Solid-State Memory CamcorderPXW-Z300/PXW-Z380Help Guide

On condensation

If the unit is suddenly taken from a cold to a warm location, or if ambient temperature suddenly rises, moisture may form on the outer surface of the unit and/or inside of the unit. This is known as condensation. If condensation occurs, turn off the unit and wait until the condensation clears before operating the unit. Operating the unit while condensation is present may damage the unit.

On LCD panels

The LCD panel fitted to this unit 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. In addition, over a long period of use, because of the physical characteristics of the liquid crystal display, such “stuck” pixels may appear spontaneously. These problems are not a malfunction. Note that any such problems have no effect on recorded data.

If the LCD panel of the unit fails, as an emergency measure you can change the settings to force video output to HDMI or Monitor & Control. For details, see “Troubleshooting.”

Touch panel usage precautions

The LCD monitor of the unit is a touch panel, which you operate directly by touch using your finger.

The touch panel is designed to be touched lightly with your finger. Do not press the panel with force or touch it using sharp-edged or pointed objects (nail, ballpoint pen, pin, etc.).

The touch panel may not respond when touched in the following circumstances. Also note that these may cause a malfunction.

• Operation using the tips of finger nails
• Operation while other objects are touching the screen surface
• Operation with a protective sheet or sticker attached
• Operation with water droplets or condensation on the display
• Operation using wet or sweaty fingers

Camera CMOS image sensor phenomena

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.

On consumable parts

• The fan and battery are consumable parts that will need periodic replacement.

  When operating at room temperature, a normal replacement cycle will be about 5 years. However, this replacement cycle represents only a general guideline and does not imply that the life expectancy of these parts is guaranteed. For details on parts replacement, contact your dealer.

• The battery terminal of this unit (the connector for battery pack and USB charger) is a consumable part.

  Power may not be supplied to the unit properly if the pins of the battery terminal are bent or deformed by shock or vibrations, or if they become corroded due to prolonged outdoor use.

  Periodic inspections are recommended to keep the unit working properly and to prolong its usable lifetime. Contact a Sony service or sales representative for more information about inspections.

About the built-in rechargeable battery

The unit has a built-in rechargeable battery for storing the date, time, and other settings even when the unit is turned off. The built-in rechargeable battery will become charged after 24 hours have elapsed if the unit is connected to a power outlet using the USB charger or if a fully charged battery pack is attached, regardless of whether the unit is turned on/off. The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 2 months if the USB charger is not connected or the unit is used without the battery pack attached. Use your unit after charging the battery. However, even if the rechargeable battery is not charged, the unit operation will not be affected as long as you do not need to record the date.

Usage and storage locations

Store in a level, ventilated place.

Avoid using or storing the unit in the following places.

• In excessive heat or cold (operating temperature range: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)). Remember that in summer in warm climates the temperature inside a car with the windows closed can easily exceed 50 °C (122 °F).

• In damp or dusty locations.
• Locations where the unit may be exposed to rain
• Locations subject to violent vibration
• Near strong magnetic fields
• Close to radio or TV transmitters producing strong electromagnetic fields
• In direct sunlight or close to heaters for extended periods

Note on laser beams

Laser beams may damage the CMOS image sensor. If you shoot a scene that includes a laser beam, be careful not to let the laser beam be directed into the lens of the unit. Specifically, high-power laser beams from medical devices or other devices may cause damage due to reflected light and scattered light.

Do not place this product close to medical devices

This product (including accessories) has magnet(s) which may interfere with pacemakers, programmable shunt valves for hydrocephalus treatment, or other medical devices. Do not place this product close to persons who use such medical devices. Consult your doctor before using this product if you use any such medical device.

To prevent electromagnetic interference from portable communications devices

The use of portable telephones and other communications devices near this unit can result in malfunctions and interference with audio and video signals. It is recommended that the portable communications devices near this unit be powered off.

Internet connection precautions

• The unit cannot connect via wireless LAN to an access point that uses only WEP or WPA, which are security methods that have vulnerabilities.
• 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), security issues 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.

Security precautions

• 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 WPA2 or WPA3 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 SECURITY 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, security issues may occur.
• Communication content may be unknowingly intercepted by unauthorized third parties in the vicinity of the signals. When using wireless LAN communication, implement security measures properly to protect the communication content.

About file fragmentation

If video is not recorded or played correctly, format the recording media. If you repeatedly shoot and delete clips over extended intervals, fragmentation of data in files on the memory card may occur, preventing video from being recorded or saved correctly. If this occurs, make a backup of your clips and then format the recording media using [TC/Media] – [Format Media] in the full menu.

Note on recording functions

• 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 CLAIMS OF ANY KIND MADE BY USERS OF THIS UNIT OR MADE BY THIRD PARTIES.
• 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 THE TERMINATION OR DISCONTINUATION OF ANY SERVICES RELATED TO THIS UNIT THAT MAY RESULT DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES OF ANY KIND.