Sony DCR HC26 User Manual

2-659-811-11(1)  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
Getting Started 11  
Recording/  
Playback  
Operating Guide  
Using the Menu 34  
Dubbing/Editing 49  
DCR-HC26  
Using a Computer 55  
Troubleshooting 65  
Additional Information 79  
© 2006 Sony Corporation  
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS  
For your protection, please read these safety  
instructions completely before operating  
Cleaning  
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before  
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners  
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened  
with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.  
the appliance, and keep this manual for  
future reference.  
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions  
and instructions on the appliance, or the one  
described in the operating instructions and  
adhere to them.  
Installation  
Water and Moisture  
Use  
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –  
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen  
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a  
swimming pool, etc.  
Power Sources  
This set should be operated only from the type of  
power source indicated on the marking label. If  
you are not sure of the type of electrical power  
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or  
local power company. For those sets designed to  
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer  
to the operating instructions.  
Power-Cord Protection  
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be  
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or  
against them, paying particular attention to the  
plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord  
exits from the appliance.  
Polarization  
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac  
power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider  
than the other).  
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one  
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to  
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing  
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact  
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.  
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized  
plug by forcing it in.  
Accessories  
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,  
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing  
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious  
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,  
bracket, or table recommended by the  
manufacturer.  
Ventilation  
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided  
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable  
operation of the set, and to protect it from  
overheating, these slots and openings must never  
be blocked or covered.  
Overloading  
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or  
convenience receptacles beyond their capacity,  
since this can result in fire or electric shock.  
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth  
or other materials.  
Object and Liquid Entry  
– Never block the slots and openings by placing  
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar  
surface.  
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as  
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper  
ventilation is provided.  
Never push objects of any kind into the set  
through openings as they may touch dangerous  
voltage points or short out parts that could result  
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any  
kind on the set.  
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or  
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct  
sunlight.  
Attachments  
Do not use attachments not recommended by the  
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.  
Continued ,  
3
 
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)  
Lightning  
Safety Check  
For added protection for this set during a lightning  
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for  
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall  
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.  
This will prevent damage to the set due to  
lightning and power-line surges.  
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the  
set, as the service technician to perform routine  
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)  
to determine that the set is in safe operating  
condition.  
Service  
Damage Requiring Service  
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer  
servicing to qualified service personnel under the  
following conditions:  
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or  
frayed.  
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen  
into the set.  
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.  
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by  
being dropped, or the cabinet has been  
damaged.  
– If the set does not operate normally when  
following the operating instructions. Adjust  
only those controls that are specified in the  
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of  
other controls may result in damage and will  
often require extensive work by a qualified  
technician to restore the set to normal operation.  
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in  
performance – this indicates a need for service.  
Servicing  
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as  
opening or removing covers may expose you to  
dangerous voltage or other hazards.  
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.  
Replacement parts  
When replacement parts are required, be sure the  
service technician has used replacement parts  
specified by the manufacturer that have the same  
characteristics as the original parts.  
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,  
electric shock, or other hazards.  
4
Read this first  
Before operating the unit, please read this  
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future  
reference.  
For customers in the U.S.A.  
If you have any questions about this  
product, you may call:  
CAUTION  
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-  
222-SONY (7669).  
Replace the battery with the  
specified type only. Otherwise, fire  
or injury may result.  
The number below is for the FCC related  
matters only.  
Regulatory Information  
For customers in the U.S.A. and  
CANADA  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: DCR-HC26  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.  
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES  
Lithium-Ion batteries are  
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego,  
CA 92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone Number: 858-942-2230  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference  
that may cause undesired operation.  
recyclable. You can help preserve  
our environment by returning  
your used rechargeable batteries  
to the collection and recycling  
location nearest you.  
For more information regarding recycling of  
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-  
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking  
Lithium-Ion batteries.  
Battery pack  
CAUTION  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in this  
manual could void your authority to operate this  
equipment.  
Note  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with  
Canadian ICES-003.  
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,  
Continued ,  
5
 
Read this first (Continued)  
the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following parts.  
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
– Increase the separation between the equipment  
and receiver.  
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a  
circuit different from that to which the receiver  
is connected.  
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV  
technician for help.  
The supplied interface cable must be used with the  
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a  
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of  
FCC Rules.  
Viewfinder  
Battery pack  
Owner’s Record  
The model and serial numbers are located on the  
bottom. Record the serial number in the space  
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever  
you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.  
LCD panel  
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof  
or waterproof.  
Model No. DCR-HC26  
Serial No.  
See “Maintenance and precautions”  
(p. 83).  
Model No. AC-  
Serial No.  
• Before connecting your camcorder to  
another device with a USB or i.LINK  
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug  
the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid  
damaging the terminal, or cause a  
Notes on use  
Your camcorder is supplied with two  
kinds of operation guides.  
malfunction of your camcorder.  
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)  
About menu items, LCD panel,  
viewfinder, and lens  
• A menu item that is grayed out is not  
available under the current recording or  
playback conditions.  
– “First Step Guide” for connecting the  
camcorder to a computer and using the  
supplied software (stored on the supplied  
CD-ROM)  
Types of cassette you can use in your  
camcorder  
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked  
with  
. Mini DV cassettes with  
Cassette Memory are incompatible  
(p. 80).  
6
 
• 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.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the copyright laws.  
About this manual  
• The images of the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder used in this manual for  
illustration purposes are captured using a  
digital still camera, and therefore may  
appear different.  
• The on-screen displays in each local  
language are used for illustrating the  
operating procedures. Change the screen  
language before using your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 47).  
• Design and specifications of recording  
media and accessories are subject to  
change without notice.  
Black point  
About the Carl Zeiss lens  
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl  
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by  
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony  
White, red, blue  
or green point  
Corporation, and produces superior images.  
It adopts the MTF* measurement system for  
video cameras and offers a quality typical  
of a Carl Zeiss lens.  
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer  
Function. The number value indicates the  
amount of light from a subject coming into  
the lens.  
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,  
or the lens to direct sunlight for long  
periods of time may cause malfunctions.  
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might  
cause your camcorder to malfunction.  
Take pictures of the sun only in low light  
conditions, such as at dusk.  
On recording  
• Before starting to record, test the  
recording function to make sure the  
picture and sound are recorded without  
any problems.  
• Compensation for the contents of  
recordings cannot be provided, even if  
recording or playback is not possible due  
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage  
media, etc.  
• TV color systems differ depending on the  
countries/regions. To view your  
recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC  
system-based TV.  
7
Table of Contents  
Getting Started  
Step 5: Using the touch panel ................................................................17  
Changing the language setting .................................................................... 17  
Step 6: Setting the date and time ........................................................... 19  
Step 7: Inserting a Cassette ...................................................................20  
To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)  
Other part names and functions  
Indicators displayed during recording/playback .....................................28  
Searching for the starting point .............................................................. 30  
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording  
(END SEARCH) .................................................................................. 30  
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) ........................................................... 30  
8
Using the Menu  
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN  
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.  
Dubbing/Editing  
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc. ........................51  
Using a Computer  
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer ................57  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................65  
Warning indicators and messages .........................................................76  
Continued ,  
9
Additional Information  
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...................................................81  
About i.LINK ........................................................................................... 82  
Maintenance and precautions ................................................................83  
Specifications .........................................................................................86  
Index ......................................................................................................89  
10  
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP30 (1)  
(p. 12, 81)  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
• The cassette tape is not supplied. See page  
6, 80 for compatible cassettes for your  
camcorder.  
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5.1” (1)  
(p. 55)  
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12)  
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  
Power cord (1) (p. 12)  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 32, 49)  
Lens cap (1) (p. 15, 24)  
• To attach the lens cap  
Attach the lens cap to the metal fittings of the  
grip belt, as illustrated below, using the strap.  
11  
         
Step 2: Charging the battery pack  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
2
Slide the POWER switch in the  
direction of the arrow to  
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).  
battery pack (P series) (p. 81) after  
attaching it to your camcorder.  
POWER switch  
DC IN jack  
DC plug  
3
Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack on your camcorder.  
To the wall outlet  
AC Adaptor  
Power cord  
1
Align the terminals of the battery  
pack and your camcorder 1, then  
attach the battery pack and click  
it into place 2.  
DC IN jack  
With the v mark facing to the  
LCD screen  
4
Connect the power cord to the AC  
Adaptor and the wall outlet.  
CHG (charge) lamp  
2
1
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
12  
                     
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
5
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off  
when the battery is fully charged.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the DC IN jack.  
Battery pack  
NP-FP30 (supplied)  
NP-FP50  
Charging time  
115  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
DC IN jack holding both the camcorder  
and the DC plug.  
125  
NP-FP70  
155  
NP-FP71  
170  
NP-FP90  
220  
To use an outside power source  
You can operate your camcorder using the  
power from the wall outlet by making the  
same connections as you do when charging  
the battery pack. The battery pack will not  
lose its charge in this case.  
Recording time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
To remove the battery pack  
1 Slide the POWER switch to  
OFF(CHG). Hold down the V  
BATT(battery) release lever with one  
hand.  
NP-FP30  
(supplied)  
95  
110  
135  
160  
280  
330  
330  
395  
500  
580  
45  
55  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
65  
80  
2 Remove the battery in the direction of  
140  
165  
165  
195  
250  
290  
the arrow with the other hand.  
POWER switch  
1
2
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
V BATT (battery)  
release lever  
When storing the battery pack  
Fully discharge the battery before storing it  
for an extended period (p. 81).  
Continued ,  
13  
           
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic  
objects. This may cause a malfunction.  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
PRECAUTION  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(house current) is still supplied to it while  
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
Battery pack  
closed  
NP-FP30  
(supplied)  
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.  
105  
135  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
150  
310  
370  
550  
190  
395  
465  
705  
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).  
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during  
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 27) will not be  
correctly displayed under the following  
conditions.  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
– The battery pack is worn-out. (For Battery  
Info only.)  
• The power will not be supplied from the battery  
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the  
power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C  
(77 °F). (10 to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended.)  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
when you use your camcorder in low  
temperatures.  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
depending on the conditions under which you  
use your camcorder.  
On the AC Adaptor  
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC  
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
wall outlet immediately if any malfunction  
occurs while using your camcorder.  
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow  
space, such as between a wall and furniture.  
14  
 
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your  
camcorder firmly  
• After you have set the date and time  
([CLOCK SET], p. 19), the next time you  
turn on the power of your camcorder, the  
current date and time will be displayed on  
the LCD screen for a few seconds.  
To record or play back, slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
When using it for the first time, the  
[CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 19).  
POWER switch  
Lens cap  
3
4
Hold the camcorder correctly.  
Ensure a good grip, then fasten  
the grip belt.  
1
2
Remove the lens cap by pressing  
both knobs on the sides of the  
cap.  
4
1
2
3
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly in the direction of the  
arrow to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
To turn off the power  
1 Slide the POWER switch to  
OFF(CHG).  
If the POWER  
switch is set to  
OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the  
green button.  
2 Attach the lens cap.  
• At the time of purchase, the power will be set to  
turn off automatically if you leave your  
camcorder without any operation attempted for  
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power  
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 48).  
Lamps that light up  
CAMERA: To record on a tape.  
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
15  
           
