Format]: [ XAVC S 4K], [ REC Mode]:
[60Mbps ], [Dual Video REC]: [Off]).

• Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/
stop, switching the [Shooting Mode], and zooming.

• The recording time shows the time when recording with the LCD monitor
open.

Recording time

Continuous Typical

Playback time



To use your camcorder connected to the wall outlet
(wall socket)

Connect the camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) in the same
way as “Charging the battery pack.”

GB

16



To remove the battery pack

Turn off your camcorder. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever ()
and remove the battery pack ().



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.

Getting started

GB

17

Turning the power on

Touch the button on the LCD monitor.

Open the LCD monitor of your camcorder and turn

1

the power on.

• You can also turn on the camcorder by pulling out the viewfinder
(models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55) only).

Following the instructions on the LCD monitor, select

2

the language, the geographical area, Daylight
Savings or Summer Time, date format, and the date
and time.

• To go to the next page, touch [Next].

• To turn off the power, close the LCD monitor. If the viewfinder is pulled
out, retract it (models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55) only).

• To set the date and time again, select  [Setup]  [Clock
Settings]  [Date & Time Setting]. (In case you haven’t used your
camcorder for several months)

• To turn off the operating sound, select  [Setup] 
[General Settings]  [Beep]  [Off].

18

GB

Inserting a memory card

Insert the card with the notched
corner in the direction as illustrated.

Access lamp

Open the cover, and insert the memory card until it

1

clicks.

• 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).

• To eject the memory card, open the cover and lightly push the memory
card in once.



Types of memory card you can use with your
camcorder

Select the type of memory card to use with the camcorder referring to
the following table.

Memory card AVCHD XAVC S

Memory Stick PRO Duo media 

Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™
media

Memory Stick Micro™ (M2)
media

(Mark 2 only)

 –



(Mark 2 only)

Getting started

–

–

GB

19

Memory card AVCHD XAVC S

SD memory card 
SDHC memory card 
SDXC memory card 
microSD memory card 
microSDHC memory card 
microSDXC memory card 

*1

SD speed class 4: or faster, or UHS speed class 1: or faster

*2

Memory cards that meet the following conditions

*1

*1

*1

*1

*1

*1

–

*2



*2



–

*2



*2



– 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.

Notes

• The movies recorded will be divided into files of 4GB when a SDHC
memory card is used to record XAVC S movies over extended periods of
time.
The divided files will be played back continuously when played back on
the camcorder.
The divided files can be integrated into the single file by using
PlayMemories Home.

• Proper operation with all memory cards is not guaranteed. Contact the
manufacturer of each memory card for the compatibility of memory
cards other than Sony.

• When using a Memory Stick Micro or microSD memory card with the
camcorder, be sure to use it by inserting it into the dedicated adaptor.

• Movies saved on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played
back on computers or AV devices not supporting the exFAT(*) file system
by connecting this product to these devices with the micro USB cable.
Confirm in advance that the connecting equipment is supporting the
exFAT system. If you connect equipment not supporting the exFAT
system and a message that prompts you to perform formatting appears,
do not perform the formatting. All the data saved will be lost.

* The exFAT is a file system that is used for SDXC memory cards.

20

GB



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.

Getting started

GB

21

Recording/Playback

Power zoom lever

Recording

Recording movies

Open the LCD monitor, and press START/STOP to

1

start recording.

• 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.

Notes

• While recording movies in the XAVC S 4K 100Mbps or XAVC S 4K 60Mbps
format, video signals (HDMI output signal/AV cable output signal) are not
output to external media.



To record MP4 movies simultaneously (Dual Video
REC)

When [Dual Video REC] is set to [On], the camcorder records movies
in MP4 format while recording movies in XAVC S 4K format, XAVC S
HD format, or AVCHD format at the same time.
Select  [Image Quality/Size]  [Dual Video REC]  desired
setting.

• MP4 format is easy for playing back your movies on a smartphone, for
uploading to a network, or for uploading to the Web.

22

GB



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).



To suppresses the voice of the person recording the
movie (My Voice Canceling)

Press (My Voice Canceling) (page 53). The voice of the person
recording the movie will be suppressed.



