Sony 2-887-515-14 User Manual

2-887-515-14(1)

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

HDR-FX7E

Enjoying pictures with

high definition quality

Getting Started 13

Recording/

Playback

Using the Menu 53

Dubbing/Editing 73

Using a Computer 83

Troubleshooting 89

Additional Information 101

Quick Reference 116

Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.

http://www.sony.net/

Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)

-free vegetable oil based ink.

Printed in Japan

Read this first

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.

Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

CAUTION

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC ADAPTOR

A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience.

Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362 (i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.

If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE

ATTENTION

The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.

Notice for the customer in the countries applying EU Directives

The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 1080075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources.

For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander

Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste.

By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources.

In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only.

To ensure that the battery will be treated properly, hand over the product at end-of-life to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.

For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries.

For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Notes on use

Types 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. 102).

Types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder

You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p. 103).

“Memory Stick Duo” (This size can be used with your camcorder.)

“Memory Stick” (You cannot use it in your camcorder.)

b Note

• You cannot use any type of memory card except “Memory Stick Duo.”

• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” compatible equipment.

• Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with “Memory Stick” compatible equipment

Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

Memory Stick Duo Adaptor

Using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following part.

Lens hood

LCD panel Battery pack

Microphone Viewfinder

b Note

• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. See “Maintenance and precautions” (p. 108).

• Before connecting your camcorder to another device with an HDMI cable, component video cable, USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid damaging the terminal, or cause 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

Do not expose your camcorder’s viewfinder, lens, or LCD screen to the sun or strong light source for extended periods.

• Intense light sources, especially the sun will converge on the viewfinder or lens and damage the internal parts of your camcorder. Avoid sunlight or other strong light sources when storing your camcorder. Protect this device by always closing the lens cover or by placing it in its bag when not in use.

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 countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need a PAL 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.

On playing back HDV tapes on other devices

You cannot play back a tape recorded in the HDV format on DV format video cameras or on mini DV players. Check the contents of tapes by playing them back on this camcorder prior to playing them back on other devices.

Note on the icons used in this manual

Features available for the HDV

format only

Features available for the DV

format only

This function that can be used w hen

i.LINK cable is connected.

This function that can be used when

USB cable is connected.

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 video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. Also, the lens for your camcorder is T -coated to suppress unwanted reflections and faithfully reproduce colors. MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

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 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. 22).

• Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents

Read this first ........................................................................................... 2

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format! ............................................................... 9

Features of this camcorder .................................................................... 10

Handy Functions for Recording ............................................................. 11

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format! ........................................... 12

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items ............................................................ 13

Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover .................................... 14

Step 3: Charging the battery pack ......................................................... 15

Step 4:Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly ...... 18

Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ....................................19

Step 6: Setting the date and time ...........................................................21

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” .................................. 23

Changing the language setting........................................................... 22

Recording/Playback

Recording ............................................................................................... 25

Playback ................................................................................................ 28

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings ............................30

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons ..................................... 39

Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder ............................... 44

Adjusting the zoom..............................................................................30

Adjusting the focus manually .............................................................. 31

Adjusting the EXPOSURE/IRIS............................................................ 32

Adjusting to Natural Color (White balance)......................................... 35

Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile).................................36

Focusing on a distant subject (Focus infinity)..................................... 40

Recording an index signal ..................................................................41

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).............. 41

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording

(End search)........................................................................................41

Using the Shot transition .................................................................... 42

Changing the screen........................................................................... 44

Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check) ................. 44

Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info).................................... 45

Locating a scene on a tape ....................................................................46

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)................. 46

Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search)................ 46

Searching for a recording start point (Index search).......................... 47

Playing the picture on a TV ....................................................................48

Using the Menu

Using the menu items ...........................................................53

Menu items .............................................................................................54

(CAMERA SET) menu ....................................................................56

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/ IRIS/STEADYSHOT/BACK LIGHT, etc.)

(AUDIO SET) menu ........................................................................61

Settings for the audio recording (AUDIO REC LV/DV AU. MODE, etc.)

(DISPLAY SET) menu .....................................................................62

Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/ DATA CODE, etc.)

(IN/OUT REC) menu .......................................................................66

Recording settings, input and output settings (VCR HDV/DV/DV REC MODE/ DV WIDE REC/ TV TYPE, etc.)

(MEMORY SET) menu .....................................................................68

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/ALL ERASE, etc.)

(OTHERS) menu ..............................................................................70

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (USB SELECT/ QUICK REC/BEEP, etc.)

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. ................................................73

Recording pictures from a VCR .............................................................76

Copying movies from tape to “Memory Stick Duo” as still images .........79

Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ......................79

Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) ........................80

Using a Computer

Connecting to a computer ......................................................................83

Copying still images to a computer ........................................................83

Copying movies on a tape to a computer ...............................................86

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 89

Warning indicators and messages ......................................................... 98

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad .............................................................. 101

HDV format and recording/playback .................................................... 102

About the “Memory Stick” .................................................................... 103

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ................................................. 105

About i.LINK ......................................................................................... 107

Maintenance and precautions .............................................................. 108

Specifications ....................................................................................... 112

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ............................................................... 116

Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder ...................................... 121

Index .................................................................................................... 124

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format!

High image quality

The HDV format has about 2 times the horizontal resolution of a standard TV resulting in about 4 times the amount of pixels providing high quality images. Being HDV format compliant, your camcorder is ready to shoot crystal clear, high-definition images.

What is the HDV format?

The HDV format is a new video format for shooting and playing back high definition images on popular DV standard cassette tapes.

• Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i

specification, which utilizes 1,080 effective scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and

records pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps.

• These operating instructions refer to the HDV1080i specification as HDV format unless there is a need to specify.

Why shoot in the HDV format?

By moving to digital video, like the rest of the world, you will be able to capture important moments in your life in high quality digital HDV format, allowing you to relive them. Your camcorder’s down convert function converts pictures in HDV format to SD (standard definition) quality for viewing on older wide TV formats, and on 4:3 aspect ratio TVs when a high definition TV set is not available. This provides an easy path to HDV format video.

1,080 effective scanning lines

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

• The down convert function converts HDV format video to DV for playback or editing when your camcorder is connected to a TV or VCR that is not HDV1080i compliant. The resulting image is displayed in SD (standard definition).

Features of this camcorder

The HDV1080i specification digital HD video camera recorder has the following features to enable you to record beautiful scenery while traveling, etc., in high definition quality.

1 3-ClearVid CMOS sensor system installed

This camcorder is fitted with the 3-ClearVid CMOS sensor system. Superb spectroscopic characteristics and high definition are achieved by the use of three ClearVid CMOS sensors developed by Sony for high definition, enabling reproduction of digital high definition with excellent sensitivity and color reproducibility.

2 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 20X optical zoom lens installed

The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 20× optical zoom lens lets you zoom in on distant objects and record in high definition quality.

3 Realistic sound recording with built-in high performance microphone

The high performance stereo microphone built into this camcorder enables highly realistic sound recording.

4 Detailed manual settings for serious filming

Extensive manual setting functions allow you to shoot high definition videos with customized settings.

- The zoom ring, focus ring and EXPOSURE/IRIS dial provide full manual control.

- You can manually fine-adjust the shutter speed, white balance and gain.

5 Connecting to other devices

Superb external connectability is provided by a “Memory Stick Duo” slot, USB port, HDMI OUT jack, and headphone jack on the left side of your camcorder and an i.LINK (HDV/DV) jack, COMPONENT OUT jack, A/V OUT jack, and DC IN jack on the right side.

Handy Functions for Recording

Still image Dual Rec (p. 27)

You can record 1.2M still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” during recording movie.

Smooth slow recording (p. 56)

Moving subjects can be shot in smooth moving slow-motion.

Saving Camera profile (p. 70)

Two settings profiles, including brightness, color, etc., can be saved in your camcorder. This enables you to use saved settings data to quickly reproduce suitable shooting settings.

EXPOSURE/IRIS dial (p. 32)

You can adjust the brightness using the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial. The EXPOSURE/IRIS dial can be used to adjust [EXPOSURE], [IRIS] or [AE SHIFT].

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!

Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 48)

Pictures recorded in the HDV format can be played back as crisp HD (high definition) picture on a high definition TV.

• For details on HDV1080i specification compliant TVs, see page 50.

Viewing on a 16:9 TV/4:3 TV (p. 48)

Your camcorder can down convert video recorded in the HDV format to SD (standard definition) quality for playback on a conventional TV.

Dubbing to other video equipment (p. 73)

x Connecting to an HDV1080i specification

An optional i.LINK cable allows you to copy pictures in HD (high definition) quality.

x Connecting to HDV1080i non-compliant specification

Use your camcorder to convert HDV format video to SD (standard definition) quality to enable copying.

Connecting to a computer (p. 83)

x Copying “Memory Stick Duo” still images to a computer.

x Copying movie from tape to a computer

You can copy movie to a computer, and save to DVD from copying movie. The computer will need to be set up differently depending on whether HDV or DV format video is to be copied. See page 86 for details.

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.

• The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are not included. See page 23, 102 and 103 for compatible cassettes and “Memory Stick Duo” for your camcorder.

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 15)

Mains lead (1) (p. 15)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 120)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 48, 73)

Large eyecup(1) (p. 20)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1) (p. 15, 105)

Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 14)

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

Getting Started

Component video cable (1) (p. 48)

USB cable (1) (p. 83)

Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover

To open the shutter of the Lens hood with lens cover

Move the lens cover lever up and down to open or close the lens cover.

Move the lens cover lever to OPEN

Lens hood fixing screw

Align the marks on the lens hood to those on the camcorder, and turn the lens hood in the direction of the arrow. Tighten the lens hood fixing screw.

To remove the Lens hood with lens cover

Loosen the lens hood fixing screw and turn the lens hood in the opposite direction of the arrow in the illustration above.

z Tip

• If you attach, remove or adjust an 62mm (2 1/

2in.) PL filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood.

to open the lens cover, and move the lever to CLOSE to close the lens cover.

Step 3: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to your camcorder.

b Note

• You cannot use batteries other than the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) (p. 105).

DC plug

AC Adaptor

DC IN jack

To the wall socket

Mains lead

1 Press the battery pack and slide it

down.

2 With the B mark on the DC plug

facing the cassette compartment, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Getting Started

B mark

3 Connect the Mains lead to the AC

Adaptor.

4 Connect the Mains lead to the

wall socket.

5 Set the POWER switch to OFF

(CHG).

The CHARGE lamp lights up and charging starts.

Continued ,

Step 3: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

After charging the battery

The CHARGE lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

z Tip

• You can check the remaining battery with

Battery info (p. 45).

To remove the battery pack

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Push the BATT RELEASE (battery release) button and remove the battery pack.

BATT RELEASE (battery release) button

Charging time

Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.

Battery pack Charging time

NP-F570 (supplied) 260

NP-F770 370

NP-F970 485

Recording time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

Recording in the HDV format

Battery pack

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 320 185

NP-F970 480 290

Recording in the DV format

Battery pack

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 335 200

NP-F970 500 300

Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off. Bottom: Recording time when recording with

the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

* Typical recording time shows the time when

you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

155 90

160 95

155 90

335 195

320 185

500 300

480 290

Typical recording time*

160 100

165 105

160 100

350 210

335 200

520 315

500 300

Playing time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

HDV format pictures

Battery pack

LCD panel opened*

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 510 510

NP-F970 760 760

DV format pictures

Battery pack

LCD panel opened*

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 550 550

NP-F970 830 830

* When the LCD backlight turns on.

On the battery pack

• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

• The CHARGE lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 45) will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions.

– The battery pack is not attached correctly. – The battery pack is damaged. – 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 Mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.

• When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use a NP-F970 battery pack.

LCD panel closed

245 245

LCD panel closed

270 270

• The recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.

Using an outside power source

You can use the AC Adaptor to obtain AC. While you are using the AC Adaptor, the battery pack will not lose its charge even when it is attached to your camcorder.

Connect your camcorder as shown in Step3:Charging the battery pack (p. 15).

On the AC Adaptor

• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the 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.

PRECAUTION

• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (Mains lead) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.

Getting Started

On the charging/recording/playback time

• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F) (10 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.

Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your

camcorder properly

To record or play back, slide the POWER switch to the respective direction. When using it for the first time, [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 21).

POWER switch

2 Hold the camcorder properly.

1 While pressing the green button,

set the POWER switch.

If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.

CAMERA: To record pictures. VCR: To play or edit pictures.

b Note

• After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p. 21), the next time you turn on the power of your camcorder, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.

3 Ensure a good grip, then fasten

the grip belt.

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

b Note

• If warning messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions (p. 99).

Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

The LCD panel

Open the LCD panel while pressing the OPEN button 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).

OPEN button

190 degrees to the camcorder

2180 degrees (max.)

290 degrees

(max.)

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer

Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button for a few seconds until appears. This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or where you want to save battery power. The recorded picture will not be affected by the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button for a few seconds until disappears.

z Tip

• See [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 64) to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

The viewfinder

You can view pictures using the viewfinder to save the battery, or when the picture on the LCD screen is not clear.

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Move it until the picture becomes clear.

Viewfinder

Getting Started

z Tips

• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees toward

the lens from the position 1, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing outward. This is convenient during playback operations.

• To close the LCD panel with the LCD screen

inward, rotate the LCD panel to the position 1, and then close the LCD panel.

z Tip

• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight from [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 64).

Continued ,

Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder (Continued)

When the picture in the viewfinder is hard to see

If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circumstances, use the supplied large eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch it slightly and align it with the eyecup groove in the viewfinder. You can attach the large eyecup facing either the right or left side.

b NOTE

• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.

Attach with the protruding part at the top.

Large eyecup (supplied)

Step 6: 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, [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position.

z Tip

• 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. 110).

MENU button

2 Select (OTHERS) by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

OTHERS RETURN CAMERA PROF. ASSIGN BTN

PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS

CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE QUICK REC

[MENU]: END

3 Select [CLOCK SET] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

120min

CLOCK SET

[MENU]: CANCEL

Getting Started

-:--:--

DMY 0100:12006

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for the first time.

1 Press the MENU button.

CAMERA SET EXPOSURE/IRIS SMTH SLW REC CNTRST ENHCR STEADYSHOT COLOR BAR AF ASSIST AE SHIFT

[MENU]: END

4 Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

You can set any year up to the year

2079.

120min

CLOCK SET

[MENU]: CANCEL

-:--:--

DMY 0100:12006

5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour

and minute, then press the dial.

The clock starts.

Continued ,

Step 6: Setting the date and time (Continued)

z Tip

• The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during playback ([DATA CODE] (p. 64)).

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Select the screen language in [LANGUAGE] (p. 71).

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”

{DO NOT PUSH}

Cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 102).

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

b Note

• Do not push the portion marked

may cause a malfunction.

while it is sliding in. It

3 Close the lid.

z Tip

• The recordable time varies depending on [DV REC MODE] (p. 66).

To eject the cassette

Open the lid following the same procedure as described in step 1 and remove the cassette.

“Memory Stick Duo”

You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p. 103).

1 Open the jack cover.

Getting Started

Cassette compartment

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

Jack cover

Continued ,

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” (Continued)

2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”

into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the right direction until it clicks.

Access lamp

b Note

• If you insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick Duo” slot, or image data may be damaged.

To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”

Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” once.

b Notes

• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.

• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick Duo,” be careful with the “Memory Stick Duo” from popping out and dropping.

Recording/Playback

Recording

PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button

REC START/STOP button B

Rec lamp

Lens hood

POWER switch

REC START/STOP button A

This camcorder records movies on tape and still images on “Memory Stick Duo”. The procedure for recording movies is below.

• This camcorder can record movies in either HDV or DV format. The factory setting is HDV format ([REC FORMAT] p. 66).

1 Open the shutter of the lens hood.

2 While pressing the green button, set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

3 Press the REC START/STOP button A (or B).

410min

REC

60min

[STBY] t [REC]

The Rec lamp lights up during recording. To stop the movie recording, press the REC START/STOP button again.

z Tips

• When recording in HDV format, the aspect ratio is fixed to 16:9. When recording in DV format, you can switch the aspect ratio to 4:3 ([DV WIDE REC] p. 67).

• You can change the screen display during recording (p. 44).

• Indicators displayed on the screen during recording are shown on page 121.

• The recording lamp can be set to stay off ([REC LAMP] p. 72).

• You cannot record the movie on a “Memory Stick Duo”.

To record in mirror mode

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees toward the lens (2).

z Tip

• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the recorded picture will be normal.

To record still images

Press the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button. The image is recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Recording is complete when disappears. You can also record still images during movie recording.

z Tips

• When you are not recording a movie, you will hear the shutter click.

• The still image size is as follows: – When recording in HDV or DV (16:9) format: 1.2M (1,440 × 810 dots) – When recording in DV (4:3) format: 0.9M (1,080 × 810 dots)

• You can change the image quality and number of recordable images ([

• Indicators displayed on the screen during shooting are shown on page 121.

• You can set the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button to start the expanded focus function as you press the button ([PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS] (p. 71)).

QUALITY] (p. 68)).

Recording/Playback

Playback

Zoom lever

POWER switch

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

MEMORY/PLAY button

You can play back movies as follows.

PLAY button

VOLUME/ MEMORY button

MEMORY/INDEX button

1 While pressing the green button, set the POWER

switch to VCR.

2 Start playing back.

m (rewind) to go to the point you want to view, then press N (play) to start

Press playback.

x : Stop

•

X : Pause (Press N or X again to restart the playback)

•

M m : Forward/Rewind

•

y : Slow

•

b Notes

• Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.

• When playing back a tape recorded in the HDV and DV formats, and the signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture and sound disappear temporarily.

• You cannot play back the tape recorded in the HDV format on video cameras of the DV format or mini-DV players.

z Tips

• Indicators displayed on the screen during playback are shown on page 122.

• You can change the screen display during playback (p. 44).

• To play back the tape recorded using an external monaural microphone connected, see [MULTISOUND] (p. 61).

To search for a scene while viewing a movie

Press M/m during playback (Picture Search). To view during fast forward press and hold M and to view during rewind press and hold m (Skip Scan).

b Note

• Reverse picture search/skip scan is not possible with tapes recorded in HDV format.

To adjust the volume

Adjust using the VOLUME/MEMORY button.

To view still images

1 Slide the POWER switch to VCR. 2 Press the MEMORY/PLAY button. 3 Select still image that you want to look using the VOLUME/MEMORY button.

To stop viewing still images, press the MEMORY/PLAY button once more.

To display the list of still photos (index screen)

1 Slide the POWER switch to VCR. 2 Press the MEMORY/INDEX button.

Recording/Playback

101–0050

1/19

101

3 Select a picture by pressing the VOLUME/MEMORY button.

To display a single image, move B to that image and press the MEMORY/PLAY button.

To stop displaying the list of still photos, press the MEMORY/INDEX button again.

Changing the settings of your camcorder

recordings

Adjusting the zoom

Move the power zoom lever C slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

Wide view: (Wide angle)

Close view: (Telephoto)

z Tips

• The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject for focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.

• The focus may not be adjusted at certain zoom positions if the subject is within 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) from your camcorder.

• 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.

Using the handle zoom

1 Set the handle zoom switch B to H

(high) or L (low).

z Tip

• You can set the zoom speed of the handle zoom lever in [HANDLE ZOOM] (p. 58).

2 Press the handle zoom lever A to zoom

in or out.

b Notes

• You cannot adjust the zoom speed by pressing the handle zoom lever.

• You cannot use the handle zoom lever when the handle zoom switch is set to OFF.

• You cannot change the zoom speed of the zoom lever C with the handle zoom switch

Using the zoom ring

You can zoom at the desired speed by turning the zoom ring D. Fine adjustment is also possible.

b Note

• Turn the zoom ring at a reasonable speed. If you turn it too fast, the zoom speed may not catch up with the zoom ring rotating speed.

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