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder  
The LCD panel  
The viewfinder  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best  
angle to record or play (2).  
You can view pictures using the viewfinder  
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when  
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.  
180 degrees  
(max.)  
2
Viewfinder  
1
90 degrees to the  
90 degrees  
camcorder  
(max.)  
Viewfinder lens  
adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture is  
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame  
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD  
panel.  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the  
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the  
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient  
during playback operations.  
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight by selecting  
[VF B.L.] (p. 45).  
(LCD/VF SET) -  
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 39) to adjust the brightness  
of the LCD screen.  
• You can adjust the [FADER] and the  
[EXPOSURE] setting using the viewfinder  
(p. 37).  
16  
         
Step 5: Using the touch panel  
You can play back recorded pictures  
(p. 25), or change the settings (p. 34) using  
the touch panel.  
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
Select the screen language in [  
Place your hand on the rear side of  
the LCD panel to support it. Then,  
touch the buttons displayed on the  
screen.  
LANGUAGE] on the  
MENU) (p. 34, 47).  
(SETUP  
Checking the screen indicators  
(Display guide)  
DISP/BATT INFO  
You can easily check the meaning of each  
indicator (p. 29) that appears on the LCD  
screen.  
1
2
Touch  
.
–:––:––  
60min  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
Touch the button on the LCD screen.  
• Perform the same actions as explained above  
when you press the buttons on the LCD frame.  
• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD  
frame accidentally while using the touch panel.  
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work  
correctly, adjust the LCD screen  
(CALIBRATION) (p. 85).  
• Dots in lines may appear on the LCD screen, but  
this is not a malfunction. These dots are not  
recorded.  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
DISP  
GUIDE  
METER  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
Touch [DISP GUIDE].  
Select area for guide.  
END  
DISP GUIDE  
To hide the screen indicators  
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the  
screen indicators (such as time code) on or  
off.  
The indicators vary depending on the  
settings.  
Continued ,  
17  
               
Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued)  
3
Touch the area including the  
indicator that you want to check.  
DISP GUIDE  
END  
1/2  
FOCUS:  
MANUAL  
PROGRAM AE:  
SPOTLIGHT  
P EFFECT:  
SEPIA  
PAGE  
PAGE  
RET.  
The meanings of the indicators in the  
area are listed on the screen. If you  
cannot find the indicator you want to  
check, touch [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to  
toggle.  
When you touch [  
RET.], the screen  
returns to the area selecting display.  
To finish the operation  
Touch [END].  
18  
Step 6: Setting the date and time  
Set the date and time when using this  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not  
3
Select [CLOCK SET] with  
/
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]  
screen appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder or change the POWER switch  
position.  
, then touch [EXEC].  
CLOCK SET  
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3  
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets  
discharged and the date and time settings may  
be cleared from the memory. In that case,  
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the  
date and time again (p. 85).  
Y
M
D
H
M
:
2006 JAN  
1
12 00 AM  
OK  
4
Set [Y] (year) with  
then touch  
/
,
.
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
CLOCK SET  
Y
M
D
H
M
:
2006 JAN  
1
12 00 AM  
POWER switch  
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for  
OK  
the first time.  
5
Set [M] (month), [D] (day), [H]  
(hour) and [M] (minute), then  
1
Touch  
t [MENU].  
touch  
.
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
EFFECT  
AUTO SHTR  
P
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.  
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.  
The clock starts.  
EXEC  
RET.  
• The date and time are not displayed while  
recording, but they are automatically recorded  
as the date and time data to display while  
playing back by selecting [DATA CODE] to  
[DATE/TIME] (p. 39).  
2
Select  
/
(SETUP MENU) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
--:--:--  
EXEC  
RET.  
19  
         
Step 7: Inserting a Cassette  
You can use mini DV  
(p. 80).  
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC  
MODE] (p. 46).  
cassettes only  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing outwards, then press  
.
Push the center of the back  
of the cassette lightly.  
1
Slide and hold the  
EJECT lever in the direction of the  
arrow and open the lid.  
OPEN/  
Window  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
Cassette compartment  
The cassette compartment  
automatically slides back in.  
• Do not force the cassette  
Lid  
compartment closed by pressing the  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
portion marked  
while  
{DO NOT PUSH}  
it is sliding in. It may cause a  
malfunction.  
3
Close the lid.  
To eject the cassette  
Open the lid following the same procedure  
as described in Step 1 and remove the  
cassette.  
20  
             
21  
RecordinEg/PalasybyackRecording/Playback (Easy Handycam)  
Remove the lens cap (p. 15).  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of  
the camera settings are automatically optimally  
adjusted, which frees you from detailed  
adjustments. The screen font size increases for  
easy viewing.  
A
B
E
D
C
Recording  
1
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn  
on the CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG),  
slide it while pressing the green button.  
2
3
Press EASY C.  
EASY  
appears on the screen D.  
Press REC START/STOP B to start recording.*  
60min  
REC 0:00:00  
The indicator (A) changes [STBY] to [REC].  
A
To stop recording, press B again.  
FN  
* Movies are recorded in SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette. You can also start/stop recording by  
pressing the button E on the LCD frame.  
22  
               
Playback  
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.  
If the POWER switch is  
set to OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the green  
button.  
Touch  
start playback.  
, then touch  
to  
A
C
B
A Stop  
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
C Rewind/Fast forward  
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY C again.  
disappears from the screen D.  
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation  
Touch  
and [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 34 for details on  
setting.  
• Almost all the settings return to the default setting automatically (p. 41).  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Almost all the  
settings are returned to the previous situation.  
x Unavailable buttons during Easy Handycam  
During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are unavailable, since the items are  
set automatically. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if operations not  
available during Easy Handycam are attempted.  
• BACK LIGHT button (p. 26)  
• PHOTO button (p. 24)  
23  
   
Recording  
Lens cap  
Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs  
on the sides of the cap  
PHOTO  
POWER switch  
REC START/  
STOP A  
REC START/STOP B  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on  
the CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG),  
slide it while pressing the green button.  
Start recording.  
Movies  
Still images  
Press REC START/STOP A (or  
B).  
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to  
check the image (A), then press it  
fully (B).  
Indicator appears  
A
CAPTURE  
The indicator (A) changes [STBY] to  
A
B
[REC].  
A shutter sound is heard, and the image  
is recorded with sound for 7 seconds.  
To stop movie recording  
Press REC START/STOP again.  
appears when the tape photo recording  
does not work.  
24  
         
Playback  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
2
Start playing back.  
Touch  
to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch  
to start  
playback.  
A
C
B
A Stop  
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
• Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.  
C Rewind/Fast forward  
To adjust the volume  
Touch  
t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then  
/
to adjust the volume.  
To search for a scene during playback  
Touch and hold  
/
during playback (Picture Search), or  
/
while fast  
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).  
• You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 40).  
25  
           
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.  
Wider range of view: (Wide angle)  
1
2
3
Close view: (Telephoto)  
5
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the  
zoom buttons qa on the LCD frame.  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
4
6
7
• You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 43) if you want to  
zoom to a level greater than 20 ×.  
qs  
qa  
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom  
lever. If you move your finger off the power  
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power  
zoom lever may also be recorded.  
To record in dark places (NightShot  
plus) ................................... 2  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch 2 to  
ON. (  
and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]  
q;  
9
8
appear.)  
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.  
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port 3  
with your fingers or other objects. Remove the  
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 36)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
qd  
Recording  
To adjust the exposure for backlit  
subjects (BACK LIGHT).............. 6  
To use zoom...................... 1 qa  
Move the power zoom lever 1 slightly for  
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
press BACK LIGHT 6 to display .. To  
cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
To adjust the focus for an off center  
subject (SPOT FOCUS) .............. 0  
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 36.  
26  
                             
To fix the exposure for the selected  
subject (Flexible spot meter)...... 0  
See [SPOT METER] on page 36.  
Recording/playback  
To check the remaining battery  
(Battery Info) ......................... 7  
To record in mirror mode .......... qs  
Open the LCD panel qs 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees  
to the lens side (2).  
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then  
press DISP/BATT INFO 7. The battery  
information appears for about 7 seconds.  
You can view the battery information for up  
to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT  
INFO again while the battery information is  
displayed.  
2
Remaining battery (approx.)  
1
BATTERY INFO  
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL  
0%  
50%  
100%  
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal  
when recorded.  
REC TIME AVAILABLE  
LCD SCREEN : 86 min  
VIEWFINDER : 99 min  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
To use a tripod....................... qd  
To turn off the operation confirmation  
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the  
screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.))  
to the tripod receptacle qd using a tripod  
screw.  
beep (BEEP) .......................... 0  
See [BEEP] on page 48.  
To initialize the settings  
To use a Shoulder Belt ............. 5  
Attach the Shoulder Belt (optional) to its  
designated hook 5.  
(RESET)................................ 8  
Press RESET 8 to initialize all the  
settings, including the setting of the date  
and time.  
Playback  
Other part names and functions  
To play back the images with added  
special effects (Picture effect) .... 0  
See [P EFFECT] on page 42.  
D Internal stereo microphone  
I Speaker  
Playback sound comes out from the  
speaker.  
• For how to adjust the volume, see page 25.  
27  
                                       
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
Recording  
Viewing  
1
2
7
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
6
A Remaining battery (approx.)  
G Tape transport indicator  
H Video operation buttons (25)  
B Recording mode (SP or LP) (46)  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:  
minute: second)/Tape photo recording  
(24)  
Playback: Time code (hour: minute:  
second: frame)  
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)  
(47)  
F Function button (34)  
Data code during recording  
The date/time during recording and the  
camera setting data will be recorded  
automatically. They do not appear on the  
screen during recording, but you can check  
them as [DATA CODE] during playback  
(p. 39).  
28  
                   
( ) is a reference page.  
The indicators during recording will not be recorded.  
Bottom  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Flexible spot meter (36)/  
Manual exposure (38)  
You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 17) to  
check the function of each indicator that  
appears on the LCD screen.  
• Some of the indicators may not appear when  
you use [DISP GUIDE].  
9
.
Manual focus (36)  
Backlight (26)  
PROGRAM AE (42)  
Upper left  
Upper right  
Picture effect (42)  
White balance (38)  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
60min  
n
Wide select (44)  
SteadyShot off (44)  
Panel off (37)  
+
FN  
/
E D I T  
+
/
E D I T  
EDITSEARCH (44)  
Bottom  
Center  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
AUDIO MODE (46)  
Upper right  
Indicator  
Meaning  
DV input (51)  
Center  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Self-timer recording (39)  
NightShot plus (26)  
Warning (76)  
% Z  
29  
 
