Sony HDR-CX180E User Manual

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“Handycam” Handbook

HDR-CX130E/CX160E/CX180E

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Functions Useful Enjoy

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2011 Sony Corporation

4-271-479-11(1)

Using the “Handycam” Handbook

You will find information on using your camcorder to its fullest in this “Handycam” Handbook. Read the “Handycam” Handbook in addition to the Operating Guide (a separate volume). Information on using your camcorder connected to a computer will be also found in the Operating Guide and the “PMB Help” that is the Help of the supplied “PMB (Picture Motion Browser)” software.

Searching for information quickly

Click an item on the right edge of each page, and you will jump to the page for that item.

Click here.

You can search for an item by keyword using Adobe Reader. Refer to the Help of Adobe Reader for tips on how to use Adobe Reader.

You can print out the “Handycam” Handbook.

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Read this first

Supplied items

The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity.

AC Adaptor (1)

Power cord (Mains lead) (1)

Component A/V cable (1)

A/V connecting cable (1)

USB connection support cable (1)

Use this cable when the Built-in USB Cable of the camcorder (p. 14) is too short for connection.

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1)

CD-ROM “Handycam” Application Software (1)

“PMB” (software, including “PMB Help”)

“Handycam” Handbook (PDF)

“Operating Guide” (1)

This camcorder has a built-in software application called “PMB Portable” .

See page 21 for the memory card you can use with this camcorder.

Using the camcorder

Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers.

LCD Screen

Battery pack

Built-in USB Cable

The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p. 98).

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 points

White, red, blue or green points

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.

About language setting

The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using the camcorder if necessary (p. 19).

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On recording

To ensure stable operation of the memory card, it is recommended to format the memory card with your camcorder before the first use (p. 77). Formatting the memory card will erase all the data stored on it and the data will be irrecoverable. Save your important data on your PC etc.

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 country/region. 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.

Use the camcorder in accordance with local regulations.

Notes on playing back

You may not be able to play back normally images recorded on your camcorder with other devices. Also, you may not be able to play back images recorded on other devices with your camcorder.

Standard (STD) image quality movies recorded on SD memory cards cannot be played on AV equipment of other manufacturers.

player/recorder, you may not be able to eject the disc.

Save all your recorded image data

To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media periodically. To save images on your computer, see page 46, and to save images on external devices, see page 52.

The type of discs or media on which the images

can be saved depend on the [REC Mode] selected when the images were recorded.

Movies recorded with [50p Quality ] can be saved using external media (p. 54). Movies

recorded with [Highest Quality ] can be saved on external media or on Blu-ray discs (p. 51, 54).

Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor

Be sure to remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor after turning off the camcorder.

Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.

Note on the camcorder/battery pack temperature

When the temperature of the camcorder or battery pack 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, an indicator appears on the LCD screen (p. 90).

DVD media recorded with HD image quality (high definition)

DVD media recorded with high definition image quality (HD) can be played back with devices that are compatible with the AVCHD standard. You cannot play discs recorded with high definition image quality (HD) with DVD players/recorders as they are not compatible with the AVCHD format. If you insert a disc recorded with the AVCHD format (high definition image quality (HD)) into a DVD

When the camcoder is connected to a computer or accessories

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

When connecting the camcorder to another device with communication cables, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of the camcorder.

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When the camcorder is connected to other devices through a USB connection and the power of the camcorder is turned on, do not close the LCD panel. The image data that has been recorded may be lost.

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 recording media. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images on some type of external media first, and then perform [Format] by touching

(MENU) [Setup] [ (Media Settings)][Format] the desired medium (HDRCX160E/CX180E) .

Notes on optional accessories

We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.

Genuine Sony accessories may not be available in some countries/regions.

About this manual, illustrations and on-screen displays

The example images used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different from images and screen indicators that actually appear on your camcorder. And, the illustrations of your camcorder and its screen indication are exaggerated or simplified for understandability.

In this manual, the internal memory (HDRCX160E/CX180E) and the memory card are called “recording media.”

In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with high definition image quality (HD) is called AVCHD recording disc.

Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are subject to change without notice.

