Sony HDR-FX1000 User Manual

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4-111-862-11(1)

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

HDR-FX1000

Enjoying pictures with

high definition quality

Getting Started 16

Recording/

Playback

Using the Menu 62

Dubbing/Editing 84

Using a Computer 91

Troubleshooting 94

Additional Information 107

Quick Reference 123

Spanish Quick Guide/

Guía rápida en español

135

http://www.sony.net/

Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)

-free vegetable oil based ink.

Printed in Japan

Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

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.

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

Never expose the battery pack to temperature above 60 ° C (140 ° F), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight.

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 tipover.

• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Continued ,

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)

• 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.

• This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated

on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of electrical power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. For those sets designed to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

• For connection to a supply not in the U.S.A., use an attachment plug

adapter of the proper configuration for the power outlet.

Read this first

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

CAUTION

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.

Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.

Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

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 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

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

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. HDR-FX1000 Serial No. Model No. ACNo.

For customers in the U.S.A.

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-FX1000 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA

92127 U.S.A. Telephone Number: 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:

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

– 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 w ith the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

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.

Notes on use

Types of cassette you can use in your camcorder

You can use mini DV cassettes marked with support the Cassette Memory function (

p. 110).

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

You can use “Memory Stick” that have the logo shown below (

– (“Memory Stick Duo”) – (“Memory Stick

PRO Duo”)

– (“Memory Stick

PRO-HG Duo”)

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

. Your camcorder does not

p. 111).

• You cannot use any type of memory card except “Memory Stick Duo.”

• “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 Duo” or a “Memory Stick Duo” Adaptor.

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

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

“Memory Stick Duo” Adaptor

Using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following part.

ViewfinderLens hood

with lens cover

LCD panel Microphone

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

b Notes

• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p. 115).

• Do not connect cables to your camcorder with their terminals placed the wrong way. Squeezing the terminals into your camcorder's jacks may damage them or results in a malfunction of your camcorder.

About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

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

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

Black point

White, red, blue or green points

About temperature of your camcorder and battery pack

• Your camcorder has a protective function that disables recording or playback if the temperature of your camcorder or battery pack is beyond the safely operable range. In this case, a message appears on the screen or in the viewfinder (

p. 105).

Do not expose your camcorder’s viewfinder, lens, or LCD screen to the sun or strong light source for extended periods.

• Intense light sources, especially the sun will converge on the viewfinder or lens and damage the internal parts of your camcorder. Avoid sunlight or other strong light sources when storing your camcorder. Protect this device by always closing the lens cover or by placing it in its bag when not in use.

On recording

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

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

• TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need 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.

• Because of the way that the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the subjects passing by the frame rapidly might appear crooked depending on the recording conditions. This phenomenon may be notable in displays having high motion resolution.

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

On playing back HDV tapes on other devices

You cannot play back a tape recorded in the HDV format on DV format video cameras or on mini DV players. Check the contents of tapes by playing them back on this camcorder prior to playing them back on other devices.

Note on the icons used in this manual

format only

i.LINK cable is connected.

an ASSIGN button.

About this manual

• The images of the LCD screen and the

• The on-screen displays in each local

• Design and specifications of recording

Features available for the HDV

Features available for the DV

This function that can be used when

The function that can be assigned to

viewfinder used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different.

language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (

media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.

p. 25).

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................3

Read this first ...........................................................................................5

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format! .............................................................12

Features of this camcorder .....................................................................13

Handy Functions for Recording ..............................................................14

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format! ...........................................15

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items ............................................................16

Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover .....................................17

Step 3: Charging the battery pack ..........................................................18

Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly .....21

Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ....................................22

Step 6: Setting the date and time ...........................................................24

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ..................................26

Changing the language setting .......................................................... 25

Recording/Playback

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

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings .............................31

Adjusting the zoom ............................................................................. 31

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

Adjusting the image brightness .......................................................... 33

Adjusting to Natural Color (White balance)......................................... 36

Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile) ................................. 37

Adjusting the volume .......................................................................... 42

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons .....................................44

Recording an index signal .................................................................. 45

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).............. 45

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording

(End search) ....................................................................................... 45

Using the Shot transition .................................................................... 46

Playback .................................................................................................49

Continued ,

Table of Contents (Continued)

Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder ...............................52

Locating a scene on a tape ....................................................................54

Playing the picture on a TV .................................................................... 56

Changing the screen ........................................................................... 52

Displaying recording data (Data code) ............................................... 52

Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check) ................. 53

Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info) .................................... 53

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) ................. 54

Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ................ 55

Searching for a recording start point (Index search) .......................... 55

Using the Menu

Using the menu items ........................................................... 62

Menu items ............................................................................................64

(CAMERA SET) menu ....................................................................66

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/ BACK LIGHT/STEADYSHOT, etc.)

(AUDIO SET) menu .......................................................................73

Settings for the audio recording (DV AU.MODE/DV AUDIO MIX, etc.)

(DISPLAY SET) menu .....................................................................74

Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/DISP OUTPUT, etc.)

(IN/OUT REC) menu ....................................................................... 77

Recording settings, input and output settings (VCR HDV/DV/DV REC MODE/ DV WIDE REC/ TV TYPE, etc.)

(MEMORY SET) menu .................................................................... 80

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (ALL ERASE/FORMAT, etc.)

(OTHERS) menu ............................................................................. 81

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (QUICK REC/BEEP, etc.)

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. ............................................... 84

Recording pictures from a VCR ............................................................88

Using a Computer

Copying movies on a tape to a computer .............................................. 91

Copying still images to a computer ........................................................ 93

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................94

Warning indicators and messages .......................................................104

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ..............................................................107

Maintenance and precautions ..............................................................110

Specifications .......................................................................................119

HDV format and recording/playback ................................................ 110

About the “Memory Stick” ................................................................. 111

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ............................................. 112

About i.LINK...................................................................................... 113

About x.v.Color ................................................................................. 114

About handling of your camcorder ................................................... 115

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ...............................................................123

Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder ......................................128

Index .....................................................................................................131

Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español 135

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format!

High image quality

Being HDV format compliant, your camcorder is ready to shoot crystal clear, high-definition images.

What is the HDV format?

The HDV format is a video format for shooting and playing back high definition images on popular DV standard cassette tapes.

• Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i

specification, which utilizes 1,080 effective scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and

records pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps.

• These operating instructions refer to the HDV1080i specification as HDV format unless there is a need to specify.

Why shoot in the HDV format?

By moving to digital video, like the rest of the world, you will be able to capture important moments in your life in high quality digital HDV format, allowing you to relive them. Your camcorder’s down convert function converts pictures in HDV format to SD (standard definition) quality for viewing on older wide TV formats, and on 4:3 aspect ratio TVs when a high definition TV set is not available. This provides an easy path to HDV format video.

1,080 effective scanning lines

• The down convert function converts HDV format video to DV for playback or editing when your camcorder is connected to a TV or VCR that is not HDV1080i compliant. The resulting image is displayed in SD (standard definition).

Features of this camcorder

The HDV1080i specification digital HD video camera recorder has the following features to enable you to record beautiful scenery while traveling, etc., in high definition quality.

1 3-ClearVid CMOS sensor system installed

This camcorder is fitted with the 3-ClearVid CMOS sensor system. Superb spectroscopic characteristics and high definition are achieved by the use of three ClearVid CMOS sensors developed by Sony for high definition, enabling reproduction of digital high definition with excellent sensitivity and color reproducibility.

2 20 × optical zoom G Lens installed

The 20 × optical zoom G Lens enables you to zoom-in on distant objects and record in high definition quality.

3 Realistic sound recording with built-in high performance microphone

The high performance stereo microphone built into this camcorder enables highly realistic sound recording.

4 Detailed manual settings for serious filming

Extensive manual setting functions allow you to shoot high definition videos with customized settings.

- The zoom ring, focus ring and iris ring provide full manual control.

- You can manually fine-adjust the shutter speed, white balance and gain.

5 Connecting to other devices

Superb external connectability is provided by an i.LINK (HDV/DV) jack, an A/V Remote Connector (for component A/V cable, A/V connecting cable with S connecting cable), an HDMI OUT jack, a LANC jack and a headphone jack on the rear of your camcorder, and a “Memory Stick Duo” slot on the right side.

VIDEO and A/V

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Handy Functions for Recording

Still image Dual Rec (p. 30)

You can record 1.2M still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” during recording movie.

Smooth slow recording (p. 69)

Moving subjects can be shot in smooth moving slow-motion.

Saving Camera profile (p. 81)

Two settings profiles, including brightness, color, etc., can be saved in your camcorder. This enables you to use saved settings data to quickly reproduce suitable shooting settings.

Iris ring (p. 33)

You can adjust the brightness using the iris ring. You can select either [IRIS] or [EXPOSURE] for the brightness adjustment with the iris ring.

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!

Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 57)

Pictures recorded in the HDV format can be played back as crisp HD (high definition) picture on a high definition TV.

• For details on HDV1080i specification compliant TVs, see page 58.

Viewing on a 16:9 TV/4:3 TV (p. 59)

Your camcorder can down convert video recorded in the HDV format to SD (standard definition) quality for playback on a conventional TV.

Dubbing to other video equipment (p. 84)

x Connecting to an HDV1080i specification

An optional i.LINK cable allows you to copy pictures in HD (high definition) quality.

x Connecting to HDV1080i non-compliant specification

Use your camcorder to convert HDV format video to SD (standard definition) quality to enable copying.

Connecting to a computer (p. 91)

x Copying movie from tape to a computer

You can copy movie to a computer, and save to DVD from copying movie. The computer will need to be set up differently depending on whether HDV or DV format video is to be copied. See

page 91 for details.

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

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

• The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are not included. See types of cassette tapes and “Memory Stick Duo” that you can use on your camcorder.

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 18)

Power cord (mains lead) (1) (p. 18)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 54, 127)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Component A/V cable (1) (p. 56)

p. 6, p. 110 and p. 111 for

Large eyecup (1) (p. 23)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1)

p. 18, 112)

(

Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 17)

This lens hood is pre-mounted.

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 56, 84)

Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover

To open or close the shutter of the Lens hood with lens cover

Move the lens cover lever up or down to open or close the lens cover.

Move the lens cover lever to OPEN to open the lens cover, and move the lever to CLOSE to close the lens

PUSH (lens hood release) button

Align the marks on the lens hood to those on the camcorder, and turn the lens hood in the direction of the arrow

cover.

Getting Started

To remove the Lens hood with lens cover

Turn the lens hood in the opposite direction to the arrow 2 in the illustration while pressing the PUSH (lens hood release) button.

z Tips

• If you attach or remove a 72mm (2 7/8 in.) PL filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood with lens cover.

Step 3: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) with the supplied AC Adaptor.

b Notes

• You cannot use batteries other than the

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) (p. 112).

DC plug

AC Adaptor

DC IN jack

To the wall outlet (wall socket)

Power cord (mains lead)

1 Press the battery pack against the

back of your camcorder and slide it down.

2 With the B mark on the DC plug

facing outwards, connect the DC plug to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

B mark

3 Connect the power cord (mains

lead) to the AC Adaptor.

4 Connect the power cord (mains

lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket).

5 Set the POWER switch to

OFF (CHG).

The CHG lamp lights up and charging starts.

After charging the battery

The CHG lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

z Tips

• You can check the remaining battery life with the battery info function (

p. 53)

To remove the battery pack

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Push the BATT RELEASE (battery release) button and remove the battery pack.

BATT RELEASE (battery release) button

To store the battery pack

If the battery pack will not be used for a while, run down the battery and store it. See page 113 for details on storage of the battery pack.

Charging time

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

Battery pack Charging time

NP-F570 (supplied) 260

NP-F770 370

NP-F970 485

Recording time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

b Notes

• You cannot use the NP-F330 battery pack with this camcorder.

Recording in the HDV format

Continuous

Battery pack

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 290 145

NP-F970 430 215

Recording in the DV format

Battery pack

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 300 150

NP-F970 450 225

Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Bottom: Recording time when recording with

the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

* Typical recording time shows the time when

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

recording time

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

135 65

140 70

295 145

445 220

Typical recording time*

145 70

150 75

310 155

465 230

Getting Started

Continued ,

Step 3: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

Playing time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

HDV format pictures

Battery pack

LCD panel opened*

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 415 435

NP-F970 630 660

DV format pictures

Battery pack

LCD panel opened*

NP-F570 (supplied)

NP-F770 445 470

NP-F970 675 705

* When the LCD backlight turns on.

On the battery pack

• Before changing the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

• The CHG lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info ( 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 battery pack is too cold.

Replace the battery pack, or remove it and put it in a warm place.

– The battery pack is too hot.

Replace the battery pack, or remove it and put it in a cool place.

• 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, even when the power cord (mains lead) is disconnected from the wall outlet (wall socket).

p. 53) will not be correctly

LCD panel closed

200 210

LCD panel closed

220 230

• 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.

Using an outside power source

You can use the AC Adaptor to obtain AC. While you are using the AC Adaptor, the battery pack will not lose its charge even when it is attached to your camcorder.

Connect your camcorder as shown in Step3:Charging the battery pack (p. 18).

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.

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

On the charging/recording/playback time

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

Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly

To record or play back, set the POWER switch to the respective direction. When you use your camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 24).

POWER switch

1 While pressing the green button,

slide the POWER switch.

Press and hold the green button when you slide the POWER switch from OFF (CHG).

2 Hold the camcorder properly.

3 Ensure a good grip, then fasten

the grip belt.

Getting Started

CAMERA: To record pictures. VCR: To play or edit pictures.

b Notes

• The current date and time appear on the LCD screen for a few seconds when you turn on your camcorder once you set the date and time ([CLOCK SET],

p. 24).

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

b Notes

• If warning messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions (

p. 105).

Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

The LCD panel

Open the LCD panel 180 degrees (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play back (2).

1Open 180 degrees.

