Sony HDR-CX7, HDR-CX7K Handbook

3-214-656-11(1)

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Handycam Handbook

Utilizing Recording Media 54

HDR-CX7/CX7K

Enjoying Your

Camcorder

Getting Started 15

Recording/Playback

Editing 46

Customizing Your

Camcorder

Troubleshooting 77

Additional

Information

Quick

Reference

Read this before operating your camcorder

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

On “Handycam Handbook” (this book)

“Handycam Handbook” (PDF/this Handbook) explains how to operate your camcorder in detail. Please read “Operating Guide” (the separate paper volume) as well.

Handling the images recorded on your camcorder on a computer

Read “Picture Motion Browser Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM.

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

• For recording movies, it is recommended that you use a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of 512 MB or larger marked with:

– (“Memory Stick

PRO Duo”)

– (“Memory Stick

PRO-HG Duo”)

• A “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of up to 8 GB has been confirmed to operate correctly with this camcorder.

• See page 10 for the recordable time of a “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”

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

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

• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” are both referred to

as “Memory Stick PRO Duo” in this manual.

• You cannot use any type of memory card other than those mentioned above.

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

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

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

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

Memory Stick Duo adaptor

Using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

LCD screen Battery pack

• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p. 93).

• To prevent the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p. 20) or the access lamp (p. 28) is on:

– to remove the battery pack or AC

Adaptor from the camcorder.

– to apply mechanical shock or vibration to

the camcorder.

• When connecting your camcorder to another device with a cable, 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 your camcorder.

• Connect the A/V connecting cable to the Handycam Station when using your camcorder attached to the Handycam Station.

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

• 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.

About menu items, LCD panel and lens

• A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions.

• The LCD screen is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

• 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 changing the language setting

• The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 21).

On recording

• Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the image and sound are recorded without any problems.

• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

• TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an 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.

On playing back recorded images on other devices

• To view the HD (high definition) images on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” on other devices, the device must comply with the AVCHD format. Otherwise, you cannot view the images.

Black point

White, red, blue or green point

• Exposing the LCD screen or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions.

Save all your recorded image data

• To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media. It is recommended that you save the image data on a disc such as DVD-R using your computer (p. 45). Also, you can save your image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder (p. 51).

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

Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor

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

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

the camcorder on the external power source)

– Ejecting the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

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

About this Handbook

• The images of the LCD screen used in this Handbook for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different.

• Design and specifications of recording media and other 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. Also, the lens for your camcorder is T -coated to suppress unwanted reflections and faithfully reproduce colors. MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

Read this before operating your

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

Subject examples and solutions ..... 7

Enjoying Your Camcorder

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

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of

menus .......................................12

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items ..15 Step 2: Charging the battery pack 16 Step 3: Turning the power on and

setting the date and time ...........20

Changing the language setting .... 21

Step 4: Adjusting the camcorder to

suit you ......................................21

Step 5: Inserting a “Memory Stick

PRO Duo” .................................22

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease

(Easy Handycam operation) .....24

Recording .....................................28

Zooming ........................................ 30

Recording sound with more presence

(5.1ch surround recording) ........... 30

Using the flash .............................. 31

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

....................................................... 31

Recording in dark places

(NightShot) ..................................... 32

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects ........................................ 32

Recording in mirror mode ............. 32

Recording the fast action in slow-

motion (SMTH SLW REC) .............. 33

Playback .......................................34

Playing back from a face image

(Face Index) .................................. 37

Using PB zoom ............................. 37

Searching for desired movies by date

(Date Index) .................................. 37

Playing back a series of still images

(Slide show) .................................. 38

Playing the image on a TV ............39

Saving images ..............................45

Editing

(OTHERS) category .................46

Deleting images ............................46

Dividing a movie ...........................48

Creating the Playlist ......................49

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD

recorders ...................................51

Printing recorded images (PictBridge

compliant printer) ......................52

Utilizing Recording Media

(MANAGE MEMORY STICK)

category ....................................54

Formatting the “Memory Stick PRO

Duo” ..........................................54

Checking the “Memory Stick PRO

Duo” information ........................55

Repairing the image database file

...................................................56

Customizing Your Camcorder

What you can do with the

(SETTINGS) category of the

HOME MENU .......................57

Using the HOME MENU ................ 57

List of the (SETTINGS) category

items .............................................. 58

MOVIE SETTINGS .......................59

(Items for recording movies)

