Sony DCR-HC85 User Manual

3-090-178-11(1)

Camera Operations Guide [US]

Camera Operations Guide

Read this first

Digital Video Camera Recorder

DCR-HC65/HC85

Read this first

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughl y, and retain it for futur e reference.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do no t expose t h e u nit to rain o r 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 c onstitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

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 recycli ng of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leak ing LithiumIon batteries.

“Memory Stick” and 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 accep t an y inte r f ere nc e received, including int erference that may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

This symbol is inten d e d to alert the user to the presence of importa nt operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetic interference causes data transfer to disc ontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cabl e again.

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC65 Responsible Party: Sony Electr oni cs Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies wi th Part 15 of the FCC Rule s. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful i nterfe rence, and (2) this device must accept a ny interference received, inclu d ing interference that may cause undesired operation.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC85 Responsible Party: Sony Electr oni cs Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies wi th Part 15 of the FCC Rule s. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful i nterfe rence, and (2) this device must accept a ny interference received, inclu d ing interference that may cause undesired operation.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial numb er in the sp ace provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regar ding this product. Model No. DCR-HC Serial No. Model No.AC- Serial No.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or mo dif ica tions 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 t he FCC Rules. These limits are designed to prov ide rea sona ble protection against harmful interference in a residential installati on. T his e quipment 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 guar an tee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipm e nt doe s cause harmful interference to radio or tele visi on r eception, 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 fo llowing measures: – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between 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.

• This product contains mercury . Dis posa l of thi s product may be regulated if sold in the United States. For disposal or recycling information, please contact your local authorities or the Ele ctronics Industries Alliance (http://www.eiae.org).

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 mini DV cassette s w ith Cassette Memor y is recommended as you can use Title search (p. 60), Date search (p. 61), [ TITLE] (p. 81), [ TAPE TITLE] (p. 83).

Cassettes with Cassette Memory are marked with .

Note on the type of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder

You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about half the size of a standard “M emor y Stick,” in your camcorder (p. 127). The mark is indicated on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

,continued

Notes on recordin g

• Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are record e d 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 camc ord e r, 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.

• Television programs, films, vide o ta pe s, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials ma y be con tr ary to the copyright laws.

Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extreme ly hig h -p recision 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 gree n in c olor ) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recordin g in an y way.

• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods 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 pictur e s of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk .

Note on connecting other device

Before connecting your camcord er to other device such as a VCR or a computer with a USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to i nsert the co nnector pl ug in the proper direction. If you insert the con nector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

Notes on usi ng the camcorder

• Hold your camcorder correctly.

• To ensure a good grip, fasten the grip belt as shown in the following illustration.

• 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.

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

• If you install the NP-FP70/FP90 (opt ional) battery pack on your camcorder, extend its view finde r .

• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you 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.

Notes on using this manual

• The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used on this manual are captured using a digital still camera, and thus may appear different from wh at you see.

• The illustrations used on this ma nual are based on the model DCR-HC85.

• The on-screen displays in each local language are used in illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 22).

Viewfinder

Battery pack

LCD panel

Flash (DCR-HC85)

Table of Contents

: Features available for tape only. : Features ava ilable for “Me mory Stick Duo”

only.

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

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8

Recording still images.............................................................................. 10

Recording/Playing back with ease ........................................................... 12

Getting started

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

Step 2: Charging the battery pack............................................................ 14

Using an outside power sourc e ....................... ........................... ............... ................ 17

Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 17

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 18

Adjusting the LCD panel ........................................................................... .... ....... .... .18

Adjusting the viewfinder .................................... .... ......... .... .... .... ......... .... .... .... ......... .18

Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 19

Step 6: Inserting the recording media ...................................................... 20

Inserting a cassette tape ........................................................................................... 20

Inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” ................................................................................ 21

Step 7: Setting the screen language........................................................ 22

Recording

Recording movies .................................................................................... 24

Recording for a longer time .......................................................................................26

Using zoom ........................................................... ....................................................27

Recording in mirror mode .........................................................................................27

Using the self-timer .............. ............... ...................................................................... 28

Recording movies fit for breaking into still images

– Progressive recording mode (DCR-HC85) ...................................................... 28