Approximate recording time available

Movie format Internal memory*1Memory card*

XAVC S 4K 2 h. 10 min. 64 GB: 2 h. 05 min.*

XAVC S HD 2 h. 35 min. 64 GB: 2 h. 35 min.*

AVCHD 8 h. 15 min. 16 GB: 2 h. 00 min.*

*1

If you want to record up to the maximum recording time, you need to
delete the demonstration movie on this product (FDR-AX40/AX55/
AXP55).

*2

When using a Sony memory card.

*3

When recording with using the default setting:
[ File Format]: [ XAVC S 4K], [ REC Mode]: [60Mbps ], [Dual
Video REC]: [Off]

*4

Approximate recording time when recording with the following setting:
[ File Format]: [ XAVC S HD], [ Frame Rate]: [60p]

*5

Approximate recording time when recording with the following setting:
[ File format]: [ AVCHD], [ REC Mode]: [High Quality ]

• The actual recording time or number of recordable photos is displayed

on the LCD monitor during recording.

2

3

4

5

Recording/Playback

GB

23

Shooting photos

Power zoom lever

Open the LCD monitor and select [MODE] 

1

(Photo).

• You can also switch between (Movie) and (Photo) by pressing
the / (Shooting Mode) button (FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55).

Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it

2

fully.

• When the focus is adjusted properly, AE/AF lock indicator appears
on the LCD monitor.

24

GB

Using the manual adjustment features

Assigning a menu item to the MANUAL ring (FDR-AX53/
AX55/AXP55)

Press and hold MANUAL button (page 53) for a few

1

seconds.

• The menu items you can control with the MANUAL ring will appear

on the [Manual Ring Setting] screen.

Rotate the MANUAL ring (page 53) to select the item

2

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.
 Rotate the MANUAL ring to make the adjustment.

• To return to automatic adjustment mode, press MANUAL button again.

• When Zoom function is assigned, make the adjustment by only rotating
the MANUAL ring.

Recording/Playback

GB

25

Playback

To the MENU

screen

Event name

To the

previous event

Events

Change to the

movie/photo

recording

mode

Switch Movie
Format
button*

1

(4K/MP4)

To the next
event

Time-line bar

Change Event Scale buttonHighlight Movie

Maker*

2

1

2

GB

26

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.

Select / to move the desired event to the
center, and then select the part circled () in the
figure.

*1

The icon varies depending on the [ File Format] setting (page 28).

*2

Highlight Movie Maker will be displayed when Movie format is set to
AVCHD.

• Photos and movies are stored in the same recording medium
(internal memory/memory card). (FDR-AX40/AX55/AXP55)

• To se lect th e XAVC S movies or AVCHD mov ies you want to play, edit,
or copy to other devices, select  [Image Quality/Size] 
[File Format].

• You can play movies of the selected frame rate only in the case of
XAVC S 4K movies. Select the frame rate according to the movies you
want to play.

3

To go back to

the Event View

screen

Previous

Next

Change to the

movie/photo

recording

mode

Event name

Recorded time/
number of
photos

Movie

Photo

Last played image

Switch
Image Type
button
(Visual
index)



To switch between movies and photos (Visual index)

Select the desired type of images.



Playback operations

Select the image.

Volume / Previous/Next

Delete / Fast-reverse/Fast-forward

Context / Play/Pause

Stop Play/Stop slide show

Motion Shot Video Motion Interval ADJ

Recording/Playback

GB

27



Switch Movie
Format button

To delete the images

 Select  [Image Quality/Size]  [File Format] 

format of images to be deleted.

• The available format varies depending on the [ 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.”

• The Movie Format Select screen appears.

 Select the format of the movie.



To copy the images from the internal memory to a
memory card (FDR-AX40/AX55/AXP55)

 Select  [Edit/Copy]  [Copy]  [Int. Memory 

Memory card]  [Multiple Images].

 Select the image type to be copied.
 Touch and display the mark on the images to be copied, then

select .

 Select .

Notes

• XAVC S movies saved on the internal memory cannot be copied to SDHC
memory cards or external media devices with the FAT file system.

GB

28

Viewing images on a TV

Signal flow

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.

Connect the HDMI OUT jack of the camcorder to the

1

HDMI IN jack of a TV using the HDMI cable supplied.

Set the input of TV to HDMI IN.

2

Play back images on the camcorder.

3

Recording/Playback

GB

29



How to set the playback images

Movie
format

XAVC S 4K 4K TV [Auto], [2160p/

XAVC S HD

AVCHD

* The resolution will be the HDMI Resolution set on your camcorder.

