Sony HXR-NX30E User Guide

4-425-006-11(1)

Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

Table of contents

Getting started

Recording/Playback

Advanced operations

Editing

Saving images with an
external device

Customizing your camcorder

Others/Index

HXR-NX30E/NX30P

Read this first

About language setting

The on-screen displays in each local language



are used for illustrating the operating
procedures. Change the screen language before

sin

g the camcorder if necessary (p. 19).

u

On recording

Before starting to record, test the recording



function to make sure the image 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, recording media, etc.



TV color systems differ depending on the
country/region. To view your recordings on a
TV, you need a PAL system-based TV.



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



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 screen during
recording under fluorescent lights. The
phenomena can be reduced by adjusting the

h

utter speed (p. 68).

s



Images on the screen look horizontally
divided when a subject is lighted with a flash.
The phenomena can be reduced by using a
slower shutter speed.

Notes on use

Do not do any of the following. Otherwise, the



recording media may be damaged, recorded
images may be impossible to play back or may
be lost, or other malfunctions could occur.



ejecting the memory card when the access
lamp (p. 23) is lit or flashing



removing the battery pack or AC Adaptor
from the camcorder, or applying mechanical
shock or vibration to the camcorder when the

(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 25, 26) or

the access lamp (p. 23) are lit or flashing



When the camcorder is connected to other
devices through a USB connection and the
power of the camcorder is turned on, do not
close the LCD panel. The image data that has
been recorded may be lost.



Use the camcorder in accordance with local
regulations.

LCD Panel , viewfinder



The LCD screen and viewfinder are
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.

Black points

White, red, blue or green points

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2

About this manual, illustrations and
on-screen displays

The example images used in this manual for



illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may appear
different from images and screen indicators that
actually appear on your camcorder. And, the
illustrations of your camcorder and its screen
indication are exaggerated or simplified for
understandability.



Design and specifications of your camcorder
and accessories are subject to change without
notice.



In this manual, the internal memory of the
camcorder and the memory card are called
“recording media.”



In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with
high definition image quality (HD) is called
AVCHD recording disc.

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Table of contents

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

Parts and controls . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 7

Getting started

Supplied Items. .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. 11

Attaching the supplied microphone and lens hood . .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. . 12

Attaching the XLR Adaptor . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 12

Attaching the microphone . . .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . 12

Attaching the lens hood . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 14

Charging the battery pack . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. 15

Charging the battery pack using your computer . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 16

Charging the battery pack abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 18

Turning the power on, and setting the date and time . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . 19

Changing the language setting . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . 19

Preparing the recording media . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . 23

Selecting a recording medium . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . 23

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. 23

Recording/Playback

Recording . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . 25

Recording movies . . .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . 25

Shooting photos . .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . 26

Zooming . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 29

Playback . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 30

Operating buttons while playing . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . 31

Advanced operations

Recording people clearly . .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . 34

Recording the selected subject clearly (Face Priority) . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . 34

Capturing smiles automatically (Smile Shutter) . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . 34

Recording movies in various situations. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 35

Selecting the suitable setting automatically for the recording situation

(Intelligent Auto) . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . 35

Reducing camera-shake (

Recording in dark places (NightShot) . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 37

Recording movies in dim places (Video Light) . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 37

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SteadyShot) . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 36

Recording images with the selected image quality . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 38

Selecting the recording format . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . 38

Changing the image quality of photos . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 38

Using the manual adjustment features . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 39

Shooting images with the iris priority mode . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. 39

Shooting images with the Shutter Speed priority mode . .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . 39

Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial . .. .. . . . .. . . 40

Audio setup . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 41

Select the method for inputting sound . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 41

Using the built-in microphone . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 41

Using an external microphone (sold separately) . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . 41

Using the supplied microphone . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 41

Adjusting the recording level . .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. 42

Reducing wind noise .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . 42

Using an external audio device . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 43

Recording information on your location

Playing images on a TV . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 45

Using the built-in projector .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 47

(GPS) . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. . 44

Editing

Editing on your camcorder . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 49

Deleting movies and photos . .. . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 49

Dividing a movie . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . 49

Capturing a photo from a movie . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . 50

Saving images with an external device

Dubbing guide . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . . 51

The devices on which the created disc can be played back . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . 51

Creating a disc with the recorder .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. . 52

Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc with a recorder,

etc. . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . . 52

Saving images on an external media device . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . 53

Saving images with a computer . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 55

Preparing a computer (Windows) .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . 55

Step 1 Checking the computer system . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 55

Step 2 Installing the supplied software “Content Management Utility” . . . . . 56

Table of contents

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Customizing your camcorder

Using menus .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. 58

Menu lists . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. 60

Shooting Mode(Items for selecting a shooting mode) . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . 64

Camera/Audio(Items for customized shooting) . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 66

Rec/Media SET(Items for setting up image quality or the recording media) . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . 77

TC/UB(Items for setting up the time code or user bit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. 79

Edit/Copy(Items for editing) .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 80

Setup(Other setup items) . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . 82

Others/Index

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . 87

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators . . . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. 94

Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 98

Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack .. . . . .. . . . . 98

Expected recording time of movies . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 99

Expected number of recordable photos . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. 100

Using your camcorder abroad . . .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 101

Maintenance and precautions. . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . 103

About the AVCHD format . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 103

About GPS . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . 103

About the memory card . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. 104

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 105

About x.v.Color . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . .. .. . . . 106

About handling of your camcorder .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 106

Specifications .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 112

Screen indicators . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . 116

Index . . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. 118

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Parts and controls

Figures in ( ) are reference pages.



Built-in microphone (41)



Accessory Shoe (12)



Active Interface Shoe



Flash/Video light



Lens (Carl Zeiss lens)



Remote sensor/Infrared port



Camera recording lamp (85)

The camera recording lamp lights up in red
during recording. The lamp flashes when the
remaining recording media capacity or battery
power is low.



MANUAL button (40)



MANUAL dial (40)



LCD screen/Touch panel (19, 21)

If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees, you
can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen
facing out. This is convenient during playback
operations.



Speakers



Projector lens (47)



PROJECTOR FOCUS lever (47)



GPS antenna (44)

A GPS antenna is located in the LCD panel.

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8

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

DISP (DISPLAY) button (21)



LIGHT (Video Light) button (37)



NIGHTSHOT button (37)



POWER button



Memory card access lamp (23)

While the lamp is lit or flashing, the
camcorder is reading or writing data.



Memory card slot (23)



RESET button

Press RESET using a pointed object.

Press RESET to initialize all the settings
including the clock setting.



PROJECTOR button (47)



HDMI OUT jack (45)



(USB) jack (53)



(Movie)/ (Photo) lamp (25, 26)



MODE button (25, 26)



Power zoom lever (29)



FIXED SHOT/PHOTO button (26)



Eyecup



Viewfinder (20)



CHG (charge) lamp (15)



Battery pack (15)



START/STOP button (26)



DC IN jack (15)



Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (20)



(microphone) jack (PLUG IN POWER)



 (headphones) jack



A/V Remote Connector (45)



Grip belt



Loop for a shoulder belt



Built-in USB Cable (16)



BATT (battery) release lever (17)



Tripod receptacle

Attach a tripod (sold separately: the length of
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).



ATT (INPUT2) switch (42)



INPUT2 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) switch (42)



LOW CUT (INPUT1) switch (42)



AUTO/MAN (CH1) switch (42)



AUDIO LEVEL (CH1) dial (42)



AUTO/MAN (CH2) switch (42)



AUDIO LEVEL (CH2) dial (42)



LOW CUT (INPUT2) switch (42)



INPUT2 jack (41)



INPUT1 jack (41)



Cable holder (13)



Microphone (12)



Handgrip



XLR Adaptor (12)



REC CH SELECT (INPUT1) switch (42)



ATT (INPUT1) switch (42)



INPUT1 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) switch (42)

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To fasten the grip belt

To attach the Step Down Ring

Align the Step Down Ring with the
camcorder properly (), then turn it in the
direction of the arrow until the Step Down
Ring is locked in place ().

You can change to the filter diameter to



37mm (1 1/2 in.) by attaching the Step Down
Ring, allowing you to use the recommended
conversion lens.



You cannot attach the wide end conversion lens/
filter, if the Step Down Ring is attached.



To remove Step Down Ring, turn it in the
opposite direction from that of the arrow.

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10

Wireless Remote Commander

The wireless remote commander is useful
when you use the projector.



DATA CODE button (82)



TC RESET button (79)



SCAN/SLOW buttons (32)



/ (Previous/Next) buttons (31)



PLAY button



STOP button



DISPLAY button (21)



Transmitter



START/STOP button (25)



Power zoom buttons (29)



PAUSE button



MODE button (30)

Displays an Index screen during playback.



////ENTER buttons

When you press any of these buttons, the light
blue frame appears on the LCD screen. Select
a desired button or an item with ///,
then press ENTER to enter.

Getting started

Supplied Items

The numbers in ( ) are the supplied
quantity.

Camcorder (1)

AC Adaptor (1)

Power cord (Mains lead) (1)

HDMI cable (1)

A/V connecting cable (1)

USB connection support cable (1)

USB Adaptor Cable (1)

Lens hood (1)

Getting started

Step Down Ring (1)

Wind Screen (1), Microphone (ECM-XM1) (1)

XLR Adaptor (1)

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

The USB connection support cable is designed



for use with this camcorder only. Use this cable
when the Built-in USB Cable of the camcorder
(p. 16) is too short for connection.

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV70 (1)

CD-ROM “Content Management Utility” (1)

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

“

perating Guide” (2)

O

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12

GB

Attaching the supplied microphone and lens hood

You do not need to attach the XLR Adaptor or microphone when you use the built-in
microphone.

Attaching the XLR Adaptor

Attach the XLR Adaptor to the

1

accessory shoe on the camcorder
and tighten the screw of the XLR
Adaptor.

Connect the plug of the XLR

2

Adaptor to the Active Interface
Shoe of the camcorder.

XLR Adaptor

Active Interface Shoe

When detaching the XLR Adaptor

Unplug the connector plug of the XLR Adaptor from the Active Interface Shoe beforehand.
Detach the XLR Adaptor after having loosened the screw of the XLR Adaptor.

Attaching the microphone

Attach the wind screen  to the

1

microphone .

Unlock the stopper of the

2

microphone holder and open the
cover.

Align the convex part of the

3

microphone with the concave
part of the holder, and then place
the microphone into the holder.
Close the cover and lock the
stopper securely.

Be sure to place the microphone with
the model name (ECM-XM1) facing
upward.

Connect the plug of the

4

microphone to the INPUT1
connector of the XLR Adaptor.

Put the microphone cable into

5

the cable holder.

See page 41 on the settings for the
audio recording.

Getting started

INPUT1 jack

Release lever

Hook the cable in the
outer cable holder.

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13

14

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When detaching the microphone cable

1 Detach the microphone from the microphone holder.

2 Unplug the microphone plug while pressing the release lever down.

Attaching the lens hood

Align the lens hood with the

1

camcorder properly (), then
turn the securing ring of the lens
hood in the direction of the arrow
().

Securing ring

To remove the lens hood

Turn the securing ring of the lens hood in the opposite direction from that of attach.

Notes



Remove the lens hood when you record movies using the NightShot function. If you do not do so, the
shadow of the lens hood will be reflected and recorded in your movies.



Remove the lens hood when you operate the camcorder with the supplied remote commander.

Charging the battery pack

Close the LCD screen after

1

replacing the viewfinder and
attach the battery pack.

Connect the AC Adaptor () and

2

the power cord (mains lead) () to
your camcorder and the wall outlet
(wall socket).

The CHG (charge) lamp turns on.




The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the
battery pack is fully charged. Disconnect the
AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of your
camcorder.

CHG (charge)
lamp

Battery pack

DC plug

Getting started

DC IN jack

Align the  mark on
the DC plug with that
on the DC IN jack





To the wall outlet (wall socket)

Notes



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

GB

15

16

GB

Charging the battery pack using your computer

Turn off your camcorder and connect
the camcorder to a running computer
using the Built-in USB Cable.

Built-in USB Cable

To the wall outlet (wall socket)

To charge the battery from a wall outlet (wall socket) using the Built-in USB
Cable

You can charge the battery by connecting the Built-in USB Cable to a wall outlet (wall socket)
using an AC-UD10 USB charger/AC Adaptor (sold separately). You cannot use a Sony CP­AH2R, CP-AL, or AC-UP100 portable power supply device (sold separately) to charge the
camcorder.

Charging time

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

Battery pack

NP-FV50 155 280

NP-FV70 (supplied) 195 545

NP-FV100 390 1,000

The charging times shown in the table above are measured when charging the camcorder at a



temperature of 25 °C (77 °F). It is recommended that you charge the battery in a temperature range of 10
°C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).

* The charging times are measured without using the USB connection support cable.

AC Adaptor

Charging time

Built-in USB Cable

using your computer)

* (when

To remove the battery pack

Close the LCD screen. Slide the BATT
(battery) release lever () and remove the
battery pack ().

To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source

Make the same connections as those for charging the battery pack.

Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged.

Notes on the battery pack

When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, turn the camcorder off and make sure



that the
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions:











When attaching a video light (sold separately), it is recommended that you use an NP-FV70 or NP-FV100
battery pack.



You cannot use the NP-FV30 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack with your camcorder.

(Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 25, 26) and the access lamp (p. 23) are turned off.

The battery pack is not attached correctly.
The battery pack is damaged.
The temperature of the battery pack is low.
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place.
The temperature of the battery pack is high.
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place.

Getting started

Notes on the AC Adaptor

Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from



the wall outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.
Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.




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



Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the camcorder, holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.

GB

17

18

GB



Recording time, Playing time (p. 98)




Remaining battery indicator (p. 26)



arging the battery pack abroad (p. 18)

Ch

Charging the battery pack abroad

You can charge the battery pack in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with
your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range. Do not use an electronic
voltage transformer.

Turning the power on, and setting the date and time

Open the LCD screen of your

1

camcorder and turn the power
on.

You can also turn on the camcorder by



pressing POWER (p. 8).

Select the desired language, then

2

select [Next].

Select the desired geographical

3

area with

/ , then select

[Next].

Set [Summer Time], select the

4

date format and the date and
time.

If you set [Summer Time] to [On], the



clock advances 1 hour.



When you select the date and time, select
one of the items and adjust the value with

/ .

When you select



setting operation is complete.

, the date and time

Touch the button on the

Getting started

LCD screen.

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.

Select  [Setup]  [ General Settings]  [Language Setting]  a desired language.

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19

20

GB

To turn off the power

Close the LCD screen or press the POWER
button (p. 8).
If the viewfinder is pulled out, retract the
viewfinder as shown in the illustration on
the right.

On turning the camcorder on or off using the LCD screen or the viewfinder

The power of the camcorder is turned on or off depending on the status of the LCD screen or
the viewfinder.

Status

LCD screen Viewfinder

Power of the camcorder

Open Retracted On

Pulled out On

Closed Retracted Off

Pulled out On

Notes



Even if the LCD screen is closed, if the viewfinder is pulled out, the camcorder is not turned off. When
you turn off the power of the camcorder, make sure that the viewfinder is retracted to the original
position.

When you make recording with the viewfinder only

Pull out the viewfinder () and close the
LCD panel and then adjust the angle you

). If the indicator on the viewfinder

want (
appears blurred, adjust the appearance using
the viewfinder lens adjustment lever located
on the above of the viewfinder.

To adjust the angle of the LCD panel

First open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (), and then adjust the angle

 90 degrees (max.)

