Sony DCR-HC26 Operating Instruction
2-659-811-11(1)
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC26
Getting Started 11
Recording/
Playback
Using the Menu 34
Dubbing/Editing 49
Using a Computer 55
Troubleshooting 65
Additional Information 79
22
© 2006 Sony Corporation
WARNING
To reduce 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.
2
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety
instructions completely before operating
the appliance, and keep this manual for
future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the one
described in the operating instructions and
adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of electrical power
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or
local power company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac
power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider
than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or
convenience receptacles beyond their capacity,
since this can result in fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened
with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to the
plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord
exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation of the set, and to protect it from
overheating, these slots and openings must never
be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper
ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct
sunlight.
Continued ,
3
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the set due to
lightning and power-line surges.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or
frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the
set, as the service technician to perform routine
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)
to determine that the set is in safe operating
condition.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
4
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve
our environment by returning
your used rechargeable batteries
to the collection and recycling
location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
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 1-800222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC26
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego,
CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone Number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
Continued ,
5
Read this first (Continued)
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used w ith the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DCR-HC26
Serial No.
Model No. AC-
Serial No.
Notes on use
Your camcorder is supplied with two
kinds of operation guides.
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)
– “First Step Guide” for connecting the
camcorder to a computer and using the
supplied software (stored on the supplied
CD-ROM)
Types of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with . Mini DV cassettes with
Cassette Memory are incompatible
(p. 80).
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
Battery packViewfinder
LCD panel
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “Maintenance and precautions”
(p. 83).
• Before connecting your camcorder to
another device with a USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug
the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid
damaging the terminal, or cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
6
• 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.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
• The 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. 47).
• Design and specifications of recording
media and accessories are subject to
change without notice.
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,
or the lens to direct sunlight for long
periods of time may cause malfunctions.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
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 an NTSC
system-based TV.
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.
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer
Function. The number value indicates the
amount of light from a subject coming into
the lens.
7
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ..................................................................3
Read this first ...........................................................................................5
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items ............................................................11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack ......................................................... 12
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ......... 15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ....................................16
Step 5: Using the touch panel ................................................................17
Changing the language setting .................................................................... 17
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) .......................................... 17
Step 6: Setting the date and time ...........................................................19
Step 7: Inserting a Cassette ................................................................... 20
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) ........................................ 22
Recording ............................................................................................... 24
Playback ................................................................................................ 25
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ..........................................26
Recording
To use zoom
To record in dark places (NightShot plus)
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT)
To adjust the focus for an off center subject (SPOT FOCUS)
To fix the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter)
To record in mirror mode
To use a tripod
To use a Shoulder Belt
Playback
To play back the images with added special effects (Picture effect)
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)
To turn off the operation confirmation beep (BEEP)
To initialize the settings (RESET)
Other part names and functions
Indicators displayed during recording/playback ..................................... 28
Searching for the starting point ..............................................................30
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
(END SEARCH) .................................................................................. 30
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) ........................................................... 30
8
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) ....................... 31
Playing the picture on a TV ....................................................................32
Using the Menu
Using the menu items ........................................................... 34
Operation button items ...........................................................................36
Menu items .............................................................................................41
MANUAL SET menu ......................................................................42
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.
CAMERA SET menu ......................................................................43
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.
VCR SET menu ..............................................................................45
– HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX
LCD/VF SET menu .........................................................................45
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
TAPE SET menu ............................................................................46
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN
SETUP MENU menu ......................................................................47
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.
OTHERS menu ..............................................................................48
– WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc.
Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. ..........................................................49
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc. ........................51
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape .........................................................52
Jacks to connect external devices ..........................................................54
Using a Computer
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ..................55
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer ................57
Viewing “First Step Guide” .....................................................................61
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) .................................62
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................65
Warning indicators and messages .........................................................76
Continued ,
9
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ................................................................79
Usable cassette tapes ............................................................................80
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...................................................81
About i.LINK ........................................................................................... 82
Maintenance and precautions ................................................................83
Specifications .........................................................................................86
Index ......................................................................................................89
10
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 is not supplied. See page
6, 80 for compatible cassettes for your
camcorder.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12)
Power cord (1) (p. 12)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 32, 49)
Lens cap (1) (p. 15, 24)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP30 (1)
(p. 12, 81)
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5.1” (1)
(p. 55)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
Getting Started
• To attach the lens cap
Attach the lens cap to the metal fittings of the
grip belt, as illustrated below, using the strap.
11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (P series) (p. 81) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
POWER switch
DC IN jack
DC plug
To the wall outlet
Power cord
AC Adaptor
1 Align the terminals of the battery
pack and your camcorder 1, then
attach the battery pack and click
it into place 2.
2
2 Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).
3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder.
DC IN jack
With the v mark facing to the
LCD screen
4 Connect the power cord to the AC
Adaptor and the wall outlet.
CHG (charge) lamp
12
1
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
5 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off
when the battery is fully charged.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from
the DC IN jack.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
DC IN jack holding both the camcorder
and the DC plug.
