Sony DCR HC42 User Manual

2-584-906-11 (1)  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
9
Getting Started  
Recording/  
Playback  
20  
Operating Guide  
36  
59  
Using the Menu  
Dubbing/Editing  
DCR-HC32/HC42  
70  
Using a Computer  
Troubleshooting  
82  
105  
Additional Information  
Printed on 100% recycled paper using  
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free  
vegetable oil based ink.  
© 2005 Sony Corporation  
Printed in Japan  
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. and  
CANADA  
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES  
Lithium-Ion batteries are  
recyclable. You can help preserve  
our environment by returning  
your used rechargeable batteries  
to the collection and recycling  
location nearest you.  
WARNING  
To prevent fire or shock hazard,  
do not expose the unit to rain or  
moisture.  
For more information regarding recycling of  
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-  
8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/  
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking  
Lithium-Ion batteries.  
Battery pack  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
This symbol is intended to  
alert the user to the presence  
of uninsulated “dangerous  
voltage” within the product’s  
enclosure that may be of  
sufficient magnitude to  
constitute a risk of electric  
shock to persons.  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with  
Canadian ICES-003.  
This symbol is intended to  
alert the user to the presence  
of important operating and  
maintenance (servicing)  
instructions in the literature  
accompanying the appliance.  
Notice  
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes  
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart  
the application or disconnect and connect the  
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.  
2
Note  
For customers in the U.S.A.  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
These limits are designed to provide reasonable  
protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates,  
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,  
if not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If  
this equipment does cause harmful interference  
to radio or television reception, which can be  
determined by turning the equipment off and  
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
If you have any questions about this product, you  
may call:  
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-  
SONY (7669).  
The number below is for the FCC related matters  
only.  
Regulatory Information  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: DCR-HC32  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.  
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA  
92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone No.: 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.  
– 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.  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: DCR-HC42  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.  
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA  
92127 U.S.A.  
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.  
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
Owner’s Record  
The model and serial numbers are located on the  
bottom. Record the serial number in the space  
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever  
you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.  
Model No. DCR-HC  
Serial No.  
Model No. AC-  
Serial No.  
Note  
DCR-HC32/HC42 is to be used with the  
Handycam Station Model DCRA-C121 and AC  
Adaptor Model AC-L25A/L25B.  
CAUTION  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in this  
manual could void your authority to operate this  
equipment.  
3
Continued   
Read this first (continued)  
On the menu items, LCD panel,  
viewfinder, and lens  
• A menu item that is grayed out is not  
available under the current recording or  
playback conditions.  
Notes on use  
Your camcorder is supplied with two  
kinds of operations guides.  
Operating Guide” (This manual)  
First Step Guide” for using the supplied  
software (stored on the supplied CD-  
ROM)  
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are  
manufactured using extremely high-  
precision technology, so over 99.99% of  
the pixels are operational for effective  
use. However, there may be some tiny  
black points and/or bright points (white,  
red, blue, or green in color) that appear  
constantly on the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder. These points are normal  
results of the manufacturing process and  
do not affect the recording in any way.  
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,  
or the lens to direct sunlight for long  
periods of time may cause malfunctions.  
• 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 the types of recording media you  
can use in your camcorder  
• A mini DV cassette marked with  
(mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory  
are incompatible) (p. 106).  
• “Memory Stick Duo” marked with  
,
(p. 107).  
On using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following parts.  
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.  
Viewfinder  
LCD panel  
• TV color systems differ depending on  
the countries/regions. To view your  
recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC  
system-based TV.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the copyright laws.  
Battery pack  
• Before connecting your camcorder to  
another device with a USB or i.LINK  
cable, be sure to insert the connector  
plug in the proper direction. If you insert  
the connector plug forcibly in the wrong  
direction, the terminal may be damaged,  
or this may cause a malfunction of your  
camcorder.  
4
On 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. 16).  
• The illustrations used on this manual are  
based on the model DCR-HC42.  
About the Carl Zeiss lens  
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl  
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly  
by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony  
Corporation, and produces superior images.  
It adopts the MTF* measurement system  
for 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.  
5
Table of Contents  
Getting Started  
Step 1: Checking supplied items ...............................................................9  
Step 2: Charging the battery pack...........................................................10  
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........14  
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder .....................................15  
Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................16  
Changing the language setting .....................................................................16  
Checking the screen indicators (Display guide) ...........................................16  
Step 6: Setting the date and time............................................................17  
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ...................................18  
Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording picture  
(DCR-HC42) ..................................................................................19  
Recording/Playback  
Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam)...................................20  
Recording................................................................................................22  
Playback..................................................................................................23  
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.............................................24  
Recording  
To use zoom  
To record in dark places (NightShot plus)  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects  
To adjust the focus for an off center subject (SPOT FOCUS)  
To x the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter)  
To record in mirror mode  
To use a tripod  
Playback  
To play back the images in sequence  
To use PB zoom  
Recording/playback  
To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)  
To turn off the operation confirmation beep  
To use special effects  
To initialize the settings  
Other part names and functions  
Indicators displayed during recording/playback.......................................28  
6
Searching for the starting point ...............................................................31  
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording  
(END SEARCH)..............................................................................................31  
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH).............................................................31  
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).........................31  
Remote Commander...............................................................................32  
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)............................32  
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................33  
Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................34  
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items............................................................36  
Menu items..............................................................................................38  
CAMERA SET menu..........................................................................40  
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/  
WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)  
MEMORY SET menu.........................................................................45  
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/BURST/ALL  
ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.)  
PICT.APPLI. menu............................................................................48  
Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback  
(PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/INT.REC-STL, etc.)  
EDIT/PLAY menu.............................................................................52  
Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END  
SEARCH, etc.)  
STANDARD SET menu ....................................................................53  
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/  
MULTI-SOUND/LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT/USB, etc.)  
TIME/LANGU. menu.........................................................................56  
(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)  
Customizing Personal Menu....................................................................57  
Dubbing/Editing  
Connecting to a VCR or TV.....................................................................59  
Dubbing to other recording devices.........................................................60  
Recording pictures from a VCR or TV.....................................................61  
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo”...........................62  
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape..........................................................63  
7
Continued   
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo”........................65  
Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information  
(Image protection/Print mark)........................................................66  
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer).........................67  
Jacks to connect external devices...........................................................69  
Using a Computer  
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ...................70  
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer .................72  
Viewing “First Step Guide”.......................................................................76  
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)...................................77  
Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal  
convert function) ............................................................................80  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................82  
Warning indicators and messages ........................................................100  
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder abroad...............................................................105  
Usable cassette tapes...........................................................................106  
About the “Memory Stick”......................................................................107  
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack...................................................109  
About i.LINK ..........................................................................................110  
Maintenance and precautions ...............................................................111  
Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap .....................................................115  
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ................................................................115  
Specifications ........................................................................................116  
Index .....................................................................................................119  
8
Step 1: Checking supplied items  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
Rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 10,  
109)  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
NP-FP30 (DCR-HC32)  
NP-FP50 (DCR-HC42)  
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5” (1)  
(p. 70)  
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 10)  
Shoe cover (1)  
Attached to the camcorder.  
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  
Power cord (1) (p. 10)  
Handycam Station (1) (p. 10)  
Wireless Remote Commander (1)  
(p. 32)  
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 34, 59)  
USB cable (1) (p. 70)  
Shoulder Strap (1) (p. 115)  
9
Step 2: Charging the battery pack  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (P series) (p. 109) after  
attaching it to your camcorder.  
3
Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack on the Handycam  
Station.  
With the   
mark facing up  
POWER  
switch  
DC IN jack  
DC plug  
Handycam  
Station  
DC IN jack  
4
5
Connect the power cord to the AC  
Adaptor and the wall outlet.  
Insert the camcorder into the  
Handycam Station securely, all  
the way to the bottom.  
AC Adaptor  
To the wall outlet  
CHG (charge) lamp  
1
Attach the battery pack by sliding  
it in the direction of the arrow  
until it clicks.  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
2
Slide the POWER switch up to  
OFF (CHG). (The default setting.)  
• When inserting the camcorder into the  
Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack  
cover.  
10  
To remove your camcorder from the  
Handycam Station  
Turn off the power, then remove the  
camcorder from the Handycam Station  
holding both your camcorder and the  
Handycam Station.  
6
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off  
when the battery is fully charged.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the DC IN jack.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
DC IN jack holding both the Handycam  
Station and the DC plug.  
To charge the battery pack using only  
the AC Adaptor  
Turn off the power, then connect the  
AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your  
camcorder.  
You can operate your camcorder  
connected to a power source such as a  
wall outlet as shown in the illustration.  
The battery pack will not lose its charge  
in this case.  
To remove the battery pack  
Turn off the power, then slide the battery  
pack in the direction of the arrow while  
pressing the PUSH button.  
PUSH button  
POWER switch  
DC IN jack  
With the mark facing  
down  
When storing the battery pack  
Fully discharge the battery before storing it  
for an extended period (p. 110).  
AC Adaptor  
To the wall outlet  
11  
Continued   
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued)  
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
NP-FP90  
345  
400  
400  
190  
220  
220  
Battery pack  
Charging time  
NP-FP30 (supplied  
with DCR-HC32)  
NP-FP50 (supplied  
with DCR-HC42)  
115  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.  
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.  
Bottom: Recording time when recording with  
the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.  
125  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
155  
220  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
Recording time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
For DCR-HC32:  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
For DCR-HC32:  
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
NP-FP30  
(supplied)  
80  
95  
40  
45  
Battery pack  
NP-FP30  
(supplied)  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
110  
135  
55  
65  
85  
105  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
120  
255  
455  
150  
310  
550  
235  
280  
115  
140  
415  
500  
205  
250  
For DCR-HC42:  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
LCD panel  
opened*  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
NP-FP50  
(supplied)  
105  
135  
NP-FP70  
NP-FP90  
225  
400  
280  
500  
For DCR-HC42:  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
* When the LCD backlight turns on.  
NP-FP50  
(supplied)  
90  
105  
105  
50  
55  
55  
NP-FP70  
190  
225  
225  
105  
125  
125  
12  
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).  
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during  
charging, or the battery information (p. 26) 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 fully discharged. (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 or the  
Handycam Station, 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.  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic  
objects. This may cause a malfunction.  
PRECAUTION  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(house current) is still supplied to it while  
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.  
13  
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your  
camcorder firmly  
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. 17).  
• When you slide the POWER switch to turn  
on the CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-  
MEMORY lamp, the current date and time  
will be displayed on the LCD screen for  
about 5 seconds.  
LENS COVER switch  
3
Put your wrist through the Strap  
Belt.  
The length of the Strap Belt is  
adjustable.  
POWER switch  
1
Slide the LENS COVER switch to  
OPEN.  
4
Hold the camcorder as illustrated.  
2
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly in the direction of the  
arrow to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
To turn off the power  
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF  
(CHG) while pressing the green button.  
Set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.  
If the POWER switch  
is set to OFF, slide it  
down while pressing  
the green button.  
• 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. 56).  
Lamps that light up  
CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape.  
CAMERA-MEMORY: To record on a  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
14  
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder  
The viewfinder  
The LCD panel  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (), then rotate it to the best  
angle to record or play ().  
You can view images using the viewfinder  
when you close the LCD panel to avoid  
wearing down the battery, etc.  
Viewfinder  
DISP/BATT INFO  
180 degrees  
(max.)  
2
1
90 degrees (max.) 90 degrees to the  
camcorder  
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture is clear.  
• 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.  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to  
the lens side, you can see the image in the  
viewfinder.  
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight by selecting [LCD/VF SET] - [VF  
B.LIGHT] (p. 54).  
You can adjust the [FADER] and the  
[EXPOSURE] setting using the viewfinder (p.  
48).  
For DCR-HC42:  
To darken the LCD screen  
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few  
seconds until  
appears.  
This setting is practical when you use  
your camcorder in bright conditions or  
where you want to save battery power. The  
recorded picture will not be affected by  
the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight,  
press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few  
seconds until  
disappears.  
• See [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 53) to adjust the  
brightness of the LCD screen.  
15  
Step 5: Using the touch panel  
You can play back recorded pictures (p.  
23), or change the settings (p. 36) using the  
touch panel.  
1
2
3
Touch  
.
Touch [MENU] during Easy Handycam  
operation.  
60min  
0:00:00  
Place your hand on the rear side of  
the LCD panel to support it.Then,  
touch the buttons displayed on the  
screen.  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU  
TELE  
MACRO  
EXPO-  
SURE  
1/3  
SPOT  
FOCUS  
FADER  
DISP/BATT INFO  
Touch [DISP GUIDE].  
The indicators vary depending on the  
settings.  
Select area for guide.  
DISP GUIDE  
END  
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.  
Touch the area including the  
indicator that you want to check.  
The meanings of the indicators in the  
area are listed on the screen. If you  
cannot find the indicator you want to  
To hide the screen indicators  
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the  
screen indicators (such as time code, etc.)  
on or off.  
check, touch  
/
to toggle.  
When you touch  
, the screen returns  
to the area selecting display.  
DISP GUIDE  
END  
Changing the language setting  
FOCUS:  
MANUAL  
PROGRAM AE:  
SPOTLIGHT  
WIDE SELECT:  
16:9 WIDE  
1/2  
You can change the on-screen displays  
to show messages in a specified  
language. Select the screen language  
in [LANGUAGE] on the  
(TIME/  
LANGU.) menu (p. 36, 56).  
4
Touch [END].  
Checking the screen indicators  
(Display guide)  
You can easily check the meaning of each  
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.  
16  
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.  
• 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. 114).  
then touch  
.
–:––:––  
CLOCK SET  
DATE  
2005  
Y
JANM  
1
D
12: 00AM  
OK  
4
Set [Y] (year) with  
touch  
/
, then  
.
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
–:––:––  
CLOCK SET  
DATE  
2005Y JAN  
M
1
D
12: 00 AM  
OK  
POWER switch  
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for  
the first time.  
5
Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour  
and minute, then touch  
.
1
Touch  
[MENU].  
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.  
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.  
The clock starts.  
60min  
–:––:––  
CAMERA SET  
PROGRAM AE  
SPOT METER  
EXPOSURE  
OK  
2
Select  
with  
(TIME/LANGU.) menu  
, then touch  
/
.
60min  
–:––:––  
DISPLAY  
MENU ROTATE  
A. SHUT OFF  
CLOCK SET  
––:––:––  
WORLD  
PROGRAM AE  
LANGUAGE  
OK  
17  
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick  
Duo”  
when inserting a cassette tape.  
Cassette tape  
You can use mini DV  
(p. 106).  
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC  
MODE] (p. 53).  
cassettes only  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
You can use only a “Memory Stick  
Duo” marked with  
or  
(p. 107).  
• The number and time of recordable pictures  
varies depending on the image quality or the  
image size. For details, see page 45.  
1
Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT  
lever in the direction of the  
arrow and open the lid.  
OPEN/EJECT  
lever  
Lid  
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into  
the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the  
right direction until it clicks.  
Access lamp  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing up, then press  
.
With the mark  
in the left  
Window-side  
• If you force the “Memory Stick Duo”  
into the slot in the wrong direction, the  
“Memory Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick  
Duo” slot, or image data may be damaged.  
Push the center of the back  
of the cassette lightly.  
The cassette compartment automatically  
slides back in. Do not force the cassette  
into the compartment. This may cause a  
malfunction.  
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”  
Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in  
once.  
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your  
camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake  
or knock your camcorder, turn the power off,  
eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the  
battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be  
damaged.  
3
Close the lid.  
To eject the cassette  
Proceed with the same steps as you would  
18  
Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3)  
of the recording picture  
(DCR-HC42)  
By recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode,  
Recording a moving picture or still  
you can enjoy wide-angle, high-resolution  
image on the “Memory Stick Duo”  
pictures.  
• If you intend to view pictures on a wide  
TV, recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode is  
recommended.  
Set the POWER switch to [CAMERA-  
MEMORY].  
The aspect ratio of the picture switches  
to 4:3.  
Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to  
select the desired screen aspect ratio.  
• Still images will be fixed to image size 1152 ×  
648 (  
) in the 16:9 (wide) mode. In the 4:3  
).  
mode, you can select up to 1152 × 864 (  
• If you record movies (MPEG MOVIE EX) in  
the 16:9 (wide) mode, black bands appear at  
the top and bottom of the picture when they are  
played back.  
WIDE SELECT  
button  
POWER switch  
• For the number of recordable pictures, see page  
45.  
Selecting the aspect ratio for  
recording movies on a tape  
Be sure to set the POWER switch to  
CAMERA-TAPE.  
Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to  
select the desired screen aspect  
ratio.  
16:9*  
4:3*  
* When viewing on the LCD screen. It may be  
different in the viewfinder.  
• Differences in the angle of view between 4:3  
and 16:9 vary depending on the zoom position.  
• If you play back a picture on a TV, set [TV  
TYPE] for playback in the aspect ratio of the  
TV (p. 34).  
• When viewing pictures recorded in 16:9 aspect  
ratio with [TV TYPE] set to [4:3], pictures may  
appear rough depending on the subject (p. 34).  
19  
Recording/Playback with ease  
(Easy Handycam)  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of  
the camera settings are automatically adjusted  
optimally, which frees you from detailed  
adjustment.  
Since only basic functions become available and  
screen font size increases for easy viewing, even  
first time users can enjoy easy operation.  
Go through the procedures described in steps 1 to  
8 (p. 9 to 19) before operation.  
Open the lens cover.  
B
E
DCR-HC32:  
A
C
D
Recording with ease  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn  
on the respective lamp to select a recording medium.  
If the POWER  
switch is set to  
OFF, slide it down  
while pressing the  
green button.  
Recording movies  
: Light up the  
CAMERA-TAPE lamp.  
Recording still images  
CAMERA-MEMORY lamp.  
: Light up the  
.
2
3
Press EASY  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
The EASY lights up in blue.  
Start recording.  
Movies  
Still images (4:3)  
Press REC START/STOP (or  
Press PHOTO .  
).  
[STBY] [REC]  
Flashing Lights up  
Press and hold  
lightly to adjust the  
focus.  
Press fully to record.  
To stop recording, press (or )  
again.  
20  
Playing back with ease  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
2
Press EASY .  
Easy Handycam  
operation  
ON  
The EASY lights up in blue.  
3
Start playing back.  
Movies  
Still images  
Touch  
, then touch  
to  
Touch  
/
to select  
start playback.  
a picture.  