290 degrees

(max.)

2180 degrees (max.)

DISPLAY/BATT INFO button

z Tips

• You can see your mirror image on the LCD screen by setting the LCD panel facing you. The image will be recorded in a normal image.

To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer

Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button for a few seconds until This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or when you want to save battery power. The recorded picture will not be affected by the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button. disappears.

z Tips

• You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen from [LCD BRIGHT] (

p. 76).

appears.

The viewfinder

You can view pictures using the viewfinder to save the battery, or when the picture on the LCD screen is not clear.

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Move it until the picture becomes clear.

b Notes

• You may see primary colors shimmering in the viewfinder when you move your eye line. This is not a malfunction. The shimmering colors will not be recorded on the recording media.

z Tips

• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight from [VF B.LIGHT] (

• To display images both on the LCD display and in the viewfinder, set [VF POWERMODE] to [ON] (

p. 76).

When the picture in the viewfinder is hard to see

If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circumstances, use the supplied large eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch it slightly and align it with the eyecup groove in the viewfinder. You can attach the large eyecup facing either the right or left side.

b Notes

• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.

Large eyecup (supplied)

Attach with the protruding part at the top.

Getting Started

Step 6: Setting the date and time

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

z Tips

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

discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (

p. 117).

2 Select (OTHERS) by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

OTHERS RETURN CAMERA PROF. ASSIGN BTN PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE QUICK REC

[MENU]: END

3 Select [CLOCK SET] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

--:--:--

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial MENU button

Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for the first time.

1 Press the MENU button.

PROG. SCAN IRIS/EXPOSURE GAIN SETUP

AGC LIMIT

MINUS AGC WB PRESET AWB SENS

1JAN

12 : 00

-:--:--

CLOCK SET

MDY

2008

[MENU]: CANCEL

4 Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

You can set any year up to the year

2079.

1JAN

12 : 00

-:--:--

CLOCK SET

MDY

2008

[MENU]: CANCEL

5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour

and minute, then press the dial.

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

z Tips

• The date and time are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during playback (DATA CODE button,

p. 52).

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Press the MENU button to select the

(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Select the screen language in [LANGUAGE]

(p. 82).

Getting Started

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”

{DO NOT PUSH}

Cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 110).

1 Slide and hold the OPEN/

EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

OPEN/EJECT lever

Lid

The cassette compartment automatically comes out.

2 Insert a cassette with its window

facing outwards, then press

Push the center of

Window

the back of the cassette lightly.

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

b Notes

• Do not push the portion marked

compartment is sliding in. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

while the cassette

3 Close the lid.

z Tips

• The recordable time varies depending on [DV REC MODE] (

p. 78).

To eject the cassette

Open the lid following the same procedure as described in step 1 and remove the cassette.

“Memory Stick Duo”

You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with

(p. 111).

1 Open the “Memory Stick Duo”

slot cover in the direction of the arrow.

Cassette compartment

“Memory Stick Duo” slot cover

2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”

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

Access lamp

b Notes

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

To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”

Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” once.

b Notes

• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.

• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick Duo,” be careful with the “Memory Stick Duo” from popping out and dropping.

Getting Started

Recording/Playback

Recording

REC START/STOP button B

PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button

Recording lamp

Your camcorder records movies on tape and still images on “Memory Stick Duo.” Do the following steps to record movies.

z Tips

• This camcorder can record movies in HDV or DV format. The factory setting is HDV format ([REC

FORMAT]

p. 77).

Recording lamp

Lens hood with lens cover

POWER switch REC START/STOP button A

1 Open the shutter of the lens hood.

2 Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the green button.

Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button A (or B).

60min

REC

60min

[STBY] t [REC]

The recording lamp lights up during recording. To stop the movie recording, press the REC START/STOP button again.

z Tips

• When recording in HDV format, the aspect ratio is fixed to 16:9. When recording in DV format, you can switch the aspect ratio to 4:3 ([DV WIDE REC]

• You can change the screen display during recording (p. 52).

• Indicators displayed on the screen during recording are shown on page 128.

• The recording lamp can be set to stay off ([REC LAMP] p. 83).

• You cannot record movies on a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• For low angle recording, the REC START/STOP button on the handle is convenient. Release the HOLD lever to enable the REC START/STOP button. It might be helpful if you set the LCD panel face up or close it after turning it face down, or lift the viewfinder up during the low angle recording.

p. 78).

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

To capture still images

Press the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button or the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander. A still image will be recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” the recording is completed. You can capture still images during movie recording.

b Notes

• Specifications are for Sony “Memory Stick Duo.” The actual number of recordable pictures can vary depending on the recording environment and the type of “Memory Stick Duo.”

• You cannot store a still image under the following conditions:

– When [PROG.SCAN] is set to [OFF] or [30]

and the shutter speed is slower than 1/60

– When [PROG.SCAN] is set to [24] and the

shutter speed is slower than 1/48 – While using the fader – While using smooth slow rec – While using shot transition

z Tips

• When you take a still image while not recording a movie, you will hear the shutter click.

• Image sizes of still images are as follows: – Recording in HDV format/DV format (16:9):

1.2 M – Recording in DV format (4:3): 0.9 M – Playing back in HDV format: 1.2 M – Playing back in DV format (16:9): 0.2 M – Playing back in DV format (4:3): VGA

• Indicators displayed on the screen during shooting are shown on

• You can set the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button to start the expanded focus function as you press the button ([PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS] p. 82).

• The unique pixel array of Sony's ClearVid CMOS sensor and image processing system (Enhanced Imaging Processor) allows for still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described.

disappears when

page 128.

Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo” (MB) and the number of recordable pictures

1.2M

0.9M

VGA

1440 810

1.2M

1080 × 810

640 × 480

0.2M 640 × 360

512MB 770 1000 2900 3650

1GB 1550 2100 6000 7500

2GB 3150 4300 12000 15000

4GB 6300 8500 23500 29500

8GB 12500 17000 48000 60000

16GB 25500 34500 97500 122000

To store still images captured from movies on a tape on “Memory Stick Duo”

You can capture an image in a movie and record it on a “Memory Stick Duo” as a still image. Be sure to insert a recorded tape and a “Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder.

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR. 2 Press the N(play) button to search for

the scene you want to save as a still image. Press the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button or the PHOTO button on your Remote Commander at the scene.

b Notes

• The recorded date and time on the tape and the stored date and time on the “Memory Stick Duo” are both saved on the “Memory Stick Duo.” When you view the still images, only the recorded date and time on the tape will be displayed on the screen (Data code,

• Camera data stored on the tape will not be copied to the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• You cannot store a still image during using your camcorder with [PB ZOOM] set to [ON] (

p. 52).

p. 82).

Changing the settings of your camcorder

recordings

Adjusting the zoom

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

Wide view: (Wide angle)

Close view: (Telephoto)

z Tips

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

• The focus may not be adjusted at certain zoom positions if the subject is within 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) from your camcorder.

• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever C. If you move your finger off the power zoom lever C, the operation sound of the power zoom lever C may also be recorded.

Using the handle zoom

1 Set the handle zoom switch B to VAR

or FIX.

z Tips

• When you set the handle zoom switch B to

VAR, you can zoom in or out at variable speed.

• When you set the handle zoom switch B to

FIX, you can zoom in or out at fixed speed set in [HANDLE ZOOM] (

p. 69).

2 Press the handle zoom lever A to zoom

in or out.

b Notes

• You cannot use the handle zoom lever A when

the handle zoom switch

• You cannot change the zoom speed of the zoom

lever C with the handle zoom switch

B is set to OFF.

Using the zoom ring

You can zoom at the desired speed by turning the zoom ring D. Fine adjustment is also possible.

b Notes

• Turn the zoom ring D at a moderate speed. If

you turn it too fast, the zoom speed may lag behind the zoom ring rotation speed, or the operation sound of the zoom may also be recorded.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

Adjusting the focus manually

You can adjust the focus manually for different recording conditions. Use this function in the following cases.

– To record a subject behind a window covered

with raindrops. – To record horizontal stripes. – To record a subject with little contrast between

the subject and its background. – When you want to focus on a subject in the

background.

– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.

1 During recording or standby, set

the FOCUS switch B to MAN.

9 appears.

2 Rotate the focus ring A and

adjust the focus.

9 changes to when the focus

cannot be adjusted any farther. 9 changes to adjusted any closer.

z Tips

For focusing manually

• It is easier to focus on the subject when you use the zoom function. Move the power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, and then, towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom for recording.

• When you want to record a close-up image of a subject, move the power zoom lever towards W (wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then adjust the focus.

To restore automatic adjustment

Set the FOCUS switch B to AUTO.

9 disappears and the automatic focus

adjustment is restored.

Using automatic focus temporarily (Push auto focus)

Record the subject while pressing and holding the PUSH AUTO button C. If you release the button, the setting returns to manual focusing. Use this function to shift the focus on one subject to another. The scenes will shift smoothly.

z Tips

• The focal distance information (for when it is dark and hard to adjust the focus) appears for about 3 seconds in the following cases. (It will not be displayed correctly if you are using a conversion lens (optional)).

– When you set the FOCUS switch to MAN

and 9 appears on the screen

– When you rotate the focus ring while 9 is

displayed on the screen.

when the focus cannot be

Using the expanded focus (Expanded focus)

Assign [EXP.FOCUS] to the PHOTO/ EXPANDED FOCUS button D beforehand ([PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS], p. 82). During standby, press the PHOTO/ EXPANDED FOCUS button D. [EXPANDED FOCUS] appears and the center of the screen is magnified by about

2.0 times. It will be easier to confirm the focus setting during manual focusing. The screen returns to the original size when you push the button again.

b Notes

• The image returns to the original size when you press the REC START/STOP button or the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button D.

z Tips

• You can select a type of an expanded image displayed during the expanded focus ([EXP.FOCUS TYPE]

• You can assign [EXP.FOCUS] to any one of the ASSIGN buttons

p. 75).

(p. 44).

Focusing on a distant subject (Focus infinity)

Slide the focus switch to INFINITY and hold it there.

appears. To return to manual focus mode, release the FOCUS switch. Use this function to record a distant subject when the focus is automatically set on a close subject.

b Notes

• This function is only available during the

manual focus.

Adjusting the image brightness

You can adjust the image brightness by adjusting the iris, the gain or the shutter speed or by reducing the light volume with the ND filter B. Also, when [EXPOSURE] is assigned to the iris ring, you can adjust the iris, gain and shutter speed with the iris ring A. You can assign [IRIS] or [EXPOSURE] to the iris ring A from [IRIS/EXPOSURE] of the (CAMERA SET) menu (p. 66). The default setting is [IRIS] .

b Notes

• You cannot use the back light function and the spotlight function if at least two of iris, gain and shutter speed are adjusted manually.

• [AE SHIFT] is not effective while you adjust the iris, gain and shutter speed all manually.

Adjusting the iris

You can manually adjust the iris to control the volume of the light entering the lens. By adjusting the iris, you can change or close the aperture of the lens, which is expressed as an F value between F1.6 and F11. The volume of the light increases the more that you open the aperture (decreasing F value). The volume of the light decreases the more that you close the aperture (increasing F

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

value). The current F value appears on the screen.

1 Select [IRIS] from (CAMERA

SET) menu t [IRIS/EXPOSURE] t [RING ASSIGN] (

p. 66).

2 During recording or standby, set the

AUTO/MANUAL switch F to MANUAL.

3 When the iris is automatically adjusted,

press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button H.

next to the iris value disappears (p. 75), or the iris value appears on the screen.

4 Adjust the iris by turning the iris ring

z Tips

• The F value becomes close to F3.4 as the zoom position changes from W to T even when you open the aperture by setting the F value lower than F3.4, such as F1.6.

• The range of focus, an important effect of the aperture, is called the depth of field. The depth of field gets shallower as the aperture is opened, and deeper as the aperture is closed. Use the aperture creatively to obtain the desired effect in your photography.

• This is handy for making the background blurred or sharp on the screen.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button H, or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO. The iris value disappears, or appears next to the iris value.

b Notes

• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter speed, white balance) also become automatic.

Adjusting the exposure

When [IRIS/EXPOSURE] is set to [EXPOSURE], you can adjust the image brightness by adjusting the iris, gain and shutter speed with the iris ring. You can

also manually preset one or two of these parameters and adjust the remaining parameter(s) with the iris ring.

1 Select [EXPOSURE] from

(CAMERA SET) menu t [IRIS/ EXPOSURE] t [RING ASSIGN]

p. 66).

(

2 During recording or standby, set the

AUTO/MANUAL switch F to MANUAL.

3 When [EXPOSURE] is automatically

adjusted, press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button H.

appears on the screen next to the automatically adjusted items (iris, gain and shutter speed), indicating that you can adjust them with the iris ring A. Manually adjusted items do not change even when you turn the iris ring. When is not displayed, do the following operation. appears next to the items, indicating that you can adjust them with the iris ring A.

–Gain

Press the GAIN button C.

– Shutter speed

Press the SHUTTER SPEED button D twice. When the shutter speed is not locked, press the button once.

4 Adjust the image brightness by turning

the iris ring A.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button H, or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO. The values next to which is displayed disappear, or appears next to those values.

b Notes

• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F

to AUTO, all manually adjusted items (iris, gain, shutter speed and white balance) also become automatic.

z Tips

• When you press the GAIN button C while

is displayed on the screen next to the gain value,

disappears and you can adjust the gain

manually. When you press the GAIN button C again,

appears and you can adjust the gain

with the iris ring. See step 3 in “Adjusting the

page 35 for details on how to adjust the

gain” on gain.

• When you press the SHUTTER SPEED button

D while the shutter speed value, disappears and you can adjust the shutter speed manually. When you press the SHUTTER SPEED button D again, speed with the iris ring. See steps 3 to 4 in “Adjusting the shutter speed” on details on how to adjust the shutter speed.

is displayed on the screen next to

appears and you can adjust the shutter

page 35 for

Adjusting the gain

You can adjust the gain manually when you do not want to use the AGC (automatic gain control).

