Page 1
Digital Video Camera Recorder
3-278-983-11(1)
Getting Started 11
Operating Guide
DCR-HC52/HC54
Recording/
Playback
Using the Menu 29
Dubbing/Editing 44
Using a Computer 48
Troubleshooting 52
Additional Information 59
Quick Reference 69
Spanish Quick Guide/
Guía rápida en español
19
78
© 2008 Sony Corporation
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WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
Do not expose the batteries to
excessive heat such as sunshine,
fire or the like.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety
instructions completely before operating
the appliance, and keep this manual for
future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the one
described in the operating instructions and
adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of electrical power
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or
local power company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac
power cord (mains lead) plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets (wall sockets),
extension cords or convenience receptacles
beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire
or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet (wall socket)
before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly
dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of
the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
Power cord (Mains lead) Protection
Route the power cord (mains lead) so that it is not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention
to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the
cord exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation of the set, and to protect it from
overheating, these slots and openings must never
be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper
ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct
sunlight.
Continued ,
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet (wall socket) and disconnect the antenna or
cable system. This will prevent damage to the set
due to lightning and power-line surges.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet (wall socket)
and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
– When the power cord (mains lead) or plug is
damaged or frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the
set, ask the service technician to perform routine
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)
to determine that the set is in safe operating
condition.
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Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
used rechargeable batteries to the
collection and recycling location
nearest you.
For more information regarding
recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DCR-HC52/HC54
Serial No.
Model No. ACSerial No.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC52
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC54
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Continued ,
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Read thid first (Continued)
Notes
DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to be used with
AC Adaptor Model AC-L200/L200B.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used w ith the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
For the State of California, USA only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may
apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains
perchlorate.
Notes on use
About the manuals supplied with your
camcorder
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)
– For DCR-HC54
“First Step Guide” for connecting the
camcorder to a computer and using the
supplied software (stored on the supplied
CD-ROM)
Type of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with . Your camcorder is not
compatible with the Cassette Memory
function (p. 60).
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
Battery packViewfinder
LCD panel
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “On use and care” (p. 63).
• When connecting your camcorder to
another device with communication
cables, be sure to insert the connector plug
in the correct way.
Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal
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will damage the terminal and may result
in a malfunction of your camcorder.
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of
the pixels are operational for effective
use. However, there may be some tiny
black points and/or bright points (white,
red, blue, or green in color) that appear
constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder. These points are normal
results of the manufacturing process and
do not affect the recording in any way.
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,
or the lens to direct sunlight for long
periods of time may cause malfunctions.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
About the language setting
• The on-screen displays in each local
language are used for illustrating the
operating procedures. Change the screen
language before using your camcorder if
necessary (p. 16).
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
country/region. To view your recordings
on a TV, you need a NTSC system-based
TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
• The illustrations used on this manual are
based on the model DCR-HC54. The
model name is indicated on the bottom of
your camcorder.
• Design and specifications of recording
media and accessories are subject to
change without notice.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior images.
It adopts the MTF* measurement system for
Continued ,
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Read thid first (Continued)
video cameras and offers a quality typical
of a Carl Zeiss lens.
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer
Function. The number value indicates the
amount of light from a subject coming into
the lens.
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Table of Contents
Using the Menu
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS..........3
Read this first ..................................5
Notes on use ................................. 6
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
.....................................................11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
.....................................................12
Step 3: Turning the power on and
setting the date and time ............15
Changing the language setting
................................................... 16
Step 4: Making setting adjustments
before recording ..........................17
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette .........18
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback
(Easy Handycam) .......................19
Recording .....................................21
Zooming ...................................... 22
Recording in dark places
(NightShot plus) ........................ 22
Adjusting the exposure for backlit
subjects .................................... 23
Recording in mirror mode ........... 23
Playback .......................................24
Using the guide functions
(USAGE GUIDE) ........................25
Searching for the starting point .....26
Searching for the last scene of the
most recent recording
(END SEARCH) ........................ 26
Searching manually
(EDIT SEARCH) ........................ 26
Reviewing the most recently
recorded scenes
(Rec review) ............................. 26
Playing the picture on a TV ..........28
Using the menu items ..........29
Operation button items .................30
Menu items ...................................37
MANUAL SET menu .............38
– P EFFECT
CAMERA SET menu ............39
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/
STEADYSHOT, etc.
VCR SET menu ....................40
– AUDIO MIX
LCD/VF SET menu ...............41
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
TAPE SET menu ..................42
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/
REMAIN
SETUP MENU menu ............42
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.
OTHERS menu .....................43
– WORLD TIME, etc.
Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD
recorders .....................................44
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc.
.....................................................46
Using a Computer
What you can do with Windows
computer (DCR-HC54) ...............48
Installing the “First Step Guide” and
software (DCR-HC54) .................49
Viewing “First Step Guide” (DCR-
HC54) ..........................................51
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ............................52
Warning indicators and messages
.....................................................57
Continued ,
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ...... 59
Maintenance and precautions ...... 60
Usable cassette tapes ................ 60
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack .......................................... 61
About i.LINK ................................ 62
On using your camcorder ........... 63
Specifications ............................... 66
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls ....... 69
Indicators displayed during
recording/playback ..................... 72
Index ............................................ 75
Spanish Quick Guide/
Guía rápida en español 78
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Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have following items
supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12)
Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 12)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 28, 44)
USB cable (1)
(DCR-HC54) (p. 70)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1)
(p. 12, 61)
CD-ROM “Handycam Application
Software” (1) (DCR-HC54)(p. 48)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
Getting Started
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Step 2: Charging the battery pack
1
2
1
Battery pack
DC IN jack
3
4
To the wall outlet (wall socket)
Power cord (Mains lead)
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (H series) (p. 61) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
b Notes
• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack other than the H series to your camcorder.
1 Align the terminals of the battery
pack and your camcorder 1, then
attach the battery pack and click
it into place 2.
2
With the v mark facing
down
POWER switch
AC Adaptor
4 Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the
wall outlet (wall socket).
CHG (charge) lamp
2 Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).
3 With the v mark on the DC plug
facing down, connect the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
12
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp
turns off when the battery is fully
charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor
from the DC IN jack.
b Notes
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN
jack holding both the camcorder and the DC
plug.
Page 13
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the
power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by
making the same connections as you do
when charging the battery pack. The battery
pack will not lose its charge in this case.
To remove the battery pack
1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH.
2 Remove the battery pack in the direction
of the arrow.
POWER switch
1
2
PUSH
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (p. 61).
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info)
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then
press DISP/BATT INFO.
pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the
information is displayed.
Remaining battery (approx.)
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0% 50% 100%
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER::8599
min
min
Recording capacity (approx.)
You can check the remaining battery charge
on the LCD screen.
Indicator Status
Sufficient power remaining
Battery low, recording/
playback will stop soon.
Replace the battery with a
fully charged one, or charge
the battery.
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FH30 (supplied) 115
NP-FH50 135
NP-FH70 170
NP-FH100 390
Getting Started
After a while, the approximate recordable
time and battery information appear for
about 7 seconds. You can view the battery
information for up to 20 seconds by
Continued ,
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Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Continuous
Battery pack
NP-FH30
(supplied)
recording
time
95 45
110 55
NP-FH50 155 75
180 90
NP-FH70 330 165
395 195
NP-FH100 760 380
890 445
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
b Notes
• All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Battery pack
NP-FH30
(supplied)
LCD panel
opened
105 135
NP-FH50 170 220
NP-FH70 370 465
NP-FH100 845 1065
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 13) will not be
correctly displayed under the following
conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
14
Typical
recording
time*
LCD panel
closed
– The battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info
only).
• The power will not be supplied from the battery
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the
power cord (mains lead) is disconnected from
the wall outlet (wall socket).
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C
(77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is
recommended.)
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low
temperatures.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when
using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket)
immediately if any malfunction occurs while
using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the
AC Adaptor.
Page 15
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]
screen appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.
4 Move to [D] (day) with , then
set with / and repeat
for the hour and minute.
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.
Touch the button
on the LCD screen.
POWER switch
1 While pressing the green button,
slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to turn on
the respective lamp.
CAMERA: To record on a tape.
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.
CLOCK SET
YMD
2008 JAN 1:00
12
AM
OK
2 Set [Y] (year) with / .
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
3 Move to [M] (month) with ,
then set with / .
5 Make sure the date and time
settings are correct, then touch
.
The clock starts.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
To reset the date and time
You can set the desired date and time by
touching t [PAGE2] t [CLOCK
SET] (p. 29).
b Notes
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may
be cleared from the memory. In that case,
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the
date and time again (p. 66).
• At the time of purchase, the power is set to turn
off automatically if you leave your camcorder
without any operation attempted for
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 43).
z Tips
• The date and time are not displayed while
recording, but they are automatically recorded
on the tape, and can be displayed during
playback (see page 34 for [DATA CODE]
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set
only [DATE/TIME])).
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work
correctly, adjust the touch panel
(CALIBRATION) (p. 64).
Getting Started
Continued ,
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Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued)
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Touch t [MENU] t
(SETUP MENU) t [ LANGUAGE],
then select the desired language.
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Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording
Opening the lens cover
Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.
After recording, set the LENS COVER
switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover.
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play (2).
180 degrees
(max.)
2
2
90 degrees
(max.)
b Notes
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD
panel.
z Tips
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient
during playback operations.
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to adjust the brightness
of the LCD screen.
• Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen
indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off.
DISP/BATT INFO
1
90 degrees to the
camcorder
The viewfinder
You can view pictures using the viewfinder
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.
Viewfinder
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture
is clear.
z Tips
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting (LCD/VF SET) [VF B.L.] (p. 41).
The grip belt
Fasten the grip belt and hold your
camcorder correctly.
4
1
2
3
Getting Started
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Step 5: Inserting a Cassette
{DO NOT PUSH}
You can use mini DV cassettes only
(p. 60).
1 Slide and hold the OPEN/
EJECT lever in the direction of the
arrow and open the lid.
OPEN/EJECT lever
Lid
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
2 Insert a cassette with its window
facing outwards, then press
.
Push the center of the back
of the cassette lightly.
Window
portion marked while
it is sliding in. It may cause a
malfunction.
3 Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
Open the lid following the same procedure
as described in step 1 and remove the
cassette.
z Tips
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC
MODE] (p. 42).
Cassette compartment
18
The cassette compartment
automatically slides back in.
b Notes
• Do not force the cassette
compartment closed by pressing the
Page 19
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally
adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy
viewing.
Open the lens cover (p. 17)
A
B
E
DC
Recording
1 Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the CAMERA lamp.
If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG),
slide it while pressing the green button.
Recording/Playback
2 Press EASY C.
EASY
appears on the screen D.
3 Press REC START/STOP B (or E) to start recording.*
The indicator (A) changes from [STBY] to
[REC]. To stop recording, press REC START/
STOP again.
