Sony F5 Manual

							Operating Clips With a Computer61
External Devices Connection
To use the ExpressCard slot of a 
computer
If the computer is equipped with an ExpressCard/
34 or ExpressCard/54 slot, you can directly insert 
the SxS memory card containing clips recorded 
with this camcorder and access the files.
Notes
 The SxS Device Driver Software must be installed on 
your computer.
 Operation is not guaranteed with all computers.
For support information for the driver, visit the 
following URL: 
http://www.sony.net/SxS-Support/
With a Windows computer, check that a 
Removable Disk appears in My Computer. This 
indicates normal status.
With a Macintosh computer, an icon is displayed 
on the menu bar.
To connect with a USB cable
When you connect the camcorder or the SBAC-
US20 SxS Memory Card USB Reader/Writer 
(optional) using a USB cable, the memory card in 
the slot is acknowledged as an extended drive by 
the computer.
When two memory cards are mounted in this 
camcorder, they are acknowledged as two 
independent extended drives by the computer.
Note
The camcorder and the SBAC-US20 do not work on the 
bus power from the computer. Supply the operating 
power independently.
To check the connection to the camcorder
1Set the power switch to ON to turn on 
the camcorder.
A message prompting you to confirm that 
you wish to enable the USB connection is 
displayed on the LCD monitor/viewfinder 
screen.
This message will not be displayed while another 
confirmation message or in-progress message (e.g., 
for formatting or restoring of an SxS memory card) 
is shown on the screen. It appears when formatting 
or restoration has completed. The message is also 
not displayed while the screen for the detailed 
information of a clip is shown on the screen. It 
appears when an operation on the screen for the 
detailed information of a clip is completed or you 
return to the thumbnail screen.
2Select “Execute” by turning the MENU 
dial.
3With Windows, check that the memory 
card is displayed as a removable disk in 
My Computer.
With Macintosh, check that a “NO 
NAME” or “Untitled” folder was 
created on the desktop. (The Macintosh 
folder name can be changed.)
Notes
 The following operations must be avoided when the 
ACCESS lamp is lit in red.
—Turning the power off or disconnecting the power 
cord
—Removing the SxS memory card
—Disconnecting the USB cable
 When removing an SxS memory card from a 
Macintosh, do not select “Card Power Off” from the 
SxS memory card icon displayed on the menu bar.
 Operation is not guaranteed with all computers.
Using a nonlinear editing system
For a nonlinear editing system, optional editing 
software that corresponds to the recording 
formats used with this camcorder is required.
Store the clips to be edited on the HDD of your 
computer in advance, using the dedicated 
application software.
Operating Clips With a 
Computer
Note 
						

							External Synchronization62
External Devices Connection
When multiple units of the camcorder are used in 
the same shooting location, synchronized 
recording can be made with a specific reference 
signal, and the timecode can be matched among 
all the units.
Aligning the phase of the video signal 
(Genlock)
Genlock operation is enabled by supplying a 
reference signal to the GENLOCK IN connector 
(page 13) of the camcorder.
Valid reference signals depend on the system 
frequency setting.
You can check the genlock status on “Reference” 
in “Genlock” (page 57) of the System menu.
Notes
 If the reference signal is unstable, genlock is not 
possible.
 The subcarrier is not synchronized.
Synchronizing the timecode of your 
camcorder with that of another unit
Set the unit that supplies the timecode to a mode 
in which the timecode output keeps advancing 
(Free Run mode).
1Set “Timecode” in the TC/UB menu as 
follows:
Mode: Preset
Run: Free Run
2Confirm that the TC IN/OUT switch 
(page 13) is set to IN, then supply an HD 
or SD reference video signal to the 
GENLOCK IN connector (page 13) and 
the reference timecode to the TC 
connector (page 13).
The built-in timecode generator of your 
camcorder locks to the reference timecode, and 
the message “Ext-Lk” is displayed on the screen.
About 10 seconds after locking, even if the 
reference timecode from the external device is 
disconnected, the external lock will be kept.
Notes
 Check that the reference timecode and the reference 
video signal are in a phase relation that complies with 
the SMPTE timecode standards.
 When you finish the above procedure, the timecode is 
immediately synchronized with the external timecode, 
and the time data indication will show the value of the 
external timecode. However, wait for a few seconds 
until the timecode generator stabilizes before 
recording.
 If the frequency of the reference video signal and the 
frame frequency are not the same, a lock cannot be 
acquired, and the camcorder will not operate properly. 
In such a case, the timecode will not be correctly 
locked to the external timecode.
 When the connection is removed, the timecode 
advance may shift one frame per hour with respect to 
the reference timecode.
To release the external timecode 
synchronization
Change the “Timecode” setting in the TC/UB 
menu.
External synchronization is also released when 
you start recording in a special recording mode.
External Synchronization
System frequencyValid reference 
signal
59.94P 1920 × 1080 59.94i
720 × 486 59.94i
59.94i 1920 × 1080 59.94i
720 × 486 59.94i
50P 1920 × 1080 50i
720 × 576 50i
50i 1920 × 1080 50i
720 × 576 50i
29.97P 1920 × 1080 59.94i
720 × 486 59.94i
25P 1920 × 1080 50i
720 × 576 50i
23.98P 1920 × 1080 47.95i
(23.98PsF) 
						

