Sony HDR-HC5, HDR-HC7 Operating Guide

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2-319-806-11(1)

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

HDR-HC5/HC7

Enjoying pictures with

high definition quality

Getting Started 13

Recording/

Playback

Using the Menu 40

Dubbing/Editing 65

Using a Computer 74

Troubleshooting 79

Additional Information 91

Quick Reference 105

Spanish Quick Guide/

Guía rápida en español

116

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

http://www.sony.net/

Printed in Japan

WARNING

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

For Customers in the U.S.A.

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.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.

Use

Power Sources

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

Polarization

This set may be equipped with a polarized ac power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).

This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug by forcing it in.

Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire or electric shock.

Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into the set through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the set.

Attachments

Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.

Cleaning

Unplug the set from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.

Installation

Water and Moisture

Do not use power-line operated sets near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.

Power-Cord Protection

Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance.

Accessories

Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer.

Ventilation

The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the set, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be blocked or covered.

– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth

or other materials.

– Never block the slots and openings by placing

the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

– Never place the set in a confined space, such as

a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.

– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or

heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight.

Continued ,

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)

Lightning

For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.

Service

Damage Requiring Service

Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

– When the power cord or plug is damaged or

frayed.

– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen

into the set. – If the set has been exposed to rain or water. – If the set has been subject to excessive shock by

being dropped, or the cabinet has been

damaged. – If the set does not operate normally when

following the operating instructions. Adjust

only those controls that are specified in the

operating instructions. Improper adjustment of

other controls may result in damage and will

often require extensive work by a qualified

technician to restore the set to normal operation. – When the set exhibits a distinct change in

performance – this indicates a need for service.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service the set yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to the set, ask the service technician to perform routine safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer) to determine that the set is in safe operating condition.

Replacement parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original parts.

Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

Read this first

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

CAUTION

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

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 1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

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

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. HDR-HC Serial No. Model No. ACNo.

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HDR-HC5 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA

92127 U.S.A. Telephone Number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part15 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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HDR-HC7 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA

92127 U.S.A. Telephone Number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part15 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.

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

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 w ith the

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

For the State of California, USA only

Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply, See

www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains

perchlorate.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of manuals

– “Operating Guide” (This manual) –“First Step Guide” for using your

camcorder while connected to a computer

(stored on the supplied CD-ROM)

Type of cassette you can use in your camcorder

You can use mini DV cassettes marked with . Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function (p. 92).

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

You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p. 93).

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

“Memory Stick” (You cannot use with 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.

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

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

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

Memory Stick Duo Adaptor

Using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

LCD panelViewfinder

• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. See “On using your camcorder” (p. 97).

• 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.

About changing the language setting

The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 18).

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 country/region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.

• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

On playing back HDV tapes on other devices

You cannot play back a tape recorded in the HDV format on DV format video cameras or on mini DV players (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 illustrations used on this manual are based on the model HDR-HC7. The model name is indicated on the bottom of your camcorder.

• 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.

Table of Contents

Note on the icons used in this manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS .........3

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

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format! ...11 Viewing video recorded in the HDV

format! .........................................12

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

.....................................................13

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

.....................................................14

Step 3: Turning the power on and

setting the date and time ............ 17

Step 4: Making setting adjustments

before recording ..........................19

Step 5: Inserting a tape or a “Memory

Stick Duo” ...................................20

Recording/Playback

Easy Recording/Playback (Easy

Handycam) .................................22

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

Zooming ...................................... 26

Recording high quality still images

during tape recording (Dual Rec)

................................................... 26

Controlling the image settings

manually with the CAM CTRL dial

(HDR-HC7) ............................... 27

Using the flash ............................ 27

Recording in dark places

(NightShot) ............................... 28

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects .................................... 28

Recording in mirror mode ........... 28

Features available for the HDV format only

Features available for the DV format only

Playback .......................................29

Using PB zoom ........................... 31

Using the guide functions (USAGE

GUIDE) .......................................32

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

Searching quickly for a desired

scene (Zero set memory) ......... 33

Searching for a scene by date of

recording (Date search) ........... 34

Playing the picture on a TV ...........35

Selecting the appropriate

connection method (CNNECT

GUIDE) ..................................... 35

Connecting to a high definition TV

................................................... 36

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

................................................... 37

Using the Menu

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

Menu items ...................................41

CAMERA SET menu ...............43

Settings to adjust your camcorder to

the recording conditions

MEMORY SET menu .............50

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo”

PICT.APPLI. menu ................53

Special effects on pictures or

additional functions on recording/ playback

EDIT/PLAY menu ..................56

Settings for editing or playing back in

various modes

STANDARD SET menu .........57

Settings while recording on a tape or

other basic settings

TIME/LANGU. menu ..............63

Customizing Personal Menu .........63

Continued ,

Dubbing/Editing

Quick Reference

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD

recorders .................................... 65

Recording pictures from a VCR ... 68 Dubbing pictures from a tape to a

“Memory Stick Duo” .................... 70

Deleting recorded pictures from the

“Memory Stick Duo” .................... 70

Marking images on the “Memory Stick

Duo” with specific information (Print

mark/Image protection) .............. 71

Printing recorded images (PictBridge

compliant printer) ........................ 72

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows

computer .................................... 74

Installing the “First Step Guide” and

software ...................................... 76

Viewing “First Step Guide” ........... 78

Using a Macintosh computer ........ 78

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ........................... 79

Warning indicators and messages

.................................................... 88

Identifying parts and controls .....105

Indicators displayed during recording/

playback ................................... 109

Index ...........................................113

Spanish Quick Guide/ Guía rápida en español 116

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ...... 91

Maintenance and precautions ...... 92

Usable cassette tapes ................ 92

About the “Memory Stick” ........... 93

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack .......................................... 95

About i.LINK ................................ 96

About x.v.Color ............................ 97

On using your camcorder ........... 97

Specifications ............................. 100

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 or more the horizontal resolution of a standard TV resulting in about 4 times or more 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.

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

Why shoot in the HDV format?

With the global standard moving to the digital video format, you can record important moments in HDV format to keep high quality images for the future. Your camcorder’s down convert function converts pictures in HDV format to SD (standard definition) image quality for viewing on older wide TV formats, and on 4:3 aspect ratio TVs when a high definition TV set is not available. This provides an easy path to HDV format video.

1,080 effective scanning lines

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

• 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).

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!

Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 35)

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

• For details on HDV1080i compliant TVs, see page 35.

Viewing on a 16:9 (wide)/4:3 TV (p. 37)

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

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (p. 65)

Connecting to an HDV1080i device

A supplied i.LINK cable allows you to copy pictures in HD (high definition) image quality.

Connecting to an HDV1080i non-compliant device

Your camcorder can down convert HDV format video to SD (standard definition) image quality to enable copying.

Connecting to a computer (p. 74)

Using the supplied software, you can import movies from a tape or still images from a “Memory Stick Duo” to the computer. You can also edit the imported movies and create a DVD-video in SD (standard definition) image quality.

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

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

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 14)

Power cord (1) (p. 14)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 108)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 35, 65)

USB cable (1) (p. 72)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH60 (1) (p. 14, 95)

Getting Started

CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (p. 76)

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

Component video cable (1) (p. 35)

i.LINK cable (1) (p. 35, 65, 68, 76)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

DC IN jack

POWER switch

Battery pack

DC plug

To the wall outlet

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 95) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder.

Power cord

AC Adaptor

1 Attach the battery pack to your

camcorder.

Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

2 Slide the POWER switch to OFF

(CHG) (the default setting).

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.

/CHG (charge) lamp

4 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor and the wall outlet.

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

b Notes

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

z Tips

• You can operate your camcorder connected to a power source such as a wall outlet as shown in the illustration. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.

To remove the battery pack

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

BATT (battery release) lever

When storing the battery pack

Fully discharge the battery before storing it for an extended period (p. 95).

To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)

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

DISPLAY/ BATT INFO

Remaining battery (approx.)

81 90

Recording capacity (approx.)

You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD screen.

Indicator Status

Sufficient power remaining Battery low, recording/

playback will stop soon. Replace the battery with a

fully charged one, or charge the battery.

Charging time

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

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FH50 135 NP-FH60 (supplied) 135 NP-FH70 170 NP-FH100 390

Getting Started

After a while, the approximate recordable time and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. You can view the battery information for up to 20 seconds by pressing DISPLAY/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed.

Recording time

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

HDR-HC5

Battery pack

Recording Format

NP-FH50 75 80 40 45

Continuous recording time

HDV DV HDV DV

80 85 45 45 80 90 45 50

Typical recording time*

Continued ,

Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

Battery pack

Recording Format

NP-FH60 (supplied)

Continuous recording time

HDV DV HDV DV

100 110 55 60 105 115 55 60

Typical recording time*

110 120 60 65

NP-FH70 165 180 90 95

175 190 95 105 180 195 95 105

NP-FH100 385 415 210 225

405 440 220 240 415 450 225 245

HDR-HC7

Battery pack

Recording Format

Continuous recording time

HDV DV HDV DV

Typical recording time*

NP-FH50 70 70 40 40

70 75 40 40 75 80 40 45

NP-FH60 (supplied)

90 95 50 50 95 100 50 55

100 105 55 55

NP-FH70 150 155 80 85

155 165 85 90 160 170 85 90

NP-FH100 345 365 185 195

365 385 195 210 375 395 205 215

* Typical recording time shows the time when

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

b Notes

• All times measured under the following conditions: Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.

Bottom: Recording with the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

Playing time

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

HDR-HC5

Battery pack

Recorded Format

LCD panel opened*

HDVDVHDVDV

NP-FH50 110 120 125 135 NP-FH60

(supplied)

145 160 165 180

NP-FH70 235 255 270 290 NP-FH100 545 590 615 660

HDR-HC7

Battery pack

Recorded Format

NP-FH50 NP-FH60

(supplied)

LCD panel opened*

HDVDVHDVDV

105 115 120 130

140 150 160 170

NP-FH70 230 245 255 280 NP-FH100 525 565 590 635

* 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. 15) 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 power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.

LCD panel closed

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

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

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

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

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

1 While pressing the green button,

slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to turn on the respective lamp.

CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape. CAMERA-MEMORY: To record on a

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

The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

CLOCK SET

POWER switch

Getting Started

DATE

JANM1D12: 00

2007

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

touch .

You can set any year up to the year

2079.

Continued ,

Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued)

3 Set [M] (month), then touch

and repeat for [D] (day), hour and minute.

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

The clock starts.

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

To reset the date and time

You can set the desired date and time by touching t [MENU] t

(TIME/LANGU.) t [CLOCK SET]

(p. 40).

b Notes

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3

months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets

discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 100).

• At the time of purchase, the power is 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. 62).

z Tips

• The date and time are not displayed while

recording, but they are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during playback (see page 61 for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you can set only [DATE/TIME])).

• The lens cover opens automatically when the

POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEMORY.

• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work

correctly, adjust the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 99).

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch t [MENU] t (TIME/ LANGU.) t [LANGUAGE], then select the desired language.

Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording

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).

180 degrees (max.)

90 degrees (max.)

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.

b Notes

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

z Tips

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

• See [LCD/VF SET] - [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 59) to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

• Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to toggle the screen indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off.

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

90 degrees to the camcorder

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.

z Tips

• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting [LCD/VF SET] - [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 59).

The grip belt

Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly.

Getting Started

Step 5: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick

{DO NOT PUSH}

Duo”

Cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 92).

b Notes

• The recordable time varies depending on [ REC MODE] (p. 58).

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 compartment

Window

3 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

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

b Notes

• Do not force the cassette compartment

closed by pressing the portion marked

may cause a malfunction.

while it is sliding in. It

“Memory Stick Duo”

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

z Tips

• The number and time of recordable pictures vary depending on the image quality or the image size. For details, see page 50.

(p. 93).

1 Open the LCD panel.

2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”

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

The cassette compartment

Access lamp

automatically slides back in.

To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”

Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once.

b Notes

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

• 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.

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

Getting Started

Recording/Playback

60min

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.

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

Movies

1 Slide the POWER

switch E to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.

2 Press EASY C.

EASY

appears on the screen

3 Press START/STOP F or B to

start recording.

REC

EASY

60min

MENUGUIDE

[STBY] t [REC]

To stop recording, press F or B again.

Still images

1 Slide the POWER

switch E to turn on the CAMERAMEMORY lamp.

2 Press EASY C.

EASY

appears on the screen

3 Press PHOTO D to record.*

60min

101

Flashing t Lit Press and hold lightly to adjust the focus.

