Sony HDR-FX1 Owner’s Manual

SON_ 2_178_348_./1_

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

HDR-FX1

F,| ;_V M,o,,_oio,_a,

HDV1080i lU_ Cassette InfoLITHIUM _,_

Read this first

Be/ore operating the unit, please read this

manual thoroughly, and retain it l_r future reference.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not

expose the unit to rain or moisture.

CAUTION: TO REDUCETHE RISKOF ELECTRICSHOCK,

DO NO3 REMOVECOVErt (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE¸

aEFER SERVICING TO QtJA_IFIEt) SERVICE PERSONNEL¸

This symbol is intended to alelt the user to the presence ofuninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosm-e that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alelt the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA

RECYCLINGLITHIUM-IONBMTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are

You can help preselx e our recyclable. Q

environment by returning ?'our 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:i www.rbrc.orgi

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product you ]nay call: Sony Customer Information (;enter 1-800-222- SONY (7669)

The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Re_flatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY

Model No.: HDR-FX 1

Responsible Pmty: Sony Electwnics Inc

Address: 16450 W Bemardo Dr, San Diego,

CA 92127 USA. Telephone No : 858-942-2230 This device complies with Pat 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the t_llowing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmfifl inter/)rence,

and (2) this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Owner's Record

The model and serial munbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial nmnber in the space

provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon yottr Son?' dealer regarding this product.

Model No. HDR-FXI Serial No. Model No.AC- Serial No.

CAUTION

You are camioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this

equipment.

fO Note:

• This eqtfipment 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 hannflfl 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 harmfifi interference to radio

commtmicafions However, fllere is no guarantee

that interference will not occur in a pmticular

installation If this equipment does cause harmfifl

interference to radio or television reception, which

can be detelmined by turning the equipment offand

on, the user is encouraged to try to conect the

interference by one or more of the following

measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase tlle separation between the equipment and

receiver Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit

different from that into which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radioiTV

technician for help. The interface cable supplied must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits tbr a

digital device pursuant to Subpa_t B of Part 15 of FCC Rules

Notesonuse

Yore- camcorder is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats. You can use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder.

The HDV standards

• Digital high-definition (HD) video signals are recorded and played back on a DV format cassette

• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 tblmat, which is adopted in BS (broadcast satellite) digital and terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings and in Bhl-ray disc recorders

"_" Tip

• Your camcolder adopts the HDVI080i specification, which utilizes 1080 effective scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and records pictures at the image bit rote of about 25 Mbps. The iiINK Interface is adopted as the digital interfilce enabling a digital connection with TVs and personal computels compatible with the HDV tbrmat

Recording

• Betble starting to lecord test the lecolding fimction to make sure the picttu-e and sotmd are recorded without any IJloblems.

• Compensation for the contents oflecordings cannot be provided, even ifrecolding or pla>_ack is not possible due to a malfimcfion of the camcordel storage media etc.

• TV color systems diflhr depending on the comltly,' legion. To view your lecordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV

• Television programs, fihns, video tapes, and other matelials may be copyrighted Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contraly to the copyright laws

The LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

• The LCD scleen and the viewfinde! are manufilc01red using extlemely high-precision

technology, so over 99.99% of tlle pixels are operational for effective use However, there may be some tiny black points and/ or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the

viewfinder These points are normal results of the manut:acmring

process and do not afthct the recording in any way.

• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfilncfions. Be carefifi when placing the camera

near a window or outdoors.

=bcontinued

• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might canse your

camcorder to malfimction. Take pictmes of the sun only m low light conditions, such as at dusk.

Playing back HDV tapes on other devices

A tape recorded m the HDV fommt cannot be

played back on a device that is not compatible with the HDV format. The screen appears blue.

Check the contents of tapes by playing them

back on this camcorder prior to playing them back on other devices.

Connecting other devices

Bei\_re connecting your camcorder to other device such as a VCR or a computer with an i.LINK cable,

be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper

direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a lnalfunction of your

camcorder.

Using this manual

The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder

used on this manual are captured using a digital

still camera, and thus may appear different from

what you see.

Using the camcorder

• To ensme a good ga-ip fasten the grip belt as shown in the tbllowing illustration

• Do not hold the camcorder by the tbllowing pa_ts.

