3-278-983-11(1)
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC52/HC54
© 2008 Sony Corporation
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety
instructions completely before operating
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet (wall socket)
the appliance, and keep this manual for
future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the one
described in the operating instructions and
adhere to them.
before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly
dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of
the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of electrical power
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or
local power company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
Power cord (Mains lead) Protection
Route the power cord (mains lead) so that it is not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention
to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the
cord exits from the appliance.
Polarization
Accessories
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac
power cord (mains lead) plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug by forcing it in.
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation of the set, and to protect it from
overheating, these slots and openings must never
be blocked or covered.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets (wall sockets),
extension cords or convenience receptacles
beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire
or electric shock.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper
ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct
sunlight.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Continued ,
3
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)
Lightning
Safety Check
For added protection for this set during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet (wall socket) and disconnect the antenna or
cable system. This will prevent damage to the set
due to lightning and power-line surges.
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the
set, ask the service technician to perform routine
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)
to determine that the set is in safe operating
condition.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet (wall socket)
and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions:
– When the power cord (mains lead) or plug is
damaged or frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
4
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Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-
222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
Regulatory Information
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC52
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
used rechargeable batteries to the
collection and recycling location
nearest you.
For more information regarding
recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC54
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever
you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DCR-HC52/HC54
Serial No.
Model No. AC-
Serial No.
Continued ,
5
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Read thid first (Continued)
Notes
Notes on use
DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to be used with
AC Adaptor Model AC-L200/L200B.
About the manuals supplied with your
camcorder
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)
– For DCR-HC54
“First Step Guide” for connecting the
camcorder to a computer and using the
supplied software (stored on the supplied
CD-ROM)
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Type of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with
. Your camcorder is not
compatible with the Cassette Memory
Using the camcorder
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
Viewfinder
Battery pack
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
LCD panel
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
• When connecting your camcorder to
another device with communication
cables, be sure to insert the connector plug
in the correct way.
For the State of California, USA only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may
apply, See
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains
perchlorate.
Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal
6
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will damage the terminal and may result
in a malfunction of your camcorder.
About the language setting
• The on-screen displays in each local
language are used for illustrating the
operating procedures. Change the screen
language before using your camcorder if
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
On recording
• The LCD screen and the 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 and the
viewfinder. These points are normal
results of the manufacturing process and
do not affect the recording in any way.
• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
country/region. To view your recordings
on a TV, you need a NTSC system-based
TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
• The illustrations used on this manual are
based on the model DCR-HC54. The
model name is indicated on the bottom of
your camcorder.
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,
or the lens to direct sunlight for long
periods of time may cause malfunctions.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
• Design and specifications of recording
media and accessories are subject to
change without notice.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior images.
It adopts the MTF* measurement system for
Continued ,
7
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Read thid first (Continued)
video cameras and offers a quality typical
of a Carl Zeiss lens.
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer
Function. The number value indicates the
amount of light from a subject coming into
the lens.
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Table of Contents
................................................... 16
Easy Recording/Playback
.....................................................46
Recording in dark places
(NightShot plus) ........................ 22
Using the guide functions
Searching for the last scene of the
most recent recording
Searching manually
(EDIT SEARCH) ........................ 26
Reviewing the most recently
recorded scenes
.....................................................57
Continued ,
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Table of Contents (Continued)
Indicators displayed during
Spanish Quick Guide/
Guía rápida en español
10
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GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items
USB cable (1)
(DCR-HC54) (p. 70)
Make sure that you have following items
supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1)
Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 12)
CD-ROM “Handycam Application
Software” (1) (DCR-HC54)(p. 48)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
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Step 2: Charging the battery pack
2
1
2
3
1
With the v mark facing
down
Battery pack
POWER switch
DC IN jack
4
To the wall outlet (wall socket)
AC Adaptor
Power cord (Mains lead)
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
attaching it to your camcorder.
4
Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the
wall outlet (wall socket).
b Notes
CHG (charge) lamp
• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack other than the H series to your camcorder.
1
Align the terminals of the battery
pack and your camcorder 1, then
attach the battery pack and click
it into place 2.
2
3
Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp
turns off when the battery is fully
charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor
from the DC IN jack.
With the v mark on the DC plug
facing down, connect the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
b Notes
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN
jack holding both the camcorder and the DC
plug.
12
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pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the
information is displayed.
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the
power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by
making the same connections as you do
when charging the battery pack. The battery
pack will not lose its charge in this case.
Remaining battery (approx.)
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0%
50%
100%
To remove the battery pack
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN : 85 min
VIEWFINDER : 99 min
1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH.
Recording capacity (approx.)
2 Remove the battery pack in the direction
of the arrow.
You can check the remaining battery charge
on the LCD screen.
POWER switch
Indicator
Status
Sufficient power remaining
1
Battery low, recording/
playback will stop soon.
2
Replace the battery with a
fully charged one, or charge
the battery.
PUSH
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
Battery pack
NP-FH30 (supplied)
NP-FH50
Charging time
115
135
170
390
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info)
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then
press DISP/BATT INFO.
NP-FH70
NP-FH100
After a while, the approximate recordable
time and battery information appear for
about 7 seconds. You can view the battery
information for up to 20 seconds by
Continued ,
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Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
– The battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info
only).
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
• The power will not be supplied from the battery
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the
power cord (mains lead) is disconnected from
the wall outlet (wall socket).
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
Battery pack
NP-FH30
(supplied)
95
110
155
180
330
395
760
890
45
55
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C
(77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is
recommended.)
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low
temperatures.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
NP-FH50
NP-FH70
NP-FH100
75
90
165
195
380
445
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
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.
b Notes
• All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the
AC Adaptor.
LCD panel
opened
LCD panel
closed
Battery pack
NP-FH30
(supplied)
105
135
NP-FH50
NP-FH70
NP-FH100
170
370
845
220
465
1065
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
correctly displayed under the following
conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
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Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the
date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not
4
Move to [D] (day) with
set with
for the hour and minute.
, then
and repeat
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]
screen appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.
/
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.
5
Make sure the date and time
settings are correct, then touch
.
The clock starts.
Touch the button
on the LCD screen.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
POWER switch
To reset the date and time
You can set the desired date and time by
1
While pressing the green button,
slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to turn on
the respective lamp.
touching
t [PAGE2] t [CLOCK
b Notes
CAMERA: To record on a tape.
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may
be cleared from the memory. In that case,
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.
CLOCK SET
• At the time of purchase, the power is set to turn
off automatically if you leave your camcorder
without any operation attempted for
Y
M
D
1
:
2008 JAN
12 00 AM
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power
OK
z Tips
• The date and time are not displayed while
recording, but they are automatically recorded
on the tape, and can be displayed during
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set
only [DATE/TIME])).
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work
correctly, adjust the touch panel
2
3
Set [Y] (year) with
/
.
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
Move to [M] (month) with
then set with
,
/
.
Continued ,
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Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued)
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Touch
t [MENU] t
(SETUP MENU) t [
then select the desired language.
LANGUAGE],
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Step 4: Making setting adjustments before
recording
Opening the lens cover
The viewfinder
Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.
You can view pictures using the viewfinder
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.
Viewfinder
After recording, set the LENS COVER
switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover.
The LCD panel
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play (2).
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture
is clear.
DISP/BATT INFO
180 degrees
(max.)
2
z Tips
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting
(LCD/VF SET) -
The grip belt
1
90 degrees to the
2
90 degrees
(max.)
Fasten the grip belt and hold your
camcorder correctly.
camcorder
b Notes
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD
panel.
4
1
2
z Tips
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient
during playback operations.
3
of the LCD screen.
• Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen
indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off.
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Step 5: Inserting a Cassette
portion marked {DO NOT PUSH} while
it is sliding in. It may cause a
malfunction.
You can use mini DV
(p. 60).
cassettes only
1
Slide and hold the
EJECT lever in the direction of the
arrow and open the lid.
OPEN/
3
Close the lid.
OPEN/EJECT lever
To eject the cassette
Open the lid following the same procedure
as described in step 1 and remove the
cassette.
z Tips
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC
Lid
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
2
Insert a cassette with its window
facing outwards, then press
.
Push the center of the back
of the cassette lightly.
Window
Cassette compartment
The cassette compartment
automatically slides back in.
b Notes
• Do not force the cassette
compartment closed by pressing the
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RecordinEg/PalasybyackRecording/Playback (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally
adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy
viewing.
A
B
E
D
C
Recording
1
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the CAMERA lamp.
If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG),
slide it while pressing the green button.
2
3
Press EASY C.
appears on the screen D.
EASY
Press REC START/STOP B (or E) to start recording.*
60min
REC 0:00:00
The indicator (A) changes from [STBY] to
[REC]. To stop recording, press REC START/
STOP again.
A
GUIDE
FN
* During Easy Handycam operation, you can only record in the SP mode.
Continued ,
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Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)
Playback
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.
If the POWER switch is
set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green
button.
Touch
start playback.
, then touch
to
A
D
B
C
B Stop
C Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
D Rewind/Fast forward
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY C again.
disappears from the screen D.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.
x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam
during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is not available in Easy
Handycam mode.
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Recording
POWER switch
REC START/
STOP A
REC START/STOP B
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
Press REC START/STOP A (or B).
[STBY]
[REC]
To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again.
Continued ,
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Recording (Continued)
z Tips
Zooming
zoom to a level greater than 40 ×.