Searching for the starting point  
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp  
lights up (p. 24).  
Searching manually  
(EDIT SEARCH)  
You can search for the start point to start  
the next recording while viewing the  
pictures on the screen. The sound is not  
played back during the search.  
Searching for the last scene of  
the most recent recording (END  
SEARCH)  
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not  
work once you eject the cassette after you  
have recorded on the tape.  
1
2
3
4
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
Touch  
t [PAGE1], then touch  
[END SCH].  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
60min  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
0:00:00  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
METER  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
Touch here again to cancel the operation.  
Select [ON] with  
then touch [EXEC] t  
/
,
.
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.  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
FN  
• [END SCH] will not work correctly when  
there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
• This operation is also available when the  
POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.  
5
Touch and hold  
backward)/  
(to go  
(to go forward)  
and release it at the point where  
you want the recording to start.  
30  
               
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
2
3
4
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
Select [ON] with  
then touch [EXEC] t  
/
,
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
FN  
5
Touch  
.
The last few seconds of the most  
recently recorded scene are played back.  
Then, your camcorder is set to the  
standby.  
31  
   
Playing the picture on a TV  
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting  
cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the  
wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the  
instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
1
A/V OUT  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
A/V OUT jack  
VCRs or TVs  
: Signal flow  
2
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
When your TV is monaural (Only one  
audio input jack)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V  
connecting cable to the video input jack and  
connect the white (left channel) or the red  
(right channel) plug to the audio input jack  
of your TV or VCR.  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional)  
When connecting to another device via the S  
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection.  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this  
case, the yellow (standard video) plug  
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO  
connection only will not output audio.  
• You can display the time code on the TV screen  
by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD]  
(p. 48).  
When connecting your camcorder to a  
TV through a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN  
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on  
the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2,  
etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.  
32  
               
33  
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items  
Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow  
repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.  
CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape  
PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing  
2
Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
x To use the operation buttons on PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3 during normal  
operation  
For details of the button items, see page 36.  
1 Touch  
.
2 Touch the desired page.  
3 Touch the desired button.  
4 Select the desired setting, then touch  
•With some settings, you do not have to touch  
t
(Close).  
.
x To use menu items  
For details of the items, see page 42.  
1
2
3
4
MANUAL SET  
EFFECT  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
REMAIN  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
REMAIN  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
REMAIN  
P
SP  
LP  
LP  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
1 Touch  
t [MENU] on [PAGE1].  
The menu index screen appears.  
2 Select the desired menu.  
Touch  
/
to select the item, then touch [EXEC]. (The process in step 3 and 4  
is the same as that in step 2.)  
3 Select the desired item.  
4 Customize the item.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
Each touch of [  
RET.] takes you to the previous screen.  
34  
           
x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation  
60min  
STBY 0:00:00  
FN  
1 Touch  
.
2 Select the desired menu.  
Touch [MENU] then select the desired menu.  
3 Change your item setting.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
Each touch of [  
RET.] takes you to the previous screen.  
•Cancel Easy Handycam operation to use menu items normally.  
35  
 
Operation button items  
Available operation buttons vary depending  
on the position of the lamp and the display  
(PAGE).  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
The available functions during Easy  
Handycam operation are marked with*.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
9 appears.  
2 Touch  
(focusing on distant subjects) to  
sharpen the focus. appears when the  
(focusing on close subjects)/  
button items.  
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
farther away.  
When the CAMERA lamp lights  
up  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[
AUTO] in step 1.  
• It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the  
power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to  
adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to  
adjust the zoom for recording. When you want  
to record a subject at close range, move the  
power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then  
adjust the focus.  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
[PAGE1]  
SPOT FOCUS  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
aim it at a subject not located in the center  
of the screen.  
60min  
SPOT FOCUS  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch here  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
AUTO  
OK  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
Touch the point where you want to focus on  
in the frame.  
9 appears.  
SPOT METER (Flexible spot  
meter)  
You can adjust and fix the exposure to the  
subject, so that it is recorded in suitable  
brightness even when there is strong  
contrast between the subject and the  
background, such as subjects in the  
spotlight on stage.  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[
[
AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to  
AUTO].  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
60min  
SPOT METER  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch here  
FOCUS  
You can adjust the focus manually. You can  
select this function also when you want to  
focus on a certain subject intentionally.  
AUTO  
OK  
Touch the point where you want to fix and  
adjust the exposure on the screen.  
appears.  
36  
           
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [ AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to  
AUTO].  
MOSC. FADER  
[
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
MONOTONE  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
When fading in, the picture gradually  
changes from black and white to color.  
When fading out, it gradually changes from  
color to black and white.  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
See page 17.  
Using the viewfinder  
You can adjust [EXPOSURE] and  
[FADER] while using the viewfinder by  
having the LCD panel rotated 180 degrees  
and closed with the screen facing out.  
MENU*  
See page 41.  
1 Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights  
up.  
FADER  
2 Close the LCD panel with the screen  
facing out.  
appears.  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
3 Touch  
4 Touch  
The LCD screen is turned off.  
.
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode  
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),  
.
then touch  
t
.
5 Touch the LCD screen while checking the  
display in the viewfinder.  
[EXPOSURE], etc. are displayed.  
2 Press REC START/STOP.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
6 Touch the button you want to set.  
[EXPOSURE]: Adjust with  
and touch  
To cancel [FADER] before starting the  
/
,
operation, touch [  
OFF] in step 1.  
.
[FADER]: Touch it repeatedly to select a  
desired effect.  
• If you press REC START/STOP once, the  
setting is canceled.  
: The LCD screen lights up.  
To hide the buttons, touch  
.
Fading out  
Fading in  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
WHITE  
See page 30.  
BLACK  
Continued ,  
37  
             
Operation button items (Continued)  
INDOOR (n)  
EXPOSURE  
The white balance is adjusted to be  
appropriate for the following recording  
conditions:  
You can fix the brightness of a picture  
manually. When recording indoors on a  
clear day, for instance, you can avoid  
backlight shadows on people next to the  
window by fixing the exposure to that of  
the wall side of the room.  
– Indoors  
– At party scenes or studios where the lighting  
conditions change quickly  
– Under video lamps in a studio, or under  
sodium lamps or incandescent-like color  
lamps  
60min  
AUTO  
STBY  
0:00:00  
OK  
ONE PUSH (  
)
MANU–  
AL  
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].  
1
2
EXPOSURE  
2 Frame a white object such as a piece of  
paper, to fill the screen under the same  
lighting conditions as you will shoot  
the subject.  
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
appears.  
2 Adjust the exposure by touching  
/
3 Touch  
.
.
flashes quickly. When the white  
balance has been adjusted and stored in  
the memory, the indicator stops  
flashing.  
•Do not shake your camcorder while  
is flashing quickly.  
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [ AUTO].  
• You can adjust [EXPOSURE] and [FADER]  
while using the viewfinder by having the LCD  
panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the  
screen facing out (p. 37).  
flashes slowly if white balance  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
could not be set.  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
•If  
keeps flashing even after you  
have touched  
to [ AUTO].  
, set [WHT BAL]  
[PAGE2]  
• If you have changed the battery pack while [  
AUTO] is selected, taken your camcorder  
outdoors or brought it indoors after outside use  
WHT BAL (White balance)  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
while using fixed exposure, select [  
AUTO]  
and aim your camcorder at a nearby white  
object for about 10 seconds for better color  
balance adjustment.  
• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change  
the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your  
camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or  
vice versa.  
• Set [WHT BAL] to [  
PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent  
lamps.  
B
AUTO  
The white balance is adjusted  
automatically.  
OUTDOOR (  
)
The white balance is adjusted to be  
appropriate for the following recording  
conditions:  
– Outdoors  
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks  
– Sunrise or sunset  
AUTO] or [ONE  
• The setting returns to [  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
AUTO] when you  
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps  
38  
         
[PAGE2]  
SELF TIMER  
DATA CODE*  
During playback, displays information  
(data code) recorded automatically at the  
time of recording.  
The self-timer starts recording after about  
10 seconds.  
1 Touch  
TIMER].  
appears.  
2 Touch  
t [PAGE2] t [SELF  
B
OFF  
.
Data code is not displayed.  
3 Press REC START/STOP to record  
movies, or PHOTO to record still images.  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
To cancel the count down during recording  
movies, press REC START/STOP.  
CAM DATA (below)  
Displays camera setting data.  
To cancel [SELF TIMER], redo step 1.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
1
2
3
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
AUTO  
100 AWB  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
F1. 8  
9dB  
FN  
6
5
4
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
ASteadyShot off  
BExposure  
CWhite balance  
DGain  
EShutter speed  
FAperture value  
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights  
up  
You can use the video operation buttons  
(
/
/
/
) on every PAGE.  
• In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and  
time are displayed in the same area. If you  
record a picture without setting the clock, [--- --  
----] and [--:--:--] will appear.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
[DATE/TIME] only.  
[PAGE1]  
MENU*  
See page 41.  
VOL* (Volume)  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
See page 25.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
See page 30.  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
See page 17.  
Continued ,  
39  
           
Operation button items (Continued)  
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,  
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This  
is not a malfunction.  
BURN DVD  
When your camcorder is connected to a  
Sony VAIO series personal computer, you  
can easily burn the picture recorded on the  
tape on a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD”) (p. 62).  
**Pictures output from the DV Interface  
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in  
slow mode.  
2 Touch [  
To return to the normal playback mode,  
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from  
RET.] t  
.
BURN VCD  
frame playback).  
When your camcorder is connected to a  
personal computer, you can easily burn the  
picture recorded on the tape on a CD-R  
(Direct Access to Video CD Burn). See  
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-  
ROM for details (p. 61).  
• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may  
see mosaic-like images of the previously played  
picture.  
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)  
See page 52.  
[PAGE3]  
REC CTRL (Recording control)  
V SPD PLAY  
(Various speed playback)  
See page 51.  
You can play back in various modes while  
viewing movies.  
1 Touch the following buttons during  
playback.  
To  
Touch  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
(frame)  
play back  
[ySLOW]  
slowly**  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
[ySLOW]  
play back 2  
times faster  
(double speed)  
(double speed)  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
(double speed)  
play back frame  
by frame  
(frame) during  
playback pause.  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) during  
frame playback.  
40  
             
Menu items  
• Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 22).  
PLAY/EDIT  
Easy Handycam  
MANUAL SET menu (p. 42)  
PROGRAM AE  
z
z
z
z
AUTO  
OFF  
ON  
P EFFECT  
AUTO SHTR  
CAMERA SET menu (p. 43)  
D ZOOM  
WIDE SEL  
z
z
z
z
OFF  
4:3  
STEADYSHOT  
EDITSEARCH  
N.S.LIGHT  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
VCR SET menu (p. 45)  
HiFi SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
z
z
STEREO  
LCD/VF SET menu (p. 45)  
LCD B.L.  
LCD COLOR  
z
z
z
z
z
z
BRT NORMAL  
VF B.L.  
WIDE DISP  
BRT NORMAL  
TAPE SET menu (p. 46)  
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
z
z
z
z
SP  
12BIT  
AUTO  
REMAIN  
z
SETUP MENU menu (p. 47)  
CLOCK SET  
USB STREAM  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
z
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
ON  
OTHERS menu (p. 48)  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
–*  
z
A.SHUT OFF  
DISP OUT  
5min  
LCD  
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.  
41  
   
