Recording is unavailable in this movie format., Sony
What it means: Current file format setting prevents movie recording. What to do, in 2 of the 3 we read: Set File Format to MP4. Formatting erases everything on the card, so copy your images off first if you can.
3Sony manuals we read list this message
In the 3 we read
| Camera | What to do† |
|---|---|
| Sony a99 II (ILCA-99M2) | Set File Format to MP4. |
| Sony a6500 (ILCE-6500) | Set File Format to MP4. |
| Sony a9 (ILCE-9) | Set the file format to MP4. |
What the manuals also say
- If messages persist, consult Sony service. For system errors, reinsert battery. Check lens contacts if lens errors recur.
Other Sony messages
- Cannot open the shutter since the memory card is not inserted.
- Check that a lens is mounted. For an unsupported lens, set "Release w/o Lens" in the menu to "Enable".
- Memory card locked.
- The SteadyShot function does not work.
- The retractable lens with power zoom is retracted.
- Unable to read memory card. Reinsert memory card.
Sources
- Sony Help Guides (helpguide.sony.net), one per model, checked Oct 6, 2026
Each value is checked automatically against the source it links, on the date shown. How we build these pages
† What it means and What to do and If it persists: restated in plain words from the sources linked here; each source has the exact wording.