Usage Precautions

Refer also to “Notes on use” in the Startup Guide (supplied) for the unit.

Use of environmentally-conscious packaging materials

Environmentally-conscious packaging materials were used for the camera and supplied accessories. Due to the characteristics of the packaging materials, note the following points.

  • Powder, etc. from the packaging materials may adhere to the camera or supplied accessories. In this case, remove it with a commercially available blower or cleaning paper before use.
  • The packaging materials will deteriorate with continuous use. Be careful when carrying the product using the packaging.

Data specifications

  • The data on performance and specifications in this Help Guide are based on an ambient temperature of 25 °C (77 °F), except where otherwise indicated.
  • For the battery pack, the data are based on a battery pack that was fully charged until the charging lamp turned off.

Notes on operating temperature

  • Shooting in extremely cold or hot environments that exceed the operating temperature range is not recommended.
  • Under high ambient temperatures, the temperature of the camera rises quickly.
  • When the temperature of the camera rises, the image quality may deteriorate. It is recommended that you wait until the temperature of the camera drops before continuing to shoot.
  • Depending on the camera and battery temperature, the camera may become unable to record video or the power may turn off automatically to protect the camera. A message will be displayed on the monitor before the power turns off or if you can no longer record video. In this case, leave the power off and wait until the camera and battery temperature goes down. If you turn on the power without letting the camera and battery cool sufficiently, the power may turn off again, or you may still be unable to record video.

Precautions regarding long-duration/high-load shooting

  • During use, the camera and battery may become warm. This is not a malfunction.

  • The shooting time may be shorter under low temperature conditions, depending on the following shooting settings, recording method, and connected accessories. Warm up the battery pack or replace it with a new battery.

    • Shooting video at high bit rates, such as 4K
    • Using multiple memory cards
    • Using network functions, such as Wi-Fi and LAN
    • Using a mount adaptor with power supplied from the unit or using Multi Interface Shoe compatible audio accessories, etc.

Notes on playing movies on other devices

  • XAVC HS, XAVC S, and X-OCN video can only be played back on compatible devices.
  • When playing back video files that were recorded on the unit at 96 kHz or in 32-bit float format using a camera, use a camera that supports 96 kHz or 32-bit float recording. Correct playback on an unsupported camera may not be possible.

Notes on recording/playback

  • Always make a test recording, and verify that it was recorded successfully. SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMPENSATION OR REIMBURSEMENT ON ACCOUNT OF FAILURE OF THIS UNIT OR ITS RECORDING MEDIA, EXTERNAL STORAGE SYSTEMS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA OR STORAGE SYSTEMS TO RECORD CONTENT OF ANY TYPE.
  • Always verify that the unit is operating properly before use. SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMPENSATION OR REIMBURSEMENT ON ACCOUNT OF THE LOSS OF PRESENT OR PROSPECTIVE PROFITS DUE TO FAILURE OF THIS UNIT, EITHER DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD OR AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY, OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON WHATSOEVER.
  • SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE LOSS, REPAIR, OR REPRODUCTION OF ANY DATA RECORDED ON THE INTERNAL STORAGE SYSTEM, RECORDING MEDIA, EXTERNAL STORAGE SYSTEMS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA OR STORAGE SYSTEMS.
  • SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CLAIMS OF ANY KIND MADE BY USERS OF THIS UNIT OR MADE BY THIRD PARTIES.
  • SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE TERMINATION OR DISCONTINUATION OF ANY SERVICES RELATED TO THIS UNIT THAT MAY RESULT DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES OF ANY KIND.
  • The image displayed on the shooting standby screen may differ from the actual recorded result.
  • Playback of images recorded with the unit on other equipment and playback of images recorded or edited with other equipment on the unit are not guaranteed.
  • Sony can provide no guarantees in the event of failure to record, or loss of or damage to recorded images or audio data, due to a malfunction of the camera or recording media, etc. We recommend backing up important data.
  • Once you format the memory card, all the data recorded on the memory card will be deleted and cannot be restored. Before formatting, copy the data to a computer or other device.
  • Attach the shoulder strap to the camera to prevent it from falling.
  • When using the unit with a tripod or grip, be sure to attach the camera securely.
  • We cannot guarantee correct operation when accessories from other manufacturers are attached.

Notes on using a tripod

When attaching to a tripod, use a tripod with a screw of length 5.5 mm or shorter. If you use a screw that is longer than 5.5 mm, you will not be able to firmly secure the unit to the tripod, and the unit may be damaged.

Notes on handling memory cards

  • The temperature of memory cards may rise after recording stops. This is not a malfunction.
  • If [Media Temperature High] is displayed on the monitor, do not remove the memory card from the camera right away. Instead, wait for a while after turning off the unit, and then remove the memory card. If you touch the memory card while it is hot, you may drop it and the memory card may become damaged. Be careful when removing the memory card.

Backing up memory cards

Data may be corrupted in the following cases. Be sure to back up the data for protection.

