Sony DCR HC51E User Manual

3-278-984-11(1)  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
Operating Guide  
DCR-HC51E/HC52E/  
HC53E/HC54E  
© 2008 Sony Corporation  
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.  
Notice  
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes  
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart  
the application or disconnect and connect the  
communication cable (i.LINK, etc.) again.  
Battery pack  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
Notice for the customers in the  
countries applying EU Directives  
The manufacturer of this product is Sony  
Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-  
0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for  
EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland  
GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart,  
Germany. For any service or guarantee matters  
please refer to the addresses given in separate  
service or guarantee documents.  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
Notice for customers in the  
United Kingdom  
Disposal of Old Electrical &  
Electronic Equipment  
(Applicable in the European  
Union and other European  
countries with separate  
collection systems)  
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is  
fitted to this equipment for your safety and  
convenience.  
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to  
be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the  
supplied one and approved by ASTA or  
BSI to BS 1362 (i.e., marked with an  
mark) must be used.  
or  
This symbol on the product or on its  
packaging indicates that this product shall  
not be treated as household waste. Instead it  
shall be handed over to the applicable  
collection point for the recycling of  
If the plug supplied with this equipment has  
a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach  
the fuse cover after you change the fuse.  
Never use the plug without the fuse cover.  
If you should lose the fuse cover, please  
contact your nearest Sony service station.  
electrical and electronic equipment.  
By ensuring this product is disposed of  
correctly, you will help prevent potential  
negative consequences for the environment  
and human health, which could otherwise  
be caused by inappropriate waste handling  
of this product. The recycling of materials  
will help to conserve natural resources.  
For more detailed information about  
recycling of this product, please contact  
your local Civic Office, your household  
waste disposal service or the shop where  
you purchased the product.  
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE  
ATTENTION  
The electromagnetic fields at the specific  
frequencies may influence the picture and sound  
of this unit.  
This product has been tested and found compliant  
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for  
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8  
feet).  
Continued ,  
3
Read thid first (Continued)  
Disposal of waste batteries  
Notes on use  
(applicable in the European  
Union and other European  
countries with separate  
collection systems)  
About the manuals supplied with your  
camcorder  
– “Operating Guide” (This manual)  
– For DCR-HC53E/HC54E  
This symbol on the battery or on the  
packaging indicates that the battery  
“First Step Guide” for connecting the  
camcorder to a computer and using the  
supplied software (stored on the supplied  
CD-ROM)  
provided with this product shall not be  
treated as household waste. By ensuring  
these batteries are disposed of correctly,  
you will help prevent potentially negative  
consequences for the environment and  
human health which could otherwise be  
caused by inappropriate waste handling of  
the battery. The recycling of the materials  
will help to conserve natural resources. In  
case of products that for safety,  
Type of cassette you can use in your  
camcorder  
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked  
with  
. Your camcorder is not  
compatible with the Cassette Memory  
function (p. 59).  
performance or data integrity reasons  
require a permanent connection with an  
incorporated battery, this battery should be  
replaced by qualified service staff only. To  
ensure that the battery will be treated  
properly, hand over the product at end-of-  
life to the applicable collection point for the  
recycling of electrical and electronic  
equipment. For all other batteries, please  
view the section on how to remove the  
battery from the product safely. Hand the  
battery over to the applicable collection  
point for the recycling of waste batteries.  
For more detailed information about  
recycling of this product or battery, please  
contact your local Civic Office, your  
household waste disposal service or the  
shop where you purchased the product.  
Using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following parts.  
Viewfinder  
Battery pack  
LCD panel  
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof  
or waterproof.  
• When connecting your camcorder to  
another device with communication  
cables, be sure to insert the connector plug  
in the correct way.  
Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal  
4
 
will damage the terminal and may result  
in a malfunction of your camcorder.  
About the language setting  
• The on-screen displays in each local  
language are used for illustrating the  
operating procedures. Change the screen  
language before using your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 14).  
About menu items, LCD panel,  
viewfinder, and lens  
• A menu item that is grayed out is not  
available under the current recording or  
playback conditions.  
On recording  
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are  
manufactured using extremely high-  
precision technology, so over 99.99% of  
the pixels are operational for effective  
use. However, there may be some tiny  
black points and/or bright points (white,  
red, blue, or green in color) that appear  
constantly on the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder. These points are normal  
results of the manufacturing process and  
do not affect the recording in any way.  
• Before starting to record, test the  
recording function to make sure the  
picture and sound are recorded without  
any problems.  
• Compensation for the contents of  
recordings cannot be provided, even if  
recording or playback is not possible due  
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage  
media, etc.  
• TV color systems differ depending on the  
country/region. To view your recordings  
on a TV, you need a PAL system-based  
TV.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the copyright laws.  
About this manual  
• The images of the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder used in this manual for  
illustration purposes are captured using a  
digital still camera, and therefore may  
appear different.  
Black point  
White, red, blue  
or green point  
• The illustrations used on this manual are  
based on the model DCR-HC54E. The  
model name is indicated on the bottom of  
your camcorder.  
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,  
or the lens to direct sunlight for long  
periods of time may cause malfunctions.  
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might  
cause your camcorder to malfunction.  
Take pictures of the sun only in low light  
conditions, such as at dusk.  
• Design and specifications of recording  
media and accessories are subject to  
change without notice.  
About the Carl Zeiss lens  
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl  
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by  
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony  
Corporation, and produces superior images.  
It adopts the MTF* measurement system for  
Continued ,  
5
 
Read thid first (Continued)  
video cameras and offers a quality typical  
of a Carl Zeiss lens.  
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer  
Function. The number value indicates the  
amount of light from a subject coming into  
the lens.  
6
Table of Contents  
Menu items ...................................36  
Read this first ..................................2  
Notes on use ................................. 4  
.......................................................9  
.....................................................10  
VCR SET menu ....................39  
................................................... 14  
LCD/VF SET menu ...............40  
TAPE SET menu ..................41  
before recording ..........................15  
OTHERS menu .....................42  
Easy Recording/Playback  
(Easy Handycam) .......................17  
Recording .....................................19  
Zooming ...................................... 20  
recorders .....................................43  
Recording in dark places  
(NightShot plus) ........................ 20  
subjects .................................... 21  
(DCR-HC52E/HC54E) .................45  
Playback .......................................22  
Using the guide functions  
(USAGE GUIDE) ........................23  
Searching for the last scene of the  
most recent recording  
(END SEARCH) ........................ 24  
Searching manually  
HC53E/54E) ................................50  
(EDIT SEARCH) ........................ 24  
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes  
(Rec review) ............................. 24  
Troubleshooting ............................51  
.....................................................56  
Continued ,  
7
Table of Contents (Continued)  
pack .......................................... 60  
About i.LINK ................................ 61  
Specifications ............................... 65  
Indicators displayed during  
recording/playback ..................... 71  
Index ............................................ 74  
8
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items  
USB cable (1)  
(DCR-HC53E/HC54E) (p. 69)  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 10)  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1)  
Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 10)  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 26, 43)  
CD-ROM “Handycam Application  
Software” (1) (DCR-HC53E/54E)(p. 47)  
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  
9
   
