Sony HDR-HC1VGSKIT2 User Manual

Printed in Japan

Printed on 100% recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.

© 2005 Sony Corporation

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

HDR-HC1

2-631-458-11 (1)

Using the Menu

Dubbing/Editing

Using a Computer

Troubleshooting

Additional Information

Quick Reference

40

64

73

81

100

113

1

Getting Started

Recording/

Playback

12

24

http://www.sony.net/

10

US

Enjoying pictures with

high definition quality

2

Read this first

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

WARNING

To prevent 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.

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.

“Memory Stick”

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.

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-HC1

Serial No.

Model No. AC-

Serial No.

3

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you
may call:

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222­SONY (7669).

The number below is for the FCC related matters
only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: HDR-HC1
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION

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

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment

and receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

The supplied interface cable must be used with
the equipment in order to comply with the limits
for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part
15 of FCC Rules.

Notes on use

On the types of cassette you can use
in your camcorder

• You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with . Mini DV cassettes with
Cassette Memory are incompatible (p.

101).

On the types of “Memory Stick” you
can use in your camcorder

• There are two sizes of “Memory
Stick.” You can use “Memory Stick
Duo” marked with or

(p. 103).

“Memory Stick Duo” (Size used with this unit)

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

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

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

Continued 

4

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

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

Memory Stick Duo Adaptor

On using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.

LCD panel Viewfinder

Flash Battery pack

• The camcorder is not dustproofed,
dripproofed or waterproofed.
See “Maintenance and precautions” (p.

107).

• Before connecting your camcorder to
another device with a component video
cable, USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to
insert the connector plug in the proper
direction. If you insert the connector
plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the
terminal may be damaged, or this may
cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

On the 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.

White, red, blue
or green point

Black point

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

• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.

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.

Read this first (Continued)

5

Playing back HDV tapes on other
devices

A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot
be played back on a device that is not
compatible with the HDV format. The
screen appears blue.
Check the contents of tapes by playing
them back on this camcorder prior to
playing them back on other devices.

On this manual

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

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

About the Carl Zeiss lens

Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly
by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior images.
It adopts the MTF measurement system for
video cameras and offers a quality typical
of a Carl Zeiss lens. Also, the lens for
your camcorder is T*-coated to suppress
unwanted reflections and faithfully
reproduce colors.
MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The
number value indicates the amount of light
from a subject coming into the lens.

6

Table of Contents

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

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format! ...............................................................10

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format! .............................................11

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items .............................................................12

Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...........................................................13

Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........16

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder .....................................18

Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................19

Changing the language setting .....................................................................19

Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) ...........................................19

Step 6: Setting the date and time ............................................................20

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ....................................21

Recording/Playback

Recording ................................................................................................ 24

Playback ..................................................................................................25

Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ............................................26

Recording

To use zoom
To fix the brightness of the picture manually (exposure)
To record in dark places (NightShot)
To make the subject stand out clearer (TELE MACRO)
To use the AUTO LOCK switch
To adjust the focus manually
To enlarge and focus on the image (Expanded focus)
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects
To record in mirror mode
To use the flash
To use a tripod

Playback

To use PB zoom
To adjust the movie volume

Note on the icons used in this manual

: Features available for the HDV

format only.

: Features available for the DV format only.

7

Continued 

Recording/playback

To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)
To turn off the operation confirmation beep
To initialize the settings
Other part names and functions

Indicators displayed during recording/playback .......................................30

Searching for the starting point ...............................................................33

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH) ......................

33

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) .........................33

Remote Commander ...............................................................................34

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) ............................34

Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................35

Connecting to a TV for viewing ................................................................36

Using the Menu

Using the menu items ..............................................................................40

Menu items ..............................................................................................42

CAMERA SET menu ..........................................................................44

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions
(SPOT METER/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)

MEMORY SET menu .........................................................................49

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo”(BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL
ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.)

PICT.APPLI. menu ............................................................................52

Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback
(SLIDE SHOW/PICT. EFFECT, etc.)

EDIT/PLAY menu .............................................................................55

Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END
SEARCH, etc.)

STANDARD SET menu ....................................................................56

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/
MULTI-SOUND/LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT, etc.)

TIME/LANGU. menu .........................................................................61

(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)

Customizing Personal Menu ....................................................................62

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. ...............64

Recording pictures from a VCR ...............................................................67

Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo” ...........................68

Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ........................69

8

Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information

(Image protection/Print mark) ........................................................69

Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) .........................70

Jacks to connect external devices ...........................................................72

Using a computer

Connecting to a computer .......................................................................73

Copying still images to a computer .........................................................73

Copying movies on a tape to the computer ............................................76

Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) ...................................78

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................81

Warning indicators and messages ..........................................................96

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ...............................................................100

HDV format and recording/playback ......................................................101

About the “Memory Stick” ......................................................................103

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...................................................105

About i.LINK ..........................................................................................106

Maintenance and precautions ...............................................................107

Specifications ........................................................................................110

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ................................................................113

Index .....................................................................................................116

9

10

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format!

Shooting in the HDV format

High image quality

The HDV format has about two times the horizontal resolution of a standard TV
resulting in about four times the amount of pixels providing high quality images.
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 new video format for shooting and playing back high definition
images on popular DV standard cassette tapes.

• Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i

specification, which utilizes 1080
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 format as HDV format unless there is a
need to specify.

1080 effective
scanning lines

Why shooting in the HDV format?

Moving to digital video, like the rest of the world, will enable you to capture
important moments in your life using the HDV format and the high quality images
will allow you to relive them.
Your camcorder’s down convert function converts pictures in HDV format to
pictures in SD (standard definition) quality for viewing on previous wide TV formats
and 4:3 aspect ratio TV when high definition TV sets are not available to provide an
easy path to HDV format video.

• 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 specification compliant.
The image quality is then SD (standard definition).

11

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 36)

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 102.

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!

Viewing on a 16:9 TV/4:3 TV (p. 36)

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. 64)

Connecting to an HDV1080i device

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

Connecting to HDV1080i non-compliant devices

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

Connecting to a computer (p. 73)

Copying “Memory Stick Duo” still images to a computer

See page 73.

Copying movie from tape to a computer

The computer will need to be set up differently depending on whether HDV or DV
format video is to be copied. See page 76 for details.

12

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.

“Memory Stick Duo” 16MB (1) (p. 22, 103)

Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1) (p. 104)

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 13)

Power cord (1) (p. 13)

Lens cap (1)

Attached to your camcorder.

Lens hood (1) (p. 115)

Use the lens hood to record under strong light,
such as under the sun.

Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 34)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 36, 64)

Component video cable (1) (p. 36, 37)

USB cable (1) (p. 73)

Shoulder Strap (1) (p. 114)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM50 (1)
(p. 13, 105)

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

13

Getting Started

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (M series) (p. 105) after
attaching it to your camcorder.

POWER
switch

DC IN jack
DC plug

AC Adaptor

To the wall

outlet

Power cord

1 Attach the battery pack by sliding

it in the direction of the arrow
until it clicks.

2 Slide the POWER switch up to

OFF(CHG) . (The default setting.)

CHG (charge) lamp

3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack of your camcorder. Be
sure that the  mark on the DC
plug is facing up.

The  mark faces up.

Open the
DC IN jack cover.

Continued 

14

4 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor and the wall outlet.

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.

5 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off

when the battery is fully charged.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from
the DC IN jack on your camcorder
and the DC plug.

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

To remove the battery pack

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

BATT (battery
release) lever

When storing the battery pack

Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (p. 105).

To use an outside power source

You can operate your camcorder using the
power from the wall outlet by making the
same connections as you do when charging
the battery pack. The battery pack will not
lose its charge in this case.

Charging time

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

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FM50 (supplied)

150

NP-QM71D 260

NP-QM91D 360

Recording time

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

Recording in the HDV format

Battery pack

Continuous
recording
time*

Typical
recording
time*

NP-FM50
(supplied)

80
85
80

40
45
40

NP-QM71D 200

215
205

110
115
110

NP-QM91D 300

325
305

165
175
165

Recording in the DV format

Battery pack

Continuous
recording
time*

Typical
recording
time*

NP-FM50
(supplied)

90

100

90

50
55
50

NP-QM71D 225

245
225

120
135
120

NP-QM91D 340

375
345

185
205
190

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

the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

15

Getting Started

• Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.

Playing time

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

HDV format pictures

Battery pack

LCD panel
opened*

LCD panel
closed

NP-FM50
(supplied)

100 110

NP-QM71D 240 275

NP-QM91D 365 420

DV format pictures

Battery pack

LCD panel
opened*

LCD panel
closed

NP-FM50
(supplied)

125 145

NP-QM71D 305 355

NP-QM91D 465 535

* When the LCD backlight turns on.

On the battery pack

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

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or the battery information (p. 29) will
not be correctly displayed under the following
conditions.

– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
– The battery pack is fully discharged. (For

Battery Info only.)

• The power will not be supplied from the battery

as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the
power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.

• Use the supplied or optional Sony

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). You
cannot use the battery pack NP-FM30 with your
camcorder.

• When attaching an optional video light, it is

recommended that you use a NP-QM71D or
NP-QM91D battery pack.

On the charging/recording/playback time

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

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

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

On the AC Adaptor

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

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

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

PRECAUTION

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

16

Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your
camcorder firmly

To record or play back, slide the POWER
switch repeatedly to turn on the respective
lamp.
When using it for the first time, the
[CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 20).

POWER

switch

1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the

lens cap string down and attach it
to the grip belt.

2 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly in the direction of the
arrow to turn on the respective
lamp.

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

Lamps that light up
CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape.
CAMERA-MEMORY: To record on a

“Memory Stick Duo.”
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.

• When you slide the POWER switch
from OFF (CHG) to CAMERA-TAPE or
CAMERA-MEMORY, the current date and
time will be displayed on the LCD screen
for about 5 seconds.

3 Hold the camcorder correctly.

4 Ensure a good grip, then fasten

the grip belt.

17

Getting Started

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF
(CHG).

• At the time of purchase, the power will be
set to turn off automatically if you leave your
camcorder without any operation attempted for
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power.
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 61).

18

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

The LCD panel

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

90 degrees to
the camcorder

180 degrees
(max.)

90 degrees
(max.)

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

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

• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the
lens side from the status , you can close the
LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out.
This is convenient during playback operations.

• When closing the LCD panel, rotate the LCD
panel as illustrated in , and then close the
LCD panel facing inward.

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

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

• See [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 58) to adjust the
brightness of the LCD screen.

The viewfinder

You can view images using the viewfinder
with the LCD panel closed. The battery
will last longer than when using the LCD
panel.

Lift up the
viewfinder.

Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever

Move it until the
picture is clear.

• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting [LCD/VF SET] - [VF
B.LIGHT] (p. 58).

19

Getting Started

Step 5: Using the touch panel

You can play back recorded pictures (p.

25), or change the settings (p. 40) using the
touch panel.

Place your hand on the rear side of
the LCD panel to support it. Then,
touch the buttons displayed on the
screen.

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

• Perform the same actions as explained above
when you press the buttons on the LCD frame.

• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD
frame accidentally while using the touch panel.

To hide the screen indicators

Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to toggle the
screen indicators (such as time code, etc.)
on or off.

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays
to show messages in a specified
language. Select the screen language

in [LANGUAGE] on the (TIME/
LANGU.) menu (p. 61).

Checking the screen indicators (Display guide)

You can easily check the meaning of each
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.

1 Touch .

MENU

PRGRAM
AE

1/3

0:00 :0060min

SHUTTR
SPEED

AE
SHIFT

STATUS
CHECK

DISP
GUIDE

2 Touch [DISP GUIDE].

Sele ct a rea for guide .

DISP GUIDE

END

The indicators vary depending on the
settings.

3 Touch the area including the

indicator that you want to check.

The meanings of the indicators in the
area are listed on the screen. If you
cannot find the indicator you want to
check, touch / to toggle.
When you touch , the screen returns
to the area selecting display.

DISP GUI DE

END

FOCU S:

MANUA L

PROGR AM AE:

SPOTL IGHT

STEA DYSHOT:

OFF

1/2

To finish the operation

Touch [END].

20

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, the [CLOCK SET]
screen appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.

• 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. 109).

POWER switch

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

1 Touch



[MENU].

OK

60min

PROGRAM AE

CAMERA SET

SPOT METER
WHITEBAL.

–: –– :– –

2 Select (TIME/LANGU.) menu

with / , then touch .

OK

60min

CLOCK SET

A. SHUT OFF

WORLD

MENU ROTATE

LANGUAGE

DISPOUTPUT

PROGRAMAE

––: ––:– –

–: –– :– –

3 Select [CLOCK SET] with / ,

then touch .

OK

CLOCK SET

DATE

2005YJANM1D12: 00

AM

–: ––: ––

4 Set [Y] (year) with / , then

touch .

You can set any year up to the year

2079.

OK

CLOCK SET

DATE

2005YJANM1D12: 00

AM

–: ––: ––

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

and minute, then touch .

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

21

Getting Started

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

Cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only
(p. 101).

• The recordable time varies depending on [
REC MODE] (p. 56).

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 and opens up.

2 Insert a cassette with its window

facing outwards, then press .

Push the center
of the back of the
cassette lightly.

Window

The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in. Do not force the cassette
into the compartment. This may cause a
malfunction.

3 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

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

Continued 

22

“Memory Stick Duo”

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

(p. 103).

• The number of recordable pictures varies
depending on the image quality or the image
size. For details, see page 49.

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

Access lamp

• If you force 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” in
once.

• 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.

• Make sure that the “Memory Stick Duo” does
not pop up and drop off when inserting and
removing it from your camcorder.

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

23

Getting Started

24

To check the latest recording on a

“Memory Stick Duo”

Touch . To delete the picture, touch

 [YES]. Touch to return to the

standby mode.

• See page 49 for the image size.

• You can record a still image on a “Memory
Stick Duo,” while recording movies on a tape
or in standby mode by pressing PHOTO deeply.
Still images will be fixed to image size [1440 ×
810] in the HDV format, [1080 × 810] (4:3) or
[1440 × 810] (16:9) in the DV format.

Recording

PHOTO

POWER switch

REC START/STOP



REC START/
STOP



Remove the lens cap.

1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on

the respective lamp to select a recording medium.

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

Movies on tape: The CAMERA-TAPE
lamp lights up.

Still images on “Memory Stick Duo”:
The CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up.*

* The image size ratio is set by default to 4:3.

2 Start recording.

Movies

Press REC START/STOP  (or



).

60min

60min

REC

[STBY][REC]

To stop the movie recording, press
REC START/STOP again.

• The pictures are recorded in the HDV
format in the default setting (p.

56).