  • When the memory card is removed, the USB cable is disconnected, or the unit is turned off in the middle of a read or write operation
  • When the memory card is used in locations subject to static electricity or electrical noise

Database file error

  • If you insert a memory card that does not contain an image database file into the unit and turn on the power, the unit automatically creates an image database file using some of the memory card’s capacity. The process may take a long time and you cannot operate the product until the process is completed.
  • If a database file error occurs, export all the data to your computer, etc. to save it, and then format the memory card using the unit.

Do not use/store the product 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 or near a heater
    The camera body may become discolored or deformed, and this may cause a malfunction.
  • In a location subject to rocking vibration
    It may cause malfunctions and an inability to record data. In addition, the recording media may become unusable, and recorded data may be corrupted.
  • Near strong magnetic place
  • In sandy or dusty places
    Be careful not to let sand or dust get into the unit. This may cause the unit to malfunction, and in some cases this malfunction cannot be repaired.
  • In places with high humidity
    This may cause molding in the lens.
  • In areas where strong radio waves or radiation are being emitted
    Recording and playback may not function correctly.

On condensation

  • If the product is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, moisture may condense inside or outside the unit. This moisture condensation may cause a malfunction of the product.
  • To prevent moisture condensation when you bring the unit directly from a cold to a warm location, first put it in a plastic bag and seal it to prevent air from entering. Wait for about an hour until the temperature of the product has reached the ambient temperature.
  • If condensation occurs, turn off the unit and wait until the condensation clears before operating the unit. If moisture condensation occurs, turn off the unit 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.

Notes on carrying

  • Do not hold, hit, or apply excessive force to the following parts, if your camera is equipped with them:

    • Lens section
    • Movable monitor
  • Do not carry the camera with a tripod attached. This may damage the tripod socket hole.
  • Do not sit down in a chair or other place with the camera in the back pocket of your trousers or skirt, as this may cause malfunction or damage the camera.

Notes on handling the unit

  • The unit (including accessories) has magnet(s) which may interfere with pacemakers, programmable shunt valves for hydrocephalus treatment, or other medical devices. Do not place the unit close to persons who use such medical devices. Consult your doctor before using the unit if you use any such medical device.
  • Do not leave the unit, accessories, memory cards, etc. within reach of small children. They might accidentally swallow it. If swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
  • Increase the volume gradually. A sudden loud noise may occur, potentially damaging your ears. Be especially careful when listening using headphones.

  • Even if the unit or its accessories do not feel hot to you when shooting/streaming for an extended period, leaving the same part of the skin exposed to them for a long time may cause low-temperature burns, resulting in redness and blisters. Exercise care in the following cases, and use a tripod or similar equipment.

    • When using high-temperature environments
    • When used by people with poor blood circulation or sensitive skin
    • When using with [Auto Power Off Temp.] set to [High]
  • When shooting/streaming for an extended period, do not leave your hands in the areas near the air ventilation holes. It may cause low-temperature burns.
  • Although the unit is designed and built to be dustproof and drip-proof, it cannot completely prevent the ingress of dust or water droplets.
  • Before you connect the cable to the connector, be sure to check the orientation of the connector. Then, insert the cable straight. Do not insert or remove the cable forcefully. This may cause the connector terminals to break.
  • The unit uses magnetic parts that include magnets. Do not bring objects affected by magnetism, including credit cards and floppy disks, close to the camera.

Storage

  • Always attach the lens front cap or body cap when you are not using the unit. To prevent dust or debris from getting inside the unit, remove dust from the body cap before attaching it to the unit.
  • If the unit is dirty after use, clean it. Water, sand, dust, salt, etc. left in the unit may cause a malfunction.

Notes on lenses

  • Do not look at the sun or strong light through a removed lens. It may cause irreversible damage to your eyes.
  • When changing lenses, check the monitor screen to make sure everything is operating properly.
  • When using a power zoom lens, be careful not to get your fingers or any other objects caught in the lens. (Only for models with a power zoom feature or interchangeable lens cameras)
  • Do not leave the lens facing the sun or other strong light source. The light will be focused by the lens and may cause smoke, fire, or other damage to the inside of the body or lens.
  • If you must place the unit under a light source such as sunlight, attach the lens cap to the unit.
  • If sunlight or a strong light source enters the camera through the lens, it may focus inside the camera and cause smoke or fire. Attach the lens cap to the lens when storing the unit. When shooting with backlighting, keep the sun sufficiently far away from the angle of view. Note that smoke or fire may occur even if the light source is slightly away from the angle of view.
  • Do not directly expose the lens to beams, such as laser beams. That may damage the image sensor and cause the camera to malfunction.
  • If the subject is too close, the image may show any dust or fingerprints on the lens. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth, etc.

Notes on the Multi Interface Shoe

  • When attaching or detaching accessories to or from the Multi Interface Shoe, first turn off both the accessory and the camera. When attaching an accessory, confirm that it is firmly fastened to the unit.

