Recording videos (b auto)

b (auto) mode can also be used for simple, “point-and-shoot” video recording.

  1. Select video mode by rotating the photo/video selector to 1.

    Note that optional flash units cannot be used when the camera is in video mode.
  2. Rotate the mode selector to AUTO (b).
  3. Press the video-record button to start recording.
    • A recording indicator will be displayed in the monitor. The monitor also shows the time remaining, or in other words the approximate amount of new footage that can be recorded to the memory card.
      1Recording indicator
      2Time remaining
    • Sound is recorded via the built-in microphone. Do not cover the microphone during recording.
    • If you tap your subject in the monitor during recording, the focus point will track the subject as it moves through the frame (Subject-tracking AF).
  4. Press the video-record button again to end recording.

The memory card access lamp

The memory card access lamp will light while the video is being recorded. Do not remove the memory card or battery.

The 0 icon

A 0 icon indicates that videos cannot be recorded.

Recording videos

  • Video recording will end automatically if:
    • The maximum length is reached
    • Another mode is selected
    • The photo/video selector is rotated to C
    • The lens is removed
  • Sounds made by the camera may be audible in footage recorded:
    • During autofocus
    • During vibration reduction
    • When power aperture is used

Taking photos in video mode

Photos can be taken in video mode by pressing the shutter-release button all the way down. In [Release mode (save frame)] in the video recording menu, you can select single frame or continuous shooting.

  • A C icon will flash in the display when a photo is taken.
  • The frame advance rate for [Continuous] in [Release mode (save frame)] varies with the option selected for [Frame size/frame rate].
  • Photos can be taken while recording is in progress. Taking photos does not interrupt video recording. Note, however, that only one photo will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed, even if [Continuous] is selected for [Release mode (save frame)] in the video recording menu.

Taking photos in video mode

  • Photo-mode settings do not apply to photos taken in video mode.
  • Up to 40 photographs can be taken with each video.
  • Note that photos can be taken even when the subject is not in focus.
  • Photos are recorded at the dimensions currently selected for video frame size.
  • Image quality is fixed at [JPEG fine].
  • A N icon indicates that photos cannot be taken.

Photography and video recording

  • You may notice the following in the shooting display. These phenomena will also be visible in any photos or footage recorded with the camera.
    • Flicker or banding in scenes lit by such sources as fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps
    • Moving objects in the display appear distorted (individual subjects such as trains or cars moving at high speed through the frame may be distorted, or the entire frame may appear distorted when the camera is panned horizontally)
    • Jagged edges, color fringing, moiré, and bright spots may appear in the display
    • Bright regions or bands may appear in scenes lit by flashing signs and other intermittent light sources or when the subject is briefly illuminated by a strobe or other bright, momentary light source
    • Flicker occurring when power aperture is used during video recording
  • Note that noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) and unexpected colors may appear if you use the X button to zoom in on the view through the lens during recording.
  • When recording, avoid pointing the camera at the sun or other strong light sources. Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the camera’s internal circuitry.

Zooming in video mode

Press the X button in video mode to zoom in on the view (Zooming in photo mode). Press the X button during video recording to display at 1:1 (100%). Press the W (Q) button to cancel zoom.