Confirm the model name of your camcorder

The model name is shown in this manual when there is a difference in specification between models. Confirm the model name on the bottom of your camcorder.

The main differences in specification of this series are as follows.

	Recording	Capacity
	Recording	of internal
	media	of internal
	media	recording media
		recording media

HDR-CX130E	Memory card	—

HDR-CX160E	Internal	16 GB
	memory +
HDR-CX180E	memory +	32 GB
HDR-CX180E	memory card	32 GB

Notes on use

Do not do any of the following. Otherwise, the recording media may be damaged, recorded images may be impossible to play back or may be lost, or other malfunctions could occur.

ejecting the memory card when the access lamp (p. 22) is lit or flashing

removing the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder, or applying mechanical

shock or vibration to the camcorder when the (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 24) or the access lamp (p. 22) are lit or flashing

When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do not crash the camcorder against an object.

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Enjoyusefulusefulfunctiofunctions

Beautiful & easy

anywhere & anytime

Checking your golf swing

Golf Shot (66)

Smth Slw REC (65)

Recording

Capturing images beautifully without cumbersome setting

Intelligent Auto (34)

Focus on the child on the left side of the screen

Tracking the subject (36) Spot Focus (68)

Recording in a dimly-lit room

Low Lux (69)

Capturing photos during movie recording

Dual Rec (37) Smile Shutter (37)

Changing the image quality and recording mode

/Setting (35) Recording mode (35)

Changing the recording media

Media setting (20)

Capturing fireworks, or a sunset in all its splendor

Fireworks (69) Sunrise&Sunset (69)

Fun & simple

playback & edit

Using

Playing back a digest of your movies

Highlight Playback (38)

Editing on the camcorder

Capturing a photo from a movie (45) Deleting unnecessary scene (Dividing (44), Deleting (41))

Easy ways to store

good memories

Saving

Computer

(49)

External media

(54)

DVD writer

(57, 60)

Recorder

(61)

Easy uploading

Uploading with a PC when you are out

PMB Portable

Using the “Handycam” Handbook.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Searching for information quickly.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Read this first.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Notes on use.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Enjoy useful functions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Getting started

Step 1: Charging the battery pack.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Changing the language setting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Step 3: Preparing the recording media.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Selecting recording media (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Inserting a memory card.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Recording/Playback

Recording.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Recording movies.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Shooting photos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Playback on the camcorder.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Operating the camcorder while playing a movie.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Viewing photos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Playing images on a TV.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 List of connection.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Using “BRAVIA” Sync.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Advanced operations

Useful functions for recording movies and photos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Zooming.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Recording better images automatically (Intelligent Auto).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Selecting high definition image quality (HD)

or standard image quality (STD).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Selecting the recording mode.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Using the Tracking focus function.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Capturing smiles automatically (Smile Shutter) .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Recording high quality photos during movie recording (Dual Rec).. . . . . . . . . . 37 Recording in mirror mode.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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Enjoying a digest of your movies (Highlight Playback).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Changing the settings for Highlight Playback.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Saving Highlight Playback (Scenario Save).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Converting and sharing Highlight Playback scenes

or Highlight scenarios .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Making good use of your camcorder.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Deleting movies and photos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Protecting recorded movies and photos (Protect).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Copying images (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Dividing a movie.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Capturing a photo from a movie (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Saving movies and photos with a computer

Selecting the method for creating a disc (computer).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Creating a disc with one touch (Disc Burn).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Importing movies and photos to a computer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Saving images on a disc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Saving images with an external device

Selecting a method for saving images with an external device.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 The devices on which the created disc can be played back.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Saving images on an external media device.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Saving desired movies and photos.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Playing back images in the external media device on the camcorder.. . . . . . . 56 Creating a disc with the DVD writer, DVDirect Express.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Performing [DISC BURN OPTION].. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Playing back a disc on the DVD writer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc with a DVD writer, etc.,

other than DVDirect Express.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc with a recorder, etc... . . . . . . 61

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Customizing your camcorder

Using menus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Operating menus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Menu lists.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Image Quality/Size (Items for setting up image quality or size).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Playback Function (Items for playback).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Edit/Copy (Items for editing).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Setup (Other setup items).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Additional information

Troubleshooting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Using your camcorder abroad.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Maintenance and precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 About the AVCHD format.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 About the memory card.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 About x.v.Color.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 About handling of your camcorder.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Quick reference

Screen indicators.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Parts and controls.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Index.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

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Getting started

Step 1: Charging the battery pack

	DC IN jack
Battery pack
	AC Adaptor
		Power cord
		(Mains lead)
		To the wall outlet
CHG (charge) lamp	DC plug	(wall socket)
	DC plug

Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack.