PHOTO SETTINGS ..................... 63

(Items for recording still images)

VIEW IMAGES SET ..................... 65

(Items to customize the display)

SOUND/DISP SET ....................... 66

(Items to adjust the sound and the screen)

OUTPUT SETTINGS ................... 67

(Items for when connecting other devices)

CLOCK/ LANG ......................... 68

(Items to set clock and language)

GENERAL SET ............................ 69

(Other setup items)

Activating functions using the

OPTION MENU ................... 70

Using the OPTION MENU ............. 70

Recording items on the OPTION

MENU ............................................ 71

Viewing items on the OPTION

MENU ............................................ 71

Functions set in the OPTION

MENU ....................................... 72

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ........................... 77

Warning indicators and messages

................................................... 84

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ....... 98

Indicators displayed during recording/

playback ..................................103

Glossary ..................................... 105

Index ........................................... 106

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ...... 87

Files/folder structure on the “Memory

Stick PRO Duo” ........................ 89

Maintenance and precautions ...... 90

About the AVCHD format .............. 90

About the “Memory Stick” ............. 90

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack .............................................. 92

About x.v.Color .............................. 93

About handling of your camcorder

....................................................... 93

Subject examples and solutions

Checking your golf swing

Getting a good shot of a ski slope or beach

B SMTH SLW REC ........................33 B Backlight ...................................32

B BEACH.......................................74

B SNOW .......................................74

Capturing still images during movie recording

B Dual Rec....................................31 BSPOTLIGHT...............................74

Flowers in closeup

B PORTRAIT .................................74

B FOCUS.......................................72

B TELE MACRO.............................72

Focusing on the dog on the left

A child on the stage under a spot light

Fireworks with all its splendor

B FIREWORKS..............................73

B FOCUS.......................................72

A sleeping child under dim light

side of the screen

B FOCUS.......................................72

B SPOT FOCUS .............................72

B NightShot..................................32

B COLOR SLOW SHTR .................75

Enjoying Your Camcorder

Operation flow

B Get ready (p. 15).

• On the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” you can use with your camcorder, see page 11.

B Record using your camcorder (p. 28).

• You can record movies and still images on a “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”

• You can select the image quality: HD (high definition) image quality or SD (standard definition) image quality (p. 59).

HD (high definition) image quality SD (standard definition) image

quality

AVCHD format

Image resolution: about 4.5 times of that of SD (standard definition) image quality

b Notes

• Your camcorder is compatible with the “1440 × 1080/60i” standard of AVCHD format (p. 90). “AVCHD 1080i format” is abbreviated as “AVCHD” in this manual, except when it must be described in more detail.

MPEG2 format

Records with SD (standard definition) image quality.

B Play back the images (p. 34).

x Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 39)

You can enjoy movies with HD (high definition) image quality, with the same image quality as they were recorded.

x Viewing on a non-high-definition TV (p. 39)

You can enjoy movies recorded with HD (high definition) image quality, but they will be converted to SD (standard definition) image quality.

b Notes

• To view the HD (high definition) images on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” on other devices, the device must comply with the AVCHD format. Otherwise, you cannot view the images.

• Some AVCHD format devices may not be able to play the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”

z Tips

• You can consult the [TV CONNECT Guide] (p. 39) displayed on the screen on connecting your TV and camcorder.

B Save recorded images (p. 45).

x Saving images on a disc using a computer

x Importing images to a computer

x Dubbing images on VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (p. 51)

z Tips

• You can view movies with HD (high definition) image quality on computers, using the supplied “Picture Motion Browser.”

• See “Picture Motion Browser Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM about handling images on a computer.

Enjoying Your Camcorder

B Delete images.

If the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is full, you cannot record new images. Delete image data that has been saved on a computer or a disc from the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” If you delete images that have been saved elsewhere, you can record new images on newly freed up space of the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”

x Deleting the selected images (p. 46)

x Deleting all the images ([ FORMAT], p. 54)

Expected recording time of movies

The recording time depends on the capacity of “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and recording mode (p. 59).

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” capacity

HD (high definition) image quality

AVC HD 15M (XP) (highest quality)

AVC HD 9M (HQ) (high quality)

AVC HD 7M (SP) (standard quality)

AVC HD 5M (LP) (long play)

SD (standard definition) image quality

SD 9M (HQ) (high quality)

SD 6M (SP) (standard quality)

SD 3M (LP) (long play)

* Since the recordable time is less than 5 minutes, appears (p. 84).

z Tips

• Figures such as 15M and 9M in the table show the average bit rate. M stands for Mbps.