Viewfinder

LCD panel

///

Battery pack

Microphone

• You can change the language to be used for screen display on your camcorde! (p. 18)

Jack holder

Table of Contents

Read this first ............................................................................................. 2

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items .............................................................. 10

Step 2: Charging the battery pack ............................................................ 11

Using an outside power source ................................................................................. 14

Step 3: Turning the power on ................................................................... 14

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...................................... 15

Adjusting the LCD panel ........................................................................................... 15

Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................ 15

Step 5: Setting the date and time ............................................................. 16

Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape .............................................................. 17

Step 7: Setting the screen language ........................................................ 18

Recording

Recording movies .................................................................................... 20

Recording for a longer time DV ................................................................................ 22

using zoom ............................................................................................................... 22

Recording in mirror mode ......................................................................................... 23

Displaying the recording setup information - Status check ...................................... 24

Adjusting the exposure ............................................................................. 25

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 25

Recording the subject lit by strong light - SPOT LIGHT ........................................... 25

Adjusting the white balance ...................................................................................... 26

Recording using manual adjustments ...................................................... 27

Adjusting the iris ........................................................................................................ 28

Adjusting the gain ..................................................................................................... 28

Adjusting the shutter speed ...................................................................................... 29

Adjusting the volume of light - ND FILTER .............................................................. 30

Displaying the zebra pattern to adjust the brightness ............................................... 31

,_condnued

Adjustingthefocus...................................................................................32

Adjusting the focus manually ..................................................................................... 32

Enhancing the outline to focus - PEAKING .............................................................. 33

Customizing the picture quality or sound ................................................. 34

Customizing the picture quality- PICTURE PROFILE ............................................. 34

Adjusting the audio recording level - Microphone volume level ................................ 36

Recording a picture using various features .............................................. 37

Developing scenes smoothly - Shot transition .......................................................... 37

Fading in and out of a scene- FADER ...................................................................... 38

Recording an index signal at the beginning of recording ........................................... 39

Recording in 16:9 wide rec mode DV ....................................................... 40

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes - Rec Review ................. 41

Playback

Viewing movies ........................................................................................ 42

Playing back in various modes ..................................................................................43

Various playback functions ...................................................................... 44

Searching for the last scene of the mostrecent recording - END SEARCH .............44

Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................44

Displaying the date/timeand camera settings data - Data code ..............................44

Displaying the video information - Status check .......................................................45

Playing the picture on a TV ...................................................................... 46

Viewing the picture on a high definition TV ...............................................................46

Viewing the picture on a !6:9 TV or a4:3 TV ............................................................46

Locating a scene on a tape for playback .................................................. 49

Searching quickly for a desired scene- Zero set memory ........................................49

Searching for a scene by date of recording- Date search .......................................60

Searching for a recording start point - Index search .................................................60

Advanced operations

Using the Menu

Selecting menu items ......................... 51

Using the _d' (CAMERA SET) menu

- STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC,

etc ................................................ 52

Using the ,_ (AUDIO SET) menu

- AUDIO MIX, etc ......................... 56

Using the (LCD/VF SET) menu

- LCD COLOR, etc ...................... 58

Using the t_ (IN/OUT REC) menu

- REC FORMATiTV TYPE, etc....59

Using the _ (OTHERS) menu

- CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,

etc ................................................ 62

Customizing Personal Menu .............. 65

Assigning the functions ...................... 68

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to another tape .................... 70

Recording pictures from a VCR

or TV ............................................ 74

Connecting to a computer .................. 77

Dubbing sound to a recorded

tape gv ........................................ 78

Connecting an analog VCR to the

computer via your camcorder DV

- Signal conversion function ........ 81

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ................................. 83

Warning indicators and messages ..... 88

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ............ 90

HDV format and recording/playback ..91

About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery

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

About i.LINK ....................................... 94

Maintenance and precautions ............ 95

Specification ....................................... 98

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ........... 100

Index ................................................ 107

Note onthe icons usedin this manual

HDVI080i:Features available l)r the HDV

format only. DV :Features available for the DV forlnat onl,

Quick Start Guide

Recordingmovies

W Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 11.

Press the battery pack and slide it down.

Battery Pack

2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

_) Slide the OPEN/

EJECT_ lever in

the direction of the

arrow to open the lid.

The cassette compartment comes out automatically.

OPEN/EJECT"_ lever

.......

