Sony F5 Manual

							4-459-611-11(1)
Solid-State Memory 
Camcorder
PMW-F55
PMW-F5
© 2013 Sony Corporation
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly 
and retain it for future reference. 
						

							Table of Contents2
Overview
Features ...................................................................................... 6
System Configuration  ............................................................... 8
Location and Function of Parts  ............................................... 9
On-Screen Indications ............................................................ 15
Sub Display Screen  ...................................................... 15
LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Screen  ................................ 17
Preparations
Power Supply ........................................................................... 19
Using a Battery Pack  .................................................... 19
Using AC Power (DC IN Power)  ................................. 20
Setting the Clock  ..................................................................... 20
Attaching Optional Devices .................................................... 21
Attaching a Lens  .......................................................... 21
Attaching a Viewfinder  ................................................ 22
Setting the Basic Action .......................................................... 23
Shooting Mode  ............................................................. 23
Main Recorded Signal  .................................................. 23
Color Space  .................................................................. 24
Using SxS Memory Cards  ...................................................... 24
About SxS Memory Cards  ........................................... 24
Inserting an SxS Memory Card  .................................... 24
Removing an SxS memory card  ................................... 25
Switching Between SxS Memory Cards  ...................... 25
Formatting an SxS Memory Card  ................................ 25
Checking the Remaining Time Available for 
Recording ............................................................... 25
Restoring an SxS Memory Card  .................................. 26
Using an SD card ..................................................................... 27
Usable SD Cards  .......................................................... 27
Inserting an SD Card  .................................................... 27
Removing an SD memory card  .................................... 27
Formatting an SD Memory Card .................................. 27
Checking the Remaining Time ..................................... 27
Table of Contents 
						

							Table of Contents3
Using an AXS-R5  .................................................................... 28
Attaching the AXS-R5  ................................................. 28
Removing the AXS-R5  ................................................ 28
Inserting an AXS Memory Card  .................................. 28
Removing an AXS Memory Card  ................................ 28
Recording to an AXS Memory Card  ............................ 29
Formatting an AXS Memory Card  ............................... 29
Checking the Remaining Time Available for 
Recording ............................................................... 29
Restoring the AXS Memory Card  ................................ 29
Recording
Basic Operation Procedure  .................................................... 30
Changing Basic Settings  ......................................................... 31
System Frequency  ........................................................ 31
Recording Format ......................................................... 31
Electronic Shutter  ......................................................... 31
Sensitivity/Gain/Color Temperature/
White Balance  ........................................................ 32
Audio ............................................................................ 32
Time Data  ..................................................................... 32
Useful Functions ...................................................................... 33
Assignable Buttons ....................................................... 33
Slow & Quick Motion  .................................................. 33
Simultaneously Recording  ........................................... 33
Thumbnail Screens
Thumbnail Screens  ................................................................. 34
Configuration of the Screen  ......................................... 34
Playing Clips ............................................................................ 35
Playing the Selected and Subsequent Clips in 
Sequence ................................................................ 35
Clip Operations  ....................................................................... 35
Operations of the Thumbnail Menu  ............................. 35
Displaying the Detailed Information of a Clip  ............. 36
Copying MPEG2 Proxy Data (PMW-F55 only)  .......... 36
Deleting Clips ............................................................... 36
Changing Information on the Thumbnail Screen  ......... 37 
						

							Table of Contents4
Settings
Sub Display Operation  ........................................................... 38
Sub Display Setting Items  ...................................................... 39
CAMERA Screen  ......................................................... 39
Setup Menu Operations .......................................................... 40
Setup Menu List  ...................................................................... 41
Camera Menu  ............................................................... 41
Paint Menu  ................................................................... 45
Audio Menu  ................................................................. 49
Video Menu .................................................................. 50
VF Menu  ...................................................................... 51
TC/UB Menu  ................................................................ 54
Recording Menu  ........................................................... 54
Media Menu  ................................................................. 55
File Menu  ..................................................................... 55
Maintenance Menu  ....................................................... 56
System Menu  ................................................................ 57
External Devices Connection
Connecting External Monitors and Recording Devices  ...... 60
Operating Clips With a Computer  ........................................ 61
External Synchronization ....................................................... 62 
						

							Table of Contents5
Appendices
Important Notes on Operation  .............................................. 63
Formats and Limitations of Outputs  .................................... 65
Video Formats and Output Signals  .............................. 65
Error/Warning Indications  .................................................... 68
Error Indications ........................................................... 68
Warning Indications  ..................................................... 68
Licenses .................................................................................... 71
MPEG-2 Video Patent Portfolio License  ..................... 71
On accessing software to which the GPL/LGPL 
applies .................................................................... 71
Open software licenses ................................................. 71
Specifications ........................................................................... 72
General ......................................................................... 72
Camera Section  ............................................................ 73
Input/Output ................................................................. 73
Media ............................................................................ 74
Package Configuration  ................................................. 74
Optional Accessories .................................................... 75
Index ......................................................................................... 78 
						

