Sony DCR-HC20 User Manual
Camera
Operations Guide
Read this first
Digital Video Camera Recorder
3-088-336-11(1)
© 2004 Sony Corporation
DCR-HC20
Read this first
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the
appliance.
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you
may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (7669)
The number below is for FCC related matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC20
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell,
NJ 07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Par t 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the fol lowing two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmf ul interfer ence,
and (2) this device must acce pt any interference
received, including interfer ence that may cause
undesired operation.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
used rechargeable batteries to the
collection and recycling location nearest you.
2
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. DCR-HC
Serial No.
Model No.AC-
Serial No.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
b Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the rece iving antenna.
– Increase the separation b etween the equipment and
receiver.
– Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
– Consult a Sony dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory is
recommended as you can use Title search (p.40), Date
search (p. 41), Photo search (p. 41), [TITLE] (p. 52),
[TAPE TITLE] (p. 54).
Cassettes with Cassette Memory are marked with
.
Notes on recording
• Before starting to record, test the recording function
to make sure the picture and sou nd are recorded
without any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot
be provided, even if recordin g or playback is not
possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, etc.
• TV color systems differ depe ndin g o n th e coun tr ie s/
regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need
an NTSC system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, vide o ta pe s, and other
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such materials may be contrary to the
copyright laws.
Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and
lens
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effective use .
However, there may be some tin y 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.
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens
to direct sunlight for long peri ods of time may cause
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera
near a window or outdoors.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your
camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun
only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.
Note on connecting other device
Before connecting your camcorder to other device
such as a VCR or a computer with a USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper
direction. If you insert the co nnector plug forcibly in
the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or
this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Notes on use
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can
use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder. Use of
Note on using this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder
used on this manual are captured us ing a dig ital still
camera, and thus may appear different from what
you see.
,continued
3
Notes on using the camcorder
• Hold your camcorder correctly.
• If the Strap Belt is too long, fast en the Strap Belt as
shown in the following illustration.
• You can also use the Strap Belt as a wrist strap. For
details on the Strap Belt, see page 94.
• You can change the language to be used for screen
display on your camcorder (p. 20).
• Be careful not to press buttons beside the LCD
screen accidentally when yo u open or close the LCD
panel, or when you adjust the angle of the LCD
panel.
• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
• When you are using the touch panel, place your hand
on the back side of the LCD panel to support it.
Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
• Unavailable buttons will be grayed out.
4
Table of Contents
Read this first ............................................................................................. 2
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8
Recording/Playing back with ease ........................................................... 10
Getting started
Step 1: Checking supplied items.............................................................. 11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack............................................................ 12
Using an outside power source ................................................................................. 14
Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 16
Adjusting the LCD panel ........................................................................................... 16
Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................ 16
Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 17
Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape.............................................................. 19
Step 7: Setting the screen language........................................................ 20
Recording
Recording movies .................................................................................... 21
Recording for a longer time ....................................................................................... 22
Using zoom ............................................................................................................... 22
Recording in mirror mode ......................................................................................... 22
Using the self-timer ................................................................................................... 23
Recording still images – Tape photo recording........................................ 24
Recording with ease – Easy Handycam .................................................. 25
Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 26
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 26
Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter .......................... 26
Adjusting the white balance manually ....................................................................... 27
Adjusting the exposure manually ..............................................................................28
Recording in dark places – NightShot plus.............................................. 29
Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 29
Adjusting the focus for an off-center subject – SPOT FOCUS .................................. 29
Adjusting the focus manually .................................................................................... 30
,continued
5
Recording a picture using various effects................................................ 31
Fading in and out of a scene – FADER .....................................................................31
Searching for the starting point................................................................ 32
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH .............32
Searching manually – EDIT SEARCH .......................................................................32
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec review ....................................33
Playback
Viewing pictures recorded on a tape........................................................ 34
Playing back in various modes ..................................................................................35
Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam .............................................. 36
Various playback functions ...................................................................... 37
Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................37
Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code ..............................37
Playing the picture on a TV...................................................................... 39
Locating a scene on a tape for playback.................................................. 40
Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory ........................................40
Searching for a scene using Cassette Memory – Title search ..................................40
Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search .......................................41
Searching for a still image – Photo search ................................................................41
Playing back still images in sequence – Photo scan .................................................42
6
Advanced operations
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings ..............43
Using the (MANUAL SET) menu
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.
