Sony HXR-NX3 Instruction Manual

4-477-121-12(1)

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Recording

Playback

Editing

Using the Menu

Connecting with another device

Troubleshooting

Additional Information

HXR-NX3

Read this first

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

Notes on use

Using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers.

Lens hood with lens cover

Microphone (sold separately) or Microphone holder

b Notes

• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p. 122).

• 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.

LCD screen

Viewfinder

• 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 the LCD screen. 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. 112).

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).

DVD media recorded with high definition image quality (HD)

DVD media recorded with high definition image quality (HD) can be played back with devices that are compatible with the AVCHD format. You cannot play discs recorded with high definition image quality (HD) with DVD players/recorders as they are not compatible with the AVCHD format. If you insert a disc recorded with the AVCHD format (high definition image quality (HD)) into a DVD player/recorder, you may not be able to eject the disc.

Save all your recorded image data

• To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media periodically. To save images on an external device, see page

102.

• Movies recorded with the recording mode set to PS or FX on [ REC FORMAT] can be saved on an external media device and Blu-ray disc only (p. 102).

To handle the recorded images on your computer

Download the “Content Browser” software (p. 17).

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 separate recordable media, such as a disc or computer, then format the recording media (p. 78).

Continued ,

Read this first (Continued)

About the operation of the camcorder

You can operate the camcorder using the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 23, 81), V/v/B/ b/EXEC buttons (p. 81), and the touch panel. However, you cannot use the touch panel* to make some settings such as the MENU items.

* Some operations are possible only with the

touch panel.

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. 23).

• Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.

• The screen displays used in this manual are those of the PAL model. See the bottom of the camcorder to confirm whether it is NTSC or PAL system.

Identifying parts and controls

Body

The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.

A Hook for shoulder strap B ASSIGN 6/FOCUS MAGNIFIER

button (62)

C Accessory shoe receptacles (22) D Microphone fixing clamper E Microphone holder F Accessory shoe G (N mark)

• Touch the mark when you connect the

camcorder to a smartphone equipped with the NFC function.

• NFC (Near Field Communication) is an

international standard of the short-range wireless communication technology.

H Zoom lever I Tripod receptacles

For 1/4-20UNC screws For attaching a tripod with a screw shorter than 5.5 mm (sold separately). It may not be possible to attach a tripod in the proper direction, depending on its specification.

Continued ,

Identifying parts and controls (Continued)

A Lens (21) B Lens hood with lens cover (21) C Front recording lamp (100)

The recording lamp flashes if the remaining capacity of recording media or battery is low.

D Video light (45) E Remote sensor (100) F Video light switch (45) G Built-in microphone H ASSIGN 1/PEAKING button (62) I ASSIGN 3/IRIS PUSH AUTO button

(38)

J ASSIGN 4/LAST SCENE button* (62) K ASSIGN 5/ZEBRA button (62) L ASSIGN 2/HISTOGRAM button (62) M CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT 1) switch (43) N AUTO/MAN (CH1) switch (43) O AUDIO LEVEL (CH1) dial (43) P AUDIO LEVEL (CH2) dial (43) Q AUTO/MAN (CH2) switch (43) R CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT 1/INPUT 2)

switch (43)

S S&Q button (60)

T PUSH AUTO/FOCUS HOLD button

(32)

U FOCUS switch (32) V ND FILTER switch (40)

* ASSIGN 4/LAST SCENE button and ASSIGN

2/HISTOGRAM button have raised tactile dots for your convenience in locating the buttons.

A VIDEO OUT/AUDIO OUT jacks (71,

104)

B HDMI OUT jack (71) C (USB) jack (102) D CHG lamp E DC IN jack (18) F Cable clamp G Handle zoom lever (31) H Handle record button (27) I INPUT 2 jack J INPUT 1 jack (20) K Cable holder (20) L INPUT 2 switch (43) M INPUT 1 switch (43) N REMOTE jack

The REMOTE jack is used for controlling playback, etc. on the video device and peripherals connected to it.

O Grip belt P POWER switch (22) Q Record button (27)

About the cable clamp

The cable clamp provides a more secure connection for the power cord (mains lead) or HDMI cable. However, some HDMI cables may not fit properly in the clamp.

Cable clamp

Power cord (mains lead)

HDMI cable

Continued ,

Identifying parts and controls (Continued)

A Hook for shoulder strap B Focus ring (32) C Lens cover lever (21) D Zoom ring (31) E Iris ring (38) F GAIN button (39) G WHT BAL button* (41) H SHUTTER SPEED button (39) I AUTO/MANUAL switch (38)

i (headphones) jack

For connecting stereo mini-jack headphones.

K BATT RELEASE button (19) L Battery pack (18) M Memory card B slot/select button/access

lamp (25)

N Memory card A slot/select button/access

lamp (25)

O (one push) button (41) P White balance memory switch (41) Q Gain switch (39) R IRIS button* (38)

* IRIS button and WHT BAL button have raised

tactile dots for your convenience in locating the buttons.

To attach a shoulder strap

Attach a shoulder strap (sold separately) to the hooks for a shoulder strap.

A RESET button

If you press the RESET button, all settings including the clock setting (except the picture profile settings) return to the default.

B VISUAL INDEX button (64) C Playback control buttons (PREV,

PLAY*, NEXT, STOP, PAUSE, SCAN/SLOW) (64)

D DATA CODE button (69) E DISPLAY button (69) F LCD screen/touch panel (24) G Handle zoom switch (31) H Viewfinder (24) I Large eyecup (24) J Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (24) K Viewfinder release lever (124) L HEADPHONE MONITOR switch (45) M Rear recording lamp (100)

The recording lamp flashes if the remaining capacity of recording media or battery is low.

N STATUS CHECK button (70) O PICTURE PROFILE button (53) P DISPLAY button (69) Q MENU button** (23, 81) R SEL/PUSH EXEC dial/B/b button (23,

81)

S Illuminance sensor T VOLUME buttons* (64) U TC/U-BIT button

Switches between time code and user bit to display on the LCD screen.

V STATUS CHECK button (70) W V/v/B/b/EXEC buttons (81) X MENU button (23, 81)

* The right side of the VOLUME+ button, and

PLAY button have raised tactile dots for easy button location.

**MENU button has a raised tactile bar for your

convenience in locating the buttons.

Continued ,

Identifying parts and controls (Continued)

Wireless Remote Commander

Remove the insulation sheet before using the Wireless Remote Commander.

Insulation sheet

A DATA CODE button (69) B TC RESET button (59) C SCAN/SLOW buttons (64) D . > (PREV/NEXT) buttons (64) E PLAY button (64) F STOP button (64) G DISPLAY button (69) H Transmitter I START/STOP button (27) J Power zoom lever K PAUSE button (64) 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 back into the

Wireless Remote Commander until it clicks.

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.

Screen indicators

Center

Upper left

Bottom

Upper right

Upper left

Indicator Meaning

100% Remaining battery

INTELLIGENT AUTO (face detection/scene detection/camera-shake detection) (46)

SCENE SELECTION (47)

REC FORMAT (35)

(NTSC model)

(PAL model)

WIDE REC (89)

Image size

Optical zoom

Clear image zoom

×1.2

×2.3

100-0001 Playback folder of

Digital zoom

ND filter (40)

AIRPLANE MODE (98)

SIMUL/RELAY REC

NFC active

memory card

Center

Indicator Meaning

Vibration warning

Indicator Meaning

Recording media

REC STBY Recording status (27) E Warning (112)

N Playback indicator (64)

Processing

Relay recording

Upper right

Indicator Meaning

0min Estimated remaining

recording time

Recording/playback media

00:00:00:00 Time code

(hour:minute:second: frame)

Bottom

Indicator Meaning

Face detection [ON]

PEAKING (93)

ZEBRA (93)

STEADYSHOT (87)

9 Manual focus (32)

– Picture profile (53)

F3.5 Iris (38)

9dB Gain (39)

100 180° Shutter speed (39)

Manual volume control (44)

AUDIO FORMAT

(91)

-2.0EV AE SHIFT (87)

/ Auto setting/manual

setting (95)

Continued ,

Screen indicators (Continued)

Indicator Meaning

n A BWhite balance (41)

HISTOGRAM (93)

AUDIO LEVEL DISPLAY (95)

z Tips

• Indicators may look different or appear at different positions.

Data code 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 pressing the DATA CODE button (p. 69).

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

Identifying parts and controls ...................................................................5

Screen indicators ....................................................................................11

Body ...................................................................................................... 5

Wireless Remote Commander ............................................................ 10

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied accessories ..................................................17

Step 2: Charging the battery pack ..........................................................18

Step 3: Attaching the microphone and the lens hood with lens cover ....20

Step 4: Attaching the accessory shoe ....................................................22

Step 5: Turning on the camcorder and setting the date and time ..........22

Setting the date and time .................................................................... 23

Changing the language setting .......................................................... 23

Step 6: Adjusting the LCD screen and viewfinder ..................................24

Step 7: Preparing the recording media ...................................................25

Recording

Recording ...............................................................................................27

Recording movies ............................................................................... 27

Changing the setting of the record button/handle record button ....... 29

Adjusting the zoom ............................................................................. 31

Adjusting the focus .................................................................................32

Using automatic focus/fixed focus temporarily (Push auto focus/Focus

hold) .................................................................................................... 32

Using the expanded focus (Expanded focus).................................... 33

Focusing on a distant subject (Focus infinity) .................................... 33

Focusing by touching the LCD screen (Spot focus)........................... 33

Focusing on a detected face (Face detection)................................... 34

Changing the recording setting ..............................................................35

Selecting the recording format for high definition image quality

(HD)..................................................................................................... 35

Recording MP4 movies ....................................................................... 36

Setting the DV MODE (DV mode) ....................................................... 36

Adjusting the brightness .........................................................................38

Adjusting the iris ................................................................................. 38

Adjusting the gain ............................................................................... 39

Adjusting the shutter speed ................................................................ 39

Adjusting the exposure ....................................................................... 40

Adjusting the volume of light (ND filter) .............................................. 40

Adjusting the color tone ..........................................................................41

Adjusting the white balance................................................................ 41

Continued ,

Table of Contents

Table of Contents (Continued)

Audio setup ............................................................................................43

Using the internal microphone ............................................................ 43

Recording sound from an external audio device................................43

Adjusting the volume ........................................................................... 44

Setting the headphone sound.............................................................45

Useful functions .....................................................................................45

Recording in dim places (Video light).................................................45

Selecting the suitable setting automatically for the recording situation

(AUTO MODE setting) ......................................................................... 46

What you can do with the Wi-Fi function of the camcorder.................47

Downloading “PlayMemories Mobile” ................................................. 48

Connecting the camcorder to an Android smartphone equipped with

the NFC function using One-touch......................................................48

Using a smartphone as a remote controller ........................................49

Transferring images to a smartphone................................................. 50

Connecting without using the NFC function (Android)........................ 51

Connecting without using the NFC function (iPhone/iPad) .................52

Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile) ................................. 53

Setting time data ................................................................................. 59

Recording with the Slow & Quick Motion function .............................. 60

Reviewing the most recently recorded scene

(Last Scene Review)............................................................................ 61

Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons .....................................62

Playback

Playback ................................................................................................ 64

Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder ...............................69

Connecting a monitor or a TV ................................................................71

Playing back movies ........................................................................... 64

Playing back still images.....................................................................67

Changing the screen display .............................................................. 69

Displaying recording data (Data code)............................................... 69

Checking the settings in your camcorder (Status check)...................70

Editing

Protecting movies and still images (Protect) ..........................................74

Dividing a movie .....................................................................................74

Deleting movies and still images ............................................................75

Copying movies and still images ............................................................76

Capturing still images from a movie .......................................................77

Formatting the recording media .............................................................78

Preventing data on recording media from being recovered ................... 79

Repairing the image database file ..........................................................80

Using the Menu

Operating the menu ................................................................................81

Menu items .............................................................................................83

(CAMERA SET) menu .....................................................................86

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SET/ STEADYSHOT, etc.)

(REC/OUT SET) menu ....................................................................89

Recording settings, input and output settings (REC SET/VIDEO OUT, etc.)

(AUDIO SET) menu ...........................................................................91

Settings for the audio recording ( AUDIO FORMAT/XLR SET, etc.)

(DISPLAY SET) menu ......................................................................93

Display settings (MARKER/DISPLAY OUTPUT, etc.)

(TC/UB SET) menu ..........................................................................97

Time code settings (TC PRESET/UB PRESET/TC FORMAT, etc.)

(NETWORK SET) menu ..................................................................98

Settings for the Wi-Fi function (SEND TO SMARTPHONE/CTRL W/ SMARTPHONE, etc.)

(OTHERS) menu ..............................................................................99

Settings while recording or other basic settings (AREA SET/BEEP, etc.)

Connecting with another device

Saving images on an external media device ........................................102

Creating a standard definition image quality (DV) disc with a recorder, etc.

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

Table of Contents

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ....................................................................................105

Warning indicators and messages .......................................................112

Additional Information

Recording time of movies and the number of recordable photos .........115

Using your camcorder abroad ..............................................................117

File/folder structure on the recording media .........................................118

Continued ,

Table of Contents (Continued)

Maintenance and precautions ..............................................................119

Specifications .......................................................................................125

Index .................................................................................................... 130

About the AVCHD format .................................................................. 119

About the memory card..................................................................... 119

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.............................................. 120

About handling of your camcorder ................................................... 122

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied accessories

Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. Recording media, rechargeable battery pack, and AC Adaptor/Charger are sold separately. See page 18 for types of rechargeable battery packs that you can use on the camcorder. See page 46 for the recommended AC Adaptor/Charger.

AC Adaptor (AC-L100C) (1) (p. 18)

Power cord (mains lead) (1) (p. 18)

Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-845) (1) (p. 10)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Large eyecup (1) (p. 24)

Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 21)

Accessory shoe kit (Accessory shoe (1), Accessory shoe plate (1), screws (4)) (p. 22)

CD-ROM “Manuals for Digital HD Video Camera Recorder” (1)

Operating Guide (2)

Software Downloads

When the unit is used with a PC connection, download device drivers, plugins, and application software, where applicable, from the Sony Professional products web site.

Sony Professional products web site homepage: U.S.A. http://pro.sony.com Canada http://www.sonybiz.ca Latin America http://sonypro-latin.com Europe, Middle East and Africa

http://www.pro.sony.eu Japan http://www.sonybsc.com Asia Pacific http://pro.sony-asia.com Korea http://bp.sony.co.kr China http://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.

Getting Started

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) with the supplied AC Adaptor

b Notes

• You can use a large capacity battery pack, NPF770/NP-F970 (sold separately), with your camcorder. You cannot use NP-F570.

2 With the B mark on the DC plug

facing outwards, connect the DC plug to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

DC plug

DC IN jack

Power cord (mains lead)

AC Adaptor

To the wall outlet (wall socket)

1 Press the battery pack against the

back of your camcorder and slide it down.

B mark

3 Connect the power cord (mains

lead) to the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet (wall socket).

4 Set the POWER switch to OFF.

The CHG lamp lights up and charging starts.

After charging the battery

The CHG lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

z Tips

• You can check the remaining battery life with the status check function (p. 70).

To remove the battery pack

Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Push the BATT RELEASE (battery release) button and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Getting Started

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. 121).

Charging time

Approximate time (minute) required when you charge a fully discharged battery pack.

Battery pack Full charge time

NP-F770 370

NP-F970 520

On the battery pack

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

• The CHG lamp flashes during charging, or the Battery Info (p. 70) 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.

Continued ,

Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

Using an outside power source

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. Follow the procedure from 1 to 3 as shown in “Step 2: Charging the battery pack” on page 18.

b Notes

• The video light does not turn on when the AC adaptor AC-L100C (supplied) is used. To use the video light, use a battery pack (sold separately) (p. 45).

• By using the connecting cord DK-415 1-782361- (sold separately) and the AC Adaptor/ Charger AC-VL1 1-487-539- (sold separately), you can use the video light while using the camcorder on AC power. To purchase these products, consult your local authorized Sony service facility.

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.

Step 3: Attaching the microphone and the lens hood with lens cover

Attaching the microphone

This section explains how to connect an external microphone. (ECM-673 (sold separately) is used for illustration purposes.) Refer also to the instruction manual of the actual microphone to be used. The following microphones are recommended.

• ECM-673 (INPUT TRIM set to [+6dB] recommended)

• ECM-VG1

• ECM-MS2 (stereo)

1 Attach an optional wind screen

B to the optional microphone A.

2 Place the microphone A in the

microphone holder C with the model name facing upward, close the cover, and shut the clamp.

3 Connect the plug of the

microphone to the INPUT 1 jack D.

4 Put the microphone cable into the

cable holder E.

Put the cable in the outer cable holder.

Attaching the lens hood with lens cover

To remove the lens hood with lens cover

Turn the lens hood in the opposite direction to the arrow 2 in the illustration while pressing the PUSH (lens hood release) button.

z Tips

• If you attach or remove a 72mm (2 7/8 in.) PL filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood with lens cover.

To open or close the shutter of the lens hood with 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.

Getting Started

PUSH (lens hood release) button

Align the marks on the lens hood to those on the camcorder, and turn the lens hood in the direction of the arrow 2 until it is locked.

Step 4: Attaching the accessory shoe

When attaching an accessory other than the handle, attach the accessory shoe plate to the accessory shoe.

Step 5: Turning on the camcorder and setting the date and time

To mount the accessory shoe

Mount the accessory shoe on the accessory shoe mount as illustrated.

Accessory shoe plate

Accessory shoe

Accessory

shoe

Accessory shoe plate

1 Lift the edge of the accessory shoe plate

and pull it in the direction opposite to that of the arrow on the accessory shoe plate and remove it from the accessory shoe.

2 Place the accessory shoe as its

protrusions matches recesses of the accessory shoe mount, then fix it to the mount with four screws.

3 Insert the accessory shoe plate in the

direction of the arrow on the plate surface until the end of the plate engages the end of the shoe.

Turning on the camcorder

Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the green button.

When you use your camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

Press and hold the green button.

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF.

b Notes

• If warning messages appear on the LCD screen,

follow the instructions.

To remove the accessory shoe

Remove the shoe plate in the same way as step 1 of “To mount the accessory shoe.” Loosen the 4 screws and remove the accessory shoe from the accessory shoe mount.

Setting the date and time

Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time.

z Tips

• 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. 124).

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

When you set the date and time again, press the MENU button, and select

(OTHERS) t [CLOCK SET].

MENU button

1 Select your area by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

2 Set [SUMMERTIME], [Y] (year),

[M] (month), [D] (day), hour and minute, by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

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 (NTSC model).

z Tips

• The date and time are automatically recorded on the selected recording media, and can be displayed during playback (DATA CODE button, p. 69).

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Press the MENU button and select

(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. Select the screen language in [LANGUAGE] (p. 100).

Getting Started

Step 6: 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.

Open 180 degrees.

90 degrees (max.)

180 degrees (max.)

Adjusting the viewfinder

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Move it until the picture becomes clear.

z Tips

• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight from [VF BACKLIGHT] (p. 96).

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.

Large eyecup (supplied)

Attach with the protruding part at the top.

b Notes

• You may see primary colors shimmering in the viewfinder when you move your line of sight. This is not a malfunction. The shimmering colors will not be recorded on the recording media.

b Notes

• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.

Step 7: Preparing the recording media

Memory card

Types of memory cards you can use in your camcorder

Capacity (operation verified)

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (Mark2)*

“Memory Stick PROHG Duo” media*

“Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media*

SD memory card*

SDHC memory card*

SDXC memory card*

*1 Described as “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

in this manual.

*2 Described as SD card in this manual.

b Notes

• Operation with all memory cards is not assured.

• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, half the size of “Memory Stick” media, or standard size SD cards can be used for this camcorder.

• Use an SD card of Class 4 or faster. For standard image quality (DV) recording, use an SD card of Class 6 or faster, and for Slow & Quick Motion recording, use an SD card of Class 10 or faster.

• During the standard image quality (DV) and Slow & Quick Motion recording, images cannot be recorded on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media.

• Do not attach a label or the like on memory card or memory card adaptor. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

• See page 115 for the recordable time of memory cards.

• Movies recorded on “Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media or 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 “Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media and SDXC memory cards. Confirm in advance that the

32 GB

64 GB

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.

Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the notched edge in the direction as illustrated until it clicks.

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 the 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. 78).

• When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be careful of the memory card popping out and dropping.

Continued ,

Getting Started

Step 7: Preparing the recording media (Continued)

Selecting the memory card slot to be used for recording

Press the A or B button of the memory card slot where the memory card you want to record on is inserted. You can confirm the selected slot on the screen.

Memory card slot A button

Memory card slot B 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 memory card slot A/B buttons.

z Tips

• When only one slot has a memory card inserted, the slot that has the memory card is selected automatically.

• If the memory card is fully recorded during recording, the camcorder continues recording automatically on the memory card inserted in the other slot (Relay recording, p. 28).

Recording

Handle record button

Rear recording lamp

Front recording lamp

Lens hood with lens cover

POWER switch

Record button

Recording movies

Your camcorder records movies on a memory card. The factory setting of recording movies is high definition image quality (HD). Do the following steps to record movies.

1 Open the shutter of the lens hood with lens cover.

2 Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the green button.

Recording

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

3 Press the record button or the handle record button.

[STBY] t [REC]

The recording lamps light up during recording.

To stop the movie recording, press the record 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 115 on the recording time of movies.

• Your camcorder can record a movie for about 13 hours continuously.

• If a movie file exceeds 2 GB during recording, the camcorder divides the file and create a new file automatically.

• The menu settings, the PICTURE PROFILE settings, and the settings made by the AUTO/MANUAL switch are stored in your camcorder when you slide the POWER switch to OFF. The access lamp lights up while the settings are being stored. If you remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor before turning off the power, the settings may return to the default settings.

• [PP4] may be set for the picture profile by default, depending on the country or region. In that case, [PP4] is displayed when the POWER switch is set to ON (p. 53).

z Tips

• When recording in high definition image quality (HD), 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. 89).

• You can change the screen display during recording (p. 69).

• Indicators displayed on the LCD screen during recording are shown on page 11.

• The recording lamps can be set to stay off ([REC LAMP[F]], [REC LAMP[R]], p. 100).

• You can capture still images from the movies you recorded (p. 77).

To continue recording on the memory cards, one after another (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 SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

Insert a recordable memory card.

Small space

Start

Small space

b Notes

• Do not eject the memory card that is currently being used for recording. Replace only the memory card whose slot lamp is off.

• Even if you press the memory card slot button, A or B, 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 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 fail, 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 application software “Content Browser” (Windows only).

End

REC: Recording

To record movies using both the memory card A and B (Simultaneous recording)

You can record movies on both of these recording media simultaneously. Press MENU t select (REC/OUT SET) t [REC SET] t [SIMUL/RELAY REC] t [SIMULTANEOUS REC] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

Recording

Changing the setting of the record button/handle record button

You can start and stop recording on different recording media at different timing by operating the record button and the handle record button. In the default setting, movies are recorded on both the memory card A and B at the same time when either record button is pressed.

• REC BUTTON:

• HANDLE REC BUTTON:

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

To change the setting

Press MENU t select (REC/OUT SET) t [REC SET] t [REC BUTTON SET] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

[REC BUTTON:] setting Button and recording media

REC BUTTON: HANDLE REC BUTTON:

Recording on both the memory card A and the memory card B starts and stops at the same time when either record button is pressed.

Recording on the memory card A starts and stops when the record button is pressed, and on the memory card B when the handle record button is pressed.

Recording on the memory card B starts and stops when the record button is pressed, and on the memory card A when the handle record button is pressed.

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