8 Quick Start Guide

0 Insert the cassette with

its window-side facing

out, then push the center of the back of the

cassette.

Window-side

_) Press _ on the

cassette compartment.

(lose the cassette lid after the cassette compartment

slides back in by itself.

_;_ii_i!i!i;i_ii__

Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.

The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time. see page 16. The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in the default setting. To record in the DV lbnnat,

see page 60.

O Open the hood shutter.

I_ Open the LCD panel and

adjust the angle.

I_ While pressing the green

button, set the POWER

switch to CAMERA.

Press REC START/STOP.

Recording st_ts. To change to standby mode, press REC

START STOP again. O _w_

4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

While pressing the green button, set the POWER

switch to VCR.

Press _ (rewind).

Press I_ (play) to start the playback.

To stop, press • (stop).

To turn off the power, set the POWER switch to OFF ((HG).

REW_

Gettingstarted

Step 1: Checking supplieditems

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

Make sure you have following items supplied

with your camcorder.

The nnmber inparentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

AC Adaptor (1)

Power cord (1)

Lens hood (1)

This is attached to yonr camcorder.

O Note

• Ifyotl attach an optical filter (optional) or so ielnove llle lens hood

A/V connecting cable (1)

Component video cable (1)

Shoe adaptor (1)

To attach it to your camcorder, see page 104.

Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1)

Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

To insert the batteries in the Remote Commander, see page 105.

Cleaning cassette (1)

Shoulder strap (1)

To attach it to yonr camcorder, see page 101.

Large eyecup (1)

To attach it to yonr camcorder, see page 16.

10 Gettingstarted

Operating Instructions (This manual) (1)

Step2: Chargingthe battery pack

You can charge the battery by attaching the

"InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (L series) to

your camcorder.

0 Note

• You cannot use batteries other than the

"IntbLITHIUM" batte W pack (L series) (p. 92).

• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of file AC Adaptor with any metallic objects This may cause a

malfimdion.

• Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall

outlet immediately if any malfimction occurs

Battery pack

1 Press the battery pack and slide it

down.

2 With the _I mark on the DC plug

facing the battery pack, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

;;;iil_¸¸,¸/iiil]ii!;

iiiiii_i?¸ ,,;ii;ii_

....iiiii!ii!

te_

¢D

DC IN jack DC plug/,_

To the wall outlet

AC A_

Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.

Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.

,_continued

Getting started 11

5 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The (HG (charge) lamp lights tip and charging starts.

Tochecktheremainingbatteryi Battery Info

DISPLAY/

BATI INFO

Afterchargingthe battery

The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the

batterv is flllly charged. Disconnect the AC

Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

Toremovethebatterypack

1 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). 2 Press BATT RELEASE and slide the

battery pack up.

You can check the battery' s current charge level and its current remaining recording time both

during charging or when the power is turned oft'. The remaining recording time in the selected

recording lbrmat appears.

1 Set the PO%¥ER switch to OFF (CHG).

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

3 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

The batter?- intbrmation appears for about 7 seconds.

Keep the button pressed to view it for about 20 seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL

REC TIME AVAILABLE

LCD SCREEN:

VIEWFtNDER:

[] Battery charge level: Displays

approximate remaining amount of power left in the battery pack.

[] Possible recording time using the LCD

panel.

[] Possible recording time using the

viewfinder.

12 Gettingstarted

Charging time

Approximate number of minutes required when

you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack

at 25°((77°F). (10 30°C (50 86°F)

recommended.)

Battery pack

NP-F570 (supplied) 260 NP-F770 370

NP-F970 485

fO Note

used with yore- camcorde:

Recordingtime

Approximate number of minutes available

when you use a fully charged batter?- pack at

25'< (77°F).

Recording in the HDV format

Battery pack Continuous Typical

recording recording

time time

NP-F570 110 60

(supplied) 125 65

125 65

NP-F770 235 130

260 130 255 130

NP-F970 360 200

390 205 385 205

Recording in the DV format

Battery pack Continuous Typical

recording recording time time

NP-F570 120 65

(supplied) 130 65

130 65

NP-F770 255 140

275 140 275 140

NP-F970 380 210

410 215 410 215

• The top figures show an approximate munber of minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set

to ON.

• The middle figures show an approximate nmnber of minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set

to OFF.

• The bottom figmes show an approximate number of minutes when recording with the viewfinder.