......................................................44
Using the (CAMERA SET) menu
– D ZOOM/16:9WIDE, etc. ...........47
Using the (VCR SET) menu
– HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX ..........50
Using the (LCD/VF SET) menu
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L.
......................................................51
Using the (CM SET) menu
– TITLE/TAPE TITLE/ERASE ALL,
etc. ...............................................52
Using the (TAPE SET) menu
– REC MODE/FRAME REC/
INT.REC, etc. ...............................55
Using the (SETUP MENU) menu
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/
LANGUAGE, etc. .........................58
Using the (OTHERS) menu
– WORLD TIME, etc. ...................60
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting .................................72
Warning indicators and messages .....78
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ............81
Usable cassette tapes ........................82
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
......................................................83
About i.LINK .......................................85
Maintenance and precautions ............86
Specification .......................................89
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls .............91
Index ..................................................98
Dubbing/Editing
Connecting to a VCR or TV ...............62
Dubbing to another tape ....................63
Recording pictures from a VCR .........63
Dubbing selected scenes from a tape
– Digital program editing ..............64
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape ....69
Creating DVDs or VCDs ....................71
Refer also to other operating instructions
supplied with your camcorder:
• Editing images with your computer
cComputer Applications Guide
7
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies
1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.
To charge the battery, see page 12.
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
a Slide the OPEN/
ZEJECT lever in
the direction of the
arrow to open the lid.
The cassette compartment
comes out automatically.
OPEN/ZEJECT lever
Quick Start Guide
8
b Insert the cassette with
its window-side facing
up, then push the center
of the back of the
cassette.
Window-side
c Press .
Close the cassette lid after
the cassette compartment
slides back in by itself.
3 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.
The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 17.
a Set the LENS COVER
switch to OPEN.
b Open the LCD panel.
c While pressing the green
button, slide the POWER
switch down to light up
the CAMERA lamp.
The power turns on.
d Press REC START/STOP.
Recording starts. To change to
the standby mode, press REC
START/STOP again.
You can also record by pressing
REC START/STOP beside the
LCD screen.
4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.
a Slide the POWER
switch repeatedly
until the PLAY/EDIT
lamp lights up.
Quick Start Guide
b Touch (rewind).
c Touch (play) to
start the playback.
To stop, press (stop).
To turn off the power, slide the
POWER switch up to OFF
(CHG), then set the LENS
COVER switch to CLOSE.
Quick Start Guide
9
Recording/Playing back with ease
By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation
becomes even easier.
Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first
time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback.
Press EASY when recording/
playing back.
EASY lights up in blue (a) and the
screen font size increases (b) during
Easy Handycam operation.
1
2
For details, see instructions for each operation.
See page 25 for recording, page 36 for playback.
Quick Start Guide
10
Getting started
Cleaning cloth (1)
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure you have following items supplied
with your camcorder.
The number in parentheses indicates the number
of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1)
Power cord (1)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
A button-type lithium battery is already
installed.
Shoe cover (1)
Attached to the camcorder.
Camera Operations Guide (This manual)
(1)
Computer Applications Guide (1)
Getting started
A/V connecting cable (1)
USB cable (1)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP50 (1)
CD-ROM “SPVD-012 USB Driver” (1)
Getting started
11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the battery by attaching the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) to
your camcorder.
b Notes
• You cannot use batteries other than the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 83).
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor
or battery terminals with any metallic objects. This
may cause a malfunction.
• Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs.