Slow playback  
is available on  
B
C
A
the Remote Commander.  
A
C
MENU  
Tape playback  
Previous/Next  
Delete (p. 65)  
B
Stop  
Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
Rewind/Fast forward  
– NightShot plus (p. 24)  
To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY again.  
The EASY lamp turns off and all the  
settings are returned to the previous  
situation.  
– Turn the screen indicators on/off (p. 16)  
– “Playing the picture on a TV” (p. 34)  
– “Dubbing to other recording devices” (p. 60)  
• [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation]  
appears if operations not available during Easy  
Handycam are attempted.  
• The recording mode for tape, and the image  
size (DCR-HC42) and quality for “Memory  
Stick Duo” return to the default settings.  
• What you can do during Easy Handycam  
operation  
– Adjust some menu settings (p. 38)  
If you touch [MENU], adjustable items will  
be displayed. Items not displayed return to  
the default settings.  
– Zoom (during recording) (p. 24)  
21  
Recording  
Open the lens cover.  
PHOTO  
DCR-HC32:  
REC START/  
POWER switch  
REC START/  
STOP  
STOP  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on  
the respective lamp to select a recording medium.  
If the POWER  
switch is set to OFF,  
slide it down while  
pressing the green  
button.  
On a tape: Light up the CAMERA-  
TAPE lamp.  
On a “Memory Stick Duo”: Light up  
the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp.  
Start recording.  
Movies  
Still images  
Press REC START/STOP  
(or  
Press and hold PHOTO lightly to  
adjust the focus (), then press it  
fully ().  
).  
B
A
[STBY] (tape only) [REC]  
The sound of a movie (MPEG MOVIE EX)  
recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” will be  
monaural.  
Flashing Lights up  
A shutter sound is heard. When  
disappears, the image has been  
recorded.  
To stop movie recording  
Press REC START/STOP again.  
To check the latest recording on a  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
You can record a still image on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” while recording movies on a tape or  
in standby mode.  
Touch  
[YES]. Touch  
standby mode.  
. To delete the picture, touch  
to return to the  
For DCR-HC42:  
Still images will be fixed to image size [640 ×  
360] for 16:9 pictures and [640 × 480] for 4:3  
pictures during recording in CAMERA-TAPE.  
22  
Playback  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on  
the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
2
Start playing back.  
Movies  
Still images  
On a Tape:  
Touch  
start playback.  
Touch  
.
The most recently recorded image is  
displayed.  
, then touch  
to  
A
B
C
A
C
B
Tape playback  
Previous/Next  
Index screen display  
You can delete unnecessary pictures in a  
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 65).  
Stop  
Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
Rewind/Fast forward  
• Playback automatically stops if pause is  
engaged for more than 3 minutes.  
On a “Memory Stick Duo” :  
Touch  
picture with  
/
to select a  
.
,
then touch  
Touch  
. Touch the picture you want to  
To adjust the volume  
display in the single display mode.  
To view pictures in other folders, touch  
folder with  
47).  
Touch  
/
[VOLUME], then  
to adjust the volume.  
[PB FOLDER], select a  
, then touch (p.  
• If you cannot find [VOLUME] in  
[MENU].  
, touch  
/
To search for a scene during playback  
Touch and hold  
(Picture Search), or  
/
during playback  
while fast  
B
C
A
/
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip  
Scan).  
You can play back in various modes ([VAR.  
SPD PB], p. 52).  
Previous/Next 6 pictures  
The picture displayed before switching to  
the index screen.  
To display pictures on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” on the Index screen  
Movie icon  
23  
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.  
Recording  
1
To use zoom ......................   
2
Move the power zoom lever slightly for  
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
3
Wider range of  
view: (Wide angle)  
For DCR-HC42:  
7
Close view:  
(Telephoto)  
4
You cannot change the zoom speed with the  
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.  
• The minimum distance required between your  
camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus  
is about 1 cm (about 1/2 in.) for wide angle and  
about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.  
You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] if you want to  
zoom to a level greater than the following (p  
44):  
5
6
For DCR-HC32:  
– 20 times (DCR-HC32)  
– 12 times (DCR-HC42)  
7
To record in dark places (NightShot  
4
5
plus) ....................................  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch  
to ON. (  
appear.)  
and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]  
To record an image brighter, use Super  
NightShot plus function (p. 43).  
6
To record an image more faithful to the original  
colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 43).  
The NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus  
function use infrared light. Therefore, do not  
cover the infrared port  
other objects.  
with your fingers or  
8
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 42)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
Do not use these functions in bright places. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
24  
To adjust the exposure for backlit  
subjects ................................  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
Playback  
To play back the images in sequence  
...........................................  
See [SLIDE SHOW] on page 49.  
press BACK LIGHT to display . To  
cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
To use PB zoom ..................   
To adjust the focus for an off center  
subject (SPOT FOCUS) ...............  
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 42.  
You can magnify pictures from about 1.1 to  
5 times the original size.  
Play back the picture you want to  
magnify.  
To fix the exposure for the selected  
subject (Flexible spot meter) .......  
See [SPOT METER] on page 40.  
Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto).  
Touch the screen at the point you want  
to magnify within the displayed frame.  
To record in mirror mode ............  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees  
to the lens side ().  
Adjust the magnification with W (Wide  
angle)/T (Telephoto).  
To cancel, touch [END].  
You cannot change the zoom speed with the  
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.  
2
1
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal  
when recorded.  
To use a tripod ........................  
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of  
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32  
inches) to the tripod receptacle using a  
tripod screw.  
25  
Continued   
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (continued)  
To turn off the operation confirmation  
beep ....................................  
See [BEEP] (p. 56) to set the operation  
beep.  
To use special effects ................  
9
0
See  
(PICT.APPLI.) menu (p. 48).  
qa  
3
qs  
To initialize the settings .............  
Press RESET to initialize all the  
settings, including the setting of the date  
and time.  
(Menu items customized on Personal Menu  
are not initialized.)  
qd  
Other part names and functions  
Speaker  
Sounds come out from the speaker.  
For how to adjust the volume, see page 23.  
REC lamp  
The REC lamp lights up in red during  
recording (p. 55).  
6
Remote sensor  
Point the Remote Commander (p. 32)  
towards the remote sensor to operate  
your camcorder.  
Recording/playback  
Internal stereo microphone  
For DCR-HC42:  
To check the remaining battery  
(Battery Info) ..........................  
When an external microphone is  
connected, the audio input from the  
external microphone takes precedence  
over others.  
Set the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG),  
then press DISP/BATT INFO . The  
battery information appears for about 7  
seconds. Keep the button pressed to view it  
for about 20 seconds.  
Remaining battery (approx.)  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
26  
27  
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
Recording movies  
On a tape  
Recording still images  
1
2
3
4
5
8
1
90  
qa  
60min  
101  
FINE  
1152  
30  
P-MENU  
6
7
qs  
7
Remaining battery (approx.)  
Recording folder (47)  
Image size (22 , 45)  
Recording mode (or ) (53)  
Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
Quality ([FINE] or [STD]) (45)  
“Memory Stick Duo” indicator and the  
number of images that can be recorded  
(approx.)  
Time code (hour: minute: second:  
frame)/Tape counter (hour: minute:  
second)  
Review button (22)  
Recording capacity of the tape  
(approx.) (55)  
Data code during playback  
END SEARCH/EDIT SEARCH/Rec  
review display switch button (31)  
The date/time data 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. 55).  
Personal Menu button (36)  
On a “Memory Stick Duo”  
B
C
A
D
E
Recording folder (47)  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
Movie size (46)  
Recording start indicator  
(appears for about 5 seconds)  
Review button (22)  
28  
( ) is a reference page.  
The indicators during recording will not be recorded.  
Viewing movies  
On a tape  
Viewing still images  
1
2
qd  
4
5
1
qg 9  
qh qj  
1152  
MEMORY PLAY  
qk  
ql  
wdwf  
qf  
7
w;  
wa  
ws  
7
Tape transport indicator  
Video operation buttons (23)  
Data file name  
Picture number/Total number of  
recorded pictures in the current  
playback folder  
When there is a “Memory Stick Duo”  
inserted in the camcorder, (STOP)  
(“Memory Stick Duo”  
changes to  
Playback folder (47)  
playback) if a tape is not used for playback.  
Previous/Next folder icon  
On a “Memory Stick Duo”  
The following indicators appear when the  
first or last picture of the current folder is  
displayed and when there are multiple folders  
on the same “Memory Stick Duo.”  
D
E
0:00:00  
A
B
: Touch  
folder.  
to move to the previous  
: Touch  
: Touch  
to move to the next folder.  
F
/
to move to either  
the previous or the next folder.  
C
Image delete button (65)  
Tape playback select button (23)  
Previous/Next image button (23)  
Index screen display button (23)  
Image protection mark (66)  
Print mark (66)  
Data file name  
Play/Pause button (23)  
Previous/Next image button (23)  
Image size (46)  
Playing time  
Previous/Next scene button  
A movie file will be divided into a maximum  
of 60 scenes. The number of scenes divided  
depends on the length of the movie. After  
selecting a scene from which to start the  
playback, touch  
to play back.  
29  
Continued   
( ) is a reference page.  
Indicators displayed during  
recording/playback (continued)  
Center  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
Indicator  
Meaning  
NightShot plus (24)  
You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 16) to  
check the function of each indicator that  
appears on the LCD screen.  
Super NightShot plus (43)  
Color Slow Shutter (43)  
Upper left  
Upper right  
PictBridge connecting  
(67)  
Warning (100)  
  
Bottom  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Picture effect (50)  
Digital effect (49)  
Manual focus (42)  
PROGRAM AE (40)  
Bottom  
Center  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
EXT SUR MIC (53)  
AUDIO MODE (53)  
Backlight (25)  
Continuous photo  
recording (45)  
White balance (41)  
WIDE select (19)  
SteadyShot off (44)  
Tele macro (42)  
Self-timer recording (43)  
Interval photo recording  
(51)  
This indicator appears  
when you use video flash  
light (optional). (42)  
Flexible spot meter (40)/  
EXPOSURE (41)  
Upper right  
Indicator  
Meaning  
A/VDV OUT (54)  
DV input (61)  
Zero set memory (32)  
Slide show (49)  
LCD backlight off (15)  
30  
Searching for the starting point  
Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp  
lights up.  
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 SEARCH] will not work once you  
eject the cassette after you have recorded  
on the tape.  
1
Touch  
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch  
.
60min  
END SEARCH  
1
0:00:00  
EXECUTING  
EDIT  
Touch here  
to cancel the  
operation.  
CANCEL  
2
Touch and hold  
backward)/  
and release it at the point where  
you want the recording to start.  
(to go  
(to go forward)  
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.  
• [END SEARCH] will not work correctly  
when there is a blank section between  
recorded sections on the tape.  
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes (Rec review)  
You can also select [END SEARCH] from  
the menu. When the PLAY/EDIT lamp  
lights up, select the [END SEARCH] short-  
cut in Personal Menu (p. 36).  
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
Touch  
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most  
recently recorded scene are played back.  
Then, your camcorder is set to the standby.  
31  
Remote Commander  
Remove the insulation sheet before using  
the Remote Commander.  
• To change the battery, see page 114.  
Searching quickly for a desired  
scene (Zero set memory)  
Insulation sheet  
1
During playback, press ZERO  
6
SET MEMORY  
at a point you  
want to locate later on.  
The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00”  
7
8
1
q;  
and  
appears on the screen.  
60min  
0:00:00  
2
3
4
5
P-MENU  
9
If the tape counter is not displayed,  
.
press DISPLAY  
2
3
Press STOP  
when you want to  
stop playback.  
PHOTO (p. 22)  
The on-screen image when you press this  
button will be recorded as a still image.  
.
Press REW  
SEARCH M. (p. 31)  
The tape stops automatically when the  
tape counter reaches “0:00:00.”  
   
Video control buttons (Rewind,  
Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,  
Slow) (p. 23)  
.
4
Press PLAY  
ZERO SET MEMORY  
Transmitter  
Playback starts from the point  
designated “0:00:00” on the tape  
counter.  
REC START/STOP (p. 22)  
Power zoom (p. 24)  
DISPLAY (p. 16)  
• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds  
between the time code and the tape counter.  
Memory control buttons (Index, –/+,  
• Zero set memory will not function correctly  
if there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
Memory playback) (p. 23)  
• Aim the Remote Commander towards the  
remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p.  
26).  
To cancel the operation  
Press ZERO SET MEMORY again.  
32  
Searching for a scene by date of  
recording (Date search)  
You can locate the point where the  
recording date changes.  
1
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
.
2
3
Press SEARCH M.  
Press (previous)/(next)  
to select a recording date.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
30min  
DATE -01  
SEACH  
P-MENU  
To cancel the operation  
.
Press STOP  
• The Date search will not function correctly  
when there is a blank section between recorded  
sections on the tape.  
33  
Playing the picture on a TV  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
A/V jack  
1
(Yellow) (White) (Red)  
IN  
VCRs or TVs  
2
: Signal flow  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
For DCR-HC42:  
To set the aspect ratio according to  
the connected TV (16:9/4:3)  
Change the setting according to the screen  
size of the TV you will view pictures on.  
Connect to the input jack of the other  
device.  
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  
(optional), pictures can be reproduced  
more faithfully than with the supplied A/V  
cable connection.  
Slide the POWER switch down to turn on  
the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Touch   
(STANDARD SET) [TV TYPE]   
[16:9] or [4:3]   
[MENU]   
.
Connect the white and red plugs  
When you connect your camcorder to a TV  
compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system, or via  
an S VIDEO jack, and play back the tape, set  
[TV TYPE] to [16:9]. The TV automatically  
switches the aspect ratio according to the  
playback picture.  
(left/right audio) and S VIDEO plug (S  
VIDEO channel) of an A/V connecting  
cable (optional). In this case, the yellow  
(standard video) plug connection is not  
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will  
not output audio.  
Refer also to the manual supplied with your TV.  
When you set [TV TYPE] to [4:3], or when the  
picture’s aspect ratio switches between 16:9 and  
4:3, the image may jitter.  
When your TV is connected to a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN  
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on  
the VCR to LINE.  
34  
On some 4:3 TVs, the still image recorded in  
4:3 aspect ratio may not appear in full screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
When you play back a picture recorded in 16:9  
aspect ratio on a 4:3 TV not compatible with  
the 16:9 signal, set [TV TYPE] to [4:3].  
When your TV is monaural (When  
your TV has only one audio input jack)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V  
connecting cable to the video input jack  
and connect the white (left channel) or the  
red (right channel) plug to the audio input  
jack of your TV or VCR.  
• Do not connect A/V connecting cables to both  
your camcorder and the Handycam Station at  
the same time. The image and the sound might  
be distorted.  
You can display the time code on the TV screen  
by setting [DISP OUTPUT] to [V-OUT/  
PANEL] (p. 56).  
35  
Using the menu items  
Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.  
1
Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the respective lamp.  
[CAMERA-TAPE] lamp:  
settings on a tape  
settings on a “Memory  
[CAMERA-MEMORY] lamp:  
Stick Duo”  
[PLAY/EDIT] lamp: settings for viewing/editing  
2
Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
To use the short-cuts of Personal Menu  
On Personal Menu, short-cuts for frequently used menu items are added.  
You can customize Personal Menu as you like (p. 57).  
Touch  
.
60min  
0:00:00:00  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU  
END  
SEARCH  
1/3  
VOLUME  
VAR.  
SPD PB  
REC  
CTRL  
Touch the desired item.  
If the desired item is not displayed on the screen, touch  
Select the desired setting, then touch  
/
until the item is displayed.  
.
To use menu items  
You can customize menu items that are not added to Personal Menu.  
BURN DVD  
BURN VCD  
END SEARCH  
Touch  
[MENU].  
The menu index screen appears.  
Select the desired menu.  
Touch  
/
to select the item, then touch  
. (The process in step is the same as  
that in step .)  
Select the desired item.  
You can also touch the item directly to select it.  
Customize the item.  
36  
After finishing the settings, touch  
If you decide not to change the setting, touch  
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
to return to the previous screen.  
37  
*1 DCR-HC32  
Menu items  
*2 DCR-HC42  
Position of lamp:  
TAPE  
MEMORY  
PLAY/EDIT  
CAMERA SET menu (p. 40)  
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
PROGRAM AE  
SPOT METER  
EXPOSURE  
WHITE BAL.  
AUTO SHUTTER  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
TELE MACRO  
FLASH SET  
SUPER NSPLUS  
NS LIGHT  
COLOR SLOW S  
SELF-TIMER  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
WIDE SELECT*1  
STEADYSHOT  
×
×
×
*
MEMORY SET menu (p. 45)  
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
STILL SET  
MOVIE SET  
ALL ERASE*  
FORMAT  
FILE NO.  
NEW FOLDER  
REC FOLDER  
PB FOLDER  
PICT.APPLI. menu (p. 48)  
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
FADER  
SLIDE SHOW  
D. EFFECT  
PICT. EFFECT  
SMTH INT. REC*2  
INT.REC-STL  
DEMO MODE  
PRINT  
38  
Available menu items () vary depending on the position of the lamp.  
*These functions are available during Easy Handycam operation.  
Position of lamp:  
TAPE  
MEMORY  
PLAY/EDIT  
EDIT/PLAY menu (p. 52)  
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
VAR. SPD PB  
REC CTRL  
AUD DUB CTRL  
REC MOVIE  
BURN DVD  
BURN VCD  
END SEARCH  
STANDARD SET menu (p. 53)  
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
×
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
VOLUME*  
MULTI-SOUND  
AUDIO MIX  
EXT SUR MIC*2  
LCD/VF SET  
A/V DV OUT  
VIDEO INPUT  
TV TYPE*2  
USB-CAMERA  
USB-PLY/EDT  
DISP GUIDE*  
DATA CODE*  
REMAINING  
REMOTE CTRL  
REC LAMP  
BEEP*  
DISP OUTPUT  
MENU ROTATE  
A.SHUT OFF  
CALIBRATION  
TIME/LANGU. menu (p. 56)  
CLOCK SET*  
WORLD TIME  
LANGUAGE  
39  
CAMERA SET menu  
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the  
recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE  
BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)  
on a ski slope.  
SUNSET&MOON**(  
)
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 36 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Select to maintain the atmosphere of  
situations such as sunsets, general night  
views or fireworks.  
PROGRAM AE  
LANDSCAPE**(  
)
You can record pictures effectively in  
various situations with the PROGRAM AE  
function.  