• "Typical recording time" means an approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeatedly record, strut/stop, move the POV_ER switch to change the power mode, and zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter

"_° Tip

• You can also use NP-F550/F730/F750'F960 batte:), packs. After charging these batWry packs, make a

trial recording with them before an actual recording to see the recording time. The recording time varies

depending on the environment where the camcorder is used. Press DISPLAYiBATT INFO to display the

recording time on the screen.

Playing time

Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at

25'<:(77'T).

HDV format pictures

Battery pack LCD panel LCD panel

opened* closed

NP-F570 175 195 (supplied)

NP-F770 360 400

NP-F970 545 605

DV format pictures

Battery pack LCD panel LCD panel

..........................................................................

NP-F570 200 235 (supplied)

NP-F770 415 480 NP-F970 630 725

- V_ith the LCD BACKLIGHT switch set to ON.

O Note

• The powe: will not be supplied from the batte W pack when the AC Adaptor is cotmected to the DC IN jack of your camcorde< even if its power cord is

disconnected from the wall outlet

• The recording and playback time will be sho:ler when you use your camcorder in low temperatme

,_continued

Getting started 13

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or

the battel), inlbrmafion will not be conectly displayed in tbllowmg conditions.

The batte!)' pack is not attached conectly. The battery pack is damaged. The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Batte_w inlbmlafion only.)

Step 3: Turningthe poweron

You need to set the POWER switch to the respective power mode to record or play back

pictures. When using this camcorder for the first time,

the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 16).

You can use the AC Adaptor as the power

source when you do not want the batter T to

run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,

the battery pack will not lose its charge even

when it is attached to your camcorder.

PRECAUTION

Even ifyonr camcorder is turned ofi. A( power (house current) is still supplied to it while

connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.

Connect )'our camcorder as shown in "Step 2: Charging the battery pack" (p. 11).

While pressing the green button, set the POWER switch.

The power turns on.

• CAMERA: To record pictures.

• VCR: To play or edit pictures.

Toturn offthepower

Set the POWER switch to OFF ((HG).

14 Gettingstarted

Step4: Adjustingthe LCDpanel and

viewfinder

You can adjust the angle and brightness of

the LCD panel to meet various recording situations.

Even when there are obstructions between

you and the subject, you can check the

subject on the LCD screen during recording

by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.

V_J/W}; LCDBRIGHT LCDBACKLIGHT

, .... /

OFF° _ON

"_" Tip

• If you rotate the LCD panel until it faces down, you can close and restore the LCD panel to the original

position with the LCD screen thcing out

• If you are using the battery pack fbr power som-ce, you can select the brighmess by setting [LCD BL LEVEL] on the [LCDiVF SET] menu (p. 58).

• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions using the batte W pack, set the LCD BACKLIGHT

switch to OFF (}L_o_F appears) This position saves batte D" power.

• Even if you change the brighmess of the LCD panel, the brighmess of recorded pictm-es is not affected.

• You can turn offthe operation confirnmtion beep by setting [BEEP] on the _ (OTHERS) menu to

[OFF] (p. 62).

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiii

You can view images using the viewfinder when you close the LCD panel. Use the viewfinder when the battet T is running out, or

when the screen is hard to see.

Up to about 100 degrees

Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then rotate it to the desired position.

180 degrees

Toadjust thebrightnessofthe LCD screen

Ackjnst the brightness by pressing L(D BRIGHT or +.

adjustment Ieve

1 Lift up the viewfinder.

Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture is clear.

Getting started 15

Whenthepictureinthe viewfinderis

hardto see

If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circnmstances, use the

snpplied large eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch it a little and

align it with the groove of the viewfinder, then slide it up to the end. You can attach the large eyecup facing either the right or left side.

Step 5: Settingthe 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.

Large eyecup (supplied)

"_" Tip

• To select the brightness of the viewfinder backlight when you are using the battery pack, select

(LCDi\T SET) menu, then [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 58).

(J Note

• If you do not use your camcolde! tbl about 3

months, the built-in rechargeable button-type barrel 7 gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memo! 7 In tllat case, charge the rechargeable button-type batte!), (p. 97) and then set the date and time again

¢{

SEIdPUSH EXEC

1 Turn on ),our camcorder (p. 14).

POWER switch

16 Gettingstarted

Open the LCD panel and adjust the angle.

