2-659-814-11(1)
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E/
HC94E/HC96E
Getting Started 8
Recording/
Playback
Using the Menu 40
Dubbing/Editing 67
Using a Computer 82
Troubleshooting 95
Additional Information 118
24
© 2006 Sony Corporation
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
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 BS 1362,
(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.
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.
Disposal of Old Electrical
& Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the
European Union and other
European countries with
separate collection
systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over
to the applicable collection point for the recycling
of electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you
will help prevent potential negative consequences
for the environment and human health, which
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste
handling of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local Civic
Office, your household waste disposal service or
the shop where you purchased the product.
Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander
Notes on use
Your camcorder is supplied with two
kinds of operation guides.
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)
– “First Step Guide” for connecting the
camcorder to a computer and using the
supplied software (stored on the supplied
CD-ROM)
This product has been tested and found compliant
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for
2
Types of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with . Mini DV cassettes with
Cassette Memory are incompatible (p. 118).
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use
in your camcorder
There are two sizes of “Memory Stick.”
You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked
with or
(p. 119).
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your
camcorder.)
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
Viewfinder Battery pack
“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.
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
LCD panel Shoe cover
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “Maintenance and precautions”
(p. 124).
• Before connecting your camcorder to
another device with a USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug
the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid
damaging the terminal, or cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/
HC96E:
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
Handycam Station holding both the
Handycam Station and the DC plug.
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/
HC96E:
Be sure to slide the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) when you insert the
camcorder into the Handycam Station or
remove the camcorder from it.
Continued ,
3
Read this first (Continued)
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of
the pixels are operational for effective
use. However, there may be some tiny
black points and/or bright points (white,
red, blue, or green in color) that appear
constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder. These points are normal
results of the manufacturing process and
do not affect the recording in any way.
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,
or the lens to direct sunlight for long
periods of time may cause malfunctions.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
countries/regions. To view your
recordings on a TV, you need 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.
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
• The on-screen displays in each local
language are used for illustrating the
operating procedures. Change the screen
language before using your camcorder if
necessary (p. 65).
• The illustrations used on this manual are
based on the model DCR-HC96E. The
model name is indicated on the bottom of
your camcorder.
• Design and specifications of recording
media and accessories are subject to
change without notice.
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= Modulation Transfer Function.
The number value indicates the amount of
light from a subject coming into the lens.
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:
The lens for your camcorder is T -coated
to suppress unwanted reflections and
faithfully reproduce colors.
4
Table of Contents
Read this first ...........................................................................................2
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items ..............................................................8
Step 2: Charging the battery pack ............................................................9
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ..........14
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ....................................16
Step 5: Using the touch panel ................................................................17
Changing the language setting .................................................................... 17
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) .......................................... 17
Step 6: Setting the date and time ...........................................................19
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ..................................20
Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording picture
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E) .........................................22
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) .........................................24
Recording ...............................................................................................26
Playback .................................................................................................27
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ...........................................28
Recording
To use zoom
To use the flash (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)
To record in dark places (NightShot plus) (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)
To record in dark places (NightShot) (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT)
To adjust the focus for an off center subject (SPOT FOCUS)
To fix the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter)
To record in mirror mode
To use a tripod
To use a Shoulder belt
Playback
To play back the images in sequence (SLIDE SHOW)
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
Continued ,
5
Indicators displayed during recording/playback ..................................... 32
Searching for the starting point ..............................................................35
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
(END SEARCH) .................................................................................. 35
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) ........................................................... 35
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) ....................... 35
Remote Commander ..............................................................................36
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) .......................... 36
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) .......................... 37
Playing the picture on a TV ....................................................................38
Using the Menu
Using the menu items ........................................................... 40
Menu items ............................................................................................42
CAMERA SET menu ........................................................................45
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/
WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)
MEMORY SET menu ......................................................................51
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/
ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.)
PICT.APPLI. menu .........................................................................55
Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback
(SLIDE SHOW/PICT. EFFECT/FRAME REC, etc.)
EDIT/PLAY menu ........................................................................... 60
Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/
END SEARCH, etc.)
STANDARD SET menu ..................................................................61
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/
MULTI-SOUND/LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT, etc.)
TIME/LANGU. menu .......................................................................65
(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)
Customizing Personal Menu .................................................................. 65
Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. .........................................................67
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc.