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.  
AUTO  
Select to automatically record pictures  
effectively without the [PROGRAM AE]  
function.  
SPOTLIGHT*(  
)
• 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.  
Select to prevent people's faces from  
appearing excessively white when subjects  
are lit by strong light.  
SPOT METER (Flexible spot  
meter)  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (  
)
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.  
Select to bring out the subject such as  
people or flowers while creating a soft  
background.  
1
SPORTS* (Sports lesson) (  
)
2
Select to minimize shake when shooting  
fast moving subjects.  
Touch the point where you want to fix and  
adjust the exposure on the screen.  
appears.  
Touch [END].  
BEACH&SKI*(  
)
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [AUTO] [END].  
Select to prevent people's faces from  
appearing dark in strong light or reflected  
light, such as at a beach in midsummer or  
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
40  
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.  
EXPOSURE  
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.  
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.  
2
flashes slowly if white balance  
could not be set.  
3
• If  
keeps flashing even after you  
1
have touched  
to [AUTO].  
, set [WHITE BAL.]  
Touch [MANUAL].  
Adjust the exposure by touching  
• When you have changed the battery pack  
while [AUTO] is selected, or you bring your  
camcorder outdoors from inside the house  
while using fixed exposure, select [AUTO] and  
aim your camcorder at a nearby white object  
for about 10 seconds for better color balance  
adjustment.  
/
.
Touch  
.
appears.  
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. 48).  
• 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 [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO] or [ONE  
PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent  
lamps.  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you have  
the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
WHITE BAL. (White balance)  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
AUTO  
The white balance is adjusted  
automatically.  
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).  
OUTDOOR (  
)
The white balance is set to be appropriate  
for shooting outdoors or under daylight  
fluorescent light.  
INDOOR ()  
The white balance is set to the brightness  
of warm white fluorescent lamps.  
ONE PUSH (  
)
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
Touch [ONE PUSH].  
41  
Continued   
CAMERA SET menu (continued)  
• The minimum distance required between your  
camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus  
is about 1 cm (about 1/2 in.) for wide angle and  
about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.  
SPOT FOCUS  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
aim it at a subject not located in the center  
of the screen.  
TELE MACRO  
1
This is useful to shoot small subjects, such  
as flowers or insects. As you can take close-  
ups from a distance, your shadow does not  
disturb the picture and the subject stands  
out clearer.  
When you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON]  
, the zoom (p. 24) moves to the top of  
the T (Telephoto) side automatically and  
allows for recording subjects at a close  
distance as follows:  
2
Touch the subject on the screen.  
appears.  
Touch [END].  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[AUTO] [END].  
For DCR-HC32: down to about 39 cm (15  
3/8 in.).  
For DCR-HC42: down to about 35 cm (13  
7/8 in.).  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
FOCUS  
You can adjust the focus manually. Select  
this when you want to focus on a certain  
subject intentionally.  
To cancel, touch [OFF], or zoom to wide-  
angle (W side).  
• When recording a distant subject, it may  
difficult to focus on and take time for focusing.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 42)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
Touch [MANUAL].  
appears.  
Touch  
(focusing on close subjects)/  
(focusing on distant subjects) to  
sharpen the focus. appears when the  
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
farther away.  
FLASH SET  
Note that these settings will not function  
with unsupported flashes.  
Touch  
.
FLASH MODE  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
.
[AUTO]   
in step  
ON  
Flashes every time.  
• 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 close-up image of a subject,  
move the power zoom lever towards W (wide  
angle) to fully magnify the image, then adjust  
the focus.  
ON (DCR-HC42)  
Flashes to reduce the red-eye phenomenon.  
AUTO  
Flashes automatically.  
42  
AUTO (DCR-HC42)  
default setting).  
Flashes automatically to reduce the red-  
eye phenomenon.  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects.  
If the flash is not capable of preventing the red-  
eye phenomenon, you can select only [ON] or  
[AUTO].  
• The maximum shooting distance using [NS  
LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet). If you record  
subjects in dark places, such as night scenes or  
in moonlight, set [NS LIGHT] to [OFF]. You  
can make the image color deeper this way.  
FLASH LEVEL  
HIGH(  
)
Makes the flash level higher.  
COLOR SLOW S  
(Color Slow Shutter)  
NORMAL( )  
When you set [COLOR SLOW S] to [ON],  
you can record an image more faithful to  
the original colors.  
and [COLOR SLOW SHUTTER]  
appear on the screen.  
LOW(  
)
Makes the flash level lower.  
• The setting returns to [NORMAL] when  
you disconnect the power source from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
To cancel [COLOR SLOW S], touch  
[OFF].  
SUPER NSPLUS (Super NightShot  
plus)  
• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes  
depending on the brightness. The motion of the  
picture may slow down at this time.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 42)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
The picture will be recorded at a maximum  
of 16 times the sensitivity of NightShot  
plus recording if you set [SUPER  
NSPLUS] to [ON] while the NIGHTSHOT  
PLUS switch (p. 24) is also set to ON.  
and [“SUPER NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]  
appear on the screen.  
SELF-TIMER  
The self-timer starts recording after about  
10 seconds.  
To return to the normal setting, set the  
NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF.  
Touch  
[SELF-TIMER] [ON]  
• Do not use NightShot plus/[SUPER NSPLUS]  
in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 42)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes  
depending on the brightness. The motion of the  
picture may slow down at this time.  
.
appears.  
Press REC START/STOP to record  
movies, or PHOTO to record still images.  
To cancel the count down, touch [RESET].  
To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF] in  
step  
.
You can also use the self-timer with the Remote  
Commander (p. 32).  
NS LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
When using either the NightShot plus (p.  
24) or [SUPER NSPLUS] (p. 43) function  
to record, you can record clearer pictures  
by setting [NS LIGHT], which emits  
infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the  
43  
Continued   
CAMERA SET menu (continued)  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
WIDE SELECT  
(DCR-HC32)  
You can select the maximum zoom level  
in case you want to zoom to a level greater  
than 20 × (DCR-HC32) or 12 × (DCR-  
HC42) while recording on a tape. Note that  
the image quality decreases when you are  
using the digital zoom.  
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable  
for the screen on which it will be displayed.  
4:3  
Standard setting (to record pictures to be  
played back on a 4:3 TV).  
16:9 WIDE (  
)
Records pictures to be played back on a  
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder  
with [16:9 WIDE ( )] selected.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone  
appears when you select the zooming  
level.  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide  
screen TV*  
For DCR-HC32:  
OFF  
When viewed on a standard  
TV**  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically.  
40 ×  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 40 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
*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.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a TV  
compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system, or via  
an S VIDEO jack, and play back a tape, the TV  
switches to full mode automatically. Refer also  
to the manuals supplied with your TV.  
800 ×  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 800 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
For DCR-HC42:  
OFF  
Up to 12 × zoom is performed optically.  
24 ×  
STEADYSHOT  
Up to 12 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 24 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
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).  
480 ×  
Up to 12 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 480 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
44  
MEMORY SET menu  
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo”  
(QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/BURST/ALL ERASE/  
NEW FOLDER, etc.)  
STANDARD (  
Records still images at the standard image  
)
quality level.  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 36 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
.
For DCR-HC42:  
IMAGE SIZE  
1152 × 864 (  
)
Records still images clearly.  
STILL SET  
640 × 480 (  
)
Allows for the maximum number of  
images to be recorded.  
For DCR-HC42:  
BURST  
• If you set 16:9 (wide) ratio of the screen,  
[IMAGE SIZE] is set to [1152 × 648]  
automatically (p. 19).  
You can record several still images one  
after another by pressing PHOTO.  
OFF  
Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”  
(MB) and the number of recordable  
pictures  
Select this when not recording  
continuously.  
NORMAL (  
)
Records from 4 (1152 × 864 image size)  
to 13 (640 × 480 image size) images  
continuously at about 0.5 second intervals.  
The maximum number of images are  
recorded when you press and hold PHOTO  
fully.  
In 4:3 aspect ratio  
1152 × 864  
*
640 × 480  
8MB  
15  
37  
50  
120  
16MB  
32MB  
64MB  
128MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1GB  
30  
74  
96  
240  
EXP. BRKTG (  
)
Records 3 images consecutively with  
different exposures at about 0.5 second  
intervals. You can compare the 3 images  
and select an image recorded at the best  
exposure.  
61  
150  
190  
485  
120  
300  
390  
980  
• The flash (optional) will not function during  
[BURST].  
• The maximum number of images will be  
recorded in the self-timer mode or when you are  
operating with the Remote Commander.  
• [EXP. BRKTG] will not function when you  
have space for fewer than 3 images remaining  
on the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
245  
600  
780  
1970  
445  
1000  
1400  
3550  
900  
2050  
2850  
7200  
1800  
4200  
5900  
14500  
QUALITY  
FINE (  
)
* The image size of 1152 × 864 is available for  
DCR-HC42 only.  
Records still images at the fine image  
quality level.  
45  
Continued   
MEMORY SET menu (continued)  
– [STANDARD] is selected for an image size  
of [640 × 360] - approx. 60kB.  
In 16:9 aspect ratio  
(DCR-HC42)  
1152 × 648  
640 × 360  
MOVIE SET  
8MB  
20  
60  
IMAGE SIZE  
48  
120  
16MB  
32MB  
64MB  
128MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1GB  
40  
96  
115  
240  
320 × 240 (  
)
Records movies in high resolution.  
81  
190  
240  
485  
160 × 112 (  
)
Allows for more movie recording time.  
160  
390  
490  
980  
Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”  
(MB) and the recordable time (hour:  
minute: second)  
320  
780  
980  
1970  
590  
1400  
1750  
3550  
320 × 240  
160 × 112  
1200  
2850  
3600  
7200  
8MB  
00:01:20  
00:02:40  
00:05:20  
00:10:40  
00:21:20  
00:42:40  
01:25:20  
02:50:40  
00:05:20  
00:10:40  
00:21:20  
00:42:40  
01:25:20  
02:50:40  
05:41:20  
11:22:40  
16MB  
32MB  
64MB  
128MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1GB  
2450  
5900  
7300  
14500  
• All numbers measured at the following setting.  
Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.  
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image  
quality.  
• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by  
Sony Corporation. The number of recordable  
pictures varies depending on the recording  
environment.  
• The image size of a 4:3 picture is as follows.  
– [FINE] is selected for an image size of [1152  
× 864] - approx. 500kB.  
• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by  
Sony Corporation. The recordable time varies  
depending on the recording environment.  
– [FINE] is selected for an image size of [640 ×  
480] - approx. 150kB.  
– [STANDARD] is selected for an image size  
of [1152 × 864] - approx. 200kB.  
– [STANDARD] is selected for an image size  
of [640 × 480] - approx. 60kB.  
• The image size of a 16:9 picture is as follows.  
– [FINE] is selected for an image size of [1152  
× 648] - approx. 380kB.  
– [FINE] is selected for an image size of [640 ×  
360] - approx. 120kB.  
– [STANDARD] is selected for an image size  
of [1152 × 648] - approx. 160kB.  
46  
ALL ERASE  
FILE NO.  
Deletes all the pictures on a “Memory Stick  
Duo” without image protection, or in the  
selected folder.  
SERIES  
Assigns file numbers in sequence even if  
the “Memory Stick Duo” is replaced with  
another one. The file number is reset when  
a new folder is created or the recording  
folder is replaced with another.  
Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRENT  
FOLDER].  
[ALL FILES]: Deletes all the images on the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
[CURRENT FOLDER]: Deletes all the  
images in the selected folder.  
RESET  
Resets the file number to 0001 each time  
the “Memory Stick Duo” is changed.  
Touch [YES] twice   
.
• Cancel image protection on the “Memory Stick  
Duo” beforehand when using the “Memory  
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab (p. 107).  
• The folder will not be deleted even when you  
delete all the pictures in the folder.  
NEW FOLDER  
You can create a new folder (102MSDCF  
to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick  
Duo.” When a folder is full (a maximum  
of 9999 images are stored) a new folder is  
automatically created.  
• Do not do any of the following while [  
Erasing all data...] is displayed:  
– Operate the POWER switch/operation  
buttons.  
Touch [YES]   
.
– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
You cannot delete the created folders using  
your camcorder. You will have to format the  
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 47), or delete them  
using your computer.  
FORMAT  
• The number of recordable pictures on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” may decrease as the  
number of folders increases.  
A new “Memory Stick Duo” is formatted at  
the factory and does not require formatting.  
Touch [YES] twice   
.
Formatting is completed, and all the images  
will be deleted.  
REC FOLDER (Recording folder)  
Select the folder to be used for recording  
• Do not do any of the following while [  
Formatting…] is displayed:  
with  
/
, then touch  
.
– Operate the POWER switch/operation  
buttons.  
• As the default setting, pictures are saved in the  
101MSDCF folder.  
– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Once you record a picture in a folder, the  
same folder will be set as the default folder for  
playback.  
• Formatting erases everything on the “Memory  
Stick Duo” including protected image data and  
newly created folders.  
PB FOLDER (Playback folder)  
Select the playback folder with  
then touch  
/
,
.
47  
PICT.APPLI. menu  
Special effects on pictures or additional  
functions on recording/playback (PICT.  
EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/INT.REC-STL, etc.)  
OVERLAP (fade in only)  
WIPE (fade in only)  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 36 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
DOT FADER (fade in only)  
FADER  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
Select the desired effect, then touch  
When you select [OVERLAP], [WIPE]  
or [DOT FADER], the image on a tape is  
stored as a still image. (While storing the  
image, the screen turns to blue.)  
Press REC START/STOP.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
.
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.  
Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE or the  
CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up.  
Close the LCD panel with the screen  
facing out.  
To cancel the operation, touch [OFF] in  
step  
appears.  
.
Touch  
.
[Set LCD off?] appears on the screen.  
Touch [YES].  
The LCD screen is turned off.  
Touch the LCD screen while checking the  
display in the viewfinder.  
STBY  
REC  
Fading out  
Fading in  
WHITE FADER  
[EXPOSURE], etc. are displayed.  
Touch the button you want to set.  
[EXPOSURE] : Adjust with  
and touch  
[FADER] : Touch it repeatedly to select a  
desired effect (only while the CAMERA-  
TAPE lamp lights up).  
/
,
BLACK FADER  
MOSAIC FADER  
MONOTONE  
.
: The LCD screen lights up.  
To hide the buttons, touch  
.
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.  
48  
Effect  
Items to adjust  
SLIDE SHOW  
Plays back the images stored on a  
“Memory Stick Duo,” or in a folder in  
sequence (slide show).  
FLASH  
The interval of frame-  
by-frame playback.  
LUMI. KEY  
The color scheme of  
the area in the still  
image which is to be  
swapped with a movie.  
Touch  
Select [ALL FILES ( )] or [CURRENT  
FOLDER ( )], then touch  
[PB FOLDER].  
.
TRAIL  
The fade time of the  
incidental image.  
If you select [CURRENT FOLDER ( )],  
all the images in the current playback  
folder selected in [PB FOLDER] (p. 47)  
are played back in sequence.  
Shutter speed (1 is  
1/30, 2 is 1/15, 3 is  
1/8, 4 is 1/4).  
SLOW SHUTTR*  
Touch [REPEAT].  
Select [ON] or [OFF], then  
OLD MOVIE*  
No adjustment  
necessary.  
.
To repeat the slide show, select [ON  
].  
To execute the slide show only once, select  
[OFF].  
Touch [END] [START].  
* Available during recording only.  
Touch  
appears.  
To cancel [D. EFFECT], touch [OFF] in  
.
To cancel [SLIDE SHOW], touch [END].  
To pause, touch [PAUSE].  
.
step  
You can select the first picture for the slide  
STILL  
show with  
[START].  
/
before touching  
Records a movie while superimposing it on  
a previously recorded still image.  
• If movies are played in the slide show, you can  
adjust the volume with  
/
.
D. EFFECT (Digital effect)  
You can add digital effects to your  
recordings.  
FLASH (flash motion)  
Records a movie with a serial-still-image  
effect (strobe effect).  
LUMI. KEY (luminance key)  
Touch the desired effect.  
Adjust the effect with  
Replaces a brighter area in a previously  
recorded still image (e.g. background of a  
person) with a movie.  
/
, then  
touch  
.
When you select [STILL] or [LUMI.  
KEY], the image when you touch  
saved as a still image.  
is  
TRAIL  
Effect  
Items to adjust  
Records a picture so that an incidental  
image like a trail is left.  
STILL  
The degree of  
transparency of the  
still image you want  
to superimpose on a  
movie.  
49  
Continued   
PICT.APPLI. menu (continued)  
Pictures appear as an illustration with  
strong contrast.  
SLOW SHUTTR (slow shutter)  
The shutter speed is slowed down. Suitable  
for shooting a subject more clearly in a  
dark place.  
PASTEL  
• Adjust the focus manually using a tripod since  
adjusting the focus automatically is hard when  
[SLOW SHUTTR] is selected. ([FOCUS], p.  
42)  
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.*  
OLD MOVIE  
Adds an old movie effect with a sepia hue  
to pictures.  
MOSAIC  
• For DCR-HC42:  
You cannot select 16:9/4:3 as the aspect ratio  
for [OLD MOVIE].  
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.*  
* Available during recording only.  
You cannot record pictures edited using special  
effects on the tape in your camcorder.  
You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures. Also, you cannot output playback  
pictures edited with digital effects via the DV  
Interface.  
You can save pictures edited using special  
effects on a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 62) or  
record them on another tape (p. 60).  
You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures. Also, you cannot output playback  
pictures edited with picture effects via the DV  
Interface.  
You can save pictures edited using special  
effects on a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 62) or  
record them on another tape (p. 60).  
SMTH INT. REC  
PICT. EFFECT (Picture effect)  
You can add special effects to a picture  
(Smooth interval tape recording)  
(DCR-HC42)  
during recording or playback.  
appears.  
Your camcorder will shoot 1 frame of  
the picture at a selected interval and  
keep them in memory until it has stored  
several frames. This function is useful to  
observe the movement of clouds or the  
changes of daylight. These pictures appear  
smooth when played back. Connect your  
camcorder to the wall outlet using the  
supplied AC Adaptor for this operation.  
OFF  
Does not use [PICT. EFFECT] setting.  
NEG.ART  
The color and brightness are reversed.  
SEPIA  
Pictures appear in sepia.  
B&W  
[a]: Recording  
Pictures appear in black and white.  