().

 180 degrees (max.)

 90 degrees to the camcorder

Changing the display on the LCD screen

Press the DISP (DISPLAY) button to cycle the
screen display in the following order.

Recording: Detailed display  simple
display  nondisplay

Playing: Detailed display  simple display

In the default setting, the screen display changes to the simple display after about 3 seconds ([Display



Setting], p. 84). The display changes to the detailed display when you touch anywhere on the screen
except the buttons on the LCD screen so that you can use items.

about 3sec

after

Getting started

To turn on the beep sound

Select  [Setup]  [ General Settings]  [Beep]  [On].

Notes

The recording date, time and condition, and coordinates are recorded automatically on the recording



media. They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [Data Code] during
playback. To display them, select
desired item.

 [Setup]  [ Playback Settings]  [Data Code]  the

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21

22

GB

Once the clock is set, the clock time is automatically adjusted with [Auto Clock ADJ ] and [Auto Area



ADJ] set to [On]. The clock may not be adjusted to the correct time automatically, depending on the
country/region selected for your camcorder. In this case, set [Auto Clock ADJ ] and [Auto Area ADJ] to
[Off].



To set the date and time again: [Date & Time Setting] (p. 85)




To calibrate the touch panel: [Calibration] (p. 110)

Preparing the recording media

The recording media that can be used are displayed on the screen of your camcorder as
following icons.

Default recording medium Alternative recording medium

Memory card Internal memory

Notes



You cannot select a different recording medium for movies and for photos.

Selecting a recording medium

Select  [Rec/Media SET] 
[Media Select]  the desired
medium.

Inserting a memory card

Open the cover, and insert the
memory card until it clicks.

The [Preparing image database file. Please wait.]



screen appears if you insert a new memory card.
Wait until the screen disappears.

Insert the card with the notched corner in the
direction as illustrated.

Getting started

Access lamp

To eject the memory card

Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.

GB

23

Notes



To ensure stable operation of the memory card, it is recommended to format the memory card with your

mcorder before the first use (p. 78). Formatting the memory card will erase all the data stored on it and

ca
the data will be irrecoverable. Save your important data on your PC, etc.



If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.] is

s

played, format the memory card (p. 78).

di



Confirm the direction of the memory card. If you forcibly insert the memory card in the wrong direction,
the memory card, memory card slot, or image data may be damaged.



When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be careful so that the memory card does not pop out and
drop.

Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder

SD Speed

Class

Capacity

(operation

Described in this

manual

verified)

“Memory Stick PRO Duo”
media (Mark2)

“Memory Stick PRO-HG

—

Up to

32 GB

“Memory Stick PRO
Duo” media

Duo” media

SD memory card

SDHC memory card

SDXC memory card

Operation with all memory cards is not assured.



Notes

A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder.



Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or AV



devices not supporting the exFAT* file system by connecting the camcorder to these devices with the
USB cable. Confirm in advance that the connecting equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If you
connect an equipment not supporting the exFAT system and the format screen appears, do not perform
the format. All the data recorded will be lost.
* The exFAT is a file system that is used for SDXC memory cards.

Class 4 or

faster

Up to

64 GB

SD card



Recording/playback/editing media: Screen indicators during recording (p. 116)




Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos (p. 98)

24

GB

Recording/Playback

Recording

In the default setting, movies and photos are recorded on the memory card. Movies are
recorded with high definition image quality (HD).

Recording movies

Open the LCD screen and press

1

MODE to turn on the
lamp.

Press START/STOP to start

2

recording.

To stop recording, press START/STOP



again.

(Movie)

Recording/Playback

Recording photos while recording a movie (Dual Capture)

Set the [FIXED SHOT/PHOTO] setting to [PHOTO] and then press the FIXED SHOT/
PHOTO button.

If you set the [FIXED SHOT/PHOTO] setting to [FIXED SHOT], you cannot record photos while



recording a movie.

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25

26

GB

Shooting photos

Open the LCD screen and press

1

MODE to turn on the

(Photo)

lamp.

Press FIXED SHOT/PHOTO lightly

2

to adjust the focus, then press it
fully.

When the focus is adjusted properly,



AE/AF lock indicator appears on the LCD
screen.



The [FIXED SHOT/PHOTO] setting is set
to [PHOTO] in photo recording mode.

To display items on the LCD screen

Items on the LCD screen disappear if you do not operate the camcorder for a few seconds
after you turn the camcorder on or switch between the movie recording and photo shooting
modes.

Touch anywhere except the buttons on the LCD screen to display information on icons with
functions convenient for recording.

Screen indicators during recording

Described here are icons for both movie recording and photo recording modes. Refer to the
page in ( ) for details.

Zoom button (W: Wide/T: Telephoto), START/STOP button (in movie recording mode),



PHOTO button (in photo recording mode)

MENU button (58)



Status detected by Intelligent Auto (35)



Recording status ([STBY]/[REC])



AE/AF (automatic exposure/automatic focus) lock (26)



GPS triangulating status (44)



Tracking focus (34)



Zoom, Remaining battery



Time code



Estimated recording remaining time, Recording image quality (HD/STD),



Format (38)

Tracking focus cancel button (34)










Audio Format

Intelligent Auto button (35)

Audio Level Display (76)

Capturing a photo, Recording/playback/editing media (23)

Approximate number of recordable photos, Aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3), Photo size (L/M/S)

View Images button (30)

My Button (you can assign your favorite functions to icons displayed in this area) (75)

Recording/Playback

Rec

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27

28

GB

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 image will be normal
when recorded.

If white circular spots appear on photos

This is caused by particles (dust, pollen,
etc.) floating close to the lens. When they
are accentuated by the camcorder’s flash,
they appear as white circular spots.
To reduce the white circular spots, light the
room and shoot the subject without a flash.

Notes



If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording.



The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours.



When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically.



The flash does not work while the



The following states will be indicated if data is still being written onto the recording media after
recording has finished. During this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the
battery or AC Adaptor.



cces

s lamp (p. 23) is lit or flashing

A



The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing



When [

Rec Format] is set to [1080/25p ] or [1080/25p ], you cannot record photos while the

camcorder is in movie recording mode.



The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel
display). However, this may cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right, and left edges of images when
played back on a TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. It is recommended you record images

th [Guide Frame] set to [On] and using the outer frame of [Guide Frame] (p. 75) as a guide.

i

w





Recording time, recordable number of photos (p. 98)



[Media Select] (p. 23)



sh] (p. 73)

[Fla



splay items on the LCD screen all the time: [Display Setting] (p. 84)

To di



To change the image size: [



Recordable time, remaining capacity [Media Info] (p. 77)

(movie) lamp is lit.

Image Size] (p. 38)

Zooming

Move the power zoom lever to
magnify or reduce the size of the
image.

W (Wide angle): Wider range of view
T (Telephoto): Close view



You can magnify images up to 17 times
(Extended Zoom) the original size with the
power zoom lever.



Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower
zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

Notes



Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever. If you move your finger off the power zoom lever,
the operation sound of the power zoom lever may also be recorded.



You cannot change the zoom speed with the



The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1
cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 31 1/2 in.) for telephoto.



You can magnify images up to 10 times using optical zooming in the following cases:



When [



When the

SteadyShot] is set to other than [Active]

(Photo) is lit





Further zooming: [Digital Zoom] (p. 71)

/ button on the LCD screen.

Recording/Playback

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29

30

GB

Playback

You can search for recorded images by date and time of recording (Event view).

Open the LCD screen and press

1

the

button on the LCD screen

to enter the playback mode.

Select / to move the desired

2

event to the center () and then
select it ().

The camcorder displays recorded images as



an event automatically, based on the date
and time.

Select the image.

3



The camcorder plays from the selected
image to the last image in the event.

Screen display on the Event View screen

To the MENU screen

Event name

To the previous event

Change to the movie/

photo recording mode

Event name Recorded time/number of photos

To go back to the Event

Reduced-size images which enable you to view many images at the same time on an index screen are



called “thumbnails.”

Notes



To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on external media periodically.

.

(p

View screen

Previous/next

Change to the movie/

photo recording mode

Last played image

51)

Remaining battery

Events

To the next event

Time-line bar

Change Event Scale button

Switch Image Type button

Movie

Photo

Recording/Playback

Operating buttons while playing

Items on the LCD screen disappear if you do not attempt to operate the camcorder for a few
seconds. To display the items again, touch the LCD screen.

GB

31

32

GB

While playing a movie

Volume

Delete

Context

To stop

Previous

To fast-reverse

Next

To fast-forward

To pause/play

While viewing photos

Operating buttons while viewing photos will be changed depends on the setting of Switch
Image Type button (p. 31).

(Movie/photo) (default setting)

Delete

Next

Previous

(photo)

Delete

Context

To play/pause movies
and photos in the order
recorded

Previous

Next

To start/stop slide show

As you repeat selecting / during playback, movies are played as fast as about 5 times  about 10



times  about 30 times  about 60 times.




/ during pause to play movies slowly.

Select
To repeat Slideshow, select

 [Slideshow Set].

To play back images with other devices

You may not be able to play back normally images recorded on your camcorder with other devices. Also,



you may not be able to play back images recorded on other devices with your camcorder.



Standard definition image quality (STD) movies recorded on SD memory cards cannot be played on AV
equipment of other manufacturers.

Recording/Playback

GB

33

Advanced operations

REC

REC

W

T

REC

REC

AUTO

Recording people clearly

Recording the selected subject clearly (Face Priority)

Your camcorder can track a face you select
and adjust the focus, exposure, and skin
tone of the face automatically.

Touch one of the faces targeted.

is displayed.

Notes



The subject you touched may not be detected,
depending on the surrounding brightness or
hairstyle of the subject.



Make sure to set the [Face Detection] setting to
other than [Off] ([Auto] is the default setting).

To record subjects other than people
(Tracking focus)

Touch the subject you want to record.

Your camcorder adjusts the focus
automatically.

Release selection

Release selectionThe double-lined frame

Capturing smiles automatically (Smile Shutter)

A photo is recorded automatically when
the camcorder detects the smile of a
person during movie recording (p. 73).
([Dual Capture] is the default setting.)

34

The camcorder is

The camcorder is

GB

detecting a face.

detecting a smile
(orange).

Notes



When [

use the Smile Shutter function while recording
movies. Furthermore, when [
is set to [1080/25p
cannot use the Smile Shutter function, either.



Smiles may not be detected depending on
recording conditions, subject conditions, and
the setting of your camcorder.

Rec Format] is set to [1080/50p

], [1080/50i ] or [720/50p ], you cannot

Rec Format]

] or [1080/25p ], you



[Smile Sensitivity] (p. 73)



Recording movies in various situations

Selecting the suitable setting automatically for the recording situation (Intelligent Auto)

Your camcorder records movies after
selecting the most suitable setting for the
subjects or the situation automatically.
([Off] is the default setting.) When the
camcorder detects a subject, the icons that
correspond to the detected conditions are
displayed.

Select  [On]  at the
right bottom of the recording screen
of movies or photos.

Face detection:

The camcorder detects faces, and adjusts
the focus, color and exposure.

(Portrait), (Baby)

Scene detection:

The camcorder selects the most effective
setting automatically, depending on the
scene.
 (Backlight),
Scene),
(Macro)

Camera-shake detection:

The camcorder detects whether camera­shake occurs or not, and makes the
optimum compensation.

(Walk), (Tripod)

To cancel the Intelligent Auto function, select



 [Off].

(Landscape), (Night

(Spotlight), (Low light),

Advanced operations

GB

35

To record images brighter than those
recorded using the Intelligent Auto
function

Select  [Camera/Audio] 

Manual Settings]  [Low Lux].

[

Notes



The camcorder may not detect the expected
scene or subject, depending on the recording
conditions.

Reducing camera-shake

SteadyShot)

(

The camcorder has a balanced SteadyShot
function that allows you to reduce the
camera-shake when shooting with
zooming, as well as when shooting with a
wide-angle shot. ([Standard] is the default
setting.)

Select  [Camera/Audio]

1

 [
[

Camera Settings] 

SteadyShot].

Standard:

The camcorder reduces camera-shake using
the balanced SteadyShot function in wide­angle shooting.

Off:

The camcorder does not use the balanced
SteadyShot function.

To further reduce camera-shake
(FIXED SHOT)

By fixing the composition, you can steady
the shot when recording movies.

Select  [Camera/Audio]

1

 [

Camera Settings] 

[FIXED SHOT/PHOTO]  [FIXED
SHOT].

Press FIXED SHOT/PHOTO button

2

(p. 25).

To cancel the FIXED SHOT function, press



FIXED SHOT/PHOTO button again.



When you attempt operations such as pan and
tilt, turn Off the FIXED SHOT function.

Select the desired item.

2

Active:

In addition to the balanced SteadyShot
function, the camcorder compensates for
camera-shake in the vertical and horizontal
directions.

GB

36

Notes



The angle of view will be changed after
changing the settings of the [
function.



You can magnify images up to 10 times using
optical zooming in the following cases:



When [
[Active]
When the



SteadyShot] is set to other than

(Photo) is lit

SteadyShot]

Recording in dark places (NightShot)

You can record images even in total
darkness.

Press NIGHTSHOT.

Recording movies in dim places (Video Light)

Press LIGHT.

Flash/
Video light

Advanced operations

Infrared port

appears.




To cancel the NightShot function, press
NIGHTSHOT again.

Notes



Do not cover the infrared port. Infrared rays are
required when using NightShot.



When recording movies using the NightShot
function, remove the lens hood (supplied), the
Step Down Ring (supplied), and the conversion
lens (sold separately).



Using NightShot in bright places will cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.





[Focus] (p. 67)



[Low Lux] (p. 69)

Each time you press the LIGHT button, the
indicator changes as follows.
Off (no indicator)  Auto (

)  ...

On (

Notes



Keep a distance of about 0.3 m to 1.5 m (1
foot to 5 feet) between the camcorder and the
subject.



The video light generates strong light. Do not
use the video light directly in front of the eyes
at close range.



The battery drains quickly while using the video
light.



When you shoot photos, the video light turns
off and will work as a flash.

) 



[Light Bright] (p. 76)



GB

37

Recording images

For selecting the still image size.

Image Size

L

( 2.1 M )

16:9

M

16:9

S

16:9

L

( VGA )

4:3

M

4:3

S

4:3

16:9

L

( 5.0 M )

( 24.1 M )

( 12.3 M )

( 18.1 M )

with the selected
image quality

Selecting the recording format

You can select the recording format
(bit-rate, image size, frame rate, scanning
system). In the default setting, [1080/50i

] is selected.

To change the setting

Press  [Rec/Media SET]

1

 [

Select the desired item.

2

Setting value Description

1080/50p

1080/50i

1080/50i

1080/50i

1080/50i

1080/25p

1080/25p

720/50p

720/50p

GB

38

Rec Format].

Bit-rate



PS: max. 28 Mbps
FX: max. 24 Mbps
FH: approx. 17 Mbps
(average)
HQ: approx. 9 Mbps
(average)
LP: approx. 5 Mbps
(average)
Image size



PS: 1920×1080
FX:
1920×1080/1280×720
FH:
1920×1080/1280×720
HQ: 1440×1080
LP: 1440×1080
Frame rate



either 25, or 50
Scanning system



i: interlace
p: progressive

Setting value

If you select [1080/25p ], for example,
movies are recorded with following format.

1080: Effective scanning lines




25: Frame rate



p: Scanning system



: Recording mode

Notes



Movies recorded with the recording mode set to
PS or FX on [
an external media device only (p. 53, 55).