1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to

MANUAL during recording or standby.

2 When the gain is automatically

adjusted, press the GAIN button C. The gain value appear on the screen, or

next to the gain value disappears.

3 Set the gain switch G to H, M or L.

The gain value set for the selected gain switch position appears on the screen. You can set the gain value for each gain switch position from [GAIN SETUP] of

(CAMERA SET) menu

the (p. 66).

z Tips

• When you record a movie with the gain set to [-6dB] and play it back with the data code, the gain value is displayed as [---].

To adjust the gain automatically

Press the GAIN button C, or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO. The gain value disappears, or appears next to the gain value.

b Notes

• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F

to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris, shutter speed, white balance) also become automatic.

Adjusting the shutter speed

You can manually adjust and fix the shutter speed. You can make a moving subject look still or emphasize the movement of a moving subject by adjusting the shutter speed.

1 During recording or standby, set the

AUTO/MANUAL switch F to MANUAL.

2 Press the SHUTTER SPEED button D

until the shutter speed value is highlighted.

3 Change the shutter speed displayed on

the screen by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial E. You can set 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.

4 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial E to

lock the shutter speed. To readjust the shutter speed, do steps 2 to 4.

z Tips

• You can set the shutter speed between 1/3 second and 1/10000 second in the following settings:

– When [PROG.SCAN] of the

(CAMERA SET) menu is set to [24]

• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter speed. Manual focusing with your camcorder attached to a tripod is recommended.

• The picture may flicker or change colors under fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

To adjust the shutter speed automatically

Press the SHUTTER SPEED button D twice, or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO. The shutter speed value disappears, or appears next to the shutter speed value.

b Notes

• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F

to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, white balance) also become automatic.

Adjusting the volume of light (ND filter)

You can record the subject clearly by using the ND filter B when the recording environment is too bright. There are 3 levels of ND filter setting. ND filter 1 reduces the volume of light to about 1/4, ND filter 2 to about 1/16 and ND filter 3 to about 1/64. If flashes during the iris automatic adjustment, set the ND filter to 1. If flashes during the iris automatic adjustment, set the ND filter to 2. If flashes during the iris automatic adjustment, set the ND filter to 3. The ND filter indicator will stop flashing and remain on the screen. If flashes, set the ND filter to OFF.

will disappear from the screen.

b Notes

• If you move the ND filters B during recording,

the picture and sound may be distorted.

• When adjusting the iris manually, the ND filter indicator does not flash even if the light volume should be adjusted with the ND filter.

z Tips

• While recording a bright subject, diffraction may occur if you close the aperture further down, resulting in a fuzzy focus (this is a common phenomenon with video cameras). The ND filter B suppresses this phenomenon and gives better recording results.

Adjusting to Natural Color (White balance)

You can adjust and fix the white balance according to the lighting conditions of recording environment. You can store white balance values in memory A ( memory B ( B), respectively. Unless a white balance is readjusted, values will remain even after the power has been turned off. When you select PRESET, either [OUTDOOR] or [INDOOR] is selected, according to which one you previously set with [WB PRESET] in the

(CAMERA SET) menu.

1 During recording or standby, set

the AUTO/MANUAL switch D to MANUAL.

2 Press the WHT BAL button A.

3 Set the white balance memory

switch B to any one of PRESET/A/B.

A) and

Indicator Shooting conditions

(Memory A)

(Memory B)

Outdoor ([OUTDOOR])

n Indoor ([INDOOR])

• White balance values adjusted for light sources can be stored in memory A and memory B. Follow the

To save the

steps in “ adjusted white balance value in memory A or B” (p. 37).

• Recording neon signs or fireworks

• Recording sunset/ sunrise, just after sunset or just before sunrise

• Under daylight color fluorescent lamps

• Under the lighting conditions that change in many ways, such as a party hall

• Under strong light such as in a photography studio

• Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps

To save the adjusted white balance value in memory A or B

1 Set the white balance memory switch to

2 Capture a white subject, such as white

3 Press (one push) button C.

A) or B ( B) in step 3 of

A ( “Adjusting to natural color (White balance).”

paper, full-screen in the same lighting condition as the one in which the subject is.

A or B starts flashing rapidly. It will stay on when the white balance adjustment is completed and the adjusted value is stored in

A or

To adjust the white balance automatically

Press the WHT BAL button A or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch D to AUTO.

b Notes

• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch D

to AUTO, other manual adjustments (iris, gain, shutter speed) also become automatic.

Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile)

You can customize the picture quality by adjusting picture profile items such as [COLOR LEVEL] and [SHARPNESS]. Connect your camcorder to a TV or monitor, and adjust the picture quality while observing the picture on the TV or monitor screen. Picture quality settings for different recording conditions are stored in [PP1] through [PP6] as default settings.

b Notes

• When you set [x.v.Color] of the

(CAMERA SET) menu to [ON], the

picture profile will be disabled.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

Picture profile number (setting name)

PP1 :USER

PP2 :USER

PP3 :PORTRAIT

PP4 :CINEMA

PP5 :SUNSET

PP6 :MONOTONE

Recording condition

You can assign your own setting

You can assign your own setting.

Appropriate setting to record people

Appropriate setting to record film-like pictures

Appropriate setting to record sunset

Appropriate setting to record monotone pictures

1 During standby, press the

PICTURE PROFILE button B.

2 Select a picture profile number

with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

You can select the items from [PP1] to [PP6].

You can record with the settings of the selected picture profile.

1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

2 Select the PICTURE PROFILE number

with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

3 Select [SETTING] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A.

4 Select an item to be adjusted with the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

5 Adjust the picture quality with the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial A.

6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other

items.

7 Select [ RETURN] with the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial A.

8 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial A. A picture profile indicator appears.

3 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A.

To cancel the picture profile recording

Select [OFF] in step 2 with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

To change the picture profile

You can change the settings stored in [PP1] through [PP6].

GAMMA

To select a gamma curve.

Item Description and settings

[STANDARD] Standard gamma curve

[CINEMATONE1] Gamma curve 1 for producing tone of film camera images

[CINEMATONE2] Gamma curve 2 for producing tone of film camera images

BLK COMPNSTN

To select a gamma curve characteristic for dark areas.

Item Description and settings

[OFF] Normal setting

[STRETCH] Improves gamma curve characteristics and enhances gradation in dark

areas.

[COMPRESS] Controls gamma curve characteristics to produce solid black.

KNEE POINT

To set the point at which video signal compression starts in order to prevent over-highlighting, by limiting signals in high contrast areas of the subject to the dynamic range of your camcorder.

Item Description and settings

[AUTO] Automatically sets the knee point.

[HIGH] Knee point: 100%

[MIDDLE] Knee point: 95%

[LOW] Knee point: 80%

COLOR MODE

To set type of colors.

Item Description and settings

[STANDARD] Standard colors

[CINEMATONE1] Film camera image-like colors good with [GAMMA] set to

[CINEMATONE1]

[CINEMATONE2] Film camera image-like colors good with [GAMMA] set to

[CINEMATONE2]

COLOR LEVEL

To set the color level.

Item Description and settings

-7 (light) to +7 (dark), -8: black and white

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

COLOR PHASE

To set the color phase.

Item Description and settings

-7 (greenish) to +7 (reddish)

COLOR DEPTH

To set the color depth. This function is more effective for chromatic colors and less effective for achromatic colors. The color looks deeper as you increase the setting value to more positive side, and lighter as you decrease the value to more negative side. This function is effective even if you set [COLOR LEVEL] to [-8] (monotone).

Item Description and settings

-7 (shallow) to +7 (deep)

WB SHIFT

To set items for the white balance shift.

Item Description and settings

-9 (bluish) to +9 (reddish)

SHARPNESS

To adjust the definition of a subject.

Item Description and settings

-7 (soft) to +7 (clear)

SKINTONE DTL

To adjust the detail of skintone areas to reduce wrinkles.

Item Description and settings

[ON/OFF] Suppresses details in skin-tone areas to reduce wrinkles. Select [ON]

when you want to use this function. You can also select other areas.

[LEVEL] Sets the adjustment level.

1 (less adjust the detail) to 8 (more adjust the detail)

[COLOR SEL] Sets color items for the detail adjustment.

[RANGE] : Sets the color range.

0 (selects no color), 1 (narrow: selects a single color) to 31 (wide: selects multiple colors in similar color phases and saturation) The detail will not be adjusted when you set [RANGE] to 0.

[ONE PUSH SET]: Automatically selects target colors for a subject at

the center or the marker. [RANGE] will not be changed.

PROFILE NAME

To name the picture profiles set in [PP1] through [PP6] (p. 42).

COPY

To copy the settings of the picture profile to another picture profile number.

RESET

To reset the picture profile to the default setting.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

BAC

Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)

To name the picture profile settings

You can name picture profile1 through 6. 1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

2 Select the picture profile that you want

to name with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

3 Select [SETTING] t [PROFILE

NAME] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

4 Select a letter with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A. Repeat this operation until a complete name is entered.

PICT. PROFILE

CANCEL

P I CTURE PROFI LE END

z Tips

• Each name can be up to 12 characters long. Characters that can be used in profile names:

•A to Z

•0 to 9

• - _ / # & : . @

5 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial A. The profile name is changed.

6 Select [ RETURN] t [OK] with

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

4 Select the number of the picture profile

that you want to copy to with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial A.

5 Select [YES] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A.

6 Select [ RETURN] t [OK] with the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

To reset the picture profile settings

You can reset the picture profile settings by each picture profile number. You cannot reset all picture profile settings at once.

1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

2 Select the number of the picture profile

that you want to reset with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial A.

3 Select [SETTING] t [RESET] t

[YES] t [

RETURN] t [OK]

with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

Adjusting the volume

You can adjust the volume of the stereo internal microphone or an external microphone connected to the MIC jack.

To copy the picture profile setting to other picture profiles

1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button

2 Select the picture profile that you want

to copy from with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

3 Select [SETTING] t [COPY] with

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

1 Set the AUDIO LEVEL switch A

of the channel to be adjusted to MAN.

appears on the screen.

2 Turn the AUDIO LEVEL dial B to

adjust the volume during recording or standby.

To restore automatic adjustment

Set the AUDIO LEVEL switch A to AUTO.

z Tips

• To check other audio settings, press the

STATUS CHECK button C. You can also check microphone audio levels.

• For other settings, see the (AUDIO SET)

menu (p. 73).

Recording/Playback

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons

Some functions need to be assigned to the ASSIGN buttons for use. You can assign a single function to any one of the ASSIGN 1 to 6 buttons.

Functions you can assign to the ASSIGN buttons

The buttons in parentheses indicate that the functions are assigned to the buttons by default.

• EXP.FOCUS (p. 82)

• D.EXTENDER (p. 69)

• RING ROTATE (p. 66)

•AE SHIFT (p. 67) (ASSIGN 2 button)

• INDEX MARK (p. 45)

• STEADYSHOT (p. 68)

• BACK LIGHT (p. 68)

• SPOTLIGHT (p. 68)

• FADER (p. 69)

•SMTH SLW REC (p. 69)

• COLOR BAR (p. 72)

•REC REVIEW (p. 45) (ASSIGN 3 button)

• END SEARCH (p. 45)

• ZEBRA (p. 74) (ASSIGN 1 button)

• MARKER (p. 75)

• PEAKING (p. 74)

• Picture profile (p. 37)

• SHOT TRANSITION (p. 46)

ASSIGN 4-6 buttons

ASSIGN 1-3 buttons

1 Press the MENU button B.

2 Select the (OTHERS) t

[ASSIGN BTN] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

3 Select the ASSIGN button to

which you want to assign a function from [ASSIGN1] to [ASSIGN6] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

• [------] appears if no function is assigned to the ASSIGN button.

• Select [YES] when you select [SHOT TRANSITION], then do step 6.

4 Select the function that you want

to assign with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.

5 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial A.

6 Press the MENU button B to hide

the menu screen.

To cancel the operation

Press the ASSIGN button to which [INDEX MARK] is assigned again before you start recording.

b Notes

• You cannot record an index signal on a recorded tape afterward.

z Tips

• Shot transition is assigned to the ASSIGN 4, 5 and 6 buttons assignment to return to the pre-setting assignment.

• To cancel the shot transition, select [SHOT TRANSITION] t [YES] in step 3.

(p. 46). Cancel the shot transition

Recording an index signal

If you record a scene with an index signal, you can easily find that scene during play

(p. 55).

back The index function will make it easier to check the transition of recording or edit your pictures using index signals.

1 Assign [INDEX MARK] to one of

the ASSIGN buttons (

p. 44).

2 Press the ASSIGN button to

which [INDEX MARK] is assigned.

During recording

appears for about 7 seconds and an

index signal is recorded.

During standby

flashes.

After you press the REC START/STOP button to start recording, for about 7 seconds and an index signal is recorded.

appears

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)

You can view about 2 seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. This is convenient during playback of the latest scene check.

1 Assign [REC REVIEW] to one of

the ASSIGN buttons.

(p. 44).

2 Press the ASSIGN button to

which [REC REVIEW] is assigned during standby.

The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene will be played back, then your camcorder returns to standby.

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (End search)

1 Assign [END SEARCH] to one of

the ASSIGN buttons

(p. 44).

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued)

2 Press the ASSIGN button to

which [END SEARCH] is assigned.

The last scene of the most recent recording will be played back for about 5 seconds, and the camcorder goes the standby at the point where the last recording has finished.

b Notes

• End search will not work once you eject the

tape.

• End search will not work correctly if a blank

section exists between recorded sections on the tape.

