Sony Xperia Z - Video camera settings

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Video camera settings

To adjust the video camera settings

1

Activate the camera.

2

Tap , then select .

3

If the video camera is not selected, tap .

4

To display all settings, tap .

5

Select the setting that you want to adjust, then make your changes.

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Video camera settings overview

Video resolution

Adjust the video resolution for different formats.

Full HD

1920×1080(16:9)

Full HD (Full High Definition) format with 16:9 aspect ratio.

HD

1280×720(16:9)

HD (High Definition) format with 16:9 aspect ratio.

VGA

640×480(4:3)

VGA format with 4:3 aspect ratio.

MMS

Record videos suitable for sending in multimedia messages. The recording time of this video format is

limited so that video files can fit in a multimedia message.

These settings are only available in

Manual capturing mode.

Self-timer

With the self-timer, you can record a video without holding the device. Use it to

record group videos where everyone can be in the video. You can also use the self-

timer if you want to avoid shaking the camera when recording videos.

On (10 s.)

Set a 10-second delay from when you tap the camera screen until the video begins to record.

On (2 s.)

Set a 2-second delay from when you tap the camera screen until the video begins to record.

On (0.5 s.)

Set a half-second delay from when you tap the camera screen until the video begins to record.

Off

The video begins to record as soon as you tap the camera screen.

Smile Shutter™(video)

Use the Smile Shutter™ function to determine what kind of smile the camera reacts

to before recording a video.

Focus mode

The focus setting controls which part of a video should be sharp. When continuous

autofocus is on, the camera keeps adjusting focus so that the area within the white

focus frame stays sharp.

Single auto focus

The camera automatically focuses on the selected subject. Continuous autofocus is on.

Face detection

The camera automatically detects up to five human faces, indicated by frames on the screen. The

camera automatically focuses on the nearest face. You can also select which face to focus on by tapping

it on the screen. When you tap the camera screen, a yellow frame shows which face is selected and in

focus. Face detection cannot be used for all scene types. Continuous autofocus is on.

Object tracking

When you select an object by touching it in the viewfinder, the camera tracks it for you.

This setting is only available in

Manual capturing mode.

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HDR video

Use the video HDR (High-Dynamic Range) setting to record a video against strong

back light or in conditions where the contrast is sharp. Video HDR compensates for

the loss of detail and produces a picture that is representative of both dark and bright

areas.

This setting is only available in

Manual capturing mode.

Metering

This function automatically determines a well-balanced exposure by measuring the

amount of light striking the image you want to capture.

Centre

Adjusts the exposure to the centre of the image.

Average

Calculates the exposure based on the amount of light striking the whole image.

Spot

Adjusts the exposure in a very small part of the image that you want to capture.

This setting is only available in

Manual capturing mode.

Video stabiliser

When recording a video, it can be difficult to hold the device steady. The stabiliser

helps you by compensating for small movements of the hand.

Microphone

Select whether to pick up the surrounding sound when recording videos.

Preview

You can choose to preview videos just after you shoot them.

On

The preview of the video appears after you shoot it.

Edit

The video opens for editing after you shoot it.

Off

The video is saved after you shoot it, and no preview appears.

Flashlight

Use the flash light to record videos when lighting conditions are poor or when there is

a backlight. The video flash icon is only available on the video camera screen.

Note that the video quality can sometimes be better without a light even if lighting

conditions are poor.

On

Off

Scene selection

The Scene selection feature helps you to quickly set up the camera for common

situations using pre-programmed video scenes. The camera determines a number of

settings for you to fit the selected scene, ensuring the best possible video.

Off

The Scene selection feature is off and you can shoot videos manually.

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Soft snap

Use for shooting videos against soft backgrounds.

Landscape

Use for videos of landscapes. The camera focuses on distant objects.

Night

When turned on, light sensitivity is increased. Use in poorly lit environments. Videos of fast-

moving objects may get blurred. Hold your hand steady, or use a support. Turn off night mode

when lighting conditions are good, to improve the video quality.

Beach

Use for videos of seaside or lakeside scenes.

Snow

Use in bright environments to avoid overexposed videos.

Sports

Use for videos of fast-moving objects. Short exposure time minimises motion blurring.

Party

Use for indoor videos in poorly lit environments. This scene picks up indoor background lighting

or candlelight. Videos of fast-moving objects may get blurred. Hold your hand steady, or use a

support.

This setting is only available in

Manual capturing mode.

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