[b]: Interval  
SOLARIZE  
Touch  
/
to select a  
desired interval time (1 to 120 seconds)   
.
Touch [REC START].  
Recording starts and changes to red.  
50  
To interrupt, touch [REC STOP] in step .  
To resume, touch [REC START].  
To cancel, touch [REC STOP], then [END].  
DEMO MODE  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you  
to view the demonstration in about 10  
minutes, after you have removed both a  
cassette and a “Memory Stick Duo” from  
your camcorder, and slide the POWER  
switch down to turn on the CAMERA-  
TAPE lamp.  
• When your camcorder has shot several frames,  
it records them on the tape, after performing  
the END SEARCH function depending on the  
interval length.  
• Do not turn off the power or disconnect the  
power source while a message is displayed on  
the screen.  
• The camcorder will shoot several frames for  
the first and last shots of the Smooth interval  
recording.  
• Smooth interval recording is released when  
approximately 12 hours have elapsed after  
shooting has begun.  
• The demonstration will be suspended in  
situations such as those described below.  
– When you touch the screen during the  
demonstration. (The demonstration starts  
again in about 10 minutes.)  
– When a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” is  
inserted.  
– When the POWER switch is set to other than  
CAMERA-TAPE.  
• Sounds are not recorded.  
• The last few frames may not be recorded if the  
battery or tape has run out.  
– When NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to  
ON.  
• There may be discrepancies in the interval.  
• If you adjust the focus manually, you can  
record clear pictures even if the light changes  
([FOCUS], p. 42).  
PRINT  
See page 67.  
You can silence the beeps during recording.  
INT.REC-STL  
(Interval photo recording)  
You can record still images on the  
“Memory Stick Duo” at a selected interval.  
This function is useful to observe the  
movement of clouds or the changes in  
daylight, etc.  
[a]: Recording  
[b]: Interval  
Touch  
a desired interval time (1, 5  
or 10 minutes)   
[ON]   
.
Press PHOTO fully.  
stops flashing and the interval still  
image recording starts.  
To cancel [INT.REC-STL], select [OFF]  
.
in step  
51  
EDIT/PLAY menu  
Settings for editing or playing back  
in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END  
SEARCH, etc.)  
REC CTRL (Movie recording  
control)  
See page 61.  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
.
See page 36 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
AUD DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)  
See page 64.  
VAR.SPD PB  
REC MOVIE (Recording control)  
See page 62.  
(Various speed playback)  
You can play back in various modes while  
viewing movies.  
BURN DVD  
Touch the following buttons during  
playback.  
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”) using this command. See “Creating  
a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)”  
(p. 77) for details.  
To  
Touch  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
(frame)  
play back  
slowly**  
To reverse direction :  
BURN VCD  
(frame)   
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) using  
this command. See “First Step Guide” in  
the supplied CD-ROM for details.  
play back 2 times  
faster (double  
speed)  
(double speed)  
To reverse direction:  
(frame)   
(double speed)  
play back frame  
by frame  
(frame) during  
playback pause.  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) during  
END SEARCH  
EXEC  
The most recently recorded picture is  
played back for about 5 seconds and then  
stops automatically.  
frame playback.  
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,  
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This  
is not a malfunction.  
CANCEL  
Stops [END SEARCH].  
**Pictures output from the DV Interface  
cannot be played back smoothly in slow  
mode.  
Touch  
To return to the normal playback mode,  
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from  
.
frame playback).  
You will not hear the recorded sound. You may  
see mosaic-like images of the previously played  
picture.  
52  
STANDARD SET menu  
Settings while recording on a tape or other  
basic settings (REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/  
LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT/USB, etc.)  
1
Plays back with main sound or the left  
channel sound.  
The default settings are marked with  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 36 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
.
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.  
• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you  
have the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
REC MODE (Recording mode)  
SP ()  
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode  
on a cassette.  
AUDIO MIX  
See page 65.  
LP ()  
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times  
the SP mode (Long Play).  
EXT SUR MIC  
(External surround microphone)  
(DCR-HC42)  
• 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.  
WIDE STEREO (  
Records 2 channel sound with more  
presence by connecting a microphone  
(optional).  
)
• 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.  
STEREO  
AUDIO MODE  
Records the stereo sound normally.  
12BIT  
You need a compatible accessory such as the  
ECM-HQP1 microphone (optional) to record  
the sound in the [WIDE STEREO] setting.  
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds).  
• Sound is recorded in the [STEREO] setting  
if the microphone is not connected, even if  
another setting is selected.  
• The [AUDIO MODE] setting returns to  
the default if you disconnect the external  
microphone while recording, or change the  
setting from [WIDE STEREO] to [STEREO].  
16BIT (  
)
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo  
sound with high quality).  
VOLUME  
See page 23.  
LCD/VF SET  
The recorded picture will not be affected  
by this operation.  
MULTI-SOUND  
You can select whether to play back audio  
recorded using other devices with dual  
sound or stereo sound.  
LCD BRIGHT  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen.  
STEREO  
Plays back with main and sub sound (or  
stereo sound).  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
53  
Continued   
STANDARD SET menu  
(continued)  
screen in 16:9 aspect ratio.  
Touch  
.
For DCR-HC42:  
LCD BL LEVEL  
VF WIDE DISP  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight.  
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio  
picture appears in the viewfinder.  
NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
LETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
BRIGHT  
SQUEZE (Squeeze)  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
Expands the picture vertically when black  
bands appear at the top and bottom of the  
screen in 16:9 aspect ratio.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
reduced by about 10 percent during recording.  
A/VDV OUT  
When you set [A/VDV OUT] (  
)
LCD COLOR  
to [ON], you can convert the signal to the  
appropriate one by connecting a digital  
device and an analog device to your  
camcorder. See page 80 for details.  
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen  
with  
/
.
Low intensity  
High intensity  
VIDEO INPUT  
Selects the video plug to connect when you  
input the picture from the other device via  
A/V connecting cable.  
VF B.LIGHT  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder.  
NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
VIDEO  
Connects via video plug of the A/V  
connecting cable (supplied).  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
S VIDEO  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
reduced by about 10 percent during recording.  
Connects via S VIDEO plug of the A/V  
connecting cable with S VIDEO cable  
(optional).  
TV TYPE  
(DCR-HC42)  
For DCR-HC32:  
WIDE DISP  
You can select how a picture appears on the  
viewfinder and LCD screen when [WIDE  
SELECT] is set to [16:9 WIDE].  
See page 34.  
USB-CAMERA  
LETTER BOX  
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” stored on the supplied  
CD-ROM (p. 70).  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
SQUEZE (Squeeze)  
Expands the picture vertically when black  
bands appear at the top and bottom of the  
54  
• Camera setting data does not appear when  
movies on a “Memory Stick Duo” are played  
back.  
• The exposure adjustment value (0EV), a shutter  
speed, and the aperture value appear when still  
images on a “Memory Stick Duo” are played  
back.  
USB-PLY/EDT (USB-Play/Edit)  
Select this when you view pictures stored  
in your camcorder on your computer (p.  
70), or when you connect your camcorder  
to a PictBridge compliant printer via a USB  
cable (supplied) (p. 67).  
appears for a picture recorded using a flash  
(optional).  
STD-USB  
Displays pictures saved on the “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
• 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.  
PictBridge  
See page 67.  
REMAINING  
USB STREAM  
Displays pictures saved on the tape.  
AUTO  
Displays the remaining tape indicator for  
about 8 seconds in situations such as those  
described below.  
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/  
EDIT or CAMERA-TAPE with a cassette  
inserted.  
DISP GUIDE  
See page 16.  
DATA CODE  
Displays information recorded  
automatically (data code) during recording.  
• When you touch  
(Play/Pause).  
ON  
Always displays the remaining tape  
indicator.  
OFF  
Data code is not displayed.  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
use the Remote Commander (p. 32).  
CAMERA DATA (below)  
Displays camera setting data.  
This cannot be selected during Easy  
Handycam operation.  
• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from  
responding to a command sent by another VCR  
remote control unit.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
• The setting returns to [ON] when you have  
the power source disconnected from your  
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.  
1
2
AUTO  
100 AWB  
6
5
3
4
F1. 8  
9dB  
REC LAMP (Recording lamp)  
SteadyShot off*  
Exposure*  
White balance*  
Gain*  
The camera recording lamp will not light  
up during recording when you set this to  
[OFF]. (The default setting is [ON].)  
Shutter speed  
Aperture value  
* Appears only during tape playback.  
55  
Continued   
STANDARD SET menu  
(continued)  
TIME/LANGU. menu  
(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)  
See page 36 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
BEEP  
ON  
A melody sounds when you start/stop  
recording, or operate the touch panel.  
CLOCK SET  
See page 17.  
OFF  
Cancels the melody.  
WORLD TIME  
When using your camcorder abroad, you  
can set the time difference by touching  
DISP OUTPUT  
/
, the clock will be adjusted in  
LCD PANEL  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.  
accordance with the time difference.  
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock  
returns to the originally set time.  
V-OUT/PANEL  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the  
viewfinder.  
LANGUAGE  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
You can select from English, Simplified  
English, Canadian-French, Latin American  
Spanish, Brazilian-Portuguese, or Korean.  
• Traditional Chinese is also available on menu  
for customers who bought this product in Asia,  
Middle East, Canada, Latin America or in Japan  
(as an Overseas Model).  
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
MENU ROTATE  
NORMAL  
Scrolls the menu items downwards by  
touching  
.
OPPOSITE  
Scrolls the menu items upwards by  
touching  
.
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
5 min  
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].  
CALIBRATION  
See page 113.  
56  
Customizing Personal  
Menu  
You can add desired menu items to  
Personal Menu, and customize Personal  
Menu settings for each POWER switch  
position. This is convenient if you add  
frequently used menu items to Personal  
Menu.  
Deleting a menu item  
1
Touch  
[P-MENU SET UP]  
[DELETE].  
If the desired menu item is not  
Adding a menu item  
displayed, touch  
/
.
You can add up to 28 menu items for each  
POWER switch position. Delete a less  
important menu item, if you want to add  
more.  
60min  
STBY  
Select button to delete.  
0:00:00  
END  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU  
TELE  
MACRO  
EXPO-  
SURE  
1/3  
SPOT  
FOCUS  
FADER  
1
Touch  
[P-MENU SET UP]  
[ADD].  
2
3
Touch the menu item that you  
want to delete.  
If the desired menu item is not  
displayed, touch  
/
.
60min  
DELETE  
STBY  
0:00:00  
60min  
STBY  
Select the category.  
0:00:00  
END  
Delete this from  
CAMERA-TAPE mode's  
P-MENU?  
CAMERA SET  
PICT. APPLI.  
EDIT/PLAY  
STANDARD SET  
TIME/LANGU.  
YES  
NO  
OK  
Touch [YES]  
.
2
3
Touch  
/
to select a menu  
category, then touch  
.
You cannot delete [MENU] and [P-MENU  
SET UP].  
60min  
Select the item.  
STBY  
0:00:00  
END  
PROGRAM AE  
SPOT METER  
EXPOSURE  
WHITE BAL.  
AUTO SHUTTER  
OK  
Touch  
item, then touch  
.
/
to select a menu  
[YES]  
The menu item is added to the end of  
list.  
57  
Continued   
Customizing Personal Menu  
(continued)  
Arranging the order of menu items  
displayed on Personal Menu  
1
2
Touch  
[P-MENU SET UP]  
[SORT].  
If the desired menu item is not  
displayed, touch  
/
.
Touch the menu item you want to  
move.  
3
4
Touch  
/
to move the menu  
item to the desired place.  
Touch  
.
To sort more items, repeat steps 2 to 4.  
5
Touch [END]  
.
You cannot move [P-MENU SET UP].  
Initializing the Personal Menu  
settings (Reset)  
Touch  
[P-MENU SET UP]   
[RESET] [YES] [YES]   
.
If the desired menu item is not displayed,  
touch  
/
.
58  
Connecting to a VCR or TV  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
A/V jack  
1
(Yellow) (White) (Red)  
VCRs or TVs  
To i.LINK  
(IEEE1394)  
jack  
2
i.LINK compliant  
device  
3
DV Interface  
: Signal flow  
your camcorder to another device. The video  
and audio signals are transmitted digitally,  
producing high quality pictures. Note that  
you cannot output the picture and sound  
separately.  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Connect the A/V connecting cable to your  
camcorder or the Handycam Station. The A/V  
jack works as an input as well as an output,  
switching automatically depending on the  
operational status.  
• Connect the A/V connecting cable to the output  
jack of a device you are dubbing a picture  
from, or to the input jack of another device for  
dubbing a picture from your camcorder.  
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 (optional),  
pictures can be reproduced more faithfully  
than with the supplied A/V cable connection.  
• 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 or the TV.  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable  
(optional). In this case, the yellow (standard  
video) plug connection is not necessary. S  
VIDEO connection only will not output  
audio.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable (supplied), set [DISP  
OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (the default  
setting) (p. 56) to prevent the screen display  
dubbed with pictures.  
• Do not connect A/V connecting cables to both  
your camcorder and the Handycam Station at  
the same time. The image and the sound might  
be distorted.  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
Use an i.LINK cable (optional) to connect  
59  
Dubbing to other recording  
devices  
You can copy the picture played back on  
your camcorder to other recording devices  
(such as VCRs).  
49) or PB zoom (p. 25).  
– Titles that are recorded on other camcorder.  
• To record the date/time and camera settings  
data, display them on the screen (p. 55).  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable  
(optional), the recorded picture becomes rough  
when a picture is paused on your camcorder  
while recording to a VCR.  
1
2
Connect your VCR to your  
camcorder as a recording device.  
See page 59 for connection details.  
Prepare your VCR 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 input mode.  
3
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
For DCR-HC42:  
Set [TV TYPE] (p. 34) according to the  
playback device (TV, etc.).  
4
5
Start the playback on your  
camcorder, and record it on the  
VCR.  
Refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with your recording device for  
details.  
When the dubbing is finished,  
stop your camcorder and the  
VCR.  
• The following cannot be output via the DV  
interface:  
– Indicators  
– [PICT. EFFECT] (p. 50), [D. EFFECT] (p.  
60  
Recording pictures from a  
VCR or TV  
You can record pictures or TV programs  
from a VCR or TV on a tape or a “Memory  
Stick Duo.” You can also record a scene as  
a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
Be sure to insert a cassette or a “Memory  
Stick Duo” for recording in your camcorder  
beforehand.  
6
7
Touch [REC START] at the point  
you want to start recording.  
Stop recording.  
When recording on a tape, touch  
(STOP) or [REC PAUSE].  
Recording movies  
When recording on a “Memory Stick  
Duo,” touch [REC STOP].  
1
Connect your TV or VCR to your  
camcorder.  
8
Touch  
.
See page 59 for details of connecting.  
• The  
indicator appears when you  
Recording still images  
connect your camcorder and other devices  
via an i.LINK cable. (This indicator may  
also appear on your TV.)  
1
Perform steps 1 to 3 in  
“Recording movies.”  
2
3
4
If you are recording from a VCR,  
insert a cassette.  
2
Play the video, or receive the TV  
program you want to record.  
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
The pictures on the VCR or TV appear  
on the screen of your camcorder.  
Operate your camcorder to  
record movies.  
3
Press PHOTO lightly at the scene  
you want to record. Check the  
image and press it fully.  
When recording on a tape, touch  
[ REC CTRL] [REC PAUSE].  
When recording on a “Memory Stick  
Duo,” touch  
[MENU]   
(EDIT/PLAY) [ REC MOVIE].  
5
Start playing the cassette on your  
VCR, or select a TV program.  
The picture played on the connected  
device appears on the LCD screen of  
your camcorder.  
61  
Dubbing pictures from a  
tape to a “Memory Stick  
Duo”  
You can record movies or still images on a  
“Memory Stick Duo.” Make sure you have  
a recorded tape and a “Memory Stick Duo”  
inserted into your camcorder.  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Search and record the scene you  
want to record.  
When you dub pictures as a still image  
Touch  
(PLAY) to play back the  
tape, then press PHOTO lightly at the  
scene you want to record. Check the  
image and press it fully.  
When you dub pictures as a movie  
Touch  
[MENU]   
(EDIT/PLAY) [ REC MOVIE]   
(PLAY) to play back the tape, then  
touch [REC START] at the point you  
want to start recording.  
At the point you want to stop recording,  
touch [REC STOP]   
(STOP)   
.
• The data code recorded on the tape cannot be  
recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” The  
time and date the picture is recorded on the  
“Memory Stick Duo” will be recorded.  
• The sound is recorded in 32kHz monaural.  
• For the recording time of movies, see page 46.  
• For DCR-HC42:  
Still images will be fixed to image size [640  
× 360] when playing back the 16:9 picture, or  
[640 × 480] when playing back the 4:3 picture.  
62  
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape  
You can add sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 53) without erasing the  
original sound.  
Connecting  
Active Interface  
Shoe  
Internal microphone  
A/V connecting cable  
(supplied)  
(white)  
Do not connect the  
A/V jack  
Video plug (yellow).  
(red)  
AUDIO OUT  
: Signal flow  
Audio device (such as CD/MD) players  
You can record audio by connecting in one  
of the following ways.  
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP  
mode.  
For DCR-HC42:  
An external microphone (optional) to the  
Active Interface Shoe.  
– When your camcorder is connected via an  
i.LINK cable.  
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC  
REC mode on another device.  
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV color  
system other than that of your camcorder.  
An audio device to the Handycam  
Station or your camcorder using the A/V  
connecting cable.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
Using the internal microphone (no  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set  
to SAVE.  
connection required).  
The audio input to be recorded takes  
precedence over others in the order of  
.  
You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit  
mode (p. 50).  
• The picture will not be output from the A/V  
jack when dubbing audio:  
– with the A/V jack.  
– with the internal microphone.  
Check the picture on the LCD screen or the  
63  
Continued   
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape  
(continued)  
viewfinder.  
• For DCR-HC42:  
Recording sound  
When you attach an external microphone  
(optional) to the Active Interface Shoe,  
you can check the picture and the sound by  
connecting your camcorder to a TV using the  
A/V connecting cable. However, sound you are  
recording afterwards is not output from your  
camcorder. Check the sound using a TV or  
other device.  
Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder beforehand.  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
• Do not connect A/V connecting cables to both  
your camcorder and the Handycam Station at  
the same time. The sound may be distorted.  