* During Easy Handycam operation, you can only record in the SP mode.
60 min
REC
GUIDE
0:00:00
FN
A
Continued ,
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A
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)
Playback
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.
If the POWER switch is
set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green
button.
Touch , then touch to
start playback.
D
CB
A GUIDE (p. 25)
B Stop
C Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
D Rewind/Fast forward
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY C again. disappears from the screen D.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch to display adjustable menu settings. See page 29 for details on setting.
• Almost all the settings return to their defaults automatically (p. 37).
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.
x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the . (back light) button (p. 23) is unavailable. [Invalid
during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is not available in Easy
Handycam mode.
20
Page 21
Recording
Open the lens cover (p. 17).
REC START/STOP B
POWER switch
REC START/
STOP A
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
Press REC START/STOP A (or B).
[STBY] [REC]
To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again.
Recording/Playback
Continued ,
21
Page 22
Recording (Continued)
Zooming
You can magnify images up to 40 times the
original size with the power zoom lever or
the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
Wider range of view:
(Wide angle)
Close view: (Telephoto)
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
b Notes
• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image
blurring as desired when the power zoom lever
is set to the T (Telephoto) side.
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom
lever. If you move your finger off the power
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power
zoom lever may also be recorded.
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
• The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
z Tips
• You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 39) if you want to
zoom to a level greater than 40 ×.
Recording in dark places (NightShot plus)
Infrared port
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.
( and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.)
b Notes
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with
your fingers or other objects. Remove the
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 30)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.
22
Page 23
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press . (back light) to display .. To
cancel the backlight function, press .
(back light) again.
Recording in mirror mode
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side (2).
z Tips
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the image will be normal when
recorded.
Recording/Playback
23
Page 24
Playback
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
Start playing back.
Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch to start playback.
Play/Pause* toggles as you touch it
Stop
* Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.
Rewind/Fast forward
To adjust the volume
Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then / to adjust the volume.
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or / while fast
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
z Tips
• You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 34).
24
Page 25
Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)
You can easily select the desired setting
screens by using the guide functions
(USAGE GUIDE).
Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as
shown below.
SHOOT
GUIDE:
DISP
GUIDE:
Takes you to the setting
screens related to
recording.
Enables you to check the
meaning of each indicator
that appears on the LCD
screen. See page 73 for
details.
1 Touch [GUIDE].
2 Select the desired item.
e.g., to record night views
Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT
SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to
display [To keep the mood of a night
view].
Unavailable settings during Easy
Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, some
items are unavailable. If an attempted
setting is not available, but still desired,
touch [SET] to display an on-screen
instruction. Follow the instruction to cancel
Easy Handycam operation and then select
the setting.
z Tips
• If [SET] is not displayed in step 3, follow the
instruction on the screen.
Recording/Playback
3 Touch [SET].
The desired setting screen appears.
Adjust the settings according to your
purpose.
25
Page 26
Searching for the starting point
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp
lights up (p. 21).
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH)
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not
work once you eject the cassette after you
have recorded on the tape.
Touch t [PAGE1], then touch
[END SCH].
60min
PAG E 1 PAG E 2
SPOT
FOCUS
FOCUS
MENU SCENE
SEL.
Touch here again to cancel the operation.
The last scene of the most recent
recording is played back for about 5
seconds, and the camcorder enters the
standby mode at the point where the last
recording has finished.
b Notes
• [END SCH] will not work correctly when there
is a blank section between recorded sections on
the tape.
z Tips
• This operation is also available when the
POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.
SPOT
METER
END
SCH
0:00:00
DISP
GUIDE
EXPO–
SURE
1 Touch t [PAGE1] t
[MENU].
2 Select (CAMERA SET) with
/ , then touch [EXEC].
3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with /
, then touch [EXEC].
4 Select [ON] with / ,
then touch [EXEC] t .
0:00:00STBY60min
EDIT
GUIDE
FN
5 Touch and hold (to go
backward)/ (to go forward)
and release it at the point where
you want the recording to start.
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH)
You can search for the start point to start
the next recording while viewing the
pictures on the screen. The sound is not
played back during the search.
26
1 Touch t [PAGE1] t
[MENU].
2 Select (CAMERA SET) with
/ , then touch [EXEC].
Page 27
3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with /
, then touch [EXEC].
4 Select [ON] with / ,
then touch [EXEC] t .
0:00:00STBY60min
EDIT
GUIDE
FN
5 Touch .
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most
recently recorded scene are played back.
Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
Recording/Playback
27
Page 28
Playing the picture on a TV
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting
cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the
wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also
to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
Device without an
S VIDEO jack
(Yellow)
1
A/V Remote
Connector
: Signal flow
(White)
(Red)
2
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of another device.
B A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via the S
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be
reproduced more faithfully than with the
supplied A/V cable connection.
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO
channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this
case, the yellow (standard video) plug
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO
connection only will not output audio.
z Tips
• You can display the time code on the TV screen
by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD]
(p. 43).
Device with an
S VIDEO jack
(Black)
(White)
(Red)
(Yellow)
VCRs or TVs
When connecting your camcorder to a
TV through a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on
the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2,
etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.
When your TV is monaural (Only one
audio input jack)
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V
connecting cable to the video input jack and
connect the white (left channel) or the red
(right channel) plug to the audio input jack
of your TV or VCR.
28
Page 29
Using the Menu
Using the menu items
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.
CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape
PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing
2 Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.
x To use the operation buttons on
PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3
For details of the button items, see page
30.
1 Touch .
2 Touch the desired page.
3 Touch the desired button.
4 Select the desired setting, then touch
b Notes
• With some settings, you do not have to
t (Close).
touch .
x To use menu items
For details of the items, see page 37.
1 Touch t [MENU] on
[PAGE1].
The menu index screen appears.
2 Select the desired menu.
Touch / to select the
item, then touch [EXEC]. (The process
in step 3 and 4 is the same as that in
step 2.)
3 Select the desired item.
4 Customize the item.
After finishing the settings, touch
(close) to hide the menu screen.
Each touch of [ RET.] takes you to
the previous screen.
x To use menu items during Easy
Handycam operation
1 Touch .
2 Select the desired button.
3 Change your item setting.
After finishing the settings, touch
(close).
b Notes
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation to use
menu items normally.
Using the Menu
29
Page 30
Operation button items
Available operation buttons vary depending
on the position of the lamp and the display
(PAGE).
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
The available functions during Easy
Handycam operation are marked with “*”.
See page 29 for details on selecting
button items.
When the CAMERA lamp lights
up
[PAGE1]
SPOT FOCUS
You can select and adjust the focal point to
a subject not located in the center of the
screen.
STBY60min
SPOT FOCUS
1
AUTO
1 Touch the point where you want to focus
on in the frame.
9 appears.
2 Touch [END].
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO].
b Notes
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
0:00:00
END
2
FOCUS
You can adjust the focus manually. You can
select this function also when you want to
focus on a certain subject intentionally.
1 Touch [MANUAL].
9 appears.
2 Touch (focusing on close subjects)/
(focusing on distant subjects) to
sharpen the focus. appears when the
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted
farther away.
3 Touch .
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO].
b Notes
• The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
z Tips
• It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the
power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to
adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to
adjust the zoom for recording. When you want
to record a subject at close range, move the
power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then
adjust the focus.
30
Page 31
SPOT METER
(Flexible spot meter)
You can adjust and fix the exposure to the
subject, so that it is recorded in suitable
brightness even when there is strong
contrast between the subject and the
background, such as subjects in the
spotlight on stage.
STBY60min
SPOT METER
1
AUTO
0:00:00
END
2
TWILIGHT* ( )
Select to maintain the darkening
atmosphere of the distant surroundings in
twilight scenes.
SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset)
()
Select to maintain the atmosphere of
situations such as sunsets and sunrises.
1 Touch the point where you want to fix and
adjust the exposure on the screen.
appears.
2 Touch [END].
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to
[AUTO].
b Notes
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*
See page 73.
MENU
See page 37.
SCENE SEL.
You can record pictures effectively in
various situations with the SCENE SEL.
function.
B AUTO
Select to automatically record pictures
effectively without the [SCENE SEL.]
function.
Using the Menu
LANDSCAPE* ( )
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.
This setting also prevents your camcorder
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in
windows between the camcorder and the
subject.
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ( )
Select to bring out the subject such as
people or flowers while creating a soft
background.
SPOTLIGHT** ( )
Select to prevent people’s faces from
appearing excessively white when subjects
are lit by strong light.
Continued ,
31
Page 32
2
Operation button items (Continued)
SPORT** (Sports lesson) ( )
Select to minimize shake when shooting
fast moving subjects.
SNOW** ( )
Select this when shooting in very bright,
white conditions, such as on a ski slope;
otherwise pictures may appear too dark.
BEACH** ( )
Select to prevent people’s faces from
appearing dark in strong light or reflected
light, such as at a beach in midsummer.
* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away
only.
**Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short
distance away.
b Notes
• If you set [SCENE SEL], [WHT BAL] setting is
canceled.
END SCH (END SEARCH)
See page 26.
0:00:00STBY60min
OK
EXPOSURE
MANU–
AL
1
AUTO
1 Touch [MANUAL].
appears.
2 Adjust the exposure by touching /
.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO].
[PAGE2]
FADER
You can add the following effects to
currently recording pictures.
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),
then touch t .
2 Press REC START/STOP.
The fader indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.
To cancel [FADER] before starting the
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.
If you press REC START/STOP once, the
setting is canceled.
Fading out Fading in
WHITE
EXPOSURE
You can fix the brightness of a picture
manually. Adjust the brightness when the
subject is too bright or too dark.
32
Page 33
BLACK
MOSC. FADER
MONOTONE
When fading in, the picture gradually
changes from black and white to color.
When fading out, it gradually changes from
color to black and white.
WHT BAL (White balance)
You can adjust the color balance to the
brightness of the recording environment.
B AUTO
The white balance is adjusted
automatically.
OUTDOOR ( )
The white balance is appropriately
adjusted for the following recording
conditions:
– Outdoors
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks
– Sunrise or sunset
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps
INDOOR (n)
The white balance is appropriately
adjusted for the following recording
conditions:
– Indoors
– At party scenes or studios where the lighting
conditions change quickly
– Under video lamps in a studio, or under
sodium lamps or incandescent-like color
lamps
ONE PUSH ( )
The white balance will be adjusted
according to the ambient light.
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].
2 Frame a white object such as a piece of
paper, to fill the screen under the same
lighting conditions as you will shoot
the subject.
3 Touch .
flashes quickly. When the white
balance has been adjusted and stored in
the memory, the indicator stops
flashing.
b Notes
• Set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.
• When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing
white object while is flashing quickly.
• flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not
be set.
• When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if keeps
flashing after touching , set [WHT
BAL] to [AUTO].