2 With the v mark on the DC plug
facing down, connect the AC Adaptor
to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
3 Connect the power cord to the AC
Adaptor.
4 Connect the power cord to the wall
outlet.
5 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
1 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in
the direction of the arrow until it
clicks.
Getting started
12
After charging the battery
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the
battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
To remove the battery pack
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
1
2 Slide the battery pack out in th e direction
of the arrow while pressing the BATT
(battery) release button down.
b Note
• If you do not use the batte ry pack for a long time , use
up the battery pack completely before s toring it. See
page 83 about storage of the battery pack.
To check the remaining battery – Battery
Info
Keep the button pressed to view it for about
20 seconds.
Getting started
A Battery charge level: Displays
approximate remaining amount of
power left in the battery pack.
B Approximate possible recording time
using the LCD panel.
C Approximate possible recording time
using the viewfinder.
Charging time
Approximate number of minutes required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack
at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)
recommended.)
You can check the battery’s current charge level
and its current remaining recording time both
during charging or when the power is turned off.
1 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
2 Open the LCD panel.
3 Press DSPL/BATT INFO.
The battery information appears for about 7
seconds.
Recording time when recording with the
LCD screen on
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
When LCD BACKLIGHT is set to ON
Getting started
13
When LCD BACKLIGHT is set to OFF
Battery pack Continuous
NP-FP50
(supplied)
NP-FP70 265 145
NP-FP90 475 260
recording
time
125 65
Typical*
recording
time
Recording time when recording with the
viewfinder
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
Battery pack Continuous
NP-FP50
(supplied)
NP-FP70 265 145
NP-FP90 475 260
recording
time
125 65
Typical*
recording
time
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or
the battery information will not be correct ly
displayed in following conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly .
– The battery pack is damaged.
– The battery pack is fully discharged. (F or Batt er y
information only)
Using an outside power source
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power
source when you do not want the battery to
run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,
the battery pack will not lose its charge even
when it is attached to your camcorder.
PRECAUTION
Even if your camcorder is turned off, the AC
power (house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
* Approximate number of minutes when recording
while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the
POWER switch to change the power mode, and
zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Playing time
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
Battery pack LCD panel
opened*
NP-FP50
(supplied)
NP-FP70 265 310
NP-FP90 475 550
* With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON.
b Notes
• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack
when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack
of your camcorder, even if its power cord is
disconnected from the wall outlet.
• The recording and playback tim e will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low temperature.
125 150
LCD panel
closed
Connect your camcorder as shown in
“Charging the battery pack” (p. 12).
Getting started
14
Step 3: Turning the power on
You need to slide the POWER switch
repeatedly to select the desired power mode
to record or play.
When using this camcorder for the first time,
the CLOCK SET screen appears (p. 17).
LENS COVER switch
POWER switch
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to
OPEN.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.
Getting started
2 While pressing the green button, slide
the POWER switch down.
The power turns on.
To enter the recording or playing mode,
slide the switch repeatedly until the
respective lamp for the desired power mode
lights up.
• CAMERA: To record on a tape.
• PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
Getting started
15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
Adjusting the LCD panel
You can adjust the angle and brightness of
the LCD panel to meet various recording
situations.
Even when there are obstructions between
you and the subject, you can check the
subject on the LCD screen during recording
by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.
Maximum
180 degrees
3 Adjust the brightness with / ,
then touch .
4 Touch .
z Tips
• The recorded picture will not be affected.
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens
side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD
screen facing out.
• If you are using the battery pack for power source,
you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD
B.L.] on the (LCD/VF SET) menu (p. 51).
• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions,
set LCD BACKLIGHT to turn off the backlight for
the LCD panel. appears and this setting saves
battery power.
• You can turn off the confirmation beep sound for
operation on the touch panel when you set [BEEP] to
[OFF] on the (OTHERS) menu (p. 60).
Adjusting the viewfinder
You can view images using the viewfinder
when you close the LCD panel. Use the
viewfinder when the battery is running out, or
when the screen is hard to see.