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

Notes

You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder.

1 Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen.

2 Attachclicks. the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it

3 Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.

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4 When the battery is charged, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of your camcorder.

To charge the battery using your computer

This method is useful when the AC Adaptor is not available.

Turn off the camcorder and attach the battery pack to the camcorder.

Connect the camcorder to a running computer using the Built-in USB Cable.

To the wall outlet (wall socket)

When the battery is fully charged, disconnect the camcorder from the computer.

Notes

Operation with all computers is not assured.

If you connect the camcorder to a laptop computer that is not connected to a power source, the battery of the laptop computer will continue to use up its charge. Do not leave the camcorder connected to a computer in this manner.

Charging with a personally assembled computer, with a converted computer, or through a USB hub are not guaranteed. The camcorder may not function correctly depending on the USB device which is used with the computer.

Tips

You can charge the battery by connecting the Built-in USB Cable to a wall outlet (wall socket) using an AC-U501AD/AC-U50AG USB charger/AC Adaptor (sold separately). You cannot use a Sony CP-AH2R or CP-AL portable power supply device (sold separately) to charge the camcorder.

The USB charger/AC Adaptor may not be available in some countries/regions.

The CHG (charge) lamp may not light up when the remaining battery power is too low. In such a case, charge the battery using the supplied AC adaptor.

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Charging time

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

Battery pack		Charging time
Battery pack	AC Adaptor	Built-in USB Cable*
	AC Adaptor	Built-in USB Cable*
NP-FV50 (supplied)	155	315
NP-FV70	195	600
NP-FV100	390	1050

The charging times shown in the table above are measured when charging the camcorder at a temperature of 25 C (77 °F). It is recommended that you charge the battery in a temperature range of 10C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F).

* The charging times are measured without using the USB Connection support cable.

Tips

When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the remaining battery indicator at the upper right on the LCD screen.

To remove the battery pack

Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT (battery) release lever ( ) and remove the battery pack ( ).

To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source

Make the same connections as “Step 1: Charging the battery pack” (p. 13). Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged.

Charging the battery pack abroad

You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.

Notes

Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.

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Notes on the battery pack
When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, turn the camcorder off and make sure		Table
that the	(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 24), the access lamp (p. 22) are turned off.

The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:		of
The battery pack is not attached correctly.
		Contents
The battery pack is damaged.

The temperature of the battery pack is low.
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place.
The temperature of the battery pack is high.
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place.
We do not recommend using an NP-FV30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with
your camcorder.
In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any
operation for about 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A. Shut Off], p. 81).
Notes on the AC Adaptor
Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from
the wall outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.		Enjoy
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.		FunctionsUseful

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Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time

1 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.

Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.

To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER.

MODE lamp

POWER button

2 Select the desired language, then touch [Next].

Touch the button on the LCD screen

3 Select the desired geographical area with /, then touch [Next].

To set the date and time again, touch (MENU) [Setup] [ (Clock Settings)] [Date & Time Setting] [Date & Time]. When an item is not on the screen, touch / until the item appears.

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4 Set [Summer Time], then touch [Next].

If you set [Summer Time] to [On], the clock advances 1 hour.

5 Select the date format, then touch [Next].

6 Select the date and time, touch / to set the value, then touch [Next] *.

* The confirmation screen appears only when you set the clock for the first time.

The clock starts.

Notes

The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the recording media, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, touch

(MENU) [Setup] [ (Playback Settings)] [Data Code] [Date/Time] .

You can turn off the operation beeps by touching (MENU) [Setup] [ (General Settings)][Beep] [Off] .