• If you set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is
canceled.
z Tips
• If you have changed the battery pack while
[AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder
outdoors after inside use with the [EXPOSURE]
set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your
camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10
seconds for better color balance adjustment.
• When the white balance has been set with [ONE
PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.]
settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from
inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo
the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the
white balance.
BEEP*
B ON
A beeping sound starts when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.
OFF
Cancels the beeping sound and shutter
sound.
Using the Menu
Continued ,
33
Page 34
Operation button items (Continued)
CLOCK SET*
See page 15.
LCD BRT (LCD bright)
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen. The recorded picture will not be
affected by this operation.
Adjust the brightness with / .
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights
up
You can use the video operation buttons
( / / / ) on every PAGE.
[PAGE1]
MENU
See page 37.
VOL* (Volume)
See page 24.
END SCH (END SEARCH)
See page 26.
CAM DATA (below)
Displays camera setting data.
DATE/TIME
Displays the date and time.
0:00:00:0060min
1
2
GUIDE
ASteadyShot off
BExposure
CWhite balance
DGain
EShutter speed
FAperture value
b Notes
• In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and
time are displayed in the same area. If you
record a picture without setting the clock, [--- --
----] and [--:--:--] will appear.
• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set
[DATE/TIME] only.
AUTO
AWB100
3
9dBF1. 8
FN
456
BEEP*
See page 33.
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*
See page 73.
[PAGE2]
DATA CODE*
During playback, displays information
(data code) recorded automatically at the
time of recording.
B OFF
Data code is not displayed.
34
CLOCK SET
See page 15.
[PAGE3]
V SPD PLAY
(Various speed playback)
You can play back in various modes while
viewing movies.
1 Touch the following buttons during
playback.
Page 35
To Touch
change the
playback
(frame)
direction*
play back
slowly**
[ySLOW]
To reverse direction:
(frame) t
[ySLOW]
play back 2
times faster
(double speed)
(double speed)
To reverse direction:
(frame) t
(double speed)
play back frame
by frame
(frame) during
playback pause.
To reverse direction:
(frame) during
frame playback.
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This
is not a malfunction.
**Pictures output from the DV Interface
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in
slow mode.
2 Touch [ RET.] t .
To return to the normal playback mode,
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from
frame playback).
b Notes
• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may
see mosaic-like images of the previously played
picture.
– When your camcorder is connected via an
i.LINK cable.
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC
mode on other camcorders.
– On blank sections of the tape.
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV
color system other than that of your
camcorder (p. 59).
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is
set to SAVE (p. 60).
– On sections recorded in HDV format.
• When you add sound, the picture will not be
output from the A/V Remote Connector. Check
the picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder.
• You can only record additional audio over a
tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound
may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape
recorded on other camcorders (including other
DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders).
Recording sound
Insert a recorded cassette into your
camcorder beforehand.
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Touch (Play/Pause) to play back the
tape, then touch it again at the point where
you want to start recording the sound.
3 Touch t [PAGE3] t [A DUB
CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB].
X appears.
0:00:00:0060min
A DUB CTRL
0:00:00:0060min
RET.
Using the Menu
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)
Using the internal stereo microphone
(p. 69), you can add sound to a tape already
recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 42) without
erasing the original sound.
b Notes
• You cannot record additional audio:
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit
mode (p. 42).
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP
mode.
AUDIO
DUB
4 Touch (Play).
Your camcorder starts audio recording via
the internal stereo microphone.
appears while recording the new sound
in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of the
tape.
5 Touch (Stop) when you want to stop
recording.
To dub on other scenes, repeat step
2 to
select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB].
Continued ,
35
Page 36
Operation button items (Continued)
6 Touch [ RET.] t .
To check the recorded sound
1 Play back the tape on which you have
recorded audio (p. 24).
2 Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU].
3 Select (VCR SET), then touch
4 Touch / to adjust the balance
b Notes
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default
/ to select [AUDIO MIX],
then touch [EXEC].
VCR SET
AUDIO MIX
ST1
EXEC
ST2
RET.
of the original sound (ST1) and the new
sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC].
setting.
REC CTRL (Recording control)
See page 46.
LCD BRT (LCD bright)
See page 34.
36
Page 37
Menu items
• Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 19).
CAMERA PLAY/EDIT Easy Handycam
MANUAL SET menu (p. 38)
P EFFECT zz OFF
CAMERA SET menu (p. 39)
D ZOOM z – OFF
WIDE SEL z –
STEADYSHOT z –
EDITSEARCH z –
N.S.LIGHT z –
VCR SET menu (p. 40)
AUDIO MIX – z –
LCD/VF SET menu (p. 41)
LCD B.L. zzBRT NORMAL
LCD COLOR zz
VF B.L. zz
WIDE DISP zz
TAPE SET menu (p. 42)
REC MODE zz SP
AUDIO MODE z –
REMAIN zz
SETUP MENU menu (p. 42)
USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) zz OFF
LANGUAGE zz
DEMO MODE z –
OTHERS menu (p. 43)
WORLD TIME zz –*
A.SHUT OFF zz
DISP OUT zz
GUIDEFRAME z –
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.
4:3
ON
OFF
ON
–
BRT NORMAL
–
12BIT
AUTO
z
ON
5min
LCD
OFF
Using the Menu
37
Page 38
MANUAL SET menu
– P EFFECT
The default setting is marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
See page 29 for details on selecting
menu items.
P EFFECT (Picture effect)
You can add special effects to a picture
during recording or playback. appears.
B OFF
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.
NEG.ART
The color and brightness are reversed.
SEPIA
Pictures appear in sepia.
B&W
Pictures appear in black and white.
SOLARIZE
Pictures appear as an illustration with
strong contrast.
MOSAIC*
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.
* Not available during playback.
b Notes
• Effects added to the playback pictures are not
output via the DV Interface (i.LINK). Only
the original pictures can be output.
• You cannot add effects to externally input
pictures.
z Tips
• You can record pictures edited with special
effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.
(p. 44).
PASTEL*
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.
38
Page 39
CAMERA SET
menu
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
See page 29 for details on selecting
menu items.
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)
You can select the maximum zoom level in
case you want to zoom to a level greater
than 40 × (the default setting) while
recording on a tape. Note that the image
quality decreases when you are using the
digital zoom.
The right side of the bar shows the digital
zooming factor. The zooming zone
appears when you select the zooming
level.
B OFF
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically.
80 ×
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 80 × zoom is
performed digitally.
2000 ×
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 2,000 × zoom is
performed digitally.
WIDE SEL (Wide select)
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable
for the screen on which it will be displayed.
Refer also to the operating instructions
supplied with your TV for details.
B 4:3
Standard setting (to record pictures to be
played back on a 4:3 TV).
16:9 WIDE ( )
Records pictures to be played back on a
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with
[16:9 WIDE] selected.
When viewed on a 16:9 wide
screen TV*
When viewed on a standard
TV**
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.
** Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in
the wide mode, it appears as you saw it on the
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
STEADYSHOT
You can compensate for camera shake (the
default setting is [ON]). Set
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion
lens (optional), then the image becomes
natural.
EDITSEARCH
B OFF
Does not display or on the
LCD screen.
ON
Displays and on the LCD
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH
function and Rec review (p. 26).
Using the Menu
Continued ,
39
Page 40
CAMERA SET menu ( (Continued)
VCR SET menu
– AUDIO MIX
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)
When using the NightShot plus (p. 22)
function to record, you can record clearer
pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the
default setting).
b Notes
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers
or other objects (p. 69).
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is
attached.
• The maximum shooting distance using
[N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).
z Tips
• If you record subjects in dark places, such as
night scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT]
to [OFF]. You can make the image color deeper
this way.
AUDIO MIX
See page 36.
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LCD/VF SET menu
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
The default settings are marked with B.
See page 29 for details on selecting
menu items.
LCD B.L. (LCD back light)
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen’s backlight. The recorded picture
will not be affected by this operation.
B BRT NORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Brightens the LCD screen.
b Notes
• When you connect your camcorder to outside
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically
selected for the setting.
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is
slightly reduced during recording.
LCD COLOR
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen
with / . The recorded picture
will not be affected by this operation.
Low intensity High intensity
b Notes
• When you connect your camcorder to outside
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically
selected for the setting.
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is
slightly reduced during recording.
WIDE DISP (Wide display)
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio
picture appears in the viewfinder and the
LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to
[16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not
be affected by this operation.
B LETTER BOX
Normal setting (standard type of display)
SQUEEZE
Expands the picture vertically if black
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect
ratio are undesirable.
Using the Menu
VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)
You can adjust the brightness of the
viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be
affected by this operation.
B BRT NORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Brightens the viewfinder screen.
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TAPE SET menu
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
See page 29 for details on selecting
menu items.
REC MODE (Recording mode)
B SP (SP)
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on
a cassette.
LP (LP)
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times
the SP mode (Long Play).
b Notes
• If you record in the LP mode, pictures may
appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted
when you play back the tape on other
camcorders or VCRs.
• When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in
the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture
may be distorted or the time code may not be
written properly between the scenes.
AUDIO MODE
B 12BIT
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo
sounds).
16BIT ( )
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound
with high quality).
REMAIN
B AUTO
Displays the remaining tape indicator for
about 8 seconds in situations such as those
described below.
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.
• When you touch (Play/Pause).
ON
Always displays the remaining tape
indicator.
42
SETUP MENU
menu
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.
See page 29 for details on selecting
menu items.
USB STREAM (DCR-HC54)
You can view the pictures displayed on the
screen of your camcorder on your computer
(USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CDROM for details (p. 51).
LANGUAGE
You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]
(simplified English) for when you cannot find
your native tongue among the options.
DEMO MODE
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
view the demonstration about 10 minutes
after you have removed a cassette from
your camcorder, and slide the POWER
switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA
lamp.
z Tips
• The demonstration will be suspended in
situations such as those described below.
– When you touch the screen during the
demonstration. (The demonstration starts
again after about 10 minutes.)
– When a cassette is inserted.
– When the POWER switch is set to other than
CAMERA.
Page 43
OTHERS menu
– WORLD TIME, etc.
The default settings are marked with B.
See page 29 for details on selecting
menu items.
WORLD TIME
When using your camcorder abroad, you
can set the time difference by touching
/ , the clock will be adjusted in
accordance with the time difference.
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock
returns to the originally set time.
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)
B 5min
The camcorder is automatically turned off
when you do not operate your camcorder
for more than approximately 5 minutes.
NEVER
The camcorder is not automatically turned
off.
b Notes
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall
outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is
automatically set to [NEVER].
DISP OUT (Display output)
B LCD
Shows displays such as the time code on
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
V-OUT/LCD
Shows displays such as the time code on
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the
viewfinder.
GUIDEFRAME
You can display the frame and check that
the subject is horizontal or vertical by
setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON].