Maximum
90 degrees
Open the LCD panel.
LCD BACKLIGHT
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder, then rotate it to the desired
position.
To adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen
1
When the POWER switch is set to the
CAMERA mode, touch and select
PAGE2.
When the POWER switch is set to the
PLAY/EDIT mode, touch to
display PAGE1.
2 Touch LCD BRT.
Getting started
16
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever
1 Extend the viewfinder.
2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment
lever until the picture is clear.
To use the viewfinder during operation
When you are recording, you can adjust the
exposure (p. 28) and fader (p. 31) while
checking the image on the viewfinder. Have the
LCD panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with
the screen facing out.
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode. (p. 15)
2 Extend the viewfinder, and close the
LCD panel with the screen facing out.
appears on the screen.
3 Touch .
4 Touch .
The LCD screen is turned off.
5 Touch the LCD screen while checking
the display in the viewfinder.
EXPOSURE, etc. are displayed.
6 Touch the button you want to set.
• EXPOSURE: Adjus t with /
and touch .
• FADER: Touch it repeatedly to select a
desired effect.
• : The LCD screen lights up.
To hide the buttons on the LCD screen,
touch .
z Tip
• To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder ba cklight,
select (LCD/VF SET), then [VF B.L.] (when
you are using the battery pack, p. 51).
Step 5: Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not set
the date and time, the CLOCK SET screen
appears every time you turn on your
camcorder.
b Note
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable button-type
battery gets discharged and the date and time
settings may be cleared from the memory. In that
case, charge the rechargeable button-type battery
(p. 88) and then set the date and time again.
POWER switch
Getting started
1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 15).
2 Open the LCD panel.
Proceed to step 7 when you set the clock for
the first time.
,continued
Getting started
17
3 Touch to display PAGE1.
60min
PA GE1 PA GE2
SPOT
FOCUS WHT
FOCUS
MENU FADER END
BAL
SCH
0:00:00
SPOT
METER
EXPO–
SURE
4 Touch MENU.
MANUAL SET
PROGRAM AE
P EFFECT
FLASH MODE
FLASH LVL
AUTO SHTR
5 Select (SETUP MENU) with
/ , then touch EXEC.
8 Set M (month), D (day), H (hour) and
M (minute) in the same way as was
done in step 7, then touch .
For midnight, set it to 12:00AM. For
midday, set it to 12:00PM.
6 Select CLOCK SET with / ,
then touch EXEC.
7 Set Y (year) with / , then
touch .
You can set any year up to the year 2079.
Getting started
18
Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape
You can use mini DV cassettes only.
For details on these cassettes (such as writeprotection), see page 82.
b Note
• Do not force the cassette into the compartme nt. This
may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
1 Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT lever in
the direction of the arrow and open the
lid.
OPEN/ZEJECT lever
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
Lid
3 Press .
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in.
4 Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
1
Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT lever in the
direction of the arrow and open the lid.
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out.
2 Take out the cassette, then press .
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in.
3 Close the lid.
Getting started
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side
facing up.
Window-side
Push the center of the
back of the cassette
lightly.
Getting started
19
Step 7: Setting the screen language
You can select the language to be used on the
LCD screen.
6 Select the desired language with
/ , then touch EXEC.
7 Touch .
z Tip
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (Simplified
English) for when you cannot find your native
tongue among the options.
POWER switch
1 Turn on your camcorder.
2 Open the LCD panel.
3 Touch to display PAGE1.
60min
PAGE1 P AGE2
SPOT
FOCUS WHT
FOCUS
MENU FADER END
STBY
BAL
SCH
0:00:00
SPOT
METER
EXPO–
SURE
4 Touch MENU.
5 Select (SETUP MENU), then
select LANGUAGE with /
, then touch EXEC.
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
STBY
ENGLISH
ENG[SIMP
Ç
AIS
FRAN
ESPANOL
PORTUGUÊS
]
Getting started
20
EXEC
RET.