• Images will be played when [HDMI Resolution] is set to [Auto] (default
setting).

• If images are not played properly with [Auto], change the [HDMI
Resolution] setting. Select  [Setup]  [ Connection] 
[HDMI Resolution]  desired setting.

• If your TV does not have an HDMI jack, connect the Multi/Micro USB
Terminal of the camcorder to the video/audio input jacks of the TV using
an AV cable (sold separately).

TV

High
definition TV

4K TV or
High
definition TV

[HDMI
Resolution]

1080p]

[1080p], [1080i],
[720p]

[Auto], [1080p],
[1080i], [720p]

[Auto], [2160p/
1080p], [1080p],
[1080i], [720p]

Visual index
(page 27)

MOVIE

PHOTO

MOVIE/

PHOTO

MOVIE

MOVIE/

PHOTO

PHOTO

MOVIE

PHOTO

MOVIE/

PHOTO

MOVIE

MOVIE/

PHOTO

PHOTO 4K image

Playback
image quality

4K image
quality

High definition
image quality
(HD)

High definition
image quality
(HD)

High definition
image quality
(HD)

quality (when
connected to a
4K TV)*

30

GB



Signal flow

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.

Playing back trimmed movies (Trimming Playback)
recorded in XAVC S 4K format

You can play back the movies recorded in XAVC S 4K file format while
magnifying and trimming the part you want to watch, and also while
zooming the scene up to the full high definition image quality.

Change the HDMI output setting to output 4K

1

movies.

Select  [Setup]  [ Connection]  [HDMI
Resolution]  desired setting.

Connect the HDMI OUT jack of the camcorder to the

2

HDMI IN jack of a TV using the HDMI cable supplied.

Recording/Playback

GB

31

TV [HDMI Resolution]

4K TV [Auto]*, [2160p/1080p]*, [1080p], [1080i],

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.

Touch (trimming on) on the LCD monitor during

3

playback, and then select the part to be trimmed by

[720p]

touching there.

• The playback image is trimmed in high definition image quality (HD).

Notes

• Playback of trimmed movies is not available on the LCD monitor of the
camcorder.

32

GB

Viewing images using the built-in

Power zoom lever/PHOTO

*2

PROJECTOR FOCUS lever

*1

projector (FDR-AXP55)

Press the PROJECTOR button (page 53).

1

Select [Image Shot on This Device].

2

Follow the operating guide on the LCD monitor, and

3

then select [Project].

*1

Adjust the focus of the projected image.

*2

Use the power zoom lever to move the selection frame that appears
on the projected image, then press the PHOTO button.



Using the built-in projector with a computer/
smartphone

 Connect the PROJECTOR IN jack (page 53) of this product and the

HDMI output terminal of the device you wish to connect by using
an HDMI cable (supplied).

• Use a commercially available plug adapter if the HDMI cable
(supplied) does not fit with the terminal of the device you wish to
connect to. For details, refer to the instruction manuals of the device
you wish to connect to.

 Select [Image from External Device] in the Step 2 above.

Recording/Playback

GB

33

Saving images

Viewing
images on
Calendar

Sharing images
on PlayMemories
Online™

Import images from the camcorder.

Creating
movie
discs

Uploading
images to
network services

Playing back
imported images

For Windows, the following functions are
also available.

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.



To download PlayMemories Home

PlayMemories Home can be downloaded from the following URL.
http://www.sony.net/pm/



To check the computer system

You can check the computer requirements for the
software at the following URL.
http://www.sony.net/pcenv/

GB

34

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 store movies

Device Cable

Recorder
without a USB
jack

External media
device

Computer Micro USB cable 4K/High definition

• See the following website for the latest storage environment.
http://www.sony.net/

• You can store images by connecting to a recorder with an analog AV
cable (sold separately). Movies are copied with standard definition image
quality (page 36).

• You can directly copy images to an external media device with the VMC­UAM2 USB Adaptor Cable (sold separately).

AV cable (sold
separately)

VMC-UAM2 USB
Adaptor Cable
(sold separately)

Image quality/
Recording format

Standard
definition image
quality

4K/High definition
image quality (HD)

•XAVC S

•AVCHD

image quality (HD)

•XAVC S

•AVCHD

Media

DVD

External media

Computer and
connected
external media

Saving images

GB

35

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).

