Sony DCR-SR300C User Manual

3-093-315-11(1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Handycam Handbook

DCR-SR42/SR62/SR82/ SR200/SR300

Enjoying your

camcorder

Getting Started

Recording/

Playback

Editing

Utilizing recording

media

Customizing your

camcorder

Performing with

a computer

Troubleshooting

Additional Information

Quick Reference

108

118

Read this before operating your camcorder

Before operating the unit, please read this Handbook thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides.

For operating and handling the camcorder, refer to “Operating Guide” and “Handycam Handbook” (PDF/this Handbook).

Types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder

You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p. 111).

“Memory Stick Duo” (This size can be used with your camcorder.)

“Memory Stick” (You cannot use it in your camcorder.)

• You cannot use any type of memory card except “Memory Stick Duo.”

• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” compatible equipment.

• Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with “Memory Stick” compatible equipment

Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

Memory Stick Duo Adaptor

On using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

LCD screen Battery

• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p. 114).

• To prevent the hard disk from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p. 17) or the access lamp (p. 23,

27) is on:

– to remove the battery pack or AC

Adaptor from the camcorder.

– to apply mechanical shock or vibration to

the camcorder.

• Before connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB cable etc., 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.

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the Handycam Station holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.

• Be sure to turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), when you set the camcorder onto the Handycam Station or remove the camcorder from it.

About 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.

Black point

White, red, blue or green point

• 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 images 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 image 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, recording media, etc.

• TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need a NTSC 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.

• You cannot play back both movies and still images other than the images recorded with your camcorder. You also cannot play back images recorded with other DCR-SR42/SR62/SR82/SR200/ SR300.

About language setting

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. 18).

About this Handbook

• The LCD screens and indicators shown in this Handbook were taken with a digital still camera, and may look different from what you actually see.

• Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.

• Unless otherwise specially indicated, illustrations in this Handbook are based on DCR-SR300.

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. Also, the lens for DCR-SR200/SR300 is T -coated to suppress unwanted reflections, then faithfully reproduce colors.

MTF = Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

Notes on using the Hard Disk Drive Handycam

Save all your recorded image data

• To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media. It is recommended that you save the image data on a disc such as DVD-R using your computer (p. 77). Also, you can save your image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder (p. 45).

• It is recommended that you save your image data periodically, after recording.

Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder

• The hard disk of the camcorder may not be recognized, or recording or playback may not be possible.

• Especially, during recording/playback, do not apply shock. After recording, do not apply vibration or shock to the camcorder, while the ACCESS lamp is lit.

• When using the shoulder belt (not supplied), do not crash the camera against an object.

On the drop sensor

• To protect the internal hard disk from the shock by dropping, the camcorder has the drop sensor function (p. 64). When a drop occurs, or under a non-gravity condition, the block noise to protect the camcorder may also be recorded. If the drop sensor catches a drop repeatedly, recording/ playback may be stopped.

Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor

• While the ACCESS lamp is lit, be sure to avoid the following. They may cause malfunctions.

– Removing the battery pack – Removing the AC Adaptor (while charging

the battery pack using the AC Adaptor)

• Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor after turning off the POWER switch.

When the camcorder is connected to a computer

• Do not try to format the hard disk of the camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your camcorder may not operate correctly.

Note on using the camcorder at high altitudes

• Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure area, where the altitude is more than 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). Doing so may damage the hard disk drive of your camcorder.

Note on disposal/transfer

• If you perform [ FORMAT] (p.49) or formatting the hard disk of the camcorder, you may not delete data from the hard disk completely. When you transfer the camcorder, it is recommended that you perform [ EMPTY] (p.51) to prevent the recovery of your data. In addition to the above, when you dispose of the camcorder, it is recommended that you destroy the actual body of the camcorder.

If you cannot record/play back images, perform [ FORMAT]

• If you repeat recording/deleting images for a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on the hard disk. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images on some type of external media first (p. 37), and then perform [ FORMAT] (p. 49). Fragmentation 1 Glossary (p. 127)

Note on operating temperatures

• When the temperature of the camcorder becomes extremely high or extremely low, you may not be able to record or play back on the camcorder, due to the protection features of the camcorder being activated in such situations. In this case, a message appears on the LCD screen (p. 104).