Proceed to step 6 when yon set the clock for the first time.

Press MEN[.

r[MENU]: END ]

4 Select the _ (OTHERS) menu by

turning the SELiP[ SH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

Select [(;LOCK SET] by turning the SEL/P[ SH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

_120mn

CLOCK SET

Step 6: Insertinga cassette tape

You can use mini DV M1k" cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as write-

protection), see page 9 i.

fO Note

• Do not fblce the cassette into the colnpartnlent This

may cause a malfilnction of your camcoldei.

1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT'-7 lever in

the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

if}

¢D

I_L

6 Set [Y] (),ear) by turning the SELi

PISH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

_120mn

CLOCK SET

_E_ _vl /D /2:00AM

You can set any year tip to the year 2079.

7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and

minute in the same way as was done in step 6, then press the dial.

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

OPEN/EJ ECT"-_ lever

L_d

The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens tlp.

,_continued

Getting started 17

2 Insert a cassette with its window-side

facing out.

Push the center of the back

Window-side of the cassette Iightly.

Press _ on the cassette compartment.

The cassette compartment automatically slides back m.

Step7:Settingthe screenlanguage

You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen.

POWER switch

(1)

SEUPUSH EXEC

Turn on)Tour camcorder.

4 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT'_ lever in the

direction of the arrow and open the lid.

The cassette compartment automatically

conles out.

2 Take out tile cassette, then press _.

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

3 Close the lid.

18 Gettingstarted

Open the LCD panel and adjust the angle.

Press MEN[.

Select the _I_ (OTHERS) menu by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

STBY

I [MENU ]: END I

5 Select [LANG[ AGE] by turning the

SEL/P[ SH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

ENGISIMP] FRAN_AIS

ESPANOL PORTUGUES

0:00:00

LANGUAGE

[MENU]:END

6 Select the desired language by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

7 Press MEN[ to hide the menu screen.

"_° Tip

• Yore camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find yore native

tongue among the options.

Getting started 19

Recording

Recordingmovies

You can record movies in either the HDV or

the DV format. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in

"Getting started" (p. 10 - p. 18). Movies will be recorded along with stereo

sound.

Camera recording lamp

Format lamps

POWER switch and

Camera recording lamp

1 Open the shutter of the lens hood.

REC START/STOP

While pressing the green button, set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

The HDV format lamp lights up and your camcorder is set to recording standby (the default setting). It takes some time for your camcorder to be set to recording standby.

4 Select the recording format.

To record in the HDV format Select the _ (INPUT REC) menn,

[REC FORMAT], then [HDV1080i] (the default setting)(p. 60).

HDVI080iappears on the L(D screen and

your camcorder is set to recording standby.

To record in the DV format

Select the _ (INPUT RE(,') menn, [RE(: FORMAT], then [DV] (p. d0).

DV appears on the LCD screen, the DV format lamp lights up, and vour camcorder is set to recording standby.

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

20 Recording

Press REC START/STOP. Recording starts. [REC] appears on the

LCD screen and the Camera recording lamps light up.

Press REC START/STOP again to stop recording.

Toturnthe power off

Set the POWER switch to OFF ((HG).

Torecord from a low-angle

Use the REC START STOP bntton on the

handle after releasing the HOLD lever.

To view the pictnre during recording, face the LCD panel or the viewfinder upward, or face the LCD screen down, then close and restore the

LCD panel to the original position with the LCD screen facing out.

HOLD lever

!i!i! iill¸'¸¸¸;i i:ii ii!iii

Indicatorsdisplayedduringrecording

The indicators will not be recorded on the tape. Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 44)

will not be displayed during recording.

[] Recording format (HDVl080iorDV)

Recording mode (SP or LP) is also displayed in the DV format.

[] Remaining battery

The indicated time may not be correct, depending on the environment where you

are using your camcorder. When you open or close the LCD panel, it takes about

1 minute to display the correct remaining

battery time.

[] Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or

[REC] (recording))

[] Time code or tape counter (hour:

minute: second) The time code of this camcorder utilizes the

drop-frame system.

[] Recording capacity of the tape (p. 64) [] Microphone volume level (p. 36)

[] Center marker (p. 55)

The center marker appears at the center of the screen when [(:ENTER MARKR] on the _;j (CAMERA SET) menu is set to [ON]. It helps composing pictures on the

screen.