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the
power from the wall outlet by making the
same connections as you do when charging
the battery pack. The battery pack will not
lose its charge in this case.
To remove the battery pack
1 Slide the POWER switch to
OFF(CHG). Hold down the V
BATT(battery) release lever with one
hand.
2 Remove the battery in the direction of
the arrow with the other hand.
POWER switch
1
2
V BATT (battery)
release lever
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FP30 (supplied) 115
NP-FP50 125
NP-FP70 155
NP-FP71 170
NP-FP90 220
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Battery pack
NP-FP30
(supplied)
NP-FP50 135 65
NP-FP70 280 140
NP-FP71 330 165
NP-FP90 500 250
• All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
95 45
110 55
160 80
330 165
395 195
580 290
Getting Started
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (p. 81).
Continued ,
13
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened
NP-FP30
(supplied)
NP-FP50 150 190
NP-FP70 310 395
NP-FP71 370 465
NP-FP90 550 705
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 27) 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
power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.
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.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
LCD panel
closed
105 135
• 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
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
wall outlet 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.
14
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your
3
camcorder firmly
To record or play back, slide the POWER
switch repeatedly to turn on the respective
lamp.
When using it for the first time, the
[CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 19).
POWER switch Lens cap
1 Remove the lens cap by pressing
both knobs on the sides of the
cap.
• After you have set the date and time
([CLOCK SET], p. 19), 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 Hold the camcorder correctly.
4 Ensure a good grip, then fasten
the grip belt.
4
1
2
Getting Started
2 Slide the POWER switch
repeatedly in the direction of the
arrow to turn on the respective
lamp.
If the POWER
switch is set to
OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the
green button.
Lamps that light up
CAMERA: To record on a tape.
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
To turn off the power
1 Slide the POWER switch to
OFF(CHG).
2 Attach the lens cap.
• At the time of purchase, the power will be set to
turn off automatically if you leave your
camcorder without any operation attempted for
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 48).
15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play (2 ).
180 degrees
(max.)
2
1
90 degrees
(max.)
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD
panel.
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient
during playback operations.
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 39) to adjust the brightness
of the LCD screen.
90 degrees to the
camcorder
The viewfinder
You can view pictures using the viewfinder
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.
Viewfinder
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture is
clear.
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting (LCD/VF SET) [VF B.L.] (p. 45).
• You can adjust the [FADER] and the
[EXPOSURE] setting using the viewfinder
(p. 37).
16
Step 5: Using the touch panel
You can play back recorded pictures
(p. 25), or change the settings (p. 34) using
the touch panel.
Place your hand on the rear side of
the LCD panel to support it. Then,
touch the buttons displayed on the
screen.
DISP/BATT INFO
Touch the button on the LCD screen.
• Perform the same actions as explained above
when you press the buttons on the LCD frame.
• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD
frame accidentally while using the touch panel.
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work
correctly, adjust the LCD screen
(CALIBRATION) (p. 85).
• Dots in lines may appear on the LCD screen, but
this is not a malfunction. These dots are not
recorded.
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Select the screen language in [
LANGUAGE] on the (SETUP
MENU) (p. 34, 47).
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide)
You can easily check the meaning of each
indicator (p. 29) that appears on the LCD
screen.
1 Touch .
SPOT
METER
SCH
–:––:––
DISP
GUIDE
EXPO–
SURE
60min
PAG E 1 PAG E 2
SPOT
FOCUS
FOCUS
MENU FAD ER END
2 Touch [DISP GUIDE].
Select area for guide.
Getting Started
To hide the screen indicators
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the
screen indicators (such as time code) on or
off.
DISP GUIDE
END
The indicators vary depending on the
settings.
Continued ,
17
Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued)
3 Touch the area including the
indicator that you want to check.
DISP GUIDE
FOCUS:
MANUAL
PROGRAM AE:
SPOTLIGHT
P EFFECT:
SEPIA
END
1/2
RET.PAGEPAGE
The meanings of the indicators in the
area are listed on the screen. If you
cannot find the indicator you want to
check, touch [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to
toggle.
When you touch [ RET.], the screen
returns to the area selecting display.
To finish the operation
Touch [END].
18
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, the [CLOCK SET]
screen appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.
• 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. 85).
3 Select [CLOCK SET] with /
, then touch [EXEC].
CLOCK SET
4 Set [Y] (year) with / ,
then touch .
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
CLOCK SET
YMDHM
2006 JAN 1:00
12
AM
Getting Started
OK
POWER switch
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for
the first time.
1 Touch t [MENU].
MANUAL SET
PROGRAM AE
P EFFECT
AUTO SHTR
RET.
EXEC
2 Select (SETUP MENU) with
/ , then touch [EXEC].
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXEC
--:--:--
RET.
YMDHM
2006
JAN
112
:
00
AM
OK
5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), [H]
(hour) and [M] (minute), then
touch .
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.
The clock starts.
• The date and time are not displayed while
recording, but they are automatically recorded
as the date and time data to display while
playing back by selecting [DATA CODE] to
[DATE/TIME] (p. 39).
19
Step 7: Inserting a Cassette
{DO NOT PUSH}
You can use mini DV cassettes only
(p. 80).
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC
MODE] (p. 46).
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
Cassette compartment
facing outwards, then press
.
Push the center of the back
of the cassette lightly.
The cassette compartment
automatically slides back in.
• Do not force the cassette
compartment closed by pressing the
portion marked while
it is sliding in. It may cause a
malfunction.
Window
20
3 Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
Open the lid following the same procedure
as described in Step 1 and remove the
cassette.
Getting Started
21
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of
the camera settings are automatically optimally
adjusted, which frees you from detailed
adjustments. The screen font size increases for
easy viewing.
Remove the lens cap (p. 15).
E
D C
Recording
1 Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the CAMERA lamp.
If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG),
slide it while pressing the green button.
2 Press EASY C.
EASY
appears on the screen D.
3 Press REC START/STOP B to start recording.*
A
B
60 min
0:00:00
The indicator (A) changes [STBY] to [REC].
To stop recording, press B again.
* Movies are recorded in SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette. You can also start/stop recording by
pressing the button E on the LCD frame.
REC
FN
22
A
Playback
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.
If the POWER switch is
set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green
button.
Touch , then touch to
start playback.
A
C
A Stop
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
C Rewind/Fast forward
B
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY C again. disappears from the screen D.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch and [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 34 for details on
setting.
• Almost all the settings return to the default setting automatically (p. 41).
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Almost all the
settings are returned to the previous situation.
x Unavailable buttons during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are unavailable, since the items are
set automatically. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if operations not
available during Easy Handycam are attempted.
• BACK LIGHT button (p. 26)
• PHOTO button (p. 24)
Recording/Playback
23
Recording
Lens cap
Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs
on the sides of the cap
REC START/STOP B
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the CAMERA lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG),
slide it while pressing the green button.
2 Start recording.
Movies Still images
Press REC START/STOP A (or
B).
A
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to
check the image (A), then press it
fully (B).
PHOTO
POWER switch
REC START/
STOP A
Indicator appears
The indicator (A) changes [STBY] to
[REC].
To stop movie recording
Press REC START/STOP again.
• appears when the tape photo recording
does not work.
24
CAPTURE
AB
A shutter sound is heard, and the image
is recorded with sound for 7 seconds.
Playback
B
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Start playing back.
Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch to start
playback.
A
A Stop
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
• Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.
C Rewind/Fast forward
To adjust the volume
Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then / to adjust the volume.
C
Recording/Playback
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or / while fast
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
• You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 40).
25
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.
2
1
5
qs
qa
q;
8
9
3
4
6
7
qd
Recording
To use zoom...................... 1 qa
Move the power zoom lever 1 slightly for
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
Wider range of view: (Wide angle)
Close view: (Telephoto)
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons qa on the LCD frame.
• The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
• You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 43) if you want to
zoom to a level greater than 20 ×.
• 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.
To record in dark places (NightShot
plus) ................................... 2
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch 2 to
ON. ( and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]
appear.)
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port 3
with your fingers or other objects. Remove the
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 36)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This
may cause a malfunction.
To adjust the exposure for backlit
subjects (BACK LIGHT).............. 6
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press BACK LIGHT 6 to display .. To
cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
26
To adjust the focus for an off center
subject (SPOT FOCUS) .............. 0
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 36.
To fix the exposure for the selected
subject (Flexible spot meter)...... 0
See [SPOT METER] on page 36.
To record in mirror mode .......... qs
Open the LCD panel qs 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side (2).
2
1
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal
when recorded.
To use a tripod....................... qd
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the
screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.))
to the tripod receptacle qd using a tripod
screw.
To use a Shoulder Belt ............. 5
Attach the Shoulder Belt (optional) to its
designated hook 5.
Playback
To play back the images with added
special effects (Picture effect) .... 0
See [P EFFECT] on page 42.
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info) ......................... 7
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then
press DISP/BATT INFO 7. The battery
information appears for about 7 seconds.
You can view the battery information for up
to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT
INFO again while the battery information is
displayed.
Remaining battery (approx.)
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0% 50% 100%
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER::8699
Recording capacity (approx.)
To turn off the operation confirmation
beep (BEEP) .......................... 0
See [BEEP] on page 48.
To initialize the settings
(RESET)................................ 8
Press RESET 8 to initialize all the
settings, including the setting of the date
and time.
Other part names and functions
D Internal stereo microphone
I Speaker
Playback sound comes out from the
speaker.
• For how to adjust the volume, see page 25.
min
min
Recording/Playback
27
Indicators displayed during recording/playback
123 4 5
6
127 4 5
Recording
A Remaining battery (approx.)
B Recording mode (SP or LP) (46)
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recording))
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:
minute: second)/Tape photo recording
(24)
Playback: Time code (hour: minute:
second: frame)
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)
(47)
F Function button (34)
Data code during recording
The date/time during recording and the
camera setting data will be recorded
automatically. They do not appear on the
screen during recording, but you can check
them as [DATA CODE] during playback
(p. 39).
Viewing
68
G Tape transport indicator
H Video operation buttons (25)
28
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