Before operating this unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
Precautions when using the
camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the following
parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the
jack covers.
Lens hoodLCD screen
ViewfinderMicrophone (sold
separately) or
Microphone holder
b Notes
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or
waterproof. See “About handling of your
camcorder” (p. 110).
• When connecting the camcorder to another
device with communication cables, be sure to
insert the connector plug in the correct way.
Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will
damage the terminal and may result in a
malfunction of the camcorder.
• Use the camcorder in accordance with the
regulations of a place where you use it.
On the LCD screen and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not available
under the current recording or playback
conditions.
• The LCD screen is manufactured using
extremely high-precision 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
2
the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction.
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
On sunlight
• Do not record the sun or leave the camcorder
under the sun for a long time. The internal parts
of the camcorder may be damaged. If sunlight is
focused on a nearby object, it may cause a fire.
• Do not expose your camcorder’s viewfinder,
lens, or LCD screen to the sun or strong light
source for extended periods. Doing so may
cause a malfunction of the camcorder.
• Do not attempt to record the sun directly. Doing
so may cause a malfunction of the camcorder.
On the temperature of your camcorder
and battery pack
Your camcorder has a protective function that
disables recording or playback if the temperature
of your camcorder or battery pack is beyond the
safely operable range. In this case, a message
appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder
(p. 100).
On recording
• In order to stabilize memory card operation, it is
recommended that you format the memory card
when you use it with your camcorder for the
first time. All data recorded on the memory card
will be erased by formatting, and cannot be
recovered. Save important data on the memory
card on other media such as a computer, before
formatting the memory card.
• Before starting to record, test the recording
function to make sure the picture and sound are
recorded without any problems.
• Compensation for the loss of the content of
recordings or the loss of recording opportunities
cannot be provided, even if recording or
playback is not possible due to a malfunction of
the camcorder, storage media, etc., or even if
images or sounds are distorted due to the limits
of the capabilities of the camcorder.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
countries/regions. To view your recordings on a
TV, a TV of the appropriate color system for the
country/region is required.
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and
other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may
be contrary to the copyright laws.
• Because of the way that the image device
(CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the
following phenomena may occur.
– The subjects passing by the frame rapidly
might appear crooked depending on the
recording conditions. (This phenomenon may
be notable in displays having high motion
resolution.)
– Horizontal lines appear on the LCD screen
during recording under fluorescent lights,
sodium lamps or mercury lamps. The
phenomena can be reduced by adjusting the
shutter speed (p. 39 ).
Save all your recorded image data
• To prevent your image data from being lost,
save all your recorded images on PC
periodically.
About the operation of the camcorder
You can operate the camcorder using the V/v/B/
b/SET buttons (p. 72).
About NTSC (60i)/PAL (50i) models
This camcorder does not have a function for
switching the signal format (60i/50i).
In this manual, the values for both [60i] and [50i]
settings are described. Check the signal format of
your camcorder on the display screen (p. 13).
About this manual
• 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. 91).
• Design and specifications of recording media
and other accessories are subject to change
without notice.
To handle the recorded images on
your computer
Download “Catalyst Browse” software (p. 18).
Format the recording media using
[MEDIA FORMAT] if images are not
recorded or played back properly
If you continue recording and deleting images on
recording media for a long period of time, the files
on that recording media may be fragmented. As a
result, you may not be able to record and save
images properly. If this happens, save images on a
PC, then format the recording media (p. 70).
3
Identifying Parts and Controls
Body
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.
A Hook for shoulder strap
B ASSIGN4/LAST SCENE button (p. 57)
C Microphone holder
D Multi-interface shoe (p. 44, 79)
E Power zoom lever (p. 32)
F Grip belt attachment
G ASSIGN5/FOCUS MAG button (p. 33,
58)
H Grip belt attachment
4
Attaching the microphone (sold
separately)
This section explains how to connect an
external microphone (sold separately).
1 Place the microphone A into the
microphone holder B.
2 Connect the plug of the microphone to
the INPUT1 jack or INPUT2 jack C.
3 Place the microphone cable into the
cable holder D.
Put the cable in the outer cable holder.
Continued ,
5
Identifying Parts and Controls (Continued)
A Lens (G lens)
B Lens hood
C Internal microphone
D Remote control sensor (p. 91)
E Recording lamp (p. 91)
Flashes when remaining capacity of the
memory card or battery becomes low.
F NIGHTSHOT light (p. 46)
G ASSIGN1/WB SET button (p. 41, 58)
H ASSIGN2/STATUS button (p. 58, 64)
I ASSIGN3/LOW LUX button (p. 46, 58)
J DISPLAY button (p. 63)
K SLOT SEL button (p. 27)
L INPUT1 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) switch
(p. 42)
M CH-1 (INT MIC/EXT/MI SHOE)
switch (p. 42)
N AUTO/MAN (CH-1) switch (p. 43)
O AUDIO LEVEL (CH-1) dial (p. 43)
P AUDIO LEVEL (CH-2) dial (p. 43)
Q AUTO/MAN (CH-2) switch (p. 43)
6
R CH-2 (INT MIC/EXT/MI SHOE)
switch (p. 42)
S INPUT2 (LINE/MIC/MIC+ 48V) switch
(p. 42)
T IRIS AUTO/MAN button (p. 38)
U FOCUS AUTO/MAN button (p. 33)
V ND FILTER switch (p. 40)
Attaching the lens hood
Align the marks on the lens hood to those
on the camcorder, and turn the lens hood in
the direction of the arrow
locked.
z Tip
• If you attach or remove a 62 mm (2 1/2 in.) PL
filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood.
2 until it is
Continued ,
7
Identifying Parts and Controls (Continued)
A VIDEO OUT jack/AUDIO OUT jack
(p. 65, 81)
B HDMI OUT jack (p. 65)
C Multi/Micro USB jack (p. 91)
D DC IN jack (p. 19)
E Cable clamper/loop clamper
F Handle zoom lever (p. 32)
G Handle record button (p. 28)
H INPUT1 jack (p. 42)
I INPUT2 jack (p. 42)
J Grip belt
K Tripod receptacles (1/4 inch, 3/8 inch)
Supports 1/4-20UNC and 3/8-16UNC
screws.
For mounting on a tripod (sold
separately, screw length 5.5 mm or
shorter)
8
Some tripods may not be designed to
attach in the proper direction.
L START/STOP button (p. 28)
M POWER/CHG lamp
About the cable clamper/loop clamper
Attaching the power cord, HDMI cable, and
other cables, inserted in the corresponding
connectors, in the cable clamper helps
prevent the cords from being disconnected.
However, not all HDMI cables are
supported.
Attach any cables that are not in the cable
clamper to the loop clamper at the bottom
of the clamper using a cable tie or similar
object.
Cable clamper
Loop clamper
b Note
Do not use the cable clamper/loop clamper for any
purpose other than securing cables (for example,
attaching a strap for carrying the camcorder).
Continued ,
9
Identifying Parts and Controls (Continued)
A Focus ring (p. 33)
B Zoom ring (p. 32)
C Iris ring (p. 38)
D Hook for shoulder strap
E Viewfinder (p. 24)
F Large eyecup (p. 24)
G BATT RELEASE button (p. 20)
H Battery pack (p. 19)
I ON/STANDBY switch (p. 22)
J FULL AUTO button (p. 45)
K SHUTTER button (p. 39)
L WHT BAL button (p. 41)
M GAIN button (p. 39)
N Manual lever (p. 39, 41)
10
A LCD screen (p. 24)
B MENU button (p. 72)
C V/v/B/b/SET buttons (p. 72)
D THUMBNAIL button (p. 60)
E Memory card slot A/Memory card
access lamp (p. 26)
F Memory card slot B/Memory card
access lamp (p. 26)
G i (headphones) jack
H REMOTE jack (p. 91)
The REMOTE jack connects to a video
deck or other devices used to control
playback.
Continued ,
11
Identifying Parts and Controls (Continued)
Wireless Remote Commander
Remove the insulation sheet before using
the Wireless Remote Commander.
Insulation sheet
A DATA CODE button (p. 63)
B TC RESET button (p. 54)
C SCAN/SLOW buttons (p. 60)
D . > (PREV/NEXT) buttons
(p. 60)
E PLAY button (p. 60)
F STOP button (p. 60)
G DISPLAY button (p. 63)
H Transmitter
I START/STOP button (p. 28)
J Power zoom lever
K PAUSE button (p. 60)
L MODE button
M b/B/v/V/ENTER buttons
b Notes
• Aim the Wireless Remote Commander towards
the remote sensor to operate your camcorder.
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light
sources such as direct sunlight or overhead
lighting. Otherwise, the Wireless Remote
Commander may not function properly.
• When you are operating with the Wireless
Remote Commander supplied with your
camcorder, your video device may also operate.
In that case, select a commander mode other
than DVD2 for your video device, or cover the
sensor of your video device with black paper.
To change the battery of the Wireless
Remote Commander
1 While pressing on the tab, inset your
fingernail into the slit to pull out the
battery case.
2 Place a new battery with the + side
facing up.
3 Insert the battery case until it clicks into
place.
Tab
WARNING
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in
fire.
• When the lithium battery becomes weak, the
operating distance of the Wireless Remote
Commander may shorten, or the Wireless
Remote Commander may not function properly.
In this case, replace the battery with a Sony
CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery
may present a risk of fire or explosion.
• Indicators may look different or appear at
different positions.
Data during recording
The recording date, time and condition are
recorded automatically on the recording
media.
They are not displayed while recording.
However, you can check them by selecting
(DISPLAY SET) t [DATA CODE]
and choosing the data that you want to
display, or by pressing the ASSIGN button
to which the DATA CODE function is
assigned, during playback.
14
Table of Contents
Read this first ...........................................................................................2
Identifying Parts and Controls ..................................................................4
Index .....................................................................................................116
Table of Contents
17
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that you have following items
supplied with your camcorder. If, for any
reason, there is something missing, contact
your Sony dealer.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
• Recording media are sold separately.
AC Adaptor (p. 19)
Power cord (mains lead) (p. 19)
IS1293 power cord for India.
Not supplied in some countries.
Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-845)
(p. 12)
Lens hood (p. 7)
Lens cap (p. 28)
USB cable
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F770)
Battery charger (BC-L1)
CD-ROM “Manuals for Solid-State Memory
Camcorder”
Operating Guide (2)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
Large eyecup (p. 24)
18
Software Downloads
When the unit is used with a PC
connection, download any device drivers,
plug-ins, and application software you
require from the following websites.
Sony Professional products website:
U.S.A.http://pro.sony.com
Canadahttp://www.sonybiz.ca
Latin Americahttp://sonypro-latin.com
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
http://www.pro.sony.eu
Japanhttp://www.sonybsc.com
Asia Pacifichttp://pro.sony-asia.com
Koreahttp://bp.sony.co.kr
Chinahttp://pro.sony.com.cn
Although the data regarding recorded
materials are stored over multiple files and
folders, you can easily handle the clips
without considering its data and directory
structure, by using the dedicated application
software.
Step 2: Charging the
battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (L series) with the
supplied AC Adaptor.
b Note
• You can use a large capacity battery pack, NPF970 (sold separately), with your camcorder.
DC plug
DC IN jack
Power cord
Getting Started
AC Adaptor
To power outlet
1 Push the battery in and slide it
down into position.
Continued ,
19
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
2 Connect the DC plug to the DC IN
jack of the camcorder.
3 Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the
wall outlet (wall socket).
4 Turn the ON/STANDBY switch to
STANDBY (1).
The CHG lamp lights up and charging
starts.
When charging ends
The CHG lamp turns off when the battery is
fully charged.
b Note
Even if the CHG lamp is not lit, the battery
charger is not disconnected from the AC power
source (mains) as long as it is connected to the
wall outlet (wall socket).
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC
IN jack.
z Tip
• You can check the remaining battery life with
the status check function (p. 64).
To remove the battery pack
Turn the ON/STANDBY switch to
STANDBY (1). Press and hold the BATT
RELEASE button, and slide the battery up
and out.
20
BATT RELEASE button
To store the battery pack
If the battery pack is not in use for a while,
run down the battery and store it (p. 109).
Charging time
Approximate time (minutes) required when
you charge a fully discharged battery pack.
Battery packFull charge time
NP-F770370 minutes
Battery packFull charge time
NP-F970 (sold
separately)
520 minutes
1 Connect the DC plug to the DC IN
jack of the battery charger.
On the battery pack
• Always turn the ON/STANDBY switch to
STANDBY (1) before changing the battery
pack.
• The CHG lamp flashes during charging, or the
Battery Info 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.
Using a power outlet
You can use the AC Adaptor to obtain the
AC power. While you are using the AC
Adaptor, the battery pack will not lose its
charge even when it is attached to your
camcorder.
Perform the procedure up to step 3 of “Step
2: Charging the battery pack” (p. 19).
On the AC Adaptor
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
To charge the battery pack using the
supplied battery charger (BC-L1)
2 Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the
wall outlet (wall socket).
3 Push the battery in and slide it in
the direction of the arrow in the
diagram.
The CHG lamp lights up and charging
starts.
When charging ends, the CHG lamp
turns off.
Slide the battery pack out in the
opposite direction and remove it from
the battery charger.
b Note
When charging finishes and the CHG lamp turns
off, the battery charger is not cut off from the
power supply.
Getting Started
CHG lamp
DC plug
To power outlet
Power cord
21
Step 3: Turning on the
camcorder and
setting the date and
time
Turning on the camcorder
Turn the ON/STANDBY switch to ON
(❙).
When you use your camcorder for the first
time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears.
To turn off the power
Turn the ON/STANDBY switch to
STANDBY (1).
b Note
• If a warning message is displayed, follow the
instructions.
Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when you use your
camcorder for the first time.
z Tip
• 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. 111).
MENU button
V/v/B/b/SET buttons
22
When you set the date and time again, press
the MENU button, and select
(OTHERS) t [CLOCK SET].
1 Select your area using the V/v/B/
b/SET button, then press the
button.
2 Set [SUMMERTIME], [Y] (year),
[M] (month), [D] (day), hour and
minute, using the V/v/B/b/SET
button, then press the button.
The clock starts.
•Set [SUMMERTIME] to [ON] to move the
time forward 1 hour.
•You can set any year up to the year 2037.
•Midnight is indicated as 12:00 AM, and noon
as 12:00 PM.
z Tip
• The date and time are automatically recorded on
the selected recording media, and can be
displayed during playback (p. 87).
Getting Started
23
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD screen and viewfinder
Using the LCD screen
The LCD screen can be rotated in the range
as illustrated below, allowing a person other
than the camera operator to see the image.
1 Open 180°
2 90° (max.)
2 180° (max.)
Using the viewfinder
Closing the LCD screen switches the
display to the viewfinder.
You can adjust the angle of the viewfinder
to suit your shooting style.
Adjusting the viewfinder
Diopter adjustment dial
Move it until the picture becomes clear.
b Note
• Some primary colors may become visible in the
viewfinder if you change your line of sight, but
this is not a malfunction.
These colors are not recorded onto the memory
cards.
When the picture in the viewfinder is
hard to see
If you cannot see the picture in the
viewfinder clearly under bright
circumstances, use the supplied large
eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch
it slightly and fit it over the groove of the
eyecup attached to the camcorder. You can
attach the large eyecup facing either the
right or left side.
b Note
The LCD screen and the viewfinder do not
operate at the same time.
24
Large eyecup
(supplied)
b Note
• Do not remove the eyecup attached to the
camcorder.
Getting Started
25
Step 5: Preparing the recording media
Supported memory cards
File formatRecording media
SD, SDHC, SDXC
AVCHD
DV
XAVC S HD
S&Q
(AVCHD)
b Notes
• Operation with all memory cards is not assured.
• Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, which
is half the size of standard “Memory Stick”
media, or standard size SD cards can be used
with this camcorder.
• See page 103 for the recording time of memory
cards.
• Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards can
be imported to or played back on other
equipment, such as a computer or A/V device,
by connecting the camcorder to the equipment
with the USB cable. However, the equipment
must support the exFAT file system used for
SDXC memory cards. Confirm in advance that
the connecting equipment is supporting the
exFAT file system. If you connect equipment
not supporting the exFAT file system and the
format screen appears, do not perform the
format. All the data recorded will be lost.
memory card (Class 4 or
faster), Memory Stick PRO
Duo (Mark2), PRO-HG
Duo
SD, SDHC, SDXC
memory card (Class 6 or
faster), Memory Stick
PRO-HG Duo
SDXC memory card (Class
10)
SD, SDHC, SDXC
memory card (Class 10)
Open the cover, and insert the
memory card with the notched edge
in the direction as illustrated until it
clicks into place.
Memory card slot A
Memory card slot B
Note the direction of the notched
corner.
• If you insert a memory card into the slot in the
wrong direction, the memory card, the memory
card slot, or image data may be damaged.
• Memory card slot A accepts either “Memory
Stick PRO Duo” media or an SD card. Memory
card slot B accepts an SD card only.
To eject a memory card
Lightly push the memory card once.
b Notes
• If “The image database file is corrupted. The
media must be restored to use again.” appears,
format the memory card (p. 70).
• When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be
careful of the memory card popping out and
dropping.
26
Selecting the memory card slot to be
used for recording
Press the SLOT SEL button to change
which slot is selected for recording. You
can confirm the selected slot on the screen.
SLOT SEL button
b Notes
• You can only select a slot that already has a
memory card inserted.
• While movies are being recorded on the
memory card, you cannot switch the slot even if
you press the SLOT SEL button.
z Tip
• When only one slot has a memory card inserted,
the slot that has the memory card is selected
automatically.
Getting Started
27
Recording
Recording
Handle record button
START/STOP button
Recording movies
Your camcorder records movies on a memory card. The factory setting for recording movies
is AVCHD. Do the following steps to record movies.
1 Press the latches on both sides of the lens cap and remove it.
28
2 Turn the ON/STANDBY switch to ON (❙).
3 Press the START/STOP button (or the handle record button) to start
recording.
[STBY] t [REC]
The recording lamps light up during recording.
To stop the movie recording, press the START/STOP button or the handle record button
again.
b Notes
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing in red, your camcorder is reading or writing data on recording
media. Do not shake or apply strong force to your camcorder, do not turn the power off, and do not
remove the recording media, battery pack or the AC Adaptor. The image data may be destroyed.
• See page 103 about the recording time of movies.
• If a movie file size exceeds 2 GB while recording in DV or AVCHD format, the camcorder automatically
divides the file and creates a new one.
• If a movie file size exceeds 6 hours duration while recording in XAVC S HD format, the camcorder
automatically divides the file and creates a new one.
• The menu settings, picture profile settings, and settings made using the AUTO/MAN switch are saved
when you turn the camcorder off by setting the ON/STANDBY switch to STANDBY (1). The POWER/
CHG lamp flashes while the settings are being stored.
Recording
Continued ,
29
Recording (Continued)
z Tips
• When recording with a setting other than DV, the aspect ratio is fixed to 16:9. When recording in DV
mode, you can switch the aspect ratio to 4:3 ([ WIDE REC], p. 80).
• For details about changing the screen display during recording, see page 63.
• For details about screen display during recording, see page 13.
• The recording lamps can be set to stay off ([REC LAMP], p. 91).
Continuous recording on the memory cards (Relay recording)
Insert memory cards each in both slots A and B, so the camcorder switches memory card A (or
B) just before space on the other one runs out, and continues recording on the next memory
card automatically.
Do the following setting before recording.
Press MENU t select (REC/OUT SET) t [REC SET] t [SIMUL/RELAY REC] t
[RELAY REC] with the V/v/B/b/SET button.
Exchange the recordable memory card
Small space
REC start
REC end
Small space
b Notes
• Do not eject the memory card that is currently being used for recording. When replacing a memory card
while recording, replace only the one in the slot whose access lamp is off.
• Even if you press the SLOT SEL button, while recording movies, you cannot switch the slot currently
being used.
• When the remaining recording time of the memory card being used is less than 1 minute and the other slot
has a recordable memory card inserted, [] or [] appears on the camcorder screen.
The indicator turns off when the memory card is switched.
• If you start recording on a memory card with the remaining recording time of less than 1 minute, the
camcorder may not be able to relay-record. To relay-record without failing, make sure that the memory
card has more than 1 minute when you start recording.
• Seamless playback of relay-recorded movies with this camcorder is not possible.
• You can re-combine relay-recorded movies using the “Catalyst Browse” application software.
• The maximum recording time using relay recording is 13 hours. Recording stops automatically when the
maximum recording time elapses.
REC: Recording
30
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