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo” ......................... 73
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape .........................................................74
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ...................... 76
Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information
6
(DCR-HC36E/HC46E/HC96E) ..................................................... 70
(Print mark/Image protection) ....................................................... 77
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) ........................78
Jacks to connect external devices ..........................................................80
Using a Computer
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ..................82
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer ................85
Viewing “First Step Guide” .....................................................................89
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) .................................90
Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder
(Signal convert function) (DCR-HC96E) .......................................93
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................95
Warning indicators and messages .......................................................113
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ..............................................................118
Usable cassette tapes ..........................................................................118
About the “Memory Stick” .....................................................................119
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ..................................................121
About i.LINK .........................................................................................123
Maintenance and precautions ..............................................................124
Specifications .......................................................................................127
Index .....................................................................................................133
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.
• The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are
not supplied. See page 3, 118, 119, for
compatible cassettes and “Memory Stick Duo”
for your camcorder.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9)
Mains lead (1) (p. 9)
Handycam Station (1)
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)
(p. 9)
Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 36)
USB cable (1) (p. 78, 82)
Lens cap (1)
(DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)
(p. 14, 24, 26)
• To attach the lens cap
Attach the lens cap to the metal fittings of the
Grip belt, as illustrated below, using the strap.
Rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 9, 121)
NP-FP30 (DCR-HC36E)
NP-FP50 (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5.1” (1)
(p. 82)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38, 70, 93)
8
21-pin adaptor (1)
(DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E)
(p. 39)
For the models with the mark printed on their
bottom surfaces only.
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (P series) (p. 121) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
POWER switch
DC IN jack
Handycam
Station
To the wall socket
DC plug
AC Adaptor
Mains lead
For DCR-HC36E:
POWER switch
DC IN jack
DC plug
To the wall socket
AC Adaptor
Mains lead
1 Align the terminals of the battery
pack and your camcorder (1),
then attach the battery pack and
click it into place (2).
Getting Started
2
1
2 Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to OFF
(CHG) (The default setting).
3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on the Handycam
Station for the DCR-HC44E/
HC46E/HC94E/HC96E or on your
camcorder for the DCR-HC36E.
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/
HC96E:
DC IN jack
With the v mark facing up
Continued ,
9
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
For DCR-HC36E:
With the v mark
facing to the LCD
screen
DC IN jack
4 For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/
HC96E:
Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor and the wall socket.
Insert the camcorder into the
Handycam Station securely, all
the way to the bottom.
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:
/CHG
(charge) lamp
DCR-HC44E/HC46E:
CHG (charge) lamp
10
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
• When inserting the camcorder into the
Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack
cover.
For DCR-HC36E:
Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor and the wall socket.
CHG (charge) lamp
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
5 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off
when the battery is fully charged.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from
the DC IN jack.
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/
HC96E:
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
DC IN jack holding both the Handycam
Station and the DC plug.
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
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.
POWER switch
With the v mark
facing to the LCD
screen
DC plug
To remove the battery pack
1 Slide the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG). Hold down the V BATT
(battery) release lever with one hand.
2 Remove the battery in the direction of
the arrow with the other hand.
POWER switch
Getting Started
DC IN jack
1
To the wall socket
AC Adaptor
Mains lead
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
To remove your camcorder from the
Handycam Station
Turn off the power, then remove the
camcorder from the Handycam Station
holding both your camcorder and the
Handycam Station.
For DCR-HC36E:
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the
power from the wall socket by making the
same connections as you do when charging
the battery pack. The battery pack will not
lose its charge in this case.
2
V BATT (battery)
release lever
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (p. 122).
