Sony FDR-AX100 shuts off HDMI output when recording in 4K

<p>I recently decided to start doing more video work with my Sony FDR-4k camera. i purchased a Benrow Tripod with S8 fluid head and an external feelworld 7" monitor which states it is 4K compatible. However, when hooking it up to the Sony FDR-AX100 via supplied HDMI cable it works fine and has a bright beautiful display. However, as soon as you hit record while in 4K mode it immediately shuts off output to the HDMI port. I have had my Sony AX-100 for about a year so returning is no longer an option. </p>

<p>https://community.sony.com/t5/Camcorders/FDR-AX100-4K-recording-and-Hdmi-or-composite-video-out/td-p/473269</p>

<p>Has anyone figured out a work around for this issue?</p>

<p>Thanks<br>

Patrick</p>

<p>From everything I've read (I've experienced the problem too in a critical need situation), there is no solution. It would be nice if Sony could do a firmware update that would solve the issue but that is unlikely at this point. </p>

<p>Wow! John Kent Hill. That is NOT the answer I was hoping for. However, it is exactly what I have discovered so far as well. I'm contemplating just shooting at the highest resolution which supports recording and viewing over HDMI.<br>

How did you resolve the issue when it happened to you did you continue shooting in 4K and use the internal viewfinder or did you switch to lower resolution and stick with external monitor?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>At the time I was using the HDMI out to provide a feed that was displayed on a couple big-screens at an event. I wanted to record the event also but that was less important than displaying the feed. So I did not record it. <br /><br />I was totally unaware of this issue until the time of the event. I was also unaware that changing the resolution would solve the problem. So we simply did not record the event. I was disappointed to say the least. <br /><br />I've read many posts from people that have had the same experience. While it is disappointing I've seldom had a need to do both since, so I can live with it. However I can see where it is a deal breaker for many - especially considering the cost of the camera. </p>

<p>Yes, it only shuts off HDMI when recording in 4K. I now understand the reason why is the processor is not powerful enough to record 4K at 100Mb and simultaneously display a 4K output to the HDMI port. I would have been happy if I could record in 4K and get a HD output to the HDMI but I guess converting from 4K to HD for output would have also required processing power. <br>

So, my resolution is to just shoot XAVCS-HD 1920x1080 for produciton work and only shoot 4K for my personal stuff. I do want to see if their is a substantial quality difference of shooting 4k then rendering to 1080P in Premiere vs shooting in 1080 and rendering to 1080?<br>

When I shoot in 4K I have to frame the scene and focus but once I start recording I will only see on internal display . I will just have to deal with this until I upgrade to Black Magic.</p>

<p>You can view while recording 4k wirelessly. When I found out I couldn't use my external monitor to the HDMI output when I press record, I was also upset. However, I needed a solution because I had my AX100 on a crane. Luckily, I read I could pair my iPad or phone to the AX100. I was able to view and zoom while recording on my iPad or iPhone but not more than one device at a time. You can also record 4:2:2 8bit with an Atomis Shogun per http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?337291-Anyone-here-have-an-Atomos-Shogun-and-the-Sony-FDR-AX100 However, I doubt it is 4:2:2 when the specs on the AX100 is 4:2:0. Another person has used the Atomos Ninja Assassin which worked as well. The bottom line is you can record externally through the HDMI if you "Don't press the AX100 record button" on the camera and press record on your external Atomos monitor. However, I don't know if sleep mode will turn off the camera.</p>

<p>Thanks Larry the wireless idea worked out great. I was almost getting ready to spring for a Black Magic Video Assist and record externally 4K. $895 But, after reading this again and working through getting IPhone 6 and IPAD to control over WIFI, I find the WIFI more useful. Plus, can use equipment I already have although I may get a IPAD Mini. <br>

I do mainly interview style shooting so no fast movements and camera is on a stationary tripod only doing pans ad zooms. Can actually zoom from WIFI which is pretty cool. Has more features than just external monitor and can maintain shooing in 4K. Perfect Solution thanks for helping may save a few dollars. (quite a few $$).</p>

 

<p>You can view while recording 4k wirelessly. When I found out I couldn't use my external monitor to the HDMI output when I press record, I was also upset. However, I needed a solution because I had my AX100 on a crane. Luckily, I read I could pair my iPad or phone to the AX100. I was able to view and zoom while recording on my iPad or iPhone but not more than one device at a time. You can also record 4:2:2 8bit with an Atomis Shogun per http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?337291-Anyone-here-have-an-Atomos-Shogun-and-the-Sony-FDR-AX100 However, I doubt it is 4:2:2 when the specs on the AX100 is 4:2:0. Another person has used the Atomos Ninja Assassin which worked as well. The bottom line is you can record externally through the HDMI if you "Don't press the AX100 record button" on the camera and press record on your external Atomos monitor. However, I don't know if sleep mode will turn off the camera.</p>[/QUO