Touch  
(Play/Pause) to play  
back the tape, then touch it again  
at the point where you want to  
start recording the sound.  
3
Touch  
[MENU]   
(EDIT/PLAY) [AUD DUB CTRL]  
[AUDIO DUB].  
appears  
60min  
AUD DUB CTRL  
0:00:00:00  
AUDIO  
DUB  
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  
.
64  
Deleting recorded pictures  
from the “Memory Stick  
Duo”  
• To set the end point for audio dubbing,  
beforehand, press ZERO SET MEMORY  
on the Remote Commander at the scene at  
which you want to stop audio dubbing during  
playback. After step 2 to 4, the recording stops  
automatically at the selected scene.  
You can only record additional audio over a  
tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound  
may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape  
recorded on other camcorders (including other  
DCR-HC32/HC42 camcorders).  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Touch  
.
101  
2 / 10  
MEMORY PLAY  
60min  
101–0001  
1152  
To check the recorded sound  
Play back the tape on which you have  
recorded audio (p. 23).  
P-MENU  
Touch  
[MENU]   
[AUDIO  
(STANDARD SET)   
MIX]   
.
3
4
Select a picture you want to  
delete with  
60min  
AUDIO MIX  
0:00:00:00  
/
.
ST2  
ST1  
• To delete all pictures at once, select [ALL  
ERASE] (p. 47).  
Touch  
to adjust the balance  
/
Touch  
[YES].  
of the original sound (ST1) and the sound  
recorded afterwards (ST2), then touch  
.
• The pictures cannot be restored once they  
are deleted.  
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default  
setting.  
• The adjusted audio balance returns to the  
default setting in about 5 minutes after the  
battery pack or other power sources have been  
disconnected.  
You can delete pictures on the index screen (p.  
23). You can easily search for the picture to be  
deleted by displaying 6 pictures at once.  
Touch  
[ DELETE] the picture you  
[YES].  
want to delete   
• Pictures cannot be deleted when a “Memory  
Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab is set to  
the write-protect position (p. 107), or when the  
selected picture is protected (p. 66).  
65  
Marking images on the  
“Memory Stick Duo” with  
specific information  
Selecting still images for  
printing (Print mark)  
(Image protection/Print mark)  
The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)  
standard is used to select images for  
printing on your camcorder.  
By marking images that you want to print  
out, you do not need to reselect them when  
you print them out. (You cannot specify the  
number of printouts.)  
When you are using a “Memory Stick  
Duo” with the write-protect tab, make sure  
the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick  
Duo” is not set to the write-protect position  
(p. 107).  
Preventing accidental erasure  
(Image protection)  
1
2
3
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
You can select and mark images to prevent  
accidental erasure.  
Touch  
[PRINT MARK].  
1
2
3
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Touch the image that you want to  
print out later.  
Touch  
[PROTECT].  
PRINT MARK  
appears  
Touch the image that you want to  
protect.  
101–0002  
101  
2/ 10  
OK  
PROTECT  
appears  
4
Touch  
[END].  
101–0002  
101  
2/ 10  
OK  
• To cancel Print mark, touch the image again to  
cancel Print mark in step 3.  
• Do not mark images on your camcorder if the  
“Memory Stick Duo” already has some images  
with the Print mark put on using other devices.  
This may change the information of the images  
with the Print mark put on using the other  
device.  
4
Touch  
[END].  
• To cancel image protection, touch the image  
again to cancel image protection in step 3.  
66  
Printing recorded images  
(PictBridge compliant printer)  
You can print out pictures using a  
PictBridge compliant printer without  
connecting the camcorder to a computer.  
One of the images stored on the  
“Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.  
• We cannot guarantee the operation of models  
that are not PictBridge compatible.  
Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to a wall  
outlet for power.  
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” on which  
still images are stored into your camcorder  
beforehand.  
Printing  
1
Select the image to be printed  
Connect your camcorder to the  
printer  
with  
/
.
2
3
Touch  
[COPIES].  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch down to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Select the number of copies to be  
printed with  
/
.
Touch  
[MENU]  
You can set a maximum of 20 copies of  
one image to be printed.  
(STANDARD SET) [USB-PLY/  
EDT] [PictBridge]  
.
4
5
Touch  
[END].  
3
4
5
Connect the USB jack (p. 69) of  
the Handycam Station to a printer  
using the USB cable.  
To print the date on the image, touch  
[DATE/TIME] [DATE] or  
[DAY & TIME]   
.
Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch on  
the Handycam Station to ON (p.  
69)  
Touch [EXEC] [YES].  
When printing is finished, [Printing...]  
disappears and the image selection  
screen appears again.  
Touch  
(PICT. APPLI.)  
Touch [END] when printing is  
completed.  
[PRINT].  
When connection is complete,  
(PictBridge connecting) appears  
on the screen.  
• Refer also to the operating instructions for the  
printer to be used.  
• Do not attempt the following operations when  
is on the screen. The operations may not be  
performed properly.  
101  
1 / 10  
1152  
PRINT  
101-0001  
END  
– Operating the POWER switch.  
– Disconnecting the USB cable from the  
Handycam Station or the printer.  
+
-
SET EXEC  
67  
Continued   
Printing recorded images  
(PictBridge compliant printer)  
(continued)  
– Removing the “Memory Stick Duo” from  
your camcorder.  
• If the printer stops working, disconnect the  
USB cable and restart the operation from the  
beginning.  
• For DCR-HC42:  
If you print a still image recorded with a 16:9  
ratio, left and right ends of the image may be  
cut off.  
• Some printer models may not support the  
date printing function. Refer to your printer’s  
operating instructions for details.  
• We cannot guarantee the printing of images  
recorded with a device other than your  
camcorder.  
• PictBridge is an industry standard established  
by the Camera & Imaging Products Association  
(CIPA). You can print still images without using  
a computer by connecting a printer directly to  
a digital video camera or digital still camera,  
regardless of model or manufacturer.  
68  
Jacks to connect external devices  
Camcorder  
For DCR-HC32:  
Accessory shoe  
1
• Remove the shoe cover when you use an  
accessory.  
• The Active Interface Shoe and the accessory  
shoe have a safety device for fixing the  
installed accessory securely. To connect an  
accessory, press down and push it to the  
end, and then tighten the screw. To remove  
an accessory, loosen the screw, and then  
press down and pull out the accessory.  
• When you are recording on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” with an external flash (optional)  
connected to the accessory shoe, turn off  
the power of the external flash to prevent  
charging noise being recorded.  
2
3
Bottom  
A/V (audio/video) jack (p. 34, 59, 80)  
LANC jack (blue)  
• The LANC control jack is used for  
controlling the tape transport of video  
devices and peripherals connected to it.  
4
5
Interface connector  
DC IN jack (p. 10)  
Handycam Station  
DV Interface jack (p. 59, 77, 80)  
(USB) jack (p. 70)  
4
(USB) ON/OFF switch  
• Set this to ON to use the USB connection.  
2
5
6
7
8
For DCR-HC42:  
Active Interface Shoe  
(p. 63)  
The Active Interface Shoe supplies  
power to optional accessories such as  
a video light, a flash, or a microphone.  
The accessory can be turned on or off  
as you operate the POWER switch on  
your camcorder. Refer to the operating  
instructions supplied with your  
accessory for details.  
69  
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on  
your computer  
When you install the Picture Package  
software on a Windows computer from  
the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the  
following operations by connecting your  
camcorder to your computer.  
still images from pictures saved on your  
computer and easily create a short original  
video or slide show with added music and  
visual styles.  
Automatic Music Video Producer  
You can easily create a short original video  
with added music and visual styles using  
pictures recorded on a tape.  
• 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 CD-ROM.  
For “First Step Guide”, see the next section.  
Copying tape to Video CD  
You can import the contents of a tape to  
create a video CD.  
• There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to  
a computer.  
– USB cable  
This method is good for copying video and  
sound recorded on a tape to the computer,  
copying files from a “Memory Stick Duo” to  
a computer, and copying files to a “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
Save the images on CD-R  
You can save pictures copied onto a  
computer to a CD-R as a backup.  
– i.LINK cable (only for Windows user)  
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 pictures.  
For details on connection, see “First Step  
Guide”.  
USB Streaming Tool  
You can view the picture your camcorder is  
playing back on tape or is currently seeing  
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  
– ImageMixer VCD2  
– “First Step Guide”  
Viewing video and pictures on a  
computer  
You can view the pictures copied from your  
camcorder by selecting from thumbnails.  
Still images and movies are saved in  
folders by date.  
Music Video/Slideshow Producer  
You can select your favorite movies and  
70  
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This  
product is based on DirectX technology.  
It is necessary to have DirectX  
installed.)  
About “First Step Guide”  
“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). After installing the CD-  
ROM, reading “Installing the software and  
“First Step Guide” on a computer” (p. 72),  
start the “First Step Guide”, then follow the  
instructions.  
Windows Media Player 7.0 or later  
Macromedia Flash Player 6.0 or later  
Sound system: 16 bit stereo sound card  
and stereo speakers  
Memory: 64 MB or more  
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)  
About the help function of the  
software  
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 less than  
256 colors.)  
The Help guide explains all the functions  
of all the software applications. Refer to the  
Help guide for further detailed operations  
after reading the “First Step Guide”  
thoroughly. To display the Help guide, click  
the [?] mark on the screen.  
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.  
System requirements  
For the compatible drive, visit the  
following  
URL: http://www.ppackage.com/)  
For Windows users  
When using Picture Package  
OS: Microsoft Windows 98, Windows  
98SE, Windows 2000 Professional,  
Windows Millennium Edition,  
Windows XP Home Edition or  
Windows XP Professional  
When playing pictures recorded on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” on a computer  
OS: Microsoft Windows 98, Windows  
98SE, Windows 2000 Professional,  
Windows Millennium Edition,  
Windows XP Home Edition or  
Windows XP Professional  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above  
OS has been upgraded.  
In Windows 98, USB Streaming is not  
supported.  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above  
OS has been upgraded.  
In Windows 98 and Windows 98SE, DV  
capturing is not supported.  
CPU: MMX Pentium 200MHz or faster  
CPU: Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or faster  
(800 MHz or faster recommended) (For  
using ImageMixer VCD2, Intel Pentium  
II 800 MHz or faster recommended)  
Application: Windows Media Player  
(This must be installed to play back  
movies.)  
71  
Continued   
Before referring to the “First  
Step Guide” on your computer  
(continued)  
Installing the software and  
“First Step Guide” on a  
computer  
Others: USB port (This must be provided  
as standard), disc drive  
You need to install the software etc., with  
the supplied CD-ROM on your computer  
before connecting your camcorder  
and your computer. Once you install it, the  
installation is not required thereafter.  
The software to be used varies depending  
on the OS system you are using.  
Windows computer: Picture Package  
(including ImageMixer VCD2)  
Macintosh computer: ImageMixer VCD2  
For the details on the software, refer to  
“First Step Guide”.  
For Macintosh users  
When using ImageMixer VCD2  
OS: Mac OS X (v10.1.5 or later)  
CPU: iMac, eMac, iBook, PowerBook,  
PowerMac 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)  
Installing on a Windows  
computer  
Display: Minimum 1 024 × 768 dots,  
32 000 colors (This product will not  
operate correctly at less than 1 024 ×  
768 dots or 256 colors.)  
Log on as Administrators for installation  
for Windows 2000/Windows XP.  
Application: QuickTime 4 or later  
(QuickTime 5 recommended)  
Other: Disc drive  
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
When only copying pictures recorded on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” on a computer  
Turn on the computer.  
OS: Mac OS 9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v  
10.0/v 10.1/v 10.2/v 10.3)  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
Application: QuickTime 3.0 or later (This  
must be installed to play back movies.)  
Others: USB port (This must be provided  
3
Place the CD-ROM in the disc  
drive of your computer.  
as standard)  
• 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 installation screen appears.  
If the screen does not appear  
Double-click [My Computer].  
Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE]  
72  
(Disc drive).*  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
7
Read [License Agreement], check  
[I accept the terms of the license  
agreement] when you agree, then  
click [Next].  
4
Click [Install].  
Depending on the OS on the computer,  
a message appears 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.  
8
9
Select where to save the  
software, then click [Next].  
5
6
Select the language for the  
application to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
Click [Install] on the [Ready to  
Install the Program] screen.  
The installation of Picture Package  
starts.  
Click [Next].  
73  
Continued   
Installing the software and  
“First Step Guide” on a computer  
(continued)  
10  
Select the language for “First  
Step Guide” to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
13  
If the [Installing Microsoft (R)  
DirectX(R)] screen is displayed,  
follow the steps below to install  
DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step  
14.  
Depending on the computer, this screen  
may not be displayed. In such a case,  
skip to step 12.  
Read [License Agreement], then click  
[Next].  
Click [Next].  
11  
Click [Next] to install the “First  
Step Guide”.  
Click [Finish].  
12  
Click [Next], then follow the  
on-screen instructions to install  
ImageMixer VCD2.  
14  
Make sure [Yes, I want to restart  
my computer now.] is checked,  
then click [Finish].  
74  
The computer turns off once, then starts  
up again automatically (Restart). The  
short-cut icons for [Picture Package  
Menu] and [Picture Package Menu  
destination Folder] (and “First Step  
Guide”, if installed by steps 11-12)  
appear on the desktop.  
5
Copy [FirstStepGuide.pdf], stored  
in the desired language in the  
[FirstStepGuide] folder, to your  
computer.  
6
7
Then, install ImageMixer VCD2.  
Copy [IMXINST.SIT] in the [MAC]  
folder of the CD-ROM to a folder  
of your choice.  
8
9
Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the  
folder it was copied to.  
15  
Remove the CD-ROM from the  
disc drive of your computer.  
Double-click the unzipped  
[ImageMixerVCD2_Install].  
• If you have any questions about Picture  
Package, contact information is listed on page  
76.  
10  
When the user acceptance  
screen is displayed, enter your  
name and password.  
Installing on a Macintosh  
computer  
The installation of ImageMixer VCD2  
starts.  
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
• For details on how to use ImageMixer VCD2,  
refer to software’s on-line help.  
Turn on the computer.  
Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3
4
Place the CD-ROM in the disc  
drive of your computer.  
Double-click CD-ROM icon.  
75  
Viewing “First Step Guide”  
For inquires about this software  
Pixela User Support Center  
Displaying “First Step Guide”  
Starting up on a Windows computer  
Viewing with Microsoft Internet Explorer  
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.  
Pixela Home Page  
Windows: http://www.ppackage.com/  
Macintosh: http://www.ImageMixer.com/  
North America (Los Angeles) Telephone:  
+1-213-341-0163  
Double-click the  
icon on the desktop.  
Europe (U.K.) Telephone:  
+44-1489-564-764  
Asia (Philippines) Telephone:  
+63-2-438-0090  
On Copyrights  
You can also start by selecting [Start],  
[Programs] ([All Programs] for  
Windows XP), [Picture Package],  
and [FirstStepGuide], then start up  
[FirstStepGuide].  
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/  
region. Except to the extent expressly  
permitted by applicable laws, you are  
not permitted to use (including,  
without limitation, copying, modifying,  
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  
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 “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”.  
• Refer to “FirstStepGuide.pdf” 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.  
– When the HTML version of “First Step  
Guide” is not installed automatically.  
Starting up on a Macintosh computer  
Double-click “FirstStepGuide.pdf”.  
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:  
http://www.adobe.com/  
76  
Creating a DVD (Direct  
Access to “Click to DVD”)  
You can create DVDs when you connect  
your camcorder to a Sony VAIO series  
computer* that supports “Click to DVD”  
via an i.LINK cable (optional). The picture  
is automatically copied and written to a  
DVD.  
You can only use an i.LINK cable for this  
operation. You cannot use a USB cable.  
*Note that you need a Sony VAIO  
computer equipped with a DVD drive  
that can be used to write DVDs. You also  
need the computer with “Click to DVD  
Ver.1.2” (Sony original software) or later  
installed.  
The following procedures describe how  
to create a DVD from a picture recorded  
on a tape. For system and operation  
requirements, visit the following URL:  
Using the Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD” function for the first time  
Europe  
http://www.vaio-link.com/  
USA  
http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/  
dvimag/  
Asia Pacific Regional  
http://www.css.ap.sony.com/  
Korea  
http://scs.sony.co.kr/  
Taiwan  
http://vaio-online.sony.com/tw/vaio/  
China  
http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/vaio/  
Thailand  
http://www.sony.co.th/vaio/index.html  
Latin America  
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.”  
Turn on the computer.  
Click the start menu, then select [All  
Programs].  
Select [Click to DVD] from the programs  
displayed, then click [Click to DVD  
Automatic Mode Launcher].  
[Click to DVD Automatic Mode  
Launcher] starts up.  
http://vaio-online.sony.com/  
• 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.  
to i.LINK (IEEE1394)  
connector  
i.LINK cable  
(optional)  
to DV Interface  
77  
Continued   
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to  
“Click to DVD”) (continued)  
1
2
Turn on the computer.  
7
Touch [EXEC] on the screen of  
your camcorder.  
Quit all applications running with an  
i.LINK.  
60min  
BURN DVD  
START  
0:00:00:00  
CREATE DVD?  
Prepare the power source for  
your camcorder, then slide the  
POWER switch down to turn on  
the PLAY/ EDIT lamp.  
EXEC  
CANCEL  
The status of the operation on your  
computer is displayed on the LCD  
screen of your camcorder.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the  
power source since it takes a few hours  
to create a DVD.  
CAPTURING: The picture recorded  
on the tape is being copied to the  
computer.  
CONVERTING: The picture is being  
converted to the MPEG2 format.  
3
4
Insert a recorded cassette into  
your camcorder.  
WRITING: The picture is being written  
onto the DVD.  
• 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  
(optional) (p. 77).  
• When you connect your camcorder to  
a computer, make sure you insert the  
connector in the correct direction. If you  
insert the connector forcibly, it may be  
damaged, and causes a malfunction of your  
camcorder.  
8
Touch [NO] to finish creating a  
DVD.  
• For details, see “First Step Guide”.  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
BURN DVD  
COMPLETED  
C r e a t e a n o t h e r  
5
6
Touch  
[MENU]   
c o p y ?  
D i s c t r a y o p e n s .  
(EDIT/PLAY) [BURN DVD]   
.
YES  
NO  
“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 [YES].  
The disc tray comes out. Place a new  
writable DVD in the disc drive. Then,  
repeat step 7 and 8.  
Place a writable DVD in the disc  
drive of the computer.  