Signal flow

• Movies are copied with 4K/high definition image quality (HD).

36

GB

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.

http://www.sony.net/pmm/



Android OS

Install PlayMemories Mobile
from Google Play.

• Android 4.0 or higher is required

to use One-Touch functions
(NFC).

• One-touch functions (NFC) are
not available with iOS.

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”.

• If PlayMemories Mobile is already
installed in your smartphone,
update the software to the latest
version.

• The Wi-Fi function described here
is not guaranteed to work on all
smartphones and tablets.

• The Wi-Fi function of the
camcorder cannot be used
connected to a public wireless
LAN.

• To use the One-touch functions
(NFC) of the camcorder, a
smartphone or tablet supporting
the NFC function is required.

• The operation methods and
display screens for the
application are subject to change
without notice by future
upgrades.

Saving images



iOS

Install PlayMemories Mobile
from App Store.

GB

37

Transferring MP4 movies
and photos to your
smartphone



One-touch connection
with an Android
supporting NFC

On the smartphone, select

1

[Settings], then, select
[More...] to check that [NFC]
is enabled.

On the camcorder, play back

2

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).

Touch the camcorder to the

3

smartphone.

Notes

• Cancel the sleep mode or unlock
the screen on the smartphone
beforehand.

• Make sure that is displayed
on the LCD monitor of the
camcorder and the smartphone.

• Continue touching the
camcorder to the smartphone
without moving until
PlayMemories Mobile starts (1 to
2 seconds).

• If the camcorder cannot be
connected with the smartphone
by NFC, see “Connecting to a Wi­Fi network using the QR Code”
(page 38).



Connecting to a Wi-Fi
network using the QR
Code

38

Press the (View Images)

1

button, then select

 [Wireless]  [ Function]
 [Send to Smartphone] 

GB

[Select on This Device] 
image type.

Select the image you want to

Android

iPhone/iPad

2

transfer, and add , and
then select 

.

The QR Code, SSID, and

•

password are displayed.

Start up PlayMemories

3

Mobile.

Select [OK]. (If a message

5

appears, select [OK] again.)

With your smartphone, read

6

the QR Code displayed on
the LCD monitor of the
camcorder.

Perform the following
operations.

When [Connect with the

camera?] is displayed, select
[Connect].

Saving images

4

Select [Scan QR Code of the
Camera] from the screen of
PlayMemories Mobile.

Perform the following
operations.

Follow the on-screen

instruction and install the
profile (setting information).

GB

39

On Home, select [Settings]

 [Wi-Fi].

Select the SSID of the

camcorder.

Go back to Home and start

up PlayMemories Mobile.

• Once the QR Code has read and
the connection has been
successfully established, the SSID
(DIRECT-xxxx) and the password
of the camcorder will be
registered onto your
smartphone. The subsequent Wi­Fi connection between the
camcorder and your smartphone
will only require selecting the
SSID of the camcorder registered

GB

on your smartphone.

40

• 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.

On your camcorder, select

1

2

3

• Depending on local electrical

 [Wireless] 

[ Function]  [Ctrl with
Smartphone].

On your smartphone,
perform in the same way as
in step 6 in “Connecting to a
Wi-Fi network using the QR
Code” (page 38).

When you use NFC, display the
recording screen on your
camcorder, and touch on the
camcorder to on the
smartphone.

Operate the camcorder on
your smartphone.

Notes

interference or the smartphone’s
capabilities, the live view images
may not be displayed smoothly.

Saving movies and
photos to your computer
via Wi-Fi

Connect your computer to a
wireless access point or wireless
broadband router in advance.

Install the dedicated

1

software in your computer
(first time only).

Windows: PlayMemories Home
http://www.sony.net/pm/

Mac: Wireless Auto Import
http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/
Mac/

• If the software is already

installed in your computer,
update the software to the latest
version.

Connect your camcorder to

2

an access point as follows
(first time only).

If you cannot register, refer to the
instruction of the access point, or
contact the person who set up the
access point.

If the wireless access point
has a WPS button

On your camcorder, select

Press the WPS button on the

 [Wireless] 

[Setting]  [WPS Push].

access point you want to
register.

If you know the SSID and
the password of your
wireless access point

On your camcorder, select

Select the access point you

If your computer is not

3

started, turn on the
computer.