The recording format of [576/50i
automatically selected for the standard image
quality (STD) recording.

Rec Format] can be saved on

] is

Changing the image quality of photos

The number of photos you can shoot
differs, depending on the image size
selected.

Select  [Rec/Media SET]

1

 [

Image Size].

Select the desired image size.

2

Notes



The image size selected with this setting takes
effect for photos taken by the Dual Capture

un

ction (p. 25).

f





Number of recordable photos (p. 100)

Using the manual adjustment features

Shooting images with the iris priority mode

Changing IRIS parameter changes the
range that is in focus.

Select  [Camera/Audio]

1

 [

Manual Settings] 

[IRIS]  [Manual].

Select / to adjust the iris.

2

F-value

As the F-value (aperture value)
becomes smaller, the iris opens and
the background blurs.

To change the atmosphere of image
by the IRIS parameter

Smaller F-value (opening the iris) narrows
the range that is in focus. Larger F-value
(narrowing down the iris) widens the range
that is in focus. Open the iris to blur the
background, or narrow down the iris to
sharpen the whole image.

Notes



Even if you open the IRIS wider (a smaller
F-value) than F3.4 when you set the zoom lever
to the W (Wide angle) side, the IRIS is reset
to F3.4 as you move the zoom lever to the T
(Telephoto) side.

Shooting images with the Shutter Speed priority mode

You can express the movement of a moving
subject in various way by adjusting the
shutter speed. When shooting a mountain
stream, for example, a splash of water will
be captured clearly with high speed shutter,
or a trailing image of water with low speed
shutter.

Select  [Camera/Audio]

1

 [

Manual Settings] 

[Shutter Speed] [Manual].

Select / to adjust the

2

shutter speed.

As the value becomes smaller (slower
shutter speed), a trailing image of the
movement of the subject is captured.

Notes



When you record images under a fluorescent
lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp,
horizontal stripes may appear, flicker may
occur, or color may change. In this case, change
the shutter speed according to the power supply
frequency in your region.

Advanced operations

GB

39

Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial

It is convenient to make manual
adjustments using the MANUAL dial,
by assigning a menu item ([Focus] in the
default setting) to the MANUAL dial.

MANUAL button

MANUAL dial

Press MANUAL to switch to the

1

manual operation mode.

Pressing MANUAL switches the
operation mode between manual and
automatic.

Rotate the dial to make

2

adjustment.

Items you can control with the
MANUAL dial

[Focus] (p. 67)




[Exposure] (p. 67)



[IRIS] (p. 68)



[Shutter Speed] (p. 68)



[AE Shift] (p. 68)



[White Balance Shift] (p. 69)

To assign the menu item to the
MANUAL dial

Press and hold MANUAL down

1

for a few seconds.

[Dial Setting] screen appears.

Rotate the MANUAL dial and

2

select the item to be assigned.

Select [RESET] to reset the items adjusted



manually to the default settings.

Press MANUAL.

3

The camera data that appears on the



LCD screen will differ, depending on
the recording settings of the camcorder.
The settings will be displayed with the
following icons.

: Automatic




: Exposure is set manually.



: IRIS priority



: Shutter speed priority

Notes



Manual settings will be retained even if you
change the assigned item of the MANUAL dial.
However, if you set [Exposure] after setting
[AE Shift] manually, [Exposure] will override
[AE Shift].



If you set either one of [Exposure], [IRIS], or
[Shutter Speed], the settings of other 2 items
are canceled.





[Data Code] (p. 82)

40

GB

Audio setup

XLR Adaptor

Using the supplied microphone

Attach the XLR Adaptor when you use the
supplied microphone (ECM-XM1). You can
record monaural sound with the super­directional microphone.

MIC input jack

Built-in microphone

Select the method for inputting sound

You can select the method for inputting
sound on the camcorder from 3 types;
built-in microphone, MIC input jack or
XLR Adaptor.
Depending on the connection status of
MIC input jack and XLR Adaptor, the order
of priority to be selected is as follows.
MIC input jack  XLR Adaptor  built-in
microphone

Using the built-in microphone

Detach the XLR Adaptor when you use the
built-in microphone. You can record stereo
sound.

Notes



To reduce wind noise, set [Int. Mic. Wind NR]

. 74).

to [On] (p

Using an external microphone (sold separately)

When an external microphone is connected
to the MIC input jack, sound is switched to
that of the external microphone.
Sound is not switched during recording.

Advanced operations

Inputting external sound

 INPUT1 jack
 INPUT2 jack

GB

41

Selecting a sound source

 INPUT1 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) switch
 INPUT2 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) switch

Selecting a sound source level

 ATT (INPUT1) switch
 ATT (INPUT2) switch

Adjusting the recording level

You can adjust the recording level input
from the INPUT1 /INPUT2  jacks.
You cannot adjust the recording level of the
built-in microphone and MIC input jack.

Set the AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2)

1

switch of the channel to be
adjusted ( or ) to MAN.

Selecting channel setting for
recording

 REC CH SELECT (INPUT1) switch

Selecting the recording level

 AUTO/MAN (CH1) switch
 AUDIO LEVEL (CH1) dial
 AUTO/MAN (CH2) switch
 AUDIO LEVEL (CH2) dial

Switching wind noise reduction to
ON/OFF

 LOW CUT (INPUT1) switch
 LOW CUT (INPUT2) switch

Attach the XLR Adaptor (p. 12),

1

and connect the supplied
microphone to INPUT1 jack .

Set the INPUT1 (LINE/MIC/

2

MIC+48V) switch  to MIC+48V.

Set the REC CH SELECT (INPUT1)

3

switch  to CH1·CH2

This setting enables recording on both
CH1, CH2. Set the switch to CH1 if
you want to record on CH1 only.

GB

42

Turn the AUDIO LEVEL dial  or

2

 to adjust the volume to the
proper level.

Confirm that the volume is at the
proper level with headphones or Audio

vel Display (p. 76).

Le

To restore automatic adjustment

Set the AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2) switch
 or  to AUTO.

Reducing wind noise

You can reduce wind noise input from the
INPUT1/INPUT2 jacks  or .

Set the LOW CUT (INPUT1) switch 
or LOW CUT (INPUT2) switch  to
ON.

Notes



You can select [
[Linear PCM] or [Dolby Digital] when
recording in high definition image quality
(HD).



You can adjust the volume of the headphones or

eaker with [Volume] (p. 75).

p

s



You can set [Audio Output Timing] of

e

adphones and audio output jacks (p. 75).

h

Audio Format] from

Using an external audio device

Set as follows when you use a microphone
other than the supplied microphone or an
external audio device (mixer, etc.).

Select the sound source to be

1

input.

Set the INPUT1/INPUT2 (LINE/MIC/
MIC+48V) switch  or  according
to the device to be connected to the
INPUT1/INPUT2 jacks  or .

External audio device (mixer, etc.): LINE




Dynamic microphone or microphone
with built-in battery: MIC

icr



ophone that is 48 V phantom power

M
compliant: MIC+48V

Notes



If you connect a device that does not support
48

V phantom power, malfunction may result
from setting this switch to MIC+48V. Check
before connecting the device.



If noise from the unused jack bothers you, set
the INPUT1/INPUT2 (LINE/MIC/MIC+48V)
switch of the unused jack ( or ) to LINE.

Set the input level of the

2

microphone

When the INPUT1/INPUT2
(LINE/MIC/MIC+48V) switch  or
 is set to MIC or MIC+48V, you
can set the input level with the ATT
(INPUT1/INPUT2) switch  or .
Adjust according to the microphone
sensitivity.



ATT 10dB is recommended when you use
the supplied microphone (ECM-XM1).



The input levels are as follows.
ATT 0dB: -60dBu
ATT 10dB: -50dBu
ATT 20dB: -40dBu

Notes



When the INPUT1/INPUT2 (LINE/MIC/
MIC+48V) switch  or  is set to LINE, the
input level is fixed to +4dBu. Even if you reset
the ATT switch, the input level does not change.

Set the channel to be recorded.

3

You can select the channel to be
recorded with the REC CH SELECT
(INPUT1) switch .

The position
of the REC
CH SELECT
(INPUT1)
switch

CH1·CH2 INPUT1 CH1

CH1 INPUT1

Notes



To use a stereo microphone with 2 XLR (3PIN)
plugs, connect Lch to the INPUT1 jack  and
Rch to the INPUT2 jack , and set the REC
CH SELECT (INPUT1) switch  to CH1.

Audio recorded on CH1,
CH2

INPUT2

Advanced operations

CH2

CH1

CH2

GB

43

Recording
information on your
location

The camcorder records information on
the location when movies or photos are
recorded (the default setting).

(GPS)

If you do not want to record location
information

Select
[

 [Setup] 

General Settings]  [GPS

Setting]  [Off].

GPS triangulating status

Searching for the

satellites

Number of dots
changes

Triangulating

Triangulating meters Unable to record

Images will be registered using
the location information that was
previously obtained.

Unable to

triangulate

location information

Notes



It may take a while before the camcorder starts
triangulating.



Use the GPS function outdoors and in open
areas, as the radio signals can best be received
in such areas.

If data on your current location
cannot be obtained

A display that allows you to triangulate the
location again appears. In this case, follow
the instructions that appears on the LCD
screen.

Hints for better reception

Use the GPS function outdoors and in open



areas.
For details on locations or situations where
radio signals cannot be received, refer to

a

ge 103.

p



Rotate the LCD panel to direct the GPS antenna

.

7) towards the sky. Do not place your hand

(p
on the GPS antenna.

44

GB

Notes



In the following situations, the current location
of the camcorder shown on the map may be
different from the actual location. The margin
of error can be as wide as several hundred
meters.



When the camcorder receives GPS signals
that have been reflected off the surrounding
buildings



When the GPS signal is too weak

Playing images on a TV

Connection methods and the image quality
viewed on the TV screen differ depending
on what type of TV is connected, and the
connectors used.

Connecting to a high
definition TV

HDMI

Cable

(supplied)

* If the TV does not have the HDMI input jack,

use the A/V connecting cable for connection.

1

2

3

*

Switch the input on the TV to the
connected jack.

Connect the camcorder to a TV.

Play a movie or a photo on the
camcorder (p. 30).

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

A/V

connecting

cable

(supplied)

Input

Yellow

White

Red

Signal flow

Advanced operations

GB

45

Notes



Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV as
well.



Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power
source (p. 17).



When movies are recorded with standard
definition image quality (STD), they are played
back in standard definition image quality (STD)
even on a high definition TV.



When you play back standard definition image
quality (STD) movies on a 4:3 TV that is not
compatible with the 16:9 signal, set [
Mode] to [4:3] to record movies with 4:3 aspect
ratio.



If you connect your camcorder to the TV using
more than one type of cable to output images,
HDMI output takes priority.



The camcorder does not support the S-Video
output.



This camcorder is not compatible with
“BRAVIA” sync.

Wide

On an HDMI cable

Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.




Use an HDMI mini connector on one end
(for the camcorder), and a plug suitable for
connecting your TV on the other end.



Copyright-protected images are not output
from the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder.



Some TVs may not function correctly (e.g., no
sound or image) with this connection.



Do not connect the camcorder HDMI OUT
jack to an external device HDMI OUT jack, as
malfunction may result.



HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
is an interface to send both video/audio signals.
The HDMI OUT jack outputs high quality
images and digital audio.

When your TV is monaural (When
your TV has only one audio input
jack)

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V
connecting cable to the video input jack
and connect the white (left channel) or red
(right channel) plug to the audio input jack
of your TV or VCR.

When connecting to your TV via a
VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN
input on the VCR using the A/V connecting
cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to
LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).



Setting the aspect ratio supported by the TV:



[TV Type] (p. 83)

If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor
(EUROCONNECTOR)

Use a 21-pin adaptor (sold separately) to
view playback pictures.

TV/VCR

46

GB

Using the built-in projector

You can use a flat surface such as a wall as
a screen to view recorded images using the
built-in projector.

Notes



The LCD screen turns off while an image
is being projected. Use the power zoom
lever/FIXED SHOT/PHOTO button or wireless
remote commander to operate the camcorder.

Face the projector lens towards a

1

surface, such as a wall, and then
press PROJECTOR.

When the operating guide

2

screen appears, select [Project].

Adjust the focus of the projected

3

image using the PROJECTOR
FOCUS lever.

PROJECTOR FOCUS lever

The projected image is larger when the



distance between your camcorder and the
reflecting surface increase.



It is recommended that you place the
camcorder about 0.5 m (1.6 feet) or further
away from the surface that the images are
to be projected onto.

Move the power zoom lever

4

to select the image you want
to play, then press FIXED
SHOT/PHOTO button to begin
playback.

Power zoom lever

Advanced operations

This screen appears the first time you use



the built-in projector.

FIXED SHOT/PHOTO button

Use the power zoom lever to move the



selection frame that appears on the LCD
screen and press the FIXED SHOT/
PHOTO button to start playing the framed
item.



For details on playback, see page 30.

GB

47

When you use the wireless remote



commander, use /// to move the

selection frame and press ENTER to start

playing the framed item.



To turn off the projector, press

PROJECTOR.

Notes



Be careful of the following operations or
situations while using the projector.



Make sure not to project images towards the
eyes.



Make sure not to touch the projector lens.



The LCD screen and the projector lens
become hot while in use.



Using the projector shortens battery life.



The following operations are unavailable while
you are using the projector.



Operation of the camcorder with the LCD
screen closed



Several other functions

48

GB

Editing

Editing on your camcorder

Notes



You cannot restore images once they are
deleted. Save important movies and photos in
advance.



Do not remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor from your camcorder while deleting
or dividing the images. It may damage the
recording media.



Do not eject the memory card while deleting or
dividing images from the memory card.

Deleting movies and photos

Select  [Edit/Copy] 

1

[Delete].

Select [Multiple Images], and

2

then select the type of image
you want to delete.

To delete all movies/photos in the
selected date at one time

1 In step 2, select [All In Event].

2 Select the date you want to delete using

/ , and then select .

To delete a part of a movie

You can divide a movie and delete it.



Release protection: [Protect] (p. 80)




[Format] (p. 78)

Dividing a movie

Select  [Divide] on the

1

movie playback screen.

Editing

Add check marks to the movies

3

or photos to be deleted and
select

.

GB

49

Select the point where you want

2

to divide the movie into scenes
using

/ , and then select

.

A B

A: Returns to the beginning of the selected

movie
B: Adjusts the dividing point with more
precision

Notes



A slight difference may occur from the point
where you select and the actual dividing point,
as your camcorder selects the dividing point
based on about half-second increments.



Some basic editing operations can be done on
the camcorder. Use commercially available
software for more advanced editing.

Select the point where you want

2

to capture a photo using

/ , and then select .

A B

A: Returns to the beginning of the selected

movie
B: Adjusts the capturing point with more
precision

If the movie was recorded with one of
the following image quality levels, the
image size will be set as shown below.

High definition image quality (HD): 2.1



M (16:9)



Wide aspect ratio (16:9) with standard
definition image quality (STD): 0.2 M
(16:9)



4:3 aspect ratio with standard definition
image quality (STD): 0.3 M (4:3)

Capturing a photo from a movie

You can capture images from movies
recorded in the internal recording medium.

Select  [Photo Capture] that

1

appears on the playback screen
of a movie.

GB

50

On recording date and time of
captured photos

The recording date and time of captured photos



are the same as the recording date and time of
the movies.



If the movie you are capturing from has no data
code, the recording date and time of the photo
will be the date and time you captured from
the movie.

