Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
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.
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. With your Handycam, you can
Welcome!
capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is
loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be
producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
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.
For customers in the U.S.A.
and CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
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.
“Memory Stick”
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.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail),
restart the application or disconnect and
connect the USB cable again.
2
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 the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name:SONY
Model No.:DCR-PC105
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:680 Kinderkamack
Road, Oradell,
NJ07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.:201-930-6972
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, 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 with
the equipment in order to comply with the
limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart
B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
3
Main Features
Recording moving pictures
or still images, and playing
them back
Main Features
• Viewing moving pictures
recorded on a tape using the USB
cable (p. 173)
• Viewing images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” using the USB
cable (p. 181, 186)
• Capturing images on a computer
from your camcorder using the
USB cable (p. 175, 176)
• Converting an analog signal into
digital to capture images onto the
computer (p. 187)
• DVD video creating with VAIO
(p. 189)
• Recording moving pictures on
tape (p. 28)
• Playing back a tape (p. 42)
• Recording still images on a
“Memory Stick” (p. 49, 120)
• Recording moving pictures on a
“Memory Stick” (p. 133)
• Viewing still images recorded on
a “Memory Stick” (p. 144)
• Viewing moving pictures
recorded on a “Memory Stick”
(p. 147)
Identifying parts and controls ............... 229
Index .......................................................... 237
7
Quick Start Guide – Recording on tape
Connecting the power cord
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 15).
Open the
jack cover.
AC Adaptor (supplied)
2
1
3
Connect the plug with its v mark facing the
grip belt.
Quick Start Guide
To eject the cassette
Follow the procedures above, and take out the cassette after the cassette compartment opens
completely in step 2.
Note
Do not press the cassette compartment down forcibly. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
Inserting the cassette
1Slide OPEN/ZEJECT
in the direction of the
arrow and open the lid.
2Push the center of the
cassette back to insert
the cassette. Insert the
cassette straight as far as
possible into the cassette
compartment with the
window facing up.
3Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing on the
cassette compartment.
After the cassette
compartment goes
down completely, close
the lid until it clicks.
How to hold your camcorder
Hold the camcorder, putting your wrist
through the belt and your fingers lightly on
the finger rest (p. 21).
Finger rest
8
Recording a picture on the tape (p. 28)
1Remove the lens cap.
3Press OPEN to
open the LCD
panel.
2Set the POWER
switch to
CAMERA
while pressing
the small green
button.
(CHG)OFF
POWER
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
LOCK
The picture
appears on the
screen.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is closed,
pull out the viewfinder placing
your eye against the eyecup.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to
your eyesight (p. 34).
4Press START/
STOP. Your
camcorder starts
recording.
To stop
recording, press
START/STOP
again.
(CHG)OFF
POWER
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
LOCK
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock is not set up yet. If you want to record the date and
time for a picture, set the clock before recording (p. 23).
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 42)
1Set the POWER
switch to VCR
while pressing the
small green
button.
(CHG)OFF
POWER
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
LOCK
2Press of the touch panel to rewind the
tape.
3Press of the touch panel to start
playback.
Quick Start Guide
Do not pick up
your camcorder
by the parts
illustrated.
Note
When using the touch panel, press operation
buttons lightly with your finger supporting
the LCD panel from the back side of it. Do
not press the LCD screen with sharp objects
such as a pen.
ViewfinderLCD panelBattery packFlash
9
Quick Start Guide – Recording on a
“Memory Stick”
Connecting the power cord
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 15).
Open the
jack cover.
AC Adaptor (supplied)
2
1
3
Connect the plug with its v
mark facing the grip belt.
Quick Start Guide
Inserting a “Memory Stick”
Insert a “Memory Stick” in the “Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go with the B mark
facing the grip belt as illustrated.
To remove the “Memory Stick,” press the “Memory Stick” once lightly.
Access lamp
B mark
While the access lamp is lit or flashing
Do not shake or strike your camcorder because your camcorder is reading the data from the
“Memory Stick” or recording data on the “Memory Stick.” Do not turn the power off, remove the
“Memory Stick” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data breakdown may occur.
