SONY HDR-HC3EK User Manual
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
HDR-HC3E
Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.
http://www.sony.net/
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vegetable oil based ink. |
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Printed in Japan |
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© 2006 Sony Corporation
2-661-356-13(1)
Enjoying pictures with |
8 |
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high definition quality |
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Getting Started |
10 |
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Easy Handycam |
22 |
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Recording/ |
26 |
Playback |
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Using the Menu |
44 |
Dubbing/Editing |
70 |
Using a Computer |
80 |
Troubleshooting |
88 |
Additional Information |
107 |
Quick Reference |
123 |
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC ADAPTOR
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362 (i.e., marked with 
or 
mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product. Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander
Notes on use
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. 108).
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. 110).
2
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your camcorder.)
“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.
When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with “Memory Stick” compatible equipment
Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor
Using the camcorder
•Do not hold the camcorder by the following part.
LCD panel
•The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof.
See “Maintenance and precautions” (p. 114).
•Before connecting your camcorder to another device with an HDMI cable, component video cable, USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid damaging the terminal, or cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens
•A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions.
•The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.
Black point
White, red, blue or green 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.
Continued , 3
Read this first (Continued)
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 a PAL system-based TV.
•Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.
On playing back HDV tapes on other devices
You cannot play back a tape recorded in the HDV format on DV format video cameras or on mini DV players (The screen appears blue).
Check the contents of tapes by playing them back on this camcorder prior to playing them back on other devices.
About 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. 66).
•Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. Also, the lens for your camcorder is T
-coated to suppress unwanted reflections and faithfully reproduce colors.
MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.
4
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Note on the icons used in this manual |
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Table of Contents |
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Features available for the HDV format only |
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Features available for the DV format only |
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Read this first ........................................................................................... |
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2 |
Enjoying pictures with high definition quality |
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Trying out the new HDV format! ............................................................... |
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8 |
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Viewing video recorded in the HDV format! ............................................. |
9 |
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Getting Started |
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Step 1: Checking supplied items ............................................................ |
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10 |
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Step 2: Charging the battery pack .......................................................... |
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11 |
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Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly .......... |
15 |
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Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder .................................... |
16 |
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Step 5: Using the touch panel ................................................................ |
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Changing the language setting .................................................................... |
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17 |
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Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) .......................................... |
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Step 6: Setting the date and time ........................................................... |
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19 |
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Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” .................................. |
20 |
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Easy Handycam - using your camcorder with automatic |
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settings |
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Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) ......................................... |
22 |
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Recording/Playback |
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Recording ............................................................................................... |
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26 |
Playback ................................................................................................. |
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27 |
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ........................................... |
28 |
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Recording
To use zoom
To record high quality still images during tape recording (Dual Rec) To control the image settings manually with the dial (CAM CTRL dial/ MANUAL button)
To use the flash
To record in dark places (NightShot)
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects To record in mirror mode
To use a tripod
To use a Shoulder belt
Continued , 5
Playback |
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To use PB zoom |
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Recording/playback |
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To check the remaining battery (Battery Info) |
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To turn off the operation confirmation beep (BEEP) |
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To initialize the settings (RESET) |
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Other part names and functions |
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Indicators displayed during recording/playback ..................................... |
32 |
Searching for the starting point .............................................................. |
35 |
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording |
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(END SEARCH) .................................................................................. |
35 |
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) ....................... |
35 |
Remote Commander .............................................................................. |
36 |
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) .......................... |
36 |
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) .......................... |
37 |
Playing the picture on a TV .................................................................... |
38 |
High definition TV ......................................................................................... |
38 |
16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV .................................................................................... |
38 |
Connecting to a high definition TV ............................................................... |
39 |
Connecting to a 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV .......................................................... |
40 |
Using the Menu |
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Using the menu items ........................................................... |
44 |
Menu items ............................................................................................ |
46 |
CAMERA SET menu ........................................................................ |
48 |
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/ |
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WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) |
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MEMORY SET menu ...................................................................... |
54 |
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/ |
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NEW FOLDER, etc.) |
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PICT.APPLI. menu ......................................................................... |
57 |
Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback |
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(SLIDE SHOW/PICT.EFFECT/SMTH SLW REC, etc.) |
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EDIT/PLAY menu ........................................................................... |
60 |
Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/ |
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END SEARCH, etc.) |
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STANDARD SET menu .................................................................. |
61 |
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/ |
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MULTI-SOUND/LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT/QUICK REC, etc.) |
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TIME/LANGU. menu ....................................................................... |
66 |
(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE) |
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Customizing Personal Menu .................................................................. |
67 |
Using the CAM CTRL dial ...................................................................... |
68 |
6
Dubbing/Editing |
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Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. .......................................................... |
70 |
Recording pictures from a VCR ............................................................. |
73 |
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo” ......................... |
75 |
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ...................... |
76 |
Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information |
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(Print mark/Image protection) ....................................................... |
76 |
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) ........................ |
77 |
Jacks to connect external devices .......................................................... |
79 |
Using a Computer |
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Connecting to a computer ...................................................................... |
80 |
Copying still images to a computer ........................................................ |
80 |
Copying movies on a tape to the computer ............................................ |
83 |
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) ................................ |
85 |
Troubleshooting |
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Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... |
88 |
Warning indicators and messages ....................................................... |
103 |
Additional Information |
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Using your camcorder abroad .............................................................. |
107 |
Usable cassette tapes .......................................................................... |
108 |
About the “Memory Stick” ..................................................................... |
110 |
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack .................................................. |
112 |
About i.LINK ......................................................................................... |
113 |
Maintenance and precautions .............................................................. |
114 |
Specifications ....................................................................................... |
119 |
Quick Reference |
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Identifying parts and controls ............................................................... |
123 |
Index ..................................................................................................... |
126 |
7
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 2 times the horizontal resolution of a standard TV resulting in about 4 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 1,080 effective scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and records pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps.
1,080 effective scanning lines
•These operating instructions refer to the HDV1080i format as HDV format unless there is a need to specify.
Why shoot in the HDV format?
By moving to digital video, like the rest of the world, you will be able to capture important moments in your life in high quality digital HDV format, allowing you to relive them. Your camcorder’s down convert function converts pictures in HDV format to SD (standard definition) quality for viewing on older wide TV formats, and on 4:3 aspect ratio TVs when a high definition TV set is not available. This provides an easy path to HDV format video.
•The down convert function converts HDV format video to DV for playback or editing when your camcorder is connected to a TV or VCR that is not HDV1080i compliant. The resulting image is displayed in SD (standard definition).
8
Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!
Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 38)
Pictures recorded in the HDV format can be played back as crisp HD (high definition) pictures on a high definition TV.
• For details on Sony HDV1080i compliant TVs, see page 109.
Viewing on a 16:9 (wide)/4:3 TV (p. 38)
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 devices (p. 70)
Connecting to an HDV1080i device
An optional i.LINK cable allows you to copy pictures in HD (high definition) quality.
Connecting to an HDV1080i non-compliant device
Your camcorder can down convert HDV format video to SD (standard definition) quality to enable copying.
Connecting to a computer (p. 80)
Copying “Memory Stick Duo” still images to a computer
See page 80.
Copying movies on a 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 83 for details.
quality definition high with pictures Enjoying
9
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.
•The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are not included. See page 2, 108 and 110 for compatible cassettes and “Memory Stick Duo” for your camcorder.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 11)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP60 (1) (p. 11, 112)
Battery terminal cover (1)
Attached to the camcorder.
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
Mains lead (1) (p. 11)
Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 36)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38, 70)
Component video cable (1) (p. 38)
USB cable (1) (p. 77, 80)
10
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 112) after attaching it to your camcorder.
•You cannot use the battery pack NP-FP30 with your camcorder (confirm the battery model on the back of the battery pack). If you attach it forcibly to your camcorder, the battery pack may be damaged or cannot be detached, and it may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
POWER switch
DC IN jack
Jack cover
DC plug
To the wall socket
AC Adaptor
Mains lead
•You can operate your camcorder connected to a power source such as a wall socket as shown in the illustration. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.
1 Attach the battery pack to your camcorder.
1Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery terminal cover.
BATT (battery release) lever
2Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
Started Getting
Continued , 11
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
2 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to OFF (CHG) (The default setting).
4 Connect the mains lead to the AC Adaptor and the wall socket.
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged.
5 Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.
CHG (charge) lamp
To remove the battery pack
3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your camcorder. Be sure that the v mark on the DC plug is facing to the v mark on your camcorder.
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery pack.
Open the jack cover.
Match the v mark on the DC plug with the v mark on your camcorder.
BATT (battery release) lever
When storing the battery pack
Attach the battery terminal cover to protect the battery terminal. Fully discharge the battery before storing it for an extended period (see page 112 for the details of storage).
12
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.
Battery pack |
Charging time |
NP-FP50 |
125 |
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NP-FP60 (supplied) |
135 |
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NP-FP70 |
155 |
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NP-FP71 |
170 |
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NP-FP90 |
220 |
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Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
Recording in the HDV format
Battery pack |
Continuous |
Typical |
recording |
recording |
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time |
time* |
NP-FP50 |
60 |
30 |
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65 |
35 |
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65 |
35 |
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NP-FP60 |
95 |
50 |
(supplied) |
105 |
55 |
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105 |
55 |
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NP-FP70 |
135 |
70 |
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145 |
75 |
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145 |
75 |
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NP-FP71 |
160 |
85 |
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175 |
95 |
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175 |
95 |
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NP-FP90 |
240 |
130 |
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260 |
140 |
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260 |
140 |
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Recording in the DV format
Battery pack |
Continuous |
Typical |
recording |
recording |
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time |
time* |
NP-FP50 |
65 |
30 |
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70 |
35 |
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70 |
35 |
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NP-FP60 |
100 |
55 |
(supplied) |
110 |
60 |
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110 |
60 |
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NP-FP70 |
135 |
70 |
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150 |
80 |
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150 |
80 |
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NP-FP71 |
165 |
90 |
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180 |
95 |
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180 |
95 |
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NP-FP90 |
250 |
135 |
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270 |
145 |
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270 |
145 |
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•All times measured under the following conditions:
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.
*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 |
LCD panel |
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opened* |
closed |
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NP-FP50 |
75 |
80 |
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NP-FP60 |
115 |
125 |
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(supplied) |
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NP-FP70 |
160 |
175 |
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NP-FP71 |
195 |
205 |
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NP-FP90 |
290 |
310 |
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Started Getting
Continued , 13
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
DV format pictures
Battery pack |
LCD panel |
LCD panel |
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opened* |
closed |
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NP-FP50 |
85 |
90 |
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NP-FP60 |
130 |
140 |
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(supplied) |
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NP-FP70 |
180 |
190 |
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NP-FP71 |
215 |
230 |
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NP-FP90 |
320 |
345 |
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* When the LCD backlight turns on.
On the battery pack
•Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
•The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 30) will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions.
–The battery pack is not attached correctly.
–The battery pack is damaged.
–The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery Info only).
•The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.
•When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use a NP-FP60, NPFP70, NP-FP71 or NP-FP90 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 socket when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.
•Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.
•Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.
PRECAUTION
•Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (mains) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
14
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. 19).
POWER switch
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly in the direction of the arrow to turn on the respective lamp.
The lens cover opens automatically when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERAMEMORY.
If the POWER 
switch is set to OFF
(CHG), slide it while pressing the green 
button. 
2 Hold the camcorder correctly.
3 Ensure a good grip, then fasten the grip belt.
The length of the grip belt is adjustable.
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.
•After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p. 19), the next time you turn on the power of your camcorder, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch 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. 66).
•If warning messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions (p. 104).
Started Getting
15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).
190 degrees to the camcorder
2180 degrees (max.)
290 degrees |
DISP/BATT INFO |
(max.) |
•Do not press the buttons on the LCD panel accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel.
•If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side from the status 1, 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 to the position as illustrated in 1, and then close the LCD panel facing inward.
To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until 
appears.
This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or 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 DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until 
disappears.
•See [LCD/VF SET] - [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 63) to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.
The viewfinder
You can view pictures using the viewfinder to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.
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. 63).
16
Step 5: Using the touch panel
You can play back recorded pictures
(p. 27), or change the settings (p. 44) 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.
DISP/BATT INFO
Touch the button on the LCD screen.
•Perform the same actions as explained above when you press the buttons on the LCD panel.
•Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD panel accidentally while using the touch panel.
•If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the LCD screen (CALIBRATION) (p. 116).
To hide the screen indicators
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen indicators (such as time code) 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. 66).
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide)
You can easily check the meaning of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen (p. 34).
1 Touch |
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60min |
–:––:–– |
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MENU |
DISP |
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GUIDE |
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1/3 |
DIAL |
SMOOTH |
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SET |
SLWREC |
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TELE |
EXPO- |
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MACRO |
SURE |
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Touch [MENU] during Easy Handycam operation (p. 22).
2 Touch [DISP GUIDE]. |
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Select area for guide. |
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DISP GUIDE |
END |
The indicators vary depending on the settings.
Started Getting
Continued , 17
Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued)
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 GUIDE |
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END |
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FOCUS: |
1/2 |
MANUAL |
PROGRAM AE: |
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SPOTLIGHT |
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STEADYSHOT: |
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OFF |
To finish the operation
Touch [END].
18
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. 117).
POWER switch
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for the first time.
1 Touch |
t [MENU]. |
60min |
–:––:–– |
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CAMERA SET |
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PROGRAM AE |
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SPOT METER |
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EXPOSURE |
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OK |
2 Select 
(TIME/LANGU.) menu
with |
/ |
, then touch |
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60min |
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MENU ROTATE |
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A. SHUT OFF |
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QUICK REC |
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CLOCK SET |
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WORLD TIME |
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LANGUAGE |
OK |
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PROGRAM AE |
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3 Select [CLOCK SET] with 
/
, then touch 
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CLOCK SET |
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DATE |
1M 1D 0: 00 |
2006 Y |
OK
4 Set [Y] (year) with 
/
, then touch 
.
You can set any year up to the year 2079.
CLOCK SET
DATE |
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2006Y |
1 M 1D 0: 00 |
OK
5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and minute, then touch 
.
The clock starts.
•The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during playback (see page 64 for [DATA CODE] (during Easy Handycam operation, you can set only [DATE/TIME])).
Started Getting
19
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”
Cassette tape
You can use mini DV 
cassettes only (p. 108).
•The recordable time varies depending on [ 
REC MODE] (p. 62). 
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.
Cassette |
Window |
compartment |
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•Do not force the cassette compartment closed by pressing the portion marked {DO NOT PUSH} while it is sliding in. It 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.
“Memory Stick Duo”
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with 
or
(p. 110).
•The number and time of recordable pictures vary, depending on the image quality or the image size. For details, see page 54.
1 Open the LCD panel.
The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.
20
2 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.
•When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick Duo,” be careful that the “Memory Stick Duo” does not pop out and drop.
Started Getting
21
Easy Handycam - using your camcorder with automatic settings
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy viewing.
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B |
A |
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If the POWER switch is |
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set to OFF (CHG), slide |
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D |
it while pressing the |
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green button. |
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F |
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C |
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Movies 
1 Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), 
slide it while pressing the green button.
2 Press EASY A.
appears on the screen B.
3 Press START/STOP F or C to start recording.
60min EASY REC
MENU
[STBY] t [REC]
To stop recording, press F or C again.
22
Still images 
1 Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), 
slide it while pressing the green button.
2 Press EASY A.
appears on the screen B.
3 Press PHOTO D to record.*
60min |
EASY |
4.0M |
11 |
101 |
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MENU |
Flashing t Lit
Press and hold lightly |
Press fully to record. |
to adjust the focus. |
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When 
disappears, the image has been recorded.
* Still images are recorded in [FINE] quality on a “Memory Stick Duo.”
To record high quality still images during tape recording (Dual Rec)
Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp, then press PHOTO D fully during tape recording.
For each separate time tape recording, up to 3 still images can be recorded. After tape recording, stored still images are stored onto the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 28).
•Do not eject “Memory Stick Duo” before tape recording is finished and the still images are stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”
settings automatic with camcorder your using - Handycam Easy
Continued , 23
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)
Playing back movies/still images
Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the touch panel B as follows.
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MENU
B
A Stop |
A Tape playback |
B Play/Pause toggles |
B Previous/Next |
C Rewind/Fast forward |
C Delete (p. 76) |
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x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY A again.
disappears from the screen.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 45 for details on settings.
•Almost all the settings return to the default setting automatically (p. 46).
•
is not displayed during Easy Handycam operation.
•Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.
x Unavailable buttons during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons/dial are unavailable, since the items are set automatically. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation] may appear if operations not available during Easy Handycam are attempted.
•BACK LIGHT button (p. 29)
•Pressing and holding DISP/BATT INFO button (p. 16)
•CAM CTRL dial (p. 29)
•MANUAL button (p. 29)
24
Easy Handycam - using your camcorder with automatic settings
25
Recording/Playback
Recording
Lens cover
Opens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch.
CAM CTRL dial |
START/STOP B 
PHOTO |
POWER switch |
START/STOP A
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp to select a recording medium.
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.
If the POWER 
switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
2 Start recording.
Movies
Press START/STOP A (or B).
60min REC 
60min 
[STBY] t [REC]
To stop the movie recording, press START/STOP again.
•The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in the default setting (p. 62).
Still images
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus (A), then press it fully (B).
Beep |
Shutter click |
Flashing t Lit
A shutter sound is heard. When 
disappears, the image has been recorded.
To record high quality still images during tape recording (Dual Rec)
See page 28.
To check the latest recording on a “Memory Stick Duo”
Touch 
. To delete the picture, touch
t [YES].
• See page 54 for the image size.
26
Playback
1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Start playing back.
Movies
Touch
to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch
to start playback.
AC
B |
A Stop
BPlay/Pause toggles as you touch it
•Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.
C Rewind/Fast forward
•
is not displayed when a “Memory Stick Duo” is not inserted or no image files exist in it.
Still images
Touch 
.
The most recently recorded image is displayed.
A B C
P-MENU |
A Tape playback
B Previous/Next
C Index screen display
•When a “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted,
appears by touching 
.
To adjust the volume
Rotate the CAM CTRL dial to adjust the volume (p. 29).
•You can also adjust the volume on the menu (p. 63).
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. 60).
To display pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo” on the Index screen
Touch 
. Touch one of the pictures to back to the single display mode.
To view pictures in other folders, touch
t 
t [PB FOLDER], select a folder with 
/
, then touch 
(p. 56).
B |
A |
A Previous/Next 6 pictures
BThe picture displayed before switching to the index screen.
Recording/Playback
27
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
qa 0 |
9 |
8 |
Recording
To use zoom...................... |
2 0 |
Move the power zoom lever 2 slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Wider range of view: (Wide angle)
Close view: (Telephoto)
•You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons 0 on the LCD panel.
•The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
•You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 53) if you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 ×.
•Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever. If you move your finger off the power zoom lever, the operation sound of the power zoom lever may also be recorded.
To record high quality still images during tape recording (Dual Rec)
................................. 1 8 qa
You can record high quality still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” during tape recording.
1Press START/STOP 8, qa to start tape recording.
2Press PHOTO 1 fully.
For each separate time tape recording, up to 3 still images can be recorded.
Orange color 
boxes indicate the 
number of recorded images. When recording is finished, the color changes to orange.
3Press START/STOP 8, qa to stop tape recording.
Stored still images appear one by one, and the images are stored onto the “Memory
Stick Duo.” When 
disappears, the image has been recorded.
•When the POWER switch is set to CAMERATAPE, still images will be recorded at image size 2.3M in the HDV format, 1.7M (4:3) or 2.3M (16:9) in the DV format.
•Do not eject the “Memory Stick Duo” before tape recording is finished and the still images are stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”
•You cannot use the flash during Dual Rec.
•During the standby mode, still images will be stored in the same way as when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY. You can use the flash.
28
To control the image settings |
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manually with the dial (CAM CTRL |
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dial/MANUAL button) ........... |
5 6 |
CAM CTRL dial
MANUAL button |
You can assign some of the camera settings to the CAM CTRL dial 5 such as focus adjustment (default setting). See page 68 for details.
During playback, you can adjust the volume using the CAM CTRL dial 5 (p. 27).
•At the time of purchase, the [FOCUS] (p. 50) setting is assigned to the CAM CTRL dial 5. If you press the MANUAL button 6, you can switch from the auto setting to the manual setting and adjust the focus manually.
To use the flash...................... |
4 |
Press 
(flash) 4 repeatedly to select an appropriate setting.
No indication (Auto flash): Automatically flashes when there is insufficient ambient light.
r
(Forced flash): Always uses the flash regardless of the surrounding brightness. r
(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 feet).
•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. (In [STBY] of the CAMERA-TAPE mode, it takes a while to fully charge the flash lamp.)
•You cannot use the flash during tape recording.
•If you use the flash in bright places such as when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may not be effective.
•When attaching a conversion lens (optional) or a filter (optional) to your camcorder, the flash light does not emit light.
•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. 51).
To record in dark places (NightShot)
.......................................... 7
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch 7 to ON. (
and [“NIGHTSHOT”] appear.)
•To record an image brighter, use Super NightShot function (p. 51).
To record an image more faithful to the original colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 52).
•The NightShot and Super NightShot function
use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port 3 with your fingers or other objects and remove the conversion lens (optional).
•Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 50) when it is hard to focus automatically.
•Do not use these functions in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.
To adjust the exposure for backlit |
|
subjects ............................... |
9 |
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press BACK LIGHT 9 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.
Recording/Playback
Continued , 29
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (Continued)
qh |
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qs |
0 |
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qg |
qf |
qd |
•A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded.
To use a tripod ....................... |
wa |
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)) to the tripod receptacle wa using a tripod screw.
2 |
w;
qj
qk ql
wa
To record in mirror mode .......... |
qh |
Open the LCD panel qh 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2).
To use a Shoulder belt .............. |
qd |
Attach the Shoulder belt (optional) to its designated hook qd.
Playback
To use PB zoom ................. |
2 0 |
You can magnify images from about 1.1 to 5 times (from about 1.5 to 5 times in still images) the original size.
Magnification can be adjusted with the power zoom lever 2 or the zoom buttons 0 on the LCD panel.
1Play back the picture you want to magnify.
2 Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto).
3Touch the screen at the point you want to display in the center of the displayed frame.
4Adjust the magnification with W (Wide angle)/T (Telephoto).
To cancel, touch [END].
•You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons 0 on the LCD panel.
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery |
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(Battery Info).......................... |
qs |
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then press DISP/BATT INFO qs. The approximate recordable time in the selected format and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. You can view the battery information for up to 20 seconds by
30
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