Approximate recordable time in minutes (Minimum recordable time in minutes)

512MB 1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB

3* (3) 7 (7) 15 (15) 30 (30) 60 (60)

6 (4) 10 (10) 25 (20) 55 (40) 115 (80)

8 (6) 15 (10) 35 (25) 65 (45) 140 (100)

10 (8) 20 (15) 45 (35) 85 (70) 175 (145)

6 (5) 10 (10) 25 (25) 55 (50) 115 (100)

10 (5) 20 (10) 40 (25) 80 (50) 170 (100)

15 (10) 40 (25) 80 (55) 160 (105) 325 (215)

“Memory Stick” you can use with your camcorder

• For recording movies, it is recommended that you use a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of 512 MB or larger marked with:

– (“Memory Stick PRO Duo”) – (“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”)

• A “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of up to 8 GB has been confirmed to operate correctly with this camcorder.

• See the following URL on the “Memory Stick” you can use on your camcorder. http://www.sony.net/memorystick/supporte/

• For the recordable number of still images, see page 63.

• You can record movies of a maximum of 3,999 scenes with HD (high definition) image quality, and 9,999 scenes with SD (standard definition) image quality.

Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recor ding time of the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit rate, and this reduces the overall recording time.

Enjoying Your Camcorder

Enjoyi

ng your camcorder

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of menus

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

(HELP)

Displays a description of the item (p. 13)

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

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

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 16)

Power cord (1) (p. 16)

Handycam Station (1) (p. 16, 101)

Component video cable (1) (p. 41)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 41, 51)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 102)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 16, 92) NP-FH60

CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1)

– Picture Motion Browser (Software) – Picture Motion Browser Guide – Handycam Handbook (This Handbook)

“Operating Guide” (1)

HDR-CX7K

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” 4 GB (1) (p. 22)

Getting Started

USB cable (1) (p. 52)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

DC IN jack

Battery pack

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 92) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack other than the H series to your camcorder.

AC Adaptor

1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on the Handycam Station.

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

2 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor and the wall outlet.

3 Slide the POWER switch in the

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

POWER switch

DC plug

Power cord

To the wall outlet

/CHG

(charge) lamp

4 Attach the battery pack by sliding

it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

5 Place the camcorder on the

Handycam Station as shown above, and insert it into the Handycam Station securely, all the way to the bottom.

The /CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. When the /CHG (charge) lamp turns off, the battery is charged.

b Notes

• When inserting the camcorder into the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover.

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.

To remove the battery pack

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

BATT (battery release) lever

b Notes

• When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, make sure that the

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 20) is

turned off.

Getting Started

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.

POWER switch

DC plug

DC IN jack

Open the jack cover

b Notes

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

With the v mark on the left

When storing the battery pack

Fully discharge the battery pack before storing it for an extended period (see page 93 for the details of storage).

To use a power source from a wall outlet

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

To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)

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

After a while, the approximate recordable time and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. You can view the battery

information for up to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed.

Remaining battery (approx.)

* Typical recording time shows the time when

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

b Notes

• All times are measured under following conditions.

– Recording mode: SP –[ INDEX]: [OFF] – LCD backlight: [ON] (top), [OFF] (bottom)

Recording capacity (approx.)

Charging time (full charge)

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

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FH50 135

NP-FH60 (supplied) 135

NP-FH70 170

NP-FH100 390

Recording time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. “HD” stands for high definition image quality, and “SD” stands for standard image quality.

Continuous

Battery pack

recording time

Image quality HD SD HD SD

NP-FH50 70 80 35 40

70 85 35 40

NP-FH60 (supplied)

95 110 45 55

95 115 45 55

NP-FH70 150 180 75 90

155 185 75 90

NP-FH100 350 405 175 200

360 415 180 205

Typical recording time*

Playing time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. “HD” stands for high definition image quality, and “SD” stands for standard image quality.

Battery pack LCD panel opened*

Image quality HD SD

NP-FH50 120 140

NP-FH60 (supplied) 160 190

NP-FH70 255 300

NP-FH100 580 680

* When the LCD backlight is on.