							Important Notes on Operation63
Appendices
Use and Storage
Do not subject the unit to severe shock
The internal mechanism may be damaged or the 
body warped.
Do not cover the unit while operating
Putting a cloth, for example, over the unit can 
cause excessive internal heat build-up.
After use
Always set the power switch to OFF.
Before storing the unit for a long period
Remove the battery pack.
Do not leave the camcorder with the lenses 
facing the sun
Direct sunlight can enter through the lenses, be 
focused in the camcorder, and cause fire.
Shipping
 Remove the memory cards before transporting 
the unit.
 If sending the unit by truck, ship, air or other 
transportation service, pack it in the shipping 
carton of the unit.
Care of the unit
If the body of the unit is dirty, clean it with a soft, 
dry cloth. In extreme cases, use a cloth steeped in 
a little neutral detergent, then wipe dry. Do not 
use organic solvents such as alcohol or thinner, as 
these may cause discoloration or other damage to 
the finish of the unit.
In the event of operating problems
If you should experience problems with the unit, 
contact your Sony dealer.
Note about the battery terminal
The battery terminal of this unit (the connector for 
battery packs and AC adaptors) 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.
Use 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: 0ºC to 40ºC or 32ºF to 104ºF)
Remember that in summer in warm climates the 
temperature inside a car with the windows 
closed can easily exceed 50ºC (122ºF).
 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
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.
Note on laser beams
Laser beams may damage the CMOS image 
sensors. 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 camcorder.
Appendices
Important Notes on Operation 
						

							Important Notes on Operation64
Appendices
About the LCD monitor
 Do not leave the LCD monitor facing direct 
sunlight, as this may damage the LCD monitor.
 Do not press/swipe the LCD monitor forcefully, 
or leave objects on the LCD monitor, as it may 
cause a malfunction, such as picture 
irregularity, etc.
 The LCD monitor may become warm in use. 
This is not a malfunction.
About the stuck pixels
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, and will not be 
recorded on recording media.
Phenomena specific to CMOS image 
sensors
The following phenomena that may appear in 
images are specific to CMOS (Complementary 
Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors.
They do not indicate malfunctions.
White flecks
Although the CMOS 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 CMOS 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 master gain 
(sensitivity)
 when operating in Slow-Shutter mode
Aliasing
When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they 
may appear jagged or flicker.Focal plane (PMW-F5 only)
Owing to the characteristics of the pickup 
elements (CMOS sensors) for reading video 
signals, subjects that quickly move across the 
screen may appear slightly skewed.
Flash band (PMW-F5 only)
The luminance at the top and bottom of the screen 
may change when shooting a flashlight beam or a 
light source that quickly flashes.
Flicker (PMW-F5 only)
Shooting under the lights of a discharge lamp 
such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium-vapor lamp, 
mercury-vapor lamp, etc., may cause flickering, 
color change, or vertical stripes.
Note on the display
 Pictures on the LCD monitor and viewfinder 
screen may be distorted by the following 
operations:
—Changing the video format
—Starting playback from the Thumbnail 
screen
—Reversing the LCD monitor
 When you change the eye direction in the 
viewfinder, you may see primary colors red, 
green, and blue, but this is not a defect of the 
camcorder. These primary colors are not 
recorded on any recording media.
Fragmentation
If pictures cannot be recorded/reproduced 
properly, try formatting the recording medium.
While repeating picture recording/playback with 
a certain recording medium for an extended 
period, files in the medium may be fragmented, 
disabling proper recording/storage. In such a 
case, make a backup of clips in the medium then 
perform formatting of the medium using “Format 
Media” (page 55) in the Media menu. 
						