Table of Contents

Read this before operating your

camcorder .......................................2

Notes on using the Hard Disk Drive

Handycam ......................................4

Subject examples and solutions ..... 7

Enjoying your camcorder

Operation flow ................................8

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of

menus .............................................9

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied

items ...................................12

Step 2: Charging the battery

pack ....................................13

Step 3: Turning the power on, and

setting the date and time .... 17

Changing the language

setting ....................................... 18

Step 4: Preparing for recording .... 19

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease

(Easy Handycam operation) .........20

Recording .....................................23

Zooming .................................... 25

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCR-SR200/SR300)

................................................... 25

Using the flash (DCR-SR200/

SR300) ...................................... 26

Capturing high quality still images during movie recording (Dual Rec)

(DCR-SR200/SR300) ................. 26

Recording still images on a

“Memory Stick Duo” .................. 27

Recording in dark places

(NightShot plus/NightShot) ....... 27

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects ..................................... 28

Recording in mirror mode ......... 28

Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or

4:3) of the recording image ...... 28

Recording the fast action in slowmotion (SMTH SLW REC) (DCR-

SR200/SR300) ........................... 29

Playback .......................................31

Using PB zoom ......................... 33

Searching for desired images by

date (Date Index) ...................... 33

Playing back a series of still images

(Slide show) .............................. 34

Playing the image on a TV ............35

Saving images ..............................37

Editing

(OTHERS) category ................38

Deleting images ............................38

Dividing a movie ...........................40

Copying still images ......................41

Creating the Playlist ......................42

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD

recorders .......................................45

Printing recorded images (PictBridge

compliant printer) ..........................46

Utilizing recording media

(MANAGE HDD/MEMORY)

category ........................................49

Formatting the hard disk or the

“Memory Stick Duo” ......................49

Checking the hard disk

information ....................................50

Preventing data on the hard disk of the camcorder from being recovered

.......................................................51

Customizing your camcorder

What you can do with the

(SETTINGS) category of the

HOME MENU ............................... 52

Using the HOME MENU ............ 52

List of the (SETTINGS) category

items .......................................... 53

MOVIE SETTINGS ....................... 54

(Items for recording movies)

PHOTO SETTINGS ..................... 57

(Items for recording still images)

VIEW IMAGES SET ..................... 60

(Items to customize the display)

SOUND/DISP SET ....................... 61

(Items to adjust beep and the screen)

OUTPUT SETTINGS ................... 62

(Items for when connecting other devices)

CLOCK/ LANG .......................... 63

(Items to set clock and language)

GENERAL SET ............................ 64

(Other setup items)

Activating functions using the

OPTION MENU ....................... 65

Using the OPTION MENU ......... 65

Recording items on the OPTION

MENU ........................................ 66

Viewing items on the OPTION

MENU ........................................ 66

Functions set in

the OPTION MENU ...................... 67

Deleting images recorded on the camcorder through the computer

......................................................85

Viewing images imported to a

computer ...................................... 86

Editing the imported images ......... 88

Creating and copying a DVD ........ 90

Manipulating still images .............. 93

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ............................94

Warning indicators and

messages ...................................104

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad .... 108

Files on the camcorder hard disk/

folder structure ........................... 110

Maintenance and precautions .... 111

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls .....118

Indicators displayed during

recording/playback .....................123

Glossary ..................................... 127

Index ........................................... 128

Performing with a computer

What you can do with Windows

computer ...................................... 73

System requirements ................... 74

Installing the software .................. 75

Creating a DVD with One Touch

...................................................... 77

Importing images to a computer ... 81

Subject examples and solutions

Checking your golf swing

Getting a good shot of a ski slope or beach

B SMTH SLW REC* ......................29

B SPORTS** ............................... 69

Capturing still images during movie recording

B Dual Rec*..................................26 B SPOTLIGHT...............................69

