How to transfer images from the camera or memory card to a USB external HDD using the PlayMemories Home software

This article describes how to transfer images to an external HDD. To transfer images to a computer, refer to these articles:

• Transfer photos and videos to a Windows computer using PlayMemories Home
• Use PlayMemories Home to transfer videos and pictures to a Macintosh computer

Before you start

• When importing to a USB external Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for the first time, check the file system beforehand. If the file system is FAT32, image files of a size greater than 2 GB (long AVCHD videos, etc.) will be split into multiple files and imported due to the file system specifications. To avoid this, change the file system to NTFS.
• When importing XAVC S format videos, set the system file type to NTFS.
• If some of the movies are divided after importing movies to the computer, check the hard disk file system type.

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 the steps below to transfer images in the camera or memory card to a USB external HDD using the PlayMemories Home™ software.

1. Connect the HDD to the computer.

   Notes:

   • Depending on your external HDD, you may need to make operations 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 HDD.
   • Make sure the external HDD is displayed in the Drives category in the PlayMemories Home software.

2. Register a folder for the HDD.
   • Under the Drives category of the PlayMemories Home software, right-click on the external HDD.

     

   • Click on Create Folder.

     

   • Enter the folder name (Video).

     

   • Press the Enter key.

3. Connect the camera or the storage media to the computer.

   Note: The PlayMemories Home software automatically starts once a camera is connected to the computer, and the import window will be displayed.

   • 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 function list of what PlayMemories can do 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. When the screen for importing images appears after completing the connection, 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.
5. Import the 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 will be displayed. Click on 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 on the checkbox of 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 on 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 will be displayed. Click on 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 on OK.
     7. Select either Import from the beginning of the tape or Import from the current tape position, and then click on the Import button.

        

        Notes:

        • Import from the beginning of the tape: Select when you want to import videos automatically.
        • Import from the current tape position: Select1 when you import videos manually after displaying a scene you want to start importing by using the operation button.
     8. Start PlayMemories Home and make sure images have been imported.