Step 2: Charging the battery pack  
2
1
2
3
1
With the v mark facing  
down  
Battery pack  
POWER switch  
DC IN jack  
4
To the wall outlet (wall socket)  
AC Adaptor  
Power cord (Mains lead)  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (H series) (p. 60) after  
attaching it to your camcorder.  
4
Connect the power cord (mains  
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the  
wall outlet (wall socket).  
b Notes  
CHG (charge) lamp  
• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack other than the H series to your camcorder.  
1
Align the terminals of the battery  
pack and your camcorder 1, then  
attach the battery pack and click  
it into place 2.  
2
3
Slide the POWER switch in the  
direction of the arrow to  
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp  
turns off when the battery is fully  
charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor  
from the DC IN jack.  
With the v mark on the DC plug  
facing down, connect the AC  
Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your  
camcorder.  
b Notes  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN  
jack holding both the camcorder and the DC  
plug.  
10  
       
pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the  
information is displayed.  
To use an outside power source  
You can operate your camcorder using the  
power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by  
making the same connections as you do  
when charging the battery pack. The battery  
pack will not lose its charge in this case.  
Remaining battery (approx.)  
BATTERY INFO  
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL  
0%  
50%  
100%  
To remove the battery pack  
REC TIME AVAILABLE  
LCD SCREEN : 85 min  
VIEWFINDER : 99 min  
1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH.  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
2 Remove the battery pack in the direction  
of the arrow.  
You can check the remaining battery charge  
on the LCD screen.  
POWER switch  
Indicator  
Status  
Sufficient power remaining  
1
Battery low, recording/  
playback will stop soon.  
2
Replace the battery with a  
fully charged one, or charge  
the battery.  
PUSH  
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
When storing the battery pack  
Fully discharge the battery before storing it  
for an extended period (p. 60).  
Battery pack  
NP-FH30 (supplied)  
NP-FH50  
Charging time  
115  
135  
170  
390  
To check the remaining battery  
(Battery Info)  
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then  
press DISP/BATT INFO.  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
After a while, the approximate recordable  
time and battery information appear for  
about 7 seconds. You can view the battery  
information for up to 20 seconds by  
Continued ,  
11  
       
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)  
– The battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info  
only).  
Recording time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
• The power will not be supplied from the battery  
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the  
power cord (mains lead) is disconnected from  
the wall outlet (wall socket).  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
NP-FH30  
(supplied)  
95  
110  
155  
180  
330  
395  
760  
890  
45  
55  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C  
(77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended.)  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
when you use your camcorder in low  
temperatures.  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
depending on the conditions under which you  
use your camcorder.  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
75  
90  
165  
195  
380  
445  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
On the AC Adaptor  
• Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when  
using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC  
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket)  
immediately if any malfunction occurs while  
using your camcorder.  
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow  
space, such as between a wall and furniture.  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic  
objects. This may cause a malfunction.  
b Notes  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(house current) is still supplied to it while  
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the  
AC Adaptor.  
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
NP-FH30  
(supplied)  
105  
135  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
170  
370  
845  
220  
465  
1065  
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).  
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during  
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 11) will not be  
correctly displayed under the following  
conditions.  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
12  
   
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the  
date and time  
Set the date and time when using this  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not  
4
Move to [D] (day) with  
set with  
for the hour and minute.  
, then  
and repeat  
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]  
screen appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder or change the POWER switch  
position.  
/
5
Make sure the date and time  
settings are correct, then touch  
.
The clock starts.  
To turn off the power  
Touch the button  
on the LCD screen.  
Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).  
POWER switch  
To reset the date and time  
You can set the desired date and time by  
touching  
SET] (p. 28).  
t [PAGE2] t [CLOCK  
1
While pressing the green button,  
slide the POWER switch in the  
direction of the arrow to turn on  
the respective lamp.  
b Notes  
• 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. 65).  
CAMERA: To record on a tape.  
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.  
• At the time of purchase, the power is 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. 42).  
CLOCK SET  
Y
M
1-  
D
1
:
2008  
-
0
00  
OK  
z Tips  
• The date and time are not displayed while  
recording, but they are automatically recorded  
on the tape, and can be displayed during  
playback (see page 33 for [DATA CODE]  
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
only [DATE/TIME])).  
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work  
correctly, adjust the touch panel  
(CALIBRATION) (p. 63).  
2
3
Set [Y] (year) with  
/
.
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
Move to [M] (month) with  
then set with  
,
/
.
Continued ,  
13  
     
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued)  
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
Touch  
(SETUP MENU) t [  
then select the desired language.  
t [MENU] t  
LANGUAGE],  
14  
 
Step 4: Making setting adjustments before  
recording  
Opening the lens cover  
The viewfinder  
Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.  
You can view pictures using the viewfinder  
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when  
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.  
Viewfinder  
After recording, set the LENS COVER  
switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover.  
The LCD panel  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best  
angle to record or play (2).  
Viewfinder lens  
adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture  
is clear.  
DISP/BATT INFO  
180 degrees  
(max.)  
2
z Tips  
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight by selecting  
[VF B.L.] (p. 40).  
(LCD/VF SET) -  
The grip belt  
1
90 degrees to the  
2
90 degrees  
(max.)  
Fasten the grip belt and hold your  
camcorder correctly.  
camcorder  
b Notes  
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame  
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD  
panel.  
4
1
2
z Tips  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the  
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the  
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient  
during playback operations.  
3
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 33) to adjust the brightness  
of the LCD screen.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen  
indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off.  
15  
           
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette  
portion marked {DO NOT PUSH} while  
it is sliding in. It may cause a  
malfunction.  
You can use mini DV  
(p. 59).  
cassettes only  
1
Slide and hold the  
EJECT lever in the direction of the  
arrow and open the lid.  
OPEN/  
3
Close the lid.  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
To eject the cassette  
Open the lid following the same procedure  
as described in step 1 and remove the  
cassette.  
z Tips  
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC  
MODE] (p. 41).  
Lid  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing outwards, then press  
.
Push the center of the back  
of the cassette lightly.  
Window  
Cassette compartment  
The cassette compartment  
automatically slides back in.  
b Notes  
Do not force the cassette  
compartment closed by pressing the  
16  
   
RecordinEg/PalasybyackRecording/Playback (Easy Handycam)  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally  
adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy  
viewing.  
Open the lens cover (p. 15)  
A
B
E
D
C
Recording  
1
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn  
on the CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG),  
slide it while pressing the green button.  
2
3
Press EASY C.  
appears on the screen D.  
EASY  
Press REC START/STOP B (or E) to start recording.*  
60min  
REC 0:00:00  
The indicator (A) changes from [STBY] to  
[REC]. To stop recording, press REC START/  
STOP again.  
A
GUIDE  
FN  
* During Easy Handycam operation, you can only record in the SP mode.  
Continued ,  
17  
       