EASY

6.1M

MENUGUIDE

Press fully to record.

* Still images are recorded in [FINE] quality on a “Memory Stick Duo.”

Playing back movies/still images

Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the touch panel A as follows.

Movies

Touch to rewind, then touch to start playback.

till images

Touch t /

to select a picture.

GUIDE

A Stop B Play/Pause toggles C Rewind/Fast forward

A GUIDE (p. 32) B Tape playback C Previous/Next D Delete (p. 70)

x To cancel Easy Handycam operation

Press EASY C again. disappears from the screen.

x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation

Touch [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 40 for details on settings.

• Almost all the settings return to their default settings automatically (p. 41).

• 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. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation] may appear if operations not available during Easy Handycam are attempted.

• BACK LIGHT button (p. 28)

• Pressing and holding DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (p. 19)

• For HDR-HC7: CAM CTRL dial (p. 27)

• For HDR-HC7: MANUAL button (p. 27)

Recording/Playback

Recording

Lens cover

Opens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch.

START/STOP B

Recording movies

Movies are recorded on a tape.

Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.

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

PHOTO

POWER switch

START/STOP A

Press START/STOP A (or B

60min

STBY REC

[STBY]

60min

P-MENUGUIDE P-MENUGUIDE

60min

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

z Tips

• The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in the default setting (p. 58).

To record high quality still images during tape recording (Dual Rec)

See page 26 for details.

60min

[REC]

Recording still images

Still images are recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp.

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

Press and hold PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully to record.

min min

Beep

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

To check the latest recording on a “Memory Stick Duo”

Touch . To delete the picture, touch t [YES].

z Tips

• See page 50 for the image quality, image size and the number of recordable pictures.

6.1M 6.1M

P-MENU P-MENUGUIDE GUIDE

Flashing bLights up

Shutter click

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

Zooming

You can magnify images to 10 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD panel.

Power zoom lever

Wider range of view: (Wide angle)

Close view: (Telephoto)

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

b Notes

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

• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons 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.

z Tips

• You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 49) if you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 ×.

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

You can record high quality still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” during tape recording.

1 Slide the POWER switch to turn on the

CAMERA-TAPE lamp, then press START/STOP to start tape recording.

2 Press PHOTO 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.

3 Press START/STOP 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.

b Notes

• 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.

z Tips

• 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.

• For HDR-HC5: 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.

• For HDR-HC7: When the POWER switch is set to CAMERATAPE, still images will be recorded at image size 4.6M in the HDV format, 3.4M (4:3) or

4.6M (16:9) in the DV format.

Controlling the image settings manually with the CAM CTRL dial (HDR-HC7)

It is useful to assign a frequently used menu item to the CAM CTRL dial. The following is an example of the procedure when the [FOCUS] setting is assigned (the default setting).

MANUAL button

CAM CTRL dial

1 Press the MANUAL button to activate the

manual adjustment mode. The setting mode switches between

automatic and manual every time you press the MANUAL button.

2 Rotate the CAM CTRL dial to adjust the

focus manually.

1 Press and hold the MANUAL button for

several seconds. The [DIAL SET] screen appears.

STBY

DIAL SET

FOCUS EXPOSURE SHUTTR SPEED AE SHIFT WB SHIFT RESET

0:00:0060

min

[MANUAL]:EXEC

2 Rotate the CAM CTRL dial and select a

menu item to be assigned.

3 Press the MANUAL button.

b Notes

• The menu item settings done before will be retained even if you set other menu item settings after that. If [EXPOSURE] is set after [AE SHIFT] is set manually, [EXPOSURE] will override [AE SHIFT].

• If you select [RESET] in step 2, all the settings set manually return to the default setting.

z Tips

• During playback, you can adjust the volume using the CAM CTRL dial.

• You can also assign menu items using [DIAL SET] (p. 49).

Using the flash

Flash

Recording/Playback

Menu items that can be assigned

– [FOCUS] (p. 46) – [EXPOSURE] (p. 44) – [SHUTTR SPEED] (p. 45) – [AE SHIFT] (p. 45) – [WB SHIFT] (p. 46)

To assign the menu items to the CAM CTRL dial

Flash button

Press the (flash) button repeatedly to select an appropriate setting.

No indication (Auto flash): Automatically flashes when there is insufficient ambient light.

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

(Forced flash): Always uses the flash

regardless of the surrounding brightness.

(No flash): Records without flash.

b Notes

• The recommended distance to the subject when using the built-in flash is 0.3 to 2.5 m (1 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 /CHG (charge) lamp flickers when charging the flash, and remains lit when the flash charge is ready. (In [STBY] of the CAMERA-TAPE mode, it takes a while to fully charge the flash.)

• 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.

z Tips

• 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. 47).

Recording in dark places (NightShot)

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 46) when it is hard to focus automatically.

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

z Tips

• 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. 48).

Adjusting 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.

Recording in mirror mode

Infrared port

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

b Notes

• The NightShot and Super NightShot functions use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects and remove the conversion lens (optional).

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2).

z Tips

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

Playback

Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

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

Playing movies

Touch to rewind to the desired scene, then touch to start playback.

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch*

60min

Stop**

* Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes. ** is displayed instead of when a “Memory Stick Duo” with recorded images is inserted and

a tape is not being played.

Rewind/Fast forward

60min

GUIDE

P-MENU

To adjust the sound volume

Touch t [VOLUME], then / to adjust the volume.

z Tips

• If you cannot find [VOLUME] in , touch [MENU] t (STANDARD SET) t [VOLUME] (p. 59).

• For HDR-HC7: You can also adjust the volume with the CAM CTRL dial (p. 27).

To search for a scene during playback

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

z Tips

• You can play back in various modes ([ VAR.SPD PB], p. 56).

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

min

MEMORY PLAY

Playback (Continued)

Viewing still images

Touch .

The most recently recorded image is displayed.

6060min

60min 10/10

6.1M

MEMORY PLAY

GUIDE

Switches the

P-MENU

playback media*

Previous/Next

Go to the index screen display

* is displayed on the tape playback screen.

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.

A Previous/Next 6 pictures B The picture displayed before switching to the index screen

To view pictures in other folders, touch t t [PB FOLDER], select a folder with

/ , then touch (p. 52).

Using PB zoom

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 or the zoom buttons on the LCD panel.

1 Play back the picture you want to

magnify.

2 Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto). 3 Touch the screen at the point you want

to display in the center of the displayed frame.

4 Adjust the magnification with W (Wide

angle)/T (Telephoto).

To cancel, touch [END].

Recording/Playback

Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)

You can easily select the desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE).

60min

Your camcorder has 4 guide functions as shown below.

SHOOT GUIDE:

CNNECT GUIDE:

USEFUL GUIDE:

DISP GUIDE:

STBY

P-MENUGUIDE

Takes you to the setting screens related to recording.

Recommends the appropriate connection method for your device. For details, see page 35.

Takes you to the setting screens related to the basic operations.

Enables you to check the meaning of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. See page 112 for details.

1 Touch [GUIDE].

Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam

During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. If an attempted setting is not available, but still desired, touch [SET] to display an on-screen instruction. Follow the instruction to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting.

z Tips

• If [SET] is not displayed in step 3, follow the instruction on the screen.

2 Select the desired item.

e.g., to record night views Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELECT

SCENE] t / to display [To keep the mood of a night view].

3 Touch [SET].

The desired setting screen appears. Adjust the settings according to your

purpose.

Searching for the starting point

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

Touch t .

END SEARCH EXECUTING

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.

b Notes

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

z Tips

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

0:00:00160min

CANCEL

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)

You can view about 2 seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up (p. 24).

Touch t .

0:00:00STBY60min

Recording/Playback

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

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)

Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp, then operate the Remote Commander.

mREW

PLAY STOP

DISPLAY

ZERO SET MEMORY

Continued ,

Searching for the starting point (Continued)

• Zero set memory will not function correctly if

1 During playback, press ZERO

SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander at a point you want to locate later on.

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

0:00:006 0min

GUIDE

there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.

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

Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. You can locate the point where the recording date changes.

P-MENU

If the tape counter is not displayed, press DISPLAY.

2 Press STOP when you want to

stop playback.

3 Press mREW.

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

The tape counter returns to the time code display, and the zero set memory display disappears.

4 Press PLAY.

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

To cancel the operation

Press ZERO SET MEMORY again before rewinding.

b Notes

• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds

between the time code and the tape counter.

SEARCH M.

./>

STOP

1 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote

Commander.

2 Press .(Previous)/>(Next) to

select a recording date.

min

To cancel the operation

Press STOP.

b Notes

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

0:00:00:00

DATE -01

min

GUIDE

P-MENU

Playing the picture on a TV

Connection methods and image quality differ depending on what type of TV is connected and connectors used. Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source (p. 14). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected.

b Notes

• Make all menu settings on your camcorder before connecting. The TV may not recognize the video signal properly if the [VCR HDV/DV] or [i.LINK CONV] setting is changed after the TV and your camcorder were connected with an i.LINK cable.

• Pictures recorded in the DV format are played back as SD (standard definition) images regardless of the connection.

• When recording, set [X.V.COLOR] to [ON] to play back on an x.v.Color-compliant TV (p. 49). Some settings may need to be adjusted on the TV when playing back.

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover in the direction of the arrow and connect the cable.

COMPONENT OUTHDV/DV A/V OUT

412

Lift up the bottom of the jack cover, then rotate in the direction of the arrow.

Selecting the appropriate connection method (CNNECT GUIDE)

Your camcorder helps you select the appropriate connection for your device. The output setting of your camcorder is then set automatically.

1 Touch [GUIDE].

Recording/Playback

2 Touch [CNNECT GUIDE].

3 Connect your camcorder and TV

according to the instructions on the LCD screen.

An example of connecting to a high definition TV

1 Touch [TV] t [HD TV]. 2 Select the TV input jacks with /

, then touch .

3 Check the output setting details, then

touch .

4 Connect your camcorder and TV,

referring to the picture on the screen. Touch [HINT] and refer also to the precautions on connecting.

5 Touch t [END].

z Tips

• To return to the previous question, touch .

Continued ,

Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)

Connecting to a high definition TV

HD (high definition) image quality

• An HDV formatted picture is played back as it is (HD image quality).

• A DV formatted picture is played back as it is (SD image quality).

COMPONENT IN

AUDIO

HDMI

i.LINK

(for HDV1080i)

B CA

: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

• An A/V connecting cable is also needed to output audio signals. Connect the white and red plugs of the A/ V connecting cable to the audio input jack of your TV.

Component video cable (supplied)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/C (Red) PR/C

(Yellow)

(White)

(Red)

(STANDARD SET) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (57) [COMPONENT] t [1080i/480i] (60)

: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo (on the front cover).

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

• DV format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 68) cannot be output.

• Your TVs may not function correctly (e.g., no sound or image). Do not connect the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of an external device with the HDMI cable. This may cause a malfunction.

HDMI cable (optional)

HDMI

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

• If your TV is not compatible with HDV1080i specification, connect your camcorder and TV with the supplied component video cable and A/V connecting cable as illustrated in .

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

i.LINK cable (supplied)

(STANDARD SET) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (57)

(STANDARD SET) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (57) [i.LINK CONV] t [OFF] (60)

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

Recording/Playback

COMPONENT IN

AUDIO

SD (standard definition) image quality

• An HDV formatted picture is down converted to DV format (SD image quality) and played back.

• A DV formatted picture is played back as it is (SD image quality).

i.LINK

S VIDEO

VIDEO/AUDIO

E F G

Continued ,

Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)

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

Change the [TV TYPE] setting to match your TV (p. 60).

b Notes

• When you play back a tape recorded in the DV format on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the 16:9 signal, set [ WIDE SELECT] to [4:3] on your camcorder when recording a picture (p. 58).

: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

• A/V connecting cable is also needed to output audio signals. Connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable to the audio input jack of your TV.

Component video cable (supplied)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

i.LINK cable (supplied)

(Green) Y

(Blue) PB/C (Red) PR/C

(Yellow)

(White)

(Red)

(STANDARD SET) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (57) [COMPONENT] t [480i] (60) [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/[4:3] (60)

(STANDARD SET) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (57) [i.LINK CONV] t [ON HDV t DV] (60)

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

: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages

Type Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

(STANDARD SET)

A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)

(White)

(Red)

(Yellow)

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

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

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

(Yellow)

(White)

(Red)

[VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (57) [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/[4:3] (60)

(STANDARD SET) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (57) [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/[4:3] (60)

Recording/Playback

When connecting to your TV via a VCR

Select one of the connecting methods on page 65, according to the input jack of the VCR. Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).