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FP30*
NP-FP50*
NP-FP70 155
NP-FP71 170
NP-FP90 220
*1supplied with DCR-HC36E
2
*
1
2
supplied with DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/
HC96E
115
125
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Continued ,
11
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
DCR-HC36E
Continuous
Battery pack
recording
time
NP-FP30 (supplied) 85
NP-FP50 120
NP-FP70 255
NP-FP71 300
NP-FP90 455
• All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
DCR-HC44E/HC46E
Continuous
Battery pack
recording
time
NP-FP50 (supplied) 100
NP-FP70 215
NP-FP71 255
NP-FP90 385
• All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
105
150
310
370
550
115
115
240
240
290
290
435
435
Typical
recording
time*
40
50
60
75
125
155
150
185
225
275
Typical
recording
time*
55
65
65
120
130
130
140
160
160
210
240
240
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
DCR-HC94E/HC96E
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
NP-FP50 (supplied) 80
NP-FP70 175
NP-FP71 205
NP-FP90 310
• All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
190
200
230
235
345
355
Typical
recording
time*
45
90
95
50
50
95
105
110
110
125
130
170
190
195
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
DCR-HC36E
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened
NP-FP30 (supplied) 90 110
NP-FP50 125 160
NP-FP70 265 330
NP-FP71 315 395
NP-FP90 475 580
LCD panel
closed
12
DCR-HC44E/HC46E
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-FP50 (supplied) 120 150
NP-FP70 255 310
NP-FP71 300 370
NP-FP90 455 550
* When the LCD backlight turns on.
DCR-HC94E/HC96E
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-FP50 (supplied) 115 140
NP-FP70 240 295
NP-FP71 290 350
NP-FP90 435 525
* When the LCD backlight turns on.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 31) 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 supplied with the DCR-HC44E/HC46E/
HC94E/HC96E, even when the mains lead is
disconnected from the wall socket.
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.
Getting Started
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25°C
(77°F). (10 - 30 °C (50 - 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.
13
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. 19).
POWER
switch
1 Slide the POWER switch
repeatedly in the direction of the
arrow to turn on the respective
lamp.
For DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:
Remove the lens cap by pressing both
knobs on the sides of the cap.
Lamps that light up
CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape.
CAMERA-MEMORY: To record on a
“Memory Stick Duo.”
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
• After you have set the date and time
([CLOCK SET], p. 19), the next time you
turn on the power of your camcorder, the
current date and time will be displayed on
the LCD screen for a few seconds.
2 Hold the camcorder correctly.
3 Ensure a good grip, then fasten
the Grip belt.
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:
The lens cover opens automatically
when the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERAMEMORY.
If the POWER
switch is set to OFF
(CHG), slide it while
pressing the green
button.
14
4
1
2
3
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
For DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:
Attach the lens cap after turning off the
power.
• 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. 64).
• If warning messages appear on the screen,
follow the instructions (p. 114).
Getting Started
15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play (2 ).
DISP/BATT INFO
180 degrees
(max.)
2
1
90 degrees
(max.)
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD
panel.
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient
during playback operations.
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
To turn off the LCD backlight to make
the battery last longer
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/VF SET] - [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 62) to
adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.
90 degrees to
the camcorder
The viewfinder
You can view pictures using the viewfinder
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.
Viewfinder
Viewfinder lens adjustment
lever
Move it until the picture is
clear.
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting [LCD/VF SET] - [VF
B.LIGHT] (p. 62).
• You can adjust the [FADER] and the
[EXPOSURE] setting using the viewfinder
(p. 56).
16
Step 5: Using the touch panel
You can play back recorded pictures
(p. 27), or change the settings (p. 40) using
the touch panel.
Place your hand on the rear side of
the LCD panel to support it. Then,
touch the buttons displayed on the
screen.
DISP/BATT INFO
DCR-HC36E/
HC44E/HC46E
DCR-HC94E/
HC96E
Touch the button on the LCD screen.
• Perform the same actions as explained above
when you press the buttons on the LCD frame.
• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD
frame accidentally while using the touch panel.
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work
correctly, adjust the LCD screen
(CALIBRATION) (p. 125).
• Dots in lines may appear on the LCD screen, but
this is not a malfunction. These dots are not
recorded.
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Select the screen language in
[LANGUAGE] on the (TIME/
LANGU.) menu (p. 40, 65).
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide)
You can easily check the meaning of each
indicator (p. 34) that appears on the LCD
screen.
1 Touch .
60min
MENU
TELE
1/3
MACRO
SPOT
FOCUS
Touch [MENU] during Easy Handycam
operation (p. 24).
DISP
GUIDE
EXPOSURE
FADE R
–:––:––
2 Touch [DISP GUIDE].
Select area for guide.
DISP GUIDE
END
Getting Started
To hide the screen indicators
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the
screen indicators (such as time code) on or
off.
The indicators vary depending on the
settings.
Continued ,
17
Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued)
3 Touch the area including the
indicator that you want to check.