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
SUNSETMOON**(  
)
Select to maintain the atmosphere of  
situations such as sunsets, general night  
views or fireworks.  
PROGRAM AE  
You can record pictures effectively in  
various situations with the PROGRAM AE  
function.  
BAUTO  
Select to automatically record pictures  
effectively without the [PROGRAM AE]  
function.  
LANDSCAPE**(  
)
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.  
This setting also prevents your camcorder  
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in  
windows that comes in between the  
camcorder and the subject.  
SPOTLIGHT*(  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing excessively white when subjects  
are lit by strong light.  
• Items with one asterisk (*) can be adjusted  
to focus on subjects only a short distance  
away. Items with two asterisks (**) can be  
adjusted to focus on subjects farther away.  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (  
)
Select to bring out the subject such as  
people or flowers while creating a soft  
background.  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
P EFFECT (Picture effect)  
You can add special effects to a picture  
during recording or playback.  
appears.  
SPORTS* (Sports lesson) (  
)
Select to minimize shake when shooting  
fast moving subjects.  
BOFF  
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.  
NEG.ART  
The color and brightness are reversed.  
BEACH&SKI*(  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing dark in strong light or reflected  
light, such as at a beach in midsummer or  
on a ski slope.  
42  
                         
CAMERA SET  
menu  
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.  
SEPIA  
Pictures appear in sepia.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
B&W  
Pictures appear in black and white.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
SOLARIZE  
Pictures appear as an illustration with  
strong contrast.  
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)  
You can select the maximum zoom level in  
case you want to zoom to a level greater  
than 20 × (the default setting) while  
recording on a tape. Note that the image  
quality decreases when you are using the  
digital zoom.  
PASTEL*  
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.  
MOSAIC*  
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone  
appears when you select the zooming  
level.  
BOFF  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically.  
* Not available during playback.  
40 ×  
• You can record pictures edited with special  
effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.  
(p. 49).  
• You cannot output playback pictures edited with  
picture effects via the DV Interface (i.LINK).  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 40 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
800 ×  
• You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures.  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 800 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
AUTO SHTR (Auto shutter)  
Automatically activates the electronic  
shutter to adjust the shutter speed when  
recording in bright conditions if you set it to  
[ON] (the default setting).  
Continued ,  
43  
                   
CAMERA SET menu (Continued)  
WIDE SEL (Wide select)  
EDITSEARCH  
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable  
for the screen on which it will be displayed.  
Refer also to the operating instructions  
supplied with your TV for details.  
BOFF  
Does not display  
LCD screen.  
or  
on the  
ON  
Displays  
B4:3  
and  
on the LCD  
Standard setting (to record pictures to be  
played back on a 4:3 TV).  
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH  
function and Rec review (p. 30).  
16:9 WIDE (  
Records pictures to be played back on a  
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.  
)
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
When using the NightShot plus (p. 26)  
function to record, you can record clearer  
pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which  
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the  
default setting).  
• When you record a picture to be played back on  
a 16:9 wide TV connected to your camcorder,  
select [16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will  
be played in full mode when you connect to  
your ID-1/ID-2 compatible TV.  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects (p. 26).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is  
attached.  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with  
[16:9 WIDE] selected.  
• The maximum shooting distance using  
[N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet). If you  
record subjects in dark places, such as night  
scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT] to  
[OFF]. You can make the image color deeper  
this way.  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide  
screen TV*  
When viewed on a standard  
TV**  
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the  
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.  
**Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in  
the wide mode, it appears as you have seen on  
the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.  
STEADYSHOT  
You can compensate for camera shake (the  
default setting is [ON]). Set  
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when  
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion  
lens (optional), then the image becomes  
natural.  
44  
             
VCR SET menu  
LCD/VF SET menu  
– HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX  
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
HiFi SOUND  
LCD B.L. (LCD back light)  
You can select whether to play back audio  
recorded using other devices with dual  
sound or stereo sound.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
BSTEREO  
BBRT NORMAL  
Plays back with main and sub sound (or  
stereo sound).  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
1
Plays back with main sound (or the left  
channel sound).  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
2
Plays back with sub sound (or the right  
channel sound).  
• You can play back, but cannot record a dual  
sound track cassette on your camcorder.  
LCD COLOR  
• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen  
with  
/
. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
AUDIO MIX  
See page 53.  
Low intensity High intensity  
VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
BBRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
Continued ,  
45  
                         
LCD/VF SET menu (Continued)  
TAPE SET menu  
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
WIDE DISP (Wide display)  
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio  
picture appears in the viewfinder and the  
LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to  
[16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not  
be affected by this operation.  
REC MODE (Recording mode)  
BSP (SP)  
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on  
a cassette.  
BLETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
LP (LP)  
SQUEEZE  
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times  
the SP mode (Long Play).  
Expands the picture vertically if black  
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect  
ratio are undesirable.  
• You can record about 510 still images in the SP  
mode and about 765 still images in the LP mode  
on a 60 minutes tape.  
• 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  
B12BIT  
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds).  
16BIT (  
)
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound  
with high quality).  
46  
                       
SETUP MENU  
menu  
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/LANGUAGE,  
etc.  
REMAIN  
BAUTO  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
Displays the remaining tape indicator for  
about 8 seconds in situations such as those  
described below.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/  
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.  
• When you touch  
(Play/Pause).  
CLOCK SET  
ON  
Always displays the remaining tape  
indicator.  
See page 19.  
USB STREAM  
You can view the pictures displayed on the  
screen of your camcorder on your computer  
(USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See  
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-  
ROM for details (p. 61).  
LANGUAGE  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
DEMO MODE  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
view the demonstration in about 10  
minutes, after you have removed a cassette  
from your camcorder, and slide the  
POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the  
CAMERA lamp.  
• The demonstration will be suspended in  
situations such as those described below.  
– When you touch the screen during the  
demonstration. (The demonstration starts  
again after about 10 minutes.)  
– When a cassette is inserted.  
– When the POWER switch is set to other than  
CAMERA.  
47  
               
OTHERS menu  
– WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 34 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
WORLD TIME  
When using your camcorder abroad, you  
can set the time difference by touching  
/
, 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  
BON  
A melody sounds when you start/stop  
recording, or operate the touch panel.  
OFF  
Cancels the melody.  
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
B5min  
The camcorder is automatically turned off  
when you do not operate your camcorder  
for more than approximately 5 minutes.  
NEVER  
The camcorder is not automatically turned  
off.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall  
outlet, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to  
[NEVER].  
DISP OUT (Display output)  
BLCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.  
V-OUT/LCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the  
viewfinder.  
48  
                   
Dubbing/Editing  
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc.  
You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (VCR/  
DVD device, etc.).  
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR/DVD device, etc., using the A/V connecting cable  
(1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
1
A/V OUT  
AUDIO/  
VIDEO jacks  
A/V OUT jack  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
VCR/DVD  
device  
To i.LINK jack  
2
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
DV  
3
: Signal flow  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
C i.LINK cable (optional)  
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your  
camcorder to another device equipped with an  
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are  
transmitted digitally, producing high quality  
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot  
output picture and sound separately.  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional)  
When connecting to another device via the S  
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the  
white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S  
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V  
connecting cable. In this case, the yellow  
(standard video) plug connection is not  
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not  
output audio.  
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video jack, and the  
red (right channel) or the white (left channel)  
plug to the audio jack on the VCR/TV.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the  
default setting) (p. 48).  
Continued ,  
49  
                     
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued)  
• The following cannot be output via the DV  
Interface (i.LINK):  
– Indicators  
– Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 42)  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, the  
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture  
is paused on your camcorder while recording to  
a VCR.  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, data  
code (date/time/camera settings data) may not  
be displayed or recorded depending on the  
device or application.  
1
2
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Prepare your VCR/DVD device for  
recording.  
When dubbing to the VCR, insert a  
cassette for recording.  
When dubbing to the DVD recorder,  
insert a DVD for recording.  
If your recording device has an input  
selector, set it to the appropriate input  
(such as video input1, video input2).  
3
4
Connect your VCR/DVD device to  
your camcorder as a recording  
device.  
Connect your camcorder to the input  
jacks of a VCR or a DVD device.  
Start playback on the camcorder,  
and recording on the VCR/DVD  
device.  
Refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with your recording device for  
details.  
5
When dubbing is complete, stop  
your camcorder and the VCR/DVD  
device.  
• To record the date/time and camera settings data  
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,  
display them on the screen (p. 39, 48).  
50  
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD  
device, etc.  
You can record pictures or TV programs from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc., on a tape.  
Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand.  
You can connect your camcorder to a TV, VCR/DVD or an i.LINK-compatible device using  
the i.LINK cable.  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
• You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a TV or VCR/DVD device that does not have an  
i.LINK jack.  
• You cannot input picture and sound separately.  
To i.LINK jack  
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
DV  
TVs or VCR/  
DVD devices  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
: Signal flow  
1
Connect your TV or VCR/DVD  
device to your camcorder with an  
i.LINK cable.  
4
5
Set your camcorder to recording  
pause mode.  
Touch  
t [PAGE3] t [REC  
CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].  
• The  
indicator appears when you  
connect your camcorder and other devices  
via an i.LINK cable. (This indicator may  
also appear on the connected device.)  
When recording pictures from a  
VCR/DVD device:  
Start playing the cassette or the  
disc on the VCR/DVD device.  
2
3
If you are recording from a VCR/  
DVD device, insert a cassette or a  
DVD.  
When recording pictures from a  
TV:  
Select a TV program.  
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
The picture played on the connected  
device appears on the LCD screen of  
your camcorder.  
Continued ,  
51  
           
Recording pictures from a TV or  
VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued)  
Dubbing sound to a  
recorded tape  
You can add sound to a tape already  
recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 46) without  
erasing the original sound.  
6
7
8
Touch [REC START] at the point  
you want to start recording.  
Internal stereo  
microphone  
Stop recording.  
Touch  
(Stop) or [REC PAUSE].  
Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
You can record audio by using the internal  
stereo microphone.  
• You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit  
mode (p. 46).  
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP  
mode.  
– When your camcorder is connected via an  
i.LINK cable.  
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC  
mode.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV  
color system other than that of your  
camcorder (p. 79).  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is  
set to SAVE (p. 80).  
– On sections recorded in HDV format.  
• When you add sound, the picture will not be  
output from the A/V OUT jack. Check the  
picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder.  
Recording sound  
Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder beforehand.  
1
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
52  
     