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)  
Playback  
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on  
the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.  
If the POWER switch is  
set to OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the green  
button.  
Touch  
start playback.  
, then touch  
to  
A
D
B
C
B Stop  
C Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
D Rewind/Fast forward  
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY C again.  
disappears from the screen D.  
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation  
Touch  
to display adjustable menu settings. See page 28 for details on setting.  
• Almost all the settings return to their defaults automatically (p. 36).  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.  
x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam  
During Easy Handycam operation, the . (back light) button (p. 21) is unavailable. [Invalid  
during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is not available in Easy  
Handycam mode.  
18  
     
Recording  
Open the lens cover (p. 15).  
POWER switch  
REC START/  
STOP A  
REC START/STOP B  
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly  
to turn on the CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the green button.  
Press REC START/STOP A (or B).  
[STBY]  
[REC]  
To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again.  
Continued ,  
19  
   
Recording (Continued)  
z Tips  
Zooming  
• You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 38) if you want to  
zoom to a level greater than 40 ×.  
You can magnify images up to 40 times the  
original size with the power zoom lever or  
the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.  
Recording in dark places  
(NightShot plus)  
Wider range of view:  
(Wide angle)  
Infrared port  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.  
(
and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.)  
b Notes  
Close view: (Telephoto)  
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.  
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with  
your fingers or other objects. Remove the  
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 29)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a  
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
b Notes  
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright  
places. This may cause a malfunction.  
• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image  
blurring as desired when the power zoom lever  
is set to the T (Telephoto) side.  
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom  
lever. If you move your finger off the power  
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power  
zoom lever may also be recorded.  
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the  
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
20  
     
Adjusting the exposure for  
backlit subjects  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
press . (back light) to display .. To  
cancel the backlight function, press .  
(back light) again.  
Recording in mirror mode  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees  
to the lens side (2).  
z Tips  
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the image will be normal when  
recorded.  
21  
         
Playback  
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly  
to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the green button.  
Start playing back.  
Touch  
to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch  
to start playback.  
Play/Pause* toggles as you touch it  
Stop  
Rewind/Fast forward  
* Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.  
To adjust the volume  
Touch  
t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then  
/
to adjust the volume.  
To search for a scene during playback  
Touch and hold  
/
during playback (Picture Search), or  
/
while fast  
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).  
z Tips  
• You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 33).  
22  
   
Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)  
You can easily select the desired setting  
screens by using the guide functions  
(USAGE GUIDE).  
Unavailable settings during Easy  
Handycam  
During Easy Handycam operation, some  
items are unavailable. If an attempted  
setting is not available, but still desired,  
touch [SET] to display an on-screen  
instruction. Follow the instruction to cancel  
Easy Handycam operation and then select  
the setting.  
z Tips  
• If [SET] is not displayed in step 3, follow the  
instruction on the screen.  
Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as  
shown below.  
SHOOT  
GUIDE:  
Takes you to the setting  
screens related to  
recording.  
DISP  
GUIDE:  
Enables you to check the  
meaning of each indicator  
that appears on the LCD  
screen. See page 72 for  
details.  
1
2
Touch [GUIDE].  
Select the desired item.  
e.g., to record night views  
Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT  
SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to  
display [To keep the mood of a night  
view].  
3
Touch [SET].  
The desired setting screen appears.  
Adjust the settings according to your  
purpose.  
23  
     
Searching for the starting point  
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp  
1
2
3
4
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
lights up (p. 19).  
Searching for the last scene of  
the most recent recording  
(END SEARCH)  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not  
work once you eject the cassette after you  
have recorded on the tape.  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
Touch  
t [PAGE1], then touch  
[END SCH].  
Select [ON] with  
then touch [EXEC] t  
/
,
.
60min  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
0:00:00  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
METER  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU SCENE  
SEL.  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
EDIT  
GUIDE FN  
Touch here again to cancel the operation.  
The last scene of the most recent  
recording is played back for about 5  
seconds, and the camcorder enters the  
standby mode at the point where the last  
recording has finished.  
5
Touch and hold  
backward)/  
and release it at the point where  
you want the recording to start.  
(to go  
(to go forward)  
b Notes  
• [END SCH] will not work correctly when there  
is a blank section between recorded sections on  
the tape.  
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes (Rec review)  
z Tips  
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
• This operation is also available when the  
POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.  
1
2
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
Searching manually  
(EDIT SEARCH)  
You can search for the start point to start  
the next recording while viewing the  
pictures on the screen. The sound is not  
played back during the search.  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
24  
             
3
4
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
Select [ON] with  
/
,
then touch [EXEC] t  
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
GUIDE FN  
5
Touch  
.
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most  
recently recorded scene are played back.  
Then, your camcorder is set to standby.  
25  
Playing the picture on a TV  
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting  
cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the  
wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 10). Refer also  
to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
Device without an  
S VIDEO jack  
Device with an  
S VIDEO jack  
(Black)  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
(White)  
(Red)  
1
A/V Remote  
Connector  
(Yellow)  
2
: Signal flow  
VCRs or TVs  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
When connecting your camcorder to a  
TV through a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN  
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on  
the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2,  
etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.  
Connect to the input jack of another device.  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional)  
When connecting to another device via the S  
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection.  
When your TV is monaural (Only one  
audio input jack)  
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V  
connecting cable to the video input jack and  
connect the white (left channel) or the red  
(right channel) plug to the audio input jack  
of your TV or VCR.  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this  
case, the yellow (standard video) plug  
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO  
connection only will not output audio.  
z Tips  
• You can display the time code on the TV screen  
by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD]  
(p. 42).  
26  
       
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor  
(EUROCONNECTOR)  
You need the 21-pin adaptor (optional) to  
connect your camcorder to a TV for  
viewing recorded images. This adaptor is  
designed for output use only.  
TV/VCR  
27  
 
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow  
repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.  
CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape  
PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing  
Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
2 Select the desired menu.  
Touch to select the  
item, then touch [EXEC]. (The process  
in step 3 and 4 is the same as that in  
step 2.)  
3 Select the desired item.  
4 Customize the item.  
x To use the operation buttons on  
PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3  
For details of the button items, see page  
/
1 Touch  
.
2 Touch the desired page.  
3 Touch the desired button.  
4 Select the desired setting, then touch  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
t
(Close).  
Each touch of [  
RET.] takes you to  
the previous screen.  
b Notes  
• With some settings, you do not have to  
touch  
x To use menu items during Easy  
.
Handycam operation  
1 Touch  
.
x To use menu items  
For details of the items, see page 36.  
2 Select the desired button.  
3 Change your item setting.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close).  
1 Touch  
[PAGE1].  
The menu index screen appears.  
t [MENU] on  
b Notes  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation to use  
menu items normally.  
28  
         
Operation button  
items  
Available operation buttons vary depending  
on the position of the lamp and the display  
(PAGE).  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
FOCUS  
You can adjust the focus manually. You can  
select this function also when you want to  
focus on a certain subject intentionally.  
The available functions during Easy  
Handycam operation are marked with “*”.  
See page 28 for details on selecting  
button items.  
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
9 appears.  
When the CAMERA lamp lights  
up  
2 Touch  
(focusing on close subjects)/  
(focusing on distant subjects) to  
sharpen the focus.  
appears when the  
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
farther away.  
[PAGE1]  
3 Touch  
.
SPOT FOCUS  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[AUTO].  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
a subject not located in the center of the  
screen.  
b Notes  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
SPOT FOCUS  
1
AUTO  
END  
2
z Tips  
1 Touch the point where you want to focus  
• It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the  
power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to  
adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to  
adjust the zoom for recording. When you want  
to record a subject at close range, move the  
power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then  
adjust the focus.  
on in the frame.  
9 appears.  
2 Touch [END].  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO].  
b Notes  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
Continued ,  
29  
       
