Sony DCR-PC55E User Manual
Printed in Japan
Printed on 100% recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
© 2005 Sony Corporation
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-PC53E/PC55E
2-548-726-12 (1)
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Using a Computer
Troubleshooting
Additional Information
34
54
64
76
96
Getting Started
Recording/
Playback
7
18
2
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
“Memory Stick”
N50
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC
ADAPTOR
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is
fitted to this equipment for your safety and
convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied
one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362
(i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose
the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony
service station.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and sound
of this camcorder.
This product has been tested and found compliant
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters
(9.8 feet).
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart
the application or disconnect and connect the
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Notes on use
Your camcorder is supplied with two
kinds of operations guides.
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)
– “First Step Guide” for using the supplied
software (stored on the supplied CDROM)
On the types of recording media you
can use in your camcorder
• A mini DV cassette marked with
(mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory
are incompatible) (p. 97).
• “Memory Stick Duo” marked with
,
(p. 98).
On using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
LCD panel Battery cover
Shoe cover
3
• Before connecting your camcorder to
another device with a USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector
plug in the proper direction. If you insert
the connector plug forcibly in the wrong
direction, the terminal may be damaged,
or this may cause a malfunction of your
camcorder.
• When disconnecting the AC Adaptor
from the Handycam Station, hold both the
DC plug and the Handycam Station and
disconnect the AC Adaptor.
• Be sure to turn the power of your
camcorder off before inserting it into or
removing it from the Handycam Station.
On the menu items, LCD panel, and
lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
• The LCD screen is 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 appear constantly on the LCD screen.
These points are normal results of the
manufacturing process and do not affect
the recording in any way.
• Exposing the LCD screen 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 a PAL
system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
On this manual
• The images of the LCD screen 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. 14).
• The illustrations used on this manual are
based on the model DCR-PC55E.
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.
4
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items ...............................................................7
Step 2: Charging the battery pack .............................................................8
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........12
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel .............................................................13
Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................14
Changing the language setting .....................................................................14
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) ...........................................14
Step 6: Setting the date and time ............................................................15
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ....................................16
Recording/Playback
Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam) ...................................18
Recording ................................................................................................20
Playback ..................................................................................................21
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ............................................ 22
Recording
To use zoom
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects
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
Playback
Viewing pictures with motion effects (SLIDE SHOW PLUS)
To use PB zoom
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)
To turn off the operation confirmation beep (BEEP)
To use special effects
To initialize the settings (RESET)
Other part names and functions
Indicators displayed during recording/playback .......................................26
Searching for the starting point ...............................................................29
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
(END SEARCH) ..............................................................................................29
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) .............................................................29
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) .........................29
5
Continued
Remote Commander ...............................................................................30
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) ............................30
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................31
Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................32
Using the Menu
Using the menu items ............................................................34
Menu items ..............................................................................................36
CAMERA SET menu ..........................................................................38
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/
WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)
MEMORY SET menu .........................................................................42
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/
NEW FOLDER, etc.)
PICT.APPLI. menu ............................................................................44
Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback
(FADER/PICT. EFFECT, etc.)
EDIT/PLAY menu .............................................................................47
Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END
SEARCH, etc.)
STANDARD SET menu ....................................................................48
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/
MULTI-SOUND/LCD SET/DISP OUTPUT/USB, etc.)
TIME/LANGU. menu .........................................................................51
(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)
Customizing Personal Menu ....................................................................52
Dubbing/Editing
Connecting to a VCR or TV .....................................................................54
Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. ...............55
Recording pictures from a VCR or TV (DCR-PC55E) .............................56
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo” ...........................57
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape ..........................................................58
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ........................60
Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information
(Image protection/Print mark) ........................................................60
6
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) .........................61
Jacks to connect external devices ...........................................................63
Using a Computer
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ...................64
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer .................66
Viewing “First Step Guide” .......................................................................70
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) ...................................71
Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal
convert function) (DCR-PC55E) ....................................................74
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................76
Warning indicators and messages ..........................................................92
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad .................................................................96
Usable cassette tapes .............................................................................97
About the “Memory Stick” ........................................................................98
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...................................................100
About i.LINK ..........................................................................................101
Maintenance and precautions ...............................................................102
Specifications ........................................................................................106
Index .....................................................................................................108
7
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.