The frame is not recorded. Press DISP/
BATT INFO to make the frame disappear.
z Tips
• Placing the subject at the cross point of the
guide frame makes a balanced composition.
Using the Menu
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Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders
You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs
or DVD/HDD recorders.
You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, using the A/V connecting
cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for
this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be
connected.
Device without an
S VIDEO jack
(Yellow)
1
A/V Remote
Connector
DV
To DV Interface
(i.LINK)
: Signal flow
(White)
(Red)
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of another device.
B A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via the S
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be
reproduced more faithfully than with the
supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the
white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V
connecting cable. In this case, the yellow
2
3
Device with an
S VIDEO jack
(Black)
(White)
(Red)
(Yellow)
To i.LINK jack
(standard video) plug connection is not
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not
output audio.
VCRs or DVD/HDD
recorders
C i.LINK cable (optional)
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your
camcorder to another device equipped with an
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are
transmitted digitally, producing high quality
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot
output picture and sound separately.
44
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b Notes
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack,
and the red (right channel) or the white (left
channel) plug to the audio input jack on the
device.
• When you connect a device via an A/V
connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the
default setting) (p. 43).
1 Prepare your camcorder for
playback.
Insert the recorded cassette.
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Insert the recording media in the
recording device.
If your recording device has an input
selector, set it to the appropriate input
(such as video input1, video input2).
3 Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (VCR or DVD/
HDD recorder) with the A/V
connecting cable (supplied) 1,
an A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional) 2 or an i.LINK
cable (optional) 3.
Connect your camcorder to the input
jacks of the recording device.
5 When dubbing is complete, stop
your camcorder and the
recording device.
b Notes
• To record the date/time and camera settings data
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,
display them on the screen (p. 34).
• The following cannot be output via the DV
Interface (i.LINK):
– Indicators
– Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 38)
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, the
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture
is paused on your camcorder while recording.
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, data
code (date/time/camera settings data) may not
be displayed or recorded depending on the
device or application.
Dubbing/Editing
4 Start playback on the camcorder,
and recording on the recording
device.
Refer to the operating instructions
supplied with your recording device for
details.
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Recording pictures from a VCR, etc.
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape.
Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand.
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK
cable (optional).
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for
this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be
connected.
b Notes
• You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR that does not have an i.LINK
jack.
DV
To DV Interface (i.LINK)
: Signal flow
When connecting your camcorder to
another device using an i.LINK cable, the
video and audio signals are transmitted
digitally, producing high quality pictures
and sound. Note that you cannot output
picture and sound separately.
1 Connect your VCR, etc., to your
camcorder with an i.LINK cable.
2 Insert a cassette into the VCR.
46
To i.LINK jack
i.LINK
i.LINK cable (optional)
AV device
with i.LINK
jack
3 Slide the POWER switch
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/
EDIT lamp.
4 Set your camcorder to recording
pause mode.
Touch t [PAGE3] t [REC
CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].
Page 47
5 Start playing the cassette on the
VCR.
The picture played on the connected
device appears on the LCD screen of
your camcorder.
6 Touch [REC START] at the point
you want to start recording.
7 Stop recording.
Touch (Stop) or [REC PAUSE].
8 Touch [ RET.] t .
b Notes
• The indicator appears when you connect
your camcorder and other devices via an i.LINK
cable. (This indicator may also appear on the
connected device.)
Dubbing/Editing
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Using a Computer
What you can do with Windows computer (DCRHC54)
When you install the “Picture Motion
Browser” on a Windows computer from the
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the
following operations.
b Notes
• You cannot install the supplied software,
“Picture Motion Browser”, on a Macintosh
computer.
Main functions
x Importing/Viewing movies taken
with your camcorder
You can manage movies by date and time
of shooting, and select movies you want to
view as thumbnails. These thumbnails can
be enlarged and played in a slide show.
x Editing movies imported to a
computer
You can edit imported movies on a
computer.
x Exporting movies from your
computer to your camcorder
You can export movies that have been
imported to a computer from your
camcorder, back to your camcorder.
About “First Step Guide”
The “First Step Guide” is an instruction
manual you can refer to on your computer.
This describes basic operations, from initial
hookup of your camcorder and computer
and making settings, to general operation
the first time you use the software “Picture
Motion Browser” stored on the CD-ROM
(supplied).
Referring to “Installing the “First Step
Guide”” (p. 49), start the “First Step
Guide”, then follow the instructions.
About the help function of the
software
The Help guide explains all the functions of
all the software applications. Refer to the
Help guide for further detailed operations
after reading the “First Step Guide”
thoroughly.
To display the Help guide, click the [?]
mark on the screen.
System requirements
When using “Picture Motion Browser”
OS: Windows 2000 Professional SP4,
Windows XP SP2*,
Windows Vista*
*64-bit editions and Starter (Edition)
are not supported.
Standard installation is required.
Operation is not assured if the above
OS has been upgraded or in a multiboot environment.
CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This
product is based on DirectX technology.
It is necessary to have DirectX
installed.)
Sound system: Direct Sound compatible
sound card
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Memory: 256 MB or more
Hard disk: Disc volume required for
installation: Approximately 350 MB
Display: Minimum 1024 × 768 dots
Others: USB port (this must be
provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB
(USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended),
DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to
connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive
(CD-ROM drive is necessary for
installation)
b Notes
• Operations are not guaranteed on a computer
environment that does not meet the system
requirements.
• Operations are not guaranteed on all the
recommended environments.
For example, other open or background
applications running on currently may limit
product performance.
• If you use a Notebook PC, connect it to the AC
Adaptor as the power source. Otherwise, the
software will not work properly due to the
power saving function of the PC.
Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (DCR-HC54)
You need to install the “First Step Guide”
and software to your Windows computer
before connecting your camcorder
to the computer. The installation is
required only for the first time.
Contents to be installed and procedures
may differ depending on your OS.
Installing the “First Step Guide”
1 Confirm that your camcorder is
not connected to the computer.
2 Turn on the computer.
• Log on as an Administrator for installation.
• Close all applications running on the
computer before installing the software.
3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the
disc drive of your computer.
The installation screen appears.
Using a Computer
If the screen does not appear
1 Click [Start], then click [My
Computer]. (For Windows 2000,
double-click [My Computer].)
2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]
(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary
depending on the computer.
4 Click [FirstStepGuide].
Continued ,
49
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Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (DCR-HC54) (Continued)
5 Select the desired language and
the model name of your
camcorder from the pull-down
menu.
6 Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].
Installation starts.
When [Save is complete] appears, click
[OK] to finish the installation.
To view the “First Step Guide” in PDF
In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].
To install the software “Adobe
Reader” to display the PDF file
In step 6, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].
Installing the software
1 Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing
the “First Step Guide”” (p. 49).
2 Click [Install].
5 Read [License Agreement], select
[I accept the terms of the license
agreement] when you agree, then
click [Next].
6 Follow the on-screen instructions
to install the software.
Depending on the computer, you may
need to install third party software
(shown below). If the installation screen
appears, follow the instructions to
install the required software.
x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c
Software required to handle movies
Restart the computer if required to
complete the installation.
The short-cut icons, such as [ ]
(Picture Motion Browser), appear on the
desktop.
7 Remove the CD-ROM from the
disc drive of your computer.
3 Select the language for the
application to be installed, then
click [Next].
4 Check your country/region, then
click [Next].
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Viewing “First Step Guide” (DCR-HC54)
To view “First Step Guide” on your
computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.
Double-click the short-cut icon for your
camcorder’s “First Step Guide” on the
desktop.
z Tips
• You can also start by selecting [Start] t
[Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP)
t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide]
t Your camcorder's folder t “First Step
Guide” in HTML.
• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without
installing, copy the desired language folder from
the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM,
and then double-click [Index.html].
• Refer to the “First Step Guide” in PDF in the
following cases:
– When printing the desired topics of “First
Step Guide”
– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed
correctly due to the browser setting even in
recommended environment.
– When the HTML version of “First Step
Guide” cannot be installed.
Using a Computer
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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problems using your
camcorder, use the following table to
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem
persists, disconnect the power source and
contact your Sony dealer.
• Overall operations/Easy Handycam .....52
• Batteries/Power sources .......................52
• LCD screen/viewfinder ........................53
• Cassette tapes .......................................53
• Recording .............................................54
• Playback ...............................................55
• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other
devices..................................................55
• Connecting to a computer ....................56
• Functions that cannot be used together
..............................................................56
Overall operations/Easy
Handycam
The power does not turn on.
• Attach a charged battery pack to the
camcorder (p. 12).
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall
outlet (wall socket) (p. 12).
The camcorder does not operate
even when the power is set to on.
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.
• Press the RESET button (p. 70) using a
sharp-pointed object. (If you press the
RESET button, all settings are reset.)
Buttons do not work.
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all
buttons are functional (p. 20).
Settings change during Easy
Handycam operation.
• During Easy Handycam operation, the
settings of the functions that are not
displayed on the screen return to their
defaults (p. 19, 37).
The menu item settings have
changed unexpectedly.
• The following settings return to the default
settings automatically when you set the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG) for more
than 12 hours.
– backlight
– [SPOT FOCUS]
– [FOCUS]
– [SPOT METER]
– [SCENE SEL.]
– [EXPOSURE]
– [WHT BAL]
– [AUDIO MIX]
The camcorder gets warm.
• The camcorder may get warmer while you
use it. This is not a malfunction.
Batteries/Power sources
The power abruptly turns off.
• When approximately 5 minutes have
elapsed while you do not operate your
camcorder, the camcorder is automatically
turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the
setting of [A.SHUT OFF] (p. 43), or turn
on the power again (p. 15), or use the AC
Adaptor.
• Charge the battery pack (p. 12).
• The battery is fully discharged, or almost
discharged.
The CHG (charge) lamp does not
light while the battery pack is being
charged.
• Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)
(p. 12).
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• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
correctly (p. 12).
• Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the
wall outlet (wall socket) properly (p. 12).
• The battery charge is completed (p. 12).
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while
the battery pack is being charged.
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
correctly (p. 12). If the problem persists,
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony
dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.
The remaining battery time indicator
does not indicate the correct time.
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low,
or the battery pack has not been charged
enough. This is not a malfunction.
• Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, the battery may be wornout. Replace it with a new one (p. 12, 61).
• The indicated time may not be correct in
certain circumstances. For example, when
you open or close the LCD panel, it takes
about 1 minute to display the correct
remaining battery time.
The battery pack discharges too
quickly.
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low,
or the battery pack has not been charged
enough. This is not a malfunction.
• Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, the battery may be wornout. Replace it with a new one (p. 12, 61).
LCD screen/viewfinder
A rippling effect appears on the LCD
screen when you touch it.
• This is not a malfunction. Do not press hard
on the LCD screen.
The buttons do not appear on the
touch panel.
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your
camcorder (p. 70).