Start sending images from

4

the camcorder to the
computer.

Press the (View Images)

Select  [Wireless]

• Images are automatically

• Only newly recorded images

 [Wireless] 

[ Setting]  [Access point
settings].

want to register, enter the
password, then select [Next].

button on your camcorder.

 [Function]  [Send to
Computer].

transferred to and saved on
the computer.

are transferred. Importing
movies and multiple photos
may take time.

Saving images

GB

41

Customizing your camcorder

Scroll the menu items
up or down.

Using the menus

Menu lists

Select .

1

Select a category.

2

Select a desired menu

3

item.

• Select to finish setting the
menu or to return to the previous
menu screen.

GB

42

Shooting Mode

Movie
Photo
Time-lapse Capture
Smth Slw REC
Golf Shot
High Speed REC

Camera/Mic

White Balance
Spot Meter/Fcs
Spot Meter
Spot Focus
Exposure
Focus
IRIS
Shutter Speed
AGC Limit
AE Shift
White Balance Shift
Low Lux

Scene Selection
Picture Effect

Digital Zoom
Filter/Protector
Auto Back Light

*1

*1

*2

Manual Settings

Camera Settings

Cinematone
Fader

Self-Timer

SteadyShot

SteadyShot

Manual Ring Setting
NIGHTSHOT Light

Face
Face Detection
Smile Shutter
Smile Sensitivity

*4

Flash
Flash
Flash Level
Red Eye Reduction
Microphone
My Voice Canceling
Blt-in Zoom Mic
Auto Wind NR
Audio Mode
Audio Rec Level

Shooting Assist
My Button
Focus Magnifier
Grid Line
Display Setting
Zebra
Peaking
Audio Level Display

Image Quality/Size

REC Mode
Frame Rate

Dual Video REC

File Format

Image Size

Wireless

Function
Ctrl with Smartphone
Multi Camera Control

*3

*3

Live Streaming
Send to Smartphone
Send to Computer
View on TV

Setting

Airplane Mode
Multi Camera Ctrl Set
Vid REC during strm.

*5

WPS Push
Access point settings
Edit Device Name
Disp MAC Address
SSID/PW Reset

Customizing your camcorder

Network Info Reset

Playback Function

Event View

Edit/Copy

*3

Delete
Protect
Copy
Direct Copy

*6

Setup

Media Settings

Media Select

*7

Media Info
Format
Repair Img. DB F.
File Number

Playback Settings
Data Code
Volume
Motion Interval ADJ
Download Music
Empty Music

*8

*8

GB

43

TC/UB
TC/UB Disp
TC Preset
UB Preset
TC Format
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
REC Lamp
Remote Ctrl
Power ON w/monitor
Language Setting
24p Mode
Cancel 24p Mode
Battery Info
Power Save
Initialize
Demo Mode
Version

Clock Settings

Date & Time Setting
Area Setting

*1

When image size is set to

GB

[AVCHD]

44

*2

When image size is set to [XAVC
S HD]

*3

FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55

*4

You can set this item when you
use a flash (sold separately).

*5

*9

Live Streaming feature is
dependent upon the Third Party
Internet Provider's service and
terms in your region. The feature
may not be available due to your
region's broadband and internet
service restriction.

*6

You can set this item when you
use an external media device
(sold separately).

*7

FDR-AX40/AX55/AXP55

*8

The feature may not be available
depending on the countries/
regions.

*9

1080 60i-compatible models

*10

FDR-AXP55

*11

FDR-AX40

*12

*10

*11

*12

*12

1080 50i-compatible models

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.

Recording and playback

• Avoid rough handling,
disassembling, modifying,
physical shock, or impact such as
hammering, dropping or
stepping on the product. Be
particularly careful with the lens.

• To ensure stable operation of the
memory card, it is recommended
to format the memory card with
your camcorder before the first
use. 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.

• Confirm the direction of the
memory card. If you forcibly
insert the memory card in the
wrong direction, the memory
card, memory card slot, or image
data may be damaged.

• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure
the image and sound are
recorded without any problems.

• Television programs, films, video
tapes, and other materials may
be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such materials may
be a violation of the copyright
laws.

• Compensation for the content of
recordings cannot be provided,
even if recording or playback is
not possible due to a malfunction
of the camcorder, recording
media, etc.

•The camcorder is not
dustproofed, dripproofed or
waterproofed.