Saving images with an external device

Dubbing guide

You can save high definition image quality (HD) movies using an external device. Select the
method to be used according to the device.

External devices Connecting cable Page

Hard disk recorder, etc.

Saving images on a DVD disc with
standard definition image quality

A/V connecting cable
(supplied)

52

(STD).

External media device

Saving images on an external
media device with high definition
image quality (HD).

USB Adaptor
Cable VMC-UAM1
(supplied)

53

Movies that are recorded with standard definition image quality (STD)

Use the A/V connecting cable to connect the camcorder to an external device in which images
are saved.

Notes



Movies recorded with the recording mode set to PS or FX on [
external media device only.

Rec Format] can be saved on an

The devices on which the created disc can be played back

DVD disc with high definition image quality (HD)

AVCHD format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray disc player or a PlayStation



3

DVD disc with standard definition image quality (STD)

Ordinary DVD playback devices, such as a DVD player.

Saving images with an external device

Notes



The AVCHD recording disc can be played back only on AVCHD format compatible devices.



Discs with high definition image quality (HD) images recorded should not be used in DVD players/
recorders. Because DVD players/recorders are not compatible with the AVCHD format, DVD players/
recorders may fail to eject the disc.



Always maintain your PlayStation
PlayStation



3 may not be available in some countries/regions.



3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation3 system software. The

GB

51

52

GB

Creating a disc with the recorder

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

Connect your camcorder to a disc recorder
with the A/V connecting cable. You
can copy images played back on your
camcorder on a disc or video cassette.

Insert the recording medium

1

in the recording device (a disc
recorder, etc.).

If your recording device has an input



selector, set it to the input mode.

Connect your camcorder to the

2

recording device with the A/V
connecting cable.

A/V
connecting
cable
(supplied)

Red White Yellow

Signal flow

Connect your camcorder to the input jacks



of the recording device.

Start playback on your

3

camcorder, and record it on the

Input

recording device.

When dubbing is finished, stop

4

the recording device, and then
your camcorder.

Notes



Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this
operation (p. 17)



Refer to the instruction manual supplied with
the device connected.

You cannot copy images to recorders connected



with an HDMI cable.



Since copying is performed via analog data
transfer, the image quality may deteriorate.



High definition image quality (HD) movies
will be copied with standard definition image
quality (STD).



When you connect a monaural device, connect
the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable
to the video input jack, and the white (left
channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the
audio input jack on the device.



Copying date and time information: [Data



Code] (p. 82)
Using 4:3 screen size display device: [TV Type]



(p. 83)

Saving images on an external media device

You can save movies and photos on an
external media device (USB storage
devices), such as an external hard disk
drive. The following functions will be
available after you have saved your images
on an external media device.

You can connect your camcorder and the



external media device, and then play back
images stored on the external media device

.

54).

(p



You can import images saved on the external
media device to your computer by using the
supplied software “Content Management
Utility.”

Notes



For this operation, you need the USB Adaptor
Cable VMC-UAM1 (supplied).



Connect the AC Adaptor and the power
cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your
camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).



Refer to the instruction manual supplied with
the external media device.

Connect your camcorder and the

1

external media device using the
USB Adaptor Cable (supplied).

Saving images with an external device

USB Adaptor Cable

VMC-UAM1

(supplied)

GB

53

54

GB

Make sure not to disconnect the USB



cable while [Preparing image database

file. Please wait.] is displayed on the LCD

screen.



If [Repair Img. DB F.] is displayed on the

camcorder screen, select

Select [Copy.] on the camcorder

2

screen.



Movies and photos that are stored on

one of the camcorder’s recording media

selected in [Media Select], and that have

not yet been saved on external media

device can be saved on the connected

media device at this time.



This operation is available only when

there are newly recorded images in your

camcorder.



To disconnect the external media device,

select

playback standby mode (either Event View

or Event Index is displayed).

while the camcorder is in the

To play back images in the external
media device on the camcorder

Select [Play without copying.] in step 2 and
select the image you want to view.

You can also view images on a TV connected to



your camcorder (p. 45).



When an external media device is connected,

will appear on the Event View screen.

To delete images in the external
media device

1 Select [Play without copying.] in step 2.

.

2 Select

and then follow the instructions that

 [Edit/Copy]  [Delete],

appear on the LCD screen to delete
images.

To save the desired images in the
camcorder to the external media
device

1 Select [Play without copying.] in step 2.

2 Select

and then follow the instructions that
appear on the LCD screen to save images.

If you want to copy images that have not yet



been copied, select
 [Direct Copy] while your camcorder is
connected to the external media device.

Notes



You cannot use the following devices as an
external media device.



media devices with a capacity exceeding 2 TB



ordinary disc drive such as CD or DVD drive



media devices connected via a USB hub



media devices with built-in USB hub



card reader



You may not be able to use external media
devices with a code function.



The FAT file system is available for your
camcorder. If the storage medium of the
external device was formatted for the NTFS file
system, etc., format the external media device
using the camcorder before use. The format
screen appears when an external media device
is connected to your camcorder. Make sure that
important data has not previously been saved
on the external media device before you format
it using the camcorder.



Operation is not assured with every device
satisfying requirements for operating.

 [Edit/Copy]  [Copy],

 [Edit/Copy]

For details on available external media devices,



go to the Sony support website in your
country/region.



The number of scenes you can save on the
external media device are as follows. However,
even if the external media device has free space,
you cannot save scenes exceeding the following
number.



High definition image quality (HD) movies:
Max. 3,999



Standard definition image quality (STD)
movies: Max. 9,999



Photos: Max. 40,000



The number of scenes may be smaller
depending on the type of images recorded.



If your camcorder does not recognize the
external media device, try the following
operations.



Reconnect the USB Adaptor Cable to your
camcorder.



If the external media device has the AC power
cord (mains lead), connect it to the wall outlet
(wall socket).



You cannot copy images from an external media
device to the internal recording medium on the
camcorder.

Saving images with a computer

Preparing a computer (Windows)

You can perform following operations using
“Content Management Utility.”

Importing images to a computer




Viewing imported images



Detecting and correcting flash bands

To save movies using a computer, install
the software from the supplied CD-ROM
“Content Management Utility” beforehand.
Use commercially available software to edit
images or create discs.

Step 1 Checking the computer system

1

OS*

Microsoft Windows XP SP3*2/Windows Vista

3

SP2

*

/Windows 7 SP1

CPU

e an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.80 GHz CPU

Us
equivalent or faster to play back videos with
high definition image quality (HD) in the
highest quality.
Videos with high definition image quality
(HD) recorded in other than the highest
quality may be played back with a slower
CPU.
Depending on the performance of your
video card, videos with high definition image
quality (HD) recorded using the highest
quality may be played back with a slower
CPU than that recommended above.
For the following operations, an Intel
P

en

tium III 1 GHz or faster is necessary.



Importing movies to the computer
Processing with standard definition image



quality (STD)

Memory

For Windows XP: 512 MB or more (1 GB or
more is recommended.)
Fo

r Windows Vista/Windows 7: 1 GB or

more

Saving images with an external device

GB

55

56

GB

Hard disk

Disk volume required for installation:

proximately 100 MB

Ap
Only the NTFS or exFAT file system can be
used to import or register videos for viewing
to a hard disk.

Display

Minimum 1,024 × 768 dots

Others

USB port (this must be provided as standard,
High-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible)) (CD­ROM drive is necessary for installation)

1

*

Standard installation is required. Operation is

not assured if the OS has been upgraded or in
a multi-boot environment.

2

*

64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not

supported.

3

*

Starter (Edition) is not supported.

Notes



Operation with all computer environments is
not assured.



The supplied software “Content Management
Utility” is not supported by Macintosh
computers.

Step 2 Installing the supplied software “Content Management Utility”

Install “Content Management Utility”
before connecting your camcorder to a
computer.

Confirm that your camcorder is

1

not connected to the computer.

Turn on the computer.

2

Log on as an Administrator for



installation.



Close all applications running on the

computer before installing the software.

Place the supplied CD-ROM

3

“Content Management Utility” in
the disc drive of your computer.

The installation screen appears.

If the screen does not appear, click



[Start]  [Computer] (in Windows
XP, [My Computer]), then double-click
[SONYCMU(E:)] (CD-ROM).

Select the language for the

4

application to be installed, then
click [OK].

When the install wizard screen

5

appears, click [Next].

Confirm the license agreement,

6

and if you accept the terms,
select [I accept the terms in the
license agreement], then click
[OK].

Select the drive or folder to

7

install the application, then click
[Next].

Select the option to create the

8

desk-top shortcut, then click
[Next].

Turn on your camcorder, then

9

connect the camcorder to the
computer using the supplied
USB cable.

Touch [USB Connect] on the

10

camcorder screen.

If the [USB Connect] screen does not



appear, touch

Connection]  [USB Connect].

Click [Next].

11

Follow the on-screen instructions

12

to install the software.



Restart the computer if required to
complete the installation.

When the installation is completed,
the following icon will appear,
depending on the selection in step 8.

Remove the CD-ROM from the

13

computer.

 [Setup]  [

To disconnect your camcorder from
the computer

 Click the icon at the bottom right of

the desktop of the computer  [Safely
remove USB Mass Storage Device­Drive].

To play images recorded on the
camcorder, using a computer

See Help of the supplied CD-ROM
“Content Management Utility.”

Notes



When importing a long movie or edited
image, use the supplied software “Content
Management Utility.” If you use any other
software, images may not be imported properly.



If file size exceeds 2 GB during a long recording,
a new file is created automatically, resulting
in the movie being divided into multiple files
when you view the recording media directly
from your computer after recording.



If you import images without using supplied
“Content Management Utility,” files
automatically created (due to the 2 GB limit)
may not be concatenated. Even if you usually
use other editing software, use the supplied
software “Content Management Utility” to
import images to the computer to ensure files
are concatenated and imported to the computer.

Saving images with an external device

 Touch  [Yes] on the camcorder

screen.

sconnect the USB cable.

 Di

GB

57

Customizing your camcorder

Using menus

The camcorder has various menu items under each of 6 menu categories.

Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode)  p. 64

Camera/Audio (Items for customized shooting)  p. 66

Rec/Media SET (Items for setting up image quality or the recording media)

TC/UB (Items for setting up the time code or user bit)  p. 79

Edit/Copy (Items for editing images such as copy or protect)  p. 80

Setup (Other setup items)  p. 82

Select .

1

Select a category.

2

Select your desired menu item.

3

 p. 77

58

Scrolls the
menu items
up or down

Notes

Select

GB

to finish setting the menu or to return to the previous menu screen.

To find a menu item quickly

The [Camera/Audio] and [Setup] menus have
sub-categories. Select the sub-category icon so
that the LCD screen displays the list of menus
in the sub-category selected.

When you cannot select a menu item

Grayed out menu items or settings are not
available.
When you select the grayed out menu item,
your camcorder displays the reason why you
cannot select the menu item or the instruction
of under which condition you can set the
menu item.

Sub-category icons

Customizing your camcorder

GB

59

Menu lists

Shooting Mode

Movie
Photo
Smth Slw REC
Golf Shot

Camera/Audio

Manual Settings

White Balance

Spot Meter/Fcs

Spot Meter

Spot Focus
Exposure
Focus
IRIS
Shutter Speed
AGC Limit

AE Shift
White Balance Shift
Low Lux

Camera Settings
Scene Selection

Tele Macro

FIXED SHOT/PHOTO

Digital Zoom

Conversion Lens

GB

60

Cinematone

Fader

Self-Timer

SteadyShot

SteadyShot

Records movies. 64
Shoots photos. 64
Records fast moving subjects in slow-motion. 64
Divides two seconds of fast movement into frames

which are then recorded as a movie and photos.

Adjusts the color balance to the brightness of the
recording environment.

Adjusts the brightness and focus for the selected
subject simultaneously.

Adjusts the brightness of images to a subject you
touch on the screen.

Focuses on a subject you touch on the screen. 67
Adjusts the brightness of movies and photos. 67
Focuses manually. 67
Adjusts the iris. 68
Adjusts the shutter speed. 68
Selects the upper limit for the Auto Gain Control

(AGC).
Adjusts the exposure manually. 68
Adjusts the white balance manually. 69
Records bright color images in the dim. 69

Selects an appropriate recording setting according
to the type of scene, such as night view or beach.

Adjusts the color of the movie to resemble the
atmosphere of films when recording.

Fades scenes in or out. 70

Sets the self-timer when your camcorder is in
photo recording mode.

Shoots a subject in focus with the background out
of focus.

Sets the SteadyShot function when recording
movies.

Sets the SteadyShot function when shooting
photos.

Selects a function to assign to the FIXED SHOT/
PHOTO button.

Sets the maximum zoom level of the digital zoom
that exceeds the zoom level of the optical zoom.

Sets the type of an attached conversion lens (sold
separately).

64

66

66

67

68

69

70

70

70

36

71

36

71

71

Auto Back Light

Dial Setting
NIGHTSHOT Light

Color Bar
Color Bar Tone

Face

Face Detection

Smile Shutter

Smile Sensitivity

Flash

Flash

Flash Level
Red Eye Reduction

Audio

Audio Format

Blt-in Zoom Mic

Int. Mic. Wind NR
Micref Level
Audio Output Timing
Volume

Shooting Assist
My Button
Expanded Focus

Guide Frame

Zebra

Peaking

Light Bright
Audio Level Display

Adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects
automatically.

Assigns a function to the MANUAL dial. 40
Records clearer images when using the NightShot

function.
Displays color bars on the screen 72
Outputs audio tone signals. 72

Adjusts the image quality of the face(s)
automatically.

Automatically takes a shot whenever a smile is
detected.

Sets the smile detection sensitivity using the smile
shutter function.

Sets how the flash is activated when shooting
photos.

Sets the brightness of flash. 74
Prevents redeye when shooting with flash. 74

Switches the audio format. 74

Records movies with vivid sound appropriate to
the zoom position.

Reduces the wind noise. 74
Sets the microphone level. 74
You can set echo control when recording. 75
Adjusts the volume of playback sound. 75

Registers MENU items on My Buttons. 75
Magnifies the image that appears at the center of

the screen by about 2.0 times.
Displays the frame to make sure the subject is

horizontal or vertical.
Displays a zebra pattern as a guide for adjusting

brightness.
Displays an image on the screen with its outlines

enhanced in order to help you to adjust the focus.
Adjusts the brightness of the video light. 76
Displays the audio level on the LCD screen. 76

72

72

72

73

73

73

Customizing your camcorder

74

75

75

76

76

GB

61

Rec/Media SET

/ Setting

Media Select

Rec Format

Wide Mode

x.v.Color

Image Size

Media Info

Format

Repair Img. DB F.

File Number

TC/UB

TC/UB Disp
TC Preset
UB Preset
TC Run
TC Make
UB Time Rec

Edit/Copy

Delete
Protect
Copy
Direct Copy

Sets image quality for recording, playback, or
editing movies.

Sets the type of media to be used for recording
movies or photos.

Sets the recording format. 38

Selects the aspect ratio when recording with
standard definition image quality (STD).

Records wider range of colors. 77

Sets the photo size. 38

Displays information on the recording media, such
as free space.

Deletes all data on the internal recording media or
a memory card.

Repairs the image database file on the internal
recording media or a memory card.

Sets how to assign the file number. 78

Switchs to display the time code and user bit. 79
Sets the time code. 79
Sets the user bit. 79
Selects how the time code advances. 79
Selects the recording type on the recording media. 79
Selects whether or not to save the actual time in

the user bit code.