The buttons on the touch panel do
not work correctly or do not work at
all.
• Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION])
(p. 64).
Menu items are grayed out.
• You cannot select grayed items in the
current recording/playback situation.
The picture in the viewfinder is not
clear.
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever
until the picture appears clearly (p. 17).
The picture in the viewfinder has
disappeared.
• Close the LCD panel. The picture is not
displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD
panel is open (p. 17).
Dots in lines appear on the LCD
screen.
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are
not recorded.
Cassette tapes
The cassette cannot be ejected from
the compartment.
• Make sure the power source (battery pack
or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly
(p. 12).
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside
the camcorder (p. 63).
Troubleshooting
Continued ,
53
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Troubleshooting (Continued)
The Cassette Memory indicator or
title display does not appear while
using a cassette with Cassette
Memory.
• This camcorder does not support Cassette
Memory, so the indicator does not appear.
The remaining tape indicator is not
displayed.
• Set [ REMAIN] to [ON] to always
display the remaining tape indicator (p. 42).
The cassette is noisier during
rewinding or fast-forwarding.
• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast
forward speed increases (compared with
battery operation) and therefore increases
noise. This is not a malfunction.
Recording
The tape does not start when you
press REC START/STOP.
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn
on the CAMERA lamp (p. 21).
• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or
insert a new cassette.
• Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a
new cassette (p. 60).
• The tape is stuck to the drum due to
moisture condensation. Remove the
cassette and leave your camcorder for at
least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette
(p. 63).
You cannot record a smooth
transition on a tape from the last
recorded scene to the next.
• Perform [END SCH] (p. 26).
• Do not remove the cassette. (The picture
will be recorded continuously without a
break even when you turn the power off.)
• Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP
mode on the same tape.
• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in
the LP mode.
[END SCH] does not work.
• Do not eject the cassette after recording
(p. 26).
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.
• There is a blank section between recorded
sections of the tape. This is not a
malfunction.
The auto focus does not function.
• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 30).
• The recording conditions are not suitable
for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually
(p. 30).
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 39).
The backlight function does not
function.
• In the following settings, the backlight
function is canceled.
– [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]
– [SPOT METER]
• The backlight function does not work
during Easy Handycam operation (p. 20).
A vertical band appears when
recording candlelight or electric light
in the dark.
• This occurs when the contrast between the
subject and the background is too high.
This is not a malfunction.
A vertical band appears when
recording a bright subject.
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect.
This is not a malfunction.
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The color of the picture is not
correctly displayed.
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function
(p. 22).
The screen picture is bright, and the
subject does not appear on the
screen.
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function
(p. 22), or cancel the backlight function
(p. 23).
Undesirable flicker occurs.
• This anomaly may occur when recording
pictures under the discharge tube, such as a
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury
lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORT]. This
is not a malfunction.
Black bands appear when you
record a TV screen or computer
screen.
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 39).
[The lens cover might be
closed.Check the cover.] appears on
the screen when the lens cover is
open.
• There is not enough light, or the lens is
covered by your finger or other object.
Playback
You cannot play back a tape.
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 24).
• Rewind the tape (p. 24).
Horizontal lines appear on the
picture. The displayed pictures are
not clear or do not appear.
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette
(optional) (p. 64).
No sound or only a low sound is
heard.
• Turn up the volume (p. 24).
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is
heard appropriately (p. 36).
• If you are using an S VIDEO plug, make
sure the red and white plugs of the A/V
connecting cable are also connected (p. 28).
The sound breaks off.
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette
(optional) (p. 64).
“---” is displayed on the screen.
• The tape you are playing was recorded
without setting the date and time.
• A blank section on the tape is being played.
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or
noise cannot be read.
Noises appear and is displayed
on the screen.
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system
other than that of your camcorder (NTSC).
This is not a malfunction (p. 59).
is displayed on the screen.
• The tape you are playing was recorded on
another device with a 4ch microphone
(4CH MIC REC). Your camcorder is not
compatible with 4ch microphone recording.
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to
other devices
Time code and other information
appear on the display of the
connected device.
• Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] while connected
with an A/V connecting cable (p. 43).
Troubleshooting
Continued ,
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Troubleshooting (Continued)
You cannot dub correctly using the
A/V connecting cable.
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected
properly. Make sure that the A/V
connecting cable is connected to the input
jack of another device for dubbing a picture
from your camcorder (p. 44).
New sound added to a recorded tape
is not heard.
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is
heard appropriately (p. 36).
Pictures from connected devices are
not displayed correctly.
• The input signal is not NTSC (p. 59).
Connecting to a computer (DCRHC54)
The computer does not recognize
your camcorder.
• Install the “Picture Motion Browser”
(p. 49).
• The computer may not recognize your
camcorder for a few moments after you
connect it. Wait for a while.
• Disconnect USB devices other than the
keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder
from the (USB) jack on the computer.
• Disconnect the cable from the computer
and camcorder, restart the computer, then
connect them again correctly.
Functions that cannot be used
together
Depending on the functions, you may not
be able to use them together. The following
list shows examples of functions that
cannot be used at the same time.
Not available If this function is set
backlight [SPOT METER],
[EXPOSURE]
[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SEL.]
[SPOT METER] NightShot plus
[SCENE SEL.] NightShot plus
[EXPOSURE] NightShot plus
[WHT BAL] NightShot plus
You cannot install the supplied
software, “Picture Motion Browser,”
on a Macintosh computer.
• You can install “Picture Motion Browser”
only on a Windows computer.
56
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Warning indicators and messages
Self-diagnosis display/Warning
indicators
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in
the viewfinder, check the following.
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If
the problem persists even after you have
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony
dealer or local authorized Sony service
facility.
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis
display)
C:04:ss
• The battery pack is not an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H
series). Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack (H series) (p. 61).
• Connect the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your
camcorder securely (p. 12).
C:21:ss
• Moisture condensation has occurred.
Remove the cassette and leave your
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then reinsert the cassette (p. 63).
C:22:ss
• Clean the head using a cleaning
cassette (optional) (p. 64).
C:31:ss / C:32:ss
• Symptoms that are not described above
have occurred. Remove and insert the
cassette, then operate your camcorder
again. Do not perform this procedure if
moisture condensation has occurred
(p. 63).
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it
and operate your camcorder again.
• Change the cassette. Press RESET
(p. 70), and operate your camcorder
again.
E:61:ss / E:62:ss
• Contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility. Inform
them of the 5-digit code, which starts
from “E.”
E (Battery level warning)
• The battery pack is nearly used up.
• Depending on the operating,
environment, or battery conditions, E
may flash, even if there are
approximately 5 to 10 minutes
remaining.
% (Moisture condensation warning)*
• Eject the cassette, remove the power
source, and then leave it for about 1
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 63).
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to
the tape)
Slow flashing:
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining
on the tape.
• No cassette is inserted.*
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is
set to lock (p. 60).*
Fast flashing:
• The tape has run out.*
Z (Eject cassette warning)*
Slow flashing:
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is
set to lock (p. 60).
Fast flashing:
• Moisture condensation has occurred
(p. 63).
• The self-diagnosis display code is
displayed (p. 57).
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators
appear on the screen (p. 33).
Troubleshooting
Continued ,
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Warning indicators and messages (Continued)
Examples of warning messages
If messages appear on the screen, follow the
instructions.
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject
the cassette (p. 63)
% Moisture condensation. Turn off
for 1H. (p. 63)
Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 18)
• Check if the cassette is damaged.
QZ The tape is locked - check the
tab. (p. 60)
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Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad
Power supply
You can use your camcorder in any
country/region using the AC Adaptor
supplied with your camcorder within the
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.
Use a commercially available AC plug
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the
design of the wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
AC-L200/L200B [a] [b]
On TV color systems
Your camcorder is NTSC system, so its
picture can only be viewed on a NTSC
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input
jack.
System Used in
NTSC Bahama Islands, Bolivia,
Canada, Central America, Chile,
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,
Venezuela, etc.
PAL Australia, Austria, Belgium,
China, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, Germany,
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Singapore,
Slovak Republic, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,
United Kingdom, etc.
PAL - M Brazil
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,
etc.
Simple setting of the clock by time
difference
You can easily set the clock to the local
time abroad by entering the time difference
between where you live and where you are.
Select [WORLD TIME] in the
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time
difference (p. 43).
Additional Information
59
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Maintenance and precautions
Usable cassette tapes
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.
Use a cassette with the mark.
Your camcorder is not compatible with the
Cassette Memory function.
To prevent a blank section from being
created on the tape
Go to the end of the recorded section using
END SEARCH (p. 26) before you begin the
next recording in the following cases:
• You have played back the tape.
• You have used EDIT SEARCH.
Copyright signal
x When you play back
If the cassette you play back on your
camcorder contains copyright signals, you
cannot copy it to a tape in another video
camera connected to your camcorder.
x When you record
You cannot record software on your
camcorder that contains copyright control
signals for copyright protection of software.
[Cannot record due to copyright
protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or
on the viewfinder if you try to record such
software. Your camcorder does not record
copyright control signals on the tape when
it records.
Notes on use
x When not using your camcorder for a
long time
Remove the cassette and store it.
x To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to
set it to SAVE.
REC: The cassette can be
recorded.
SAVE: The cassette c annot be
recorded (write-protected).
x When labeling the cassette
Be sure to place the label only on the
locations shown in the following
illustration so as not to cause a malfunction
of your camcorder.
x After using the cassette
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid
distortion of the picture or the sound. The
cassette should then be put in its case, and
stored in an upright position.
x When cleaning the gold-plated
connector
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector
on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after
every 10 times it has been ejected.
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette
is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape
indicator may not show correctly.
REC
SAVE
Do not put a label
along this border.
Labeling position
60
Gold-plated connector
Page 61
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
This unit is compatible with an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).
Your camcorder operates only with an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs
have the mark.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack?
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions
for communicating information related to
operating conditions between your
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/
charger.
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
calculates the power consumption
according to the operating conditions of
your camcorder, and displays the remaining
battery time in minutes.
To charge the battery pack
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you
start using your camcorder.
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside
of this temperature range, you may not be able
to charge it efficiently.
• When charging the battery pack while the AC
Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after
charging is complete, disconnect the cable from
the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove
the battery pack.
To use the battery pack effectively
• Battery pack performance decreases when the
surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or
below, and the length of time you can use the
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do
one of the following to use the battery pack for a
longer time.
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,
and insert it in your camcorder right before
you start taking shots.
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/
FH100 (optional).
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent
playback, fast forward or rewind operation
wears out the battery pack faster.
We recommend using a large capacity battery
pack: NP-FH70/FH100 (optional).
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)
when not recording or playing back on your
camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed
when your camcorder is in recording standby or
playback pause.
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or three
times the expected recording time, and make
trial recordings before making the actual
recording.