DISP GUIDE
1/2
FOCUS:
MANUAL
PROGRAM AE:
SPOTLIGHT
STEADYSHOT:
OFF
END
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.
To finish the operation
Touch [END].
18
Step 6: Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]
screen appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may
be cleared from the memory. In that case,
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the
date and time again (p. 126).
POWER switch
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for
the first time.
1 Touch t [MENU].
60min
CAMERA SET
PROGRAM AE
SPOT METER
EXPOSURE
–:––:––
OK
3 Select [CLOCK SET] with / ,
then touch .
CLOCK SET
DATE
2006
4 Set [Y] (year) with / , then
touch .
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
CLOCK SET
DATE
2006
5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour
and minute, then touch .
The clock starts.
• The date and time are not displayed while
recording, but they are automatically recorded
on the tape, and can be displayed during
playback (see page 63 for [DATA CODE]
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set
only [DATE/TIME])).
Y1M1D
Y1 M1D
–:––:––
0: 00
–:––:––
0: 00
OK
OK
Getting Started
2 Select (TIME/LANGU.) menu
with / , then touch .
60min
DISP OUTPUT
MENU ROTATE
A. SHUT OFF
CLOCK SET
WORLD
LANGUAGE
PROGRAM AE
–:––:––
––:––:––
OK
19
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick
{DO NOT PUSH}
Duo”
Cassette tape
You can use mini DV cassettes only
(p. 118).
• The recordable time varies depending on
[ REC MODE] (p. 61).
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 outwards, then press
.
Push the center of the back
of the cassette lightly.
Cassette compartment
The cassette compartment
automatically slides back in.
• Do not force the cassette
compartment closed by pressing the
portion marked while
it is sliding in. It may cause a
malfunction.
Window
3 Close the lid.
20
To eject the cassette
Open the lid following the same procedure
as described in Step 1 and remove the
cassette.
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
Do not insert/eject the cassette while your
camcorder is on the Handycam Station. This
may cause a malfunction.
“Memory Stick Duo”
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo”
marked with or
(p. 119).
• The number and time of recordable pictures
varies depending on the image quality or the
image size. For details, see page 52.
1 Open the LCD panel.
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:
Access lamp
With the v mark facing to
the LCD screen
• If you force the “Memory Stick Duo” into
the slot in the wrong direction, th e “Memory
Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick Duo” slot,
or image data may be damaged.
Getting Started
2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot
in the right direction until it clicks.
DCR-HC94E/HC96E:
Access lamp
With the v mark facing to
the LCD screen
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”
Lightly push in once and slide out the
“Memory Stick Duo” alongside the
camcorder body.
• Do not remove the “Memory Stick Duo”
forcibly with the fingers as it may be damaged.
• 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.
• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick
Duo,” be careful that the “Memory Stick Duo”
does not pop out and drop.
21
Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording picture (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/ HC94E/HC96E)
By recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode, you
can enjoy wide-angle, high-quality pictures.
• If you intend to view pictures on a wide TV,
recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode is
recommended.
WIDE SELECT button POWER switch
Selecting the aspect ratio for
recording movies on a tape
Be sure to set the POWER switch to
CAMERA-TAPE.
Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to
select the desired screen aspect
ratio.
16:9* 4:3*
• When viewing pictures recorded in 16:9 aspect
ratio with [TV TYPE] set to [4:3], pictures may
appear rough depending on the subject (p. 39).
Recording a moving picture or still
image on the “Memory Stick Duo”
1 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA-
MEMORY.
The aspect ratio of the picture switches
to 4:3.
2 Press WIDE SELECT to select the
desired screen aspect ratio.
• If you record movies (MPEG MOVIE EX) in
the 16:9 (wide) mode, black bands appear at the
top and bottom of the picture when they are
played back.
• For the number of recordable pictures, see page
52.
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E:
Still images will be fixed to image size [0.7M]
( ) in the 16:9 (wide) mode. In the 4:3
mode, you can select up to [1.0M] ( ).
• For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:
Still images will be fixed to image size [2.3M]
( ) in the 16:9 (wide) mode. In the 4:3
mode, you can select up to [3.0M] ( ).
* When viewing on the LCD screen. It may be
different in the viewfinder.
• Differences in the angle of view between 4:3
and 16:9 vary depending on the zoom position.