[] ND filter

If [ND 1] or [ND2] flashes on the screen, activate the ND filter (p. 30).

0 Note

• Betbre changing the butte! 7 pack set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

• When the camcorder is left in recording standby tbr more than about 5 minutes, your camcorder exits the recording standby mode (the dnun stops rotating) to prevent tape wear and batte! 7 loss Since the power does not turn of£ you can restart recording by pressing REC START/STOP again. It takes some time to restart recording, but this not a malfimction.

"_° Tip

• You can record the color bars on a tape If you record movies including the color bars, you can adjust the color while obse!5,ing the color bars when you are viewing the pictures on a TV or monitor. To display the color bars, press BARS Press BARS again to

hide the color bars.

• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next, note the following.

Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be recorded continuously without a break even when you ttml _lle power oft) Do not record pictmes in the HDV fmmat and the DV format on the stone tape Do not record pictmes in SP mode and LP mode on

the same tape. DV

Avoid stopping then lecording a movie in the LP

mode DV

• The lecording time, date and the camera settings data are recorded automatically on the tape without being displayed on the screen. You can view this information chn-ing playback by pressing DATA CODE (p. 44)

,_continued

Recording 21

• Following fimctions may not work correctly with the tape recorded in the HDV t'ormat and the DV tbrmat

mixed:

Zero set inelno_y Date search

Index search

On the _, (IN/OUT REC) menu, select [_ REC MODE], then [LP] (p. 60). In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times longer than you can when recording in the SP

mode.

A tape recorded in the LP mode should be

played back only on this camcorder.

Zoom levers are mounted on the camera itself and on the handle.

Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but

use it sparingly for the best results.

Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/ REMOTE.

Press the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Press it further for a

faster zoom.

To record a wider range of view

Press the W side of the power zoom lever. The sut'_iect appears farther away (Wide angle).

To record a closer view

Press the T side of the power zoom lever. The subject appears closer (Telephoto).

Usingthe handlezoom

Yon can acliust the zoom speed with the handle zoom switch when using the handle zoom lever.

HandIe zoom lever Handle zoom switch

cm 1/2 inch)*

80cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)* /_,_

* The minimum distance required between your

camcorder and the subject toget a shalp focus with that side of the lever

22 Recording

Zoom ring

Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/

ZOOM

RING LEVER/

REMOTE

REMOTE.

Set the handle zoom switch to H (high) or L (low).

You can set the zoom speed of H or L of the handle zoom lever in [HANDLE ZOOM]

on the (CAMERA SET) menu. In the default setting, [H] is set to 6, and [L] is set

to 3 (p. 54).

3 Press the handle zoom lever to zoom in or

out.

0 Note

• You cannot adjust tile zoom speed by pressing the handle zoom lever. Change tile zoom speed by

setting [HANDLE ZOOM] (p 54).

• You cannot use the handle zoom lever when the

handle zoom switch is set to OFF

• You cannot change the zoom speed of the power zoom lever on tile camera itself by switching the handle zoom switch.

Usingthezoom ring

You can zoom at the desired speed. Fine

adjustment is also possible.

1 Set the ZOOM switch to RING.

2 Rotate the zoom ring to zoom.

O Note

• Rotate the zoonl ring at an appropriate speed Zooming may not be able to catch up the rotating speed of the ring if it is rotated too t=ast

• When you zoom using the Remote Commander, set the ZOOM switch to LEVEtL'REMOTE.

• Zoomed position and picture angle change when tile ZOOM switch is switched fiom LEVER,,REMOTE

to RING.

• If you rotate the zoom ring fast, motor noise will

become louder as the zooni nloto£ rotates at high

speeds. If the motor noise is so loud that can be

recorded, use the zoom leve_ or the Remote

Colllllla nder.

You can tuna the LCD panel towards the subject so that you and your subject can share the image being recorded. You can also utilize this function when recording yourself, or to keep the attention of small ehil&en attracted to the camcorder while you record

them.

Up to about lOg degrees

Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then

rotate it towards the subject until it clicks. A mirror-image of the subject appears on the

LCD screen, but the picture wi!l be normal when recorded.

Recording 23

You can check the setup value of the

following items in the standby mode or during recording.