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The
battery pack is not water resistant.
About the remaining battery time
indicator
• When the power goes off even though the
remaining battery time indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate,
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,
however, that the battery indication will not be
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use
the remaining battery time indication as a rough
guide only.
• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery
time remaining, depending on the operating
conditions or ambient temperature.
About storage of the battery pack
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper
function. To store the battery pack, remove it
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool
place.
• To discharge the battery pack on your
camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to
[NEVER] on the (OTHERS) menu and
leave your camcorder in tape recording standby
until the power goes off (p. 43).
Continued ,
Additional Information
61
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Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
About battery life
• Battery capacity decreases over time and
through repeated use. If decreased usage time
between charges becomes significant, it is
probably time to replace it with a new one.
• Each battery’s life is governed by storage,
operating and environmental conditions.
About i.LINK
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINKcompliant DV Interface. This section
describes the i.LINK standard and its
features.
What is i.LINK?
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for
transferring digital video, digital audio, and
other data to other i.LINK-compatible
devices. You can also control other devices
using the i.LINK.
i.LINK-compatible devices can be
connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible
applications are operations and data
transactions with various digital AV
devices.
When two or more i.LINK-compatible
devices are daisy-chained with the unit,
operation becomes possible from any
device in the chain. Note that operation
method may vary, or data transactions may
not be possible, depending on specifications
and characteristics of the connected
devices.
b Notes
• Normally, only one device can be connected to
this unit with an i.LINK cable. When
connecting this unit to an i.LINK-compatible
device having two or more DV Interfaces, refer
to the operating instructions of the device to be
connected.
z Tips
• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE
1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and
is a trademark approved by many corporations.
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers.
About the i.LINK Baud rate
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies
according to the device. There are 3 types.
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)
The baud rate is listed under
“Specifications” in the operating
instructions of each piece of equipment. It
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface
on some devices.
The baud rate may differ from the indicated
value when the unit is connected to a device
with a different maximum baud rate.
* What is Mbps?
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or
the amount of data that can be sent or
received in one second. For example, a
baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100
megabits of data can be sent in one second.
To use i.LINK functions on this unit
For details on how to dub when this unit is
connected to other video devices having a
DV Interface, see page 44, 46.
This unit can also be connected to other
i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices
made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal
computer) as well as to video devices.
Some i.LINK compatible video devices,
such as Digital Televisions, DVD,
MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are
not compatible with DV devices. Before
connecting to other devices, be sure to
confirm whether the device is compatible
with a DV device or not. For details on
precautions and compatible application
software, refer also to the operating
instructions for the device to be connected.
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b Notes
• When connecting your camcorder to another
i.LINK-compatible device, be sure to turn off
the power of the device and disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket)
before connecting or disconnecting the i.LINK
cable.
About the required i.LINK cable
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable
(during DV dubbing).
On using your camcorder
On use and care
• Do not use or store the camcorder and
accessories in the following locations.
– Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid.
Never leave them exposed to temperatures
above 60 °C (140 °F), such as under direct
sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in the
sun. They may malfunction or become
deformed.
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.
– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The
camcorder may not be able to record properly.
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.
Noise may occur.
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction
cannot be repaired.
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.
• Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories
recommended in these operating instructions.
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this
malfunction cannot be repaired.
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it
any further.
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as
hammering, dropping or stepping on the
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF(CHG)
when you are not using your camcorder.
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause
heat to build up inside.
• When disconnecting the power cord (mains
lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord.
• Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)
such as by placing anything heavy on it.
• Keep metal contacts clean.
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,
– consult your local authorized Sony service
facility.
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted
your skin
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with
plenty of water and consult a doctor.
x When not using your camcorder for a
long time
• Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a
cassette for about 3 minutes.
• Use up the battery pack completely before
storing it.
Moisture condensation
If your camcorder is brought directly from a
cold place to a warm place, moisture may
condense inside your camcorder, on the
surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this
state, the tape may stick to the head drum
and be damaged or your camcorder may not
operate correctly. If there is moisture inside
your camcorder, [%Z Moisture
condensation. Eject the cassette] or [%
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]
appears. The indicator will not appear when
the moisture condenses on the lens.
x If moisture condensation has occurred
None of the functions except cassette
ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn
off your camcorder, and leave it for about
one hour with the cassette lid open. Your
camcorder can be used again when both of
the following conditions are met:
Continued ,
Additional Information
63
Page 64
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
• The warning message does not appear when the
power is turned on.
• Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted
and video operation buttons are touched.
If moisture starts to condense, your
camcorder sometimes cannot detect
condensation. If this happens, the cassette is
sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after
the cassette lid is opened. This is not a
malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid
until the cassette is ejected.
x Note on moisture condensation
Moisture may condense when you bring
your camcorder from a cold place into a
warm place (or vice versa) or when you use
your camcorder in a humid place as shown
below.
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski
slope into a place warmed up by a heating
device.
• When you bring your camcorder from an air
conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a
shower.
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and
humid place.
x How to avoid moisture condensation
When you bring your camcorder from a
cold place into a warm place, put your
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it
tightly. Remove the bag when the air
temperature inside the plastic bag has
reached the surrounding temperature (after
about one hour).
Video head
It is recommended you use a cleaning
cassette (optional) before recording
anything important.
• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound
distortion may be apparent.
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
64
– Playback pictures do not move.
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound
breaks off.
–[x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning
cassette.] appears on the screen during
recording/playback.
• The video heads will wear after long use. If you
cannot obtain a clear image even after using a
cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because
the video heads are worn. Please contact your
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service
facility to have the video heads replaced.
LCD screen
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD
screen, as it may cause damage.
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.
This is not a malfunction.
• While using your camcorder, the back of the
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a
malfunction.
x To clean the LCD screen
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen
dirty, it is recommended you use a soft
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD
Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen.
Use cleaning paper moistened with the
liquid.
x On adjustment of the touch panel
(CALIBRATION)
The buttons on the touch panel may not
work correctly. If this happens, follow the
procedure below. It is recommended you
connect your camcorder to the wall outlet
(wall socket) using the supplied AC
Adaptor during the operation.
1 Turn off the power, then slide the POWER
switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/
EDIT lamp while pressing DISP/BATT
INFO on your camcorder, and keep
pressing down DISP/BATT INFO for
about 5 seconds.
Page 65
2 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with
the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the
like.
To remove dust from inside the
viewfinder
1 Pull out the viewfinder.
2 While pushing in the tab on the side
with a fine-tipped implement such as a
ball point pen, pull the eyecup block in
the direction of the arrow to remove.
Tab
The position of the “×” changes. If you did
not press the right spot, start from step
2
again.
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is
rotated.
On handling the casing
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the
finish.
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide
and sunscreen.
– Handling with above substances on your
hands.
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or
vinyl objects for a long period of time.
About care and storage of the lens
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft
cloth in the following instances:
– When there are fingerprints on the lens
surface.
– In hot or humid locations
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as
at the seaside.
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to
little dirt or dust.
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as
described above. It is recommended that you
operate your camcorder about once a month to
keep it in optimum state for a long time.
3 Remove dust from the eyecup block
with a camera blower, etc.
Additional Information
4 Press the viewfinder onto the body of
the camcorder.
5 Remove dust from the inside area where
the eyecup block was attached with a
camera blower, etc.
Continued ,
65
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Maintenance and precautions
(Continued)
6 Attach the eyecup block to the
viewfinder, pushing it straight on until it
clicks.
b Notes
• The eyecup block is a precision part. Do not
disassemble it further.
• Do not touch the lens of the eyecup block.
On charging the pre-installed
rechargeable battery
Your camcorder has a pre-installed
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,
and other settings even when the POWER
switch is set to OFF(CHG). The preinstalled rechargeable battery is always
charged while your camcorder is connected
to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC
Adaptor or while the battery pack is
attached. The rechargeable battery will be
fully discharged in about 3 months if
you do not use your camcorder at all
without the AC Adaptor connected or the
battery pack attached. Use your camcorder
after charging the pre-installed
rechargeable battery.
However, even if the pre-installed
rechargeable battery is not charged, the
camcorder operation will not be affected as
long as you are not recording the date.
x Procedures
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet
(wall socket) using the supplied AC
Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER
switch set to OFF(CHG) for more than 24
hours.
Specifications
System
Video recording system
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system
Audio recording system
Rotary heads, PCM system
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo
1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)
Video signal
NTSC color, EIA standards
Usable cassette
Mini DV cassette with the mark
printed
Tape speed
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s
Recording/playback time
SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)
LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)
Fast forward/rewind time
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60
cassette and rechargeable battery pack)
Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60
cassette and AC Adaptor)
Viewfinder
Electric viewfinder (color)
Image device
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge
Coupled Device)
Gross: Approx. 680 000 pixels
Effective (movie): Approx. 340 000
pixels
Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
40 × (Optical), 2 000 × (Digital)
Focal length
f=1.9 ~ 76 mm (3/32 ~ 3 in.)
When converted to a 35 mm still
camera
In CAMERA: 36 ~ 1 440 mm (1 7/16 ~
56 3/4 in.)
F1.8 ~ 4.1
Filter diameter: 30 mm (1 3/16 in.)
66
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Color temperature
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR]
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)
Minimum illumination
11 lx (lux) (F 1.8)
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus
function)
Input/Output connectors
A/V Remote Connector
10-pin connector
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)
Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω
(ohms)
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load
impedance 47 kΩ (kilohms)), Output
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ
(kilohms)
USB jack (DCR-HC54)
mini-B
DV input/output jack
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin
connector S100)
LCD screen
Picture
6.2 cm (2.5 type)
Total dot number
123 200 (560 × 220)
General
Power requirements
DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack)
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)
Average power consumption
During camera recording using the
viewfinder 1.8 W
During camera recording using the
LCD 2.1 W
Operating temperature
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Storage temperature
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)
Dimensions (approx.)
63 × 85 × 114 mm
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)
including the projecting parts
63 × 85 × 115 mm
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 5/8 in.) (w/h/d)
including the projecting parts with
supplied battery pack NP-FH30
attached
Mass (approx.)
380g(13oz) main unit only
440g(15oz) including the NP-FH30
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60
cassette.
Supplied accessories
See page 11.
AC Adaptor AC-L200/L200B
Power requirements
AC 100 V - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Current consumption
0.35 - 0.18 A
Power consumption
18 W
Output voltage
DC 8.4 V*
Operating temperature
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Storage temperature
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)
Dimensions (approx.)
48 × 29 × 81 mm (1 15/16 × 1 3/16 ×
3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the
projecting parts
Mass (approx.)
170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the power cord
(mains lead)
See the label on the AC Adaptor for
*
other specifications.
Additional Information
Continued ,
67
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Specifications (Continued)
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30)
Maximum output voltage
DC 8.4 V
Output voltage
DC 7.2 V
Capacity
3.6 Wh (500 mAh)
Dimensions (approx.)