• Do not let your camcorder get
wet, for example, from rain or sea
water. If your camcorder gets
wet, it may malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction
cannot be repaired.

• Do not aim the camcorder at the
sun or strong light. Doing so may
cause your camcorder to
malfunction.

• Do not use the camcorder near
strong radio waves or radiation.
The camcorder may not be able
to record or play back images
properly.

• Do not use the camcorder on a
sandy beach or anywhere dusty.
Doing so may cause your
camcorder to malfunction.

• If moisture condensation occurs,
stop using the camcorder until
moisture evaporates.

• Do not subject the camcorder to
mechanical shock or vibration. If
you do so, the camcorder may
operate incorrectly or may not
record images. In addition, the
recording medium or recorded
data may be damaged.

Others

GB

45

LCD monitor

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.

Camcorder temperature

The camcorder and battery pack
become warm during operation.
This is not a malfunction.

Overheat protection

Depending on the camcorder and
battery temperature, you may be
unable to record movies or the
power may turn off automatically
to protect the camcorder. A
message will be displayed on the
LCD monitor before the power
turns off or you can no longer
record movies. In this case, leave
the power off and wait until the
camcorder and battery
temperature goes down. If you
turn on the power without letting
the camcorder and battery cool
enough, the power may turn off
again or you may be unable to
record movies.

Deactivating wireless LAN
(Wi-Fi, NFC, etc.) temporarily

When you board an airplane, you
can deactivate the Wi-Fi function
temporarily. Select 
[Wireless]  [Setting] 
[Airplane Mode]  [On].

GB

46

Wireless LAN

We assume no responsibility
whatsoever for any damage
caused by unauthorized access to,
or unauthorized use of,
destinations loaded on the
camcorder, resulting from loss or
theft.

About the security on using
Wireless LAN products

• Please ensure that you always
use a secured wireless network
with your devices to avoid
hacking, unapproved third party
access and other vulnerabilities.

• It is important to set security
when using the wireless network
function.

• Sony makes no guarantees and is
not responsible for any damage
resulting from having inadequate
security or using the wireless
network function.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems
using your camcorder:

• Check your camcorder referring
to Help Guide (page 11).

• Disconnect the power source,
attach the power source again
after about 1 minute, and turn the
camcorder on.

• Initialize your camcorder
(page 44).
All settings, including the clock
setting, are reset.

• Contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility.

Specifications

System

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
MP4
Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch

*1

Manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories.

Photo file format:

DCF Ver.2.0 Compatible
Exif Ver.2.3 Compatible
MPF Baseline Compatible

Viewfinder (FDR-AX53/AX55/

AXP55):

0.6 cm (0.24 type) Color
1 555 200 dots equivalent

Recording media (Movie/Photo):

Internal memory (FDR-AX40/
AX55/AXP55): 64 GB
XAVC S 4K (100Mbps), XAVC S
HD High Speed REC (100Mbps),
Movie:
SDHC memory card (UHS speed
class 3 or faster)
SDXC memory card (UHS speed
class 3 or faster)

*1

*2

*3

*3

microSDHC memory card (UHS
speed class 3 or faster)
microSDXC memory card (UHS
speed class 3 or faster)
XAVC S HD, XAVC S 4K
(60Mbps), Movie:
SDHC memory card (Class 10,
or UHS speed class 1 or

*3

faster)
SDXC memory card (Class 10, or
UHS speed class 1 or faster)
microSDHC memory card (Class
10, or UHS speed class 1 or

*3

faster)
microSDXC memory card (Class
10, or UHS speed class 1 or

*3

faster)
AVCHD, Photo:
Memory Stick Micro (Mark2)
Memory Stick PRO-HD Duo
SD card (Class 4 or faster, or
UHS speed class 1 or faster)
microSD memory card (Class 4
or faster, or UHS speed class 1
or faster)

*2

The capacity that a user can
use (Approx.): 62.4 GB
1 GB equals 1 billion bytes, a
portion of which is used for
system management and/or
application files. Only pre­installed demonstration
movie may be deleted.

*3

Capacity of 4 GB or more is
required.