Still images

Press and hold PHOTO lightly to
adjust the focus (), then press it fully
().

Beep

Shutter click

FlashingLights up

A shutter sound is heard. When
disappears, the image has been recorded.

25

Recording/Playback

Playback

1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow

repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

To adjust the volume

Move the EXPOSURE/VOL lever up and
down to adjust the volume (p. 29).

To search for a scene during playback

Touch and hold / during playback
(Picture Search), or / while fast
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip
Scan).

• You can play back in various modes ([ VAR.

SPD PB], p. 55).

To display pictures on a “Memory
Stick Duo” on the Index screen

Touch . Touch the picture you want to
display in the single display mode.
To view pictures in other folders, touch

 [PB FOLDER], select a

folder with / , then touch
(p. 51).

Index display screen

A

B



Previous/Next 6 pictures



The picture displayed before switching to
the index screen.

2 Start playing back.

Movies

Touch , then touch to
start playback.

A

B

C



Stop



Play/Pause toggles as you touch it.*



Rewind/Fast forward

* Playback automatically stops if pause is

engaged for more than 3 minutes.

Still images

Touch .

The most recently recorded image is
displayed.

P-MENU

A B C



Tape playback



Previous/Next



Index screen display

• is not displayed when a “Memory
Stick Duo” is not inserted or no image files
exist in it.

26

Functions used for recording/playback, etc.

Recording

To use zoom ................ 

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

Wider range of view:

(Wide angle)

Close view:

(Telephoto)

• When using the zoom ring , set the FOCUS/
ZOOM switch  to ZOOM and rotate it at the
desired speed ( appears).

• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons  on the LCD frame.

• The minimum distance required between your
camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus
is about 1 cm (about 1/2 in.) for wide angle and
about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 ft.) for telephoto.

• You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] if you want to
zoom to a level greater than 10 × (p. 48).

• Zooming may not be able to catch up the
rotating speed of the ring if it is rotated too fast.

To fix the brightness of the picture

manually (exposure) ............. 

EXPOSURE/VOL lever

EXPOSURE button

You can fix the brightness of a picture
manually. When recording indoors on
a clear day, for instance, you can avoid
backlight shadows on people next to the
window by fixing the exposure to that of
the wall side of the room. Set the AUTO
LOCK switch to OFF beforehand (p. 27).



Press EXPOSURE .



Adjust the brightness by moving the

EXPOSURE/VOL lever  up or
down.

appears. Move the lever up to
make the image brighter and move it down
to make the image darker.

• To return to the automatic mode, press

EXPOSURE again.

• The setting you have made will return to the

default setting if you set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

To record in dark places (NightShot)

...........................................

Set the NIGHTSHOT switch  to ON.
( and [”NIGHTSHOT”] appear.)

• To record an image brighter, use Super

NightShot function (p. 47).To record an image
more faithful to the original colors, use Color
Slow Shutter function (p. 47).

• The NightShot and Super NightShot function

use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the

27

Recording/Playback

infrared port  with your fingers or other
objects and remove the conversions lens
(optional).

• Adjust the focus manually (p. 27) when it is
hard to focus automatically.

• Do not use these functions in bright places. This
may cause a malfunction.

To make the subject stand out clearer

(TELE MACRO) ........................

Press TELE MACRO . appears
and the zoom moves to the top of the T
(Telephoto) side automatically and allows
for recording subjects at a close distance,
down to about 48 cm (19 in.). This is useful
to shoot small subjects, such as flowers or
insects.

To cancel, press TELE MACRO again, or
zoom to wide-angle (W side).

• When recording a distant subject, it may be
difficult to focus on and take time for focusing.

• Adjust the focus manually (p. 27) when it is
hard to focus automatically.

To use the AUTO LOCK switch ......

You can set up the following settings
manually with the AUTO LOCK switch 
to OFF. The settings return to the automatic
mode with the switch ON.

– [SPOT METER]
– exposure
– [PROGRAM AE]
– [WHITE BAL.]
– [SHUTTR SPEED]

• Settings adjusted while the AUTO LOCK
switch is OFF are retained when it is set to ON,
and will be restored when set to OFF again.

• Set the AUTO LOCK switch to ON when using
the external flash (optional).

To adjust the focus manually.. .. 



Set the FOCUS/ZOOM switch  to

MANUAL ( appears).



Rotate the focus ring  to adjust the

focus.

To adjust the focus automatically, set the
FOCUS/ZOOM switch to AUTO.

• You can also use this function when changing
the subject to be focused intentionally.

•  changes to when the focus cannot be
adjusted any farther.  changes to when the
focus cannot be adjusted any closer.

• It is easier to focus on the subject by moving
the power zoom lever  towards T (telephoto)
to adjust the focus, then towards W (wide
angle) to adjust the zoom for recording. When
you want to record a subject at close range,
move the power zoom lever to W (wide angle),
then adjust the focus.

To enlarge and focus on the image

(Expanded focus) .. ............... 



Set the FOCUS/ZOOM switch  to

MANUAL in standby mode.



Press EXPANDED FOCUS  to

double the size of the picture. When
you finish focusing, the screen
automatically returns to the normal
picture display.

To cancel the expanded focus, press
EXPANDED FOCUS again.

• Press [SET] on the LCD screen of your
camcorder during expanded focus for setting up
the peaking function. Press [ON] to enhance the
outline of the subject for easier focusing.

• The peaking is not recorded on a tape.

To adjust the exposure for backlit

subjects ................................ 

To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press BACK LIGHT  to display . To
cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.

• The setting you have made will return to the
default setting if you set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

Continued 

28

To record in mirror mode ............ 

Open the LCD panel  90 degrees to the
camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side ().

• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal
when recorded.

To use the flash .......................

Press (flash) repeatedly to select a setting.

No indicator displayed: Automatically

flashes when there is insufficient ambient
light.



(Forced flash): Always uses the flash

regardless of the surrounding brightness.



(No flash): Records without flash.

• The recommended distance to the subject when
using the built-in flash is 0.5 to 2.5 m (1 5/8 to 8
ft.).

• Remove any dust from the surface of the flash
lamp before using it. Flash effect may be
impaired if heat discoloration or dust obscures
the lamp.

• The flash charge lamp flickers when charging
the flash, and remains lit when the battery
charge is complete.

• You can only use the flash in the CAMERA­MEMORY mode.

• If you use the flash in bright places such as
when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may
not be effective.

• You can change the brightness of the flash by
setting [FLASH LEVEL], or you can prevent
the redeye by setting [REDEYE REDUC], in
[FLASH SET] (p. 46).

To use a tripod ........................ 

Attach the tripod (optional: the length of
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32
in.) to the tripod receptacle  using a
tripod screw.

Playback

To use PB zoom ..................  

You can magnify still pictures on the
“Memory Stick Duo” from about 1.5 to 5
times the original size.
Magnification can be adjusted with the
power zoom lever  or the zoom buttons

 on the LCD frame.



Play back the picture you want to

magnify.

Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (Continued)

29

Recording/Playback



Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto).



Touch the screen at the point you want

to display in the center of the displayed
frame.



Adjust the magnification with W (Wide

angle)/T (Telephoto).

To cancel, touch [END].

• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.

To adjust the movie volume .........

Move the EXPOSURE/VOL lever  up
or down to adjust the volume. Move the
lever up to increase the volume and move it
down to decrease the volume.

• You can also adjust the volume by touching

(STANDARD SET)[VOLUME] (p.

57).

Recording/playback

To check the remaining battery

(Battery Info) .......................... 

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

Remaining battery (approx.)

Recording capacity (approx.)

To turn off the operation confirmation

beep .................................... 

See [BEEP] (p. 60) to set the operation
beep.

To initialize the settings ............. 

Press RESET  to initialize all the
settings, including the setting of the date
and time.
(Menu items customized on Personal Menu
are not initialized.)

Other part names and functions

 Internal stereo microphone

When an external microphone is
connected, the audio input from the
external microphone takes precedence
over others.

 REC lamp

The REC lamp lights up in red during
recording (p. 60).

 Remote sensor

Point the Remote Commander (p. 34)
towards the remote sensor to operate
your camcorder.

 Speaker

Sounds come out from the speaker.

•

For how to adjust the volume, see page 25.

30

Indicators displayed during recording/playback

Recording movies

In the CAMERA-TAPE mode

2

1

3 4 5

76



Recording format (

or ) (56)

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



Remaining battery (approx.)



Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or

[REC] (recording))



Time code (hour: minute: second:

frame)/Tape counter (hour: minute:
second)



Recording capacity of the tape

(approx.) (60)



END SEARCH/Rec review display

switch button (33)



Personal Menu button (40)

Recording still images

8

2

90 qa

7qs

11

60min1160min

FINE

1920

101



Recording folder (51)



Image size (49)



Quality ([FINE] or [STD]) (49)



“Memory Stick Duo” indicator and the

number of images that can be recorded
(approx.)



Review button (24)

Data code during playback

The date/time during recording and the
camera setting data will be recorded
automatically. They do not appear on the
screen during recording, but you can check
them as [DATA CODE] during playback
(p. 60).

31

Recording/Playback

( ) is a reference page.
The indicators during recording will not be recorded.

Viewing movies

On a tape

2 qd 4 5

7qf

1



Tape transport indicator



Video operation buttons (25)

• When playing back a tape recorded in the
HDV and DV formats, and the signal switches
between HDV and DV formats, the picture and
sound disappear temporarily.

• You cannot play back the tape recorded in
the HDV format on video cameras of the DV
format or mini-DV players.

Viewing still images

MEMORY PLAY

2 qg 9 qh qj

qk

ql

7ws

wdwf

waw;



Data file name



Picture number/Total number of

recorded pictures in the current
playback folder



Playback folder (51)



Previous/Next folder icon

The following indicators appear when the
first or last picture of the current folder is
displayed and when there are multiple folders
on the same “Memory Stick Duo.”

: Touch to move to the previous

folder.
: Touch to move to the next folder.
: Touch / to move to either

the previous or the next folder.



Image delete button (69)



Tape playback select button (25)



Previous/Next image button (25)



Index screen display button (25)



Image protection mark (69)



Print mark (70)

Continued 

32

Indicators when you made
changes

You can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 19)
to check the function of each indicator that
appears on the LCD screen.

Upper left Upper right

Bottom Center

Upper left

Indicator Meaning

Recording format (56)

EXT SUR MIC (58)

AUDIO MODE (57)*

Continuous photo
recording (49)

 

Recording mode (56)*

Self-timer recording (48)

WIDE SELECT (57)*

Interval photo recording
(54)

Flash light (46)

Recording level meter
(58)

Upper right

Indicator Meaning

HDV input/DV input (67)

HDV output/DV output
(36, 66)

i.LINK connection (36,
66, 67)

Zero set memory (34)

Slide show (53)

LCD backlight off (18)

Center

Indicator Meaning

NightShot (26)

Super NightShot (47)

Color Slow Shutter (47)

PictBridge connecting
(70)



Warning (96)

Bottom

Indicator Meaning

AE SHIFT (46)

WB SHIFT (46)

Picture effect (53)

Digital effect (52)



Manual focus (27)

PROGRAM AE (44)

Sharpness (45)



Backlight (27)



White balance (45)

SteadyShot off (48)

Zebra (47)

TELE MACRO (27)

CAMERA COLOR (46)

Zoom ring (26)

Shutter speed (45)

CONV. LENS (48)

* The settings can be made only for the pictures

in the DV format.

Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued)

33

Recording/Playback

Searching for the starting point

Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp
lights up (p. 24).

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH)

END SEARCH will not work once you
eject the cassette after you have recorded
on the tape.

Touch



.

END SEARCH

EXECUTING

CANCEL

0:00 :00160min

Touch here
to cancel the
operation.

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

• END SEARCH will not work correctly
when there is a blank section between
recorded sections on the tape.

• You can also select [END SEARCH] from
the menu. When the PLAY/EDIT lamp
lights up, select the [END SEARCH] short­cut in Personal Menu (p. 40).

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)

You can view about 2 seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.

Touch



.

0:00 :00STBY60min

The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most
recently recorded scene are played back.
Then, your camcorder is set to the standby.

34

Remote Commander

Remove the insulation sheet before using
the Remote Commander.

Insulation sheet

6

1
q;

2
3

4

5

7

8

9

 PHOTO (p. 24)

The on-screen image when you press this
button will be recorded as a still image.

 SEARCH M. (p. 35)
  
 Video control buttons (Rewind,

Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,
Slow) (p. 25)

 ZERO SET MEMORY
 Transmitter
 REC START/STOP (p. 24)
 Power zoom (p. 26)
 DISPLAY (p. 19)
 Memory control buttons (Index, –/+,

Memory playback) (p. 25)

• Aim the Remote Commander towards the
remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p.

29).

• To change the battery, see page 110.

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)

1 During playback, press ZERO

SET MEMORY  at a point you
want to locate later on.

The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00”
and appears on the screen.

0:00 :0060min

P-MENU

If the tape counter is not displayed,
press DISPLAY .

2 Press STOP



when you want to

stop playback.

3 Press REW



.

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

4 Press PLAY



.

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

• 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.

To cancel the operation

Press ZERO SET MEMORY  again.

35

Recording/Playback

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

You can locate the point where the
recording date changes.

1 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Press SEARCH M.



.

3 Press (previous)/(next)



to select a recording date.

P.MENU

30

min

DATE -01

SEACH

60

min

0:00 :00 :00

To cancel the operation

Press STOP .

• The Date search will not function correctly
when there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.

36

Connecting to a TV for viewing

Connection methods and image quality will differ depending on what TV to be connected
and connectors used.
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source (p. 13).
See page 39 for “Notes on Connection” and refer also to the instruction manuals supplied
with the devices to be connected.

Select connection method depending on what TV to be connected with and
connectors the TV is equipped with.

COMPO­NENT IN

i.LINK (

for

HDV1080i)

COMPO­NENT IN

i.LINK S VIDEO VIDEO/

AUDIO

See page 37 for connecting
methods.
See page 39 for notes on
connection.

See page 37 for connecting method and 38
for connecting method , and

.

See page 39 for notes on connection.

high definition TV



HD (high definition)

image quality *

16:9 TV or 4:3 TV

SD (standard definition) image quality *

• Set the menu on your camcorder before connection. 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
(optional).

* Pictures recorded in the DV format is played back as SD (standard definition) images regardless of

connection.

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover and connect the cable.

37

Recording/Playback

Camcorder

TV

Menu Setting

: Signal flow

CableType

i.LINK cable (optional)

(STANDARD SET)

[VCR HDV/DV] 
[AUTO] (p. 56)

[i.LINK CONV] 
[OFF] (p.59)

Component video cable
(supplied)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

Do not connect the video plug (yellow).

(Red)

(White)
(Yellow)

(STANDARD SET)

[VCR HDV/DV] 
[AUTO]

(p. 56)

[COMPONENT] 
[1080i/480i] (p. 59)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/CB
(Red) PR/CR

i.LINKcable (optional)

(STANDARD SET)

[VCR HDV/DV] 
[AUTO]

(p. 56)

[i.LINK CONV] 
[ON HDV

DV]

(p. 59)

[TV TYPE] 
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 59)

* Change the settings depending on the TV connected.

Continued 

38

Camcorder

TV

Menu Setting

: Signal flow

CableType

Component video cable
(supplied)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

Do not connect the video plug (yellow).

(Red)

(White)
(Yellow)

(STANDARD SET)

[VCR HDV/DV] 
[AUTO]

(p. 56)

[COMPONENT] 
[480i] (p. 59)

[TV TYPE] 
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 59)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/CB
(Red) PR/CR

A/V connecting cable with
S VIDEO (optional)

Do not connect the video plug (yellow).

(Red)

(White)
(Yellow)

(STANDARD SET)

[VCR HDV/DV] 
[AUTO]

(p. 56)

[TV TYPE] 
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 59)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

(Red)

(White)
(Yellow)

(STANDARD SET)

[VCR HDV/DV] 
[AUTO]

(p. 56)

[TV TYPE] 
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 59)

* Change the settings depending on the TV connected.

Connecting to a TV for viewing (Continued)

39

Recording/Playback

Notes on Connection

Type Notes

• Requires HDV1080i specification connectors. Consult your TV manufacturer for details. See
page 102 for a list of supported devices.

•

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

instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

•

When connecting only with the component video cable (supplied), audio signals are not

output. To output audio signals, connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable
(supplied) to the audio input jack of your TV.

•

Pictures in the DV format are not output from the COMPONENT OUT jack, if copyright

protection signals are recorded in the pictures.

•

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

instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

•

When connecting only with the component video cable (supplied), audio signals are not

output. To output audio signals, connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable
(supplied) to the audio input jack of your TV.

•

Pictures in the DV format are not output from the COMPONENT OUT jack, if copyright

protection signals are recorded in the pictures.

•

When connecting only S VIDEO plug, audio signals are not output. To output audio signals,

connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable
(optional) to the audio input jack of your TV.

•

This connection produces high resolution pictures compared with A/V connecting cable (Type

).

• If you connect your camcorder to your TV using more than one type of cable to output images from a
jack other than the i.LINK jack, the order of priority of the output signals is as follows:

component videoS videoaudio/video

• See page 106 for the details of i.LINK.

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

Change the [TV TYPE] setting depending on your TV (p. 59).

• When you play back a tape recorded in the DV format on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the 16:9 signal,
set [ WIDE SELECT] to [4:3] on your camcorder when recording a picture (p.57).

When your TV is connected to a VCR

Select the connecting method on page 64 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 (supplied).
Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).

When your TV is monaural (When your TV has only one audio input jack)

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable (supplied) to the video input jack and
connect the white or the red 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 (optional) for that purpose.

40

Using the menu items

Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.

1 Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the respective lamp.

CAMERA-TAPE lamp: settings on a tape

CAMERA- MEMORY lamp:

settings on a “Memory Stick Duo”

PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing

2 Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.

Unavailable items will be grayed out.

 To use the short-cuts of Personal Menu

On Personal Menu, short-cuts for frequently used menu items are added.

• You can customize Personal Menu as you like (p. 62).



Touch .

MENU

PRGRAM
AE

1/3

0:00 :0060min

SHUTTR
SPEED

AE
SHIFT

STATUS
CHECK

DISP
GUIDE

STBY



Touch the desired item.

If the desired item is not displayed on the screen, touch / until the item is displayed.



Select the desired setting, then touch .

 To use menu items

You can customize menu items that are not added to Personal Menu.

   

OK

60min

PROGRAMAE

CAMERA SET

SPOT METER
WHITEBAL.

–:– –:– –

OK

60min

CLOCK SET

A.SHUT OFF

WORLD

MENU ROTATE

LANGUAGE

DISPOUTPUT

PROGRAMAE

––:–– :––

–:– –:– –



Touch [MENU].

The menu index screen appears.



Select the desired menu.

Touch / to select the item, then touch . (The process in step  is the same as

that in step .)

41

Using the Menu



Select the desired item.

• You can also touch the item directly to select it.

 Customize the item.

After finishing the settings, touch  (close) to hide the menu screen.
If you decide not to change the setting, touch to return to the previous screen.

42

Menu items

Position of lamp: TAPE MEMORY PLAY/EDIT

CAMERA SET menu (p. 44)

PROGRAM AE





–

SPOT METER





–

WHITE BAL.





–

SHARPNESS





–

SHUTTR SPEED



–

–

AUTO SHUTTER



–

–

AE SHIFT





–

CAMERA COLOR





–

WB SHIFT





–

SPOT FOCUS





–

FLASH SET

–



–

SUPER NS



–

–

NS LIGHT





–

COLOR SLOW S



–

–

ZEBRA





–

HISTOGRAM





–

SELF-TIMER





–

DIGITAL ZOOM



–

–

STEADYSHOT



–

–

CONV. LENS



–

–

MEMORY SET menu (p. 49)

STILL SET

–





ALL ERASE

–

–



FORMAT

–





FILE NO.

–





NEW FOLDER

–





REC FOLDER

–





PB FOLDER

–

–



PICT.APPLI. menu (p. 52)

FADER



–

–

D. EFFECT



–



PICT. EFFECT



–



SLIDE SHOW

–

–



INT.REC-STL

–



–

SHOT TRANS



–

–

DEMO MODE



–

–

PictBridge PRINT

–

–



•

The menu items available for the operation () differ depending on where the lit lamp for the POWER switch
is positioned.

43

Using the Menu

EDIT/PLAY menu (p. 55)

VAR. SPD PB

–

–



REC CTRL

–

–



BURN DVD

–

–



END SEARCH



–



STANDARD SET menu (p. 56)

VCR HDV/DV

–

–



REC FORMAT



–

–

DV SET



–



VOLUME







MULTI-SOUND

–

–



MIC LEVEL



–

–

EXT SUR MIC



–

–

LCD/VF SET







COMPONENT







i.LINK CONV



–



TV TYPE



–



USB SELECT

–

–



DISP GUIDE







STATUS CHECK



–



GUIDEFRAME





–

COLOR BAR



–

–

DATA CODE

–

–



REMAINING



–



REMOTE CTRL







REC LAMP





–

BEEP







DISP OUTPUT







MENU ROTATE







A.SHUT OFF







CALIBRATION

–

–



TIME/LANGU. menu (p. 61)

CLOCK SET







WORLD TIME







LANGUAGE







Position of lamp: TAPE MEMORY PLAY/EDIT

44

CAMERA SET menu

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the
recording conditions (SPOT METER/WHITE
BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)

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

See page 40 for details on selecting
menu items.

PROGRAM AE

You can record pictures effectively in
various situations with the PROGRAM AE
function. Set the AUTO LOCK switch to
OFF beforehand (p. 27).

 AUTO

Select to automatically record pictures
effectively without the [PROGRAM AE]
function.

SPOTLIGHT*( )

Select to prevent people’s faces from
appearing excessively white when subjects
are lit by strong light.

PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ( )

Select to bring out the subject such as
people or flowers while creating a soft
background.

BEACH&SKI*( )

Select to prevent people’s faces from
appearing dark in strong light or reflected
light, such as at a beach in midsummer or
on a ski slope.

SUNSET&MOON**( )

Select to maintain the atmosphere of
situations such as sunsets, general night
views or fireworks.

LANDSCAPE**( )

Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.
This setting also prevents your camcorder
from focusing on glass or metal mesh
in windows that comes in between the
camcorder and the subject.

• Items with one asterisk (*) can be adjusted to

focus on subjects only a short distance away.
Items with two asterisks (**) can be adjusted to
focus on subjects farther away.

• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than
12 hours.

SPOT METER (Flexible spot
meter)

You can adjust and fix the exposure
to the subject, so that it is recorded in
suitable brightness even when there is
strong contrast between the subject and
the background, such as subjects in the
spotlight on stage. Set the AUTO LOCK
switch to OFF beforehand (p. 27).

1

2



Touch the point where you want to fix and

adjust the exposure on the screen.

appears.



Touch [END].

To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO][END].

45

Using the Menu

Continued 

• If you set [SPOT METER], the exposure is set
to the manual mode automatically.

WHITE BAL. (White balance)

You can adjust the color balance to the
brightness of the recording environment.
Set the AUTO LOCK switch to OFF
beforehand (p. 27).

 AUTO

The white balance is adjusted
automatically.

OUTDOOR ( )

The white balance is adjusted to be
appropriate for the following recording
conditions:

– Outdoors
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks
– Sunrise or sunset
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps

INDOOR ()

The white balance is adjusted to be
appropriate for the following recording
conditions:

– Indoors
– At party scenes or studios where the

lighting conditions change quickly

– Under the video lamps of those at a studio,

or under sodium lamps or incandescent-like
color lamps

ONE PUSH ( )

The white balance will be adjusted
according to the ambient light.



Touch [ONE PUSH].



Frame a white object such as a piece of

paper, to fill the screen under the same
lighting conditions as you will shoot
the subject.



Touch [ ].

flashes quickly. When the white

balance has been adjusted and stored
in the memory, the indicator stops
flashing.

• Keep framing a white object while
is flashing quickly.

• flashes slowly if white balance

could not be set.

• If keeps flashing even after you
have touched , set [WHITE BAL.]
to [AUTO].

• When you have changed the battery pack
while [AUTO] is selected, select [AUTO] and
aim your camcorder at a nearby white object
for about 10 seconds for better color balance
adjustment.

• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change
the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your
camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or
vice versa.

• To adjust the white balance under white or cool
white fluorescent lamps, set [WHITE BAL.] to
[AUTO], or follow the procedure when using
[ONE PUSH].

• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than
12 hours.

SHARPNESS

You can adjust the sharpness of the image
outline with / . appears when
the sharpness is anything other than the
default setting.

Soften Sharpen

SHUTTR SPEED

You can manually adjust and fix the shutter
speed for your convenience. Depending on
the shutter speed, you can make the subject
look still, or on the contrary, emphasize
the fluidity of movement. Set the AUTO
LOCK switch to OFF beforehand (p. 27).

 AUTO

Select to adjust the shutter speed
automatically.

MANUAL

Adjust the shutter speed using
/ .

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

125, 180, 250

Slower

Faster

46

• For example, if you select 1/100 second, [100]
appears on the screen.

• When shooting a bright subject, setting the
shutter speed to a faster value is recommended.

• At a slow shutter speed, automatic focus may be
lost. Use a tripod and adjust the focus manually.

• When recording under a discharge tube such
as a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp or mercury
lamp, horizontal bands may appear in the screen
or color discrepancies may occur depending on
the shutter speed.

• The setting you have made will return to the
default setting if you set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

AUTO SHUTTER

Automatically activates the electronic
shutter to adjust the shutter speed when
recording in bright conditions if you set it
to [ON] (the default setting).

AE SHIFT

When the exposure (p. 26) is set
automatically, you can adjust the exposure
using (dark)/ (bright). and the
setting value appear when [AE SHIFT] is
anything other than the default setting.

CAMERA COLOR

You can adjust the color intensity with

/ . appears when [CAMERA
COLOR] is anything other than the default
setting.

Decreases
color intensity

Increases
color intensity

WB SHIFT (White Balance Shift)

You can adjust the white balance to the
desired setting using / .

and the setting value are displayed
when [WB SHIFT] is anything other than
the default setting.

• When the white balance is set to a lower value,
pictures appear bluish, and when set to a higher
value, pictures appear reddish.

SPOT FOCUS

You can select and adjust the focal point to
aim it at a subject not located in the center
of the screen.

2

3



Set the FOCUS/ZOOM switch to

MANUAL (p. 26).



Touch the subject on the screen.



Touch [END].

To adjust the focus automatically, set the
FOCUS/ZOOM switch to AUTO.

FLASH SET

 FLASH LEVEL

HIGH( )

Makes the flash level higher.

 NORMAL( )
LOW( )

Makes the flash level lower.

 REDEYE REDUC

You can prevent redeye by activating the
flash before recording.
Set [REDEYE REDUC] to [ON], then
press (flash) (p. 28) repeatedly to select
a setting.

(Auto redeye reduction): Pre-flashes to

reduce redeye before the flash automatically
flashes when there is insufficient ambient
light.



(Forced redeye reduction): Always uses

the flash and the redeye reducing pre-flash.



CAMERA SET menu (Continued)

47

Using the Menu

Continued 

(No flash): Records without flash.

• The redeye reduction may not produce the
desired effect due to individual differences and
other conditions.

SUPER NS (Super NightShot)

The picture will be recorded at a maximum
of 16 times the sensitivity of NightShot
recording if you set [SUPER NS] to [ON]
while the NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 26) is
also set to ON.

and [”SUPER NIGHTSHOT”] appear

on the screen.

To return to the normal setting, set the
NIGHTSHOT switch to OFF.

• Do not use NightShot/[SUPER NS] in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.

• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers
or other object

• Remove the conversion lens (optional).

• Adjust the focus manually (p. 27) when it is
hard to focus automatically.

• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes
depending on the brightness. The motion of the
picture may slow down at this time.

NS LIGHT (NightShot Light)

When using either the NightShot (p. 26)
or [SUPER NS] (p.47) function to record,
you can record clearer pictures by setting
[NS LIGHT], which emits infrared light
(invisible), to [ON] (the default setting).

• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers
or other objects.

• Remove the conversion lens (optional).

• The maximum shooting distance using [NS
LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 ft.).

COLOR SLOW S
(Color Slow Shutter)

When you set [COLOR SLOW S] to [ON],
you can record an image brighter in color
even in dark places.

and [COLOR SLOW SHUTTER]

appear on the screen.

To cancel [COLOR SLOW S], touch
[OFF].

• Adjust the focus manually (p. 27) when it is
hard to focus automatically.

• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes
depending on the brightness. The motion of the
picture may slow down at this time.

ZEBRA

This is useful as a guide when adjusting the
brightness. When you change the default
setting, is displayed. The zebra pattern
is not recorded.

 OFF

The zebra pattern is not displayed.

70

The zebra pattern appears at a screen
brightness level of about 70 IRE.

100

The zebra pattern appears at a screen
brightness level of about 100 IRE or
higher.

• Portions of the screen where brightness is about
100 IRE or above may appear overexposed.

• The zebra pattern is diagonal stripes that appear
in portions of the screen where brightness is at a
preset level.

HISTOGRAM

When you set [HISTOGRAM] to [ON],
the [HISTOGRAM] (a graph to display
a distribution of tones in your picture)
window appears on the screen.
This item is useful when you adjust
exposure. You can adjust the exposure or
[AE SHIFT] checking the [HISTOGRAM]
window. The [HISTOGRAM] will not be
recorded on a tape or “Memory Stick Duo.”

48

80

Pixels

Darker

Brightness

Brighter

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

SELF-TIMER

The self-timer starts recording after about
10 seconds.



Touch [SELF-TIMER][ON]

.

appears.



Press REC START/STOP to record

movies, or PHOTO to record still images.
To cancel the count down, touch [RESET].

To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF] in
step .

• You can also use the self-timer with the Remote
Commander (p. 34).

DIGITAL ZOOM

You can select the maximum zoom level
in case you want to zoom to a level greater
than 10 × (the default setting) while
recording on a tape. Note that the image
quality decreases when you are using the
digital zoom.

The right side of the bar shows the digital
zooming factor. The zooming zone
appears when you select the zooming
level.

 OFF

Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically.

20 ×

Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 20 × zoom is
performed digitally.

120 ×

Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 120 × zoom is
performed digitally.

STEADYSHOT

You can compensate for camera shake
(the default setting is [ON]). Set
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when
using a tripod (optional), then the image
becomes natural.

CONV. LENS

When using an optional conversion lens,
use this function to record using the
optimum compensation for camera shake
for each lens.

 OFF

Select this when the conversion lens
(optional) is not used.

WIDE CONV.( )

Select this to use the wide conversion lens
(optional).

TELE CONV.( )

Select this to use the tele conversion lens
(optional).

CAMERA SET menu (Continued)

49

Using the Menu

STANDARD ( )

Records still images at the standard image
quality level.

 IMAGE SIZE

 1920 × 1440 ( )

Records still images clearly.

1920 × 1080 ( )

Records still images clearly in the wide
(16:9) ratio.

1440 × 1080 ( )

Allows you to record more still images in
relatively clear quality.

640 × 480 ( )

Allows for the maximum number of
images to be recorded.

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

When the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA-MEMORY

1920 ×
1440

1920 ×
1080

1440 ×
1080

640 ×
480

16MB
(supplied)

1126143419

4396240

32MB

225429693988190

485

64MB

45

1055913578175

390
980

128MB

91

215

115
280

155
355

780

1970

256MB

165
395

215
500

280
640

1400
3550

512MB

335
800

435

1000

570

1300

2850
7200

1GB

680

1600

890

2100

1150
2650

5900

14500

2GB

1400
3350

1800
4300

2400
5500

12000
30000

MEMORY SET menu

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo”
(BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/
NEW FOLDER, etc.)

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

See page 40 for details on selecting
menu items.

STILL SET

 BURST

You can record several still images one
after another by pressing PHOTO.

 OFF

Select this when not recording
continuously.

NORMAL ( )

Records from 3 (1920 × 1440 image size),
5 (1440 × 1080 image size) to 25 (640 ×
480 image size) images continuously at
about 0.5 second intervals.

The maximum number of images are
recorded when you press and hold PHOTO
fully.

EXP. BRKTG ( )

Records 3 images consecutively with
different exposures at about 0.5 second
intervals. You can compare the 3 images
and select an image recorded at the best
exposure.

• The flash will not function during continuous
photo recording.

• The maximum number of images will be
recorded in the self-timer mode or when you are
operating with the Remote Commander.

• [EXP. BRKTG] will not function when you
have space for fewer than 3 images remaining
on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• When you set wide (16:9) ratio of the screen
you can record 3 images (1920 × 1080 image
size) continuously.

 QUALITY

 FINE ( )

Records still images at the fine image
quality level.

Continued 

50

When the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA-TAPE or PLAY/EDIT*

1440 ×
810

1080 ×
810

640 ×
480

640 ×
360

16MB
(supplied)

25 60348096

240

115
240

32MB

51

12069160

190
485

240
485

64MB

100
240

135
325

390
980

490
980

128MB

205
490

280
650

780

1970

980

1970

256MB

370
890

500

1150

1400
3550

1750
3550

512MB

760

1800

1000
2400

2850
7200

3600
7200

1GB

1550
3650

2100
4900

5900

14500

7300

14500

2GB

3150
7500

4300

10000

12000
30000

15000
30000

* The image size is fixed as follows:

– Images recorded with the POWER switch set

to CAMERA-TAPE are 1440 × 810 when in
HDV format or DV format (16:9), and 1080 ×
810 when in DV format (4:3).

– Images recorded with the POWER switch set

to PLAY/EDIT are 1440 × 810 when in HDV
format, 640 × 360 when in DV format (16:9),
and 640 × 480 when in DV format (4:3).

• The number of recordable pictures is shown in
the table.
[FINE] is on top, and [STANDARD] is on the
bottom.

• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by
Sony Corporation. The number of recordable
pictures varies depending on the recording
environment.

Approximate image size of a picture
(kB)

4:3 picture

1920 ×
1440

1440 ×
1080

1080 ×
810

640 ×
480

1380

580

800
350

450
190

150

60

16:9 picture

1920 ×
1080

1440 ×
810

640 ×
360

1060

450

600
260

130

60

• The table shows the approximate number of still
images that can be taken for each image size.
[FINE] is on top, and [STANDARD] is on the
bottom.

ALL ERASE

Deletes all the pictures on a “Memory Stick
Duo” without image protection, or in the
selected folder.



Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRENT

FOLDER].

[ALL FILES]: Deletes all the images on the

“Memory Stick Duo.”

[CURRENT FOLDER]: Deletes all the

images in the selected folder.



Touch [YES] twice  .

• Cancel image protection on the “Memory Stick
Duo” beforehand when using the “Memory
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab (p. 103).

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

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

– Operate the POWER switch/operation

buttons.

– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”

MEMORY SET menu (Continued)

51

Using the Menu

REC FOLDER (Recording folder)

Select the folder to be used for recording
with / , then touch .

• As the default setting, pictures are saved in the
101MSDCF folder.

• Once you record a picture in a folder, the
same folder will be set as the default folder for
playback.

PB FOLDER (Playback folder)

Select the playback folder with / ,
then touch .

FORMAT

The supplied or newly purchased “Memory
Stick Duo” has been formatted at the
factory, and does not require formatting.

To execute formatting, touch [YES] twice

 .

Formatting is completed, and all the images
will be deleted.

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

– Operate the POWER switch/operation

buttons.

– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”

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

FILE NO.

 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

You can create a new folder (102MSDCF
to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick
Duo.” When a folder is full (a maximum
of 9999 images are stored) a new folder is
automatically created.

Touch [YES]  .

• You cannot delete the created folders using
your camcorder. You will have to format the
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 51), or delete them
using your computer.

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

52

D. EFFECT (Digital effect)

You can add digital effects to your
recordings.



Touch the desired effect.



Adjust the effect with / , then

touch .

When you select [STILL], the image when

you touch is saved as a still image.

Effect Items to adjust

CINEMA
EFECT*

No adjustment
necessary.

STILL

The degree of
transparency of the
still image you want
to superimpose on a
movie.

FLASH

The interval of frame­by-frame playback.

TRAIL

The fade time of the
incidental image.

OLD MOVIE*

No adjustment
necessary.

* Available during recording only.



Touch .

appears.

To cancel [D. EFFECT], touch [OFF] in
step .

CINEMA EFECT (Cinematic effect)

You can add a cinematic atmosphere to
pictures by adjusting the image quality.

STILL

Records a movie while superimposing it on
a previously recorded still image.

FLASH (flash motion)

Records a movie with a serial-still-image
effect (strobe effect).

PICT.APPLI. menu

Special effects on pictures or additional
functions on recording/playback (SLIDE
SHOW/PICT. EFFECT, etc.)

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

See page 40 for details on selecting
menu items.

FADER

You can add the following effects to
currently recording pictures.



Select the desired effect, then touch .



Press REC START/STOP.

The fader indicator stops flashing and

disappears when the fade is complete.

To cancel the operation, touch [OFF] in
step .

STBY REC

Fading out Fading in

WHITE FADER

BLACK FADER

MOSAIC FADER

MONOTONE

When fading in, the picture gradually
changes from black-and-white to color.
When fading out, it gradually changes from
color to black-and-white.

53

Using the Menu

TRAIL

Records a picture so that an incidental
image like a trail is left.

OLD MOVIE

Adds an old movie effect with a sepia hue
to pictures.

•

You cannot change to another digital effect

while recording pictures on a tape with
[CINEMA EFECT] selected.

•

You cannot record pictures edited using special

effects on the tape in your camcorder.

• You cannot add effects to externally input
pictures. The playback pictures edited with
digital effects are output via the HDV/DV
Interface (i.LINK) jack without effect control.

• You can save pictures edited using special
effects on a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 68) or
record them on another tape (p. 64).

PICT. EFFECT (Picture effect)

You can add special effects to a picture
during recording or playback. appears.

 OFF

Does not use [PICT. EFFECT] setting.

SKINTONE

Makes skin texture look more smoother
and more appealing.

NEG.ART

The color and brightness are reversed.

SEPIA

Pictures appear in sepia.

B&W

Pictures appear in black and white.

SOLARIZE

Pictures appear as an illustration with
strong contrast.

Continued 

PASTEL

Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.*

MOSAIC

Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.*

* Available during recording only.

• While using the back light function, you cannot
select [SKINTONE]. And when you use the
back light function with [PICT.EFFECT] set to
[SKINTONE], the [SKINTONE] setting will be
canceled.

• You cannot add effects to externally input
pictures. The playback pictures edited with
picture effects are output via the HDV/DV
Interface (i.LINK) jack without effect control.

• You can also record pictures edited using
special effects on another tape (p. 64).

SLIDE SHOW

Plays back the images stored on a
“Memory Stick Duo,” or in a folder in
sequence (slide show).



Touch [PB FOLDER].



Select [ALL FILES ( )] or [CURRNT

FOLDER ( )], then touch .

If you select [CURRNT FOLDER ( )],

all the images in the current playback
folder selected in [PB FOLDER] (p. 51)
are played back in sequence.



Touch [REPEAT].



Select [ON] or [OFF], then .
To repeat the slide show, select [ON] ( ).
To execute the slide show only once, select

[OFF].



Touch [END][START].

To cancel [SLIDE SHOW], touch [END].
To pause, touch [PAUSE].

• You can select the first picture for the slide

show with / before touching
[START].

54

PICT.APPLI. menu (Continued)

B] and the recording setting changes to
the registered one. Touch [BACK] to
register again or touch [END] to finish the
operation.

• You cannot register the setting while recording.

• It takes about 4 seconds to change to the
registered setting.

• If you register [SHOT TRANS], the [WHITE
BAL.] setting is also registered at the same
time.

• The recording angle varies during [SHOT
TRANS].

• Use the tripod because [STEADYSHOT] does
not function.

DEMO MODE

The default setting is [ON], allowing you
to view the demonstration in about 10
minutes, after you have removed both a
cassette and a “Memory Stick Duo” from
your camcorder, and slide the POWER
switch down to turn on the CAMERA­TAPE lamp.

• The demonstration will be suspended in
situations such as those described below.

– When you touch the screen during the

demonstration. (The demonstration starts
again in about 10 minutes.)

– When a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” is

inserted.

– When the POWER switch is set to other than

CAMERA-TAPE.

PictBridge PRINT

See page 70.

INT.REC-STL
(Interval photo recording)

You can record still images on the
“Memory Stick Duo” at a selected interval.
This function is useful to observe the
movement of clouds or the changes in
daylight, etc.

[a]: Recording
[b]: Interval



Touch  a desired interval time (1, 5

or 10 minutes)   [ON]  

.



Press PHOTO fully.

stops flashing and the interval still

image recording starts.

To cancel [INT.REC-STL], select [OFF]
in step .

SHOT TRANS

You can register the settings of focus and
zoom and then change the recording setting
from the current one to the registered one,
resulting in a smooth transition of scenes
(Shot transition).

SHOT A

SHOT B

STORE

Set the zoom (p. 26) and focus (p. 27) at
the desirable setting and press [STORE­A]. [SHOT-A] flashes and will be
registered. Register [STORE-B] as well.

EXEC

Touch [NEXT][EXEC-A] or [EXEC-

55

Using the Menu

EDIT/PLAY menu

Settings for editing or playing back
in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END
SEARCH, etc.)

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

See page 40 for details on selecting
menu items.

VAR.SPD PB

(Various speed playback)

You can play back in various modes while
viewing movies.



Touch the following buttons during

playback.

To Touch

change the
playback
direction*

(frame)

play back
slowly**

To reverse direction :

(frame) 

play back frame
by frame

(frame) during
playback pause.
To reverse direction:

(frame) during
frame playback.

* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,

bottom, or in the center of the screen. This
is not a malfunction.

**Pictures output from the HDV/DV

Interface (i.LINK) jack cannot be played
back smoothly in slow mode.



Touch  .

To return to the normal playback mode,
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from
frame playback).

• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may
see mosaic-like images of the previously played
picture.

• Pictures in the HDV format are not output from
the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK) jack when
they are paused or played back in other than
normal playback mode.

• Pictures in the HDV format may appear
distorted during:

– Picture search
– Reverse playback

REC CTRL (Movie recording

control)

See page 67.

BURN DVD

When your camcorder is connected to a
Sony VAIO series personal computer, you
can easily burn the picture recorded on the
tape on a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to
DVD”) using this command. See “Creating
a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)”
(p. 78) for details.

• The quality of the picture to be copied to DVDs

is SD (standard definition).

END SEARCH

EXEC

The most recently recorded picture is
played back for about 5 seconds and then
stops automatically.

CANCEL

Stops [END SEARCH].

56

able to recognize the video signal from this
camcorder.

• When [AUTO] is selected and the signal

switches between HDV and DV formats, the
picture and sound disappear temporarily.

• When [i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON

HDVDV], pictures are output as follows:
– at [AUTO], an HDV signal is converted to the

DV format and output; a DV signal is output
as it is.

– at [HDV], an HDV signal is converted to the

DV format and output; a DV signal is not
output.

– at [DV], a DV signal is output as it is; an

HDV signal is not output.

REC FORMAT

You can select a recording format.

 HDV1080i ( )

Select to record in the HDV1080i
specification.

DV ( )

Select to record in the DV format.

• When you output the picture during recording

simultaneously to a connected device using
an i.LINK cable (optional), also set [i.LINK
CONV] accordingly.

DV SET

 REC MODE(Recording mode)

 SP ()

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

LP ()

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

• 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.

STANDARD SET menu

Settings while recording on a tape or other
basic settings (REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/
LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT, etc.)

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

See page 40 for details on selecting
menu items.

VCR HDV/DV

Select the playback signal. Normally select
[AUTO].
When the camcorder is connected to
another device using an i.LINK cable
(optional), select the signal to be input/
output from the HDV/DV Interface
(i.LINK) jack. The selected signal is
recorded or played back.

AUTO

Select this to play back signals by
switching the format between HDV and
DV automatically.

For an i.LINK connection, select this to
record/play back signals input/output from
the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK) jack by
switching the format between HDV and
DV automatically.

HDV

Select this to play back the signals in the
HDV format only.

For an i.LINK connection, select this to
record/play back the input/output signals
in the HDV format only. Select this when
connecting the camcorder to a computer,
etc.

DV

Select this to play back the signals in the
DV format only.

For an i.LINK connection, select this to
record/play back the input/output signals
in the DV format only. Select this when
connecting the camcorder to a computer,
etc.

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable (optional) before
setting [VCR HDV/DV]. Otherwise, the
connected device such as a VCR may not be

57

Using the Menu

 WIDE SELECT

You can select the picture size for the TV to
be connected. Refer also to the instruction
manuals supplied with your TV.

 16:9 WIDE

You can record the picture for the full
screen.

4:3 ( )

You can record the picture for the normal
screen.

On the LCD screen or viewfinder when
setting to [16:9 WIDE]

On a 4:3 TV screen*

On a 16:9 wide TV screen

* The playback picture may look different

depending on the TV connected.

• A recorded [16:9 WIDE] image played back on
a 4:3 TV has the same width as the original but
is cropped horizontally. For better viewing on
the 4:3 TV, set [ WIDE SELECT] to [4:3] on
your camcorder when recording a picture.

 AUDIO MODE

 12BIT

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

16BIT ( )

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

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

Continued 

 AUDIO MIX

You can monitor the sound recorded on
the tape using another device with audio
dubbing during playback.

AUDIO MIX

0:00 :00: 0060mi n

Touch / to adjust the balance
of the original sound (ST1) and the sound
recorded afterwards (ST2), then touch .

• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default
setting.

• The adjusted audio balance returns to the
default setting when you set the POWER switch

to OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours.

VOLUME

Touch / to adjust the volume.

MULTI-SOUND

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

 STEREO

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

1

Plays back with main sound or the left
channel sound.

2

Plays back with sub sound or the right
channel sound.

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

• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you set
the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more
than 12 hours.

58

LCD/VF SET

The recorded picture will not be affected
by this operation.

 LCD BRIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen.



Adjust the brightness with / .



Touch .

• You can also turn off the LCD backlight (p.18).

 LCD BL LEVEL

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

 NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen.

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

• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is
slightly reduced during recording.

 LCD COLOR

You can adjust the color on the LCD screen
with / .

Low intensity High intensity

 VF B.LIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the
viewfinder.

 NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the viewfinder screen.

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

• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is
slightly reduced during recording.

STANDARD SET menu (Continued)

MIC LEVEL

You can adjust the recording sound level
manually.

 AUTO

Select to adjust the recording sound level
automatically.

MANUAL

Touch / to adjust the recording
sound level during recording or standby.
The recording sound level adjustment bars
appear on the screen. The recording sound
level increases as the bar goes to the right.
The recording level meter appears when
the default setting is changed.

• Use headphones to monitor the sound when
adjusting it.

• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than
12 hours.

• The limiter in your camcorder enables
recording with reduced distortion, even if
you set the recording level too high in the
[MANUAL] setting. For best results, adjust the
recording level so as to avoid exceeding 0dB.

EXT SUR MIC (External surround
microphone)

 WIDE STEREO ( )

Records 2 channel sound with more
presence by connecting a microphone
(optional).

STEREO

Records the stereo sound normally.

• You need a compatible accessory such as the
ECM-HQP1 microphone (optional) to record
the sound in the [WIDE STEREO] setting.

• Sound is recorded in the [STEREO] setting
if the microphone is not connected, even if
another setting is selected.

59

Using the Menu

COMPONENT

Select [COMPONENT] when connecting
your camcorder to a TV with the
component input jack.

480i

Select when connecting your camcorder to
a TV with the component input jack.

 1080i/480i

Select when connecting your camcorder
to a TV that has the component input jack
and is capable of displaying the1080i
signal.

i.LINK CONV

When the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA-TAPE, this setting is effective
only when [HDV1080i] is selected in [REC
FORMAT]. When the POWER switch is
set to PLAY/EDIT, this setting is effective
only when [AUTO] or [HDV] is selected in
[VCR HDV/DV].

 OFF

Select to output the pictures from the

HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK) jack in
accordance with the [REC FORMAT] and
[VCR HDV/DV] settings.

ON HDVDV

Select to always output the pictures in the
DV format from the HDV/DV Interface
(i.LINK) jack.

• See [VCR HDV/DV] for information about an
input signal via an i.LINK connection (p. 56).

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

TV TYPE

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

Continued 

 16:9

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

DV format picturesHDV format pictures

4:3

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

DV format
pictures

HDV format
pictures

• When you connect your camcorder to a TV
compatible with the ID-1 system, or via an
S VIDEO jack, and play back the tape, set
[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.

USB SELECT

Select [USB SELECT] to view pictures on
a computer via the USB cable (supplied)
(p. 73), or connect your camcorder to a
PictBridge compliant printer.

 MEMORY STICK

Select to view pictures in the “Memory
Stick Duo.”

PictBridge PRINT

See page 70.

DISP GUIDE

See page 19.

STATUS CHECK

You can check the setup value of the
following items.

– [COMPONENT] (p. 59)
– [i.LINK CONV] (p. 59)

60

STANDARD SET menu (Continued)

* Appears only during tape playback.

• The exposure adjustment value (0EV), a shutter
speed, and the aperture value appear when still
images on a “Memory Stick Duo” are played
back.

• appears for a picture recorded using a flash.

• In the DATE/TIME data display, the date and
time are displayed in the same area. If you
record a picture without setting the clock, [--- --

----] and [--:--:--] will appear.

REMAINING

 AUTO

Displays the remaining tape indicator for
about 8 seconds in situations such as those
described below.

• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/
EDIT or CAMERA-TAPE with a cassette
inserted.

• When you touch (Play/Pause).

ON

Always displays the remaining tape
indicator.

REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
use the Remote Commander (p. 34).

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

REC LAMP (Recording lamp)

The camera recording lamp will not light
up during recording when you set this to
[OFF]. (The default setting is [ON].)

BEEP

 ON

A melody sounds when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.

OFF

Cancels the melody.

– [TV TYPE] (p. 59)
– [VCR HDV/DV] (when setting the POWER

switch to PLAY/EDIT) (p. 56)

GUIDEFRAME

You can display the frame and check that
the subject is horizontal or vertical by
setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON]. The
frame is not recorded. Press DISPLAY/
BATT INFO to make the frame disappear.

• Pointing the subject at the cross point of the
guide frame makes a balanced composition.

COLOR BAR

You can display the color bar or record it
on the tape by setting [COLOR BAR] to
[ON]. It is convenient to adjust the color on
the monitor connected.

DATA CODE

During playback, displays the information
recorded automatically (data code) during
recording.

 OFF

Data code is not displayed.

DATE/TIME

Displays the date and time.

CAMERA DATA (below)

Displays camera setting data.

0:00 :00: 0060min

AWB100

9dBF1. 8

AUTO

1
2

3

45

6

 SteadyShot off*
 Exposure*
 White balance*
 Gain*
 Shutter speed
 Aperture value

61

Using the Menu

DISP OUTPUT

 LCD PANEL

Shows displays such as the time code on
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.

V-OUT/PANEL

Shows displays such as the time code on
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the
viewfinder.

MENU ROTATE

 NORMAL

Scrolls the menu items downwards by
touching .

OPPOSITE

Scrolls the menu items upwards by
touching .

A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)

 5 min

The camcorder is automatically turned off
when you do not operate your camcorder
for more than approximately 5 minutes.

NEVER

The camcorder is not automatically turned
off.

• When you connect your camcorder to a wall
outlet, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to
[NEVER].

CALIBRATION

See page 109.

TIME/LANGU. menu

(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)

See page 40 for details on selecting
menu items.

CLOCK SET

See page 20.

WORLD TIME

When using your camcorder abroad, you
can set the time difference by touching

/ , the clock will be adjusted in
accordance with the time difference.
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock
returns to the originally set time.

LANGUAGE

You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
You can select from English, Simplified
English, Canadian-French, Latin American
Spanish, Brazilian-Portuguese, or Korean.

• Traditional Chinese is also available on menu

for customers who bought this product in Asia,
Middle East, Canada, Latin America or in Japan
(as an Overseas Model).

• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]

(simplified English) for when you cannot find
your native tongue among the options.

62

Customizing Personal Menu

You can add desired menu items to
Personal Menu, and customize Personal
Menu settings for each POWER switch
position. This is convenient if you add
frequently used menu items to Personal
Menu.

Adding a menu item

You can add up to 28 menu items for each
POWER switch position. Delete a less
important menu item, if you want to add
more.

1 Touch



[P-MENU SET UP]



[ADD].

If the desired menu item is not
displayed, touch / .

OK

END

0:00 :0060min

Select the category.

CAMERA SET
PICT. APPLI.
EDIT/PLAY
STANDARD SET
TIME/LANGU.

STBY

2 Touch / to select a menu

category, then touch .

OK

END

0:00 :0060min

Select the item.

PROGRAM AE
SPOT METER
WHITE BAL.
SHARPNESS
SHUTTR SPEED

STBY

3 Touch / to select a menu

item, then touch



[YES]



.

The menu item is added to the end of
list.

Deleting a menu item

1 Touch



[P-MENU SET UP]



[DELETE].

If the desired menu item is not

displayed, touch / .

Select button to delete.

1/3

0:00 :0060min

END

STBY

MENU

PRGRAM
AE

SHUTTR
SPEED

AE
SHIFT

STATUS
CHECK

DISP
GUIDE

2 Touch the menu item that you

want to delete.

Delete this from

CAMERA-TAPEmode's

P-MENU?

DELETE

YES NO

0:00 :0060min

STBY

3 Touch [YES]



.

• You cannot delete [MENU] and [P-MENU
SET UP].

63

Using the Menu

Arranging the order of menu items
displayed on Personal Menu

1 Touch



[P-MENU SET UP]



[SORT].

If the desired menu item is not
displayed, touch / .

2 Touch the menu item you want to

move.

3 Touch / to move the menu

item to the desired place.

4 Touch .

To sort more items, repeat steps 2 to 4.

5 Touch [END]



.

• You cannot move [P-MENU SET UP].

Initializing the Personal Menu
settings (Reset)

Touch [P-MENU SET UP]

[RESET][YES][YES] .

If the desired menu item is not displayed,
touch / .

64

Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc.

Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source (p. 13).
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

Connecting to external devices

The connection method and the image quality will differ depending on the video equipment
and the connectors used.

Camcorder Cable External device

: Signal flow

i.LINK cable (optional)

i.LINK jack which is compatible
with HDV1080i specification is
required.

i.LINK cable (optional)

A/V connecting cable with
S VIDEO (optional)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)

(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)

Do not connect the video plug (yellow).

HDV1080i compatible
device



HD quality *

1

AV device with i.LINK
jack



SD quality *

1

AV device with S VIDEO jack



SD quality *

1

AV device with audio/video jacks *

2



SD quality *

1

*1Pictures recorded in the DV format is played back as SD (standard definition) images regardless of

connection.

*2When 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 the white or red plug to the audio jack on the device.

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover and connect the cable.

65

Dubbing/Editing

Continued 

Using an i.LINK cable (optional)

The dubbed format differs depending on the video recording format or recording equipment
format. Select the required settings from the table below and make the menu settings.

•

Disconnect the i.LINK cable (optional) before changing these menu settings, otherwise the video

equipment may not correctly identify the video signal.

Copy format

Camcorder

recording

format

Recording equipment

format

Menu setting

HDV

format*

1

DV format

[VCR HDV/DV]

(p.56)

[i.LINK CONV]

(p.59)

Copy HDV
recording as HDV

HDV HDV

–*

3

[AUTO]

[OFF]

Convert HDV
recording to DV

HDV DV DV

[ON HDV

DV]

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

HDV/DV DV DV [AUTO]

[ON HDV

DV]

Copy only
portions recorded
in HDV format

HDV HDV

–*

3

[HDV] [OFF]

DV

–*

2

–*

3

Copy only
portions recorded
in DV format

HDV

–*

2

–*

2

[DV] [OFF]

DV DV DV

*1 Equipment compliant with the HDV1080i specification.
*2 Results in a copy without an image (video nor sound is copied).
*3 Picture is not recognized (no recording is made).

•

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

sound disappear temporarily.

•

When the recorder is an HDR-HC1, set [VCR HDV/DV] also on the recording device to [AUTO] (p. 56).

•

If the player and the recorder are both HDR-HC1 and connected with the i.LINK cable (optional),

pictures are not continued smoothly after recording pause or stop.

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.

66

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

– Indicators
– Pictures edited with [PICT. EFFECT] (p. 53)

or [D. EFFECT] (p. 52).

– Titles that are recorded on other camcorder.

• To record the date/time and camera settings data
when connected by the A/V connecting cable
(supplied), display them on the screen (p. 60).

• Pictures recorded in the HDV format are not
output from the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK)
jack during playback pause or in playback
modes other than normal playback.

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

– The recorded picture becomes rough when

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

– Data code (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 you use an i.LINK cable (optional),
the video and sound signals are transmitted
digitally, producing high quality pictures.

• When i.LINK cable (optional) is connected, the
format of the output signal (
or )will be indicated on the LCD
screen of your camcorder.

Dubbing to another device

1 Connect your VCR to your

camcorder as a recording device.

See page 64 for connection details.

• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL]
(default setting) when connecting with an
A/V connecting cable (supplied) (p. 61).

2 Prepare your VCR 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, video input2,
etc.).

3 Prepare your camcorder for

playback.

Insert the recorded cassette.
Slide the POWER switch down to turn.
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

Set [TV TYPE] according to the
playback device (TV, etc.) (p. 59).

4 Start the playback on your

camcorder, and record it on the
VCR.

Refer to the operating instructions
supplied with your recording device for

details.

5 When the dubbing is finished,

stop your camcorder and the
VCR.

Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. (Continued)

67

Dubbing/Editing

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.”
Be sure to insert a cassette or a “Memory
Stick Duo” for recording in your camcorder
beforehand.

• You need an i.LINK cable (optional) for this
operation. You cannot record pictures from any
jack other than HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK)
jack.

i.LINK cable
(optional)

to i.LINK (IEEE1394)
connector

to HDV/DV
Interface (i.LINK)
jack

:Signal flow

HDV1080i
compatible device

AV device with
i.LINK jack

HD quality SD quality

*

* i.LINK jack which is compatible with

HDV1080i specification is required.

Recording movies

1 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

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. 56).

3 Connect your VCR as a player to

your camcorder.

• When i.LINK cable (optional) 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, however, they will not be
recorded.)

4 Insert the cassette into the VCR.

5 Operate your camcorder to

record movies.

Touch [ REC CTRL]

[REC PAUSE].

6 Start playing the cassette on your

VCR.

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

7 Touch [REC START] at the point

you want to start recording.

8 Stop recording.

When recording on a tape, touch
(STOP) or [REC PAUSE].

Continued 

68

Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo”

You can record still images on a “Memory
Stick Duo.” Make sure you have a recorded
tape and a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted
into your camcorder.

1 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Search and record the scene you

want to record.

Touch (PLAY) to play back the
tape, then press PHOTO lightly at the
scene you want to record. Check the
image and press it fully.

• The data code recorded on the tape cannot be
recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” The time
and date the picture is copied on the “Memory
Stick Duo” will be recorded.

• Still images will be fixed to image size [1440
× 810] when playing back in the HDV format.
Still images will be fixed to image size [640 ×
360] (16:9) or [640 × 480] (4:3) when playing
back in the DV format.

9 Touch



.

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

• You can record pictures from DV devices only
in the DV format.

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

– 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.

• 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.

Recording still images

1 Perform steps 1 to 4 in

“Recording movies.”

2 Play the video you want to record.

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

3 Press PHOTO lightly at the scene

you want to record. Check the
image and press it fully.

Recording pictures from a VCR
(Continued)

69

Dubbing/Editing

Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo”

1 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Touch .

101

2/ 10

101– 0001

60min

P-MENU

MEMORY PLAYMEMORY PLAY

1920

60min

101– 0001

3 Select a picture you want to

delete with / .

• To delete all pictures at once, select [

ALL ERASE] (p. 50).

4 Touch



[YES].

• The pictures cannot be restored once they

are deleted.

• You can delete pictures on the index screen (p.

25). You can easily search for the picture to be
deleted by displaying 6 pictures at once.

Touch  [ DELETE]  the picture you

want to delete   [YES].

• Pictures cannot be deleted when a “Memory
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab is set to
the write-protect position (p. 103), or when the
selected picture is protected (p. 69).

Marking images on the
“Memory Stick Duo” with
specific information

(Image protection/Print mark)

When you are using a “Memory Stick
Duo” with the write-protect tab, make sure
the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick
Duo” is not set to the write-protect position
(p. 103).

Preventing accidental erasure
(Image protection)

You can select and mark images to prevent
accidental erasure.

1 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Touch

 



[PROTECT].

3 Touch the image that you want to

protect.

2/ 10

101– 000 2

PROTECT

101

OK



appears.

4 Touch



[END].

• To cancel image protection, touch the image

again to cancel image protection in step 3.

Continued 

70

Selecting still images for
printing (Print mark)

The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
standard is used to select images for
printing on your camcorder.
By marking images that you want to print
out, you do not need to reselect them when
you print them out. (You cannot specify the
number of printouts.)

1 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Touch

  

[PRINT

MARK].

3 Touch the image that you want to

print out later.

2/ 10

PRINT MARK

101– 000 2

101

OK

appears.

4 Touch



[END].

• To cancel Print mark, touch the image again to

cancel Print mark in step 3.

• Do not mark images on your camcorder if the
“Memory Stick Duo” already has some images
with the Print mark put on using other devices.
This may change the information of the images
with the Print mark put on using the other
device.

Printing recorded images

(PictBridge compliant printer)

You can print out pictures using a
PictBridge compliant printer without
connecting the camcorder to a computer.

Connect your camcorder to the AC Adaptor
to supply power from the wall outlet.
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” on which
still images are stored into your camcorder
and turn on the power of the printer.

Connect your camcorder to the
printer

1 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Touch



[MENU]



(STANDARD SET)[USB

SELECT][PictBridge PRINT]





.

3 Connect the (USB) jack of your

camcorder to the printer using
the USB cable (supplied).

4 Touch (PICT. APPLI.)



[PictBridge PRINT].

P

R

I

N

T

1

0

1

-

0

0

0

1

SET

+

-

101

1/ 10

END

1920

EXEC

PRINT
101-0001

When connection is complete,
(PictBridge connecting) appears
on the screen.

One of the images stored on the
“Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.

Marking images on the “Memory
Stick Duo” with specific information

(Image protection/Print mark) (Continued)

71

Dubbing/Editing

• We cannot guarantee the operation of models
that are not PictBridge compatible.

Printing

1 Select the image to be printed

with / .

2 Touch



[COPIES].

3 Select the number of copies to be

printed with / .

You can set a maximum of 20 copies of
one image to be printed.

4 Touch



[END].

To print the date on the image, touch

[DATE/TIME][DATE] or

[DAY&TIME] .

5 Touch [EXEC]



[YES].

When printing is finished, [Printing...]
disappears and the image selection
screen appears again.

Touch [END] when printing is
completed.

• Refer also to the operating instructions for the
printer to be used.

• Do not attempt the following operations when

is on the screen. The operations may not be

performed properly.
– Operating the POWER switch.
– Disconnect the USB cable (supplied) from

the printer.

– Removing the “Memory Stick Duo” from

your camcorder.

• If the printer stops working, disconnect the
USB cable (supplied), turn the printer off and
on again and restart the operation from the

beginning.

• If you print a still image recorded with a 16:9
ratio, left and right ends of the image may be
cut off.

• Some printer models may not support the
date printing function. Refer to your printer’s
operating instructions for details.

• We cannot guarantee the printing of images
recorded with a device other than your
camcorder.

• PictBridge is an industry standard established
by the Camera & Imaging Products Association
(CIPA). You can print still images without using
a computer by connecting a printer directly to
a digital video camera or digital still camera,
regardless of model or manufacturer.

72

Jacks to connect external devices

 ...Open the shoe cover.
 -  ...Open the jack cover.

 Active Interface Shoe

The Active Interface Shoe supplies
power to optional accessories such as
a video light, a flash, or a microphone.
The accessory can be turned on or off
as you operate the POWER switch on
your camcorder. Refer to the operating
instructions supplied with your
accessory for details.

• When you connect an accessory, open the
shoe cover.

• The Active Interface Shoe has a safety
device for fixing the installed accessory
securely. To connect an accessory, press
down and push it to the end, and then
tighten the screw. To remove an accessory,
loosen the screw, and then press down and
pull out the accessory.

• Connecting with an external device wears
out the battery pack faster.

• You cannot use an external flash (optional)
and the built-in flash at the same time.

• When an external microphone (optional)
is connected, it takes precedence over the
internal microphone (p. 29).

  (headphones) jack (green)

• When you use headphones, the speaker on
your camcorder is silent.

 MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (red)

•

This jack works as an input jack for

an external microphone as well as a
power-supply jack for a plug-in-power
microphone. When an external microphone
(optional) is connected, it takes precedence
over the internal microphone (p.29).

•

To fix an external microphone, the optional

accessory shoe adaptor VCT-55L is
recommended. Remove the accessory shoe
adaptor when inserting and removing a
cassette.

 HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK) jack (p.

64, 78)

 (USB) jack (p. 70, 73)
 COMPONENT OUT jack (p. 36)
 A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 36, 64)
 DC IN jack (p. 13)
 LANC jack (blue)

•

The LANC control jack is used for

controlling the tape transport of video
devices and peripherals connected to it.

73

Using a computer

Connecting to a computer

When connecting your camcorder to the
computer, you can operate the followings:

Copy the still images on a “Memory
Stick Duo” to the computer
 p. 73
Copy the movie in the HDV format on a
tape to the computer
 p. 76
Copy the movie in the DV format on a
tape to the computer
 p. 76

About connection

There are 2 ways to connect your
camcorder to a computer:

– USB cable (supplied)
When copying pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo”
– i.LINK cable (optional)
When copying pictures on a tape

Notes on connecting to a computer

• When you are using a USB cable (supplied)
or an i.LINK cable (optional) to connect your
camcorder to a computer, make sure you
insert the connector in the correct direction.
If you insert the connector forcibly, it may be
damaged, and causes a malfunction of your
camcorder.

• You cannot do the followings:
– Copying pictures on a tape to a computer with

a USB cable (supplied).

– Copying pictures on a “Memory Stick

Duo” to a computer with an i.LINK cable
(optional).

• Remove the USB cable according to the correct
procedure when disconnecting it from the
computer (p. 75).

Copying still images to a computer

System requirements

For Windows users

• OS: Windows 2000 Professional/Windows
Millennium Edition/Windows XP Home
Edition/Windows XP Professional
Standard installation is required. Operation is
not assured if the above OS has been upgraded.

• CPU: MMX Pentium 200MHz or faster

• Others: USB port (This must be provided as
standard)

For Macintosh users

• OS: Mac OS 9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v10.1/
v10.2/v10.3)

• Others: USB port (This must be provided as
standard)

Using the USB cable (supplied)

• You can do this operation with the standard
driver of your computer. You do not need to
install a software.

• If your computer has a Memory Stick slot,
insert the “Memory Stick Duo” on which
pictures are recorded into the Memory Stick
Duo Adaptor (supplied), then insert it into the
Memory Stick slot on your computer to copy
still images to the computer.

• When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”
and your computer is not compatible with it,
connect your camcorder with the USB cable
(supplied) instead of using the Memory Stick
slot on the computer.

Continued 

74

Copying still images to a computer (Continued)

to USB jack

USB cable
(supplied)

to USB jack

• Do not connect your camcorder to the computer
at this point.

• The computer may not recognize the camcorder
if you connect them with the USB cable
(supplied) before turning on your camcorder.

• Refer to 76 page for the recommended
connection.

1 Turn on the computer.

Close down all applications running on
the computer.

For Windows 2000/Windows XP

Log on as Administrators.

2 Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into

your camcorder.

3 Prepare the power source for

your camcorder.

Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the
power source (p. 13).

4 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

5 Touch



[MENU]



(STANDARD SET)[USB
SELECT][MEMORY STICK]



.

6 Connect the USB cable (supplied)

to the USB jack on your
camcorder.

7 Connect the other end of the USB

cable to the USB jack on your
computer.

[USB CONNECT] appears on the LCD
screen of your camcorder.

It may take some time for the computer
to recognize the camcorder when you
connect the USB cable for the first time.

Copying the pictures

For Windows users

Double-click the [Removable Disk] icon
displayed in [My Computer]. Then, drag
and drop a picture in the folder onto the
hard disk drive of your computer.

75

Using a computer







 Folder containing image files recorded

using other camcorders without the
folder creation function (for playback
only)

 Folder containing image files recorded

with your camcorder
When no new folders have been
created, only [101MSDCF] is
displayed.

 Folder containing movie data recorded

using other camcorders without the
folder creation function (for playback
only)

Folder File Meaning

101MSDCF
(up to
999MSDCF)

DSC0
.JPG

Still image
file

 stands for any number between
0001 and 9999.

For Macintosh users

Double-click the drive icon, then drag and
drop the desired picture file onto the hard
disk of your computer.

Disconnecting the USB cable
(supplied)

For Windows users

If [USB CONNECT] appears on the LCD
screen, follow the procedure below to
disconnect the USB cable.

 Click the [Unplug or eject hardware] icon

on the task tray.

Click this icon.

task tray

 Click [Safely remove USB Mass Storage

Device-Drive].

Click here.

 Click [OK].
 Disconnect the USB cable from the

camcorder and computer.

If [USB CONNECT] does not appear on
the LCD screen, do only step  above.

• Remove the USB cable according to the correct
procedure, otherwise files in the “Memory Stick
Duo” may not be updated correctly. Also, this
may cause a malfunction of the “Memory Stick
Duo.”

Continued 

76

For Macintosh users

 Close down all applications running on the

computer.

 Drag and drop the drive icon on the

desktop onto the [Trash] icon.

 Disconnect the USB cable (supplied) from

the camcorder and computer.

• If you are using Mac OS X, turn off the
computer before disconnecting the USB cable
and ejecting the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Do not disconnect the USB cable while the
access lamp is lit.

• Make sure to disconnect the USB cable
(supplied) before turning off your camcorder.

Recommended connection

Connect as shown in the following
illustrations to operate the camcorder
correctly.

• Connect the camcorder to a computer via the
USB cable (supplied). Make sure no other USB
devices are connected to the computer.

• If your computer has a USB keyboard and
a USB mouse as standard equipment, leave
them connected and connect the camcorder
to an available USB jack with the USB cable
(supplied).

• Operation is not guaranteed if you connect two
or more USB devices to the computer.

• Operation is not guaranteed if you connect the
USB cable to the USB jack on a keyboard or
USB hub.

• Make sure to connect the cable to the USB jack
on the computer.

• Operation is not guaranteed on all the
recommended environments.

Copying movies on a tape to the computer

Connect your camcorder to the computer
with an i.LINK cable (optional).
The computer needs to be provided with
an i.LINK connector and be installed
with editing software that can copy HDV
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.

Format for

copying

to the

computer

Recorded

format

Required software

HDV HDV

Editing software
capable of copying
HDV signal

DV HDV

Editing software
capable of copying
DV signal

DV DV

Editing software
capable of copying
DV signal

• Refer to the operating instructions of the
software for the details on image copying.

• Refer to the operational instruction of the
editing software for the recommended
connection.

• Some editing software on the computer may not
work correctly.

i.LINK cable (optional)

HDV/DV Interface

(i.LINK) jack

Notes on connecting to the computer

• Connect the i.LINK cable (optional) to the
computer first, then to your camcorder.

Copying still images to a
computer (Continued)

77

Using a computer

Connecting in the opposite order may cause
static electricity to build up, resulting in a
malfunction of your camcorder.

• The computer may hang up or may not
recognize the signal from your camcorder in the
following situation.

– Making the following setup to connect

your camcorder to a computer that does not
support the video signal formats that appear
on the LCD screen of your camcorder display
(HDV or DV).

– Changing the [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK

CONV] settings on the (STANDARD
SET) menu while connecting with an i.LINK
cable (optional).

– Changing the [REC FORMAT] setting on

the (STANDARD SET) menu while
connecting with an i.LINK cable (optional)
with the POWER switch set to CAMERA­TAPE.

– Changing the POWER switch position while

connecting with an i.LINK cable (optional).

• The format (HDV or DV) of input/output

signal appears on the LCD screen of your
camcorder while connecting with an i.LINK
cable (optional).

When setting up your camcorder

The menu settings required depend on the
format of the recorded pictures and the
format for copying.

Copied
format

to the

computer

Menu setting*

1

Recorded

format

HDV

[VCR HDV/DV]

[HDV]

[i.LINK CONV]

[OFF]

HDV

DV

[VCR HDV/DV]

[HDV]

[i.LINK CONV]

[ON HDV

DV]

HDV

DV

[VCR HDV/DV]

[DV]

[i.LINK CONV]

[OFF]

DV

*

1

See page 56 for [VCR HDV/DV] and 59 for
[i.LINK CONV].

• A tape recorded in the DV format cannot be
copied in the HDV format to a computer.

• You can create DVDs from a tape by connecting
your camcorder to a Sony VAIO series
computer that has “Click to DVD Ver.2.3”
or later installed (p. 78). The quality of the
picture to be copied to DVDs is SD (standard
definition).

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 [ON] on the (STANDARD
SET) menu to copy an HDV format tape in the
DV format (p. 56, 59).

When copying the movie in the DV
format from the computer to your
camcorder

• Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] on the
(STANDARD SET) menu (p. 56).

78

Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)

You can create DVDs from a tape when
you connect your camcorder to a Sony
VAIO series computer* with “Click to
DVD” installed via an i.LINK cable
(optional). The picture is automatically
copied and written to a DVD.
The following procedures describe how to
create a DVD from a picture recorded on a
tape. For details of compatible computers,
operating environment, “Click to DVD,”
and upgrading to “Click to DVD Ver.2.3”
or later, visit the following URL:

– Europe

http://www.vaio-link.com/

– USA

http://ciscdb.sel.sony.com/perl/select-p­n.pl

– Asia Pacific Regional

http://www.css.ap.sony.com/

– Korea

http://scs.sony.co.kr/

– Taiwan

http://vaio-online.sony.com/tw/vaio/

– China

http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/vaio/

– Thailand

http://www.sony.co.th/vaio/index.html

– Latin America

http://vaio-online.sony.com/

* Note that you need a computer with a DVD

drive that can be used to write DVDs, and
“Click to DVD Ver.2.3” (Sony original
software) or later installed.

i.LINK
cable
(optional)

to i.LINK (IEEE1394)
connector

to HDV/DV Interface
(i.LINK) jack

:Signal
flow

• Images recorded in HDV format are down­converted to SD (standard definition) quality
when copying to DVDs. (They are not copied in
the HD (high definition) quality.)

• You can only use an i.LINK cable (optional)
for this operation. You cannot use a USB cable
(supplied).

Using the Direct Access to “Click to
DVD” function for the first time

The Direct Access to “Click to DVD”
function enables you to copy pictures
recorded on a tape to a DVD easily if your
camcorder is connected to a computer.
Before operating the Direct Access to
“Click to DVD” function, follow the steps
below to start “Click to DVD Automatic
Mode Launcher.”

 Turn on the computer.
 Click the start menu, then select [All

Programs].

 Select [Click to DVD] from the programs

displayed, then click [Click to DVD
Automatic Mode Launcher].

[Click to DVD Automatic Mode
Launcher] starts up.

• After you start up [Click to DVD Automatic
Mode Launcher] once, from then on it starts up
automatically when you turn on your computer.

• [Click to DVD Automatic Mode Launcher] is
set up for each Windows XP user.

79

Using a computer

1 Turn on the computer.

Close all applications running with an
i.LINK.

2 Prepare the power source for the

camcorder.

Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the
power source since it takes a few hours
to create a DVD.

3 Slide the POWER switch down to

turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

4 Touch [MENU]

(STANDARD SET)[i.LINK
CONV][ON HDVDV] .

5 Insert a recorded cassette into

your camcorder.

6 Connect your camcorder to a

computer via an i.LINK cable
(optional) (p. 78).

• When you connect your camcorder to
a computer, make sure you insert the
connector in the correct direction. If you
insert the connector forcibly, it may be
damaged, and causes a malfunction of your
camcorder.

7 Touch  [MENU] 

(EDIT/PLAY)  [BURN DVD] 

.

“Click to DVD” starts up and the
on-screen instructions appear on your
computer.

8 Place a writable DVD in the disc

drive of the computer.

9 Touch [EXEC] on the screen of

your camcorder.

The status of the operation on your
computer is displayed on the LCD
screen of your camcorder.

CAPTURING: The picture recorded
on the tape is being copied to the
computer.

CONVERTING: The picture is being
converted to the MPEG2 format.

WRITING: The picture is being written
onto the DVD.

• If you use a DVD-RW/+RW which has
other data stored on it, the message [This
is a recorded disc. Delete and overwrite?]
appears on the LCD screen of your
camcorder. When you touch [EXEC], the
existing data is erased and new data is
written.

10 Touch [NO] to finish creating a

DVD.

The disc tray comes out automatically.
To create another DVD with the same
content, touch [YES].
The disc tray comes out. Place a new
writable DVD in the disc drive. Then,
repeat step 9 and 10.

Continued 

80

To cancel the operation

Touch [CANCEL] on the LCD screen of
your camcorder.

• You cannot cancel the operation after
[Finalizing DVD.] is displayed on the LCD
screen of your camcorder.

• Do not disconnect the i.LINK cable (optional)
or set the POWER switch to another mode on
your camcorder until the picture is completely
copied to the computer.

• When [CONVERTING] or [WRITING] is
displayed on the screen, capturing of pictures
has already finished. Even if you disconnect
the i.LINK cable (optional) or turn off the
camcorder at this stage, DVD creation will
continue on your computer.

• When any of the following occurs, copying of
the picture is canceled. A DVD containing the
data up to the point the operation was canceled
is created. Refer to the help files of “Click to
DVD Automatic Mode Launcher” for details.

– When there is a blank portion of 10 seconds

or longer on the tape.

– When the data of the tape contains a date

before the recording date of the later images.

– When normal and wide size pictures are

recorded on the same tape.

• You cannot operate your camcorder in the
following situations:

– While playing back a tape
– While recording images onto a “Memory

Stick Duo”

– When “Click to DVD” is started up from the

computer

Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) (Continued)

81

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot
the problem. If the problem persists, remove the power source and contact your Sony dealer.

Overall operations

The power does not turn on.

• The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the camcorder.

• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 13).

• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall outlet (p. 13).

The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery pack, then reconnect
it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not work, press the RESET button (p. 29)
using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button, all settings, including the
clock setting, are reset, except the Personal Menu items.)

[DEMO MODE] does not start.

• Eject the cassette and “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder (p. 21, 22).

The camcorder gets warm.

• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.

Batteries/Power sources

The power abruptly turns off.

• When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the
camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF]
(p. 61), or turn on the power again (p. 16), or use the AC Adaptor.

• Charge the battery pack (p. 13).

The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.

• Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG) (p. 13).

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 13).

• No power is supplied from the wall outlet. (p. 13).

• The battery charge is completed (p. 13).

The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 13). If the problem persists, disconnect
the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be
damaged.

Continued 

82

Troubleshooting (Continued)

The power turns off frequently although the remaining battery time indicator
indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate.

• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the battery pack has not
been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again to correct the indication (p. 13).

The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.

• The temperature of the environment 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, replace the battery pack with a new
one. It may be damaged (p. 13, 105).

• The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use. When you open
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.

The battery pack is quickly discharged.

• The temperature of the environment 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, replace the battery pack with a new
one. It may be damaged (p. 13, 105).

A problem occurs when the camcorder is connected to the AC Adaptor.

• Turn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet. Then, connect it
again.

LCD screen/viewfinder

An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder.

• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 54). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a
“Memory Stick Duo” to cancel [DEMO MODE].

An unknown indicator appears on the screen.

• Refer to the indicator list (p. 96).

The picture remains on the LCD screen.

• This occurs if you disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery
pack without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.

The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.

• Touch the LCD screen lightly.

• Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO on your camcorder (or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander)
(p. 19).

83

Troubleshooting

The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.

• Adjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 109).

The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.

• Use the viewfinder lens adjustment lever to adjust the lens (p. 18).

The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.

• Close the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is
open (p. 18).

Cassette tapes

The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.

• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 13).

• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 14).

• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 13).

The cassette is not ejected even when the cassette lid is open.

• Moisture condensation is starting in your camcorder (p. 108).

The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a
cassette with Cassette Memory.

• This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear.

The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.

• Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 60).

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.

“Memory Stick Duo”

You cannot operate functions using the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY or PLAY/EDIT lamp
(p. 16).

• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder (p. 22).

• If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on a computer, format it on your camcorder (p.

51).

Continued 

84

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Pictures cannot be deleted.

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 103)

• Cancel image protection on the picture (p. 69).

• The maximum number of pictures that you can delete at one time is 100.

You cannot delete all pictures at once.

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 103)

• Cancel image protection on the pictures (p. 69).

You cannot format the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 103)

Image protection cannot be applied.

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 103)

• Perform the operation again on the index screen (p. 69).

You cannot mark pictures for print.

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 103)

• Perform the operation again on the index screen (p. 70).

• The maximum number of pictures you can mark for print is 999.

The data file name is not indicated correctly.

• Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not conform to the universal
standard.

• The file is damaged.

• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 103).

The data file name flashes.

• The file is damaged.

• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 103).

Recording

Refer also to “Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 86) and “Memory Stick Duo”
section (p. 83).

The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.

• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp (p. 24).

• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.

85

Troubleshooting

• Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 101).

• 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 (p. 108).

The zoom does not function.

• You cannot use the zoom while executing [SHOT TRANS].

You cannot record on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 103)

• The capacity is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p.

69)

• Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo.”
(p. 51)

• You cannot record movies with this unit on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE, you cannot record still images on the
“Memory Stick Duo” with:

– [PICT. EFFECT]
– [D. EFFECT]
– [COLOR SLOW S]
– [SUPER NS]
– When [SHUTTR SPEED] is set to less than 1/30
– While executing [FADER]
– [COLOR BAR]

The recording angle differs depending on the POWER switch setting position.

• The recording angle when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY is wider than
when it is set to CAMERA-TAPE.

You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene
to the next.

• Note the following.

– Perform END SEARCH. (p. 33).
– 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 the SP and LP modes on the same tape.
– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.

The shutter sound is not heard when you record a still image.

• Set [BEEP] to [ON] (p. 60).

The internal flash does not work.

• You cannot use the internal flash with:
– [BURST]

Continued 

86

Troubleshooting (Continued)

– When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE
– When the optional microphone (ECM-HST1 or ECM-HQP1) is attached

• Even if auto flashing or (Auto redeye reduction) is selected, you cannot use the internal
flash with:

– [SPOTLIGHT], [SUNSET&MOON], and [LANDSCAPE] of [PROGRAM AE]
– [SPOT METER]

The external flash (optional) does not work.

• The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached correctly.

• The external flash (optional) does not work when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA­TAPE.

[END SEARCH] does not work.

• The cassette was ejected after recording (p. 33).

• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.

[END SEARCH] does not work correctly.

• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction.

Adjusting the image during recording

Refer also to “Menu” (p. 90).

You cannot adjust the exposure manually.

• You cannot adjust the exposure manually with:

– NightShot
– [COLOR SLOW S]
– [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT]
– [COLOR BAR]
– When the AUTO LOCK switch is set to ON (p. 27)

• If you set [PROGRAM AE], the exposure is canceled.

The TELE MACRO button does not function.

• You cannot use the TELE MACRO function together with:

– [PROGRAM AE]
– When recording a movie on a tape.

The auto focus does not function.

• Set the FOCUS/ZOOM switch to AUTO to enable auto focus (p. 27).

• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 27).

87

Troubleshooting

The focus does not function.

• You cannot operate focus while executing [SHOT TRANS].

[STEADYSHOT] does not function.

• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 48).

• [STEADYSHOT] does not function during [SHOT TRANS] (p. 54).

The BACK LIGHT function does not function.

• The BACK LIGHT function is canceled when you select [SPOT METER] (p. 44).

• You cannot use the BACK LIGHT function when the exposure is anything other than the
automatic mode.

[DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function.

• You cannot use [DIGITAL ZOOM] together with:

– TELE MACRO
– When the setting is being stored in [SHOT TRANS]

Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.

• The spots appear when you are recording in [SUPER NS] or [COLOR SLOW S]. This is not
a malfunction.

The subjects passing by the frame might appear crooked.

• This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This is not a malfunction. Because of the way
the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the subjects passing by the frame
rapidly might crooked depending on the recording conditions.

The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.

• Deactivate the NightShot function (p. 26).

The picture appears too dark on the screen, and the subject does not appear
on the screen.

• The LCD backlight is turned off. Press and hold DISPLAY/BATT INFO for a few seconds to
turn on the backlight (p. 18).

The picture appears bright, horizontal bands appear, or changes in color
occurs.

• This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury
lamp. This is not a malfunction. Cancel [PROGRAM AE] (p.44) to lessen the symptom.

Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.

Continued 

88

Troubleshooting (Continued)

• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 48).

Tiny spots in white appear on the screen.

• The spots appear at a slower shutter speed. This is not a malfunction.

Picture appears too bright on the screen, and the subject does not appear on
the screen.

• Cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 27).

Playback

If you are playing back the pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” refer also to the
“Memory Stick Duo” section (p. 83).

You cannot play back the tape.

• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

• Rewind the tape (p. 25).

Cannot play back in reverse direction.

• Reverse playback is not possible with the tape recorded in the HDV format.

The pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” are not played back in the actual
size or aspect ratio.

• Pictures recorded on other devices may not appear in the actual size. This is not a
malfunction.

Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back.

• You cannot see movies recorded with other camcorder on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified files or folders, or have edited the
data on a computer. (The file name flashes in that case.) This is not a malfunction (p. 104).

• Pictures recorded on other devices may not be played back. This is not a malfunction (p.

104).

Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or
do not appear.

• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 108).

You cannot hear the sound recorded with 4CH MIC REC on another camcorder.

• Adjust [ AUDIO MIX] (p. 57).

Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged.

89

Troubleshooting

• Adjust [SHARPNESS] to the (soften) side (p. 45).

No sound or only a low sound is heard.

• Set [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 57).

• Turn up the volume (p. 25).

• Adjust [ AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard
appropriately (p. 57).

• When you are using an S VIDEO plug or component video cable (supplied), make sure the
red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are connected as well (p. 36).

The picture or sound breaks off.

• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DV formats. This is not a malfunction.

The sound breaks off.

• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 108).

“---” is displayed on the screen.

• The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.

• A blank section on the tape is being played.

• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.

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 (p. 100).

Date Search does not work correctly.

• If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the
point where the recording date changes.

• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle 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.

Cannot view the picture on the TV connected with the i.LINK cable (optional).

• You cannot view the picture in the HD (high definition) quality on the TV which is not
compatible with the HDV1080i specification (p. 36). Refer to the instruction manuals
supplied with your TV.

Cannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the

Continued 

90

Troubleshooting (Continued)

component video cable (supplied).

• Set [COMPONENT] on the (STANDARD SET) menu according to the requirements of
the connected device (p. 59).

• When you are using the component video cable (supplied), make sure the red and white
plugs of the A/V connecting cable are connected (p. 36).

The picture appears distorted on the 4:3 TV.

• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in the 16:9 wide mode on a 4:3 TV. Set [TV
TYPE] on the (STANDARD SET) menu (p. 59) and play back the picture.

• Before recording, select [DV SET] from the (STANDARD SET) menu and set [
WIDE SELECT] to [4:3] (p. 57).

appears on the LCD screen.

• This appears when you play back a tape recorded on other recording devices using a 4ch
microphone (4CH MIC REC). This camcorder does not comply with the 4ch microphone
recording standard.

Remote Commander

The supplied Remote Commander does not function.

• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 60).

• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.

• Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead
lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly.

• Insert a new battery. Insert a battery into the battery holder with the +/– polarities correctly
matching the +/– marks. (p. 110).

• Remove the conversion lens (optional) as the remote sensor may be obstructed by it.

Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.

• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR, or cover the sensor of your VCR
with black paper.

Menu

Menu items are grayed out.

• You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.

You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].

• You cannot use [PROGRAM AE] together with:

– NightShot
– [COLOR BAR]
– [OLD MOVIE] or [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT]

91

Troubleshooting

– TELE MACRO
– [COLOR SLOW S]
– When the AUTO LOCK switch is set to ON (p. 27)

You cannot use [SPOT METER].

• You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with:
– NightShot
– [COLOR BAR]
– [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT]
– [COLOR SLOW S]
– When the AUTO LOCK switch is set to ON (p. 27)

• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [AUTO].

[WHITE BAL.] does not function.

• You cannot use [WHITE BAL.] together with:
– NightShot
– [COLOR BAR]
– When the AUTO LOCK switch is set to ON (p. 27)

You cannot adjust [SHARPNESS].

• You cannot adjust [SHARPNESS] with:
– [COLOR BAR]
– [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT]

[SHUTTR SPEED] cannot be adjusted manually.

• You cannot adjust [SHUTTR SPEED] with:
– NightShot
– [PROGRAM AE]
– [COLOR BAR]
– [COLOR SLOW S]
– [OLD MOVIE] or [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT]
– [SPOT METER]
– When the exposure is anything other than the automatic mode
– When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY
– When the AUTO LOCK switch is set to ON (p. 27)

• When [PROGRAM AE] is set, [SHUTTR SPEED] returns to [AUTO].

[AE SHIFT] cannot be operated.

• You cannot use [AE SHIFT] together with:
– [COLOR BAR]
– [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT]
– When the exposure is anything other than the automatic mode

You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS].

• You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS] together with:

Continued 

92

Troubleshooting (Continued)

– [PROGRAM AE]
– [COLOR BAR]
– When the FOCUS/ZOOM switch is set to AUTO

[COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly.

• You cannot use [COLOR SLOW S] together with:
– [FADER]
– [D. EFFECT]
– [PROGRAM AE]
– [SHUTTR SPEED]
– [COLOR BAR]
– NightShot
– [SPOT METER]
– When the exposure is anything other than the automatic mode

[HISTOGRAM] is not displayed.

• [HISTOGRAM] is not displayed in the following.
– While using expanded focus
– While displaying the date and time

• indicator appears and [HISTOGRAM] is not displayed in the following.
– While using [DIGITAL ZOOM]
– While using [D.EFFECT]
– While using [COLOR BAR]

You cannot use [FADER].

• You cannot use [FADER] together with:
– [SELF-TIMER]
– [COLOR SLOW S]
– [D. EFFECT]
– [COLOR BAR]
– [SUPER NS]

You cannot use [D. EFFECT].

• You cannot use [D. EFFECT] together with:
– [COLOR SLOW S]
– [FADER]
– When [SHUTTR SPEED] is set to less than 1/30
– [COLOR BAR]
– [SUPER NS]

• You cannot use [OLD MOVIE] together with:
– [PICT. EFFECT]
– When [SHUTTR SPEED] is set to [MANUAL]
– [PROGRAM AE]
– When [ WIDE SELECT] of [DV SET] is set to [4:3]

• You cannot use [CINEMA EFECT] together with:
– When the exposure is anything other than the automatic mode
– Other than 0 in [AE SHIFT]

93

Troubleshooting

– [PICT. EFFECT]
– When [ WIDE SELECT] of [DV SET] is set to [4:3]
– [PROGRAM AE]
– [SPOT METER]
– When [SHUTTR SPEED] is set to [MANUAL]

You cannot use [PICT. EFFECT].

• You cannot use [PICT. EFFECT] together with:
– [COLOR BAR]
– [OLD MOVIE] or [CINEMA EFECT] of [D. EFFECT]

• [PICT. EFFECT] cannot be set to [SKINTONE] while using the BACK LIGHT function.

You cannot use [SHOT TRANS].

• You cannot use [SHOT TRANS] together with:
– NightShot
– [COLOR BAR]

Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices

Pictures from connected devices are not displayed on the LCD screen or the
viewfinder.

• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 61).

• You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO while

[DISP OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 61).

Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed.

• You cannot zoom the pictures from connected devices on your camcorder (p. 28).

Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected
device.

• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p.

61).

You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.

• You cannot input externally from a device connected with the A/V connecting cable.

• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly.

Make sure that the A/V connecting cable is connected to the input jack of another device for
dubbing a picture from your camcorder.

When connected using an i.LINK cable (optional), no picture appears on the
monitor screen during dubbing.

• Set [VCR HDV/DV] on the (STANDARD SET) menu according to the requirements of

the connected device (p. 56).

Continued 

94

You cannot add sound to the recorded tape.

• You cannot add sound to the recorded tape on this unit.

New sound added to a recorded tape on another camcorder is not heard.

• Adjust [ AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is heard
appropriately (p. 57).

Still pictures cannot be dubbed from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• You cannot record or a distorted picture may be recorded if the tape has been used repeatedly
for recording.

You cannot input pictures.

• You cannot input pictures while [DISP OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 61).

• You cannot input pictures if you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

Connecting to a computer

The computer does not recognize your camcorder.

• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely.

• Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the

(USB) jack on the computer.

• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect
them again correctly.

You cannot monitor video that the camcorder is capturing.

• Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again.

You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on the computer.

• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.

• Connect the i.LINK cable (optional) because you cannot copy pictures with the USB cable
(supplied).

You cannot view the video and still images recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo”
on the computer.

• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” in the correct direction, then push it all the way in.

• You cannot use an i.LINK cable (optional). Connect the camcorder and the computer using
the USB cable (supplied).

• The computer does not recognize the “Memory Stick Duo” during camcorder operations
such as tape playback or editing. Finish any camcorder operations before connecting the
camcorder to the computer.

• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp, then set [USB SELECT] to
[MEMORY STICK].

Troubleshooting (Continued)

95

Troubleshooting

[Removable Disk] does not appear on the computer screen.

• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp, then set [USB SELECT] to
[MEMORY STICK].

• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder.

• Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the

(USB) jack on the computer.

• The computer does not recognize the “Memory Stick Duo” during camcorder operations such
as tape playback or editing. Finish camcorder operations before connecting the camcorder to
the computer.

You cannot copy video and still images to the computer.

• Display pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” with the following procedures for the
Windows computer.

1 Double-click [My Computer].
2 Double-click the icon for the newly recognized drive [Removable Disk]. It may take some

time until the drive is recognized.

3 Double-click the desired image file.

The file copied from the computer is not copied to the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• The USB cable (supplied) is not removed with the right procedure. Connect your camcorder
to the computer and transfer the data (p. 73).

96

Warning indicators and messages

Self-diagnosis display/Warning
indicators

If indicators appear on the LCD screen or
in the viewfinder, check the following.
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself.
If the problem persists even after you have
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony
dealer or local authorized Sony service
facility.

C:(or E:) : (Self-diagnosis
display)

C:04:

• The battery pack is not an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 105).

• Connect the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your
camcorder securely (p. 13).

C:21:

• Moisture condensation has occurred.
Remove the cassette and leave your
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re­insert the cassette (p. 108).

C:22:

• Clean the head using a cleaning
cassette (optional) (p. 108).

C:31: / C:32:

• Symptoms that are not described above
have occurred. Remove and insert the
cassette, then operate your camcorder
again. Do not perform this procedure if
moisture starts to condense (p. 108).

• Remove the power source. Reconnect
it again and operate your camcorder
again.

• Change the cassette. Press RESET (p.

29), and operate your camcorder again.

E:61: / E:62: / E:91:

• Contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility. Inform
them of the 5-digit code, which starts
from “E.”

101-1001(Warning indicator
pertaining to files)

• The file is damaged.

• The file is unreadable (p. 103).



(Battery level warning)

• The battery pack is nearly used up.

• Depending on the operating,
environment, or battery conditions,
 may flash, even if there are
approximately 5 to 10 minutes
remaining.



(Moisture condensation warning)*

• Eject the cassette, remove the power
source, and then leave it for about 1
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 108).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo”)

• “Memory Stick Duo” is not inserted (p.

22).

(Warning indicators pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo”)*

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is damaged.

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is not
formatted correctly (p. 51).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)*

• An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”
is inserted (p. 103).



(Warning indicators pertaining to

the tape)

Slow flashing:

• There is less than 5 minutes remaining
on the tape.

• No cassette is inserted.*

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is
set to lock (p. 101).*

97

Troubleshooting

Fast flashing:

• The tape has run out.*



(Eject cassette warning)*

Slow flashing:

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is
set to lock (p. 101).

Fast flashing:

• Moisture condensation has occurred (p.

108).

• The self-diagnosis display code is
displayed (p. 96).



(Warning indicator pertaining to

image deletion)*

• The image is protected (p. 69).



(Warning indicator pertaining
to the write-protect of the “Memory
Stick Duo”)*

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory
Stick Duo” is set to lock (p. 103).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

the flash)

Slow flashing:

• Still charging

Fast flashing:

• The self-diagnosis display code is
displayed (p. 96).*

• There is something wrong with the
flash.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

camera-shake warning)

• The amount of lights is not sufficient,
so camera-shake easily occurs. Use
the flash.

• The camcorder is unsteady, so
camera-shake easily occurs. Hold the
camcorder steady with both hands and
shoot the image. However, note that
the camera-shake warning indicator

does not disappear.

* You hear a melody when the warning indicators

appear on the screen (p. 60).

Description of warning
messages

If messages appear on the screen, follow
the instructions.

 Battery

Use the “ InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
(p. 105).

Battery level is low.

• Change the battery (p. 13, 105)

Old battery. Use a new one (p. 105).



Re-attach the power source (p. 13).

 Moisture condensation



Moisture condensation. Eject the

cassette (p. 108).



Moisture condensation. Turn off

for 1H (p. 108).

 Cassette/Tape



Insert a cassette (p. 21).



Reinsert the cassette.

• Check if the cassette is damaged.

Continued 

98

Warning indicators and messages (Continued)



The tape is locked - check the

tab (p. 101).



The tape has reached the end.

• Rewind or change the tape.

 “Memory Stick Duo”

Insert a Memory Stick (p. 22).

Reinsert the Memory Stick.

• Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a
few times. If even then the indicator
flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo”
might be damaged. Try with another
“Memory Stick Duo.”

This is a read-only Memory Stick.

• Insert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.”

Incompatible type of Memory

Stick.

• A type of “Memory Stick Duo”
incompatible with your camcorder is
inserted (p. 103).

This Memory Stick is not

formatted correctly.

• Check the format, then format the
“Memory Stick Duo” as necessary (p.
51, 103).

Cannot record. The Memory Stick is
full.

• Delete unnecessary images (p. 69).



The Memory Stick is locked.

Check the tab (p. 103).

Cannot playback. Reinsert the
Memory Stick (p. 22).

Cannot record. Reinsert the Memory
Stick (p. 22).

No file.

• No file is recorded or there is no
readable file on the “Memory Stick
Duo.”

Memory Stick folders are full.

• You cannot create folders exceeding
999MSDCF. You cannot delete created
folders using your camcorder.

• You will have to format the “Memory
Stick Duo” (p. 51), or delete them
using your computer.

Cannot record still images on
Memory Stick (p. 85).

 PictBridge compliant printer

Check the connected device.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on
again, then disconnect the USB cable
(supplied) and reconnect it.

Connect the camcorder to a
PictBridge compatible printer.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on
again, then disconnect the USB cable
(supplied) and reconnect it.

Error. Cancel the task.

• Check the printer.

Cannot print. Check the printer.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on
again, then disconnect the USB cable
(supplied) and reconnect it.

99

Troubleshooting

 Flash

Charging… Cannot record still
images.

• You are trying to record a still image
while charging the flash (optional)

Microphone attached. Cannot use
flash.

 Others

Cannot record due to copyright
protection (p. 101).

Change to correct tape format.

• The pictures cannot be played back
because of an incompatible format.

No output image in “VCR HDV/DV”.
Change format.

• Stop the playback or signal input, or
change the [VCR HDV/DV] setting (p.

56).



Dirty video head. Use a cleaning

cassette (p. 108).

Invalid in AUTO LOCK mode (p. 27).

100

Using your camcorder abroad

Power supply

You can use your camcorder in any
countries/regions using the AC Adaptor
supplied with your camcorder within the
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.
Use a commercially available AC plug
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the
design of the wall outlet [b].

AC-L15A/L15B [a] [b]

On TV color systems

Your camcorder is an NTSC systembased
camcorder. If you want to view the
playback picture on a TV, it must be an
NTSC system-based TV (see following
list).

System Used in

NTSC

Bahama Islands, Bolivia,
Canada, Central America,
Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,
Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,
Venezuela, etc.

PAL

Australia, Austria, Belgium,
China, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, Germany,
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New
Zealand, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Singapore, Slovak
Republic, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, United
Kingdom, etc.

PAL - M

Brazil

PAL - N

Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.

SECAM

Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,
etc.

Viewing HDV format pictures recorded
in HDV format

You need an HDV1080i compatible TV
(or monitor) with a component jack and
AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.

Viewing DV format pictures recorded
in DV format

You need the TV with the AUDIO/VIDEO
input jack.

Simple setting of the clock by time
difference

You can easily set the clock to the local
time by setting a time difference when
using your camcorder abroad. Select
[WORLD TIME] in the (TIME/
LANGU.) menu, then set the time
difference (p. 61).