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm
(1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in) (w/h/d)
Mass (approx.)
40 g (1.5 oz)
Operating temperature
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Type
Lithium ion
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
On trademarks
• “Handycam” and are
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
• is a trademark.
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media,
Windows Vista, and DirectX are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/
or other countries.
• Macintosh and Mac OS are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other
countries.
• Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its
subsidiaries in the United States and other
countries.
• Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are
either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United
States and/or other countries.
All other product names mentioned herein may be
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®”
are not mentioned in each case in this manual.
68
Page 69
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.
A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (22)
B Power zoom lever (22)
C OPEN/EJECT lever (18)
D Hooks for a shoulder belt
Attach a shoulder belt (optional).
E Grip belt (17)
F Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (7)
G LENS COVER switch (17)
H Internal stereo microphone (35)
I Infrared port (22)
Quick Reference
Continued ,
69
Page 70
Identifying parts and controls (Continued)
A DISP/BATT INFO button (13, 17)
B EASY button (19)
C RESET button
Initializes all the settings, including the
setting of the date and time.
D LCD screen/touch panel (17, 72)
E Zoom buttons (22)
F REC START/STOP button (19, 21)
G Speaker
Playback sounds comes out from the
speaker. For how to adjust the volume,
see page 24.
H BATT (battery release) PUSH button
(13)
I CHG (charge) lamp (12)
J For DCR-HC54:
(USB) jack
K . (back light) button (23)
70
Page 71
A POWER switch (15)
B Viewfinder (17)
C Eyecup (65)
D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (17)
E DV interface (44, 46)
F DC IN jack (12)
G A/V Remote Connector (28, 44)
H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT lamp (15)
I REC START/STOP button (19, 21)
J Tripod receptacle
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm
(7/32 in.)) to the tripod receptacle using
a tripod screw.
Quick Reference
71
Page 72
Indicators displayed during recording/playback
123 4 5
128 4 5
Recording
Viewing
7
A Remaining battery (approx.)
B Recording mode (SP or LP) (42)
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recording))
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:
minute: second)
Playback: Time code (hour: minute:
second: frame)
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)
(42)
67
9
6
F Function button (29)
G Guide button (25)
H Tape transport indicator
I Video operation buttons (24)
72
Page 73
Indicators when you made
changes
You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 73) to
check the function of each indicator that
appears on the LCD screen.
b Notes
• Some of the indicators may not appear when
you use [DISP GUIDE].
Upper left Upper right
Indicator Meaning
SCENE SEL. (31)
Picture effect (38)
n White balance (33)
Wide select (39)
SteadyShot off (39)
EDIT
+
EDITSEARCH (39)
/
60min
/
EDIT
Bottom Center
0:00:00STBY
60min
+
GUIDE
Upper left
Indicator Meaning
AUDIO MODE (42)
Upper right
Indicator Meaning
DV input (46)
Center
Indicator Meaning
NightShot plus (22)
% Z Warning (57)
Bottom
Indicator Meaning
Flexible spot meter (31)/
Manual exposure (32)
9 Manual focus (30)
.
Backlight (23)
b Notes
• The content and the position of the indicator are
normal. It may differ from the actual display.
FN
Data code during recording
The date/time during recording and the
camera setting data will be recorded
automatically. They do not appear on the
screen during recording, but you can check
them as [DATA CODE] during playback
(p. 34).
Checking the screen indicators
(Display guide)
You can easily check the meaning of each
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.
1 Touch [GUIDE] t [DISP GUIDE].
2 Touch the area including the indicator that
you want to check.
The meanings of the indicators in the area
are listed on the screen. If you cannot find
the indicator you want to check, touch
[PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to toggle.
Continued ,
Quick Reference
73
Page 74
Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued)
To finish the operation, touch [END].
z Tips
• You can also operate by touching t
[DISP GUIDE].
74
Page 75
Index
Numeric
12BIT....................................42
16BIT....................................42
16:9 WIDE............................39
4:3 .........................................39
A
A DUB CTRL
(Audio dubbing) ...................35
AC Adaptor...........................12
AUDIO MIX.........................36
AUDIO MODE.....................42
A.SHUT OFF
(Auto shut off)......................43
A/V connecting cable .....28, 44
B
Backlight.........................23, 54
Battery ............................12, 61
BEACH.................................32
BEEP ....................................33
BLACK.................................33
B&W.....................................38
C
CALIBRATION...................64
CAM DATA.........................34
CAMERA SET menu...........39
Cassette...........................18, 60
CD-ROM ..............................48
Charging time .......................13
Cleaning cassette ..................64
CLOCK SET.........................15
Computer ..............................48
D
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)......39
DATA CODE .................34, 73
DATE/TIME.............15, 34, 73
DEMO MODE......................42
DISP GUIDE
(Display guide).....................73
DISP OUT
(Display output) ...................43
Display indicators ................72
Dubbing................................ 44
E
Easy Handycam..............19, 29
EDITSEARCH...............26, 39
END SCH
(END SEARCH)............26, 54
EXPOSURE......................... 32
F
FADER.................................32
First Step Guide ............. 48, 51
Flexible spot meter...............31
FOCUS...........................30, 54
Frame-by-frame Playback.... 35
G
Getting started ......................11
GUIDEFRAME ...................43
I
INDOOR ..............................33
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
..............................................61
Install....................................49
i.LINK..................................62
i.LINK cable...................44, 46
L
LANDSCAPE......................31
LANGUAGE .......................42
LCD......................................43
LCD BRT (LCD bright)....... 34
LCD B.L. (LCD back light). 41
LCD COLOR.......................41
LCD screen ..........................17
LCD/VF SET menu .............41
LETTER BOX......................41
LP (Long Play).....................42
M
MANUAL SET menu...........38
Menu...............................29, 37
Mirror mode..........................23
Moisture condensation..........63
MONOTONE .......................33
MOSAIC...............................38
MOSC. FADER....................33
N
NEG.ART.............................38
NightShot plus......................22
NTSC..............................55, 59
N.S.LIGHT
(NightShot Light) .................40
O
ONE PUSH...........................33
Operation button...................29
OTHERS menu.....................43
OUTDOOR...........................33
P
P EFFECT (Picture effect) ...38
PAL.......................................59
PASTEL ...............................38
Picture Motion Browser .......48
Playback ...................20, 24, 55
Playing time..........................14
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ...31
R
REC CTRL (Recording
control) .................................46
REC MODE
(Recording mode).................42
Rec review............................26
Recording .................19, 21, 54
Continued ,
Quick Reference
75
Page 76
Index (Continued)
Recording time.....................14
REMAIN ..............................42
Reversal Playback................35
S
S VIDEO cable...............28, 44
SCENE SEL.........................31
Searching for the starting point
..............................................26
SEPIA...................................38
SETUP MENU menu ...........42
SNOW ..................................32
SOLARIZE...........................38
SP (Standard Play)................42
Specifications.......................66
SPORT (Sports lesson).........32
SPOT FOCUS ......................30
SPOT METER
............See Flexible spot meter
SPOTLIGHT........................31
SQUEEZE............................41
STEADYSHOT..............39, 54
SUNRSSUNST
(Sunrise & Sunset)................31
T
Tape counter .........................72
TAPE SET menu..................42
Time code.............................72
Tripod...................................71
TV.........................................28
TV color systems..................59
TWILIGHT ..........................31
VCR SET menu................... 40
VF B.L.
(Viewfinder back light)........ 41
VOL (Volume).....................24
V-OUT/LCD........................ 43
W
Warning indicators............... 57
Warning messages ............... 58
WHITE................................. 32
WHT BAL
(White balance).................... 33
WIDE DISP
(Wide display)...................... 41
WIDE SEL
(Wide select)........................39
WORLD TIME.................... 43
Write-protect tab..................60
Z
Zoom....................................22
U
USAGE GUIDE...................25
USB STREAM.....................42
Using abroad.........................59
V
V SPD PLAY
(Various speed playback).....34
76
Page 77
77
Quick Reference
Page 78
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español
Paso 1: Comprobación de los elementos
suministrados
Asegúrese de que su videocámara contiene
los siguientes elementos.
El número entre paréntesis indica la
cantidad del elemento.
Adaptador de alimentación de ca (1)
Cable de alimentación (1)
Cable de conexión de A/V (1)
Cable USB (1)
(DCR-HC54)
Batería recargable NP-FH30 (1)
CD-ROM “Handycam Application
Software” (1) (DCR-HC54)
Guía de operaciones (este manual) (1)
78
Page 79
Paso 2: Carga de la batería
1
2
1
Batería
Toma de entrada de cc
3
4
Al tomacorriente de pared
Cable de alimentación
Puede cargar la batería
“InfoLITHIUM” (serie H) tras
conectarla a la videocámara.
b Notas
• No es posible colocar una batería
“InfoLITHIUM” que no sea serie H en la
videocámara.
1 Alinee los terminales de la batería
y de la videocámara 1 y, a
continuación, coloque la batería y
encájela en su lugar 2.
2
Con la marca v hacia
abajo
Interruptor POWER
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español
Adaptador de alimentación de ca
3 Conecte el adaptador de
alimentación de ca en la toma de
entrada de cc de la videocámara
con la marca v de la clavija de cc
hacia abajo.
4 Conecte el cable de alimentación
al adaptador de alimentación de
ca y al tomacorriente de pared.
El indicador CHG (carga)
2 Deslice el interruptor POWER en
la dirección de la flecha hasta la
posición OFF (CHG) (ajuste
predeterminado).
Continuación ,
79
Page 80
Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación)
El indicador CHG (carga) se enciende y
se inicia el proceso de carga. El
indicador CHG (carga) se apaga cuando
la batería está completamente cargada.
Desconecte el adaptador de
alimentación de ca de la toma de entrada
de cc.
b Notas
• Sujete la videocámara y el enchufe de cc para
desconectar el adaptador de alimentación de ca
de la toma de entrada de cc.
Para utilizar una fuente de
alimentación externa
Puede utilizar una fuente de alimentación
del tomacorriente de pared para operar la
videocámara mediante las mismas
conexiones que realiza al cargar la batería.
La batería no perderá la carga en este caso.
Para retirar la batería
1 Desactive la alimentación y, a
continuación, presione PUSH.
2 Extraiga la batería en la dirección
indicada por la flecha.
Interruptor POWER
1
2
PUSH
Cuando guarde la batería
Descargue completamente la batería antes
de guardarla durante un período
prolongado.
Para comprobar la carga restante de
la batería (información sobre la
batería)
Ajuste el interruptor POWER en la posición
OFF (CHG) y, a continuación, presione
DISP/BATT INFO.
Transcurridos unos instantes, se mostrará el
tiempo de grabación aproximado y la
información de la batería durante
aproximadamente 7 s (segundo). Puede ver
la información sobre la batería durante un
máximo de 20 s (segundo) si presiona de
nuevo DISP/BATT INFO mientras aparece
dicha información.
