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Article ID : 00090898 / Last Modified : 18/01/2024Print

How to transfer images in the camera or memory card to a USB external drive using PlayMemories Home

    IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.

    Note: This article describes how to transfer images to an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

    To transfer images to a computer, refer to these articles:

    IMPORTANT:

    • When importing to a USB external HDD for the first time, check the HDD file system beforehand. Due to a limitation of the FAT32 file system, image files larger than 2 GB (long AVCHD videos, etc.) will be split into multiple files and then imported. To avoid this, change the file system to NTFS or others.
    • When importing XAVC S format videos, set the system file type to NTFS.
    • To determine the file system of your hard disk, refer to the article Movies downloaded to the computer are divided into multiple files.

    WARNING! Changing the file system will delete all of the data on the external HDD. Back up necessary data to the computer's internal HDD or another location before changing the file system.

    Follow these steps to transfer images in the camera or memory card to a USB external HDD using the PlayMemories Home software:

    1. Connect a USB external HDD to the computer.
      Notes:
      • Depending on the external HDD you have, you may need to perform additional actions, such as turning on the power.
      • After connecting the HDD to the computer, wait for a few seconds for the operating systems to recognize the drive.
      • In the PlayMemories Home software, make sure the external HDD is displayed in the Drives category.
    2. Register a folder for the HDD.
      1. In the PlayMemories Home software, under the Drives category, right-click the external HDD.

        Note: When the external HDD is displayed under Camera and Media, refer to the article The external HDD is recognized in Cameras and Media in PlayMemories Home.
      2. Click Create Folder.
      3. Enter the folder name (example: Video).
      4. Press the Enter key.
    3. Connect the camera or the storage media to the computer.
      • If you are importing AVCHD or MP4 videos and still images from the camera by USB connection.
        1. Connect the camera and computer using a USB cable.
          Note: When you connect the camera to the computer, a list of available functions appears.
        2. Select Import Media Files to display the screen for importing image files and proceed to step 4. When importing AVCHD or MP4 videos and still images from the camera by USB connection.
      • If you are importing i.LINK videos from the camera recorded on tape.
        1. Connect the camera and computer using an i.LINK cable.
        2. After completing the connection, when the screen for importing images appears, proceed to step 4. When importing videos recorded on tape from the camera by i.LINK cable.
    4. Set the external HDD as the import location and then import images.
      • When importing AVCHD or MP4 videos and still images from the camera by USB connection
        1. Click on the pull-down menu to the left of the Browse button on the right side of the screen.
        2. A list of folders that can be specified as locations to save to will be displayed. Click a folder on the external HDD. This will change the location for saving imported images to a folder on the external HDD.

          Note: To change the import settings or the setting of image deletion, select Settings  at the top right and open the setting screen.
        3. Select the files you want to import.
          When you select Select file to import, the photos and videos in the camera or the memory card are displayed. Check to select the images you want to import.

          Note: If you select Import new files, new photos and videos that have not been imported yet are imported.
        4. Click Import.
        5. When importing is complete, images imported to the computer will be displayed in PlayMemories Home.
      • When importing videos recorded on tape from the camera by i.LINK cable
        1. Click on Settings... on the Import from Tape screen.
        2. When the Import Settings screen appears, click Change​​​​​​.
        3. When Import Settings - Media File Import Settings appears, click on the pull-down menu.
        4. A list of folders that can be specified as locations to save to will be displayed. Click a folder on the external HDD. This will change the location for saving imported images to a folder on the external HDD.
        5. Click on OK.
        6. After you are returned to the Import Settings screen, click OK.
        7. Select either Import from the beginning of the tape or Import from the current tape position, and then click the Import button.

          Notes:
          • Import from the beginning of the tape: Select this option when you want to import videos automatically.
          • Import from the current tape position: Select this option when you import videos manually after displaying a scene you want to start importing by using the operation button.
    5. Start the PlayMemories Home software and make sure images have been imported.