Table of Contents Overview Features ..................6 System Configuration ............... 8 Location and Function of Parts ..........9 On-Screen Indications ............15 Sub Display Screen ............15 Viewfinder Screen ............17 Preparations Power Supply ................19 Using a Battery Pack ............ 19 Using AC Power (DC IN Power) .........
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Clip Operations ............... 39 Operations of the Thumbnail Menu ......39 Displaying the Detailed Information of a Clip ..... 40 Copying MPEG2 Proxy Data (PMW-F55 only) ..40 Deleting Clips ............... 41 Changing Information on the Thumbnail Screen ..41...
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Settings Sub Display Operation ............42 Sub Display Setting Items ............43 CAMERA Screen ............43 Setup Menu Operations ............44 Setup Menu List ..............45 Camera Menu ............... 45 Paint Menu ..............50 Audio Menu ..............54 Video Menu ..............55 VF Menu ..............
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Appendices Important Notes on Operation ..........69 Formats and Limitations of Outputs ........71 Video Formats and Output Signals ......71 Error/Warning Indications ............ 74 Error Indications ............74 Warning Indications ............. 74 Licenses ..................77 MPEG-2 Video Patent Portfolio License ..... 77 MPEG-4 Visual Patent Portfolio License ....
CMOS image sensor. you to configure the camcorder according to shooting circumstances, whether for cinema The PMW-F55’s CMOS image sensor with frame image scan function allows you to shoot clear 4K production, drama, commercials, 3D shooting, documentary filming, interviews, etc. The handle,...
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The hyper gamma can display the wide dynamic range images in smooth contrast without using Four types of SDI output the knee function. The PMW-F55/F5 provides the The camcorder has four types of SDI output that following six hyper gamma choices: allows you to output 4K 59.94P signal as four 3G-...
Location and Function of Parts For functions and usage, see the pages in parentheses. The following illustrations are with the battery adaptor (page 14) removed. For removing the battery adaptor, see “Removing a battery pack” (page 19). Sub display/Control buttons block (page 12) SxS memory card slot block (page 12) Right side connector...
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MPEG2 Proxy On/off setting of MPEG2 be used for a prolonged period. proxy (PMW-F55 only) • When removing the battery pack or the DC IN power, be sure to first set the power switch to the Video output status screen OFF position.
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Air outlet Air inlet Audio connector panel (page 12) Left side connector panel (page 13) Accessory mounting screw holes Tape measure hook/Image sensor position Type of screw: 1/4-20UNC (× 4) index Length of engagement: 9 mm The mark and tape measure hook are on a plane with the image sensor.
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Sub display/Control buttons block (page Right side connector panel The USB connector and SD card slot are located behind the cover. Open the Open the cover. cover. Headphones connector (stereo mini jack) (page 34) USB connector (A) Sub display USB connector (Mini B) Function buttons ACCESS (SD card access) lamp (page 27) •...
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Bottom AUDIO IN CH1/AUDIO IN CH2 (external audio input selection) switches Switch input signal (external microphone, external audio device, etc.). (AES/EBU supported by future upgrade AUDIO IN (CH-1, CH-1/2) /AUDIO IN (CH-2, CH-3/4) connectors Input external microphone or audio equipment signals. Accessory mounting screw holes CH1 MIC +48V/OFF, CH2 MIC +48V/ Type of screw: 1/4-20UNC (×...
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DC IN connector (page 20) DC OUT overcurrent indicator Lights when the overcurrent protection activates. In this case, disconnect any peripheral device from a DC OUT connector whose indicator is lit, then restart the PMW-F55/F5. Location and Function of Parts...
On-Screen Indications Sub Display Screen When turning on the camcorder, the sub display appears and you can check the status of the camcorder and set the basic items. The screen is switched by pressing the function button on the left of the sub display (page 12). Item name/ Setting value/ Status screen...
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Stop x Thumbnail Stop Displays or cancels the display of the thumbnail screen. Next > Clip directional jump Moves the cursor up. VIEW-2 Confirms the selected item. Left Moves the cursor to the left. Down Moves the cursor down. Right Moves the cursor to the right.
