When I record with the Z5 using the flash card on the MRC1 unit (with no tape inside), there is no red recording indicator in the front or the back of the camera. Only the red indicator on the MK1 unit. Is there a way you can activate these indicators?

Stelios

No. This only works when you are rolling tape.

I reported the same issue:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-hvr-z5-hdr-fx1000/476113-beep-lamps-disabled-cf-card-recording.html

REC LAMPS and BEEPS do not seem to work when only recording to CF card.

Sorry I missed that thread, Bill. But note it's not about EXT ONLY being selected, it's about the lack of tape in the cam. Even if you have SYNCHRONOUS selected, if there's no tape in the cam, there's no red light.

Don't you think this is a design flaw? Or at least something that should be user-selectable?

It should be, and I bet it is on the NX5. Probably could be fixed with a firmware update if Sony decided they cared enough about it.

Oh well then nothing we can do but on the other side the Z5 works like a spy camera... No one knows if you are rolling.

Stelios