Flowers in closeup

B PORTRAIT .................................69

B FOCUS.......................................67

B TELE MACRO.............................67

Focusing on the dog on the left

B Backlight ...................................28

B BEACH.......................................69

B SNOW .......................................69

A child on the stage under a spot light

Fireworks with all its splendor

B FIREWORKS..............................69

B FOCUS.......................................67

A sleeping child under dim light

side of the screen

B FOCUS.......................................67

B SPOT FOCUS .............................67

* DCR-SR200/SR300 ** DCR-SR42/SR62/SR82

B NightShot plus** ......................27

B NightShot*................................27

B COLOR SLOW SHTR .................70

Enjoying your camcorder

Operation flow

B Get ready (p. 12).

B Shoot using your camcorder (p. 23).

Movies are recorded on the hard disk, and still images are recorded on either the hard disk or a “Memory Stick Duo.”

B Play back the images.

x Viewing on the LCD screen of your camcorder (p. 31)

x Viewing on the TV connected to your camcorder

(p. 35)

B Save recorded images.

x Saving images on a DVD using a computer (p. 77)

x Importing images to a computer (p. 81)

x Dubbing images on VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (p. 45)

B Delete images.

If the hard disk of your camcorder is full, you cannot record new images. Delete the image data that has been saved on your camcorder. If you delete the images, you can record new images on the free hard disk space again.

x Deleting the selected images (p. 38)

x Deleting all the images ([ FORMAT], p. 49)

Enjoying your camcorder

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of menus

“ HOME MENU” - the starting point for operations with your camcorder

(HELP)

Displays a description of the item (p. 10)

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 13)

Power cord (1) (p. 13)

Handycam Station (1) (p. 13)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 35, 45)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 122) (except for DCR-SR42)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Rechargeable battery pack

NP-FH40 (1) (p. 13, 112) (DCR-SR42/SR62/SR82)

NP-FH60 (1) (p. 13, 112) (DCR-SR200/SR300)

CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (p. 73)

– Picture Motion Browser (Software)

– Handycam Handbook (This Handbook)

Operating Guide (1)

USB cable (1) (p. 46, 78, 81)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

POWER switch

Battery

DC IN jack

DC plug

AC Adaptor

CHG (charge)

lamp

Getting Started

To the wall outlet

Power cord

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 112) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

• Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).

1 Attach the battery pack by sliding

it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

2 Turn the POWER switch in the

direction of the arrow to OFF (CHG) (The default setting).

3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on the Handycam Station.

Be sure that the v mark on the DC plug is facing up.

4 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor and the wall outlet.

5 Set the camcorder onto the

Handycam Station securely.

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

The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.

• When setting the camcorder onto the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover.

To charge the battery pack using only the AC Adaptor

Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then connect the AC Adaptor directly to the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

POWER switch

CHG (charge) lamp

Battery pack

DC plug

Open the jack cover

Power cord

To the wall outlet

b Notes

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.

DC IN jack

AC Adaptor

To remove the battery pack

Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery) release lever and remove the battery pack.

BATT (battery) release lever

To remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station

Turn off the power, then remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station holding both.

When storing the battery pack

Fully discharge the battery before storing it for an extended period (see page 113 for the details of storage).

To use an outside power source

Make the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.

To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then press DISP/BATT INFO.

b Notes

• When you remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor, make sure that the (Movie) lamp/

(Still) lamp (p. 23) is turned off.

After a while, the approximate recordable time and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. You can view the battery information for up to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed.

Remaining battery (approx.)

Recording capacity (approx.)

Charging time

Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.