Operation button items (Continued)  
TWILIGHT* (  
)
SPOT METER  
Select to maintain the darkening  
atmosphere of the distant surroundings in  
twilight scenes.  
(Flexible spot meter)  
You can adjust and fix the exposure to the  
subject, so that it is recorded in suitable  
brightness even when there is strong  
contrast between the subject and the  
background, such as subjects in the  
spotlight on stage.  
SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset)  
60min  
SPOT METER  
STBY  
0:00:00  
(
)
Select to maintain the atmosphere of  
situations such as sunsets and sunrises.  
1
AUTO  
END  
2
1 Touch the point where you want to fix and  
adjust the exposure on the screen.  
appears.  
LANDSCAPE* (  
)
2 Touch [END].  
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.  
This setting also prevents your camcorder  
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in  
windows between the camcorder and the  
subject.  
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to  
[AUTO].  
b Notes  
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (  
)
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
Select to bring out the subject such as  
people or flowers while creating a soft  
background.  
MENU  
SCENE SEL.  
SPOTLIGHT** (  
)
You can record pictures effectively in  
various situations with the SCENE SEL.  
function.  
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing excessively white when subjects  
are lit by strong light.  
BAUTO  
Select to automatically record pictures  
effectively without the [SCENE SEL.]  
function.  
30  
               
SPORT** (Sports lesson) (  
Select to minimize shake when shooting  
fast moving subjects.  
)
60min  
AUTO  
STBY  
0:00:00  
OK  
MANU–  
AL  
1
EXPOSURE  
2
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
SNOW** (  
)
appears.  
Select this when shooting in very bright,  
white conditions, such as on a ski slope;  
otherwise pictures may appear too dark.  
2 Adjust the exposure by touching  
/
.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [AUTO].  
[PAGE2]  
FADER  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
BEACH** (  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing dark in strong light or reflected  
light, such as at a beach in midsummer.  
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode  
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),  
then touch  
t
.
2 Press REC START/STOP.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away  
only.  
**Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short  
distance away.  
To cancel [FADER] before starting the  
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.  
If you press REC START/STOP once, the  
setting is canceled.  
b Notes  
• If you set [SCENE SEL], [WHT BAL] setting is  
canceled.  
Fading out  
Fading in  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
WHITE  
See page 24.  
EXPOSURE  
You can fix the brightness of a picture  
manually. Adjust the brightness when the  
subject is too bright or too dark.  
Continued ,  
31  
           
Operation button items (Continued)  
2 Frame a white object such as a piece of  
paper, to fill the screen under the same  
lighting conditions as you will shoot  
the subject.  
BLACK  
3 Touch  
.
flashes quickly. When the white  
balance has been adjusted and stored in  
the memory, the indicator stops  
flashing.  
MOSC. FADER  
b Notes  
MONOTONE  
• Set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]  
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.  
• When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing  
When fading in, the picture gradually  
changes from black and white to color.  
When fading out, it gradually changes from  
color to black and white.  
white object while  
flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not  
be set.  
• When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if  
is flashing quickly.  
keeps  
, set [WHT  
WHT BAL (White balance)  
flashing after touching  
BAL] to [AUTO].  
• If you set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is  
canceled.  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
BAUTO  
z Tips  
The white balance is adjusted  
automatically.  
• If you have changed the battery pack while  
[AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder  
outdoors after inside use with the [EXPOSURE]  
set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your  
camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10  
seconds for better color balance adjustment.  
OUTDOOR (  
)
The white balance is appropriately  
adjusted for the following recording  
conditions:  
– Outdoors  
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks  
– Sunrise or sunset  
• When the white balance has been set with [ONE  
PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.]  
settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from  
inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo  
the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the  
white balance.  
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps  
INDOOR (n)  
The white balance is appropriately  
adjusted for the following recording  
conditions:  
BEEP*  
BON  
– Indoors  
A beeping sound starts when you start/stop  
recording, or operate the touch panel.  
– At party scenes or studios where the lighting  
conditions change quickly  
– Under video lamps in a studio, or under  
sodium lamps or incandescent-like color  
lamps  
OFF  
Cancels the beeping sound and shutter  
sound.  
ONE PUSH (  
)
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].  
32  
                 
CAM DATA (below)  
Displays camera setting data.  
CLOCK SET*  
See page 13.  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
1
2
3
AUTO  
100 AWB  
GUIDE  
F1. 8  
9dB  
FN  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
6
5
4
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights  
up  
ASteadyShot off  
BExposure  
CWhite balance  
DGain  
You can use the video operation buttons  
(
/
/
/
) on every PAGE.  
EShutter speed  
FAperture value  
[PAGE1]  
MENU  
b Notes  
• In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and  
time are displayed in the same area. If you  
record a picture without setting the clock, [-- --  
----] and [--:--:--] will appear.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
[DATE/TIME] only.  
See page 36.  
VOL* (Volume)  
See page 22.  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
BEEP*  
See page 24.  
See page 32.  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
CLOCK SET  
See page 72.  
See page 13.  
[PAGE2]  
[PAGE3]  
DATA CODE*  
During playback, displays information  
(data code) recorded automatically at the  
time of recording.  
V SPD PLAY  
(Various speed playback)  
You can play back in various modes while  
viewing movies.  
BOFF  
Data code is not displayed.  
1 Touch the following buttons during  
playback.  
Continued ,  
33  
           
Operation button items (Continued)  
– When your camcorder is connected via an  
i.LINK cable.  
To  
Touch  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC  
mode on other camcorders.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
(frame)  
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV  
color system other than that of your  
camcorder (p. 58).  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is  
set to SAVE (p. 59).  
play back  
slowly**  
[ySLOW]  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
[ySLOW]  
play back 2  
times faster  
(double speed)  
(double speed)  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
– On sections recorded in HDV format.  
• When you add sound, the picture will not be  
output from the A/V Remote Connector. Check  
the picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder.  
(double speed)  
• You can only record additional audio over a  
tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound  
may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape  
recorded on other camcorders (including other  
DCR-HC51E/HC52E/HC53E/HC54E  
camcorders).  
play back frame  
by frame  
(frame) during  
playback pause.  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) during  
frame playback.  
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,  
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This  
is not a malfunction.  
Recording sound  
Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder beforehand.  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
**Pictures output from the DV Interface  
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in  
slow mode.  
2 Touch  
(Play/Pause) to play back the  
2 Touch [  
To return to the normal playback mode,  
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from  
RET.] t  
.
tape, then touch it again at the point where  
you want to start recording the sound.  
3 Touch  
CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB].  
X appears.  
t [PAGE3] t [A DUB  
frame playback).  
b Notes  
• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may  
see mosaic-like images of the previously played  
picture.  
60min  
DUB CTRL  
0:00:00:00  
RET.  
A
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)  
AUDIO  
DUB  
Using the internal stereo microphone  
(p. 68), you can add sound to a tape already  
recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 41) without  
erasing the original sound.  
4 Touch  
(Play).  
Your camcorder starts audio recording via  
the internal stereo microphone.  
b Notes  
• You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit  
mode (p. 41).  
appears while recording the new sound  
in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of the  
tape.  
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP  
mode.  
34  
       