On the battery pack

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

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 20) .

• The /CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 17) will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions:

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

Info only).

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

• When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use an NP-FH70 or NPFH100 battery pack.

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

On the charging/recording/playback time

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

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

• The recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.

On the AC Adaptor

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

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

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

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

Getting Started

Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time

Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position.

Lens cover

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

POWER switch

3 Set [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME],

then touch [NEXT].

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

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

month with v/V.

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

the same way, then touch [NEXT].

1 While pressing the green button,

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

(Movie): To record movies

(Still): To record still images

The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

2 Select the desired geographical

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

7 Make sure that the clock is

correctly set, then touch .

The clock starts.

You can set any year up to the year

2037.

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

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

To reset the date and time

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

SET], and set the date and time.

b Notes

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

discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case,

charge the built-in rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 95).

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

• The lens cover opens automatically when the power is turned on. It closes when the playback screen is selected, or the power is turned off.

• In the setting at the time of purchase, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 69).

z Tips

• The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” and can be displayed during playback ([DATA CODE], p. 65).

• Refer to page 88 for information concerning “World time difference.”

• Instead of [DST SET], [SUMMERTIME] is displayed for some models.

• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the touch panel (CALIBRATION, p. 94).

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. To select the screen language, touch

(HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/

LANG] t [ LANGUAGE SET]

(p. 68).

Step 4: Adjusting the camcorder to suit you

Adjusting the LCD panel

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

290 degrees (max.)

2180 degrees (max.)

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 you want to save battery power. The recorded image will not be affected by the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press and hold DISP/ BATT INFO for a few seconds until disappears.

b Notes

• Do not press the buttons beside the LCD screen accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel.

z Tips

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

• Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 66), and adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

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

DISP/BATT INFO

190 degrees to the camcorder

Getting Started

Fastening the grip belt

Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly.

Step 5: Inserting a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

See page 11 on the “Memory Stick” you can use with your camcorder.

z Tips

• See following pages on the recordable time of

movies and recordable number of still images. – Movies (p. 10) – Still images (p. 63)

1 Open the LCD panel.

2 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly until the (Movie) lamp lights up.

If the power is turned off, slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

3 Insert the “Memory Stick PRO

Duo.”

1 Open the Memory Stick Duo cover in

the direction of the arrow.

2 Insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

into the Memory Stick Duo slot in the right direction until it clicks.

3 Close the Memory Stick Duo cover.

Access lamp

If you insert a new “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” the [Create a new Image Database File.] screen appears.

To eject a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

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

b Notes

• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. To prevent image data from being damaged, do not:

– eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” – remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor – shake or knock your camcorder

• Do not open the Memory Stick Duo cover during recording.

• If you force the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” into the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” the Memory Stick Duo slot, or image data may be damaged.

• If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.] is displayed on step 4, format the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.” Not e that formatting will delete all data recorded on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”

• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” be careful so that the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” does not pop out and drop.

z Tips

• You can shoot still images without creating a management file.

Getting Started

4 Touch [YES].

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease (Easy Handycam operation)

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

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

Recording movies

1 Slide the POWER switch

I in the direction of the arrow until the (Movie) lamp lights up.

2 Press EASY A.

appears on

the LCD screen.

3 Press START/STOP J (or F) to

start recording.*

[STBY] b [REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

* The recording mode is fixed to SP (p. 59). ** The setting of [ QUALITY] is fixed to [FINE] (p. 63).

Recording still images

1 Slide the POWER switch

I in the direction of the arrow until the (Still) lamp lights up.

2 Press EASY A.

appears on

the LCD screen.

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

(a beep sounds), then

(a shutter click

Flashing b Lights up

Playing back recorded movies/still images

1 Slide the POWER switch I to turn on your camcorder.

2 Press (VIEW IMAGES) B (or G).

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

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

Returns to the

recording screen

Previous 6 images

Next 6 images

Returns to the

recording screen

Displays movies with HD (high definition) image quality.*

* appears for movies with SD (standard definition) image quality. To play back movies of another

image quality, touch (HOME) E (or D) t (SETTINGS) t [VIEW IMAGES SET] t [ / INDEX SET].

Displays still images

Playing back images from INDEX

Press (Film Roll Index) C, or touch (HOME) E (or D) t (VIEW IMAGES) t [ INDEX].