DCR-SR62/SR82:

Battery pack

NP-FH40 (supplied)

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

90 45

100 50

NP-FH50 105 50

115 55

NP-FH70 230 115

245 120

NP-FH100 525 260

565 280

Getting Started

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FH40

125

(supplied*)

NP-FH50 135

NP-FH60

135

(supplied**)

NP-FH70 170

NP-FH100 390

* DCR-SR42/SR62/SR82 ** DCR-SR200/SR300

Recording time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

DCR-SR42:

Continuous

Battery pack

recording time

NP-FH40 (supplied)

NP-FH50 125 60

NP-FH70 270 135

NP-FH100 615 305

Typical recording time*

105 50

DCR-SR200:

Battery pack

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

NP-FH50 85 40

90 45

NP-FH60 (supplied)

115 55

120 60

NP-FH70 185 90

195 95

NP-FH100 425 210

450 225

DCR-SR300:

Battery pack

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

NP-FH50 70 35

75 35

NP-FH60 (supplied)

95 45

100 50

NP-FH70 155 75

165 80

NP-FH100 365 180

385 190

* Typical recording time shows the time when

you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.

b Notes

• All times measured with recording mode [SP] under the following conditions: Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Bottom: When the LCD backlight turns off (except for DCR-SR42).

Playback time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

DCR-SR42:

Battery pack Playback time

NP-FH40 (supplied)

NP-FH50 140

NP-FH70 300

NP-FH100 695

DCR-SR62/SR82:

Battery pack Playback time*

NP-FH40 (supplied)

NP-FH50 130

NP-FH70 280

NP-FH100 635

120

110

DCR-SR300:

Battery pack Playback time*

NP-FH50 120

NP-FH60

160

(supplied)

NP-FH70 255

NP-FH100 590

* When the LCD backlight is on.

On the battery pack

• Before changing the battery pack, turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and turn off the

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 23).

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 14) will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions:

– The battery pack is not attached correctly. – The battery pack is damaged. – The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery

Info only).

• The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even when the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.

• When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use an NP-FH70/FH100 battery pack (except for DCR-SR42).

• We do not recommend using an NP-FH30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with your camcorder.

DCR-SR200:

Battery pack Playback time*

NP-FH50 125

NP-FH60 (supplied)

NP-FH70 270

NP-FH100 615

165

On the charging/recording/playback time

• Times measured when using the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F) (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended).

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

• The available 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 outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.

• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.

• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.

• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.

Step 3: Turning the power on, and 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.

Lens cover

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

POWER switch

1 While pressing the green button,

turn the POWER switch repeatedly in the direction of the arrow until the respective lamp lights up.

(Movie): To record movies

(Still): To record still images

The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

Getting Started

2 Select the desired geographical

area with v/V, then touch [NEXT].

3 Set [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME],

then touch [NEXT].

4 Set [Y] (year) with v/V.

5 Select [M] with b/B, then set the

month with v/V.

6 Set [D] (day), hour and minute in

the same way, then touch [NEXT].

7 Make sure that the clock is

correctly set, then touch .

The clock starts.

You can set any year up to the year

2037.

For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.

To turn off the power

Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

b Notes

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets

discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the built-in rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 116).

• It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be ready to shoot after the power is turned on. You cannot operate your camcorder during this time.

• The lens cover opens automatically when the power is turned on (DCR-SR200/SR300). It closes when the playback screen is selected, or the power is turned off.

• In the setting at the time of purchase, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 64).

z Tips

• The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the hard disk, and can be displayed during playback ([DATA CODE], p. 60).

• Refer to page 109 for information concerning “World time difference.”

• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 115).

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [ LANGUAGE SET], then select the desired language.

To reset the date and time

Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [CLOCK

SET], and set the date and time.

Step 4: Preparing for recording

Opening the lens cover manually (DCR-SR42/SR62/ SR82)

Slide the lens cover switch to open.

Lens cover switch

z Tips

• When you finish recording or when you playback images, close the lens cover.

• For DCR-SR200/SR300, the lens cover opens and closes automatically.

Adjusting the LCD panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).

290 degrees (max.)

DISP/BATT INFO

This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or when you want to save battery power. The recorded image 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.

b Notes

• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel.

z Tips

• If you open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.

• Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 61), and adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

• The information is displayed or hidden (display y no display) each time you press DISP/ BATT INFO.

Fastening the grip belt

Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly.

Getting Started

2180 degrees (max.)

190 degrees to the camcorder

To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer (except for DCR-SR42)

Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until appears.

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease (Easy Handycam operation)

Easy Handycam operation makes nearly all settings automatic so that you can perform recording or playback operation without detailed settings. It also makes screen font size larger for easy viewing.