							Features6
Overview
The PMW-F55/F5 is a highly compact, 
lightweight and high-performance CineAlta 4K 
camera with a 4K Super 35mm equivalent Single-
chip CMOS image sensor.
The PMW-F55’s CMOS image sensor with 
global shutter function allows you to shoot clear 
4K images without rolling shutter distortion or 
flash band phenomenon for perfect HD recording 
performance.
The PMW-F5’s 4K image sensor allows you to 
record high quality HD pictures.
You can record in MPEG2 HD video format, in 
addition to the new 4K-compatible format, 
XAVC, by using an SxS memory card.
4K RAW data can be recorded by using the 
portable recorder, AXS-R5, which adopts the 
newly developed access memory card (AXSM).
The camcorder adopts the same native FZ mount 
used by the PMW-F3. You can use a variety of 
cine lenses (PL mount) so that the PL/FZ 
conversion adaptor comes standard.
Compatible with multi format
The camcorder is compatible with the new 
format, XAVC (official name: MPEG4 AVC/
H.264 Hi422 Profiles/Level 5.2), and can record 
4K: 4096 × 2160, HD: 1920 × 1080.
The camcorder is also compatible with frame 
rates from 23.98P to 59.94P. For high-speed 
shooting, you can record 1 fps to 60 fps for 
XAVC HD recording in the S & Q mode. The 
recommended media for XAVC recording is the 
newly developed SxS PRO+ memory card.
The camcorder is also compatible with MPEG2 
HD 422, adopted for XDCAM, and your existing 
workflow can be used.
Modular structure
The camcorder is a modular design that allows 
you to configure the camcorder according to 
shooting circumstances, whether for cinema 
production, drama, commercials, 3D shooting, 
documentary filming, interviews, etc. The handle, 
viewfinder, audio connector panel, and portable 
recorder can be removed according to shooting 
requirements. The body and handle of the 
camcorder have multiple 1/4” and 3/8” mount 
points, you can attach the standard accessories 
easily.
High camera technology
4K Super 35mm equivalent CMOS image sensor
The camcorder has a 4K Super 35mm equivalent 
Single-chip CMOS image sensor of 11,600,000 
pixels, with effective pixels count of 8,900,000, 
for 4K/HD recording.
The CMOS image sensor of the PMW-F55 
includes a global shutter function that allows you 
to shoot clear images without rolling shutter 
distortion or flash band phenomenon that occurs 
with a traditional film camera. The camcorder 
adopts a color filter that emphasizes color 
reproduction compatible with wide color area 
(exceeding that of color film), allowing for near 
human vision image representation capability.
Wide latitude, low noise
The camcorder has a 14-stop latitude that can 
reproduce images captured by the CMOS sensor 
with smooth gradation of black to white.
Exmor Super35 CMOS technology provides low 
noise levels, even with 4K resolution and 14-stop 
latitude maintained.
Video signal processing
4K/HD simultaneous recording and high-speed 
recording with unlimited recording time is 
possible with single LSI chip processing of both 
camera signals and baseband video signals. 
Single-chip design provides stable, high-speed 
4K 59.94P baseband video processing, low power 
consumption, and compact design.
Overview
Features 
						

							Features7
OverviewIntuitive user interface
This camcorder has the color LCD panel on the 
inside panel, and direct access menu that assigns 
the commonly-used settings to 6 buttons. 
Displaying the setting information large, makes 
visibility better.
By switching two screens (CAMERA, VIEW), 
you can perform setting speedy.
A LOCK switch allows you to prevent changing 
settings by accident.
Assignable buttons
The inside panel has three assignable buttons, 
while the outside panel has one assignable button. 
You can operate the camcorder easily by 
assigning commonly-used functions to these 
buttons.
Various input/output connectors
Four types of SDI output
The camcorder has four types of SDI output that 
allows you to output 4K 59.94P signal as four 3G-
SDI.
The four SDI outputs are assignable as SDI-1/2 
OUT to Main, and SDI-3/4 OUT to Sub.
The camcorder also includes connections for 
Genlock IN, Timecode IN/OUT, HDMI OUT, 
Remote.
Built-in ND filter
A rotary ND filter is built into the camcorder, and 
supports three types of filter: Clear, 0.9 (1/8), and 
1.8 (1/64). This allows light adjustment without 
the need for external matte box. 
						