Recording still images – Memory photo recording............................. 29

Selecting image quality or siz e ........ .......................................... ............................... 31

Using the flash (DCR-HC85) ..................................................................................... 31

Using the self-timer .............. ............... ...................................................................... 33

Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo” while recording movies on a tape 33

Recording with ease – Easy Handycam ................................................. 34

Recording a movie ............................................................................................. 34

,continued

Recording a still image ....................................................................................... 35

Making full use of Easy Handycam operation ...........................................................36

Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 37

Adjusting the exposure for b ack lit subjects ........ ............... ............... ............... ..........37

Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter ...........................37

Adjusting the exposure manually ...............................................................................38

Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc. ...................................... 39

Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 40

Adjusting the focus for an off-center subject – SPOT FOCUS ..................................40

Adjusting the focus manually .....................................................................................41

Recording a picture using various effects ................................................ 42

Fading in and out of a scene – FADER ..............................................................42

Using special effects – Digital effect ..................................................................43

Overlaying still images on movies on a tape – MEMORY MIX ..................................45

Searching for the starting point .......................................................... 47

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH .............47

Searching manually – EDIT SEARCH .......................................................................47

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec review ....................................48

Playback

Viewing movies recorded on a tape ................................................... 49

Playing back in various modes ........................................ .... .... ........... .... .... ......... .... ..50

Viewing recordings with added effects – Digital effect ..............................................51

Viewing recordings on a “Memory Stick Duo” .................................... 52

Playing back in various modes from a “Memory Stick Duo” ......................................53

Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam .............................................. 54

Making full use of Easy Handycam operation ...........................................................55

Various playback functions ...................................................................... 56

Magnifying pictures – Tape playback zoom/Memory playback zoom .......................56

Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................57

Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code ..............................57

Playing the picture on a TV...................................................................... 59

Locating a scene on a tape for playback ........................................... 60

Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory ........................................60

Searching for a scene using Cassette Memory – Title search ..................................60

Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search .......................................61

Advanced operations

Using the Menu

Selecting menu items .........................62

Using the (CAMERA SET) menu

– PROGRAM AE/WHITE BAL./16:9

WIDE, etc. ....................................64

Using the (MEMORY SET) menu

– BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.

......................................................70

Using the (PICT.APPLI.) menu

– PICT.EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/ FRAME REC/INT.REC-STL, etc.

......................................................74

Using the (EDIT/PLAY) menu

– TITLE/TAPE TITLE, etc. ...........80

Using the (STANDARD SET ) menu

– REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/ AUDIO MIX/USB-CAMERA, etc. ..84

Using the (TIME/LANGU.) menu

– CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME, etc.

......................................................89

Customizing Personal Menu .............. 90

Dubbing/Editing

Marking recorded images with specific

information

– Image protection/Print mark ....108

Printing recorded images (PictBridge

compliant printer) .................110

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ...............................113

Warning indicators and me ss age s ...121

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ..........125

Usable cassette tapes ......................126

About the “Memory Stick” .................127

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

....................................................130

About i.LINK .....................................131

Maintenance and precauti ons ..........132

Specification .....................................135

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ...........138

Index ................................................146

Connecting to a VCR or TV ...............93

Dubbing to another tape ............94

Recording pictures from a VCR or TV

......................................................95

Dubbing pictures from a tape to a

“Memory Stick Duo” .....................96

Dubbing still images from a “Memory

Stick Duo” to a tape ......................97

Dubbing selected scenes from a tape

– Digital program editing ..............98

Dubbing sound to a recorded tape

....................................................105

Deleting recorded pictures ........107

Refer also to other operating instructions supplied with your camcorder:

• Editing images with your compu te r cCompute r Appli c at ions Guide

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies

1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 14.

a Lift up the viewfinder. b Slide the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow until it clicks.

2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

a Slide the OPEN/

EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow to open the lid.

The cassette compartment comes out automatically.

OPEN/EJECT lever

Quick Start Guide

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 19.

a Remove the lens cap. b Press OPEN and

open the LCD panel.

c While pressing the

green button, slide the POWER switch down to light up the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.

The power turns on.

d Press REC START/

STOP.

Recording starts. To change to standb y m ode, press REC START/STOP again. You can also use REC START/STOP of the LCD panel.