Using the Shot transition

You can store settings of focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter speed and white balance, and smoothly shift from the current settings to the stored settings (shot transition). For example, you can shift the focus from closer objects to farther objects, or change the depth of field by adjusting the iris. You can also develop scenes under different conditions smoothly. If you store manually adjusted settings of white balance, you can smoothly shift from one scene to another under different conditions, such as from indoor to outdoor. Sony recommends that you use a tripod to avoid image blurring.

SHOT-A

SHOT-B

You can set the transition curve and duration using [SHOT TRANSITION] (p. 71).

ASSIGN 4-6 buttons

1 Assign [SHOT TRANSITION] to

the ASSIGN buttons

z Tips

• Shot transition is assigned to ASSIGN 4, 5 and 6 buttons.

(p. 44).

2 Store the settings (shot)

1 Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly

to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION STORE screen.

STBY

0:00:0560

SHOT-A SHOT-B

STORE

min

SHOT TRANSITION STORE

4 Record using the shot transition

function

1 Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly

to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION EXEC screen.

STBY 0:00:0560

min

SHOT TRANSITION EXEC

SHOT-A SHOT-B

EXEC

2 Adjust the desired items manually.

See pages 31 to 37 for details on adjustment.

3 Press the ASSIGN 5 button for storing

the setting in SHOT-A, or the ASSIGN 6 button for storing the setting in SHOT-B.

b Notes

• The setting values assigned to SHOT-A and SHOT-B are deleted when the POWER switch is turned to OFF (CHG).

3 Check the stored settings

1 Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly

to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION CHECK screen.

STBY

0:00:0560

SHOT-A SHOT-B

CHECK

p. 71)

min

SHOT TRANSITION CHECK

2 Press the ASSIGN 5 button to check

the SHOT-A. Press the ASSIGN 6 button to check the SHOT-B. The selected setting will take effect on the picture on the screen. The focus, zoom, and so on, are automatically adjusted as stored in the setting.

b Notes

• On the shot transition check screen, the settings do not shift to the stored settings of the transition time and curve set in [TRANS TIME] and [TRANS CURVE] (

Transition bar S: start

Recording/Playback

E: end

2 Press the REC START/STOP button. 3 Press the ASSIGN 5 button for

recording with SHOT-A, or the ASSIGN 6 button for recording with SHOT-B. The settings shift from the current ones to the stored ones.

z Tips

• Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly to cancel the SHOT TRANSITION.

b Notes

• You cannot zoom, focus, or adjust manually while checking or activating the Shot transition.

• When you change [SHOT TRANSITION] (p. 71), press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly to exit the shot transition screen.

• You cannot return from the stored SHOT-A or SHOT-B settings to previous settings after you execute the shot transition during recording.

• If you press the following buttons during the shot transition operation, the operation will be canceled:

– PICTURE PROFILE button – MENU button – The PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button or

ASSIGN button to which [EXP.FOCUS] is assigned.

– STATUS CHECK button

Continued ,

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued)

– The ASSIGN button to which [SMTH SLW

REC] is assigned.

z Tips

• You can also make a transition from the SHOTA to saved SHOT-B or from the SHOT-B to the SHOT-A. For example, to make a transition from the SHOT-A to the SHOT-B, display the shot transition check screen, press the ASSIGN 5 button to bring up the SHOT-A and press the REC START/STOP button. Then, display the shot transition execution screen and press the ASSIGN 6 button.

• You can rehearse the shot transition by pressing the ASSIGN button (5 or 6), to which your customized setting are assigned, before pressing the REC START/STOP button in step 4.

To cancel the operation

Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly to exit the shot transition screen.

Playback

VOLUME/ MEMORY button

PLAY button

POWER switch

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

You can play back movies as follows.

MEMORY/PLAY button

MEMORY/INDEX button

MEMORY/DELETE button

1 Slide the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the

green button.

2 Start playing back.

Press m (rewind) to go to the point you want to view, then press N (play) to start playback.

• x : STOP

• X : PAUSE (Press N or X again to restart the playback)

• m : REW (Rewind, review)

• M : FF (Cue, fast forward)

• y : SLOW

b Notes

• Your camcorder automatically goes into a stopped state when it is in pause for more than 3 minutes.

• The screen may temporarily go blank losing images and sound when signals switch between HDV

and DV during playback of a tape in which HDV format and DV format are mixed.

• You cannot play back movies recorded in HDV format on DV format video cameras or mini DV players.

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Playback (Continued)

z Tips

•See page 130 for indicators displayed on the screen during playback.

•See page 52 for how to switch displays during playback.

• To play back the tape recorded using a monaural microphone connected, see [MULTI-SOUND] (p. 73).

• To reset the tape counter, press the ZERO SET MEM button. You can also use the ZERO SET MEMORY button on the Remote Commander

To search for a scene while viewing a movie

Press and hold m/M during playback (Picture Search). To view during fast forward, press and hold

M. To view during rewind, press and hold m (Skip Scan).

To adjust the volume

Adjust the volume with the VOLUME/MEMORY button.

To view still images

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR. 2 Press the MEMORY/PLAY button. 3 Select still image that you want to view using the VOLUME/MEMORY button.

To stop viewing still images, press the MEMORY/PLAY button again.

To display the list of still images (index screen)

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR. 2 Press the MEMORY/INDEX button.

(p. 54).

101–0050

1/19

101

3 Select a still image using the VOLUME/MEMORY button.

To display a single image, move B to that image and press the MEMORY/PLAY button. To stop displaying the list of still images, press the MEMORY/INDEX button again.

To delete still images from the “Memory Stick Duo”

1 Do the steps of “To view still images” to display still images that you want to delete. 2 Press the MEMORY/DELETE button. 3 Select [YES] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

The still image will be deleted.

b Notes

• Still images cannot be restored once you delete them.

• You cannot delete still images when the “Memory Stick Duo” is write-protected (p. 111) or the still image is protected (p. 96).

z Tips

• To delete a still image in the index, move B to the still image using the VOLUME/MEMORY button, then do steps 2 and 3.

• To delete all still images, do [ ALL ERASE] of the (MEMORY SET) menu (p. 80).

Recording/Playback

Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder

Displaying recording data (Data code)

You can display information, including date, time and camera data, automatically stored during recording on the screen during playback.

1 Set the POWER switch B to VCR.

2 Press the DATA CODE button A

during playback or pause.

The screen changes (date and time display t camera data display t no display) as you press the button.

Changing the screen

You can turn on and off the display of the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen.

Press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button E.

The screen indicators turn on (displayed) and off (undisplayed) as you press the button.

z Tips

• You can display the screen indicators during

playback on a TV. Select [V-OUT/PANEL] or [ALL OUTPUT] of [DISP OUTPUT]

(p. 77).

A SteadyShot off B Exposure

appears during playback of the movie recorded with the iris, gain and shutter speed automatically adjusted.

appears during playback of the movie recorded with the iris, gain and shutter speed manually adjusted.

C Iris

appears in the iris value display area during playback of the movie recorded with the iris manually adjusted to its maximum value.

D Gain

E Shutter speed F White balance

appears during playback of the

movie recorded with the shot transition.

b Notes

• The exposure correction value (0EV), shutter speed and iris will be displayed during viewing of still images on “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Date and time will be displayed in the same area when you select the date and time display. If you record without setting date and time, [--- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will be displayed.

• An accurate shutter speed may not be displayed when you play back a tape recorded with your camcorder on another device. Check the data code that is displayed on the screen when you play back the tape on your camcorder for the accurate shutter speed.

• When you record a movie with the gain set to [-6dB] and play it back with the data code, the gain value is displayed as [---].

Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check)

You can check the settings of the following items.

• Audio setup such as [WIND] (p. 73)

• Output signal setup ([VCR HDV/DV], etc.) (p. 77)

• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons (p. 44)

• Camera setup. (p. 66)

AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t CAMERA

When the POWER switch B is set to VCR, the display changes in the following sequence:

AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN

To hide the display

• Press the STATUS CHECK button C.

Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info)

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button E. The approximate recordable time in the selected format and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. You can view the battery information for up to 20 seconds by pressing the button again while the information is displayed.

Remaining battery (approx.)

60 65

Recording capacity (approx.)

Recording/Playback

1 Press the STATUS CHECK button

2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial D

until a desired display shows up on the screen.

When the POWER switch B is set to CAMERA, the display changes in the following sequence:

Locating a scene on a tape

A B

b Notes

• See page 127 for details on how to use the

Remote Commander.

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)

During playback, press the ZERO SET MEM button camcorder or the ZERO SET MEMORY button

E F

on your

on the Remote

Commander at the scene where you want to create a cue point.

The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00”

appears on the screen.

and

0:00:0060 min

If the tape counter is not displayed, press the DISPLAY button G.

2 Press the STOP button F when

you want to stop playback.

3 Press the mREW button C.

The tape stops automatically when the tape counter reaches “0:00:00.”

The tape counter returns to the time code display, and

disappears.

4 Press the PLAY button E.

Playback starts from the point designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter.

To cancel the operation

Press the ZERO SET MEM button H or the ZERO SET MEMORY button D again before rewinding.

b Notes

• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds between the time code and the tape counter.

• Zero set memory will not function correctly if there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.

Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search)

You can search scenes by recording dates.

Searching for a recording start point (Index search)

You can search scenes by indexes recorded at the start of recording

(p. 45).

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press the SEARCH M. button A

on the Remote Commander repeatedly to select [DATE SEARCH].

3 Press the . (previous)/>

(next) button B on the Remote Commander to select a recording date.

You can select a date previous or next to the date of the current tape position.

Playback automatically starts from the scene recorded on the selected date.

To cancel the operation

Press the STOP button F on the Remote Commander.

b Notes

• Each day of recording must be longer than 2 minutes. Your camcorder may not detect the date if the recording of that date is short.

• The date search may not work properly if a blank section exists on the tape.

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press the SEARCH M. button A

on the Remote Commander repeatedly to select [INDEX SEARCH].

3 Press the . (previous)/>

(next) button B on the Remote Commander to select an index point.

You can select an index previous or next to the index of the current tape position.

Playback automatically starts from the scene marked by the index.

To cancel the operation

Press the STOP button F on the Remote Commander.

b Notes

• Recording between indexes must be longer than 2 minutes. Your camcorder may not detect the date if the recording between the indexes is short.

• The index search may not work properly if a blank section exists on the tape.

Recording/Playback

Playing the picture on a TV

HDMI OUT

A/V R

Connection methods and image quality differ depending on what type of TV is connected and connectors used. Use the supplied AC Adaptor to obtain AC power (p. 18). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected.

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover and connect the cable.

b Notes

• Make all menu settings on your camcorder before connecting. The TV may not recognize the video signal properly when changing [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK CONV] settings after connecting with an i.LINK cable.

Connecting to a high definition TV

A movie recorded in HD quality is played back in HD quality. A movie recorded in SD quality is played back in SD quality.

COMPONENT IN

AUDIO

HDMI

i.LINK

(for HDV1080i)

B CA

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

(IN/OUT REC)

b Notes

• If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs to output audio signals.

Component A/V cable (supplied)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/C

(Red) PR/C

(White)

(Red)

menu t [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 77) [COMPONENT] t [1080i/480i] (p. 79)

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

HDMI

b Notes

• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.

• Pictures in the DV format are not output from the HDMI OUT jack, if copyright protection signals are

recorded in the pictures.

• DV format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 84) cannot be output.

• Your TVs may not function correctly (for example, no sound or image). Do not connect the HDMI OUT

jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of the external device with the HDMI cable. This may cause a malfunction.

z Tips

• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send both video and audio signals.

Connecting HDMI OUT jack to an external device supplies high quality images and digital audio to you.

HDMI cable (optional)

HDMI

b Notes

• Your TV needs to have an i.LINK jack compatible with HDV1080i. For details, confirm the

specifications of your TV.

• If your TV is not compatible with HDV1080i, connect your camcorder and TV with the supplied

component A/V cable as illustrated in

• The TV needs to be set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is connected. Refer to the instruction

manuals supplied with your TV.

• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the TV to be attached.

i.LINK cable (optional)

(IN/OUT REC) menu t [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 77)

(IN/OUT REC) menu t [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 77) [i.LINK CONV] t [OFF] (p. 79)

Connecting to a 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV

A movie recorded in HD quality is converted and played back in SD quality. A movie recorded in SD quality is played back in SD quality.

COMPONENT IN

AUDIO

i.LINK S VIDEO

i.LINK

VIDEO/AUDIO

E F G

To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)

Change [TV TYPE] setting to match your TV (p. 79).

b Notes

• When you play back a tape recorded in the DV format on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the 16:9 signal, set [DV WIDE REC] to [OFF] on your camcorder when recording a picture

z Tips

• When your TV is monaural (When your TV has only one audio input jack), connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and connect the white (left channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR. When you want to play the sound in monaural mode, use a connecting cable for that purpose.

(p. 78).

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

(IN/OUT REC)

b Notes

• If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not outputted. Connect the white and red

plugs to output audio signals.

Component A/V cable (supplied)

i.LINK cable (optional)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/C

(Red) PR/C

(White)

(Red)

menu t [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 77) [COMPONENT] t [480i] (p. 79) [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 79)

(IN/OUT REC) menu t [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 77) [i.LINK CONV] t [ON] (p. 79)

b Notes

• The TV needs to be set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is connected. Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the TV to be attached.

* Change the settings according to the TV connected.

: Signal flow

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)

(White)

(Yellow)

z Tips

• When connecting only an S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel), audio signals are not output. To output audio signals, connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable with S input jack of your TV.

• This connection produces higher resolution pictures compared with the A/V connecting cable (Type ).

A/V connecting cable

(supplied)

* Change the settings according to the TV connected.

b Notes

• If you connect your camcorder to the TV using more than one type of cable to output images, the order of priority of the TV input jacks is as follows: HDMI t component video t S VIDEO t video.

• See page 113 for the details of i.LINK.