Viewfinder Screen While recording, standing by to record, or playback, the statuses and settings of this unit are superimposed on the LCD monitor/viewfinder screen. The statuses and settings of this unit can be turned on/off using the setup menu or by the assignable button. The statuses and settings of this unit can be independently turned on/off (page 58).
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Information displayed on the playback screen White balance mode indication (page 45) The following information is superimposed on Preset mode the playback picture. Memory mode Control status of SDI output indication (page 55) SD card indication Time data indication (page 36) Clip name indication (page 35) Audio level meter AXS memory status/remaining space...
You can use a battery pack or AC power via an the slot on the rear of the camcorder (1), then AC adaptor. lower the ejection lever (2). For safety, use only the Sony battery packs and AC adaptors listed below: Lithium-ion Battery Pack BP-FL75...
Checking remaining battery charge Setting the Clock When recording or playback is in progress on the battery pack, an icon to show the current battery remaining time and battery voltage are displayed When you turn the camcorder on for the first time on the sub display screen (page 15) and LCD after purchasing or replacing the backup battery, monitor/viewfinder screen (page 17).
Insert the lens into the lens mount by For details about available lenses for the camcorder, matching the concave part of the lens to contact a Sony service representative. the locating pin on the upper right of the Caution lens mount.
To attach an ARRI* LDS lens or Cooke/i lens Removing a lens Match the contact of the lens to the hot shoe of the Remove a lens with the following steps. camcorder. Hot shoe for the Cooke/i lens Turn the lens mount frame counterclockwise while holding the lens from underneath.
Loosen the fixing ring of the viewfinder shoe, align the slot of the viewfinder, Setting the Basic Action then attach the viewfinder by sliding it horizontally. Before recording, make the basic settings, as Viewfinder shoe required. Shooting Mode You can switch between the “Cine EI” mode (allows you to use the camcorder as a film camera, where the movie is edited post- production, rather than at the time of shooting),...
For details on using SxS memory cards and usage- related precautions, refer to the instruction manual for the SxS memory card. SxS, SxS PRO, and SxS-1 are trademarks of Sony Corporation. The ExpressCard word mark and logo are owned by Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) and are licensed to Sony Corporation.
Insert the SxS memory card into the slot Formatting an SxS Memory Card with the SxS label facing to the right. The ACCESS lamp (page 12) lights in red If an SxS memory card is not formatted, or was then changes to green once the memory card formatted with another system, the message is ready for use.
Copy necessary clips to another SxS memory Replacing an SxS memory card card, using the dedicated application • If the available time on two cards in total software (page 81). becomes less than 5 minutes, the message Format the problem SxS memory card, using “Media Near Full,”...
• Make sure that the card does not pop out when inserting or removing it. Using an SD Card Formatting an SD Memory Card You can store the setting value file of the camera on an SD card (optional). The stored file can be When you use an SD memory card with this loaded from the SD card.
• Before lowering the ejection lever, make sure that the four hooks are attached securely. If the four Using an AXS-R5 hooks are not attached securely, it may cause the connection to be poor or damage the camcorder and AXS-R5. You can record image/audio (RAW format) data Removing the AXS-R5 to the AXS (Access Memory Card System)
Removing an AXS Memory Card Formatting an AXS Memory Card When you use an AXS memory card with the Open the cover of the AXS-R5, press the AXS-R5 that is attached to the camcorder, it must EJECT button and remove the AXS be formatted using the format function of this memory card.
Restoring the AXS Memory Card Using a USB Wireless If a data error occurs on the AXS memory card for LAN Module some reason, the card must be restored. If an AXS memory card that needs to be restored is connected, a message prompting you to execute You can make the Wi-Fi connection between the restoration is displayed on the LCD monitor/ camcorder and a device such as a smartphone,...
This function is useful for setting the camcorder setting: model name “pmw-f5” or in a remote place, such as the top of a crane, etc. “pmw-f55”) For details about the menu settings and entering a Note character string, see “Setup Menu Operations”...
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Tablet Playback screen Main screen • Status indication • Playback operation button: F Rev, Play/Pause, F Fwd, Prev, Stop, Next • Status indication: operating status, time data, audio level meter, clip Cursor screen name, recording format, media status/remaining space, battery remaining charge/DC IN voltage •...
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To display the Wi-Fi remote commander Compatible devices The display size of the Wi-Fi remote commander The following devices, using the specified changes according to the device screen size versions or higher, can be used as Wi-Fi remote automatically. commanders. Device Browser Make a Wi-Fi connection between the...
Recording Basic Operation Procedure Basic recording can be performed with the Playback operation is performed by the buttons following procedures. on the sub display. Play/Pause button: Pauses playback. To resume Make sure that the necessary devices playback, press this button again. are attached to the camcorder and F Fwd button/F Rev button: Plays fast.
Clip (recording data) Changing Basic Settings When you stop recording, video, audio and subsidiary data from the start to end of the recording are recorded as a single clip on an You can make changes to the settings based on SxS memory card.
Time Data sensitivity (EI value) PMW-F5: 640EI, 800EI, 1250EI, 2000EI Setting the Timecode PMW-F55: 400EI, 640EI, 800EI, 1250EI Select the color temperature from among “Preset Specify the timecode to be recorded with 3200K” (tungsten), “4300K” (tungsten), and “Timecode” in the TC/UB menu (page 59).
Useful Functions Recording simultaneously on one memory card – MPEG2 Proxy function Assignable Buttons (PMW-F55 only) The camcorder has four assignable buttons (pages Set “Setting” in “MPEG2 Proxy” (page 59) of the 9, 11) to which you can assign various functions Recording menu to “On”...
Thumbnail Screens Thumbnail Screens When you press the Thumbnail button of the sub display (page 15), clips recorded on the SxS memory card are displayed as thumbnails on the screen. You can start playback from the clip selected on the thumbnail screen. The playback picture can be seen on the LCD monitor/viewfinder screen and external monitors.
Displays the detailed information of a clip screen (page 40). Copy MPEG2 Proxy (PMW-F55 only) Copy All Clips: Copies all the MPEG2 Proxy data to the destination media as a clip (page 40).
Select “Display Clip Properties” from the thumbnail menu. Image of the current clip Copying MPEG2 Proxy Data Timecode (PMW-F55 only) TC Index: Timecode of the displayed frame Start: Timecode at the recording starting point You can copy all the MPEG2 Proxy data recorded End: Timecode at the recording ending point on the clip to another SxS memory card as a clip.
Deleting Clips You can delete clips from the SxS memory card. Select “Select Clip” from “Delete Clip” on the thumbnail menu. You can select multiple clips to be deleted. Press the OPTION button (page 10) after selecting the clip to be deleted. Changing Information on the Thumbnail Screen You can change information of the clip/frame that...
Settings Sub Display Operation You can check the status of the camcorder, set Setting the basic items basic settings for the camcorder, and operate playback on the sub display. In the CAMERA Press the function button to select the screen, basic setting of the camcorder can be screen of the function to be set.
Sub Display Setting Items The item names and its settings are listed below. CAMERA Screen Item name Setting S&Q FPS On: Turns the Slow & Quick motion mode on, and sets the frame rate. (See page 49 for the selectable item.) Off: Turns the Slow &...
• When you select “Execute” for an execution item, the corresponding function is executed. Setup Menu Operations • When you select an item that you must confirm before execution, the menu display temporarily disappears, and a confirmation message is The Setup menu allowing you to perform various displayed.
Setup Menu List The functions and available settings of menus are listed below. The default settings set at the factory are shown in bold face (example: Preset 3200K Camera Menu Camera Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents White Auto White Balance Performs the auto white balance function.
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Camera Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Offset White Setting Turns on/off “Offset White” that is for the auto white balance On / Off function (one push). Setting for the (This setting is available only when “White Switch” is set to offset white “Memory.”) balance...
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When “Mode” in “Gain” is set to “ISO,” and “Gamma Category” is set to “S-Log2” ISO 2000 to ISO 16000 • PMW-F55 When “Mode” in “Gain” is set to “ISO,” and “Gamma Category” is set to “STD” or “HG (HG1/HG2/ HG3/HG4)”...
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Camera Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Remote Gain H Sets the gain switch H level for RM (such as RM-B15, etc.). –3dB / 0dB / 3dB / 6dB / 9dB / (This setting is available only when “Shooting Mode” in 12dB / 18dB “Base Setting”...
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Camera Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents S&Q Motion Setting Turns the Slow & Quick Motion function on/off. On / Off (This setting is available only when “Format” in “Rec Setting the Slow & Format” of the System menu is set to “XAVC 1920 × 1080P.”) Quick Motion function Frame Rate...
Paint Menu The Paint menu settings are available only when “Shooting Mode” in “Base Setting” (page 62) of the System menu is set to “Custom.” Paint Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Gamma Setting Turns the gamma compensation function on/off. On / Off (This setting is available only when “Color Space”...
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Paint Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents White Clip Setting Turns the white clipping adjustment on or off. On / Off (This setting is available only when “Gamma Category” in Adjusting the “Gamma” is set to “STD” or “HG.”) white clipping Level Sets the white clip level.
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Selects the preset matrix. • PMW-F5: Standard / High SAT / FL Light / Cinema / F55 709 Like • PMW-F55: 1: SMPTE240M / 2: ITU-709 / 3: SMPTE Wide / 4: NTSC / 5: User Matrix Turns the user matrix correction function on/off.
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Paint Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Multi Matrix Setting Turns on/off the multi-matrix correction, which allows On / Off specific colors to be selected for saturation correction in a 16- Settings for the axis hue space. multi-matrix (This setting is available only when “Color Space”...
Audio Menu Audio Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Audio Input MIC CH1 Ref Selects the reference input level for when the AUDIO IN CH1 –60dB / –50dB / –40dB switch is set to MIC. Setting for audio inputs MIC CH2 Ref Selects the reference input level for when the AUDIO IN CH2...
Video Menu Video Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Output On/Off SDI (Sub) Turns the SDI (Sub) output on/off. On / Off Setting the video output HDMI Turns the HDMI output on/off. On / Off Output Format SDI (Main) Selects the SDI (Main) output format.
On / Off viewfinder output signal. Setting for the output signal 4K SDI/HDMI Out (PMW-F55 Selects whether to overlaps characters and markers on the only) SDI or HDMI output signal when the picture size of SDI or On / Off HDMI output is 4K.
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Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Marker Setting Turn all marker indications on the viewfinder on/off. On / Off Setting the marker indications Center Marker Selects the center marker type when displaying the center 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / Off marker.
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Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Display On/Off Setting Turns all the indications of the viewfinder GUI on/off. On / Off Selecting the items to be displayed Shutter Setting Selects the item to be displayed on the viewfinder. On / Off ND Filter Position On / Off...
Setting the Format” of the System menu is set to “XAVC 4096 × MPEG2 proxy 2160P.”) function (PMW-F55 only) Rec Control Setting Selects the target (internal recording memory or external SxS & AXS / AXS recording memory (AXS memory)) for performing the Setting the recording control when “Main Operation”...
Media Menu This menu is not available when the media is not loaded. Media Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Format Media Media (A) Formats the SxS memory card in the slot A. Execute / Cancel Execute: Executes format. Formatting a memory Media (B)
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File Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Lens File Recall Internal Memory Loads the lens file from the internal memory. Setting for the lens Store Internal Memory Stores the lens file on the internal memory. file File ID Names the lens file.
Maintenance Menu Maintenance Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Executes APR (Auto Pixel Restoration: auto adjusting of the Execute / Cancel image sensor). Executing APR Test Saw Setting Turns the test signal on/off. On / Off Setting the test signal output Camera Config RM Common Memory...
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System Menu items Sub items and setting values Contents Rec Format Format Sets the video format to be recorded on the SxS memory card. Setting the When “Frequency” is set to recording format “59.94” or “50” XAVC 4096 × 2160P (PMW- F55 only) XAVC 1920 ×...
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11.0V to 14V (in steps of 0.1V) generated. Detected Battery Displays the type of power supply. Sony Info Battery / Sony Battery / Other Battery / DC IN DC Voltage DC Low Voltage1 Sets the DC IN voltage at which the low input voltage 11.5V to 17.0V...
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Set a desired user name in 1 to 31 alphanumeric characters. (admin) Authentication Setting for the Password Sets a password in 1 to 31 alphanumeric characters. basic (pmw-f5 or pmw-f55) authentication of the network Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Select whether to enable or disable Wi-Fi connection. Enable / Disable...
External Devices Connection Connecting External Monitors and Recording Devices To display recording/playback pictures on an HDMI OUT connector (Type A connector) external monitor, select the output signal and use an appropriate cable for the monitor to be Set the on/off setting of the output, and output connected.
For support information for the driver, visit the following URL: Select “Execute” by turning the MENU dial. http://www.sony.net/SxS-Support/ With a Windows computer, check that a With Windows, check that the memory Removable Disk appears in My Computer. This card is displayed as a removable disk in indicates normal status.
Synchronizing the timecode of your External Synchronization camcorder with that of another unit Set the unit that supplies the timecode to a mode in which the timecode output keeps advancing When multiple units of the camcorder are used in the same shooting location, synchronized (Free Run mode).
Do not subject the unit to severe shock Contact a Sony service or sales representative for The internal mechanism may be damaged or the more information about inspections. body warped.
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Focal plane (PMW-F5 only) About the LCD monitor Owing to the characteristics of the pickup • Do not leave the LCD monitor facing direct elements (CMOS sensors) for reading video sunlight, as this may damage the LCD monitor. signals, subjects that quickly move across the •...
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) The “Frequency” setting The “Format”...
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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 × 2160P Square (PMW-F55 only) The “Frequency”...
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1920 × 1080 24P SStP SR-Lite 422 SStP SR-SQ 444 23.98 XAVC 4096 × 2160P 1920 × 1080 23.98P (PMW-F55 only) XAVC 1920 × 1080P MPEG 1920 × 1080P SStP SR-SQ 422 SStP SR-Lite 422 SStP SR-SQ 444 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.
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.)
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Warning indication Buzzer Cause and measures on LCD/viewfinder lamp Backup Battery End The remaining power of the backup battery is insufficient. Please Change Replace the battery pack. A partitioned memory card or one that contains recorded clips Unknown Media(A) exceeding the number permitted with this camcorder is loaded. Please Change This card cannot be used with this camcorder.
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Warning indication Buzzer Cause and measures on LCD/viewfinder lamp Copy Error! There is no memory card inserted in the slot. (CANCEL:Abort) Insert a card. No Media! Copy Error! A memory card that cannot be used with the camcorder is (CANCEL:Abort) inserted.
The source code is provided on the internet. Use MPEG-4 Visual Patent Portfolio the following URL and follow the download License instructions. http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/common/ search.html THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE We would prefer that you do not contact us about MPEG-4 VISUAL PATENT PORTFOLIO the contents of the source code.
Open software licenses Specifications On the basis of license contracts between Sony and the software copyright holders, this product General uses open software. To meet the requirements of the software Power Requirements copyright holders, Sony is obligated to inform DC 12 V (11 V to 17.0 V) you of the content of these licenses.
SxS PRO Series application software, where applicable, from the SxS-1 Series Sony Professional products web site. SD card SDHC memory card, SD memory card Sony Professional products web site homepage: Portable memory recorder U.S.A. http://pro.sony.com AXS-R5 Canada http://www.sonybiz.ca AXS memory card Latin America http://sonypro-latin.com...
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Dimensions Unit: mm (inches) 119.4 (4 115.9 (4 103.4 (4 90.9 (3 78.4 (3 65.9 (2 53.4 (2 44.4 (1 40.9 (1 in internal thread (body) 28.4 (1 in internal thread (handle) 15.9 ( in internal thread (body) in internal thread (handle) in internal thread (body) 116.4 (4 169.9 (6...
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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...
Index DC IN Power DC Voltage Alarm Detail Display Clip Properties AC Adaptor Display On/Off AC Power 25, 27 ACCESS lamp All File Electronic Shutter All Reset Error Indications Aperture ExpressCard slot External Monitor 37, 63 Assignable Button External Synchronization 34, 36 Audio Audio Input...
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Sensitivity Sensitivity/Gain Main recorded signal Setting value file Maintenance menu 44, 45 Setup menu Marker Shooting mode Matrix 43, 48 Shutter Media Full Simultaneously recording Media menu Skin Detail Media Near Full SLOT SELECT button MENU button Slow & Quick Motion 42, 44 MENU dial Slow Shutter...
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Warning Indications White White balance White Clip Wi-Fi Wi-Fi remote commander Zebra Index...