Sony HDR-CX550V, HDR-XR550, HDR-XR550V Operating Guide
Additional information on this product and
answers to frequently asked questions can
be found at our Customer Support Website.
US/ES
HDR-CX550/CX550V/
XR550/XR550V
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
Guía de operaciones
4-170-538-11(1)
US
ES
Puede encontrar más información sobre
este producto y respuestas a las preguntas
más frecuentes en nuestro sitio Web de
atención al cliente.
http://www.sony.net/
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC
(Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil
based ink.
Impreso en papel reciclado en un 70% o más
utilizando tinta hecha con aceite vegetal exento de
compuesto orgánico volátil (COV).
Printed in Japan
2010 Sony Corporation
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located
on the bottom. Record the serial number
in the space provided below. Refer to these
numbers whenever you call upon your Sony
dealer regarding this product.
Model No. HDRSerial No.
Model No. ACSerial No.
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Do not expose the batteries to
excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or
the like.
This symbol is intended
to alert the user to the
presence of important
operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying
the appliance.
This symbol is intended
to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to
persons.
US
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
US
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
If the shape of the plug does not fit the power outlet, use an attachment plug adaptor of the
proper configuration for the power outlet.
US
3
Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world.
A Type
(American
Type)
B Type
(British Type)
BF Type
(British Type)
B3 Type
(British Type)
C Type
(CEE Type)
SE Type
(CEE Type)
(Ocean Type)
The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart.
Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used.
Attention: Power cord meeting demands from each country shall be used.
For only the United States
Use a UL Listed, 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft.), Type SPT-2 or NISPT-2, AWG no. 18 power supply
cord, rated for 125 V 7 A, with a NEMA 1-15P plug rated for 125 V 15 A.”
Europe
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Austria 230 50 C
Belgium 230 50 C
Czech 220 50 C
Denmark 230 50 C
Finland 230 50 C
France 230 50 C
Germany 230 50 C
Greece 220 50 C
Hungary 220 50 C
Iceland 230 50 C
Ireland 230 50 C/BF
Italy 220 50 C
Luxemburg 230 50 C
Netherlands 230 50 C
Norway 230 50 C
Poland 220 50 C
Portugal 230 50 C
Romania 220 50 C
Russia 220 50 C
Slovak 220 50 C
Spain 127/230 50 C
Sweden 230 50 C
Switzerland 230 50 C
UK 240 50 BF
Asia
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
China 220 50 A
Hong Kong 200/220 50 BF
India 230/240 50 C
Indonesia 127/230 50 C
Japan 100 50/60 A
Korea (rep) 220 60 C
Malaysia 240 50 BF
Philippines 220/230 60 A/C
Singapore 230 50 BF
Taiwan 110 60 A
Thailand 220 50 C/BF
US
4
O Type
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Vietnam 220 50 A/C
Oceania
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Australia 240 50 O
New Zealand 230/240 50 O
North America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Canada 120 60 A
USA 120 60 A
Central America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Bahamas 120/240 60 A
Costa Rica 110 60 A
Cuba 110/220 60 A/C
Dominican (rep) 110 60 A
El Salvador 110 60 A
Guatemala 120 60 A
Honduras 110 60 A
Jamaica 110 50 A
Mexico 120/127 60 A
Nicaragua 120/240 60 A
Panama 110/220 60 A
South America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Argentina 220 50 C/BF/O
Brazil 127/220 60 A/C
Chile 220 50 C
Colombia 120 60 A
Peru 220 60 A/C
Venezuela 120 60 A
Middle East
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Iran 220 50 C/BF
Iraq 220 50 C/BF
Israel 230 50 C
Saudi Arabia 127/220 50 A/C/BF
Turkey 220 50 C
UAE 240 50 C/BF
Africa
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Algeria 127/220 50 C
Congo (dem) 220 50 C
Egypt 220 50 C
Ethiopia 220 50 C
Kenya 240 50 C/BF
Nigeria 230 50 C/BF
South Africa 220/230 50 C/BF
Tanzania 230 50 C/BF
Tunisia 220 50 C
US
5
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
CAUTION
Battery pack
If the battery pack is mishandled, the
battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even
chemical burns. Observe the following
cautions.
Do not disassemble.
Do not crush and do not expose the battery
pack to any shock or force such as hammering,
dropping or stepping on it.
Do not short circuit and do not allow metal
objects to come into contact with the battery
terminals.
Do not expose to high temperature above 60°C
(140°F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car
parked in the sun.
Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.
Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion
batteries.
Be sure to charge the battery pack using a
genuine Sony battery charger or a device that
can charge the battery pack.
Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small
children.
Keep the battery pack dry.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by Sony.
Dispose of used battery packs promptly as
described in the instructions.
Replace the battery with the specified type
only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
AC Adaptor
Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a
narrow space, such as between a wall and
furniture.
Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket)
when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect
the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall
US
6
socket) immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using your camcorder.
Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC
power source (mains) is still supplied to
it while connected to the wall outlet (wall
socket) via the AC Adaptor.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones
and headphones cause hearing loss.
For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning
your used rechargeable
batteries to the collection and
recycling location nearest you.
For more information
regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll
free 1-800-822- 8837, or visit
http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle
damaged or leaking LithiumIon batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies
with Canadian ICES-003.
For the customers in the U.S.A.
UL is an internationally recognized safety
organization.
The UL Mark on the product means it has
been UL Listed.
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: HDR-CX550V
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego,
CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: HDR-XR550V
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego,
CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on
a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/
TV technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used
with the equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
US
7
For the State of California , USA only
Perchlorate Material – special handling,
may apply,
See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery
contains perchlorate.
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 cable (1)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
A button-type lithium battery is already
installed. Remove the insulation sheet before
using the Wireless Remote Commander.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1)
CD-ROM “Handycam” Application
Software (1) (p. 39)
“PMB” (software, including “PMB Help”)
“Handycam” Handbook (PDF)
“Operating Guide” (This manual) (1)
See page 22 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.
Viewfinder
LCD Screen
Battery pack
The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed
or waterproofed. See “Precautions” (p. 68).
Even if the camcorder is turned off, the GPS
function is working as long as the GPS switch
is set to ON. Make sure that the GPS switch is
set to OFF during take off and landing of an
airplane (HDR-CX550V/XR550V).
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 viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effective use. However, there
may be some tiny black points and/or bright
points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that
appear constantly on the LCD screen. These
points are normal results of the manufacturing
process and do not affect the recording in any
way.
US
8
Black points
White, red, blue or green points
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 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
sing the camcorder if necessary (p. 20).
u
On recording
To ensure stable operation of the memory card,
it is recommended to initialize the memory
card with your camcorder before the first
use. Initializing 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 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.
Notes on playing back
The camcorder is compatible with MPEG-4
AVC/H.264 High Profile for high definition
image quality (HD) recording. Therefore, you
cannot play back images recorded with high
definition image quality (HD) on the camcorder
with the following devices;
Other AVCHD format compatible devices
which are not compatible with High Profile
Devices which are not compatible with the
AVCHD format
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.
Discs recorded with HD image quality
(high definition)
This camcorder captures high definition footage
in the AVCHD format. DVD media containing
AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD
based players or recorders, as the DVD player/
recorder may fail to eject the media and may
erase its contents without warning. DVD media
containing AVCHD footage may be played on
a compatible Blu-ray Disc
player/recorder or
other compatible device.
Save all your recorded image data
To prevent your image data from being lost,
save all your recorded images on external media
periodically. It is recommended that you save
the image data on a disc such as DVD-R, etc.
using your computer. Also, you can save your
image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD
ecorder (p. 51).
r
You cannot make a AVCHD disc from the
image data recorded with
[Show others]
[ REC MODE] (under
[SHOOTING SET] category) set to [HD
FX]. Save them on a Blu-ray Disc or using an
ernal media (p. 47, 49).
ext
(MENU)
US
9
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 and the
viewfinder.
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.
If you cannot record/play back images,
perform [MEDIA 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 [MEDIA FORMAT] by touching
(MENU) [Show others]
[MEDIA FORMAT] (under [MANAGE
MEDIA] category)
[YES]
US
[YES] .
the desired medium
10
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 (HDRCX550/CX550V) and the hard disk (HDRXR550/XR550V) of the camcorder and the
memory card are called “recording media.”
In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with
high definition image quality (HD) is called
AVCHD 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.
HDRCX550/
HDRCX550V*
HDRXR550/
HDRXR550V*
Recording
media
Internal
memory +
memory
card
Internal
hard disk
+ memory
card
Capacity
of internal
recording
media
64 GB Input/
240 GB
USB
jack
output
The model with * is equipped with GPS.
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
amp (p. 23) is lit or flashing
l
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. 23) are lit or flashing
When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do
not crash the camcorder against an object.
Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas
(HDR-XR550/XR550V).
On the drop sensor (HDR-XR550/
XR550V)
To protect the internal hard disk from shock
by dropping, the camcorder has a drop sensor
function. When a drop occurs, or under a nongravity condition, the block noise made when
this function is activated by the camcorder may
also be recorded. If the drop sensor catches a
drop repeatedly, recording/playback may be
stopped.
Note on using the camcorder at high
altitudes (HDR-XR550/XR550V)
Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure
area, where the altitude is more than 5,000
meters (16,000 feet). Doing so may damage the
internal hard disk drive of your camcorder.
US
11
Operation flow
Getting started (p. 15)
Prepare the power source and memory card.
Recording movies and photos (p. 24)
Recording movies p. 25
Changing the recording mode
Expected recording time(MEDIA INFO)
Shooting photos p. 27
Playing movies and photos
Playback on the camcorder p. 30
Playing images on a TV p
Saving images
Saving movies and photos with a computer p. 38
Saving movies and photos in external media p
Saving images with a DVD writer/recorder p
. 33
. 49
. 51
Deleting movies and photos (p. 36)
If you delete the image data that has been saved on your
computer or a disc, you can record new images on the free
media space again.
US
12
Table of contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. 3
Read this first .
Operation flow .
Getting started
Step 1: Charging the battery pack .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . 15
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time .
Step 3: Preparing the recording media
Recording/Playback
Recording . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . . 24
Adjusting for shooting conditions .
Playback on the camcorder .
Playing images on a TV .
Making good use of your camcorder
Deleting movies and photos . . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . 36
Saving movies and photos with a computer
Preparing a computer (Windows) . . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. . 38
Starting PMB (Picture Motion Browser) .
Selecting the method for creating a disc (computer) .
Creating a disc with one touch (One Touch Disc Burn) .
Importing movies and photos to a computer .
Creating an AVCHD disc .
Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc that can be played on
ordinary DVD players .
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . 6
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. 12
Charging the battery pack abroad .
Changing the language setting .
To check the recording media settings .
Dubbing or copying movies and photos from the internal recording media
to memory card .
Acquiring location information using the GPS (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) .
When using a Macintosh .
Playing an AVCHD disc on a computer .
Creating a Blu-ray disc .
Copying a disc .
Editing movies .
Capturing photos from a movie .
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 23
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . . 30
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 33
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . 39
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . 46
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. 47
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . 47
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . 48
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . 48
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. 17
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. . 18
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . . 20
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . . 21
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . 22
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 29
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . 41
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . 42
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. 44
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . 45
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . 46
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . 48
Table of contents
. .. . .. 28
US
13
Saving images with an external device
Saving images in external media (DIRECT COPY) . .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . . 49
Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder .
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . 51
Customizing your camcorder
Using menus .. .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . 58
Getting detailed information from the “Handycam” Handbook .
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . . 65
Additional information
Troubleshooting . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . 66
Precautions .
Specifications .
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . 68
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . 70
Quick reference
Screen indicators . . . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . 75
Parts and controls .
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . 79
Index .
. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . 76
14
US
Getting started
Step 1: Charging the battery pack
HDR-CX550/CX550V
Battery pack
DC IN jack
AC
Adaptor
HDR-XR550/XR550V
DC plug
Power cord (Mains lead)
Getting started
/CHG (flash/charge)
lamp
To the wall outlet (wall socket)
Battery pack
AC
Adaptor
DC plug
DC IN jack
Power cord (Mains lead)
/CHG (flash/charge)
lamp
To the wall outlet (wall socket)
US
15
16
US
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.
Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen after replacing the
1
viewfinder.
Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it
2
clicks.
Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to your
3
camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).
Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack.
The /CHG (flash/charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The /CHG (flash/charge)
lamp turns off when the battery pack is fully charged.
When the battery is charged, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN
4
jack of your camcorder.
Tips
See page 72 on recording and playing time.
When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the
remaining battery indicator at the upper left 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.” Even if the battery pack is
attached, the battery pack is not discharged.
Notes on the battery pack
When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, replace the viewfinder, close the LCD
screen and make sure that the
(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 24), the access lamp (p. 23) are turned
off.
/CHG (flash/charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:
The
The battery pack is not attached correctly.
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.
When attaching a video light (sold separately), it is recommended that you use an NP-FV70 or NP-FV100
battery pack.
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]).
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.
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.
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.
Do not use an electronic voltage transformer.
Getting started
US
17
18
US
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the
date and time
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
1
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
Select the desired geographical area with
2
Touch the button on the
3
LCD screen
To set the date and time again, touch (MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG]
Set [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME], date and time, then touch
The clock starts.
[GENERAL SET] category) [CLOCK SET]. When an item is not on the screen, touch
(under
/ until the item appears.
If you set [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME] to [ON], the clock advances 1 hour.
/ , then touch [NEXT].
.
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) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under
CODE] [DATE/TIME]
You can turn off the operation beeps by touching
SET] (under
If the button you touch does not react correctly, calibrate the touch panel.
Once the clock is set, the clock time is automatically adjusted with [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO
AREA ADJ] set to [ON]. The clock may not be adjusted to the correct time automatically, depending
on the country/region selected for your camcorder. In this case, set [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO
AREA ADJ] to [OFF] (HDR-CX550V/XR550V).
[GENERAL SET] category) [BEEP] [OFF] .
.
[PLAYBACK] category) [DATA
(MENU) [Show others] [SOUND/DISP
To turn off the power
Close the LCD screen. The (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the power is turned
off.
Tips
You can turn off your camcorder also by pressing POWER.
If the viewfinder is pulled out, retract the viewfinder as shown in the illustration below.
On turning the camcorder on or off using the LCD screen or the viewfinder
The power of the camcorder is turned on or off depending on the status of the LCD screen or
the viewfinder.
Status Power of the
LCD screen Viewfinder
camcorder
Open Retracted On
Pulled out On
Closed Retracted Off
Pulled out On
Notes
Even if the LCD screen is closed, if the viewfinder is pulled out, the camcorder is not turned off. When
you turn off the power of the camcorder, make sure that the viewfinder is retracted to the original
position.
Getting started
US
19
20
US
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.
Touch
category) [
(MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET]
LANGUAGE SET] a desired language .
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-CX550/CX550V
HDR-XR550/XR550V
* 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.
Tips
See page 72 for the recordable time of movies.
Selecting the recording media for movies
Touch (MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MOVIE MEDIA SET].
The [MOVIE MEDIA SET] screen appears.
Touch the desired recording media.
Touch [YES]
The recording medium is changed.
.
*
Internal
memory
*
Internal hard
disk
Memory
card
Memory
card
Getting started
Selecting the recording media for photos
Touch (MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under
[MANAGE MEDIA] category) [PHOTO MEDIA SET].
The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears.
Touch the desired recording media.
US
21
22
US
Touch [YES] .
The recording medium is changed.
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.
Inserting a memory card
Notes
Set the recording medium to [MEMORY CARD] to record movies and/or photos on a memory card.
Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder
Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (Mark2) media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory
cards (Class 4 or faster) and SDHC memory cards (Class 4 or faster) can be used with this camcorder. A
MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder.
In this manual, “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (Mark2) media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media are
called “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media.
Memory cards of up to 32 GB have been verified to operate with your camcorder.
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media/“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media
(This size can be used with your camcorder.)
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” media compatible
equipment.
Do not attach a label or the like on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media or “Memory Stick Duo” media
adaptor.
Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the nothched edge in the
direction as illustrated until it clicks.
Close the cover after inserting the memory card.
Note direction of notched corner.
Access lamp
The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory
card. In that case, touch [YES]. If you record only photos on the memory card, touch
[NO].
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.
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 by touching
FORMAT]
(under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MEMORY CARD] [YES] [YES]
.
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA
To eject the memory card
Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.
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.
Dubbing or copying movies and photos from the internal recording media
to memory card
Touch (MENU) [Show others] [MOVIE DUB]/[PHOTO COPY] (under [EDIT]
category), then follow the displays on the screen.
Getting started
US
23
Recording/Playback
Recording
In the default setting, movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD) on the
following media.
HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal memory
HDR-XR550/XR550V: Internal hard disk
Tips
To change the recording media, see page 21.
Fasten the grip belt.
1
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
2
Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 18).
You can switch recording modes by pressing MODE. Press MODE to light up the desired recording
mode lamp.
MODE button
24
(Movie): When recording a movie
(Photo): When recording a photo
US
Recording movies
Press START/STOP to start recording.
You can start recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.
START/STOP
button
[STBY] [REC]
To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
You can stop recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.
The icons and indicators on the LCD panel will be displayed for about 3 seconds, then disappear after
turning on your camcorder or switching the recording (movie/photo)/playback modes. To display the
icons and indicators again, touch anywhere on the screen except the rec & zoom buttons on the LCD.
Rec & zoom buttons on LCD
Recording/Playback
about 3sec
after
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.
US
25
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.
ccess lamp (p. 23) is lit or flashing
A
The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing
Tips
See page 72 on the recordable time of movies.
You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO fully (Dual Rec).
When a face is detected, a white frame appears and the image quality around the face is optimized
automatically ([FACE DETECTION]).
You can specify the priority face by touching it.
In the default setting, a photo is recorded automatically when the camcorder detects the smile of a person
during movie recording (Smile Shutter).
You can capture photos from recorded movies.
You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching
[Show others] [MEDIA INFO] (under
The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel
[MANAGE MEDIA] category).
(MENU)
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 [GUIDEFRAME] to
[ON], 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.)
When you make recording with the viewfinder only, pull out the viewfinder and close the LCD panel.
90 degrees to the
camcorder
If the indicator on the viewfinder appear blurred, adjust the viewfinder lever located on the side of the
viewfinder.
[ STEADYSHOT] is set to [ACTIVE] in the default setting.
US
26
Data code during recording
The recording date, time and condition , and coordinates (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) 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) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK] category)
[DATA CODE] a desired setting
.
Shooting photos
In the default setting, photos are recorded on the following recording media.
HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal memory
HDR-XR550/XR550V: Internal hard disk
Tips
To change the recording media, see page 21.
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.
You can record photos also by touching on the LCD screen.
Recording/Playback
Flashes Lights up
When disappears, the photo is recorded.
US
27
Tips
You can check the recordable number of photos on the LCD (p. 75).
To change the image size, touch
[PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting
You cannot record photos while
Your camcorder flashes automatically when there is insufficient ambient light. The flash does not work
in the movie recording mode. You can change how your camcorder flashes by
others] [FLASH MODE] (under
.
If you record photos using a flash with a conversion lens (sold separately), the shadow may be reflected.
(MENU) [Show others] [ IMAGE SIZE] (under
.
is displayed.
(MENU) [Show
[PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting
If white circular spots appear on photos
This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) floating close to the lens. When they are
accentuated by the camcorder’s flash, they appear as white circular spots.
To reduce the white circular spots, light the room and shoot the subject without a flash.
Particles (dust,
Subject
pollen, etc.) in
the air
Acquiring location information using the GPS (HDR-CX550V/XR550V)
When you set the GPS switch (p. 77) to ON, appears on the LCD screen, and your
camcorder acquires the location information from the GPS satellites. Acquiring the location
information enables you to use functions such as the Map Index.
The indicator changes according to the strength of GPS signal reception.
Make sure that the GPS switch is set to OFF during take off and landing of an airplane.
Processing time can be shortened when you load the GPS assist data into the camcorder using the
upplied software “PMB.” Install “PMB” on your computer (p. 39) and connect the computer to the
s
internet. Then connect the camcorder to the computer and the GPS assist data will be automatically
updated.
The GPS assist data may not function in the following cases:
When the GPS assist data are not updated for about 30 days or more
When the date and time of the camcorder are not correctly set
When the camcorder is moved for a long distance
Built-in map is powered by companies as follows; Map of Japan by ZENRIN CO., LTD., other areas
by NAVTEQ.
US
28
Adjusting for shooting
conditions
Recording in dark places
(NightShot)
When you press NIGHTSHOT, appears,
and you can record images even in total
darkness.
Press NIGHTSHOT again to cancel the
NightShot function.
Using NightShot in bright places will cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.
Adjusting focus, etc., manually
(MANUAL dial)
It is convenient to make manual
adjustments using the MANUAL dial, by
assigning a menu item ([FOCUS] in the
default setting) to the MANUAL dial.
How to use the MANUAL dial
Press MANUAL to switch to manual
operation mode, and rotate the dial to
make the adjustment. Pressing MANUAL
switches the operation mode between
manual and automatic.
To assign a menu item
Press and hold MANUAL for a few seconds
to display the [DIAL SETTING] screen.
Rotate the MANUAL dial to assign an item.
You can assign [FOCUS], [EXPOSURE],
[IRIS], [SHUTTER SPEED], [AE SHIFT],
or [WB SHIFT].
Using a tripod
Attach the tripod (sold separately) to the
tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold
separately, the length of the screw must be
less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).
Tripod
receptacle
Recording/Playback
MANUAL button
MANUAL dial
US
29
Playback on the camcorder
In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media
are played.
HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal memory
HDR-XR550/XR550V: Internal hard disk
Tips
To change the recording media, see page 21.
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
1
Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.
To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p.18).
Press
2
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after some seconds.
Touch
3
Touch the
Movies are displayed and sorted by recording date.
(VIEW IMAGES).
You can display the VISUAL INDEX screen also by touching (VIEW IMAGES) on the LCD
screen.
or () a desired movie () to playback a movie.
(Photo) () a desired photo () to view a photo.
30
Switches operating button display.
To MENU screen
Displays the screen to select the index type ([DATE INDEX]/[
US
CX550V/XR550V)/[
FILM ROLL]/[ FACE]).
MAP] (HDR-
Loading...