• If you play back a picture on TV, set [TV
TYPE] for playback in the aspect ratio of the
TV (p. 39).
22
Getting Started
23
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally
adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy
viewing.
DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E:
Remove the lens cap (p. 14).
DCR-HC36E:
B
C
A
DCR-HC36E/
HC44E/HC46E
DCR-HC94E/
HC96E
D
F
E
If the POWER switch is set
to OFF (CHG), slide it
while pressing the green
button.
Movies
1 Slide the POWER
switch E to turn on
the CAMERA-TAPE
lamp.
2 Press EASY A.
appears on the screen B.
3 Press REC START/STOP F (or
C) to start recording.*
60min
The indicator changes [STBY] to [REC].
To stop recording, press F again.
*1Movies are recorded in SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.
2
*
Still images are recorded in [FINE] quality on a “Memory Stick Duo.”
24
EASY
1
REC
MENU
Still images (4:3)
1 Slide the POWER
switch E to turn on
the CAMERA-MEMORY
lamp.
2 Press EASY A.
appears on the screen B.
3 Press PHOTO D to record.*
3.0M
30
60min
EASY
Press and hold lightly
Flashing t Lit
to adjust the focus.
When disappears, the image has
been recorded.
MENU
Press fully to record.
2
Playing back movies/still images
B
S
Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the
buttons on the screen B as follows.
Movies
Touch , then touch
to start playback.
A
A Stop
B Play/Pause toggles
C Rewind/Fast forward
C
till images
Touch t /
to select a picture.
B
A
MENU
A Tape playback
B Previous/Next
C Delete (p. 76)
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY A again. disappears from the screen.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 41 for details on settings.
• Almost all the settings return to the default setting automatically (p. 42).
• is not displayed during Easy Handycam operation.
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Almost all
the settings are returned to the previous status.
x Unavailable buttons during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are unavailable, since the items
are set automatically. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation.] may appear if operations
not available during Easy Handycam are attempted.
• BACK LIGHT button (p. 29)
• PHOTO button (in the CAMERA-TAPE mode) (p. 26)
• REC START/STOP button (in the CAMERA-MEMORY mode) (p. 26).
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
Pressing and holding DISP/BATT INFO button (p. 16)
• For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
WIDE SELECT button (in the CAMERA-MEMORY mode) (p. 22)
C
Recording/Playback
25
Recording
Lens cap (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)
Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap.
Lens cover (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)
Opens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch.
PHOTO
DCR-HC36E:
REC START/STOP B
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the respective lamp to select a recording medium.
POWER switch
REC START/STOP A
To record on a tape, light up the
CAMERA-TAPE lamp.
To record on a “Memory Stick Duo,”
light up the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp.
2 Start recording.
Movies Still images
Press REC START/STOP A (or
B).
60min
REC
The indicator (A) changes [STBY]
(tape only) to [REC].
• The sound of a movie (MPEG MOVIE EX)
recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” will be
monaural.
To stop movie recording
Press REC START/STOP again.
• While recording movies on a tape, or while in
standby mode, you can record a still image on a
“Memory Stick Duo” by pressing PHOTO fully.
Still images will be fixed to image size [0.2M]
in 16:9 screen (DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/
HC96E), or [VGA (0.3M)] in 4:3 screen.
26
If the POWER
switch is set to OFF
(CHG), slide it
while pressing the
green button.
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to
adjust the focus (A), then press it
60min
A
fully (B).
3.0M
Flashing t Lit
A shutter sound is heard. When
disappears, the image has been recorded.
To check the latest recording on a
“Memory Stick Duo”
Touch . To delete the picture, touch
t [YES].
Playback
B
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Start playing back.
Movies Still images
On a Tape:
Touch , then touch to
start playback.
A
C
Touch .
The most recently recorded image is
displayed.
AB C
Recording/Playback
P-MENU
A Stop
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
• Playback automatically stops if pause is
engaged for more than 3 minutes.
C Rewind/Fast forward
On a “Memory Stick Duo”:
Touch t / to
select a picture with , then
touch .
To adjust the volume
Touch t [VOLUME], then /
to adjust the volume.
• If you cannot find [VOLUME] in , touch
[MENU] (p. 40).
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. 60).