(Red)

(Yellow)

(White)

(Red)

(IN/OUT REC) menu t [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 77) [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 79)

VIDEO to the audio

(IN/OUT REC) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 77) [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 79)

Recording/Playback

When connecting to your TV via a VCR

Select the connecting method on page 84 depending on the input jack of the VCR. Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).

Using the Menu

Using the menu items

You can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen.

POWER switch

SEL/PUSH

button

EXEC dial

1 While pressing the green button,

set the POWER switch.

Press and hold the green button when you slide the POWER switch fro m OFF (CHG).

2 Press the MENU button.

The menu index screen appears.

CAMERA SET PROG. SCAN IRIS/EXPOSURE GAIN SETUP AGC LIMIT MINUS AGC WB PRESET AWB SENS

[MENU]: END

STBY

CAMERA SET (p. 66)

AUDIO SET (p. 73)

DISPLAY SET (p. 74)

IN/OUT REC (p. 77)

MEMORY SET (p. 80)

OTHERS (p. 81)

OTHERS RETURN CAMERA PROF. ASSIGN BTN

PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS

CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE QUICK REC

[MENU]: END

STBY

4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

until the desired menu item is highlighted, then press the dial to select the item.

OTHERS

PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS

CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE QUICK REC BEEP REC LAMP REMOTE CTRL

[MENU]: END

STBY

The available menu items vary depending on the position of the power switch of your camcorder. Unavailable items will be grayed out.

5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

until the desired setting is highlighted or to bring up the desired setting, then press the dial to confirm the setting.

60min

0:00:00STBY

3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

until the icon of the desired menu is highlighted, then press the dial to select the menu.

[MENU]: END

REMOTE CTRL

ON OFF

6 Press the MENU button to hide

the menu screen.

To return to the previous screen, select

RETURN].

[

Using the Menu

Menu items

Available menu items (z) vary depending on the POWER switch position.

Position of POWER switch: CAMERA VCR

(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 66)

PROG.SCAN z – IRIS/EXPOSURE z – GAIN SETUP z – AGC LIMIT z – MINUS AGC z – WB PRESET z – AWB SENS z – AE SHIFT z – AE RESPONSE z – AT IRIS LMT z – FLCKR REDUCE z – CNTRST ENHCR z – BACK LIGHT z – SPOTLIGHT z – STEADYSHOT z – AF ASSIST z – HANDLE ZOOM z – D.EXTENDER z – FADER z – SMTH SLW REC z – INTERVAL REC z – DV FRAME REC z – SHOT TRANSITION z – x.v.Color z – COLOR BAR z –

(AUDIO SET) menu (p. 73)

DV AU.MODE z – AUDIO LIMIT z – WIND z – MULTI-SOUND – z DV AUDIO MIX – z

(DISPLAY SET) menu (p. 74)

ZEBRA z – HISTOGRAM z – PEAKING z – MARKER z – EXP.FOCUS TYPE z – CAM DATA DSP z – AU.LVL DISP z – LCD BRIGHT z z

Position of POWER switch: CAMERA VCR

LCD COLOR z z LCD BL LEVEL z z VF B.LIGHT z z VF POWERMODE z z LETTER SIZE z z

REMAINING z z

DISP OUTPUT z z

(IN/OUT REC) menu (p. 77)

REC FORMAT z – VCR HDV/DV – z DV REC MODE z z DV WIDE REC z – COMPONENT z z i.LINK CONV z z TV TYPE z z

(MEMORY SET) menu (p. 80)

ALL ERASE – z

FORMAT z z FILE NO. z z NEW FOLDER z z REC FOLDER z z PB FOLDER – z

(OTHERS) (p. 81)

CAMERA PROF. z z ASSIGN BTN z z PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS z z CLOCK SET z z WORLD TIME z z LANGUAGE z z PB ZOOM – z QUICK REC z – BEEP z z REC LAMP z – REMOTE CTRL z z

Using the Menu

(CAMERA SET)

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/BACK LIGHT/STEADYSHOT, etc.)

The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.

See page 62 for details on selecting menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

PROG.SCAN

You can capture progressive scan images with a vertical resolution of 1,080 lines.

B OFF

24 ( )

Captures 24 frames per second, the same rate as that of cinema movies.

30 ( )

Captures 30 frames per second, the same rate as that of television commercials.

b Note

• The captured images are converted to 60i format and recorded on tape.

IRIS/EXPOSURE

x RING ASSIGN

You can select either [IRIS] (default setting) or [EXPOSURE] as the function assigned to the iris ring

x RING ROTATE

You can select the rotation direction of the iris ring.

B NORMAL

Makes images dark with clockwise rotation of the iris ring.

OPPOSITE

Makes images dark with counterclockwise rotation of the iris ring.

(p. 33).

b Notes

• When the AUTO/MANUAL switch is set to AUTO, the IRIS/EXPOSURE button is not available.

z Tips

• The iris, gain and shutter speed values are adjusted as follows when you change the [RING ASSIGN] setting with the AUTO/MANUAL switch set to MANUAL.

– When you change [RING ASSIGN] from

[IRIS] to [EXPOSURE] The adjustment remains in the same mode that it was in prior to changing [RING ASSIGN]. If it is in automatic adjustment, it remains in automatic adjustment after changing [IRIS] to [EXPOSURE]. If it is in manual adjustment, it remains in manual adjustment after changing [IRIS] to [EXPOSURE]. You can adjust the iris, gain and shutter speed with the iris ring when the values on the screen. Adjustment for the gain and shutter speed can be switched between [EXPOSURE] and manual.

– When you change [RING ASSIGN] from

[EXPOSURE] to [IRIS] The adjustment remains in the same mode that it was in prior to changing [RING ASSIGN]. If it is in automatic adjustment, it remains in automatic adjustment after changing [EXPOSURE] to [IRIS]. If it is in manual adjustment, it remains in manual adjustment after changing [EXPOSURE] to [IRIS]. Adjustments for the gain and shutter speed can be switched between automatic and manual.

• You can assign [RING ROTATE] to one of the ASSIGN buttons (

is displayed next to

p. 44).

GAIN SETUP

You can set gain values for H, M and L positions of the gain switch. The default settings of [H], [M] and [L] are 18dB, 9dB and 0dB, respectively.

1 Select [H], [M] or [L] with the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

2 Set the gain value with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, and press the dial. You can select the value between -6dB and 21dB by 3dB. The larger the value, the higher the gain.

3 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial.

4 Press the MENU button to hide the

menu screen.

AGC LIMIT

You can select the upper limit for the Auto Gain Control (AGC) from [OFF] (21dB, the default setting), [18dB], [15dB], [12dB], [9dB], [6dB], [3dB] and [0dB].

b Notes

• If you adjust the gain manually, you cannot obtain the effect of [AGC LIMIT].

MINUS AGC

When you set this function to [ON], the automatic gain control range can be expanded to the negative range. Especially in a bright environment, minus gain control allows more suitable gain setting and enables low noise recording. The dynamic range of your camcorder is not reduced when you set [MINUS AGC] to [ON].

B ON

Enables minus gain control during automatic gain control, as required.

OFF

Disables minus gain control during automatic gain control.

WB PRESET

You can use the preset white balance. For more details, see

page 36.

AWB SENS

You can set the auto white balance operation under a reddish light source such as an incandescent lamp or candle, or under a blueish light source such as in outdoor shade.

B INTELLIGENT

Automatically adjusts the white balance so that scenes look natural for the light source.

HIGH

Automatically adjusts the white balance while reducing redness or blueness.

MIDDLE

LOW

Automatically adjusts the white balance while increasing redness or blueness.

b Notes

• This is only effective when white balance is adjusted automatically.

• [AWB SENS] is not effective under a clear sky or the sun.

AE SHIFT

You can set an offset value to adjust the automatic exposure adjustment value between [-7] (dark) and [+7] (bright) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The default setting is [0] . appears on the screen when you change the value from the default setting.

b Notes

• This function is not effective while you adjust the iris, shutter speed and gain all manually.

• [AE SHIFT] is canceled when [EXPOSURE] is manually adjusted.

and selected value

Using the Menu

Continued ,

Press the MENU button t select the (CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

AE RESPONSE

You can select the speed at which the automatic exposure adjustment function follows changes in the brightness of the subject. You can select the speed from [FAST], [MIDDLE] and [SLOW]. The default setting is [FAST].

AT IRIS LMT

You can select the highest iris value for the automatic adjustment from [F11], [F9.6], [F8], [F6.8], [F5.6], [F4.8] and [F4]. The default setting is [F11].

b Notes

* This function is not effective during the manual

iris adjustment.

FLCKR REDUCE

B ON

Reduces flickering. Flickering of the screen under a light source such as fluorescent lamps will be reduced.

OFF

Not reduce flickering.

b Notes

• Flickering may not be reduced for certain light sources.

CNTRST ENHCR

When you set this function to [ON], your camcorder detects high contrast images, such as backlit scenes, and automatically improves the unexposed images. The default setting is [ON].

b Notes

• When you set [BACK LIGHT] to [ON], [CNTRST ENHCR] is temporarily disabled.

BACK LIGHT

When you set this function to [ON] (.), you can correct backlighting. The default setting is [OFF].

b Notes

• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] when you set [SPOTLIGHT] to [ON].

• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] when [EXPOSURE] is manually adjusted.

• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] if at least two of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.

SPOTLIGHT

When you set this function to [ON] ( ), you can prevent overexposure of light during recording of a subject under strong light, such as a stage. For example, you can prevent people's faces from overhighlighting. The default setting is [OFF].

b Notes

• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] when you set [BACK LIGHT] to [

• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] when [EXPOSURE] is manually adjusted.

• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] if at least two of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.

ON].

STEADYSHOT

x ON/OFF

When you select [ON], you can reduce camera shakes. Select [OFF] ( you use a tripod (optional) to make images look natural. The default setting is [ON].

x TYPE

You can select a type of camera-shake reduction for different recording situations.

HARD

Reduces camera shakes at a high level. This setting is not suitable for panorama tilt recordings.

) when

B STANDARD

Reduces camera shakes at a standard level.

SOFT

Reduces camera shakes at a low level. Slight unsteadiness remains in movies, which make the movies look as they are.

WIDE CONV.

This is for use with wide conversion lenses (optional). It is the optimum setting for use with a Sony VCL-HG0872A wide conversion lens.

AF ASSIST

When you set this function to [ON], you can temporarily focus manually using the focus ring during the auto focus adjustment. The default setting is [OFF].

selected effect or recording to fade out with the selected effect.

2 Press the REC START/STOP button.

The fader indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fading is complete.

To cancel before starting the operation, select [OFF] in step 1. The setting will be cleared every time you press the REC START/STOP button.

STBY REC

Fading out Fading in

WHITE FADER

Using the Menu

BLACK FADER

HANDLE ZOOM

You can select the zoom speed for the FIX position of the handle zoom switch from [1] (slow) through [8] (fast). The default setting is [3].

D.EXTENDER

When you set this function to [ON] ( ), the displayed image becomes 1.5 times larger. The image quality decreases because the image is digitally processed. This function helps you to focus on far-away subjects such as a wild bird away at a distance. The default setting is [OFF].

b Notes

• This function is automatically set to [OFF] when you turn the power off and back on.

FADER

You can add visual effects to transition between scenes.

1 Select [WHITE FADER] or [BLACK

FADER] during standby to fade in with the

b Notes

• This function is automatically set to [OFF] when you turn the power off and back on.

SMTH SLW REC (Smooth slow recording)

Fast moving subjects and actions, which cannot be captured under the general shooting conditions, can be shot in smooth moving slow-motion. This is useful to shoot fast actions such as a golf or tennis swing.

Select [EXECUTE], and press the REC START/STOP button on the [SMTH SLW REC] screen. An approximately 6-second recording is stretched to about 24-seconds and recorded as a slow-motion movie. When [Recording...] disappears, recording is finished.

To cancel [SMTH SLW REC], press the MENU button.

Continued ,

Press the MENU button t select the (CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

After executing [SMTH SLW REC] with an ASSIGN button, you can also cancel [SMTH SLW REC] by pressing the ASSIGN button again. See

page 44 for

details on how to use the ASSIGN buttons.

You can select the [SMTH SLW REC] settings suitable for your recording.

x TIMING

You can use this to select when recording starts in relation to when the REC START/ STOP button is pressed.

[6sec AFTER]*

[6sec CENTER]

[6sec BEFORE]

* The default setting is [6sec AFTER].

x TRIG

When you set this function to [ON], recording automatically starts in response to a preset sound level instead of the REC START/STOP button being pressed. The [ TRIG] setting is canceled when you turn the power off and back on.

x TRIG LEVEL

You can select the sound level at which recording is triggered from [HIGH], [MIDDLE] and [LOW] in [ LEVEL]. The default setting is [HIGH].

b Notes

• Sounds cannot be recorded.

• The recording time may be shorter than the set time, depending on recording conditions.

• The image quality is lower than with the regular recording.

TRIG

z Tips

• When [ TRIG] is set to [ON], you can also start recording by pressing the REC START/ STOP button.

• When you manually set the microphone volume to a low level, [ properly. We recommend that you set [ TRIG LEVEL] to [MIDDLE] or [LOW].

TRIG] may not work

INTERVAL REC

You can record a series of movies on a tape at regular intervals. This function is useful to observe things like cloud movements or daylight changes. The scenes run smoothly into each other when you play back the tape. Use the AC Adapter/Charger to obtain AC power for long recording.

Recording

1 Select [ON/OFF] t [ON] with the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

2 Perform the following step if you are

changing the recording time from the default setting of [0.5sec]. If you are keeping the default recording time, go straight to step 3.

Select [REC TIME] t [0.5sec], [1sec], [1.5sec] or [2sec] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

3 Perform the following step if you are

changing the interval time from the default setting of [30sec]. If you are keeping the default interval time, go straight to step 4.