5 Touch  
recording.  
(Stop) when you want to stop  
To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2 to  
select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB].  
6 Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
To check the recorded sound  
1 Play back the tape on which you have  
recorded audio (p. 22).  
2 Touch  
t [PAGE1] t [MENU].  
3 Select  
(PLAYER SET) for the DCR-  
HC51E/HC53E, or  
the DCR-HC52E/HC54E, then touch  
to select [AUDIO MIX],  
(VCR SET) for  
/
then touch [EXEC].  
VCR SET  
AUDIO MIX  
ST1  
ST2  
EXEC  
RET.  
4 Touch  
/
to adjust the balance  
of the original sound (ST1) and the new  
sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC].  
b Notes  
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default  
setting.  
REC CTRL (Recording control)  
(DCR-HC52E/HC54E)  
See page 45.  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
See page 33.  
35  
     
Menu items  
• Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 17).  
CAMERA  
PLAY/EDIT  
Easy Handycam  
MANUAL SET menu (p. 37)  
P EFFECT  
z
z
OFF  
CAMERA SET menu (p. 38)  
D ZOOM  
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
4:3  
ON  
WIDE SEL  
STEADYSHOT  
EDITSEARCH  
N.S.LIGHT  
OFF  
ON  
PLAYER SET (DCR-HC51E/HC53E)/  
VCR SET (DCR-HC52E/HC54E) menu (p. 39)  
AUDIO MIX  
z
LCD/VF SET menu (p. 40)  
LCD B.L.  
LCD COLOR  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
BRT NORMAL  
VF B.L.  
WIDE DISP  
BRT NORMAL  
TAPE SET menu (p. 41)  
REC MODE (DCR-HC51E/HC53E)  
REC MODE (DCR-HC52E/HC54E)  
AUDIO MODE  
z
z
z
z
z
SP  
SP  
12BIT  
AUTO  
REMAIN  
z
SETUP MENU menu (p. 41)  
USB STREAM (DCR-HC53E/HC54E)  
LANGUAGE  
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
z
DEMO MODE  
ON  
OTHERS menu (p. 42)  
WORLD TIME  
A.SHUT OFF  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
–*  
5min  
LCD  
OFF  
DISP OUT  
GUIDEFRAME  
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.  
36  
   
MANUAL SET menu  
– P EFFECT  
MOSAIC*  
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.  
The default setting is marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 28 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
P EFFECT (Picture effect)  
* Not available during playback.  
You can add special effects to a picture  
during recording or playback.  
appears.  
b Notes  
• Effects added to the playback pictures are not  
output via the DV Interface (i.LINK). Only  
the original pictures can be output.  
BOFF  
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.  
• For DCR-HC52E/HC54E:  
You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures.  
NEG.ART  
The color and brightness are reversed.  
z Tips  
• You can record pictures edited with special  
effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.  
(p. 43).  
SEPIA  
Pictures appear in sepia.  
B&W  
Pictures appear in black and white.  
SOLARIZE  
Pictures appear as an illustration with  
strong contrast.  
PASTEL*  
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.  
37  
                     
CAMERA SET  
menu  
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.  
B4:3  
Standard setting (to record pictures to be  
played back on a 4:3 TV).  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 28 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
16:9 WIDE (  
)
Records pictures to be played back on a  
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with  
[16:9 WIDE] selected.  
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)  
You can select the maximum zoom level in  
case you want to zoom to a level greater  
than 40 × (the default setting) while  
recording on a tape. Note that the image  
quality decreases when you are using the  
digital zoom.  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide  
screen TV*  
When viewed on a standard  
TV**  
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the  
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.  
**Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in  
the wide mode, it appears as you saw it on the  
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone  
appears when you select the zooming  
level.  
STEADYSHOT  
BOFF  
You can compensate for camera shake (the  
default setting is [ON]). Set  
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically.  
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when  
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion  
lens (optional), then the image becomes  
natural.  
80 ×  
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 80 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
2000 ×  
EDITSEARCH  
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 2,000 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
BOFF  
Does not display  
LCD screen.  
or  
on the  
WIDE SEL (Wide select)  
ON  
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable  
for the screen on which it will be displayed.  
Refer also to the operating instructions  
supplied with your TV for details.  
Displays  
and  
on the LCD  
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH  
function and Rec review (p. 24).  
38  
                   
PLAYER SET/  
VCR SET menu  
– AUDIO MIX  
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
The PLAYER SET menu is for the DCR-  
HC51E/HC53E, and the VCR SET menu is  
for the DCR-HC52E/HC54E.  
When using the NightShot plus (p. 20)  
function to record, you can record clearer  
pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which  
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the  
default setting).  
AUDIO MIX  
See page 35.  
b Notes  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects (p. 68).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is  
attached.  
• The maximum shooting distance using  
[N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).  
z Tips  
• If you record subjects in dark places, such as  
night scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT]  
to [OFF]. You can make the image color deeper  
this way.  
39  
             
LCD/VF SET menu  
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc  
b Notes  
The default settings are marked with B.  
See page 28 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
LCD B.L. (LCD back light)  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
WIDE DISP (Wide display)  
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio  
picture appears in the viewfinder and the  
LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to  
[16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not  
be affected by this operation.  
BBRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
BLETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
SQUEEZE  
Expands the picture vertically if black  
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect  
ratio are undesirable.  
LCD COLOR  
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen  
with  
/
. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
Low intensity High intensity  
VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
BBRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
40  
                   
TAPE SET menu  
SETUP MENU  
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN  
menu  
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 28 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
See page 28 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
USB STREAM (DCR-HC53E/  
HC54E)  
REC MODE (Recording mode)  
You can view the pictures displayed on the  
screen of your camcorder on your computer  
(USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See  
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-  
ROM for details (p. 50).  
BSP (SP)  
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on  
a cassette.  
LP (LP)  
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times  
the SP mode (Long Play).  
LANGUAGE  
b Notes  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
• If you record in the LP mode, pictures may  
appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted  
when you play back the tape on other  
camcorders or VCRs.  
• 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.  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
DEMO MODE  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
view the demonstration about 10 minutes  
after you have removed a cassette from  
your camcorder, and slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA  
lamp.  
AUDIO MODE  
B12BIT  
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds).  
16BIT (  
)
z Tips  
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound  
with high quality).  
• The demonstration will be suspended in  
situations such as those described below.  
– When you touch the screen during the  
demonstration. (The demonstration starts  
again after about 10 minutes.)  
REMAIN  
BAUTO  
– When a cassette is inserted.  
Displays the remaining tape indicator for  
about 8 seconds in situations such as those  
described below.  
– When the POWER switch is set to other than  
CAMERA.  
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/  
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.  
• When you touch  
(Play/Pause).  
ON  
Always displays the remaining tape  
indicator.  
41  
                                       