4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

a Slide the POWER

switch rep eatedly until the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up.

Quick Start Guide

b Touch (rewind). c Touch (play) to

start the playback.

To stop, press .

To turn off the power, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).

Quick Start Guide

Recording still images

1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 14.

a Lift up the viewfinder. b Slide the battery pack in the direction

of the arrow until it clicks.

2 Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into the camcorder.

Insert it so that the b mark is at the bottom left corner. Push in until it clicks.

Quick Start Guide

b mark

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 19.

a Remove the lens cap. b Press OPEN and

open the LCD panel.

c While pressing the

green button, slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up.

The power turns on.

d Press PHOTO lightly.

A short beep sound is heard when the focus is adjusted.

e Press PHOTO fully.

A shutter sound is heard and the still image is recorded.

4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

a Slide the POWER

switch rep eatedly until the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up.

Quick Start Guide

b Touch .

The most recently recorded image is d isplayed.

c Touch (next) or

(previous) to view images in sequence.

To turn off the power, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).

Quick Start Guide

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 (1) and screen font si ze increa ses ( 2) during Easy Handycam operation.

Easy Handycam

operation

For details, se e i nstructions for ea ch op er ation. See page 34 for recording, page 54 for pl ayback.

Quick Start Guide

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure you have following ite ms supplied with your camcorder.

The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

“Memory Stick Duo” 8MB (1 )

You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about half the size of a standard “Memory Stick,” in your camcorder. See page 127 fo r deta il s.

Lens hood (1)

(DCR-HC85) Use the lens hood to record under strong light, such as under the sun. Note when you use a filter (optional), the shadow of the lens hood may appear on the screen. Also, if you force the lens hood on, you may not be able to remove it again.

Getting started

Shoulder strap (1)

See page 141 on how to attach the shoulder strap.

Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1)

If you attach a Memory Stick Duo adaptor to a “Memory Stick Duo,” you can use a “Memory Sti ck Duo” with an y o f the devices co mpatible with a standard “Memory Stick.”

AC Adaptor (1)

Power cord (1)

Lens cap (1)

Attached to the camcorder.

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

A button-type lithium battery is already installe d.

A/V connecting cable (1)

USB cable (1)

Rechargeable battery pac k NP - FP50 (1)

CD-ROM “SPVD-012 USB Driver” (1)

Cleaning cloth (1)

Shoe cover (1)

Attached to the camcorder.

Camera Operations Guide (This manual) (1)

Computer Applications Guide (1)

Getting started

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) to your camcord er .

b Note

• You cannot use batteries other tha n the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 130).

• 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 immediatel y if a ny ma lfunction occurs.

Battery pack

DC plug

2 Attach the battery pack by slid ing it in

the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

3 With the b mark on the DC plug fac ing

the LCD panel side, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

DC IN jack

Power cord

To the wall outlet

1 Lift up the viewfinder.

Getting started

b mark

AC Adaptor

4 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor.

5 Connect the power cord to the wall

outlet.

6 Slide the POWER switch up to OFF

(CHG).

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.

To check the remaining battery – Battery Info

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

Getting started

POWER switch

CHG (charge) lamp

After charging the battery

The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully c har ged. Disconnect t he AC Adaptor fro m the DC IN jack.

To remove the battery pack

POWER

PUSH

switch

Battery pack

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

2 Lift up the viewf i nder. 3 Slide the ba ttery pack o ut in the di rection

of the arrow whil e pressing the PUSH button.

b Note

• If you do not use the battery pack for a long time, use up the battery pack completely before storing it. See page 130 about storage of the battery pack.

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 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel. 3 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

The battery informa tion appears for about 7 seconds. Keep the button pressed to view it for about 20 seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL

REC TIME AVAILABLE

A Battery charge level: Displays

approximate remai ning amount of power left in the ba ttery pack.

B Approximate possibl e recording time

using the LCD panel.

C Approximate possibl e recording time

using the viewfinder.

LCD SCREEN VIEWFINDER::

50%0% 100%

54 min 72 min

Getting started

Charging t ime

Approximate number of minutes require d when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F) recommended.)

