Sony HDR-HC5, HDR-HC7 Operating Guide

0 (0)

Additional information on this product and answers

to frequently asked questions can be found at our

Customer Support Website.

http://www.sony.net/

2-319-806-11(1)

Enjoying pictures with

high definition quality

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

	Getting Started	13
	Recording/	22
Operating Guide	Playback	22
	Using the Menu	40
HDR-HC5/HC7	Dubbing/Editing	65
HDR-HC5/HC7	Using a Computer	74
	Using a Computer	74
	Troubleshooting	79
	Additional Information	91
	Quick Reference	105
	Spanish Quick Guide/	116
	Guía rápida en español

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 , 3

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.

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.

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.

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. AC-

No.

For customers in the U.S.A.

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

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800- 222-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 , 5

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 with 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.



Viewfinder		LCD panel

•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 , 7

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
		Features available for the HDV format only

		Features available for the DV format only

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

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 .........

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings

TIME/LANGU. menu ..............	63
Customizing Personal Menu .........	63

Continued , 9

Dubbing/Editing
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
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

Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls	..... 105
Indicators displayed during recording/
playback ...................................	109
Index ...........................................	113
Spanish Quick Guide/
Guía rápida en español	116

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	1,080 effective
scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and	1,080 effective
records pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps.	scanning lines

•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.

•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).

quality definition high with pictures Enjoying

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)

Component video cable (1) (p. 35)

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

USB cable (1) (p. 72)

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

CD-ROM “Handycam Application

Software” (1) (p. 76)

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

Started Getting

Step 2: Charging the battery pack
	2
1		POWER
		switch

	DC IN jack
	3	4
Battery pack	DC plug	/CHG
		/CHG
		(charge)
	4	(charge)
	4	lamp
To the wall outlet	AC Adaptor
	AC Adaptor
	Power cord

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.

1 Attach the battery pack to your camcorder.

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

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.

•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

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.

Remaining battery (approx.)

Recording capacity (approx.)

You can check the remaining battery charge		Getting
You can check the remaining battery charge
on the LCD screen.
		Started
Indicator	Status	Started
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

Recording time

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

HDR-HC5

Battery pack	Continuous		Typical
Battery pack	recording		recording
	time		time*
Recording	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format
NP-FH50	75	80	40	45
	80	85	45	45
	80	90	45	50

Continued , 15

Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

	Continuous		Typical
Battery pack	recording		recording
	time		time*
Recording	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format
NP-FH60	100	110	55	60
(supplied)	105	115	55	60
	105	115	55	60
	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

	Continuous		Typical
Battery pack	recording		recording
	time		time*
Recording	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format
NP-FH50	70	70	40	40
	70	75	40	40
	75	80	40	45

NP-FH60	90	95	50	50
(supplied)	95	100	50	55
	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	LCD panel		LCD panel
Battery pack	opened*		closed
	opened*		closed
Recorded	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format
NP-FH50	110	120	125	135

NP-FH60	145	160	165	180
(supplied)	145	160	165	180
(supplied)

NP-FH70	235	255	270	290

NP-FH100	545	590	615	660

HDR-HC7

Battery pack	LCD panel		LCD panel
Battery pack	opened*		closed
	opened*		closed
Recorded	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format	HDV	DV	HDV	DV
Format

NP-FH50	105	115	120	130

NP-FH60	140	150	160	170
(supplied)	140	150	160	170
(supplied)

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.

•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.

Started Getting

POWER switch

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

DATE

2007Y JAN M 1D 12: 00 AM

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

You can set any year up to the year 2079.

Continued , 17

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.

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.

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).

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).

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

180 degrees

(max.)

		1
	90 degrees	90 degrees to the
	90 degrees	camcorder
	(max.)	camcorder
	(max.)

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

Press and hold DISPLAY/BATT INFO for a few seconds untilappears.

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 untildisappears.

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.

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

Started Getting

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.

Step 5: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick 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.

Window

Cassette compartment

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 {DO NOT PUSH} while it is sliding in. It may cause a malfunction.

“Memory Stick Duo”

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

(p. 93).

z Tips

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

1 Open the LCD panel.

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

Access lamp

The cassette compartment 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.

Started Getting

Recording/Playback

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.

	E If the POWER switch is set to
	OFF (CHG), slide it while
A	pressing the green button.
A
	D
	F
B
	C
Movies	Still images

1 Slide the POWER switch Eto turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.

2 Press EASY C.

EASY	appears on the screen
	A.

3 Press START/STOP F or B to start recording.

60min EASY REC

GUIDE MENU

[STBY] t [REC]

To stop recording, press For B again.

1 Slide the POWER switch Eto turn on the CAMERAMEMORY lamp.

2 Press EASY C.

EASY	appears on the screen

3 Press PHOTO D to record.*

60min	EASY	6.1M	11
101
		GUIDE	MENU

Flashing t Lit

Press and hold lightly	Press fully to record.
to adjust the focus.

* 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		Still images
Touch	to rewind,	Touch	t	/
then touch	to start	to select a picture.
playback.		A
		A
A	C	GUIDE C		D
		GUIDE C		D
	B			MENU
	B

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 Cagain. 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.

PHOTO

POWER switch

START/STOP B

START/STOP A

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.

Press START/STOP A (or B).

60min

STBY

60min

REC

60min

GUIDE

P-MENU

GUIDE

P-MENU

[STBY]

[REC]

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.

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.

Beep	min	6.1M
		GUIDE	P-MENU

Flashing bLights up

Shutter click	min	6.1M
		GUIDE	P-MENU

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.

Recording/Playback

Continued , 25

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.

1Slide the POWER switch to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp, then press START/STOP to start tape recording.

2Press 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.

3Press 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

1Press the MANUAL button to activate the manual adjustment mode.

The setting mode switches between automatic and manual every time you press the MANUAL button.

2Rotate the CAM CTRL dial to adjust the focus manually.

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

1Press and hold the MANUAL button for several seconds.

The [DIAL SET] screen appears.

60min

STBY

0:00:00

DIAL SET

FOCUS

EXPOSURE

SHUTTR SPEED

AE SHIFT

WB SHIFT

RESET

[MANUAL]:EXEC

2Rotate the CAM CTRL dial and select a menu item to be assigned.

	3 Press the MANUAL button.
	b Notes
	b Notes	Recording/Playback
	• The menu item settings done before will be	Recording/Playback
	• 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

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 , 27

Recording (Continued)

(Forced flash): Always uses the flash regardless of the surrounding brightness. r

(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)

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).

•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).