Image device:

1/2.5-type (7.20 mm)
back-illuminated Exmor R™
CMOS sensor
Recording pixels (photo, 16:9):
Max. 16.6 mega pixels
(5 440 × 3 056)

*4

Gross: Approx. 8.57 mega
pixels
Effective (movie, 16:9)

*3

*3

*3

Others

*5

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47

:

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)
Image Zoom, while recording
movies)
Zoom, while recording
movies)

*5

, 4K: 30× (Clear

*6

HD: 40× (Clear Image

*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.) (16:9)
For photos:
f=26.8 mm - 536 mm
(1 1/16 in. - 21 1/8 in.) (16:9)

Color temperature: [Auto], [One

Push], [Indoor], [Outdoor]

Minimum illumination:

4K: 9 lx (lux), HD: 6 lx (lux) (in
default setting, shutter speed
1/60 second)
4K: 1.8 lx (lux), HD: 1.2 lx (lux)
([Low Lux] is set to [On], shutter
speed 1/30 second)
NightShot (FDR-AX53/AX55/
AXP55): 0 lx (lux) (shutter
speed 1/60 second)

*4

The unique image
processing system of Sony’s
BIONZ-X allows still image
resolution equivalent to the
sizes described.

GB

48

*5

[ SteadyShot] is set to
[Standard] or [Off].

*6

[ SteadyShot] is set to
[Active].

Input/Output connectors

HDMI OUT jack: HDMI micro

connector

PROJECTOR IN jack (FDR-AXP55):

HDMI micro connector

MIC input jack: Stereo minijack

(3.5 mm)

Headphone jack: Stereo minijack

(3.5 mm)

USB jack: Multi/Micro USB

Terminal*

* Supports Micro USB compatible

devices.
USB connection is only for output
(For customers in Europe).

LCD monitor

Picture: 7.5 cm (3.0 type, aspect

ratio 16:9)

Total number of pixels:

FDR-AX40:
460 800 (960 × 480)
FDR-AX53/AX55/AXP55:
921 600 (1 440 × 640)

Projector (FDR-AXP55)

Projection type: DLP
Light source: LED (R/G/B)
Focus: Manual
Throw Distance: 0.5 m (1.6 feet) or

over
Resolution (output): 854 × 480
Continuous projection time (when

using the supplied battery pack):

Approx. 2 h. 25 min.

Wireless LAN

Supported standard:

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Frequency: 2.4 GHz

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

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:

3.6 W*
*in AVCHD FH mode
Operating temperature: 0 °C to

40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)

Storage temperature: –20 °C to

+60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)

Dimensions (approx.):

FDR-AX40:
73 mm × 80.5 mm × 142.5 mm
(2 7/8 in. × 3 1/4 in. × 5 5/8 in.)
(w/h/d) including the
projecting parts
73 mm × 80.5 mm × 166.5 mm
(2 7/8 in. × 3 1/4 in. × 6 5/8 in.)
(w/h/d) including the
projecting parts, and the
supplied rechargeable battery
pack
FDR-AX53/AX55:
73 mm × 80.5 mm × 161.0 mm
(2 7/8 in. × 3 1/4 in. × 6 3/8 in.)

(w/h/d) including the
projecting parts
73 mm × 80.5 mm × 166.5 mm
(2 7/8 in. × 3 1/4 in. × 6 5/8 in.)
(w/h/d) including the
projecting parts, and the
supplied rechargeable battery
pack
FDR-AXP55:
77 mm × 80.5 mm × 161.0 mm
(3 1/8 in. × 3 1/4 in. × 6 3/8 in.)
(w/h/d) including the
projecting parts
77 mm × 80.5 mm × 166.5 mm
(3 1/8 in. × 3 1/4 in. × 6 5/8 in.)
(w/h/d) including the
projecting parts, and the
supplied rechargeable battery
pack

Mass (approx.):

FDR-AX40:
510 g (1 lb 2.0 oz) main unit
only
610 g (1 lb 5.5 oz) including the
supplied rechargeable battery
pack NP-FV70
FDR-AX53/AX55:
535 g (1 lb 2.9 oz) main unit
only
635 g (1 lb 6.4 oz) including the
supplied rechargeable battery
pack NP-FV70
FDR-AXP55:
565 g (1 lb 3.9 oz) main unit
only
660 g (1 lb 7.3 oz) including the
supplied rechargeable battery
pack NP-FV70



AC Adaptor AC-L200D

Power requirements: AC 100 V -

240V, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption: 18 W
Output voltage: DC 8.4 V*

Others

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49

* 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.