If the button you touch does not react correctly, calibrate the touch panel (p. 100).

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To turn off the power

Close the LCD screen.

The (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the camcorder is turned off.

Tips

You can turn off the camcorder also by pressing POWER.

When [Power On By LCD] (p. 81) is set to [Off], turn off your camcorder by pressing POWER.

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch (MENU) [Setup] [ (General Settings)] [Language Setting] a desired language .

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Step 3: Preparing the recording media

The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder.

HDR-CX130E

Memory card

HDR-CX160E/CX180E	*
	Internal memory	Memory card

*In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on this recording media. You can perform recording, playback and editing operations on the selected medium.

Selecting recording media (HDR-CX160E/CX180E)

Touch (MENU) [Setup] [ (Media Settings)] [Media Select].

The [Media Select] screen appears.

Touch the desired recording medium, then touch .

Both movies and photos are recorded on the selected medium.

To check the recording media settings

In either movie recording mode or photo recording mode, the media icon of the selected recording media is displayed at the top right corner of the screen.

Recording media icon

The icon displayed may vary depending on your model.

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Inserting a memory card

Notes

Set the recording medium to [Memory Card] to record movies and/or photos on a memory card (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).

Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder

	SD Speed Class	Described in this
		manual
“Memory Stick PRO
Duo” media (Mark2)	—	“Memory Stick PRO
“Memory Stick PRO-	—	Duo” media
“Memory Stick PRO-		Duo” media
HG Duo” media
SD memory card
SDHC memory card	Class 4 or faster	SD card
SDXC memory card	Class 4 or faster	SD card
SDXC memory card

Operation with all memory cards is not assured.

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, half the size of “Memory Stick”, or standard size SD cards can be used for this camcorder.

Do not attach a label or the like on memory card or memory card adaptor. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media of up to 32 GB and SD cards of up to 64 GB have been verified to operate with your camcorder.

Notes

A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder.

Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or AV devices not supporting the exFAT* file system by connecting the camcorder to these devices with the USB cable. Confirm in advance that the connecting equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If you connect an equipment not supporting the exFAT system and the format screen appears, do not perform the format. All the data recorded will be lost.

*The exFAT is a file system that is used for SDXC memory cards.

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Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the notched edge in the direction as illustrated until it clicks.

Close the cover after inserting the memory card.

Access lamp

Note the direction of notched corner.

The [Preparing image database file. Please wait.] screen appears if you insert a new memory card. Wait until the screen disappears.

Close the cover.

Notes

If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.] is displayed, format the memory card (p. 77).

Confirm the direction of the memory card. If you forcibly insert the memory card in the wrong direction, the memory card, memory card slot, or image data may be damaged.

Do not open the cover during recording.

When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be careful so that the memory card does not pop out and drop.

To eject the memory card

Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.

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Fasten the grip belt.

Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.

Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.

Recording/Playback

Recording

In the default setting, movies and photos are recorded on the following media. Movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD).

HDR-CX130E: Memory card HDR-CX160E/CX180E: Internal recording media

Tips

To change the recording media, see page 20 (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).

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Recording movies

MODE button

START/STOP button	[STBY] [REC]

(Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo

Press MODE to turn on the (Movie) lamp.

Press START/STOP to start recording.

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

To display items on the LCD screen again

Touch anywhere on the screen except the buttons on the LCD screen so that you can use items. You can change the settings using the [Display Setting] menu (p. 74).

about 4 sec after

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To capture smiles

In the default setting, a photo is automatically recorded when the camcorder detects the smile of a person during movie recording (Smile Shutter, p. 72). When the camcorder detects faces during movie recording, image quality is automatically adjusted ([Face Detection], p. 72).

Capturing a photo

Smile Detection frame (Orange)

Face Detection frame (White)

Notes

If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording.

The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours.

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

It will take several seconds until you can start recording after you turn on the camcorder. You cannot operate your camcorder during this time.

The following states will be indicated if data is still being written onto the recording media after recording has finished. During this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or AC Adaptor.

Access lamp (p. 22) is lit or flashing

The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing

Tips

You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO fully (Dual Rec, p. 37).