OTHERS menu  
– WORLD TIME, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
See page 28 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
GUIDEFRAME  
You can display the frame and check that  
the subject is horizontal or vertical by  
setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON].  
The frame is not recorded. Press DISP/  
BATT INFO to make the frame disappear.  
WORLD TIME  
When using your camcorder abroad, you  
can set the time difference by touching  
z Tips  
/
, the clock will be adjusted in  
• Placing the subject at the cross point of the  
guide frame makes a balanced composition.  
accordance with the time difference.  
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock  
returns to the originally set time.  
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
B5min  
The camcorder is automatically turned off  
when you do not operate your camcorder  
for more than approximately 5 minutes.  
NEVER  
The camcorder is not automatically turned  
off.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall  
outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is  
automatically set to [NEVER].  
DISP OUT (Display output)  
BLCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.  
V-OUT/LCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the  
viewfinder.  
42  
                   
Dubbing/Editing  
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders  
You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs  
or DVD/HDD recorders.  
You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, using the A/V connecting  
cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for  
this operation (p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be  
connected.  
Device without an  
S VIDEO jack  
Device with an  
S VIDEO jack  
(Black)  
(White)  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
1
A/V Remote  
Connector  
(Red)  
(Yellow)  
(Red)  
2
DV  
VCRs or DVD/HDD  
recorders  
To i.LINK jack  
3
To DV or DV OUT  
Interface (i.LINK)  
: Signal flow  
(standard video) plug connection is not  
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not  
output audio.  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
Connect to the input jack of another device.  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
C i.LINK cable (optional)  
VIDEO (optional)  
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your  
camcorder to another device equipped with an  
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are  
transmitted digitally, producing high quality  
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot  
output picture and sound separately.  
When connecting to another device via the S  
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the  
white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S  
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V  
connecting cable. In this case, the yellow  
Continued ,  
43  
           
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (Continued)  
b Notes  
5
When dubbing is complete, stop  
your camcorder and the  
recording device.  
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack,  
and the red (right channel) or the white (left  
channel) plug to the audio input jack on the  
device.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the  
default setting) (p. 42).  
b Notes  
• To record the date/time and camera settings data  
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,  
display them on the screen (p. 33).  
• The following cannot be output via the DV  
Interface (i.LINK):  
– Indicators  
1
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
– Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 37)  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, the  
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture  
is paused on your camcorder while recording.  
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, data  
code (date/time/camera settings data) may not  
be displayed or recorded depending on the  
device or application.  
2
3
Insert the recording media in the  
recording device.  
If your recording device has an input  
selector, set it to the appropriate input  
(such as video input1, video input2).  
Connect your camcorder to the  
recording device (VCR or DVD/  
HDD recorder) with the A/V  
connecting cable (supplied) 1,  
an A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional) 2 or an i.LINK  
cable (optional) 3.  
Connect your camcorder to the input  
jacks of the recording device.  
4
Start playback on the camcorder,  
and recording on the recording  
device.  
Refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with your recording device for  
details.  
44  
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-  
HC52E/HC54E)  
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape.  
Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand.  
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK  
cable (optional).  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for  
this operation (p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be  
connected.  
b Notes  
You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR that does not have an i.LINK  
jack.  
DV  
To i.LINK jack  
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
AV device  
with i.LINK  
jack  
i.LINK  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
: Signal flow  
When connecting your camcorder to  
another device using an i.LINK cable, the  
video and audio signals are transmitted  
digitally, producing high quality pictures  
and sound. Note that you cannot output  
picture and sound separately.  
3
4
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
Set your camcorder to recording  
pause mode.  
1
2
Connect your VCR, etc., to your  
camcorder with an i.LINK cable.  
Touch  
t [PAGE3] t [REC  
CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].  
Insert a cassette into the VCR.  
Continued ,  
45  
     
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-HC52E/HC54E) (Continued)  
5
Start playing the cassette on the  
VCR.  
The picture played on the connected  
device appears on the LCD screen of  
your camcorder.  
6
7
8
Touch [REC START] at the point  
you want to start recording.  
Stop recording.  
Touch  
(Stop) or [REC PAUSE].  
Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
b Notes  
• The  
indicator appears when you connect  
your camcorder and other devices via an i.LINK  
cable. (This indicator may also appear on the  
connected device.)  
46  
Using a Computer  
What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-  
HC53E/54E)  
When you install the “Picture Motion  
Browser” on a Windows computer from the  
About “First Step Guide”  
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the  
The “First Step Guide” is an instruction  
following operations.  
manual you can refer to on your computer.  
This describes basic operations, from initial  
hookup of your camcorder and computer  
b Notes  
• You cannot install the supplied software,  
and making settings, to general operation  
“Picture Motion Browser”, on a Macintosh  
the first time you use the software “Picture  
Motion Browser” stored on the CD-ROM  
(supplied).  
computer.  
Guide”” (p. 48), start the “First Step  
Guide”, then follow the instructions.  
About the help function of the  
software  
The Help guide explains all the functions of  
all the software applications. Refer to the  
Help guide for further detailed operations  
after reading the “First Step Guide”  
thoroughly.  
To display the Help guide, click the [?]  
mark on the screen.  
Main functions  
x Importing/Viewing movies taken  
with your camcorder  
System requirements  
You can manage movies by date and time  
of shooting, and select movies you want to  
view as thumbnails. These thumbnails can  
be enlarged and played in a slide show.  
When using “Picture Motion Browser”  
OS: Windows 2000 Professional SP4,  
Windows XP SP2*,  
Windows Vista*  
*64-bit editions and Starter (Edition)  
are not supported.  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above  
OS has been upgraded or in a multi-  
boot environment.  
x Editing movies imported to a  
computer  
You can edit imported movies on a  
computer.  
x Exporting movies from your  
computer to your camcorder  
CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster  
You can export movies that have been  
imported to a computer from your  
camcorder, back to your camcorder.  
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This  
product is based on DirectX technology.  
It is necessary to have DirectX  
installed.)  
Sound system: Direct Sound compatible  
sound card  
Continued ,  
47  
           
What you can do with Windows  
computer (DCR-HC53E/54E)  
(Continued)  
Installing the “First  
Step Guide” and  
software (DCR-HC53E/  
54E)  
Memory: 256 MB or more  
Hard disk: Disc volume required for  
installation: Approximately 350 MB  
Display: Minimum 1024 × 768 dots  
You need to install the “First Step Guide”  
and software to your Windows computer  
before connecting your camcorder  
to the computer. The installation is  
required only for the first time.  
Others: USB port (this must be  
provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB  
(USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended),  
DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to  
connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive  
(CD-ROM drive is necessary for  
installation)  
Contents to be installed and procedures  
may differ depending on your OS.  
Installing the “First Step Guide”  
b Notes  
• Operations are not guaranteed on a computer  
environment that does not meet the system  
requirements.  
• Operations are not guaranteed on all the  
recommended environments.  
For example, other open or background  
applications running on currently may limit  
product performance.  
• If you use a Notebook PC, connect it to the AC  
Adaptor as the power source. Otherwise, the  
software will not work properly due to the  
power saving function of the PC.  
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
Turn on the computer.  
• Log on as an Administrator for installation.  
• Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3
Place the supplied CD-ROM in the  
disc drive of your computer.  
The installation screen appears.  
If the screen does not appear  
1 Click [Start], then click [My  
Computer]. (For Windows 2000,  
double-click [My Computer].)  
2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]  
(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
4
Click [FirstStepGuide].  
48  
   