10
How to hold your camcorder
Hold the camcorder, putting your wrist
through the belt and your fingers lightly on
the finger rest (p. 21).
Finger rest
Recording still images on the “Memory Stick”
(p. 120)
1Remove the lens cap.
4Press PHOTO lightly.
You can record when
the green z stops
3Press OPEN to
flashing and remains lit.
open the LCD
panel.
The picture appears
FINE
640
12
on the screen.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is closed,
pull out the viewfinder placing
your eye against the eyecup.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your
eyesight (p. 34).
5Press PHOTO deeper.
The image displayed
when you press PHOTO
deeply is recorded on
the “Memory Stick.”
(CHG)OFF
2Set the POWER switch to
MEMORY while pressing the small
POWER
VCR
LOCK
FINE
640
green button.
Make sure that the LOCK switch is
CAMERA
MEMORY
set to the right (unlock) position.
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock is not set up yet. If you want to record the date and
time for a picture, set the clock before recording (p. 23).
Monitoring a still image on the LCD screen (p. 144)
Quick Start Guide
Do not pick up
your camcorder
by the parts
illustrated.
1Set the POWER switch to
MEMORY while pressing
(CHG)OFF
VCR
POWER
the small green button.
Make sure that the LOCK
switch is set to the right
CAMERA
MEMORY
(unlock) position.
2Press PLAY. The last recorded
image is displayed.
PLAY
ViewfinderLCD panelBattery packFlash
LOCK
11
— Getting Started —
Using this manual
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
In sections from “Advanced Recording Operations” onward, position of the POWER
switch is shown by the icons below.
: Set the POWER switch to VCR.
: Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
: Set the POWER switch to MEMORY.
All operations you carry out are indicated by a beep.
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can use only mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a cassette with Cassette Memory .
(CHG)OFF
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
LOCK
12
Cassettes with Cassette Memory have the (Cassette Memory) mark.
Note on TV color systems
TV color systems differ depending on the country or region. To view your recordings
on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.
Copyright precautions
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.
Note on connecting other equipment
When you connect your camcorder to other video equipment or a computer using the
USB cable or i.LINK cable, observe the shape of the jack.
If you insert the plug forcibly, the jack may get damaged and it may result in a
malfunction of your camcorder.
Using this manual
Precautions on camcorder care
Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only)
•The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision
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 constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.
These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any way.
•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
•Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD
screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions [c].
•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].
Getting Started
[a]
[c]
[b]
[d]
13
Checking the supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
1
3
7
1 AC-L15A/L15B AC Adaptor, Power
cord (p. 16)
2 NP-FM30 rechargeable battery pack*
(p. 15)
3 A/V connecting cable (p. 47)
4 Wireless Remote Commander (p. 234)
(A button type lithium battery is built
in.)
5 “Memory Stick” (p. 112)
4
8
2
56
9
6 USB cable (p. 160)
7 CD-ROM (SPVD-010 USB Driver)
(p. 164)
8 Cleaning cloth (p. 222)
9 Battery terminal cover (p. 15)
14
* The rechargeable battery pack (NP-FM30) supplied with your camcorder is not for
sale.
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Installing the battery pack
Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) when replacing the battery pack.
(1) While sliding the BATT (battery) release lever in the direction of the arrow 1,
slide the battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow 2.
(2) Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.
Getting Started
1
2
1
BATT release lever
To remove the battery pack
Remove the battery pack while sliding the BATT (battery) release lever.
2
15
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Charging the battery pack
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series).
See page 216 for details of “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
(1) Install the battery pack on your camcorder.
(2) Connect the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with
the v mark on the DC plug facing the grip belt.
(3) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.
(4) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(5) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
The CHARGE lamp lights up when charging begins. After charging is
completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out (full charge).
CHARGE lamp
3
16
2
5
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
(CHG)OFF
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
1
LOCK
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Notes
•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug
of the AC Adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit and damage the AC Adaptor.
•Your camcorder will be less balanced when placed on the table etc., with the battery
pack NP-FM91/QM91/QM91D installed.
When you use the AC Adaptor
Place the AC Adaptor near a wall outlet. While using the AC Adaptor, if any trouble
occurs with this unit, disconnect the plug from a wall outlet as soon as possible to cut
off the power.