Recording
Recording movies
Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in
“Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 20).
When you are recording, movies will be
recorded along with stereo sound.
z Tip
• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first
time users can record easily. For details, see page 25.
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp
lights up.
Press REC START/STOP again to stop
recording.
To turn the power off
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.
z Tips
• If you do not use your camcorder for a long time,
remove the cassette and store it.
• You can also record movies by pressing REC
START/STOP beside the LCD screen. It is useful
for recording from a low angle or recording yourself
in mirror mode.
• To press REC START/STOP beside the LCD
screen, support the LCD panel with your hand.
• If you install a large capacity battery pack (NPFP70/FP90) on your camcorder, we recommend
recording with the LCD screen.
Indicators displayed during recording
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.
Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 37)
will not be displayed during recording.
Recording
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to
OPEN.
2 Open the LCD panel.
3 Slide the POWER switch until the
CAMERA lamp lights up.
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.
4 Press REC START/STOP.
A Indicators for Cassette Memory cassettes
B Remaining battery
The indicated time may not be correct
depending on the environment of use.
When you opened or closed the LCD panel,
it takes about 1 minute to display the correct
remaining battery time.
C Recording mode (SP or LP)
D Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recording))
Recording
21
E Tape photo recording/Time code or tape
counter (hour: minute: second)
F Recording capacity of the tape (p. 55)
G Function button
b Notes
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER
switch up to OFF (CHG).
• In the default setting, when you do not operate the
camcorder for more than a bout 5 minutes, th e power
will automatically turn off to prevent batte ry loss
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 60). To restart recording, sl id e
the POWER switch until the CAMERA lamp lights
up, and then press REC START/STOP.
z Tips
• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last
recorded scene to the next, note the following.
– Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be
recorded continuously wit hout a br eak even w hen
you turn the power off.)
– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on
the same tape.
– Avoid stopping then record ing a movie in the LP
mode.
• The recording time, date, and the camera settings
data are recorded automatically on the tape without
being displayed on the screen. You can view this
information during playback if you set [DATA
CODE] on the screen (p. 37).
Recording for a longer time
Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but
use it sparingly for best results.
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
To record wider range of view
Move the power zoom lever towards W.
The subject appears farther away (Wide
angle).
To record closer view
Move the power zoom lever towards T.
The subject appears closer (Telephoto).
To record for a longer time
In the (TAPE SET) menu, select [REC
MODE], then [LP] (p. 55).
In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times longer
than you can when recording in the SP mode.
A tape recorded in the LP mode should be
played back only on this camcorder.
Using zoom
You can choose zoom to magnification levels
greater than 10 times, and from that point
activate the digital zoom ([D ZOOM], p. 47).
Recording
22
Recording in mirror mode
You can turn the LCD panel towards the
subject so that you and your subject can share
the image being recorded. You can also
utilize this function when recording yourself,
to keep the attention of small children
attracted to the camcorder while you record
them.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees
towards the subject.
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal
when recorded.
3 Touch .
appears.
4 Press REC START/STOP.
You will hear a beep sound counting down
for about 10 seconds.
The recording starts.
To stop recording, press REC START/
STOP.
To cancel the count down
Press REC START/STOP.
Recording
Using the self-timer
With the self-timer, you can start recording
after a delay of about 10 seconds.
1 Touch and select [PAGE2].
2 Touch [SELF TIMER].
To cancel the self-timer
Follow steps 1 and 2.
Recording
23
Recording still
images
You can record still images. Before recording,
follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 p. 20).
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to
OPEN.
2 Open the LCD panel.
– Tape photo recording
PHOTO
POWER switch
LENS COVER switch
You will hear a light beep sound and the
picture becomes a still image. Recording
does not start at this point.
5 Press PHOTO fully.
A shutter sound is heard, and the image is
recorded with sound for 7 seconds.
The still image is displayed on the screen
until recording is completed.