“Memory Stick Duo” 16MB (1) (p. 16, 98)
(DCR-PC55E)
Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1) (p. 98)
(DCR-PC55E)
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 8)
Mains lead (1) (p. 8)
Handycam Station (1) (p. 8)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 30)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 32, 54)
USB cable (1) (p. 64)
Wrist strap (1)
• To attach the Wrist strap
Folding the tip of the string makes it easier to
run the string through the hook for the strap.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FA50 (1)
(p. 8, 100)
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5” (1)
(p. 66)
21-pin adaptor (1)
For the models with the mark printed on their
bottom surfaces only.
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
8
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (A series) (p. 100) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
• Only the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (NP-
FA50) can be used.
POWER switch
DC IN jack
Handycam
Station
DC plug
Mains lead
AC Adaptor
To the wall socket
1 Slide the battery cover in the
direction of the arrow to open it.
2 Insert the battery pack, aligning
the top of the mark on the side
with the top of the mark on
your camcorder until it clicks.
3 Close the battery cover.
Be sure to close the cover completely.
4 Slide the POWER switch up to
OFF (CHG). (The default setting.)
5 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on the Handycam
Station.
With the
mark facing up
DC IN jack
6 Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor and the wall socket.
9
Getting Started
7 Install the camcorder onto the
Handycam Station.
Open the interface connector cover.
Place the camcorder on the Handycam
Station properly aligned as shown in
the illustration and gently push down
at the point indicated by the arrow to
fully install.
CHG (charge) lamp
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.The CHG (charge)
lamp turns off when the battery is fully
charged.
To charge the battery pack using only
the AC Adaptor
Turn off the power, then connect the
AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
• You can operate your camcorder
connected to a power source such as a
wall socket as shown in the illustration.
The battery pack will not lose its charge
in this case.
DC IN jack
DC plug
POWER Switch
Mains lead
AC Adaptor
To the wall socket
Continued
10
To remove your camcorder from the
Handycam Station
Turn the power of your camcorder off
and then press the RELEASE button
and remove the camcorder from the
Handycam Station.
RELEASE button
Close the interface connector cover.
To remove the battery pack
Turn off the power. Open the battery cover
and slide the battery out with your finger
at the point indicated by the circle in the
illustration.
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (p. 100).
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FA50 (supplied)
125
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time*
Typical
recording
time*
NP-FA50
(supplied)
95
110
55
65
* Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.
Bottom: When the LCD backlight turns off.
• Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Battery pack LCD panel opened*
NP-FA50
(supplied)
105
* When the LCD backlight turns on.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or the battery information (p. 24) 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 fully discharged. (For
Battery Info only.)
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued)
11
Getting Started
• 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 or the
Handycam Station, even when the mains lead is
disconnected from the wall socket.
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.
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
wall socket immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
PRECAUTION
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
12
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your
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. 15).
POWER switch
1 Slide the POWER switch
repeatedly in the direction of the
arrow to turn on the respective
lamp.
The lens cover opens automatically
when the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEM.
If the POWER switch is
set to OFF, slide it down
while pressing the green
button.
Lamps that light up
CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape.
CAMERA-MEM: To record on a “Memory
Stick Duo.”
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
• When you slide the POWER switch from OFF
(CHG) to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERAMEM, the current date and time will be
displayed on the LCD screen for about 5
seconds.
2 Hold the camcorder correctly.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG)
while pressing the green button.
• 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. 51).
13
Getting Started
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play ().
2
1
180 degrees
(max.)
90 degrees (max.)
DISP/BATT INFO 90 Degrees to the
camcorder
• 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.
To darken the LCD screen
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few
seconds until appears.
This setting is practical when you use
your camcorder in bright conditions or
where you want to save battery power. The
recorded picture will not be affected by
the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight,
press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few
seconds until disappears.
• See [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 48) to adjust the
brightness of the LCD screen.
14
Step 5: Using the touch panel
You can play back recorded pictures (p.
21), 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.
Touch the button on the LCD screen.
DISP/BATT INFO
• 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.
To hide the screen indicators
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the
screen indicators (such as time code, etc.)
on or off.
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 (TIME/
LANGU.) menu (p. 34, 51).