Searches for images by date (p. 37)

Recording/Playback

3 Start playback.

Movies:

Touch the or tab, and then touch the desired movie.

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch

Return (to the

VISUAL INDEX

screen)

Beginning of the

movie/previous movie

Stop (go to the

VISUAL INDEX

screen)

* The setting of [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 65).

z Tips

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

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

• You can adjust volume by touching (HOME) E (or D) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND SETTINGS] t [VOLUME], then touch / .

Next movie

The recording date/time*

Reverse/ Forward

Still images:

Touch the tab, and then touch the desired still image.

Return (to the

VISUAL INDEX

screen)

Goes to the VISUAL

INDEX screen

* The setting of [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 65).

Slide show (p. 38)

The recording date/ time*

Previous/Next

To cancel Easy Handycam operation

Press EASY A again. disappears from the LCD screen.

Menu settings during Easy Handycam operation

Press (HOME) E (or D) to display the menu items available for setup changes (p. 12, 57).

b Notes

• Most of the menu items automatically return to the default settings. The settings of some menu items are fixed. For details, see page 77.

• You cannot use the (OPTION) menu.

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

Invalid buttons during Easy Handycam operation

You cannot use some buttons/functions during Easy Handycam operation since they are automatically set (p. 77). If you set an invalid operation, [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation] may appear.

Recording/Playback

Recording

(HOME) A

START/STOP B

POWER switch C

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

“Memory Stick” you can use with your camcorder

• For recording movies, it is recommended

that you use a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of 512 MB or larger marked with:

– (“Memory Stick

PRO Duo”)

– (“Memory Stick

PRO-HG Duo”)

Lens cover

Opens automatically when the power is switched on.

(HOME) D

Access lamp

(Movie) lamp (Still) lamp

/CHG (charge) lamp

b Notes

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

z Tips

• You can check the free space of the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” by touching (HOME) A (or D) t (MANAGE MEMORY STICK) t [ INFO] (p. 55).

• A “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of up to 8 GB has been confirmed to operate correctly with this camcorder.

• See the following URL on the “Memory Stick” you can use on your camcorder. http://www.sony.net/memorystick/ supporte/

PHOTO E

START/ STOP F

Recording movies

For the recordable time, see page 10.

Recording still images

For the recordable number of still images, see page 63.

1 Slide the POWER switch C in the

direction of the arrow to light up the (Movie) lamp.

2 Press START/STOP B (or F).

[STBY] t [REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP B (or F) again.

z Tips

• Movies are recorded in the HD (high definition) image quality in the default setting (p. 59).

• appears when [ INDEX SET] is set to [ON] (the default setting) during movie recording (p. 62).

• You can switch the shooting mode by touching

(HOME) A (or D) t (CAMERA)

t [MOVIE] or [PHOTO].

• See page 31 for recording high quality still images during movie recording.

• You can copy scenes of recorded movies as still images on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” using the supplied “Picture Motion Browser.” For details, see “Picture Motion Browser Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM.

1 Slide the POWER switch C until

the (Still) lamp lights up.

2 Press PHOTO E lightly to adjust

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

Flashing bLights up

appears beside . When disappears, the image has been recorded.

Recording/Playback

Zooming

You can magnify images up to 10 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons beside the LCD screen.

Wider range of view: (Wide angle)

Close view: (Telephoto)

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

b Notes

• 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.

• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons beside the LCD screen.

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

z Tips

• You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 60) if you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 × when recording movies.

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording)

Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound can be recorded with the internal microphone. You can enjoy realistic sound when playing the movie on devices that support 5.1ch surround sound.

Internal microphone

Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, 5.1ch surround sound

Glossary (p. 105)

b Notes

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

• To enjoy the 5.1ch surround sound recorded, you need a device compatible with 5.1ch surround sound.

• You can create a disc, which contains the movies recorded on your camcorder, on a computer using the supplied software. If you play the disc on a 5.1ch surround system, you can enjoy realistic sound.

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

+ 79 hidden pages

Sony HDR-CX7, HDR-CX7K Handbook

Read this before operating your camcorder

Table of Contents

Subject examples and solutions

Enjoying Your Camcorder

Operation flow

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time

Changing the language setting

Step 4: Adjusting the camcorder to suit you

Step 5: Inserting a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

Recording/Playback

Recording and playback with ease (Easy Handycam operation)

Recording

Zooming

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording)