Sony FDR-AX43 User manual

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FDR-AX43/AX45/AX60
4-734-285-22(1)
4-734-285-22(1)
FDR-AX43/AX45/AX60
Getting started
Recording/Playback
Saving images
Customizing your
camcorder
Others
Digital 4K Video
Camera Recorder
Operating Instructions
http://rd1.sony.net/help/cam/1720/h_zz/
“Help Guide” (Web manual)
Refer to “Help Guide” for
in-depth instructions on the
many functions of the camera.

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Table of Contents
Selecting recording format/
image quality ....................... 4
Getting started ............. 7
Supplied items ...........................7
Charging the battery pack ....... 8
Turning the power on ...............11
Inserting a memory card ......... 12
Recording/Playback ... 15
Recording ................................. 15
Using the manual adjustment
features ...............................18
Playback ....................................19
Creating highlight movies ...... 22
Viewing images on a TV ......... 23
Saving images ............ 27
Importing images to your
computer .............................27
Saving images on an external
media device ..................... 28
Using the Wi-Fi function ......... 30
Customizing your
camcorder .................. 34
Using the menus ..................... 34
Others ........................ 37
Precautions ...............................37
Specifications .......................... 40
Parts and controls ................... 44
Index ........................................ 47
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
• Multi Camera Control
•TrimmingPlayback
The Help Guide is an online
manual which you can see on
your computer or smartphone.
Refer to it for the detailed
menu and how to use it, or the
latest information.
Utilizing the
Help Guide
http://rd1.sony.net/help/
cam/1720/h_zz/

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Selecting recording format/image
quality
For supporting memory cards with each format, see page 12.
1Select [Image Quality/Size] [ File
Format] desired setting value.
File format Features
XAVC S 4K Allows recording with 4K
resolution (3,840 × 2,160)
Data can be saved in the
computer using the
PlayMemories Home™
software.
XAVC S HD Information volume is
greater compared to AVCHD,
enabling recording of clearer
images.
AVCHD Compatibility with recording
devices other than
computers is good.
2Select [Image Quality/Size] [ REC
Mode] desired setting value.
• Setting with a higher bit-rate makes image quality higher.
• Refer to the Help Guide for details of the following:
–HighSpeedREC
– Estimated maximum recording time of each recording format

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[ File Format] is [ XAVC S 4K]
*1 1080 60i-compatible device
*2 1080 50i-compatible device
[ File Format] is [ XAVC S HD]
*1 1080 60i-compatible device
*2 1080 50i-compatible device
*3 Only when [High Speed REC] is selected for [Shooting Mode].
REC Mode Frame rate Bit-rate Actual movie format
60Mbps 30p*1/25p*2 Max. 60 Mbps 3,840 × 2,160
(30p/25p)
24p*1 Max. 60 Mbps 3,840 × 2,160 (24p)
100Mbps 30p*1/25p*2 Max. 100 Mbps 3,840 × 2,160
(30p/25p)
24p*1 Max. 100 Mbps 3,840 × 2,160 (24p)
REC Mode Frame rate Bit-rate Actual movie format
50Mbps 60p*1/50p*2 Approx. 50 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080
(60p/50p)
30p*1/25p*2 Approx. 50 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080
(30p/25p)
24p*1 Approx. 50 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080 (24p)
100Mbps *3 120p*1/
100p*2 Approx. 100 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080 (120p/100p)
60Mbps *3 120p*1/
100p*2 Approx. 60 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080 (120p/100p)

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[ File Format] is [ AVCHD]
*1 When you create an AVCHD disc from movies recorded with the [ REC
Mode] setting of [Highest Quality ] or [60p Quality ]/[50p
Quality ], it will take a long time to change the image quality.
*2 1080 60i-compatible device
*3 1080 50i-compatible device
 To transfer images to a smartphone
You can transfer MP4 images to a smartphone connected to the
camcorder via Wi-Fi (page 30). MP4 format is good for uploading to
the Internet. When [Dual Video REC] is set to [On], the camcorder
records MP4 movies while recording “XAVC S 4K movies”, “XAVC S HD
movies” or “AVCHD movies” at the same time.
• [On] is set for the default value of [Dual Video REC].
REC Mode*1 Frame rate Bit-rate Actual movie format
Highest Quality 60i*2/50i*3 Max. 24 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080 (60i/50i)
24p*2/25p*3 Max. 24 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080
(24p/25p)
High Quality 60i*2/50i*3 Avg. 17 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080 (60i/50i)
24p*2/25p*3 Avg. 17 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080
(24p/25p)
Standard 60i*2/50i*3 Avg. 9 Mbps 1,440 × 1,080 (60i/50i)
Long Time 60i*2/50i*3 Avg. 5 Mbps 1,440 × 1,080 (60i/50i)
60p Quality /
50p Quality
60p*2/50p*3 Max.28 Mbps 1,920 × 1,080
(60p/50p)
Notes

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Getting started
Getting started
Supplied items
The numbers in ( ) indicate the
supplied quantity.
All models
•Camcorder(1)
•ACAdaptor(1)
• Power cord (mains lead) (1)
•MicroUSBcable(1)
•HDMIcable(1)
• “Operating Guide” (This manual)
(1)
• Rechargeable battery pack NP-
FV70A (1)

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Charging the battery pack
1Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD monitor,
retract the viewfinder*, and attach the battery pack.
* Models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX60) only
2Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains
lead) to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall
socket).
*Alignthe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.
Battery pack
DC plug*
AC Adaptor
Wall outlet (wall socket)
DC IN jack Power cord
(mains lead)