While charging the battery pack, the battery CHARGE lamp flashes in the
following cases:
– The battery pack is not installed correctly.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
Approximate minutes at 25°C (77°F) to charge an empty battery pack.
The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low
because of the ambient temperature.
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack
Playing time on the
LCD screen
Playing time with the LCD
panel closed
18
Note
Approximate recording time and continuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery
life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Checking status of the battery pack – Battery Info
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
(2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(3) Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.
The battery charge level (the percentage of remaining battery time) and
remaining battery time when using the LCD screen or viewfinder are
displayed for about 7 seconds.
If you keep pressing DISPLAY/BATT INFO, the indicators will be displayed
for about 20 seconds.
The time displayed is the available recording time when the LCD
BACKLIGHT switch is set to ON.
Getting Started
3
DISPLAY/
BATT INFO
During charging
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0%50%100%
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER::6476
Fully charged
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0%50%100%
min
min
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER::8095
min
min
Note
The BATTERY INFO indicator may not appear in the following cases:
– The battery pack is not installed.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.
– The battery pack is fully discharged.
Battery Info
The number displayed as Battery Info is the approximate recording time.
While the remaining battery time is being calculated
“CALCULATING BATTERY INFO ...” is displayed.
19
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Using your camcorder on house current
Connect the AC Adaptor in the same way as you would when charging the battery
pack (p. 16).
Connecting to a wall outlet
•The AC Adaptor can supply power from a wall outlet even if the battery pack is
attached to your camcorder.
•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack will not supply
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.
20
Step 2 Adjusting the grip belt
The grip belt supplied with your camcorder can be used as an ordinary grip belt or a
wrist strap.
Using as a grip belt
Put your hand through the grip belt.
Fasten the grip belt firmly.
If the grip belt hangs out too far, tuck it in the hand pad.
Using the grip belt as a wrist strap
1
2
4
3
Finger rest
Commercially available straps, etc.,
can be attached to this ring.
Getting Started
(1) Open the hand pad. Unfasten the belt from the clasp and pull out the belt from
the hand pad.
(2) Pull out the belt from the strap ring and feed the belt through the clasp again.
(3) Feed the belt through the belt adjuster and close the hand pad.
Notes
•Hold the camcorder, putting your wrist through the belt and your fingers lightly on
the finger rest.
•The hand pad can be removed from the belt.
21
Step 2 Adjusting the grip belt
1
2
3
Hand pad
Strap ring
Belt adjuster
22
Step 3 Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. The “CLOCK
SET” indicator will appear each time you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or
MEMORY unless you set the date and time.
If you do not set the date and time, “--- -- ----” and “--:--:--” are recorded on a tape or a
“Memory Stick” as the data code.
If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the date and time settings may
be unset (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in your
camcorder will have been discharged (p. 223). In this case, charge the built-in
rechargeable battery, then set the year, the month, the day, the hour and the minute.
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY.
(2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(3) Press FN (Function) to display PAGE1 (p. 25).
(4) Press MENU to display the menu.
(5) Press r/R to select
(6) Press r/R to select CLOCK SET, then press EXEC.
(7) Press r/R to select the desired year, then press EXEC.
(8) Set the month, day and hour with the same procedure as step 7.
(9) Press r/R to set the minute, then press EXEC by the time signal. The clock
starts.
, then press EXEC.
Getting Started
3
FN
5
7
9
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
6
EXIT
––:––:––
RET.
EXEC
EXIT
2003 JAN
1
12 00 AM5 00 PM
RET.
EXEC
EXIT
2003
JUL
4
5 30 PM
RET.
EXEC
8
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
2003 JAN
EXEC
2003 JUL
EXEC
JUL 4
EXEC
12 00 AM
5:30:20
EXIT
RET.
EXIT
RET.
EXIT
2003
RET.
PM
1
4
23
Step 3 Setting the date and time
To return to FN (Function)
Press EXIT.
Note on the time indicator
The internal clock of your camcorder uses a 12-hour cycle.
– 12:00 AM stands for midnight.
– 12:00 PM stands for noon.
24
Step 4 Using the touch panel
Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen.
Touch the LCD screen directly with your finger to operate each function.
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA for recording, VCR for playback, or
MEMORY to use a “Memory Stick.”
(2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(3) Press FN. Operation buttons on PAGE1 are displayed on the LCD screen.
If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear.
You can control the display with DISPLAY/BATT INFO on your camcorder.
(4) Press PAGE2/PAGE3 to display PAGE2/PAGE3. Operation buttons on
PAGE2/PAGE3 are displayed on the LCD screen.
(5) Press the desired operation item. See relevant pages of this manual for each
function.
When the POWER switch is set
3
to CAMERA
PAGE2 PAGE3
PAGE1
SPOT
FOCUS
FADER
MENU
END
SCH
EXIT
SPOT
METER
EXPO-
SURE
2
DISPLAY/BATT INFO
1
Getting Started
To return to FN
Press EXIT.
To execute settings
Press OK. The display returns to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
25
Step 4 Using the touch panel
To cancel settings
Press OFF. The display returns to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
To make screen indicators disappear
Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.
Operation buttons on each display
When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA
PAGE1SPOT FOCUS, SPOT METER, MENU, FADER, END SCH, EXPOSURE
PAGE2SELFTIMER, DIG EFFT, LCD BRT, VOL, MEM MIX
PAGE3SUPER NS, COLOR SLW S
When the POWER switch is set to VCR
PAGE1MENU, LCD BRT, VOL, END SCH
PAGE2PB ZOOM, DIG EFFT, BURN DVD, DATA CODE
PAGE3V SPD PLAY, A DUB CTRL, REC CTRL
PAGE1MENU, CAM, PB FOLDR, DEL
PAGE2PB ZOOM, CAM, RESIZE, DATA CODE
PAGE3LCD BRT, CAM, VOL
26
Step 4 Using the touch panel
Notes
•When using the touch panel, press operation buttons lightly with your finger
supporting the LCD panel from the back side of it.
•Do not press the LCD screen with sharp objects such as a pen.
•Do not press the LCD screen too hard.
•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.
When executing each item
A green bar appears above the item.
If any items are not available
The color of the items changes to gray.
When using the viewfinder
You can also operate with the touch panel (p.74).
Getting Started
27
— Recording – Basics —
Recording a picture
Perform Step 1 (p. 15) to Step 3 (p. 23) in advance.
(1) Remove the lens cap and pull the lens cap string to fix it.
(2) Prepare the power source (p. 15) and insert a cassette (p. 8).
(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.
This sets your camcorder to standby.
(4) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. The picture appears on the screen.
(5) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator
appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder
lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
3
LOCK switch
(CHG)OFF
POWER
VCR
LOCK
CAMERA
MEMORY
Microphone
4
1
28
2
5
(CHG)OFF
VCR
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
LOCK
50min
REC
Camera recording
lamp
0:00:01
Recording a picture
Note on recording mode
Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode or in the LP
(long play) mode. Select SP or LP in in the menu settings (p. 198). In the LP mode,
you can record 1.5 times as long as in the SP mode.
When you record the tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing
back the tape on your camcorder.
To enable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as
you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.
However, check the following:
– Do not mix recordings in the SP and LP modes (p. 198) on the same tape.
– When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
During recording
Do not touch the built-in microphone.
If you leave your camcorder in standby for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent
battery pack and tape wear. To return to standby, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)
and then back to CAMERA. However, your camcorder does not turn off automatically
while the cassette is not inserted.
When you record in the SP and LP modes on the same tape or you record in the LP
mode
•The transition between scenes may not be smooth.
•The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes.
Recording
– Basics
Note on the LOCK switch
When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to
MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK switch is set to the right as the default setting.
Self-timer recording
If you record with the self-timer, your camcorder automatically starts recording on a
tape after counting down for about 10 seconds, see page 51 for details.
29
Recording a picture
Indicators displayed during recording
Indicators are not recorded on the tape.
172834 5
50
min
REC
0:00:01
60min
6
JUL 4 2003
12:05:56PM
FN
9
1 Remaining battery time
2 Cassette Memory
This appears when using a cassette with Cassette Memory.