2.1. Importing images using FTP

The camera's [FTP Transfer Func.] lets you transfer images to smartphones that have Transfer & Tagging installed.

2.1.1. Selecting the import method

You can import images using FTP either wirelessly (Wi-Fi or personal hotspot) or via a wired connection (USB tethering or Ethernet tethering). The procedure differs depending on the import method you choose.

  • The descriptions below apply when the latest version of the camera system software is installed.
Personal Hotspot

Your smartphone’s tethering or personal hotspot function is used to connect.

Transfer & Tagging
(works as an FTP server)

  1. Connect the camera and the smartphone via Hotspot & tethering (Android) / Personal Hotspot (iOS)
    • Smartphone: Turn on the tethering or personal hotspot function.
    • Camera: Select MENU > (Network) > [Wi-Fi]/[Wi-Fi Settings] to connect to the smartphone. If the camera supports [Camera Wi-Fi settings], you can enter camera Wi-Fi settings from your smartphone. (For more information, see “2.4 Configuring camera Wi-Fi settings from your smartphone.”)
  2. On the camera, select MENU > (Network), and select the following items (except on the ILCE-7RM3A/7RM3).
    • ILCE-1, 9M3, 7RM5, 7SM3, 7CR, 7CM2, 7M4
      • [FTP Transfer] > [FTP Transfer Func.] > [FTP Function] > [On]
    • Other
      • [FTP Transfer Func.] > [FTP Function] > [On]
      • [FTP Transfer Func.] > [FTP Connect Method] > [Wi-Fi] (Only available on some camera models.)

2.1.2. Loading FTP import settings to the camera

Load FTP settings for Transfer & Tagging to the camera. What you can do and the operation method differs depending on the camera model.

ILCE-1/9M3/7RM5/7SM3/7CR/7CM2/7M4

You can load the FTP server configuration set in the Transfer & Tagging to the camera using Bluetooth communications. This function eliminates the need to input the settings into the camera.

  • If [Location Information Linkage] is set to [On] in Creators’ App or Imaging Edge Mobile, this function will not be available. Set it to [Off] beforehand.
  1. On the camera
    1. Select Menu > (Network) > [Bluetooth] > [Bluetooth Function] > [On].
  2. On the smartphone
    2. Select MENU [menu icon] > [Import Guide], then select the desired connection method, referring to 2.1.1.
  3. On the smartphone
    3. When the host name or port number is displayed, tap [Write to the camera].
  4. On the smartphone
    4. When connecting for the first time or when connecting a new camera, select [New Camera] and tap [Start].
    • When connecting to a camera that has been connected previously, select the camera and the server to be loaded, then tap [Start]. (The previously loaded server is already selected.) Steps 5 to 8 below are unnecessary.
  5. On the camera
    5. Select MENU > (Network) > [Bluetooth] > [Pairing].
  6. On the smartphone
    6. The message [Pairing] will appear on the side of the camera to be connected. Tap the message.
  7. On the camera
    7. The message [Allow connection from the device?] will appear. Press [OK].
    • Pairing will start, and the FTP server configuration set on the camera will be displayed on the smartphone. Up to nine FTP server settings can be saved.
  8. On the smartphone
    8. Select an unused server as the destination to save.
    • The FTP server configuration will be saved on the camera.

Hint:

  • When you load FTP settings to the camera using Bluetooth, the following settings will be changed automatically. (Does not apply to the ILCE-1/7SM3.)
    • [RAW+J/H Transfer Target] will change to [JPEG & HEIF].
    • [Auto FTP Target] will change to [Still Image].
  • You can manually import FTP Import settings rather than writing to the camera via Bluetooth. Refer to the instructions for the ILCE-9.

Hint:

  • Photos can be transferred at their original size using FTP image import.
  • The port number can be changed in [Setting] > [FTP Import common settings]. Change the setting if necessary.
  • Images transferred via FTP import can be confirmed below.
    menu icon (Menu) > [FTP Import History]

Note：

  • When connected via the Hotspot & tethering or the Personal Hotspot function, the connection will be terminated after a period of inactivity. If this occurs, please reconnect.
  • When using the iOS version, please keep Transfer & Tagging in the foreground and refrain from using any other apps during FTP import.

2.1.3. Using FTP to import images

There are two ways to import images using FTP. One automatically imports all the images you shoot while you are shooting (FTP background transfer), and the other allows you to select the images you wish to transfer after shooting.

  • The ILCE-7RM3A/7RM3 do not have a background transfer function, so importing images after shooting is the only option available.

Automatically importing images while shooting

  1. Adjust the camera settings beforehand as follows.
    ILCE-1, 9M3, 7RM5, 7SM3, 7CR, 7CM2, 7M4 :
    MENU > (Network) > [FTP Transfer] > [FTP Transfer Func.] > [Auto FTP Transfer] > [On]
    ILCE-9M2, 9, 7RM4A, 7RM4, 7C, 7M3：
    MENU > (Network) > [FTP Transfer Func.] > [Auto Trans When Shot] > [On]
  2. After establishing an FTP connection, start shooting.

Importing images after shooting

  1. After shooting, select [FTP Transfer] using the following procedures.
    ILCE-1, 9M3, 7RM5, 7SM3, 7CR, 7CM2, 7M4 :
    MENU > (Network) > [FTP Transfer] > [FTP Transfer Func.] > [FTP Transfer]
    ILCE-9M2, 9, 7RM4A, 7RM4, 7RM3A, 7RM3, 7C, 7M3 :
    MENU > (Network) > [FTP Transfer Func.] > [FTP Transfer]
  2. Specify the images you want to transfer and select [OK].

Viewing the FTP connection status

Gray FTP iconFTP server (smartphone) suspended

Green FTP iconInitiating FTP server (smartphone): Flashes during FTP import

Red FTP iconConnection error：If wireless connection cannot be restored within a certain period of time, FTP will be suspended

The transfer icon indicated by the camera and the smartphone is highlighted in the image.
Tap here to change the transfer method.
Protection against unintended operation (iOS only)
You can lock the screen to prevent unintended operation caused by accidentally touching the screen while importing images via FTP, etc. Tap the lock button.