• Memory Stick and are
trademarks or registered
trademarks of Sony Corporation.

• Blu-ray Disc™ and Blu-ray™ are
trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc
Association.

• Dolby and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolb y
Laboratories.

• The terms HDMI and HDMI High­Definition Multimedia Interface,
and the HDMI Logo are
trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI Licensing
LLC in the United States and
other countries.

GB

50

• Windows is either registered
trademark or trademark of
Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other
countries.

• Mac is a registered trademark of
Apple Inc. in the United States
and other countries.

•Intel, Pentium and Intel Core are
trademarks of Intel Corporation
in the U.S. and/or other
countries.

• SDXC logo is a trademark of SD­3C, LLC.

• Android and Google Play are
trademarks of Google Inc.

• Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi logo, Wi-Fi
PROTECTED SET-UP are
registered trademarks of the Wi­Fi Alliance.

• The N Mark is a trademark or
registered trademark of NFC
Forum, Inc. in the United States
and in other countries.

• Facebook and the “f” logo are
trademarks or registered
trademarks of Facebook, Inc.

• YouTube and the YouTube logo
are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Google Inc.

• iPhone and iPad are trademarks
of Apple Inc., registered in the
U.S. and other countries.

• QR Code is registered trademark
of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.

All other product names
mentioned herein may be the
trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective
companies. Furthermore, ™ and
are not mentioned in each case in
this manual.

®



On GNU GPL/LGPL
applied software

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.sony.net/Products/
Linux
We would prefer you do not
contact us about the contents of
source code.
Copies of the licenses (in English)
are stored in the internal memory
of this product. Establish a Mass
Storage connection between this
product and a computer, and read
the files in the “LICENSE” folder in
“PMHOME.”

Others

GB

51

Parts and controls

Figures in ( ) are reference
pages.

 PHOTO button (22, 24)
 Power zoom lever (24)
 Multi/Micro USB Terminal

Supports Micro USB compatible
devices. This terminal does not
support VMC-AVM1 Adaptor
Cable (sold separately). You
cannot use accessories via an
A/V remote connector.

 (microphone) jack (PLUG

IN POWER)

 Loop for a shoulder belt
 Grip belt
 (headphones) jack
 Multi interface shoe

For details on compatible
accessories of the Multi
interface shoe, visit the Sony
web site 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

GB

separately), you can also use

52

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)

 PROJECTOR FOCUS lever (33)

(FDR-AXP55)

 LCD monitor/Touch panel
 Projector lens (FDR-AXP55)

 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)

 Memory card access lamp

(19)

 Memory card slot (19)
 HDMI OUT jack
 PROJECTOR IN jack (33)

(FDR-AXP55)

 Speaker
 / (Shooting Mode)

button (24) (FDR-AX53/
AX55/AXP55)

 (My Voice Canceling)

button

Suppresses the voice of the
person recording the movie.

 PROJECTOR button (33) (FDR-

AXP55)

 (View Images) button

(26)

 NIGHTSHOT button (FDR-

AX53/AX55/AXP55)

 (ON/STANDBY) button

Others

GB

53

 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.)). Depending
on the specifications of the
tripod, this product may not
attach in the proper direction.

 BATT (battery) release lever

GB

 Battery pack (15)

54



To fasten the grip belt

Index

A

AC Adaptor 15
Android 37
App Store 37
Assigning a menu item 25
AVCHD 12, 13

B

Battery pack 15
Beep 18

C

Charging the battery pack 15
Charging the battery using your
computer 16
Charging time 16
Computer 34
Computer system 34

D

Date and time 18
Delete 28
Dual Video REC 22

E

Edit 26

F

Format 21
Full charge 16

G

Google play 37
Grip belt 54

H

HDMI cable 29
Help Guide 11

I

Importing images to your
computer 34
Install 37

iOS 37

L

LCD monitor 52

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

O

One-Touch functions (NFC) 37

P

Photos 24
Playback 26
PlayMemories Home 34
PlayMemories Online 34
Power on 18
Precautions 45
Projector 33

R

Recording 22
Recording media 21
Recording time 23
Recording/playback time 16

S

Smartphone 37
Software 34
Specifications 47

Others

GB

55

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

56

GB

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

http://www.sony.net/

© 2016 Sony Corporation Printed in China

GB