							System Configuration8
Overview
This section shows examples of the camera system configuration.
System Configuration
Lenses
SCL-P35T20, SCL-P50T20, SCL-P85T20
SCL-PK6 (set of 6 lenses)
SCL-P20T20/P25T20/P35T20A/P50T20A/P85T20A/P135T20
SCL-P11X15
Viewfinder
DVF-L350Viewfinder
DVF-L700Viewfinder
DVF-EL100
Microphone
ECM-680S (EC-0.5X5F3M), 
ECM-678, ECM-674
PMW-F55, PMW-F5
Remote control unit
RM-B170, RM-B750
Shoulder adaptor
VCT-FSA5SxS memory card
SBP-128B, SBP-64A/B, 
SBP-32, SBS-64G1A, 
SBS-32G1AUSB card reader
SBAC-US20
Battery adaptorBattery pack
BP-FL75, BP-L80S
Portable memory 
recorder
AXS-R5AC adaptor
AC-DN2B, AC-DN10
AXS memory card
AXS-512S24AXS memory card 
reader
AXS-CR1
Monitor: BVM series, PVM series, LMD series 
						

							Location and Function of Parts9
Overview
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).
1.Handle
2.LOCK switchDisables operations on the side operating panel.
3.Viewfinder shoe
4.Tape measure hook/Image sensor position 
index
The  mark and tape measure hook are on a 
plane with the image sensor. To measure the 
precise distance between the camcorder and the 
subject, use this mark or tape measure hook as a 
reference.
You can attach the end of a tape measure to the 
hook, and measure the distance from the subject.
5.Flange focal length adjustment screw 
(page 22)
6.Lens mount (page 21)
7.REC (recording start/stop) button/lamp 
(page 30)
8.SEL/SET (select/set) dial (MENU dial) 
(pages 38, 40)
Selects the item in the menu or changes the 
setting value.
9.ND FILTER select switch
ND filters are available for keeping the 
aperture in a proper range.
Clear: ND filter not used
0.9: 
1/8ND
1.8: 1/64ND
10.CANCEL/BACK button (pages 38, 40)
11.Accessory mounting screw holes
Type of screw: 1/4-20UNC (× 4)
Type of screw: 3/8-16UNC (× 5)
Length of engagement: 9 mm 
(
3/8 inch) or less
Note
Do not apply excessive force to the mounted 
accessory. It may damage the screw thread.
12.ASSIGN (assignable) 1/2/3 buttons (page 
33)
13.Built-in speaker (page 30)
Location and Function of Parts
1
3
4
6
2
5
10
7
8
9
11
12
13
15
16
17
18
14
Sub display/Control 
buttons block (page 12)
SxS memory card slot 
block (page 12)
Right side connector 
panel (page 12) 
						

							Location and Function of Parts10
Overview
14.Power switchSet to the ON position (=) to turn the power on. 
Set to the OFF position (1) to turn the power 
off.
Notes
 This camcorder uses a small amount of standby 
power even when the power switch is set to OFF. 
Remove the battery pack if the camcorder will not 
be used for a prolonged period.
 When removing the battery pack or the DC IN 
power, be sure to first set the power switch to the 
OFF position. Removing the battery pack or the 
DC IN power while the camcorder is ON may 
cause damage to the camcorder or the memory 
card.
15.BRIGHTNESS buttonAdjusts brightness of the sub display in 4 steps.
16.STATUS (status display on/off) buttonDisplays status screens on the LCD monitor/
viewfinder/external video monitor.
Turn the MENU dial (page 9) to switch the 
screens in sequence.
Camera status screenDisplays the electronic shutter settings or the 
status of the lens.
Audio status screenDisplays the input settings for each channel, 
audio level meter, and wind filter setting.
System status screenDisplays the video signal settings.
Video output status screenDisplays the video output settings of SDI 1 to 
SDI 4, HDMI, and test video output.
Assignable button status screenDisplays the function that is assigned to each 
ASSIGN button.
Battery status screenDisplays information of the battery or DC IN 
power.
Media status screenDisplays the remaining space, available 
recording time, and estimated service life of the 
recording media (SxS memory card A/SxS 
memory card B/SD card/AXS memory).
17.OPTION button (page 35)
18.MENU (menu display on/off) button (page 
40)
Gain Amount of gain up (dB) or 
sensitivity (ISO)
Shutter Electronic shutter settings
Gamma Gamma category and curve
Zebra1 On/off and setting level of 
Zebra1
Zebra2 On/off and setting level of 
Zebra2
White White balance mode and 
setting
Iris T value of iris
Focal Length Focal length (mm/inch)
Focus Distance Focus distance (m/feet)
Depth Of Field Depth of field (m/feet)
Level Level meter
Source Input source
Reference Reference level setting
System 
FrequencySystem frequency
Picture  Size Picture size that is recorded on 
an SxS memory card
Rec Format 
(Main)Recording format that is 
recorded on the SxS memory 
card
Gamma Gamma category that is 
recorded on the SxS memory 
card
Rec Function Special recording that is set to 
on, and its setting
MPEG2 Proxy On/off setting of MPEG2 
proxy (PMW-F55 only)
Picture size Output picture size
C.Space Output form
Freq Output rate
Gamma Gamma
1 to 4 Functions that are assigned to 
the Assign 1 to 4 buttons
Detected Battery Battery type
Remaining Remaining charge level (%)
Charge Count  Number of times that the 
battery is charged
Capacity Remaining capacity (Ah)
Voltage Voltage (V)
Manufacture 
DateManufacture date of the 
battery
Power Source Power source
Supplied Voltage Supplied voltage
Protect 
information
Remaining
Remaining space and 
available recording time
LifeEstimated service life