To turn the power off
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.
b Note
• appears when the tape photo recording does
not work.
z Tips
• You can record about 510 images in the SP mode
and about 765 images in the LP mode on a 60
minutes tape.
• You can record still images using the self-timer
recording (p. 23).
3 Slide the POWER switch until the
CAMERA lamp lights up.
4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly.
Recording
24
Recording with ease
– Easy Handycam
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of
the camera settings are set to the automatic
mode, only basic functions become available,
and the screen font size increases for easy
viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy
recording. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7
in “Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 20).
z Tip
• When you touch MENU during Easy Handycam
operation, only the availab le functions are displayed
on the screen.
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to
OPEN.
2 Open the LCD panel.
4 Press EASY.
EASY lights up in blue.
5 Press REC START/STOP.
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp
lights up. Press REC START/STOP again
to stop recording.
To turn the power off
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.
To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY again.
b Notes
• You cannot switch from/to Easy Handycam
operation during recording.
• During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot
connect the USB cable to your camcorder.
• You cannot use Easy Handy cam operation together
with USB Streaming.
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following
buttons are not available:
– LCD BACKLIGHT (p. 16)
– BACK LIGHT (p. 26)
• All the settings return to their defaults during Easy
Handycam operation. Previously made settings are
restored when you exit Easy Handycam operation.
Recording
3 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
You can record only movies.
Recording
25
Adjusting the exposure
Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter
The exposure is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects
When your subject has its back to the sun or
other light, you can adjust the exposure to
prevent the subject from becoming
shadowed.
Press BACK LIGHT when the POWER
switch is set to the CAMERA mode.
. appears.
To cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
You can adjust and fix the exposure to the
subject, so that it is recorded in suitable
brightness even when there is strong contrast
between the subject and the background
(such as subjects in the limelight on stage).
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
2 Touch to display [PAGE1].
3 Touch [SPOT METER].
4 Touch the point you want to adjust and
fix the exposure on the screen.
[SPOT METER] flashes while the camera
is adjusting the exposure for the selected
point.
b Note
• The back light function is canceled when you set
[EXPOSURE] to [MANUAL] (p. 28) or select
[SPOT METER] (p. 26).
Recording
26
5 Touch .
6 Touch .
To return the setting to automatic
exposure
Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in
step 4. Or set [EXPOSURE] to [ AUTO]
(p. 28).
b Notes
• You cannot use the Flexi ble spot meter togethe r with
the NightShot plus function.
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is
automatically set to [ AUTO].
z Tip
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
Adjusting the white balance manually
You can adjust the color balance to the
brightness of the recording environment. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the
setting is selected.
[ AUTO]
Select when you want to record with the
white balance adjusted automatically.
[OUTDOOR] ( )
Select when recording a sunset/sunrise,
general night views, neon signs, fireworks, or
when under daylight fluorescent lamps.
[INDOOR] (n)
Select when recording at a party or in studios
where lighting conditions change quickly.
And also, select when under video lamps
such as those in a studio, under sodium
lamps, mercury lamps or warm white
fluorescent lamps.
[ONE PUSH] ( )
Select when you want to record with the
white balance adjusted depending on the light
source.
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
2 Touch to display [PAGE1].
3 Touch [WHT BAL].
4 Touch the desired effect.
When you touch [ONE PUSH]
1 Frame a white object such as a piece of
paper filling the screen under the same
lighting conditions as you will shoot the
subject.
2 Touch .
flashes quickly.
When the white balance has been
adjusted and stored in the memory, the
indicator stops flashing.
5 Touch .
6 Touch .
b Notes
• You cannot use the white balance together with the
NightShot plus function.
• The setting returns to [ AUTO] when you
disconnect the power source from your camco rd er
for more than 5 minutes.
• Do not shake or strike the camcorder while
flashes quickly.
• When flashes slowly, the white balance is not
set or was not able to be set.