5
6
Select the desired language and  
the model name of your  
camcorder from the pull-down  
menu.  
5
6
Read [License Agreement], select  
[I accept the terms of the license  
agreement] when you agree, then  
click [Next].  
Follow the on-screen instructions  
to install the software.  
Depending on the computer, you may  
need to install third party software  
(shown below). If the installation screen  
appears, follow the instructions to  
install the required software.  
Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].  
Installation starts.  
When [Save is complete] appears, click  
[OK] to finish the installation.  
x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c  
Software required to handle movies  
Restart the computer if required to  
complete the installation.  
To view the “First Step Guide” in PDF  
In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].  
The short-cut icons, such as [  
]
(Picture Motion Browser), appear on the  
desktop.  
To install the software “Adobe  
Reader” to display the PDF file  
In step 6, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].  
Installing the software  
1
Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing  
7
Remove the CD-ROM from the  
disc drive of your computer.  
2
3
Click [Install].  
Select the language for the  
application to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
4
Check your country/region, then  
click [Next].  
49  
Viewing “First Step Guide” (DCR-HC53E/54E)  
To view “First Step Guide” on your  
computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer  
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.  
Double-click the short-cut icon for your  
camcorder’s “First Step Guide” on the  
desktop.  
z Tips  
• You can also start by selecting [Start] t  
[Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP)  
t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide]  
t Your camcorder's folder t “First Step  
Guide” in HTML.  
• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without  
installing, copy the desired language folder from  
the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM,  
and then double-click [Index.html].  
• Refer to the “First Step Guide” in PDF in the  
following cases:  
– When printing the desired topics of “First  
Step Guide”  
– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed  
correctly due to the browser setting even in  
recommended environment.  
– When the HTML version of “First Step  
Guide” cannot be installed.  
50  
   
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your  
camcorder, use the following table to  
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem  
persists, disconnect the power source and  
contact your Sony dealer.  
Settings change during Easy  
Handycam operation.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the  
settings of the functions that are not  
displayed on the screen return to their  
defaults (p. 17, 36).  
• Overall operations/Easy Handycam..... 51  
• Batteries/Power sources ....................... 51  
• LCD screen/viewfinder ........................ 52  
• Cassette tapes ....................................... 52  
• Recording ............................................. 53  
• Playback ............................................... 54  
• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other  
devices.................................................. 54  
• Connecting to a computer .................... 55  
The menu item settings have  
changed unexpectedly.  
• The following settings return to the default  
settings automatically when you set the  
POWER switch to OFF(CHG) for more  
than 12 hours.  
– backlight  
– [SPOT FOCUS]  
• Functions that cannot be used together  
.............................................................. 55  
– [FOCUS]  
– [SPOT METER]  
– [SCENE SEL.]  
– [EXPOSURE]  
– [WHT BAL]  
– [AUDIO MIX]  
Overall operations/Easy  
Handycam  
The power does not turn on.  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the  
camcorder (p. 10).  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall  
outlet (wall socket) (p. 10).  
• The camcorder may get warmer while you  
use it. This is not a malfunction.  
Batteries/Power sources  
The camcorder does not operate  
even when the power is set to on.  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• When approximately 5 minutes have  
elapsed while you do not operate your  
camcorder, the camcorder is automatically  
turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the  
setting of [A.SHUT OFF] (p. 42), or turn  
on the power again (p. 13), or use the AC  
Adaptor.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery  
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.  
• Press the RESET button (p. 69) using a  
sharp-pointed object. (If you press the  
RESET button, all settings are reset.)  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 10).  
• The battery is fully discharged, or almost  
discharged.  
Buttons do not work.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all  
buttons are functional (p. 18).  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not  
light while the battery pack is being  
charged.  
• Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)  
(p. 10).  
Continued ,  
51  
       
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder  
correctly (p. 10).  
• Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the  
wall outlet (wall socket) properly (p. 10).  
The buttons do not appear on the  
touch panel.  
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your  
camcorder (p. 69).  
• The battery charge is completed (p. 10).  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while  
the battery pack is being charged.  
The buttons on the touch panel do  
not work correctly or do not work at  
all.  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder  
correctly (p. 10). If the problem persists,  
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony  
dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.  
• Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION])  
(p. 63).  
Menu items are grayed out.  
The remaining battery time indicator  
does not indicate the correct time.  
• You cannot select grayed items in the  
current recording/playback situation.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low,  
or the battery pack has not been charged  
enough. This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the  
problem persists, the battery may be worn-  
out. Replace it with a new one (p. 10, 60).  
The picture in the viewfinder is not  
clear.  
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever  
until the picture appears clearly (p. 15).  
• The indicated time may not be correct in  
certain circumstances. For example, when  
you open or close the LCD panel, it takes  
about 1 minute to display the correct  
remaining battery time.  
The picture in the viewfinder has  
disappeared.  
• Close the LCD panel. The picture is not  
displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD  
panel is open (p. 15).  
The battery pack discharges too  
quickly.  
Dots in lines appear on the LCD  
screen.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low,  
or the battery pack has not been charged  
enough. This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the  
problem persists, the battery may be worn-  
out. Replace it with a new one (p. 10, 60).  
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are  
not recorded.  
Cassette tapes  
The cassette cannot be ejected from  
the compartment.  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
• Make sure the power source (battery pack  
or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly  
(p. 10).  
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside  
the camcorder (p. 62).  
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.  
52  
   
• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in  
the LP mode.  
The Cassette Memory indicator or  
title display does not appear while  
using a cassette with Cassette  
Memory.  
[END SCH] does not work.  
• Do not eject the cassette after recording  
(p. 24).  
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.  
• This camcorder does not support Cassette  
Memory, so the indicator does not appear.  
• There is a blank section between recorded  
sections of the tape. This is not a  
malfunction.  
The remaining tape indicator is not  
displayed.  
• Set [  
REMAIN] to [ON] to always  
display the remaining tape indicator (p. 41).  
The auto focus does not function.  
• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 29).  
The cassette is noisier during  
rewinding or fast-forwarding.  
• The recording conditions are not suitable  
for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually  
(p. 29).  
• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast  
forward speed increases (compared with  
battery operation) and therefore increases  
noise. This is not a malfunction.  
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 38).  
Recording  
The backlight function does not  
function.  
The tape does not start when you  
press REC START/STOP.  
• In the following settings, the backlight  
function is canceled.  
– [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]  
– [SPOT METER]  
• The backlight function does not work  
during Easy Handycam operation (p. 18).  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the CAMERA lamp (p. 19).  
• 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. 59).  
• 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. 62).  
A vertical band appears when  
recording candlelight or electric light  
in the dark.  
• This occurs when the contrast between the  
subject and the background is too high.  
This is not a malfunction.  
You cannot record a smooth  
transition on a tape from the last  
recorded scene to the next.  
A vertical band appears when  
recording a bright subject.  
• Perform [END SCH] (p. 24).  
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Do not remove the cassette. (The picture  
will be recorded continuously without a  
break even when you turn the power off.)  
• Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP  
mode on the same tape.  
Continued ,  
53  
           