Battery pack

NP-FP50 (supplied) 125 NP-FP70 155 NP-FP90 220

Recording time when recordi ng with the LCD screen on

Approximate nu m ber of minutes availabl e when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

For DCR-HC65: With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON

Battery pack Continuous

recording time

NP-FP50 (supplied)

NP-FP70 150 80 NP-FP90 270 145

70 35

With LCD BACKLIGHT set to OFF

Battery pack Continuous

NP-FP50 (supplied)

NP-FP70 215 115 NP-FP90 385 210

recording time

100 55

For DCR-HC85: With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON

Battery pack Continuous

NP-FP50 (supplied)

NP-FP70 125 65 NP-FP90 230 125

recording time

60 30

Typical* recording time

With LCD BACKLIGHT set to OFF

Battery pack Continuous

NP-FP50 (supplied)

NP-FP70 175 95 NP-FP90 310 170

recording time

80 40

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).

For DCR-HC65:

Battery pack Continuous

NP-FP50 (supplied)

NP-FP70 215 115 NP-FP90 385 210

recording time

100 55

Typical* recording time

For DCR-HC85:

Battery pack Continuous

NP-FP50 (supplied)

NP-FP70 175 95 NP-FP90 310 170

* 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.

recording time

80 40

Typical* recording time

Playing time

Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

Getting started

Battery pack LCD panel

NP-FP50 (supplied)

NP-FP70 175 255 NP-FP90 310 455

* With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON.

b Note

• 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 fro m the wall outlet.

• The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperature.

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or the battery information will not be corre ctly displayed in following conditions. – The battery pack is not attache d correctly. – The batte r y pack is damaged. – The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery

information only)

opened*

80 120

LCD panel closed

Using an outside power source

Step 3: Turning the power on

You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mo de to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 19).

Getting started

While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down.

The power turns on. To enter the recording or playing mod e, sl ide the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp for the desire d power mode lights up.

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 c harg e ev en when it is attached to your camc order.

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 Adapto r.

Connect your camcorder as shown in “Charging the battery pack” (p. 14).

• CAMERA-TAPE mode: To re cor d on a tape.

• CAMERA-MEMORY mode: To record on a “Memory Stick Duo. ”

• PLAY /EDIT mode: T o play or ed it picture s on a tape or “Memory St ic k D uo.”

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).

Getting started

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

Maximum 90 degrees

LCD BACKLIGHT

Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.

3 Adjust the item with / , then

touch .

z Tip

• 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 sour ce,

you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD BL LEVEL] from the [LCD/VF SET] on the (STANDARD SET) menu

• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions,

press LCD BACKLIGHT to switch off the LCD screen backlight ( appears on the screen). This setting saves battery power.

• Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlig h t, the

recorded picture will not be affected .

• You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by

setting [BEEP] in the (STANDARD SET) menu to [OFF] (p. 88).

(p. 85).

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.

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it to the desired position.

To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen

Touch .

2 Touch [LCD BRIGHT].

If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], (STANDARD SET) menu, then touch [LC D/VF SET] (p. 85).

Getting started

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

1 Lift up the viewfinder. 2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment

lever until the picture is clear.

To use the viewfinder during operation

When you are recording on a tape or a “Memo ry Stick Duo,” you can adjust the exposure (p. 37) and fader (p. 42) while checking the image on the viewfind er. Have the LCD pa nel rot ated 180 degrees and closed with the screen facing out.

1 Set the power mode to CAMERA-TAPE

or CAMERA-MEMORY (p. 17).

2 Close the LCD panel with the screen

facing out.

appears on the sc reen.

3 Touch .

[Set LCD off?] appears on the sc reen.

4 Touch [YES].

The LCD screen is turned off.

5 Touch the LCD screen while checki ng

the display in the viewfin d er .

[EXPOSURE], et c. are displayed.

6 Touch the button you want to set.

• [EXPOSURE]: Adjust with /

and touch .

• [FADER]: Touch it repeatedly to select a

desired effect (o nl y i n the CAMERATAPE mode).

• : The LCD screen lights up. To hide the buttons on the LCD screen, touch .

z Tip

• To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight, select (STANDARD SET) menu, [LCD/VF SET], then [VF B.LIGHT] (when you are using the battery pack, p. 85).

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-t ype

battery gets discharged and th e date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable bu tton-type battery (p. 135) and then set the date and time again.

OPEN

POWER switch

1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 17). 2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.

Proceed to step 7 when you set th e clock for the first time.

Getting started

3 Touch .

60min

1/3

FADER

SPOT METER

EXPO– SURE

SPOT FOCUS

PRGRAM AE

–:––:––

,continued

Getting started

4 Touch [MENU].

60min

–:––:––

CAMERA SET

PROGRAM AE SPOT METER EXPOSURE

5 Select (TIME/LANGU.) with

/ , then touch .

DISPLAY

MENU ROT ATE

LANGUAGE

PROGRAM AE

–:––:––

––:––:––

60min

A. SHUT OFF

CLOCK SET

WORLD

6 Select [CLOCK SET] with / ,

then touch .

CLOCK SET

DATE

Y JAN M 1D 12: 00AM

2004

–:––:––

Step 6: Inserting the recording media

Inserting a cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as writeprotection), see page 126.

b Note

• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This

may cause a malfunction of your camc or de r.

1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in

the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

OPEN/EJECT lever

Lid

7 Set [Y] (year) with / , then touch

CLOCK SET

DATE

Y JAN M 1D 12: 00AM

2004

–:––:––

You can set any year up to the year 2079.

8 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and

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.

Getting started

The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.

2 Insert a cassette with its window-side

facing up.

Window-side

Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly.

3 Press .

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

Inserting a “Memory Stick Duo”

For details on the “Memory Stick Duo” (such as write-protection), see page 127.

b Note

• You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about half the size of a standard “Memory Stick,” in your camcorder (p. 127). Do not try to force any other type of “Memory Stick” into the “M emor y Stick Duo” slot.

Access lamp

b mark

Getting started

4 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in the

direction of the arrow and open the lid.

The cassette compartment automatically comes out.

2 Take out the ca ssette, then pres s .

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

3 Close the lid.

Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” with the b mark at the bottom left corner until it clicks.

To eject a “Memory Stick D uo”

Lightly push the “Me m ory Stick Duo” in once.

Lightly push in once.

,continued

Getting started

b Note

• If you force the “Memory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick Duo” slot may be damaged.

• Do not insert anything other tha n a “Me mory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot. Doing so may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

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

Step 7: Setting the screen language

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

OPEN

POWER switch

1 Turn on your camcorder. 2 Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. 3 Touch .

0:00:0060min STBY

EXPO–

SURE

FADER

SPOT METER

SPOT FOCUS

PRGRAM AE

1/3

4 Touch [LANGUAGE].

If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (TIME/LANGU.) menu (p. 89).

ENG

[

SIMP

ESPA

ÑOL

0:00:0060min STBY

]

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

ENG LISH

1/2

FRAN

ÇAIS

Getting started

5 Select the desired language with /

, then touch .

z Tip

• Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.

Getting started

Recording

Recording movies

You can record movi es on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 13 to p. 22). When you are recor ding on a tape, movies will be recorded alon g with stereo sound. When you are recording on a “Memory Stick Duo,” the movie will be recorded with monaural sound.

Camera recording lamp

POWER switch

3 Select the recording mode.

To record on a tape

Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up, and your camcorder is set t o t he standby mode.

Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

To record on a “Memo ry Stick

Duo” – MPEG MOVIE EX

Slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up, and the currently selected recor ding folder appears on the sc reen.

Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

REC START/STOP

z Tip

• Performing Easy Handycam operati on, even first time

users can record easily. For details, see page 34.

1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap

string down and attach it to the grip belt.

2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.

Recording

4 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 check the most recently recorded MPEG movie – Review

Touch . Playback starts au tomatically. Touch again to return to standby. To delete the movie, touch after playback is finished, then [YES]. To cancel deleting, to uch [NO].

To turn the power off

Slide the POWER switch up to the OFF (CHG) position.

Indicators displayed during recording on a tape

The indicators will not be recorded on the tape. Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 57) will not be displayed during recording.

Indicators displayed during recording on a “Memor y Stick Duo”

The indicators will not be recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo. ” Date/time (p. 57) will not be displayed during recording.

60min

0:00:00REC 60min

P-MENU

A Indicato rs for Cass ette Memo ry casset tes 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 cor rect remaining battery time.

C Recording mode (SP or LP) D Recording status ([STB Y ] ( st andby) or

[REC] (recording))

E Time code or tape counter (hour:

minute: s e cond)

F Recording capacity of the tape (p. 87) G Personal Menu button (p. 62) H END SEARCH/EDIT SEARCH/Rec

review display switch button (p. 47)

60min REC

101

0:00:00

320

P-MENU

2min

A Recordi n g folder B Remaining battery

The indicated time may not be correct depending on the env ir onment of use. When you opened or closed the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correc t remaining battery time.

C Recording status ([STBY] (s tandby) or

[REC] (recording))

D Movie siz e E Recorded time (hour: minute: second) F Recording capacity of the “Memory

Stick Duo”

G “Memory Stick Duo” re cording start

indicator (appears for about 5 seconds)

H Personal Menu button (p. 62) I Review button (p. 24)

b Note

• Before changing t he batter y pack, sl ide the P OWER switch up to OFF (CHG).

• In the default setting, when you do not operate the camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power will automatica lly turn off to prevent batt er y loss ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 88). To restart recording, slide the POWER switch down to select CAMERATAPE or CAMERA-MEMORY, and then press REC START/STOP.

• While recording movies on a “Memor y Stic k Duo,” the only menu items available will be those with short cuts on the Personal Menu. In order to use other menu items, add them to the Pe rs ona l Me nu.

,continued

Recording

• When you a r e r e c ording on a “ Me mory Stick Duo” with an external flash (optional) attached to the intelligent acce sso r y sho e, turn off the power of the external flash to prevent charging noise from getting recorded.

z Tip

• If you do not use your camcorder for a long time, remove the cassette and store it.

• You can also use REC START/STOP of the LCD panel to record moving pictures. It is useful when you record from a low-angle or record yourself in the mirror mode.

• To press REC START/STOP on LCD frame, support the LCD panel with your hand.

• Recording with LCD screen is recommended when you use the large capacity battery pa ck (NP-FP70/FP90).

• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded sc ene to the next , n ote the follow in g. – Do not remove the cassette. (Th e pic t ur e wil l be

recorded continuously without a break even when you turn the power off).

– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on

the same tape.

– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP

mode.

• See “To record for a lo nger time on a “Memory S tick Duo”” (p. 26) for the approximate len gth of time it is possible to record on a “Memory Stick Duo” of different capacities .

• The recording time, da te, and the camera settings data (for tape only) are recorded au to matically on the recording media without being displayed on the screen. You can view this information duri ng playback by selecting [DATA CODE] in the me nu setting (p. 57).

Recording for a longer time

To record for a longer time on a tape

In the (STANDARD SET) menu, select [ REC MODE], then [LP] (p.84). In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times longer than you can when recording in the SP m ode. A tape recorded in the LP mode should be played back only on t hi s c am corder.

To record for a longer time on a “Memory Stick Duo”

In the (MEMORY SET) menu, select [MOVIE SET], [ IMAGE SIZE], then [160 × 112] (p. 71). The length of time you can record on a “Memory Stick D uo” varies depending on th e image size and th e recording environment. Refer to the following list for approximate length of time you can record movies on a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on yo ur cam co rder.

Image size and time (hour: minute: second)

320 × 240 160 × 112

8MB (supplied)

16MB 00:02:40 00:10:40 32MB 00:05:20 00:21:20 64MB 00:10:40 00:42:40 128MB 00:21:20 01:25:20 256MB

(MSX-M2 5 6) 512MB

(MSX-M5 1 2)

00:01:20 00:05:20

00:42:40 02:50:40

01:25:20 05:41:20

Recording

Using zoom

Recording in mirror mode

When the CAMERA-TAPE mode is selected, you can choose zoom to magnification levels greater than 10 times, and from that point activ a te the d i gi ta l zoo m ([DIGITAL ZOOM], p. 68). Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but use it sparingly for best results.

1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)*

* The minimum distance required between your

camcorder and the subj ec t to get a sharp focus in that position of the lever.

80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)*

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

To record wider ran g e of vi ew

Move the power zoom lever towards W. The subject appears farther away (Wide angle).

To record closer vie w

Move the power zoom lever towards T. The subject appears closer (Telephoto).

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 wh en recording yo urself, to keep the attention of small children attracted to the camcorder while you record them.

Recording

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 record ed.

Recording

Using the self-timer

With the self-timer, you can start recording after a delay of abou t 10 s ec o nd s .

REC START/STOP

1 Touch . 2 Touch [SELF-TIMER].

If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu.

SELF–TIMER: OFF

0:00:0060min STBY

4 Press REC START/STOP.

You will hear a beep sound counting down for about 10 seconds (The count down indication begins from 8). The recording sta rt s . To stop recording, press REC START/ STOP.

To cancel the count down

Touch [RESET] or pr es s REC START/STOP .

To cancel the self-timer

Follow steps 1 and 2, then select [OFF] in step

Recording movies fit for br eaking into still images – Progressive recording mode (DCR-HC85)

This feature is useful for movies you intend to import to your computer to produce still images.

You can record pictures with less blurring than recording in the normal mode, producing pictures suitable for analyzing high-speed action such as sports. To enjoy as a movie, it is better to record the picture in the normal mode, since the image is recorded only every 1/30 of a second in the progressive recording mode.

ONOFF

3 Touch [ON], then .

appears.

0:00:00STBY

P-MENU

60min

Recording

REC START/STOP

1 Touch . 2 Touch [PROGRE REC].

If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch

[MENU], and select [PROGRES. REC] from the (CAMERA SET) menu.

Recording still

3 Touch [ON] , then .

appears.

4 Press REC START/STOP.

Press it again to st op recording.

To cancel the progressive recording mode

Follow step s 1 and 2, then sele ct [OFF] in step

Note on the progressive recording mode

In a normal TV broadcast, the screen is divided into 2 finer fields and these are displayed in turn, every 1/60 of a second. Thus, the actual picture disp la ye d in an instant covers only half of the apparent picture area. In progressive recording, the pi ct ur e is ful ly dis played with all the pixels. A pict ur e recorded in this mode appears clearer, but a moving subject may appea r awkward.

b Note

• When recording in the progressive recording mode under fluorescent light or a light bulb, the screen may flicker. This is not a malfunc ti on.

• You cannot use the Progressive recording mode together with [16:9 WIDE] mode.

images

– Memory photo recording

You can record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 13 to p. 22).

PHOTO

POWER switch

z Tip

• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first time users can record easily. For details, see page 34.

1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap

string down and attach it to the grip belt.

Recording

2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.

,continued

Recording

3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly

until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up.

The selected recording folder is displa yed.

Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

To turn the power off

Slide the POWER switch up to the OFF (CHG) position.

To record still images continuously – Burst

Select th e (MEMORY SE T) menu, [STILL SET], then [ BURST] (p. 70). You can record images continuously in a time interval of about 0.5 t o 0. 07 seconds.

Indicators displayed during recording

4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly.

You will hear a light beeping sound when the focus and brightness settings ar e adjusted. Reco rding does not star t at t hi s point.

The indicator stops flashing.

The number of images that can be recorded.*

60min

101

*The number of images that can be recorded

varies depending on the image quality setting and the recording environment.

1600

FINE

P-MENU

5 Press PHOTO fully.

A shutter sound i s he ard. When bars of

disappear, the image is recorded on

the “Memory Stick Du o. ”

To check the most recently recorded image – Review

Touch . Touch to return to standby. To delete the image, touch , then [YES]. To cancel deleting, touch [NO].

60min

101

FINE

1600

P-MENU

A Recording folder B Image size

For DCR-HC65 :

(1152 × 864) or (640 × 480)

For DCR-HC85 :

(1600 × 1200) or (640 × 480)

1600

C Quality

([FINE]) or ([STANDARD])

D Personal Menu button (p . 62) E Review button (p. 30)

z Tip

• When you press PHOTO on your Remote

Commander, the image displayed on the screen at that timing is record ed.

• The recording time, date, and the camera settings

data are recorded automatically on the recording media without being displayed on the scre en. You can view this information during playback by selecting [DATA CODE] in the menu setting (p. 57).

• The recording angle is wider than that of the

CAMERA-TAPE mode.

Recording

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