You can magnify images up to 40 times the
original size with the power zoom lever or
the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
Recording in dark places
(NightShot plus)
Wider range of view:
(Wide angle)
Infrared port
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.
(
and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.)
b Notes
Close view: (Telephoto)
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with
your fingers or other objects. Remove the
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.
when it is hard to focus automatically.
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
b Notes
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.
• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image
blurring as desired when the power zoom lever
is set to the T (Telephoto) side.
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom
lever. If you move your finger off the power
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power
zoom lever may also be recorded.
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
• The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
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Adjusting the exposure for
backlit subjects
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press . (back light) to display .. To
cancel the backlight function, press .
(back light) again.
Recording in mirror mode
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side (2).
z Tips
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the image will be normal when
recorded.
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Playback
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
Start playing back.
Touch
to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch
to start playback.
Play/Pause* toggles as you touch it
Stop
Rewind/Fast forward
* Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.
To adjust the volume
Touch
t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then
/
to adjust the volume.
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold
/
during playback (Picture Search), or
/
while fast
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
z Tips
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Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)
You can easily select the desired setting
screens by using the guide functions
(USAGE GUIDE).
Unavailable settings during Easy
Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, some
items are unavailable. If an attempted
setting is not available, but still desired,
touch [SET] to display an on-screen
instruction. Follow the instruction to cancel
Easy Handycam operation and then select
the setting.
z Tips
• If [SET] is not displayed in step 3, follow the
instruction on the screen.
Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as
shown below.
SHOOT
GUIDE:
Takes you to the setting
screens related to
recording.
DISP
GUIDE:
Enables you to check the
meaning of each indicator
that appears on the LCD
details.
1
2
Touch [GUIDE].
Select the desired item.
e.g., to record night views
Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT
SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to
display [To keep the mood of a night
view].
3
Touch [SET].
The desired setting screen appears.
Adjust the settings according to your
purpose.
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Searching for the starting point
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp
1
2
3
4
Touch
[MENU].
t [PAGE1] t
Searching for the last scene of
the most recent recording
(END SEARCH)
Select
/
(CAMERA SET) with
, then touch [EXEC].
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not
work once you eject the cassette after you
have recorded on the tape.
Select [EDITSEARCH] with
, then touch [EXEC].
/
Touch
t [PAGE1], then touch
[END SCH].
Select [ON] with
then touch [EXEC] t
/
,
.
60min
PAGE1 PAGE2
0:00:00
60min
STBY
0:00:00
SPOT FOCUS
FOCUS
SPOT
METER
DISP
GUIDE
MENU SCENE
SEL.
END
SCH
EXPO–
SURE
EDIT
GUIDE FN
Touch here again to cancel the operation.
The last scene of the most recent
recording is played back for about 5
seconds, and the camcorder enters the
standby mode at the point where the last
recording has finished.
5
Touch and hold
backward)/
and release it at the point where
you want the recording to start.
(to go
(to go forward)
b Notes
• [END SCH] will not work correctly when there
is a blank section between recorded sections on
the tape.
Reviewing the most recently
recorded scenes (Rec review)
z Tips
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.
• This operation is also available when the
POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.
1
2
Touch
[MENU].
t [PAGE1] t
Searching manually
(EDIT SEARCH)
You can search for the start point to start
the next recording while viewing the
pictures on the screen. The sound is not
played back during the search.
Select
/
(CAMERA SET) with
, then touch [EXEC].
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3
4
Select [EDITSEARCH] with
, then touch [EXEC].
/
Select [ON] with
/
,
then touch [EXEC] t
.
60min
STBY
0:00:00
EDIT
GUIDE FN
5
Touch
.
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most
recently recorded scene are played back.
Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
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Playing the picture on a TV
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting
cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the
to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
Device without an
S VIDEO jack
Device with an
S VIDEO jack
(Black)
(Yellow)
(White)
(Red)
(White)
(Red)
1
A/V Remote
Connector
(Yellow)
2
: Signal flow
VCRs or TVs
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
When connecting your camcorder to a
TV through a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on
the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2,
etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.
Connect to the input jack of another device.
B A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via the S
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be
reproduced more faithfully than with the
supplied A/V cable connection.
When your TV is monaural (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 the red
(right channel) plug to the audio input jack
of your TV or VCR.
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO
channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this
case, the yellow (standard video) plug
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO
connection only will not output audio.
z Tips
• You can display the time code on the TV screen
by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD]
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Using the Menu
Using the menu items
1
2
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow
repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.
CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape
PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing
Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.
2 Select the desired menu.
Touch to select the
item, then touch [EXEC]. (The process
in step 3 and 4 is the same as that in
step 2.)
3 Select the desired item.
4 Customize the item.
x To use the operation buttons on
PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3
For details of the button items, see page
30.
/
1 Touch
.
2 Touch the desired page.
3 Touch the desired button.
4 Select the desired setting, then touch
After finishing the settings, touch
(close) to hide the menu screen.
t
(Close).
Each touch of [
RET.] takes you to
the previous screen.
b Notes
• With some settings, you do not have to
touch
x To use menu items during Easy
.
Handycam operation
1 Touch
.
x To use menu items
2 Select the desired button.
3 Change your item setting.
After finishing the settings, touch
(close).
1 Touch
[PAGE1].
The menu index screen appears.
t [MENU] on
b Notes
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation to use
menu items normally.
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Operation button
items
Available operation buttons vary depending
on the position of the lamp and the display
(PAGE).
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
FOCUS
You can adjust the focus manually. You can
select this function also when you want to
focus on a certain subject intentionally.
The available functions during Easy
Handycam operation are marked with “*”.
button items.
1 Touch [MANUAL].
9 appears.
When the CAMERA lamp lights
up
2 Touch
(focusing on close subjects)/
(focusing on distant subjects) to
sharpen the focus.
appears when the
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted
farther away.
[PAGE1]
3 Touch
.
SPOT FOCUS
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO].
You can select and adjust the focal point to
a subject not located in the center of the
screen.
b Notes
60min
STBY
0:00:00
• The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
SPOT FOCUS
1
AUTO
END
2
z Tips
1 Touch the point where you want to 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.
on in the frame.
9 appears.
2 Touch [END].
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO].
b Notes
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
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TWILIGHT* (
)
SPOT METER
Select to maintain the darkening
atmosphere of the distant surroundings in
twilight scenes.
(Flexible spot meter)
You can adjust and fix the exposure to the
subject, so that it is recorded in suitable
brightness even when there is strong
contrast between the subject and the
background, such as subjects in the
spotlight on stage.
SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset)
60min
SPOT METER
STBY
0:00:00
(
)
Select to maintain the atmosphere of
situations such as sunsets and sunrises.
1
AUTO
END
2
1 Touch the point where you want to fix and
adjust the exposure on the screen.
appears.
LANDSCAPE* (
)
2 Touch [END].
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.
This setting also prevents your camcorder
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in
windows between the camcorder and the
subject.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to
[AUTO].
b Notes
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (
)
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*
Select to bring out the subject such as
people or flowers while creating a soft
background.
MENU
SCENE SEL.
SPOTLIGHT** (
)
You can record pictures effectively in
various situations with the SCENE SEL.
function.
Select to prevent people’s faces from
appearing excessively white when subjects
are lit by strong light.
BAUTO
Select to automatically record pictures
effectively without the [SCENE SEL.]
function.
Continued ,
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Operation button items (Continued)
SPORT** (Sports lesson) (
Select to minimize shake when shooting
fast moving subjects.
)
60min
AUTO
STBY
0:00:00
OK
MANU–
AL
1
EXPOSURE
2
1 Touch [MANUAL].
SNOW** (
)
appears.
Select this when shooting in very bright,
white conditions, such as on a ski slope;
otherwise pictures may appear too dark.
2 Adjust the exposure by touching
/
.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO].
[PAGE2]
FADER
You can add the following effects to
currently recording pictures.
BEACH** (
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from
appearing dark in strong light or reflected
light, such as at a beach in midsummer.
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),
then touch
t
.
2 Press REC START/STOP.
The fader indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.
* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away
only.
**Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short
distance away.
To cancel [FADER] before starting the
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.
If you press REC START/STOP once, the
setting is canceled.
b Notes
• If you set [SCENE SEL], [WHT BAL] setting is
canceled.
Fading out
Fading in
END SCH (END SEARCH)
WHITE
EXPOSURE
You can fix the brightness of a picture
manually. Adjust the brightness when the
subject is too bright or too dark.
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2 Frame a white object such as a piece of
paper, to fill the screen under the same
lighting conditions as you will shoot
the subject.
BLACK
3 Touch
.
flashes quickly. When the white
balance has been adjusted and stored in
the memory, the indicator stops
flashing.
MOSC. FADER
b Notes
MONOTONE
• Set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.
• When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing
When fading in, the picture gradually
changes from black and white to color.
When fading out, it gradually changes from
color to black and white.
white object while
flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not
be set.
• When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if
is flashing quickly.
•
keeps
, set [WHT
WHT BAL (White balance)
flashing after touching
BAL] to [AUTO].
• If you set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is
canceled.
You can adjust the color balance to the
brightness of the recording environment.
BAUTO
z Tips
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 with the [EXPOSURE]
set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and 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
• When the white balance has been set with [ONE
PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.]
settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from
inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo
the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the
white balance.
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps
INDOOR (n)
The white balance is appropriately
adjusted for the following recording
conditions:
BEEP*
BON
– Indoors
A beeping sound starts when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.
– 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
OFF
Cancels the beeping sound and shutter
sound.
ONE PUSH (
)
The white balance will be adjusted
according to the ambient light.
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].
Continued ,
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Operation button items (Continued)
CAM DATA (below)
Displays camera setting data.
CLOCK SET*
DATE/TIME
Displays the date and time.
LCD BRT (LCD bright)
60min
0:00:00:00
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen. The recorded picture will not be
affected by this operation.
1
2
3
AUTO
100 AWB
GUIDE
F1. 8
9dB
FN
Adjust the brightness with
/
.
6
5
4
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights
up
ASteadyShot off
BExposure
CWhite balance
DGain
You can use the video operation buttons
(
/
/
/
) on every PAGE.
EShutter speed
FAperture value
[PAGE1]
MENU
b Notes
• In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and
time are displayed in the same area. If you
record a picture without setting the clock, [--- --
----] and [--:--:--] will appear.
• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set
[DATE/TIME] only.
VOL* (Volume)
END SCH (END SEARCH)
BEEP*
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*
CLOCK SET
[PAGE2]
[PAGE3]
DATA CODE*
During playback, displays information
(data code) recorded automatically at the
time of recording.
V SPD PLAY
(Various speed playback)
You can play back in various modes while
viewing movies.
BOFF
1 Touch the following buttons during
playback.
Data code is not displayed.
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– When your camcorder is connected via an
i.LINK cable.
To
Touch
change the
playback
direction*
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC
mode on other camcorders.
– On blank sections of the tape.
(frame)
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV
color system other than that of your
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is
play back
slowly**
[ySLOW]
To reverse direction:
(frame) t
[ySLOW]
play back 2
times faster
(double speed)
(double speed)
To reverse direction:
(frame) t
– On sections recorded in HDV format.
• When you add sound, the picture will not be
output from the A/V Remote Connector. Check
the picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder.
(double speed)
• You can only record additional audio over a
tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound
may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape
recorded on other camcorders (including other
DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders).
play back frame
by frame
(frame) during
playback pause.
To reverse direction:
(frame) during
frame playback.
Recording sound
Insert a recorded cassette into your
camcorder beforehand.
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This
is not a malfunction.
**Pictures output from the DV Interface
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in
slow mode.
2 Touch
(Play/Pause) to play back the
tape, then touch it again at the point where
you want to start recording the sound.
2 Touch [
To return to the normal playback mode,
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from
RET.] t
.
3 Touch
CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB].
X appears.
t [PAGE3] t [A DUB
frame playback).
b Notes
60min
DUB CTRL
0:00:00:00
RET.
A
• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may
see mosaic-like images of the previously played
picture.
AUDIO
DUB
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)
Using the internal stereo microphone
(p. 69), you can add sound to a tape already
erasing the original sound.
4 Touch
(Play).
Your camcorder starts audio recording via
the internal stereo microphone.
appears while recording the new sound
in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of the
tape.
b Notes
• You cannot record additional audio:
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit
5 Touch
recording.
(Stop) when you want to stop
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP
mode.
To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2 to
select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB].
Continued ,
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Operation button items (Continued)
6 Touch [
RET.] t
.
To check the recorded sound
1 Play back the tape on which you have
2 Touch
t [PAGE1] t [MENU].
3 Select
(VCR SET), then touch
to select [AUDIO MIX],
/
then touch [EXEC].
VCR SET
AUDIO MIX
ST1
ST2
EXEC
RET.
4 Touch
/
to adjust the balance
of the original sound (ST1) and the new
sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC].
b Notes
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default
setting.
REC CTRL (Recording control)
LCD BRT (LCD bright)
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Menu items
• Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.
CAMERA
PLAY/EDIT
Easy Handycam
MANUAL SET menu (p. 38)
P EFFECT
z
z
OFF
CAMERA SET menu (p. 39)
D ZOOM
z
z
z
z
z
–
–
–
–
–
OFF
4:3
ON
WIDE SEL
STEADYSHOT
EDITSEARCH
N.S.LIGHT
OFF
ON
AUDIO MIX
–
z
–
LCD B.L.
LCD COLOR
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
BRT NORMAL
–
VF B.L.
WIDE DISP
BRT NORMAL
–
REC MODE
AUDIO MODE
z
z
z
z
–
SP
12BIT
AUTO
REMAIN
z
SETUP MENU menu (p. 42)
USB STREAM (DCR-HC54)
LANGUAGE
z
z
z
z
z
–
OFF
z
DEMO MODE
ON
OTHERS menu (p. 43)
WORLD TIME
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
–
–*
A.SHUT OFF
DISP OUT
5min
LCD
OFF
GUIDEFRAME
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.
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MANUAL SET menu
– P EFFECT
MOSAIC*
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.
The default setting is marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
menu items.
P EFFECT (Picture effect)
* Not available during playback.
You can add special effects to a picture
during recording or playback.
appears.
b Notes
• Effects added to the playback pictures are not
output via the DV Interface (i.LINK). Only
the original pictures can be output.
BOFF
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.
• You cannot add effects to externally input
pictures.
NEG.ART
The color and brightness are reversed.
z Tips
• You can record pictures edited with special
effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.
SEPIA
Pictures appear in sepia.
B&W
Pictures appear in black and white.
SOLARIZE
Pictures appear as an illustration with
strong contrast.
PASTEL*
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.
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CAMERA SET
menu
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.
B4:3
Standard setting (to record pictures to be
played back on a 4:3 TV).
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
menu items.
16:9 WIDE (
)
Records pictures to be played back on a
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with
[16:9 WIDE] selected.
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)
You can select the maximum zoom level in
case you want to zoom to a level greater
than 40 × (the default setting) while
recording on a tape. Note that the image
quality decreases when you are using the
digital zoom.
When viewed on a 16:9 wide
screen TV*
When viewed on a standard
TV**
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.
** Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in
the wide mode, it appears as you saw it on the
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
The right side of the bar shows the digital
zooming factor. The zooming zone
appears when you select the zooming
level.
STEADYSHOT
BOFF
You can compensate for camera shake (the
default setting is [ON]). Set
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically.
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion
lens (optional), then the image becomes
natural.
80 ×
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 80 × zoom is
performed digitally.
2000 ×
EDITSEARCH
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 2,000 × zoom is
performed digitally.
BOFF
Does not display
LCD screen.
or
on the
WIDE SEL (Wide select)
ON
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable
for the screen on which it will be displayed.
Refer also to the operating instructions
supplied with your TV for details.
Displays
and
on the LCD
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH
Continued ,
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CAMERA SET menu ( (Continued)
VCR SET menu
– AUDIO MIX
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)
AUDIO MIX
When using the NightShot plus (p. 22)
function to record, you can record clearer
pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the
default setting).
b Notes
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is
attached.
• The maximum shooting distance using
[N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).
z Tips
• If you record subjects in dark places, such as
night scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT]
to [OFF]. You can make the image color deeper
this way.
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LCD/VF SET menu
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
b Notes
The default settings are marked with B.
menu items.
• When you connect your camcorder to outside
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically
selected for the setting.
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is
slightly reduced during recording.
LCD B.L. (LCD back light)
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen’s backlight. The recorded picture
will not be affected by this operation.
WIDE DISP (Wide display)
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio
picture appears in the viewfinder and the
LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to
[16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not
be affected by this operation.
BBRT NORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Brightens the LCD screen.
BLETTER BOX
Normal setting (standard type of display)
b Notes
• When you connect your camcorder to outside
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically
selected for the setting.
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is
slightly reduced during recording.
SQUEEZE
Expands the picture vertically if black
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect
ratio are undesirable.
LCD COLOR
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen
with
/
. The recorded picture
will not be affected by this operation.
Low intensity High intensity
VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)
You can adjust the brightness of the
viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be
affected by this operation.
BBRT NORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Brightens the viewfinder screen.
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TAPE SET menu
SETUP MENU
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN
menu
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
See page 29 for details on selecting
menu items.
menu items.
USB STREAM (DCR-HC54)
REC MODE (Recording mode)
You can view the pictures displayed on the
screen of your camcorder on your computer
(USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-
BSP (SP)
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on
a cassette.
LP (LP)
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times
the SP mode (Long Play).
LANGUAGE
You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
b Notes
• If you record in the LP mode, pictures may
appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted
when you play back the tape on other
camcorders or VCRs.
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]
(simplified English) for when you cannot find
your native tongue among the options.
• When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in
the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture
may be distorted or the time code may not be
written properly between the scenes.
DEMO MODE
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
view the demonstration about 10 minutes
after you have removed a cassette from
your camcorder, and slide the POWER
switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA
lamp.
AUDIO MODE
B12BIT
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo
sounds).
z Tips
16BIT (
)
• The demonstration will be suspended in
situations such as those described below.
– When you touch the screen during the
demonstration. (The demonstration starts
again after about 10 minutes.)
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound
with high quality).
REMAIN
– When a cassette is inserted.
BAUTO
– When the POWER switch is set to other than
CAMERA.
Displays the remaining tape indicator for
about 8 seconds in situations such as those
described below.
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.
• When you touch
(Play/Pause).
ON
Always displays the remaining tape
indicator.
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OTHERS menu
– WORLD TIME, etc.
The default settings are marked with B.
menu items.
GUIDEFRAME
You can display the frame and check that
the subject is horizontal or vertical by
setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON].
The frame is not recorded. Press DISP/
BATT INFO to make the frame disappear.
WORLD TIME
When using your camcorder abroad, you
can set the time difference by touching
z Tips
/
, the clock will be adjusted in
• Placing the subject at the cross point of the
guide frame makes a balanced composition.
accordance with the time difference.
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock
returns to the originally set time.
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)
B5min
The camcorder is automatically turned off
when you do not operate your camcorder
for more than approximately 5 minutes.
NEVER
The camcorder is not automatically turned
off.
b Notes
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall
outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is
automatically set to [NEVER].
DISP OUT (Display output)
BLCD
Shows displays such as the time code on
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
V-OUT/LCD
Shows displays such as the time code on
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the
viewfinder.
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Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders
You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs
or DVD/HDD recorders.
You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, using the A/V connecting
cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for
connected.
Device without an
S VIDEO jack
Device with an
S VIDEO jack
(Black)
(White)
(Yellow)
(White)
1
A/V Remote
Connector
(Red)
(Yellow)
(Red)
2
DV
VCRs or DVD/HDD
recorders
To i.LINK jack
3
To DV Interface
(i.LINK)
: Signal flow
(standard video) plug connection is not
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not
output audio.
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of another device.
B A/V connecting cable with S
C i.LINK cable (optional)
VIDEO (optional)
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your
camcorder to another device equipped with an
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are
transmitted digitally, producing high quality
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot
output picture and sound separately.
When connecting to another device via the S
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be
reproduced more faithfully than with the
supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the
white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V
connecting cable. In this case, the yellow
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b Notes
5
When dubbing is complete, stop
your camcorder and the
recording device.
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack,
and the red (right channel) or the white (left
channel) plug to the audio input jack on the
device.
• When you connect a device via an A/V
connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the
b Notes
• To record the date/time and camera settings data
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,
• The following cannot be output via the DV
Interface (i.LINK):
– Indicators
1
Prepare your camcorder for
playback.
Insert the recorded cassette.
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, the
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture
is paused on your camcorder while recording.
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, data
code (date/time/camera settings data) may not
be displayed or recorded depending on the
device or application.
2
3
Insert the recording media in the
recording device.
If your recording device has an input
selector, set it to the appropriate input
(such as video input1, video input2).
Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (VCR or DVD/
HDD recorder) with the A/V
connecting cable (supplied) 1,
an A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional) 2 or an i.LINK
cable (optional) 3.
Connect your camcorder to the input
jacks of the recording device.
4
Start playback on the camcorder,
and recording on the recording
device.
Refer to the operating instructions
supplied with your recording device for
details.
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Recording pictures from a VCR, etc.
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape.
Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand.
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK
cable (optional).
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for
connected.
b Notes
• You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR that does not have an i.LINK
jack.
DV
To i.LINK jack
To DV Interface (i.LINK)
AV device
with i.LINK
jack
i.LINK
i.LINK cable (optional)
: Signal flow
When connecting your camcorder to
another device using an i.LINK cable, the
video and audio signals are transmitted
digitally, producing high quality pictures
and sound. Note that you cannot output
picture and sound separately.
3
4
Slide the POWER switch
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/
EDIT lamp.
Set your camcorder to recording
pause mode.
1
2
Connect your VCR, etc., to your
camcorder with an i.LINK cable.
Touch
t [PAGE3] t [REC
CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].
Insert a cassette into the VCR.
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5
Start playing the cassette on the
VCR.
The picture played on the connected
device appears on the LCD screen of
your camcorder.
6
7
8
Touch [REC START] at the point
you want to start recording.
Stop recording.
Touch
(Stop) or [REC PAUSE].
Touch [
RET.] t
.
b Notes
• The
indicator appears when you connect
your camcorder and other devices via an i.LINK
cable. (This indicator may also appear on the
connected device.)
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Using a Computer
What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-
HC54)
When you install the “Picture Motion
Browser” on a Windows computer from the
About “First Step Guide”
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the
The “First Step Guide” is an instruction
following operations.
manual you can refer to on your computer.
This describes basic operations, from initial
hookup of your camcorder and computer
b Notes
• You cannot install the supplied software,
and making settings, to general operation
“Picture Motion Browser”, on a Macintosh
the first time you use the software “Picture
Motion Browser” stored on the CD-ROM
(supplied).
computer.
Referring to “Installing the “First Step
Guide”” (p. 49), start the “First Step
Guide”, then follow the instructions.
About the help function of the
software
The Help guide explains all the functions of
all the software applications. Refer to the
Help guide for further detailed operations
after reading the “First Step Guide”
thoroughly.
To display the Help guide, click the [?]
mark on the screen.
Main functions
x Importing/Viewing movies taken
with your camcorder
System requirements
You can manage movies by date and time
of shooting, and select movies you want to
view as thumbnails. These thumbnails can
be enlarged and played in a slide show.
When using “Picture Motion Browser”
OS: Windows 2000 Professional SP4,
Windows XP SP2*,
Windows Vista*
*64-bit editions and Starter (Edition)
are not supported.
Standard installation is required.
Operation is not assured if the above
OS has been upgraded or in a multi-
boot environment.
x Editing movies imported to a
computer
You can edit imported movies on a
computer.
x Exporting movies from your
computer to your camcorder
CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster
You can export movies that have been
imported to a computer from your
camcorder, back to your camcorder.
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This
product is based on DirectX technology.
It is necessary to have DirectX
installed.)
Sound system: Direct Sound compatible
sound card
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Installing the “First
Step Guide” and
Memory: 256 MB or more
software (DCR-HC54)
Hard disk: Disc volume required for
You need to install the “First Step Guide”
and software to your Windows computer
before connecting your camcorder
to the computer. The installation is
required only for the first time.
installation: Approximately 350 MB
Display: Minimum 1024 × 768 dots
Others: USB port (this must be
provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB
(USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended),
DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to
connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive
(CD-ROM drive is necessary for
installation)
Contents to be installed and procedures
may differ depending on your OS.
Installing the “First Step Guide”
b Notes
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is
not connected to the computer.
• Operations are not guaranteed on a computer
environment that does not meet the system
requirements.
• Operations are not guaranteed on all the
recommended environments.
For example, other open or background
applications running on currently may limit
product performance.
• If you use a Notebook PC, connect it to the AC
Adaptor as the power source. Otherwise, the
software will not work properly due to the
power saving function of the PC.
Turn on the computer.
• Log on as an Administrator for installation.
• Close all applications running on the
computer before installing the software.
3
Place the supplied CD-ROM in the
disc drive of your computer.
The installation screen appears.
If the screen does not appear
1 Click [Start], then click [My
Computer]. (For Windows 2000,
double-click [My Computer].)
2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]
(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary
depending on the computer.
4
Click [FirstStepGuide].
Continued ,
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Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (DCR-HC54) (Continued)
5
Select the desired language and
the model name of your
camcorder from the pull-down
menu.
5
6
Read [License Agreement], select
[I accept the terms of the license
agreement] when you agree, then
click [Next].
Follow the on-screen instructions
to install the software.
Depending on the computer, you may
need to install third party software
(shown below). If the installation screen
appears, follow the instructions to
install the required software.
6
Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].
Installation starts.
When [Save is complete] appears, click
[OK] to finish the installation.
x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c
Software required to handle movies
Restart the computer if required to
complete the installation.
To view the “First Step Guide” in PDF
In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].
The short-cut icons, such as [
]
(Picture Motion Browser), appear on the
desktop.
To install the software “Adobe
Reader” to display the PDF file
In step 6, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].
Installing the software
1
Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing
7
Remove the CD-ROM from the
disc drive of your computer.
2
3
Click [Install].
Select the language for the
application to be installed, then
click [Next].
4
Check your country/region, then
click [Next].
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Viewing “First Step Guide” (DCR-HC54)
To view “First Step Guide” on your
computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.
Double-click the short-cut icon for your
camcorder’s “First Step Guide” on the
desktop.
z Tips
• You can also start by selecting [Start] t
[Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP)
t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide]
t Your camcorder's folder t “First Step
Guide” in HTML.
• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without
installing, copy the desired language folder from
the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM,
and then double-click [Index.html].
• Refer to the “First Step Guide” in PDF in the
following cases:
– When printing the desired topics of “First
Step Guide”
– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed
correctly due to the browser setting even in
recommended environment.
– When the HTML version of “First Step
Guide” cannot be installed.
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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problems using your
camcorder, use the following table to
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem
persists, disconnect the power source and
contact your Sony dealer.
Settings change during Easy
Handycam operation.
• During Easy Handycam operation, the
settings of the functions that are not
displayed on the screen return to their
• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other
The menu item settings have
changed unexpectedly.
• The following settings return to the default
settings automatically when you set the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG) for more
than 12 hours.
– backlight
– [SPOT FOCUS]
• Functions that cannot be used together
– [FOCUS]
– [SPOT METER]
– [SCENE SEL.]
– [EXPOSURE]
– [WHT BAL]
– [AUDIO MIX]
Overall operations/Easy
Handycam
The power does not turn on.
The camcorder gets warm.
• Attach a charged battery pack to the
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall
• The camcorder may get warmer while you
use it. This is not a malfunction.
Batteries/Power sources
The camcorder does not operate
even when the power is set to on.
The power abruptly turns off.
• When approximately 5 minutes have
elapsed while you do not operate your
camcorder, the camcorder is automatically
turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the
Adaptor.
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.
sharp-pointed object. (If you press the
RESET button, all settings are reset.)
• The battery is fully discharged, or almost
discharged.
Buttons do not work.
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all
The CHG (charge) lamp does not
light while the battery pack is being
charged.
• Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)
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• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
• Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the
The buttons do not appear on the
touch panel.
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while
the battery pack is being charged.
The buttons on the touch panel do
not work correctly or do not work at
all.
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony
dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.
• Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION])
Menu items are grayed out.
The remaining battery time indicator
does not indicate the correct time.
• You cannot select grayed items in the
current recording/playback situation.
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low,
or the battery pack has not been charged
enough. This is not a malfunction.
• Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, the battery may be worn-
The picture in the viewfinder is not
clear.
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever
• The indicated time may not be correct in
certain circumstances. For example, when
you open or close the LCD panel, it takes
about 1 minute to display the correct
remaining battery time.
The picture in the viewfinder has
disappeared.
• Close the LCD panel. The picture is not
displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD
The battery pack discharges too
quickly.
Dots in lines appear on the LCD
screen.
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low,
or the battery pack has not been charged
enough. This is not a malfunction.
• Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, the battery may be worn-
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are
not recorded.
Cassette tapes
The cassette cannot be ejected from
the compartment.
LCD screen/viewfinder
• Make sure the power source (battery pack
or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside
A rippling effect appears on the LCD
screen when you touch it.
• This is not a malfunction. Do not press hard
on the LCD screen.
Continued ,
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Troubleshooting (Continued)
• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in
the LP mode.
The Cassette Memory indicator or
title display does not appear while
using a cassette with Cassette
Memory.
[END SCH] does not work.
• Do not eject the cassette after recording
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.
• This camcorder does not support Cassette
Memory, so the indicator does not appear.
• There is a blank section between recorded
sections of the tape. This is not a
malfunction.
The remaining tape indicator is not
displayed.
• Set [
REMAIN] to [ON] to always
The auto focus does not function.
• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 30).
The cassette is noisier during
rewinding or fast-forwarding.
• The recording conditions are not suitable
for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually
• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast
forward speed increases (compared with
battery operation) and therefore increases
noise. This is not a malfunction.
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.
Recording
The backlight function does not
function.
The tape does not start when you
press REC START/STOP.
• In the following settings, the backlight
function is canceled.
– [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]
– [SPOT METER]
• The backlight function does not work
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn
• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or
insert a new cassette.
• Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a
• The tape is stuck to the drum due to
moisture condensation. Remove the
cassette and leave your camcorder for at
least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette
A vertical band appears when
recording candlelight or electric light
in the dark.
• This occurs when the contrast between the
subject and the background is too high.
This is not a malfunction.
You cannot record a smooth
transition on a tape from the last
recorded scene to the next.
A vertical band appears when
recording a bright subject.
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect.
This is not a malfunction.
• Do not remove the cassette. (The picture
will be recorded continuously without a
break even when you turn the power off.)
• Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP
mode on the same tape.
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The color of the picture is not
correctly displayed.
No sound or only a low sound is
heard.
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is
• If you are using an S VIDEO plug, make
sure the red and white plugs of the A/V
The screen picture is bright, and the
subject does not appear on the
screen.
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function
The sound breaks off.
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette
Undesirable flicker occurs.
“---” is displayed on the screen.
• This anomaly may occur when recording
pictures under the discharge tube, such as a
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury
lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORT]. This
is not a malfunction.
• The tape you are playing was recorded
without setting the date and time.
• A blank section on the tape is being played.
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or
noise cannot be read.
Black bands appear when you
record a TV screen or computer
screen.
Noises appear and
on the screen.
is displayed
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 39).
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system
other than that of your camcorder (NTSC).
[The lens cover might be
closed.Check the cover.] appears on
the screen when the lens cover is
open.
is displayed on the screen.
• The tape you are playing was recorded on
another device with a 4ch microphone
(4CH MIC REC). Your camcorder is not
compatible with 4ch microphone recording.
• There is not enough light, or the lens is
covered by your finger or other object.
Playback
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to
other devices
You cannot play back a tape.
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn
Time code and other information
appear on the display of the
connected device.
• Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] while connected
Horizontal lines appear on the
picture. The displayed pictures are
not clear or do not appear.
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette
Continued ,
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Troubleshooting (Continued)
Functions that cannot be used
together
You cannot dub correctly using the
A/V connecting cable.
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected
properly. Make sure that the A/V
connecting cable is connected to the input
jack of another device for dubbing a picture
Depending on the functions, you may not
be able to use them together. The following
list shows examples of functions that
cannot be used at the same time.
Not available
If this function is set
New sound added to a recorded tape
is not heard.
backlight
[SPOT METER],
[EXPOSURE]
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is
[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SEL.]
[SPOT METER] NightShot plus
[SCENE SEL.] NightShot plus
Pictures from connected devices are
not displayed correctly.
[EXPOSURE]
[WHT BAL]
NightShot plus
NightShot plus
Connecting to a computer (DCR-
HC54)
The computer does not recognize
your camcorder.
• Install the “Picture Motion Browser”
• The computer may not recognize your
camcorder for a few moments after you
connect it. Wait for a while.
• Disconnect USB devices other than the
keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder
from the (USB) jack on the computer.
• Disconnect the cable from the computer
and camcorder, restart the computer, then
connect them again correctly.
You cannot install the supplied
software, “Picture Motion Browser,”
on a Macintosh computer.
• You can install “Picture Motion Browser”
only on a Windows computer.
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Warning indicators and messages
them of the 5-digit code, which starts
from “E.”
Self-diagnosis display/Warning
indicators
E (Battery level warning)
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in
the viewfinder, check the following.
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If
the problem persists even after you have
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony
dealer or local authorized Sony service
facility.
• The battery pack is nearly used up.
• Depending on the operating,
environment, or battery conditions, E
may flash, even if there are
approximately 5 to 10 minutes
remaining.
% (Moisture condensation warning)*
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis
display)
• Eject the cassette, remove the power
source, and then leave it for about 1
C:04:ss
• The battery pack is not an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H
series). Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to
the tape)
• Connect the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your
Slow flashing:
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining
on the tape.
C:21:ss
• No cassette is inserted.*
• Moisture condensation has occurred.
Remove the cassette and leave your
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is
Fast flashing:
• The tape has run out.*
C:22:ss
• Clean the head using a cleaning
Z (Eject cassette warning)*
Slow flashing:
C:31:ss / C:32:ss
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is
• Symptoms that are not described above
have occurred. Remove and insert the
cassette, then operate your camcorder
again. Do not perform this procedure if
moisture condensation has occurred
Fast flashing:
• Moisture condensation has occurred
(p. 63).
• The self-diagnosis display code is
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it
and operate your camcorder again.
• Change the cassette. Press RESET
again.
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators
E:61:ss / E:62:ss
• Contact your Sony dealer or local
authorized Sony service facility. Inform
Continued ,
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Warning indicators and messages (Continued)
Examples of warning messages
If messages appear on the screen, follow the
instructions.
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject
the cassette (p. 63)
% Moisture condensation. Turn off
for 1H. (p. 63)
• Check if the cassette is damaged.
QZ The tape is locked - check the
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Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad
Power supply
You can use your camcorder in any
Simple setting of the clock by time
difference
country/region using the AC Adaptor
supplied with your camcorder within the
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.
Use a commercially available AC plug
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the
design of the wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
You can easily set the clock to the local
time abroad by entering the time difference
between where you live and where you are.
Select [WORLD TIME] in the
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time
difference (p. 43).
AC-L200/L200B
[a]
[b]
On TV color systems
Your camcorder is NTSC system, so its
picture can only be viewed on a NTSC
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input
jack.
System
Used in
NTSC
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,
Canada, Central America, Chile,
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,
Venezuela, etc.
PAL
Australia, Austria, Belgium,
China, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, Germany,
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Singapore,
Slovak Republic, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,
United Kingdom, etc.
PAL - M Brazil
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,
etc.
59
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Maintenance and precautions
x To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to
set it to SAVE.
Usable cassette tapes
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.
Use a cassette with the
mark.
Your camcorder is not compatible with the
Cassette Memory function.
To prevent a blank section from being
created on the tape
Go to the end of the recorded section using
next recording in the following cases:
• You have played back the tape.
REC: The cassette can be
recorded.
SAVE: The cassette cannot be
recorded (write-protected).
REC
SAVE
x When labeling the cassette
Be sure to place the label only on the
locations shown in the following
illustration so as not to cause a malfunction
of your camcorder.
• You have used EDIT SEARCH.
Copyright signal
x When you play back
Do not put a label
along this border.
If the cassette you play back on your
camcorder contains copyright signals, you
cannot copy it to a tape in another video
camera connected to your camcorder.
x When you record
Labeling position
You cannot record software on your
camcorder that contains copyright control
signals for copyright protection of software.
[Cannot record due to copyright
x After using the cassette
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid
distortion of the picture or the sound. The
cassette should then be put in its case, and
stored in an upright position.
protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or
on the viewfinder if you try to record such
software. Your camcorder does not record
copyright control signals on the tape when
it records.
x When cleaning the gold-plated
connector
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector
on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after
every 10 times it has been ejected.
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette
is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape
indicator may not show correctly.
Notes on use
x When not using your camcorder for a
long time
Remove the cassette and store it.
Gold-plated connector
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– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/
FH100 (optional).
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent
playback, fast forward or rewind operation
wears out the battery pack faster.
About the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack
This unit is compatible with an
We recommend using a large capacity battery
pack: NP-FH70/FH100 (optional).
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).
Your camcorder operates only with an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)
when not recording or playing back on your
camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed
when your camcorder is in recording standby or
playback pause.
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or three
times the expected recording time, and make
trial recordings before making the actual
recording.
“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs
have the
mark.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack?
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions
for communicating information related to
operating conditions between your
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/
charger.
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
calculates the power consumption
according to the operating conditions of
your camcorder, and displays the remaining
battery time in minutes.
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The
battery pack is not water resistant.
About the remaining battery time
indicator
• When the power goes off even though the
remaining battery time indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate,
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,
however, that the battery indication will not be
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use
the remaining battery time indication as a rough
guide only.
To charge the battery pack
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you
start using your camcorder.
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside
of this temperature range, you may not be able
to charge it efficiently.
• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery
time remaining, depending on the operating
conditions or ambient temperature.
• When charging the battery pack while the AC
Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after
charging is complete, disconnect the cable from
the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove
the battery pack.
About storage of the battery pack
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper
function. To store the battery pack, remove it
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool
place.
To use the battery pack effectively
• Battery pack performance decreases when the
surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or
below, and the length of time you can use the
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do
one of the following to use the battery pack for a
longer time.
• To discharge the battery pack on your
camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to
[NEVER] on the
(OTHERS) menu and
leave your camcorder in tape recording standby
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,
and insert it in your camcorder right before
you start taking shots.
Continued ,
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Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers.
About battery life
• Battery capacity decreases over time and
through repeated use. If decreased usage time
between charges becomes significant, it is
probably time to replace it with a new one.
About the i.LINK Baud rate
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies
according to the device. There are 3 types.
• Each battery’s life is governed by storage,
operating and environmental conditions.
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)
About i.LINK
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-
compliant DV Interface. This section
describes the i.LINK standard and its
features.
The baud rate is listed under
“Specifications” in the operating
instructions of each piece of equipment. It
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface
on some devices.
What is i.LINK?
The baud rate may differ from the indicated
value when the unit is connected to a device
with a different maximum baud rate.
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for
transferring digital video, digital audio, and
other data to other i.LINK-compatible
devices. You can also control other devices
using the i.LINK.
* What is Mbps?
i.LINK-compatible devices can be
connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible
applications are operations and data
transactions with various digital AV
devices.
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or
the amount of data that can be sent or
received in one second. For example, a
baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100
megabits of data can be sent in one second.
When two or more i.LINK-compatible
devices are daisy-chained with the unit,
operation becomes possible from any
device in the chain. Note that operation
method may vary, or data transactions may
not be possible, depending on specifications
and characteristics of the connected
devices.
To use i.LINK functions on this unit
For details on how to dub when this unit is
connected to other video devices having a
This unit can also be connected to other
i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices
made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal
computer) as well as to video devices.
Some i.LINK compatible video devices,
such as Digital Televisions, DVD,
MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are
not compatible with DV devices. Before
connecting to other devices, be sure to
confirm whether the device is compatible
with a DV device or not. For details on
precautions and compatible application
software, refer also to the operating
b Notes
• Normally, only one device can be connected to
this unit with an i.LINK cable. When
connecting this unit to an i.LINK-compatible
device having two or more DV Interfaces, refer
to the operating instructions of the device to be
connected.
z Tips
• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE
1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and
is a trademark approved by many corporations.
instructions for the device to be connected.
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• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as
hammering, dropping or stepping on the
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF(CHG)
when you are not using your camcorder.
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause
heat to build up inside.
• When disconnecting the power cord (mains
lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord.
b Notes
• When connecting your camcorder to another
i.LINK-compatible device, be sure to turn off
the power of the device and disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket)
before connecting or disconnecting the i.LINK
cable.
About the required i.LINK cable
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable
(during DV dubbing).
• Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)
such as by placing anything heavy on it.
• Keep metal contacts clean.
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,
– consult your local authorized Sony service
facility.
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted
your skin
On using your camcorder
On use and care
• Do not use or store the camcorder and
accessories in the following locations.
– Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid.
Never leave them exposed to temperatures
above 60 °C (140 °F), such as under direct
sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in the
sun. They may malfunction or become
deformed.
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with
plenty of water and consult a doctor.
x When not using your camcorder for a
long time
• Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a
cassette for about 3 minutes.
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.
• Use up the battery pack completely before
storing it.
– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The
camcorder may not be able to record properly.
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.
Noise may occur.
Moisture condensation
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction
cannot be repaired.
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.
• Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories
recommended in these operating instructions.
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this
malfunction cannot be repaired.
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it
any further.
If your camcorder is brought directly from a
cold place to a warm place, moisture may
condense inside your camcorder, on the
surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this
state, the tape may stick to the head drum
and be damaged or your camcorder may not
operate correctly. If there is moisture inside
your camcorder, [%Z Moisture
condensation. Eject the cassette] or [%
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]
appears. The indicator will not appear when
the moisture condenses on the lens.
x If moisture condensation has occurred
None of the functions except cassette
ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn
off your camcorder, and leave it for about
one hour with the cassette lid open. Your
camcorder can be used again when both of
the following conditions are met:
Continued ,
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Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
• The warning message does not appear when the
power is turned on.
• Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted
and video operation buttons are touched.
If moisture starts to condense, your
camcorder sometimes cannot detect
condensation. If this happens, the cassette is
sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after
the cassette lid is opened. This is not a
malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid
until the cassette is ejected.
– Playback pictures do not move.
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound
breaks off.
– [x
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning
cassette.] appears on the screen during
recording/playback.
• The video heads will wear after long use. If you
cannot obtain a clear image even after using a
cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because
the video heads are worn. Please contact your
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service
facility to have the video heads replaced.
x Note on moisture condensation
Moisture may condense when you bring
your camcorder from a cold place into a
warm place (or vice versa) or when you use
your camcorder in a humid place as shown
below.
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski
slope into a place warmed up by a heating
device.
• When you bring your camcorder from an air
conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a
shower.
LCD screen
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD
screen, as it may cause damage.
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.
This is not a malfunction.
• While using your camcorder, the back of the
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a
malfunction.
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and
humid place.
x To clean the LCD screen
x How to avoid moisture condensation
When you bring your camcorder from a
cold place into a warm place, put your
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it
tightly. Remove the bag when the air
temperature inside the plastic bag has
reached the surrounding temperature (after
about one hour).
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen
dirty, it is recommended you use a soft
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD
Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen.
Use cleaning paper moistened with the
liquid.
x On adjustment of the touch panel
(CALIBRATION)
Video head
The buttons on the touch panel may not
work correctly. If this happens, follow the
procedure below. It is recommended you
connect your camcorder to the wall outlet
(wall socket) using the supplied AC
Adaptor during the operation.
1 Turn off the power, then slide the POWER
switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/
EDIT lamp while pressing DISP/BATT
INFO on your camcorder, and keep
pressing down DISP/BATT INFO for
about 5 seconds.
It is recommended you use a cleaning
cassette (optional) before recording
anything important.
• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound
distortion may be apparent.
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-
12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
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2 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with
the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the
like.
To remove dust from inside the
viewfinder
1 Pull out the viewfinder.
2 While pushing in the tab on the side
with a fine-tipped implement such as a
ball point pen, pull the eyecup block in
the direction of the arrow to remove.
Tab
The position of the “×” changes. If you did
not press the right spot, start from step 2
again.
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is
rotated.
On handling the casing
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the
finish.
3 Remove dust from the eyecup block
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide
and sunscreen.
with a camera blower, etc.
– Handling with above substances on your
hands.
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or
vinyl objects for a long period of time.
About care and storage of the lens
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft
cloth in the following instances:
4 Press the viewfinder onto the body of
the camcorder.
– When there are fingerprints on the lens
surface.
– In hot or humid locations
5 Remove dust from the inside area where
the eyecup block was attached with a
camera blower, etc.
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as
at the seaside.
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to
little dirt or dust.
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as
described above. It is recommended that you
operate your camcorder about once a month to
keep it in optimum state for a long time.
Continued ,
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Maintenance and precautions
(Continued)
Specifications
System
6 Attach the eyecup block to the
viewfinder, pushing it straight on until it
clicks.
Video recording system
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system
Audio recording system
Rotary heads, PCM system
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo
1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)
Video signal
NTSC color, EIA standards
Usable cassette
Mini DV cassette with the
printed
mark
Tape speed
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s
Recording/playback time
b Notes
• The eyecup block is a precision part. Do not
disassemble it further.
• Do not touch the lens of the eyecup block.
SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)
LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)
Fast forward/rewind time
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60
cassette and rechargeable battery pack)
Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60
cassette and AC Adaptor)
Viewfinder
On charging the pre-installed
rechargeable battery
Your camcorder has a pre-installed
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,
and other settings even when the POWER
switch is set to OFF(CHG). The pre-
installed rechargeable battery is always
charged while your camcorder is connected
to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC
Adaptor or while the battery pack is
attached. The rechargeable battery will be
fully discharged in about 3 months if
you do not use your camcorder at all
without the AC Adaptor connected or the
battery pack attached. Use your camcorder
after charging the pre-installed
Electric viewfinder (color)
Image device
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge
Coupled Device)
Gross: Approx. 680 000 pixels
Effective (movie): Approx. 340 000
pixels
Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar
40 × (Optical), 2 000 × (Digital)
Focal length
rechargeable battery.
However, even if the pre-installed
rechargeable battery is not charged, the
camcorder operation will not be affected as
long as you are not recording the date.
f=1.9 ~ 76 mm (3/32 ~ 3 in.)
When converted to a 35 mm still
camera
In CAMERA: 36 ~ 1 440 mm (1 7/16 ~
56 3/4 in.)
F1.8 ~ 4.1
x Procedures
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet
(wall socket) using the supplied AC
Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER
switch set to OFF(CHG) for more than 24
hours.
Filter diameter: 30 mm (1 3/16 in.)
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Color temperature
Storage temperature
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR]
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)
Minimum illumination
11 lx (lux) (F 1.8)
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)
Dimensions (approx.)
63 × 85 × 114 mm
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)
including the projecting parts
63 × 85 × 115 mm
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus
function)
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 5/8 in.) (w/h/d)
including the projecting parts with
supplied battery pack NP-FH30
attached
Input/Output connectors
A/V Remote Connector
10-pin connector
Mass (approx.)
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω(ohms)
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω(ohms)
Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω
(ohms)
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load
impedance 47 kΩ(kilohms)), Output
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ
(kilohms)
380g(13oz) main unit only
440g(15oz) including the NP-FH30
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60
cassette.
Supplied accessories
USB jack (DCR-HC54)
mini-B
DV input/output jack
AC Adaptor AC-L200/L200B
Power requirements
AC 100 V - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Current consumption
0.35 - 0.18 A
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin
connector S100)
Power consumption
18 W
Output voltage
LCD screen
Picture
6.2 cm (2.5 type)
Total dot number
123 200 (560 × 220)
DC 8.4 V*
Operating temperature
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Storage temperature
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)
Dimensions (approx.)
48 × 29 × 81 mm (1 15/16 × 1 3/16 ×
3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the
projecting parts
General
Power requirements
DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack)
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)
Average power consumption
During camera recording using the
viewfinder 1.8 W
During camera recording using the
LCD 2.1 W
Operating temperature
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Mass (approx.)
170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the power cord
(mains lead)
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for
other specifications.
Continued ,
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Specifications (Continued)
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30)
On trademarks
• “Handycam” and
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
are
Maximum output voltage
DC 8.4 V
Output voltage
DC 7.2 V
Capacity
3.6 Wh (500 mAh)
Dimensions (approx.)
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm
(1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in) (w/h/d)
Mass (approx.)
•
is a trademark.
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media,
Windows Vista, and DirectX are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/
or other countries.
• Macintosh and Mac OS are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other
countries.
• Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its
subsidiaries in the United States and other
countries.
• Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are
either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United
States and/or other countries.
40 g (1.5 oz)
Operating temperature
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Type
Lithium ion
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
All other product names mentioned herein may be
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®”
are not mentioned in each case in this manual.
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Identifying parts and controls (Continued)
C RESET button
Initializes all the settings, including the
setting of the date and time.
G Speaker
Playback sounds comes out from the
speaker. For how to adjust the volume,
H BATT (battery release) PUSH button
(13)
J For DCR-HC54:
(USB) jack
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Indicators displayed during recording/playback
A Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
1
2
3
4
5
[REC] (recording))
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:
minute: second)
Playback: Time code (hour: minute:
second: frame)
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)
(42)
7
6
H Tape transport indicator
Viewing
1
2
8
4
5
7
9
6
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Indicator
Meaning
Indicators when you made
changes
SCENE SEL. (31)
check the function of each indicator that
appears on the LCD screen.
n
b Notes
• Some of the indicators may not appear when
you use [DISP GUIDE].
Upper left
Upper right
+
/
E D I T
60min
STBY
0:00:00
60min
b Notes
• The content and the position of the indicator are
normal. It may differ from the actual display.
Data code during recording
+
GUIDE
FN
/
E D I T
The date/time during recording and the
camera setting data will be recorded
automatically. They do not appear on the
screen during recording, but you can check
them as [DATA CODE] during playback
Bottom
Center
Upper left
Indicator
Meaning
Checking the screen indicators
(Display guide)
Upper right
You can easily check the meaning of each
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.
1 Touch [GUIDE] t [DISP GUIDE].
Indicator
Meaning
DV input (46)
Center
Indicator
Meaning
Warning (57)
% Z
Bottom
2 Touch the area including the indicator that
you want to check.
The meanings of the indicators in the area
are listed on the screen. If you cannot find
the indicator you want to check, touch
[PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to toggle.
Indicator
Meaning
Manual exposure (32)
9
.
Backlight (23)
Continued ,
73
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Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued)
To finish the operation, touch [END].
z Tips
• You can also operate by touching
[DISP GUIDE].
t
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Index (Continued)
VF B.L.
S
W
Searching for the starting point
WHT BAL
WIDE DISP
WIDE SEL
SPOT METER
Z
SUNRSSUNST
T
U
V
V SPD PLAY
76
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Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español
Paso 1: Comprobación de los elementos
suministrados
Cable USB (1)
(DCR-HC54)
Asegúrese de que su videocámara contiene
los siguientes elementos.
El número entre paréntesis indica la
cantidad del elemento.
Adaptador de alimentación de ca (1)
Batería recargable NP-FH30 (1)
Cable de alimentación (1)
CD-ROM “Handycam Application
Software” (1) (DCR-HC54)
Guía de operaciones (este manual) (1)
Cable de conexión de A/V (1)
78
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería
2
1
2
3
1
Con la marca v hacia
abajo
Batería
Interruptor POWER
Toma de entrada de cc
4
Al tomacorriente de pared
Adaptador de alimentación de ca
Cable de alimentación
Puede cargar la batería
3
4
Conecte el adaptador de
“InfoLITHIUM” (serie H) tras
conectarla a la videocámara.
alimentación de ca en la toma de
entrada de cc de la videocámara
con la marca v de la clavija de cc
hacia abajo.
b Notas
• No es posible colocar una batería
“InfoLITHIUM” que no sea serie H en la
videocámara.
Conecte el cable de alimentación
al adaptador de alimentación de
ca y al tomacorriente de pared.
1
2
Alinee los terminales de la batería
y de la videocámara 1 y, a
continuación, coloque la batería y
encájela en su lugar 2.
El indicador CHG (carga)
Deslice el interruptor POWER en
la dirección de la flecha hasta la
posición OFF (CHG) (ajuste
predeterminado).
Continuación ,
79
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación)
El indicador CHG (carga) se enciende y
Para comprobar la carga restante de
la batería (información sobre la
batería)
Ajuste el interruptor POWER en la posición
OFF (CHG) y, a continuación, presione
DISP/BATT INFO.
se inicia el proceso de carga. El
indicador CHG (carga) se apaga cuando
la batería está completamente cargada.
Desconecte el adaptador de
alimentación de ca de la toma de entrada
de cc.
b Notas
• Sujete la videocámara y el enchufe de cc para
desconectar el adaptador de alimentación de ca
de la toma de entrada de cc.
Para utilizar una fuente de
alimentación externa
Puede utilizar una fuente de alimentación
del tomacorriente de pared para operar la
videocámara mediante las mismas
conexiones que realiza al cargar la batería.
La batería no perderá la carga en este caso.
Transcurridos unos instantes, se mostrará el
tiempo de grabación aproximado y la
información de la batería durante
aproximadamente 7 s (segundo). Puede ver
la información sobre la batería durante un
máximo de 20 s (segundo) si presiona de
nuevo DISP/BATT INFO mientras aparece
dicha información.
Para retirar la batería
1 Desactive la alimentación y, a
continuación, presione PUSH.
Batería restante (aprox.)
2 Extraiga la batería en la dirección
BATTERY INFO
indicada por la flecha.
NIVEL CARGA BATERÍA
0%
50%
100%
Interruptor POWER
TIEMPO GRAB DISPON
PANT. LCD
VISOR
:
:
85 min
99 min
1
Capacidad de grabación (aprox.)
2
Es posible visualizar la carga restante de la
batería en la pantalla LCD.
Indicador
Estado
Energía restante suficiente
PUSH
Poca batería, la grabación/
reproducción se detendrá
pronto.
Cuando guarde la batería
Descargue completamente la batería antes
de guardarla durante un período
prolongado.
Sustituya la batería por otra
completamente cargada o
cárguela.
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Tiempo de carga
Tiempo de reproducción
Tiempo aproximado (min) necesario para
cargar totalmente una batería descargada
por completo.
Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible
cuando utiliza una batería completamente
cargada.
Batería
Tiempo de carga
Panel LCD
abierto
Panel LCD
cerrado
Batería
NP-FH30
(suministrada)
115
NP-FH30
(suministrada)
105
135
NP-FH50
NP-FH70
NP-FH100
135
170
390
NP-FH50
NP-FH70
NP-FH100
170
370
845
220
465
1065
Tiempo de grabación
Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible
cuando utiliza una batería completamente
cargada.
Acerca de la batería
• Antes de cambiar la batería, deslice el
interruptor POWER a la posición OFF (CHG).
• El indicador CHG (carga) parpadeará durante la
carga o la información sobre la batería no se
mostrará correctamente en las siguientes
situaciones.
– La batería no está correctamente conectada.
– La batería está dañada.
Tiempo de
grabación
continua
Tiempo de
grabación
normal*
Batería
NP-FH30
(suministrada)
95
110
155
180
330
395
760
890
45
55
– La batería está completamente gastada (sólo
para la información sobre la batería).
NP-FH50
NP-FH70
NP-FH100
75
• No se suministrará energía de la batería
mientras el adaptador de alimentación de ca esté
conectado a la toma de entrada de cc de la
videocámara, incluso cuando el cable de
alimentación esté desconectado del
tomacorriente de pared.
90
165
195
380
445
Acerca del tiempo de carga/grabación/
reproducción
• Tiempo calculado con la videocámara a 25 °C
(se recomienda una temperatura de entre 10 °C
y 30 °C)
• El tiempo de grabación y de reproducción será
más corto cuando use la videocámara a bajas
temperaturas.
* El tiempo de grabación normal muestra la hora
cuando se repite la operación de inicio/
detención de la grabación, al conectar y
desconectar la alimentación y al usar la función
de zoom.
b Notas
• Todo el tiempo calculado en las siguientes
condiciones:
Parte superior: Grabación con pantalla LCD.
Parte inferior: Grabación mediante el visor con
el panel LCD cerrado.
• El tiempo de grabación y de reproducción será
más corto en función de las condiciones de uso
de la videocámara.
Continuación ,
81
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería
(Continuación)
Paso 3: Activación de
la alimentación y
ajuste de la fecha y
hora
Ajuste la fecha y la hora cuando use la
videocámara por primera vez. De lo
contrario, la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ]
aparecerá cada vez que encienda la
videocámara o cambie la posición del
interruptor POWER.
Acerca del adaptador de alimentación de
ca
• Si utiliza el adaptador de alimentación de ca
conéctelo a un tomacorriente de pared cercano.
Si se produce alguna falla de funcionamiento al
utilizar la videocámara, desconecte el adaptador
de alimentación de ca del tomacorriente de
inmediato.
• No utilice el adaptador de alimentación de ca
colocado en un espacio angosto, tal como entre
una pared y los muebles.
• Evite la formación de cortocircuitos en la clavija
de cc del adaptador de alimentación de ca o en
el terminal de la batería con objetos metálicos.
Esto podría provocar una falla de
funcionamiento.
• Aunque la videocámara esté apagada, seguirá
recibiendo adaptador de alimentación de ca
(corriente doméstica) mientras esté conectada a
la toma de pared mediante el adaptador de
alimentación de ca
Toque el botón
de la pantalla LCD.
Interruptor POWER
1
Deslice el interruptor POWER en
el sentido de la flecha para que se
encienda el indicador
correspondiente mientras
mantiene presionado el botón
verde.
CAMERA: Para grabar en una cinta.
PLAY/EDIT: Para reproducir o editar
imágenes.
Aparecerá la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ].
AJ. RELOJ
A
M
1
D
1
:
2008
12 00 AM
OK
2
Ajuste [A] (año) con
/
.
Puede seleccionar cualquier año hasta el
año 2079.
82
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z Sugerencias
3
4
Vaya a [M] (mes) con
continuación, ajuste el valor con
y, a
• Durante la grabación, no se visualizarán la fecha
y la hora. Éstas se grabarán automáticamente en
la cinta y podrán visualizarse durante la
reproducción ([CÓD. DATOS] (durante el
modo de operación Easy Handycam,
/
.
únicamente podrá ajustar [FECHA HORA])).
• Si los botones del panel táctil no funcionan
correctamente, ajuste el panel táctil
(CALIBRACIÓN).
Vaya a [D] (día) con
continuación, ajuste el valor con
y repita el proceso
y, a
/
para la hora y los minuto.
Cambio de los ajustes de
idioma
Ajuste la medianoche a las 12:00 AM.
Ajuste el mediodía a las 12:00 PM.
Puede cambiar las indicaciones en pantalla
para mostrar mensajes en un idioma en
5
Verifique que la configuración de
fecha y hora sea correcta, luego
particular. Toque
t [MENU] t
(AJUS. MENÚ) t
toque
.
[
LANGUAGE] y, a continuación,
seleccione el idioma que desee.
El reloj se pone en funcionamiento.
Para apagar la videocámara
Deslice el interruptor POWER hasta la
posición OFF (CHG).
Para restablecer la fecha y la hora
Toque
t [PÁG.2] t [AJ. RELOJ]
para ajustar la fecha y la hora deseadas.
b Notas
• Si no usa la videocámara durante
aproximadamente 3 meses, la batería
recargable incorporada se descarga y es posible
que los ajustes de la fecha y la hora se borren de
la memoria. En ese caso, cargue la batería
recargable y ajuste la fecha y la hora
nuevamente.
• Con el fin de ahorrar energía de la batería,
cuando se adquiere la videocámara, ésta viene
ajustada para apagarse automáticamente si se
deja encendida sin realizar ninguna operación
durante unos 5 min (minuto) ([APAG. AUTO]).
83
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Paso 4: Realización de ajustes antes de la
grabación
• Presione DISP/BATT INFO para activar o
desactivar los indicadores que aparecen en
pantalla (como la información de la batería).
Apertura de la cubierta del
objetivo
Deslice el interruptor LENS COVER hacia
la posición OPEN.
Visor
Puede ver imágenes utilizando el visor para
evitar el desgaste de la batería o cuando la
imagen en la pantalla LCD es mala.
Visor
Luego de grabar, ajuste el interruptor LENS
COVER en la posición CLOSE para cerrar
la cubierta del objetivo.
Panel LCD
Abra el panel LCD a 90 grados con
respecto a la videocámara (1), luego gírelo
hacia el mejor ángulo para grabar o
reproducir (2).
Palanca de ajuste del
objetivo del visor
Muévala hasta que la
imagen se aclare.
DISP/BATT INFO
180 grados
(máx.)
2
z Sugerencias
• Para ajustar el brillo de la luz de fondo del visor,
seleccione (AJ LCD/VIS) - [LUZ F. VIS].
Correa de sujeción
1
Ajuste la correa de sujeción y sujete la
cámara correctamente.
90 grados con
respecto a la
videocámara
2
90 grados
(máx.)
b Notas
• No presione los botones en el marco del panel
LCD por error al abrirlo o ajustarlo.
4
1
2
z Sugerencias
• Si gira el panel LCD 180 grados hacia el lado
del objetivo, podrá cerrarlo con la pantalla LCD
hacia afuera. Esto resulta conveniente durante
operaciones de reproducción.
3
• Consulte [BRIL LCD] para ajustar el brillo de la
pantalla LCD.
84
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Paso 5: Inserción de un videocasete
b Notas
Solamente puede utilizar videocasetes de
formato mini DV
.
• No fuerce el compartimiento del
videocasete presionando la parte
con la marca {DO NOT PUSH} mientras
se desliza hacia adentro. Podría
provocar una falla de
1
Deslice la palanca
OPEN/
EJECT en el sentido de la flecha y
manténgala en esa posición para
abrir la tapa.
funcionamiento.
3
Cierre la tapa.
Palanca
OPEN/EJECT
Para expulsar el videocasete
Siga el mismo procedimiento descrito en el
paso 1 para abrir la tapa y, a continuación,
extraiga el videocasete.
Tapa
z Sugerencias
• El tiempo disponible para grabación varía en
función del [MOD GRB].
El compartimiento del videocasete sale
automáticamente y se abre.
2
Inserte un videocasete con la
cara de la ventanilla hacia afuera
y, a continuación, presione
.
Presione ligeramente el
centro de la parte posterior
del videocasete.
Ventanilla
Compartimiento del videocasete
El compartimiento del
videocasete se desliza
automáticamente hacia adentro.
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Grabación
Abra la cubierta del objetivo.
Interruptor POWER
REC START/
STOP A
REC START/STOP B
Deslice el interruptor POWER varias veces en el sentido de la
flecha para que se encienda el indicador CAMERA.
Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición OFF
(CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón verde.
Presione REC START/STOP A (o B).
GUÍA
GUÍA
[ESPERA]
[GRAB.]
Para detener la grabación, presione REC START/STOP A (o B) nuevamente.
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Reproducción
Deslice el indicador POWER en el sentido de la flecha varias
veces para encender el indicador PLAY/EDIT.
Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición OFF
(CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón verde.
Inicie la reproducción.
Toque
para rebobinar la cinta hasta el punto deseado y, a continuación, toque
para iniciar la reproducción.
Al tocar este botón, se alterna entre los modos de reproducción y pausa*
GUÍA
Detener
Rebobinar/Avanzar rápidamente
* La reproducción se detiene automáticamente si se acciona la pausa durante más de 3 min (minuto).
Para ajustar el volumen
Toque
t [PÁG.1] t [VOL] y, a continuación,
/
para ajustar el volumen.
Para buscar una escena durante la reproducción
Mantenga presionado
/
durante la reproducción (búsqueda de imágenes) o
/
mientras avanza rápidamente o rebobina la cinta (exploración con salto).
z Sugerencias
• Puede reproducir en diversos modos ([REP VEL V]).
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Additional information on this product and answers
to frequently asked questions can be found at our
Customer Support Website.
Printed in Japan
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