Sony Handycam FDR-AX100,Handycam FDR-AX100E,Handycam HDR-CX900,Handycam HDR-CX900E Operating Manual

4-534-651-11(1)

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

Getting started

Recording/Playback

Saving images

Customizing your
camcorder

Others

Digital 4K Video
Camera Recorder

Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

Please also refer to:

http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/Support/

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2

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. FDR­Model No. HDR­Serial No. _________________________
Model No. AC- ____________________
Serial No. _________________________

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.

SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER - TO REDUCE
THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAREFULLY FOLLOW
THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.

• Read these instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow all instructions.

• Do not use this apparatus near
water.

• Clean only with dry cloth.

• Do not block any ventilation
openings. Install in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions.

• Do not install near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce
heat.

• Do not defeat the safety purpose of
the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the
other. A grounding type plug has
two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician

WARNING

IMPORTANT
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

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

The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart.
Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used.
Attention: Power cord meeting demands from each country shall be used.
– For only the United States

Use a supplied power cord.

Europe

A Type

(American

Type)

B Type
(British

Type)

BF Type

(British

Type)

B3 Type

(British

Type)

C Type

(CEE

Type)

SE Type

(CEE

Type)

O Type
(Ocean

Type)

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

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

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Asia

Oceania

North America

Central America

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Korea (rep)
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam

220
200/220
230/240

127/230

100

220

240

220/230

230

110
220
220

50
50
50
50

50/60

60
50
60
50
60
50
50

A

BF

C
C
A
C

BF

A/C

BF

A

C/BF

A/C

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Australia
New Zealand

240

230/240

50
50

O
O

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Canada
USA

120
120

60
60

A
A

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

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South America

Middle East

Africa

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Venezuela

220

127/220

220

120

220

120

50
60
50
60
60
60

C/BF/O

A/C

C
A

A/C

A

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

Iran
Iraq
Israel
Saudi Arabia
Turkey
UAE

220
220
230

127/220

220

240

50
50
50
50
50
50

C/BF
C/BF

C

A/C/BF

C

C/BF

Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type

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

127/220

220
220
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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 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.

Replace the battery with the specified
type only. Otherwise, fire or injury
may result.

 AC Adaptor

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

WARNING

Do not ingest battery, chemical burn
hazard.
The remote control supplied with this
product contains a coin/button cell
battery. If the coin/button cell battery
is swallowed, it can cause severe
internal burns in just 2 hours and can
lead to death.
Keep new and used batteries away
from children. If the battery
compartment does not close
securely, stop using the product and
keep it away from children.
If you think batteries might have been
swallowed or placed inside any part
of the body, seek immediate medical
attention.

Excessive sound pressure from
earphones and headphones can
cause hearing loss.

CAUTION

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 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.

 Battery pack/AC Adaptor

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.

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 in Supplement C
to OET65 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).

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.

 Regulatory Information

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

For Customers in the U.S.A.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: FDR-AX100
Responsible Party: Sony
Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo,

San Diego, CA 92127
U.S.A.

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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: HDR-CX900
Responsible Party: Sony
Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo,

San Diego, CA 92127
U.S.A.

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.

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9

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

 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 the State of California,

USA only

Perchlorate Material – special
handling may apply,
See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate

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.

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/

For Customers in Canada

For Customers in Europe

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 Notice for the customers in

the countries applying EU
Directives

Manufacturer: Sony Corporation, 1-7-1
Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075
Japan
For EU product compliance: Sony
Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger
Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany

 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.

 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

battery shall not be
treated as household waste. On
certain batteries this symbol might be
used in combination with a chemical
symbol. The chemical symbols for
mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if
the battery contains more than

0.0005% 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
collection point for the recycling of
waste batteries. For more detailed
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

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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 ... 21

Recording ................................. 21

Using the manual adjustment

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

Playback ................................... 28

Viewing images on a TV .......... 31

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

Using PlayMemories Home ... 34
Connecting an external media

device ................................. 35

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

Customizing your

camcorder .................. 41

Using the menus ...................... 41

Others ........................44

Precautions .............................. 44

Specifications .......................... 46

Parts and controls ................... 50

Index ........................................ 53

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.

• Several models are covered in
this manual. The models
available differ depending on the
country/region.

1

Access the Sony
support page.

http://www.sony.net/
SonyInfo/Support/

2

Select your country or
region.

3

Search for the model
name of your
camcorder within the
support page.

• Check the model name on
the bottom of your
camcorder.

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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.

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

Recording formats available and their features

FDR-AX100/AX100E

HDR-CX900/CX900E

XAVC S 4K XAVC S HD AVCHD

Pixels

3840 × 2160 1920 × 1080 1920 × 1080

Bit-rate 60 Mbps 50 Mbps Max. 28 Mbps

Features Records images in

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.