To check the recorded sound  
1 Play back the tape on which you have  
recorded audio (p. 25).  
2
3
Touch  
(Play/Pause) to play  
back the tape, then touch it again  
at the point where you want to  
start recording the sound.  
2 Touch  
t [PAGE1] t [MENU].  
3 Select  
(VCR SET), then touch  
to select [AUDIO MIX],  
/
then touch [EXEC].  
Touch  
t [PAGE3] t [A  
VCR SET  
HiFi SOUND  
DUB CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB].  
AUDIO MIX  
ST1  
ST2  
X appears.  
60min  
DUB CTRL  
0:00:00:00  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
A
4 Touch  
/
to adjust the balance  
of the original sound (ST1) and the new  
sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC].  
AUDIO  
DUB  
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default  
setting.  
• Audio balance adjustment returns to the default  
setting after 12 hours of turning the power off.  
4
Touch  
(Play) and start  
playing back the audio you want  
to record at the same time.  
appears while recording the new  
sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during the  
playback of the tape.  
5
6
Touch  
to stop recording.  
(Stop) when you want  
To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2 to  
select scenes, then touch [AUDIO  
DUB].  
Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
• 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  
camcorders (DCR-HC26)).  
53  
     
Jacks to connect external devices  
Open the jack cover.  
Camcorder  
A
B
(USB) jack (p. 55)  
DV Interface (i.LINK) (p. 49, 51, 62)  
C A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 32, 49)  
D DC IN jack (p. 12)  
1
2
3
4
54  
       
Using a Computer  
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on  
your computer  
When you install the Picture Package  
Music Video/Slideshow Producer  
software on a Windows computer from the  
You can select your favorite video and still  
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the  
images from video and still images saved  
following operations by connecting your  
on your computer and easily create an  
camcorder to your computer.  
original short video or original slide show  
with added music and visual styles.  
• Software and features available for Macintosh  
computers differ from those available for  
Windows computers. For details, refer to  
chapter 6 of “First Step Guide” on the supplied  
CD-ROM. For “First Step Guide,” see page 57.  
Automatic Music Video Producer  
You can easily create an original short  
video with added music and visual styles  
using video recorded on a tape.  
• There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to a  
computer.  
– USB cable  
Copying tape to Video CD  
You can import the entire contents of a tape  
to create a video CD.  
This method is good for copying video and  
sound recorded on a tape to the computer. A  
USB cable is not supplied with your  
camcorder. If necessary, buy a USB 2.0 cable  
(Type A to Type B-mini.). A Sony product is  
recommended.  
Save the images on CD-R  
– i.LINK cable  
You can save video and still images copied  
onto a computer to a CD-R.  
This method is good for copying video and  
sound recorded on a tape. Image data is  
transferred in more clarity than with a USB  
cable.  
Burning Video CD  
You can compose a video CD with a menu  
of videos and slide shows. ImageMixer  
VCD2 is compatible with high resolution  
still images.  
For details on connection, see “First Step  
Guide.”  
USB Streaming Tool  
You can view live or recorded images from  
your camcorder on a computer.  
Video Capturing Tool  
You can import the entire contents of a tape  
to a computer.  
• The CD-ROM (supplied) includes the following  
software:  
– USB Driver  
– Picture Package Ver.1.5.1  
– ImageMixer VCD2  
– “First Step Guide”  
Viewing video and pictures on PC  
You can view the video and still images  
copied from your camcorder by selecting  
from thumbnails. Video and still images are  
saved in folders by date.  
Continued ,  
55  
                 
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer (Continued)  
Sound system: 16 bit stereo sound card  
About “First Step Guide”  
and stereo speakers  
Memory: 64 MB or more  
“First Step Guide” is an instruction manual  
you can refer to on your computer.  
This “First Step Guide” describes basic  
operations, from initial hookup of your  
camcorder and computer and making  
settings, to general operation the first time  
you use the software stored on the CD-  
ROM (supplied). Install the CD-ROM, read  
“Installing the software and “First Step  
Guide” on a computer” (p. 57), start the  
“First Step Guide,” then follow the  
instructions.  
Hard disk: Available memory required for  
installation: 500 MB or more  
Available free hard disk space  
recommended: 6 GB or more  
(depending on the size of the image files  
edited)  
Display: 4 MB VRAM video card,  
Minimum 800 × 600 dots, High Color  
(16 bit color, 65,000 colors),  
DirectDraw display driver capability  
(This product will not operate correctly  
at less than 800 × 600 dots, or 256  
colors or less.)  
About the help function of the  
software  
Others: USB port (This must be provided  
as standard), DV Interface (IEEE1394,  
i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK  
cable), disc drive (You need a CD-R  
drive to create a video CD. For the  
compatible drive, visit the following  
URL: http://www.ppackage.com/)  
The Help guide explains all software  
application functions. Refer to the Help  
guide for further detailed operations after  
reading the “First Step Guide” thoroughly.  
To display the Help guide, click the [?]  
mark on the screen.  
x For Macintosh users  
System requirements  
When using ImageMixer VCD2  
OS: Mac OS X (v10.1.5 or later)  
x For Windows users  
When using Picture Package  
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000  
Professional, Windows Millennium  
Edition, Windows XP Home Edition or  
Windows XP Professional  
CPU: iMac, eMac, iBook, PowerBook,  
Power Mac G3/G4/G5 series  
Memory: 128 MB or more  
Hard disk: Available memory required for  
installation: 250 MB or more  
Available free hard disk space  
recommended: 4 GB or more  
(depending on the size of the image files  
edited)  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above OS  
has been upgraded.  
CPU: Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or faster  
(800 MHz or faster recommended) (For  
using ImageMixer VCD2, Intel Pentium  
4 1.3 GHz or faster recommended)  
Display: Minimum 1,024 × 768 dots,  
32,000 colors (This product will not  
operate correctly at 1,024 × 768 dots or  
less, or 256 colors or less.)  
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This  
product is based on DirectX technology.  
It is necessary to have DirectX  
installed.)  
Application: QuickTime 4 or later  
(QuickTime 5 recommended)  
Windows Media Player 7.0 or later  
Macromedia Flash Player 6.0 or later  
Other: Disc drive  
56  
       
Installing the  
software and “First  
Step Guide” on a  
computer  
You need to install the software etc., with  
the supplied CD-ROM on your computer  
before connecting your camcorder  
and your computer. Once installed, no  
further installation will be necessary. The  
software to be used varies depending on the  
computer’s operating system you are using.  
Windows computer: Picture Package  
(including ImageMixer VCD2)  
• When you connect your camcorder to a  
Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you  
cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the  
computer. To copy recordings from a tape,  
connect your camcorder to the computer with an  
i.LINK cable and use the standard software in  
the OS.  
Macintosh computer: ImageMixer VCD2  
For the details on the software, refer to  
“First Step Guide.”  
Installing on a Windows  
computer  
Log on as Administrators for installation  
for Windows 2000/Windows XP.  
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3
Place the supplied CD-ROM in the  
disc drive of your computer.  
The installation screen appears.  
The software version of Picture Package  
is displayed as “1.5.”  
Continued ,  
57  
         
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (Continued)  
If the screen does not appear  
6
7
Click [Next].  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE]  
(Disc drive).*  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
4
Click [Install].  
Read [License Agreement], check  
[I accept the terms of the license  
agreement] if you agree, then  
click [Next].  
The software version of Picture Package  
is displayed as “1.5.”  
Depending on the computer’s operating  
system, a message may appear notifying  
you that “First Step Guide” cannot be  
installed automatically with the  
InstallShield Wizard. In such a case,  
manually copy “First Step Guide” to  
your computer according to the message  
instructions.  
The software version of Picture Package  
is displayed as “1.5.”  
8
Select where to save the  
software, then click [Next].  
5
Select the language for the  
application to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
58  
9
Click [Install] on the [Ready to  
Install the Program] screen.  
12If the [Installing Microsoft(R)  
DirectX(R)] screen is displayed,  
follow the steps below to install  
DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step  
13.  
The installation of Picture Package  
starts.  
1 Read [License Agreement], then click  
[Next].  
10Click [Next] to install the “First  
Step Guide.”  
2 Click [Next].  
Depending on the computer, this screen  
may not be displayed. In such a case,  
skip to step 11.  
3 Click [Finish].  
11Click [Next], then follow the on-  
screen instructions to install  
ImageMixer VCD2.  
13Make sure [Yes, I want to restart  
my computer now.] is checked,  
then click [Finish].  
Continued ,  
59  
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (Continued)  
The computer turns off once, then starts  
up again automatically (Restart). The  
5
6
Copy “FirstStepGuide.pdf,”  
stored in the desired language in  
the [FirstStepGuide] folder, to  
your computer.  
short-cut icons for [Picture Package  
Menu] and [Picture Package destination  
folder] (and “First Step Guide,” if  
installed in step 10) appear on the  
desktop.  
Copy [IMXINST.SIT] in the [MAC]  
folder of the CD-ROM to a folder  
of your choice.  
7
8
9
Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the  
folder it was copied to.  
14Remove the CD-ROM from the  
disc drive of your computer.  
Double-click the unzipped  
[ImageMixerVCD2_Install].  
• For details on connecting your camcorder and  
computer, see “First Step Guide” on the  
supplied CD-ROM (p. 61).  
• If you have any questions about Picture  
Package, contact information is listed on page  
61.  
When the user acceptance screen  
is displayed, enter your name and  
password.  
The installation of ImageMixer VCD2  
starts.  
Installing on a Macintosh  
computer  
• For details on connecting your camcorder and  
computer, see “First Step Guide” on the  
supplied CD-ROM (p. 61).  
• For details on how to use ImageMixer VCD2,  
refer to software’s on-line help.  
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3
4
Place the supplied CD-ROM in the  
disc drive of your computer.  
Double-click CD-ROM icon.  
60  
 
Viewing “First Step Guide”  
Displaying “First Step Guide”  
For inquires about this software  
Starting up on a Windows computer  
Pixela User Support Center  
Viewing with Microsoft Internet Explorer  
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.  
Pixela Home Page  
Picture Package:  
Double-click the  
icon on the desktop.  
ImageMixer VCD2:  
North America (Los Angeles) Telephone:  
(Toll-Free) +1-800-458-4029  
+1-213-341-0163  
Europe (U.K.) Telephone:  
(Toll-Free) UK, Germany, France and  
Spain:  
+800-1532-4865  
Other countries:  
You can also start up [First Step Guide]  
by selecting [Start], [Programs] ([All  
Programs] for Windows XP), [Picture  
Package], and [First Step Guide].  
+44-1489-564-764  
• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML  
without using automatic installation, copy  
the desired language folder from the  
[FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM,  
and then double-click “index.html.”  
Asia (Philippines) Telephone:  
+63-2-438-0090  
On Copyrights  
Music works, sound recording or other third  
party musical contents you may acquire  
from CDs, the Internet or other sources (the  
“Music Contents”) are the copyrighted  
work of the respective owners thereof and  
are protected by copyright laws and other  
applicable laws of each country/  
• Refer to “FirstStepGuide.pdf” located in  
your desired language folder in the  
following cases:  
– When printing “First Step Guide”  
– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed  
correctly due to the browser setting even  
in recommended environment.  
region. Except to the extent expressly  
permitted by applicable laws, you are not  
permitted to use (including, without  
limitation, copying, modifying,  
– When the HTML version of “First Step  
Guide” is not installed automatically.  
Starting up on a Macintosh computer  
reproducing, uploading, transmitting or  
placing to the external network accessible  
to the public, transferring, distributing,  
lending, licensing, selling and publishing)  
any of the Music Contents without  
Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf.”  
obtaining authorization or approval of the  
respective owners thereof. License of  
Picture Package by Sony Corporation  
would not be construed as conferring to you  
by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any  
license or right to use the Music Contents.  
To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is  
needed. If it is not installed on your  
computer, you can download it from the  
Adobe Systems web page:  
61  
         
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD”)  
You can create a DVD from a tape with a  
Sony VAIO series computer* preinstalled  
with “Click to DVD Ver.1.2” (Sony  
original software) or later via an i.LINK  
cable. The picture is automatically copied  
and written to a DVD.  
The following procedures describe how to  
create a DVD from a recorded tape. For  
details on system and operation  
• You can only use an i.LINK cable for this  
operation. You cannot use a USB cable.  
* Note that you need a computer equipped  
with a DVD drive that can write DVDs.  
Using the Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD” function for the first time  
The Direct Access to “Click to DVD”  
function enables you to copy pictures  
recorded on a tape to a DVD easily if your  
camcorder is connected to a computer.  
Before operating the Direct Access to  
“Click to DVD” function, follow the steps  
below to start “Click to DVD Automatic  
Mode Launcher.”  
1 Turn on the computer.  
2 Click the start menu, then select [All  
Programs].  
3 Select [Click to DVD] from the programs  
displayed, then click [Click to DVD  
Automatic Mode Launcher].  
requirements, and “Click to DVD,” visit the  
following URL:  
– Europe  
– USA  
n.pl  
– Asia Pacific Regional  
– Korea  
– Taiwan  
[Click to DVD Automatic Mode Launcher]  
starts up.  
– China  
• After you start up [Click to DVD  
Automatic Mode Launcher] once, from  
then on it starts up automatically when  
you turn on your computer.  
• [Click to DVD Automatic Mode  
Launcher] is set up for each Windows XP  
user.  
– Thailand  
– Latin America  
index.jsp  
1
2
Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running with an  
i.LINK.  
To i.LINK  
connector  
i.LINK cable  
(optional)  
Prepare the power source for the  
camcorder.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the  
power source since it takes a few hours  
to create a DVD.  
DV  
To DV Interface  
(i.LINK)  
62  
         
[CAPTURING]: The picture recorded  
on the tape is being copied to the  
computer.  
3
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
[CONVERTING]: The picture is being  
converted to the MPEG2 format.  
[WRITING]: The picture is being  
written onto the DVD.  
4
5
Insert a recorded cassette into  
your camcorder.  
• If you use a DVD-RW/+RW which has  
other data stored on it, the message [This is  
a recorded disc. Delete and overwrite?]  
appears on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder. When you touch [EXEC], the  
existing data is erased and new data is  
written.  
Connect your camcorder to a  
computer via an i.LINK cable  
(p. 62).  
• When you connect your camcorder to a  
computer, make sure you insert the  
connector in the correct way. If you insert  
the connector forcibly, damage may occur  
and cause camcorder malfunction.  
9
Touch [  
a DVD.  
END] to finish creating  
• For details, see “First Step Guide” (p. 61).  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
BURN DVD  
COMPLETED  
C r e a t e a n o t h e r  
c o p y ?  
D i s c t r a y  
o p e n s .  
6
Touch  
[BURN DVD] t  
t [PAGE2] t  
.
EXEC  
END  
“Click to DVD” starts up and the on-  
screen instructions appear on your  
computer.  
The disc tray comes out automatically.  
To create another DVD with the same  
content, touch [EXEC].  
The disc tray comes out. Place a new  
writable DVD in the disc drive. Then,  
repeat step 8 and 9.  
7
8
Place a writable DVD in the disc  
drive of the computer.  
Touch [EXEC] on the screen of  
your camcorder.  
To cancel the operation  
Touch [CANCEL] on the LCD screen on  
your camcorder.  
• You cannot cancel the operation after  
[Finalizing DVD.] is displayed on the LCD  
screen of your camcorder.  
60min  
BURN DVD  
START  
0:00:00:00  
CREATE DVD?  
CAN-  
CEL  
• Do not disconnect the i.LINK cable or set the  
POWER switch to another mode on your  
camcorder until the picture is completely copied  
to the computer.  
• When [CONVERTING] or [WRITING] is  
displayed on the screen, capturing of pictures  
has already finished. Even if you disconnect the  
i.LINK cable or turn off the camcorder at this  
EXEC  
The status of the operation on your  
computer is displayed on the LCD  
screen of your camcorder.  
Continued ,  
63  
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) (Continued)  
stage, DVD creation will continue on your  
computer.  
• If any of the following occurs, copying of the  
picture is canceled. A DVD containing the data  
up to the point the operation was canceled is  
created. Refer to the help files of “Click to  
DVD” for details.  
– The tape contains a 10-second blank portion.  
– The tape data contains a date before the date  
of later images.  
– Both normal and wide pictures are recorded  
on the same tape (Only for “Click to DVD”  
older than Ver.2.2).  
• You cannot operate [BURN DVD] in the  
following situations:  
– While a tape is running.  
– When “Click to DVD” is started up from the  
computer.  
64  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the  
problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer.  
Overall operations/Easy Handycam  
The power does not turn on.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 12).  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall outlet (p. 12).  
The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery pack, then reconnect it  
after about 1 minute.  
• Press the RESET button (p. 27) using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button,  
all settings are reset.)  
Buttons do not work.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all buttons are functional (p. 23).  
You cannot turn Easy Handycam operation on or off.  
• During recording or communicating with another device via USB cable, you cannot turn  
Easy Handycam operation on or off.  
Settings change during Easy Handycam operation.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the settings of the functions that are not displayed on the  
screen return to their defaults. Previously made settings are restored when you cancel the  
Easy Handycam operation (p. 22, 41).  
[DEMO MODE] does not start.  
• You cannot view the demonstration together with NightShot plus (p. 26).  
• Eject the cassette from your camcorder (p. 20).  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.  
Batteries/Power sources  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the  
camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF]  
(p. 48), or turn on the power again (p. 15), or use the AC Adaptor.  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 12).  
Continued ,  
65  
         
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG) (p. 12).  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12).  
• Connect the power cord to the wall outlet properly (p. 12).  
• The battery charge is completed (p. 13).  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12). If the problem persists, disconnect  
the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be  
worn-out.  
The power turns off frequently although the remaining battery time 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. Fully charge the battery again to correct the indication (p. 12).  
The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 12, 81).  
• The indicated time may not be correct in certain circumstances. For example, when you open  
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.  
The battery pack discharges too quickly.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 12, 81).  
A problem occurs when the camcorder is connected to the AC Adaptor.  
• Turn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet. Then, connect it  
again.  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
A rippling effect appears on the LCD screen when you touch it.  
• This is not a malfunction. Do not press hard on the LCD screen.  
An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder.  
• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 47). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette to  
cancel [DEMO MODE].  
66  
An unknown indicator appears on the screen.  
• A warning indicator or message appears on the screen (p. 76).  
The picture remains on the LCD screen.  
• This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug from your camcorder or remove the battery pack  
without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.  
The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.  
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder (p. 17).  
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.  
• Adjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 85).  
The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.  
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 16).  
The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.  
• Close the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is  
open (p. 16).  
Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen.  
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded.  
Cassette tapes  
The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.  
• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 12).  
• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 13).  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 12).  
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 84).  
The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a  
cassette with Cassette Memory.  
• This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear.  
The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.  
• Set [  
REMAIN] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 47).  
Continued ,  
67  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.  
• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery  
operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction.  
Recording  
Refer also to “Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 68).  
The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp (p. 24).  
• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.  
• Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 80).  
• The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave  
your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 84).  
You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene  
to the next.  
• Perform END SEARCH (p. 30).  
• 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.  
The shutter sound is not heard when you record a still image.  
• Set [BEEP] to [ON] (p. 48).  
[END SCH] does not work.  
• Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 30).  
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.  
[END SCH] does not work correctly.  
• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
Adjusting the image during recording  
Refer also to “Menu” (p. 70).  
The auto focus does not function.  
• Set [FOCUS] to [  
AUTO] (p. 36).  
• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 36).  
68  
     
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 44).  
The BACK LIGHT function does not function.  
• In the following settings, the BACK LIGHT function is canceled.  
– [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]  
– [SPOT METER]  
• The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation (p. 23).  
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.  
A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject.  
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.  
The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 26).  
The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 26), or cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 26).  
The picture appears too bright, or flickering or changes in color occurs.  
• These anomalies may occur when recording pictures under the discharge tube, such as a  
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORTS]. This is  
not a malfunction. Cancel [PROGRAM AE] to reduce the anomaly (p. 42).  
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 44).  
Playback  
You cannot play back tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
• Rewind the tape (p. 25).  
Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or  
do not appear.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 84).  
Continued ,  
69  
     
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
No sound or only a low sound is heard.  
• Set [HiFi SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 45).  
• Turn up the volume (p. 25).  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 53).  
• If you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting  
cable are also connected (p. 32).  
The sound breaks off.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 84).  
“---” 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.  
Noises appear and  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (NTSC). This  
is not a malfunction (p. 79).  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded on another device with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC  
REC). Your camcorder is not compatible with 4ch microphone recording.  
Menu  
Menu items are grayed out.  
• You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.  
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS].  
• You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS] together with [PROGRAM AE].  
You cannot use [SPOT METER].  
• You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with NightShot plus.  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [  
AUTO].  
You cannot use [FADER].  
• You cannot use [FADER] together with [SELF TIMER].  
70  
         
You cannot use [EXPOSURE].  
• You cannot use [EXPOSURE] together with NightShot plus.  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [  
AUTO].  
You cannot use [WHT BAL].  
• You cannot use [WHT BAL] together with NightShot plus.  
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].  
• You cannot use [PROGRAM AE] together with NightShot plus.  
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices  
Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected  
device.  
• Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p. 48).  
You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.  
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting  
cable is connected to the input jack of another device for dubbing a picture from your  
camcorder (p. 49).  
New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard.  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 53).  
Pictures from connected devices are not displayed correctly.  
• The input signal is not NTSC (p. 79).  
Connecting to a computer  
The computer does not recognize your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely.  
• Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the  
(USB) jack on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect  
them again correctly.  
An error message appears when you place the supplied CD-ROM in your  
computer.  
• Set the computer display as follows:  
– Windows: 800 × 600 dots or more, High Color (16 bits, 65,000 colors) or more  
– Macintosh: 1,024 × 768 dots or more, 32,000 colors or more  
Continued ,  
71  
     
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
You cannot view the video your camcorder is seeing on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp on your camcorder, and  
set [USB STREAM] to [ON] (p. 47). (Only when connected to the Windows computer with  
the USB cable)  
You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder and  
set [USB STREAM] to [ON] (p. 47). (Only when connected to the Windows computer with  
the USB cable)  
You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on the Macintosh computer.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot  
copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy recordings from a tape, connect  
your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in the  
OS.  
The image on tape does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer  
during USB Streaming.  
• The USB driver has been registered incorrectly as the computer was connected to your  
camcorder before the installation of the USB driver was completed. Follow the procedure  
below to install the USB driver correctly.  
x For Windows Me  
1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
2 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
3 Click the [Device Manager] tab.  
4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Remove] to delete  
them.  
– [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game controllers] folder  
– [USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
– [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder  
5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].  
6 Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the USB cable, then restart the  
computer.  
7 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
72  
8 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Audio Device], [USB Device] and [USB Composite  
Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
x For Windows 2000  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
2 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
3 Click the [Hardware] tab t [Device Manager] t [View] t [Devices by type].  
4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
– [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder  
– [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game controller] folder  
– [Composite USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].  
6 Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the USB cable, then restart the  
computer.  
7 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
8 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device] and  
[Composite USB Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
x For Windows XP  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Check that your camcorder is connected to a computer.  
2 Click [Start].  
3 Right-click [My Computer], then click [Properties].  
The [System Properties] screen appears.  
4 Click the [Hardware] tab t [Device Manager] t [View] t [Devices by type].  
Continued ,  
73  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
5 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
– [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder  
– [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game controller] folder  
– [USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder  
6 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].  
7 Turn off the power of your camcorder, disconnect the USB cable, then restart the  
computer.  
8 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
9 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device] and [USB  
Device] may cause a malfunction of your computer.  
[Cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected.] appears on the screen of  
your camcorder.  
• You cannot start the Easy Handycam settings while the USB cable is connected. Disconnect  
the USB cable from your camcorder first.  
There is no sound when the camcorder is connected to the Windows computer  
via a USB cable.  
• Change the settings for your computer environment as described in the following procedures:  
1 Select [Start] t [Programs]([All Programs] for Windows XP) t [Picture Package] t  
[Handycam Tools] t [USB Streaming Tool].  
2 Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen.  
3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done].  
The movie is not smooth during USB Streaming.  
• Change the settings as described in the following procedures:  
1 Select [Start] t [Programs]( [All Programs] for Windows XP) t [Picture Package] t  
[Handycam Tools] t [USB Streaming Tool].  
2 Adjust the slider in the (-) direction on [Select video quality].  
3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done].  
Picture Package does not function correctly.  
• Close Picture Package, then restart the computer.  
74  
An error message appears while operating Picture Package.  
• Close Picture Package first, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder to turn on  
another lamp.  
The CD-R drive is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in  
Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker.  
• For compatible drives, visit the following URL:  
“First Step Guide” is not displayed correctly.  
• Follow the procedure below and refer to “First Step Guide” (FirstStepGuide.pdf).  
1 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer.  
2 Double-click [My Computer].  
3 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*.  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.  
4 Click [Explorer].  
5 Double-click [FirstStepGuide].  
6 Double-click the desired language folder.  
7 Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf.”  
75  
Warning indicators and messages  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
E (Battery level warning)  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
• Depending on the operating,  
environment, or battery conditions, E  
may flash, even if there are  
approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in  
the viewfinder, check the following.  
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If  
the problem persists even after you have  
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony  
dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
% (Moisture condensation warning)*  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 84).  
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis  
display)  
C:04:ss  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 81).  
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• Connect the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your  
camcorder securely (p. 12).  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 80).*  
C:21:ss  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 84).  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
C:22:ss  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 84).  
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 80).  
C:31:ss / C:32:ss  
• Symptoms that are not described above  
have occurred. Remove and insert the  
cassette, then operate your camcorder  
again. Do not perform this procedure if  
moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 84).  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 84).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 76).  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it  
and operate your camcorder again.  
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators  
appear on the screen (p. 48).  
• Change the cassette. Press RESET  
(p. 27), and operate your camcorder  
again.  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
76  
       
Description of warning  
messages  
Q The tape has reached the end.  
(p. 20, 25)  
• Rewind or change the tape.  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
x Others  
x Battery/Power  
Cannot record due to copyright  
protection. (p. 80)  
Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
(p. 81)  
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the  
i.LINK cable. (p. 52)  
Battery level is low.  
• Change the battery (p. 12, 81).  
Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 52)  
Old battery. Use a new one. (p. 81)  
Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 52)  
Z Re-attach the power source. (p. 12)  
Use new AC adapter or reinsert.  
(p. 12)  
Cannot add audio on the blank  
portion of a tape. (p. 52)  
x Moisture condensation  
Cannot add audio. (p. 52)  
• You cannot add sound to a tape  
recorded on other devices by 4CH MIC  
REC.  
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject  
the cassette (p. 84)  
x
Dirty video head. Use a  
cleaning cassette. (p. 84)  
% Moisture condensation. Turn off  
for 1H. (p. 84)  
Cannot start Easy Handycam.  
(p. 22, 65)  
x Cassette/Tape  
Q Insert a cassette. (p. 20)  
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam.  
(p. 22, 65)  
Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 20)  
• Check if the cassette is damaged.  
Cannot start Easy Handycam with  
USB connected.  
QZ The tape is locked - check the  
tab. (p. 80)  
• You cannot start the Easy Handycam  
settings while the USB cable is  
connected. Disconnect the USB cable  
from your camcorder first.  
Continued ,  
77  
 
Warning indicators and messages (Continued)  
Invalid during Easy Handycam  
operation. (p. 23)  
USB invalid during Easy Handycam  
• You cannot connect the USB cable  
during Easy Handycam. Touch  
.
HDV recorded tape. Cannot  
playback.  
• Your camcorder cannot play back this  
format. Play back the tape with the  
equipment that recorded it.  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot add  
audio.  
• Your camcorder does not allow you to  
add audio on a section of a tape  
recorded in HDV format (p. 52).  
78  
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder abroad  
Power supply  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to local time  
abroad by the time difference you are in.  
Select [WORLD TIME] in the  
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time  
difference (p. 48).  
You can use your camcorder in any  
country/region using the AC Adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within the  
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.  
Use a commercially available AC plug  
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the  
design of the wall outlet [b].  
AC-L25A/L25B  
[a]  
[b]  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is NTSC system, so its  
picture can only be viewed on a NTSC  
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jack.  
System  
Used in  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America, Chile,  
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,  
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,  
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,  
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,  
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain,  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,  
United Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M Brazil  
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
79  
               
Usable cassette tapes  
x To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.  
Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
Your camcorder is not compatible with  
cassettes with Cassette Memory.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
created on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
END SEARCH (p. 30) before you begin the  
next recording in the following cases:  
• You have played back the tape.  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be  
recorded (write-protected).  
REC  
SAVE  
• You have used EDIT SEARCH.  
x When labeling the cassette  
Be sure to place the label only on the  
locations shown in the following  
illustration so as not to cause a malfunction  
of your camcorder.  
Copyright signal  
x When you play back  
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.  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
x When you record  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright control  
signals for copyright protection of software.  
[Cannot record due to copyright  
Labeling position  
protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or  
on the viewfinder if you try to record such  
software. Your camcorder does not record  
copyright control signals on the tape when  
it records.  
x 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.  
Notes on use  
x When cleaning the gold-plated  
connector  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector  
on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after  
every 10 times it has been ejected.  
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette  
is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape  
indicator may not show correctly.  
Gold-plated connector  
80  
               
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
• 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-FP50/FP70/FP71/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 two or three  
times the expected recording time, and make  
trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
This unit is compatible with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series).  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
“InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related to  
operating conditions between your  
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/  
charger.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
About the remaining battery time  
indicator  
• When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates that  
the battery pack has enough power to operate,  
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining  
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,  
however, that the battery indication will not be  
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a  
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or  
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use  
the remaining battery time indication as a rough  
guide only.  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp  
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside  
of this temperature range, you may not be able  
to charge it efficiently.  
• When charging the battery pack while the AC  
Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after  
charging is complete, disconnect the cable from  
the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove  
the battery pack.  
• 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.  
About storage of the battery pack  
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,  
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on  
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper  
function. To store the battery pack, remove it  
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool  
place.  
To use the battery pack effectively  
• Battery pack performance decreases when the  
surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or  
below, and the length of time you can use the  
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do  
one of the following to use the battery pack for a  
longer time.  
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,  
and insert it in your camcorder right before  
you start taking shots.  
• To discharge the battery pack on your  
camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to  
[NEVER] on the  
(OTHERS) menu and  
leave your camcorder in tape recording standby  
until the power goes off (p. 48).  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FP50/  
FP70/FP71/FP90 (optional).  
Continued ,  
81  
         
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack (Continued)  
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.  
About battery life  
• Battery capacity decreases over time and  
through repeated use. If decreased usage time  
between charges becomes significant, it is  
probably time to replace it with a new one.  
What is i.LINK?  
• Each battery’s life is governed by storage,  
operating and environmental conditions.  
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for  
transferring digital video, digital audio, and  
other data to other i.LINK-compatible  
devices. You can also control other devices  
using the i.LINK.  
i.LINK-compatible devices can be  
connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible  
applications are operations and data  
transactions with various digital AV  
devices.  
When two or more i.LINK-compatible  
devices are daisy-chained with the unit,  
operation becomes possible from any  
device in the chain. Note that operation  
method may vary, or data transactions may  
not be possible, depending on specifications  
and characteristics of the connected  
devices.  
• Normally, only one device can be connected to  
this unit with an i.LINK cable. When  
connecting this unit to an i.LINK-compatible  
device having two or more DV Interfaces, refer  
to the operating instructions of the device to be  
connected.  
• 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.  
About the 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 equipment. It  
82  
   
Maintenance and  
precautions  
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.  
– 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.  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a device  
with a different maximum baud rate.  
* What is Mbps?  
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or  
the amount of data that can be sent or  
received in one second. For example, a  
baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100  
megabits of data can be sent in one second.  
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand  
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
To use i.LINK functions on this unit  
For details on how to dub when this unit is  
connected to other video devices having a  
DV Interface, see page 49, 51.  
This unit can also be connected to other  
i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices  
made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal  
computer) as well as to video devices.  
Some i.LINK compatible video devices,  
such as Digital Televisions, DVD,  
MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are  
not compatible with DV devices. Before  
connecting to other devices, be sure to  
confirm whether the device is compatible  
with a DV device or not. For details on  
precautions and compatible application  
software, refer also to the operating  
– 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.  
– 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 gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
About the required i.LINK cable  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF(CHG)  
when you are not using your camcorder.  
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
• When disconnecting the power cord, pull it by  
the plug and not the cord.  
• Do not damage the power cord such as by  
placing anything heavy on it.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
Continued ,  
83  
   
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– 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.  
x Note on moisture condensation  
Moisture may condense when you bring  
your camcorder from a cold place into a  
warm place (or vice versa) or when you use  
your camcorder in a humid place as shown  
below.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• When you bring your camcorder from an air  
conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.  
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a  
shower.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a  
cassette for about 3 minutes.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
Moisture condensation  
x How to avoid moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a  
cold place into a warm place, put your  
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it  
tightly. Remove the bag when the air  
temperature inside the plastic bag has  
reached the surrounding temperature (after  
about one hour).  
If 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.  
Video head  
• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound  
distortion may be apparent.  
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video  
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-  
12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback  
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.  
x If moisture condensation has occurred  
None of the functions except cassette  
ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn  
off your camcorder, and leave it for about  
one hour with the cassette lid open. Your  
camcorder can be used again when both of  
the following conditions are met:  
• The warning message does not appear when the  
power is turned on.  
• Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted  
and video operation buttons are touched.  
If moisture starts to condense, your  
camcorder sometimes cannot detect  
condensation. If this happens, the cassette is  
sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after  
the cassette lid is opened. This is not a  
malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid  
until the cassette is ejected.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound  
breaks off.  
– [x  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording/playback.  
• The video heads will wear after long use. If you  
cannot obtain a clear image even after using a  
cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because  
the video heads are worn. Please contact your  
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility to have the video heads replaced.  
84  
   
The position of the “×” changes. If you did  
not press the right spot, start from step 4  
again.  
LCD screen  
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD  
screen, as it may cause damage.  
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a  
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is  
rotated.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
On handling the casing  
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,  
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.  
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish.  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
x To clean the LCD screen  
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  
dirty, it is recommended you use a soft  
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD  
Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the  
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen.  
Use cleaning paper moistened with the  
liquid.  
x On adjustment of the LCD screen  
(CALIBRATION)  
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  
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 the lens is exposed to salty air such as  
at the seaside.  
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above. It is recommended that you  
operate your camcorder about once a month to  
keep it in optimum state for a long time.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).  
2 Eject the cassette from your camcorder,  
then disconnect any connecting cables  
except the AC Adaptor from your  
camcorder.  
3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp while pressing  
DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder, and  
keep pressing down DISP/BATT INFO for  
about 5 seconds.  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
4 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the  
like.  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,  
and other settings even when the POWER  
switch is set to OFF(CHG). The pre-  
installed rechargeable battery is always  
charged while your camcorder is connected  
to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor or  
while the battery pack is attached. The  
rechargeable battery will be fully  
discharged in about 3 months if you do  
not use your camcorder at all without the  
Continued ,  
85  
         
Maintenance and precautions  
(Continued)  
Specifications  
System  
AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack  
attached. Use your camcorder after  
charging the pre-installed rechargeable  
battery.  
However, even if the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is not charged, the  
camcorder operation will not be affected as  
long as you are not recording the date.  
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  
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s  
Recording/playback time  
x Procedures  
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.  
mark  
SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
Fast forward/rewind time  
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and rechargeable battery pack)  
Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and AC Adaptor)  
Viewfinder  
Electric viewfinder (color)  
Image device  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 680 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): Approx. 340 000  
pixels  
Lens  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
20 × (Optical), 800 × (Digital)  
Focal length  
f=2.3 ~ 46 mm (3/32 ~ 1 13/16 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
In CAMERA: 44 ~ 880 mm (1 3/4 ~  
34 1/32 in.)  
F1.8 ~ 3.1  
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)  
Color temperature  
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR]  
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
86  
   
Minimum illumination  
5 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
65 × 79 × 113 mm  
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus  
1
function)*  
(2 5/8 × 3 1/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
1
* Objects unable to be seen due to the dark  
can be shot with infrared lighting.  
360 g (12 oz) main unit only  
420 g (14 oz) including the NP-FP30  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette.  
Input/Output connectors  
Audio/Video output  
10-pin connector  
Supplied accessories  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
See page 11.  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 k(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
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  
USB jack  
mini-B  
DV input/output  
2
DC 8.4 V*  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.)  
(w/h/d) excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
LCD screen  
Picture  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
Total dot number  
123 200 (560 × 220)  
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the power cord  
2
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for  
General  
other specifications.  
Power requirements  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FP30)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder 1.8 W  
Capacity  
During camera recording using the  
LCD 2.1 W  
3.6 Wh (500 mAh)  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Continued ,  
87  
Specifications (Continued)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm  
(1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
On trademarks  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
• Picture Package is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
40 g (1.5 oz)  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Type  
is a trademark.  
• “Handycam” and  
Lithium ion  
are  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.  
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• Windows Media Player is a trademark of  
Microsoft Corporation.  
• iMac, iBook, eMac, Macintosh, Mac OS,  
PowerBook and Power Mac are trademarks of  
Apple Computer, Inc in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are  
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.  
• Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are  
either registered trademarks or trademarks of  
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United  
States and/or other countries.  
• Roxio is a registered trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Toast is a trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Macromedia and Macromedia Flash Player are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of  
Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and other  
countries.  
• Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark  
of Intel Corporation.  
All other product names mentioned herein may be  
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their  
respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®”  
are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  
88  
 
Index  
Numeric  
C
12BIT....................................46  
16BIT....................................46  
16:9 WIDE............................44  
4:3 .........................................44  
CALIBRATION................... 85  
CAMERA SET menu........... 43  
Cassette .......................... 20, 80  
EASY button ........................22  
Easy Handycam..............22, 35  
EDITSEARCH ...............30, 44  
EXPOSURE ...................38, 71  
A
A DUB CTRL  
Cassette compartment .......... 20  
CD-ROM.............................. 55  
Charging the battery............. 12  
Battery pack.................. 12  
(Audio dubbing) ...................53  
AC Adaptor...........................12  
FADER...........................37, 70  
Fireworks..............................42  
First Step Guide..............55, 61  
Adjusting exposure for back  
light.................................26, 69  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
AUDIO MIX.........................53  
AUDIO MODE.....................46  
...................See SPOT METER  
Charging time....................... 13  
CHG (charge) lamp.............. 12  
Click to DVD ....................... 62  
Computer........................ 55, 57  
Connect  
AUTO SHTR  
(Auto shutter)........................43  
FN (Function) button......28, 34  
Full charge............................13  
A.SHUT OFF  
(Auto shut off) ......................48  
A/V OUT jack.................32, 49  
Computer ...................... 55  
B
BACK LIGHT ................26, 69  
BATT (battery) release lever  
..............................................13  
HiFi SOUND........................45  
Holding the camcorder .........15  
Battery  
DATE/TIME ............ 19, 28, 39  
Battery info....................27  
Battery pack...................12  
Charging time................13  
Playing time...................14  
Recording time ..............13  
Remaining battery .........28  
BEACH&SKI .......................42  
BEEP ....................................48  
BLACK.................................37  
BURN DVD ...................40, 62  
BURN VCD..........................40  
B&W.....................................43  
Icon.......See Display indicators  
ID-1/ID-2..............................44  
ImageMixer VCD2...............55  
Indicators ..............................29  
INDOOR...............................38  
DISP OUT  
(Display output) ................... 48  
Display indicators ................ 28  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
..............................................81  
DISP/BATT INFO button  
........................................ 17, 27  
Infrared port..........................26  
Initialize (Reset) ...................27  
Install ....................................57  
Internal stereo microphone...27  
i.LINK ..................................82  
Double speed Playback ........ 40  
Dubbing.......................... 49, 52  
DV Interface....... 49, 51, 54, 62  
Continued ,  
89  
 
Index (Continued)  
i.LINK cable.............49, 51, 62  
MOSAIC.............................. 43  
MOSC. FADER................... 37  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
battery...................................85  
J
Jack.......................................54  
REC CTRL  
L
(Recording control) ..............51  
Label.....................................80  
LANDSCAPE ......................42  
LANGUAGE........................47  
LCD......................................48  
(Recording mode).................46  
NightShot plus ..................... 26  
Rec review............................31  
NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch  
............................................. 26  
REC START/STOP button  
........................................22, 24  
LCD BRT  
(LCD bright).........................39  
NTSC ............................. 70, 79  
Rechargeable battery pack  
LCD B.L.  
(LCD back light) ..................45  
Recording .............................24  
Recording capacity...............28  
Recording time .....................13  
RESET button ......................27  
Reversal Playback ................40  
LCD COLOR .......................45  
LCD panel ............................16  
LCD screen...........................16  
LCD/VF SET menu..............45  
Lens cap....................11, 15, 22  
LETTER BOX......................46  
Lid ........................................20  
LP (Long Play) .....................46  
ONE PUSH.......................... 38  
OPEN/EJECT lever ............. 20  
Operation button .................. 34  
Operation confirmation beep  
S VIDEO cable...............32, 49  
S VIDEO jack.................32, 49  
M
Searching for the starting point  
Macintosh .......................56, 60  
Main sound...........................45  
Maintenance .........................83  
MANUAL SET menu ..........42  
Menu.....................................34  
MANUAL SET menu ...42  
Menu items....................41  
OTHERS menu .............48  
SETUP MENU menu....47  
TAPE SET menu...........46  
Using the menu .............34  
VCR SET menu.............45  
Mirror mode .........................27  
Moisture condensation .........84  
MONOTONE .......................37  
SP (Standard Play) ...............46  
Speaker.................................27  
Specifications .......................86  
SPORTS (Sports lesson) ......42  
SPOT FOCUS ................36, 70  
Slow.............................. 40  
Playing time ......................... 14  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait)... 42  
Power cord ........................... 12  
POWER switch.................... 15  
90  
SPOT METER  
V-OUT/LCD ........................ 48  
(Flexible spot meter).......36, 70  
SPOTLIGHT ........................42  
SQUEEZE ............................46  
STEADYSHOT..............44, 69  
STEREO ...............................45  
Sub sound .............................45  
SUNSETMOON...................42  
System requirements.............56  
Wall outlet............................ 12  
Warning indicators............... 76  
Warning messages................ 77  
WHITE................................. 37  
WHT BAL  
(White balance).............. 38, 71  
Wide angle ........................... 26  
T
(Wide display)...................... 46  
Tape counter .........................28  
Tape photo recording............24  
TAPE SET menu ..................46  
Tape ..................... See Cassette  
Telephoto..............................26  
Time code .............................28  
Touch panel ..........................17  
Trademark.............................88  
Tripod ...................................27  
TV.........................................32  
TV color systems..................79  
WIDE SEL (Wide select)..... 44  
Write-protect tab .................. 80  
Z
Zoom .................................... 26  
Zoom lever........................... 26  
U
USB jack...............................54  
USB STREAM .....................47  
USB Streaming.....................47  
Using abroad.........................79  
V
V SPD PLAY  
(Various speed playback) .....40  
VCR SET menu....................45  
VF B.L.  
(Viewfinder back light).........45  
Video head............................84  
Video operation buttons........28  
Viewfinder............................16  
Back light ......................45  
Viewfinder lens adjustment  
lever ......................................16  
VOL (Volume)................25, 39  
91  
Additional information on this product and answers  
to frequently asked questions can be found at our  
Customer Support Website.  
US  
Printed on 100% recycled paper using  
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free  
vegetable oil based ink.  
Printed in Japan  

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