[SteadyShot] is set to [Active] in the default setting.

You can specify the priority face by touching it (p. 36).

You can capture photos from recorded movies (p. 45).

You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching (MENU) [Setup] [ (Media Settings)] [Media Info].

The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel display). However, this may cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right and left edges of images when played back on a TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. In this case, set [Guide Frame] to [On] (p. 73), and record images using the outer frame displayed on the screen as a guide.

To adjust the angle of the LCD panel, first open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder ( ), and then adjust the angle ( ).

90 degrees (max.)

	180 degrees (max.)	90 degrees to the
	180 degrees (max.)	camcorder
		camcorder

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Data code during recording

The recording date, time and condition are recorded automatically on the recording media. They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [Data Code] during playback. To display them, touch (MENU) [Setup] [ (Playback Settings)] [Data Code] a desired setting .

Shooting photos

MODE button

PHOTO button	Flashes Lights up

(Movie): When recording a movie

(Photo): When recording a photo

When disappears, the photo is recorded.

Press MODE to turn on the (Photo) lamp.

The LCD screen display switches for photo recording mode, and the screen aspect ratio becomes 4:3.

Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully.

Tips

To change the image size, touch (MENU) [Image Quality/Size] [Image Size] a desired setting .

You cannot record photos while is displayed.

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Playback on the camcorder

You can enjoy the playback of images with powerful sound through the stereo speakers built into the camcorder.

In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media are played.

HDR-CX130E: Memory card HDR-CX160E/CX180E: Internal recording media

Tips

To change the recording media, see page 20 (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).

The camcorder displays recorded images as an event automatically based on the date and time.

1 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.

Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.

2 Press (View Images).

The Event View screen appears after some seconds.

3 Touch / to select the desired event ( ).

Highlight Playback button

(p. 38).

To the MENU screenEvents

/ : To the previous/next eventEvent name

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Change to the movie/photo recording modeTime-line bar

Highlight Playback button*Change Event Scale button

* Appears only when the image quality is set to [HD Quality].

The Event Index screen appears when you touch the event that is displayed on the center.

You can also choose an event by touching on the time-line bar.

Touch (Change Event Scale) on the bottom right of the screen so that you can change the time range of the time-line bar from one and a half years to three months, which changes the number of the events that can be displayed on the time-line bar.

4 Touch an image you want to view.

Touch to select the image type to be displayed in the index from [MOVIE] (movies only), [PHOTO] (photos only), or [MOVIE/PHOTO] (movies and photos mixed).

To go back to the Event View screen

/ : Displays the previous/next page (Touching and holding the button scrolls the index screen.)

Change to the movie/photo recording modeEvent title

Switch Image Type buttonMovie

Photo

appears with the movie or photo that was most recently played or recorded. If you touch the movie or photo with , you can continue playback from the previous time.

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Operating the camcorder while playing a movie

You can use the functions shown in the figure below while the camcorder is playing a movie. The figure below will be displayed when you select [MOVIE/PHOTO] (the default setting) or [MOVIE] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index screen.

Volume adjustment

Delete

Context

To stop*

To fast-reverse*

*These buttons can be used only when the camcorder is playing a movie.

Notes

To fast-forward*

To pause*/play

You may not be able to play back the images with other devices than camcorder.

Tips

Touching the button on the playback screen displays functions you can currently use, and allows you to use those functions easily.

When playback from the selected image reaches the last image, the screen returns to the INDEX screen.

Touch / during pause to play back movies slowly.

As you repeat touching / during playback, movies are played as fast as about 5 times about 10 times about 30 times about 60 times.

The recording date, time, and shooting conditions are recorded automatically during recording. This information is not displayed during recording, but you can display it during playback by touching (MENU) [Setup] [ (Playback Settings)] [Data Code] a desired setting .

In the default setting, a protected demonstration movie is pre-recorded (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).

To adjust the sound volume of movies

While playing back movies, touch adjust with /.

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Viewing photos

You can use the functions shown in the figure below while you are viewing photos. The figure below will be displayed when you select [PHOTO] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index screen.