Deletes movies or photos.
Protects movies or photos to avoid deleting.
Copies movies or photos.
Copies images stored on the internal recording

medium or on a memory card to some type of
external media.

77

23

77

77

78

95

80

49
80
81
81

62

GB

Setup

Playback Settings

Data Code

Connection

Disp Output

TV Type

HDMI Resolution

HDMI TC Output

USB Connect

General Settings

Beep

LCD Brightness
Display Setting

GPS Information
GPS Setting
REC Lamp
Remote Ctrl

Language Setting
Calibration
Battery Info

Clock Settings

Date & Time Setting

Area Setting

Auto Clock ADJ
Auto Area ADJ

Sets how to assign the file number. 82

Selects where to output the display information,
such as time code.

Converts the signal depending on the TV
connected.

Selects the output image resolution when
connecting your camcorder to a TV with the
HDMI cable (supplied).

Transfers time code, user bit data to the device
connected with the HDMI cable (supplied).

Selects which type of media on the camcorder is
to be used when the camcorder is connected to an
external device via USB.

Sets whether the camcorder sounds operation
beeps or not.

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen. 84
Sets the duration that icons or indicators are

displayed on the LCD screen.
Displays location information. 84
Sets the GPS. 85
Sets the recording lamp to light up or not. 85
Sets whether the Wireless Remote Commander is

to be used or not.
Sets the display language. 85
Adjusts the touch panel. 110
Displays the battery information. 85

Sets the [Date & Time Format], [Summer Time],
or [Date & Time].

Adjusts for a time difference without stopping the
clock.

Maintains accurate time automatically. 86
Compensates for time differences automatically

by acquiring location information from the GPS
system.

83

83

83

84

84

84

Customizing your camcorder

84

85

85

86

86

GB

63

Shooting Mode

(Items for selecting a shooting
mode)

See “Using menus” (p. 58) on the operation.

Movie

You can record movies.

Photo

You can shoot photos.

Smth Slw REC (Smooth
slow rec)

The camcorder records approximately
3-second-long fast actions or motions as an
approximately 12-second-long slow-motion
movie.
Press START/STOP on the [Smth Slw REC]
screen.
[Recording...] disappears, when recording
is finished.

To change the timing at which the
camcorder starts recording

Select [ ]/[ ] to make the setting.

Notes



You cannot record sound.



Image quality is not as good as that of normal
recording.

Rec Format] will be set to [1080/50i



[
] automatically.

Golf Shot

Divides 2 seconds of fast movement into
frames which are then recorded as a
movie and photos. You can view a series
of movement when playing back, which is
convenient in cases such as checking golf
swing or tennis form.
On the [Golf Shot] screen, frame the
subject in the white frame in the center of
the screen, then press START/STOP right
after the subject has taken a swing.

[3sec After] (default setting)



The camcorder records a movie of
approximately 3 seconds after the START/STOP
button is pressed.



[3sec Before]
The camcorder records a movie of
approximately 3 seconds before the START/
STOP button is pressed.

GB

64

Timing that the camcorder starts
recording

If the moment when the largest sound in
one second after the START/STOP button
is pressed has been detected, the camcorder
assumes the moment as the sound of a club
hitting the ball.

When the sound of a club hitting the ball
is detected, the recording time period is
automatically adjusted according to at that
moment.

The point

when you press

The sound of a club

hitting the ball

The camcorder records images
in this 2 seconds period.

START/STOP

To check your form using self-timer

Select [ ]/[ ]  [On].
The camcorder starts countdown of the
timer after you press the START/STOP
button.
The point when the count reaches 0 is
assumed as the moment of impact and
motion before and after 0 is recorded.

Notes



If the camcorder cannot detect the sound
of a club hitting the ball, the camcorder
automatically sets the impact point at 0.5
second before the START/STOP button has
been pressed, and records a movie in the time
period between 1.5 seconds before the impact
point to 0.5 second after the impact point.



The size of photos becomes 1,920  1,080.



You cannot record sound.



Image quality is not as good as that of normal
recording.



Rec Format] will be set to [1080/50i

[
] automatically.



Impact sound may be detected by the built-in
microphone even when an external microphone
or XLR Adaptor is attached.

The image recorded may be noisy when your



camcorder has failed to analyze the shot
properly because there may be movement in
background of the [Golf Shot] recording screen.
It is recommended that you record images
under stable conditions (for example, using a
tripod).

Customizing your camcorder

GB

65

Camera/Audio

(Items for customized
shooting)

See “Using menus” (p. 58) on the operation.
The default settings are marked with .

White Balance

You can adjust the color balance to the
recording environment.

One Push ( )

The white balance will be adjusted
according to the ambient light.



Select [ ].



Keep framing white object such as a

piece of paper, to fill the screen under
the same lightning conditions as you will
shoot the subject.



Select [ ].
If the lighting conditions changed by
bringing your camcorder outdoors from
inside the house, or vice versa, you need to
redo the [One Push] procedure to readjust
the white balance.

Auto (



)

The white balance is adjusted automatically.
If you have changed the battery pack
while [Auto] was selected, or taken your
camcorder outdoors after inside use (or
vice versa), aim your camcorder at a nearby
white object for about 10 seconds for better
color balance adjustment.

Outdoor ( )

The white balance is appropriately adjusted
for the following recording conditions:



Outdoors



Night views, neon signs and fireworks



Sunrise or sunset



Under daylight fluorescent lamps

Indoor ()

The white balance is appropriately adjusted
for the following recording conditions:



Indoors



At party scenes or studios where the

lighting conditions change quickly



Under video lamps in a studio, or under

sodium lamps or incandescent-like color
lamps

GB

66

Notes



Set [White Balance] to [Auto] or adjust the
color in [One Push] under white or cool white
fluorescent lamps.



While the camcorder is recording a movie,
is grayed out and [One Push] cannot be set.



If you set [White Balance], [Scene Selection] is
set to [Auto].

Spot Meter/Fcs (Spot meter/
focus)

Exposure and focus can be adjusted for the
selected subject automatically.

Touch the subject of which you want to
adjust the brightness and focus.
To adjust the brightness and focus
automatically, touch [Auto].

Notes

[Exposure] and [Focus] are automatically set to



[Manual].

Spot Meter (Flexible spot
meter)

Exposure can be adjusted and set for
the selected subject automatically. This
function is useful when there is strong
contrast between the subject and the
background, such as subjects in the
spotlight on stage.

Touch the subject of which you want to
adjust the exposure.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [Auto].

Notes



[Exposure] is automatically set to [Manual].

Spot Focus

Focus can be adjusted automatically for the
subject selected.

Auto



The exposure is adjusted automatically.

Manual

Select if the subject is white or the
backlight is bright, or select
subject is black or the light is dim.

if the

Focus

You can adjust the focus manually. You can
select this function also when you want to
focus on a certain subject intentionally.

Auto



The focus is adjusted automatically.

Manual

Adjust the focus using (nearby
subject) or

appears when the focus cannot be
adjusted any closer, and
the focus cannot be adjusted farther away.

(distant subject).

appears when

Customizing your camcorder

Touch the subject of which you want to
adjust the focus.
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[Auto].

Notes



[Focus] is automatically set to [Manual].

Exposure

You can fix the brightness of a picture
manually. Adjust the brightness when the
subject is too bright or too dark.

To adjust the focus

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.

GB

67

On focal distance information

Your camcorder displays the focal distance
information for a few seconds when the
focus mode is switched from automatic
to manual or when you set the focus
manually. You can use this information as
a guide when the subject is dark and focus
adjustment is difficult. (This information
will not appear correctly if a conversion
lens (sold separately) is being used.)

Notes



When you set [Focus] to [Manual],  appears.



The minimum possible distance between the
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 31 1/2 in.) for
telephoto.

IRIS

You can shoot images with the IRIS priority
mode. If you adjust the IRIS, you can
sharpen the subject with its background
blurred or sharpen the whole image.

Auto



Adjusts IRIS automatically.

Manual

Adjust the IRIS by selecting to
sharpen the whole image (increase the IRIS
parameter), and
with its background blurred (decrease the
IRIS parameter)..

to sharpen the subject

Shutter Speed

You can shoot images with the Shutter
Speed priority mode. When you shoot a
moving subject at a higher shutter speed,
it appears as if frozen on the image. At a
lower shutter speed, the subject appears as
if it is flowing.

GB

68

Auto



Adjusts the shutter speed automatically.

Manual

Adjust the shutter speed using to
increase the shutter speed, and
decrease the shutter speed.

to

AGC Limit

You can select the upper limit for the AGC
(Auto Gain Control) to record dim scenes
as they look.

Off



Adjusts the exposure automatically.

24dB/21dB/18dB/15dB/12dB/9dB/
6dB/3dB/0dB (

The gain is automatically adjusted up to the
selected limit.

Notes



The upper limit you can select for the AGC
(Auto Gain Control) depends on the status of
the camcorder.



When the camcorder is set to the movie
recording mode, the upper limit is 24 dB.



When the camcorder is set to the photo
shooting mode, the upper limit is 21 dB.



When the camcorder is set to use [Smth Slw
REC], the upper limit is 15 dB.



At a higher gain, the brightness becomes
more appropriate in dim scenes, but the noise
increases. At a lower gain, the noise decreases,
but the shutter speed becomes slower to
compensate for the lack of brightness, causing
camera-shake or subject blur.

)

AE Shift

You can adjust the exposure based on
the results of the automatic exposure
measurement.

Off



Adjusts the exposure automatically.

On (Adjusted number and EV)

Adjust the automatic exposure level using

when the subject is white or the
background is bright, and
subject is dark or the light is dim.

when the

White Balance Shift

You can adjust the white balance manually.

Off



Adjusts the white balance automatically.

On ( and adjusted number)

Adjust the white balance using when
the images appear bluish, and
images appear reddish.

when the

Low Lux

You can record bright color images, even in
dim light.

Off



The Low Lux function is not used.

On ( )

The Low Lux function is used.

Scene Selection

You can record images effectively in various
situations.

(Auto)



Adjusts image quality automatically.

(Night Scene)*

Maintains the darkening
atmosphere of the distant
surroundings in twilight
scenes.

1

(Night Portrait)

Enables to take photos of
people and background
using a flash.

(Sunrise&Sunset)*

Reproduces the atmosphere
of scenes such as sunsets or
sunrises.

(Fireworks)*

Takes spectacular shots of
fireworks.

(Landscape)*

Shoots distant subjects
clearly. This setting also
prevents your camcorder
from focusing on glass or
metal mesh in windows
between the camcorder and
the subject.

1

1

1

(Portrait)

Brings out the subject such
as people or flowers while
creating a soft background.

(Spotlight)*

Prevents people’s faces from
appearing excessively white
when subjects are lit by
strong light.

(Beach)*

Takes the vivid blue of the
ocean or a lake.

(Snow)*

Takes bright pictures of a
white landscape.

1

*

Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away

only.

2

*

Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short

distance away.

2

2

2

Customizing your camcorder

GB

69

Notes



Even if you set [Night Portrait], the setting
changes to [Auto] when the
is lit.



If you set [Scene Selection], the [White
Balance], [IRIS] and [Shutter Speed] settings
are canceled.

(Movie) lamp

Cinematone

The camcorder automatically adjusts the
image quality of the movie to resemble the
atmosphere of film camera images when
recording a movie.

Off



Does not use the Cinematone function.

On

Uses the Cinematone function.

Notes



When you switch the [
function on or off, the image will be paused
temporarily.

Cinematone]

Fader

You can record a transition with the
following effects adding to the interval
between scenes.
Select the desired effect in [STBY] (to
fading in) or [REC] (to fading out) mode.

Off



Does not use an effect.

White Fader ( )

Fades in/out with the white effect.

Out In

Black Fader ( )

Fades in/out with the black effect.
The thumbnails of movie recorded using
[Black Fader] may be difficult to see on Event
View or other screens.

Out In

Notes



When you press START/STOP the setting is
cleared.

Self-Timer

Press FIXED SHOT/PHOTO to start the
count down. A photo is recorded after
about 10 seconds.

Off



Cancels the self-timer.

On ( )

Starts the self-timer recording. To cancel the
recording, touch [Reset].

Tele Macro

This is useful to shoot small subjects, such
as flowers or insects. You can blur out
backgrounds and the subject stands out
clearer.

Off



Cancels Tele Macro. (Tele Macro is also
canceled when you move the zoom lever to
the W side.)

70

GB

On ( )

The zoom (p. 29) moves to the top of the T
(telephoto) side automatically and allows
recording subjects at close range down to

b

out 32 cm (12 5/8 in.).

a

Notes



When recording a distant subject, focusing may
be difficult and can take some time.

d

just the focus manually ([Focus], p. 67) when



A
it is hard to focus automatically.

SteadyShot

See page 36.

SteadyShot

You can compensate for camera shake.

SteadyShot] to [Off] ( ) when

Set [
using a tripod (sold separately), then the
image becomes natural.

On



The SteadyShot function is used.

Off ( )

The SteadyShot function is not used.

FIXED SHOT/PHOTO

You can assign a function to the FIXED
SHOT/PHOTO button (p. 25). This setting
is available when the

FIXED SHOT



This function further reduces camera shake.

PHOTO

This function is used when shooting photos.

(Movie) lamp is lit.

Digital Zoom

You can select the maximum zoom level.
Note that the image quality decreases when
you use the digital zoom.

The zooming zone appears when you set
[120×].

Off



Digital zoom cannot be used.

120×

Up to 120× zoom is performed digitally.

Conversion Lens

Set this menu item when you want to use
a conversion lens (sold separately) that is
compatible with your camcorder.
When using a conversion lens (sold
separately), use this function to record
using the optimum compensation for
camera shake and focus for the lens.

Off



Select this when you do not use a conversion
lens.

Wide Conversion ( )

Select this when you use a wide end
conversion lens.

Tele Conversion ( )

Select this when you use a tele-conversion
lens.

Notes



If you select [Wide Conversion], the SteadyShot
function will be canceled.

Customizing your camcorder

GB

71

Auto Back Light

Your camcorder adjusts the exposure for
backlit subjects automatically.

On



Adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects
automatically.

Off

Does not adjust the exposure for backlit
subjects.

Dial Setting

See page 40.

NIGHTSHOT Light

When using the NightShot function (p. 37),
you can record clearer images by activating
[NIGHTSHOT Light], which emits infrared
light (invisible).

On



Emits infrared light.

Off

Does not emit infrared light.

you to adjust colors when you view movies
recorded with your camcorder on a TV or
a monitor.

Off



Does not display color bars.

On

Displays color bars.

Notes



This function is automatically set to [Off]
when you switch your camcorder to the photo
recording, playback mode, or turn off the
camcorder.



You cannot change the setting during recording
or expanded focus operation.

Color Bar Tone

Outputs audio tone signals (1 kHz: full
bit -20 dB) when you set [Color Bar] and
[Color Bar Tone] to [On].

Off



Does not output audio tone signals.

On

Outputs audio tone signals.

Notes



Do not cover the infrared port (p. 37) with your
fingers or other objects.



Remove the lens hood or the Step Down Ring
(supplied) before using [NIGHTSHOT Light],
because the lens hood or the Step Down
Ring may prevent the infrared function from
working properly.



Remove the conversion lens (sold separately).



The maximum shooting distance using
[NIGHTSHOT Light] is about 3 m (10 feet).

Color Bar

You can display or record color bars in the
movie recording mode. This function helps

GB

72

Face Detection

You can set the camcorder to detect a face
automatically.
Your camcorder adjusts the focus/color/
exposure automatically for the face of the
selected subject.