Select [INTERVAL] t [30sec], [1min], [5min] or [10min].

4 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial.

5 Press the MENU button to hide the menu

screen.

6 Press the REC START/STOP button.

The [INTERVAL REC] recording starts.

To cancel [INTERVAL REC], press the REC START/STOP button.

Recording Recording

interval

The operation of your camcorder differs depending on when you press the REC START/STOP button. If you press the button during [INTERVAL REC] recording, the recording temporarily stops. If you press it again, the [INTERVAL REC] recording restarts, If you press the button during [INTERVAL REC] interval, the [INTERVAL REC] recording stops and regular recording starts. If you press it again, regular recording stops. If you press the button once again, the [INTERVAL REC] recording restarts. To cancel the [INTERVAL REC] recording, select [ON/OFF] t [OFF] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

b Notes

• The recording time and interval time may differ slightly from the settings.

• If you focus manually, you can get sharp images even if the lighting changes.

• You can disable the beep during recording by setting [BEEP] to [OFF].

DV FRAME REC

You can record stop motion (or frame-byframe) animation movies. That type of animation uses a technique of changing the subject, such as a doll or a toy's positions and recording it at each different position while your camcorder sits still. Use the Remote Commander to reduce camera shakes.

B OFF

Not use this function.

ON ( )

Records a movie by stop motion (or frameby-frame) technique.

1 Select [ON] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

2 Press the MENU button to hide the

menu screen.

3 Press the REC START/STOP button.

Your camcorder records a movie for about 6 frames and returns to standby.

4 Move the subject and repeat step 3.

b Notes

• When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated correctly.

• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.

• You cannot record index signals during frame recording.

• This function is automatically set to [OFF] when you turn the power off and back on.

SHOT TRANSITION

You can set [TRANS TIME] and [TRANS CURVE]. See the shot transition function.

x TRANS TIME

You can set the transition time between [3.5 sec] and [90.0 sec]. The default setting is [4.0 sec].

x TRANS CURVE

You can select the transition curve. The characteristics of the transition curves are illustrated in the following graphs.

*1: parameter level *2: time

LINEAR

Make the transition linearly.

B SOFT STOP

Make the transition slowly at the end.

page 46 for details on using

Using the Menu

Continued ,

Press the MENU button t select the (CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

SOFT TRANS

Make the transition slowly at the beginning and end, and linearly in between.

b Notes

• You cannot change [TRANS TIME] and [TRANS CURVE] settings during store, check, or execution of [SHOT TRANSITION]. Cancel [SHOT TRANSITION] setting by pressing the ASSIGN 4 button several times before changing [TRANS TIME] or [TRANS CURVE] setting.

x.v.Color

When you set this function to [ON], you can record with the wider color range. Your camcorder can reproduce brilliant and vivid colors for flowers and the beautiful bluegreen of tropical oceans that cannot be matched by conventional technologies.

b Notes

• The colors may not be well reproduced when you play back a movie recorded with this function set to [ON] on a TV that does not support x.v.Color.

• You cannot set [x.v.Color] in the following cases:

– When recording in SD (standard) format – When recording movies

• When you set [x.v.Color] to [ON], the picture profile will be disabled.

b Notes

• This function is automatically set to [OFF] when you turn the power off and back on.

x TYPE

• Selects a type of the color bars.

TYPE1

TYPE2

TYPE3

(75% brightness of TYPE3)

TYPE4

COLOR BAR

x ON/OFF

When you select [ON], you can display color bars on the screen or record them on a tape. This function helps you to adjust colors when you view movies recorded with your camcorder on a TV or a monitor. The default setting is [OFF].

(AUDIO SET) menu

Settings for the audio recording (DV AU.MODE/DV AUDIO MIX, etc.)

The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.

See page 62 for details on selecting menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(AUDIO SET) with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

DV AU.MODE (DV Audio mode)

12BIT( )

Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).

B 16BIT ( )

Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).

b Notes

• When recording in the HDV format, sound is automatically recorded in [16BIT] mode.

AUDIO LIMIT

You can set the clipping-noise reduction function.

B OFF

Disables the function.

Enables the function.

b Notes

• This function is available only when you set the AUDIO LEVEL switch to MAN.

WIND

B ON

Enables wind noise reduction.

OFF

Disables wind noise reduction.

MULTI-SOUND

You can select whether to play back audio recorded using other devices with dual sound or stereo sound.

B STEREO

Plays back with main and sub sound (or stereo sound).

Plays back with main sound (or the left channel sound).

Plays back with sub sound (or the right channel sound).

b Notes

• You can play back, but cannot record a dual sound track cassette on your camcorder.

DV AUDIO MIX

You can monitor the sound dubbed from another device or recorded through 4channel microphone during playback. You can set how to output the sound.

B ST1

Outputs the originally recorded sound only.

MIX

Outputs the originally recorded sound mixed with the dubbed sound.

ST2

Outputs the dubbed sound only.

b Notes

• This function is not effective, when you play back a tape recorded with [DV AU.MODE] set to [16BIT]

Using the Menu

(DISPLAY SET)

Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/DISP OUTPUT, etc.)

The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.

See page 62 for details on selecting menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

B OFF

Does not display a histogram.

NORMAL

Displays a histogram.

ADVANCE

Displays a histogram, and a bar that indicates an average of the brightness levels around the center of an image (within the marker) on the histogram.

Average

ZEBRA

You can display a zebra pattern as a guide for adjusting brightness.

x ON/OFF

When you select [ON], and the brightness level appear on the screen. The zebra pattern will not be recorded on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo.”

x LEVEL

You can select the brightness level between 70 and 100 or 100+.

z Tips

• The zebra pattern is a strip pattern displayed over a part of an image on the screen when the part is higher than a preset brightness level.

HISTOGRAM

You can adjust the iris while referring to a histogram. A histogram is a graph that shows the distribution of the image brightness. You can use the histogram as a guide for adjusting the iris. The histogram will not be recorded on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo.”

Pixels

BrighterDarker

Brightness

z Tips

• The left area on the graph shows the darker areas of the image while the right area shows the brighter areas.

• A vertical line that indicates the brightness level of [ZEBRA] will be displayed on the histogram when you set [ZEBRA] to [ON].

PEAKING

x ON/OFF

When you select [ON], you can display an image on the screen with its details enhanced. This function helps you to adjust the focus. The default setting is [OFF].

x COLOR

You can select the peaking color from [WHITE], [RED] and [YELLOW]. The default setting is [WHITE].

x LEVEL

You can select a peaking sensitivity from [HIGH], [MIDDLE] and [LOW]. The default setting is [MIDDLE].

b Notes

• You cannot record an image with enhanced details on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo.”

z Tips

• You can focus more easily using this function in combination with the expanded focus function (p. 33).

MARKER

x ON/OFF

When you select [ON], you can display markers. The default setting is [OFF]. Markers will not be recorded on a tape or “Memory Stick Duo.”

x CENTER

When you select [ON], you can display a marker at the center of the screen. The default setting is [ON].

x GUIDEFRAME

When you select [ON], you can display frame markers that help you to check horizontal and vertical positions of a subject. The default setting is [OFF].

b Notes

• You cannot output display information, such as the time code, to an external device when [MARKER] is set to [ON].

z Tips

• You can display the center marker and the guideframe marker at the same time.

• You can obtain a balanced composition by positioning the subject at the cross points of the guideframe marker.

• You can display markers only on the LCD panel and viewfinder. You cannot display them on an external device.

EXP.FOCUS TYPE

You can set a type of the expanded focus display.

B TYPE1

Simply enlarges images.

TYPE2

Enlarges and shows images in white and black.

CAM DATA DSP (Camera data

display)

When you set this function to [ON], you can constantly display the iris, shutter speed and gain settings on the screen. The default setting is [OFF].

min

Iris value

Gain value

z Tips

• The settings appear on the screen during the manual adjustment regardless of the settings of this function.

• indicates that the settings are automatically adjusted values.

• The displayed settings are different from the settings that will be displayed when you press the DATA CODE button

0:00:00

Shutter speed value

(p. 52).

Using the Menu

Continued ,

Press the MENU button t select the (DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

AU.LVL DISP (Audio level display)

When you set this function to [ON], you can display the audio level meter on the screen. The default setting is [ON].

Audio level meter

LCD BRIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Changes in the LCD brightness will not affect the brightness of recording images.

z Tips

• You can also turn off the LCD backlight (p. 22).

LCD COLOR

You can adjust the LCD color intensity using the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Changes in the LCD color level will not affect the color level of recording images.

LCD BL LEVEL

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight.

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [LCD BL LEVEL] is automatically set to [BRIGHT].

• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable time with the battery is slightly reduced.

VF B.LIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder.

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the viewfinder screen.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting.

• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable time with the battery is slightly reduced.

VF POWERMODE

B AUTO

Turns on the viewfinder while you close the LCD panel or record in mirror mode.

Always turns on the viewfinder.

LETTER SIZE

B NORMAL

Displays the menu in regular letter size.

Displays the selected menu items in letter size, the height of which is doubled.

REMAINING

B AUTO

Displays the remaining time of a tape for about 8 seconds in the following situation:

• When you set the POWER switch to VCR or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.

• When you press N (Play) or the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button.

Always displays the remaining time of a tape. The remaining time is not displayed when you insert a new tape or a tape that is

rewound to the beginning. It is displayed when you start playback or recording.

DISP OUTPUT

You can select outputs to which display information, such as time code, is outputted.

B LCD PANEL

Outputs the information to the LCD screen and viewfinder.

V-OUT/PANEL

Outputs the information to the LCD screen, viewfinder and composite output.

ALL OUTPUT

Outputs the information to the LCD screen, viewfinder, HDMI output, component output and composite output.

b Notes

• You can output display information only to the viewfinder and the LCD screen when [MARKER] is set to [ON].

(IN/OUT REC)

Recording settings, input and output settings (VCR HDV/DV/DV REC MODE/ DV WIDE REC/ TV TYPE, etc.)

The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.

See page 62 for details on selecting menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(IN/OUT REC) with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

REC FORMAT

You can select a recording format.

B HDV1080i ( )

Records in the HDV1080i format.

DV ( )

Records in the DV format. Set also [DV REC MODE] when you

record in this format.

b Notes

• Set also [i.LINK CONV] as necessary when you output a movie to an external device through an i.LINK cable (

p. 79).

Using the Menu

VCR HDV/DV

You can select a type of output signal to an external device for playing back a movie on the device. Select [AUTO] in most cases. When you connect your camcorder to an external device with an i.LINK cable, select a type of input and output signals to and from the external device via the jack. You can record or play back a movie reproduced by the selected type of signals.

HDV/DV

Continued ,

Press the MENU button t select the (IN/OUT REC) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

B AUTO

Automatically switches between HDV signals and DV signals during playback.

During the i.LINK connection, recognizes HDV signals and DV signals, and automatically inputs or outputs the signals to or from the external device via the HDV/DV (i.LINK) jack for recording or playback.

HDV ( )

Plays back only HDV format sections of a tape.

During the i.LINK connection, inputs or outputs only HDV signals to or from an external device via the (i.LINK) jack for recording or playback.

Select this setting when you connect your camcorder to your computer.

HDV/DV

DV ( )

Plays back only DV format sections of a tape.

During the i.LINK connection, inputs or outputs only DV signals to or from an external device via the (i.LINK) jack for recording or playback. Select this setting when you connect your camcorder to your computer.

b Notes

• Make sure to disconnect the i.LINK cable prior to changing the setting. Otherwise, a video device may not recognize video signals.

• When you select [AUTO], images and sounds may be cut off on switching between HDV signals and DV signals.

• When you set [i.LINK CONV] to [ON], the following signals will be outputted:

– [AUTO]: HDV signals are converted to DV

signals and outputted. DV signals are outputted without any

conversion.

– [HDV]: HDV signals are converted to DV

signals and outputted. DV signals will not be outputted.

– [DV]: DV signals are outputted without any

conversion. HDV signals will not be outputted.

HDV/DV

DV REC MODE (DV Recording mode)

This function is available only when you set [REC FORMAT] to [DV].

B SP (SP)

Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.

LP (LP)

Increases the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play).

b Notes

• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like noise may appear or sound may be interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs.

• When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.

• You cannot choose the LP mode for the HDV format recording.

DV WIDE REC

You can record a movie in an aspect ratio that matches that of a TV that you want to connect. Refer also to the instruction manuals that come with the TV.

B ON

Records a movie in an aspect ratio that matches the full screen of a 16:9 (wide) TV.

OFF ( )

Records a movie in an aspect ratio that matches the full screen of a 4:3 TV.

b Notes

• Set [TV TYPE] correctly to suite a TV that you want to connect for playback (

• The aspect ratio will be fixed to 16:9 and you cannot set it to 4:3 when you record in HDV format.

p. 79).

COMPONENT

You can select [480i] or [1080i/480i] depending on your TV when you connect your camcorder to a TV via a component A/V cable.

480i

Supports connection between your camcorder and a TV with a component input jack that supports the 480i format.

B 1080i/480i

Supports connection between your camcorder and a TV with a component input jack that supports the 1080i format.

i.LINK CONV

You can convert signals in HDV format to DV format, and output pictures in DV format from the (i.LINK).

B OFF

Outputs the pictures from the HDV/DV interface (i.LINK) in accordance with the settings in [REC FORMAT] and [VCR HDV/DV].

Pictures in HDV format are converted to DV format, and pictures in DV format are output in DV format.

b Notes

• For input signal via an i.LINK connection, see [VCR HDV/DV]

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting [i.LINK CONV]. Otherwise, the connected video device may not be able to recognize the video signal from your camcorder.

HDV/DV interface

(p. 77).

B 16:9

Select to view your pictures on a 16:9 (wide) TV.

HDV/DV (16:9) format pictures

4:3

Select to view your pictures on a 4:3 standard TV.