Open the lens cover (DCR-SR42/SR62/SR82) (p. 19)

Recording movies

1 Turn the POWER

switch G until the (Movie) lamp lights up.

2 Press EASY A.

appears on

the LCD screen.

3 Press START/STOP H (or E) to

start recording.*

[STBY] b [REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), turn it while pressing the green button.

Recording still images

Still images are recorded on the hard disk in the default setting. You can change the recording media of still images to a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 27).

1 Turn the POWER

switch G until the (Still) lamp lights up.

2 Press EASY A.

appears on

the LCD screen.

Press PHOTO F lightly to adjust the focus press it fully sounds).**

(a beep sounds), then

(a shutter click

Flashing b Lights up

* The setting of [REC MODE] is fixed to [SP] (p. 54). ** The setting of [ QUALITY] is fixed to [FINE] (p. 58).

Playing back recorded movies/still images

1 Turn the POWER switch G to turn on your camcorder.

2 Press (VIEW IMAGES) I (or D) button

The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen. (It may take some time to display the thumbnails.)

Appears with the image on each of the tab that was lastly played back/ recorded (B for the still image).

Returns to the recording screen

Previous 6 images

Next 6 images

Returns to the recording screen

1 :Displays movies. 2 :Displays still images on the hard disk. 3 :Displays still images on a “Memory Stick Duo.”

Searches for images by date (p. 33)

3 Start playback.

Movies:

Touch the tab and the movie to be played back.

Return (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Beginning of the movie/previous movie

Stop (go to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

* The setting of [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 60).

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch

Next movie

The recording date/ time*

Reverse/ Forward

Recording/Playback

z Tips

• When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen.

• You can slow down the playback speed by touching / during pause.

• You can adjust volume by selecting (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND SETTINGS] t [VOLUME], then with / .

Still images:

Touch the , or tab and the still image to be played back.

Slideshow (p. 34)

Go to the VISUAL INDEX screen

Return (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

* The setting of [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 60).

To cancel Easy Handycam operation

Press EASY A again. disappears from the LCD screen.

Menu settings during Easy Handycam operation

Press (HOME) C (or B) to display the menu items available for setup changes (p. 9, 53).

b Notes

• Most of the menu items automatically return to the default settings. The settings of some menu items are fixed. For details, see page 95.

• You cannot use (OPTION) menu.

• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add effects to images or change settings.

The recording date/time*

Previous/Next

Invalid buttons during Easy Handycam operation

You cannot use some buttons/functions during Easy Handycam operation since they are automatically set (p. 95). If you set an invalid operation, [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation] may appears.

Recording/Playback

Recording

(HOME) D

START/STOP C

(Movie) lamp / (Still) lamp

POWER switch A

b Notes

• If the ACCESS lamp is lit or flashing after recording is finished, it means data is still being written onto the hard disk or “Memory Stick Duo.” Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder, and do not remove the battery or AC Adaptor.

• The maximum continuous recordable time is approximately 13 hours.

• When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically.

z Tips

• You can check the free hard disk space by touching (HOME) t (MANAGE HDD/MEMORY) t [ INFO] (p. 50).

ACCESS lamp (Hard disk)

(HOME) E

PHOTO F

Lens cover

Open the lens cover before recording (DCR-SR42/ SR62/SR82) (p. 19)

Recording/Playback

START/STOP B

Recording movies

You can record movies on the hard disk of your camcorder. For the recordable time, see page 54.

1 Turn the POWER switch A until

the (Movie) lamp lights up.

2 Press START/STOP B (or C).

[STBY] b [REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

To switch the shooting mode using the

(HOME) D (or E) button

On the HOME MENU, touch (CAMERA) t [MOVIE] or [PHOTO].

Recording still images

You can record still images on the hard disk of your camcorder in the default setting. To record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo,” change the recording media. For the number of recordable still images, see page 57.

1 Turn the POWER switch A until

the (Still) lamp lights up.

2 Press PHOTO F lightly to adjust

the focus A (a beep sounds), then press it fully B (a shutter click sounds).