• Audio setup such as microphone volume level

(p. 36)

• Output setup ([COMPONENT], [i.LINK

CONV], and [TV TYPE] settings) (p. 60)

• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons

(p. 68)

• Picture profile setup (p. 34)

STATUS .....................

0 Note

• Information of the pictm-e profile senlp does not appeai when i! is set to [OFF].

SE_PUSHEXEC i

1 Press STATUS CHECK.

Turn the SEL/P[ SH EXEC dial to display the desired item. Each time you turn the dial, the items

appear in the following order: AUDIO --+ OUTPUT --+ ASSIGN --+

PICT. PROFILE

Toturnoffthe displayof therecording setup information

PressSTATUSCHE(K

24 Recording

Adjustingthe

exposure

The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting. If you want to record brighter or darker

pictures than those of the auto exposure

adjustment, use the manual adjustment function (p. 27), or customize the picture quality by using the PICTURE PROFILE function (p. 34).

When your subject has its back to the sun or other light, you can adjust the exposure to

prevent the subject from becoming

shadowed.

• You cannot use the back light fimction if2 or more items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.

When the subject is lit by strong light, such as in a theater, use the spot light function to prevent people's _aces from appearing excessively white.

SPOT LIGHT

i .....

_i_ii;¸¸

Press BACK LIGHT during recording or in the standby mode.

[] appears. To cancel the back light function, press BACK

LIGHT again.

0 Note

• The back light function is canceled when you press SPOT LIGHT

During recording or in the standby mode, press SPOT LIGHT.

appears. To cancel the spot light function, press SPOT LIGHT again.

0 Note

• The spot light fimction is canceled when you press

BACK LIGHT.

• You cannot use the spot light fimcfion if2 ol more

items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted mamlally

Recording 25

You can adjust the white balance according

to the light of the recording environment. The white balance adjustment data for 2 different recording conditions can be set up and memorized separately in memory A and B. During recording, you can recall the setup data fi'om the memo W with the WHT BAL

(white balance) switch. The setup data will be retained for about 3 months as long as it is not readjusted even if the power is disconnected.

WHT BAL

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AlTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto

lock mode.

2 Press WHT BAL.

Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.

4 Shoot a white subject such as a piece of

paper filling the entire screen under

the same lighting condition as that of the subject.

5 Press _sz (one-push) WHT BAL.

_s_ A or _l.aB flashes quickly. When the white balance is adjusted, _a_ A or _e_ B lights up and the adjustment data is

memorized.

Torecall adjustment datafrom the memory

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AITO LOCK switch to the

center position to release the auto lock mode.

2 Set the VUHT BAL switch to A or B. 3 Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the recalled ac[iUStlnent.

O Note

• Avoid subjecting yore calncorder tomechanical

shock while e=%A or t_%B is flashing.

• If t_m.uA or e=l_B does not change from flashing to lit

steadily, your camcorder isunable to set up the white balance. In this case, use the preset or automatic

white balance

Tousethe presetwhite balance

Your camcorder has 2 sets of preset white balance values to be selected according to the

light of the recording scene. ] During recording or in tbe standby

mode, set tbe AlTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock

mode.

2 Press MENU.

3 Select tbe _,p (CAMERA SET) menu

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

4 Select [WB PRESET] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

5 Select the desired item by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

26 Recording

item Recording scene

[OUTDOOR] • general night views, ( -_- ) neon signs, oi fireworks

• sunset, su1]iise

• undei daylight fluorescent lamps

[INDOOR] (_@) • at par D, or in studios

where lighting conditions change quickly

• undei video lamps such as those in a studio, under

sodium lamps, mercmy lamps, or warm white

fluorescent lamps

6 Press MEN[ to hide the menu screen.

7 Set the WHT BAL switch to PRESET.

8 Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the selected setting.

Torestorethe automaticwhite balance

Press WHT BAL, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.

fO Note

• If you set tile AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, slmtter speed) also become temporarily antomatic

Recordingusing

manualadjustments

You can manually adjust the iris, gain, etc.

according to the brighmess of the recording scene or in order to obtain desired effects.

Adjust the iris, gain, shutter speed, and white balance after setting the AUTO LOCK

switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode.

Depending on the position of the AUTO

LOCK switch, you can hold or release the

settings of these functions.

Position Purpose -.

AUTO LOCK

Center (to release tile mltO

lock mode) HOLD Select this position after adjusting

See page 26 lbr details on how to ac_iust the white balance.

fO Note

• If you want to set tile exposure intentionally to othe!

than a proper level, adjust the iris, gain, and shutter speed manually

• If you adjust only one ofeithe! iris, shutter speed or gain mamlally you can lecord with iris pfiori_, shutte! speed priority o! gain priority, respectively.

"_° Tip

• To adjust the brightness ofpidures, set all of the iris gain, and shutte! speed to tile manual adjustment

mode, then rotate the iris dial.

To adjust automatically To adjust mamlally.

the settings manually to retain them.

¢D O

Recording 27

You can manually adjust the light volume

entering the lens.

As the iris is opened (smaller aperture values), the light volume increases. The range of focus narrows and only the subject

appears in shal_ focus.

As the iris is closed (larger aperture values),

the light volume decreases and the range of

focus widens.

IRIS dial

Torestoreautomatic adjustment

Press IRIS, or set the AUTO LO(K switch to AUTO LOCK.

0 Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter speed, white balance) also become temporarily

automatic.

• As you shift the zoom from W (wide) to T (telephoto), the aperture value varies from F1.6 to

F2.8

"_° Tip

• You can select the rotation direction of the iris dial with [IRIS DIAL[ on the _ (OTHERS) menu

(p. 63).

• The iris has an important effect on the "depth of field," that is, the focused range. An open iris makes the depth of field shallowa (shorter focused range), and a closed iris makes the depth of field deeper (longer fbcused range). Use the iris effbctively according to yore propose of recording.

Adjust the gain manually when shooting blackish or dark objects if you do not want the AGC (auto gain control) to be activated.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AlTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto

lock mode.

Press IRIS.

The current aperture value (F) appears.

Rotate the IRIS dial to a desired aperture value. The aperture value (F) varies from FI.6 to

F11, and Close, and the corresponding

value appears.

28 Recording

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AlTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto

lock mode.

2 Press GAIN.

The currem gain value appears.

3 Set the GAIN switch to the desired

position. 3 gain levels (H, M, L) are available

You can set the value for the respective positions with [GAIN SETUP] on the _,?

(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 52). The defauh settings for each position are

18 dB (H), 9 dB (M) and 0 dB (L).

The larger the number, the greater the gain.

Torestoreautomaticadjustment

Press GAIN, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.

0 Note

• If you set tile AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, shutter speed, while balance) also become temporarily atltonlalic

You can manually adjust and fix the shutter speed for your convenience. Depending on the shutter speed, you can make the subject look still, or on the contrary, emphasize the fluidity of movement.

During recording or in the standby mode, set the AlTO LOCK switch to

the center position to release the auto lock mode.

t'3

Press SHITTER SPEED.

Adjust the shutter speed by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

You can select a shutter speed between 1/4 second and 1/10000 second.

The selected shutter speed appears on the screen. For example, if you select 1/100

second, [ 100] appears. The larger the number that appears on the screen, the

faster the shutter speed. The smaller the number that appears on the screen, the

slower the shutter speed.

,_continued

Recording 29

Torestoreautomatic adjustment

Press SHUTTER SPEED, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LO(K.

O Note

• It'you set tile AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, white balance) also become temporarily antomatic

"_° Tip

• It is difficult to fbcus automatically at a lower shutter speed. Manual tbcusing with your camcordm attached to a tripod is recmnmended.

• The pictme *nay flicker or change colors under fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps.

You can record the subject clearly by using

the ND filter when the recording environment is too bright. There are 2 levels of ND filter setting. ND filter 1 reduces the volume of light to about

1/6, and ND filter 2 to about 1/32.

If [ND2] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to 2 to tnrn on [ND2].

If [ND OFF] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to OFF to mrn oft" the indicator.

O Note

• If you move the ND FILTER switch during recording, the pictme and sound may be distorted

• If you adjust the iris manually, no ND filter indicator will appear even if the ND filter should be activated

"_" Tip

• If you close the iris extensively when leco_ding a bright subject, diffraction may occm, resulting in a filzzy focus (This is a conmmn phenomenon with video calneras.) The ND filter suppresses this phenomenon and gives better recording results.

ND FILTER

If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes in the standby mode, set the ND FILTER switch to the respective position.

If [ND1] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to I to mm on [NDI].

30 Recording

+ 79 hidden pages