Sony HVR-A1N User Manual

© 2005 Sony Corporation
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
2-639-667-13 (1)
2
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA
HVR-A1U only RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822­8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
“Memory Stick”
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.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. HVR-
Serial No.
Model No. AC-
Serial No.
3
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-686­SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: HVR-A1U Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, 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
On the types of cassette you can use in your camcorder
Your camcorder is capable of recording in HDV, DVCAM, and DV formats. When recording in HDV/DV format, it is recommended to use mini DV cassettes. When recording in DVCAM format, it is recommended to use mini DVCAM cassettes. Mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory are incompatible (p.103).
The HDV standards
• Digital high-definition (HD) video signals are recorded and played back on a DV format cassette.
• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 format, which is adopted in BS (broadcast satellite) digital and terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings and in Blu-ray disc recorders (p.103).
Continued
4
On the 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. 107).
“Memory Stick Duo” (Size used with this unit)
“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 supplied Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor
On using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
Microphone XLR Adaptor
LCD panel Viewfinder
Battery pack Lens hood with lens
cover
• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “Maintenance and precautions” (p.
111).
• Before connecting your camcorder to another device with a component video cable, USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Read this first (Continued)
5
On the menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions.
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely high­precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.
White, red, blue or green point
Black point
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.
Playing back HDV tapes on other devices
A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot be played back on a device that is not compatible with the HDV format. The screen appears blue. Check the contents of tapes by playing them back on this camcorder prior to playing them back on other devices.
On this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different.
• The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary.
• Design and specifications of recording media and accessories are subject to change without notice.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. Also, the lens for your camcorder is T*-coated to suppress unwanted reflections and faithfully reproduce colors. MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.
6
Table of Contents
Read this first ............................................................................................2
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items ...............................................................9
Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...........................................................10
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........13
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder .....................................14
Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................15
Step 6: Setting the date and time ............................................................16
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ....................................17
Step 8: Installing the supplied microphone and hood with lens cover .....19
Recording/Playback
Recording ................................................................................................22
Playback ..................................................................................................23
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ............................................24
Recording
To use zoom To fix the brightness or the exposure of the picture manually (EXPOSURE/AE SHIFT) To record in dark places (NightShot) To make the subject stand out clearer (TELE MACRO) To use the AUTO LOCK switch To adjust the focus manually To enlarge and focus on the image (Expanded focus) To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects To record in mirror mode To use a tripod
Playback
To use PB zoom To adjust the movie volume
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery (Battery Info) You can assign functions to the ASSIGN button To turn off the operation confirmation beep
Note on the icons used in this manual
: Features available for the HDV
format only.
: Features available for the DVCAM
format only.
: Features available for the DV SP
format only.
7
Continued
To initialize the settings Other part names and functions
Indicators displayed during recording/playback .......................................28
Searching for the starting point ...............................................................31
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH)
.............................................................................................................31
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) .........................31
Remote Commander ...............................................................................32
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................32
Connecting to a TV for viewing ................................................................33
Using the Menu
Using the menu items ............................................................38
Menu items ..............................................................................................40
CAMERA SET menu ..........................................................................43
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (SPOT METER/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)
MEMORY SET menu .........................................................................49
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.)
PICT.APPLI. menu ............................................................................52
Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback (SLIDE SHOW/PICT. EFFECT, etc.)
EDIT/PLAY menu .............................................................................56
Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END SEARCH, etc.)
STANDARD SET menu ....................................................................57
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT, etc.)
TIME/LANGU. menu .........................................................................66
(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)
Customizing Personal Menu ....................................................................67
Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. ...............69
Recording pictures from a VCR
..................................................................72
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo” ...........................73
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ........................74
Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information
(Image protection/Print mark) ........................................................74
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) .........................75
8
Jacks to connect external devices ...........................................................77
Using a computer
Connecting to a computer .......................................................................78
Copying still images to a computer .........................................................78
Copying movies on a tape to the computer ............................................81
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................83
Warning indicators and messages ..........................................................98
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ...............................................................102
HDV format and recording/playback ......................................................103
Compatibility of the DVCAM/DV format .................................................105
About the “Memory Stick” ......................................................................107
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...................................................109
About i.LINK ..........................................................................................110
Maintenance and precautions ...............................................................111
Specifications ........................................................................................114
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls ................................................................117
Index .....................................................................................................120
9

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.
“Memory Stick Duo” (1) (p. 17, 107)
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor (1) (p. 108)
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 10)
Power cord (1) (p. 10)
Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 20, 118)
Use the lens hood to record under strong light, such as under the sun.
Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 32)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 33, 69)
Component video cable (1) (p. 33, 34)
USB cable (1) (p. 78)
Shoulder Strap (1) (p. 118)
XLR adaptor (1) (p. 19)
Wind Screen (1), Microphone (1) (p. 19)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM50 (1) (p. 10, 109)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
10

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series) (p. 109) after attaching it to your camcorder.
POWER switch
DC IN jack DC plug
AC Adaptor
To the wall
outlet
Power cord
1 Attach the battery pack by sliding
it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
2 Slide the POWER switch up to
OFF (CHG) . (The default setting.)
CHG (charge) lamp
3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder. Be sure that the mark on the DC plug is facing up.
The mark faces up.
Open the DC IN jack cover.
11
Getting Started
4 Connect the power cord to the AC
Adaptor and the wall outlet.
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.
5 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off
when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder and the DC plug.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.
To remove the battery pack
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery pack.
BATT (battery release) lever
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it for an extended period (p. 109).
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet by making the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FM50 (supplied)
150
NP-QM71D 260
NP-QM91D 360
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
Recording in the HDV format (with the XLR adaptor attached)
Battery pack
Continuous recording time*
Typical recording time*
NP-FM50 (supplied)
70 75 70
35 40 35
NP-QM71D 175
190 180
95 105 100
NP-QM91D 270
290 280
150 160 155
Recording in the DVCAM (DV) format (with the XLR adaptor attached)
Battery pack
Continuous recording time*
Typical recording time*
NP-FM50 (supplied)
80 90 80
40
50
40
NP-QM71D 200
220 205
110 120 110
NP-QM91D 300
330 315
165 180 175
Continued
12
* Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off. Bottom: Recording time when recording with
the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.
• Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
HDV format pictures
Battery pack
LCD panel opened*
LCD panel closed
NP-FM50 (supplied)
100 110
NP-QM71D 240 275
NP-QM91D 365 420
DVCAM (DV) format pictures
Battery pack
LCD panel opened*
LCD panel closed
NP-FM50 (supplied)
125 145
NP-QM71D 305 355
NP-QM91D 465 535
* When the LCD backlight turns on.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or the battery information (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 fully discharged. (For
Battery Info only.)
• The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.
• Use the supplied or optional Sony “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). You cannot use the battery pack NP-FM30 with your camcorder.
• When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use a NP-QM71D or NP-QM91D battery pack.
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F) . (10 to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended.)
• The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.
PRECAUTION
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (mains) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
13
Getting Started
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly
To record or play back, slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. When using it for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 16).
POWER
switch
1 Slide the POWER switch
repeatedly in the direction of the arrow to turn on the respective lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it down while pressing the green button.
Lamps that light up CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape. CAMERA-MEMORY: To record on a
“Memory Stick Duo.” PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
• When you slide the POWER switch from OFF (CHG) to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEMORY, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for about 5 seconds.
2 Hold the camcorder correctly.
3 Ensure a good grip, then fasten
the grip belt.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).
14
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play ().
90 degrees to the camcorder
180 degrees (max.)
90 degrees (max.)
DISPLAY/BATT INFO
• Do not press the buttons beside the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel.
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side from the status , you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.
• When closing the LCD panel, rotate the LCD panel as illustrated in , and then close the LCD panel facing inward.
To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer
Press and hold DISPLAY/BATT INFO for a few seconds until appears. This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or where you want to save battery power. The recorded picture will not be affected by the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press and hold DISPLAY/BATT INFO for a few seconds until disappears.
• See [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 60) to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.
The viewfinder
You can view images using the viewfinder with the LCD panel closed. The battery will last longer than when using the LCD panel.
Lift up the viewfinder.
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever
Move it until the picture is clear.
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting (STANDARD SET) [LCD/VF SET] [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 60).
• To display the picture on both the LCD panel and the viewfinder during recording, touch (STANDARD SET) [LCD/VF SET] [VF POWER] [ON] (p. 60).
• To display the picture in black and white on the viewfinder, touch (STANDARD SET) [LCD/VF SET] [VF COLOR] [OFF] (p.60).
15
Getting Started

Step 5: Using the touch panel

You can play back recorded pictures (p.
23), or change the settings (p. 38) using the touch panel.
Place your hand on the rear side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
Touch the button on the LCD screen.
DISPLAY/BATT INFO
• Perform the same actions as explained above when you press the buttons on the LCD frame.
• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame accidentally while using the touch panel.
To hide the screen indicators
Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to toggle the screen data (such as time code, etc). When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEMORY, the indicator changes from detailed display simple display no display. When the POWER switch is set to PLAY/ EDIT, the display turns on and off.
Detailed display
Simple display
16

Step 6: Setting the date and time

Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position.
• If you do not use your camcorder for about
3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 113).
POWER switch
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for the first time.
1 Touch
[MENU].
OK
60min
PROGRAM AE
CAMERA SET
SPOT METER EXPOSURE
–– :– –: ––: ––
2 Select (TIME/LANGU.) menu
with / , then touch .
OK
60min
CLOCK SET
ASSIGN BTN
WORLD
QUICK REC
LANGUAGE
DATEREC
PROGRAMAE
––: ––:– –
–– :– –: ––: ––
3 Select [CLOCK SET] with / ,
then touch .
OK
CLOCK SET
DATE
2005
Y
1D12: 00
AM
JAN
M
4 Set [Y] (year) with / , then
touch .
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
OK
CLOCK SET
DATE
2005
Y
1D12: 00
AM
JAN
M
5 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour
and minute, then touch .
The clock starts. For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.
17
Getting Started

Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”

Cassette tape
See 103 for details of usable cassettes and prevention of accidental erasure.
• The recordable time varies depending on [ REC MODE] (p. 57).
1 Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT
lever in the direction of the
arrow and open the lid.
OPEN/EJECT lever
Lid
The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.
2 Insert a cassette with its window
facing outwards, then press .
Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly.
Window
The cassette compartment automatically slides back in. Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This may cause a malfunction.
3 Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
Open the lid following the same procedure as described in step 1 and remove the cassette.
“Memory Stick Duo”
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or
(p. 107).
• The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the image quality or the image size. For details, see page 50.
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the right direction until it clicks.
Access lamp
• If you force the “Memory Stick Duo” into the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick Duo” slot, or image data may be damaged.
Continued
18
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”
Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once.
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.
• Make sure that the “Memory Stick Duo” does not pop up and drop off when inserting and removing it from your camcorder.
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” (Continued)
19
Getting Started

Step 8: Installing the supplied microphone and hood with lens cover

Installing the supplied microphone
Install the supplied XLR adaptor and microphone. You can receive the desired audio quality.
1 Attach the XLR adaptor to the
accessory shoe on the camcorder and tighten the screw of the XLR adaptor.
2 Connect the plug of the XLR
adaptor to the Active Interface Shoe of the camcorder.
3 Attach the wind screen to the
microphone .
4 Loosen the microphone holder
screw and open the cover.
5 Place the microphone into the
holder with the model name (ECM-NV1) facing upward, close the cover, and tighten the screw.
6 Connect the plug of the
microphone to the INPUT1 connector .
7 Set the INPUT LEVEL selector to
MIC or MIC ATT.
When the selector is set to MIC ATT, you can reduce the volume by about 20dB. Set the +48V switch to ON.
Continued
20
8 Select the channel with the REC
CH SELECT switch.
Used channels according to the position of the REC CH SELECT switch are as follows:
The position of the REC CH SELECT switch
Audio input through
The audio is recorded on
CH1, CH2 INPUT1 Channel 1
Channel 2
INPUT2
CH1 INPUT1 Channel 1
INPUT2 Channel 2
• We recommend that you set [MIC NR] to [OFF] in the menu setting in the following cases.
– When you use the external microphone
at a distance from the camcorder.
– When the REC CH SELECT switch is
set to CH1 and you will not input from the INPUT2 connector.
– When you set the INPUT LEVEL
selector to LINE.
• If you use equipment other than a 48-V microphone with the +48V switch set to ON, a malfunction of the equipment may occur. When you connect equipment other than a 48-V microphone, set it to OFF.
• When the wind is blowing hard and the audio is input via the INPUT1 connector, set INPUT1 of the LOW CUT switch to ON. Set INPUT2 to ON when the audio is input via the INPUT2 connector. The sound of wind is reduced.
• When you connect equipment other than a microphone, set the +48V switch to OFF and the INPUT LEVEL selector to LINE.
• When using an external microphone, use a simple full-screen or underscan monitor and make sure that the wind screen does not appear on the screen.
When detaching the XLR adaptor
Unplug the connector plug of the XLR adaptor from the Active Internface Shoe beforehand. Detach the XLR adaptor after having loosened the screw of the XLR adaptor.
When you unplug the microphone plug,
unplug it while holding the PUSH button down.
Attaching the supplied lens hood with lens cover
Insert hooks on the lens hood with lens cover to the holes on the camcorder. Turn the hood fixing screw in the direction of the arrow.
To remove the lens hood
Loosen the lens hood fixing screw by turning it in the opposite direction of the arrow in the illustration above.
• You cannot attach a filter (optional) with the lens hood with lens cover on.
Step 8: Installing the supplied microphone and hood with lens cover (Continued)
21
Getting Started
To open and close the lens cover
Move the lens cover lever up and down to open or close the lens cover.
Move the lens cover lever to OPEN to open the lens cover, and move the lever to CLOSE to close the lens cover.
22
To check the latest recording on a
“Memory Stick Duo”
Touch . To delete the picture, touch
[YES]. Touch to return to the
standby mode.
• See page 50 for the image size.
• You can record a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo,” while recording movies on a tape or in standby mode by pressing PHOTO deeply. Still images will be fixed to image size [1440 × 810] in the HDV format, [1080 × 810] (4:3) or [1440 × 810] (16:9) in the DVCAM (DV) format.

Recording

1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the respective lamp to select a recording medium.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it down while pressing the green button.
Movies on tape: The CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up.
Still images on “Memory Stick Duo”: The CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up.*
* The image size ratio is set by default to 4:3.
2 Start recording.
Movies
Press REC START/STOP  (or
).
60min
60min
REC
[STBY][REC]
To stop the movie recording, press REC START/STOP again.
• The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in the default setting (p. 57).
Still images
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus (), then press it fully ().
Beep
Shutter click
FlashingLights up
A shutter sound is heard. When disappears, the image has been recorded
PHOTO
POWER switch
REC START/STOP
REC START/ STOP
Open the lens cover.
23
Recording/Playback

Playback

1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
To adjust the volume
Move the EXPOSURE/VOL lever up and down to adjust the volume (p. 27).
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or / while fast forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
• You can play back in various modes ([ VAR.
SPD PB], p. 56).
To display pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo” on the Index screen
Touch . Touch the picture you want to display in the single display mode. To view pictures in other folders, touch
[PB FOLDER], select a
folder with / , then touch (p. 52).
Index display screen
A
B
Previous/Next 6 pictures
The picture displayed before switching to the index screen.
2 Start playing back.
Movies
Touch , then touch to start playback.
A
B
C
Stop
Play/Pause toggles as you touch it.*
Rewind/Fast forward
* Playback automatically stops if pause is
engaged for more than 3 minutes.
Still images
Touch .
The most recently recorded image is displayed.
P-MENU
A B C
Tape playback
Previous/Next
Index screen display
is not displayed when a “Memory Stick Duo” is not inserted or no image files exist in it.
24

Functions used for recording/playback, etc.

Recording

To use zoom ................ 
Move the power zoom lever  slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Wider range of view:
(Wide angle)
Close view:
(Telephoto)
• When using the zoom ring , set the FOCUS/ ZOOM switch  to ZOOM and rotate it at the desired speed ( appears).
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons  on the LCD frame.
• The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 1/2 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 ft.) for telephoto.
• You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] if you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 × (p. 48).
• Zooming may not be able to catch up the rotating speed of the ring if it is rotated too fast.
To fix the brightness or the exposure of the picture manually (EXPOSURE/
AE SHIFT) .......................... 
EXPOSURE/VOL lever
EXPOSURE button
You can adjust the brightness or exposure of a picture manually with the EXPOSURE/VOL lever . Set the AUTO LOCK switch to OFF beforehand (p. 25).
Select the setting for the EXPOSURE/
VOL lever with [EXPOSURE LEVER] (p. 49). You can assign [EXPOSURE] (p. 44) or [AE SHIFT] (p. 45).
Press EXPOSURE button .
The assigned setting becomes manual.
Move the EXPOSURE/VOL lever up
or down to adjust the setting. You can set the same menu items as with the menu screen.
• To return to the automatic mode, press the EXPOSURE button again.
To record in dark places (NightShot)
...........................................
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch to ON. ( and [”NIGHTSHOT”] appear.)
• To record an image brighter, use Super NightShot function (p. 47).To record an image more faithful to the original colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 47).
25
Recording/Playback
• The NightShot and Super NightShot function use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port  with your fingers or other objects and remove the supplied lens hood with lens cover or the conversions lens (optional).
• Adjust the focus manually (p. 25) when it is hard to focus automatically.
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.
To make the subject stand out clearer
(TELE MACRO) ........................
Press TELE MACRO . appears and the zoom moves to the top of the T (Telephoto) side automatically and allows for recording subjects at a close distance, down to about 48 cm (19 in.). This is useful to shoot small subjects, such as flowers or insects.
To cancel, press TELE MACRO again, or zoom to wide-angle (W side).
• When recording a distant subject, it may be difficult to focus on and take time for focusing.
• Adjust the focus manually (p. 25) when it is hard to focus automatically.
To use the AUTO LOCK switch ......
You can set up the following settings manually with the AUTO LOCK switch to OFF. The settings return to the automatic mode with the switch ON.
– [SPOT METER] – [EXPOSURE] – [PROGRAM AE] – [WHITE BAL.] – [SHUTTR SPEED]
• Settings adjusted while the AUTO LOCK
switch is OFF are retained when it is set to ON, and will be restored when set to OFF again.
• Set the AUTO LOCK switch to ON when using
the external flash (optional).
To adjust the focus manually.. .. 
Set the FOCUS/ZOOM switch to
MANUAL (appears).
Rotate the focus ring to adjust the
focus.
To adjust the focus automatically, set the FOCUS/ZOOM switch to AUTO.
• You can also use this function when changing the subject to be focused intentionally.
changes to when the focus cannot be adjusted any farther. changes to when the focus cannot be adjusted any closer.
• 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.
To enlarge and focus on the image
(Expanded focus) .. ............... 
Set the FOCUS/ZOOM switch to
MANUAL in standby mode.
Press EXPANDED FOCUS to
double the size of the picture. When you finish focusing, the screen automatically returns to the normal picture display.
To cancel the expanded focus, press EXPANDED FOCUS again.
To adjust 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.
Continued
26
To record in mirror mode ............
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side ().
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded.
To use a tripod ........................
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw.
• Remove the tripod when taking out the cassette.

Playback

To use PB zoom ..................  
You can magnify still pictures on the “Memory Stick Duo” from about 1.5 to 5 times the original size. Magnification can be adjusted with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons
on the LCD frame.
Play back the picture you want to
magnify.
Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto).
Touch the screen at the point you want
to display in the center of the displayed frame.
Adjust the magnification with W (Wide
angle)/T (Telephoto).
To cancel, touch [END].
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (Continued)
27

Recording/Playback

To adjust the movie volume .........
Move the EXPOSURE/VOL lever up or down to adjust the volume. Move the lever up to increase the volume and move it down to decrease the volume.
• You can also adjust the volume by touching
(STANDARD SET)[VOLUME] (p.58).
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info) ..........................
Set the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), then press DISPLAY/BATT INFO . The approximate recordable time in the selected format and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. By pressing DISPLAY/ BATT INFO, you can view the battery information for up to 20 seconds while it is displayed.
Remaining battery (approx.)
63 63
Recording capacity (approx.)
You can assign functions to the
ASSIGN button .........................
Use [ASSIGN BTN] (p. 66) to assign functions.
To turn off the operation confirmation
beep ....................................
See [BEEP] (p. 65) to set the operation beep.
To initialize the settings .............
Press RESET to initialize all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. (Menu items customized on Personal Menu are not initialized.)
Other part names and functions
Internal stereo microphone
When an external microphone is connected, the audio input from the external microphone takes precedence over others.
REC lamp
The REC lamp lights up in red during recording (p. 65).
Remote sensor
Point the Remote Commander (p. 32) towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder.
Speaker
Sounds come out from the speaker.
For how to adjust the volume, see page 23.
28

Indicators displayed during recording/playback

Recording movies
In the CAMERA-TAPE mode
2
1
3 4 5
76
Recording format (
or
) (57)
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recording))
Time code or user bits
Recording capacity of the tape
(approx.) (65)
END SEARCH/Rec review display
switch button (31)
Personal Menu button (38)
Recording still images
8
2
90 qa
7qs
11
60min1160min
FINE
1920
101
Recording folder (52)
Image size (50)
Quality ([FINE] or [STD]) (49)
“Memory Stick Duo” indicator and the
number of images that can be recorded (approx.)
Review button (22)
Data code during playback
The date/time during recording and the camera setting data will be recorded automatically. They do not appear on the screen during recording, but you can check them as [DATA CODE] during playback (p. 64).
29
Recording/Playback
( ) is a reference page. The indicators during recording will not be recorded.
Viewing movies
2 qd 4 5
7qf
1
Tape transport indicator
Video operation buttons (23)
• When playing back a tape recorded in the HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats, and the signal switches between HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats, the picture and sound disappear temporarily.
• You cannot play back the tape recorded in the HDV format on video cameras of the DVCAM (DV) format or mini-DVCAM (DV) players.
• DV format tapes are played back on your camcorder only if they are recorded in the SP mode ( appears on the screen). Tapes recorded in the LP mode are not played back.
• Time code and user bits are not displayed correctly unless time code and user bits are recorded on the tape, or the recorded time code is compatible with your camcorder.
Viewing still images
MEMORY PLAY
2 qg 9 qh qj
qk
ql
7ws
wdwf
waw;
Data file name
Picture number/Total number of
recorded pictures in the current playback folder
Playback folder (52)
Previous/Next folder icon
The following indicators appear when the first or last picture of the current folder is displayed and when there are multiple folders on the same “Memory Stick Duo.”
: Touch to move to the previous
folder. : Touch to move to the next folder. : Touch / to move to either
the previous or the next folder.
Image delete button (74)
Tape playback select button (23)
Previous/Next image button (23)
Index screen display button (23)
Image protection mark (74)
Print mark (75)
Continued
30
Indicators when you made changes
You can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 62) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen.
Upper left Upper right
Bottom Center
Upper left
Indicator Meaning
Recording format (57)
EXT SUR MIC (59)
AUDIO MODE (58)*
4-channel microphone recording standard (92)
Continuous photo recording (49)
Recording mode (57)*
Self-timer recording (48)
WIDE SELECT (58)*
Interval photo recording (54)
Flash light (46)
CH1 CH2
Recording level meter (59)
Upper right
Indicator Meaning
HDV input/DV input (72)
HDV output/DV output (33, 71)
i.LINK connection (33, 71, 72)
Slide show (52)
LCD backlight off (14)
Center
Indicator Meaning
NightShot (24)
Super NightShot (47)
Color Slow Shutter (47)
PictBridge connecting (75)

Warning (98)
Bottom
Indicator Meaning
AE SHIFT (45)
WB SHIFT (46)
Picture effect (53)
Digital effect (53)
Manual focus (25)
PROGRAM AE (43)
Sharpness (44)
Backlight (25)
White balance (44)
SteadyShot off (48)
Zebra (47)
TELE MACRO (25)
CAMERA COLOR (45)
Zoom ring (24)
Shutter speed (45)
CONV. LENS (48)
PEAKING (46)
* The settings can be made only for the pictures
in the DVCAM (DV) format.
Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued)
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