Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this product
will increase eye hazard. Use of controls or
adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
Replace the battery with the specified type only.
Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted
to this equipment for your safety and
convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied
one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362
(i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the
fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony
service station.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and sound
of this 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 (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical
& Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the
European Union and other
European countries with
separate collection
systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over
to the applicable collection point for the recycling
of electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you
will help prevent potential negative consequences
for the environment and human health, which
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste
handling of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local Civic
Office, your household waste disposal service or
the shop where you purchased the product.
Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander
2
Page 3
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you
may call:
Sony Customer Information Center
1-800-222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related matters
only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: HDR-UX1E
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
Notes on use
Your camcorder is supplied with two
kinds of operations guides.
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)
– “First Step Guide” for using your
camcorder with the computer connected
(stored on the supplied CD-ROM)
Types of the disc you can use in your
camcorder
You can use the following discs only.
– 8cm DVD-R
– 8cm DVD-RW
– 8cm DVD+RW
– 8cm DVD+R DL
Use the discs with marks listed below. See
page 16 for details.
For reliability durability of recording /
playback, we recommend that you use Sony
discs or discs with an
VIDEO CAMERA) mark for your DVD
Handycam.
• Using a disc other than above may cause the
unsatisfactory recording/playback or you may
not be able to remove the disc from your DVD
Handycam.
* Depending on the place you bought, the disc has
a mark.
*(for
Continued ,
3
Page 4
Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use
in your camcorder
There are two sizes of “Memory Stick.”
You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked
with or
(p. 128).
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your
camcorder.)
“Memory Stick”
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)
• You cannot use any type of memory card
except “Memory Stick Duo.”
• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick
PRO Duo” can be used only with
“Memory Stick PRO” compatible
equipment.
When using a “Memory Stick Duo”
with “Memory Stick” compatible
equipment
Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
ViewfinderLCD screen
• The camcorder is not dustproofed,
dripproofed or waterproofed. See
“Maintenance and precautions” (p. 131).
• To prevent discs from being broken or
recorded images from being lost, do not
do the following when either of the
respective lamps of the POWER switch
(p. 29) or the ACCESS lamp (p. 33) is on:
– to remove the battery pack or AC
Adaptor from the camcorder.
– to apply mechanical shock or vibration to
the camcorder.
• When connecting your camcorder to
another device with an HDMI cable, a
component video cable, or a USB cable,
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
Battery
4
Page 5
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 images of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the image
and sound are recorded without any
problems. You cannot delete images once
you record them on a DVD-R/DVD+R
DL. Use a DVD-RW/DVD+RW for trial
recording (p. 16).
• Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
countries/regions. To view your
recordings on a TV, you need a PAL
system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
On playing the disc on other devices
You can play back, or format discs recorded
with HD (high definition) image quality
only on AVCHD format compatible
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.
• Disc in this Operating Guide refers to 8cm
DVD discs.
• 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. 20).
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.
About the marks used in this manual
• The operations available depend on the
disc used. The following marks are used
to indicate the type of disc you can use
for a particular operation.
• These marks indicate the discs that can
be used when recording with HD (high
definition) image quality.
5
Page 6
Table of Contents
Read this before operating your camcorder ............................................. 2
Subject examples and solutions ............................................................ 10
Read This First (supplied)
Provides features and information about the
camcorder you should know before using it.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack ......................................................... 26
Step 3: Turning the power on .................................................................29
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ....................................30
Step 5: Setting the date and time ...........................................................31
Step 6: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” ..................................33
Shooting
Recording the images ............................................................................36
Zooming
Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording)
Using the flash
Recording high quality still images during movie recording (Dual Rec)
Recording in dark places (NightShot)
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects
Recording in mirror mode
Recording the fast action in slow-motion (SMTH SLW REC)
Controlling the image settings manually with the camera control ring
6
Page 7
Playback
Viewing the images ................................................................................44
Using PB zoom
Playing back a series of still images (Slide show)
Playing the image on a TV .....................................................................48
Index .....................................................................................................148
9
Page 10
Subject examples and solutions
Shooting
Checking your golf swing
B Smooth slow recording.............42
Flowers in close-up
B Soft portrait...............................91
B Focus ........................................90
B Telemacro .................................90
Focusing on the dog on the left side of
the screen
B Focus ........................................90
B Spot focus.................................90
Focusing more distant objects
B Landscape.................................92
B Focus ........................................90
Capturing still images during movie
recording
B Dual Rec....................................40
Getting a good shot of a ski slope or
beach
B Backlight ...................................41
B Beach&Ski.................................91
10
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A child on the stage under a spot light
B Spotlight ...................................91
Fireworks with all its splendor
B Sunset&Moon...........................91
B Focus ........................................90
A sleeping child under dim light
B NightShot..................................41
B Color Slow Shutter....................92
Playback
Viewing on the TV screen
Playing the disc on another device
Editing, others
Deleting the unnecessary images
Copying a disc for your friend
Using the disc again
Using your camcorder on a trip
..................................48
..................................70
..................................54
..................................61
..................................72
................................123
11
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Enjoying your camcorder
Operation flow
B Unpack the camcorder and the supplied
accessories.
Read the supplied “Read This First” before you use
your camcorder.
B Prepare the right disc (p. 16).
You can consult the [DISC SELECT GUIDE] (page
71) displayed on the screen to select the right disc.
• You will find a chart to help you select a disc in the
supplied “Read This First.”
B Initialize the disc (p. 33).
When you format the disc, you can select the
recording image quality, HD (high definition) or SD
(standard definition).
B Shoot using your camcorder (p. 36).
Movies are recorded on the disc, and still images are
recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo.”
12
Page 13
Enjoying movies recorded with the HD (high definition)
image quality
B You can view the movies with the HD (high definition) image quality (p. 48).
b Notes
• Images recorded with the SD (standard
definition) image quality cannot be converted
to HD (high definition) image quality.
z Tips
• If your TV is not a high definition TV,
movies with HD (high definition) image
quality will be displayed with SD (standard
definition) image quality.
• You can consult the [TV CONNECT Guide]
(p. 48) displayed on the screen on connecting
your TV and camcorder.
B Playing discs on AVCHD format compatible devices (p. 70).
Important notice regarding discs recorded in the AVCHD format
The camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD format. DVD media containing
AVCHD footage may not be used with standard DVD players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder
may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning.
B Editing and copying disc contents (p. 62).
You can dub images recorded with HD (high definition) image quality by connecting your
camcorder to a DVD device. Note that the dubbed images will be recorded with SD
(standard definition) image quality.
Enjoying your camcorder
Using a computer, you can edit or copy
images recorded with HD (high
definition) image quality.
b Notes
• Install the supplied application software on
the computer in advance.
13
Page 14
Experience the beauty of HD (high
definition) images
B Your camcorder offers both AVCHD and DVD recording formats.
The recording format depends on the image quality, HD (high definition) or SD (standard
definition). Select the image quality when you use a new disc on your camcorder (p. 33).
b Notes
• You cannot change the image quality of a disc midway.
• The images recorded with SD (standard definition) image quality cannot be converted to HD (high
definition) image quality.
• Your camcorder is compatible with the “1440 × 1080/50i” standard of AVCHD format (p. 127).
“AVCHD 1080i format” is abbreviated as “AVCHD” in this manual, except when it must be described in
more detail.
B HD (high definition) image qualityB SD (standard definition) image
quality
AVCHD format
Image resolution:
3.75 times of that of SD
about
(standard definition)
DVD format
Records high definition images.
Recommended whether or not you have a
high definition TV.
The disc can be played only on the
devices compatible with the AVCHD
format (p. 70).
b Notes
• AVCHD images cannot be played on most
currently available DVD devices, which are
incompatible with the AVCHD format.
z Tips
• AVCHD images can be viewed even on nonhigh definition TVs. The image quality,
however, is equivalent to SD (standard
definition) image quality (p. 48).
14
Records standard definition images.
Recommended if playback compatibility
is important.
The disc can be played on DVD devices.
b Notes
• DVD-RW (VR mode) discs can be played on
the compatible devices only.
Page 15
Recording time
Expected recordable time on one side of a disc
Enjoying your camcorder
HD (high definition) image quality( ): the minimum recording
AVCHD formatApproximate recordable time (min.)
Recording mode
AVC HD 12M (HQ+)
(highest quality)
AVC HD 9M (HQ) (high
quality)
AVC HD 7M (SP)
(standard quality)
AVC HD 5M (LP) (long
play)
15 (14)
20 (14)35 (26)
25 (18)45 (34)
32 (26)
27 (26)
60 (50)
SD (standard definition) image quality( ): the minimum recording
DVD formatApproximate recordable time (min.)
Recording mode
SD 9M (HQ) (high
quality)
SD 6M (SP) (standard
quality)
SD 3M (LP) (long play)
z Tips
• Figures such as 12M and 9M in the table show the average bit rate. M stands for Mbps.
20 (18)
30 (18)55 (32)
60 (44)
35 (32)
110 (80)
• If you use a double-sided disc, you can record on both sides of the disc (p. 125).
time
time
Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the
recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of a disc.
Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit rate, and this reduces
the overall recording time.
15
Page 16
Selecting the right disc
You can use DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+R DL discs of 8 cm in diameter with
your camcorder. What you can do with the recorded images depends on the image recording
quality, HD (high definition) or SD (standard definition), and the type of disc you selected.
B Selecting the right disc for your purposes
The following reference materials are available.
• “Select the right disc” in the supplied “Read This First.”
• [DISC SELECT GUIDE] (p. 71).
• Disc characteristics explained on this page.
HD (high definition) image qualityDisc type
What you can do on your camcorder using this
type of disc
(Disc symbols)
Deleting images on your camcorder (54)
Editing images on your camcorder (56)
Finalizing required to play on other devices (66)
Making additional recordings on a finalized disc
(74)
Formatting the used disc to use it again (72)
Making longer recordings on a side of a disc--a-
( ) indicates the reference page.
b Notes
• The aspect ratio of images recorded with HD (high definition) image quality is 16:9 (wide).
aa --
aa --
aaaa
aa --
aa --
16
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SD (standard definition)
image quality
What you can do on your camcorder
using this type of disc
(Disc symbols)
Disc type
Enjoying your camcorder
*1
Recording movies at an aspect ratio
of 16:9 (wide) and 4:3 on a disc (34)
Deleting images on your camcorder
(54)
Editing images on your camcorder
(56)
Finalizing required to play on other
devices (66)
Making additional recordings on a
finalized disc (74)
Creating DVD menus during
finalizing (66)
Formatting the used disc to use it
again (72)
Making longer recordings on a side
of a disc
( ) indicates the reference page.
*1 There are 2 recording formats, VIDEO mode and VR mode, for DVD-RW.
*2 Finalizing is required to play the disc in a DVD drive on a computer. A DVD+RW that is not finalized
may cause the computer to malfunction.
aa -aa
-a---
-a---
aa-*
aaa --
a-aaa
aaa --
---a-
2
aa
17
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Enjoying your camcorder
“HOME” and “OPTION”
- Taking advantage of two types of menus
“HOME MENU” - the starting point for all operations with your
camcorder
When you want to customize your camcorder, open the “HOME MENU.” This menu is the
gateway to all the functions of your camcorder. See page 20 for further details.
I don’t want to keep these still
images. What should I do?
Try [DELETE] in [EDIT] on the
HOME MENU. You can select
and delete them all at once.
(HELP)
Displays a description of the item (p. 22).
(HOME)
18
(HOME)
Category (p. 23)
Page 19
“OPTION MENU” enables you to access functions directly
Just a touch on the screen during shooting or playback displays the functions available at that
moment. You will find it easy to make various settings. See page 24 for further details.
I want be sure which still image
I am deleting. What should I do?
Turn on the OPTION MENU
when you are viewing images,
then try [DELETE]. You can
delete the image on the screen.
(OPTION)
Enjoying your camcorder
Uh huh, the OPTION MENU
items are different, depending
on what I’m doing.
19
Page 20
x Notes on the menu operation
Place your fingers on the rear side of the
LCD panel (touch panel) to support it.
Then, touch the buttons displayed on the
screen with your thumb.
Perform the same actions as explained
above when you press the buttons on the
LCD panel.
• Be careful not to press the buttons below
the LCD panel accidentally while using
the touch panel.
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not
work correctly, adjust the touch panel
(CALIBRATION) (p. 132).
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language. To
select the screen language, touch
(SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t
[ LANGUAGE SET]
(p. 87).
Using the HOME MENU
Selecting and deleting a still image on the
edit screen is explained as an example.
1 Slide the POWER switch to turn
on your camcorder.
2 Press (HOME) A (or B).
(HOME) B
(HOME) A
20
HOME MENU
Category (p. 23)
Page 21
3 Touch the (OTHERS)
category.
7 Touch the image you want to
delete.
Enjoying your camcorder
4 Touch [EDIT].
5 Touch [DELETE].
6 Touch [DELETE].
8 Touch t [YES] t .
21
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B When you want to know something
about the function of each item on
the HOME MENU - HELP
1 Press (HOME).
The HOME MENU appears.
2 Touch (HELP).
The bottom of the (HELP) button
turns orange.
3 Touch the item you want to know
the content.
When you touch an item, its explanation
appears on the screen.
To apply the option, touch [YES],
otherwise, touch [NO].
To deactivate the HELP
Touch (HELP) in step 2.
22
Page 23
B Categories and items of the HOME MENU
CategoryItem
CAMERA
VIEW IMAGES
MOVIE (p. 37)
PHOTO (p. 38)
SMTH SLW REC (p. 42)
VISUAL INDEX (p. 46)
PLAYLIST (p. 57)
Enjoying your camcorder
OTHERSEDIT (p. 54)
SELECT DEVICESCOMPUTER (p. 61)
MANAGE DISC/MEMORY
SETTINGS
PLAYLIST EDIT (p. 57)
PRINT (p. 63)
TV CONNECT Guide (p. 48)
PRINTER (p. 63)
FINALIZE (p. 66)
DISC SELECT GUIDE (p. 71)
FORMAT (p. 72)
FORMAT (p. 73)
UNFINALIZE (p. 74)
DISC INFO (p. 75)
To customize your camcorder (p. 76).
23
Page 24
Using the OPTION MENU
Deleting a still image during viewing is
explained as an example.
1 While viewing the still image you
want to delete, touch (OPTION)
on the screen.
(OPTION)
OPTION MENU
Tab
3 Touch [DELETE] t [YES] t .
Items on the OPTION MENU
See pages 89 and 95.
When the item you want is not on the
screen
Touch another tab. If you cannot find the
item anywhere, the function does not work
under the situation.
b Notes
• The tabs and items that appear on the screen
depend on the recording/playback status of your
camcorder at the time.
• Some items appear without a tab.
2 Touch .
24
Page 25
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have the following
items supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
25
Page 26
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (M series) (p. 130) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
DC IN jack
POWER switch
CHG
(charge)
lamp
DC plug
Mains lead
To the wall socket
Jack cover
Battery
AC Adaptor
1 Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to OFF
(CHG) (The default setting).
3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder.
Open the jack cover, and connect the
DC plug of the AC Adaptor.
Jack cover
Facing up the v
mark on the DC
plug, match it with
the v mark on your
camcorder.
4 Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor and the wall socket.
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp
turns off when the battery is fully
charged.
2 Attach the battery pack by sliding
it in the direction of the arrow
until it clicks.
26
5 Disconnect the AC Adaptor from
the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
b Notes
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN
jack holding both the camcorder and the DC
plug.
Page 27
z Tips
• If you attach the battery pack or connect the AC
Adaptor when the POWER switch is set to OFF
(CHG), your camcorder turns on, then off again,
after a few seconds.
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
b Notes
• When you remove the battery pack, make sure
that the (Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp
(p. 29) is turned off.
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (see page 130 for the
details of storage).
To use an outside power source
Make the same connections as you do when
charging the battery pack. The battery pack
will not lose its charge in this case.
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info)
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then
press DISP/BATT INFO.
After a while, the approximate recordable
time in the selected format and battery
information appear for about 7 seconds.
You can view the battery information for up
to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT
INFO again while the information is
displayed.
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording capacity (approx.)
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Battery packCharging time
NP-FM50
(supplied)
NP-QM71D260
NP-QM91D360
150
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
HD (high definition) image quality
Continuous
Battery pack
NP-FM50
(supplied)
NP-QM71D235125
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
9550
10055
9550
245130
240130
Getting Started
Continued ,
27
Page 28
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-QM91D360195
375205
365200
SD (standard definition) image quality
Battery pack
NP-FM50
(supplied)
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
12065
12565
12065
NP-QM71D300165
305165
300165
NP-QM91D455250
465255
455250
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
b Notes
• All times measured with recording mode [SP]
under the following conditions:
Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.
Bottom: Recording time when recording with
the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
HD (high definition) image quality
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened*
NP-FM50
(supplied)
NP-QM71D305305
NP-QM91D465465
LCD panel
closed
125125
SD (standard definition) image quality
Battery pack
NP-FM50
LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
140145
(supplied)
NP-QM71D340355
NP-QM91D520535
* When the LCD backlight is on.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and turn off the
(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 29).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or Battery Info (p. 27) will not be
correctly displayed under the following
conditions:
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
– The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery
Info only).
• The power will not be supplied from the battery
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the
mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.
• When attaching an optional video light, it is
recommended that you use an NP-QM71D or
NP-QM91D battery pack.
• We do not recommend using an NP-FM30,
which only allows short recording and playback
times, with your camcorder.
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured when using the camcorder at
25 °C (77 °F) (10 °C 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.
28
Page 29
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
wall socket immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
PRECAUTION
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
Step 3: Turning the
power on
To record, slide the POWER switch
repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.
When using it for the first time, the
[CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 31).
Lens cover
POWER switch
Getting Started
While pressing the green button in
the center, slide the POWER switch
repeatedly in the direction of the
arrow to turn on the power.
Green button
When you record, switch the power mode
by sliding the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow until the respective
lamp lights up.
(Movie): To record movies
(Still): To record still images
Continued ,
29
Page 30
Step 3: Turning the power on
(Continued)
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
b Notes
• It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be
ready to shoot after the power is turned on. You
cannot operate your camcorder during this time.
• The lens cover opens automatically when the
power is turned on. It closes when the playback
screen is selected, or the power is turned off.
• In the setting at the time of purchase, the power
turns off automatically if you leave your
camcorder without any operation attempted for
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 88).
Step 4: Adjusting the
LCD panel and
viewfinder
LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play (2).
290 degrees
(max.)
2180 degrees
(max.)
To turn off the LCD backlight to make
the battery last longer
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few
seconds until appears.
This setting is practical when you use your
camcorder in bright conditions or you want
to save battery power. The recorded image
will not be affected by the setting. To turn
on the LCD backlight, press and hold DISP/
BATT INFO for a few seconds until
disappears.
DISP/BATT INFO
190 degrees to the
camcorder
30
To hide the screen indicators
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the
screen indicators (such as time code) on or
off.
b Notes
• Do not press the buttons below the LCD screen
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD
panel.
Page 31
z Tips
• If you open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens
side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD
screen facing out. This is convenient during
playback operations.
• On the HOME MENU, touch (SETTINGS)
t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [LCD BRIGHT]
(p. 85) to adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen.
Viewfinder
You can view images using the viewfinder
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when
the image seen on the LCD screen is poor.
Viewfinder
Step 5: 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.
b Notes
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 4
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 built-in rechargeable battery and then
set the date and time again (p. 133).
(HOME) B
POWER switch
Getting Started
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the
image is clear.
z Tips
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting (SETTINGS) t
[SOUND/DISP SET] t [VF B.LIGHT] on the
HOME MENU (p. 85).
(HOME) A
Skip to step 5 when you set the clock for
the first time.
1 Press (HOME) A (or B) to
display the HOME MENU.
2 Touch (SETTINGS).
Continued ,
31
Page 32
Step 5: Setting the date and time (Continued)
3 Display [CLOCK/ LANG] with v/
V, then touch it.
4 Touch [CLOCK SET].
5 Select the desired geographical
area with v/V, then touch [NEXT].
6 Set [SUMMERTIME], then touch
[NEXT].
7 Set [Y] (year) with v/V.
10
Make sure that the clock is
correctly set, then touch .
The clock starts.
You can set any year up to the year
2037.
z Tips
• The date and time does not appear during
recording, but they are automatically recorded
on the disc, and can be displayed during
playback (see page 84 for [DATA CODE]).
• Refer to page 124 for information concerning
“World time difference.”
8 Select [M] with b/B, then set the
month.
9 Set [D] (day), hour and minute in
the same way, then touch [NEXT].
32
Page 33
Step 6: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick
Duo”
Disc
A new 8 cm DVD-R, DVD-RW,
DVD+RW, or DVD+R DL is required for
recording (p. 16).
b Notes
• Remove dust or fingerprints from the disc
beforehand, using a soft cloth (p.126).
POWER switch
ACCESS lamp (Disc)
1 Check that the power of your
camcorder is on.
2 Slide the disc cover OPEN switch
in the direction of the arrow
(OPEN B).
[PREPARING TO OPEN] appears on
the LCD screen. Then the opening
chime sounds, followed by bip, bip.
After the bips stop, the disc cover opens
slightly, automatically.
Disc cover
OPEN switch
Pickup lens
Getting Started
When the disc cover opens slightly,
open it further.
3 Set the disc with the recording
side facing your camcorder, then
press the center of the disc until it
clicks.
Set the disc with the label side facing
out when using a single-sided disc.
4 Close the disc cover.
[DISC ACCESS] appears on the LCD
screen.
It may take some time for the camcorder
to recognize the disc, depending on the
disc type and condition.
Continued ,
33
Page 34
Step 6: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” (Continued)
Skip to step 6 when you use a DVD-R/
DVD+R DL.
5 When you use a DVD-RW/
DVD+RW, touch [Use DISC
SELECT GUIDE].
6 Touch [Record HD (high
definition) images.].
Touch [Record SD (standard definition)
images.] to record with SD (standard
definition) image quality.
Items displayed vary depending on the
status of your camcorder, or the type of
disc inserted.
b Notes
• You cannot change the image quality (HD (high
definition) or SD (standard definition)) of a disc
midway.
• See page 14 for details on HD (high definition)/
SD (standard definition) image quality.
7 Touch the option that is right for
you on the screen.
The disc will be formatted with the
image recording quality and mode you
selected. When the formatting is
completed, you can start recording on
the disc.
34
If you select SD (standard definition)
image quality
• When you use a DVD-RW, a record
mode, [VIDEO] or [VR], will be assigned
automatically (
p. 17).
• When you use a DVD+RW, select the
aspect ratio, [16:9 WIDE] or [4:3].
To remove the disc
Perform steps 1 and 2 to open the disc cover,
then remove the disc.
b Notes
• Be careful not to obstruct the operation with
your hand or other objects, etc., when opening
or closing the disc cover. Move the belt to the
bottom of the camcorder, then open or close the
disc cover.
• If you catch the belt when closing the disc
cover, it may cause your camcorder to
malfunction.
• Do not touch the disc with the recording side or
pickup lens (p.133).
When using a double-sided disc, take care not to
smudge the surface with fingerprints.
• If you close the disc cover with the disc set
incorrectly, it may cause your camcorder to
malfunction.
• Do not disconnect the power sources during
formatting.
• Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder:
– while the ACCESS lamp is on
– while the ACCESS lamp is flashing
– while [DISC ACCESS] or [PREPARING TO
OPEN] is displayed on the LCD screen
• It may take some time to remove the disc
depending on the disc condition or recorded
materials.
• It may take up to 10 minutes to remove a disc if
it is damaged or is dirty with fingerprints, etc. In
that case, the disc might be damaged.
z Tips
• You can remove the disc when a power source
is connected to your camcorder even when your
camcorder is turned off. However, the disc
recognition process (step 4) does not start.
• To delete all of the previously recorded images
from a DVD-RW/DVD+RW, then to use it
Page 35
again to record new images, see “Deleting all
scenes on the disc (Formatting)” on page 72.
• You can check the right disc using [DISC
SELECT GUIDE] on the HOME MENU (page
71).
“Memory Stick Duo”
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo”
marked with or
(p. 128).
1 Open the LCD panel.
2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot
in the right direction until it clicks.
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 so that the “Memory Stick
Duo” does not pop out and drop.
z Tips
• The number of recordable images vary,
depending on the image quality or the image
size. For details, see page 81.
Getting Started
Access lamp
(“Memory Stick Duo”)
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”
Open the LCD panel, lightly push the
“Memory Stick Duo” in once.
35
Page 36
Shooting
Recording the images
START/STOP B
POWER switch
START/STOP A
Fastening the grip belt
(HOME) C
(HOME) D
PHOTO
Lens cover
Opens in accordance with
the setting of the POWER
switch.
b Notes
• If the ACCESS lamp (page 33, 35) is on after
recording is finished, it means data is still being
written onto the disc or “Memory Stick Duo.”
Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the battery or
AC Adaptor.
36
Page 37
Recording movies
Movies are recorded on the disc.
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to light up
the (Movie) lamp.
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
while pressing the green button only when the POWER
switch is in the OFF (CHG) position.
Press START/STOP A (or B).
[STBY]
To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
To record high resolution still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” during
shooting a movie (Dual Rec)
t See page 40.
To switch to the movie recording mode using the (HOME) button
1 Press (HOME) C (or D) when the power of the camcorder is on.
2 Touch the (CAMERA) category on the HOME MENU.
3 Touch [MOVIE].
[REC]
Shooting
Continued ,
37
Page 38
Recording the images (Continued)
Recording still images
Still images are recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.”
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to light up
the (Still) lamp.
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
while pressing the green button only when the POWER
switch is in the OFF (CHG) position.
Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus A, then press it fully B.
BeepClick
Flashing bLights up
A shutter sound is heard. When disappears, the image has been recorded.
To switch to the still image recording mode using the (HOME) button
1 Press (HOME) C (or D) when the power of the camcorder is on.
2 Touch the (CAMERA) category on the HOME MENU.
3 Touch [PHOTO].
38
Page 39
Shooting
Recording the images
Zooming
You can magnify images from about 1.1 to
10 times the original size with the power
zoom lever or the zoom buttons below the
LCD screen.
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 below the LCD screen.
• 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. 79) if you
want to zoom to a level greater than 10 ×.
Recording sound with more
presence (5.1ch surround
recording)
Sound picked up by the built-in 4ch
microphone is converted to 5.1ch surround
sound and recorded.
Active
Interface Shoe
Built-in 4ch microphone
Your camcorder has Dolby Digital 5.1
Creator installed for recording 5.1ch
surround sound. Enjoy realistic sound when
playing the disc on devices that support 5.1ch
surround sound.
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, 5.1ch surround sound
Glossary (p.146)
b Notes
• To play the disc recorded with HD (high
definition) image quality and enjoy the sound in
5.1ch surround, you need an AVCHD format
device compatible with 5.1ch surround (page
70).
• 5.1ch sound is converted to 2ch when played back
on your camcorder.
• is displayed on the screen during 5.1ch
recording/playback.
To record with a wireless microphone
By attaching the wireless microphone
(optional*) to the Active Interface Shoe
(p. 139), you can record distant sound.
This distant sound is allotted to the front
center part of the 5.1ch surround sound,
mixed with the sound picked up by the
built-in 4ch microphone, and recorded. You
can enjoy more realistic sound by playing
Continued ,
Shooting
39
Page 40
Recording the images (Continued)
the disc on the device that supports 5.1ch
surround sound.
For details, refer to the instruction manual
of your wireless microphone.
Optional wireless microphone is not available in
*
all countries/regions.
Using the flash
Flash
Flash charge
lamp
Press (flash) repeatedly to select an
appropriate setting.
No indication (Auto flash): Automatically
flashes when there is insufficient ambient
light.
r
(Forced flash): Always uses the flash
regardless of the surrounding brightness.
r
(No flash): Records without flash.
b Notes
• The recommended distance to the subject when
using the built-in flash is approximately 0.5 to
2.5 m (1 5/8 to 8 feet).
• Remove any dust from the surface of the flash
lamp before using it. Flash effect may be
impaired if heat discoloration or dust obscures
the lamp.
• The flash charge lamp flickers while charging
the flash, and remains lit when the battery
charge is complete.
• If you use the flash in bright places such as
when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may
not be effective.
• When attaching a conversion lens (optional) or a
filter (optional) to your camcorder, the flash
light does not emit light.
z Tips
• You can change the brightness of the flash by
setting [FLASH LEVEL] (p. 83), or you can
prevent the redeye by setting [REDEYE
REDUC] (p. 83).
Recording high quality still
images during movie recording
(Dual Rec)
You can record high quality still images on
the “Memory Stick Duo” while recording a
movie on the disc.
1 Press START/STOP to start movie
recording.
2 Press PHOTO fully.
After you start recording, and before you
finish, you can select up to 3 frames of still
images from your movie.
Orange color
boxes indicate the
number of
recorded images.
When recording is
finished, the color
changes to orange.
3 Press START/STOP to stop movie
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
recording is finished and the still images are
stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”
• You cannot use the flash during Dual Rec.
40
Page 41
z Tips
• When the POWER switch is set to
(Movie), the size of still images becomes
2.3M (16:9 wide) or 1.7M (4:3).
• You can record still images during recording
standby in the same way as when the POWER
switch is set to (Still). You can also record
with the flash.
Recording in dark places
(NightShot)
Infrared port
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch to ON. (
appears.)
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. 90)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
• Do not use the NightShot and Super NightShot
functions in bright places. This may cause a
malfunction.
z Tips
• To record an image brighter, use Super
NightShot function (p. 93). To record an image
more faithfully to the original colors, use Color
Slow Shutter function (p. 92).
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
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 image will be normal when
recorded.
Shooting
Continued ,
41
Page 42
Recording the images (Continued)
Recording the fast action in
slow-motion (SMTH SLW REC)
Fast moving subjects and actions, which
cannot be captured under the ordinary
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.
(HOME) B
(HOME) A
1 Slide the POWER switch to turn on the
camcorder.
2 Press (HOME) A (or B) to display
the HOME MENU.
3 Touch (CAMERA).
4 Touch [SMTH SLW REC].
5 Press START/STOP.
An about 3 second-movie is recorded as a
12 second-slow-motion-movie.
When [Recording···] disappears, recording
is finished.
Touch to cancel the smooth slow
recording.
To select the start point
The default setting is [3sec AFTER].
1 Touch (OPTION) on the [SMTH
SLW REC] screen.
2 Touch .
3 Touch [TIMING].
42
Select one of the following start points
for recording.
[3sec AFTER]
[3sec BEFORE]
b Notes
• Sounds cannot be recorded.
Controlling the image settings
manually with the camera
control ring
You can assign one menu item you use
often to the camera control ring.
Since the focus adjustment is assigned to
the camera control ring in the default
settings, the operation below is described as
adjusting the focus using the ring.
Camera control ring
1 Press MANUAL to activate the manual
adjustment mode.
Pressing MANUAL switches the setting
mode between automatic and manual.
2 Rotate the camera control ring to adjust the
focus.
Items you can assign to the camera
control ring
– [FOCUS] (p. 90)
– [EXPOSURE] (p. 91)
Page 43
–[AE SHIFT] (p.78)
– [WB SHIFT] (p. 78)
To assign the menu items to the
camera control ring
1 Press and hold MANUAL for a few
seconds.
The [RING SETTING] screen appears.
2 Rotate the camera control ring and select
the item to be assigned.
3 Press MANUAL.
z Tips
• The functions of the items that can be assigned
to the camera control ring are the same as those
of menu operation.
• If you select [RESET] while adjusting an item
manually, all the items adjusted manually are
reset to the default settings.
• You can assign the menu item to the camera
control ring in the HOME MENU by selecting
(SETTINGS) t [MOVIE SETTINGS]/
[PHOTO SETTINGS] t [RING SETTING]
(p. 80).
Shooting
43
Page 44
Playback
Viewing the images
Lens cover
Closes in accordance with
(VIEW IMAGES).
(HOME) D
(HOME) C
POWER switch
44
(VIEW IMAGES) B
(VIEW IMAGES) A
Slide the POWER switch to turn on your camcorder.
Press (VIEW IMAGES) A (or B).
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen. (It may take some time to
display the VISUAL INDEX screen.)
Appears with the image on each of the tab that was
Returns to the
recording screen
Previous
12 images
Next
12 images
Returns to the
recording screen
lastly played back/recorded (B for the still image).
Displays the movies
Displays the still
images
Disc type
(OPTION)
Page 45
Playing movies
On the VISUAL INDEX screen, touch the tab and the movie to be
played back.
Toggles Play or Pause as you touch
Return (to the VISUAL
INDEX screen)
Beginning of the
scene/previous
scene
Stop (go to the VISUAL
INDEX screen)
Reverse/ Forward
Next scene
(OPTION)
To play back movies slowly
Touch / during pause.
To adjust the sound volume
Touch (OPTION) t tab t [VOLUME], then adjust the volume with /.
z Tips
• A touch of / makes the reverse/fast forward approximately 5 times faster, 2 touches makes it
approximately 10 times faster (Approximately 8 times faster using DVD+RW with SD (standard
definition) image quality).
• There is i on the movie you played the last time. If you touch the movie, you can play it back from the
point you have stopped.
Playback
Continued ,
45
Page 46
Viewing the images (Continued)
Viewing still images
On the VISUAL INDEX screen, touch the tab and the still image to
be played back.
Return (to the VISUAL
INDEX screen)
Go to the VISUAL
INDEX screen
Previous/Next
To switch to the playback mode using the (HOME) button
1 Press (HOME) C (or D) when the power of the camcorder is on.
2 Touch the (VIEW IMAGES) category on the HOME MENU.
3 Touch [VISUAL INDEX].
(OPTION)
46
Page 47
Playback
Using PB zoomPlaying back a series of still
You can magnify still images from about
1.1 to 5 times the original size.
Magnification can be adjusted with the
power zoom lever or the zoom buttons
below the LCD screen.
1 Play back the still images you want to
magnify.
2 Magnify the still image with T
(Telephoto).
The screen is framed.
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 .
b Notes
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons below the LCD screen.
images (Slide show)
Touch on the still image playback
screen.
The slide show begins from the selected
image.
Touch to stop the slide show. To
restart, touch again.
z Tips
• You can set continuous slide show playback
using [SLIDE SHOW SET] on (OPTION).
The default setting is [ON] (continuous
playback).
b Notes
• You cannot operate playback zoom during slide
show.
Playback
47
Page 48
Playing the image on a TV
Connection methods and quality of the
image viewed on the TV screen differ
depending on what type of TV is connected,
and the connectors used.
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power
source (p. 26).
Refer also to the instruction manuals
supplied with the device to be connected.
Operation flow
You can make sure that you are connecting
the TV correctly using [TV CONNECT
Guide] displayed on the LCD screen.
Switch the input on the TV to the
connected jack.
Refer to the instruction manuals of the
TV.
r
Connect your camcorder and TV
referring to [TV CONNECT Guide].
r
Make the required output settings
on your camcorder (page 49).
Jacks on your camcorder
Open the jack cover and connect the cable.
Selecting the most
advantageous connection - TV
CONNECT Guide
Your camcorder will advise you of the most
advantageous way of connecting your TV.
1 Turn on your camcorder, and
press (HOME).
2 Touch (SELECT DEVICES).
3 Touch [TV CONNECT Guide].
4 Touch the option that is right for
you on the screen.
Meanwhile, you can make the relevant
connection between your camcorder and
the TV.
48
Page 49
Connecting to a high definition TV
Images recorded with HD (high definition) image quality are played back with HD (high
definition) image quality. Images recorded with SD (standard definition) image quality are
played back with SD (standard definition) image quality.
Input jacks on the TV
Playback
t (p. 49)
Type CamcorderCableTVHOME MENU setting
Component video cable
(supplied)
A/V connecting cable
(supplied)
b Notes
• 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.
(Green) Y
(Blue) PB/C
(Red) PR/C
t (p. 50)
: Signal flow
(SETTINGS) t
[OUTPUT SETTINGS]
t [COMPONENT] t
[1080i/576i] (p. 86)
B
R
(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)
Continued ,
49
Page 50
Playing the image on a TV (Continued)
: Signal flow
Type CamcorderCableTVHOME MENU setting
HDMI cable (optional)
b Notes
• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.
• Images are not output from the HDMI OUT jack, if copyright protection signals are recorded in the
images.
• Some TVs may not function correctly (e.g., no sound or image) with this connection.
• Do not connect the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of the external device with
the HDMI cable. This may cause a malfunction.
50
Page 51
Connecting to a non-high-definition 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV
Images recorded with HD (high definition) quality is converted to SD (standard definition)
and played back. Images recorded with SD (standard definition) image quality are played back
with SD (standard definition) image quality.
Input jacks on the TV
Playback
t (p. 52)t (p. 52)
t (p. 52)
To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)
Set [TV TYPE] to [16:9] or [4:3] according to your TV (p. 86).
b Notes
• When you play back a movie recorded with SD (standard definition) image quality on a 4:3 TV that is not
compatible with the 16:9 signal, display the HOME MENU, then select (SETTINGS) t [MOVIE
SETTINGS] t [WIDE SELECT] t [4:3] on your camcorder when recording an image (p. 79).
Continued ,
51
Page 52
Playing the image on a TV (Continued)
: Signal flow
Type CamcorderCableTVHOME MENU setting
(SETTINGS) t
Component video cable
(supplied)
(Green) Y
(Blue) PB/C
(Red) PR/C
B
R
A/V connecting cable
(supplied)
(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)
b Notes
• 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.
A/V connecting cable with
S VIDEO (optional)
(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)
b Notes
• When the S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) is connected, audio signals are not output. To output audio
signals, connect the white and red plugs of an A/V connecting cable with the S VIDEO cable to the audio
input jack of your TV.
• This connection produces higher resolution images compared with the A/V connecting cable (Type ).
A/V connecting cable
(supplied)
(Red)
(White)
(Yellow)
[OUTPUT SETTINGS]
t [COMPONENT] t
[576i] (p. 86)
(SETTINGS) t
[OUTPUT SETTINGS]
t [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/
[4:3] (p. 86)
(SETTINGS) t
[OUTPUT SETTINGS]
t [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/
[4:3] (p. 86)
(SETTINGS) t
[OUTPUT SETTINGS]
t [TV TYPE] t [16:9]/
[4:3] (p. 86)
52
Page 53
When connecting to your TV via a 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 red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR.
When you want to play the sound in monaural mode, use a connecting cable for that purpose.
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR)
Use a 21-pin adaptor (optional) to view playback images.
b Notes
• When you output images using the A/V connecting cable, images are output with SD (standard definition)
image quality.
z Tips
• If you connect your camcorder to your TV using more than one type of cable to output images, the order
of priority of the output signal is as follows:
HDMI t component video t S VIDEO t audio/video.
• HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send both video/audio signals. The
HDMI OUT jack outputs high quality images and digital audio.
Playback
53
Page 54
Editing
(OTHERS) category
This category enables you to edit the
images on a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo.”
(OTHERS) category
Deleting images
You can delete the images recorded on a
disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” using your
camcorder.
Insert a recorded disc or “Memory Stick
Duo” into your camcorder.
Deleting the movies on the disc
Item list
EDIT
You can edit the images on a disc or a
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 54, 55).
PLAYLIST EDIT
You can create and edit a Playlist (p. 57).
PRINT
You can print still images on a connected
PictBridge printer (p. 63).
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (OTHERS) t [EDIT].
3 Touch [DELETE].
4 Touch [DELETE].
5 Touch the image to be deleted.
54
The selected scene is marked with .
Page 55
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
6 Touch t [YES] t .
Deleting the still images in the
“Memory Stick Duo”
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
To delete all movies on the disc at one
time
In step 4, touch [DELETE ALL] t
[YES] t [YES] t .
b Notes
• Images cannot be restored once they are deleted.
• Do not remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor from your camcorder while editing
images. It may damage the disc.
• You can do this operation only with DVD-RW
(VR mode) for the SD (standard definition)
image quality.
• If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist
(p. 57), the movie is deleted also from the
Playlist.
• Even if you delete unnecessary images from the
disc, the remaining disc capacity may not
increase as much as you can make additional
recording.
• To delete all images recorded in the disc and
restore the original capacity of the disc, format
the disc (page 72).
z Tips
• You can select up to 100 images at one time.
• You can delete an image when viewing it using
[DELETE] on (OPTION).
2 Touch (OTHERS) t [EDIT].
3 Touch [DELETE].
Editing
4 Touch [DELETE].
5 Touch the still image to be
deleted.
The selected still image is marked with
.
Press and hold the still image on the LCD
screen to confirm the still image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
Continued ,
55
Page 56
Deleting images (Continued)
Dividing the image
6 Touch t [YES] t .
To delete all still images on the
“Memory Stick Duo”
In step 4, touch [DELETE ALL] t
[YES] t [YES] t .
b Notes
• You cannot restore still images once they are
deleted.
• You cannot delete still images when a “Memory
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab is set to
the write-protect position (p. 128), or when the
selected image is protected.
z Tips
• You can select up to 100 still images at one
time.
• You can delete a still image when viewing it
using [DELETE] on (OPTION).
• To delete all images recorded on the “Memory
Stick Duo,” format the “Memory Stick Duo”
(p. 73).
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (OTHERS) t [EDIT].
3 Touch [DIVIDE].
4 Touch the movie to be divided.
The movie pauses.
5 Touch at the point where
you want to divide the movie into
the scenes.
The movie pauses.
Returns to the beginning of
the selected movie.
Adjusts the dividing point more
precisely after the dividing point has
been selected with .
56
Play and pause toggles as you press
.
To adjust the volume, touch
(OPTION) t [VOLUME].
6 Touch t [YES] t .
Page 57
Creating the Playlist
b Notes
• Molvies cannot be restored once they are
divided.
• Do not remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor from your camcorder while editing
images. It may damage the disc.
• You can do this operation only with DVD-RW
(VR mode) for the SD (standard definition)
image quality.
• Even if the divided movie is included in the
Playlist, the movie is not divided in the Playlist.
• A slight difference may occur from the point
where you touch and the actual dividing
point, as your camcorder selects the dividing
point based on about half-second increments.
A Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of
the movies that you have selected. The
original scenes are not changed even
though you edit or delete the scenes in the
Playlist.
Playlist Glossary (p. 147)
Make sure to insert the recorded disc into
your camcorder.
b Notes
• You can do this operation only with DVD-RW
(VR mode) for the SD (standard definition)
image quality.
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (OTHERS) t
[PLAYLIST EDIT].
3 Touch [ADD].
Editing
4 Touch the scene to be added to
the Playlist.
.
The selected scene is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
Continued ,
57
Page 58
Creating the Playlist (Continued)
5 Touch t [YES] t .
To add all the movies on the disc in
the Playlist
In step 3, touch [ADD ALL] t [YES]
t [YES] t .
b Notes
• Do not remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor from your camcorder while editing the
Playlist. It may damage the disc.
z Tips
• You can add a maximum of 999 movies to the
Playlist.
• You can add a movie when viewing it using
[ ADD] on (OPTION).
Playing the Playlist
Make sure to insert the disc on which the
Playlist is added into your camcorder.
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (VIEW IMAGES) t
[PLAYLIST].
3 Touch the scene from which you
want to play back.
The Playlist is played back from the
selected scene to the end, then the
screen returns to the Playlist screen.
Erasing unnecessary scenes
from the Playlist
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (OTHERS) t
[PLAYLIST EDIT].
3 Touch [ERASE].
4 Select the scene to be deleted
from the list.
58
The selected scene is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
5 Touch t [YES] t .
Page 59
To erase all the scenes from the Playlist
In step 3, touch [ERASE ALL] t [YES] t
[YES] t .
z Tips
• The original scenes are not changed even if you
erase the scenes from the Playlist.
Changing the order within the
Playlist
6 Select the destination with [T]/
[t].
Destination bar
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (OTHERS) t
[PLAYLIST EDIT].
3 Touch [MOVE].
4 Select the scene to be moved.
The selected scene is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
5 Touch .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
7 Touch t [YES] t .
z Tips
• When you select multiple scenes, the scenes are
moved following the order appeared in the
Playlist.
Dividing a movie within the
Playlist
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (OTHERS) t
[PLAYLIST EDIT].
3 Touch [DIVIDE].
4 Select the scene to be divided.
The playback of the selected scene
starts.
Editing
Continued ,
59
Page 60
Creating the Playlist (Continued)
5 Touch at the point where
you want to divide the movie into
scenes.
The movie pauses.
Play and pause toggles as you press
.
6 Touch t [YES] t .
b Notes
• A slight difference may occur from the point
where you touch and the actual dividing
point, as your camcorder selects the dividing
point based on about half-second increments.
z Tips
• The original movies are not changed even if you
divide the movie in the Playlist.
60
Page 61
Dubbing/printing
(SELECT DEVICES)
category
This category enables you to utilize your
camcorder connected to other devices.
(SELECT DEVICES) category
Item list
COMPUTER
Your camcorder can be connected to your
computer (p. 96).
TV CONNECT Guide
Your camcorder advises you of the most
advantageous way of connecting your TV
to view images on the TV (p. 48).
PRINTER
You can print still images on a connected
PictBridge printer (p. 63).
Dubbing a disc
By connecting your camcorder to a VCR,
DVD/HDD recorder, or a computer, you
can dub a disc.
b Notes
• If you want to play back discs on the most
currently available DVD devices, create discs
by dubbing so that the image quality is
converted to SD (standard definition).
• An image recorded with SD (standard
definition) image quality cannot be converted to
HD (high definition) image quality.
Quality of dubbed images by
connecting other devices
When dubbing the images on the disc to
another VCR or DVD/HDD recorder
(p. 62).
Image quality of
recorded images
HDtSD
SDtSD
Quality of dubbed images by
copying in a computer
“Picture Motion Browser” on the CD-ROM
(supplied) must be installed on the
computer (p. 98).
Image quality of
recorded images
HDtHD or SD
SDtSD
To copy the entire disc
Use “Disc Copier” on the CD-ROM
(supplied).
Image quality of
recorded images
HDtHD or SD
SDtSD
HD: High definition
SD: Standard definition
Image quality of
dubbed images
Image quality of
created discs
Image quality of
created discs
Dubbing/printing
61
Page 62
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders
You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs
or DVD/HDD recorders. Connect the device in either of the following ways.
Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation
(p. 26). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
b Notes
• Movies recorded with HD (high definition) image quality will be dubbed with SD (standard
definition) image quality.
• Since dubbing is performed via analog data transfer, the image quality may deteriorate.
• To copy a disc recorded with HD (high definition) image quality, install the application software
(supplied) on your computer (p. 98), and copy the images to a disc in the computer.
A/V OUT jack
IN
S VIDEO
: Video/Signal flow
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of the other
device.
B A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via
the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V
connecting cable with an S VIDEO
cable (optional), higher quality images
can be produced than with an A/V
connecting cable. Connect the white and
red plug (left/right audio) and the S
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of the
A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO
cable (optional). The yellow plug
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO
connection only will not output audio.
62
(Yellow) (White) (Red)
VIDEO
AUDIO
b Notes
• You cannot dub to recorders connected with an
HDMI cable.
• To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter,
etc.) on the screen of the monitor device
connected, set (SETTINGS) t [OUTPUT
SETTINGS] t [DISP OUTPUT] t [LCD
PANEL] (the default setting) on the HOME
MENU (p. 86).
• To record the date/time and camera settings
data, display them on the screen (p. 84).
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack,
and the red (right channel) or the white (left
channel) plug to the audio input jack on the
device.
IN
(Yellow) (White) (Red)
VIDEO
VCRs or DVD/
HDD recorders
AUDIO
Page 63
1 Insert the recorded disc into your
camcorder.
2 Turn on your camcorder, and
press (VIEW IMAGES).
Set [TV TYPE] according to the display
device (p. 86).
3 Insert the recording media in the
recording device.
If your recording device has an input
selector, set it to the input mode.
Printing recorded
images
compliant printer)
You can print out still images 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 socket
(p. 26).
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” containing
still images into your camcorder and turn
on the printer.
Connecting your camcorder to
the printer
(PictBridge
4 Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (VCR or DVD/
HDD recorder) with the A/V
connecting cable (supplied) 1 or
an A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional) 2.
Connect your camcorder to the input
jacks of the recording device.
5 Start the playback on your
camcorder, and record it on the
recording device.
Refer to the instruction manuals
supplied with your recording device for
details.
6 When dubbing is finished, stop
the recording device, and then
your camcorder.
1 Turn on your camcorder.
2 Connect the (USB) jack of your
camcorder to the printer using
the USB cable (p. 140).
[USB SELECT] appears on the screen
automatically.
3 Touch [PRINT].
When connection is complete,
(PictBridge connecting) appears on
the screen.
One of the still images stored on the
“Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.
b Notes
• We can guarantee the operation of only models
that are PictBridge compatible.
Continued ,
Dubbing/printing
63
Page 64
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) (Continued)
Printing
1 Touch the still image to be
printed.
The selected image is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
2 Touch (OPTION), set the
following options, then touch
.
[COPIES]: Set number of copies of a
still image to be printed. You can set up
to 20 copies.
[DATE/TIME]: Select [DATE],
[DAY&TIME], or [OFF] (no date/time
printed).
[SIZE]: Select the paper size.
If you do not change the setting, go to
step 3.
3 Touch [EXEC] t [YES] t .
The image selection screen appears
again.
b Notes
• Refer also to the instruction manual of the
printer to be used.
• Do not attempt the following operations when
is on the screen. The operations may not be
performed properly.
– To operate the POWER switch.
– To press (VIEW IMAGES)
– To disconnect the USB cable from the printer.
– To 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.
• You can select only the paper sizes that the
printer can print.
• On some printer models, the top, bottom, right,
and left edges of images may be trimmed. If you
print a still image recorded in a 16:9 (wide)
ratio, the left and right ends of the image may be
trimmed widely.
• Some printer models may not support the date
printing function. Refer to your printer’s
instruction manual for details.
• We cannot guarantee the printing of images
recorded with a device other than your
camcorder.
• You cannot print still images that have a file
size larger than 2 MB or 2304 × 1728 pixels,
recorded by other devices.
z Tips
• 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.
• You can print a still image when viewing it
using [PRINT] on (OPTION).
To finish printing
Touch on the image selection screen.
64
Page 65
Utilizing recording media
(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY) category
This category enables you to use a disc or a
“Memory Stick Duo” for various purposes.
(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY)
category
Item list
FINALIZE
You can enable discs to be played on other
devices by finalizing them (p. 66).
DISC SELECT GUIDE
Your camcorder advises you of the right
disc for your purpose (p. 71).
FORMAT
You can format and use the disc again
(p. 72).
FORMAT
You can format and use the “Memory Stick
Duo” again (p. 73).
Utilizing recording media
UNFINALIZE
You can unfinalize a disc and record more
images on it (p. 74).
DISC INFO
You can display the disc information
(p. 75).
65
Page 66
Making the disc compatible with playback on
other devices or DVD drives (Finalizing)
Finalizing makes the recorded disc compatible for playback with other devices and DVD
drives of computers.
During finalizing, you can select the disc menu type to view disc contents (p. 68).
b Notes
• Playback compatibility with all device is not guaranteed.
• Only the devices compatible with the AVCHD format can play the discs recorded with HD (high
definition) image quality (p. 70). Currently available DVD devices cannot play these discs.
Discs recorded with HD (high definition) image quality
Discs of all kinds should be finalized.
Discs recorded with SD (standard definition) image quality
• Finalize DVD-R/DVD+R DL/DVD-RW.
• Finalize DVD+RW in the following cases:
– To create the DVD menu
– To playback in the DVD drives of computers
– Recorded time is short (5 minutes or less in HQ mode, 8 minutes or less in SP mode and 15
minutes or less in LP mode)
b Notes
• In the case of SD (standard definition) image quality, a DVD menu is created instead of a disc menu.
• No DVD menu is created for DVD-RW (VR mode).
66
Page 67
Operation flow
The following operations are for the discs recorded with HD (high definition) image quality.
To play back a disc on another device for the first time (p.68)
Playback on
other device
AVCHD-compatible
device
Finalize
Computer
Make desired settings.
BDisc menu
To add recordings to a finalized disc (p. 74)
Recordings cannot be
added.
Recordings cannot be
added.
If a disc menu has been created,
a confirmation screen prompts
you to confirm that you wish to
add a recording.
Make a new
recording
Continued ,
Utilizing recording media
67
Page 68
Making the disc compatible with playback on other devices or DVD drives
(Finalizing) (Continued)
To play back a disc on another device after adding a recording (p.68)
Playback on
other device
AVCHD-compatible
device
Finalize
Computer
Make desired settings.
BDisc menu
Finalizing a disc
b Notes
• It takes from a minute to a maximum of several
hours to finalize a disc. The shorter the amount
of material recorded on the disc, the longer it
takes for finalizing.
• Use the AC Adaptor as the power source to
prevent your camcorder from running out of
power during finalizing.
• When you finalize a double-sided disc, you
must finalize each side of the disc individually.
1 Place your camcorder in a stable
position, and connect the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
2 Turn on the power by sliding the
POWER switch.
3 Insert the disc to be finalized.
68
4 Press (HOME).
5 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) t [FINALIZE].
To select a disc menu style, touch
(OPTION) t [DISC MENU]
(p. 69).
Go to step 6 if you want to finalize the
disc using [STYLE1] (default setting).
Disc menu Glossary (p. 146)
6 Touch [YES] t [YES].
Finalizing starts.
Page 69
7 When [Completed.] appears,
touch .
b Notes
• Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC
Adaptor during finalizing.
When you need to disconnect the AC Adaptor,
make sure that the power of your camcorder is
set to off and disconnect the AC Adaptor after
the (Movie) or (Still) lamp goes off.
Finalizing restarts when you connect the AC
Adaptor and turn on your camcorder again.
You cannot remove the disc until the finalizing
operation is completed.
• When using the following discs, Z flashes
after finalizing is completed on the recording
standby screen of your camcorder. Remove the
disc from your camcorder.
– Discs recorded with HD (high definition)
image quality
– Discs recorded with SD (standard definition)
image quality, except DVD-RW (VR mode)
z Tips
• When you set to create a disc menu (or DVD
menu) and finalize the disc, the disc menu
appears for a few seconds while finalizing the
disc.
• After the disc is finalized, the disc type/
recording format indicator changes as shown
below:
To select a disc menu style
1 In step 4, touch (OPTION) t
[DISC MENU].
2 Select the desired style from 4 types of
pattern with [T]/[t].
Select [NO MENU] if you do not create
a disc menu.
3 Touch .
b Notes
• You cannot do this operation with DVD-RW
(VR mode) for the SD (standard definition)
image quality.
The kind of device you can play a disc on
depends on the image quality (HD (high
definition) or SD (standard definition))
selected when the disc was recorded. For
details, refer to the instruction manual
supplied with your device.
Discs recorded with HD (high
definition) image quality
You can play back these discs only on
devices compatible with the AVCHD
format.
Since DVD players and DVD recorders are
incompatible with the AVCHD format, they
cannot play discs recorded with HD (high
definition) image quality.
Also, if you insert an HD (high definition)
image quality disc recorded in the AVCHD
format in these devices, you may not be
able to eject the disc.
If you have inserted a disc recorded in the
AVCHD format in a DVD device, there is a
risk that you can neither record nor play
back the disc correctly on your camcorder.
Discs recorded with SD (standard
definition) image quality
You can play these discs back on DVD
devices. However, we do not guarantee
playback on all DVD devices.
b Notes
• Do not use an 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm
DVD as it may cause a malfunction.
• Make sure that a vertically installed device is
placed in a position such as that the disc can be
placed horizontally.
• Refer to the instruction manual supplied with
your device or consult your dealer.
• Some discs cannot be played back, may freeze
for an instant between scenes. Some functions
may be disabled on some devices.
z Tips
• Devices that support subtitles can display the
recording date and time where the subtitles
normally appear (p. 80). Refer to the instruction
manual of your device.
• If you have created a disc menu (p. 68), you can
select the desired scene in the menu.
• You can also play the playlist back on other
devices if the discs were recorded with HD
(high definition) image quality (p. 57).
Create the playlist on your camcorder in
advance, then select on the disc menu.
Playing a disc on a computer
b Notes
• Make sure that the DVD drive of the computer
can play an 8 cm DVD.
• Do not use an 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm
DVD as it may cause a malfunction.
• You must finalize the disc (p. 66). Otherwise, a
malfunction may occur.
To play a disc recorded with HD (high
definition) image quality
Install “Picture Motion Browser” on the
supplied CD-ROM on the computer to play
movies (p. 98).
z Tips
• For details on operations and procedures, see the
“First Step Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM
(p. 101).
To play a disc recorded with SD
(standard definition) image quality
You can play a disc on a computer if a
DVD playback application is installed on
the computer.
1 Insert the finalized disc into the DVD
drive of your computer.
2 Play back the disc using a DVD
playback application.
70
Page 71
b Notes
• The disc may not be played back, or the movies
may not be played smoothly on some
computers.
• You cannot play back or edit movies that have
been copied from the disc to the hard disk of
your computer directly. For details on how to
import movies, refer to the “First Step Guide”
on the supplied CD-ROM.
Finding the right disc
- DISC SELECT GUIDE
Select the option that is right for you on the
screen, then you will be informed of the
appropriate disc for your purposes.
1 Turn on your camcorder, and
press (HOME).
The volume label of the disc recorded
with SD (standard definition) image
quality
The date when the disc was first used is
recorded.
<e.g.>
When the disc was first used at 6:00 pm on
January 1st 2006:
2006_01_01_06H00M_PM
Volu me
label
z Tips
• Images in discs recorded with SD (standard
definition) image quality are stored in the
following folders:
– DVD-RW (VR mode)
DVD_RTAV folder
– Other discs and modes
VIDEO_TS folder
2 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY).
3 Touch [DISC SELECT GUIDE].
4 Touch the option that is right for
you on the screen.
When you answer all the questions, you
will be informed of the right disc for
you.
When you insert the same type of disc
as that indicated in the results of the
guide, the disc is formatted with the
options you selected.
z Tips
• You can refer to “Selecting the right disc” in the
supplied “Read This First,” as well.
Utilizing recording media
71
Page 72
Deleting all scenes on the disc
(Formatting)
Formatting the disc
Formatting makes the recorded disc new
and reusable by deleting all the data
recorded on the disc. The recording
capacity of the disc is recovered by
formatting it.
A DVD-R/DVD+R DL cannot be
formatted. Replace it with a new
disc.
If you format a finalized disc
Formatting deletes all images on a finalized
disc. One of the following icons, or
, appears on the screen, but there is no
need to finalize the disc again before
playing the disc on an AVCHD format
compatible player.*
When formatting a disc of the SD
(standard definition) image quality
• In the case of a DVD-RW (VIDEO
mode), the disc is unfinalized and it has to
be finalized again to enable the disc to be
played on another device.
• In the case of a DVD-RW (VR mode)/
DVD+RW, formatting deletes all images
on a finalized disc. One of the following
icons, or , appears on the
screen, but there is no need to finalize the
disc again before playing the disc on other
devices.*
* To create a disc menu (DVD menu) on a
DVD+RW, finalize the disc again (p. 66).
1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder,
then connect the mains lead to
the wall socket.
2 Turn on your camcorder.
72
3 Insert the disc to be formatted
into your camcorder.
4 Press (HOME).
5 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) t [FORMAT].
b Notes
• The screen message will be different if the disc
was formatted with SD (standard definition)
image quality at the previous formatting. Follow
the procedures on the screen.
6 Touch [YES].
To record with SD (standard definition)
image quality, touch [SD].
b Notes
• You cannot change the recording format of a
disc midway.
• For details on AVCHD format/DVD format, see
page 14.
7 Touch the option that is right for
you on the screen.
The disc will be formatted in the
recording image quality and mode you
selected.
Page 73
When the disc is formatted, you can
start recording on the disc.
To format a disc with SD (standard
definition) image quality
• Select the recording format, VIDEO mode
or VR mode, for DVD-RW (p. 17).
• Select the aspect ratio, [16:9 WIDE] or
[4:3], for DVD+RW.
b Notes
• Use the AC Adaptor as the power source to
prevent your camcorder from running out of
power during formatting.
• Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC
Adaptor during formatting.
• When you use a double-sided disc, formatting is
required on each side. You can format each side
in the different recording image quality and
mode.
• In the case of DVD+RW with SD (standard
definition), you cannot change the movie aspect
ratio midway. Format the disc again to change
the aspect ratio.
• You cannot format a disc that has been
protected on other devices. Cancel the
protection with the original device, and then
format it.
Formatting the “Memory Stick
Duo”
Formatting deletes all images on a
“Memory Stick Duo.”
4 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) t [FORMAT].
5 Touch [YES] t [YES].
6 When [Completed.] appears,
touch .
b Notes
• Even the still images protected with another
device against accidental deletion are also
deleted.
• Do not attempt the following operations when
[Executing...] is on the screen:
– To operate the POWER switch or buttons
– To remove the “Memory Stick Duo”
Utilizing recording media
1 Turn on your camcorder.
2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” to
be formatted into your
camcorder.
3 Press (HOME).
73
Page 74
Recording additional scenes after finalizing
(Unfinalize)
4 Touch [YES] t [YES].
You can record additional material on the
finalized DVD-RWs/DVD+RWs after the
following steps, if there is space to record
on the disc.
b Notes
• Use the AC Adaptor as power source to prevent
your camcorder from running out of power
during the operation.
• Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC
Adaptor during the operation.
• A disc menu created during finalizing are
deleted.
• When you use a double-sided disc, unfinalize
each side.
1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder,
then connect the mains lead to
the wall socket.
2 Slide the POWER switch to turn
on the (Movie) lamp.
5 When [Completed.] appears,
touch .
For the discs recorded with SD
(standard definition) image quality
• When using the finalized DVD-RW (VR
mode) disc, you can record additional
material on the disc without any
additional steps.
• To unfinalize the DVD-RW (VIDEO
mode), perform (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) t [UNFINALIZE] in the
HOME MENU.
• If you have created a DVD menu (p. 68)
when finalizing the DVD+RW, a dialog
appears to confirm that you wish to record
additional scenes when you slide the
POWER switch to turn on the
(Movie) lamp.
b Notes
• You cannot unfinalize and record additional
scenes on the DVD-R/DVD+R DL.
3 Insert the finalized disc into your
camcorder.
A confirmation screen appears to
prompt you to confirm that you wish to
record additional scenes.
74
Page 75
Checking the disc
information
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) t [DISC INFO].
If the item is not on the screen, touch
/ to change the page.
Following information is displayed.
• Media type
• Recording format
• Disc title
• Date and time of the first use of the disc
• Recorded area
To turn off the display
Touch .
z Tips
• Image ratio is also displayed for DVD+RW with
SD (standard definition) image quality.
Utilizing recording media
75
Page 76
Customizing your camcorder
What you can do with the (SETTINGS)
category of the HOME MENU
You can change the recording functions and
the operating settings for your convenience.
Using the HOME MENU
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
(HOME)
(HOME)
3 Touch the desired setup item.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/
V to change the page.
4 Touch the desired item.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/
V to change the page.
(SETTINGS) category
2 Touch (SETTINGS).
76
5 Change the setting, then touch
.
Page 77
List of the (SETTINGS)
category items
MOVIE SETTINGS (p. 78)
ItemsPage
HD REC MODE
SD REC MODE
AE SHIFT
WB SHIFT
NS LIGHT
WIDE SELECT
DIGITAL ZOOM
STEADYSHOT
EXP.FOCUS
GUIDEFRAME
ZEBRA
DEMO MODE
REC LAMP
CALIBRATION
A.SHUT OFF
REMOTE CTRL
84
84
85
85
85
85
85
86
86
86
31
87
87
87
87
87
132
88
88
Customizing your camcorder
77
Page 78
MOVIE SETTINGS
(Items for recording movies)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
The default settings are marked with B.
HD REC MODE
You can select a recording mode to record a
movie with HD (high definition) image
quality from 4 levels.
HD HQ+
Records in the highest quality mode.
(AVC HD 12M (HQ+))
HD HQ
Records in high quality mode.
(AVC HD 9M (HQ))
B HD SP
Records in standard quality mode.
(AVC HD 7M (SP))
HD LP
Increases the recording time (Long Play).
(AVC HD 5M (LP))
b Notes
• If you record in the LP mode, details in scenes
with quick movements may appear rough when
you play the disc back.
z Tips
• See page 15 on the expected recording time of
each recording mode.
78
SD REC MODE
You can select a recording mode to record a
movie with SD (standard definition) image
quality from 3 levels.
SD HQ
Records in high quality mode.
(SD 9M (HQ)).
B SD SP
Records in standard quality mode.
(SD 6M (SP)).
SD LP
Increases the recording time (Long Play).
(SD 3M (LP))
b Notes
• If you record in the LP mode, the quality of
scenes may be degraded, or scenes with quick
movements may appear with a block noise when
you play back the disc.
z Tips
• See page 15 on the expected recording time of
each recording mode.
AE SHIFT
Select [ON] to adjust the exposure using
(dark)/ (bright). and the
setting value appear when [AE SHIFT] is
anything other than the default setting.
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].
• You can also adjust the setting manually using
the camera control ring (p. 42).
WB SHIFT (White
Balance Shift)
Select [ON] to adjust the white balance to
the desired setting using /.
Page 79
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,
images appear bluish, and when set to a higher
value, images appear reddish.
• You can also adjust the setting manually using
the camera control ring (p. 42).
NS LIGHT (NightShot
Light)
When using either the NightShot (p. 41) or
[SUPER NS] (p. 93) function to record, you
can record clearer images 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. 41).
• Remove the conversion lens (optional).
• The maximum shooting distance using [NS
LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).
WIDE SELECT
When recording with SD (standard
definition) image quality, you can select the
aspect ratio according to the TV connected.
Refer also to the instruction manuals
supplied with your TV.
B 16:9 WIDE
Records images to the full screen on a 16:9
(wide) TV screen.
4:3 ()
Records images to the full screen on a 4:3
TV screen.
b Notes
• Set [TV TYPE] correctly according to the TV
connected for playback (p. 86).
• You cannot change the aspect ratio on a
DVD+RW midway.
DIGITAL ZOOM
You can select the maximum zoom level in
case you want to zoom to a level greater
than 10 × (the default setting) during
recording. Note that the image quality
decreases when you use the digital zoom.
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 ×
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.
EXP.FOCUS (Expanded
focus)
Select [ON] so that the image on the screen
is magnified by about 2 times when
adjusting focus manually (p. 90). The
screen returns to the original size
automatically when the focusing is finished.
Touch [OFF] to release this function.
Customizing your camcorder
Continued ,
79
Page 80
MOVIE SETTINGS (Continued)
b Notes
• You cannot activate this function during
recording.
• The function is released if you use the zoom
function.
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 DISP/
BATT INFO to make the frame disappear.
z Tips
• Positioning the subject at the cross point of the
guide frame makes a balanced composition.
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.
70
The zebra pattern appears at a screen
brightness level of about 70 IRE.
100
The zebra pattern appears at a screen
brightness level of about 100 IRE or
higher.
b Notes
• Portions of the screen where brightness is about
100 IRE or above may appear overexposed.
z Tips
• IRE represents the screen brightness.
80
REMAINING
B AUTO
Displays the remaining disc indicator for
about 8 seconds in situations such as those
described below.
– When your camcorder recognizes the
remaining disc capacity with the POWER
switch set to (Movie).
– When you press DISP/BATT INFO to
switch the indicator from off to on with
the POWER switch set to (Movie).
– When you select the movie recording
mode on the HOME MENU.
ON
Always displays the remaining disc
indicator.
b Notes
• When the remaining recordable time for movies
is less than 5 minutes, the indicator stays on the
screen.
SUB-T DATE
Select [ON] (the default setting) to display
the recording date and time when you play
back a disc on a device with a subtitle
display function. Also refer to the
instruction manual of the playback device.
b Notes
• Discs recorded with HD (high definition) image
quality can be played on AVCHD format
compatible devices only (p. 70).
RING SETTING
You can assign an item you want to set to
the camera control ring and adjust it
manually using the camera control ring.
B FOCUS
Assigns [FOCUS] (p. 90) to the camera
control ring.
EXPOSURE
Assigns [EXPOSURE] (p. 91) to the
camera control ring.
Page 81
AE SHIFT
Assigns [AE SHIFT] (p. 78) to the camera
control ring.
WB SHIFT
Assigns [WB SHIFT] (p. 78) to the camera
control ring.
z Tips
• You can make this setting also by keeping
MANUAL pressed.
• See page 42 on further details on the camera
control ring.
• Manual settings will be retained even if you
change the assigned item of the camera control
ring. However, if you set [EXPOSURE] after
setting [AE SHIFT] manually, [EXPOSURE]
will override [AE SHIFT].
PHOTO SETTINGS
(Items for recording still images)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
The default settings are marked with B.
IMAGE SIZE
B 4.0M ()
b Notes
• [ IMAGE SIZE] can be set only during
4.0M
Records still images clearly.
3.0M ()
Records still images clearly in the 16:9
(wide) ratio.
3.0M
1.9M ()
Allows you to record more still images in
relatively clear quality.
VGA (0.3M) ()
Allows the maximum number of still
images to be recorded.
recording standby.
Customizing your camcorder
Continued ,
81
Page 82
PHOTO SETTINGS (Continued)
Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”
(MB) and the number of recordable
images
When the POWER switch is
(Still)
4.0M
3.0M
2304 ×
1296
1.9M
1600 ×
1200
10
24
20
48
41
9865150
2304 ×
1728
4.0M3.0M
16MB7
32MB15
64MB31
18
37
75
128MB63
15083195
256MB110
512MB230
1GB475
1100
2GB970
2300
270
550
150
355
305
720
620
1450
1250
3000
When the POWER switch is
(Movie)*
2.3M
2016 × 1134
16MB13
32
32MB27
65
64MB54
130
128MB105
260
256MB195
470
512MB400
960
82
VGA
640 ×
480
163796
3275190
130
300
1970
235
1400
540
3550
480
2850
1100
7200
980
5900
2250
14500
2000
12000
4650
30000
1.7M
1512 × 1134
1.7M
17
40
36
85
72
170
145
340
260
590
530
1200
240
485
390
980
780
2.3M
2016 × 1134
1GB820
1950
2GB1650
4000
* The image size is fixed as follows depending on
the recording image quality:
– [ 2.3M] with HD (high definition) image
quality
– [ 2.3M] in the aspect ratio 16:9 with SD
(standard definition) image quality
– [1.7M] in the aspect ratio 4:3 with SD
(standard definition) image quality
1.7M
1512 × 1134
1.7M
1050
2450
1800
4300
b Notes
• All numbers measured at the following setting:
Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image
quality.
• All numbers measured when using a “Memory
Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The
number of recordable images varies depending
on the recording environment.
Approximate data size of an image
(kB)
4:3 image
4.0M1.9M1.7MVGA
1980
830
16:9 image
3.0M2.3M
1500
640
• Data sizes measured at the following settings:
Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image
quality.
960
420
1150
480
860
370
150
60
Page 83
QUALITY
B FINE ()
Records still images at the fine image
quality level.
STANDARD ()
Records still images at the standard image
quality level.
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.
AE SHIFT
See page 78.
WB SHIFT (White
Balance Shift)
See page 78.
NS LIGHT (NightShot
Light)
See page 79.
EXP.FOCUS
See page 79.
GUIDEFRAME
See page 80.
FLASH LEVEL
You can set this function when you use the
built-in flash, or an external flash (optional)
that is compatible with your camcorder.
HIGH( )
Makes the flash level higher.
B NORMAL( )
LOW( )
Makes the flash level lower.
REDEYE REDUC
You can set this function when you use the
built-in flash, or an external flash (optional)
that is compatible with your camcorder.
You can prevent redeye by activating the
flash before recording.
Set [REDEYE REDUC] to [ON], then press
(flash) (p. 40) repeatedly to select a
setting.
(Auto redeye reduction): Pre-flashes to
reduce redeye before the flash automatically
flashes when there is insufficient ambient
light.
r
(Forced redeye reduction): Always
uses the flash and the redeye reducing preflash.
r
(No flash): Records without flash.
• The redeye reduction may not produce the
desired effect due to individual differences and
other conditions.
RING SETTING
See page 80.
Customizing your camcorder
ZEBRA
See page 80.
83
Page 84
VIEW IMAGES SET
(Items to customize the sound volume and
display)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
The default settings are marked with B.
CAMERA DATA
Movie
Still image
VOLUME
Touch / to adjust the volume
(p. 45).
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.
DATE/TIME
ADate
BTime
84
CSteadyShot off
DBrightness
EWhite balance
FGain
GShutter speed
HAperture value
IExposure
z Tips
• appears for an image recorded using a flash.
• The data code is displayed on the TV screen if
you connect your camcorder to a TV.
• The indicator toggles through the following
sequences as you press DATA CODE on the
Remote Commander: [DATE/TIME] t
[CAMERA DATA] t [OFF] (no indication).
• Depending on the disc condition, bars [--:--:--]
appear.
Page 85
SOUND/DISP SET
(Items to adjust beep and the screen)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
The default settings are marked with B.
BEEP
B ON
A melody sounds when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.
OFF
Cancels the melody.
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.
• If you open the LCD panel 180 degrees to face
the screen outside and close the LCD panel to
the camcorder body, the setting becomes
[NORMAL] automatically.
z Tips
• This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
LCD COLOR
You can adjust the color of the LCD screen
with /.
Low intensityHigh intensity
z Tips
• This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
LCD BRIGHT
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen.
1 Adjust the brightness with /.
2 Touch .
z Tips
• This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
LCD BL LEVEL
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen’s backlight.
B NORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Brightens the LCD screen.
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.
z Tips
• This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
Customizing your camcorder
85
Page 86
OUTPUT SETTINGS
(Items for when connecting other devices)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
DISP 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.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
The default settings are marked with B.
TV TYPE
You need to convert the signal depending
on the TV connected when playing back the
image. The recorded images are played
back as following illustrations.
B 16:9
Select to view your images on a 16:9
(wide) TV.
Wide (16:9)
images
4:3
Select to view your images on a 4:3
standard TV.
Wide (16:9)
images
4:3 images
4:3 images
COMPONENT
Select [COMPONENT] when connecting
your camcorder to a TV with the
component input jack.
576i
Select when connecting your camcorder to
a TV with the component input jack.
B 1080i/576i
Select when connecting your camcorder to
a TV that has the component input jack
and is capable of displaying the 1080i
signal.
b Notes
• Aspect ratio of the image recorded with HD
(high definition) image quality is 16:9.
86
Page 87
CLOCK/ LANG
(Items to set clock and language)
GENERAL SET
(Other setup items)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
CLOCK SET
See page 31.
AREA SET
You can adjust a time difference without
stopping the clock.
Set your local area using v/V when using
your camcorder overseas.
Refer to the world time difference on page
124.
SUMMERTIME
You can change this setting without
stopping the clock.
Set to [ON] to move the time forward
1hour.
LANGUAGE SET
You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
z Tips
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]
(simplified English) for when you cannot
find your native tongue among the
options.
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
The default settings are marked with B.
DEMO MODE
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
view the demonstration in about 10
minutes, after you slide the POWER switch
to (Movie).
• 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 you slide the disc cover open switch.
– When you remove or insert a “Memory Stick
Duo.”
– When you set the POWER switch to
(Still).
– When you press (HOME)/(VIEW
IMAGES).
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].)
CALIBRATION
See page 132.
Customizing your camcorder
Continued ,
87
Page 88
GENERAL SET (Continued)
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut
off)
B 5 min
The camcorder is automatically turned off
when you do not operate your camcorder
for more than approximately 5 minutes.
NEVER
The camcorder is not automatically turned
off.
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall
socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to
[NEVER].
REMOTE CTRL (Remote
control)
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
use the supplied Remote Commander
(p. 142).
• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from
responding to a command sent by another VCR
remote control unit.
Activating functions
using the OPTION
MENU
The OPTION MENU appears just like the
pop-up window that appears when you
right-click the mouse on a computer.
Various functions are displayed in the
context of the operation.
Using the OPTION MENU
b Notes
• The tabs and items that appear on the screen
depend on the recording/playback status of your
camcorder at the time.
• Some items appear without a tab.
1 While using your camcorder,
touch (OPTION) on the screen.
(OPTION)
88
Tab
2 Touch the desired item.
If you cannot find the desired item,
touch another tab to change the page.
Page 89
3 Change the setting, then touch
.
When the item you want is not on the
screen
Touch another tab. If you cannot find the
item anywhere, the function does not work
under the situation.
Recording items on
the OPTION MENU
See page 88 for setting operation.
Items*Page
tab
FOCUS
SPOT FOCUS
EXP.FOCUS
TELE MACRO
EXPOSURE
SPOT METER
AE SHIFT
PROGRAM AE
WHITE BAL.
WB SHIFT
COLOR SLOW S
SUPER NS
Items you can set only on the OPTION
MENU will be described below.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 76
(OPTION MENU) t page 88
The default settings are marked with B.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.
• You can also adjust the focus manually using
the camera control ring (p. 42).
SPOT FOCUS
You can select and adjust the focal point to
aim it at a subject not located at 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.
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.
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. 39) moves to the top of
the T (telephoto) side automatically and
allows recording subjects at a close
distance, down to about 37 cm (14 5/8 in.).
To cancel, touch [OFF], or zoom to wideangle (W side).
• When recording a distant subject, focusing may
be difficult and can take some time.
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 90)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
90
Page 91
EXPOSURE
You can fix the brightness of an image
manually. When recording indoors on a
clear day, for instance, you can avoid
backlight shadows on people next to the
window by fixing the exposure to that of
the wall side of the room.
1 Touch [MANUAL].
appears.
2 Adjust the exposure by touching /
.
3 Touch .
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO] t in step 1.
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.
• You can also adjust the setting manually using
the camera control ring (p. 42).
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.
appears.
2 Touch [END].
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO] t [END] in step 1.
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.
PROGRAM AE
You can record images effectively in
various situations with the [PROGRAM
AE] function.
B AUTO
Select this to automatically record images
effectively without the [PROGRAM AE]
function.
SPOTLIGHT*( )
Select this to prevent people’s faces from
appearing excessively white when subjects
are lit by strong light.
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ()
Select this to bring out the subject such as
people or flowers while creating a soft
background.
BEACH&SKI*( )
Select this to prevent people’s faces from
appearing dark in strong light or reflected
light, such as at a beach in midsummer or
on a ski slope.
SUNSET&MOON**()
Continued ,
Customizing your camcorder
91
Page 92
Recording items on the OPTION MENU (Continued)
Select this to maintain the atmosphere of
situations such as sunsets, general night
views or fireworks.
LANDSCAPE**()
Select this to shoot distant subjects clearly.
This setting also prevents your camcorder
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in
windows that comes in between the
camcorder and the subject.
• Items with one asterisk (*) are adjusted to focus
on subjects only a short distance away. Items
with two asterisks (**) are adjusted to focus on
subjects farther away.
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.
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 adjusted to be
appropriate 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 adjusted to be
appropriate 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.
•Do not shake your camcorder while
is flashing quickly.
• flashes slowly if white balance
could not be set.
•If keeps flashing even after you
have touched , set [WHITE BAL.] to
[AUTO].
• If you changed the battery pack, or moved your
camcorder to or from outdoors when [AUTO]
was selected, aim your camcorder at a nearby
white object with [AUTO] for about 10 seconds
for better color balance adjustment.
• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change
the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your
camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or
vice versa.
• Set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO] or adjust the
color in [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white
fluorescent lamps.
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you set the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more than 12
hours.
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.
appears on the screen.
To cancel [COLOR SLOW S], touch
[OFF].
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 90)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
92
Page 93
• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes
depending on the brightness, which may result
in a slowdown of the motion of the image.
WHITE FADER
SUPER NS (Super
NightShot)
The image 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. 41) is
also set to ON.
appears on the screen.
To return to the normal setting, set [SUPER
NS] to [OFF].
• Do not use [SUPER NS] in bright places. This
may cause a malfunction.
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers
or other objects (p. 41).
• Remove the conversion lens (optional).
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 90)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes
depending on the brightness, which may result
in a slowdown of the motion of the image.
FADER
You can record a transition with the
following effects adding to the interval
between scenes.
1 Select the desired effect in [STBY] (during
fading in) or [REC] (during fading out)
mode, then touch .
2 Press START/STOP.
The fader indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.
To cancel the fader before starting the
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.
If you press START/STOP, the setting is
canceled.
BLACK FADER
D. EFFECT (Digital effect)
You can add digital effects to your
recordings. appears.
1 Touch the desired effect.
2 When you select [LUMI. KEY], adjust
the effect with
.
The image displayed when you touch
is saved as a still image.
3 Touch .
appears.
To cancel [D. EFFECT], touch [OFF] in step
1.
LUMI. KEY (luminance key)
Replaces a brighter area in a previously
recorded still image (e.g. a person) with a
movie.
OLD MOVIE
Adds an old movie effect to images.
The scene is recorded in the 16:9 (wide)
mode.
• The aspect ratio cannot be changed when [OLD
MOVIE] is selected.
/, then touch
Customizing your camcorder
STBYREC
Fading outFading in
Continued ,
93
Page 94
Recording items on the OPTION MENU (Continued)
PICT. EFFECT (Picture
effect)
You can add special effects to an image
during recording or playback. appears.
B OFF
Does not use [PICT. EFFECT] setting.
SEPIA
Images appear in sepia.
B&W
Images appear in black and white.
PASTEL*
Images appear as a pale pastel drawing.
MICREF LEVEL
You can select the microphone level for
recording sound.
Select [LOW] when you want to record
exciting and powerful sound in a concert
hall, etc.
B NORMAL
Records various surround sounds,
converting them into the certain level.
LOW ( )
Records surround sound faithfully. This
setting is not suitable for recording
conversations.
• The setting returns to [NORMAL] when you set
the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) for more
than 12 hours.
• You can also operate by pressing PHOTO on
the Remote Commander (p. 142).
SELF-TIMER
The self-timer starts recording a still image
after about 10 seconds.
Press PHOTO to record still images when
[SELF-TIMER] is set to [ON] and
appears.
To cancel the count down, touch [RESET].
To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF].
94
Page 95
Viewing items on the
OPTION MENU
See page 88 for setting operation.
Items*Page
tab
DELETE
DELETE ALL
tab
DIVIDE
ERASE
ERASE ALL
MOVE
-- (A tab depends on the situation)
ADD
ADD ALL
PRINT
SLIDE SHOW
VOLUME
DATA CODE
SLIDE SHOW SET
ADD
ADD ALL
a54
a55
a56
a58
a59
a59
a58
a58
a63
-47
a84
a84
-47
a57
a58
Customizing your camcorder
-- (No tab)
COPIES
DATE/TIME
SIZE
DISC MENU
(DVD MENU for SD
(standard definition)
image quality)
* Items that are included in the HOME MENU
also.
-64
-64
-64
a69
95
Page 96
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.
z Tips
• See page 101 when you use a Macintosh
computer.
Main functions
x Playing a disc in AVCHD format
t Player for AVCHD
You can view movies recorded on a disc in
AVCHD format using your camcorder by
inserting the disc into the DVD drive of
your computer.
b Notes
• Even in a computer environment where the
operations are guaranteed, some frames may be
dropped from movies.
x Importing movies taken with your
camcorder
You can import the movies recorded with
HD (high definition) image quality as they
are.
x Viewing movies 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 Creating a disc in AVCHD format
Selected from the movies imported, you
can create a disc consisting of movies with
HD (high definition) image quality.
x Copying a disc
t Video Disc Copier
You can copy all the images on a disc
taken with your camcorder.
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. 98), start the “First Step
Guide”, then follow the instructions.
About the help function of the
software
The Help guide explains all the functions of
all 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.
System requirements
When using “Picture Motion Browser”
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,
Windows XP Home Edition or Windows
XP Professional
Standard installation is required.
Operation is not assured if the above OS
96
Page 97
has been upgraded or in a multi-boot
environment.
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz CPU or faster
(Pentium 4 3.6 GHz or faster 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.)
.Net Framework 1.1 (installed with Picture
Motion Browser, depending on your
computer environment)
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 800 MB (10 GB or more
may be necessary when creating AVCHD
format discs.)
Display: DirectX 7 or later-compatible video
card, Minimum 1024 X 768 dots, High
Color (16 bit color)
Others: USB port (this must be provided
as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0
compatible) is recommended), optical disc
drive (CD-ROM drive is necessary for
installation)
b Note
• 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
When playing still images recorded
on a “Memory Stick Duo” on a
computer
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,
Windows XP Home Edition or Windows
XP Professional
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)
97
Page 98
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 101 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.
• Log on as Administrators for installation.
• Close all applications running on the
computer before installing the software.
3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the
disc drive of your computer.
The installation screen appears.
4 Click [FirstStepGuide].
5 Select your language from the
pull-down menu.
6 Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].
Installation starts.
When [Save is complete] appears, click
[OK] to finish the installation.
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.
98
To install the First Step Guide in PDF
In step 4, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].
To install the software “Adobe
Reader” to display the PDF file
In step 4, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].
Page 99
Installing the software
1 Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing
the “First Step Guide”” (p. 98).
5 Read [License Agreement], select
[I accept the terms of the license
agreement] when you agree, then
click [Next].
2 Click [Install].
3 Select the language for the
application to be installed, then
click [Next].
4 Click [Next].
6 Select your camcorder video
system, then click [Next].
7 Select where to save the
software, then click [Next].
Using a Computer
8 Click [Install] on the [Ready to
Install the Program].
The installation of Picture Motion
Browser starts.
Continued ,
99
Page 100
Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (Continued)
The short-cut icons, such as []
(Picture Motion Browser), appear on the
desktop.
9 One of the following installation
screens appears, depending on
the computer environment. Check
the screen and follow the
instructions displayed to install
the required software.
x Sonic UDF Reader
Software required to recognize an
AVCHD format disc
x Windows Media Format 9 Series
Runtime (Windows 2000 only)
Software required to create a DVD
x Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Software required to create AVCHD
x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c
Software required to handle movies
11
Remove the CD-ROM from the
disc drive of your computer.
100
10
Make sure [Yes, I want to restart
my computer now.] is selected,
then click [Finish].
The computer restarts automatically
(Restart).
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