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

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and connect the white (left channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR.

z Tips

• The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send both video/ audio signals. Connecting HDMI OUT jack and external device with a cable supplies high quality images and digital audio.

• 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: HDMI t component video t S VIDEO t audio/video.

• See page 96 for the details of i.LINK.

Using the Menu

Using the menu items

1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow

repeatedly 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.

x To use the short-cuts of

Personal Menu

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

z Tips

• You can customize Personal Menu as you like (p. 63).

1 Touch .

STBY

60min

SCENE

1/3

SELECT

TELE MACRO

2 Touch the desired item.

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

3 Select the desired setting, then touch

DISP GUIDE

SMOOTH SLWREC

FADE R

0:00:00

x To use menu items

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

1 Touch t [MENU]. 2 Select the desired menu.

Touch / to select the item, then touch (The process in step 3 is the same as that in step 2).

3 Select the desired item. 4 Customize the item.

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

x To use menu items during Easy

Handycam operation

is not displayed during Easy Handycam operation. Touch [MENU] to display the menu index screen.

Menu items

Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit. During Easy Handycam operation, the setting is set automatically as shown in the following list.

Position of lamp: TAPE MEMORY PLAY/EDIT Easy Handycam

CAMERA SET menu (p. 43)

SCENE SELECT zz – AUTO SPOT METER zz – EXPOSURE zz – WHITE BAL. zz – SHARPNESS zz – SHUTTR SPEED*

zz – AUTO AUTOSLW SHTR z –– AE SHIFT zz – CAMERA COLOR zz – WB SHIFT zz – SPOT FOCUS zz – FOCUS zz – TELE MACRO zz– FLASH SET zz – SUPER NS z –– NS LIGHT zz – COLOR SLOW S zz – ZEBRA zz – HISTOGRAM zz – SELF-TIMER zz – DIGITAL ZOOM z –– OFF STEADYSHOT zz*

– ON

CONV.LENS zz – DIAL SET*

zz – – X.V.COLOR z ––

MEMORY SET menu (p. 50)

STILL SET – zzFINE/z*

ALL ERASE – – z z

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

PICT.APPLI. menu (p. 53)

FADER z –– INT.REC-STL – z – SLIDE SHOW – – z D.EFFECT z – z PICT.EFFECT z – z SMTH SLW REC z ––

– AUTO AUTO

–

OFF

–

– AUTO AUTO

OFF *1/OFF OFF

ON OFF OFF OFF

–*

–

–*

OFF OFF

– OFF OFF

–

Continued ,

Using the Menu

Menu items (Continued)

Position of lamp:

TAPE MEMORY PLAY/EDIT Easy Handycam

PictBridge PRINT – – z – USB SELECT – – z DEMO MODE z ––

EDIT/PLAY menu (p. 56)

VAR.SPD PB – – z – REC CTRL – – z

END SEARCH z – z

STANDARD SET menu (p. 57)

VCR HDV/DV – – z AUTO REC FORMAT z ––

DV SET z – z

VOLUME z* MIC LEVEL*

z –– AUTO

LCD/VF SET zzz

COMPONENT zzz i.LINK CONV z – z OFF* TV TYPE zzz 16:9* DISP GUIDE zzz z STATUS CHECK z – z GUIDEFRAME zz– COLOR BAR*

z –– OFF

DATA CODE – – z

REMAINING z – z REMOTE CTRL zzz REC LAMP zz – BEEP zzz DISP OUTPUT zzzLCD PANEL MENU ROTATE zzz A.SHUT OFF zzz 5min CALIBRATION – – z QUICK REC z ––

TIME/LANGU. menu (p. 63)

CLOCK SET zzz z* WORLD TIME zzz –* LANGUAGE zzz –*

*1The setting value before entering Easy Handycam operation will be retained.

Cannot be operated in the CAMERA-TAPE mode.

Available only when the POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.

HDR-HC7

–

– –

SP*1/16:9

WIDE*

–*

z z*1*

– /NORMAL/ – /

NORMAL

1080i/480i*

–

OFF

AUTO

ON ON z*

NORMAL*

–

OFF

/*1/

CAMERA SET menu

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions

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

See page 40 for details on selecting menu items.

SCENE SELECT

You can record pictures effectively in various situations with the [SCENE SELECT] function.

B AUTO

Select to automatically record pictures effectively without the [SCENE SELECT] function.

TWILIGHT* ( )

Select to maintain the darkening atmosphere of the distant surroundings in twilight scenes.

FIREWORKS* ( )

Select to record all the splendor of fireworks.

LANDSCAPE* ( )

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

PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ( )

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

Using the Menu

TWILIT PORTRT (Twilight portrait) ( )

Select to photograph people and background using the flash when recording still images.

CANDLE ( )

Select to maintain the dim atmosphere of a candlelit scene.

SUNRSE SUNSET (Sunrise and sunset)* ()

Select to maintain the atmosphere of situations such as sunsets and sunrises.

SPOTLIGHT** ( )

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

BEACH** ( )

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

SNOW** ( )

Select this when shooting in very bright, white conditions, such as on a ski slope; otherwise picture may appear too dark.

Continued ,

CAMERA SET menu (Continued)

* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away

only.

** Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short

distance away.

b Notes

• If you set [SCENE SELECT], the settings of [SHUTTR SPEED] (HDR-HC7) and [WHITE BAL.] are canceled.

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.

1 Touch the point where you want to fix and

adjust the exposure on the screen.

2 Touch [END].

appears.

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

b Notes

• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL].

EXPOSURE

You can fix the brightness of a picture manually. Adjust the brightness when the subject is much brighter or darker than the background.

1 Touch [MANUAL].

2 Adjust the exposure by touching /

3 Touch .

appears.

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

z Tips

• For HDR-HC7: You can also adjust the setting manually using the CAM CTRL dial (p. 27).

WHITE BAL. (White balance)

You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment.

B AUTO

The white balance is adjusted automatically.

OUTDOOR ( )

The white balance is appropriately adjusted for the following recording conditions:

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

INDOOR (n)

The white balance is appropriately adjusted for the following recording conditions:

– Indoors – At party scenes or studios where the lighting

conditions change quickly

– Under video lamps in a studio, or under

sodium lamps or incandescent-like color lamps

ONE PUSH ( )

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

1 Touch [ONE PUSH]. 2 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.

3 Touch [ ].

flashes quickly. When the white balance has been adjusted and stored in the memory, the indicator stops flashing.

b Notes

• Set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO] or adjust the color in [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.

• When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing white objects while is flashing quickly.

• flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not be set.

• When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if keeps flashing after touching , set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO].

• If you set [WHITE BAL.], [SCENE SELECT] returns to [AUTO].

z Tips

• If you have changed the battery pack while [AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after inside use (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment.

• When the white balance has been set with [ONE PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SELECT] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the white balance.

B AUTO

Select to adjust the shutter speed automatically.

MANUAL( )

Adjust the shutter speed using /

You can select a shutter speed between 1/4 and 1/10000 second when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE, and between 1/4 and 1/500 second when the POWER switch is set to CAMERAMEMORY.

Slower Faster

b Notes

• When the shutter speed is set between 1/725 to 1/10000 second, still images cannot be recorded.

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

• At a slow shutter speed, automatic focus may be lost. Adjust the focus manually, using a tripod, etc.

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

z Tips

• You can also adjust the setting manually using the CAM CTRL dial (p. 27).

125, 180, 250

Using the Menu

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 (HDR-HC7)

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 emphasize movement of the subject.

AUTOSLW SHTR (Auto slow shutter)

When you set [AUTOSLW SHTR] to [ON], the shutter speed is slowed down automatically to 1/30 second in dark places.

AE SHIFT

You can adjust the exposure using (dark)/ (bright). and the setting value appear when [AE SHIFT] is anything other than the default setting.

Continued ,

CAMERA SET menu (Continued)

z Tips

• Touch if the subject is white or the backlight is bright, or touch if the subject is black or the light is dim.

• You can adjust the automatic exposure level to brighter or darker when [EXPOSURE] is set to [AUTO].

• For HDR-HC7: You can also adjust the setting manually using the CAM CTRL dial (p. 27).

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 appear when [WB SHIFT] is anything other than the default setting.

z Tips

• When the white balance is set to a lower value,

pictures appear bluish, and when set to a higher value, pictures appear reddish.

• For HDR-HC7:

You can also adjust the setting manually using the CAM CTRL dial (p. 27).

SPOT FOCUS

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

1 Touch the subject on the screen.

9 appears.

2 Touch [END].

To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] t [END] in step 1.

b Notes

• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is automatically set to [MANUAL].

FOCUS

You can adjust the focus manually. You can select this function also when you want to focus on a certain subject intentionally.

1 Touch [MANUAL].

9 appears.

2 Touch (focusing on close subjects)/

(focusing on distant subjects) to sharpen the focus. appears when the focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and appears when the focus cannot be adjusted farther away.

3 Touch .

To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] t in step 1.

b Notes

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

z Tips

• 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.

• For HDR-HC7: You can also adjust the focus manually using the CAM CTRL dial (p. 27).

TELE MACRO

This is useful to shoot small subjects, such as flowers or insects. You can blur out backgrounds and the subject stands out clearer. When you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON] ( ), the zoom (p. 26) moves to the top of the T (Telephoto) side automatically and allows for recording subjects at a close distance as follows: For HDR-HC5: down to about 37 cm (14 5/ 8 in.). For HDR-HC7: down to about 45 cm (17 3/ 4 in.).

To cancel, touch [OFF], or zoom to wideangle (W side).

b Notes

• When recording a distant subject, focusing may be difficult and can take some time.

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 46) when it is hard to focus automatically.

FLASH SET

You can set this function when you use the built-in flash or an external flash (optional) that is compatible with your camcorder.

x FLASH LEVEL

HIGH( )

Makes the flash level higher.

B NORMAL( )

LOW( )

Makes the flash level lower.

x REDEYE REDUC

You can prevent redeye by activating the flash before recording.

Set [REDEYE REDUC] to [ON], then press the (flash) button (p. 27) 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.

(No flash): Records without flash.

b Notes

• 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. 28) is also set to ON.

and [“SUPER NIGHTSHOT”] appear

on the screen. To return to the normal setting, set [SUPER

NS] to [OFF], or set the NIGHTSHOT switch to OFF.

b Notes

• 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 objects (p. 107).

• Remove the conversion lens (optional).

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 46) 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 in this case.

Using the Menu

Continued ,

CAMERA SET menu (Continued)

NS LIGHT (NightShot Light)

When using either the NightShot (p. 28) 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).

b Notes

• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p. 107).

• Remove the conversion lens (optional).

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

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].

b Notes

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 46) 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

Diagonal stripes appear in portions of the screen where brightness is at a preset level. This is useful as a guide when adjusting the brightness. When you change the default setting, is displayed. The zebra pattern is not recorded.

B OFF

The zebra pattern is not displayed.

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.

b Notes

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

z Tips

• IRE represents the screen brightness.

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.”

Pixels

BrighterDarker

Brightness

z Tips

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

SELF-TIMER

A still image is recorded after about 10 seconds.

Press PHOTO when [SELF-TIMER] is set to [ON] and appears.

To cancel the count down, touch [RESET]. To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF].

z Tips

• You can also operate by pressing PHOTO on the Remote Commander (p. 108).

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.

B 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).

DIAL SET (HDR-HC7)

You can select a menu item to assign to the CAM CTRL dial. For details, see page 27.

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

B 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.

80 × (HDR-HC5)

Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 80 × 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.

X.V.COLOR

When recording, set to [ON] to capture wider range of colors. Various colors such as the brilliant color of flowers and turquoise blue of the sea can be more faithfully reproduced.

b Notes

• Set [X.V.COLOR] to [ON] only when the recorded content will be played back on an x.v.Color-compliant TV. Otherwise, set to [OFF] (the default setting).

• If the movie recorded with this function [ON] is played back on a non-x.v.Color-compliant TV, the color may not be reproduced correctly.

• [X.V.COLOR] cannot be set to [ON] when: – Recording in DV format – A movie is being recorded.

Using the Menu

MEMORY SET menu

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo”

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

See page 40 for details on selecting menu items.

STILL SET

x QUALITY

B FINE ( )

Records still images at the fine image quality level.

STANDARD ( )

Records still images at the standard image quality level.

b Notes

• Image quality is automatically fixed to [FINE] during Easy Handycam operation.

x IMAGE SIZE

For HDR-HC5:

B 4.0M ( )

4.0M

Records still images clearly.

3.0M ( )

3.0M

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

1.9M ( )

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

VGA (0.3M) ( )

Allows for the maximum number of images to be recorded.

For HDR-HC7:

B 6.1M ( )

6.1M

Records still images clearly.

4.6M ( )

4.6M

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

3.1M ( )

3.1M

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

VGA (0.3M) ( )

Allows for the maximum number of images to be recorded.

b Notes

• [ IMAGE SIZE] can be set only when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY.

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

When the POWER switch is set to CAMERAMEMORY

For HDR-HC5:

4.0M

3.0M

1.9M

2304 ×

1728

1296

4.0M 3.0M

64MB 3175419865

128MB 63

15083195

256MB 110

512MB 230

1GB 475

1100

2GB 970

2300

4GB 1900

4600

270

550

150 355

305 720

620

1450 1250

3000 2500

5900

For HDR-HC7:

6.1M

4.6M

2848 ×

2136

1602

6.1M 4.6M 3.1M

64MB 204927654093390

128MB 419855

13080185

256MB 75

17595235

1600 × 1200

150 130

300 235

540 480

1100

980

2250 2000

4650 3950

9200

3.1M 2048 × 1536

140 335

VGA 640 × 480

1970 1400

3550 2850

7200 5900

14500 12000

30000 23500

59000

VGA 640 × 480

1970 1400

3550

390 980

780

980 780

6.1M

4.6M

3.1M 2848 × 2136

6.1M 4.6M 3.1M

512MB 150

360

1GB 310

730

2GB 630

1500

4GB 1250

2950

2848 × 1602

200 480

415 980

850

2000 1650

3950

2048 × 1536

295 690

600

1400 1200

2850 2400

5700

VGA 640 × 480

2850 7200

5900

14500 12000

30000 23500

59000

When the POWER switch is set to CAMERATAPE*

4.6M

3.4M

2.3M

2848 ×

2136 ×

1602

4.6M 3.4M 1.7M

2016 × 1134

1.7M 1512 × 1134

64MB 2765378554

13072160

128MB 55

13074170

256MB 95

235

512MB 200

480

1GB 415

980

1250

2GB 850

4GB 1650

* [ IMAGE SIZE] is fixed to:

– [ 2.3M] on HDR-HC5 in HDV or DV

format (16:9)

– [ 4.6M] on HDR-HC7 in HDV or DV

format (16:9) – [1.7M] on HDR-HC5 in DV format (4:3) – [3.4M] on HDR-HC7 in DV format (4:3).

2000

3950

1100 2600

2250 5200

130 305

270 630

550

105 260

195 470

400 960

820

1950 1650

4000 3300

7900

145 325

260 590

530

1200 1050

2450 2200

5000 4400

9500

When the POWER switch is set to PLAY/ EDIT*

1.2M 1440 × 810

64MB 100

128MB 205

256MB 370

512MB 760

1GB 1550

2GB 3150

4GB 6300

* [ IMAGE SIZE] is fixed to [ 1.2M] in

HDV format, [ 0.2M] in DV format (16:9) and [VGA (0.3M)] in DV format (4:3).

1.2M

1800

3650

7500

14500

240

490

890

VGA 640 × 480

14500 12000

30000 23500

59000

390 980

780

1970 1400

3550 2850

7200 5900

0.2M 640 × 360

490 980

980

1970 1750

3550 3600

7200 7300

14500 15000

30000 29500

59000

b Notes

• All numbers measured at the following settings: Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality. Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image quality.

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

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

ALL ERASE

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

Using the Menu

Continued ,

MEMORY SET menu (Continued)

1 Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRNT

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

the “Memory Stick Duo.” [CURRNT FOLDER]: Deletes all the

images in the selected folder.

2 Touch [YES] twice t .

b Notes

• 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.”

FORMAT

The “Memory Stick Duo” has been formatted at the factory, and does not require formatting at purchase.

To execute formatting, touch [YES] twice t . Formatting is completed, and all the images will be deleted.

b Notes

• 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.

NEW FOLDER

You can create a new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick Duo.” When 9,999 images are stored in the current folder, a new folder is automatically created for storing subsequent images.

Touch [YES] t .

b Notes

• You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 52), or delete them using your computer.

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

REC FOLDER (Recording folder)

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

b Notes

• 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 .

FILE NO.

B SERIES

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

RESET

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

PICT.APPLI. menu

Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback

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

See page 40 for details on selecting menu items.

FADER

You can record a transition with the following effects adding to the interval between scenes.

1 Select the desired effect in [STBY] (to

fading in) or [REC] (to fading out) mode, then touch .

2 Press START/STOP.

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

To cancel before starting the operation, touch [OFF] in step 1. Once you press START/STOP, the setting is canceled.

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

1 Touch t a desired interval time (1, 5

or 10 minutes) t t [ON] t t .

2 Press PHOTO fully.

stops flashing and the interval still

image recording starts.

To cancel [INT.REC-STL], select [OFF] in step 1.

Using the Menu

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.

SLIDE SHOW

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

1 Touch t [PB FOLDER]. 2 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. 52) are played back in sequence.

3 Touch [REPEAT]. 4 Select [ON] or [OFF], then .

To repeat the slide show, select [ON] ().

To execute the slide show only once, select [OFF].

5 Touch [END] t [START].

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

Continued ,

PICT.APPLI. menu (Continued)

z Tips

• You can select the first picture for the slide show with / before touching [START].

D.EFFECT (Digital effect)

You can add digital effects to recording/ playback.

1 Touch the desired effect. 2 Adjust the effect with / , then

touch .

Effect Items to adjust

CINEMA EFECT*

STILL The degree of

FLASH The interval of frame-by-

TRAIL The fade time of the

SLOW SHUTTR*

OLD MOVIE*

* Available during tape recording only.

3 Touch .

appears.

To cancel [D.EFFECT], touch [OFF] in step 1.

B OFF

Does not use [D.EFFECT] setting.

CINEMA EFECT (Cinematic effect)

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

No adjustment necessary

transparency of the still image you want to superimpose under a movie

frame recording/playback

incidental image Shutter speed (1 is 1/30, 2

is 1/15, 3 is 1/8, 4 is 1/4) No adjustment necessary

STILL

Records/plays back a movie while superimposing it on a still image memorized by touching [STILL].

FLASH (flash motion)

Records/plays back a movie with a serialstill-image effect (strobe effect).

TRAIL

When recording/playback, trailing after images are left in the picture.

SLOW SHUTTR (slow shutter) (HDRHC5)

The shutter speed is slowed down. Suitable for shooting a subject more clearly in a dark place.

OLD MOVIE

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

b Notes

• You cannot change to another digital effect while recording pictures on a tape with [CINEMA EFECT] selected.

• Effects added to the playback pictures are not output via the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK). Only the original pictures can be output.

• While using [D.EFFECT], you cannot use the review button for still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” .

• If you set [CINEMA EFECT], [SPOT METER] and [EXPOSURE] return to [AUTO].

• For HDR-HC5: Adjust the focus manually using a tripod (optional) since adjusting the focus automatically is hard when [SLOW SHUTTR] is selected. ([FOCUS], p. 46)

z Tips

• You can save pictures edited using special effects on a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 70) or record them on VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (p. 65).

PICT.EFFECT (Picture effect)

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

B 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 (Black and white)

Pictures appear in black and white.

SOLARIZE

Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast.

PASTEL*

z Tips

• You can save pictures edited using special effects on a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 70) or record them on VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (p. 65).

SMTH SLW REC (Smooth slow recording)

Fast moving subjects and actions, which cannot be captured under general shooting conditions, can be shot in smooth moving slow-motion for about 3 seconds. This is useful to shoot fast actions such as a golf or tennis swing.

Press START/STOP on the [SMTH SLW REC] screen. A 3 second-movie (approx.) is recorded as a 12 second slow-motion movie. [Recording···] disappears, when recording is finished.

Touch to set the following.

– [TIMING]

Select the recording start point from the time START/STOP is pressed (The default setting is [3sec AFTER]).

Using the Menu

Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.

MOSAIC*

Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.

* Available during tape recording only.

b Notes

• Effects added to the playback pictures are not output via the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK). Only the original pictures can be output.

[3sec AFTER]

[3sec BEFORE]

– [RECORD SOUND]

If you set to [ON] ( ), you can record additional dialog, etc. to the slow-motion movie (The default setting is [OFF]). Sounds are recorded while [Recording···] is displayed.

b Notes

• Sounds cannot be recorded while shooting a 3 second-movie (approx.).

Continued ,

PICT.APPLI. menu (Continued)

• The image quality of [SMTH SLW REC] is somewhat less than normal recording.

To cancel [SMTH SLW REC], select [END].

PictBridge PRINT

See page 72.

USB SELECT

You can connect the camcorder to a personal computer with a USB cable and import pictures to the computer. You can also connect the camcorder to a PictBridge compatible printer (p. 72) using this function. Refer to “First Step Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM for details.

B Memory Stick

Select this to view pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo” on the computer or to import them to the computer.

PictBridge PRINT

Select this when you connect the camcorder to a PictBridge compatible printer to print out directly (p. 72).

DEMO MODE

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

z Tips

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

– When you touch the screen during the

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

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

inserted.

– When the POWER switch is set to other than

CAMERA-TAPE.

EDIT/PLAY menu

Settings for editing or playing back in various modes

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.

1 Touch the following buttons during

playback.

To Touch

change the playback direction*

play back slowly** To reverse direction:

play back frame by frame

* 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) cannot be played back smoothly in slow mode.

2 Touch t .

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

b Notes

• 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) when they are paused or played back in any mode other than normal playback mode.

• Pictures in the HDV format may appear distorted during:

(frame)

(frame) t

(frame) during playback pause. To reverse direction:

(frame) during frame playback.

– Picture search – Reverse playback

• Playing back slowly to the reverse direction and playing back frame by frame to the reverse direction are not available in HDV format.

REC CTRL

(Movie recording control)

See page 68.

END SEARCH

EXEC

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

CANCEL

Stops [END SEARCH].

b Notes

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

STANDARD SET

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings

The default settings are marked with B. 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 your camcorder is connected to another device using an i.LINK cable, select the signal to input/output from the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK). The selected signal is recorded or played back.

B AUTO

Switches the signals between HDV and DV format automatically when playing back a tape.

With an i.LINK connection, switches the signals between HDV and DV formats automatically, and inputs/outputs from the

HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK).

HDV

Plays back only the portions recorded in HDV format.

With an i.LINK connection, inputs/outputs only HDV formatted signals from the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK), and records/ plays back. You can also select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc.

Plays back only the portions recorded in DV format.

With an i.LINK connection, inputs/outputs only DV formatted signals from the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK), and records/ plays back. You can also select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc.

Using the Menu

Continued ,

STANDARD SET menu (Continued)

b Notes

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before changing

the [VCR HDV/DV] setting. Otherwise, the connected device, such as a VCR, may not be able to recognize the video signal from your camcorder.

• When [AUTO] is selected, if the signal switches

between HDV and DV formats, the picture and sound are interrupted temporarily.

• When [i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON HDV t

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.

B HDV1080i ( )

Records in the HDV1080i specification.

DV ( )

Records in the DV format.

b Notes

• If you output the recording picture using an

i.LINK cable, set [i.LINK CONV] accordingly.

DV SET

The following functions are available when recording in DV format.

x REC MODE (Recording mode)

B SP (SP)

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

LP (LP)

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

b Notes

• If you record in the LP mode, pictures may appear mosaic-like 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.

x WIDE SELECT

You can select the aspect ratio according to the TV connected when recording. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

B 16:9 WIDE

Records pictures in the full screen for a 16:9 (wide) TV screen.

4:3 ( )

Records pictures in the full screen for a 4:3 TV screen.

b Notes

• Set [TV TYPE] correctly according to the TV connected for playback (p. 60).

x AUDIO MODE

B 12BIT

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

16BIT ( )

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

b Notes

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

x AUDIO MIX

During tape playback, you can monitor the sound recorded by other camcorders using audio dubbing or 4ch microphone recording.

AUDIO MIX

ST1

Touch / to adjust the balance of the

ST2

0:00:00:0060min

original sound (ST1) and the sound recorded afterwards (ST2), then touch .

b Notes

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

VOLUME

Touch / to adjust the volume (p. 29).

z Tips

• For HDR-HC7: You can also adjust the setting using the CAM CTRL dial (p. 27).

MIC LEVEL (HDR-HC7)

You can adjust the recording sound level manually.

B 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 recording sound level is other than default setting.

b Notes

• Use headphones to monitor the sound when adjusting it.

LCD/VF SET

The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation.

x LCD BRIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

1 Adjust the brightness with / . 2 Touch .

x LCD BL LEVEL

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

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen.

b Notes

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

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

x LCD COLOR

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

Low intensity High intensity

x VF B.LIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder.

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the viewfinder screen.

b Notes

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

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

Continued ,

Using the Menu

STANDARD SET menu (Continued)

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.

B 1080i/480i

Select when connecting your camcorder to a TV that has the component input jack and is capable of displaying the 1080i signal.

i.LINK CONV

Signals in HDV format are converted to DV format, and pictures are output in DV format from the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK).

B OFF

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

ON HDV t DV

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

b Notes

• For input signal via an i.LINK connection, see [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 57).

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

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.

B 16:9

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

16:9 (wide) pictures 4:3 pictures

4:3

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

16:9 (wide) pictures

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to a TV compatible with the ID-1 system, 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.

• When you connect your camcorder to a TV with an i.LINK cable to play back the tape, the setting of [TV TYPE] is invalid.

4:3 pictures

DISP GUIDE (Display guide)

See page 112.

STATUS CHECK

You can check the setup value of the following items.

– [VCR HDV/DV] (when the POWER switch is

set to PLAY/EDIT) (p. 57)

– [COMPONENT] (p. 60) – [i.LINK CONV] (p. 60) – [TV TYPE] (p. 60) – HDMI OUTPUT (p. 105)

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.

z Tips

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

b Notes

• 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.

• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set only [DATE/TIME].

COLOR BAR (HDR-HC7)

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 (data code) recorded automatically at the time of recording.

B OFF

Data code is not displayed.

DATE/TIME

Displays the date and time.

CAMERA DATA (below)

Displays camera setting data.

0:00:00:0060min

60min

1 2

GUIDE

AUTO

AWB100

9dBF1. 8

P-MENU

ASteadyShot off BExposure CWhite balance DGain EShutter speed FAperture value

REMAINING

B 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).

Always displays the remaining tape indicator.

REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to use the supplied Remote Commander (p. 108).

z Tips

• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by remote control units of other camcorders or VCRs.

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]).

Using the Menu

Continued ,

STANDARD SET menu (Continued)

BEEP

B ON

A beeping sound starts when you start/stop recording, or operate the touch panel.

OFF

Cancels the beeping sound and shutter sound.

DISP OUTPUT (Display output)

B 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

B NORMAL

Scrolls the menu items downwards by touching .

OPPOSITE

Scrolls the menu items upwards by touching .

A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)

B 5min

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.

b Notes

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

QUICK REC (Quick recording)

You can slightly reduce the recording start point time when you start recording by pressing START/STOP. This function is useful to compensate for time lapse at the click of the shutter.

B OFF

Takes more time to reach the recording start point, but a smooth transition can be recorded.

ON ( )

Slightly reduces the time it takes to start recording when you attempt to record right after you switch on the camcorder (set the POWER switch to CAMERA-TAPE from the OFF (CHG) position), or when you attempt to record when the recording stanby mode is canceled.

b Notes

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

z Tips

• If the recording standby mode continues more than approximately 3 minutes, the drum will stop rolling, and the standby mode is canceled. This is to protect the tape and to prevent from unnecessarily battery exhausting.

CALIBRATION

See page 99.

TIME/LANGU.

See page 40 for details on selecting menu items.

CLOCK SET

See page 17.

Customizing Personal Menu

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

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.

• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]

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

Adding a menu item

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

1 Touch t [P-MENU SET UP]

t [ADD].

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

0:00:0060min

Select the category.

STBY

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

END

2 Touch / to select a menu

category, then touch .

0:00:0060min

Select the item.

STBY

SCENE SELECT SPOT METER EXPOSURE WHITE BAL. SHARPNESS

END

3 Touch / to select a menu

item, then touch t [YES] t

The menu item is added to the end of the list.

Using the Menu

Continued ,

Customizing Personal Menu (Continued)

Deleting a menu item

1 Touch t [P-MENU SET UP]

t [DELETE].

If the desired menu item is not

displayed, touch / .

0:00:0060min

SCENE SELECT

TELE MACRO

STBY

DISP GUIDE

SMOOTH SLWREC

FADE R

END

Select button to delete.

1/3

2 Touch the menu item that you

want to delete.

0:00:0060min

DELETE

STBY

Delete this from

CAMERA-TAPE mode's

P-MENU?

YES NO

3 Touch [YES] t .

b Notes

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

Arranging the order of menu items displayed on Personal Menu

1 Touch t [P-MENU SET UP]

t [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] t .

b Notes

• You cannot move [P-MENU SET UP].

Initializing the Personal Menu settings (Reset)

Touch t [P-MENU SET UP] t [RESET] t [YES] t [YES] t .

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

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders

Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). 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 VCR or DVD/ HDD recorders and the connectors used.

z Tips

• [CONNECTGUIDE] recommends the appropriate connection method for your device (p. 32).

: Signal flow

Camcorder Cable External device

i.LINK cable (supplied)

HDV1080i compatible device* t HD quality

AV device with i.LINK jack t SD quality

Dubbing/Editing

A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)

(White) (Red)

(Yellow)

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

* An i.LINK jack which is compatible with HDV1080i specification is required. For details, refer to the

instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected.

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

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

(Yellow) (White) (Red)

AV device with S VIDEO jack t SD quality

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

Continued ,

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (Continued)

b Notes

• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.

• Pictures recorded in the DV format are dubbed as SD (standard definition) images, regardless of the connection.

Jacks on your camcorder

Open the jack cover and connect the cable.

HDV/DV

1 2

A/V OUT

Using an i.LINK cable (supplied)

Select the required settings from the table below and make the menu settings.

b Notes

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before changing these menu settings, otherwise the VCR or DVD/HDD recorders may not correctly identify the video signal.

Recorded format

HDV only

Mixed HDV and DV

DV only DV

*1The VCR or DVD/HDD recorders need to be

Dubbing format

HDV*

DV [AUTO]

HDV*

DV [AUTO]*

compliant with HDV1080i specification. Parts recorded in DV format cannot be dubbed.

[VCR HDV/ DV]

or HDV*

Menu setting

[AUTO] or HDV

[AUTO]

or DV

[i.LINK CONV]

[ON HDV

t DV]

[ON HDV

t DV]

[OFF]

–

*3Parts recorded in both DV and HDV format can

be dubbed.

b Notes

• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], and the signal switches between HDV and DV formats, the picture and sound are interrupted temporarily.

• When the player and the recorder are both HDV1080i compatible devices such as HDRHC5/HC7 and are connected with the i.LINK cable, after pausing or stopping and then resuming the recording, the images will be unstable or rough at that point.

• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (default setting) when connecting with an A/V connecting cable (p. 62).

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

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

Dubbing to another device

1 Prepare your camcorder for

playback.

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

2 When dubbing to the VCR, insert

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

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

3 Connect your recording device

(VCR or DVD/HDD recorder) to your camcorder.

See page 65 for connection details.

4 Start playback on your

camcorder, and recording on the recording device.

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

5 When dubbing is complete, stop

your camcorder and the recording device.

b Notes

• When connecting with an A/V connecting cable, set [TV TYPE] according to the playback device (TV, etc.) (p. 60).

• To record the date/time and camera settings data when connected by the A/V connecting cable, display them on the screen (p. 61).

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

– Indicators – Pictures edited with [PICT.EFFECT] (p. 55)

or [D.EFFECT] (p. 54)

– Titles that are recorded on other camcorders

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

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

– The recorded picture becomes rough when a

picture is paused on your camcorder while recording to a VCR or DVD/HDD recorder.

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

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

– You cannot record the picture and sound

separately.

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

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

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

) will be indicated on the LCD screen of

your camcorder.

Dubbing/Editing

Recording pictures from a VCR

You can record movies 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 can connect your camcorder to a VCR device using an i.LINK cable. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

HDV1080i compatible device

t HD quality t SD quality

To i.LINK connector

: Signal flow

* An i.LINK jack which is compatible with

HDV1080i specification is required.

AV device with i.LINK output jack

i.LINK cable (supplied)

HDV/DV

To HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK)

Recording movies

1 Slide the POWER switch 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. 57).

3 Connect your VCR as a player to

your camcorder.

b Notes

• When an i.LINK cable is connected, the format of the input signal ( or ) will be indicated on the LCD screen of your camcorder (This indicator may appear on the screen of the playback device, however, it will not be recorded).

4 Insert a cassette into the VCR.

5 Operate your camcorder to record

movies.

Touch t [ REC CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].

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

6 Start playing the cassette on your

VCR.

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

Recording still images

1 Perform steps 1 to 4 in

“Recording movies.”

7 Touch [REC START] at the point

you want to start recording.

8 Stop recording.

Touch (Stop) or [REC PAUSE].

9 Touch t .

b Notes

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

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

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

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

– The recorded picture becomes rough when a

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

– 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.

2 Start playing the cassette.

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.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing pictures from

101–

0001

min

MEMORY PLAY

a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo”

You can record a desired scene onto a “Memory Stick Duo” as a still image, from a movie you recorded on a tape. Make sure you have a recorded tape and a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted into your camcorder.

Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo”

1 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/ EDIT lamp.

1 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly 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.

b Notes

• The date and time the picture is recorded on the

tape and stored on the “Memory Stick Duo” are recorded. On your camcorder, the date and time the picture is recorded on the tape are displayed. Camera setting data recorded on the tape cannot be stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Still images will be fixed to image size [

1.2M] when playing back in the HDV format. Still images will be fixed to image size [

0.2M] (16:9) or [VGA (0.3M)] (4:3) when playing back in the DV format (p. 51).

• You cannot record still images while using PB

zoom.

2 Touch .

6.1M

1/10

MEMORY PLAY

GUIDE

P-MENU

6060min

60min

101

101–0001

0001

101

3 Select a picture you want to

delete with / .

4 Touch t [YES].

b Notes

• The pictures cannot be restored once they are deleted.

• Pictures cannot be deleted when a “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab is set to the write-protect position (p. 93), or when the selected picture is protected (p. 71).

z Tips

• To delete all pictures at once, select [ ALL ERASE] (p. 51).

• You can delete pictures on the index screen (p. 30). You can easily search for the picture to be deleted by displaying 6 pictures at once. Touch t [ DELETE] t the picture you want to delete t t [YES].

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

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. 93).

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

repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/ EDIT lamp.

2 Touch t t t

[PRINT MARK].

(Print mark/Image protection)

This may change the information of the images with the Print mark put on using the other device.

Preventing accidental erasure (Image protection)

You can select and mark images to prevent accidental erasure.

1 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/ EDIT lamp.

2 Touch t t t

[PROTECT].

3 Touch the image that you want to

protect.

PROTECT

appears.

Dubbing/Editing

3 Touch the image that you want to

print out later.

101–0002

PRINT MARK

2/10

101

appears.

4 Touch t [END].

b Notes

• 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.

101–0002

2/10

101

4 Touch t [END].

b Notes

• To cancel image protection, touch the image again to cancel image protection in step 3.

Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer)

101-0001

PictBridge PRINT

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 obtain power from the wall outlet (p. 14). Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” containing still images into your camcorder and turn on the printer.

Connecting your camcorder to the printer

1 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/ EDIT lamp.

2 Connect the (USB) jack of your

camcorder to the printer using the USB cable.

[USB SELECT] appears on the screen automatically.

3 Touch [PictBridge PRINT].

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

101

1/10

6.1M

PictBridge PRINT

101-0001

END

SET

EXEC

z Tips

• You can also operate by selecting in the

following orders: – t [MENU] t (PICT.APPLI.)

t [USB SELECT] t [PictBridge PRINT].

– t [MENU] t (PICT.APPLI.)

t [PictBridge PRINT].

Printing

1 Select the image to be printed

with / .

2 Touch t [COPIES].

3 Select the number of copies to be

printed with / .

A maximum of 20 copies of the image can be printed.

4 Touch t [END].

To print the date/time on the image, touch t [DATE/TIME] t [DATE] or [DAY&TIME] t .

5 Touch [EXEC] t [YES].

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

Touch [END] when printing is completed.

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

b Notes

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

b Notes

• 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. – Operate the POWER switch.

– Disconnect the USB cable from the printer. – Remove the “Memory Stick Duo” from your

camcorder.

• If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB cable, turn the printer off and on again and restart the operation from the beginning.

• Some printers may cut off left, right, top and lower parts of the image. Especially, when the image is recorded with a 16:9 (wide) ratio, left and right parts may be largely cut off.

• Some printer models may not support the date/ time 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.

Dubbing/Editing

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows computer

When you install the “Picture Motion Browser” on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the following operations.

b Notes

• You cannot install the supplied software,

“Picture Motion Browser,” on a Macintosh computer.

Main functions

x Importing movies taken with your

camcorder

You can import the movies recorded with HD (high definition) image quality as they are.

x Viewing images imported to a

computer

You can manage movies and still images by date and time of shooting, and select movies or still images you want to view as thumbnails. These thumbnails can be enlarged and played in a slide show.

x Editing pictures imported to a

computer

You can edit imported movies and still images on a computer.

x Creating a disc

You can create a DVD-video with imported movies. The image quality of the disc will be SD (standard definition).

x Exporting imported movies from a

computer to your camcorder

You can send movies which were imported to the computer back to your camcorder in HD (high definition) image quality.

About “First Step Guide”

The “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software “Picture Motion Browser” stored on the CD-ROM (supplied). Referring to “Installing the “First Step Guide”” (p. 76), start the “First Step Guide,” then follow the instructions.

About the help function of the software

The Help guide explains all the functions of the software applications. Refer to the Help guide for further detailed operations after reading the “First Step Guide” thoroughly. To display the Help guide, click the [?] mark on the screen.

b Notes

• You also need to make certain settings on your camcorder when importing movies to a computer with commercially available editing software. For details, refer to “First Step Guide.”

• Refer to the following website for the “Picture Motion Browser” customer support. http://www.sony.net/support-disoft/

System requirements

When using “Picture Motion Browser”

OS: Microsoft Windows 2000

Professional, Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Media Center Edition Standard installation is required. For processing HD footage, Windows XP SP2 is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded or in a multiboot environment.

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz CPU or

faster (Intel Pentium 4 3.2 GHz or faster, Intel Pentium D, or Intel Core Duo is recommended.) For processing SD (standard definition) image quality content only, an Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster is necessary.

Application: DirectX 9.0c or later

(This product is based on DirectX technology. It is necessary to have DirectX installed.)

Sound system: Direct Sound

compatible sound card

Memory: 512 MB or more (1 GB or

more is recommended.) For processing SD (standard definition) image quality content only, 256 MB of memory or more is necessary.

Hard disk:

Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 500 MB

Display: DirectX 7 or later-compatible

video card, Minimum 1,024 × 768 dots, High Color (16 bit color)

Others: USB port (this must be

provided as standard), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK cable), DVD burner (CDROM drive is necessary for installation)

When playing still images recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” on a computer

OS: Microsoft Windows 2000

Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Media Center Edition Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded.

CPU: MMX Pentium 200 MHz or

faster

Others: USB port (this must be

provided as standard)

b Notes

• Operations are not guaranteed on all the recommended environments. For example, other open or background applications running on currently may limit product performance.

• Even in a computer environment where the operations are guaranteed, frames may be dropped from movies with HD (high definition) image quality, resulting in uneven playback. However, imported images and images on discs created subsequently will not be affected.

z Tips

• If your computer has a Memory Stick slot, insert the “Memory Stick Duo” on which still images are recorded into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor (optional), 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 instead of using the Memory Stick slot on the computer.

Using a Computer

Installing the “First Step Guide” and software

You need to install the “First Step Guide” and software to your Windows computer

before connecting your camcorder to the computer. The installation is

required only for the first time. Contents to be installed and procedures may differ depending on your OS.

z Tips

• See page 78 when you use a Macintosh computer.

Installing the “First Step Guide”

1 Confirm that your camcorder is

not connected to the computer.

2 Turn on the computer.

b Notes

• Log on as an Administrator for installation.

• Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.

4 Click [FirstStepGuide].

5 Select the desired language and

the model name of your camcorder from the pull-down menu.

6 Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].

Installation starts. When [Save is complete] appears, click

[OK] to finish the installation.

To view the “First Step Guide” in PDF

In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].

3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the

disc drive of your computer.

The installation screen appears.

If the screen does not appear

1 Click [Start], then click [My

Computer]. (For Windows 2000, double-click [My Computer].)

2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]

(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*

* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary

depending on the computer.

To install the software “Adobe Reader” to display the PDF file

In step 6, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].

Installing the software

1 Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing

the “First Step Guide”” (p. 76).

2 Click [Install].

3 Select the language for the

application to be installed, then click [Next].

4 Check your area and country/

region, then click [Next].

The software to be installed will be configured according to your country/ region.

5 Read [License Agreement], select

[I accept the terms of the license agreement] when you agree, then click [Next].

8 Follow the on-screen instructions

to install the software.

Depending on the computer, you may need to install third party software (shown below). If the installation screen appears, follow the instructions to install the required software.

x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c-Software required to handle movies

x Windows Media Format 9 Series Runtime (Windows 2000 only)-Software required to create a DVD

6 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/ EDIT lamp after the connection confirmation display appears.

7 Connect your camcorder and

computer with an i.LINK cable or USB cable. When connecting with a USB cable, [USB SELECT] appears on the screen of your camcorder. Select [ Memory Stick]. Click [Next] after connection is complete.

A message stating that you need to restart may appear, but you do not need to restart at this time. Restart the computer after the installation is complete.

Restart the computer if required to complete the installation.

9 Remove the CD-ROM from the

disc drive of your computer.

The short-cut icons, such as [ ] (“Picture Motion Browser”), appear on the desktop.

z Tips

• For the information about disconnecting the cable, refer to “First Step Guide.”

After you install the software, a shortcut icon for the customers registration website is created on the desktop.

• Once you register on the website, you can get secure and useful customer support. http://www.sony.net/registration/di/

Using a Computer

Viewing “First Step Guide”

To view “First Step Guide” on your computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer Ver.6.0 or later is recommended. Doubleclick the short-cut icon for “First Step Guide” on the desktop.

z Tips

• You can also start by selecting [Start] t [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP)

t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide] t Your camcorder’s folder t “First Step

Guide” in HTML.

• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without installing, copy the desired language folder from the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM, and then double-click [Index.html].

• Refer to the “First Step Guide” in PDF (p. 76) in the following cases:

– When printing the desired topics of “First

Step Guide”

– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed

correctly due to the browser setting even in recommended environment.

– When the HTML version of “First Step

Guide” cannot be installed.

Using a Macintosh computer

You can copy the still images from the “Memory Stick Duo” to the Macintosh. Install “First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-ROM.

b Notes

• The supplied software “Picture Motion Browser” does not operate on Mac OS.

• You also need to make certain settings on your camcorder when importing movies to a computer with commercially available editing software. For details, refer to “First Step Guide.”

System requirements

To copy still images from a “Memory Stick Duo”

OS: Mac OS 9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v10.1/

v10.2/v10.3/v10.4).

Others: USB port (this must be provided as

standard)

About “First Step Guide”

The “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software. Referring to “Installing the “First Step Guide””, start the “First Step Guide,” then follow the instructions.

To install “First Step Guide”

Copy “FirstStepGuide(PDF),” stored in the desired language folder in the [FirstStepGuide] folder, to your computer.

To view “First Step Guide”

Double-click “FirstStepGuide(PDF).” If software to view PDF files is not installed on your computer, download Adobe Reader from their website, below; http://www.adobe.com/

Troubleshooting

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

• Overall operations/Easy Handycam/

Remote Commander..............................79

• Batteries/Power sources........................80

• LCD screen/viewfinder .........................80

• Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”..... 81

• Recording ..............................................82

• Playback ................................................84

• Playing back on TV...............................85

• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other

devices...................................................85

• Connecting to a computer.....................86

• Functions that cannot be used together

...............................................................86

Overall operations/Easy Handycam/Remote Commander

The power does not turn on.

• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 14).

• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall outlet (p. 14).

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.

• Press the RESET button (p. 106) using a sharp-pointed object (If you press the RESET button, all settings are reset, except Personal Menu items).

Buttons do not work.

• During Easy Handycam operation, not all buttons are functional (p. 23).

Settings change during Easy Handycam operation.

• During Easy Handycam operation, the settings of the functions that are not displayed on the screen return to their defaults (p. 23, 41).

The menu item settings have changed unexpectedly.

• The following settings return to the default settings automatically when you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours. – BACK LIGHT – [SCENE SELECT] – [SPOT METER] –[EXPOSURE] – [WHITE BAL.] – [SHUTTR SPEED] – [SPOT FOCUS] –[FOCUS] – [ AUDIO MIX] of [DV SET] – [MIC LEVEL] (HDR-HC7)

The camcorder gets warm.

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

The supplied Remote Commander does not function.

• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 61).

• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.

• Keep strong light sources, such as sunlight or overhead lighting, away from the remote sensor, otherwise the Remote Commander may not function properly.

• Insert a fresh battery in the compartment with its +/– terminals matching those of the compartment (p. 108).

Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.

• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR.

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting (Continued)

• Cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.

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. 62), or turn on the power again (p. 17), or use the AC Adaptor.

• Charge the battery pack (p. 14).

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

• Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) (p. 14).

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 14).

• Connect the power cord to the wall outlet properly.

• The battery charge is completed (p. 14).

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

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 14). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.

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

• Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.

• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be wornout. Replace it with a new one (p. 14, 95).

• The indicated time may not be correct in certain circumstances. For example, when you open or close the LCD panel, it takes

about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.

The battery pack discharges too quickly.

• Ambient temperature is too high or low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.

• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be wornout. Replace it with a new one (p. 14, 95).

LCD screen/viewfinder

You cannot turn the LCD backlight off.

• During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot turn the LCD backlight on/off by pressing and holding DISPLAY/BATT INFO (p. 23).

You cannot turn off the indicator.

• You cannot turn off . Touch to check the warning messages (p. 89).

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, 108).

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

• Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 99).

Menu items are grayed out.

• You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.

• Depending on the functions, you may not be able to use them together (p. 86).

is not displayed.

• During Easy Handycam operation, not all menu items are functional. Cancel Easy Handycam operation (p. 23).

The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.

• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 19).

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. 19).

The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.

• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction.

You cannot operate functions using a “Memory Stick Duo,” even if a “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted.

• Slide the POWER switch to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY or PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 17).

• If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on a computer, format it again on your camcorder (p. 52).

Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”

The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.

• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 14).

• Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 97).

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. 61).

You cannot delete the recorded picture on the tape.

• You cannot delete a recorded picture on tape; you can only rewind the tape and record again. The new recording overwrites the existing one.

You cannot delete pictures or format a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Cancel image protection on the picture (p. 71).

• The maximum number of pictures that you can delete on the index screen at one time is

100.

Image protection cannot be applied, or you cannot mark pictures for print.

• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” if there is one (p. 93).

• Perform the operation again on the index screen (p. 30, 71).

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

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting (Continued)

The data file name is not indicated correctly, or flashes.

• The file is damaged.

• Use the file format compatible with your camcorder (p. 93).

Recording

Refer also to “Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”” section (p. 81).

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

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

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

• Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 92).

• The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then reinsert the cassette (p. 97).

You cannot record on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is full. Insert another “Memory Stick Duo” or format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 52). Or, delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 70).

• When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE, you cannot record still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with: – When [SHUTTR SPEED] is set between

1/725 to 1/10000 second – While executing [FADER] –[D.EFFECT] – [PICT.EFFECT] – [SMTH SLW REC] – [COLOR BAR]

The recording image view looks different.

• The recording image view may look different depending on the condition of your camcorder. This is not a malfunction.

You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next.

• 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 SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.

• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.

• When [QUICK REC] is set to [ON], you cannot record a smooth transition (p. 62).

The flash does not work.

• You cannot use the flash during tape recording.

• Even if auto flash or (Auto redeye reduction) is selected, you cannot use the internal flash with: – [TWILIGHT], [CANDLE], [SUNRSE

SUNSET], [FIREWORKS], [LANDSCAPE], [SPOTLIGHT], [BEACH] or [SNOW] of [SCENE

SELECT] – [SPOT METER] – [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]

[END SEARCH] does not work.

• Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 33).

• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.

• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.

[COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly.

• [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in total darkness. Use NightShot or [SUPER NS].

You cannot use [SUPER NS].

• The NIGHTSHOT switch is not set to ON (p. 28).

The auto focus does not function.

• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 46).

• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 46).

[STEADYSHOT] does not function.

• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 49).