78  
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.  
• 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 stage, DVD creation will continue on your  
computer.  
• When 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 Automatic Mode Launcher” for details.  
– When there is a blank portion of 10 seconds  
or longer on the tape.  
– When the data of the tape contains a date  
before the recording date of the later images.  
– When normal and wide size pictures are  
recorded on the same tape.  
You cannot operate your camcorder in the  
following situations:  
– While playing back a tape  
– While recording images onto a “Memory  
Stick Duo”  
– When “Click to DVD” is started up from the  
computer  
– When [A/VDV OUT] in the menu setting  
of your camcorder is set to [ON].  
79  
Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your  
camcorder (Signal convert function)  
Using the A/V connecting cable and an i.LINK cable (optional), you can convert an analog  
signal output from an analog device such as a VCR to a digital signal and transfer it to a  
digital device, such as a computer, via your camcorder.  
Software that can record the video signal must be installed on your computer beforehand.  
A/V jack  
1
(yellow) (white) (Red)  
VCR  
Computer  
To i.LINK (IEEE  
1394) jack  
2
i.LINK jack  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
DV Interface  
:Signal flow  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Connect the A/V connecting cable to your  
camcorder or the Handycam Station. The A/V  
jack accepts analog signals.  
setting is [LCD PANEL].)  
1
2
Turn on the analog video unit.  
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 (optional),  
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  
(optional). In this case, the yellow (standard  
video) plug connection is not necessary. S  
VIDEO connection only will not output  
audio.  
Slide the POWER switch of your  
camcorder down to turn on the  
PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the  
power source.  
3
On the LCD screen, touch  
[MENU]  
(STANDARD  
SET) [A/V DV OUT] [ON]  
.
Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] on  
the menu (p. 56) beforehand. (The default  
80  
4
5
Start playback on the analog  
video unit.  
Start capturing procedures on  
your computer.  
Regarding operation, refer to the  
operating instructions supplied with the  
software or the on-line help.  
After capturing images and sound, stop  
capturing procedures on your computer,  
and stop playback on the analog video  
unit.  
• The bundled software Picture Package or  
ImageMixer VCD2 does not support the signal  
convert function.  
You may not be able to output the pictures  
correctly depending on the condition of the  
analog video signal input to your camcorder.  
You cannot transfer pictures with copyright  
protection signals to a computer.  
You can use a USB cable instead of an  
i.LINK cable (optional) to transfer pictures  
to a computer. Note, however, that the picture  
displayed may lack the same smoothness.  
• When you are using a USB cable or an i.LINK  
cable to connect your camcorder to a computer,  
make sure you insert the connectors in the  
correct direction. If you insert the connectors  
forcibly, they may be damaged, and cause a  
malfunction of your camcorder.  
81  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot  
the problem. If the problem persists, remove the power source and contact your Sony dealer.  
Overall operations/Easy Handycam  
The power does not turn on.  
• The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the camcorder.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 10).  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall outlet (p. 10).  
• Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10).  
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. If the functions still do not work, press the RESET button (p. 26) using  
a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button, all settings, including the clock  
setting, are reset, except the Personal Menu items.)  
Buttons do not work.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the available buttons are limited (p. 20).  
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.  
[DEMO MODE] does not start.  
You cannot view the demonstration when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to ON.  
• Eject the cassette and “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder (p. 18).  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• This is because the power has been turned on for a long time. This is not a malfunction.  
82  
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. 56), or turn on the power again (p. 14), or use the AC Adaptor.  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 10).  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG) (p. 10).  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 10).  
• No power is supplied from the wall outlet (p. 10).  
• Insert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly (p. 10).  
• The battery charge is completed (p. 10).  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem persists, disconnect the  
AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be  
damaged.  
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. 10).  
The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.  
• The temperature of the environment 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, replace the battery pack with a new  
one. It may be damaged (p. 10, 109).  
• The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use. When you open  
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.  
The battery pack is quickly discharged.  
• The temperature of the environment is too high or low, or the battery pack has not been  
charged enough. This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new  
one. It may be damaged (p. 10, 109).  
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.  
83  
Continued   
Troubleshooting (continued)  
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. 51). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a  
“Memory Stick Duo” to cancel [DEMO MODE].  
An unknown indicator appears on the screen.  
• Refer to the indicator list (p. 100).  
The picture remains on the LCD screen.  
• This occurs if you disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery  
pack without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.  
You cannot turn the LCD backlight off. (DCR-HC42)  
• During Easy Handycam operation (p. 20), you cannot turn the LCD backlight on/off using  
the DISP/BATT INFO.  
The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.  
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder (or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander) (p.  
16).  
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.  
• Adjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 113).  
The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.  
• Use the viewfinder lens adjustment lever to adjust the lens (p. 15).  
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. 15).  
84  
Cassette tapes  
The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.  
• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 10).  
• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 11).  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 10).  
The cassette is not ejected even when the cassette lid is open.  
• Moisture condensation is starting in your camcorder (p. 112).  
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 [  
REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 55).  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
You cannot operate functions using the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY or PLAY/EDIT lamp  
(p. 14).  
• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder (p. 18).  
• If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on a computer, format it on your camcorder (p.  
107).  
Pictures cannot be deleted.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 107).  
• Cancel image protection on the picture (p. 66).  
• The maximum number of pictures that you can delete at one time is 100.  
You cannot delete all pictures at once.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 107).  
• Cancel image protection on the pictures (p. 66).  
You cannot format the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 107).  
85  
Continued   
Troubleshooting (continued)  
Image protection cannot be applied.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 107).  
• Perform the operation again on the index screen (p. 66).  
You cannot mark pictures for print.  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 107).  
• Perform the operation again on the index screen (p. 66).  
• The maximum number of pictures you can mark for print is 999.  
• Movies cannot be marked for print.  
The data file name is not indicated correctly.  
• Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not conform to the universal  
standard.  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 107).  
The data file name flashes.  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 107).  
Recording  
Refer also to “Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 88) and “Memory Stick Duo”  
section (p. 85).  
The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp (p. 22).  
• 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. 106).  
• 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. 112).  
86  
You cannot record on the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 107).  
• The capacity is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” (p.  
65).  
• Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo”  
(p. 47).  
• For DCR-HC32:  
You cannot record still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” using [WIDE SELECT] mode  
(p. 44).  
• For DCR-HC42:  
When [SMTH INT.REC] is activated, still images cannot be recorded on a “Memory Stick  
Duo” during tape recording.  
The recording angle differs depending on the POWER switch setting position.  
• The recording angle when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY is wider than  
when it is set to CAMERA-TAPE.  
You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene  
to the next.  
• Note the following.  
– Perform END SEARCH (p. 31).  
– 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. 56).  
The external flash (optional) does not work.  
• The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached correctly.  
[END SEARCH] does not work.  
• The cassette was ejected after recording (p. 31).  
• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.  
[END SEARCH] does not work correctly.  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
87  
Continued   
Troubleshooting (continued)  
Smooth interval recording stops/[Smooth interval rec discontinued due to  
error.] appears and recording stops. (DCR-HC42)  
• The video head may be dirty. Use a cleaning cassette (optional).  
• Try again from the beginning.  
• Use a Sony mini DV cassette.  
Adjusting the image during recording  
Refer also to “Menu” (p. 91).  
The auto focus does not function.  
• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 42).  
• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 42).  
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 44).  
The BACK LIGHT function does not function.  
• The BACK LIGHT function is canceled when you set [EXPOSURE] to [MANUAL] (p. 41)  
or select [SPOT METER] (p. 40).  
• The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation.  
[DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function.  
• [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function when you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON].  
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.  
Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.  
• The spots appear when you are recording in [SLOW SHUTTR], [SUPER NSPLUS], or  
[COLOR SLOW S]. This is not a malfunction.  
The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 24).  
88  
The picture appears too bright on the screen, and the subject does not appear  
on the screen.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 24).  
• Cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 25).  
The picture appears too dark on the screen, and the subject does not appear  
on the screen. (DCR-HC42)  
• The LCD backlight is turned off. Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds to turn  
on the backlight (p. 15).  
Flickering or changes in color occurs.  
• This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury  
lamp with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORTS]. Cancel [PROGRAM AE] in this case (p. 40).  
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 44).  
Playback  
If you are playing back the pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” refer also to the  
“Memory Stick Duo” section (p. 85).  
You cannot play back the tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
• Rewind the tape (p. 23).  
The pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” are not played back in the actual  
size or aspect ratio.  
• Pictures recorded on other devices may not appear in the actual size. This is not a  
malfunction.  
• If you play back a movie recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” with a 16:9 ratio, the black  
bands will appear at the top and bottom of the screen. This is not a malfunction.  
Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back.  
Deactivate the USB Streaming function on your camcorder and set the (USB) ON/OFF  
switch (p. 69) on the Handycam Station to OFF.  
• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified files or folders, or have edited the  
data on a computer. (The file name flashes in that case.) This is not a malfunction (p. 108).  
• Pictures recorded on other devices may not be played back. This is not a malfunction (p.  
108).  
• Pictures edited on a computer or recorded on other devices may not be played back.  
89  
Continued   
Troubleshooting (continued)  
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. 112).  
No sound or only a low sound is heard.  
• Set [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 53).  
• Turn up the volume (p. 23).  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 65).  
• When you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V  
connecting cable are connected as well (p. 34).  
The sound breaks off.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 112).  
“---” 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. 105).  
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.  
Date Search does not work correctly.  
• If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your camcorder may not accurately find the  
point where the recording date changes.  
• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
90  
Remote Commander  
The supplied Remote Commander does not function.  
• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 55).  
• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.  
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead  
lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly.  
• Insert a new battery. Insert a battery into the battery holder with the +/– polarities correctly  
matching the +/– marks (p. 114).  
Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.  
• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR, or cover the sensor of your VCR  
with black paper.  
Menu  
Menu items are grayed out.  
You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.  
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].  
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE] together with:  
– NightShot plus  
– [SUPER NSPLUS]  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [TELE MACRO]  
• [SPORTS] will not work when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-MEMORY.  
You cannot use [SPOT METER].  
You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with:  
– NightShot plus  
– [SUPER NSPLUS]  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [AUTO].  
You cannot use [EXPOSURE].  
You cannot use [EXPOSURE] together with:  
– NightShot plus  
– [SUPER NSPLUS]  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [AUTO].  
You cannot use [WHITE BAL.].  
You cannot use [WHITE BAL.] when you use NightShot plus or [SUPER NSPLUS].  
Continued   
91  
Troubleshooting (continued)  
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS].  
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS] together with [PROGRAM AE].  
You cannot use [TELE MACRO]  
You cannot use [TELE MACRO] together with:  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
– Recording a movie on a tape or “Memory Stick Duo.”  
You cannot use [SUPER NSPLUS].  
You cannot use [SUPER NS PLUS] together with:  
– [FADER]  
– [D. EFFECT]  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
[COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly.  
• [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in total darkness. Use NightShot plus or  
[SUPER NSPLUS].  
You cannot use [COLOR SLOW S] together with:  
– [FADER]  
– [D. EFFECT]  
– [PROGRAM AE]  
– [EXPOSURE]  
– [SPOT METER]  
You cannot use [FADER].  
You cannot use [FADER] together with:  
– [SELF-TIMER]  
– [SUPER NSPLUS]  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [D. EFFECT]  
– [SMTH INT. REC] (DCR-HC42)  
You cannot use [D. EFFECT].  
You cannot use [D. EFFECT] together with:  
– [SUPER NSPLUS]  
– [COLOR SLOW S]  
– [FADER]  
You cannot use [SLOW SHUTTR], and [OLD MOVIE] together with [PROGRAM AE]  
(except [AUTO]).  
You cannot use [OLD MOVIE] together with:  
– [WIDE SELECT] (DCR-HC32)  
– [PICT. EFFECT]  
92  
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices  
Pictures output from the camcorder do not appear on the screen of the  
connected device.  
• When attaching the camcorder to the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover, and  
then fully insert the camcorder into the Handycam Station in the correct direction securely  
(p. 10).  
Pictures from connected devices are not displayed on the LCD screen or the  
viewfinder.  
• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 56).  
You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISP/BATT INFO while [DISP  
OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 56).  
Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed.  
You cannot zoom the pictures from connected devices on your camcorder (p. 25).  
Time code and other information appears in the display of the connected  
device.  
• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p.  
56).  
You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.  
• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 56).  
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting  
cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e. to the output jack of a device you are dubbing  
a picture from, or to the input jack of another device for dubbing a picture from your  
camcorder.  
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. 65).  
Still pictures cannot be dubbed from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
You cannot record or a distorted picture may be recorded if the tape has been used repeatedly  
for recording.  
Movies cannot be dubbed from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
You cannot record or a distorted picture may be recorded in the following situations:  
– The tape has a blank section.  
– The tape has been used repeatedly for recording.  
– The input signal has been interrupted or cut.  
93  
Continued   
Troubleshooting (continued)  
You cannot input pictures.  
You cannot input pictures while [DISP OUTPUT] is set to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 56).  
You cannot input pictures if you press the DISP/BATT INFO button.  
The picture appears distorted or dark.  
• A/V connecting cables are connected to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station.  
Disconnect one of the A/V connecting cables.  
Connecting to a computer  
The computer does not recognize your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely.  
• Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch on the Handycam Station to ON.  
• Connect the Handycam Station to the camcorder securely.  
• Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from 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  
You cannot view the pictures the camcorder is seeing on the computer.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp on your camcorder,  
and set [USB-CAMERA] to [USB STREAM] (p. 54). (Only when connecting to the  
Windows computer with a USB cable)  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again.  
You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on the computer.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder, and  
set [USB-PLY/EDT] to [USB STREAM] (p. 54). (Only when connecting to the Windows  
computer with a USB cable)  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.  
94  
You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on a 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 (optional) and use the standard  
software in the OS.  
You cannot view the pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” on the  
computer.  
• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” in the correct direction, then push it all the way in.  
You cannot use an i.LINK cable. Connect the camcorder and the computer using the USB  
cable.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder, set  
[USB-PLY/EDT] to [STD-USB] (p. 55).  
• The computer does not recognize the “Memory Stick Duo” during camcorder operations  
such as tape playback or editing. Finish any camcorder operations before connecting the  
camcorder to the computer.  
The “Memory Stick Duo” icon ([Removable Disk] or [Sony Memory Stick]) does  
not appear on the computer screen.  
• Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the  
computer.  
• Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder, set  
[USB-PLY/EDT] to [STD-USB] (p. 55).  
• The computer does not recognize the “Memory Stick Duo” during camcorder operations  
such as tape playback or editing. Finish camcorder operations before connecting the  
camcorder to the computer.  
The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when  
using the USB cable.  
• 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.  
For Windows 98/Windows 98SE/Windows Me  
When copying or playing the pictures on a tape using a computer, the operation is not  
guaranteed on Windows 98.  
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.  
95  
Continued   
Troubleshooting (continued)  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape  
– [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  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo”  
[? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark 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 Audio Device], [USB Device], [USB Composite  
Device], [? Sony Handycam] and [? Sony DSC] may cause a malfunction of your  
computer.  
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 [Device Manager] [View] [Devices by type].  
4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape  
– [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  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo”  
[? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark 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.  
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.  
96  
3 Click [Open].  
4 Double-click [Driver].  
5 Double-click [Setup.exe].  
• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device],  
[Composite USB Device], [? Sony Handycam] and [? Sony DSC] may cause a  
malfunction of your computer.  
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 and choose the [Hardware] tab [Device Manager] [View] [Devices by  
type].  
5 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete  
them.  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a tape  
– [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  
For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo”  
[? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark 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], [USB  
Device], [? Sony Handycam] and [? Sony DSC] may cause a malfunction of your  
computer.  
You cannot copy pictures to the Windows computer.  
• Display pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” with the following procedures.  
1 Double-click [My Computer].  
97  
Continued   
Troubleshooting (continued)  
2 Double-click the icon for the newly recognized drive [Removable Disk (F:)] (For  
Windows XP, [Sony Memory Stick]). It may take some time until the drive is recognized.  
If the computer does not recognize it, the USB driver may be installed incorrectly.  
3 Double-click the desired image file.  
[Cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected] or [Cannot cancel Easy  
Handycam with USB connected] appears on the screen of your camcorder.  
You cannot start or cancel 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] [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) [Picture Package]   
[Handycam Tools] [USB Streaming Tool].  
2 Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen.  
3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done].  
• Sound is not supported on Windows 98.  
The movie is not smooth during USB streaming.  
• Change the settings as described in the following procedures:  
1 Select [Start] [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) [Picture Package]   
[Handycam Tools] [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.  
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:  
http://www.ppackage.com/  
98  
[USB streaming...This function is not available.] appears on the screen of your  
camcorder.  
• Start recording or playing back pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” after USB  
Streaming is finished.  
“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.”  
99  
Warning indicators and messages  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
101-1001 (Warning indicator  
pertaining to files)  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file is unreadable (p. 108).  
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.  
(Battery level warning)  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
• Depending on the operating,  
environment, or battery conditions,  
may flash, even if there are  
approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
C: (or E:) :(Self-diagnosis  
display)  
C:04:  
• The battery pack is not an  
(Moisture condensation warning)*  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 112).  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 109).  
C:21:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 112).  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
“Memory Stick Duo”)  
• “Memory Stick Duo” is not inserted (p.  
18).  
C:22:  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 112).  
(Warning indicators pertaining to  
“Memory Stick Duo” formatting)*  
C:31:/ C:32:  
• 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 starts to condense (p. 112).  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect  
it again and operate your camcorder  
again.  
• The “Memory Stick Duo” is damaged.  
• The “Memory Stick Duo” is not  
formatted correctly (p. 47).  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)*  
• An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”  
is inserted (p. 107).  
• Change the cassette. Press RESET (p.  
26), and operate your camcorder again.  
E:61:/ E:62:  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
100  
(Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
camera-shake warning)  
• The amount of lights is not sufficient,  
so camera-shake easily occurs. Use the  
flash.  
• The camcorder is unsteady, so  
camera-shake easily occurs. Hold the  
camcorder steady with both hands and  
shoot the image. However, note that  
the camera-shake warning indicator  
does not disappear.  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 106).*  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
(Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators  
appear on the screen (p. 56).  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 106).  
Description of warning  
messages  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred (p.  
112).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 100).  
If messages appear on the screen, follow  
the instructions.  
Battery  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
image deletion)*  
• The image is protected (p. 66).  
Use the “ InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
(p. 109).  
Battery level is low.  
(Warning indicator pertaining  
to the write-protect of the “Memory  
Stick Duo”)*  
• Change the battery (p. 10, 109)  
• The write-protect tab on the “Memory  
Stick Duo” is set to lock (p. 107).  
Old battery. Use a new one (p. 109).  
Re-attach the power source (p. 10).  
(Warning indicator pertaining to  
the external flash)  
Slow flashing:  
• Still charging  
Moisture condensation  
Fast flashing:  
• There is something wrong with the  
flash.  
  
Moisture condensation. Eject the  
cassette (p. 112)  
Moisture condensation.Turn off  
for 1H (p. 112).  
101  
Continued   
Warning indicators and messages  
(continued)  
Cassette/Tape  
Cannot record.The Memory Stick is  
full.  
• Delete unnecessary images (p. 65).  
Insert a cassette (p. 18).  
The Memory Stick is locked.  
Reinsert the cassette.  
Check the tab (p. 107).  
• Check if the cassette is damaged.  
Cannot playback. Reinsert the  
Memory Stick (p. 18).  
  
The tape is locked - check the  
tab (p. 106).  
Cannot record. Reinsert the Memory  
Stick (p. 18).  
The tape has reached the end.  
• Rewind or change the tape.  
No file.  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
• No file is recorded or there is no  
readable file on the “Memory Stick  
Duo.”  
Insert a Memory Stick (p. 18).  
USB streaming...This function is not  
available.  
Reinsert the Memory Stick.  
• Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a  
few times. If even then the indicator  
flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo”  
might be damaged. Try with another  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
You tried to play back or record on  
a “Memory Stick Duo” during USB  
Streaming.  
Memory Stick folders are full.  
You cannot create folders exceeding  
999MSDCF. You cannot delete created  
folders using your camcorder.  
This is a read-only Memory Stick.  
• Insert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.”  
You will have to format the “Memory  
Stick Duo” (p. 47), or delete them  
using your computer.  
Incompatible type of Memory  
Stick.  
• A type of “Memory Stick Duo”  
incompatible with your camcorder is  
inserted (p. 107).  
Cannot record still images on  
Memory Stick (p. 107).  
This Memory Stick is not  
formatted correctly.  
Cannot record movies on Memory  
Stick (p. 107).  
• Check the format, then format the  
“Memory Stick Duo” as necessary (p.  
47, 107).  
102  
PictBridge compliant printer  
Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot  
add audio (p. 63).  
Check the connected device.  
Cannot add audio on the blank  
portion of a tape (p. 63).  
• Switch off the printer and switch it on  
again, then disconnect the USB cable  
and reconnect it.  
Cannot add audio (p. 63).  
Connect the camcorder to a  
PictBridge compatible printer.  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
• Switch off the printer and switch it on  
again, then disconnect the USB cable  
and reconnect it.  
cassette (p. 112).  
Cannot start Easy Handycam  
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam (p.  
20).  
Error-Cancel the task.  
• Check the printer.  
USB is invalid in this mode during  
Easy Handycam  
Cannot print. Check the printer.  
• Switch off the printer and switch it on  
again, then disconnect the USB cable  
and reconnect it.  
You can select [STD-USB] when you  
set the POWER switch to PLAY/EDIT  
during Easy Handycam operation, but  
you cannot select [PictBridge] or [USB  
STREAM]. (The message disappears  
Flash  
when you touch  
.)  
Charging… Cannot record still  
images.  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot  
playback.  
You are trying to record a still image  
while charging the flash (optional).  
Your camcorder cannot play back this  
format. Play back the tape with the  
equipment that recorded it.  
Others  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot add  
audio.  
Cannot record due to copyright  
protection (p. 106).  
Your camcorder does not allow you  
to add audio on a section of a tape  
recorded in HDV format.  
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the  
i.LINK cable (p. 63).  
Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot  
add audio (p. 63).  
103  
Continued   
Warning indicators and messages  
(continued)  
Disconnect one AV cable.  
• A/V connecting cables are connected to  
both the camcorder and the Handycam  
Station. Disconnect one of them.  
• When the A/V connecting cable is  
connected only to your camcorder,  
your camcorder is not attached to the  
Handycam Station correctly. Attach the  
Handycam Station correctly.  
104  
Using your camcorder  
abroad  
Power supply  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to the local  
time by setting a time difference when  
using your camcorder abroad. Select  
You can use your camcorder in any  
countries/regions 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].  
[WORLD TIME] in the  
(TIME/  
LANGU.) menu, then set the time  
difference (p. 56).  
AC-L25A/L25B  
[a]  
[b]  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is an NTSC system-  
based camcorder. If you want to view the  
playback picture on a TV, it must be an  
NTSC system based TV (see the following  
list) with 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  
PAL - N  
SECAM  
Brazil  
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
105  
Usable cassette tapes  
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.  
Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
is a trademark.  
Your camcorder is not compatible with  
cassettes with Cassette Memory.  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
REC  
SAVE  
SAVE: The cassette cannot  
be recorded (write-protected).  
To prevent a blank section from being  
made on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
[END SEARCH] (p. 31) before you begin  
the next recording in the following cases:  
You have played back the tape.  
When labeling the cassette  
Be sure to place the label only on  
the locations shown in the following  
illustration so as not to cause a malfunction  
of your camcorder.  
You have used [EDIT SEARCH].  
Copyright signal  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
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.  
Labeling position  
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  
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.  
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.  
When cleaning the gold-plated  
connector  
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector  
on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after  
every 10 times it has been ejected.  
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette  
is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape  
indicator may not be indicated correctly.  
Notes on use  
When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
Gold-plated connector  
106  
About the “Memory Stick”  
A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable  
IC recording medium with a data capacity  
that exceeds the capacity of a floppy disk.  
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,”  
which is about the half size of a standard  
“Memory Stick” in your camcorder.  
However, appearance on the list below does  
not guarantee the operation of all types of  
“Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder.  
– MOV00001: This file name appears on the  
screen on your camcorder.  
– MOV00001.MPG: This file name appears on  
the display of a computer.  
• A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted by a  
computer (Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have  
guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder.  
• Data read/write speed may vary depending on  
the combination of the “Memory Stick” and  
“Memory Stick” compliant product you use.  
Recording/  
Types of “Memory Stick”  
Playback  
On a “Memory Stick Duo” with a  
write-protect tab  
You can prevent accidental erasure of  
images when you slide the write-protect tab  
on the “Memory Stick Duo” with a small  
tapered object, to the write-protect position.  
“Memory Stick”  
“Memory Stick Duo”*1  
“MagicGate Memory Stick”  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
*2*3  
(MagicGate/Parallel Transfer)*1  
Notes on use  
Image data may be damaged in the  
following cases. Compensation for  
damaged image data will not be made.  
“MagicGate Memory Stick  
Duo” *1  
*3  
• If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn  
the power off on your camcorder, or remove  
the battery pack for replacement while your  
camcorder is reading or writing image files  
on the “Memory Stick Duo” (while the access  
lamp is lit or flashing).  
“Memory Stick PRO”  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” *1  
*2*3  
*1 A “Memory Stick Duo” is about half the size of  
a standard “Memory Stick.”  
*2 The types of “Memory Stick” that support high  
speed data transfer. The speed of data transfer  
varies depending on the device to be used.  
• If you use the “Memory Stick Duo” near  
magnets or magnetic fields.  
*3  
It is recommended you make a back-up  
of important data on the hard disk of a  
computer.  
“MagicGate” is a copyright protection  
technology that records and transfers the  
contents in an encrypted format. Note that data  
that uses “MagicGate” technology cannot be  
recorded or played on your camcorder.  
On handling a “Memory Stick”  
Keep the following in mind when handling  
a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Be careful not to apply excessive force when  
writing on a memo area on a “Memory Stick  
Duo.”  
• Still image format: Your camcorder compresses  
and records image data in the JPEG (Joint  
Photographic Experts Group) format. The file  
extension is “.JPG.”  
• Movie format: Your camcorder compresses  
and records picture data in the MPEG (Moving  
Picture Experts Group) format. The file  
extension is “.MPG.”  
• File names of still images:  
– 101- 0001: This file name appears on the  
screen of your camcorder.  
– DSC00001.JPG: This file name appears on  
the display of a computer.  
• File names of movies:  
• Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo adaptor.  
• When you carry or store a “Memory Stick  
Duo,” put it in its case.  
• Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come  
into contact with the terminals.  
• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
107  
Continued   
About the “Memory Stick”  
(continued)  
• Do not let the “Memory Stick Duo” get wet.  
On image data compatibility  
• Be careful to keep “Memory Stick Duo” media  
out of the reach of small children. There is  
danger that a child might swallow it.  
• Do not insert anything other than a “Memory  
Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot.  
Doing so may cause a malfunction.  
• Image data files recorded on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” by your camcorder conform to  
the Design Rule for Camera File Systems  
universal standard established by the JEITA  
(Japan Electronics and Information Technology  
Industries Association).  
• On your camcorder, you cannot play back still  
images recorded on other devices (DCR-  
TRV900 or DSC-D700/D770) that do not  
conform to the universal standard. (These  
models are not sold in some regions.)  
• If you cannot use a “Memory Stick Duo”  
that has been used with another device,  
format it with your camcorder (p. 47). Note  
that formatting erases all information on the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
You may not be able to play back images with  
your camcorder:  
– When playing back image data modified on  
your computer.  
On a location for use  
Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick  
Duo” in the following locations.  
• Places subject to extremely high temperature,  
such as a car parked outside in the summer.  
• Places under direct sunlight.  
• Places with extremely high humidity or subject  
to corrosive gases.  
On the Memory Stick Duo adaptor  
After inserting a “Memory Stick Duo”  
into the Memory Stick Duo adaptor, you  
can use it with a standard “Memory Stick”  
compliant device.  
• When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with a  
“Memory Stick” compliant device, be sure to  
insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory  
Stick Duo adaptor.  
– When playing back image data recorded with  
other devices.  
• When inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into  
a Memory Stick Duo adaptor, make sure the  
“Memory Stick Duo” is inserted facing in the  
correct direction, then insert it all the way in.  
Note that improper use may damage the device.  
Also, if you force the “Memory Stick Duo”  
into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the wrong  
direction, the “Memory Stick Duo” slot may be  
damaged.  
• Do not insert a Memory Stick Duo adaptor  
without a “Memory Stick Duo” attached. Doing  
so may result in malfunctions of the unit.  
On a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
• The maximum memory capacity of a “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” that can be used on your  
camcorder is 1 GB.  
• This unit does not support high speed data  
transfer.  
108  
About the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack  
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.  
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?  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FP70/  
FP90 (optional).  
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or rewind operation  
wears out the battery pack faster.  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related  
to operating conditions between your  
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/  
charger.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
We recommend using a large capacity battery  
pack: NP-FP70/FP90 (optional).  
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF  
(CHG) when not recording or playing back  
on your camcorder. The battery pack is also  
consumed when your camcorder is in recording  
standby or playback pause.  
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or  
three times the expected recording time, and  
make trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
With an AC Adaptor/charger (optional), the  
remaining battery time and charging time  
appear.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
About the remaining battery time  
indicator  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp  
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside  
of this temperature range, you may not be able  
to charge it efficiently.  
• After charging is complete, disconnect the  
cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder,  
remove your camcorder from the Handycam  
Station, or remove the battery pack.  
• When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates  
that the battery pack has enough power to  
operate, charge the battery pack fully again.  
The indication on the remaining battery time  
will be indicated correctly. Note, however,  
that the battery indication will not be restored  
if it is used in high temperatures for a long  
time, or if left in a fully charged state, or when  
the battery pack is frequently used. Use the  
remaining battery time indication as a guide to  
the approximate shooting time.  
• The mark that indicates low battery flashes  
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery  
time remaining, depending on the operating  
conditions or ambient temperature and  
environment.  
109  
Continued   
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 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.  
What is i.LINK?  
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for  
transferring digital video, digital audio,  
and other data to other i.LINK-compatible  
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 connected to this unit in a daisy  
chain, operations and data transactions are  
possible with not only the device that this  
unit is connected to but also with other  
devices via the directly connected device.  
Note, however, that the method of  
operation sometimes varies according to  
the characteristics and specifications of the  
device to be connected. Also, operations  
and data transactions may not be possible  
on some connected devices.  
• To discharge the battery pack on your  
camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF]  
to [NEVER] on the  
(STANDARD  
SET) menu and leave your camcorder in tape  
recording standby until the power goes off (p.  
56).  
About battery life  
• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity  
drops little by little as you use it more and  
more, and as time passes. When the available  
battery time is shortened considerably, a  
probable cause is that the battery pack has  
reached the end of its life. Please buy a new  
battery pack.  
• The battery life varies depending on how it  
is stored and the operating conditions and  
environment for each battery pack.  
• Normally, only one device can be connected  
to this unit with the 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 three  
types.  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
110  
Maintenance and  
precautions  
On use and care  
The baud rate is listed under  
“Specifications” in the operating  
instructions of each piece of equipment. It  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
The maximum baud rate for a device that  
does not have any indication (such as this  
unit) is “S100.”  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a  
device with a different maximum baud rate.  
• 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.  
* What is Mbps?  
– 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.  
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 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.  
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 59.  
– Anywhere very humid.  
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.  
Before connecting this unit to your  
computer, make sure that application  
software supported by this unit is already  
installed on your computer.  
• 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.  
• 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.  
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  
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).  
• Do not damage the power cord such as by  
placing anything heavy on it.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
111  
Continued   
Maintenance and precautions  
(continued)  
• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type  
battery out of children’s reach. If the battery  
is accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor  
immediately.  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– 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.  
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 not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by  
playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
How to prevent moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a  
cold place into a warm place, put your  
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it  
tightly. Remove the bag when the air  
temperature inside the plastic bag has  
reached the surrounding temperature (after  
about one hour).  
Moisture condensation  
If your camcorder is brought directly from  
a cold place to a warm place, moisture may  
condense inside your camcorder, on the  
surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this  
state, the tape may stick to the head drum  
and be damaged or your camcorder may  
not operate correctly. If there is moisture  
inside your camcorder, [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  
• When the video head becomes dirty, you cannot  
record pictures normally, or distorted picture or  
sound is played back.  
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video  
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-  
12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
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 if or   
does not appear when the power is turned  
on again.  
If moisture starts to condense, your  
camcorder sometimes cannot detect  
condensation. If this happens, the cassette  
is sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds  
after the cassette lid is opened. This is not  
a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid  
until the cassette is ejected.  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback  
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound  
breaks off.  
– [Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording.  
– [Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
playback.  
112  
• The video head suffers from wear after long  
use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even  
after using a cleaning cassette, it might be  
because the video head is worn. Please contact  
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility to have the video head replaced.  
Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of the “Memory Stick Duo” or  
the like.  
The position of the “×” changes.  
Touch [CANCEL] to cancel.  
If you did not press the right spot, start  
from step 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.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of  
the LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is  
rotated.  
You also can calibrate the screen with the  
following procedure.  
1 Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).  
2 Perform step .  
3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
select the PLAY/EDIT mode while pressing  
DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder, then  
press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for about 5  
seconds.  
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.  
4 Perform step .  
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 and  
insecticide.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
On adjustment of the LCD screen  
(CALIBRATION)  
The buttons on the touch panel may not  
work correctly. If this happens, follow the  
procedure below. It is recommended you  
connect your camcorder or the Handycam  
Station to the wall outlet using the supplied  
AC Adaptor during the operation.  
Slide the POWER switch down to turn on  
the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Disconnect cables other than that of the  
AC Adaptor from your camcorder or the  
Handycam Station, then eject the cassette  
and “Memory Stick Duo” from your  
camcorder.  
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  
Touch  
[MENU]   
(STANDARD SET) [CALIBRATION]  
– 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.  
CALIBRATION  
Touch the "x"  
1/3  
CANCEL  
113  
Continued   
Maintenance and precautions  
(continued)  
WARNING  
To charge the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not  
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.  
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 you are using  
your camcorder but it will get discharged  
gradually if you do not use your camcorder.  
The rechargeable battery will be fully  
discharged in about 3 months if you do  
not use your camcorder at all. 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.  
Caution  
Danger of explosion if battery is  
incorrectly replaced. Replace only with  
the same or equivalent type recommended  
by the manufacturer.  
Discard used batteries according to the  
manufacturer’s instructions.  
• A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used  
in the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries  
other than the CR2025.  
• When the lithium battery becomes weak, the  
operating distance of the Remote Commander  
may shorten, or the Remote Commander may  
not function properly. In this case, replace the  
battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery.  
Use of another battery may present a risk of fire  
or explosion.  
Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet  
using the supplied AC Adaptor or the  
Handycam Station, and leave it with the  
POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more  
than 24 hours.  
To change the battery of the Remote  
Commander  
While pressing on the tab, inset your  
fingernail into the slit to pull out the  
battery case.  
Place a new battery with the + side facing  
up.  
Insert the battery case back into the  
Remote Commander until it clicks.  
Tab  
114  
Using the Strap Belt  
Attaching the  
Shoulder Strap  
as a wrist strap  
This is useful for carrying your camcorder.  
You can attach the Shoulder Strap to the  
hook for the Shoulder Strap.  
1
Open the hook and loop fastener  
of the hand pad and remove it  
from the ring .  
Hand pad  
2
3
Move the hand pad fully to the  
right , then close the hook and  
loop fastener again .  
Use the Strap Belt as a wrist  
strap as illustrated.  
115  
Specifications  
Focal length  
DCR-HC32:  
f=2.3 - 46 mm (3/32 - 1 13/16  
in.)  
System  
When converted to a 35 mm  
still camera  
In CAMERA-TAPE:  
44 ~ 880 mm (1 3/4 - 34  
1/32 in.)  
Video recording 2 rotary heads, Helical  
system  
scanning system  
Exif Ver. 2.2*1  
Still image  
recording system  
In CAMERA-MEMORY:  
44 ~ 880 mm (1 3/4 - 34  
1/32 in.)  
Audio recording Rotary heads, PCM system  
system  
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32  
kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits  
(Fs 48 kHz, stereo)  
DCR-HC42:  
f=3.0 - 36 mm (1/8 - 1 7/16  
in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm  
still camera:  
Video signal  
NTSC color, EIA standards  
Usable cassette Mini DV cassette with the  
mark printed  
In CAMERA-TAPE:  
16:9 mode*2: 46 ~ 628.5 mm  
(1 13/16 - 24 3/4 in.)  
4:3 mode: 40 ~ 480 mm  
(1 5/8 - 19 in.)  
In CAMERA-MEMORY:  
4:3 mode: 48 ~ 576 mm  
(1 15/16 -22 3/4 in.)  
16:9 mode: 43.6 ~ 523.2 mm  
(1 3/4 - 20 5/8 in.)  
Tape speed  
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s  
Recording/  
playback time  
SP: 60 min  
LP: 90 min  
(using a DVM60 cassette)  
Fast forward/  
rewind time  
Approx. 2 min 40 s  
(using a DVM60 cassette)  
Viewfinder  
Electric viewfinder  
DCR-HC32: black and white  
DCR-HC42: color  
Color temperature [AUTO], [ONE PUSH],  
[INDOOR] (3 200 K),  
Image device  
DCR-HC32:  
3 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 680 000 pixels  
Effective (still): Approx.  
340 000 pixels  
[OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
Minimum  
illumination  
DCR-HC32:  
5 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot  
plus function)*3  
Effective (movie): Approx.  
340 000 pixels  
DCR-HC42:  
7 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot  
plus function)*3  
DCR-HC42:  
3.27 mm (1/5.5 type) CCD  
(Charge Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 1 070 000  
pixels  
Effective (still): Approx.  
1 000 000 pixels  
*1“Exif” is a file format for still images,  
established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics  
and Information Technology Industries  
Association). Files in this format can have  
additional information such as your camcorder’s  
setting information at the time of recording.  
Effective (movie): Approx.  
690 000 pixels  
Lens  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
Combined power zoom lens  
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)  
DCR-HC32:  
20 × (Optical), 800 × (Digital)  
F=1.8 - 3.1  
*2 In 16:9 mode, the focal length figures are actual  
figures resulting from wide angle pixel read-  
out.  
*3 Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can  
be shot with infrared lighting.  
DCR-HC42:  
12 × (Optical), 480 × (Digital)  
F=1.8 - 2.5  
116  
Operating  
temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104  
°F)  
Input/Output connectors  
Audio/Video  
input/output  
10-pin connector  
Storage  
temperature  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to +  
140 °F)  
Input/output auto switch  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Dimensions  
(approx.)  
54.7 × 90 × 111.7 mm (2 1/4 ×  
3 5/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p,  
75 (ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal:  
0.286 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at  
output impedance more than  
47 k(kilohms)), Input  
impedance more than 47 kΩ  
(kilohms), Output impedance  
with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
Mass (approx.)  
DCR-HC32:  
400 g (14 oz) main unit only  
460 g (1 lb) including the  
NP-FP30 rechargeable battery  
pack and DVM60 cassette.  
DCR-HC42:  
410 g (14 oz) main unit only  
470 g (1 lb) including the  
NP-FP50 rechargeable battery  
pack and DVM60 cassette.  
Supplied  
accessories  
See page 9.  
LANC jack  
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5  
mm)  
Handycam Station DCRA-C121  
LCD screen  
Picture  
Audio/Video  
input/output  
10-pin connector  
DCR-HC32:  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
Input/output auto switch  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
DCR-HC42:  
6.9 cm (2.7 type, aspect ratio  
16:9)  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p,  
75 (ohms), unbalanced  
Chrominance signal:  
0.286 Vp-p, 75 (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Total dot number 123 200 (560 × 220)  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at  
output impedance more than  
47 k(kilohms)), Input  
impedance more than 47 kΩ  
(kilohms), Output impedance  
with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
General  
Power  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
requirements  
Average power  
consumption  
DCR-HC32:  
During camera recording using  
the viewfinder 2.1 W  
During camera recording using  
the LCD 2.5 W  
USB jack  
mini-B  
DV input/output 4-pin connector  
During camera recording using  
the viewfinder and the LCD  
2.6 W  
DCR-HC42:  
During camera recording using  
the viewfinder 2.6 W  
During camera recording using  
the LCD 3.0 W  
During camera recording using  
the viewfinder and the LCD  
3.2 W  
117  
Continued   
Specifications (continued)  
AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B  
NP-FP50 (DCR-HC42)  
Power  
requirements  
AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
18 W  
Maximum output DC 8.4 V  
voltage  
Current  
consumption  
Output voltage  
Capacity  
DC 7.2 V  
4.9 wh (680 mAh)  
Power  
consumption  
Dimensions  
(approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm (1 5/16  
× 3/4 × 1 13/16 in.) (w/h/d)  
Output voltage  
DC 8.4 V*  
Mass (approx.)  
40 g (1.5 oz)  
Operating  
temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104  
°F)  
Operating  
temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104  
°F)  
Storage  
temperature  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to +  
140 °F)  
Type  
Lithium ion  
Dimensions  
(approx.)  
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1  
1/4 × 4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding  
the projecting parts  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
Mass (approx.)  
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the  
power cord  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other  
specifications.  
Rechargeable battery pack  
NP-FP30 (DCR-HC32)  
Maximum output DC 8.4 V  
voltage  
Output voltage  
Capacity  
DC 7.2 V  
3.6 wh (500 mAh)  
Dimensions  
(approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm (1 5/16  
× 3/4 × 1 13/16 in.) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
40 g (1.5 oz)  
Operating  
temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104  
°F)  
Type  
Lithium ion  
118  
Index  
Double speed Playback........ 52  
Dubbing................................ 60  
DV Interface................... 59, 77  
A
C
A/V connecting cable  
Calibration.......................... 113  
CAMERA DATA ................. 55  
CAMERA SET menu .......... 40  
Cassette ........................ 18, 106  
Insert/Eject.................... 18  
............................ 34, 59, 63, 80  
D. EFFECT (Digital effect)  
........................................ 49, 92  
A/V DV OUT....................... 54  
A/V jack............. 34, 59, 63, 80  
Access lamp ......................... 18  
Active Interface Shoe........... 69  
AC Adaptor ............................ 9  
E
CD-ROM.............................. 70  
Charging the battery............. 10  
Battery pack.................. 10  
EASY button........................ 20  
Easy Handycam ................... 20  
EDIT SEARCH.................... 31  
END SEARCH............... 31, 52  
Adjusting exposure for back  
light ...................................... 88  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
battery ......................... 114  
ALL ERASE........................ 47  
Aspect ratio.......................... 19  
AUDIO MIX.................. 53, 65  
AUDIO MODE.................... 53  
END SEARCH/EDIT  
SEARCH/Rec review display  
switch button........................ 28  
Charging time....................... 12  
CHG (charge) lamp.............. 11  
Click to DVD ....................... 76  
CLOCK SET.................. 17, 56  
ERASE  
AUD DUB CTRL (Audio  
dubbing)............................... 52  
ALL ERASE................. 47  
Pictures ......................... 65  
EXPOSURE................... 41, 91  
COLOR SLOW S (Color Slow  
Shutter)........................... 43, 92  
AUTO SHUTTER................ 41  
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
.............................................. 56  
Compression format........... 107  
Computer.............................. 72  
Connect  
EXP. BRKTG (Exposure  
bracketing) ........................... 45  
EXT SUR MIC (External  
surround microphone).......... 53  
B
Computer ...................... 70  
TV........................... 34, 59  
VCR........................ 34, 59  
Copyright ............................. 76  
BACK LIGHT................ 25, 88  
EDIT/PLAY menu ............... 52  
Battery  
Battery pack.................... 9  
F
BATT INFO (Battery info)  
...................................... 26  
FADER........................... 48, 92  
FILE NO. (File number) ...... 47  
FINE..................................... 45  
First Step Guide ............. 70, 76  
Fixing the exposure.............. 25  
FLASH LEVEL ................... 43  
FLASH MODE.................... 42  
FLASH (Flash motion) ........ 49  
FLASH SET......................... 42  
FOCUS........................... 42, 88  
Folder  
D
Remaining battery......... 26  
BEACH&SKI....................... 40  
BEEP.................................... 56  
BLACK FADER .................. 48  
BURN DVD......................... 52  
BURN VCD ......................... 52  
BURST................................. 45  
DATA CODE ....................... 55  
Date search........................... 33  
DATE/TIME......................... 55  
DC IN jack........................... 10  
DC plug................................ 10  
Delete picture....................... 65  
DEMO MODE............... 51, 82  
DIGITAL ZOOM........... 44, 88  
Button-type lithium battery  
............................................ 114  
B&W.................................... 50  
Direct Access to “Click to  
DVD” .......... See Click to DVD  
NEW FOLDER............. 47  
Display guide ....................... 16  
Display indicators ................ 28  
DISP/BATT INFO button .... 26  
DISP OUTPUT.................... 56  
DOT FADER........................ 48  
PB FOLDER (Playback  
folder) ........................... 47  
REC FOLDER (Recording  
folder) ........................... 47  
119  
Continued   
Index (continued)  
FORMAT ..................... 47, 107  
Frame-by-frame playback.... 52  
Full charge ........................... 11  
“Memory Stick Duo” slot .... 18  
Menu .................................... 36  
CAMERA SET menu... 40  
EDIT/PLAY menu........ 52  
J
Jack ...................................... 69  
JPEG .................................. 107  
MEMORY SET menu  
...................................... 45  
G
L
Getting started............ 9, 72, 76  
Label .................................. 106  
LANC jack........................... 69  
LANDSCAPE...................... 40  
LANGUAGE........................ 56  
LCD/VF SET ....................... 53  
LCD backlight...................... 84  
Menu items ................... 38  
Personal Menu .............. 57  
PICT.APPLI. menu....... 48  
H
Handycam Station.................. 9  
Hand pad............................ 115  
Help...................................... 71  
Holding the camcorder......... 14  
STANDARD SET menu  
...................................... 53  
TIME/LANGU. menu  
...................................... 56  
LCD BL LEVEL (LCD back  
light)..................................... 54  
Using the menu............. 36  
MENU ROTATE.................. 56  
Mirror mode......................... 25  
Moisture condensation....... 112  
MONOTONE....................... 48  
MOSAIC.............................. 50  
MOSAIC FADER ................ 48  
Movie  
LCD BRIGHT...................... 53  
LCD COLOR....................... 54  
LCD panel............................ 15  
LCD BL LEVEL .......... 54  
I
Icon ...... See Display indicators  
ID-1/ID-2 system ........... 34, 44  
Image delete button.............. 29  
Image protection .................. 66  
LCD BRIGHT .............. 53  
LCD COLOR................ 54  
Image quality (QUALITY)  
.............................................. 45  
LCD screen .......................... 15  
LENS COVER switch.......... 14  
Lid........................................ 18  
LP (Long Play)..................... 53  
Movie format .............. 107  
Image size (IMAGE SIZE)  
.............................................. 45  
REC MODE (Recording  
mode)............................ 53  
Movie............................ 46  
Still image..................... 45  
MOVIE SET ........................ 46  
MPEG ................................ 107  
MPEG MOVIE EX .............. 22  
MULTI-SOUND.................. 53  
LUMI. KEY (Luminance key)  
.............................................. 49  
Index screen ......................... 23  
Index screen display button  
.............................................. 29  
M
INDOOR.............................. 41  
Macintosh....................... 72, 75  
Maintenance....................... 111  
Main sound........................... 53  
MEMORY SET menu.......... 45  
“Memory Stick................. 107  
“Memory Stick Duo........... 18  
FORMAT...................... 47  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
............................................ 109  
N
NEG.ART............................. 50  
NEW FOLDER.................... 47  
NightShot plus ..................... 24  
Infrared port ......................... 24  
Initialize (Reset)................... 26  
Install.................................... 72  
Insulation sheet .................... 32  
Interface connector............... 69  
Internal microphone............. 26  
NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch  
.............................................. 24  
NORMAL ............................ 45  
Insert/Eject.................... 18  
NS LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
.............................................. 43  
Number of recordable  
pictures.......................... 45  
INT.REC-STL (Interval photo  
recording)............................. 51  
NTSC ................................. 105  
Recordable time............ 46  
Write-protect tab......... 107  
i.LINK................................ 110  
i.LINK cable ............ 59, 77, 80  
Number of recordable pictures  
.............................................. 45  
Memory Stick Duo adaptor  
............................................ 108  
120  
Previous/Next image button  
.............................................. 29  
Setting the date and time...... 17  
Shoulder Strap.................... 115  
Signal convert function ........ 80  
Skip Scan ............................. 23  
SLIDE SHOW...................... 49  
Slow Playback...................... 52  
O
OLD MOVIE ................. 50, 92  
ONE PUSH.......................... 41  
OPEN/EJECT lever.............. 18  
Print...................................... 67  
Print mark............................. 66  
PROGRAM AE.............. 40, 91  
P.MENU.... See Personal Menu  
Operation confirmation beep  
..................................See BEEP  
SLOW SHUTTR (Slow  
shutter) ................................. 50  
OUTDOOR.......................... 41  
OVERLAP ........................... 48  
R
SMTH INT.REC (Smooth  
interval tape recording)........ 50  
Rechargeable battery pack  
................................See Battery  
P
Software............................... 72  
SOLARIZE .......................... 50  
SP (Standard Play)............... 53  
Speaker................................. 26  
Specifications..................... 116  
SPORTS (Sports lesson) ...... 40  
SPOTLIGHT........................ 40  
SPOT FOCUS................ 42, 92  
Recording............................. 22  
Recording capacity............... 28  
Cassette......................... 28  
PAL .............................. 90, 105  
PASTEL ............................... 50  
PB FOLDER (Playback folder)  
.............................................. 47  
Memory Stick ............... 28  
Recording time............... 12, 46  
PB zoom............................... 25  
Personal Menu ............... 36, 57  
Add ............................... 57  
Arrange the order.......... 58  
Customize..................... 57  
Delete............................ 57  
Reset ............................. 58  
Personal Menu button .......... 28  
PHOTO button ............... 22, 32  
PictBridge ............................ 67  
Picture Package.................... 72  
Picture Search ...................... 23  
REC CTRL (Recording  
control)................................. 61  
REC FOLDER (Recording  
folder)................................... 47  
SPOT METER (Flexible spot  
meter)............................. 40, 91  
REC LAMP.......................... 55  
REC lamp (Recording lamp)  
.............................................. 26  
STANDARD ........................ 45  
STANDARD SET menu ...... 53  
STD-USB............................. 55  
STEADYSHOT.............. 44, 88  
STILL................................... 49  
Still image  
REC MODE (Recording  
mode) ................................... 53  
Rec review............................ 31  
REC START/STOP.............. 22  
REMAINING....................... 55  
Remaining battery................ 28  
Remote Commander ............ 32  
Image size..................... 45  
Quality .......................... 45  
Still image format....... 107  
STILL SET........................... 45  
Strap Belt ........................... 115  
Sub sound............................. 53  
SUNSET&MOON............... 40  
PICT.APPLI. menu (Picture  
Application menu) ............... 48  
REMOTE CTRL (Remote  
control)................................. 55  
PICT. EFFECT (Picture effect)  
.............................................. 50  
Remote sensor...................... 26  
RESET button ...................... 26  
Reversal Playback................ 52  
Review button ...................... 28  
Pixela user support center .... 76  
Playback............................... 23  
Double speed ................ 52  
SUPER NSPLUS (Super  
Nightshot plus)............... 43, 92  
Frame............................ 52  
Reverse ......................... 52  
System requirement ............. 71  
S VIDEO cable............... 34, 59  
S VIDEO jack ................ 34, 59  
S
Slow.............................. 52  
Playing time ......................... 12  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait)... 40  
Power cord ............................. 9  
POWER switch .................... 14  
Searching for the starting point  
.............................................. 31  
Self-diagnosis display........ 100  
SELF-TIMER ...................... 43  
SEPIA .................................. 50  
121  
Continued   
Index (continued)  
T
W
Tape...................... See Cassette  
Wall outlet............................ 10  
Warning indicators............. 100  
Warning messages.............. 100  
Tape counter......................... 28  
Tape playback select button  
.............................................. 29  
WHITE BAL. (White balance)  
........................................ 41, 91  
Telephoto.............................. 24  
TELE MACRO .................... 42  
TIME/LANGU. menu.......... 56  
Time code............................. 28  
Touch panel.......................... 16  
Trademark.......................... 123  
TRAIL.................................. 49  
Transmitter........................... 32  
Tripod................................... 25  
TV .................................. 34, 59  
TV color systems ............... 105  
TV TYPE ............................. 34  
WHITE FADER................... 48  
Wide angle ........................... 24  
WIDE DISP (wide display)  
.............................................. 54  
WIDE SELECT ............. 19, 44  
Windows ........................ 71, 72  
WIPE.................................... 48  
WORLD TIME .................... 56  
Wrist strap.......................... 115  
Write-protect tab........ 106, 107  
Z
Zero set memory .................. 32  
U
ZERO SET MEMORY button  
.............................................. 32  
USB-CAMERA ................... 54  
USB jack.............................. 69  
USB ON/OFF switch........... 69  
Zoom.................................... 24  
Zoom lever ........................... 24  
USB-PLY/EDT (USB-Play/  
Edit)...................................... 55  
USB Streaming .................... 54  
Using abroad...................... 105  
V
VAR.SPD PB (Various speed  
playback).............................. 52  
VF B.LIGHT (Viewfinder  
brightness)............................ 54  
VF WIDE DISP (Viewfinder  
wide display)........................ 54  
Video head ......................... 112  
VIDEO INPUT .................... 54  
Video operation buttons ....... 29  
Viewfinder............................ 15  
Brightness..................... 54  
Viewfinder lens adjustment  
lever...................................... 15  
Volume ................................. 23  
122  
• QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are  
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.  
• Roxio is a registered trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Toast is a trademark of Roxio, Inc.  
• Windows Media Player is a trademark of  
Microsoft Corporation.  
• Macromedia and Macromedia Flash Player  
are trademarks or registered trademarks of  
Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or  
other countries.  
On trademarks  
“Memory Stick,” “  
Duo,” “  
,” “Memory Stick  
,” “Memory Stick  
PRO Duo,” “  
“MagicGate,” “  
“MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate  
Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
,”  
,”  
• Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark  
of Intel Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
• Picture Package is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
All other product names mentioned herein may  
be the trademarks or registered trademarks of  
their respective companies. Furthermore, TM and  
®” are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  
is a trademark.  
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.  
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• iMac, iBook, Macintosh, Mac OS, PowerBook  
and PowerMac are trademarks of Apple  
Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• eMac is trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.  

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