Auto



Detects faces without distinction between
adults and children.

Child Priority ( )

Gives faces of children priority.

Adult Priority ( )

Gives faces of adults priority.

Off ( )

Does not detect faces.

Recording conditions for better face
detection performance

Shoot in a sufficiently bright place.




The subject is not wearing glasses, a hat or
mask.



The subject faces directly towards the camera.

Notes



Faces may not be detected depending on
recording conditions, subject conditions, and
the setting of your camcorder.



Recording the selected subject clearly (Face



Priority) (p. 34)

le Shutter] (p. 73)

[Smi



Smile Shutter

The shutter is released automatically when
the camcorder detects a smile.
If you do not want to take photos
automatically, select [Off ].

Dual Capture



Only during movie recording, the shutter is
released automatically, when the camcorder
detects a smile.

Always On

The shutter is released when the camcorder
detects a smile whenever the camcorder is in
recording mode.

Off ( )

Smiles are not detected, so photos are not
recorded automatically.

Notes

Smiles may not be detected depending on



recording conditions, subject conditions, and
the setting of your camcorder.

Smile Sensitivity

Sets the smile detection sensitivity for using
the Smile Shutter function.

Big Smile

Detects a big smile.

Normal Smile



Detects a normal smile.

Slight Smile

Detects even a slight smile.

Flash

You can select the flash setting when you
record photos using the built-in flash, or
an external flash (sold separately) that is
compatible with your camcorder.

Auto



Automatically flashes when there is
insufficient ambient light.

On ( )

Always uses the flash regardless of the
surrounding brightness.

Off ( )

Records without flash.

Notes



The recommended distance to the subject when
using the built-in flash is approximately 0.3 m
to 1.5 m (1 foot to 5 feet).



Remove any dust from the surface of the flash
before using it. Flash effect may be impaired if
heat discoloration or dust obscures the lamp.



The flash does not flash while the
lamp is lit.



A shadow may be produced on photos if you
use the flash when you take photos with the
conversion lens (sold separately) attached.

(Movie)

Customizing your camcorder

GB

73

Flash Level

You can select the brightness of the flash
light.
You can set this function when you
record photos using the built-in flash, or
an external flash (sold separately) that is
compatible with your camcorder.

)

High (

Makes the flash level higher.

Normal (



Normal flash level

)

Low ( )

Makes the flash level lower.

Red Eye Reduction

You can prevent redeye by activating the
pre-flash before the flash flashes.
You can set this function when you
record photos using the built-in flash, or
an external flash (sold separately) that is
compatible with your camcorder.

Off



Does not use Red Eye Reduction to prevent
redeye.

On ( )

Uses Red Eye Reduction to prevent redeye.

Notes



The redeye reduction may not produce the
desired effect due to individual differences and
other conditions.



The redeye function does not work with
automatic recording by [Smile Shutter].

Audio Format

You can set the audio format for high
definition image quality (HD) recording.

GB

74

Linear PCM (



Records in Linear PCM system.

)

Dolby Digital ( )

Records in Dolby Digital system.

Notes



Audio format is fixed to [Dolby Digital] with
the standard definition image quality (STD)
recording.

Blt-in Zoom Mic

You can record a movie with vivid sound
appropriate to the zoom position.

Off



The microphone does not record sound
following zooming in or out.

On ( )

The microphone records sound following
zooming in or out.

Int. Mic. Wind NR

Your camcorder records a movie with
less wind noise input from the built-in
microphone.

Off



Disables wind noise reduction.

On ( )

Enables wind noise reduction.

Micref Level (Microphone
reference level)

You can select the microphone level for
recording sound.

Normal



Records various ambient sounds, converting
them into the appropriate level.

Low ( )

Records ambient sound faithfully. Select
[Low] when you want to record an exciting
and powerful sound in a concert hall, etc.
(This setting is not suitable for recording
conversations.)

 Select one of the My Buttons to which the

menu item will be assigned.

Audio Output Timing

You can set the audio output timing during
recording.

Live



Remove echo caused from the difference
between the actual sound heard during
recording and that heard through
headphones.

Lip Sync

Resolves sync issues between picture and
sound.

Volume

You can adjust the volume of playback
sound by touching

/ .

My Button

You can assign functions that you
frequently use when recording to one of the
My Buttons.

 After selecting [My Button], select the

menu item that you want to assign to a
My Button using

/ .

 Select .

Expanded Focus

You can magnify an image that appears at
the center of the LCD screen by about 2.0
times to confirm the sharpness of the focus.

Off



Does not magnify images.

On

Magnify images.

Notes



Even though the images has been magnifyed
on the camcorder, the recorded image is not
magnified.



The image that is output to an external device is
not magnified.

Guide Frame

You can display the frame and check
that the subject is horizontal or vertical.
Positioning the subject at the cross point
of the guide frame makes a balanced
composition. The frame is not recorded.

Off



Does not display the guide frame.

Customizing your camcorder

GB

75

On

Displays the guide frame.

Notes



The outer frame of [Guide Frame] shows the
display area of a TV which is not compatible
with full pixel display.

Zebra

You can display a zebra pattern as a guide
for adjusting brightness. The zebra pattern
will not be recorded with the image.

Off



Does not display the zebra pattern.

(70)

Displays the zebra pattern over the part of
an image that exceeds the brightness level of
about 70 IRE

Displays the zebra pattern over the part of
an image that exceeds the brightness level of
about 100 IRE

* IRE (Institute of Radio Engineers) is a measure

of the video signal level that is used as the bases
of brightness; the reference level (pedestal
level) is set to 0 (%) and the maximum level
(completely white level) is set to 100 (%).

Notes



With a subject that exceeds a brightness level of
100 IRE, the image may become overexposed.

*.

(100)

*.

Peaking

You can display an image on the screen
with its outlines enhanced with colors. This
function helps you to adjust the focus. The
enhanced outlines will not be recorded on
the image.

Off



Does not display the enhanced outlines.

(White)

Displays the enhanced outlines in white.

(Red)

Displays the enhanced outlines in red.

(Yellow)

Displays the enhanced outlines in yellow.

Notes



The enhanced outlines may not appear in a
dark location.

Light Bright

You can set the brightness of the video
light.

Standard



Standard brightness.

Bright

Select this mode when you find the video
light is not bright enough.

Audio Level Display

You can select whether or not to display the
audio level meter.

On



Displays the audio level meter.

Off

Does not display the audio level meter.

76

GB

Rec/Media SET

(Items for setting up image
quality or the recording media)

See “Using menus” (p. 58) on the operation.
The default settings are marked with .

/ Setting

You can select the image quality of movies.

HD Quality



Records movies in High definition image
quality (HD).

STD Quality

Records movies in standard definition
image quality (STD). This setting is highly
compatible with other playback devices.

Notes



When you play or edit movies, only movies with
the selected image quality will be displayed on
your camcorder.

Media Select

See page 23.

Notes



For details on the holizontal/vertical ratio of
the TV that will be connected, refer to the
instruction manuals of the TV.



[TV Type] (p. 83)



x.v.Color

You can capture wider range of colors.
Various colors such as the brilliant color of
flowers and turquoise blue of the sea can
be more faithfully reproduced. Refer to the
instruction manuals of the TV.

Off



Records in ordinary color range.

On ( )

Select this setting if the recorded movies will
be played back on an x.v.Color-compliant TV.

Notes



If the movie recorded with this function [On] is
played back on a non-x.v.Color-compliant TV,
the color may not be reproduced correctly.

Customizing your camcorder

Rec Format

See page 38.

Wide Mode

When recording standard definition image
quality (STD) movies, you can select the
horizontal to vertical ratio.

16:9 WIDE



Records movies to the full screen on a 16:9
(wide) TV screen.

4:3 ( )

Records movies to the full screen on a 4:3
TV screen.

Image Size

See page 38.

Media Info

You can check the remaining recordable
time for movies and the approximate free
and used media space of the recording
media.

Note

Since there is a management file area, the



used space is not displayed as 0 % even if you

er

form [Format]. (p. 78)

p



Selecting a recording medium (p. 23)



GB

77

Format

Formatting deletes all the movies and
photos to recover recordable free space.
Select the recording medium that you want
to format, and then select

Notes



Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet
(wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for

hi

s operation (p. 15).

t



To avoid the loss of important images, you
should save them before formatting the
recording media.



Protected movies and photos will also be
deleted.



Make sure not to do the following while
[Executing...] is displayed.



Open/Close the LCD screen.



Operate buttons on the camcorder.



Eject the memory card from your camcorder.



Disconnect the AC Adaptor.

.

To prevent data on the internal
memory from being recovered

When you dispose of or transfer the
camcorder, it is recommended that you
perform [Empty] to prevent the leakage of
your personal data.
When the internal memory is selected on
the [Format] screen, select [Empty].

To avoid the loss of important images, they



should be saved on a computer or other devices
before performing [Empty].



Disconnect all cables except the AC Adaptor.
Do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during the
operation.



While deleting data, do not apply any vibrations
or shocks to your camcorder.



You can check the time that the camcorder will
take to delete data on the LCD screen.



If you stop performing [Empty] while
[Executing...] appears, be sure to complete the
operation by performing [Format] or [Empty]
when you use the camcorder next time.

Repair Img. DB F.

See page 95.

File Number

You can select the way to assign file number
of photos.

Series



Assigns file numbers of photos in sequence.
The file number becomes larger each time
you record a photo.
Even if the memory card is replaced with
another one, the file number is assigned in
sequence.

Reset

Assigns file numbers in sequence, following
the largest file number existing on the
recording medium.
When the memory card is replaced with
another one, the file number is assigned for
each memory card.

You cannot perform [Empty] unless you



connect the AC Adaptor to the wall outlet (wall
socket).

GB

78

TC/UB

(Items for setting up the time
code or user bit)

See “Using menus” (p. 58) on the operation.
The default settings are marked with .

TC/UB Disp

You can toggle between the time code and
user bit displays.

TC



Displays the time code.

U-Bit

Displays the user bit.

TC Preset

You can preset the time code.

 Select the 2 digits you want to set, then

set the value with

You can set the time code between 00:00:00:00



and 23:59:59:24.

 Set other digits by repeating step  and

touch [OK].

To reset the time code

Select [Reset] on the [TC Preset] display or
press the TC RESET button on the Wireless
Remote Commander.

UB Preset

You can preset the user bit.

 Select the 2 digits you want to set, then

set the value with

 Set other digits by repeating step  and

touch [OK].

/ .

/ .

To reset the user bit

Select [Reset] on the [UB Preset] display.

TC Run

You can select how the time code advances.

Rec Run



Advances the time code only during
recording. Select this setting to record the
time code continuous from the last time code
of the previous recording.

Free Run

Advances the time code regardless of
operation of your camcorder.

Notes



Even if the time code advances in the [Rec
Run] mode, the time code may not be recorded
sequentially in the following cases.



When the recording format is changed.



When the recording media is removed.

TC Make

Preset



Records the newly set time code on the
recording media.

Regenerate

Reads the last time code of the previous
recording from the recording media and
records the new time code consecutively
from the last time code during the backspace
editing.
The time code runs in [Rec Run] mode
regardless of the setting of [TC Run].

Customizing your camcorder

GB

79

UB Time Rec

Off



Does not save the actual time in the user bit
code.

On

Saves the actual time in the user bit code.

Notes



The last 2 digits are fixed to 00 when it is set
to [On].

Edit/Copy

(Items for editing)

See “Using menus” (p. 58) on the operation.

Delete

See page 49.

Protect

Protect movies and photos to avoid deleting
them by mistake.
 will be displayed on the protected
images.

ultiple Images

 M

Y

ou can select one or more images and

“protect” them.

 Select the type of image you want to

protect.

 Add check marks  to the desired

images.

80

You can select multiple images.




Select the image with  so that the  mark
disappears and you can remove the protection.

 Select  .

 Set All In Event

You can protect all images in the selected
date at one time.

 Select the date you want to protect using

/ .



You cannot select multiple dates.

 Select  .

GB

 Remove All In Event

You can remove the protection from all
images in the selected date at one time.

 select the date you want to remove the

protection using



You cannot select multiple dates.

/ .

 Select  .

Copy

You can copy images recorded on the
internal recording medium of your
camcorder to the memory card. The
original copy of the image will not be
deleted after the copy operation has been
completed.
Select the source and the destination for the
images to be copied after you select [Copy].

ultiple Images

 M

Y

ou can select and copy one or more

images.

 Select the type of image you want to copy.
 Add check marks  to the desired

images.

 Select the date you want to copy using

/ .

You cannot select multiple dates.



 Select  .

Notes



[Copy] can be selected when the camcorder is
set to playback mode. Press
and select



When you record an image on the memory card
for the first time, create the image database file
by selecting
[Repair Img. DB F.]  [Memory Card].



Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet
(wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to
prevent your camcorder from running out of
power during copy.

 [Edit/Copy]  [Copy].

 [Rec/Media SET] 

(View Images)



Checking the image copied: [Media Select]



(p. 23)



Saving images on an external media device

a

sily (p. 53)

e

Direct Copy

You can save images on an external media
device (USB storage device) manually while
the device is connected to your camcorder.
You can perform this operation while the
camcorder is displaying the event view of
the external device connected.

53.

e page

e

S

Customizing your camcorder

You can select multiple images.



 Select  .

 All In Event

You can copy all images in the selected date
at one time.

 Select the type of image you want to copy.

GB

81

Setup

(Other setup items)

See “Using menus” (p. 58) on the operation.
The default settings are marked with .

Data Code

During playback, your camcorder displays
the information recorded automatically at
the time of recording. You can check the
following information.

Off



Data code is not displayed.

Date/Time



Date



Time

Camera Data

Movie

Photo



SteadyShot off



White Balance



Shutter Speed



IRIS (Aperture value)



Gain



Brightness



Exposure



Flash

Coordinates

82



Latitude



Longitude

Notes



The data code is displayed on the TV screen if
you connect your camcorder to a TV.



Depending on the recording media condition,
bars [-- -- --] appear.

GB

Disp Output

You can select where to output the display
information, such as time code.

LCD Panel



Outputs the information to the LCD screen
and viewfinder.

V-Out/Panel

Outputs the information to the TV screen,
viewfinder, and LCD screen.

TV Type

You need to convert the signal depending
on the TV connected when playing back
movies and photos. The recorded movies
and photos are played back as following
illustrations.

16:9



Select this to view your movies on a 16:9
(wide) TV.

Movies and photos

recorded in 16:9

(wide) mode

4:3

Select this to view your movies and photos on
a 4:3 standard TV.

Movies and photos

recorded in 16:9

(wide) mode

Movies and photos

recorded in 4:3 mode

Movies and photos

recorded in 4:3 mode

Notes



Horizontal to vertical ratio of high definition
image quality (HD) movies is 16:9.

HDMI Resolution

Select the output image resolution when
connecting your camcorder to a TV with an
HDMI cable.

1080p/576p

Outputs high definition image quality (HD)
movies with a 1080p signal and standard
image quality (STD) movies with a 576p
signal.
Select this setting when you watch movies
that have been recorded with [
Format] set to [1080/50p
compliant TV.

1080i/576i



Outputs high definition image quality (HD)
movies with a 1080i signal and standard
image quality (STD) movies with a 576i
signal.

720p/576p

Outputs high definition image quality (HD)
movies with a 720p signal and standard image
quality (STD) movies with a 576p signal.

576p

Outputs the 576p signal.

576i

Outputs the 576i signal.

Notes



When [

[720p/576p] or [576p], HDMI signals cannot be
output during recording.

Rec Format] is set to [1080/50p

] and [HDMI Resolution] is set to

Rec

], on the 50p

Customizing your camcorder

GB

83

HDMI TC Output

You can transfer time code, user bit data to
the device connected with the HDMI cable.

Off



Does not output time code, user bit code.

On

Outputs time code, user bit code.

USB Connect

Select this item when [USB Select] does not
appear on the LCD screen by connecting
the camcorder to a computer with the USB
cable.

Beep

Off



Cancels the melody.

On

A melody sounds when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.

LCD Brightness

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen.

Normal



Normal setting (normal brightness).

Bright

Select this when the LCD screen is not bright
enough.
This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.

Display Setting

You can set the duration of displaying the
icons or indicators on the LCD screen.

GB

84

Auto



Displays for about 3 seconds. The rec & zoom
buttons on the LCD screen are displayed.

On

Always displays. The rec & zoom buttons on
the LCD screen are not displayed.

GPS Information

The camcorder can display location
information.

Satellite icons

Triangulating gauge

Information for the location that
was previously obtained.

Update

How to check the triangulating
information

Color of the satellites/
triangulating gauge

/ (black)

/ (gray)

/ (brown)

/ (ocher)

/ (green)

Status

No signal, but orbit
information for the
satellite is available.

33 % of the satellite orbit
information has been
obtained.

66 % of the satellite orbit
information has been
obtained.

99 % of the satellite orbit
information has been
obtained.

Triangulating is completed
and the satellite is
currently being used.

If data on your current information
cannot be obtained

The camcorder starts the triangulating
priority mode. As the camcorder turns
other functions off to search for satellites,
obtaining triangulating information can
take priority.

Remote Ctrl (Remote control)

On



Select this when you use the supplied Wireless
Remote Commander (p. 10).

Off

Select this when you do not use the supplied
Wireless Remote Commander.

To update the location information

Select [Update].

To close the triangulating
information screen

Select .

GPS Setting

You can select whether the camcorder
receives or does not receive GPS signals.

On



Receives GPS signals.
The location information will not be recorded
until triangulating is finished successfully.

Off

Does not receive GPS signals.
The location information that has previously
been recorded will be invalid.

REC Lamp

You can make the camera recording lamp
on the front of your camcorder not to turn
on. (Default: [On])

Language Setting

You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
The camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]
(simplified English) for when you cannot
find your native tongue among the options.

Calibration

See page 110.

Battery Info

You can check the estimated remaining
capacity of the battery.

Date & Time Setting

 Date & Time Format

You can select one from 4 types of date and
time formats.

Customizing your camcorder

GB

85

 Summer Time

You can change this setting without
stopping the clock.

Off



Does not set the summertime.

On

Sets the summertime. The clock is set to
move the time forward 1 hour.

 Date & Time

See page 19.

Area Setting

You can adjust time difference without
stopping the clock. Select your local area
when using the camcorder in other time
zones. Refer to the world time difference
information on page 102.

Auto Clock ADJ

The camcorder can maintain accurate
time automatically by acquiring time
information from the GPS system.

On



Maintains accurate time automatically.

Off

Does not maintain accurate time using the
GPS system.

The clock may not be adjusted to the correct



time automatically using the GPS system,
depending on the country/region selected for
your camcorder. In this case, set [Auto Clock
ADJ ] to [Off].

Auto Area ADJ

The camcorder can compensate for time
differences automatically by acquiring
location information from the GPS system.

On



Compensates for time differences
automatically.

Off

Does not compensate for time differences
automatically.

Notes



You must set the date and time on your

a

mcorder before use (p. 19).

c



The camcorder may not compensate for the
time difference automatically, depending on the
country/region selected for your camcorder. In
this case, set [Auto Area ADJ] to [Off].

Notes



You must set the date and time on your

a

mcorder before use (p. 19).

c



There may be discrepancies of a few seconds
even if [Auto Clock ADJ ] is activated.



This function automatically adjusts the clock
when the camcorder receives GPS signals and
finishes triangulating successfully while the
power is on. Once the clock is adjusted, it will
not be adjusted until the next time you turn the
camcorder on again.

GB

86

Others/Index

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using your
camcorder, follow the steps below.

 Check the list (p. 87 to 93), and

inspect your camcorder.

 Disconnect the power source, attach

the power source again after about 1
minute, and turn the camcorder on.

 Press RESET (p. 8) using a pointed

object, and turn the camcorder on.

If you press RESET, all settings,
including the clock setting, are reset.

 Contact your Sony dealer or local

authorized Sony service facility.

Your camcorder may be required to initialize



or change the current internal memory of your
camcorder, depending on the problem. In the
event of this, the data stored on the internal
memory will be deleted. Be sure to save the
data on the internal memory on other media
(backup) before sending your camcorder for
repair. We will not compensate you for any loss
of internal memory data.



During repair, we may check a minimum
amount of data stored on the internal memory
in order to investigate the problem. However,
your Sony dealer will neither copy nor retain
your data.



Overall operations/Wireless Remote

Commander ..................................................... p

Batteries/power sources .................................p.




LCD screen/viewfinder ..................................p.



Memory card ................................................... p.



Recording ......................................................... p.



Playback ...........................................................p.



Playing back images stored on memory card on

other devices .................................................... p

Editing movies/photos on your camcorder



........................................................................... p. 93



Playback on the TV ........................................p



Copying/Connecting to other devices .........p. 93



onnecting to a computer ............................. p.

C

Overall operations/Wireless
Remote Commander

The power does not turn on.

Attach a charged battery pack to the



camcorder (p. 15).
The plug of the AC Adaptor has been



disconnected from the wall outlet (wall
socket). Connect it to the wall outlet (wall
s

o

cket) (p. 15).

The camcorder does not operate even
when the power is set to on.

It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to



be ready to shoot after the power is turned on.
This is not a malfunction.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall



outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.
If the functions still do not work, press RESET
(p

. 8) using a thin object. (If you press RESET,
all settings, including the clock setting, are
reset.)
The temperature of your camcorder is



extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and
leave it for a while in a cool place.
The temperature of your camcorder is



extremely low. Leave your camcorder with
the power of your camcorder on. If you still

87

.

88
89
89
90
92

.

92

cannot operate your camcorder, turn off your
camcorder and take it to a warm place. Leave
the camcorder there for a while, then turn on
your camcorder.

.

93

93

Others/Index

GB

87

88

GB

The menu settings have been changed
automatically.

While Intelligent Auto is active, some menu



settings related to image quality will be
changed automatically.
The following menu items return to the



default settings when you switch among movie
recording, photo recording and playback
modes.

[ Fader]




Self-Timer]

[



[Tele Macro]

Your camcorder gets warm.

Your camcorder may become warm during



operation. This is not a malfunction.

A rattling noise can be heard when you
shake the camcorder.

If no noise is heard when the camcorder is



turned on and is in the movie/photo recording
mode, the noise is produced by the movement
of the internal lens. This is not a malfunction.

Intelligent Auto is canceled.



The Intelligent Auto setting is canceled if you
change the following settings:

[Smth Slw REC]




[Golf Shot]



[White Balance]



[Spot Meter/Fcs]



[Spot Meter]



[Spot Focus]



[Exposure]



[Focus]



[IRIS]



[Shutter Speed]



[AGC Limit]



[AE Shift]



[White Balance Shift]



[Low Lux]



[Scene Selection]



Cinematone]

[



[Tele Macro]

[ SteadyShot]




SteadyShot]

[



[Auto Back Light]



[Face Detection]

The supplied Wireless Remote
Commander does not function.

Set [Remote Ctrl] to [On] (p. 85).



Insert a battery into the battery holder with



the +/– polarities correctly matching the
+/– m

rks (p. 109).

a

Remove any obstructions between the



Wireless Remote Commander and the remote

sensor.



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.

Another DVD device malfunctions when
you use the supplied Wireless Remote
Commander.



Select a commander mode other than DVD 2
for your DVD device, or cover the sensor of
your DVD device with black paper.

Batteries/power sources

The power abruptly turns off.



Use the AC Adaptor.



Charge the battery pack (p. 15).

The CHG (charge) lamp does not light
while the battery pack is being charged.



Close the LCD screen (p. 15).



Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
cor

rectly (p. 15).



Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the
wall outlet (wall socket) properly.
Th



e battery charge is completed (p. 15).

The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the
battery pack is being charged.

When the battery is being charged using the



Built-in USB Cable, disconnect the Built-in
USB Cable and connect it again.
If the temperature of the battery pack is too



high or too low, you may not be able to charge
i

t (p

. 15).

Attach the battery pack to the camcorder



co

rectly (p. 15). If the problem persists,

r
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony
dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.

The remaining battery time indicator does
not indicate the correct time.



The ambient temperature is too high or too
low. This is not a malfunction.
The battery pack has not been charged



enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, replace the battery pack with
a n

e

w one (p. 106).

The indicated time may not be correct



depending on the environment of use.

The battery pack is quickly discharged.



The ambient temperature is too high or low.
This is not a malfunction.
The battery pack has not been charged



enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, replace the battery pack with
a n

e

w one (p. 106).

The buttons do not appear on the touch
panel.

Touch the LCD screen lightly.



Press the DISP button (p.21).



Press DISPLAY on the Wireless Remote



C

mmander (p. 10).

o

The buttons on the touch panel do not
work correctly or do not work at all.



Adjust the touch panel ([Calibration]) (p. 110).

The buttons on the touch panel quickly
disappear.



Set [Display Setting] to [On] (p. 84).

There are dots in the shape of a grid on
the screen.

These points are a normal result of the



manufacturing process of the screen and do
not affect the recording in any way.

The image in the viewfinder is not clear.

Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever



until the image appears clearly (p. 20).

The image in the viewfinder has
disappeared.

Close the LCD panel. Even if the viewfinder



is pulled out, no image is displayed in the
viewfinder when the LCD panel is open (p.

20).

Others/Index

LCD screen/viewfinder

Menu items are grayed out.



You cannot select grayed items in the current
recording/playback situation.
There are some functions you cannot activate



simultaneously.

Memory card

Operations using the memory card
cannot be performed.

If you use the memory card formatted on a



computer, format it again on your camcorder
(p.

78).

GB

89

90

GB

Images stored on the memory card
cannot be deleted.

The maximum number of images that you can



delete on the index screen at one time is 100.
You cannot delete the protected images.



The data file name is not indicated
correctly or flashes.

The file is damaged.



The file format is not supported by your



ca

mcorder (p. 78).

Recording

Refer also to “Memory card” (p. 89).

Pressing START/STOP or FIXED SHOT/
PHOTO does not record images.



The playback screen is displayed. Press MODE
to turn on the

(Movie) or (Photo) lamp
(p. 25, 26).
Your camcorder is recording the image you



have just shot on the recording media. You
cannot make new recording during this
period.
The recording media is full. Delete



unn

ecessary images (p. 49).

Total number of movie scenes or photos



exceeds the recordable capacity of your
c

amcorder. Delete unnecessary images (p. 49).

The temperature of your camcorder is



extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and
leave it for a while in a cool place.
The temperature of your camcorder is



extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and
take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder
there for a while, then turn on the camcorder.

Photos cannot be recorded.



You cannot record photos together with:

[Smth Slw REC]




[Golf Shot]



Fader]

[

The camcorder cannot shoot photos while it



is in the movie recording mode, depending on
the setting of [

Rec Format].

The access lamp remains lit or flashing
even if recording was stopped.



Your camcorder is recording the scene you
have just shot on the memory card.

The imaging field looks different.

The imaging field may look different



depending on the condition of your
camcorder. This is not a malfunction.

The flash does not work.

You cannot record with the built-in flash



while:

the (Movie) lamp is on




[Conversion Lens] is set to other than [Off]

Even if auto flash or Auto redeye reduction is



selected, you cannot use the flash with:

NightShot




manually-set [IRIS] or [Shutter Speed] (when
either one of them has been assigned to the
MANUAL dial)



[Spot Meter/Fcs]



[Spot Meter]



[Manual] in [Exposure]



[Night Scene], [Sunrise&Sunset], [Fireworks],
[Landscape], [Spotlight], [Beach] or [Snow]
in [Scene Selection]

The actual recording time for movies is
less than the expected recording time of
the recording media.

Depending on the recording conditions, the



time available for recording may be shorter
(p.

98), for example when recording a fast

moving object, etc.

The camcorder stops operating.



The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and
leave it for a while in a cool place.

The temperature of your camcorder is



extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and
take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder
there for a while, then turn on the camcorder.
If you keep applying vibration on the



camcorder, recording may stop.

There is a time difference between the
point when START/STOP is pressed and
the point that the recording movie is
started or stopped actually.

On your camcorder, there may be a slight



time difference between the point where you
press START/STOP and the actual point that
recording movie starts/stops. This is not a
malfunction.

The horizontal to vertical ratio of the
movie (16:9 (wide)/4:3) cannot be
changed.

The horizontal to vertical ratio of high



definition image quality (HD) movies is 16:9
(wide).

The auto focus does not function.

Set [Focus] to [Auto] (p. 67).



The recording conditions are not suitable for



au

to focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 67).

SteadyShot does not function.

Set [ SteadyShot] to [Active] or [Standard]



(p. 36), [
Even if [



[Standard], [
camcorder may not be able to compensate for
excessive vibrations.
Set [Conversion Lens] to [Off] (p. 71).



SteadyShot] to [On] (p. 71).

SteadyShot] is set to [Active] or

SteadyShot] to [On], your

Images cannot be recorded or played
back correctly.

If you record and delete images repeatedly for



a long time, the files on the recording media
may become fragmented and images cannot
be recorded or played back correctly. After
backing up the images on other media, format
the recording media on your camcorder (p.

78).

The subjects passing by the screen very
fast appear crooked.



This is called the focal plane phenomenon.
This is not a malfunction. Because of the way
the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out
image signals, the subjects passing by the lens
rapidly might appear crooked depending on
the recording conditions.

The color of the image is not correctly
displayed.

Press NIGHTSHOT to cancel the NightShot



function (p. 37).

The screen image is bright, and the
subject does not appear on the screen.

Press NIGHTSHOT to cancel the NightShot



function (p. 37).

Horizontal stripes appear on the images.

This occurs when recording images under a



fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury
la

mp. This is not a malfunction.

Black bands appear when you record a TV
screen or computer screen.

Set [ SteadyShot] to an option except for



[Active] (p. 36).

Others/Index

[LCD Brightness ] cannot be adjusted.

You cannot adjust [LCD Brightness ] when:



The LCD panel is closed on your camcorder



with the LCD screen facing out.



The power is supplied from the AC Adaptor.

GB

91

92

GB

Sound is not recorded correctly.

Connect the microphone again in the same



way as when you start recording movies.

Photos are recorded automatically.

In the default setting, photos are recorded



automatically when the camcorder detects a
smile ([Smile Shutter]) (p. 73).

The time code is not recorded in
sequence.

The time code may not be recorded



sequentially if you change the settings of
[

/ Setting] or [ Rec Format].

Playback

Images cannot be played back.

Select the type of recording media you want to



play back (p. 23).
Select the image quality of the movie you want



t

lay back (p. 38).

o p

Images recorded on other devices may not be



played back. This is not a malfunction.

is indicated on a thumbnail.

This may appear on an image recorded on



other devices, edited on a computer, etc.
You removed the AC Adaptor or the battery



pack while the recording media icon at the top
right corner of the screen flashes, or before
the access lamp is turned off after recording.
This may damage your image data and
displayed.

is indicated on a thumbnail.



The image database file may be damaged.
Check the database file by touching



[Rec/Media SET]  [Repair Img. DB F.] 
the recording medium. If it still appears, delete
the image with

(p. 49).

No sound or only a quiet sound is heard
during playback.



Turn up the volume (p. 75).



When you record sound with [Micref Level]
(p.

74) set to [Low], the recorded sound may
be difficult to hear.
Sounds cannot be recorded while shooting



with

[Smth Slw REC] or [Golf Shot].

is

Photos cannot be played back.

Photos cannot be played back if you have



modified files or folders, or have edited the
data on a computer. (The file name flashes in
that case.) This is not a malfunction.

The movie freezes.

Photos which were recorded while recording



a movie are played back. In the default
setting, movies and photos are played back
continuously. When you set the Switch Image
Type button to [

Movie], you can play

movies only.

appears on the LCD screen.



This appears when you play back movies
recorded with 5.1ch surround sound. 5.1ch
surround sound is down-mixed to 2ch stereo
and played back on your camcorder.

Playing back images stored on
memory card on other devices

Images cannot be played back or the
memory card is not recognized.



The playback device does not support playing
back memory cards (p. 33).

Editing movies/photos on your
camcorder

Unable to edit.

Unable to edit because of the condition of the



image.

A movie cannot be divided.

A movie that is too short cannot be divided.



Release the protection, and then divide.



A photo cannot be captured from a
movie.

The recording media where you want to save



photos is full.

The image appears distorted on the 4:3
TV.

This happens when viewing an image



recorded in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV.
Set [T

V Type] correctly (p. 83) and play back

the image.

Black bands appear at the top and bottom
of the screen of the 4:3 TV.

This happens when viewing an image recorded



in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. This is
not a malfunction.

Copying/Connecting to other
devices

Playback on the TV

Neither image nor sound is played on the
connected TV.

Images are not output from the HDMI OUT



jack, if copyright protection signals are
recorded in the images.

The top, bottom, right, and left edges
of images are trimmed slightly on a
connected TV.

The LCD screen of your camcorder can



display recording images across the entire
screen (full pixel display). However, this may
cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right,
and left edges of images when played back on
a TV which is not compatible with full pixel
display.
It is recommended you record images using



t

h

e outer frame of [Guide Frame] (p. 75) as

a guide.

Images are not copied correctly.

You cannot copy images using the HDMI



cable.
The A/V connecting cable is not connected



properly. Make sure to connect the cable to the
in

put jack of another device (p. 52).

Connecting to a computer

The computer does not recognize the
camcorder.

Disconnect devices from the USB jack of the



computer other than the keyboard, mouse,
and your camcorder.
Disconnect the Built-in USB Cable from the



computer, and restart the computer, then
connect the computer and your camcorder
again in the correct order.
When both the Built-in USB Cable and the



USB jack of the camcorder are connected
to the external devices at the same time,
disconnect one that is not connected to a
computer.

Others/Index

GB

93

94

GB

Self-diagnosis
display/Warning

Movies cannot be viewed or copied to a
computer.

Disconnect the Built-in USB Cable from the



computer, and turn on your camcorder, then
connect the cable again.
You need to install the supplied “Content



Management Utility” to copy movies from
y

o

ur camcorder to your computer (p. 56).

The computer freezes.



Disconnect the Built-in USB Cable from the
computer, and restart the computer, then
connect the computer and your camcorder
again in the correct order.

indicators

When an error occurs, a warning indicator
appears on the LCD screen.
You can fix some problems associated with
the symptoms yourself. If the problem
persists even after you have tried a couple
of times, contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility. In this case,
when you contact them, give them all the
numbers of the error code beginning with
C or E.

You may hear a melody when some warning



indicators appear on the screen.

C:(or E:) : (Self-diagnosis display)

C:04:

The battery pack is not an “InfoLITHIUM”



battery pack (V series). Use an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series)
(p

. 105).

Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to the



D

ack of your camcorder securely (p. 15).

C IN j

C:06:

The battery pack temperature is high. Change



the battery pack or place it in a cool place.

C:13: / C:32:

Remove the power source. Reconnect it and



operate your camcorder again.

E::

Follow the steps from  on page 87.



 (Battery level warning)



The battery pack is nearly used up.



Depending on the operating environment or
battery conditions,  may flash, even if there

are about 20 minutes remaining.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

battery pack temperature)

The battery pack temperature is high. Change



the battery pack or place it in a cool place.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

memory card)

Slow flashing

Free spaces for recording images are running



out. For the type of memory card you can use
with your camcorder, see page 24.
N



o memory card is inserted (p. 23).

Fast flashing

There are not enough free spaces for recording



images. After storing the images on other
m

e

dia (p. 51), delete unnecessary images, or

fo

rmat the memory card (p. 78).

The image database file may be damaged.



Check the database file by touching
[Rec/Media SET]  [Repair Img. DB F.] 
the recording medium.
The memory card is damaged.



(Warning indicator pertaining to

memory card formatting)

The memory card is damaged.



The memory card is not formatted correctly



(p.

78).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

incompatible memory card)



Incompatible memory card is inserted (p. 24).

 (Warning indicator pertaining to

the write-protect of the memory card)

The memory card is write-protected.



Access to the memory card was restricted on



another device.



(Warning indicator pertaining to the

external media device)

The image database file may be damaged.



Check the database file by touching



[Rec/Media SET]  [Repair Img. DB F.] 
the recording medium.
The external media device is damaged.



(Warning indicator pertaining to

formatting of the external media device)

The external media device is damaged.



The external media device is not formatted



correctly.

(Warning indicator pertaining to the
flash)
Fast flashing



There is something wrong with the flash.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

camera-shake warning)

The amount of lights is not sufficient, so



camera-shake easily occurs. Use the flash.
The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-shake



easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steadily
with both hands and record the image.
However, note that the camera-shake warning
indicator does not disappear.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

photo recording)

The recording media is full.



Photos cannot be recorded during processing.



Wait for a while, then record.
When [



], [1080/50i ] or [720/50p ], you
cannot capture photos while recording movies.
Furthermore, if [
[1080/25p
record photos while the camcorder is in movie
recording standby mode.

Rec Format] is set to [1080/50p

Rec Format] is set to

] or [1080/25p ], you cannot

Others/Index

GB

95

96

GB

Description of warning messages

If messages appear on the screen, follow the
instructions.

Recording media

Cannot recognize the internal memory.

Format and use again.

The internal recording medium of the



camcorder is set differently from the default
fo

rmat. Performing [Format] (p. 78) may
enable you to use your camcorder. This
will delete all data in the internal recording
medium.

Data error.



An error occurred during reading or writing
the internal recording media of the camcorder.
If the message is preceded by a GPS indicator,



there may be some trouble with the GPS
receiver. Turn on your camcorder again.
This may occur when you keep applying shock



on the camcorder.
Movies recorded on other devices may not be



played back.

The Image Database File is damaged. Do
you want to create a new file?
HD movie management information is
damaged. Create new information?



The management file is damaged. When you
select

There is no Image Database File Movies
cannot be recorded or played Create a
new file?



You cannot record or play back movies
because no movie management information
exists. If you select [Yes], new management
information is created and you can record or
play back movies.

, a new management file is created.

There is no HD movie management
information. Create new information?

You cannot record or play back movies



because no high definition image quality (HD)
movie management information exists. If you
select [Yes], new management information
is created and you can record or play back
movies with high definition image quality
(HD).
You can record standard definition image



quality (STD) movies or photos.

Inconsistencies found in image database
file. Do you want to repair the image
database file?
The Image Database File is damaged. Do
you want to repair the Image Database
File?
Inconsistencies found in image database
file. Cannot record or play HD movies. Do
you want to repair the image database
file?

The management file is damaged. When you



select

, a new management file is created.

Inconsistencies found in the image
database file. Back up and recover.
Recover, then import using the included
PC software.

Inconsistencies occur in the image database



file because high definition image quality
(HD) movie management information
is damaged. If you select
management information is created by
backing up a high definition image quality
(HD) movie. The backed up movies cannot be
recognized. If you connect to a computer that
has been installed with the supplied software
“Content Management Utility,” you can copy
the backed up high definition image quality
(HD) movies.

, new

Buffer overflow. Writing to the media was
not completed in time.

You have performed recording and erasing



operations repeatedly, or a memory card that

has been formatted by other device is used.

Copy and take data backup to other device

(such as a computer), and then format the

m

em

ory card on the camcorder (p. 78).

The size of the inserted memory card is not



sufficient for copying the movie(s). Use the

r

ecommended memory card (p. 24).

Recovering data.

Your camcorder tries to recover data



automatically if the data writing was not

performed properly.

Cannot recover data.

Writing data onto the media of the camcorder



has failed. Attempts were made to recover the

data, but they were unsuccessful.

Reinsert the memory card.

Reinsert the memory card a few times. If even



then the indicator flashes, the memory card

could be damaged. Try with another memory

card.

Cannot recognize this memory card.

Format and use again.

Format the memory card (p. 78). Note that if



you format the memory card, all the recorded

movies and photos are deleted.

Still picture folder is full. Cannot record

still pictures.

You cannot create folders exceeding



999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete

created folders using your camcorder.

F

rmat the memory card (p. 78), or delete



o

folders using your computer.

This memory card may not be able to
record or play movies.

Use a memory card recommended for your



camcorder (p. 24).

This memory card may not be able to
record or play images correctly.

Use a memory card recommended for your



camcorder (p. 24).
Contact your Sony dealer.



Do not eject the memory card during
writing. Data may be damaged.

Reinsert the memory card.



External media cannot execute functions.

Check the data base file by touching 



[Rec/Media SET]  [Repair Img. DB F.] 
the recording medium.
If even then the indicator flashes, reconnect



the external media device, and then perform
the format. Note that if you format the
external media device, all the recorded movies
and photos in it are deleted.
If you cannot perform the format, the



external media may not be supported by the
camcorder, or it may be damaged. Try with
another external media.

Unable to access external media.



Use the external media device in stable
condition (the environment such as no
vibration and room temperature, etc.).
Make sure to the power source of the external



media device is connected.

Other

Maximum number of images already
selected.



You can select only 100 images at one time for:

Deleting movies/photos



Others/Index

GB

97

98

GB

Protecting movies/photos, or releasing the



protection



Copying movies/photos

Data protected.

You tried to delete protected data. Release the



protection of the data.

Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos

“HD” stands for high definition image
quality, and “STD” stands for standard
definition image quality.

Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack

Recording time

Approximate time available when you use a
fully charged battery pack.

(unit: minute)

Battery pack

Continuous

recording time

Image quality HD STD HD STD

NP-FV50

NP-FV70
(supplied)

NP-FV100

90 95 45 45

95 100 45 50

185 205 90 100

195 210 95 105

375 405 185 200

395 415 190 205

Typical recording

time

Top: When the LCD screen is opened



Bottom: When recording with the viewfinder
without opening the LCD screen



Each recording time is measured in the
following conditions.



When recording high definition image
quality (HD) with [
[1080/50i
When the XLR Adaptor and supplied



microphone are attached.

Typical recording time shows the time when



you repeat recording start/stop, switching the
MODE lamp, and zooming.



Times measured when using the camcorder at

C (77 °F). 10 C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F) is

25
recommended.
The recording and playback time will be



shorter when you use your camcorder in low
temperatures.

].

Rec Format] set to



The recording and playback time will be shorter

depending on the conditions under which you

use your camcorder.

Playing time

Approximate time available when you use a
fully charged battery pack.

(unit: minute)

Battery pack

Image quality HD STD

NP-FV50

NP-FV70 (supplied)

NP-FV100

Top: When the LCD screen is opened



Bottom: When playing with the viewfinder

without opening the LCD screen

190 215

200 225

395 440

415 465

785 870

830 925

Expected recording time of

movies

Internal memory

High definition image quality (HD) in h (hour) and min
(minute)

Recording mode Recording time

7 h 30 min (7 h 30 min)

7 h 55 min (7 h 55 min)

8 h 45 min (8 h 45 min)

9 h 20 min (9 h 20 min)

11 h 40 min (11 h 40 min)

12 h 50 min (12 h 50 min)

19 h 25 min (15 h 15 min)

22 h 45 min (17 h 15 min)

30 h 45 min (26 h 30 min)

39 h 55 min (32 h 35 min)

Top: When [ Audio Format] is set to



[Linear PCM]
Bottom: When [
[Dolby Digital]

Audio Format] is set to

Standard definition image quality (STD) in h (hour) and
min (minute)

Recording mode Recording time

23 h 50 min (21 h 50 min)



You can record movies of a maximum of 3,999
scenes with high definition image quality (HD),
and 9,999 scenes with standard definition image
quality (STD).



The maximum continuous recording time of
movies is approximately 13 hours.



Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit
Rate) format to automatically adjust image
quality to suit the recording scene. This
technology causes fluctuations in the recording
time of the media. Movies containing quickly
moving and complex images are recorded at
a higher bit-rate, and this reduces the overall
recording time.

Notes



The number in ( ) is the minimum recordable
time.

Memory card

High definition image quality (HD)

(unit: minute)

2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB

8

(8)15(15)35(35)70(70)

9

(9)15(15)35(35)75(75)

9

(9)20(20)40(40)80(80)

10

(10)20(20)40(40)90(90)

145

(145)

150

(150)

170

(170)

180

(180)

Others/Index

GB

99

100

GB

(unit: minute)

2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB

10

(10)25(25)55(55)

10

(10)25(25)60(60)

20

(15)45(35)90(70)

25

(15)50(40)

30

(30)70(60)

45

(35)90(75)

Top: When [ Audio Format] is set to



[Linear PCM]
Bottom: When [
[Dolby Digital]

Audio Format] is set to

105

(80)

145

(125)

185

(155)

110

(110)

120

(120)

185

(145)

215

(165)

295

(250)

380

(310)

(225)

(245)

(290)

(330)

(510)

(630)

Standard definition image quality (STD)

(unit: minute)

2 GB 4 GB 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB

25

(25)55(50)



When using a Sony memory card.

Notes



The recordable time may vary depending on the
recording and subject conditions and [
Format] (p. 38).



The number in ( ) is the minimum recordable
time.

110

(100)

225

(210)

(420)

Expected number of recordable photos

Internal memory

You can record the maximum 40,000
photos.

225

245

375

440

590

770

460

Rec

Memory card

24.1M

2 GB 200

4 GB 400

8 GB 810

16 GB 1600

32 GB 3250

When using a Sony memory card.




The number of recordable photos of memory
card shown is for the maximum image size
of your camcorder. The actual number of
recordable photos is displayed on the LCD

een during recording (p. 116).

cr

s



The number of recordable photos of memory
card may vary depending on the recording
conditions.

Notes



The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and
the image processing system allow still image
resolution equivalent to the sizes described.

On bit-rate and recording pixels



The bit-rate, pixels and aspect ratio of each
recording mode for movies (movie + audio,
etc.)



High definition image quality (HD):
PS: Max. 28 Mbps 1,920  1,080 pixels/16:9
FX: Max. 24 Mbps 1,920  1,080 pixels/16:9,

1,280  720 pixels/16:9

FH: Approx. 17 Mbps (average) 1,920  1,080

pixels/16:9, 1,280  720 pixels/16:9

HQ: Approx. 9 Mbps (average) 1,440  1,080

pixels/16:9

LP: Approx. 5 Mbps (average) 1,440  1,080

pixels/16:9



Standard definition image quality (STD):
HQ: Approx. 9 Mbps (average) 720  576

pixels/16:9, 4:3