							Formats and Limitations of Outputs65
Appendices
Output formats for the SDI OUT connector
Serial digital signals from the SDI OUT connector are output depending on the settings of the setup menu 
and format of the clip being played.
When outputting one type of SDI output by using the SDI OUT 1 to 4 connectors (PMW-F55 only)
When outputting two types of SDI output by using the SDI OUT 1, 2 (MAIN) and SDI OUT 3, 4 (SUB) 
connectors
Formats and Limitations of Outputs
Video Formats and Output Signals
The “Frequency” 
setting in “System 
Setting” of the System 
menuThe “Format (Main)” 
setting in “Rec 
format” of the System 
menuOutput format
SDI (Main)
59.94 / 50 / 29.97 / 25 / 
23.98XAVC 4096 × 2160P 4096 × 2160 59.94P / 50P / 29.97P / 25P / 23.98P
The “Frequency” 
setting in “System 
Setting” of the System 
menuThe “Format (Main)” 
setting in “Rec 
format” of the System 
menuOutput format
SDI (Main)SDI (Sub)
59.94 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)2048 × 1080 59.94P 1920 × 1080 59.94P
2048 × 1080 59.94P 1920 × 1080 59.94i
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080i1920 × 1080 59.94P 1920 × 1080 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94P 1920 × 1080 59.94i
1920 × 1080 59.94i 1920 × 1080 59.94i
50 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)2048 × 1080 50P 1920 × 1080 50P
2048 × 1080 50P 1920 × 1080 50i
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080i1920 × 1080 50P 1920 × 1080 50P
1920 × 1080 50P 1920 × 1080 50i
1920 × 1080 50i 1920 × 1080 50i
29.97 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)2048 × 1080 29.97PsF 1920 × 1080 29.97PsF
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080P1920 × 1080 29.97PsF 1920 × 1080 29.97PsF
25 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)2048 × 1080 25PsF 1920 × 1080 25PsF
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080P1920 × 1080 25PsF 1920 × 1080 25PsF
23.98 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)2048 × 1080 23.98PsF 1920 × 1080 23.98PsF
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080P1920 × 1080 23.98PsF 1920 × 1080 23.98PsF 
						

							Formats and Limitations of Outputs66
Appendices
Output formats from the HDMI OUT connector
Serial digital signals from the HDMI OUT connector are output depending on the settings of the setup 
menu and format of the clip being played.
When the output format of SDI (Main) is 4096 × 2160 (PMW-F55 only)
1)Performs conversion from 17:9 to 16:9 (select “Letter Box (H-Fit)” or “Edge Crop (V-Fit).”
When the output format of SDI (Main) is less than 2048 × 1080
The “Frequency” 
setting in “System 
Setting” of the System 
menuThe “Format (Main)” 
setting in “Rec 
format” of the System 
menu
Output format
59.94 Off (HDMI 4K Enable) 4096 × 2160 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94P1)
1920 × 1080 59.94i1)
50 Off (HDMI 4K Enable) 4096 × 2160 50P
1920 × 1080 50P1)
1920 × 1080 50i1)
29.97 Off (HDMI 4K Enable) 4096 × 2160 29.97P
1920 × 1080 29.97PsF1)
25 Off (HDMI 4K Enable) 4096 × 2160 25P
1920 × 1080 25PsF1)
23.98 Off (HDMI 4K Enable) 4096 × 2160 23.98P
1920 × 1080 23.98P1)
The “Frequency” 
setting in “System 
Setting” of the System 
menuThe “Format (Main)” 
setting in “Rec 
format” of the System 
menu
Output format
59.94 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)1920 × 1080 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94i
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080i1920 × 1080 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94i
720 × 480 59.94P
50 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)1920 × 1080 50P
1920 × 1080 50i
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080i1920 × 1080 50P
1920 × 1080 50i
720 × 576 50P
29.97 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080P1920 × 1080 29.97PsF
25 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080P1920 × 1080 25PsF
23.98 XAVC 4096 × 2160P
(PMW-F55 only)
XAVC 1920 × 1080P
MPEG 1920 × 1080P1920 × 1080 23.98P 
						

							Formats and Limitations of Outputs67
Appendices
Output formats from the TEST OUT connector
Signals output from the TEST OUT connector are either the HD-Y or HD SYNC signals output from the 
SDI OUT connector/HDMI OUT connector.
The output signal differs depending on the setting of setup menu or output format setting of SDI (Main)/
SDI (Sub).
The “Frequency” 
setting in “System 
Setting” of the System 
menu
Output format of SDI 
(Main)Output format of SDI 
(Sub)Output format 
59.94 4096 × 2160 59.94P
(PMW-F55 only)× HD SYNC
1920 × 1080 59.94i
2048 × 1080 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94i1920 × 1080 59.94P HD SYNC
1920 × 1080 59.94i
2048 × 1080 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94P
1920 × 1080 59.94i1920 × 1080 59.94i HD Y
1920 × 1080 59.94i
50 4096 × 2160 50P
(PMW-F55 only)× HD SYNC
1920 × 1080 50i
2048 × 1080 50P
1920 × 1080 50P
1920 × 1080 50i1920 × 1080 50P HD SYNC
1920 × 1080 50i
2048 × 1080 50P
1920 × 1080 50P
1920 × 1080 50i1920 × 1080 50i HD Y
1920 × 1080 50i
29.97 4096 × 2160 29.97P
(PMW-F55 only)× HD SYNC
1920 × 1080 29.97PsF
2048 × 1080 29.97PsF
1920 × 1080 29.97PsF1920 × 1080 29.97PsF HD Y
1920 × 1080 29.97PsF
25 4096 × 2160 25P
(PMW-F55 only)× HD SYNC
1920 × 1080 25PsF
2048 × 1080 25PsF
1920 × 1080 25PsF1920 × 1080 25P HD Y
1920 × 1080 25PsF
23.98 4096 × 2160 23.98P
(PMW-F55 only)× HD SYNC
1920 × 1080 23.98PsF
2048 × 1080 23.98PsF
1920 × 1080 23.98PsF1920 × 1080 23.98P HD Y
1920 × 1080 23.98PsF 
						

							Error/Warning Indications68
Appendices
The camcorder informs you of situations where warning, caution, or an operation check is required, 
through messages on the LCD monitor/viewfinder screen, the REC lamp, and a buzzer.
The buzzer is output to the built-in speaker or to the headphones connected via the headphone connector.
The camcorder stops operation after the following indications.
When one of the following indications is generated, follow the message to resolve the problem.
Error/Warning Indications
Error Indications
Error indication on 
LCD/viewfinderBuzzerREC 
lampCause and measures
E + Error code Continuous Rapidly 
flashingThe camcorder may be defective. Recording stops even if 
zREC is displayed on the LCD monitor/viewfinder screen.
Turn off the power and check the connected equipment, cables, 
and media. If they are not defective, turn on the power again. If 
the error persists, consult Sony service personnel.
(If power cannot be turned off by setting the power switch to 
OFF, remove both the battery pack or the DC IN source.)
Warning Indications
Warning indication 
on LCD/viewfinderBuzzerREC 
lampCause and measures
Media Near Full Intermittent Flashing Free space on the SxS memory card has become insufficient.
Replace it with another at the earliest opportunity.
Media Full Continuous Rapidly 
flashingNo space is left on the SxS memory card. Recording, clip 
copying and clip division cannot be performed.
Replace it with another.
Battery Near End Intermittent Flashing The battery power will be discharged soon.
Charge the battery pack at the earliest opportunity.
Battery End Continuous Rapidly 
flashingThe battery pack is discharged. Recording cannot be 
performed.
Stop operation and change the battery pack.
Temperature High Intermittent Flashing The internal temperature has risen above a safe operation 
limit.
Suspend operation, turn off the power, and wait until the 
temperature falls.
Voltage Low Intermittent Flashing The DC IN voltage has become low (stage 1). 
Check the power supply.
Insufficient Voltage Continuous Rapidly 
flashingThe DC IN voltage is too low (stage 2). Recording cannot be 
performed.
Connect another power source.
Battery Error
Please Change BatteryAn error was detected with the battery pack.
Replace the battery pack with a normal one.
Backup Battery End
Please ChangeThe remaining power of the backup battery is insufficient.
Replace the battery pack. 
						

							Error/Warning Indications69
Appendices
Unknown Media(A)1)
Please ChangeA partitioned memory card or one that contains recorded clips 
exceeding the number permitted with this camcorder is loaded.
This card cannot be used with this camcorder. Remove it and 
load a compatible card.
Media Error
Media(A)
1) Needs to be 
RestoredAn error occurred with the memory card. The card requires 
restoration.
Remove the card, load it again, and restore it.
Media Error
Cannot Record to 
Media(A)
1)
Recording cannot be done, because the memory card is 
defective.
Because playback may be possible, it is recommended to 
replace it with another card after copying the clips, as 
required.
Media Error
Cannot Use Media(A)
1)Neither recording nor playback can be done, because the 
memory card is defective.
It cannot be operated with this camcorder. Replace it with 
another card.
Will Switch Slots Soon This is an advanced notice that the camcorder will switch from 
the current memory card to the other memory card for 
continuous recording.
No Clip There are no clips in the memory card.
Check the selected card.
Cannot Use Media(A)
1)
Unsupported File SystemA card of a different file system or an unformatted card was 
inserted. It cannot be used with this camcorder. 
Replace it or format it with this camcorder.
Same File Already Exists
Change Media(A)
1)A clip with the same name exists in the memory card to which 
you want to copy.
Replace the card.
Media Error
Playback HaltedAn error occurred in reading data from the memory card, and 
playback cannot be continued.
If this frequently occurs, change the memory card after 
copying the clips, as required.
Media(A)
1) ErrorRecording cannot be done, because an error occurred with the 
memory card.
If this frequently occurs, change the memory card.
Media Reached 
Rewriting Limit 
Change Media (A)
1)
The memory card comes to the end of its service life. Make a 
backup copy and replace the card with another one as soon as 
possible. Recording/playback may not be performed properly 
if you continue to use the card.
For details, refer to the operating instructions of the memory 
card.
Reached Clip Number 
Limit
Copy Completed: xx/xxThe maximum number of clips for 1 memory card is reached, 
so copying cannot continue. (xx/xx indicates the completed 
copies.)
Replace the card.
Not Enough Capacity
Copy Completed: xx/xxThere is not enough capacity for copying. (xx/xx indicates the 
completed copies.)
Replace the card.
Reached Duplication 
Limit
Copy Completed: xx/xxThere are already 10 or more clips with the same name as the 
clip that you want to copy, so copying cannot continue. (xx/xx 
indicates the completed copies.)
Replace the card.
Copy Error! 
(CANCEL:Abort)
No Media!There is no memory card inserted in the slot.
Insert a card.
Warning indication 
on LCD/viewfinderBuzzerREC 
lampCause and measures 
						

							Error/Warning Indications70
Appendices
1)“Media(B)” for the card in slot B, “AXS Memory” for the AXS memory card. Copy Error! 
(CANCEL:Abort)
Cannot Use Media(A)
1)
A memory card that cannot be used with the camcorder is 
inserted.
Replace the card in the respective slot.
Cannot Use Media(A)
1)
Unsupported File SystemA memory card with different file system is inserted.
Replace the card, format it with the camcorder.
Warning indication 
on LCD/viewfinderBuzzerREC 
lampCause and measures