To display pictures on a “Memory
Stick Duo” on the Index screen
A Tape playback
B Previous/Next
C Index screen display
• When a “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted,
touch to display . is not
displayed when an inserted “Memory Stick
Duo” contains no image data.
Touch . Touch one of the pictures to
back to the single display mode.
A
A Previous/Next 6 pictures
B The picture displayed before switching to
the index screen.
C Movie icon
To view pictures in other folders, touch
t t [PB FOLDER], select a
folder with / , then touch
(p. 55).
B
C
27
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.
2
6
6
Recording
To use zoom ..................... 2 5
Move the power zoom lever 2 slightly for
1
For DCR-HC36E:
3
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
Wider range of view: (Wide angle)
5
4
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E:
5
4
For DCR-HC94E/HC96E:
6
5
4
3
7
8
Close view: (Telephoto)
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons 5 on the LCD frame.
• The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
• You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 50) if you
want to zoom to a level greater than the
following:
– 20 × (DCR-HC36E)
– 12 × (DCR-HC44E/HC46E)
– 10 × (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom
lever. If you move your finger off the power
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power
zoom lever may also be recorded.
To use the flash (DCR-HC94E/HC96E)
.......................................... 7
Press (flash) repeatedly to select an
appropriate setting.
No indication (Auto flash):
Automatically flashes when there is
insufficient ambient light.
r
(Forced flash): Always uses the flash
regardless of the surrounding brightness.
r
(No flash): Records without flash.
28
• The recommended distance to the subject when
using the built-in flash is 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 when charging
the flash, and remains lit when the battery
charge is complete (In the CAMERA-TAPE
mode, it takes a while to fully charge the flash
lamp).
• If you use the flash in bright places such as
when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may
not be effective.
• Attaching a conversion lens (optional) may
create a shadow.
• You can change the brightness of the flash by
setting [FLASH LEVEL], or you can prevent
the redeye by setting [REDEYE REDUC], in
[FLASH SET] (p. 48).
To record in dark places (NightShot plus) (DCR-HC36E/HC44E/HC46E)
......................................... 3
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch 3 to
ON. ( and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]
appear.)
• To record an image brighter, use Super
NightShot plus function (p. 48).
To record an image more faithful to the original
colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 49).
• The NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus
function use infrared light. Therefore, do not
cover the infrared port 1 with your fingers or
other objects. Remove the conversion lens
(optional) if it is attached.
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This
may cause a malfunction.
• The NightShot and Super NightShot function
use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the
infrared port 1 with your fingers or other
objects. Remove the conversion lens (optional)
if it is attached.
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 47)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This
may cause a malfunction.
To adjust the exposure for backlit
subjects (BACK LIGHT).............. 6
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press BACK LIGHT 6 to display .. To
cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
To adjust the focus for an off center
subject (SPOT FOCUS).............. 4
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 47.
To fix the exposure for the selected
subject (Flexible spot meter) ...... 4
See [SPOT METER] on page 45.
Recording/Playback
To record in dark places (NightShot)
(DCR-HC94E/HC96E)................ 8
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch 8 to ON.
( and [“NIGHTSHOT”] appear.)
• To record an image brighter, use Super
NightShot function (p. 49).
To record an image brighter in color in dim
light, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 49).
Continued ,
29
q
q
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (Continued)
To record in mirror mode........... qh
Open the LCD panel qh 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side (2).
9
qs
For DCR-HC36E:
q;
qa
2
1
qh
5
4
qg qf
For DCR-HC44E/HC46E/HC94E/HC96E:
qh
5
4
qg qf
30
qj
2
2
d
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal
when recorded.
To use a tripod ....................... qj
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the
screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.))
to the tripod receptacle qj using a tripod
screw.
To use a Shoulder belt .............. qs
Attach the Shoulder belt (optional) to its
d
designated hook qs.
Playback
To play back the images in sequence
(SLIDE SHOW)........................ 4
See [SLIDE SHOW] on page 56.
To use PB zoom ................. 2 5
You can magnify pictures from about 1.1 to
5 times the original size.
Magnification can be adjusted with the
power zoom lever 2 or the zoom buttons
5 on the LCD frame.
1 Play back the picture you want to
magnify.
2 Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto).
3 Touch the screen at the point you want
to display in the center of the displayed
frame.
4 Adjust the magnification with W (Wide
angle)/T (Telephoto).