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Getting started
 Charging the battery using your computer
Turn off your camcorder and connect the Multi/Micro USB Terminal of
the camcorder (page 44) 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)
• 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)
• 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]: [On]).
• 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)
The camcorder runs without consuming the battery while it is
connected to the AC adaptor. However, the battery is not charged
while the camcorder is turned on.
Battery pack AC Adaptor (supplied) Computer
NP-FV70A 190 535
Battery pack Recording time Playback time
Continuous Typical
NP-FV70A 160 80 280

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 To remove the battery pack
Turn off your camcorder. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever ()
and remove the battery pack ().
• Remove the battery pack after waiting 15 seconds or more when turning
the power off. If not, the camera setting may not be retained.
 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.
Notes

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Getting started
Turning the power on
• To turn off the power, close the LCD monitor. If the viewfinder is pulled
out, retract it (models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX60) 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].
1Open the LCD monitor of your camcorder and turn
the power on.
• You can also turn on the camcorder by pulling out the viewfinder
(models with the viewfinder (FDR-AX60) only).
2Following 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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Inserting a memory card
• To select a memory card as the recording medium, select 
[Setup] [ Media Settings] [Media Select] [Memory Card]
(FDR-AX45/AX60).
• 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.
SD cards
1Open 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.
Recording formats Supporting memory cards
Photos SD/SDHC/SDXC memory
card, microSD/microSDHC/
microSDXC memory card
Insert the card with the notched
corner in the direction as illustrated.
Access lamp

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Getting started
* Including when recording with Dual Video REC.
Memory Stick media
• The movies recorded will be divided into files of 4 GB 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.
AVCHD SD/SDHC/SDXC memory
card, microSD/microSDHC/
microSDXC memory card
(Class 4 or faster, or U1 or
faster.)
XAVC S 4K 60 Mbps*
HD 60 Mbps (when recording
with High Speed REC)*
HD 50 Mbps*
SDHC/SDXC memory card,
microSDHC/microSDXC
memory card (Class 10 or
faster, or U1 or faster.)
4K 100 Mbps*
HD 100 Mbps (when recording
with High Speed REC)*
SDHC/SDXC memory card,
microSDHC/microSDXC
memory card (U3)
Recording formats Supporting memory cards
Photos Memory Stick PRO Duo™
media, Memory Stick PRO-HG
Duo™ media, Memory Stick
Micro™ (M2) media
AVCHD Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark
2) media, Memory Stick PRO-
HG Duo media, Memory Stick
Micro (M2) media
XAVC S —
Notes
Recording formats Supporting memory cards

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• 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.
• To repair or format the image database file, charge the battery pack fully
in advance.
• 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.
 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.

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Recording/Playback
Recording/Playback
Recording
• 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 MP4
movies while recording “XAVC S 4K movies”, “XAVC S HD movies” or
“AVCHD movies” at the same time.
• [On] is set for its default value.
• When you change the setting, 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.
• Select [On] for [Dual Video REC] when you create a highlight movie with
“Highlight Movie Maker.”
Recording movies
1Open 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
Notes
Power zoom lever

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 Recording photos during movie recording (Dual
Capture)
You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO.
• You may not be able to shoot photos depending on the setting in
[RECMode]and[FrameRate].
• You cannot specify the storage destination (internal memory/memory
card) of photos and movies separately (FDR-AX45/AX60).
 To suppresses the voice of the person recording the
movie (My Voice Canceling)
Select [Camera/Mic] [ Microphone] [My Voice
Canceling] (page 35). The voice of the person recording the movie will
be suppressed.
 Approximate recording time available
*1 If you want to record up to the maximum recording time, you need to
delete the demonstration movie on this product.
*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]: [On]
*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.
Notes
Movie format Internal memory*1
(FDR-AX45/AX60) Memory card*2
XAVC S 4K 2 h. 00 min. 64 GB: 2 h. 00 min.*3
XAVC S HD 2 h. 25 min. 64 GB: 2 h. 25 min.*4
AVCHD 6 h. 55 min. 64 GB: 6 h. 50 min.*5

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Recording/Playback
Shooting photos
1Open the LCD monitor and select [MODE] 
(Photo).
• You can also switch between (Movie) and (Photo) by pressing
the / (Shooting Mode) button (FDR-AX60).
2Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it
fully.
• When the focus is adjusted properly, AE/AF lock indicator appears
on the LCD monitor.
Power zoom lever

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Using the manual adjustment features
 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.
Assigning a menu item to the MANUAL ring (FDR-AX60)
1Press and hold MANUAL button (page 45) for a few
seconds.
•The menu items you can control with the MANUAL ring will appear
on the [Manual Ring Setting] screen.
2Rotate the MANUAL ring (page 45) to select the item
to be assigned, and then press MANUAL button.

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Recording/Playback
Playback
1Open 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.
2Select / to move the desired event to the
center, and then select the part circled () in the
figure.
* The icon varies depending on the [ File Format] setting (page 21).
• Photos and movies are stored in the same recording medium
(internal memory/memory card) (FDR-AX45/AX60).
• To select the XAVC S movies or AVCHD movies you want to play, edit,
or copy to other devices, select [Image Quality/Size] 
[FileFormat].
• 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.
To the MENU
screen
Event name
To the
previous event
Events
Change to the
movie/photo
recording
mode
Switch Movie
Format
button*
(4K/MP4)
To the next
event
Time-line bar
Change Event Scale buttonHighlight Movie
Maker

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 To switch between movies and photos (Visual index)
Select the desired type of images.
 Playback operations
3Select the image.
Volume / Previous/Next
Delete / Fast-reverse/Fast-forward
Context / Play/Pause
Stop Play/Stop slide show
Motion Shot Video Motion Interval ADJ
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)