Batería restante (aprox.)
BATTERY INFO
NIVEL CARGA BATERÍA
0% 50% 100%
TIEMPO GRAB DISPON
PANT. LCD
VISOR::8599
Capacidad de grabación (aprox.)
Es posible visualizar la carga restante de la
batería en la pantalla LCD.
Indicador Estado
Energía restante suficiente
Poca batería, la grabación/
reproducción se detendrá
pronto.
Sustituya la batería por otra
completamente cargada o
cárguela.
min
min
80
Page 81
Tiempo de carga
Tiempo aproximado (min) necesario para
cargar totalmente una batería descargada
por completo.
Batería Tiempo de carga
NP-FH30
(suministrada)
115
NP-FH50 135
NP-FH70 170
NP-FH100 390
Tiempo de grabación
Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible
cuando utiliza una batería completamente
cargada.
Batería
Tiempo de
grabación
continua
NP-FH30
(suministrada)
NP-FH50 155 75
NP-FH70 330 165
NP-FH100 760 380
* El tiempo de grabación normal muestra la hora
cuando se repite la operación de inicio/
detención de la grabación, al conectar y
desconectar la alimentación y al usar la función
de zoom.
b Notas
• Todo el tiempo calculado en las siguientes
condiciones:
Parte superior: Grabación con pantalla LCD.
Parte inferior: Grabación mediante el visor con
el panel LCD cerrado.
Tiempo de
grabación
normal*
95 45
110 55
180 90
395 195
890 445
Tiempo de reproducción
Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible
cuando utiliza una batería completamente
cargada.
Batería
Panel LCD
abierto
NP-FH30
(suministrada)
NP-FH50 170 220
NP-FH70 370 465
NP-FH100 845 1065
Acerca de la batería
• Antes de cambiar la batería, deslice el
interruptor POWER a la posición OFF (CHG).
• El indicador CHG (carga) parpadeará durante la
carga o la información sobre la batería no se
mostrará correctamente en las siguientes
situaciones.
– La batería no está correctamente conectada.
– La batería está dañada.
– La batería está completamente gastada (sólo
para la información sobre la batería).
• No se suministrará energía de la batería
mientras el adaptador de alimentación de ca esté
conectado a la toma de entrada de cc de la
videocámara, incluso cuando el cable de
alimentación esté desconectado del
tomacorriente de pared.
Acerca del tiempo de carga/grabación/
reproducción
• Tiempo calculado con la videocámara a 25 °C
(se recomienda una temperatura de entre 10 °C
y 30 °C)
• El tiempo de grabación y de reproducción será
más corto cuando use la videocámara a bajas
temperaturas.
• El tiempo de grabación y de reproducción será
más corto en función de las condiciones de uso
de la videocámara.
Panel LCD
cerrado
105 135
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español
Continuación ,
81
Page 82
Paso 2: Carga de la batería
(Continuación)
Acerca del adaptador de alimentación de
ca
• Si utiliza el adaptador de alimentación de ca
conéctelo a un tomacorriente de pared cercano.
Si se produce alguna falla de funcionamiento al
utilizar la videocámara, desconecte el adaptador
de alimentación de ca del tomacorriente de
inmediato.
• No utilice el adaptador de alimentación de ca
colocado en un espacio angosto, tal como entre
una pared y los muebles.
• Evite la formación de cortocircuitos en la clavija
de cc del adaptador de alimentación de ca o en
el terminal de la batería con objetos metálicos.
Esto podría provocar una falla de
funcionamiento.
• Aunque la videocámara esté apagada, seguirá
recibiendo adaptador de alimentación de ca
(corriente doméstica) mientras esté conectada a
la toma de pared mediante el adaptador de
alimentación de ca
Paso 3: Activación de
la alimentación y
ajuste de la fecha y
hora
Ajuste la fecha y la hora cuando use la
videocámara por primera vez. De lo
contrario, la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ]
aparecerá cada vez que encienda la
videocámara o cambie la posición del
interruptor POWER.
Toque el botón
de la pantalla LCD.
Interruptor POWER
1 Deslice el interruptor POWER en
el sentido de la flecha para que se
encienda el indicador
correspondiente mientras
mantiene presionado el botón
verde.
CAMERA: Para grabar en una cinta.
PLAY/EDIT: Para reproducir o editar
imágenes.
Aparecerá la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ].
82
AJ. RELOJ
AMD
2008 1 1:00
12
AM
OK
OK
2 Ajuste [A] (año) con / .
Puede seleccionar cualquier año hasta el
año 2079.
Page 83
3 Vaya a [M] (mes) con y, a
continuación, ajuste el valor con
/.
4 Vaya a [D] (día) con y, a
continuación, ajuste el valor con
/ y repita el proceso
para la hora y los minuto.
Ajuste la medianoche a las 12:00 AM.
Ajuste el mediodía a las 12:00 PM.
5 Verifique que la configuración de
fecha y hora sea correcta, luego
toque .
El reloj se pone en funcionamiento.
Para apagar la videocámara
Deslice el interruptor POWER hasta la
posición OFF (CHG).
Para restablecer la fecha y la hora
Toque t [PÁG.2] t [AJ. RELOJ]
para ajustar la fecha y la hora deseadas.
b Notas
• Si no usa la videocámara durante
aproximadamente 3 meses, la batería
recargable incorporada se descarga y es posible
que los ajustes de la fecha y la hora se borren de
la memoria. En ese caso, cargue la batería
recargable y ajuste la fecha y la hora
nuevamente.
• Con el fin de ahorrar energía de la batería,
cuando se adquiere la videocámara, ésta viene
ajustada para apagarse automáticamente si se
deja encendida sin realizar ninguna operación
durante unos 5 min (minuto) ([APAG. AUTO]).
z Sugerencias
• Durante la grabación, no se visualizarán la fecha
y la hora. Éstas se grabarán automáticamente en
la cinta y podrán visualizarse durante la
reproducción ([CÓD. DATOS] (durante el
modo de operación Easy Handycam,
únicamente podrá ajustar [FECHA HORA])).
• Si los botones del panel táctil no funcionan
correctamente, ajuste el panel táctil
(CALIBRACIÓN).
Cambio de los ajustes de
idioma
Puede cambiar las indicaciones en pantalla
para mostrar mensajes en un idioma en
particular. Toque t [MENU] t
(AJUS. MENÚ) t
[ LANGUAGE] y, a continuación,
seleccione el idioma que desee.
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español
83
Page 84
Paso 4: Realización de ajustes antes de la
grabación
Apertura de la cubierta del
objetivo
Deslice el interruptor LENS COVER hacia
la posición OPEN.
Luego de grabar, ajuste el interruptor LENS
COVER en la posición CLOSE para cerrar
la cubierta del objetivo.
Panel LCD
Abra el panel LCD a 90 grados con
respecto a la videocámara (1), luego gírelo
hacia el mejor ángulo para grabar o
reproducir (2).
180 grados
(máx.)
2
2
90 grados
(máx.)
DISP/BATT INFO
1
90 grados con
respecto a la
videocámara
• Presione DISP/BATT INFO para activar o
desactivar los indicadores que aparecen en
pantalla (como la información de la batería).
Visor
Puede ver imágenes utilizando el visor para
evitar el desgaste de la batería o cuando la
imagen en la pantalla LCD es mala.
Visor
Palanca de ajuste del
objetivo del visor
Muévala hasta que la
imagen se aclare.
z Sugerencias
• Para ajustar el brillo de la luz de fondo del visor,
seleccione (AJ LCD/VIS) - [LUZ F. VIS].
Correa de sujeción
Ajuste la correa de sujeción y sujete la
cámara correctamente.
b Notas
• No presione los botones en el marco del panel
LCD por error al abrirlo o ajustarlo.
z Sugerencias
• Si gira el panel LCD 180 grados hacia el lado
del objetivo, podrá cerrarlo con la pantalla LCD
hacia afuera. Esto resulta conveniente durante
operaciones de reproducción.
• Consulte [BRIL LCD] para ajustar el brillo de la
pantalla LCD.
84
4
1
2
3
Page 85
Paso 5: Inserción de un videocasete
{DO NOT PUSH}
Solamente puede utilizar videocasetes de
formato mini DV .
1 Deslice la palanca OPEN/
EJECT en el sentido de la flecha y
manténgala en esa posición para
abrir la tapa.
Palanca OPEN/EJECT
Tapa
El compartimiento del videocasete sale
automáticamente y se abre.
2 Inserte un videocasete con la
cara de la ventanilla hacia afuera
y, a continuación, presione .
Presione ligeramente el
centro de la parte posterior
del videocasete.
Ventanilla
b Notas
• No fuerce el compartimiento del
videocasete presionando la parte
con la marca mientras
se desliza hacia adentro. Podría
provocar una falla de
funcionamiento.
3 Cierre la tapa.
Para expulsar el videocasete
Siga el mismo procedimiento descrito en el
paso 1 para abrir la tapa y, a continuación,
extraiga el videocasete.
z Sugerencias
• El tiempo disponible para grabación varía en
función del [MOD GRB].
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español
Compartimiento del videocasete
El compartimiento del
videocasete se desliza
automáticamente hacia adentro.
85
Page 86
Grabación
Abra la cubierta del objetivo.
Interruptor POWER
REC START/
STOP A
REC START/STOP B
Deslice el interruptor POWER varias veces en el sentido de la
flecha para que se encienda el indicador CAMERA.
Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición OFF
(CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón verde.
Presione REC START/STOP A (o B).
ESPERA
GRAB.
86
GUÍA
[ESPERA] [GRAB.]
GUÍA
Para detener la grabación, presione REC START/STOP A (o B) nuevamente.
Page 87
Reproducción
Deslice el indicador POWER en el sentido de la flecha varias
veces para encender el indicador PLAY/EDIT.
Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición OFF
(CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón verde.
Inicie la reproducción.
Toque para rebobinar la cinta hasta el punto deseado y, a continuación, toque
para iniciar la reproducción.
Al tocar este botón, se alterna entre los modos de reproducción y pausa*
GUÍA
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español
Detener
* La reproducción se detiene automáticamente si se acciona la pausa durante más de 3 min (minuto).
Rebobinar/Avanzar rápidamente
Para ajustar el volumen
Toque t [PÁG.1] t [VOL] y, a continuación, / para ajustar el volumen.
Para buscar una escena durante la reproducción
Mantenga presionado / durante la reproducción (búsqueda de imágenes) o /
mientras avanza rápidamente o rebobina la cinta (exploración con salto).
z Sugerencias
• Puede reproducir en diversos modos ([REP VEL V]).
87
Page 88
Additional information on this product and answers
to frequently asked questions can be found at our
Customer Support Website.
http://www.sony.net/
Printed in Japan
US
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