HDV/DV (16:9) format pictures

b Notes

• This is not effective for the i.LINK output.

• When you connect your camcorder to a TV compatible with the ID-1 system or via an

VIDEO jack for playing back the tape, set

S [TV TYPE] to [16:9]. The TV automatically switches the aspect ratio according to the playback picture. Refer also to the manual supplied with your TV.

DV (4:3) format pictures

Using the Menu

TV TYPE

You need to convert the signal depending on a type of your TV when playing back the picture. The recorded pictures are played back as following illustrations.

(MEMORY SET)

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (ALL ERASE/FORMAT, etc.)

The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.

See page 62 for details on selecting menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(MEMORY SET) with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

ALL ERASE

You can delete all the still images without image protection on a “Memory Stick Duo” or in the selected folder.

1 Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRENT

FLDR]. [ALL FILES]: Deletes all the images on

the “Memory Stick Duo.” [CURRENT FLDR]: Deletes all the

images in the currently selected folder.

2 Select [YES] t [YES] with the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial. [ Erasing all data...] appears. [Completed.] appears when all unprotected images are deleted.

b Notes

• Release the write protect tab on the “Memory Stick Duo” beforehand for the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab (

• The folder will not be deleted even when you delete all the images in the folder.

• Do not do any of the following while [ Erasing all data...] is displayed:

– Operate the POWER switch/buttons. – Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”

p. 111).

FORMAT

You do not need to format the “Memory Stick Duo” since it is already formatted at the factory. If you want to format the “Memory Stick Duo,” select

t[YES].

[YES]

b Notes

• Do not do any of the following while [ Formatting...] is displayed:

– Operate the POWER switch/buttons. – Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Formatting erases everything on the “Memory Stick Duo” including protected image data and newly created folders.

FILE NO.

B SERIES

Assigns file numbers in sequence even if the “Memory Stick Duo” is replaced with another one. The file number is reset when a new folder is created or the recording folder is replaced with another.

RESET

Resets the file number to 0001 each time the “Memory Stick Duo” is changed.

NEW FOLDER

When you select [YES], you can create a new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick Duo.” When a folder is full (a maximum of 9,999 images are stored), a new folder is automatically created.

b Notes

• You cannot delete the new folder once you have created it on your camcorder. Format the “Memory Stick Duo” ( computer.

• The number of recordable pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo” may decrease as the number of folders increases.

p. 80) or delete it on your

REC FOLDER (Recording folder)

You can select a folder in which you want to store still images. Select the folder with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

z Tips

• The still images will be stored in the 101MSDCF folder by default.

• Once you store the still images in the current folder, the folder is selected as a playback folder.

PB FOLDER (Playback folder)

You can select a folder in which still images you want to view are stored. Select the folder with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

(OTHERS) menu

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (QUICK REC/BEEP, etc.)

The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.

See page 62 for details on selecting menu items.

Press the MENU button t select the

(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial.

CAMERA PROF. (Camera profile)

You can save up to two camera setting profiles in your camcorder. Using these saved profiles let you quickly obtain suitable camera settings later.

z Tips

• You can save menu settings, picture profiles and button settings as a camera profile.

x To load a camera profile

You can load a camera profile and use it on your camcorder.

1 Select [LOAD] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

2 Select the camera profile that you want

to load with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

3 Select [YES] in the check screen.

Your camcorder is restarted and the selected camera profile becomes effective.

x To save camera profile settings

1 Select [SAVE] by the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

2 Select [NEW FILE] or an existing

profile name by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

3 Select [YES] in the check screen by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The camera profile settings are saved.

z Tips

• If you select [NEW FILE], profile name is set to [CAM1] or [CAM2].

• If you select an existing camera profile as a destination, the camera profile is overwritten.

Using the Menu

Continued ,

Press the MENU button t select the (OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

x To change the camera profile name

You can change the camera profile name.

1 Select [PROFILE NAME] with the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

2 Select the camera profile of which you

want to change the name with the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. [PROFILE NAME] screen appears.

3 Change the profile name with the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

z Tips

•You can enter the name in the same way as the picture profile (

4 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial. Profile name is changed.

p. 42).

x To delete camera profile settings

1 Select [DELETE] with the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial.

2 Select the camera profile you want to

delete with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

3 Select [YES] on the check screen.

ASSIGN BTN

See page 44.

PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS

You can select a function to assign to the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button.

B PHOTO

Functions as the PHOTO button (p. 30).

EXP.FOCUS

Functions as the EXPANDED FOCUS

(p. 33).

button

b Notes

• If [EXP.FOCUS] is selected, you cannot record still images with the main unit button. Please use the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander.

CLOCK SET

See page 24.

WORLD TIME

When you use your camcorder abroad, you can adjust the clock to the local time by setting the time difference with the

PUSH EXEC

dial.

SEL/

When you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the original setting.

LANGUAGE

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

z Tips

• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) in case that you cannot find your native tongue among the options.

PB ZOOM (Playback zoom)

When you set this function to [ON], you can enlarge movie images about 1.1 to 5 times (still images about 1.5 to 5 times) with the handle zoom lever. The default setting is [OFF]. To end the zoom, press and hold the W side of the handle zoom lever until it stops.

z Tips

• To move the zoom horizontally, press the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial, then turn the dial. To move the zoom vertically, press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial one more time, then turn the dial.

QUICK REC

You can slightly reduce the recording start point time when resuming recording by changing the POWER switch from OFF (CHG) to CAMERA.

B OFF

It takes some time to restart recording from the state that the drum has stopped rotating, but the transition from the last recorded scene is smooth.

ON ( )

The time shortens slightly until recording restarts from the state that the drum has stopped rotating, but the transition from the last recorded scene may not be smooth.

Select this when you do not want to miss a recording chance.

z Tips

• When this function is set to [ON], the interval between scenes freezes for a moment (editing on your computer is recommended).

• When the camcorder is left in standby for more than about 3 minutes, your camcorder exits from standby (the drum stops rotating) to prevent tape wear and battery loss. Since the power does not turn off, you can restart recording by pressing the REC START/STOP button again.

BEEP

B ON

Activates a melody when you start/stop recording.

OFF

Cancels the melody.

REC LAMP (Recording lamp)

When you set this function to [OFF], you can turn off the camera recording lamps during recording. The default setting is [ON].

Using the Menu

REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)

When you set this function to [ON], you can use the supplied Remote Commander (p. 127). The default setting is [ON].

z Tips

• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc.

Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation ( connected.

p. 18). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be

Connecting to external devices

The connection method and the image quality will differ depending on the VCR, DVD/HDD device and the connectors used.

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover and connect the cable.

: Signal flow

Camcorder Cable External device

i.LINK cable (optional)

• i.LINK jack which is compatible with HDV1080i specification is required on the external device.

HDV1080i compatible device t HD quality*

i.LINK cable (optional)

A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)

AV device with i.LINK jack t SD quality*

AV device with S VIDEO jack t SD quality*

(White) (Red)

(Yellow)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

* Pictures recorded in the DV format are dubbed in the SD (standard definition) quality, regardless of the

connection.

** When connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting

cable to the video jack on the device, and connect the white (left channel) or red (right channel) plug to the audio jack on the device.

b Notes

• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.

(Yellow) (White) (Red)

AV device with audio/video jacks** t SD quality*

Using an i.LINK cable (optional)

The dubbed format (HDV/DV) differs depending on the recording format or the format supported by the VCR/DVD device. See the table below for selecting the appropriate settings, and perform necessary menu setting.

Dubbing/Editing

Continued ,

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. (Continued)

b Notes

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before changing these menu settings, otherwise the VCR/DVD device may

not correctly identify the video signal.

z Tips

• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device to be

connected.

Format supported by the VCR/DVD device

HDV format*

HDV HDV –*

DV format

HDV DV DV [ON]

Copy format

Copy HDV recording as HDV

Convert HDV recording to DV

Camcorder recording format

Copy DV recording as DV DV DV DV [OFF]

When tape is recorded in both HDV and DV format

Convert both HDV and DV format to DV

Copy only portions recorded in HDV format

Copy only portions recorded in DV format

*1Recording device compliant with the HDV1080i specification. *2The tape advances, but no video or sound is recorded (blank). *3Picture is not recognized (no recording is made).

HDV/DV DV DV [AUTO] [ON]

HDV HDV –*

DV –*

HDV –*

–*

DV DV DV

b Notes

• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], and the signal switches between HDV and DV formats, the

picture and sound are interrupted temporarily.

• When the recorder is HDR-FX1000, set [VCR HDV/DV] to [AUTO] (p. 77).

• When the player and the recorder are both HDV1080i compatible devices such as HDR-FX1000 and

connected with the i.LINK cable, after pausing or stopping and then resuming the recording, the images will be a bit choppy or rough at that point.

• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) when connecting with an A/V connecting

p. 77).

cable (

Menu setting

[VCR HDV/DV] (p. 77)

[i.LINK CONV] (p. 79)

[AUTO]

[HDV] [OFF]

[DV] [OFF]

[OFF]

When connecting with the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)

Connect with S VIDEO jack instead of the video plug (yellow). This connection produces pictures more faithfully. This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures. The audio will not be output when you connect with the S

VIDEO cable alone.

Dubbing to another device

1 Prepare your camcorder for

playback.

Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch to VCR.

Set [TV TYPE] according to the playback device (TV, etc.) (

p. 79).

2 Prepare your VCR/DVD device for

recording.

When dubbing to the VCR, insert a cassette for recording. When dubbing to the DVD recorder, insert a DVD for recording.

If your recording device has an input selector, set it to the appropriate input (such as video input1 and video input2).

3 Connect your VCR/DVD device to

your camcorder as a recording device.

See page 84 for connection details.

4 Start playback on the camcorder,

and recording on the VCR/DVD device.

Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your recording device for details.

b Notes

• The following cannot be output via the HDV/ DV interface (i.LINK):

– Indicators – Titles that are recorded on other camcorder

• Pictures recorded in the HDV format are not output from the jack during playback pause or in any playback mode other than normal playback.

• Note the following when connecting with an i.LINK cable:

– The recorded picture becomes rough when a

picture is paused on your camcorder while recording to a VCR/DVD device.

– Data codes (date/time/camera settings data)

may not be displayed or recorded depending on the device or application.

– You cannot record the picture and sound

separately.

• When dubbing to a DVD recorder from your camcorder through an i.LINK cable, you may not operate your camcorder on your DVD recorder even if its instruction manual says you can. If you can set the input mode to HDV or DV on your DVD recorder and can input/output pictures, follow the steps in “ cable (optional).”

z Tips

• To record the date/time and camera settings data when connected by the A/V connecting cable, display them on the screen.

• When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and sound signals are transmitted digitally, producing high quality pictures.

• When an i.LINK cable is connected, the format of the output signal (

your camcorder.

HDV/DV interface (i.LINK)

Using an i.LINK

) will be indicated on the LCD screen of

Dubbing/Editing

5 When dubbing is complete, stop

your camcorder and the VCR/DVD device.

Recording pictures from a VCR

You can record pictures from a VCR on a tape. You can record a scene as a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo.” You can record pictures in the HDV format by connecting an HDV1080i specification compatible device. Be sure to insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” for recording in your camcorder beforehand. You can connect your camcorder to a VCR device using an i.LINK cable. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (

p. 18). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

b Notes

• You need an i.LINK cable for this operation.

• You cannot perform this operation with the A/V

connecting cable.

• Your camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal.

Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device to be attached.

HDV1080i compatible device

t HD quality t SD quality

To i.LINK connector

: Signal flow

* An i.LINK jack which is compatible with

HDV1080i specification is required.

AV device with i.LINK jack

i.LINK cable (optional)

To HDV/DV interface (i.LINK)

Recording movies

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Set the input signal of your

camcorder.

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [AUTO] when recording from an HDV format compatible device.

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] or [AUTO] when recording from a DV format compatible device

(p. 77).

3 Connect your VCR as a player to

your camcorder.

When an i.LINK cable is connected, the format of the input signal (

or ) will be indicated on the LCD screen of your camcorder (This indicator may appear on the screen of the playback device but it will not be recorded).

6 Start playing the cassette on your

VCR.

The picture played on the VCR appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder.

Dubbing/Editing

7 Press X (PAUSE) again at the

point you want to start recording.

8 Press x (STOP) to stop

recording.

4 Insert a cassette into the VCR.

5 Set your camcorder to recording

pause.

While pressing X (PAUSE), press both z REC (record) buttons

simultaneously.

b Notes

• You cannot record TV programs from the HDV/DV interface (i.LINK).

• You can record pictures from DV devices only

in the DV format.

• Note the following when connecting with an

i.LINK cable: – The recorded picture becomes rough when a

picture is paused on your camcorder while recording to a VCR.

– You cannot record the picture and sound

separately.

– If you pause or stop the recording and restart

it, the picture may not be recorded smoothly.

z Tips

• When a 4:3 video signal is input, it appears with

black bands on the right and left sides on the screen of your camcorder.

Continued ,

Recording pictures from a VCR (Continued)

Recording still images

Be sure to insert a “Memory Stick Duo” for recording in your camcorder beforehand, and set [PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS] to [PHOTO] (the default setting)

(p. 82).

1 Perform steps 1 to 4 in

“Recording movies.”

2 Start playing the cassette.

The pictures on the VCR appear on the screen of your camcorder.

3 Press the PHOTO/EXPANDED

FOCUS button on your camcorder or the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander at the scene you want to record.

Using a Computer

Copying movies on a tape to a computer

Connect your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable. The computer needs to have an i.LINK connector and be installed with editing software that can copy video signals. The software required depends on the format of the recorded pictures and the format for copying to the computer (HDV or DV) as shown in the table below.