The subjects passing fast 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 appear crooked depending on the recording conditions.

The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.

• Deactivate the NightShot function (p. 28).

The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.

• Set the NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 28) to OFF, or cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 28).

The BACK LIGHT function does not function.

• The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation (p. 23).

The [FLASH LEVEL] cannot be changed.

• [FLASH LEVEL] (p. 47) cannot be changed during Easy Handycam operation.

Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.

• The spots appear when the shutter speed is slow or when you are recording in [SUPER NS] or [COLOR SLOW S]. This is not a malfunction.

The screen picture is dark, and the subject does not appear on the screen.

• Press and hold DISPLAY/BATT INFO for a few seconds to turn on the backlight (p. 19).

Horizontal bands appear.

• This may occur when recording pictures under lighting from a discharge tube, such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp. This is not a malfunction.

• For HDR-HC7: This may be alleviated by adjusting the shutter speed (p. 45).

Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.

• For HDR-HC5: Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 49).

• For HDR-HC7: Adjust [SHUTTR SPEED] (p. 45).

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Playback

Refer also to “Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”” section (p. 81).

You cannot play back a tape.

• Slide the POWER switch to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

• Rewind the tape (p. 29).

You cannot play back in reverse direction.

• Reverse playback is not possible with the tape recorded in the HDV format.

Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back.

• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified file names or folders, or have edited the data on a computer (In this case, the file name flashes). This is not a malfunction (p. 94).

• Pictures recorded on other devices may not be played back or may not appear in their actual size. This is not a malfunction (p. 94).

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. 98).

You cannot hear the sound recorded with 4CH MIC REC on another camcorder.

• Adjust [ AUDIO MIX] (p. 58).

Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged.

• Adjust [SHARPNESS] to the (soften) side (p. 45).

No sound or only a low sound is heard.

• Turn up the volume (p. 29).

• Adjust [ AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 58).

• If you are using an S VIDEO plug or component video plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are also connected (p. 35).

• Sounds cannot be recorded while s hooting a 3 second-movie (approx.) using [SMTH SLW REC].

The picture or sound breaks off.

• The tape was recorded in both the HDV and DV formats. This is not a malfunction.

The movies freeze for a while, or the sound breaks off.

• This occurs if the tape or video head is dirty (p. 98).

• Use the Sony mini DV cassette.

“---” 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. 91).

Date Search does not work correctly.

• Be sure to record more than 2 minutes after the date changed. If one day’s recording is too short, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes.

• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.

No picture appears during [END SEARCH] or Rec Review.

• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DV formats. This is not a malfunction.

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.

Playing back on TV

You cannot view the picture on the TV connected with the i.LINK cable.

• You cannot view the picture in the HD (high definition) image quality on the TV which is not compatible with the HDV1080i specification (p. 35). Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

• Down convert the pictures recorded in HDV format to DV format and play back in SD (standard definition) image quality (p. 60).

• Play back pictures using another connecting cable (p. 35).

You cannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the component video cable.

• Set [COMPONENT] on the (STANDARD SET) menu according to the requirements of the connected device (p. 60).

• When you are using the component video cable, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are connected (p. 35).

You cannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the HDMI cable.

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

• DV format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 68) cannot be output.

• This occurs if you record on a tape in both HDV and DV formats. Disconnect and connect the HDMI cable, or slide the POWER switch to turn on your camcorder again.

The picture appears distorted on a 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. 60) and play back the picture.

Black bands appear at the top and bottom on a 4:3 TV.

• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. This is not a malfunction.

Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices

Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed.

• You cannot zoom pictures from connected devices on your camcorder (p. 31).

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. 62).

Troubleshooting

Continued ,

Troubleshooting (Continued)

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 the other device for dubbing a picture from your camcorder.

When connected using an i.LINK cable, no picture appears on the monitor screen or the picture is distorted during dubbing.

• Set [VCR HDV/DV] on the (STANDARD SET) menu according to the requirements of the connected device (p. 57).

• If the device to be connected is not compatible with HDV1080i specification, you cannot dub in HD (high definition) image quality (p. 65). For details, refer to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected.

• Down convert the pictures recorded in HDV format to DV format and dub in SD (standard definition) image quality (p. 65).

You cannot add sound to the recorded tape.

• You cannot add sound to the recorded tape on this unit.

You cannot dub correctly using the HDMI cable.

• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.

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. 58).

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.

Connecting to a computer

The computer does not recognize your camcorder.

• Install “Picture Motion Browser” (p. 74).

• 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 install the supplied software, “Picture Motion Browser,” on a Macintosh computer.

• You cannot use “Picture Motion Browser” on a Macintosh computer.

Functions that cannot be used together

Depending on the functions, you may not be able to use them together. The following list shows examples of menu items and functions that cannot be used at the same time.

Not available If this function is set

BACK LIGHT function

[SCENE SELECT] NightShot, [TELE

[SPOT METER] NightShot,

[FIREWORKS], [SPOT METER], [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]

MACRO], [CINEMA EFECT], [OLD MOVIE], [COLOR SLOW S]

[CINEMA EFECT]

Not available If this function is set

[EXPOSURE] NightShot [WHITE BAL.] NightShot [SHARPNESS] [CINEMA EFECT] [SHUTTR SPEED]

of the CAM CTRL dial (HDR-HC7)

[AE SHIFT] [FIREWORKS],

[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SELECT] [TELE MACRO] [SCENE SELECT],

[COLOR SLOW S] NightShot, [SCENE

[HISTOGRAM] [DIGITAL ZOOM],

[DIGITAL ZOOM] [TELE MACRO] [FADER] [CANDLE],

[D.EFFECT] [SUPER NS],

[OLD MOVIE] of [D.EFFECT]

NightShot, [CINEMA EFECT], [OLD MOVIE], [SMTH SLW REC]

[MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE], [CINEMA EFECT]

during tape recording

SELECT], [MANUAL] of [SHUTTR SPEED] (HDR-HC7), [FADER], [D.EFFECT]

[D.EFFECT], while displaying the date and time

[FIREWORKS], [SUPER NS], [COLOR SLOW S], [D.EFFECT]

[COLOR SLOW S], [FADER]

[SCENE SELECT], [PICT.EFFECT], when [ WIDE SELECT] is set to [4:3]

Not available If this function is set

[CINEMA EFECT] of [D.EFFECT]

[SMTH SLW REC] [CANDLE],

• For HDR-HC7: When [COLOR BAR] is set, all the “Not available” menu items on the list are not available.

[SCENE SELECT], [SPOT METER], [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE], other than 0 in [AE SHIFT], [PICT.EFFECT], when [ WIDE SELECT] is set to [4:3]

[FIREWORKS], [MANUAL] of [SHUTTR SPEED] (HDR-HC7), [SUPER NS], [COLOR SLOW S], [D.EFFECT], [PICT.EFFECT]

Troubleshooting

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:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis display)

C:04:ss

• The battery pack is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series). Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 95).

• Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your camcorder securely (p. 14).

C:21:ss

• Moisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then reinsert the cassette (p. 97).

C:22:ss

• Clean the head using a cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 98).

C:31:ss / C:32:ss

• 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 condensation has occurred (p. 97).

• Remove the power source. Reconnect it and operate your camcorder again.

• Change the cassette. Press RESET (p. 106), and operate your camcorder again.

E:61:ss / E:62:ss / E:91:ss

• 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. 93).

E (Battery level warning)

• The battery pack is nearly used up.

• Depending on the operating, environment, or battery conditions, E 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. 97).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo”)

• A “Memory Stick Duo” is not inserted (p. 20).

(Warning indicators pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo” formatting)*

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is damaged.

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is not formatted correctly (p. 52, 93).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)*

• An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted (p. 93).

Q (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. 92).*

Fast flashing:

• The tape has run out.*

(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 camerashake easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands and shoot the image. However, note that the camera-shake warning indicator does not disappear.

Z (Eject cassette warning)*

Slow flashing:

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 92).

Fast flashing:

• Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 97).

• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 88).

- (Warning indicator pertaining to image deletion)*

• The image is protected (p. 71).

- (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. 93).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

the flash)

Slow flashing:

• Still charging

Fast flashing:

• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 88).*

• There is something wrong with the flash.

* You hear a melody when the warning indicators

appear on the screen (p. 62).

Description of warning messages

If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions.

z Tips

• When is displayed, the message can be turned into by touching . Touch to display the message again.

x Moisture condensation

%Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette (p. 97)

% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. (p. 97)

x Cassette/Tape

Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 20)

• Check if the cassette is damaged.

QZ The tape is locked - check the tab. (p. 92)

Troubleshooting

Continued ,

Warning indicators and messages (Continued)

x “Memory Stick Duo”

Reinsert the Memory Stick.

(p. 20)

• 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 Memory Stick is not

formatted correctly.

• Check the format, then format the “Memory Stick Duo” as necessary (p. 52, 93).

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. 52), or delete them using your computer.

x Dual Rec

Cannot save still picture.

• Do not eject “Memory Stick Duo” while still images are being stored onto it (p. 26).

x PictBridge compliant printer

Check the connected device.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it.

Cannot print. Check the printer.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it.

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad

Power supply

You can use your camcorder in any country/region 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-L200/L200B [a] [b]

On TV color systems

Your camcorder is NTSC system, so its picture can only be viewed on an NTSC system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.

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. A component video cable and A/V connecting cable are also needed.

Viewing DV format pictures recorded in DV format

You need a TV (or monitor) with the AUDIO/VIDEO input jack. A connecting cable is also needed.

Simple setting of the clock by time difference

You can easily set the clock to the local time abroad by entering the time difference between where you live and where you are. Select [WORLD TIME] in the (TIME/ LANGU.) menu, then set the time difference (p. 63).

Additional Information

Maintenance and precautions

Usable cassette tapes

Your camcorder is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats. You can use mini DV format cassettes only. Use a cassette with the mark. Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function.

What is the HDV format?

The HDV format is a video format developed to record and play back digital high definition (HD) video signals on a DV cassette. Your camcorder adopts the Interlace mode with 1,080 effective scan lines of screen ruling (1080i, number of pixels 1,440 × 1,080 dots). The video bit rate for recording is about 25 Mbps. i.LINK is adopted for the digital interface, enabling a digital connection with an HDV compatible TV or computer.

z Tips

• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 format, which is adopted in BS (broadcast satellite) digital, terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings, in Blu-ray Disc recorders, etc.

Playback

Your camcorder can play back pictures in both the DV format and HDV1080i specification. Your camcorder can play back pictures recorded in the HDV 720/30p format, but cannot output it from the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK).

x When you play back

If the cassette you play back on your camcorder contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to a tape in another video camera connected to your camcorder.

x When you record

You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals for copyright protection of software. [Cannot record due to copyright protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or on the viewfinder if you try to record such software. Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records.

Notes on use

x When not using your camcorder for a

long time

Remove the cassette and store it.

x To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set it to SAVE.

REC: The cassette can be recorded. SAVE: The cassette c annot be recorded (write-protected).

REC

SAVE

To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape

Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p. 33) before you begin the next recording when you have played back the tape.

x When labeling the cassette

Be sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

Do not put a label along this border.

Labeling position

x After using the cassette

Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid distortion of the picture or the sound. The cassette should then be put in its case, and stored in an upright position.

x When cleaning the gold-plated

connector

Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10 times it has been ejected. If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may not show correctly.

Gold-plated connector

About the “Memory Stick”

A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable IC recording medium with a large data capacity. You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about the half size of a standard “Memory Stick” in your camcorder. However, appearance on the list below does not guarantee the operation of all types of “Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder.

Types of “Memory Stick”

“Memory Stick”

Recording/ Playback

–

(without MagicGate) “Memory Stick Duo”*

(without MagicGate) “MagicGate Memory Stick” – “Memory Stick Duo”*

a*2*

(with MagicGate) “MagicGate Memory Stick

Duo” *

“Memory Stick PRO” – “Memory Stick PRO Duo” *

*1A “Memory Stick Duo” is about half the size of

a standard “Memory Stick.”

The types of “Memory Stick” that support high speed data transfer. The speed of data transfer varies depending on the device to be used.

“MagicGate” is a copyright protection

technology that records and transfers the contents in an encrypted format. Note that data that uses “MagicGate” technology cannot be recorded or played on your camcorder.

• Still image format: Your camcorder compresses and records image data in the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format. The file extension is “.JPG.”

• File names of still images: – 101- 0001: This file name appears on the

screen of your camcorder.

– DSC00001.JPG: This file name appears on

the display of a computer.

• A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted by a computer (Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder.

• Data read/write speed may vary depending on the combination of the “Memory Stick” and “Memory Stick” compliant product you use.

a*2*

On a “Memory Stick Duo” with a write-protect tab

You can prevent accidental erasure of images when you slide the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick Duo” with a small tapered object, to the write-protect position.

Additional Information

Continued ,

Maintenance and precautions (Continued)

Notes on use

Damaged or lost image data will not be compensated for, and may occur in the following cases:

• If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn the power off on your camcorder, or remove the battery pack for replacement while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the “Memory Stick Duo” (while the access lamp is lit or flashing).

• If you use the “Memory Stick Duo” near magnets or magnetic fields.

It is recommended you make a back-up of important data on the hard disk of a computer.

x On handling a “Memory Stick”

Keep the following in mind when handling a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Be careful not to apply excessive force when writing on a memo area on a “Memory Stick Duo.”

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

• When you carry or store a “Memory Stick Duo,” put it in its case.

• Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come into contact with the terminals.

• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• Do not let the “Memory Stick Duo” get wet.

• Be careful to keep “Memory Stick Duo” media out of the reach of small children. There is danger that a child might swallow it.

• Do not insert anything other than a “Memory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

x On a location for use

Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick Duo” in the following locations.

• Places subject to extremely high temperature, such as a car parked outside in the summer.

• Places under direct sunlight.

• Places with extremely high humidity or subject to corrosive gases.

x On the Memory Stick Duo adaptor

After inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo adaptor, you can use it with a standard “Memory Stick” compliant device.

• When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with a “Memory Stick” compliant device, be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory Stick Duo adaptor.

• When inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory Stick Duo adaptor, make sure the “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted facing in the correct direction, then insert it all the way in. If you force the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo adaptor in the wrong direction or insert it incompletely, it may cause a malfunction.

• Do not insert a Memory Stick Duo adaptor without a “Memory Stick Duo” attached. Doing so may result in malfunctions of the unit.

x On a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

• The maximum memory capacity of a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” that can be used on your camcorder is 4 GB.

On image data compatibility

• Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” by your camcorder conform to the “Design rule for Camera File system” universal standard established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

• On your camcorder, you cannot play back still images recorded on other devices (DCRTRV900 or DSC-D700/D770) that do not conform to the universal standard (These models are not sold in some regions).

• If you cannot use a “Memory Stick Duo” that has been used with another device, format it with your camcorder (p. 52). Note that formatting erases all information on the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• You may not be able to play back images with your camcorder:

– When playing back image data modified on

your computer.

– When playing back image data recorded with

other devices.

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

This unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series). Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs have the mark.

What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?

An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/ charger. The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in minutes. With an AC Adaptor/charger, the remaining battery time and charging time appear.

To charge the battery pack

• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you start using your camcorder.

• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) until the /CHG (charge) lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to charge it efficiently.

• After charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove the battery pack.

To use the battery pack effectively

• Battery pack performance decreases when the surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or below, and the length of time you can use the battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the following to use the battery pack for a longer time.

– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,

and insert it in your camcorder right before you start taking shots.

– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/

FH100 (optional).

• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent playback, fast forward or rewind operation wears out the battery pack faster. We recommend using a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/FH100 (optional).

• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) when not recording or playing back on your camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed when your camcorder is in recording standby or playback pause.

• Have spare battery packs ready for two or three times the expected recording time, and make trial recordings before making the actual recording.

• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water resistant.

About the remaining battery time indicator

• When the power goes off even though the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining battery time will be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the battery indication will not be restored if it is used in high temperatures for a long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or when the battery pack is frequently used. Use the remaining battery time indication as a rough guide only.

• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery time remaining, depending on the operating conditions or ambient temperature.

About storage of the battery pack

• If the battery pack is not used for a long time, fully charge the battery pack and use it up on your camcorder once a year to maintain proper function. To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place.

• To discharge the battery pack on your camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER] on the (STANDARD SET) menu and leave your camcorder in tape recording standby until the power goes off (p. 62).

Continued ,

Additional Information

Maintenance and precautions (Continued)

About battery life

• Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it is probably time to replace it with a new one.

• Each battery’s life is governed by storage, operating and environmental conditions.

About i.LINK

The HDV/DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-compliant Interface. This section describes the i.LINK standard and its features.

What is i.LINK?

i.LINK is a digital serial interface for transferring digital video, digital audio, and other data to other i.LINK-compatible devices. You can also control other devices using the i.LINK. i.LINK-compatible devices can be connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are operations and data transactions with various digital AV devices. When two or more i.LINK-compatible devices are daisy-chained with the unit, operation becomes possible from any device in the chain. Note that operation method may vary, or data transactions may not be possible, depending on specifications and characteristics of the connected devices.

b Notes

• Normally, only one device can be connected to this unit with an i.LINK cable. When connecting this unit to an HDV/DV compatible device having two or more HDV/DV Interfaces, refer to the operating instructions of the device to be connected.

z Tips

• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations.

• IEEE1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

About the i.LINK Baud rate

i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according to the device. There are 3 types.

S100 (approx. 100Mbps*) S200 (approx. 200Mbps) S400 (approx. 400Mbps)

The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of each piece of equipment. It is also indicated near the i.LINK interface on some devices. The baud rate may differ from the indicated value when the unit is connected to a device with a different maximum baud rate.

* What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the amount of data that can be sent or received in one second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100 megabits of data can be sent in one second.

To use i.LINK functions on this unit

For details on how to dub when this unit is connected to other video devices having an i.LINK Interface, see page 65. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK-compatible devices made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video devices. Some i.LINK compatible video devices, such as Digital Televisions, DVD, MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are not compatible with this unit. Before connecting to other devices, be sure to confirm whether the device is compatible with an HDV/DV device or not. For details on precautions and compatible application software, refer also to the operating instructions for the device to be connected.

b Notes

• When connecting your camcorder to another i.LINK-compatible device, be sure to turn off the power of the device and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet before connecting or disconnecting the i.LINK cable.

About the required i.LINK cable

Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable (during HDV/DV dubbing).

About x.v.Color

• x.v.Color is a more familiar term for the xvYCC standard proposed by Sony, and is a trademark of Sony.

• xvYCC is an international standard for color space in video. This standard can express a wider color range than the currently used broadcast standard.

On using your camcorder

On use and care

• Do not use or store the camcorder and accessories in the following locations.

– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never leave

them exposed to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F), such as under direct sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in the sun. They may malfunction or become deformed.

– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical

vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.

– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The

camcorder may not be able to record properly.

– Near AM receivers and video equipment.

Noise may occur.

– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand

or dust gets in your camcorder, it may malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.

– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD

screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.

– Anywhere very humid.

• Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).

• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in these operating instructions.

• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example, from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.

• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further.

• Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product. Be particularly careful of the lens.

• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF (CHG) when you are not using your camcorder.

• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside.

• When disconnecting the power cord, pull it by the plug and not the cord.

• Do not damage the power cord such as by placing anything heavy on it.

• Keep metal contacts clean.

• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.

• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked, – consult your local authorized Sony service

facility.

– wash off any liquid that may have contacted

your skin.

– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with

plenty of water and consult a doctor.

x When not using your camcorder for a

long time

• Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a cassette for about 3 minutes.

• Use up the battery pack completely before storing it.

Moisture condensation

If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this state, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may not operate correctly. If there is moisture inside your camcorder, [%Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette] or [%

Continued ,

Additional Information

Maintenance and precautions (Continued)

Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.] appears. The indicator will not appear when the moisture condenses on the lens.

x If moisture condensation has occurred

None of the functions except cassette ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder, and leave it for about one hour with the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be used again when both of the following conditions are met:

• The warning message does not appear when the power is turned on.

• Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted and video operation buttons are touched.

If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after the cassette lid is opened. This is not a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.

x Note on moisture condensation

Moisture may condense when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a humid place as shown below.

• When you bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating device.

• When you bring your camcorder from an air conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.

• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a shower.

• When you use your camcorder in a hot and humid place.

x How to avoid moisture condensation

When you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place, put your camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag when the air temperature inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature (after about one hour).

Video head

If you play back a tape recorded in HDV format, the image and sound may freeze for a while (about 0.5 seconds). This occurs if the HDV signals cannot be recorded or played back correctly because of dirt on the tape or video head. Depending on the cassette, this fairly infrequently occurs even if the cassette is brand new or is not used a lot. If this freezing point is created while playing back, you can solve this problem and see the pictures by rewinding after slightly forwarding. Such a freezing point cannot be recovered if it was created while recording. To prevent such a problem, use the Sony mini DV cassette.

• If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).

– Playback pictures do not move. – Playback pictures do not appear. – The sound breaks off. –[x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning

cassette.] appears on the screen during recording.

– The following phenomenon occurs in HDV

format.

The playback screen pauses.

– The following phenomenon occurs in DV

format.

Block-noise appears.

The playback screen goes blank. (Solid blue screen)

• The video heads will degrade after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because the video heads are worn out. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video heads replaced.

LCD screen

• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage.

• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction.

• While using your camcorder, the back of the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a malfunction.

x To clean the LCD screen

If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, it is recommended you use a soft cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen. Use cleaning paper moistened with the liquid.

x On adjustment of the touch panel

(CALIBRATION)

The buttons on the touch panel may not work correctly. If this happens, follow the procedure below. It is recommended you connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation.

1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn

on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

2 Touch t [MENU] t

(STANDARD SET) t [CALIBRATION] t .

CALIBRATION

Touch the "x"

CANCEL

1/3

3 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with

the corner of the “Memory Stick Duo” or the like.

The position of the “×” changes.

To cancel, touch [CANCEL].

If you did not press the right spot, start from

3 again.

step

b Notes

• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is rotated.

On handling the casing

• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.

• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the finish.

– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,

alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide and sunscreen.

– Handling with above substances on your

hands.

– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or

vinyl objects for a long period of time.

About care and storage of the lens

• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances:

– When there are fingerprints on the lens

surface. – In hot or humid locations – When the lens is exposed to salty air such as

at the seaside.

• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust.

• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended that you operate your camcorder about once a month to keep it in optimum state for a long time.

Additional Information

Continued ,

Maintenance and precautions (Continued)

Specifications

On charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery

Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and other settings even when the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG). The preinstalled rechargeable battery is always charged while your camcorder is connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor or while the battery pack is inserted. The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all without the AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack attached. Use your camcorder after charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery. However, even if the pre-installed rechargeable battery is not charged, the camcorder operation will not be affected as long as you are not recording the date.

x Procedures

Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more than 24 hours.

System

Video recording system (HDV)

2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system

Video recording system (DV)

2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system

Still image recording system

Exif Ver. 2.2*

Audio recording system (HDV)

Rotary heads, MPEG-1 Aud io Layer -2, Quantization: 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo) transfer rate: 384 kbps

Audio recording system (DV)

Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)

Video signal

NTSC color, EIA standards 1080/60i specification

Usable cassette

Mini DV cassette with the mark printed

Tape speed (HDV)

Approx. 18.81 mm/s

Tape speed (DV)

SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s

Recording/playback time (HDV)

60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)

Recording/playback time (DV)

SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette) LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)

Fast forward/rewind time

Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60 cassette and rechargeable battery pack) Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60 cassette and AC Adaptor)

Viewfinder

Electric viewfinder (color)

100

Sony HDR-HC5, HDR-HC7 Operating Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Read this first

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Trying out the new HDV format!

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

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

Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording

Recording/Playback

Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)

Recording

Zooming

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

Controlling the image settings manually with the CAM CTRL dial (HDR-HC7)

Using the flash

Recording in dark places (NightShot)

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects

Recording in mirror mode

Playback

Using PB zoom

Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)

Searching for the starting point

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

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)

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

Playing the picture on a TV

Selecting the appropriate connection method (CNNECT GUIDE)

Connecting to a high definition TV

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

Using the Menu

Using the menu items

Menu items

CAMERA SET menu

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions

MEMORY SET menu

Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo”

PICT.APPLI. menu

Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback

EDIT/PLAY menu

Settings for editing or playing back in various modes

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings

Customizing Personal Menu

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders

Recording pictures from a VCR

Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo”

Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer)

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows computer

Installing the “First Step Guide” and software

Viewing “First Step Guide”

Using a Macintosh computer

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Warning indicators and messages

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad

Maintenance and precautions

Usable cassette tapes

About the “Memory Stick”

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

About i.LINK

About x.v.Color

On using your camcorder

Specifications