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide)
You can easily check the meaning of each
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.
1 Touch .
Touch [MENU] during Easy Handycam
operation (p. 18).
MENU
EXPOSURE
1/3
0:0 0:0060min
TELE
MACRO
FADER
DISP
GUIDE
SPOT
FOCUS
2 Touch [DISP GUIDE].
The indicators vary depending on the
settings.
Sele ct area fo r g uide.
DISP GUIDE
END
3 Touch the area including the
indicator that you want to check.
The meanings of the indicators in the
area are listed on the screen. If you
cannot find the indicator you want to
check, touch / to toggle.
When you touch , the screen returns
to the area selecting display.
DISP G UIDE
END
FOCU S:
MANUA L
PROG RAM AE:
SPOTL IGHT
STEA DY SHOT:
OFF
1/2
4 Touch [END].
15
Getting Started
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
2 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. 105).
POWER switch
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for
the first time.
1 Touch
[MENU].
OK
60min
PROGRAM AE
CAMERA SET
SPOT METER
EXPOSURE
–: –– :––
2 Select (TIME/LANGU.) menu
with / , then touch .
OK
60min
CLOCK SET
A. SHUT OFF
WORLD
MENU ROTATE
LANGUAGE
DISPLAY
PROGRAMAE
––: ––:– –
–: –– :––
3 Select [CLOCK SET] with / ,
then touch .
OK
CLOCK SET
DATE
200 5Y1M1D0: 0 0
–: –– :––
4 Set [Y] (year) with / , then
touch .
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
OK
CLOCK SET
DATE
200 5Y1M1D0: 00
–: –– :––
5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour
and minute, then touch .
The clock starts.
16
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”
Cassette tape
You can use mini DV cassettes only
(p. 97).
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC
MODE] (p. 48).
1 Slide and hold the OPEN/
EJECT lever in the direction of
the arrow and open the lid.
OPEN/EJECT lever
Lid
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
2 Insert a cassette with its window
facing up, then press .
Window
Push the center of the
back of the cassette
lightly.
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in. Do not force the cassette
into the compartment. This may cause a
malfunction.
3 Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
Proceed with the same steps as you would
when inserting a cassette tape.
“Memory Stick Duo”
You can use only a “Memory Stick
Duo” marked with or
(p. 98).
• The number and time of recordable pictures
varies depending on the image quality or the
image size. For details, see page 42.
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into
the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the
right direction until it clicks.
Access lamp
With the
mark facing
up
• If you force the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the slot in the wrong direction, the
“Memory Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick
Duo” slot, or image data may be damaged.
17
Getting Started
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”
Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in
once.
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your
camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake
or knock your camcorder, turn the power off,
eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the
battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be
damaged.
18
Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera
settings are automatically adjusted optimally, which frees
you from detailed adjustment.
Since only basic functions become available and screen font
size increases for easy viewing, even first time users can
enjoy easy operation.
Go through the procedures described in steps 1 to 7 (p. 7 to
16) before operation.
D
E
C
A
B
Recording with ease
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the respective lamp to select a recording medium.
If the POWER
switch is set to
OFF, slide it down
while pressing the
green button.
Recording movies : Light up the
CAMERA-TAPE lamp.
Recording still images
: Light up the
CAMERA-MEM lamp.
2 Press EASY
.
The EASY lamp lights up in blue.
Easy Handycam
operation
ON
3 Start recording.
Movies
Press REC START/STOP (or
).
Still images
Press PHOTO .
MENU
A
MENU
The indicator () changes [STBY] to
[REC].
Flashing Lights up
To stop recording, press (or )
again.
Press and hold
lightly to adjust the
focus.
Press fully to record.
19
Recording/Playback
Playing back with ease
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Press EASY .
The EASY lamp lights up in blue.
Easy Handycam
operation
ON
3 Start playing back.
Movies
Touch , then touch to
start playback.
Slow playback is available on
the Remote Commander.
MENU
A
B
CC
Stop
Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
Rewind/Fast forward
Still images
Touch / to select
a picture.
MENU
A B
C
Tape playback
Previous/Next
Delete (p. 60)
To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY again.
The EASY lamp turns off and all the
settings are returned to the previous
situation.
• The recording mode for tape and the image
quality for “Memory Stick Duo” return to the
default settings.
• What you can do during Easy Handycam
operation
– Adjust some menu settings (p.
36)
If you touch [MENU], adjustable items will
be displayed. Items not displayed return to
the default settings.
– Zoom (during recording) (p.
22)
– Turn the screen indicators on/off (p.
14)
– “Playing the picture on a TV” (p.
32)
– “Dubbing to another device such as a VCR,
DVD recorder, etc.” (p.
55)
• [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation]
appears if operations not available during Easy
Handycam are attempted.
20
Recording
Lens cover
Opens in accordance with the setting
of the POWER switch.
PHOTO
REC START/STOP
POWER switch
REC START/
STOP
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the respective lamp to select a recording medium.
If the POWER
switch is set to OFF,
slide it down while
pressing the green
button.
On a tape, light up the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.
On a “Memory Stick Duo,” light up the
CAMERA-MEM lamp.
2 Start recording.
Movies
Press REC START/STOP (or
).
A
The indicator () changes [STBY]
(tape only) to [REC].
•
The sound of a movie (MPEG MOVIE EX)
recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” will be
monaural.
Still images
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to
adjust the focus (), then press it
fully ().
A
B
Flashing Lights up
A shutter sound is heard. When
disappears, the image has been
recorded.
To stop movie recording
Press REC START/STOP again.
• You can record a still image on a “Memory
Stick Duo” while recording movies on a tape or
in standby mode.
To check the latest recording on a
“Memory Stick Duo”
Touch . To delete the picture, touch
[YES]. Touch to return to the
standby mode.
21
Recording/Playback
Playback
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Start playing back.
Movies
On a Tape:
Touch , then touch to
start playback.
A
B
C
Stop
Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
Rewind/Fast forward
• Playback automatically stops if pause is
engaged for more than 3 minutes.
On a “Memory Stick Duo”:
Touch
/
to select
a picture with , then touch
.
Still images
Touch .
The most recently recorded image is
displayed.
A
B
C
Tape playback
Previous/Next
Index screen display
• You can delete unnecessary pictures in a
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 60).
To adjust the volume
Touch [VOLUME], then
/ to adjust the volume.
• If you cannot find [VOLUME] in , touch
[MENU].
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 ([VAR.
SPD PB], p. 47).
To display pictures on a “Memory
Stick Duo” on the Index screen
Touch . Touch the picture you want to
display in the single display mode.
To view pictures in other folders, touch
[PB FOLDER], select a
folder with / , then touch (p.
44).
A
B
C
Previous/Next 6 pictures
The picture displayed before switching to
the index screen.
Movie icon
22
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.
1
2
3 4
5
6
Recording
To use zoom ...........................
Move the power zoom lever slightly for
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
Wider range of view: (Wide angle)
Close view: (Telephoto
)
• The minimum distance required between
your camcorder and the subject to get a 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 [DIGITAL ZOOM] if you want to
zoom to a level greater than 10 times (p. 41).
To adjust the exposure for backlit
subjects ................................
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press BACK LIGHT to display . To
cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
To adjust the focus for an off center
subject (SPOT FOCUS) ...............
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 40.
To fix the exposure for the selected
subject (Flexible spot meter) .......
See [SPOT METER] on page 39.
To record in mirror mode ............
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (), then rotate it 270 degrees
to the lens side ().
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal
when recorded.
To use a tripod ........................
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32
in.)) to the tripod receptacle using a
tripod screw.
Playback
Viewing pictures with motion effects
(SLIDE SHOW PLUS) .................
Set the POWER switch to PLAY/EDIT,
then press the SLIDE SHOW PLUS button
. [Starting SLIDE SHOW PLUS]
appears and the playback of pictures in the
“Memory Stick Duo” starts automatically.
To cancel SLIDE SHOW PLUS, press the
SLIDE SHOW PLUS button again.
• Close the LCD panel with the LCD screen
facing out (p. 13).
23
Recording/Playback
• You can enjoy SLIDE SHOW PLUS with the
camcorder mounted on the Handycam Station
or not (p. 8).
You can adjust the following settings by
touching while executing SLIDE
SHOW PLUS. (* default setting)
Touch [OK] [END] when you finish the
setting.
PB FOLDER
When set to [ALL FILES] ( )*, all files
in a “Memory Stick Duo” are played back.
When set to [CURRENT FOLDER]
( ), all files in the folder selected in [PB
FOLDER] (p. 44) are played back.
REPEAT
When set to [ON] ( )*, SLIDE SHOW
PLUS repeats.
CLOCK DISP
When set to [ON]*, the clock appears.
MODE SELECT
SIMPLE*
For showing pictures with up-and-down/
side-to-side motion, zoom or overlap
effects.
MONOTONE
Pictures appear in black
and white with side-to-side
motion or overlap effects.
FANCY
Pictures appear with
decorative flower images
and zoom or wipe effects.
STANDARD
Shows pictures without effects. The file
information disappears when the DISP/
BATT INFO button is pressed.
• The clock does not appear if [CLOCK SET] (p.
15) has not been set.
• If is not displayed, touch the LCD screen
to show it.
• When using SLIDE SHOW PLUS for an
extended period of time, connect your
camcorder to a wall socket using the supplied
AC Adaptor.
• To protect the LCD screen, we recommend:
– Using multiple files for SLIDE SHOW
PLUS.
– Setting [REPEAT] to [ON].
– Setting the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)
when not viewing SLIDE SHOW PLUS.
• You can select the first picture for the SLIDE
SHOW PLUS by touching / before
starting SLIDE SHOW PLUS.
To use PB zoom .......................
You can magnify pictures from about 1.1 to
5 times the original size.
Magnification can be adjusted with the
power zoom lever .
Play back the picture you want to
magnify.
Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto).
Touch the screen at the point you want
to magnify within the displayed frame.
Adjust the magnification with W (Wide
angle)/T (Telephoto).
To cancel, touch [END].
Continued
24
2
7 8
9
q;
qs
qa
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info) ..........................
Set the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),
then press DISP/BATT INFO . The
battery information appears for about
7 seconds. With the information on the
screen, press the button several times to
view it for about 20 seconds (max.).
0% 50% 100%
BATTERYCHARGELEVEL
RECTIMEAVAILABLE
LCDSCREEN: 85min
BATTERY INFO
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording capacity (approx.)
To turn off the operation confirmation
beep (BEEP) ...........................
See [BEEP] (p. 50) to set the operation
beep.
To use special effects ................
See (PICT.APPLI.) menu (p. 44).
To initialize the settings (RESET) ...
Press RESET to initialize all the
settings, including the setting of the date
and time.
(Menu items customized on Personal Menu
are not initialized.)
Other part names and functions
Speaker
Sounds come out from the speaker.
•
For how to adjust the volume, see page 21.
REC lamp
The REC lamp lights up in red during
recording (p. 50).
Remote sensor
Point the Remote Commander (p. 30)
towards the remote sensor to operate
your camcorder.
Internal stereo microphone
When an external microphone is
connected, the audio input from the
external microphone takes precedence
over others.
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (continued)
25
Recording/Playback
26
Indicators displayed during recording/playback
Recording movies
On a tape
1 32 4
5
76
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording mode ( or ) (48)
Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recording))
Time code (hour: minute: second:
frame)/Tape counter (hour: minute:
second)
Recording capacity of the tape
(approx.) (50)
END SEARCH/EDIT SEARCH/Rec
review display switch button (29)
Personal Menu button (34)
On a “Memory Stick Duo”
A
B
C
D
E
Recording folder (44)
Recording capacity (approx.)
Movie size (43)
Recording start indicator
(appears for about 5 seconds)
Review button (20)
Recording still images
30
P-MENU
60min
FINE
101
8 1 9
0
qa
7
Recording folder (44)
Quality ([FINE] or [STD]) (42)
“Memory Stick Duo” indicator and the
number of images that can be recorded
(approx.)
Review button (20)
Data code during playback
The date/time data 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. 49).
27
Recording/Playback
( ) is a reference page.
The indicators during recording will not be recorded.
Viewing movies
On a tape
1qd2 4
5
7
qs
Tape transport indicator
Video operation buttons (21)
When there is a “Memory Stick Duo”
inserted in the camcorder, (STOP)
changes to (“Memory Stick Duo”
playback) if a tape is not used for playback.
On a “Memory Stick Duo”
0:0 0:00
A
B
C
D
F
E
Data file name
Play/Pause button (21)
Previous/Next image button (21)
Image size (43)
Playing time
Previous/Next scene button
A movie file will be divided into a maximum
of 60 scenes. The number of scenes divided
depends on the length of the movie. After
selecting a scene from which to start the
playback, touch to play back.
Viewing still images
MEMORY PLAY
1
qg
qh
qj
qk
ql
7
ws
wd
waw;
qf
Data file name
Picture number/Total number of
recorded pictures in the current
playback folder
Playback folder (44)
Previous/Next folder icon
The following indicators appear when the
first or last picture of the current folder is
displayed and when there are multiple folders
on the same “Memory Stick Duo.”
: Touch to move to the previous
folder.
: Touch to move to the next folder.
: Touch / to move to either
the previous or the next folder.
Image delete button (60)
Tape playback select button (21)
Previous/Next image button (21)
Index screen display button (21)
Image protection mark (60)
Print mark (61)
Continued
28
Indicators when you made
changes
You can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 14)
to check the function of each indicator that
appears on the LCD screen.
Upper left Upper right
Bottom Center
Upper left
Indicator Meaning
EXT SUR MIC (48)
AUDIO MODE (48)
Self-timer recording (41)
Interval photo recording
(46)
This indicator appears
when you use video flash
light (optional). (41)
Upper right
Indicator Meaning
A/VDV OUT (49)
DV input (56)
Zero set memory (30)
SLIDE SHOW PLUS (22)
LCD backlight off (13)
Center
Indicator Meaning
Color Slow Shutter (41)
PictBridge connecting
(61)
Warning (92)
Bottom
Indicator Meaning
Picture effect (46)
Digital effect (45)
Manual focus (40)
PROGRAM AE (38)
Backlight (22)
White balance (39)
WIDE SELECT (42)
SteadyShot off (42)
Tele macro (40)
Indicators displayed during recording/playback (continued)
29
Recording/Playback
Searching for the starting point
Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp
lights up.
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH)
[END SEARCH] will not work once you
eject the cassette after you have recorded
on the tape.
Touch
.
END SEARCH
EXECUTING
CANCEL
0:0 0:00160min
Touch here to cancel
the operation.
The last scene of the most recent
recording is played back for about 5
seconds, and the camcorder enters the
standby mode at the point where the last
recording has finished.
• [END SEARCH] will not work correctly
when there is a blank section between
recorded sections on the tape.
• You can also select [END SEARCH] from
the menu. When the PLAY/EDIT lamp
lights up, select the [END SEARCH] shortcut in Personal Menu (p. 34).
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH)
You can search for the start point to start
the next recording while viewing the
pictures on the screen. The sound is not
played back during the search.
1 Touch .
0:0 0:00STBY60min
EDI T
2 Touch and hold (to go
backward)/ (to go forward)
and release it at the point where
you want the recording to start.
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.
Touch
.
0:0 0:00STBY60min
EDI T
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most
recently recorded scene are played back.
Then, your camcorder is set to the standby.
30
Remote Commander
Remove the insulation sheet before using
the Remote Commander.
Insulation sheet
6
1
q;
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
PHOTO (p. 20)
The on-screen image when you press this
button will be recorded as a still image.
SEARCH M. (p. 31)*
*
Video control buttons (Rewind,
Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,
Slow) (p. 21)
ZERO SET MEMORY*
Transmitter
REC START/STOP (p. 20)
Power zoom (p. 22)
DISPLAY (p. 14)
Memory control buttons (Index*, –/+,
Memory playback) (p. 21)
* These buttons do not work during Easy
Handycam operation.
• Aim the Remote Commander towards the
remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p.
24).
• To change the battery, see page 105.
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)
1 During playback, press ZERO
SET MEMORY at a point you
want to locate later on.
The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00”
and appears on the screen.
0:0 0:0060min
P-MENU
If the tape counter is not displayed,
press DISPLAY .
2 Press STOP
when you want to
stop playback.
3 Press REW
.
The tape stops automatically when the
tape counter reaches “0:00:00.”
4 Press PLAY
.
Playback starts from the point
designated “0:00:00” on the tape
counter.
• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds
between the time code and the tape counter.
• Zero set memory will not function correctly
if there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.
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