Recorded format

Format for copying to the computer

Required software

Editing software

HDV HDV

capable of copying HDV signal

Editing software

HDV DV

capable of copying DV signal

Editing software

DV DV

capable of copying DV signal

b Notes

• The HDV/DV jack of your camcorder does not have a power-supply function.

• When you connect your camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK cable, make sure that the terminals of the i.LINK cable are placed the right way. Squeezing the terminals into jacks may damage the terminals and jacks, or result in a malfunction of your camcorder.

• You cannot copy image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” onto your computer via an i.LINK cable.

• Refer to the operating instructions of the software for the details on image copying.

• Refer to the operating instructions of the editing software for the recommended connection.

• Some editing software on the computer may not work correctly.

• You cannot change format DV to HDV.

The required menu settings vary depending on the recorded images and the format (HDV or DV) to be copied to the computer.

Recorded format

Format for copying to the computer

Menu setting*

[VCR HDV/DV]

HDV HDV

t [HDV] [i.LINK CONV] t [OFF]

[VCR HDV/DV]

HDV DV

t [HDV] [i.LINK CONV] t [ON]

[VCR HDV/DV]

DV DV

t [DV] [i.LINK CONV] t [OFF]

* See page 62 for menu settings.

z Tips

• To copy HDV format images as they are without changing their format, an HDV compatible environment is required. For details, refer to your software instruction manual or contact the software manufacturer.

• To play movies by a regular DVD player, you need to create DVD video in the SD format. the DVD video is not in the HDV format.

Step:1 Connect an i.LINK cable

HDV/DV interface

(i.LINK)

i.LINK cable (optional)

Continued ,

Using a Computer

Copying movies on a tape to a computer (Continued)

Notes on connecting to the computer

• Connect the i.LINK cable to the computer first, then to your camcorder. Connecting in the opposite order may cause static electricity to build up, resulting in a malfunction of your camcorder.

• The computer may freeze or may not recognize the signal from your camcorder in the following situations.

– Connecting your camcorder to a computer

that does not support the video signal formats appearing on the LCD screen of your camcorder display (HDV or DV).

– Changing [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 77) and

[i.LINK CONV] (p. 79) settings while connected with an i.LINK cable.

– Changing [REC FORMAT] setting while

connected with an i.LINK cable with the POWER switch set to CAMERA (

– Changing the POWER switch position while

connected with an i.LINK cable.

• The format (HDV or DV) of input/output signal appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder while connected with an i.LINK cable.

p. 77).

Step:2 Copying the movies

Use the supplied AC Adaptor to obtain AC

p. 18).

power (

1 Prepare editing software (not provided). 2 Turn on your computer. 3 Insert a tape into your camcorder and set

the POWER switch to VCR.

4 Set the menu of your camcorder.

The menu settings vary depending on the copying image.

5 Copy images to the computer with your

software.

b Notes

• If images are copied in HDV format but are not recognized, your editing software may not support HDV format. Convert the images to DV format according to step 4 and copy again.

• A tape recorded in DV format cannot be copied to a computer in HDV format.

z Tips

• Check the specs, features and latest information of your software on the software manufacturer's website.

• When images recorded in HDV format are copied to a computer, the file size is about 2GB (almost the same as a DV file) for a 10-minute movie if the video compression format is MPEG2.

When copying the movie in the HDV format from the computer to your camcorder

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [HDV] and [i.LINK CONV] to [OFF] (

b Notes

• To copy an HDV format movie edited on a computer back onto a tape in HDV format is possible so long as your editing software supports copying HDV movies onto tape. For details, contact the software manufacturer.

p. 77, 79).

When copying the movie in the DV format from the computer to your camcorder

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] (p. 77).

Copying still images to a computer

System requirements

• For details on precautions and compatible application software, refer also to the operating instructions of the device to be connected.

• Required hardware: “Memory Stick Duo” slot, “Memory Stick” Reader/Writer compatible with “Memory Stick Duo.”

Copying the pictures

For Windows users

You can copy still images stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” to your computer via the “Memory Stick Duo” slot of your computer.

1 Turn on your computer. 2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the

“Memory Stick Duo” slot of your computer.

3 Double-click the [Removable Disk]

icon displayed in [My Computer]. Then, drag and drop a still image from the folder onto the hard disk drive of your computer.

B Folder containing image files recorded

by your camcorder when no new folders have been created, only [101MSDCF] is displayed.

C Folder containing movie data recorded

by other camcorders without the folder creation function (for playback only)

Folder File Meaning

101MSDCF (up to 999MSDCF)

ssss are numbers between 0001 and

9999.

DSC0ss ss.JPG

Still image file

For Macintosh users

Double-click the drive icon, then drag and drop the desired picture file onto the hard disk of your computer.

Using a Computer

A Folder containing image files recorded

by other camcorders without the folder creation function (for playback only).

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer.

• Power sources/LCD screen/Remote Commander···p. 94

• Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”···p. 95

• Recording···p. 96

• Playback···p. 99

• Connecting to TV···p. 100

• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices···p. 101

• Connecting to a computer···p. 103

Power sources/LCD screen/Remote Commander

The power does not turn on or abruptly turns off.

• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 18).

• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall outlet (wall socket) (p. 18).

The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.

• Press the RESET button (p. 124) using a sharp-pointed object.

The camcorder gets warm.

• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.

The CHG lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.

• Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) (p. 18).

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 18).

• Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket) properly.

• The battery charge is completed (p. 18).

The CHG lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 18). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.

• When the battery pack is too hot or cold, the CHG lamp may flash slowly, indicating that the battery pack cannot be charged.

The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.

• Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.

• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace it with a new one (

p. 18, 112).

• The indicated time may not be correct in certain circumstances. For example, when you open or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.

The battery pack discharges too quickly.

• Ambient temperature is too high or low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.

• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace it with a new one (

p. 18, 112).

The picture remains on the LCD screen.

• This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug or remove the battery pack without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.

The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.

• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 22).

The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.

• If you change [VF POWERMODE] to [AUTO], the finder light remains off while the LCD panel is open (

p. 76).

The supplied Remote Commander does not function.

• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 83).

• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.

• Keep strong light sources, such as sunlight or overhead lighting, away from the remote sensor, otherwise the Remote Commander may not function properly.

• Insert a fresh battery in the compartment with its +/– terminals matching those of the compartment (

p. 127).

Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.

• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR.

• Cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.

Troubleshooting

Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”

The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.

• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 18).

• Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 115).

The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a cassette with the Cassette Memory function.

• This camcorder does not support the Cassette Memory function, so the indicator does not appear.

Continued ,

Troubleshooting (Continued)

The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.

•Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 76).

The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.

• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction.

You cannot delete pictures of the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• The pictures are protected. Release the protect function on your computer, etc.

Recording

If you are playing back pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” see also the Cassette tapes/ “Memory Stick Duo” section (

The recording does not start when you press the REC START/STOP button.

• Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA (p. 28).

• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.

• Set the write-protect tab of the cassette to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 110).

• The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (

The handle zoom does not work.

• Set the handle zoom speed switch to FIX or VAR (p. 31).

p. 95).

p. 115).

You cannot record on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick

p. 50).

Duo” (

• Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo” (

p. 80).

• You cannot record still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” in the following cases. – While executing [FADER] – While executing [SMTH SLW REC] – When [PROG.SCAN] is set to [OFF] or [30] and the shutter speed is slower than 1/60 – When [PROG.SCAN] is set to [24] and the shutter speed is slower than 1/48 – While using shot transition

• Set [PHOTO/EXP.FOCUS] to [PHOTO] (p. 82).

You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next.

• Perform End search (p. 45).

• Do not remove the cassette (the picture will be recorded continuously without a break even when you turn the power off).

• Do not record pictures in the HDV and DV formats on the same tape.

• Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.

• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.

• When [QUICK REC] is set to [ON], you cannot record a smooth transition (p. 82).

The shutter sound is not heard when you record a still image.

• Set [BEEP] to [ON] (p. 83).

• There is no shutter sound while during movie shooting.

End search does not work.

• Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 45).

• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.

• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.

Automatic focus does not function.

• Set the FOCUS switch to AUTO to enable the automatic focus function (p. 32).

• Adjust the focus manually if the automatic focus does not work properly (p. 32).

Menu items are grayed out or does not work.

• You cannot select gray out display items in the current recording/playback situation.

• There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously. The following list shows examples of unworkable combinations of functions and menu items.

Cannot use Situation

[PROG.SCAN] [INTERVAL REC] is set to [ON].

[CNTRST ENHCR] [BACK LIGHT] is set to [ON].

[BACK LIGHT] Two or more of the iris, gain and shutter speed are set

[SPOTLIGHT] Two or more of the iris, gain and shutter speed are set

[FADER] No tape is inserted.

[ZEBRA], [PEAKING], [CAM DATA DSP], [HISTOGRAM]

[SMTH SLW REC] [PROG.SCAN] is set to [24] or [30].

manually. [EXPOSURE] is manually adjusted. [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [ON].

manually. [EXPOSURE] is manually adjusted. [BACK LIGHT] is set to [ON].

Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder. The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to SAVE. [INTERVAL REC] is set to [ON].

[COLOR BAR] is set to [ON].

Troubleshooting

Continued ,

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Cannot use Situation

[LCD BL LEVEL], [VF B.LIGHT]

[WORLD TIME] Date and time are not set.

[x.v.Color] [REC FORMAT] is set to [DV].

[INTERVAL REC] [PROG.SCAN] is set to [24] or [30].

[DV FRAME REC] [REC FORMAT] is set to [HDV1080i].

Shutter speed, gain, white balance or iris cannot be adjusted manually.

• Set the AUTO/MANUAL switch to MANUAL.

Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.

• This phenomenon appears when using a slow shutter speed (p. 35). This is not a malfunction.

The subjects passing by the frame very fast appear crooked.

• This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This is not a malfunction. Because of the way that the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the subjects passing by the frame rapidly might appear crooked depending on the recording conditions.

The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.

• Set [BACK LIGHT] to [OFF].

The screen picture is dark, and the subject does not appear on the screen.

• Press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button to turn on the backlight (p. 22).

AC power source is being used.

Horizontal stripes appear on the image.

• This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp. This is not a malfunction. This can be improved by changing the shutter speed (

Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.

• This can be improved by changing the shutter speed (p. 35).

Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged.

• Adjust [SHARPNESS] to the negative side (p. 40).

p. 35).

Playback

If you are playing back pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” see also the Cassette tapes/ “Memory Stick Duo” section (

You cannot play back tape.

• Slide the POWER switch to VCR.

• Rewind the tape (p. 49).

Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back correctly.

• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified file names or folders, or have edited the data on a computer (In this case, the file name flashes). This is not a malfunction (

• Pictures recorded on other devices may not be played back correctly. This is not a malfunction.

The data file name is displayed incorrectly, or flashing.

• The file is damaged.

• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 111).

• Only the file name is displayed if the folder structure does not meet the universal standard.

Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or do not appear.

• Video head is dirty. Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 116).

You cannot hear the sound recorded with 4CH microphone recording on another camcorder.

• Set [DV AUDIO MIX] (p. 73).

• You cannot reproduce the sound recorded in CH3 and CH4 on your camcorder for the HDV format 4-ch recording.

p. 95).

p. 112).

Troubleshooting

No sound or only a low sound is heard.

• Turn up the volume (p. 50).

• Set [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 73).

• Set [DV AUDIO MIX] (p. 73).

• Pictures recorded using [SMTH SLW REC] do not have sounds.

The picture or sound breaks off.

• The tape was recorded in both of the HDV and DV formats. This is not a malfunction.

Continued ,

Troubleshooting (Continued)

The movies freeze for a while, or the sound breaks off.

• This occurs if the tape or video head is dirty (p. 116).

• Use the Sony mini DV cassette tape.

“---” is displayed on the screen.

• The tape you are playing back was recorded without setting the date and time.

• A blank section on the tape is being played back.

• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.

• The tape you are playing was recorded with the gain set to -6dB.

Noises appear and or is displayed on the screen.

• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (NTSC). This is not a malfunction.

Date Search does not work correctly.

• Be sure to record more than 2 minutes after the date changed. If one day’s recording is too short, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes.

• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.

No picture appears during End search or Rec review.

• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DV formats. This is not a malfunction.

New sound added to a recorded tape on another camcorder is not heard.

• Change the [DV AUDIO MIX] setting from [ST1] (original sound) to [MIX] or [ST2].

, , or appears on the LCD screen.

• appears when you play back a tape recorded on another device using a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC). This camcorder does not comply with the 4ch microphone recording standard.

• , or may appears when you play back a tape recorded on another device in progressive recording mode. Your camcorder does not have progressive recording capability.

Connecting to TV

You cannot view the picture on the TV connected with the i.LINK cable.

• You cannot view the picture in the HD (high definition) quality on the TV if an i.LINK jack of the TV is not compatible with the HDV1080i specification ( manuals supplied with your TV.

• Down convert the pictures recorded in HDV format and play back in DV format (SD image

• Connect the TV with another connecting cable, and play back pictures (p. 56).

quality) (

p. 79).

p. 56). Refer to the instruction

100

Sony HDR-FX1000 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read this first

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format!

Features of this camcorder

Handy Functions for Recording

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover

Step 3: Charging the battery pack

Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly

Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

Step 6: Setting the date and time

Changing the language setting

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”

Recording/Playback

Recording

Adjusting the zoom

Adjusting the focus manually

Adjusting the image brightness

Adjusting to Natural Color (White balance)

Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile)

Adjusting the volume

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons

Recording an index signal

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (End search)

Using the Shot transition

Playback

Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder

Displaying recording data (Data code)

Changing the screen

Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check)

Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info)

Locating a scene on a tape

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)

Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search)

Searching for a recording start point (Index search)

Playing the picture on a TV

Using the Menu

Using the menu items

Menu items

(AUDIO SET) menu

(OTHERS) menu

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc.

Recording pictures from a VCR

Using a Computer

Copying movies on a tape to a computer

Copying still images to a computer

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting