Sony DCR HC20 User Manual

3-088-336-11(1)  
Camera  
Operations Guide  
Read this first  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
DCR-HC20  
© 2004 Sony Corporation  
mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory is  
recommended as you can use Title search (p. 40), Date  
search (p. 41), Photo search (p. 41), [TITLE] (p. 52),  
[TAPE TITLE] (p. 54).  
Cassettes with Cassette Memory are marked with  
.
Owners Record  
The model and serial numbers are located on the  
bottom. Record the serial number in the space  
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever  
you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this  
product.  
Model No. DCR-HC  
Serial No.  
Notes on recording  
• Before starting to record, test the recording function  
to make sure the picture and sound are recorded  
without any problems.  
Model No.AC-  
Serial No.  
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot  
be provided, even if recording or playback is not  
possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, etc.  
• TV color systems differ depending on the countries/  
regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need  
an NTSC system-based TV.  
CAUTION  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in this  
manual could void your authority to operate this  
equipment.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other  
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized  
recording of such materials may be contrary to the  
copyright laws.  
b Note:  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,  
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
These limits are designed to provide reasonable  
protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates,  
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if  
not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications. However, there is no  
guarantee that interference will not occur in a  
particular installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, which can be determined by turning the  
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try  
to correct the interference by one or more of the  
following measures:  
Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and  
lens  
• 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.  
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens  
to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause  
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera  
near a window or outdoors.  
• 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.  
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
– Increase the separation between the equipment and  
receiver.  
– Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit  
different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
Note on connecting other device  
Before connecting your camcorder to other device  
such as a VCR or a computer with a USB or i.LINK  
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper  
direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in  
the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or  
this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.  
– Consult a Sony 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.  
Note on using this manual  
• The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder  
used on this manual are captured using a digital still  
camera, and thus may appear different from what  
you see.  
Notes on use  
Note on Cassette Memory  
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can  
use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder. Use of  
,continued  
3
     
• You can change the language to be used for screen  
display on your camcorder (p. 20).  
Notes on using the camcorder  
• Hold your camcorder correctly.  
• Be careful not to press buttons beside the LCD  
screen accidentally when you open or close the LCD  
panel, or when you adjust the angle of the LCD  
panel.  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.  
• If the Strap Belt is too long, fasten the Strap Belt as  
shown in the following illustration.  
• You can also use the Strap Belt as a wrist strap. For  
details on the Strap Belt, see page 94.  
• When you are using the touch panel, place your hand  
on the back side of the LCD panel to support it.  
Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.  
• Unavailable buttons will be grayed out.  
4
   
Table of Contents  
,continued  
5
6
(MANUAL SET) menu  
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.  
......................................................44  
(CAMERA SET) menu  
– D ZOOM/16:9WIDE, etc. ...........47  
(VCR SET) menu  
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
......................................................83  
– HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX ..........50  
(LCD/VF SET) menu  
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L.  
......................................................51  
(CM SET) menu  
– TITLE/TAPE TITLE/ERASE ALL,  
etc. ...............................................52  
(TAPE SET) menu  
– REC MODE/FRAME REC/  
INT.REC, etc. ...............................55  
(SETUP MENU) menu  
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/  
LANGUAGE, etc. .........................58  
(OTHERS) menu  
– WORLD TIME, etc. ...................60  
Dubbing selected scenes from a tape  
– Digital program editing ..............64  
Refer also to other operating instructions  
supplied with your camcorder:  
• Editing images with your computer  
cComputer Applications Guide  
7
Quick Start Guide  
Recording movies  
1
Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.  
To charge the battery, see page 12.  
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.  
2
Insert a cassette into the camcorder.  
a Slide the OPEN/  
ZEJECT lever in  
the direction of the  
arrow to open the lid.  
The cassette compartment  
comes out automatically.  
b Insert the cassette with c Press  
.
Close the cassette lid after  
the cassette compartment  
slides back in by itself.  
its window-side facing  
up, then push the center  
of the back of the  
cassette.  
OPEN/ZEJECT  
lever  
Window-side  
Quick Start Guide  
8
   
3
Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.  
The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 17.  
a Set the LENS COVER  
switch to OPEN.  
b Open the LCD panel.  
c While pressing the green  
button, slide the POWER  
switch down to light up  
the CAMERA lamp.  
The power turns on.  
d Press REC START/STOP.  
Recording starts. To change to  
the standby mode, press REC  
START/STOP again.  
You can also record by pressing  
REC START/STOP beside the  
LCD screen.  
4
View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.  
a Slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly  
until the PLAY/EDIT  
lamp lights up.  
b Touch  
(rewind).  
c Touch  
(play) to  
start the playback.  
To stop, press (stop).  
To turn off the power, slide the  
POWER switch up to OFF  
(CHG), then set the LENS  
COVER switch to CLOSE.  
Quick Start Guide  
9
Recording/Playing back with ease  
By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation  
becomes even easier.  
Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first  
time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback.  
Press EASY when recording/  
playing back.  
1
2
EASY lights up in blue (a) and the  
screen font size increases (b) during  
Easy Handycam operation.  
For details, see instructions for each operation.  
See page 25 for recording, page 36 for playback.  
Quick Start Guide  
10  
 
Cleaning cloth (1)  
Getting started  
Shoe cover (1)  
Attached to the camcorder.  
Step 1: Checking  
supplied items  
Camera Operations Guide (This manual)  
(1)  
Make sure you have following items supplied  
with your camcorder.  
The number in parentheses indicates the number  
of that item supplied.  
Computer Applications Guide (1)  
AC Adaptor (1)  
Power cord (1)  
Wireless Remote Commander (1)  
A button-type lithium battery is already  
installed.  
A/V connecting cable (1)  
USB cable (1)  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP50 (1)  
CD-ROM “SPVD-012 USB Driver” (1)  
Getting started  
11  
       
2 With the v mark on the DC plug  
facing down, connect the AC Adaptor  
to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.  
Step 2: Charging the  
battery pack  
You can charge the battery by attaching the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) to  
your camcorder.  
b Notes  
• You cannot use batteries other than the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 83).  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor  
or battery terminals with any metallic objects. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
• Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC  
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs.  
3 Connect the power cord to the AC  
Adaptor.  
4 Connect the power cord to the wall  
outlet.  
5 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
1 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in  
the direction of the arrow until it  
clicks.  
After charging the battery  
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the  
battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC  
Adaptor from the DC IN jack.  
Getting started  
12  
         
Keep the button pressed to view it for about  
20 seconds.  
To remove the battery pack  
A Battery charge level: Displays  
approximate remaining amount of  
power left in the battery pack.  
1
2
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
B Approximate possible recording time  
Slide the battery pack out in the direction  
of the arrow while pressing the BATT  
(battery) release button down.  
using the LCD panel.  
C Approximate possible recording time  
using the viewfinder.  
b Note  
• If you do not use the battery pack for a long time, use  
up the battery pack completely before storing it. See  
page 83 about storage of the battery pack.  
Charging time  
Approximate number of minutes required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack  
at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)  
recommended.)  
To checkthe remaining battery – Battery  
Info  
Recording time when recording with the  
LCD screen on  
Approximate number of minutes available  
when you use a fully charged battery pack at  
25°C (77°F).  
When LCD BACKLIGHT is set to ON  
You can check the battery’s current charge level  
and its current remaining recording time both  
during charging or when the power is turned off.  
1
2
3
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
Open the LCD panel.  
Press DSPL/BATT INFO.  
The battery information appears for about 7  
seconds.  
Getting started  
13  
       
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or  
the battery information will not be correctly  
displayed in following conditions.  
When LCD BACKLIGHT is set to OFF  
Battery pack Continuous Typical*  
recording  
time  
recording  
time  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
– The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery  
information only)  
NP-FP50  
(supplied)  
125  
65  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
265  
475  
145  
260  
Using an outside power source  
Recording time when recording with the  
viewfinder  
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power  
source when you do not want the battery to  
run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,  
the battery pack will not lose its charge even  
when it is attached to your camcorder.  
Approximate number of minutes available  
when you use a fully charged battery pack at  
25°C (77°F).  
Battery pack Continuous Typical*  
recording  
time  
recording  
time  
PRECAUTION  
NP-FP50  
(supplied)  
125  
65  
Even if your camcorder is turned off, the AC  
power (house current) is still supplied to it while  
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
265  
475  
145  
260  
* Approximate number of minutes when recording  
while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the  
POWER switch to change the power mode, and  
zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter.  
Connect your camcorder as shown in  
“Charging the battery pack” (p. 12).  
Playing time  
Approximate number of minutes available  
when you use a fully charged battery pack at  
25°C (77°F).  
Battery pack LCD panel  
LCD panel  
closed  
opened*  
NP-FP50  
(supplied)  
125  
150  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
265  
475  
310  
550  
* With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON.  
b Notes  
• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack  
when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack  
of your camcorder, even if its power cord is  
disconnected from the wall outlet.  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
when you use your camcorder in low temperature.  
Getting started  
14  
       
To turn off the power  
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),  
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.  
Step 3: Turning the  
power on  
You need to slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to select the desired power mode  
to record or play.  
When using this camcorder for the first time,  
the CLOCK SET screen appears (p. 17).  
LENS COVER switch  
POWER switch  
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to  
OPEN.  
2 While pressing the green button, slide  
the POWER switch down.  
The power turns on.  
To enter the recording or playing mode,  
slide the switch repeatedly until the  
respective lamp for the desired power mode  
lights up.  
• CAMERA: To record on a tape.  
• PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
Getting started  
15  
   
3
4
Adjust the brightness with  
/
,
then touch  
.
Step 4: Adjusting the  
LCD panel and  
viewfinder  
Touch  
.
z Tips  
• The recorded picture will not be affected.  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens  
side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD  
screen facing out.  
• If you are using the battery pack for power source,  
you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD  
Adjusting the LCD panel  
B.L.] on the  
(LCD/VF SET) menu (p. 51).  
• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions,  
set LCD BACKLIGHT to turn off the backlight for  
the LCD panel.  
battery power.  
• You can turn off the confirmation beep sound for  
operation on the touch panel when you set [BEEP] to  
appears and this setting saves  
You can adjust the angle and brightness of  
the LCD panel to meet various recording  
situations.  
Even when there are obstructions between  
you and the subject, you can check the  
subject on the LCD screen during recording  
by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.  
[OFF] on the  
(OTHERS) menu (p. 60).  
Adjusting the viewfinder  
Maximum  
180 degrees  
You can view images using the viewfinder  
when you close the LCD panel. Use the  
viewfinder when the battery is running out, or  
when the screen is hard to see.  
Maximum  
90 degrees  
Open the LCD panel.  
LCD BACKLIGHT  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder, then rotate it to the desired  
position.  
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever  
To adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen  
1 Extend the viewfinder.  
1
When the POWER switch is set to the  
CAMERA mode, touch  
PAGE2.  
and select  
2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment  
lever until the picture is clear.  
When the POWER switch is set to the  
PLAY/EDIT mode, touch  
display PAGE1.  
to  
2
Touch LCD BRT.  
Getting started  
16  
               
To use the viewfinder during operation  
When you are recording, you can adjust the  
exposure (p. 28) and fader (p. 31) while  
checking the image on the viewfinder. Have the  
LCD panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with  
the screen facing out.  
Step 5: Setting the  
date and time  
Set the date and time when using this  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not set  
the date and time, the CLOCK SET screen  
appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder.  
1
Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode. (p. 15)  
2
Extend the viewfinder, and close the  
LCD panel with the screen facing out.  
appears on the screen.  
b Note  
3
4
Touch  
.
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3  
months, the built-in rechargeable button-type  
battery gets discharged and the date and time  
settings may be cleared from the memory. In that  
case, charge the rechargeable button-type battery  
(p. 88) and then set the date and time again.  
Touch  
.
The LCD screen is turned off.  
5
6
Touch the LCD screen while checking  
the display in the viewfinder.  
EXPOSURE, etc. are displayed.  
Touch the button you want to set.  
EXPOSURE: Adjust with  
and touch  
/
.
FADER: Touch it repeatedly to select a  
desired effect.  
: The LCD screen lights up.  
To hide the buttons on the LCD screen,  
touch  
.
z Tip  
• To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight,  
select (LCD/VF SET), then [VF B.L.] (when  
you are using the battery pack, p. 51).  
POWER switch  
1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 15).  
2 Open the LCD panel.  
Proceed to step 7 when you set the clock for  
the first time.  
,continued  
Getting started  
17  
     
3 Touch  
to display PAGE1.  
8 Set M (month), D (day), H (hour) and  
M (minute) in the same way as was  
60min  
0:00:00  
done in step 7, then touch  
.
PAGE1 PAGE2  
For midnight, set it to 12:00AM. For  
midday, set it to 12:00PM.  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
WHT  
BAL  
SPOT  
METER  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
4 Touch MENU.  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
P
EFFECT  
FLASH MODE  
FLASH LVL  
AUTO SHTR  
5 Select  
(SETUP MENU) with  
, then touch EXEC.  
/
6 Select CLOCK SET with  
/
,
then touch EXEC.  
7 Set Y (year) with  
/
, then  
touch  
.
You can set any year up to the year 2079.  
Getting started  
18  
3 Press  
.
Step 6: Inserting a  
cassette tape  
The cassette compartment automatically  
slides back in.  
You can use mini DV  
cassettes only.  
For details on these cassettes (such as write-  
b Note  
• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This  
may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.  
1 Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT lever in  
the direction of the arrow and open the  
lid.  
4 Close the lid.  
OPEN/ZEJECT  
lever  
Lid  
To eject the cassette  
1
Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT lever in the  
direction of the arrow and open the lid.  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out.  
2
3
Take out the cassette, then press  
The cassette compartment automatically  
slides back in.  
.
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
Close the lid.  
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side  
facing up.  
Window-side  
Push the center of the  
back of the cassette  
lightly.  
Getting started  
19  
     
6 Select the desired language with  
Step 7: Setting the  
screen language  
/
, then touch EXEC.  
7 Touch  
.
You can select the language to be used on the  
LCD screen.  
z Tip  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (Simplified  
English) for when you cannot find your native  
tongue among the options.  
POWER switch  
1 Turn on your camcorder.  
2 Open the LCD panel.  
3 Touch  
to display PAGE1.  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
WHT  
BAL  
SPOT  
METER  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
4 Touch MENU.  
5 Select  
(SETUP MENU), then  
LANGUAGE with  
, then touch EXEC.  
select  
/
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM ENGLISH  
STBY  
[
]
LANGUAGE ENG SIMP  
DEMO MODE FRANÇAIS  
ESPANOL  
PORTUGUÊS  
EXEC  
RET.  
Getting started  
20  
   
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the  
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp  
lights up.  
Press REC START/STOP again to stop  
recording.  
Recording  
Recording movies  
Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in  
When you are recording, movies will be  
recorded along with stereo sound.  
To turn the power off  
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),  
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.  
z Tips  
• If you do not use your camcorder for a long time,  
remove the cassette and store it.  
• You can also record movies by pressing REC  
START/STOP beside the LCD screen. It is useful  
for recording from a low angle or recording yourself  
in mirror mode.  
• To press REC START/STOP beside the LCD  
screen, support the LCD panel with your hand.  
• If you install a large capacity battery pack (NP-  
FP70/FP90) on your camcorder, we recommend  
recording with the LCD screen.  
Indicators displayed during recording  
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.  
Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 37)  
will not be displayed during recording.  
z Tip  
• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first  
time users can record easily. For details, see page 25.  
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to  
OPEN.  
2 Open the LCD panel.  
3 Slide the POWER switch until the  
CAMERA lamp lights up.  
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.  
A Indicators for Cassette Memory cassettes  
B Remaining battery  
The indicated time may not be correct  
depending on the environment of use.  
When you opened or closed the LCD panel,  
it takes about 1 minute to display the correct  
remaining battery time.  
C Recording mode (SP or LP)  
D Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
4 Press REC START/STOP.  
Recording  
21  
             
E Tape photo recording/Time code or tape  
Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but  
use it sparingly for best results.  
counter (hour: minute: second)  
F Recording capacity of the tape (p. 55)  
G Function button  
b Notes  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER  
switch up to OFF (CHG).  
• In the default setting, when you do not operate the  
camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power  
will automatically turn off to prevent battery loss  
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 60). To restart recording, slide  
the POWER switch until the CAMERA lamp lights  
up, and then press REC START/STOP.  
z Tips  
• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last  
recorded scene to the next, note the following.  
– 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.  
– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP  
mode.  
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a  
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
• The recording time, date, and the camera settings  
data are recorded automatically on the tape without  
being displayed on the screen. You can view this  
information during playback if you set [DATA  
CODE] on the screen (p. 37).  
To record wider range of view  
Move the power zoom lever towards W.  
The subject appears farther away (Wide  
angle).  
Recording for a longer time  
To record closer view  
Move the power zoom lever towards T.  
The subject appears closer (Telephoto).  
To record for a longer time  
In the  
(TAPE SET) menu, select [REC  
Recording in mirror mode  
In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times longer  
than you can when recording in the SP mode.  
A tape recorded in the LP mode should be  
played back only on this camcorder.  
You can turn the LCD panel towards the  
subject so that you and your subject can share  
the image being recorded. You can also  
utilize this function when recording yourself,  
to keep the attention of small children  
attracted to the camcorder while you record  
them.  
Using zoom  
You can choose zoom to magnification levels  
greater than 10 times, and from that point  
activate the digital zoom ([D ZOOM], p. 47).  
Recording  
22  
                       
3 Touch  
.
appears.  
4 Press REC START/STOP.  
You will hear a beep sound counting down  
for about 10 seconds.  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees  
towards the subject.  
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal  
when recorded.  
The recording starts.  
To stop recording, press REC START/  
STOP.  
To cancel the count down  
Press REC START/STOP.  
Using the self-timer  
To cancel the self-timer  
Follow steps 1 and 2.  
With the self-timer, you can start recording  
after a delay of about 10 seconds.  
1 Touch  
and select [PAGE2].  
2 Touch [SELF TIMER].  
Recording  
23  
     
You will hear a light beep sound and the  
picture becomes a still image. Recording  
does not start at this point.  
Recording still  
images  
Tape photo recording  
You can record still images. Before recording,  
follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 -  
PHOTO  
LENS COVER switch  
5 Press PHOTO fully.  
A shutter sound is heard, and the image is  
recorded with sound for 7 seconds.  
The still image is displayed on the screen  
until recording is completed.  
To turn the power off  
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),  
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.  
b Note  
appears when the tape photo recording does  
not work.  
POWER switch  
z Tips  
• You can record about 510 images in the SP mode  
and about 765 images in the LP mode on a 60  
minutes tape.  
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to  
OPEN.  
• You can record still images using the self-timer  
recording (p. 23).  
2 Open the LCD panel.  
3 Slide the POWER switch until the  
CAMERA lamp lights up.  
4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly.  
Recording  
24  
     
4 Press EASY.  
Recording with ease  
EASY lights up in blue.  
Easy Handycam  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of  
the camera settings are set to the automatic  
mode, only basic functions become available,  
and the screen font size increases for easy  
viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy  
recording. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7  
5 Press REC START/STOP.  
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the  
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp  
lights up. Press REC START/STOP again  
to stop recording.  
To turn the power off  
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),  
then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.  
To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY again.  
b Notes  
• You cannot switch from/to Easy Handycam  
operation during recording.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot  
connect the USB cable to your camcorder.  
• You cannot use Easy Handycam operation together  
with USB Streaming.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following  
buttons are not available:  
z Tip  
• When you touch MENU during Easy Handycam  
operation, only the available functions are displayed  
on the screen.  
– LCD BACKLIGHT (p. 16)  
• All the settings return to their defaults during Easy  
Handycam operation. Previously made settings are  
restored when you exit Easy Handycam operation.  
1 Set the LENS COVER switch to  
OPEN.  
2 Open the LCD panel.  
3 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
You can record only movies.  
Recording  
25  
     
Fixing the exposure for the  
selected subject – Flexible spot  
meter  
Adjusting the  
exposure  
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 limelight on stage).  
The exposure is adjusted automatically in the  
default setting.  
Adjusting the exposure for backlit  
subjects  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
When your subject has its back to the sun or  
other light, you can adjust the exposure to  
prevent the subject from becoming  
shadowed.  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
3 Touch [SPOT METER].  
4 Touch the point you want to adjust and  
fix the exposure on the screen.  
[SPOT METER] flashes while the camera  
is adjusting the exposure for the selected  
point.  
Press BACK LIGHT when the POWER  
switch is set to the CAMERA mode.  
. appears.  
To cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
b Note  
5 Touch  
.
• The back light function is canceled when you set  
[EXPOSURE] to [MANUAL] (p. 28) or select  
[SPOT METER] (p. 26).  
6 Touch  
.
Recording  
26  
           
To return the setting to automatic  
exposure  
Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in  
step 4. Or set [EXPOSURE] to [ AUTO]  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
3 Touch [WHT BAL].  
b Notes  
4 Touch the desired effect.  
• You cannot use the Flexible spot meter together with  
the NightShot plus function.  
When you touch [ONE PUSH]  
1 Frame a white object such as a piece of  
paper filling the screen under the same  
lighting conditions as you will shoot the  
subject.  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is  
automatically set to [  
AUTO].  
z Tip  
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
2 Touch  
.
flashes quickly.  
When the white balance has been  
adjusted and stored in the memory, the  
indicator stops flashing.  
Adjusting the white balance  
manually  
5 Touch  
.
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment. The  
indicators in parentheses appear when the  
setting is selected.  
6 Touch  
.
b Notes  
• You cannot use the white balance together with the  
NightShot plus function.  
[
AUTO]  
Select when you want to record with the  
white balance adjusted automatically.  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
disconnect the power source from your camcorder  
for more than 5 minutes.  
• Do not shake or strike the camcorder while  
flashes quickly.  
[OUTDOOR] (  
)
Select when recording a sunset/sunrise,  
general night views, neon signs, fireworks, or  
when under daylight fluorescent lamps.  
• When  
set or was not able to be set.  
• If keeps flashing even when you touch  
, set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO].  
flashes slowly, the white balance is not  
[INDOOR] (n)  
z Tips  
• For better color balance adjustment when [WHT  
BAL] is set to [ AUTO], aim your camcorder at a  
nearby white object for about 10 seconds after  
setting the POWER switch to CAMERA when:  
– You remove the battery pack for replacement.  
– You bring your camcorder outdoors from inside  
the house while using fixed exposure, or bring  
your camcorder in from outside.  
Select when recording at a party or in studios  
where lighting conditions change quickly.  
And also, select when under video lamps  
such as those in a studio, under sodium  
lamps, mercury lamps or warm white  
fluorescent lamps.  
• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure when:  
– You changed the [PROGRAM AE] settings when  
[WHT BAL] is set to [ONE PUSH].  
– You brought your camcorder outdoors from inside  
the house, or vice versa.  
[ONE PUSH] (  
)
Select when you want to record with the  
white balance adjusted depending on the light  
source.  
• Set [WHT BAL] to [  
AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]  
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
,continued  
Recording  
27  
     
To return the setting to automatic  
exposure  
Adjusting the exposure manually  
Follow steps 1 to 3, then select [ AUTO] in  
step 4.  
b Note  
You can fix the brightness of a picture at the  
best exposure. When recording indoors on a  
clear day, for instance, you can avoid  
backlight shadows on people next to the  
window by manually fixing the exposure to  
that of the wall side of the room.  
• You cannot use the manual exposure together with  
the NightShot plus function.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
3 Touch [EXPOSURE].  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
AUTO  
OK  
MANU–  
AL  
EXPOSURE  
4 Touch [MANUAL].  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
AUTO  
OK  
MANU–  
AL  
EXPOSURE  
5 Adjust the exposure by touching  
(dim)/  
(bright), then touch  
.
6 Touch  
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
FN  
Recording  
28  
   
Recording in dark  
places  
Adjusting the focus  
NightShot plus  
The focus is adjusted automatically in the  
default setting.  
You can record subjects in dark places (such  
as when capturing the face of your baby  
sleeping) with this function.  
Adjusting the focus for an off-  
center subject – SPOT FOCUS  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
aim it at a subject not located in the center of  
the screen.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.  
and ”NIGHTSHOT PLUS” appear.  
To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT  
PLUS switch to OFF.  
3 Touch [SPOT FOCUS].  
60min  
SPOT FOCUS  
STBY  
0:00:00  
b Notes  
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright  
places. This may cause a malfunction.  
• You cannot use the NightShot plus function together  
with:  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
– Manual exposure  
AUTO  
OK  
4 Touch the subject for which you want  
to adjust the focus on the screen.  
– Flexible spot meter  
– White balance  
• Adjust the focus manually when it is hard to focus  
automatically.  
[SPOT FOCUS] flashes while the camera is  
adjusting the focus.  
9 appears.  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or  
other objects. Remove the conversion lens (optional)  
if it is attached.  
60min  
SPOT FOCUS  
STBY  
0:00:00  
• Depending on the shooting conditions or  
circumstances, colors may not be reproduced  
properly.  
AUTO  
OK  
z Tip  
• If you record subjects in complete darkness, set  
[N.S.LIGHT] to [ON] in the menu setting. The  
maximum shooting distance using the NightShot  
Light is about 3 meters (10 feet). If you record  
subjects in dark places (such as night scene or in  
moonlight), set [N.S.LIGHT] to [OFF] in the menu  
setting. You can make image color deeper (p. 49).  
5 Touch  
.
6 Touch  
.
,continued  
Recording  
29  
             
To adjust the focus automatically  
Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in  
step 4. Or, set [FOCUS] to [ AUTO] (p. 30).  
4 Touch [MANUAL].  
9 appears.  
b Note  
5 Touch  
or  
to adjust the focus.  
• You cannot use the SPOT FOCUS function together  
with [PROGRAM AE].  
: To focus on close subjects.  
: To focus on distant subjects.  
z Tip  
9 changes to  
when the focus cannot be  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
adjusted any further. 9 changes to  
when the focus cannot be adjusted any  
closer.  
Adjusting the focus manually  
60min  
FOCUS  
STBY  
0:00:00  
OK  
AUTO  
MANU–  
AL  
You can adjust the focus manually according  
to the recording conditions.  
Use this function in the following cases.  
– To record a subject behind a window covered  
with raindrops.  
Tips for focusing manually  
• It is easier to focus on the subject when you use the  
zoom function. Move the power zoom lever towards  
T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, and then, towards  
W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom for recording.  
• When you want to record a close-up image of a  
subject, move the power zoom lever towards W  
(wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then adjust  
the focus.  
– To record horizontal stripes.  
– To record a subject with little contrast  
between the subject and its background.  
– When you want to focus on a subject in the  
background.  
6 Touch  
.
7 Touch  
.
– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.  
To adjust the focus automatically  
Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in  
step 4.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
3 Touch [FOCUS].  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
FOCUS  
AUTO  
OK  
MANU–  
AL  
Recording  
30  
   
[MONOTONE]  
When fading in, the picture gradually changes  
from black-and-white to color.  
When fading out, the picture gradually changes  
from color to black-and-white.  
Recording a picture  
using various effects  
POWER switch  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1] in  
the standby mode (to fade in) or during  
recording (to fade out).  
3 Touch [FADER].  
60min  
FADER  
STBY  
0:00:00  
REC START/  
STOP  
REC START/STOP  
OFF  
OK  
Fading in and out of a scene  
FADER  
WHITE  
BLACK  
MOSC. MONO–  
FADER TONE  
4 Touch the desired effect, then touch  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
.
5 Touch  
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
[BLACK] (black fader)  
BLACK  
FADER  
FN  
[WHITE] (white fader)  
6 Press REC START/STOP.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
To cancel the operation  
In step 3, touch [ OFF].  
[MOSC. FADER] (mosaic fader)  
b Note  
• You cannot use the FADER function together with:  
– Tape photo recording  
– [FRAME REC] (Frame recording)  
– [INT.REC] (Interval recording)  
Recording  
31  
             
4 Touch  
.
Searching for the  
starting point  
To cancel the operation  
Touch [END SCH] again.  
b Note  
• The END SEARCH function will not work correctly  
when there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
z Tip  
• When the PLAY/EDIT mode is selected, you can do  
this operation.  
Searching manually – EDIT  
SEARCH  
POWER switch  
You can search for the start point while  
viewing the pictures on the screen. The sound  
is not played back during the search.  
Searching for the last scene of the  
most recent recording  
END SEARCH  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
This function is handy when you have played  
back the tape, for example, but want to start  
recording right after the most recently  
recorded scene. When you use a cassette  
without Cassette Memory, the END  
CAMERA mode.  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
SEARCH function will not work once you  
eject the cassette after you have recorded on  
the tape. If you use a cassette with Cassette  
Memory, it will function even when you have  
ejected the cassette.  
3 Touch MENU.  
4 Select  
(CAMERA SET), then  
select [EDITSEARCH] with  
/
, then touch [EXEC].  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
5 Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
6 Touch  
.
3 Touch [END SCH].  
7 Keep touching  
(to go  
(to go forward) and  
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.  
backward)/  
release it at the point where you want  
to start recording.  
Recording  
32  
           
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes – Rec review  
You can view a few seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the  
CAMERA mode.  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
3 Touch MENU.  
4 Select  
(CAMERA SET), then  
select [EDITSEARCH] with  
/
, then touch [EXEC].  
5 Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].  
6 Touch  
.
7 Touch  
once.  
The last few seconds of the most recently  
recorded scene are played back. Then, your  
camcorder is set to the standby mode.  
Recording  
33  
   
Playback  
3 Touch  
(rewind) to go to the point  
you want to view.  
Viewing pictures  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
60min  
recorded on a tape  
Make sure you have a recorded tape inserted  
into your camcorder.  
FN  
Some of the operations are possible using the  
Remote Commander or using the touch  
panel.  
When you want to play back recordings on  
4 Touch  
(play) to start playback.  
To adjust the volume  
1
2
3
Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
Touch [VOL].  
Adjust the volume by touching  
(decrease) /  
.
(increase), then touch  
4
Touch  
.
To stop playback  
Touch  
(stop).  
POWER switch  
To pause  
Touch  
(pause) during playback. Touch it  
again to restart the playback.  
Playback stops automatically when the pause  
mode continues for more than 5 minutes.  
z Tip  
• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first  
time users can play back easily. For details, see  
To fast forward or rewind  
Touch  
(fast forward) or  
(rewind) in  
1 Open the LCD panel.  
stop mode.  
To review movies on the viewfinder  
Close the LCD panel. Then, extend the  
viewfinder.  
2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly  
until the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up.  
Slide the POWER  
switch while  
pressing the green  
button.  
Playback  
34  
       
3
Select a playback mode.  
To return to the normal playback mode,  
Indicators displayed during playback  
touch  
(play/pause) twice (once from  
frame playback).  
60min  
0:00:00:15  
60min  
To  
Touch  
(frame) during  
playback.  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
play back  
slowly**  
[
SLOW] during  
FN  
playback.  
To reverse direction  
1 Touch  
2 [  
(frame).  
SLOW].  
A Remaining battery time  
B Recording mode (SP or LP)  
C Tape transport indicator  
play back 2 times  
faster (double  
speed)  
(double speed)  
during playback.  
To reverse direction  
1 Touch  
(frame).  
2
(double speed).  
D Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)  
or tape counter (hour: minute: second)  
play back frame  
by frame  
(frame) during  
playback pause.  
E Function button  
To reverse direction, touch  
(frame) again during  
frame playback.  
F Video operation buttons  
Playing back in various modes  
*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  
cannot be played back smoothly in slow mode.  
To fast forward or rewind during  
playback – Picture search  
4
Touch [ RET.], then  
.
Keep touching  
(fast forward) or  
(rewind) during playback.  
To resume normal playback, release the button.  
To view the picture while fast  
forwarding or rewinding – Skip scan  
Keep touching  
(fast forward) or  
(rewind) while fast forwarding or rewinding the  
tape.  
To resume fast forwarding or rewinding, release  
the button.  
To play back in various modes  
You will not hear the recorded sound. Also, you  
may see mosaic-like images of the previously  
played picture remaining on the screen.  
1
Touch  
and select [PAGE3] during  
playback or playback pause.  
2
Touch [V SPD PLAY].  
Playback  
35  
               
EASY lights up in blue.  
Playing back with  
ease  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
Easy Handycam  
Easy Handycam operation allows easy playback  
for even first time users by providing only the  
basic functions for playback. Also, the screen  
font size increases for easy viewing. Make sure  
you have a recorded tape inserted into your  
camcorder.  
4 Play back a tape.  
The following buttons can be operated.  
(play/pause)/  
(stop)/ (rewind)  
You can operate these operations and  
SLOW on the Remote Commander.  
(fast forward)/  
EASY  
To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY again.  
b Notes  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot  
connect the USB cable to your camcorder.  
• You cannot use Easy Handycam operation together  
with USB Streaming.  
POWER switch  
z Tip  
• When you touch  
and MENU during Easy  
Handycam operation, only the available functions  
are displayed on the screen.  
1 Open the LCD panel.  
2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
Slide the POWER  
switch while  
pressing the green  
button.  
3 Press EASY.  
Playback  
36  
     
During playback, you can view the date/time  
data ([DATE/TIME]) and the camera settings  
data ([CAM DATA]) that are automatically  
recorded while recording pictures on a tape.  
Various playback  
functions  
You can display the recorded date and  
camera setting data.  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
2 Touch  
and select [PAGE2]  
during playback or playback pause.  
3 Touch [DATA CODE].  
4 Select [CAM DATA] or [DATE/  
TIME], then touch  
.
Displaying the screen indicators  
5 Touch  
.
You can choose to display the time code, tape  
counter, and other information on the screen.  
Press DSPL/BATT INFO.  
The indicators appear/disappear as you press the  
button.  
To hide the date/time or the camera  
settings data  
Follow steps 2 and 3, and select [ OFF] in  
step 4.  
z Tips  
• You can display the screen indicators by pressing  
DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.  
• You can display the screen indicators during  
Camera settings data display  
In the date/time data display, the date and time  
is displayed in the same area.  
playback on a TV. Select  
[DISPLAY], then [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 61).  
(OTHERS),  
Displaying the date/time and  
camera settings data – Data code  
Playback  
37  
               
If you record the picture without setting the  
clock, [--- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will appear.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
AUTO  
100 AWB  
F1. 7 9dB  
FN  
A SteadyShot off  
B Exposure  
C White balance  
D Gain  
E Shutter speed  
F Aperture value  
Playback  
38  
Connect your camcorder to a TV using the  
supplied A/V connecting cable as shown in  
the following illustration.  
Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall  
outlet for the power supply (p. 14).  
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied  
with the devices to be connected.  
Playingthepictureon  
a TV  
To copy to another tape, see page 63.  
*1 The supplied A/V connecting cable has a video  
plug and an S video plug for the video connection.  
*2 This connection produces higher quality DV  
format pictures. When there is an S video jack on  
the device to be connected, connect the S video  
plug to that jack instead of using the yellow video  
plug. The audio will not be output when you  
connect with the S video plug alone.  
When you want to play the sound in monaural  
mode, use a connecting cable (optional) for that  
purpose.  
When your TV is connected to a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input  
on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set  
the input selector on the VCR to LINE.  
When your TV is monaural (When your  
TV has only one audio input jack)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting  
cable to the video input jack and connect the  
white or the red plug to the audio input jack of  
your TV or VCR.  
Playback  
39  
     
4 Press PLAY.  
Locating a scene on a  
tape for playback  
The playback starts from the point  
designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter.  
To cancel the operation  
Press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote  
Commander again.  
Searching quickly for a desired  
scene – Zero set memory  
b Notes  
• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds  
between the time code and the tape counter.  
• Zero set memory will not function correctly if there  
is a blank section between recorded sections on the  
tape.  
mREW  
PLAY  
Searching for a scene using  
Cassette Memory – Title search  
STOP  
DISPLAY  
ZERO SET MEMORY  
You can locate a scene where you have added a  
1 During playback, press ZERO SET  
MEMORY on the Remote  
Commander at the point you want to  
locate later on.  
SEARCH M.  
. / >  
The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00” and  
appears on the screen.  
STOP  
60min  
0:00:00  
FN  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
If the tape counter is not displayed, press  
DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.  
2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote  
Commander repeatedly to select  
[TITLE SEARCH].  
2 Press STOP when you want to stop  
playback.  
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on  
the Remote Commander to select a  
title that you want to play.  
3 Press mREW.  
The tape stops automatically when the tape  
counter reaches “0:00:00.”  
Playback  
40  
             
Playback starts automatically from the  
selected title.  
2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote  
Commander repeatedly to select  
[DATE SEARCH].  
TITLE SEARCH  
3
4
5
6
7
8
HAPPY NEW YEAR!  
PRESENT  
GOOD MORNING  
WEDDING  
NIGHT  
BASEBALL  
Point where  
the playback  
starts  
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on  
the Remote Commander to select a  
recording date.  
Present point  
on the tape  
When your cassette has Cassette Memory,  
you can select the recording date itself.  
When your cassette does not have Cassette  
Memory, you can select the previous or the  
next date of the present point on the tape.  
Playback starts automatically from the  
point where the date changes.  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.  
b Notes  
Screen example (when the cassette has  
Cassette Memory):  
• You cannot use Title search when [CM SEARCH] is  
set to [OFF] on the  
[ON] by default) (p. 54).  
• Title search will not function correctly when there is  
a blank section between recorded sections on the  
tape.  
(CM SET) menu (it is set to  
DATE SEARCH  
1
2
3
JAN / 4 / 04  
JAN / 4 / 04  
JAN / 5 / 04  
Point where the  
playback starts  
Present point on  
the tape  
Searching for a scene by date of  
recording – Date search  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.  
When you are using a cassette with Cassette  
Memory, you can locate a scene by the  
recording date ([CM SEARCH] is set to [ON]  
by default). When you are using a cassette  
that does not have Cassette Memory, you can  
locate the point where the recording date  
changes.  
b Notes  
• If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your  
camcorder may not accurately find the point where  
the recording date changes.  
• Date search will not function correctly when there is  
a blank section between recorded sections on the  
tape.  
• You can record date/time data for up to 6 days.  
When you have recorded for more than 7 days on a  
tape, locate the date without using the Cassette  
Memory. To turn off the Cassette Memory, select  
(CM SET), [CM SEARCH], and then [OFF]  
SEARCH M.  
. / >  
STOP  
Searching for a still image  
Photo search  
When you are using a cassette with Cassette  
Memory, you can locate the still image by  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
,continued  
Playback  
41  
           
choosing the recording date on the screen. ([CM  
SEARCH] is set to [ON] by default).  
When you are using a cassette that does not  
have Cassette Memory, your camcorder  
searches the still image automatically regardless  
of the recording date.  
Playing back still images in  
sequence – Photo scan  
You can also locate still images one after  
another and display each images for 5 seconds  
automatically.  
SEARCH M.  
. / >  
SEARCH M.  
STOP  
. / >  
STOP  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote  
Commander repeatedly to select  
[PHOTO SEARCH].  
2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote  
Commander repeatedly to select  
[PHOTO SCAN].  
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on  
the Remote Commander to select the  
date or photo for playback.  
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on  
When your cassette has Cassette Memory,  
you can select the recorded date.  
When your cassette does not have Cassette  
Memory, your camcorder selects the still  
image before and behind the current point  
of the tape.  
the Remote Commander.  
Each photo will be played back for about 5  
seconds.  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.  
Playback of the photo starts automatically  
at the selected scene.  
b Note  
• Photo scan will not function correctly when there is  
a blank section between recorded sections on the  
tape.  
To cancel the operation  
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.  
b Note  
• Photo search will not function correctly when there  
is a blank section between recorded sections on the  
tape.  
Playback  
42  
     
BAdvanced operations  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
LCD/VF SET (p. 51)  
OTHERS (p. 60)  
Changing the menu  
settings  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
You can change various settings or make  
detailed adjustments using the menu items  
displayed on the screen.  
0
HR  
A.SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER  
DISPLAY  
REC LAMP  
5 Select the desired item with  
/
, then touch [EXEC].  
The available menu items vary depending  
on the power mode of your camcorder. The  
unavailable items will not be displayed.  
POWER switch  
1 Turn on the power (p. 15).  
6 Select the desired setting with  
/
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
, then touch [EXEC].  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
WHT  
BAL  
SPOT  
METER  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
3 Touch MENU to display the menu.  
7 Touch  
(close) to hide the menu  
screen.  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
STBY  
You can go back to the previous screen each  
time you touch [ RET.].  
P
EFFECT  
FLASH MODE  
FLASH LVL  
AUTO SHTR  
EXEC  
RET.  
4 Select the icon of the desired menu  
, then touch [EXEC].  
with  
/
MANUAL SET (p. 44)  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
43  
     
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust  
vary depending on the power mode of your  
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can  
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will  
be grayed out.  
Using the  
(MANUAL SET) menu  
PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
STBY  
P
EFFECT  
FLASH MODE  
FLASH LVL  
AUTO SHTR  
You can select items listed below on the  
MANUAL SET menu. To select items, see  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
indicators in parentheses appear when the  
EXEC  
RET.  
PROGRAM AE  
You can record pictures easily in a situation that requires various techniques by  
selecting the following settings.  
G AUTO  
Select this when not using PROGRAM AE.  
SPOTLIGHT*  
(spotlight) (  
Select to prevent people’s faces from appearing  
excessively white when subjects are lit by strong  
light, such as in a theater or at a wedding.  
)
PORTRAIT (soft Select to bring out the subject such as people or  
portrait) ( flowers while creating a soft background.  
)
SPORTS* (sports Select to minimize shake when shooting fast-  
lesson) (  
)
moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.  
BEACH&SKI*  
Select to prevent people’s faces from appearing  
(beach & ski) ( ) dark in strong light or reflected light, such as at a  
beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.  
SUNSETMOON  
** (sunset &  
Select to maintain the atmosphere of situations  
such as sunsets, general night views, fireworks,  
and neon signs.  
moon) (  
)
LANDSCAPE**  
(landscape) (  
Select when shooting distant subjects such as  
mountains. This setting also prevents your  
camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh  
in windows that comes in between the camcorder  
and the subject.  
)
* Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
44  
       
**Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects.  
b Note  
• When you set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON, [PROGRAM AE] does not work.  
(The indicator flashes.)  
P EFFECT  
You can add special effects (such as films) to a picture before or after recording.  
appears when the effect is selected.  
GOFF  
Select when not using the Picture effect setting.  
NEG.ART  
Select to record/play the picture with the color  
and brightness of the picture reversed.  
SEPIA  
B&W  
Select to record/play the picture appearing in sepia.  
Select to record/play the picture appearing in monochrome (black-  
and-white).  
SOLARIZE  
Select to record/play the picture looking like an  
illustration with strong contrast.  
PASTEL  
Select to record the picture looking like a pale  
pastel drawing. (This effect is not available  
during playback.)  
MOSAIC  
Select to record the picture appearing mosaic-  
patterned. (This effect is not available during  
playback.)  
b Note  
• You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited  
with Picture effect via the  
DV Interface.  
z Tip  
• You can copy pictures edited using Picture effect to another tape (p. 63).  
FLASH MODE  
Note that these settings will not function with external flashes that do not support  
the following settings.  
GON  
To trigger the flash (optional) regardless of the brightness of the  
surroundings.  
AUTO  
To trigger the flash (optional) automatically.  
,continued  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
45  
 
FLASH LVL  
Note that these settings will not function with external flashes that do not support  
the following settings.  
HIGH  
To make the flash (optional) level higher than normal.  
To use the normal setting.  
GNORMAL  
LOW  
To make the flash (optional) level lower than normal.  
b Note  
• The setting returns to [NORMAL] when you disconnect the power source from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
AUTO SHTR  
GON  
Select to automatically activate the electronic shutter to adjust the  
shutter speed when recording in bright conditions.  
OFF  
Select when recording without using the electronic shutter.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
46  
 
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust  
vary depending on the power mode of your  
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can  
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will  
be grayed out.  
Using the  
(CAMERA SET) menu  
– D ZOOM/16:9WIDE, etc.  
CAMERA SET  
STBY  
D
ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
STEADYSHOT  
EDITSEARCH  
N. S. LIGHT  
You can select items listed below on the  
CAMERA SET menu. To select items, see  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
indicators in parentheses appear when the  
EXEC  
RET.  
D ZOOM  
You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level  
greater than 10 times while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality  
decreases when you are using the digital zoom. This function is useful when  
recording enlarged pictures of a distant subject, such as a bird.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming zone.  
The zooming zone appears when you select  
the zooming level.  
GOFF  
20 ×  
Select to deactivate the digital zoom. Up to 10 times zoom is  
performed optically.  
Select to activate the digital zoom. 10 times through 20 times zoom is  
performed digitally.  
120 ×  
Select to activate the digital zoom. 10 times through 120 times zoom  
is performed digitally.  
16:9WIDE  
You can record a 16:9 wide picture on the tape to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV  
([16:9WIDE] mode).  
With this function [ON], your camcorder offers even wider angles when you  
move the power zoom lever to the “W” side than recording in [OFF].  
When you connect your camcorder to the S video input jack of a TV compatible  
with the ID-1/ID-2 system and play the tape, the TV switches to full mode  
automatically.  
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.  
,continued  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
47  
           
* The picture appears in full screen 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 have seen  
on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.  
GOFF  
Standard setting (to record pictures to play back on a 4:3 TV). The  
recorded picture will not be wide.  
ON (  
)
Select to record a picture to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV. The  
recorded picture will be played in full mode when you connect to your  
TV compatible with ID-1/ID-2 systems.  
z Tips  
• The ID-1 system sends aspect ratio information (16:9, 4:3, or letter box) by inserting  
signals between video signals.  
• The ID-2 system sends a copyright protection signal with the ID-1 signals inserted between  
video signals in an analog connection.  
STEADYSHOT  
EDITSEARCH  
You can select this function to compensate for camera-shake.  
GON  
Standard setting (enable the SteadyShot function).  
OFF (  
)
Select to deactivate the SteadyShot function.  
Select to shoot a stationary subject with a tripod, or when using a  
conversion lens (optional). Natural pictures are produced.  
GOFF  
Select not to display  
Select to display  
/ – or + on the LCD screen.  
ON  
/ – and + on the LCD screen, and use the  
EDITSEARCH function and Rec review (p. 32).  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
48  
 
N.S.LIGHT  
When using the NightShot plus function to record, you can record clearer pictures  
by using the NightShot Light to emit infrared rays (invisible).  
GON  
Select to use the NightShot Light (p. 29).  
Select to disable the NightShot Light (p. 29).  
OFF  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
49  
 
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust  
vary depending on the power mode of your  
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can  
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will  
be grayed out.  
Using the  
(VCR  
SET) menuHiFi SOUND/AUDIO  
MIX  
VCR SET  
HiFi SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
You can select items listed below on the VCR  
SET menu. To select these items, see  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
indicators in parentheses appear when the  
EXEC  
RET.  
HiFi SOUND  
You can select how to play back audio recorded on a tape in stereo mode.  
GSTEREO  
Select to play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with main  
and sub sound.  
1
2
Select to play back a stereo tape with the left channel sound or a dual  
sound track tape with main sound.  
Select to play back a stereo tape with the right channel sound or a dual  
sound track tape with sub sound.  
b Notes  
• You can play back a dual sound track cassette on this camcorder. However, you cannot  
record a dual sound track on this camcorder.  
• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you disconnect the power source from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
AUDIO MIX  
You can adjust the audio balance between the originally recorded sound ([ST1])  
and sound added afterwards ([ST2]) on the tape (p. 70).  
b Notes  
• You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode.  
• Only the originally recorded sound will be heard when you disconnect the power source  
from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
50  
               
The default settings are marked with G. The  
screen shows the items you can operate at the  
moment. Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the (LCD/VF  
SET) menu  
LCD/VF SET  
LCD B. L.  
LCD COLOR  
VF B. L.  
STBY  
LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L.  
You can select items listed below on the LCD/  
VF SET menu. To select items, see “Changing  
EXEC  
RET.  
LCD B.L.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this setting.  
GBRT NORMAL Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Select to brighten the LCD screen.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], the battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during  
recording.  
LCD COLOR  
Touch  
/
to adjust the color on the LCD screen. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this setting.  
Low intensity  
High intensity  
VF B.L.  
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this setting.  
GBRT NORMAL Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Select to brighten the viewfinder screen.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], the battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during  
recording.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
51  
             
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
SET) menu  
(CM  
TITLE/TAPE TITLE/ERASE ALL, etc.  
CM SET  
TITLE  
TITLEERASE  
TITLE DSPL  
CM SEARCH  
TAPE TITLE  
ERASE ALL  
You can select items listed below on the CM  
SET menu. To select items, see “Changing the  
EXEC  
RET.  
TITLE  
Any titles you have superimposed using this camcorder can only be viewed on a  
video cassette device with the index titler function. If you superimpose a  
title, you will be able to search for it using Title search. You can superimpose up  
to about 20 titles (about 5 letters per title) on a cassette with Cassette Memory.  
Note, however, that only 11 titles can be recorded when other data (6 date/time  
data/1 cassette label/12 photo data) is recorded.  
1
Select a desired title from the displayed titles (2 original titles that you  
have created before and the preset titles that have been stored in your  
camcorder). You can create original titles (up to 2 types of title of within  
20 characters each) in the following procedure.  
1 Select [CUSTOM 1””] or [CUSTOM 2””] with  
/
, then  
touch [EXEC].  
2 Select [CREATE/EDIT] with  
/
, then touch [EXEC].  
3 Touch the button repeatedly to select the desired character on the  
button.  
TITLE SET  
[
____________________  
]
&?!  
ABC  
DEF  
T
t
GH I  
J
KL  
MNO  
123 678  
45  
90  
PQR  
S
TUV  
WXY  
Z
’ . ,  
OK  
/
To erase a character: Touch  
.
To insert a space: Touch  
.
4 Touch  
to move s to select the next character, and enter the  
character in the same manner.  
5 When you have finished entering characters, touch  
.
2
3
Select the title you want to insert, then touch [EXEC].  
To insert an original title, select  
and touch [EXEC].  
Touch [COLOR], [SIZE], [POSr] or [POSR] as necessary to select a  
desired color, size, or position.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
52  
     
Color  
white t yellow t violet t red t cyan t green t blue  
Size  
small y large  
(You can only select the small size when you are entering more than 13  
characters.)  
Position  
You can select from 8 to 9 choices.  
4
Touch [TITLE OK], then touch [SAVE TITLE].  
During playback, playback pause, or recording  
[TITLE SAVE] is displayed on the screen for about 5 seconds and the title is  
set.  
During recording standby  
[TITLE] appears. When you press REC START/STOP to start recording,  
[TITLE SAVE] is displayed on the screen for about 5 seconds, and the title is  
set.  
b Notes  
• The point you superimposed the title may be detected as an index signal when searching a  
recording with other video device.  
• When you are using your camcorder on the battery pack and do not operate it for 5 minutes,  
the power automatically goes off as the default setting. If you may take 5 minutes or longer  
to enter characters, set [A.SHUT OFF] on the  
(OTHERS) menu to [NEVER] (p. 60).  
The power will not be turned off. Even though the power goes off, the characters you have  
entered remain stored in memory. Turn the power back on, then start again from step 1 to  
continue superimposing the title.  
z Tip  
• To change a created title, select the title in step 1, touch [EXEC] and select [CREATE/  
EDIT], then touch [EXEC]. Then, reselect the characters again.  
TITLEERASE  
TITLE DSPL  
1
2
3
Select the title that you want to delete using  
[EXEC].  
/
, then touch  
.
Confirm the title is the one you want to delete, then touch  
To cancel the operation, touch [CANCEL].  
Touch  
.
You can view the title when you play back the picture.  
GON  
Select to display the title when a scene superimposed with a title  
appears.  
OFF  
Select when you do not want to display the title.  
,continued  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
53  
   
CM SEARCH  
TAPE TITLE  
GON  
Select to search for a scene, title, etc. using Cassette Memory (p. 40 -  
42).  
OFF  
Select to search without using Cassette Memory.  
You can label a cassette with Cassette Memory (up to 10 letters).  
The label will be displayed for approximately 5 seconds when you select the  
CAMERA mode and insert a cassette, or when you select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
Up to 4 titles will be displayed at the same time if the cassette has titles  
superimposed.  
1
Touch the button repeatedly to select the desired character on the button.  
TAPE TITLE  
[
__________  
]
&?!  
GH I  
ABC  
DEF  
T
t
J
KL  
MNO  
123 678  
45  
90  
PQR  
S
TUV  
WXY  
Z
’ . ,  
OK  
/
To erase a character: Touch  
.
To insert a space: Touch  
.
2
Touch  
to move s to select the next character, and enter the  
character in the same manner.  
3
4
When you have finished entering characters, touch  
.
Touch  
.
z Tips  
• To erase the label you have created, touch  
touch  
repeatedly to erase the characters, then  
.
• To change the label you have created, insert the cassette into your camcorder and go  
through the procedure from step 1.  
ERASE ALL  
You can delete all data such as date, title, cassette label, and photo data saved in  
the Cassette Memory at one time.  
1
Select  
, then touch [EXEC].  
To cancel deletion of all data, select [RETURN].  
2
3
Select [EXECUTE], then touch [EXEC].  
Touch  
.
Customizing Your Camcorder  
54  
     
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust  
vary depending on the power mode of your  
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can  
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will  
be grayed out.  
Using the  
(TAPE  
SET) menuREC MODE/FRAME  
REC/INT.REC, etc.  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
REMAIN  
STBY  
You can select items listed below on the TAPE  
SET menu. To select these items, see  
FRAME REC  
INT. REC  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
indicators in parentheses appear when the  
EXEC  
RET.  
REC MODE  
GSP ( SP )  
Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.  
LP ( LP )  
Select to increase the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long  
Play). The use of Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassette is  
recommended to get the most out of your camcorder.  
b Notes  
• You cannot add sound on the tape recorded in the LP mode.  
• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like noise may appear or sound may be interrupted  
when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs.  
• 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.  
AUDIO MODE  
REMAIN  
G12BIT  
Select to record in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).  
16BIT (  
)
Select to record in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).  
GAUTO  
Select to display the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds:  
• After you select the CAMERA mode with the cassette inserted, and  
your camcorder calculates the remaining amount of tape.  
• When you touch  
(play/pause).  
ON  
Select to always display the remaining tape indicator.  
FRAME REC  
You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately frame  
recording and then moving the subject a little. Operate your camcorder using the  
Remote Commander to prevent camera shake.  
GOFF  
Select to record in the standard recording mode.  
,continued  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
55  
           
ON (  
)
Select to record pictures using frame recording.  
1
2
3
Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].  
Touch  
.
Press REC START/STOP.  
A picture (approximately 6 frames) is recorded, and your  
camcorder enters the standby mode.  
4
Move the subject and repeat step 3.  
b Notes  
• When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated  
correctly.  
• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.  
INT.REC  
You can record pictures on the tape at a selected interval.  
You can achieve excellent recordings of flowers blooming, etc. with this function.  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor during  
the operation.  
[a]  
[a]  
[b]  
[b]  
a. [REC TIME]  
b. [INTERVAL]  
1
2
3
Select [SET], then touch [EXEC].  
Select [INTERVAL], then touch [EXEC].  
Select a desired interval time (30 seconds, 1, 5, 10 minutes), then touch  
[EXEC].  
4
5
Select [REC TIME], then touch [EXEC].  
Select a desired recording time (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 seconds), then touch  
[EXEC].  
6
7
8
Touch [ RET.].  
Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].  
Touch  
flashes.  
.
9
Press REC START/STOP.  
Interval recording starts.  
lights up on the screen during Interval recording.  
To cancel Interval recording, set to [OFF], then touch [EXEC] in the menu  
settings.  
b Note  
• There may be a discrepancy in recording time of up to ± 6 frames from the selected time.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
56  
 
z Tips  
• If you adjust the focus manually, you may be able to record clear pictures even if the light  
changes (p. 30).  
• You can silence the beeps during recording (p. 60).  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
57  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(SETUP  
CLOCK SET/  
MENU) menu  
USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM  
LANGUAGE  
STBY  
You can select items listed below on the SETUP  
MENU menu. To select items, see “Changing  
DEMO MODE  
EXEC  
RET.  
CLOCK SET  
You can set the date and time (p. 17).  
USB STREAM  
You can connect a USB cable (supplied) to your camcorder, and view the picture  
displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming).  
For details, refer to the “Computer Applications Guide.”  
GOFF  
Select to deactivate the USB Streaming function.  
Select to activate the USB Streaming function.  
ON  
LANGUAGE  
You can select or change the language used for the on-screen display (p. 20). You  
can select from English, Simplified English, Canadian-French, Latin American  
Spanish, Brazilian-Portuguese, Traditional-Chinese or Korean.  
DEMO MODE  
When you remove a cassette from your camcorder, and select the CAMERA  
mode, you can view the demonstration in about 10 minutes.  
GON  
Select to see an overview of the functions available such as when you  
are using this camcorder for the first time.  
OFF  
Select when you do not want to use DEMO MODE.  
b Note  
• You can view the demonstration only when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to OFF.  
z Tips  
• The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below.  
– When you touch the screen during the demonstration. (The demonstration starts again in  
about 10 minutes.)  
– When a cassette is inserted.  
– When a mode other than CAMERA is selected.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
58  
         
• If [A.SHUT OFF] is set to [5min] when the camcorder is used on the battery pack, the  
power will be turned off after approximately 5 minutes (p. 60).  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
59  
The default settings are marked with G. The  
settings you can adjust vary depending on the  
power mode of your camcorder. The screen  
shows the items you can operate at the moment.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
Using the  
(OTHERS) menuWORLD  
TIME, etc.  
OTHERS  
STBY  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
A. SHUT OFF  
COMMANDER  
DISPLAY  
You can select items listed below on the  
OTHERS menu. To select these items, see  
REC LAMP  
EXEC  
RET.  
WORLD TIME  
You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the  
time difference by touching , and the clock will be adjusted in  
/
accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock  
returns to the originally set time.  
BEEP  
GMELODY  
Select to sound a melody when you start/stop recording, operate the  
touch panel, or when an unusual condition occurs on your camcorder.  
NORMAL  
OFF  
Select to sound a beep instead of the melody.  
Select to cancel the melody, the beep sound, the shutter sound or the  
confirmation beep sound for operation on the touch panel.  
A.SHUT OFF  
G5min  
Select to activate Auto shut off. When approximately 5 minutes have  
elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder is  
automatically turned off to prevent the battery from becoming  
consumed.  
NEVER  
Select to deactivate Auto shut off.  
b Note  
• When you connect your camcorder to the wall outlet, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set  
to [NEVER].  
COMMANDER  
GON  
Select to use the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.  
OFF  
Select to deactivate the Remote Commander to prevent your  
camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR  
remote control unit.  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
60  
                 
b Note  
• The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
DISPLAY  
GLCD  
Select to show the displays such as the time code on the LCD screen  
and in the viewfinder.  
V-OUT/LCD  
Select to show the displays such as the time code on the TV screen,  
LCD screen, and in the viewfinder.  
REC LAMP  
GON  
Select to turn on the camera recording lamp on the front of your  
camcorder during recording.  
OFF  
Select this setting in the following recording situations. The camera  
recording lamp will not light up during recording.  
• When you do not want the subject to be nervous about being  
recorded.  
• When you are recording close to the subject.  
• When the subject reflects the recording lamp.  
VIDEO EDIT  
Select to make programs and dubbing the selected scenes to a tape on a VCR  
Customizing Your Camcorder  
61  
   
Dubbing/Editing  
You can record the picture from a VCR to a  
tape inserted into your camcorder (p. 63).  
You can also create a copy of the picture  
recorded on your camcorder on other  
recording device (p. 63).  
Connecting to a VCR  
or TV  
Connect your camcorder to a TV or VCR as  
shown in the following illustration.  
Connecting with an i.LINK cable  
DV Interface  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
i.LINK jack  
A/V OUT jack  
When you have an S video jack on your  
TV or VCR*2  
S video plug  
(black)  
Yellow  
A/V connecting cable  
(supplied)*1  
White  
To the audio/video  
input jacks  
VCRs or TVs  
Red  
Signal flow  
*1 The supplied A/V connecting cable has a video  
V connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or  
the white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the  
TV.  
plug and an S video plug for the video connection.  
*2 This connection produces higher quality DV  
format pictures. When there is an S video jack on  
the device to be connected, connect the S video  
plug to that jack instead of using the yellow video  
plug. The audio will not be output when you  
connect with the S video plug alone.  
To use an i.LINK cable for connection  
Use an i.LINK cable (optional) to connect your  
camcorder to the other device via the DV  
Interface. The video and sound signals are  
transmitted digitally, producing high quality  
pictures. Note that you cannot record the picture  
b Notes on the A/V connecting cable  
• When you connect your camcorder to the other  
devices using the A/V connecting cable, make sure  
the [DISPLAY] setting in the  
(OTHERS)  
menu is set to [LCD] (the default setting) before  
connecting (p. 61).  
• When you are connecting your camcorder to  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/  
Dubbing/Editing  
62  
         
Dubbing to another  
tape  
Recording pictures  
from a VCR  
You can copy and edit the picture played  
back on your camcorder to other recording  
devices (such as VCRs).  
You can record and edit pictures from a VCR  
on a tape inserted in your camcorder via an  
i.LINK cable.  
Insert a cassette for recording in your  
camcorder.  
1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder  
as a recording device (p. 62).  
1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder  
2 Prepare your VCR for recording.  
• Insert a cassette for recording.  
• If your VCR has an input selector, set it to  
the input mode.  
2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
3 Prepare your camcorder for playback.  
• Insert the recorded cassette.  
3 Set your camcorder to recording pause  
mode.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
1 Touch  
and select [PAGE3].  
2 Touch [REC CTRL].  
3 Touch [REC PAUSE].  
4 Start the playback on your camcorder,  
4 Start playing the cassette on your  
and record it on the VCR.  
VCR.  
Refer to the operating instructions supplied  
with your VCR for details.  
The picture played on the connected device  
appears on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder.  
5 When the dubbing is finished, stop  
your camcorder and the VCR.  
5 Touch [REC START] at the point you  
want to start recording.  
b Notes  
• When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via  
the DV Interface, you cannot record the title,  
indicators, information for the Cassette Memory.  
• When dubbing using the A/V connecting cable,  
press DSPL/BATT INFO to hide indicators such as  
time code (p. 37). Otherwise, they will be recorded  
on the tape.  
6 Touch  
(stop) to stop recording.  
7 Touch [ RET.], then  
.
• When dubbing using the A/V connecting cable, to  
record the date/time and camera settings data, have  
it displayed on the screen (p. 37).  
z Tip  
appears when you connect your camcorder  
and other devices.  
• Pictures edited with Picture effect ([P EFFECT]  
(p. 45)) cannot be output via the DV Interface.  
• When connected using the i.LINK cable, the  
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture is  
paused on your camcorder while recording to a  
VCR.  
Dubbing/Editing  
63  
         
• Insert a cassette for recording.  
• Set the input selector to input mode if your  
VCR has one.  
Dubbing selected  
scenes from a tape  
3 Prepare your camcorder (playing  
device).  
Digital program editing  
You can select up to 20 scenes (programs)  
and record them in the desired order to other  
recording device such as VCRs.  
• Insert a cassette for editing.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
4 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
5 Touch MENU.  
6 Select  
(OTHERS), then select  
[VIDEO EDIT] with  
/
,
then touch [EXEC].  
7 Touch [EDIT SET].  
Step 1: Preparing your camcorder  
and VCR for operation  
Follow the steps below when you are  
performing Digital program editing for the  
first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip  
this setting if you have set up the VCR by the  
following procedure before.  
8 Select [CONTROL] with  
/
,
then touch [EXEC].  
b Notes  
• You cannot perform Digital program editing on a  
VCR that does not support [IR SETUP] codes.  
• The operating signal for Digital program editing  
cannot be transferred via the LANC jack.  
• When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via  
the DV Interface, you cannot record the title,  
indicators, information for the Cassette Memory.  
9 Select i.LINK or [IR].  
When connecting with an i.LINK  
cable  
1 Connect your VCR to the camcorder  
as a recording device (p. 62).  
Select i.LINK with  
/
, then  
You can use either the A/V connecting  
cable or the i.LINK cable to make the  
connection. The dubbing procedure is  
easier with the i.LINK connection.  
When connecting with an A/V  
connecting cable  
2 Prepare your VCR.  
Dubbing/Editing  
64  
             
Select [IR] with  
/
, then  
[EXEC]. Follow the procedure described in  
When recording fails to start, select another  
[IR SETUP] code and try again.  
[IR SETUP] code list  
To set the [IR SETUP] code  
The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded  
on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as  
the default setting.)  
When you connect with an A/V connecting  
cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code  
signal to see if your VCR can be operated by  
your camcorder (infrared ray emitter).  
Manufacturing  
company  
[IR SETUP] code  
Remote sensor  
VCR  
Infrared ray emitter  
Sony  
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  
89  
Admiral (M. Wards)  
Aiwa  
47, 54, 80  
49, 51  
Akai  
Audio Dynamic  
21, 35  
Bell&Howell (M. Wards) 36  
Broksonic  
Canon  
21, 70, 82  
1
2
Select [IR SETUP] with  
then touch [EXEC].  
/
,
77, 78  
Citizen  
47  
Select the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR  
with , then touch [EXEC].  
Craig  
47, 73  
/
Curtis Mathis  
Daewoo  
DBX  
8, 77, 80  
For the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR,  
When there is more than 1 code listed for  
the manufacturer of your VCR, try each  
code and find the most appropriate one.  
26, 40, 77  
21, 33, 35  
Dimensia  
Emerson  
Fisher  
8
3
4
Select [PAUSEMODE] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
26, 48, 59, 70, 80, 81, 82  
36, 37, 44, 45  
Touch  
/
to select the mode to  
Funai  
80  
cancel the recording pause on your VCR,  
then touch [EXEC].  
Refer to the operating instructions supplied  
with your VCR for details on operation.  
General Electric  
Goldstar/LG  
GO VIDEO  
Hitachi  
8, 32*, 77, 94*, 101  
47  
71  
5
Point the infrared ray emitter of your  
camcorder towards the remote sensor on  
your VCR, from about 30 cm (12 in.)  
away, with no obstructions.  
8, 42, 78  
HQ  
40  
Instant Replay  
JC Penny  
JVC  
77, 78  
8, 21, 33, 35, 36, 42, 77  
12, 13, 14, 21, 33, 35  
21, 33, 35, 47  
6
7
8
Insert a cassette into your VCR, and set  
the VCR to recording pause.  
Select [IR TEST] with  
then touch [EXEC].  
/
,
Kenwood  
LXI (Sears)  
36, 37, 42, 44, 45, 47,  
49, 80  
Select [EXECUTE] with  
then touch [EXEC].  
The recording starts on your VCR when the  
setting is correct. [COMPLETE] appears  
when the [IR SETUP] code test is finished.  
/
,
Magnavox  
Marantz  
17, 77, 78, 83  
21, 33, 35  
,continued  
Dubbing/Editing  
65  
         
* TV/VCR component  
Manufacturing  
company  
[IR SETUP] code  
Marta  
47  
Step 2: Adjusting the  
synchronization of the VCR  
Memorex  
Minolta  
37, 77  
8, 42  
Mitsubishi/MGA  
Multitech  
NEC  
22, 23, 24, 28, 29  
23, 32, 80  
21, 33, 35  
77, 78  
Follow the steps below when you are  
performing Digital program editing for the  
first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip  
this setting if you have set up your VCR  
before using the following procedure.  
You can adjust the synchronization of your  
camcorder and the VCR to avoid not  
recording the starting scene.  
Olympic  
Optimus  
Orion  
22  
60  
Panasonic  
Pentax  
16, 17, 77, 78  
8, 42  
Philco  
26, 70, 77, 78  
47, 77, 78, 83  
78  
1 Remove the cassette from your  
camcorder. Prepare a pen and paper  
to take notes.  
Philips  
Pioneer  
Quasar  
6, 16, 17, 77, 78  
2 Set the VCR to recording pause mode.  
RCA/PROSCAN  
7, 8, 16, 40, 41, 42, 77,  
78, 78*, 83, 101  
Skip this step if you have selected i.LINK in  
Realistic  
Sansui  
22, 36, 37, 77, 80, 88  
21  
73  
b Note  
• Run the tape for about 10 seconds before  
pausing. The starting scenes may not get  
recorded when you start recording from  
the beginning of the tape.  
Singer  
Samsung  
24, 24*, 32, 32*, 41, 94,  
94*  
Sanyo  
Scott  
26, 36, 37, 47  
22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 37,  
40, 41  
3 Select [ADJ TEST] with  
/
,
then touch [EXEC].  
Sharp  
88, 89  
END  
V I DEO ED I T  
ED I T SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT-IN”  
”CUT-OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
Shintom  
Signature 2000  
Sylvania  
Symphonic  
Tashiro  
Tatung  
73  
RETURN  
80, 89  
EXECUTE  
ENGAGE  
77, 78, 80, 83  
80  
REC PAUSE  
EXEC  
RET.  
47  
21, 33, 35  
21, 33, 35, 80  
77, 78  
4 Select [EXECUTE] with  
/
,
Teac  
then touch [EXEC].  
Technics  
Toshiba  
Wards  
[EXECUTING] flashes and a picture (about  
50 seconds long) with 5 [IN] and [OUT]  
indicators each for adjusting  
7, 40, 49  
37, 47, 88, 89, 95  
21, 33, 35, 36  
95  
Yamaha  
Zenith  
Dubbing/Editing  
66  
   
synchronization is recorded. [COMPLETE]  
appears when the recording is finished.  
10Touch  
/
to select the  
average number value for [OUT], then  
touch [EXEC].  
END  
V I DEO ED I T  
ED I T SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT-IN”  
COMPLETE  
The calculated stop position for recording is  
set.  
”CUT-OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
EXEC  
RET.  
11Touch [ END], then touch  
.
5 Rewind the tape on your VCR, then  
play back in slow mode.  
Recording the selected scenes as  
programs  
5 opening numbers for each [IN] and  
closing numbers for each [OUT] appear.  
6 Take a note of the opening number  
value of each [IN] and the closing  
number value of each [OUT], then  
calculate the average number value for  
each [IN] and [OUT].  
When you are performing Digital program  
editing for the first time to a tape in a VCR,  
go through the procedures described in Steps  
1 Prepare a cassette.  
7 Select [”CUT-IN”] with  
/
,
Insert a tape to be played back into the  
camcorder, then insert a cassette for  
recording into your VCR.  
then touch [EXEC].  
END  
V I DEO ED I T  
ED I T SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT-IN”  
0
”CUT-OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
EXEC  
RET.  
3 Touch MENU.  
8 Touch  
/
to select the  
4 Select  
(OTHERS), then select  
average number value for [IN], then  
touch [EXEC].  
[VIDEO EDIT] with  
/
,
then touch [EXEC].  
The calculated start position for recording  
is set.  
5 Search for the beginning of the first  
scene that you want to dub on your  
camcorder, then pause playback.  
9 Select [”CUT-OUT”] with  
/
, then touch [EXEC].  
You can adjust the position with  
(frame).  
/
END  
V I DEO ED I T  
ED I T SET  
CONTROL  
ADJ TEST  
”CUT-IN”  
”CUT-OUT”  
IR SETUP  
PAUSEMODE  
IR TEST  
0
6 Touch [MARK IN].  
EXEC  
RET.  
,continued  
Dubbing/Editing  
67  
 
The starting point of the first program is set,  
and the upper part of the program mark  
changes to light blue.  
[SEARCH] appears during the search and  
[EDITING] appears during editing.  
0:08:55:06  
V I DEO ED IT  
ED I T  
SET  
UNDO  
MARK START  
OUT  
TOTAL 0:00:00:00  
SCENE  
0
END  
When a program is recorded, the program  
mark stops flashing and remains lit. When  
all programs have been recorded, the  
program editing operation stops  
automatically.  
7 Search for the end of the first scene  
that you want to record on your  
camcorder, then pause playback.  
To cancel recording, touch [CANCEL].  
You can adjust the position with  
(frame).  
/
To end Digital program editing  
Touch [ END].  
8 Touch [MARK OUT].  
The ending point of the first program is set,  
and the lower part of the program mark  
changes to light blue.  
To save a program without using it to  
record  
Touch [ END] in step 9.  
The program is stored in memory until the  
cassette is ejected.  
To erase programs  
1
2
3
then touch [UNDO].  
9 Repeat steps 5 to 8 and create  
Touch [ERASE 1MARK] to delete the  
last set program. Or, touch [ERASE  
ALL] to delete all the programs.  
programs.  
10Set your VCR to recording pause.  
Touch [EXEC].  
The programs are deleted.  
To cancel this operation, touch [CANCEL].  
Skip this step if your camcorder is  
connected via an i.LINK cable.  
b Notes  
11Touch [START].  
• You cannot set the starting point or ending point on  
a blank section of the tape. If there is a blank section,  
the total time may not appear correctly.  
• When you cannot operate the device correctly using  
an i.LINK cable connection, select [IR] in step 9 on  
page 64, and set the [IR SETUP] code.  
12Touch [EXEC].  
A search for the beginning of the first  
program starts, then the recording starts.  
Dubbing/Editing  
68  
You can record additional audio to the  
original sound on the tape. You can add  
sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit  
mode without erasing the original sound.  
Dubbing sound to a  
recorded tape  
Preparing for audio recording  
and the sound by connecting your camcorder to a TV  
using the A/V connecting cable. However, the sound  
you have recorded afterwards is not output from the  
speaker. Check the sound by using a TV.  
Record audio in one of the following ways.  
• Using the internal microphone (no connection  
required).  
• Connecting a microphone (optional) to the  
MIC jack.  
The audio input to be recorded takes precedence  
over others in the order of MIC jack t internal  
microphone.  
Recording sound  
1 Insert a recorded tape into your  
b Notes  
camcorder.  
• You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape is recorded in the 16-bit mode.  
– When the tape is recorded in the LP mode.  
– When your camcorder is connected via the i.LINK  
cable.  
2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set to  
SAVE.  
• When you are using the internal microphone to  
record additional sound, the picture will not be  
output from the A/V OUT jack. Check the picture on  
the LCD screen or the viewfinder.  
3 Touch  
(play) to play back the  
tape.  
• When you use an external microphone (optional) to  
record additional audio, you can check the picture  
Dubbing/Editing  
69  
     
perform steps 4 to 8. The recording stops  
automatically at the selected scene.  
4 Touch  
(pause) again at the point  
where you want to start recording the  
sound.  
b Note  
• 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-HC20  
camcorders).  
The playback pauses.  
5 Touch  
and select [PAGE3].  
6 Touch [A DUB CTRL].  
Checking and adjusting the  
recorded sound  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
A
DUB CTRL  
RET.  
AUDIO  
DUB  
1 Play back the tape on which you have  
7 Touch [AUDIO DUB].  
A green  
screen.  
X mark appears on the LCD  
2 Touch  
to display [PAGE1].  
60min  
A DUB CTRL  
0:00:00:00  
RET.  
3 Touch MENU.  
4 Select  
(VCR SET), then select  
AUDIO  
DUB  
[AUDIO MIX] with  
/
, then  
touch [EXEC].  
VCR SET  
HiFi SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
ST1  
8 Touch  
(play) and start playing  
back the audio you want to record at  
the same time.  
ST2  
RET.  
A red  
mark remains on the LCD screen  
EXEC  
while recording sound.  
The new sound is recorded in stereo 2  
([ST2]) during the playback of the tape.  
5 Touch  
/
to adjust the  
balance between the original sound  
([ST1]) and the sound added  
afterwards ([ST2]). Then, touch  
[EXEC].  
9 Touch  
(stop) when you want to  
stop recording.  
To dub on other scenes, repeat steps 3 and 4  
to select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB].  
The original sound ([ST1]) is output in the  
default setting.  
The adjusted audio balance returns to the  
default setting in about 5 minutes after the  
battery pack or other power sources have  
been disconnected.  
10Touch [ RET.], then  
.
To set the end point for audio dubbing  
During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY  
on the Remote Commander at the scene at  
which you want to stop audio dubbing. Then,  
Dubbing/Editing  
70  
 
Creating DVDs or  
VCDs  
When your camcorder is connected to a Sony  
VAIO series personal computer, you can easily  
burn the picture recorded on the tape to a DVD  
(Direct Access to “Click to DVD”). And, when  
your camcorder is connected to a personal  
computer, you can easily burn the picture  
recorded on the tape to a CD-R (Direct Access  
to Video CD Burn).  
1 Touch  
and select [PAGE2].  
2 Touch [BURN DVD] when creating a  
DVD, or touch [BURN VCD] when  
creating a VCD.  
For details, refer to the “Computer  
Applications Guide.”  
Dubbing/Editing  
71  
         
Troubleshooting  
persists, remove the power source and  
contact your Sony dealer.  
If “C:ss:ss” is displayed on the LCD  
screen or the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis  
display function is activated. See page 78 for  
details.  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problem using your  
camcorder, use the following table to  
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem  
Overall operations  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The power does not turn on.  
• The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the  
camcorder.  
cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder. (p. 12)  
cUse the AC Adaptor to connect to the wall outlet. (p. 14)  
The camcorder does not operate even cDisconnect the AC Adaptor from a wall outlet or remove the battery  
when the power is set to on.  
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not  
work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press  
the RESET button, all settings including the clock setting are reset.)  
The supplied Remote Commander  
does not function.  
cSet [COMMANDER] on the  
(OTHERS) menu to [ON]. (p. 60)  
cInsert a battery into the battery holder with the + – polarities correctly  
matching the + – marks. If this still does not solve the problem, insert a  
new battery since the battery is dead. (p. 95)  
cRemove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the  
remote sensor.  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• This is because the power has been turned on for a long time. This is not  
a malfunction.  
Battery/Power sources  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not  
light while the battery pack is being  
charged.  
cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the lamp still does  
not light up, then it indicates that no power is supplied from the wall  
outlet.  
• The battery charge is completed. (p. 12)  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem  
the battery pack is being charged.  
persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact  
your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. (p. 12)  
The battery pack is quickly  
discharged.  
• The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has  
not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.  
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the  
battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged. (p. 12, 83)  
Troubleshooting  
72  
   
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The remaining battery time indicator • The temperature of the environment is too high or too low, or the battery  
does not indicate the correct time.  
pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.  
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the  
battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged. (p. 12, 84)  
The power turns off frequently  
although the remaining battery  
indicator indicates that the battery  
pack has enough power to operate.  
• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the  
battery pack has not been charged enough.  
cFully charge the battery again to correct the indication. (p. 12)  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• [A.SHUT OFF] in the  
(OTHERS) menu is set to [5min]. (p. 60)  
cWhen approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate  
your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off.  
Slide the POWER switch down to turn the power on again. (p. 15) Or  
use the AC Adaptor.  
A problem occurs when the  
camcorder is connected to the AC  
Adaptor.  
cTurn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet.  
Then, connect it again.  
Cassette tapes  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Cassette cannot be ejected from the  
compartment.  
cMake sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected  
correctly. (p. 12)  
cRemove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again. (p. 12)  
cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder. (p. 12)  
Cassette is not ejected even when the • Moisture condensation is starting in your camcorder. (p. 86)  
cassette lid is open.  
The Cassette Memory indicator does cClean the gold-plated connector of the cassette. (p. 83)  
not appear while using a cassette with  
Cassette Memory.  
The remaining tape indicator is not  
displayed.  
cSet [  
REMAIN] to [ON] on the  
(TAPE SET) menu to always  
display the remaining tape indicator. (p. 55)  
A cassette label is not recorded.  
cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 82)  
cErase unnecessary titles when the Cassette Memory is full. (p. 53)  
cSet the write-protect tab to REC. (p. 82)  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
An unknown language appears on the cSee page 20.  
screen.  
,continued  
Troubleshooting  
73  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
An unknown picture appears on the  
screen.  
• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE]. ([DEMO MODE] is automatically  
displayed when you leave the camcorder for 10 minutes after selecting  
CAMERA without inserting a cassette.)  
cTouch on the LCD screen or insert a cassette to cancel [DEMO  
MODE]. You can also set [DEMO MODE] to [OFF] on the  
(SETUP MENU) menu. (p. 58)  
An unknown indicator appears on the cRefer to the indicator list. (p. 97)  
screen.  
The buttons do not appear on the  
touch panel.  
cTouch the LCD panel lightly.  
cPress DSPL/BATT INFO (or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander).  
The buttons on the touch panel do not cAdjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]). (p. 87)  
work correctly or do not work at all.  
The picture in the viewfinder is not  
clear.  
cExtend the viewfinder. (p. 16)  
cUse the viewfinder lens adjustment lever to adjust the lens. (p. 16)  
The picture in the viewfinder has  
disappeared.  
cClose the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder  
when the LCD panel is open. (p. 16)  
The picture remains on the LCD  
screen.  
• This occurs when your camcorder is turned off forcibly by removing the  
battery pack, disconnecting the DC plug from your camcorder or the like  
while turning on the power. This is not a malfunction.  
Recording  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The tape does not start when you  
press REC START/STOP.  
cSlide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA mode. (p. 15)  
cThe tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.  
cSet the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette. (p. 82)  
cThe 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. (p. 86)  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• [A.SHUT OFF] in the  
(OTHERS) menu is set to [5min]. (p. 60)  
cWhen approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate  
your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off.  
Slide the POWER switch down to turn the power on again. (p. 15) Or  
use the AC Adaptor.  
cCharge the battery pack. (p. 12)  
The SteadyShot function does not  
function.  
cSet STEADYSHOT to [ON] in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu. (p. 48)  
Auto focus does not function.  
cSet [FOCUS] to [ AUTO]. (p. 30)  
cThe recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus  
manually. (p. 30)  
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.  
Troubleshooting  
74  
Troubleshooting  
75  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Cannot perform Date search with the cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 82)  
recording date displayed on the  
screen.  
cSet [CM SEARCH] to [ON] in the  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is  
(CM SET) menu. (p. 54)  
not a malfunction.  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
• 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.  
The END SEARCH function does not • The cassette was ejected after recording when using a cassette without  
work.  
Cassette Memory. (p. 82)  
• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.  
The END SEARCH function does not • There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is  
work correctly.  
not a malfunction.  
Noises appear and  
on the screen.  
is displayed • The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your  
camcorder. This is not a malfunction. (p. 81)  
Dubbing/Editing  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Cannot dub correctly using the A/V  
connecting cable.  
cMake sure your camcorder is connected correctly to the input jack of the  
other device via the A/V connecting cable.  
cSet [DISPLAY] to [LCD] in the  
(OTHERS) menu. (p. 61)  
Pictures from connected devices are • The input signal is not NTSC. (p. 63)  
not displayed correctly.  
New sound added to a recorded tape cIn the  
(VCR SET) menu, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1]  
is not heard. (original sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately. (p. 50)  
A title is not recorded/A cassette label cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 82)  
is not recorded.  
cErase unnecessary titles when the Cassette Memory is full. (p. 53)  
cSet the write-protect tab to REC. (p. 82)  
• A title cannot be added to a blank section of the tape.  
The title is not displayed.  
cSet [TITLE DSPL] to [ON] in the  
(CM SET) menu. (p. 53)  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the title is not displayed.  
The title cannot be deleted.  
Title search does not work.  
cSet the write-protect tab to REC. (p. 82)  
cEnter a title if there is no title on the tape. (p. 52)  
cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 82)  
cSet [CM SEARCH] to [ON] in the  
(CM SET) menu. (p. 54)  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is  
not a malfunction.  
Troubleshooting  
76  
 
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Digital program editing does not  
function.  
cSet the input selector on the VCR correctly, then check the connection  
between your camcorder and the VCR. (p. 62)  
cWhen your camcorder is connected to a DV device that is not a Sony  
product via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1: Preparing  
cAdjust the synchronization of the VCR. (p. 66)  
cEnter a correct [IR SETUP] code. (p. 65)  
cSelect the mode used to cancel recording pause again. (p. 65)  
cSet your camcorder and the VCR more than 30 cm (12 in.) apart. (p. 65)  
• The program may not be set to a blank section on the tape.  
The VCR is not responding properly • While connecting via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1:  
during Digital program editing when  
it is connected via an i.LINK cable.  
Troubleshooting  
77  
Warning indicators  
and messages  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators  
If indicators appear on the screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in parentheses  
for details.  
Indication  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Self-  
diagnosis display)  
Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after  
you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized  
Sony service facility.  
C:04:ss  
cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.  
Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 83)  
C:21:ss  
cMoisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette. (p. 86)  
C:22:ss  
cClean the head using a cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 87)  
C:31ss / C:32ss  
cSymptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove and  
insert the cassette, then operate your camcorder again. Do not perform  
this procedure if moisture starts to condense. (p. 86)  
cRemove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your  
camcorder again.  
cChange the tape.  
cPress the RESET button (p. 92), then operate your camcorder again.  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss  
cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.  
Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.”  
E (Battery level warning)  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
• Depending on the operating, environmental, or battery conditions, E  
may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes remaining.  
% (Moisture condensation warning)* cEject the cassette, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), and leave  
it for about 1 hour with the cassette lid open (p. 86).  
Q (Warning indicator pertaining to Slow flashing:  
the tape)  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape.  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 82).*  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 82).  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 86).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 78).  
Troubleshooting  
78  
         
Indication  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
the external flash)  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
Slow flashing:  
• During charging  
Fast flashing:  
• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 78).*  
• There is something wrong with the external flash (optional).  
* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.  
Troubleshooting  
79  
Warning messages  
If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.  
Subjects  
Indications  
Corrective Actions/References  
Battery  
Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
Battery level is low.  
cCharge the battery (p. 12).  
Old battery. Use a new one.  
Z Re-attach the power source.  
% Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette  
% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.  
Q Insert a cassette.  
Moisture  
condensation  
cThe cassette might be damaged, etc.  
Cassette/tape  
Z Reinsert the cassette.  
Q Z The tape is locked - check the tab.  
Q The tape has reached the end.  
Use a cassette with Cassette Memory.  
Charging... Cannot record still images.  
• You tried to record an image while  
charging the flash. Wait until the flash  
charge indicator remains lit.  
Others  
Cannot record due to copyright protection.  
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the i.LINK cable. cSee page 69.  
Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot add audio.  
Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot add audio.  
Cannot add audio on the blank portion of a tape. cSee page 69.  
Cassette Memory is full. cSee page 54.  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette. cSee page 87.  
x
Cannot start Easy Handycam  
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam  
Cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected  
Invalid button with Easy Handycam operation  
USB invalid during Easy Handycam  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot playback.  
cTouch  
.
cYour camcorder cannot play back this  
format. Play back the tape with  
equipment that recorded it.  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio.  
Cover is not open.  
cYour camcorder cannot play back this  
format. Add audio with equipment  
that recorded it.  
cOpen the lens cover.  
Troubleshooting  
80  
 
Additional Information  
Simple setting of clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to the local time by  
setting a time difference when using your  
camcorder abroad. Select [WORLD TIME] in  
Using your camcorder  
abroad  
the  
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time  
Power supply  
You can use your camcorder in any countries/  
regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with  
your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V,  
50/60 Hz.  
Use a commercially available AC plug  
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the  
design of the wall outlet [b].  
[b]  
AC-L25A/L25B  
[a]  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is an NTSC system-based  
camcorder. If you want to view the playback  
picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC system-  
based TV (see the following list) with the  
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  
PAL - N  
SECAM  
Brazil  
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay  
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.  
Additional Information  
81  
           
z Tip  
• The memory capacity of the cassette marked with  
is 4k bits. Your camcorder can  
accommodate cassettes having a memory capacity  
of up to 16k bits.  
Usable cassette  
tapes  
Copyright signal  
When you play back  
You can use the mini DV format cassette  
only. Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
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.  
is a trademark.  
Cassette Memory  
There are 2 types of mini DV cassettes: those  
with Cassette Memory and those without  
Cassette Memory. Cassettes with Cassette  
When you record  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright  
control signals for copyright protection  
of software.  
Memory have the  
(Cassette Memory)  
mark. A cassette with Cassette Memory is  
recommended for use on your camcorder.  
[Cannot record due to copyright protection.]  
appears on the LCD screen, or on the TV screen  
if you try to record such software.  
Your camcorder does not record copyright  
control signals on the tape when it records.  
is a trademark.  
IC memory is mounted on this type of cassette.  
Your camcorder can read and write data such as  
dates of recording or titles from/to this memory.  
The functions using the Cassette Memory  
require successive signals recorded on the tape.  
If the tape has a blank section at the beginning  
or between recorded sections, titles may not be  
displayed properly or the search functions may  
not work properly.  
Notes on use  
To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set  
to SAVE.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
made on the tape  
Touch [END SCH] to go to the end of the  
recorded section before you begin the next  
recording in the following cases:  
– You have ejected the cassette during  
recording.  
– You have played back the tape.  
– You have used the EDIT SEARCH function.  
If there is a blank section or discontinuous  
signals on your tape, re-record from the  
beginning to the end of the tape as described  
above.  
REC: The cassette can be recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-  
protected).  
b Note  
• The Cassette Memory may not function correctly  
when you record using a digital video camera  
recorder that does not support Cassette Memory, on  
a tape already recorded on using a Cassette Memory-  
compatible digital video camera recorder.  
Additional Information  
82  
         
When labeling the cassette  
Be sure to place the label only on the locations  
as shown in the following illustration so as not  
to cause malfunction of your camcorder.  
About the  
InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
This unit is compatible with the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series). Your  
camcorder operates only with the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
“InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs have the  
mark.  
Labeling position  
What is the “ InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
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.  
The “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.  
With an AC Adaptor/charger (optional), the  
remaining battery time and charging time  
appear.  
When the Cassette Memory function  
does not work  
Re-insert the cassette. Cassette Memory may  
not work when the gold-plated connector is  
dirty or dusty.  
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.  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is  
dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may  
not be indicated correctly, and you may not be  
able to operate functions using Cassette  
Memory.  
• 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.  
• After charging is complete, either disconnect  
the cable from the DC IN jack on your  
camcorder or remove the battery pack.  
Gold-plated  
connector  
,continued  
Additional Information  
83  
       
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 followings to use the battery pack  
for a longer time.  
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it  
up, and insert it in your camcorder right  
before you start taking shots.  
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 on your  
camcorder once a year to maintain the proper  
function.  
To store the battery pack, remove it from your  
camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place.  
• To completely use up the battery pack on your  
camcorder, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER]  
on the  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-  
FP70/FP90 (optional).  
leave your camcorder in tape recording  
standby until the power goes off without a  
cassette inserted.  
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or rewind operation  
wears out the battery pack faster. We  
recommend using a large capacity battery  
pack: NP-FP70/FP90 (optional).  
• 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 2 or 3  
times the expected recording time, and make  
trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
About battery life  
• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity  
drops little by little as you use it more and  
more, and as time passes. When the available  
battery time is shortened considerably, a  
probable cause is that the battery pack has  
reached the end of its life. Please buy a new  
battery pack.  
• The battery life varies depending on how it is  
stored and the operating conditions and  
environment for each battery pack.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
About 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. The  
indication on the 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  
guide to the approximate shooting time.  
• 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 and  
environment.  
Additional Information  
84  
   
device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK  
interface on some devices.  
The maximum baud rate for device that does not  
have any indication (such as this unit) is  
“S100.”  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to device with  
a different maximum baud rate.  
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.  
What is i.LINK?  
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for  
transferring digital video, digital audio, and  
other data to other i.LINK-compatible device.  
You can also control other device using the  
i.LINK.  
* What is Mbps?  
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the  
amount of data that can be sent or received in 1  
second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps means  
that 100 megabits of data can be sent in 1 second.  
i.LINK-compatible device can be connected  
using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are  
operations and data transactions with various  
digital AV devices.  
When 2 or more i.LINK-compatible devices are  
connected to this unit in a daisy chain,  
operations and data transactions are possible  
with not only the device that this unit is  
connected to but also with other devices via the  
directly connected device.  
Note, however, that the method of operation  
sometimes varies according to the  
characteristics and specifications of the device  
to be connected. Also, operations and data  
transactions may not be possible on some  
connected devices.  
To use i.LINK functions on this unit  
For details on how to dub when this unit is  
connected to other video device having a DV  
This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK  
(DV Interface) compatible device made by  
Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as  
well as to video device.  
Before connecting this unit to your computer,  
make sure that application software supported  
by this unit is already installed on your  
computer.  
Some i.LINK compatible video devices such as  
Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players,  
and MICROMV recorders/players are not  
compatible with DV device. Before connecting  
to other device, be sure to confirm whether the  
device is compatible with DV device or not.  
For details on precautions and compatible  
application software, refer also to the operating  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
b Note  
• Normally, only one device can be connected to this  
unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this  
unit to i.LINK-compatible device having 2 or more  
DV Interfaces, refer to the operating instructions of  
the device to be connected.  
z Tips  
About the required i.LINK cable  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
• 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.  
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized  
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics  
Engineers.  
i.LINK and  
are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
About i.LINK Baud rate  
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according  
to the device. There are 3 types.  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in  
the operating instructions of each piece of  
Additional Information  
85  
   
• 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, pull by  
the plug and not the cord.  
Maintenance and  
precautions  
• Do not damage the power cord such as by  
placing anything heavy on it.  
On use and care  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations.  
– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. 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.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
• Keep the Remote Commander and button-  
type battery out of children’s reach. If the  
battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a  
doctor immediately.  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical  
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.  
– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The  
camcorder may not be able to record  
properly.  
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
– 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.  
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin.  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by  
playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.  
Otherwise, unplug it from the wall outlet.  
Moisture condensation  
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.  
– Anywhere very humid.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 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 get inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, or mechanical shock. Be  
particularly careful of the lens.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF  
(CHG) when you are not using your  
camcorder.  
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 1 hour with the  
cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be used  
again if % or Z does not appear when the power  
is turned on again.  
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.  
Additional Information  
86  
   
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 add 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.  
To clean the LCD screen  
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  
dirty, it is recommended you use the cleaning  
cloth (supplied) 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.  
On adjustment of the LCD screen  
(CALIBRATION)  
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 using the supplied  
AC Adaptor during the operation.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
How to prevent 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 1 hour).  
Video head  
1
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF  
(CHG).  
• When the video head becomes dirty, you  
cannot record pictures normally, or distorted  
picture or sound is played back.  
• 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.  
2
Eject the cassette from your camcorder,  
then disconnect any connecting cables  
except the AC Adaptor from your  
camcorder.  
3
4
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode while  
pressing DSPL/BATT INFO on your  
camcorder, then press and hold DSPL/  
BATT INFO for about 5 seconds.  
Touch the “×” displayed on the screen  
with the corner of the “Memory Stick” or  
the like.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the  
sound breaks off.  
The position of the “×” changes.  
– [x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording.  
• The video head suffers from wear after long  
use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even  
after using a cleaning cassette, it might be  
because the video head is worn. Please contact  
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility to have the video head  
replaced.  
If you did not press the right spot, start from  
step 4 again.  
,continued  
Additional Information  
87  
       
b Note  
Procedures  
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if you have  
rotated the LCD panel and set it with the LCD screen  
facing out.  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using  
the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the  
POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more  
than 24 hours.  
Cleaning 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.  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent and  
insecticide.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the case 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:  
– When there are fingerprints on the lens  
surface.  
– In hot or humid locations  
– 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 molds periodically clean the lens  
as described above.  
It is recommended you operate your camcorder  
about once a month to keep it in an optimum  
state for a long time.  
To charge the pre-installed button-type  
battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed button-type  
battery to retain the date, time, and other  
settings even when the POWER switch is set to  
OFF (CHG). The pre-installed button-type  
battery is always charged while you are using  
your camcorder but it will get discharged  
gradually if you do not use your camcorder. The  
button-type battery will be fully discharged in  
about 3 months if you do not use your  
camcorder at all. However, even if the pre-  
installed button-type battery is not charged, the  
camcorder operation will not be affected as long  
as you are not recording the date.  
Additional Information  
88  
 
Minimum illumination  
5 lx (lux) (F 1.7)  
Specification  
0 lx (lux) (during the NightShot plus  
function)*  
* Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can be  
shot with infrared lighting.  
Video camera recorder  
Input/Output connectors  
Audio/Video output  
10-pin connector  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
System  
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  
Tape speed  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at output impedance  
more than 47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 k(kilohms)  
DV input/output  
4-pin connector  
LANC jack  
Stereo mini-minijack (ø 2.5 mm)  
USB jack  
mini-B  
MIC jack  
mark  
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s  
Recording/playback time (using a DVM60  
cassette)  
Minijack, 0.388 mV low impedance with DC  
2.5 to 3.0 V, output impedance 6.8 kΩ  
(kilohms) (ø 3.5 mm), Stereo type  
SP: 60 min  
LP: 90 min  
Fast forward/rewind time (using a DVM60  
cassette)  
Approx. 2 min 40 s  
Viewfinder  
Electric viewfinder (black and white)  
Image device  
3 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge Coupled  
Device)  
Gross: Approx. 680 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): Approx. 340 000 pixels  
Lens  
LCD screen  
Picture  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
Total dot number  
123 200 (560 × 220)  
General  
Power requirements  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption (when using the  
battery pack)  
Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar  
Combined power zoom lens  
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)  
10 × (Optical), 120 × (Digital)  
F = 1.7 ~ 2.3  
During camera recording using the viewfinder  
2.2 W  
During camera recording using the LCD  
2.5 W  
Focal length  
2.3 - 23 mm (3/32 - 29/32 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still camera  
In CAMERA:  
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.)  
50 × 86 × 112 mm (2 × 3 1/2 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/  
d)  
43 - 430 mm (1 3/4 - 17 in.)  
Color temperature  
[
AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3  
200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
,continued  
Additional Information  
89  
 
Mass (approx.)  
380 g (13 oz) main unit only  
440 g (15 oz) including the NP-FP50  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette.  
Supplied accessories  
AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B  
Power requirements  
AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
Current consumption  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
Power consumption  
18 W  
Output voltage  
DC 8.4 V, 1.5 A  
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.)  
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.) (w/h/  
d) excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the power cord  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FP50)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Capacity  
4.9 Wh (680 mAh)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm  
(1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in.) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
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.  
Additional Information  
90  
Quick Reference  
Identifying parts and  
controls  
Camcorder  
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
8
A LCD/Touch panel screen (p. 3, 16)  
B LCD BACKLIGHT button* (p. 16)  
C REC START/STOP button (p. 21)  
D BACK LIGHT button* (p. 26)  
E DSPL/BATT INFO button (p. 13, 37)  
H Battery pack (p. 12)  
* These buttons are not available during Easy  
Handycam operation. (There is the z mark.)  
,continued  
Quick Reference  
91  
     
1
2
8
3
4
5
6
9
0
qa  
qs  
qd  
7
qf  
A Accessory shoe/Shoe cover (p. 69)  
Remove the shoe cover and extend the  
viewfinder when attaching/detaching the  
accessory to/from your camcorder.  
amount of light from a subject coming into  
the lens.  
J LENS COVER switch  
K Microphone (p. 69)  
The accessory shoe has a safety device for  
fixing the installed accessory securely. To  
connect an accessory, press down and push  
it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To  
remove an accessory, loosen the screw, and  
then press down and pull out the accessory.  
L Remote sensor/Infrared ray emitter  
M MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (red)  
This jack works as an input for an external  
microphone as well as a power-supply jack  
for a plug-in-power microphone. When the  
external microphone is connected, it takes  
precedence.  
B
C
(USB) jack  
D Jack cover  
E A/V OUT jack (p. 62)  
N Camera recording lamp (p. 21)  
F
(LANC) jack (blue)  
The  
LANC control jack is used for  
controlling the tape transport of video  
device and peripherals connected to it.  
G RESET button  
If you press RESET, all the settings  
including the date and time, return to the  
default.  
H NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (p. 29)  
I Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens)/Lens cover  
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl  
Zeiss lens which can reproduce fine images.  
The lens for your camcorder was developed  
jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony  
Corporation. It adopts the MTF  
measurement system for video cameras and  
offers a quality as fine as a Carl Zeiss lens.  
MTF stands for Modulation Transfer  
Function. The value number indicates the  
Quick Reference  
92  
       
1
2
7
8
3
4
9
0
qa  
5
6
A PHOTO button (p. 24)  
B Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 16)  
C BATT (battery) release button (p. 13)  
D CHG (charge) lamp (p. 12)  
E REC START/STOP button (p. 21)  
G Power zoom lever  
H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT mode lamps  
J Speaker  
K DC IN jack cover  
,continued  
Quick Reference  
93  
2
3
1
4
A OPEN/ZEJECT lever (p. 19)  
B Strap Belt  
3
Use the Strap Belt as shown below.  
C Cassette lid (p. 19)  
D Tripod receptacle  
Make sure that the length of the tripod  
screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).  
Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod  
securely, and the screw may damage your  
camcorder.  
Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap  
It is useful when you carry your camcorder.  
1
Open the hook and loop fastener of the  
hand pad (a) and remove it from the  
ring (b).  
2
Move the hand pad fully to the right (a),  
then close the hook and loop fastener  
again (b).  
Quick Reference  
94  
     
Remote Commander  
Remove the insulation sheet before using the  
Remote Commander.  
To remove the insulation sheet  
Insulation sheet  
To change the button-type battery  
1
While pressing on the tab, insert your  
fingernail into the slit to pull out the  
battery case.  
Tab  
A PHOTO button (p. 24)  
B SEARCH M. button* (p. 40)  
C ./> buttons* (p. 40)  
D Video control buttons (Rewind,  
Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,  
2
3
Remove the button-type lithium battery.  
E ZERO SET MEMORY button* (p. 40)  
F Transmitter  
After turning on your camcorder, point  
towards the remote sensor to control your  
camcorder.  
G REC START/STOP button (p. 23)  
H Power zoom button (p. 22)  
Place a new button-type lithium battery  
with the + side facing up.  
* These buttons are not available during Easy  
Handycam operation.  
4
Insert the battery case back into the  
Remote Commander until it clicks.  
,continued  
Quick Reference  
95  
   
WARNING  
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not  
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.  
b Notes on the Remote Commander  
• A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used in  
the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries other  
than CR2025.  
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light  
sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting.  
Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not  
function properly.  
• The Remote Commander may not function properly  
when the remote sensor is obstructed with a  
conversion lens (optional).  
• When you are operating with the Remote  
Commander supplied with your camcorder, your  
VCR may also operate. In that case, select a  
commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR,  
or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.  
Quick Reference  
96  
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder  
Following indicators will appear on the LCD  
screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of  
your camcorder.  
Example: Indicators in the CAMERA mode  
Time code (p. 22)/Tape counter (p. 22)/Self-  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
60min  
+
FN  
/
E D I T  
Indicators  
y60min  
SP LP  
Meanings  
Remaining battery (p. 21)  
Recording mode (p. 22)  
PAL system video (p. 76)  
STBY REC  
Recording standby/  
recording mode  
Cassette Memory (p. 82)  
Audio mode (p. 55)  
60min q  
Remaining tape (p. 21)  
Self-timer recording (p. 23)  
Tape photo recording  
Frame recording (p. 55)  
Interval recording (p. 56)  
Zero set memory (p. 40)  
NightShot plus (p. 29)  
Z
%
Picture effect (p. 45)  
Manual exposure (p. 28)  
Manual focus (p. 30)  
PROGRAM AE (p. 44)  
9
Quick Reference  
97  
 
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
.................................... 83  
Interval recording (INT.REC)  
.................................... 56  
D
Data code (DATA CODE)  
.....................................37  
Demonstration (DEMO  
MODE)........................58  
Digital program editing  
(VIDEO EDIT) ...........64  
Digital Zoom (D ZOOM)  
.....................................47  
Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD”  
Index  
Numerics  
A
Audio dubbing (A DUB  
CTRL)......................... 69  
Auto shut off function  
L
LCD back light (LCD B.L.)  
.................................... 51  
LCD brightness (LCD BRT)  
.................................... 16  
LP (Long Play)  
Direct Access to Video CD  
Burn  
(A.SHUT OFF)........... 60  
Auto shutter (AUTO SHTR)  
.................................... 46  
Display  
B
See Recording mode (REC  
MODE)  
Battery  
E
M
Erase  
Main sound  
Manual exposure  
(EXPOSURE)............. 28  
Menu  
Button-type battery  
ERASE ALL (Cassette  
Memory)...............54  
Mosaic fader (MOSC.  
FADER)...................... 31  
F
Flexible spot meter (SPOT  
METER)......................26  
Frame recording (FRAME  
REC)............................55  
C
Camera settings data display  
.................................... 37  
Charging the battery  
G
Grip belt  
H
Pre-installed button-type  
battery .................. 88  
N
I
Clock set (CLOCK SET)  
.................................... 17  
98  
 
Sub sound  
O
Operation confirmation beep  
T
P
Telephoto  
Picture effect (P EFFECT)  
.....................................45  
Playback (V SPD PLAY)  
Title (Cassette Memory)  
U
USB Streaming (USB  
STREAM)...................58  
R
Recording capacity  
V
Recording lamp (REC LAMP)  
.....................................61  
W
White balance (WHT BAL)  
....................................27  
Wide angle  
S
Self-timer recording (SELF-  
TIMER).......................23  
Smooth transition  
Wrist strap  
SP (Standard Play)  
Z
See Recording mode (REC  
MODE)  
99  
Printed on 100% recycled paper using  
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free  
vegetable oil based ink.  
Printed in Japan  

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