Flashing b Lights up

When disappears, the image has been recorded.

To capture high resolution still images during recording a movie (Dual Rec) (DCR-SR200/SR300)

t For details, see page 26.

To change the recording media of still images

t For details, see page 27.

Recording/Playback

Zooming

You can zoom in up to the magnifications shown in the following table.

(optical zoom)

DCR-SR42 40 × DCR-SR62/SR82 25 × DCR-SR200/SR300 10 ×

You can adjust the magnifications with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.

Wider range of view: (Wide angle)

• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.

• The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.

z Tips

• Using [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 55) let you zoom in further than the magnification shown in the table.

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCR-SR200/SR300)

Sound picked up by the built-in microphone is converted to 5.1ch surround sound and recorded.

Built-in microphone

Recording/Playback

Close view: (Telephoto)

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

b Notes

• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image blurring as desired when the power zoom lever is set to the T (Telephoto) side (except for DCRSR300).

• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever. If you move your finger off the power zoom lever, the operation sound of the lever may also be recorded.

Your camcorder has Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator installed for recording 5.1ch surround sound. Enjoy realistic sound when playing the movie on devices that support

5.1ch surround sound.

Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, 5.1ch surround sound 1 Glossary (p. 127)

b Notes

• 5.1ch sound is converted to 2ch when played back on your camcorder.

• is displayed on the screen during 5.1ch recording/playback.

Using the flash (DCR-SR200/ SR300)

Flash charge lamp

Flash

Capturing high quality still images during movie recording (Dual Rec) (DCR-SR200/SR300)

You can capture high quality still images while recording a movie on the hard disk.

Press (flash) repeatedly to select an appropriate setting.

No indication (Auto flash): Automatically flashes when there is insufficient ambient light.

(Forced flash): Always uses the flash

regardless of the surrounding brightness.

(No flash): Records without flash.

b Notes

• The recommended distance to the subject when using the built-in flash is approximately 0.3 to

2.5 m (1 to 8 feet).

• Remove any dust from the surface of the flash lamp before using it. Flash effect may be impaired if heat discoloration or dust obscures the lamp.

• The flash charge lamp flickers while charging the flash, and remains lit when the battery charge is complete.

• If you use the flash in bright places such as when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may not be effective.

• When attaching a conversion lens (optional) or a filter (optional) to your camcorder, the flash light does not emit light.

z Tips

• You can change the brightness of the flash by setting [FLASH LEVEL] (p. 59), or you can prevent the redeye by setting [REDEYE REDUC] (p. 59).

1 Turn the POWER switch until the

(Movie) lamp lights up, then press START/ STOP to start movie recording.

2 Press PHOTO fully.

After you start recording, and before you finish, you can capture up to 3 frames of still images from your movie.

Orange color boxes indicate the number of captured images. When capturing is finished, the color changes to orange.

3 Press START/STOP to stop movie

recording. Captured still images appear one by one,

and the images are recorded. When disappears, the image has been recorded.

b Notes

• When you record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo,” do not eject the “Memory Stick Duo” before recording a movie is finished and the still images are recorded on it.

• You cannot use the flash during Dual Rec.

z Tips

• Still images are recorded in the following sizes with Dual Rec.

DCR-SR200:

– 2.3M (16:9 (wide)) –1.7M (4:3)

DCR-SR300:

– 4.6M (16:9 (wide)) –3.4M (4:3)

• You can record still images during recording standby in the same way as when the POWER switch is set to (Still). You can also record with the flash.

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick Duo”

You can change the recording media of still images to a “Memory Stick Duo.” In the default setting, still images are recorded on the hard disk of the camcorder. You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p. 111).

2 Select the media in which you want to

save still images, then touch . Your camcorder returns to recording standby mode. If you select [MEMORY STICK], appears on the screen.

To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”

Open the LCD panel, lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once.

b Notes

• Do not try to force the “Memory Stick Duo” out. Doing so may result in damage.

• 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.

• If you insert 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.

z Tips

• The number of recordable images varies depending on the image quality or the image size. For details, see page 57.

Recording in dark places (NightShot plus/NightShot)

DCR-SR42/SR62/SR82:

Recording/Playback

ACCESS lamp (“Memory Stick Duo”)

Open the LCD panel, then insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo slot in the right direction until it clicks.

To change the recording media of still images

1 Touch (OPTION) t tab t

[STILL MEDIA].

Infrared port

Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON. ( appears.)

b Notes

• The NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus functions use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects, and remove the conversion lens (optional).

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 67) when it is hard to focus automatically.

• Do not use the NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus functions in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.

z Tips

• To record an image brighter, use Super NightShot plus function (p. 70). To record an image more faithfully to the original colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 70).

DCR-SR200/SR300:

NIGHT SHOT

OFF

Infrared port

Set the NIGHTSHOT switch to ON. ( appears.)

b Notes

• The NightShot and Super NightShot functions use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects, and remove the conversion lens (optional).

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 67) when it is hard to focus automatically.

• Do not use the NightShot and Super NightShot functions in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.

z Tips

• To record an image brighter, use Super NightShot function (p. 70). To record an image more faithfully to the original colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 70).

Adjusting 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.

Recording in mirror mode

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2).

z Tips

• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded.

Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording image

To select the aspect ratio of the movies

DCR-SR42:

1 Turn the POWER switch until the

(Movie) lamp lights up.

2 On the HOME MENU, touch

(SETTINGS) t [MOVIE

SETTINGS] t [WIDE SELECT] t [4:3] or [16:9 WIDE] (p. 54).

DCR-SR62/SR82/SR200/SR300:

1 Turn the POWER switch until the

(Movie) lamp lights up.

2 Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to

select the desired screen aspect ratio.

b Notes

• Differences in the angle of view between 16:9 (wide) and 4:3 vary depending on the zoom position.

• When you view the movie on a TV, set [TV TYPE] to [16:9] or [4:3] according to your TV (16:9/4:3) (p. 62).

• When you view 16:9 (wide) images with [TV TYPE] set to [4:3], they may appear rough depending on subjects.

To select the aspect ratio of the still images (except for DCR-SR42)

1 Turn the POWER switch until the

(Still) lamp lights up. The aspect ratio changes to 4:3 automatically.

2 Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to

select the desired screen aspect ratio.

b Notes

• For DCR-SR62/SR82, the size of still images is [ 0.7M] (16:9 (wide)) or [1.0M] (4:3) at maximum.

• For DCR-SR200, the size of still images is [ 3.0M] (16:9 (wide)) or [4.0M] (4:3) at maximum.

• For DCR-SR300, the size of still images is [ 4.6M] (16:9 (wide)) or [6.1M] (4:3) at maximum.

z Tips

• For the number of recordable still images, see page 57.

Recording the fast action in slow-motion (SMTH SLW REC) (DCR-SR200/SR300)

Fast moving subjects and actions, which cannot be captured under the ordinary shooting conditions, can be shot in smooth moving slow-motion for about 3 seconds. This is useful to shoot fast actions such as a golf or tennis swing.

(HOME) B

(HOME) A

1 Turn the POWER switch to turn on the

camcorder.

2 Press (HOME) A (or B) to display

the HOME MENU.

3 Touch (CAMERA). 4 Touch [SMTH SLW REC].

Recording/Playback

5 Press START/STOP.

An about 3 second-movie is recorded as a 12 second-slow-motion-movie.

When [Recording···] disappears, recording is finished.

Touch to cancel the smooth slow recording.

To change the setting

Touch (OPTION) t tab, then select the setting you want to change.

• [TIMING] Select the recording start point after START/STOP is pressed. The default setting is [3sec AFTER].

[3sec AFTER]

[3sec BEFORE]

• [RECORD SOUND] Select [ON] ( ) to superimpose sounds such as conversation on the slow motion pictures (The default setting is [OFF]). Your camcorder records sounds for about 12 seconds while [Recording···] is displayed in step 5.

b Notes

• Sounds are not recorded during the about 3 second-movie shooting.

• Image quality of [SMTH SLW REC] is not as good as that of normal recording.

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