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

Compatibility with
recording devices
other than
computers is good.

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

• 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.



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 (FDR-AX100/AX100E), XAVC S HD
format, or AVCHD format while recording movies in MP4 format at the
same time.

Recording format and the available shooting mode

Recording
format

XAVC S 4K XAVC S HD AVCHD

Shooting mode Movie Movie

High Speed REC

Movie
Smth Slw REC
Golf Shot

Storage method

Recording format Storage method

Image quality
stored at

Page

XAVC S 4K (FDR­AX100/AX100E)

Computer using
PlayMemories
Home™ software

XAVC S 4K 34

XAVC S HD XAVC S HD 34

AVCHD Computer using

PlayMemories Home
software

AVCHD 34

External media
device

AVCHD 35

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Getting started

Supplied items

The numbers in ( ) indicate the
supplied quantity.

All models

•Camcorder (1)

•AC Adaptor (1)

• Power cord (mains lead) (1)

• USB connection support cable (1)

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

•HDMI cable (1)

•Lens hood

See page 50 on how to attach the
lens hood to the camcorder.

• Wireless Remote Commander (1)

• Lens cap (attached to the
camcorder) (1)

• “Operating Guide” (This manual)
(1)

FDR-AX100/AX100E only

• Rechargeable battery pack NP­FV70 (1)

HDR-CX900/CX900E only

• Rechargeable battery pack NP­FV50 (1)

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Getting started

Charging the battery pack



Charging the battery using your computer

Turn off your camcorder and connect the camcorder to a running
computer using the Built-in USB Cable.

1

Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD monitor,
retract the viewfinder, and attach the battery pack.

2

Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains
lead) to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall
socket).

• 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.

Battery pack

DC plug

Align the  mark

on the DC plug

with that on the DC

IN jack.

AC Adaptor

Wall outlet (wall socket)

DC IN jack

Power cord
(mains lead)

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

Estimated time of charging the supplied battery pack
(minutes)

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

• The charging times are measured without using the USB connection
support cable.



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

• 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] (FDR-AX100/AX100E).
[ File Format]: [AVCHD] (HDR-CX900/CX900E)).

• 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.



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.”

Model Battery pack

AC Adaptor
(supplied)

Computer

FDR-AX100/
AX100E

NP-FV70 205 555

HDR-CX900/
CX900E

NP-FV50 140 305

Model Battery pack

Recording time

Playback
time

Continuous Typical

FDR-AX100/
AX100E

NP-FV70 135 65 180

HDR-CX900/
CX900E

NP-FV50 105 50 135

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Getting started



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.

GB

18

Turning the power on

• To turn off the power, close the LCD monitor. If the viewfinder is pulled
out, retract it.

• To set the date and time again, select  [Setup]  [Clock
Settings]  [Date & Time Setting].

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

1

Open the LCD monitor of your camcorder and turn
the power on.

• You can also turn on the camcorder by pulling out the viewfinder.

2

Following the instructions on the LCD monitor, select
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].

Touch the button on the LCD monitor.

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19

Getting started

Inserting a memory card

• 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

Recording images in the XAVC S format

Recording images in a format other than XAVC S

1

Open the cover, and insert the memory card until it
clicks.

• The [Preparing image database file. Please wait.] screen appears if
you insert a new memory card. Wait until the screen disappears.

SD Speed Class

Capacity (operation
verified)

SDXC memory card Class 10 or faster Up to 64 GB

SD Speed Class

Capacity (operation
verified)

SD memory card/SDHC
memory card/SDXC memory
card

Class 4 or faster Up to 64 GB

Memory Stick PRO Duo™
(Mark2) media/Memory Stick
PRO-HG Duo™ media

–Up to 32GB

Memory Stick XC-HG Duo™
media

Up to 64 GB

Access lamp

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

GB

20



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.

• Movies recorded on Memory Stick XC-HG Duo media or SDXC memory
cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or AV devices
not supporting the exFAT* file system by connecting the camcorder to
these devices with the USB cable. Confirm in advance that the connecting
equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If you connect equipment not
supporting the exFAT system and the format screen appears, do not
perform the format. All the data recorded will be lost.

* The exFAT is a file system that is used for Memory Stick XC-HG Duo media

and SDXC memory cards.

Notes

GB

21

Recording/Playback

Recording/Playback

Recording

• The zoom speed will become a little slower during movie recording.

• While recording movies in XAVC S 4K format and [30p]/[25p] frame rate,
video signals 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 (FDR­AX100/AX100E), 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.

Recording movies

1

Open the LCD monitor, and press START/STOP to
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

Power zoom lever