Is Your Sony Camera Refusing to Record Video?
Whether you're using a Sony Alpha series mirrorless camera, a Cyber-shot compact, or a Handycam, few things are more frustrating than pressing the record button and having nothing happen. When your camera fails to record, you risk missing a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The cause can range from a simple setting oversight to a more complex hardware limitation.
This comprehensive guide will help you diagnose why your Sony camera isn't recording video and provide clear, actionable solutions to get you back to shooting.
The Most Common Culprit: The Memory Card
In the majority of cases, recording problems are directly related to the memory card being used. Digital video, especially 4K, requires a card that can handle a massive amount of data being written to it very quickly.
### 1. Memory Card Speed and Specifications
- Is Your Card Fast Enough? For recording high-resolution video (like 4K or high frame rates), a standard memory card won't suffice. You need a card with a high sustained write speed. Look for cards with a Video Speed Class rating, indicated by a 'V' number (e.g., V30, V60, V90). For most Sony 4K recording, a V30 card is the minimum requirement. Using a slower card will often result in the recording stopping after just a few seconds.
- Check the Card Type: Ensure you are using the correct type of card for your camera (e.g., SDHC, SDXC, CFexpress). Consult your camera's manual for compatibility.
### 2. Memory Card Health and Status
- Is the Card Full? A simple but common oversight. Check the remaining capacity on your memory card.
- Is the Card Locked? Full-size SD cards have a small physical lock switch on the side. If this switch is in the "lock" position, the camera cannot write any data to it, and recording will be disabled.
- Format the Card in-Camera: To rule out file system errors, it is crucial to format your memory card inside the Sony camera you are using. Do not format it on a computer. Go to the camera's menu system (usually in the 'Setup' or 'Toolbox' section) and select the 'Format' option. This will erase everything and prepare the card perfectly for the camera.
Camera Settings and Modes Preventing Recording
If you've ruled out a memory card issue, the problem likely lies within the camera's current settings or mode.
### 1. Check the Mode Dial
Your camera's physical mode dial is the first place to look.
- Are You in a Video Mode? Many Sony cameras have a dedicated 'Movie Mode' on the dial, often indicated by a film camera icon. While you can often start recording in other modes, being in the dedicated video mode ensures all relevant settings are available and prioritised.
- Certain Photo Modes: Some specialised photography modes, such as 'Intelligent Auto', certain 'Scene Selections' (SCN), or 'Sweep Panorama', will disable video recording. Turn the dial to a more flexible mode like Program (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), or Manual (M).
### 2. Conflicting Menu Settings
Certain features, when enabled, can prevent video recording.
- Picture Effect/Creative Style: Some artistic filters or creative styles are designed for still images only and will disable the record button. Turn these off or select a neutral style.
- Drive Mode: If your camera's drive mode is set to 'Self-Timer' or 'Continuous Bracketing', you may not be able to record video. Set the drive mode to 'Single Shooting'.
- File Format: Dive into the menu and check your video file format settings (e.g., XAVC S 4K, AVCHD). An incorrect setting here, especially if the memory card is not compatible, can prevent recording.
Overheating: A Common Issue for Long Recordings
If your camera records for a few minutes and then stops on its own, it is likely overheating. High-resolution video recording generates a lot of heat in a compact camera body.
- Auto Power OFF Temp: In your camera's setup menu, you may find a setting called 'Auto Power OFF Temp.' or similar. Setting this to 'High' will allow the camera to operate at a higher temperature before shutting down, extending your recording time (though the camera body will feel warmer).
- Environmental Factors: Avoid shooting in direct, hot sunlight. Keep the camera ventilated and, if possible, flip out the LCD screen away from the body to help dissipate heat.
By methodically working through these checks, from the memory card to the mode dial and internal settings, you can almost always identify and resolve the issue preventing your Sony camera from recording.