Sony HDR-HC9E Operating Guide

3-278-989-12(1)

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

HDR-HC9E

Enjoying pictures with

high definition quality

Getting Started 12

Recording/

Playback

Using the Menu 40

Dubbing/Editing 65

Using a Computer 74

Troubleshooting 79

Additional Information 91

Quick Reference 104

Read this first

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

WARNING

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

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

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

CAUTION

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

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-HC9E Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA

92127 U.S.A. Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION

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

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

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

Battery pack

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

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

Notice for customers in the United Kingdom

A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience.

Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362 (i.e., marked with an or

mark) must be used.

If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE

ATTENTION

The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (i.LINK, etc.) again.

Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives

The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 1080075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product. Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection

systems)

This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources. In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To ensure that the battery will be treated properly, hand over the product at end-oflife to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries. For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

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” that have the logo shown below (p. 93).

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

PRO Duo”)

– (“Memory Stick

PRO-HG Duo”)

“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 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).

• When connecting your camcorder to another device with communication cables, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder.

About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

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

• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny

black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

Black point

White, red, blue or green 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. 17).

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

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

on a TV, you need an PAL system-based TV.

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

On playing back HDV tapes on other devices

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

About this manual

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

• 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

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

Notes on use .................................. 4

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

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

Viewing video recorded in the HDV

format! ........................................ 11

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

.................................................... 12

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

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

Step 3: Turning the power on and

setting the date and time ............ 16

Step 4: Making setting adjustments

before recording ......................... 18

Step 5: Inserting a tape or a “Memory

Stick Duo” ................................... 19

Recording/Playback

Easy Recording/Playback

(Easy Handycam) ....................... 21

Recording ..................................... 23

Zooming ...................................... 25

Recording high quality still images

during tape recording (Dual Rec)

................................................... 25

Controlling the image settings

manually with the CAM CTRL dial

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

Using the flash ............................ 26

Recording in dark places

(NightShot) ................................ 27

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects .................................... 27

Recording in mirror mode ........... 27

Playback ....................................... 28

Note on the icons used in this manual

Features available for the HDV format only

Features available for the DV format only

Using PB zoom ............................ 30

Using the guide functions (USAGE

GUIDE) .......................................31

Searching for the starting point .... 32

Searching for the last scene of the

most recent recording (END

SEARCH) .................................. 32

Reviewing the most recently

recorded scenes (Rec review)

................................................... 32

Searching quickly for a desired

scene (Zero set memory) .......... 32

Searching for a scene by date of

recording (Date search) ........... 33

Playing the picture on a TV .......... 34

Selecting the appropriate

connection method (CNNECT

GUIDE) ...................................... 34

Connecting to a high definition TV

................................................... 35

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

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

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

Dubbing/Editing

Quick Reference

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD

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

Recording pictures from a VCR, etc.

.....................................................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 ......104

Indicators displayed during recording/

playback ....................................108

Index ...........................................112

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 .......................................... 94

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

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

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

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

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

1,080 effective scanning lines

Trying out the HDV format!

Shooting in the HDV format

High image quality

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

What is the HDV format?

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

• Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i

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

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

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

Why shoot in the HDV format?

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).

Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!

Enjoying pictures with high definition quality

Viewing on a high definition TV (

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 34.

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

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 (

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 (

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.

p. 74

)

p. 34

p. 36

)

p. 65

)

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. 13)

Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 13)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 107)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 34, 65)

USB cable (1) (p. 72)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH60 (1) (p. 13, 94)

Lens hood (1) (p. 106)

Remove the lens hood when you use the flash, Nightshot or SuperNightshot, or its shadow will appear in the picture.

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

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

Component video cable (1) (p. 34)

i.LINK cable (1) (p. 34, 65, 68, 76)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

DC IN jack

POWER switch

Getting Started

Battery pack

DC plug

To the wall outlet (wall socket)

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 94) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

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

Attach the battery pack to your camcorder.

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

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) (the default setting).

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.

Power cord (Mains lead)

AC Adaptor

/CHG (charge) lamp

Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet (wall socket).

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 (wall socket) as shown in the illustration. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.

Continued ,

Remaining battery (approx.)

Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

To remove the battery pack

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

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

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

Indicator Status

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

60 65

Recording capacity (approx.)

Sufficient power remaining

Battery low, recording/ playback will stop soon.

Replace the battery with a fully charged one, or charge the battery.

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.

Battery pack

Recording Format

NP-FH50 70 75 40 40

Continuous recording time

HDV DV HDV DV

75 80 40 45

80 80 45 45

Typical recording time*

Battery pack

Recording Format

NP-FH60 (supplied)

Continuous recording time

HDV DV HDV DV

95 100 50 55

100 105 55 55

Typical recording time*

105 110 55 60

NP-FH70 155 165 85 90

165 175 90 95

170 180 90 95

NP-FH100 365 385 195 210

385 405 210 220

395 415 215 225

* 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.

Battery pack

Recorded Format

NP-FH50

NP-FH60 (supplied)

LCD panel opened*

HDV DV HDV DV

105 120 120 135

140 160 160 180

NP-FH70 230 255 255 290

NP-FH100 525 590 590 660

* When the LCD backlight turns on.

LCD panel closed

• The /CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 14) 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 (mains lead) is disconnected from the wall outlet (wall socket).

• 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 (wall socket) when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.

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

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

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

Getting Started

On the battery pack

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

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.

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

Set [Y] (year) with / .

You can set any year up to the year

2079.

POWER switch

–:––:––

2008Y1--M1D0:00

Move to [M] (month) with , then set with / .

Move to [D] (day) with , then set with / and repeat for the hour and minute.

Make sure the date and time settings are correct, then touch

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 / 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.

Getting Started

Step 4: Making setting adjustments before

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

Viewfinder

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.

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 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

{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).

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.

Insert a cassette with its window facing outwards, then press

Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly.

Cassette compartment

Window

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 “Memory Stick” that have the logo shown below (p. 93).

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

PRO Duo”)

– (“Memory Stick

PRO-HG Duo”)

z Tips

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

Open the LCD panel.

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

Getting Started

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

Continued ,

Step 5: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” (Continued)

Access lamp

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.

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.

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

Movies

Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.

Press EASY C.

EASY

Press START/STOP F or B to start recording.

To stop recording, press F or B again.

appears on the screen

REC

EASY

60min

[STBY] t [REC]

MENUGUIDE

Still images

Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the CAMERAMEMORY lamp.

Press EASY C.

EASY

Press PHOTO D to record.*

Press and hold lightly to adjust the focus.

appears on the screen

60min60min

EASY

6.1M

101

Flashing t Lit

Press fully to record.

MENUGUIDE

Recording/Playback

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

Continued ,

Movies

Still images

Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)

Playing back movies/still images

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

Touch to rewind, then touch to start playback.

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

To cancel

Press EASY C again. disappears from the screen.

Adjustable menu settings during

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.

Unavailable buttons durin

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. 27)

• Pressing and holding DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (p. 18)

• CAM CTRL dial (p. 26)

• MANUAL button (p. 26)

Easy Handycam

operation

g Easy Handycam

Easy Handycam

Touch t /

to select a picture.

GUIDE

A GUIDE (p. 31) B Tape playback C Previous/Next D Delete (p. 70)

operation

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.

Recording/Playback

Press START/STOP A (or B

60min

STBY REC

[STBY]

60min

P-MENUGUIDE P-MENUGUIDE

60min

[REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP A (or B) 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 25 for details.

60min

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

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.

6.1M 6.1M

P-MENU P-MENUGUIDE GUIDE

Flashing bLights up

Shutter click

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.

Zooming

Wider range of view:

Orange color

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

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.

Recording/Playback

(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 ×.

Power zoom lever

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.

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.

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

• 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

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.

Menu items that can be assigned

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

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. 50).

Using the flash

Flash

Flash button

To assign the menu items to the CAM CTRL dial

1 Press and hold the MANUAL button for

several seconds. The [DIAL SET] screen appears.

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

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

(Forced flash): Always uses the flash

regardless of the surrounding brightness.

(No flash): Records without flash.

b Notes

• Remove the lens hood when you use the flash, or its shadow will appear in the picture.

• 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 th e 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. 48). 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 backlight function, press . (back light) again.

Recording in mirror mode

Recording/Playback

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) and the lens hood.

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

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch*

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.

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

Rotate the CAM CTRL dial to adjust the volume manually (p. 26).

z Tips

• You can also adjust the volume from the menu (p. 59).

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).

Viewing still images

P-MENU

GUIDE

6060minmin

6.1M

60min 10/10

MEMORY PLAYMEMORY PLAYMEMORY PLAY

Previous/Next

Switches the playback media*

Go to the index screen display

Touch .

The most recently recorded image is displayed.

* 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).

Recording/Playback

Continued ,

Playback (Continued)

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].

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