• If keeps flashing even when you touch
, set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO].
z Tips
• For better color balance adjustment when [WHT
BAL] is set to [ AUTO], aim your camcorder at a
nearby white object for about 10 seconds after
setting the POWER switch to CAMERA when:
– You remove the battery pack for replacement.
– You bring your camcorder outdoors from inside
the house while using fixed exposure, or bring
your camcorder in from outside.
• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure when:
– You changed the [PROGRAM AE] setti ngs when
[WHT BAL] is set to [ONE PUSH].
– You brought your camcorder outdoors from inside
the house, or vice versa.
• Set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.
,continued
Recording
Recording
27
Adjusting the exposure manually
You can fix the brightness of a picture at the
best exposure. When recording indoors on a
clear day, for instance, you can avoid
backlight shadows on people next to the
window by manually fixing the exposure to
that of the wall side of the room.
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
2 Touch to display [PAGE1].
3 Touch [EXPOSURE].
0:00:00STBY60min
AUTO
MANU–
AL
EXPOSURE
OK
To return the setting to automatic
exposure
Follow steps 1 to 3, then select [ AUTO] in
step 4.
b Note
• You cannot use the manual exposure together with
the NightShot plus functio n.
4 Touch [MANUAL].
0:00:00STBY60min
AUTO
MANU–
AL
EXPOSURE
OK
5 Adjust the exposure by touching
(dim)/ (bright), then touch .
6 Touch .
0:00:00STBY
FN
28
60min
Recording
Recording in dark
Adjusting the focus
places
– NightShot plus
You can record subjects in dark places (such
as when capturing the face of your baby
sleeping) with this function.
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.
and ”NIGHTSHOT PLUS” appear.
To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT
PLUS switch to OFF.
b Notes
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.
• You cannot use the NightS hot plus function tog ether
with:
– [PROGRAM AE]
– Manual exposure
– Flexible spot meter
– White balance
• Adjust the focus manually when it is hard to focus
automatically.
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or
other objects. Remove the conversion lens (option al)
if it is attached.
• Depending on the shooting conditions or
circumstances, colors may not be reproduced
properly.
z Tip
• If you record subjects in complete darkness, set
[N.S.LIGHT] to [ON] in the menu setting. The
maximum shooting distance using the NightShot
Light is about 3 meters (10 feet). If you record
subjects in dark places (such as night scene or in
moonlight), set [N.S.LIGHT] to [OFF ] in th e menu
setting. You can make image color deeper (p. 49).
The focus is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.
Adjusting the focus for an offcenter subject – SPOT FOCUS
You can select and adjust the focal point to
aim it at a subject not located in the cente r of
the screen.
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
2 Touch to display [PAGE1].
3 Touch [SPOT FOCUS].
SPOT FOCUS
AUTO
0:00:00STBY60min
OK
4 Touch the subject for which you want
to adjust the focus on the screen.
[SPOT FOCUS] flashes while the camera is
adjusting the focus.
9 appears.
SPOT FOCUS
AUTO
0:00:00STBY60min
OK
5 Touch .
6 Touch .
,continued
Recording
Recording
29
To adjust the focus automatically
Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in
step 4. Or, set [FOCUS] to [ AUTO] (p.30).
b Note
• You cannot use the SPOT FOCUS function together
with [PROGRAM AE].
z Tip
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
Adjusting the focus manually
You can adjust the focus manually according
to the 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.
4 Touch [MANUAL].
9 appears.
5 Touch or to adjust the focus.
: To focus on close subjects.
: To focus on distant subjects.
9 changes to when the focus cannot be
adjusted any further.
when the focus cannot be adjusted any
closer.
FOCUS
AUTO
MANU–
AL
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.
9 changes to
0:00:00STBY60min
OK
– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
2 Touch to display [PAGE1].
3 Touch [FOCUS].
0:00:00STBY60min
OK
30
FOCUS
AUTO
MANU–
AL
Recording
6 Touch .
7 Touch .
To adjust the focus automatically
Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in
step 4.
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