Supported cameras

Every Sony camera that records MP4 (XAVC S, XAVC HS or XAVC S-I) and leaves an .RSV file when a recording is cut short.

Why recordings get cut short

Battery

The camera switches off before it can close the file. The most common cause in long takes.

Card

The card fills up, or is removed while recording.

Heat

Cameras without a fan stop recording to protect themselves after a while in 4K, sooner in hot weather.

Models

ModelFanBatteryCards4K continuousHeat riskMost likely cause
FX3Cinema · XAVC S · HS · S-IYesNP-FZ1002× CFexpress A / SD90 / 90 minLowBattery in long takes; the fan handles the heat.
FX30Cinema · XAVC S · HS · S-IYesNP-FZ1002× CFexpress A / SD60 / 60 minLowBattery in long takes.
α7S IIIFull frame · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1002× CFexpress A / SD90 / 60 minLowBattery first; heat only in hot weather.
α7 IVFull frame · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1001× CFexpress A / SD · 1× SD120 / 30 minMediumNo fan: overheating in warm conditions.
α7 VFull frame · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1001× CFexpress A / SD · 1× SD90 / 60 minLowBattery; heat is well controlled.
α7C IIFull frame · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1001× SD UHS-II60 / 10 minHighSmall body without a fan: heat in warm conditions. One card slot.
α7R VFull frame · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1002× CFexpress A / SD60 / 30 minMediumOverheating in 8K or long 4K takes.
α1Full frame · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1002× CFexpress A / SD30 / 10 minHighOverheating in 4K and 8K.
α9 IIIFull frame · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1002× CFexpress A / SD60 / 20 minHighOverheating, especially with the Standard temperature setting.
α6700APS-C · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1001× SD UHS-II30 / 10 minHighNo fan: overheating in 4K.
α6600APS-C · XAVC SNoNP-FZ1001× SD UHS-I—UnknownBattery in long takes.
α6400APS-C · XAVC SNoNP-FW501× SD UHS-I—UnknownThe small NP-FW50 battery, then heat in 4K.
ZV-E1Vlog · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1001× SD UHS-II30 / 20 minHighNo fan: overheating in 4K.
ZV-E10 IIVlog · XAVC S · HS · S-INoNP-FZ1001× SD UHS-II30 / 10 minHighNo fan: overheating in 4K.

Sony’s figures for continuous 4K recording with Auto Power OFF Temp. set to High, from a cold start, at 25 °C / 40 °C. Approximate: they vary with settings and conditions. The heat risk follows the 40 °C figure.

Fewer .RSV files

  • Set Auto Power OFF Temp. to High on cameras without a fan (Sony recommends a tripod with this setting).
  • Use USB power or a fresh battery for long takes.
  • Leave room on the card and never remove it while the camera is recording.
  • In the heat, keep the screen open and the camera out of direct sun.

Cinema cameras (MXF)

FX6, FX9, BURANO and FR7 record XAVC and X-OCN in MXF, not MP4. If one of them left you an unplayable recording, use custom repair.

Custom repair

Sources