Notes on the monitor

  • If the monitor is damaged, stop using it immediately. There is a risk of injury, such as cuts to your hands or face from the damaged areas.
  • The monitor is manufactured with high-precision technology, giving a functioning pixel ratio of at least 99.99%. Thus a very small proportion of pixels may be “stuck”, either always off (black), always on (red, green, or blue), or flashing. This is not a malfunction. Note that any such problems have no effect on recorded data.
  • Do not press hard against the monitor. This may cause unevenness in the color which may cause a malfunction.
  • If the monitor has drops of water or other liquids on it, wipe it with a soft cloth. If the monitor stays wet, the surface of the monitor may change or deteriorate. This may cause a malfunction.
  • If you use the unit in a cold location, the image may have a trailing appearance. This is not a malfunction.
  • When connecting cables to the connectors on the camera, the rotating range of the monitor may become limited.

Notes on the image sensor

  • If you point the camera at an extremely strong light source while shooting images with a low sensitivity setting, highlighted areas in the images may be recorded as black areas.
  • If you point the camera at an extremely strong light source while shooting images, highlighted areas in the images may be recorded as black areas.

  • The following phenomena that may occur in images are specific to image sensors. They do not indicate a malfunction.

    White flecks
    Although the image sensors are produced with high-precision technologies, fine white flecks may be generated on the screen in rare cases, caused by cosmic rays, etc.
    This is related to the principle of image sensors and is not a malfunction.
    The white flecks especially tend to be seen in the following cases:

    • When operating at a high environmental temperature
    • When you have raised the gain (sensitivity)

    Flicker
    If shooting under lighting produced by fluorescent lights, sodium lamps, mercury-vapor lamps, or LEDs, the screen may flicker or colors may vary.

Notes on the cooling fan

  • Do not cover the air vent. The design ensures ventilation even when the monitor is closed.
  • The air vent may become hot.
  • Do not use the unit in areas where there are dust or sand particles in the air.
  • When the cooling fan is operating, be careful that foreign objects are not sucked in by the fan.
  • If the cooling fan emits abnormal noises, stop using the unit and contact a service facility.

Notes on the XLR handle unit (only for models supplied with the XLR handle unit)

  • Before connecting/disconnecting an external microphone or device to/from the INPUT1 or INPUT2 connector, be sure to set the INPUT1 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) or INPUT2 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) switch to a position other than “MIC+48V.” Plugging/unplugging a cable into/from an external microphone or device while the switch is set to “MIC+48V” may cause loud noise or a malfunction of the device.
  • While recording is in progress, operating and handling noises from the camera or lens may be recorded. Touching the handle while recording is in progress will cause noise to be included in the recording.
  • While recording is in progress, do not change the INPUT1 or INPUT2 switch settings.
  • If the microphone of the handle is in proximity to a speaker, acoustic feedback may occur. In this case, move the handle away from the speaker to allow the maximum distance between the microphone and the speaker, or lower the speaker volume.
  • If dust or water droplets are present on the surface of the microphone, successful recording may not be possible. Be sure to clean the microphone surface before using the handle.
  • Turn off the camera before attaching or removing the handle.
  • When attaching the XLR handle unit, firmly tighten the two handle attachment screws.
    Using the handle without fastening the handle attachment screws may damage the Multi Interface Shoe contacts or cause the camera to fall off.

About smartphone/computer applications

The application specifications are subject to change without notice.

Services and software provided by other companies

Network services, content, and software (including the operating system) of the unit may be subject to individual terms and conditions and changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information.

Notes on connecting to the Internet

  • The unit cannot be connected to an access point that uses only WEP or WPA, which are security methods that have vulnerabilities, using the wireless LAN function.
  • The unit is not a network device (for example, a router or switching hub). It is strongly recommended that you connect the unit to a network where you can configure and manage the network settings appropriately to protect against network-based attacks, such as DoS attacks (Denial of Service attacks).
  • When connecting the unit to a network, connect it via a router that is configured and managed appropriately, or connect it to a LAN port that has the same functionality. If connected without such protection (for example when using free Wi-Fi), problems may occur. When properly configured, routers provide sufficient protection against DoS attacks or loss of functionality of devices in the network. If you notice anything unusual, immediately disconnect the camera from the network.

Notes on security

  • If you set the [Security] wireless LAN setting to [None] and connect to an access point, wireless communication between the camera and the access point will not be encrypted and may be intercepted by a third party within the range of the signal. Use the WPA3 or WPA2 security protocol for enhanced security.
  • SONY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND RESULTING FROM A FAILURE TO IMPLEMENT PROPER SECURITY MEASURES ON TRANSMISSION DEVICES, UNAVOIDABLE DATA LEAKS RESULTING FROM TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS, OR PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND.
  • Depending on the operating environment, unauthorized third parties on the network may be able to access the unit. When connecting the unit to the network, be sure to confirm that the network is protected securely.
  • When connecting this product to a network, connect via a system that provides a protection function, such as a router or firewall. If connected without such protection, problems may occur.

About optional accessories

  • It is recommended that you use genuine Sony accessories.
  • Some products may not be available, depending on the country or region.
  • When attaching accessories, use screws that are appropriate for the depth of the screw holes. Use of screws that are too long may damage exterior parts.

Available models and kits

Some products may not be available, depending on the country or region.

TP1002215240