Precautions

Memory card back up

On database files

Do not use/store the camera in the following places

• In an extremely hot, cold or humid place
  In places such as in a car parked in the sun, the camera body may become deformed and this may cause a malfunction.

• Storing under direct sunlight and near a heater
  The camera body may become discolored or deformed, and this may cause a malfunction.

• In a location subject to rocking vibration

• Near strongly magnetic place

• In sandy or dusty places
  Be careful not to let sand or dust get into the camera. This may cause the camera to malfunction, and in some cases this malfunction cannot be repaired.

On carrying

On operating temperatures

On moisture condensation

• If the camera is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, moisture may condense inside or outside the camera. This moisture condensation may cause a malfunction of the camera.

• If moisture condensation occurs, turn off the camera and wait about an hour for the moisture to evaporate. Note that if you attempt to shoot with moisture remaining inside the lens, you will be unable to record clear images.

Functions built into this camera

• This manual describes the functions of 1080 60i-compatible devices and 1080 50i-compatible devices.

To check whether your camera is a 1080 60i-compatible device or 1080 50i-compatible device, look for the following marks on the bottom of the camera.

• 1080 60i-compatible device: 60i

• 1080 50i-compatible device: 50i

• While aboard an airplane, set [Airplane Mode] to [On].

What is 1080 60p/50p?

• Unlike standard recording modes up to now, which record in an interlacing method, this camera records using a progressive method. This increases the resolution, and provides a smoother, more realistic image.

On image data compatibility

• The camera conforms with DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) universal standards established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

• Sony does not guarantee that the camera will play back images recorded or edited with other equipment, or that other equipment will play back images recorded with the camera.

Notes when playing movies on other devices

• This camera uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 High Profile for AVCHD format recording. Movies recorded in AVCHD format with this camera cannot be played by the following devices.

• Other devices compatible with an AVCHD format that does not support High Profile

• Devices incompatible with the AVCHD format

• You can play a high-definition image quality (HD) disc only on AVCHD format playback devices. A DVD player or DVD recorder cannot play back a disc recorded in high-definition image quality (HD) because they are not compatible with the AVCHD format. In addition, if you insert a high-definition image quality (HD) disc recorded in AVCHD format into a DVD player or DVD recorder, you may not be able to eject the disc.

• Movies recorded in 1080 60p/1080 50p format can be played back only on 1080 60p/1080 50p-supported devices.

Notes on the screen and lens

• The screen is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, some tiny black and/or bright dots (white, red, blue or green) may appear on the screen. These dots are a normal result of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording.

• Exposing the screen or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors.

• Do not press against the screen. The screen may be discolored and that may cause a malfunction.

• Images may trail across on the screen in a cold location. This is not a malfunction.

• Be careful not to bump the movable lens, and be careful not to apply force to it.

Notes on the flash

• When using the flash, the flash pops up automatically. If not using the flash, press it down manually.

• Do not cover the flash with your fingers.

• Do not carry the camera by the flash unit, or use excessive strength on it.

• If water, dust or sand get into the open flash unit, it may cause a malfunction.