 

I just stumbled into this old exchange. I just bought a Sony AX33 used to use for recording my sons soccer games. I have a setup where my camera is on a 20+' telescoping pole & I need to be able to view the action via a monitor down below - following the ball & zooming in/out as needed. I am moving from a 1080 HD camera to the AX33. I was super dissappointed to find that when trying to film in 4K the HDMI out is turned off.... I tried the wireless solution using an iPad Pro but find the recording to be quite bad - not as good as just using the XAVC S mode & being able to use the monitor below... Am i missing something, does the results while using the wireless link to my iPad somehow give me poorer recording quality?

The "problem" you describe is probably due to bandwidth limitations in the camera processor. You might be surprised to find that the Sony FS5 display goes black when you use the DCI RAW output when shooting 4K.

 

The solution is simple. Instead of an external monitor, use a monitor/recorder. An Atomos Ninja V is my current solution. Although only 5" (diagonal), it is bright and sharp enough to judge the focus quality. Furthermore it records in low-compression ProRes from HDMI. In addition to recording, the Ninja V has a configurable HDMI output which can drive other devices without burdening the camera (or recorder).

The "problem" you describe is probably due to bandwidth limitations in the camera processor. You might be surprised to find that the Sony FS5 display goes black when you use the DCI RAW output when shooting 4K.

 

The solution is simple. Instead of an external monitor, use a monitor/recorder. An Atomos Ninja V is my current solution. Although only 5" (diagonal), it is bright and sharp enough to judge the focus quality. Furthermore it records in low-compression ProRes from HDMI. In addition to recording, the Ninja V has a configurable HDMI output which can drive other devices without burdening the camera (or recorder).

 

I wish I could do that. However, a few things. These monitors are expensive. Also, I am a videographer that videotapes athletic events. I have a 25 ft high-pod that has the camcorder elevated in the air. Down below I have a 10 monitor that I view the game through and follow the action as it is displayed. My media is being recorded on a 256 gig SD card. I just want to be able to see the game on the monitor. Once I am done, I upload the video to my computer, edit the game, and display on my site for the teams. I also create highlight videos from the games. Is there another camcorder that I can use that will let me use the HDMI 4K monitor feature?

On further reading, I see that the FDR-AX100 can record 4K30 internally, and send it to the finder or HDMI, but not both. Recording and viewing remotely, via HDMI, seems like a workable solution. You can still record internally as a backup.

 

I suggest a monitor/recorder like an Atomos Ninja V (5", HDMI), Ninja Inferno (7", HDMI) or Shogun Inferno (7", 4K SDI). These monitors are bright enough to be used in broad daylight with minimal shading. These devices record to an SSD, which will hold nearly 4 hours of ProRes 422, 4Kp30 (or 7.5 hours of 1080p60) on a 1 TB disk. The first two have an HDMI output, which can relay the signal to another monitor. The Shogun is HDMI or SDI, with outputs for HDMI or SDI monitors.

 

HDMI can extend up to about 50', and SDI to 300' or more, via shielded cable. There are relatively inexpensive ($180) HDMI adapters which transmit video up to 300' via CAT6 internet cable.

 

Although ProRes files are large, the quality is much higher than from an SD card. Since less compression is used, they require less computer power to edit. You can pop the SSD into a computer and edit it directly, without the 15-30 minutes it takes to copy it to a different hard drive. It is much better than copying for 30-60 minutes or more from an SD card, and you can't edit directly from an SD card.

 

For what it's worth, I just ordered an FDR-AX700 for my own use. It has the same 1" sensor as the AX100, and similar features. It adds S-Log 2/3 gamma and HLG, and uses a full-sized HDMI connector for better reliability. Both models offer a lot of pro features in a small package. I have to shoot from balconies and occasionally climb ladders. Better a 2 pound handycam than an FS5, which is 17 pounds with full cage and rigging.

I didn't state it explicitly, but the recorder/monitor could be at ground level, connected to the camera on a pole with a long HDMI cable. It is not necessary to run the camera when using a Ninja V, for example. The HDMI signal is continuous, even when the camera is not shooting. You can connect the HDMI output of the Ninja to a larger monitor, if you prefer. A Ninja can downsample the output if necessary, to suit the monitor (e.g., UHD to HD).

• Make sure the HDMI output is "clean," i.e., without the data displayed in the EVF or LCD screen of the camera
  
• Make sure the HDMI output is set to "Lip Sync" or equivalent, so that it is timed to coincide with the video signal, which is delayed about 1/15 second from real time.