Sony 2-887-515-14 User Manual

2-887-515-14(1)

GB

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

25

9

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

© 2006 Sony Corporation

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.

2

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 ,

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

6

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 ,

7

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

8

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).

9

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.

10

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

11

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.

12

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)

13

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.

2

1

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.

14

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 ,

15

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

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

16

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.

17

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).

18

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 ,

19

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)

20

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 ,

21

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).

22

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 ,

23

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.

24

Recording/Playback

Recording

PHOTO/EXPANDED
FOCUS button

REC START/STOP
button B

Rec lamp

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 ,

25

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.

26

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

27

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).

28

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.

29

Changing the settings of your camcorder

B

recordings

Adjusting the zoom

A

C

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.

D

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

B.

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.

30

Adjusting the focus manually

D

C

AB

You can adjust the focus manually for
different recording conditions.
Use this function in the following cases.

– To record a subject behind a window covered

with raindrops.
– To record horizontal stripes.
– To record a subject with little contrast between

the subject and its background.
– When you want to focus on a subject in the

background.

– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.

1 During recording or standby,

press the FOCUS button A.

9 appears.

2 Rotate the focus ring D and

adjust the focus.

9 changes to when the focus

cannot be adjusted any farther.
changes to when the focus cannot be
adjusted any closer.

b Note

• The setting returns to automatic adjustment
(default) when you set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

z Tips

For focusing manually

• It is easier to focus on the subject when you use
the zoom function. Move the power zoom lever
towards T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, and
then, towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom
for recording.

• When you want to record a close-up image of a
subject, move the power zoom lever towards W
(wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then
adjust the focus.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press the FOCUS button A once again.

9 disappears and AUTO FOCUS is

restored.

To use AUTO FOCUS temporarily
(One push auto focus)

Record the subject while pressing and
holding the PUSH AUTO FOCUS button
C.
If you release the button, the setting returns
to manual focusing.
Use this function to shift the focus on one
subject to another. The scenes will shift
smoothly.

9

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

31

ED

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

z Tip

• The focal distance information (for when it is
dark and hard to adjust the focus) appears for
about 3 seconds in the following cases. (It will
not be displayed correctly if you are using a
conversion lens (optional)).

– When the focus mode is switched from

automatic to manual.

– When you rotate the focus ring.

To use the expanded focus
(Expanded focus)

During standby, press the EXPANDED
FOCUS button B.
[EXPANDED FOCUS] appears and the
center of the screen is magnified by about 2
times. It will be easier to confirm the focus
setting during manual focusing. The screen
returns to the original size when you push
the button again.

b Note

• The image returns to the original size when you
press the REC START/STOP button or the
PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button.

z Tip

• You can select the type of a picture on
EXPANDED FOCUS ([EXP.FOCUS TYPE]
p. 63).

Adjusting the EXPOSURE/IRIS

H
G

F

A

B
C

You can assign any one of [EXPOSURE]
(the default setting), [IRIS] and [AE
SHIFT] to the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial G
from the menu (p. 56).

z Tips

• Even if you open the aperture more than F2.8
(i.e. make the iris value smaller, such as F1.6)
during camera EXPOSURE/IRIS setting,
changing the zoom from wide to telephoto will
change the iris to F2.8.

• When the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial is set to
[EXPOSURE], appears next to the values
that can be set with the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial.

x EXPOSURE (the default setting)

You can adjust the display brightness by
adjusting the iris and gain (the shutter
speed remains fixed).

The iris, gain and shutter speed are
displayed on the screen.

F2.4 0dB60

b Note

• The GAIN button and the SHUTTER SPEED
button are inactive.

z Tip

• This is handy for changing the brightness of the
screen and setting the desired brightness by dial
operation.

x IRIS

You can manually adjust the light volume
of the light entering the lens between F1.6
and F11 or close the aperture.

As the iris is opened (smaller aperture
values), the light volume increases or the
iris is closed (larger aperture values), the
light volume decreases. The current
aperture value (F) appears on the screen.

You can adjust the brightness of a picture
with the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial G.

32

F2.8

z Tips

• The range of focus, an important effect of the
aperture, is called the depth of field. The depth
of field gets shallower as the aperture is opened,
and deeper as the aperture is closed. Use the
aperture creatively to obtain the desired effect in
your photography.

• This is handy for making the background
blurred or sharp, or when you want to manually
adjust the iris, gain or shutter speed on the
screen.

x AE SHIFT

You can slightly adjust the exposure
between -7 (dark) and +7 (bright) during
the auto recording.

+2

b Notes

• You cannot manually adjust the IRIS.

• [AE SHIFT] does not work when the exposure
is manually set or the iris, gain and shutter speed
are all set manually.

z Tip

• You can adjust the AE SHIFT from the menu
(p. 58).

appears.

1 During recording or standby, set

the AUTO LOCK switch A to the
center position to release the
auto lock mode.

This operation is not required when AE
SHIFT is assigned to the EXPOSURE/
IRIS dial.

2 Press the EXPOSURE/IRIS button

H.

The EXPOSURE/IRIS dial G will be
effective.

3 Adjust the picture quality by

turning the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial
G.

z Tip

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch A to

HOLD after manual adjustment, the manually
adjusted items are saved.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press the EXPOSURE/IRIS button H, or
set the AUTO LOCK switch A to AUTO
LOCK.

b Notes

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch A to

AUTO LOCK, other manually adjusted items
(gain, shutter speed, white balance) also become
temporarily automatic.

• As you shift the zoom from W (wide) to T
(telephoto), the aperture value varies from F1.6
to F2.8.

• The setting returns to automatic adjustment
(default) when you set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

z Tips

• You can adjust the dial sensitivity of the
EXPOSURE/IRIS dial G by selecting
[EXPOSURE/IRIS] t [DIAL SENS](p. 56),
and the dial operating direction by selecting
[EXPOSURE/IRIS] t [DIAL ROTATE]
(p. 56).

• Settings can also be checked by pressing the
STATUS CHECK button (p. 44).

• See page 59 for [BACK LIGHT].

Adjusting the volume of light
(ND filter)

You can record the subject clearly by using
the ND filter when the recording
environment is too bright.
There are 2 levels of ND filter setting. ND
filter 1 reduces the volume of light to about
1/4, and ND filter 2 to about 1/16.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

33

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

If flashes during standby mode, set the
ND FILTER switch F to 1 to turn on the

indicator. If flashes, set the ND
FILTER switch to 2 to turn on the
indicator. If flashes, set the ND
FILTER switch to OFF to turn off the
indicator.

b Notes

• If you move the ND FILTER switch during

recording, the picture and sound may be
distorted.

• If you adjust the iris manually, no ND filter

indicator will appear even if the ND filter
should be activated.

z Tip

• If you close the iris extensively when recording

a bright subject, diffraction may occur, resulting
in a fuzzy focus (this is a common phenomenon
with video cameras). The ND filter suppresses
this phenomenon and gives better recording
results.

Displaying the zebra pattern to
adjust the brightness

If there is a part of the screen where
brightness is over a certain level, the part
may appear excessively white when played
back. By displaying the zebra pattern on
such a part, you can be reminded to adjust
the brightness before recording.
Select the brightness level to display the
zebra pattern with the ZEBRA switch E,
then the zebra pattern will appear.
Select the brilliance value from [70] or
[100].
If you select [70], the zebra pattern appears
at the part with 70±5 % of the brilliance
signal.
If you select [100], the zebra pattern
appears at the part with 100% or more.

To hide the zebra pattern

• Set the ZEBRA switch E to OFF.

b Note

• The zebra pattern is not recorded on the tape.

z Tip

• This is convenient for adjusting the brightness
while a histogram (p. 62) is displayed.

Adjusting the gain

You can adjust the gain manually when
shooting blackish or dark objects if you do
not want the AGC (auto gain control) to be
activated.

1 During recording or standby, set the

AUTO LOCK switch A to the center
position to release the auto lock.

2 Press the GAIN button B.

The current gain value appears.

3 Adjust the gain by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial D.
The gain can be adjusted between 0dB
and 18dB by every 3dB.

z Tip

• The gain value can be stored temporarily by
setting the AUTO LOCK switch A to HOLD
after the manual adjustment.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press the GAIN button B, or set the
AUTO LOCK switch A to AUTO LOCK.

b Notes

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch A to
AUTO LOCK, other manually adjusted items
(iris, shutter speed, white balance) also become
temporarily automatic.

• The setting returns to automatic adjustment
when you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)
for more than 12 hours.

Adjusting the shutter speed

You can manually adjust and fix the shutter
speed. Depending on the shutter speed, you
can make the subject look still, or
emphasize the fluidity of movement.

1 During recording or standby, set the

AUTO LOCK switch A to the center
position to release the auto lock mode.

2 Press the SHUTTER SPEED button C.

34

3 Adjust the shutter speed by turning the

C

A

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial D.
You can set a shutter speed between 1/3
second and 1/10000 second.

The selected shutter speed appears on
the screen. For example, if you select
1/100 second, [100] appears. The larger
the number that appears on the screen,
the faster the shutter speed.

z Tip

• The shutter speed can be stored temporarily by

setting the AUTO LOCK switch A to HOLD
after the manual adjustment.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press the SHUTTER SPEED button C, or
set the AUTO LOCK switch A to AUTO
LOCK.

b Notes

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch A to

AUTO LOCK, other manually adjusted items
(iris, gain, white balance) also become
temporarily automatic.

• The setting returns to automatic adjustment
when you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)
for more than 12 hours.

z Tips

• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower
shutter speed. Manual focusing with your
camcorder attached to a tripod is recommended.

• The picture may flicker or change colors under
fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury
lamps.

Adjusting to Natural Color (White balance)

B

You can adjust the white balance according
to the light of the recording environment.
You can set two sets of white balance
adjustment data separately in memory A
and memory B for two different recording
conditions with A and B. During
recording, you can select the setup data
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The setup
data will be retained as long as it is not
readjusted even if the power is
disconnected.

1 During recording or standby, set

the AUTO LOCK switch A to the
center position to release the
auto lock mode.

Recording/Playback

2 Press the WHT BAL button B.

3 Display desired item by turning

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

Continued ,

35

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

The display changes. A t B
t (OUTDOOR) t n

(INDOOR)

Indicator Shooting conditions

A

(MEMORY A)

B

(MEMORY B)

(Outdoor)

n
(Indoor)

z Tip

• The white balance can be stored temporarily by

setting the AUTO LOCK switch A to HOLD
after the manual adjustment.

• White balance values
adjusted for light
sources can be stored
in memory A and
memory B. Follow the
steps below

• Recording a sunset/
sunrise, just after
sunset, just before
sunrise, neon signs, or
fireworks.

• Under daylight color
fluorescent lamps

• Under the lighting
condition that changes
quickly

• Under strong light
such as in a
photography studio

• Under sodium lamps
or mercury lamps

To save the adjusted white balance
value in memory A or B

1 Select A or B according to step

3 of “Adjusting to Natural Color (White
Balance).”

2 Shoot something white (such as a sheet

of paper) full-screen under the same
lighting conditions as the subject.

3 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial C.

Pressing the dial switches between
blinking A and B.

When the white balance is adjusted,
A or B stops blinking and remains
on. The adjusted value is now saved in
the selected A or B memory.

To restore the automatic white
balance

Press the WHT BAL button B, or set the
AUTO LOCK switch A to AUTO LOCK.

b Notes

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch A to

AUTO LOCK, other manually adjusted items
(iris, gain, shutter speed) also become
temporarily automatic.

• The setting returns to automatic adjustment
when you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)
for more than 12 hours.

Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile)

CB

You can customize the picture quality by
adjusting [COLOR LEVEL],
[SHARPNESS], etc. You can set 6 different
picture quality settings depending on the
recording time of day, the weather, or the
camera person, and store them in the
memory.
Connect your camcorder to a TV or
monitor, and adjust the picture quality
while observing the picture on the TV or
monitor screen.
At the default setting, [PP1] through [PP6]
are registered with picture quality settings
for the following recording conditions.

A

36

Picture profile
number (setting
name)

PP1
:PORTRAIT

PP2
:CINEMA

PP3
:SUNSET

PP4
:MONOTONE

PP5
:------

PP6
:------

Recording condition

Appropriate setting to
record people

Appropriate setting to
record film-like pictures

Appropriate setting to
record sunset

Appropriate setting to
record monotone pictures

You can assign your own
setting

You can assign your own
setting.

1 During standby, press the

PICTURE PROFILE button C.

2 Select a picture profile number by

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

[PP1] through [PP6] are available.

You can shoot with the settings of the
selected picture profile.

3 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial A.

To cancel the picture profile recording

Select [OFF] in step 2, then press the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial A.

To change the picture profile

You can change the settings in [PP1]
through [PP6].

1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

C.

2 Select the PICTURE PROFILE number

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial
A, then press the dial.

3 Select [SETTING] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial A, then press the
dial.

4 Select an item to be adjusted by turning

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

5 Adjust the picture quality by turning the

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

Item Adjustment

[COLOR
LEVEL]

[COLOR
PHASE]

[SHARP­NESS]

[SKINTON
E DTL]

[WB
SHIFT]

[CINEMA­TONE
GAMMA]

[PROFILE
NAME]

–7 (low) to +7 (high)
–8 (black and white)

–7 (greenish) to +7
(reddish)

0 (softer) to 15 (clearer)

To make wrinkles less
noticeable by suppressing
the outlines on the part of
skin color.
[TYPE1] (the color range
recognized as a skin color
is narrow) to [TYPE3] (the
color range recognized as
a skin color is wide)
[OFF]: no adjustment

–7 (to make picture blui sh)
to +7 (to make white parts
reddish)

When you set [ON],
pictures are recorded with
the gamma curve that
reproduces the natural
gradation sequence,
similar to that of film
cameras

To name the set picture
profiles [PP1] through
[PP6] (p. 36)

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

37

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

Item Adjustment

[COPY] To copy a picture profile

[RESET] To restore the default

setting to other picture
profiles

setting of the picture
profile

6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other

items.

7 Select [ RETURN] by turning the

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

8 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A, then press the dial.
A picture profile indicator appears.

b Note

• In the case of [TYPE3] of [SKINTONE
DTL], the effect may also be applied to a
color that is not a skin color.

To check the picture profile settings

During recording or standby, press the
STATUS CHECK button B (p. 44).

z Tip

• You can assign picture profiles to the ASSIGN
buttons and use them to turn the picture profiles
on and off (p. 39).

To name the picture profile settings

You can name on picture profile 1~6.
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

C.

2 Select the picture profile that you want

to name by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial A, then press the dial.

3 Select [SETTING] t [PROFILE

NAME] by the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial
A.

4 Select a letter by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A, then press the dial.
Repeat this operation until a complete
name is entered.

PICT. PROFILE

CANCEL

P I CTURE PROF I LE END

z Tips

• Each name can be up to 12 characters long.

• Characters that can be used in profile
names:

• A~Z

•0~9

• - _ / # & : . @

OK

5 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A, then press the dial. The
profile name is changed.

6 Select [ RETURN] t [OK] by the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

To copy the picture profile setting to
other picture profiles

1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

C.

2 Select the picture profile that you want

to copy from by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial A, then press the dial.

3 Select [SETTING] t [COPY] by SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial A.

4 Select the number of the picture profile

that you want to copy to by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A, then press
the dial.

5 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A, then press the dial.

6 Select [ RETURN] t [OK] by the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

To reset the picture profile settings

You can reset the picture profile settings by
each picture profile number. You cannot
reset all picture profile settings at once.

38

1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

C.

2 Select the picture profile by turning the

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

3 Select [SETTING] t [RESET] t

[YES] t [ RETURN] t [OK] by
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons

You may need to assign some functions to
the ASSIGN buttons. You can assign a
single function to each the ASSIGN button
1 to 6.

Functions you can assign to the
ASSIGN buttons

• MARKER (p. 63)

• D.EXTENDER (p. 60)

• FOCUS INFNTY (p. 40)

• REC REVIEW (p. 41)

• END SEARCH (p. 41)

• INDEX MARK (p. 41)

• PEAKING (p. 62)

• STEADYSHOT (p. 57)

• COLOR BAR (p. 57)

•SPOTLIGHT (p.60)

• BACK LIGHT (p. 59)

• FADER (p. 60)

• DISPLAY (p. 44)

• Picture profile (p. 36)

• SHOT TRANS (p. 42)

b Note

• The ASSIGN buttons 4 to 6 are exclusively used
for memory playback when the POWER switch
is set to VCR, and cannot be used as ASSIGN
buttons. You cannot assign functions to the
ASSIGN buttons 4 to 6 while the POWER
switch is set to VCR.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

39

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued)

5 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/

ASSIGN button 1-3

A
B

PUSH EXEC dial B, then press
the dial.

6 Press the MENU button A to hide

the menu.

z Tips

• Shot transition is assigned to the ASSIGN

buttons 1, 2 and 3 (p. 42). Cancel the shot
transition assignment to return to the pre-setting
assignment.

• To cancel the shot transition, select [SHOT

TRANS] t [YES] in step 3.

ASSIGN button 4-6

1 Press the MENU button A.

2 Select the (OTHERS) t

[ASSIGN BTN] by the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial B.

3 Select the number of the ASSIGN

button (ASSIGN 1-6, [SHOT
TRANS]) you want to assign the
function by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial B, then press the dial.

• [------] is displayed at the number that no
function is assigned.

• When you select [SHOT TRANS], select
[YES], then proceed to step 6.

4 Select the function to be assigned

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial B, then press the dial.

40

Focusing on a distant subject (Focus infinity)

b Note

• [FOCUS INFNTY] is only available during the
manual focus. It is not available during the auto
focus.

1 Assign [FOCUS INFNTY] to one of

the ASSIGN buttons (p. 39).

2 Press the ASSIGN button

assigned to [FOCUS INFNTY].

appears.

If you release the switch, it returns to
manual focusing.

Use this function to record a distant
subject when the focus is automatically
set on a close subject.

Recording an index signal Reviewing the most recently

If you make an index for a scene, you can
easily search for the scene later (p. 47).
The index function will make it easier to
check the transition of recording or edit
your pictures using index signals.

recorded scenes (Rec review)

You can view about 2 seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.
This is convenient during playback of the
latest scene check.

1 Assign [INDEX MARK] to one of

the ASSIGN buttons in advance
(p. 39).

2 Press the ASSIGN button

assigned to [INDEX MARK].

When pressed during recording

appears for about 7 seconds and an

index signal is recorded.

When pressed during standby

flashes.

After you press the REC START/STOP
button to start recording, appears
for about 7 seconds and an index signal
is recorded.

To cancel the operation

Before starting to record, press the ASSIGN
button assigned to [INDEX MARK] again.

b Note

• You cannot record an index signal on a recorded
tape afterward.

1 Assign [REC REVIEW] to one of

the ASSIGN buttons in advance.
(p. 39).

2 Press the ASSIGN button

assigned to [REC REVIEW] during
standby mode.

The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most
recently recorded scene are played back.
Then, your camcorder is set to the
standby.

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (End search)

b Note

• End search will not work correctly when there is
a blank section between recorded sections on
the tape.

1 Assign [END SEARCH] to one of

the ASSIGN button in
advance(p. 39).

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

41

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued)

You can set the transition curve and

2 Press the ASSIGN button to

which [END SEARCH] is
assigned.

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 Note

• The End search function will not work correctly
when there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.

Using the Shot transition

You can register the settings of focus,
zoom, iris, gain, shutter speed, and white
balance, and then change the recording
setting from the current one to the
registered one, resulting in a smooth
transition of scenes (Shot transition).
For example, you can shift the focus from
closer objects to farther objects, or change
the depth of field by adjusting the iris. In
addition, you can develop scenes under
different recording conditions smoothly. If
you register the manual adjustment function
of the white balance, the scenes will
develop smoothly between objects indoor
and those outdoor.
Use a tripod to avoid camera-shake.

SHOT-A

SHOT-B

duration using [SHOT TRANS] (p. 59).

ASSIGN button1-3

1 Assign [SHOT TRANS] to the

ASSIGN buttons (p. 39).

z Tip

• Shot transition is assigned to ASSIGN
buttons 1, 2 and 3.

2 Store the settings (shot)

1 Press the ASSIGN button 1 repeatedly

to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION
STORE screen.

STBY 0:00:05120

min

SHOT TRANS STORE

2 Adjust the desired items manually.

See pages 30 to 36 for details on
adjustment.

3 Press the ASSIGN button 2 for storing

the setting in SHOT-A, or the ASSIGN
button 3 for storing the setting in
SHOT-B.

b Note

• The setting values assigned to SHOT-A and
SHOT-B are deleted when the POWER
switch is turned to OFF (CHG).

SHOT-A
SHOT-B

STORE

42

3 Check the stored settings

1 Press the ASSIGN button 1 repeatedly

to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION
CHECK screen.

STBY

0:00:05120

SHOT-A
SHOT-B

CHECK

min

SHOT TRANS CHECK

2 Press the ASSIGN button 2 to check

the SHOT-A. Press the ASSIGN button
3 to check the SHOT-B.
The selected setting will take effect on
the picture on the screen. The focus,
zoom, and so on, are automatically
adjusted as stored in the setting.

b Note

• You cannot check the transition time and
curve set using [SHOT TRANS] (p. 59).

4 Record using the shot transition

function

1 Press the ASSIGN button 1 repeatedly

to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION
EXEC screen.

SHOT TRANS EXEC

2 Press the REC START/STOP button.
3 Press the ASSIGN button 2 to record

STBY 0:00:05120min

SHOT-A
SHOT-B

EXEC

ES

Transition bar
S: start
E: end

movie using the SHOT-A. Press the
ASSIGN button 3 to record movie
using the SHOT-B.

Pictures will be recorded with the
settings that are changed automatically

from the current ones to the stored
ones.

z Tip

• Press the ASSIGN button 1 repeatedly to
cancel the SHOT TRANSITION.

b Notes

• You cannot zoom, focus, or adjust manually
while checking or activating the Shot transition.

• When you change [SHOT TRANS] (p. 59),
press the ASSIGN button 1 repeatedly to exit
the shot transition screen.

• You cannot return from the stored SHOT-A or
SHOT-B settings to previous settings after you
activate the shot transition during recording.

• If you press the following buttons during the
shot transition operation, the operation is
canceled:

– PICTURE PROFILE
–MENU
– EXPANDED FOCUS
– STATUS CHECK

z Tips

• You can also make a transition from saved
SHOT-A to saved SHOT-B or vice versa. For
example, to make a transition from SHOT-A to
SHOT-B. Display the shot transition CHECK
screen, press the ASSIGN button 2 and press the
REC START/STOP button. Next, display the
shot transition EXEC screen and press the
ASSIGN button 3.

• You can rehearse the shot transition by
pressing the ASSIGN button 2 or 3, in which
the desired setting was stored, before
pressing the REC START/STOP button in step

4.

To cancel the operation

Press the ASSIGN button 1 repeatedly to
exit the shot transition screen.

Recording/Playback

43

Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder

Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check)

You can check the setup value of the
following items.

C

B

A

Changing the screen

You can turn on and off the display of the
time code, tape counter, and other
information on the screen.

Press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO
button C.

The screen indicators turn on (displayed)
and off (undisplayed) as you press the
button.

z Tip

• You can display the screen indicators during
playback on a TV. Select [DISP OUTPUT],
then [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 65).

• Audio setup such as [DV AUDIO MIX] (p. 61)

• Output signal setup ([VCR HDV/DV], etc.)
(p. 66)

• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons
(p. 39)

• Camera setup. (p. 56)

• Picture profile (p. 36)

1 Press the STATUS CHECK button

B.

2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A

to display the desired item.

When the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA, the items appear in the
following order:

AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t
CAMERA t PICT.PROFILE

When the POWER switch is set to
VCR, the items appear in the following
order:

AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN

b Note

• When [PICT.PROFILE] is set to [OFF], the
settings of PICTURE PROFILE are not
displayed.

44

To turn off the setup value

• Press the STATUS CHECK button B.

Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info)

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then
press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button
C. The approximate recordable time in the
selected format and battery information
appear for about 7 seconds. You can view
the battery information for up to 20 seconds
by pressing the button again while the
information is displayed.

Remaining battery (approx.)

139
139

Recording capacity (approx.)

Recording/Playback

45

Locating a scene on a tape

3 Press mREW 3.

1
2

3

4

5
6

7

4 Press PLAY 5.

The tape stops automatically when the
tape counter reaches “0:00:00.”

The tape counter returns to the time
code display, and the zero set memory
display disappears.

Playback starts from the point
designated “0:00:00” on the tape
counter.

b Note

• See page 120 for details on how to use the
Remote Commander.

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)

1 During playback, press ZERO

SET MEMORY 4 at a point you
want to locate later on.

The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00”
and appears on the screen.

0:00:006 0min

If the tape counter is not displayed,
press DISPLAY 7.

2 Press STOP 6 when you want to

stop playback.

46

To cancel the operation

Press ZERO SET MEMORY 4 again
before rewinding.

b Notes

• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds
between the time code and the tape counter.

• Zero set memory will not function correctly if
there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.

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

You can locate the point where the
recording date changes.

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press SEARCH M. 1 on the

Remote Commander repeatedly
to select [DATE SEARCH].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next)

2 on the Remote Commander to
select a recording date.

You can select the previous or the next
date of the present point on the tape.

Playback starts automatically from the
point where the date changes.

To cancel the operation

Press STOP 6 on the Remote
Commander.

b Notes

• If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes,
your camcorder may not accurately find the
point where the recording date changes.

• The Date search will not function correctly
when there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.

Searching for a recording start point (Index search)

You can locate the point where an index
signal is recorded (p. 41).

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

Playback starts automatically from the
point where the selected index signal is
recorded.

To cancel the operation

Press STOP 6 on the Remote
Commander.

b Notes

• If index recording is less than 2 minutes, your
camcorder may not accurately find the index
point.

• The Index search will not function correctly
when there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.

Recording/Playback

2 Press SEARCH M. 1 on the

Remote Commander repeatedly
to select [INDEX SEARCH].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next)

2 on the Remote Commander to
select an index point.

You can select the index signal of the
point that you want to start playing back
the tape.

47

Playing the picture on a TV

E F G

D

Connection methods and image quality differ depending on what type of TV is connected and
connectors used.
Use the supplied AC Adaptor to obtain AC power (p. 15).
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected.

Selecting the connection method according to your TV type and connectors

High definition TV

HD (high definition) image quality*

• An HDV formatted picture is played back as it is
(HD image quality).

• A DV formatted picture is played back as it is (SD image quality).

COMPONENT IN

AUDIO

HDMI

i.LINK

(for HDV1080i)

B CA

t (p. 50) t (p. 50)t (p. 49)

16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV

SD (standard definition) image quality*

• An HDV formatted picture is down converted to DV format
(SD image quality) and played back.

• A DV formatted picture is played back as it is (SD image quality).

COMPONENT IN

AUDIO

t (p. 51) t (p. 52) t (p. 52)

b Notes

• Make all menu settings on your camcorder before connecting. The TV may not recognize the video signal
properly when changing [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK CONV] settings after connecting with an i.LINK
cable.

* Pictures recorded in the DV format are played back as SD (standard definition) images regardless of the

connection.

i.LINK

t (p. 51)

S VIDEO

VIDEO/AUDIO

VIDEO/AUDIO

48

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover and connect the cable.

2

3

1

4

Connecting to a high definition TV

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

A

2

3

b Note

• An A/V connecting cable is also needed to output audio signals. Connect the white and red plugs of the A/
V connecting cable to the audio input jack of your TV.

Component video cable
(supplied)

A/V connecting cable
(supplied)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/C

(Red) PR/C

B

R

(Red)

(White)

(Yellow)

(IN/OUT REC)
menu t
[VCR HDV/DV] t
[AUTO] (p. 66)
[COMPONENT] t
[1080i/576i] (p. 67)

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

49

Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

B

1

b Notes

• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.

• Pictures in the DV format are not output from the HDMI OUT jack, if copyright protection signals are
recorded in the pictures.

• DV format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 73) cannot be output.

• Your TVs may not function correctly (for example, no sound or image). Do not connect the HDMI OUT
jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of the external device with the HDMI cable. This may cause
a malfunction.

z Tip

• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send both video and audio signals.
Connecting HDMI OUT jack to an external device supplies high quality images and digital audio to you.

HDMI cable (optional)

HDMI

IN

C

4

b Notes

• Your TV needs to have an i.LINK jack compatible with HDV1080i. For details, confirm the
specifications of your TV.

• If your TV is not compatible with HDV1080i, connect your camcorder and TV with the supplied
component video cable and A/V connecting cable as illustrated in .

• The TV needs to be set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is connected. See the instruction manuals
supplied with your TV.

• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device to be
attached.

i.LINK cable (optional)

(IN/OUT REC)
menu t
[VCR HDV/DV] t
[AUTO] (p. 66)

(IN/OUT REC)
menu t
[VCR HDV/DV] t
[AUTO] (p. 66)
[i.LINK CONV] t
[OFF] (p. 67)

50

Connecting to a 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV

E

To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)

Change [TV TYPE] setting to match your TV (p. 67).

b Note

• When you play back a tape recorded in the DV format on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the 16:9 signal, set
[DV WIDE REC] to [OFF] on your camcorder when recording a picture (p. 67).

z Tip

• When your TV is monaural (When your TV has 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. When you want to play the sound in monaural
mode, use a connecting cable for that purpose.

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

D

2

3

b Note

• A/V connecting cable is also needed to output audio signals. Connect the white and red plugs of the A/V
connecting cable to the audio input jack of your TV.

4

Component video cable
(supplied)

A/V connecting cable
(supplied)

i.LINK cable (optional)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/C

(Red) PR/C

B

R

(Red)

(White)

(Yellow)

(IN/OUT REC)
menu t
[VCR HDV/DV] t
[AUTO] (p. 66)
[COMPONENT] t
[576i] (p. 67)
[TV TYPE] t
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 67)

(IN/OUT REC)
menu t
[VCR HDV/DV] t
[AUTO] (p. 66)
[i.LINK CONV] t
[ON] (p. 67)

Recording/Playback

b Notes

• The TV needs to be set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is connected. See the instruction manuals
supplied with your TV.

• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device to be
attached.

Continued ,

51

Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

(IN/OUT REC)

A/V connecting cable with
S VIDEO (optional)

3

b Notes

• When connecting only an S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel), audio signals are not output. To output

audio signals, connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable to the
audio input jack of your TV.

• This connection produces higher resolution pictures compared with the A/V connecting cable (Type ).

3

* Change the settings according to the TV connected.

b Notes

• If you connect your camcorder to your TV using more than one type of cable to output images from a jack

other than the i.LINK jack, the order of priority of the output signals is as follows:
HDMI t component video t SVIDEO t audio/video.

• See page 107 for the details of i.LINK.

A/V connecting cable
(supplied)

(Red)

(White)

(Yellow)

(Red)

(White)

(Yellow)

menu t
[VCR HDV/DV] t
[AUTO] (p. 66)
[TV TYPE] t
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 67)

(IN/OUT REC)
[VCR HDV/DV] t
[AUTO] (p. 66)
[TV TYPE] t
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 67)

When connecting to your TV via a VCR

Select the connecting method on page 73 depending on the input jack of the VCR. Connect
your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the
input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).

If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR)

Use a 21-pin adaptor (optional) to view playback pictures.

52

Using the Menu

Using the menu items

You can change various settings or make
detailed adjustments using the menu items
displayed on the screen.

MENU
button

POWER switch

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

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.

2 Press the MENU button to display

the menu index screen.

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

[MENU]: END

AUDIO SET (p. 61)

DISPLAY SET (p. 62)

IN/OUT REC (p. 66)

MEMORY SET (p. 68)

OTHERS (p. 70)

OTHERS
RETURN
CAMERA PROF.
ASSIGN BTN

PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS

CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
QUICK REC

[MENU]: END

4 Select the desired item by turning

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

OTHERS

PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS

CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
QUICK REC
BEEP
REC LAMP
REMOTE CTRL

[MENU]: END

-:--:--

OFF

The available menu items vary
depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. Unavailable items will be
grayed out.

5 Select the desired setting by

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

120min

[MENU]: END

REMOTE CTRL

ON
OFF

-:--:--

Using the Menu

3 Select the icon of the desired

menu by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial, then press the dial.

CAMERA SET (p. 56)

6 Press the MENU button to hide

the menu screen.

To return to the previous screen, select
[ RETURN].

53

.

Menu items

Available menu items (z) vary depending on the POWER switch
position.

Position of POWER switch: CAMERA VCR

(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 56)

EXPOSURE/IRIS z –
SMTH SLW REC z –
CNTRST ENHCR z –
STEADYSHOT z –
COLOR BAR z –
AF ASSIST z –
AE SHIFT z –
AE RESPONSE z –
AGC LIMIT z –
AT IRIS LMT z –
AWB SENS z –
FLCKR REDUCE z –
HANDLE ZOOM z –
SHOT TRANS z –
DV FRAME REC z –
BACK LIGHT z –
SPOTLIGHT z –
D.EXTENDER z –
FADER z –

(AUDIO SET) menu (p. 61)

AUDIO REC LV z –
DV AU. MODE z –
MULTI-SOUND – z
DV AUDIO MIX – z

(DISPLAY SET) menu (p. 62)

PEAKING z –
HISTOGRAM z –
MARKER z –
EXP.FOCUS TYPE z –
CAM DATA DSP z –
AU.LVL DISP z –
LCD BRIGHT zz
LCD COLOR zz
LCD BL LEVEL zz
VF B.LIGHT zz
VF POWERMODE zz
DATA CODE – z
LETTER SIZE zz

REMAINING zz

DISP OUTPUT zz

54

Position of POWER switch: CAMERA VCR

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

REC FORMAT z –
VCR HDV/DV – z
DV REC MODE zz
DV WIDE REC z –
COMPONENT zz
i.LINK CONV zz
TV TYPE zz

(MEMORY SET) menu (p. 68)

QUALITY zz
ALL ERASE – z

FORMAT zz
FILE NO. zz
NEW FOLDER zz
REC FOLDER zz
PB FOLDER – z

(OTHERS) (p. 70)

CAMERA PROF. zz
ASSIGN BTN zz
PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS zz
CLOCK SET zz
WORLD TIME zz
LANGUAGE zz
USB SELECT – z
PB ZOOM – z
QUICK REC z –
BEEP zz
REC LAMP z –
REMOTE CTRL zz

Using the Menu

55

(CAMERA SET)

menu

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

The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.

See page 53 for details on selecting
menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(CAMERA SET) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

EXPOSURE/IRIS

x DIAL ASSIGN

You can select assign settings with the
EXPOSURE/IRIS dial from [EXPOSURE]
(default settings), [IRIS] and [AE SHIFT]
(p. 32).

b Note

• If you change the assign function from
EXPOSURE/IRIS to other function, manually
adjusted items (iris, gain, shutter speed) also
become automatic.

x DIAL SENS

You can select the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial
sensitivity from [HIGH], [MIDDLE]
(default settings) or [LOW].

x DIAL ROTATE

You can select the rotation direction of the
EXPOSURE/IRIS dial.

B NORMAL

You can change the screen brightness by
turning the dial up.

OPPOSITE

You can change the screen brightness by
turning the dial down.

SMTH SLW REC (Smooth slow
recording)

Fast moving subjects and actions, which
cannot be captured under the general
shooting conditions, can be shot in smooth
moving slow-motion.
This is useful to shoot fast actions such as a
golf or tennis swing.

Select [EXECUTE], and press the REC
START/STOP button on the [SMTH SLW
REC] screen.
An about-6-second movie is recorded as a
24-second slow-motion movie.
When [Recording···] disappears, recording
is finished.

Select [TIMING] to select one of the
following start points for recording before
pressing the REC START/STOP button.

[6sec AFTER]*

[6sec BEFORE]

* The default setting is [6sec AFTER].

To cancel [SMTH SLW REC], press the
MENU button.

b Notes

• Sounds cannot be recorded.

• [SMTH SLW REC] settings are automatically
canceled when you switch off your camcorder.

• Recording time is estimated time. The recording
time may be shorter than the set time according
to recording condition.

56

.

CNTRST ENHCR

Since the default setting is [ON], high
contrast images, such as backlit scene
images, are detected and unexposed
shadows of the images are automatically
reduced

b Note

• When you set [BACK LIGHT] to [ON],
[CNTRST ENHCR] is temporarily turned off.

STEADYSHOT

x ON/OFF

You can compensate for camera shake (the
default setting is [ON]). Set [ON/OFF] to
[OFF] ( ) when using a tripod (optional),
then the image becomes natural.

x TYPE

You can select the type of the SteadyShot
function that compensates for camera­shake.

HARD

Select to activate the SteadyShot function
with stronger effect. This mode is not
recommended for recording with camera
pan, tilt technique.

B STANDARD

Select to activate the standard SteadyShot
function.

SOFT

Select to activate the SteadyShot function
so that it leaves a slight unsteadiness on the
picture so the picture looks natural.

WIDE CONV.

Select when a wide conversion lens
(optional) is attached. This mode is the
most effective with Sony VCL-HG0862
wide conversion lens.

COLOR BAR

x ON/OFF

You can display the color bar or record it on
the tape by setting to [ON]. It is convenient
to adjust the color on the monitor connected
(the default setting is [OFF]).

b Note

• This is automatically set to [OFF] the next time
you switch on the camcorder.

x TYPE

You can select the color bar type.

TYPE 1

TYPE 2

TYPE 3

AF ASSIST

When you set [AF ASSIST] to [ON], you
can briefly focus manually by turning the
focus ring during the auto focus. (The
default setting is [OFF]).

Using the Menu

Continued ,

57

Press the MENU button t select the (CAMERA SET) by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial.

AE SHIFT

You can adjust the exposure between -7
(dark) and +7 (bright) using the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial. and the setting value appear
when [AE SHIFT] is set to anything other
than the default setting.

b Note

• If you adjust all of the iris, gain, shutter speed
manually, you cannot obtain the effect of [AE
SHIFT].

AE RESPONSE

You can select the speed to adjust the
exposure automatically, in accordance with
the brightness of the subject. [FAST],
[MIDDLE], and [SLOW] are available (the
default setting is [FAST]).

AGC LIMIT

You can select the upper limit for the Auto
Gain Control (AGC) from [OFF] (18dB, the
default setting), [12dB], [6dB] or [0dB].

b Note

• If you adjust the gain manually, you cannot
obtain the effect of [AGC LIMIT].

AT IRIS LMT

You can select the highest iris value for the
automatic adjustment from [F11] (the
default settings), [F5.6], [F4].

b Note

• If you adjust the iris manually, you cannot
obtain the effect of [AT IRIS LMT].

AWB SENS

You can set the auto white balance
operation under a reddish light source such
as an incandescent lamp or candle, or under
a blueish light source such as in outdoor
shade.

B INTELLIGENT

Adjustment is automatically performed to
achieve a natural atmosphere according to
the brightness of the scene.

HIGH

Redness or blueness will decrease.

MIDDLE

LOW

Redness or blueness will increase.

b Notes

• This is only effective when white balance is
adjusted automatically.

• [AWB SENS] is not effective under a clear sky
or the sun.

FLCKR REDUCE

B ON

Select to record under normal conditions.
Flickering of the screen under a light
source such as fluorescent lamps will be
reduced.

OFF

Select when you do not want to reduce
flickering of the screen.

b Note

• Flickering may not be reduced depending on the
light source.

HANDLE ZOOM

You can change the zoom speed of handle
zoom switch positions H and L (p. 30).

x H

You can select the zoom speed of position
H of the handle zoom switch from 1 (slow)
through 8 (fast) (the default setting is 6).

x L

You can select the zoom speed of position
L of the handle zoom switch from 1 (slow)
through 8 (fast) (the default setting is 3).

58

SHOT TRANS

Select this setting to set the transition time
and curve. See page 42 for details on using
the shot transition function.

x TRANS TIME

Select transition time ([3.5 sec] to [15.0
sec] seconds, the default setting is [4 sec]).

x TRANS CURVE

Select the transition curve. The transition
curve changes as follows.

*1: parameter level
*2: transition of time

LINEAR

Make the transition linearly.

*1

*2

B SOFT STOP

Make the transition slowly at the end.

*1

*2

SOFT TRANS

Make the transition slowly at the
beginning and end, and linearly in
between.

*1

*2

b Note

• You cannot change [TRANS TIME] and
[TRANS CURVE] settings during store, check,
or execution of [SHOT TRANS]. Cancel
[SHOT TRANS] setting by pressing the

ASSIGN button 1 several times before changing
[TRANS TIME] or [TRANS CURVE] setting.

DV FRAME REC

You can record pictures with a stop-motion
animated effect by alternately recording a
few frames and then moving the subject a
little. Operate your camcorder using the
Remote Commander to prevent camera
shake.

B OFF

Select to record in the standard recording
mode.

ON ( )

Select to record pictures using the DV
FRAME REC function.

1 Select [ON] by the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial.

2 Press the MENU button to hide the

menu screen.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button.

A picture (approximately 5 frames) is
recorded, and your camcorder enters
the standby mode.

4 Move the subject and repeat step 3.

b Note

• When you use frame recording continuously,
the remaining tape time will not be indicated
correctly.

• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.

• You cannot record index signals during frame
recording.

• This is automatically set to [OFF] if you turn the
power off and back on.

BACK LIGHT

When you set [BACK LIGHT] to [ON], .
is displayed and the back light function is
enabled (the default setting is [OFF]).

b Notes

• The back light function is canceled when you
set [SPOTLIGHT] to [ON].

Using the Menu

Continued ,

59

Press the MENU button t select the (CAMERA SET) by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial.

• You cannot use the back light function if 2 or
more items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed
are adjusted manually.

• The setting returns to [OFF] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.

SPOTLIGHT

When you set [SPOTLIGHT] to [ON]
( ), you can reduce overexposed
highlights on faces of people who are under
strong light, such as on a stage, during
recording (the default setting is [OFF]).

b Notes

• The spotlight function is canceled when you set
[BACK LIGHT] to [

• You cannot use the spotlight function if 2 or
more items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed
are adjusted manually.

• The setting automatically returns to [OFF]
(default) when you set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

ON].

D.EXTENDER (Digital Extender)

When you set [D.EXTENDER] to [ON]
( ), the image is displayed about 1.5
times larger. The picture quality
deteriorates due to the digital process. You
can enlarge images of distant subjects such
as wild birds. (The default setting is [OFF]).

b Note

• This is automatically set to [OFF] if you turn the
power off and back on.

To cancel before starting the operation,
select [OFF] in step 1.
Once you press the REC START/STOP
button, the setting is canceled.

STBY REC

Fading out Fading in

WHITE FADER

BLACK FADER

b Note

• This is automatically set to [OFF] if you turn the
power off and back on.

FADER

You can record a transition with the
following effects adding to the interval
between scenes.

1 Select the desired effect in [STBY] (during

fading in) or [REC] (during fading out)
mode.

2 Press the REC START/STOP button.

The fader indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.

60

(AUDIO SET) menu

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

The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.

See page 53 for details on selecting
menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(AUDIO SET) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

AUDIO REC LV

You can adjust the recording sound level
manually.

x AUTO/MANUAL

B AUTO

Select [AUTO] to adjust the recording
sound level automatically.

MANUAL( )

Select [MANUAL] to adjust the recording
sound level during recording or standby.

x LEVEL

You can adjust the recording sound level
when you set [AUDIO REC LV] to
[MANUAL]. The recording sound level
increases as the level bars go to the right.

z Tips

• Use headphones to monitor the sound when
adjusting it.

• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.

DV AU. MODE
(DV 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).

b Note

• When recording in the HDV format, sound is
automatically recorded in [16BIT] mode.

MULTI-SOUND

You can select whether to play back audio
recorded using other devices with dual
sound or stereo sound.

B STEREO

Plays back with main and sub sound (or
stereo sound).

1

Plays back with main sound (or the left
channel sound).

2

Plays back with sub sound (or the right
channel sound).

b Notes

• You can play back, but cannot record a dual
sound track cassette on your camcorder.

• The setting automatically returns to [STEREO]
(default) when you set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

DV AUDIO MIX

You can monitor the sound recorded on the
tape with audio dubbing or 4ch microphone
recording during playback.

B ST1

Select to output only the originally
recorded sound.

MIX

Select to synthesize and output the
originally recorded sound and the sound
added afterwards.

ST2

Select to output only the sound added
afterwards.

Using the Menu

Continued ,

61

Press the MENU button t select the

(AUDIO SET) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

b Notes

• You cannot adjust the balance of the sound
recorded on a tape in the 16-bit DV audio mode.

• The setting automatically returns to the default
setting when you set the POWER switch OFF
(CHG) for more than 12 hours.

(DISPLAY SET)

menu

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

The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.

See page 53 for details on selecting
menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(DISPLAY SET) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

PEAKING

x ON/OFF

When you set [PEAKING] to [ON], the
outline of the subject on the screen is
enhanced for easier focusing. (The default
setting is [OFF]).

x COLOR

[WHITE], [RED], [YELLOW] are
available for the outline color. (The default
setting is [WHITE].)

x LEVEL

[HIGH], [MIDDLE], [LOW] are available
for the outline level. (The default setting is
[MIDDLE].)

b Note

• The image with enhanced outline is not
recorded on the tape.

z Tip

• This makes focusing easier when used
with expanded focus display (p. 32).

62

HISTOGRAM

When you set [HISTOGRAM] to [ON],
[HISTOGRAM] (a graph to display a
distribution of tones in your picture)
window appears on the screen (the default
setting is [OFF]).

This item is useful when you adjust
exposure. You can adjust EXPOSURE/
IRIS while checking [HISTOGRAM]
window (p. 32). [HISTOGRAM] will not
be recorded on a tape or “Memory Stick
Duo.”

80

Pixels

BrighterDarker

Brightness

z Tips

• The left area on the graph shows the darker
areas of the picture while the right area shows
the brighter areas.

• If you set ZEBRA to [70] or [100], the guide is
displayed (p. 34).

MARKER

When you set [ON/OFF] to [ON], you can
display [CENTER] and [GUIDEFRAME]
markers.

x ON/OFF

When you select [ON], a marker is
displayed (the default setting is [OFF]). The
marker is not recorded.

x CENTER

When you set [CENTER] to [ON], the
marker is displayed at the center of the
screen (the default setting is [ON]).

b Note

• Screen indicators are not output from the analog
jacks when a marker is displayed.

z Tips

• You can display the center marker and the
guideframe marker at the same time.

• You can obtain a balanced composition by
positioning the subject at the cross points of the
guideframe marker.

• Markers are displayed only on the LCD panel
and viewfinder (they are not output from the
jacks).

EXP.FOCUS TYPE

You can set a type of the expanded focus
display.

B TYPE 1

Simply enlarges images.

TYPE 2

Enlarges and shows images in white and
black.

CAM DATA DSP (Camera data
display)

When you set [CAM DATA DSP] to [ON],
the iris, shutter speed, and gain settings are
constantly displayed (the default setting is
[OFF]).

120

min

Using the Menu

x GUIDEFRAME

When you set [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON],
the marker for checking the horizontal and
vertical positions of the subject is displayed

(the default setting is [OFF]).

Iris value

z Tips

• When set to manual, the values are displayed
regardless of the camera data display settings.

• indicates auto settings.

Shutter speed

Gain value

Continued ,

63

Press the MENU button t select the (DISPLAY SET) by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial.

• The items displayed by setting [CAM DATA
DSP] to [ON] are different from the items that
will be displayed when [DATA CODE] is set to
[CAMERA DATA] (p. 64).

AU.LVL DISP (Audio level display)

Since the default setting is [ON], audio
level meter is displayed.

Audio level meter

LCD BRIGHT

You can adjust the LCD bright using the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The brightness of
recorded pictures is not affected.

z Tip

• You can also turn off the LCD backlight (p. 19).

LCD COLOR

You can adjust the LCD color intensity
using the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The color
of recorded pictures is not affected.

LCD BL LEVEL

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen’s backlight.

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to outside
power sources, [LCD BL LEVEL] is
automatically set to [BRIGHT].

• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable
time with the battery is slightly reduced.

VF B.LIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the
viewfinder.

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the viewfinder screen.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to outside
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically
selected for the setting.

• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable
time with the battery is slightly reduced.

VF POWERMODE

B AUTO

When the LCD screen is closed or during
reverse shooting, the finder is lit.

ON

The LCD screen and finder are always lit.

DATA CODE

During playback, you can display the
information (data code) recorded
automatically at the time of recording is
displayed.

B OFF

Data code is not displayed.

DATE

Displays the date and time.

CAMERA DATA

Displays camera setting data.

64

60

HDV1080

AUTO

min

i

F1.7 1006

0:00:00

60

min

dB

ASteadyShot off
BExposure

is displayed when shooting
with automatic adjustment of iris/gain/
shutter speed, and is displayed
when shooting with manual adjustment.

CIris

is displayed in the iris value
display area when you manually set the
iris value to the maximum.

DGain
EShutter speed
FWhite balance

is displayed when you play back

images recorded using shot transition.

b Notes

• The exposure adjustment value (0EV), the
shutter speed, and the iris value appear when
still images on a “Memory Stick Duo” are
played back.

• In the DATE display, the date and time are
displayed in the same area. If you record a
picture without setting the clock, [-- -- --] and [-­:--:--] will appear.

REMAINING

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 VCR
or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.

• When you press
DISPLAY/BATT INFO button.

N (PLAY) or the

ON

Always displays the remaining tape
indicator.

DISP OUTPUT

B LCD PANEL

Shows displays such as the time code on
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.

V-OUT/PANEL

Shows displays such as the time code on
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the
viewfinder.

Using the Menu

LETTER SIZE

B NORMAL

Select to display the menu screen at
normal size.

2x

Select to display the selected menu item at
double the normal height.

Continued ,

65

(IN/OUT REC)

menu

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

The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.

See page 53 for details on selecting
menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(IN/OUT REC) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

REC FORMAT

You can select a recording format.

B HDV1080i ( )

Records in the HDV1080i specification.

DV ( )

Records in the DV format.

b Note

• When you output the recording picture using an
i.LINK cable, set [i.LINK CONV] (p. 67)
accordingly.

VCR HDV/DV

You can select the playback signal.
Normally select [AUTO].
When your camcorder is connected to
another device using an i.LINK cable,
select the signal to input/output from the
HDV/DV interface (i.LINK). The selected
signal is recorded or played back.

B AUTO

Switches the signals between HDV and
DV formats automatically when playing
back a tape.

During i.LINK connection, switches the
signals between HDV and DV formats
automatically, and inputs/outputs from the

HDV/DV interface (i.LINK).

HDV ( )

Plays back only the portions recorded in
HDV format.

During i.LINK connection, inputs/outputs
only HDV formatted signals from the
HDV/DV interface (i.LINK), and records/
plays back. You can also select this when
connecting the camcorder to a computer,
etc.

DV ()

Plays back only the portions recorded in
DV format.

During i.LINK connection, inputs/outputs
only DV formatted signals from the
HDV/DV interface (i.LINK), and records/
plays back. You can also select this when
connecting the camcorder to a computer,
etc.

b Notes

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before changing
[VCR HDV/DV] setting. Otherwise, the
connected device, such as a VCR, may not be
able to recognize the video signal from your
camcorder.

• When [AUTO] is selected and the signal
switches between HDV and DV formats, the
picture and sound are interrupted temporarily.

• When [i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON], pictures
are output as follows:

– at [AUTO], an HDV signal is converted to the

DV format and output; a DV signal is output
as it is.

– at [HDV], an HDV signal is converted to the

DV format and output; a DV signal is not
output.

– at [DV], a DV signal is output as it is; an

HDV signal is not output.

DV REC MODE (DV Recording
mode)

This function is effective only when [REC
FORMAT] is set to [DV].

B SP (SP)

Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on
a cassette.

66

LP (LP)

Increases the recording time to 1.5 times
the SP mode (Long Play).

b Notes

• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like
noise may appear 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.

• You cannot choose the LP mode for the HDV
format recording.

DV WIDE REC

You can select the aspect ratio for recording
according to a type of your TV. Refer also
to the instruction manuals supplied with
your TV.

B ON

Records pictures in the size that matches
the full screen of a 16:9 (wide) TV.

OFF ( )

Records pictures in the size that matches
the full screen of a 4:3 TV.

b Notes

• Set [TV TYPE] correctly according to the TV
connected for playback (p. 67).

• When you select HDV format, the image size is
fixed to 16:9. You cannot record in 4:3 size.

COMPONENT

You can select the type of connection when
connecting your camcorder to a TV with
the component input jack.

576i

Select when connecting your camcorder to
a TV with the component input jack.

B 1080i/576i

Select when connecting your camcorder to
a TV that has the component input jack

and is capable of displaying the 1080i
signal.

i.LINK CONV

You can convert signals in HDV format to
DV format, and output pictures in DV
format from the HDV/DV interface
(i.LINK).

B OFF

Outputs the pictures from the HDV/DV
interface (i.LINK) in accordance with the
settings in [REC FORMAT] and [VCR
HDV/DV].

ON

Pictures in HDV format are converted to
DV format, and pictures in DV format are
output in DV format.

b Notes

• For input signal via an i.LINK connection, see
[VCR HDV/DV] (p. 66).

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting
[i.LINK CONV]. Otherwise, the connected
video device may not be able to recognize the
video signal from your camcorder.

TV TYPE

You need to convert the signal depending
on a type of your TV when playing back the
picture. The recorded pictures are played
back as following illustrations.

B 16:9

Select to view your pictures on a 16:9
(wide) TV.

HDV/DV (16:9)
format pictures

DV (4:3) format
pictures

Using the Menu

Continued ,

67

Press the MENU button t select the

(IN/OUT REC) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

4:3

Select to view your pictures on a 4:3
standard TV.

HDV/DV (16:9)
format pictures

b Notes

• This is not effective for the i.LINK output.

• When you connect your camcorder to a TV with
an i.LINK cable to play back the tape, [TV
TYPE] cannot be set.

DV (4:3) format
pictures

68

(MEMORY SET)

menu

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

The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.

See page 53 for details on selecting
menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(MEMORY SET) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

QUALITY

B FINE ( )

Records still images at the fine image
quality level.

STANDARD ( )

Records still images at the standard image
quality level.

Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”
(MB) and the number of recordable
pictures

1.2M

0.9M

VGA

1440

×

1080 ×

810

810

16MB 25 34 96 115

32MB 51 69 190 240

64MB 100 135 390 490

128MB 205 280 780 980

256MB 370 500 1400 1750

512MB 760 1000 2850 3600

1GB 1550210059007300

1.2M

60 80 240 240

120 160 485 485

240 325 980 980

490 650 1970 1970

890115035503550

1800 2400 7200 7200

3650 4900 14500 14500

640 ×
480

0.2M
640 ×
360

1.2M

0.9M

VGA
1440
810

1.2M

×

1080 ×
810

640 ×

480

0.2M
640 ×
360

2GB 3150 4300 12000 15000

7500 10000 30000 30000

4GB 6300 8500 23500 29500

14500 19500 59000 59000

Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image
quality.

* Recording: Image size fixed to [ 1.2M] in

HDV or DV format (16:9) and [0.9M] in DV
format (4:3).
Playback: Image size is fixed to [ 1.2M] in
HDV format, [ 0.2M] in DV format (16:9)
and [VGA (0.3M)] in DV format (4:3).

b Note

• The specifications are for the “Memory Stick
Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The number
of recordable pictures varies depending on the
recording environment.

Approximate data size of a picture
(kB)

´

1.2M 0.9M VGA 0.2M

600 450 150 130

2601906060

Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.

Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image
quality

2 Select [YES] t [YES] by using the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

[ Erasing all data...] is displayed.
[Completed] is displayed when all
unprotected images are deleted.

b Notes

• Release the write protect tab on the “Memory
Stick Duo” beforehand when using the
“Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab
(p. 104).

• The folder will not be deleted even when you
delete all the pictures in the folder.

• Do not do any of the following while [
Erasing all data...] is displayed:

– Operate the POWER switch/operation

buttons.

– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”

FORMAT

You do not need to format the “Memory
Stick Duo” since it is already formatted at
the factory. If you want to format the
“Memory Stick Duo,” select
[YES]

t[YES].

b Notes

• Do not do any of the following while [
Formatting…] is displayed:

– Operate the POWER switch/operation

buttons.

– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Formatting erases everything on the “Memory
Stick Duo” including protected image data and
newly created folders.

Using the Menu

ALL ERASE

You can delete all the pictures on a
“Memory Stick Duo” without image
protection, or in the selected folder.

1 Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRNT

FOLDER].
[ALL FILES]: Deletes all the images on

the “Memory Stick Duo.”
[CURRNT FOLDER]: Deletes all the

images in the selected folder.

FILE NO.

B SERIES

Assigns file numbers in sequence even if
the “Memory Stick Duo” is replaced with
another one. The file number is reset when
a new folder is created or the recording
folder is replaced with another.

RESET

Resets the file number to 0001 each time
the “Memory Stick Duo” is changed.

Continued ,

69

Press the MENU button t select the

(MEMORY SET) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

NEW FOLDER

When you select [YES], you can create a
new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on
a “Memory Stick Duo.” When a folder is
full (a maximum of 9,999 images are
stored), a new folder is automatically
created.

b Notes

• You cannot delete the created folders using your
camcorder. You will have to format the
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 69), or delete them
using your computer.

• The number of recordable pictures on a
“Memory Stick Duo” may decrease as the
number of folders increases.

REC FOLDER (Recording folder)

You can select the folder to be used for
recording by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial, then press the dial.

z Tips

• As the default setting, pictures are saved in the
101MSDCF folder.

• Once you record a picture in a folder, the same
folder will be set as the default folder for
playback.

PB FOLDER (Playback folder)

You can select the playback folder by
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.

70

(OTHERS) menu

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

The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.

See page 53 for details on selecting
menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(OTHERS) by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

CAMERA PROF. (Camera profile)

You can save up to two kinds of camera
setups in your camcorder as camera
profiles. Using these saved profiles lets you
quickly obtain suitable camera settings
later.

z Tip

• The items that can be saved in the camera
profile are set values of the menu, the picture
profiles, and the buttons. You can save these set
values all in the camera profile.

x To save camera profile settings

1 Select [SAVE] by the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

2 Select [NEW FILE] or an existing

profile name by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial.

3 Select [YES] in the check screen by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
The camera profile settings are saved.

z Tips

• If you select [NEW FILE], profile name is set to
[CAM1] or [CAM2].

• If you select an existing camera profile as a
destination, the camera profile is overwritten.

x To change profile name

You can change the camera profile name.

1 Select [PROFILE NAME] by the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

2 Select the camera profile that you want

to change the name by the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial.
[PROFILE NAME] appears.

3 Change the profile name by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

z Tip

• The method of inputting the name is the
same as the method of setting the name
of the picture profile (p. 38).

4 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Profile name is changed.

x To load camera profile settings

You can load the camera profile settings
and use your camcorder with the settings.

1 Select [LOAD] by the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

2 Select the camera profile which you

want to load by the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial.

3 Select [YES] in the check screen.

Your camcorder is restarted and the
selected camera profile becomes
effective.

x To delete camera profile settings

1 Select [DELETE] by the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

2 Select the camera profile you want to

delete by the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

3 Select [YES] in the check screen.

ASSIGN BTN

See p. 39.

PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS

You can select a function to assign to the
PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button.

B PHOTO

Records a still image (p. 27).

EXP.FOCUS

The PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button
acts the same function as the EXPANDED
FOCUS button (p. 32).

b Note

• If [EXP.FOCUS] is selected, you cannot record
still images with the main unit button. Please
use the PHOTO button on the Remote
Commander.

CLOCK SET

See p. 21.

WORLD TIME

When you use your camcorder abroad, you
can adjust the clock to the local time by
setting the time difference with the

PUSH EXEC

dial.

SEL/

When you set the time difference to 0, the
clock returns to the original setting.

LANGUAGE

You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.

• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]

(simplified English) in case that you cannot
find your native tongue among the options.

USB SELECT

You can connect the camcorder to a
personal computer with a USB cable and
view pictures on the “Memory Stick Duo”
on the computer (p. 83). You can also
connect the camcorder to a PictBridge
compatible printer (p. 80) using this
function.

B Memory Stick

Select to view pictures on a “Memory
Stick Duo” on the computer or to export
them to the computer.

PictBridge PRINT

Select to connect your camcorder to a
PictBridge compatible printer to print out
directly (p. 80).

Using the Menu

Continued ,

71

Press the MENU button t select the (OTHERS) by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

PB ZOOM (Playback zoom)

When you set [PB ZOOM] to [ON], you
can enlarge movie images about 1.1 to 5
times (still images about 1.5 to 5 times).
(The default setting is [OFF]). You can
adjust the magnification with the zoom
lever. To end the zoom, press the W side of
the zoom lever.

z Tip

• To move the zoom horizontally, press the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then turn the dial. To move
the zoom vertically, press the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial one more time, then turn the dial.

QUICK REC

You can slightly reduce the recording start
point time when resuming recording by
turning the POWER switch from OFF
(CHG) to CAMERA.

B OFF

It takes some time to restart recording from
the state that the drum has stopped
rotating, but the transition from the last
recorded scene is smooth.

ON ( )

The time shortens slightly until recording
restarts from the state that the drum has
stopped rotating, but the transition from
the last recorded scene may not be smooth.

Select this when you do not want to miss a
recording chance.

z Tips

• If [QUICK REC] is set to [ON], the interval
between scenes freezes for a moment (editing on
your computer is recommended).

• When the camcorder is left in standby for more
than about 3 minutes, your camcorder exits from
standby (the drum stops rotating) to prevent tape
wear and battery loss. Since the power does not
turn off, you can restart recording by pressing
the REC START/STOP button again.

BEEP

B ON

Activates a melody when you start/stop
recording.

OFF

Cancels the melody.

REC LAMP (Recording lamp)

The camera recording lamp will not light up
during recording when you set this to [OFF]
(the default setting is [ON]).

REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
use the supplied Remote Commander
(p. 120).

z Tip

• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from
responding to a command sent by another VCR
remote control unit.

72

Dubbing/Editing

1

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc.

Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation
(p. 15). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

Connecting to external devices

The connection method and the image quality will differ depending on the VCR, DVD/HDD
device and the connectors used.

: Signal flow

Camcorder Cable External device

i.LINK cable (optional)

2

• i.LINK jack which is compatible with HDV1080i specification is required on the external device.

2

i.LINK cable (optional)

HDV1080i compatible
device
t HD quality*

AV device with i.LINK jack
t SD quality*

1

1

Dubbing/Editing

A/V connecting cable with
S VIDEO (optional)

1

A/V connecting cable
(supplied)

1

Pictures recorded in the DV format are dubbed in the SD (standard definition) quality, regardless of the

*

connection.

2

When connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting

*

cable to the video jack on the device, and connect the white (left channel) or red (right channel) plug to
the audio jack on the device.

b Note

• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.

(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)

(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)

AV device with S VIDEO jack
t SD quality*

AV device with audio/video

2

jacks*
t SD quality*

1

1

Continued ,

73

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. (Continued)

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover and connect the cable.

1

2

Using an i.LINK cable (optional)

The dubbed format (HDV/DV) differs depending on the recording format or the format
supported by the VCR/DVD device. See the table below for selecting the appropriate settings,
and perform necessary menu setting.

b Note

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before changing these menu settings, otherwise the VCR/DVD device may
not correctly identify the video signal.

z Tip

• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device to be
connected.

Copy format

Copy HDV recording as
HDV

Convert HDV recording to
DV

Camcorder
recording
format

Format supported by the
VCR/DVD device

HDV
format*

DV format

1

HDV HDV –*

3

HDV DV DV [ON]

Menu setting

[VCR HDV/DV]
(p. 66)

[AUTO]

[i.LINK CONV]
(p. 67)

Copy DV recording as DV DV DV DV [OFF]

When tape is recorded in both HDV and DV format

Convert both HDV and DV
format to DV

Copy only portions
recorded in HDV format

Copy only portions
recorded in DV format

*1Recording device compliant with the HDV1080i specification.

2

The tape advances, but no video or sound is recorded (blank).

*

3

Picture is not recognized (no recording is made).

*

HDV/DV DV DV [AUTO] [ON]

HDV HDV –*

DV –*

HDV –*

2

2

DV DV DV

3

[HDV] [OFF]

3

–*

2

–*

[DV] [OFF]

74

[OFF]

b Notes

• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], and
the signal switches between HDV and DV
formats, the picture and sound are interrupted
temporarily.

• When the recorder is HDR-FX7E, set [VCR
HDV/DV] to [AUTO] (p. 66).

• When the player and the recorder are both
HDV1080i compatible devices such as HDR­FX7E and connected with the i.LINK cable,
after pausing or stopping and then resuming the
recording, the images will be a bit choppy or
rough at that point.

• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (the
default setting) when connecting with an A/V
connecting cable (p. 65).

When connecting with the A/V
connecting cable with S VIDEO
(optional)

Connect with S VIDEO jack instead of the
video plug (yellow). This connection
produces pictures more faithfully. This
connection produces higher quality DV
format pictures. The audio will not be
output when you connect with the
S VIDEO cable alone.

Dubbing to another device

1 Prepare your camcorder for

playback.

Insert the recorded cassette.
Slide the POWER switch to VCR.

Set [TV TYPE] according to the
playback device (TV, etc.) (p. 67).

2 Prepare your VCR/DVD device for

recording.

When dubbing to the VCR, insert a
cassette for recording.
When dubbing to the DVD recorder,
insert a DVD for recording.

If your recording device has an input
selector, set it to the appropriate input
(such as video input1 and video input2).

3 Connect your VCR/DVD device to

your camcorder as a recording
device.

See page 73 for connection details.

4 Start playback on the camcorder,

and recording on the VCR/DVD
device.

Refer to the operating instructions
supplied with your recording device for
details.

5 When dubbing is complete, stop

your camcorder and the VCR/DVD
device.

b Notes

• The following cannot be output via the HDV/
DV interface (i.LINK):

– Indicators
– Titles that are recorded on other camcorder

• Pictures recorded in the HDV format are not
output from the HDV/DV interface (i.LINK)
jack during playback pause or in any playback
mode other than normal playback.

• Note the following when connecting with an
i.LINK cable:

– The recorded picture becomes rough when a

picture is paused on your camcorder while
recording to a VCR/DVD device.

– Data codes (date/time/camera settings data)

may not be displayed or recorded depending
on the device or application.

– You cannot record the picture and sound

separately.

Dubbing/Editing

Continued ,

75

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device,
etc. (Continued)

• When dubbing to a DVD recorder from your
camcorder through an i.LINK cable, you may
not operate your camcorder on your DVD
recorder even if its instruction manual says you
can. If you can set the input mode to HDV or
DV on your DVD recorder and can input/output
pictures, follow the steps in “Dubbing to another
device.”

z Tips

• To record the date/time and camera settings data
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,
display them on the screen.

• When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and
sound signals are transmitted digitally,
producing high quality pictures.

• When an i.LINK cable is connected, the format
of the output signal ( or

) will be indicated on the LCD screen of

your camcorder.

Recording pictures from a VCR

You can record pictures from a VCR on a
tape. You can record a scene as a still image
on a “Memory Stick Duo.” You can record
pictures in the HDV format by connecting
an HDV1080i specification compatible
device. Be sure to insert a cassette or a
“Memory Stick Duo” for recording in your
camcorder beforehand.
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR
device using an i.LINK cable.
Connect your camcorder to the wall socket
using the supplied AC Adaptor for this
operation (p. 15). Refer also to the
instruction manuals supplied with the
devices to be connected.

b Notes

• You need an i.LINK cable for this operation.

• You cannot perform this operation with the A/V
connecting cable.

• Your camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal.
Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device
to be attached.

• Your camcorder can only record from a PAL
source. For example, French video or TV
programs (SECAM) cannot be recorded
correctly. See page 101 for details on TV color
systems.

• If you use a 21-pin adaptor to input PAL source,
you need a dual direction 21-pin adaptor
(optional).

76

HDV1080i
compatible device

AV device with
i.LINK jack

Recording movies

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

t HD quality t SD quality

To i.LINK connector

: Signal
flow

* An i.LINK jack which is compatible with

HDV1080i specification is required.

i.LINK cable
(optional)

To HDV/DV
interface (i.LINK)

2 Set the input signal of your

camcorder.

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [AUTO] when
recording from an HDV format
compatible device.

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] or
[AUTO] when recording from a DV
format compatible device (p. 66).

3 Connect your VCR as a player to

your camcorder.

When an i.LINK cable is connected, the
format of the input signal (

or ) will be
indicated on the LCD screen of your
camcorder (this indicator may appear on
the screen of the playback device,
however, it will not be recorded).

4 Insert a cassette into the VCR.

5 Set your camcorder to recording

pause.

While pressing X (PAUSE), press both
z REC (record) buttons

simultaneously.

Dubbing/Editing

Continued ,

77

Recording pictures from a VCR (Continued)

Recording still images

Be sure to insert a “Memory Stick Duo” for
recording in your camcorder beforehand,
and set [PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS] to
[PHOTO] (the default setting) (p. 71).

1 Perform steps 1 to 4 in

“Recording movies.”

6 Start playing the cassette on your

VCR.

The picture played on the VCR appears
on the LCD screen of your camcorder.

7 Press X (PAUSE) again at the

point you want to start recording.

8 Press x (STOP) to stop

recording.

b Notes

• You cannot record TV programs from the
HDV/DV interface (i.LINK).

• You can record pictures from DV devices only
in the DV format.

• Note the following when connecting with an
i.LINK cable:

– The recorded picture becomes rough when a

picture is paused on your camcorder while
recording to a VCR.

– You cannot record the picture and sound

separately.

– If you pause or stop the recording and restart

it, the picture may not be recorded smoothly.

z Tip

• When a 4:3 video signal is input, it appears with
black bands on the right and left sides on the
screen of your camcorder.

2 Start playing the cassette.

The pictures on the VCR appear on the
screen of your camcorder.

3 Press the PHOTO/EXPANDED

FOCUS button at the scene you
want to record.

b Note

• Movies will be fixed to image size [ 1.2M]
when playing back in the HDV format. Movies
will be fixed to image size [ 0.2M] (16:9) or
[VGA (0.3M)] (4:3) when playing back in the
DV format.

78

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

You can record still images on a “Memory
Stick Duo.” Be sure to insert a recorded
tape and a “Memory Stick Duo” in your
camcorder, and set [PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS]
to [PHOTO] (the default setting) (p. 71)
beforehand.

Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo”

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Playback a picture you want to

delete (p. 29).

1 Set the POWER switch to the

VCR.

2 Search and record the scene you

want to record.

Press N (Play) to play back the tape,
then press the PHOTO/EXPANDED
FOCUS button at the scene you want to
record.

b Notes

• The date and time at which the picture was
recorded on the tape and the date and time at
which the picture was stored on the “Memory
Stick Duo” are recorded. On your camcorder,
the date and time at which the picture was
recorded on the tape are displayed. Camera
setting data recorded on the tape cannot be
stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Movies will be fixed to image size [ 1.2M]
when playing back in the HDV format. Movies
will be fixed to image size [ 0.2M] (16:9) or
[VGA (0.3M)] (4:3) when playing back in the
DV format.

• You cannot record still images while using [PB
ZOOM] (p. 72).

3 Press the MEMORY/DELETE

button.

MEMORY/
DELETE

[Delete this image?] will be
displayed.

4 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.

b Note

• The pictures cannot be restored once they
are deleted.

Dubbing/Editing

Continued ,

79

Deleting recorded pictures from
the “Memory Stick Duo”
(Continued)

b Note

• Pictures cannot be deleted when a “Memory
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab is set to
the write-protect position (p. 104), or when the
selected picture is protected (p. 91).

z Tips

• To delete images from the index screen, use the
VOLUME/MEMORY button to move the B
mark to the images you want to and perform
steps 3 and 4.

• To delete all pictures at once, select [ ALL
ERASE] (p. 69).

Printing recorded
images

compliant printer)

You can print out pictures using a
PictBridge compliant printer without
connecting the camcorder to a computer.

Connect the AC Adaptor to your camcorder
to obtain power from the wall socket.
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”, containing
still images into your camcorder and turn
on the printer.

Connecting your camcorder to the
printer

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press the MENU button, and

select (OTHERS) menu t
[USB SELECT] t [PictBridge
PRINT] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial.

(PictBridge

80

3 Connect the USB cable to the

(USB) jacks of your camcorder
and the printer.

USB cable
(supplied)

One of the images stored on the
“Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.

Printing

1 Select the image you want to print

with the VOLUME/MEMORY
button.

2 Set the number of copies you

want to print if necessary.

If you do not want to set the number, go
to step 3 (the number will be
automatically set to 1).

1 Select [SET] t [COPIES] with the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

2 Select the number by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

3 Select [ RETURN] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.

The PictBridge selection screen appears
again.

z Tip

• You can set the number up to 20.

3 To print the date/time on the

image, set as follows.

If you do not want to print the date/time,
go to step 4.

1 Select [SET] t [DATE/TIME] t

[DATE] or [DAY & TIME] with the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

2 Select [ RETURN] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.

The PictBridge selection screen appears
again.

4 Select [EXEC] t [YES] with the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

When printing is finished, [Printing...]
disappears and the image selection
screen appears again.

Press the MENU button when printing
is completed.

b Notes

• We do not guarantee proper operation when a
PictBridge incompatible device is connected.

• Refer also to the operating instructions for the
printer to be used.

• Do not attempt the following operations when
the printer is connected ( is on the screen).
The operations may not be performed properly.

– Operate the POWER switch.
– Disconnect the USB cable from the printer.
– Remove the “Memory Stick Duo” from your

camcorder.

• If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB
cable, turn the printer off and on again and
restart the operation from the beginning.

• Depending on your printer, the top, bottom or
side edges may be cut. Particularly when
printing a wide (16:9) image, the sides may be
cut significantly.

• Some printer models may not support the date/
time printing function. Refer to your printer’s
operating instructions for details.

• We cannot guarantee the printing of images
recorded with a device other than your
camcorder.

Dubbing/Editing

Continued ,

81

Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) (Continued)

z Tip

• PictBridge is an industry standard established
by the Camera & Imaging Products Association
(CIPA). You can print still images without using
a computer by connecting a printer directly to a
digital video camera or digital still camera,
regardless of model or manufacturer.

82

Using a Computer

Connecting to a computer

Copying still images to a computer

When connecting your camcorder to a
computer, the following operations are
available:

Copying the still images on a “Memory
Stick Duo” to the computer

t p. 83

Copying the movie on a tape in the HDV
format to the computer

t p. 86

Copying the movie on a tape in the DV
format to the computer

t p. 86

About connection

There are 2 ways to connect your
camcorder to a computer:

– USB cable

To copy still images on a “Memory Stick
Duo”

– i.LINK cable

To copy movies on a tape

Notes on connecting to a computer

• When you are using a USB cable or an i.LINK
cable to connect your camcorder to a computer,
make sure to connect the connector in the
correct direction. If you insert the connector
forcibly, it may be damaged, and cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.

• You cannot do the following:
– Copying pictures on a tape to a computer with

a USB cable.

– Copying pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo”

to a computer with an i.LINK cable.

• Remove the USB cable according to the correct
procedure when disconnecting it from the
computer (p. 85).

System requirements

For Windows users

• OS: Windows 2000 Professional/Windows
Millennium Edition/Windows XP Home
Edition/Windows XP Professional/Windows
Vista*
*Except for 64-bit version
It is necessary that your OS is factory-installed.
Operations are not guaranteed if your OS has
been upgraded or is being used in a multi-boot
environment.

• CPU: MMX Pentium 200MHz or faster

• Others: USB port (provided as standard).

For Macintosh users

• OS: Mac OS 9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v10.1/v10.2/
v10.3/v10.4)

• Others: USB port (provided as standard).

Step:1 Using the USB cable

• You can do this operation with the standard
driver on your computer. You do not need to
install any software.

• If your computer has a Memory Stick slot, insert
the “Memory Stick Duo” on which pictures are
recorded into the Memory Stick Duo adaptor
(optional), then insert it into the Memory Stick
slot on your computer to copy still images to the
computer.

• When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and
your computer is not compatible with it, connect
your camcorder with the USB cable instead of
using the Memory Stick slot on the computer.

Using a Computer

Continued ,

83

Copying still images to a computer (Continued)

4 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

5 Press the MENU button.

To USB jack

The menu index screen is
displayed.

USB cable
(supplied)

To USB jack

• Do not connect your camcorder to the computer
at this point.

• The computer may not recognize the camcorder
if you connect them with the USB cable before
turning on your camcorder.

• See page 86 for the recommended connection.

1 Turn on the computer.

Close down all applications running on
the computer.

For Windows 2000/Windows XP/
Windows Vista

Log on as an Administrator.

2 Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into

your camcorder.

6 Select (OTHERS) t [USB

SELECT] t [ Memory Stick]
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial
(p. 71).

7 Connect the USB cable to the

(USB) jacks on your camcorder
and your computer.

It may take a while until your computer
recognizes your camcorder for the first
time.

Step:2 Copying the pictures

For Windows users

Double-click the [Removable Disk] icon
displayed in [My Computer]. Then, drag
and drop a picture in the folder onto the
hard disk drive of your computer.

3 Prepare the power source for

your camcorder.

Use the supplied AC Adaptor to obtain
AC power (p. 15).

84

1

2

3

Disconnecting the USB cable

For Windows users

If [USB CONNECTING] appears on the
LCD screen, follow the procedure below to
disconnect the USB cable.

1 Click the [Unplug or eject hardware] icon

on the task tray.

Click this icon.

A Folder containing image files recorded

by other camcorders without the folder
creation function (for playback only).

B Folder containing image files recorded

by your camcorder when no new folders
have been created, only [101MSDCF] is
displayed.

C Folder containing movie data recorded

by other camcorders without the folder
creation function (for playback only)

Folder File Meaning

101MSDCF (up
to 999MSDCF)

DSC0ss
ss.JPG

Still image
file

ssss are numbers between 0001 and

9999.

For Macintosh users

Double-click the drive icon, then drag and
drop the desired picture file onto the hard
disk of your computer.

Task tray

2 Click [Safely remove USB Mass Storage

Device-Drive].

Click here.

3 Click [OK].
4 Disconnect the USB cable from the

camcorder and computer.

If [USB CONNECTING] does not appear
on the LCD screen, do only step 4.

b Note

• Remove the USB cable according to the correct
procedure, otherwise files in the “Memory Stick
Duo” may not be updated correctly. Also, this
may cause a malfunction of the “Memory Stick
Duo.”

For Macintosh users

1 Close down all applications running on the

computer.

2 Drag and drop the drive icon on the

desktop onto the [Trash] icon.

3 Disconnect the USB cable from the

camcorder and computer.

Continued ,

Using a Computer

85

Copying still images to a
computer (Continued)

b Notes

• If you are using Mac OS X, turn off the
computer before disconnecting the USB cable
and ejecting the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Do not disconnect the USB cable while the
access lamp is lit.

• Make sure to disconnect the USB cable before
turning off your camcorder.

Recommended connection

Observe the following points when
connecting to ensure the camcorder
operates correctly.

• Connect the camcorder to a computer via the
USB cable. Make sure no other USB devices are
connected to the computer.

• If your computer has a USB keyboard and a
USB mouse as standard equipment, leave them
connected and connect the camcorder to an
available USB jack with the USB cable.

• Operation is not guaranteed if you connect two
or more USB devices to the computer.

• Operation is not guaranteed if you connect the
USB cable to the USB jack on a keyboard or
USB hub.

• Make sure to connect the cable to the USB jack
on the computer.

• Operation is not guaranteed even for the
recommended environments.

Copying movies on a tape to a computer

Connect your camcorder to the computer
with an i.LINK cable.
The computer needs to have an i.LINK
connector and be installed with editing
software that can copy video signals. The
software required depends on the format of
the recorded pictures and the format for
copying to the computer (HDV or DV) as
shown in the table below.

Recorded
format

b Notes

• You cannot copy movies using a USB cable.

• Refer to the operating instructions of the
software for the details on image copying.

• Refer to the operating instructions of the editing
software for the recommended connection.

• Some editing software on the computer may not
work correctly.

• You cannot change format DV to HDV.

The required menu settings vary depending
on the recorded images and the format
(HDV or DV) to be copied to the computer.

Recorded
format

Format for
copying to
the computer

HDV HDV

HDV DV

DV DV

Format for
copying to
the computer

HDV HDV

Required software

Editing software
capable of
copying HDV
signal

Editing software
capable of
copying DV
signal

Editing software
capable of
copying DV
signal

Menu setting*

[VCR HDV/DV]
t [HDV]
[i.LINK CONV]
t [OFF]

86

Recorded
format

Format for
copying to
the computer

Menu setting*

[VCR HDV/DV]

HDV DV

t [HDV]
[i.LINK CONV]
t [ON]

[VCR HDV/DV]

DV DV

t [DV]
[i.LINK CONV]
t [OFF]

* See page 53 for menu settings.

z Tips

• To copy HDV format images as they are
without changing their format, an HDV
compatible environment is required.
For details, refer to your software instruction
manual or contact the software manufacturer.

• To play movies by a regular DVD player, you
need to create DVD video in the SD format. the
DVD video is not in the HDV format.

Step:1 Connect an i.LINK cable

HDV/DV interface

(i.LINK)

i.LINK cable (optional)

• The computer may freeze or may not recognize
the signal from your camcorder in the following
situations.

– Connecting your camcorder to a computer

that does not support the video signal formats
appearing on the LCD screen of your
camcorder display (HDV or DV).

– Changing [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 66) and

[i.LINK CONV] (p. 67) settings while
connected with an i.LINK cable.

– Changing [REC FORMAT] setting while

connected with an i.LINK cable with the
POWER switch set to CAMERA (p. 66).

– Changing the POWER switch position while

connected with an i.LINK cable.

• The format (HDV or DV) of input/output signal
appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder
while connected with an i.LINK cable.

Step:2 Copying the movies

Use the supplied AC Adaptor to obtain AC
power (p. 15).

1 Prepare editing software (not provided).
2 Turn on your computer.
3 Insert a tape into your camcorder and set

the POWER switch to VCR.

4 Set the menu of your camcorder.

The menu settings vary depending on
the copying image.

5 Copy images to the computer with your

software.

b Notes

• If images are copied in HDV format but not
recognized, your editing software may not
support HDV format. Convert the images to DV
format according to step 4 and copy again.

• A tape recorded in DV format cannot be copied
to a computer in HDV format.

Using a Computer

Notes on connecting to the computer

• Connect the i.LINK cable to the computer first,
then to your camcorder. Connecting in the
opposite order may cause static electricity to
build up, resulting in a malfunction of your
camcorder.

Continued ,

87

Copying movies on a tape to a computer (Continued)

z Tips

• Check the specs, features and latest information

of your software on the software manufacturer's
website.

• When images recorded in HDV format are

copied to a computer, the file size is about 2GB
(almost the same as a DV file) for a 10-minute
movie if the video compression format is
MPEG2.

When copying the movie in the HDV
format from the computer to your
camcorder

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [HDV] and [i.LINK
CONV] to [OFF] (p. 66, 67).

b Note

• To copy an HDV format movie edited on a

computer back onto a tape in HDV format is
possible so long as your editing software
supports copying HDV movies onto tape. For
details, contact the software manufacturer.

When copying the movie in the DV
format from the computer to your
camcorder

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] (p. 66).

88

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.

• Power sources//LCD screen/Remote Commander···p. 89

• Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”···p. 90

• Recording···p. 91

• Playback···p. 93

• Connecting to TV···p. 95

• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices···p. 96

• Connecting to a computer···p. 97

Power sources//LCD screen/Remote Commander

The power does not turn on or abruptly turns off.

• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 15).

• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall socket (p. 15).

The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket or remove the battery pack, then reconnect
it after about 1 minute.

• Press the RESET button (p. 119) using a sharp-pointed object.

The camcorder gets warm.

• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.

The CHARGE lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.

• Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) (p. 15).

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 15).

• Connect the mains lead to the wall socket properly.

• The battery charge is completed (p. 15).

The CHARGE lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 15). If the problem persists, disconnect
the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be
damaged.

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 worn-out. Replace
it with a new one (p. 15, 105).

• 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.

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

89

Troubleshooting (Continued)

The battery pack discharges too quickly.

• Ambient temperature is too high or 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 worn-out. Replace

it with a new one (p. 15, 105).

The picture remains on the LCD screen.

• This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug or remove the battery pack without turning off the

power first. This is not a malfunction.

The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.

• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 19).

The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.

• If you change [VF POWERMODE] to [AUTO], the finder light remains off while the LCD

panel is open (p. 64).

The supplied Remote Commander does not function.

• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 72).

• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.

• Keep strong light sources, such as sunlight or overhead lighting, away from the remote

sensor, otherwise the Remote Commander may not function properly.

• Insert a fresh battery in the compartment with its +/– terminals matching those of the

compartment (p. 120).

Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.

• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR.

• Cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.

Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”

The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.

• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 15).

• Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 108).

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 [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 65).

90

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.

You cannot delete pictures or format the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 104).

• The pictures are protected. Release the protect function on your computer, etc.

Recording

The recording does not start when you press the REC START/STOP button.

• Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA (p. 25).

• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.

• Set the write-protect tab of the cassette to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 102).

• 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. 108).

The handle zoom does not work.

• Set the handle zoom switch to H or L (p. 30).

You cannot record on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 104).

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick
Duo” (p. 79).

• Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo”
(p. 69).

• You cannot record still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with:
– While executing [FADER]
– [SMTH SLW REC]
– When the shutter speed is set to slower than 1/50
– While checking/executing shot transition

• Set [PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS] to [PHOTO](p. 71).

You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene
to the next.

• Perform End search (p. 41).

• 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 the HDV and DV formats on the same tape.

• Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.

• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.

• When [QUICK REC] is set to [ON], you cannot record a smooth transition (p. 72).

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

91

Troubleshooting (Continued)

The shutter sound is not heard when you record a still image.

• Set [BEEP] to [ON] (p. 72).

• There is no shutter sound while during movie shooting.

End search does not work.

• Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 41).

• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.

• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.

Auto focus does not function.

• Press the FOCUS button to set to auto focus (p. 31).

• If auto focus is difficult to use, focus manually (p. 31).

Menu items are grayed out or does not work.

• You cannot select gray out display items in the current recording/playback situation.

• There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously. The following list shows

examples of unworkable combinations of functions and menu items.

Cannot use Situation

[BACK LIGHT] [EXPOSURE] is set to manual.

[SPOTLIGHT] [EXPOSURE] is set to manual.

[CNTRST ENHCR] During [BACK LIGHT].

[D.EXTENDER] During [SMTH SLW REC].

[AE SHIFT] [EXPOSURE] is set to manual.

[HISTOGRAM] Displaying [COLOR BAR].

[SMTH SLW REC] Displaying [COLOR BAR].

Two or more of iris/gain/shutter speed are set manually.
Iris, gain, and shutter speed are all set manually.

Two or more of iris/gain/shutter speed are set manually.
Iris, gain, and shutter speed are all set manually.

Two or more of iris/gain/shutter speed are set manually.
iris, gain, and shutter speed are all set manually.

During [SHOT TRANS].

Shutter speed, gain, white balance or iris cannot be adjusted manually.

• Set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.

• This phenomenon appears when using a slow shutter speed (p. 34). This is not a malfunction.

92

The subjects passing by the frame very fast appear crooked.

• This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This is not a malfunction. Because of the way that
the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the subjects passing by the frame
rapidly might appear crooked depending on the recording conditions.

The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.

• Cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 59).

The screen picture is dark, and the subject does not appear on the screen.

• Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button for a few seconds to turn on the backlight
(p. 19).

Horizontal stripes appear on the image.

• This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury
lamp. This is not a malfunction. This can be improved by changing the shutter speed (p. 34).

Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.

• This can be improved by changing the shutter speed (p. 34).

Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged.

• Adjust [SHARPNESS] to [0] side (p. 37).

Playback

If you are playing back pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” refer also to the Cassette
tapes/“Memory Stick Duo” section (p. 90).

You cannot play back tape.

• Slide the POWER switch to turn on the VCR.

• Rewind the tape (p. 28).

Troubleshooting

Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back correctly.

• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified file names or folders, or have edited
the data on a computer (In this case, the file name flashes). This is not a malfunction (p. 105).

• Pictures recorded on other devices may not be played back correctly. This is not a
malfunction.

The data file name is displayed incorrectly, or flashing.

• The file is damaged.

• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 103).

• Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not conform to the universal
standard.

Continued ,

93

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or
do not appear.

• Video head is dirty. Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 109).

You cannot hear the sound recorded with 4CH MIC REC on another camcorder.

• Set [DV AUDIO MIX] (p. 61).

No sound or only a low sound is heard.

• Turn up the volume (p. 29).

• Set [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 61).

• Set [DV AUDIO MIX] (p. 61).

• Pictures recorded using [SMTH SLW REC] do not have sounds.

The picture or sound breaks off.

• The tape was recorded in both of the HDV and DV formats. This is not a malfunction.

The movies freeze for a while, or the sound breaks off.

• This occurs if the tape or video head is dirty (p. 109).

• Use the Sony mini DV cassette.

“---” 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 or is displayed on the screen.

• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is

not a malfunction.

Date Search does not work correctly.

• Be sure to record more than 2 minutes after the date changed. If one day’s recording is too

short, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes.

• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.

No picture appears during End search or Rec review.

• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DV formats. This is not a malfunction.

94

New sound added to a recorded tape on another camcorder is not heard.

• Adjust [DV AUDIO MIX] from [ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is heard
appropriately (p. 61).

appears on the LCD screen.

• This appears when you play back a tape recorded on other recording devices using a 4ch
microphone (4CH MIC REC). This camcorder does not comply with the 4ch microphone
recording standard.

Connecting to TV

You cannot view the picture on the TV connected with the i.LINK cable.

• You cannot view the picture in the HD (high definition) quality on the TV if an i.LINK jack
of the TV is not compatible with the HDV1080i specification (p. 48). Refer to the instruction
manuals supplied with your TV.

• Down convert the pictures recorded in HDV format and play back in DV format (SD image
quality) (p. 67).

• Play back pictures using another connecting cable (p. 48).

You cannot hear the sound on the TV connected with the S VIDEO plug
(S VIDEO channel) or component video plug.

• If you are using an S VIDEO plug or component video plug, make sure the red and white
plugs of the A/V connecting cable are also connected (p. 48).

You cannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the
component video cable.

• Set [COMPONENT] according to the requirements of the connected device (p. 67).

• When you are using the component video cable, make sure the red and white plugs of the
A/V connecting cable are connected (p. 48).

Troubleshooting

You cannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the
HDMI cable.

• Pictures in the HDV format are not output from the HDMI OUT jack, if copyright protection
signals are recorded in the pictures.

• DV format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 73) cannot be output.

• This occurs if you record on a tape in both HDV and DV formats. Disconnect and connect the
HDMI cable, or slide the POWER switch to turn on your camcorder again.

The picture appears distorted on the 4:3 TV.

• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. Set [TV
TYPE] and play back the picture.

Continued ,

95

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Black zone appears at top and bottom of a 4:3 TV screen.

• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. This is

not a malfunction.

Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices

Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed.

• You cannot zoom pictures from connected devices on your camcorder (p. 30).

Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected
device.

• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with an A/V connecting cable

(p. 65).

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 the other device for
dubbing a picture from your camcorder.

When connected using an i.LINK cable, no picture appears on the monitor
screen during dubbing.

• Set [VCR HDV/DV] according to the requirements of the connected device (p. 66).

You cannot add sound to the recorded tape.

• You cannot add sound to the recorded tape on this unit.

You cannot dub correctly using the HDMI cable.

• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.

Still pictures cannot be dubbed from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• You cannot capture pictures at all or good-quality pictures from the tape that has been used

repeatedly for recording.

When you copy a movie shot in wide (16:9) format using an i.LINK cable, the
screen stretches vertically.

• You cannot output the aspect ratio setting using an i.LINK cable. Set the aspect ratio of the

TV instead.

• Connect using an AV cable instead.

96

Connecting to a computer

The computer does not recognize your camcorder.

• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely.

• 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.

You cannot view or copy the video recorded on a tape on the computer.

• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.

• Connect the i.LINK cable because you cannot copy video with the USB cable.

You cannot view or copy still images recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” on the
computer screen.

• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” in the correct direction, then push it all the way in.

• You cannot use an i.LINK cable. Connect the camcorder and the computer using the USB
cable.

• Slide the POWER switch to turn on the VCR and set [USB SELECT] to [ Memory Stick]
(p. 71).

• The computer does not recognize the “Memory Stick Duo” during camcorder operations such
as tape playback or editing. Finish any camcorder operations and then connect the camcorder
to the computer again.

• Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the

(USB) jack on the computer.

Your computer freezes.

• Set [VCR HDV/DV] correctly according to the connected device (p. 66).

• Disconnect the cable from your computer and camcorder. Reboot your computer, and
connect your computer and camcorder following the steps in the correct order (p. 85).

Troubleshooting

97

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. Use an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 105).

• Connect the DC plug of the AC

Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your
camcorder securely (p. 15).

C:21:ss

• Moisture condensation has occurred.

Remove the cassette and leave your
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re­insert the cassette (p. 108).

C:22:ss

• Clean the head using a cleaning

cassette (optional) (p. 109).

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. 108).

• Remove the power source. Reconnect it

and operate your camcorder again.

• Change the cassette. Press the RESET

button (p. 119), and operate your
camcorder again.

E:61:ss / E:62:ss / E:91:ss

• Contact your Sony dealer or local

authorized Sony service fa cility. Inform
them of the 5-digit code, which starts
from “E.”

98

101-1001(Warning indicator
pertaining to files)

• The file is damaged.

• The file is unreadable (p. 105).

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. 108).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo”)

• A “Memory Stick Duo” is not inserted
(p. 23).

(Warning indicators pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo” formatting)*

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is damaged.

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is not
formatted correctly (p. 69, 103).

(Warning indicators pertaining to

unsupported “Memory Stick Duo”)

• A “Memory Stick Duo” that cannot be
used in your camcorder is inserted
(p. 103).

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. 102).*

Fast flashing:

• The tape has run out.*

QZ The tape is locked - check the
tab. (p. 102)

Z (Eject cassette warning)*

Slow flashing:

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is
set to lock (p. 102).

Fast flashing:

• Moisture condensation has occurred
(p. 108).

• The self-diagnosis display code is
displayed (p. 98).

- (Warning indicator pertaining

to the write-protect of the “Memory
Stick Duo”)*

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory
Stick Duo” is set to lock (p. 104).

* You hear a melody when the warning indicators

appear on the screen (p. 98).

Description of warning messages

If messages appear on the screen, follow the
instructions.

x Battery/Power

Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

(p. 105)

x Moisture condensation

Cannot record due to copyright
protection. (p. 102)

x “Memory Stick Duo”

Incompatible type of Memory

Stick.

• A type of “Memory Stick Duo”
incompatible with your camcorder is
inserted (p. 103).

Protected file.
Cannot delete.

• Cancel file protection using your
computer.

Reinsert the Memory Stick.

(p. 23, 103)

• Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a
few times. If even then the indicator
flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo” might
be damaged. Try with another
“Memory Stick Duo.”

This Memory Stick is not

formatted correctly.

• Check the format, then format the
“Memory Stick Duo” as necessary
(p. 69, 103).

Troubleshooting

%Z Moisture condensation. Eject
the cassette (p. 108)

% Moisture condensation. Turn off
for 1H. (p. 108)

x Cassette/Tape

Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 23)

• Check if the cassette is damaged.

Memory Stick folders are full.

• You cannot create folders exceeding
999MSDCF. You cannot delete created
folders using your camcorder.

• You will have to format the “Memory
Stick Duo” (p. 69), or delete them using
your computer.

Continued ,

99

Warning indicators and messages (Continued)

Cannot record still images on
Memory Stick.

• You cannot record still images in the
following cases:
– When the shutter speed is 1/50 or less
– While using [FADER]
– While using [SMTH SLW REC]
– While checking or executing shot

transition

x PictBridge compliant printer

Check the connected device.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on
again, then disconnect the USB cable
and reconnect it.

Error. Cancel the task.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on
again, then disconnect the USB cable
and reconnect it.

x Others

Change to correct tape format.

• The pictures cannot be played back
because of an incompatible format.

No output image in “VCR HDV/DV”.
Change format.

• Stop playback or signal input, or
change [VCR HDV/DV] setting
(p. 66).

x Dirty video head. Use a
cleaning cassette. (p. 109)

100