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The color of the picture is not  
correctly displayed.  
No sound or only a low sound is  
heard.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function  
(p. 20).  
• Turn up the volume (p. 22).  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is  
heard appropriately (p. 35).  
• If you are using an S VIDEO plug, make  
sure the red and white plugs of the A/V  
connecting cable are also connected (p. 26).  
The screen picture is bright, and the  
subject does not appear on the  
screen.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function  
(p. 20), or cancel the backlight function  
(p. 21).  
The sound breaks off.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette  
(optional) (p. 63).  
Undesirable flicker occurs.  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
• This anomaly may occur when recording  
pictures under the discharge tube, such as a  
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury  
lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORT]. This  
is not a malfunction.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded  
without setting the date and time.  
• A blank section on the tape is being played.  
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or  
noise cannot be read.  
Black bands appear when you  
record a TV screen or computer  
screen.  
Noises appear and  
on the screen.  
is displayed  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 38).  
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system  
other than that of your camcorder (PAL).  
This is not a malfunction (p. 58).  
[The lens cover might be  
closed.Check the cover.] appears on  
the screen when the lens cover is  
open.  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded on  
another device with a 4ch microphone  
(4CH MIC REC). Your camcorder is not  
compatible with 4ch microphone recording.  
• There is not enough light, or the lens is  
covered by your finger or other object.  
Playback  
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to  
other devices  
You cannot play back a tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 22).  
• Rewind the tape (p. 22).  
Time code and other information  
appear on the display of the  
connected device.  
• Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] while connected  
with an A/V connecting cable (p. 42).  
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. 63).  
54  
       
Functions that cannot be used  
together  
You cannot dub correctly using the  
A/V connecting cable.  
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected  
properly. Make sure that the A/V  
connecting cable is connected to the input  
jack of another device for dubbing a picture  
from your camcorder (p. 43).  
Depending on the functions, you may not  
be able to use them together. The following  
list shows examples of functions that  
cannot be used at the same time.  
Not available  
If this function is set  
New sound added to a recorded tape  
is not heard.  
backlight  
[SPOT METER],  
[EXPOSURE]  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is  
heard appropriately (p. 35).  
[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SEL.]  
[SPOT METER] NightShot plus  
[SCENE SEL.] NightShot plus  
Pictures from connected devices are  
not displayed correctly.  
[EXPOSURE]  
[WHT BAL]  
NightShot plus  
NightShot plus  
• The input signal is not PAL (p. 58).  
Connecting to a computer (DCR-  
HC53E/54E)  
The computer does not recognize  
your camcorder.  
• Install the “Picture Motion Browser”  
(p. 48).  
• The computer may not recognize your  
camcorder for a few moments after you  
connect it. Wait for a while.  
• Disconnect USB devices other than the  
keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder  
from the (USB) jack on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer  
and camcorder, restart the computer, then  
connect them again correctly.  
You cannot install the supplied  
software, “Picture Motion Browser,”  
on a Macintosh computer.  
• You can install “Picture Motion Browser”  
only on a Windows computer.  
55  
   
Warning indicators and messages  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
E (Battery level warning)  
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in  
the viewfinder, check the following.  
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If  
the problem persists even after you have  
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony  
dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
• Depending on the operating,  
environment, or battery conditions, E  
may flash, even if there are  
approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
% (Moisture condensation warning)*  
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis  
display)  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 62).  
C:04:ss  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H  
series). Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack (H series) (p. 60).  
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
• Connect the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your  
camcorder securely (p. 10).  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
C:21:ss  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 62).  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 59).*  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
C:22:ss  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 63).  
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
C:31:ss / C:32:ss  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 59).  
• Symptoms that are not described above  
have occurred. Remove and insert the  
cassette, then operate your camcorder  
again. Do not perform this procedure if  
moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 62).  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 62).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 56).  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it  
and operate your camcorder again.  
• Change the cassette. Press RESET  
(p. 69), and operate your camcorder  
again.  
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators  
appear on the screen (p. 32).  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
56  
       
Examples of warning messages  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject  
the cassette (p. 62)  
% Moisture condensation. Turn off  
for 1H. (p. 62)  
Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 16)  
• Check if the cassette is damaged.  
QZ The tape is locked - check the  
57  
 
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder abroad  
Power supply  
You can use your camcorder in any  
country/region using the AC Adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within the  
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is PAL system, so its  
picture can only be viewed on a PAL  
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jack.  
System  
Used in  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,  
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain,  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,  
United Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M Brazil  
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
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.  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to the local  
time abroad by entering the time difference  
between where you live and where you are.  
Select [WORLD TIME] in the  
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time  
difference (p. 42).  
58  
           
Maintenance and precautions  
x To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
Usable cassette tapes  
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.  
Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
Your camcorder is not compatible with the  
Cassette Memory function.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
created on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
END SEARCH (p. 24) before you begin the  
next recording in the following cases:  
• You have played back the tape.  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be  
recorded (write-protected).  
REC  
SAVE  
x When labeling the cassette  
Be sure to place the label only on the  
locations shown in the following  
illustration so as not to cause a malfunction  
of your camcorder.  
• You have used EDIT SEARCH.  
Copyright signal  
x When you play back  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
If the cassette you play back on your  
camcorder contains copyright signals, you  
cannot copy it to a tape in another video  
camera connected to your camcorder.  
x For DCR-HC52E/HC54E:  
When you record  
Labeling position  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright control  
signals for copyright protection of software.  
[Cannot record due to copyright  
protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or  
on the viewfinder if you try to record such  
software. Your camcorder does not record  
copyright control signals on the tape when  
it records.  
x After using the cassette  
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid  
distortion of the picture or the sound. The  
cassette should then be put in its case, and  
stored in an upright position.  
x When cleaning the gold-plated  
connector  
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector  
on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after  
every 10 times it has been ejected.  
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette  
is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape  
indicator may not show correctly.  
Notes on use  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
Gold-plated connector  
Continued ,  
59  
         
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/  
FH100 (optional).  
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or rewind operation  
wears out the battery pack faster.  
About the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack  
This unit is compatible with an  
We recommend using a large capacity battery  
pack: NP-FH70/FH100 (optional).  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)  
when not recording or playing back on your  
camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed  
when your camcorder is in recording standby or  
playback pause.  
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or three  
times the expected recording time, and make  
trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related to  
operating conditions between your  
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/  
charger.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
About the remaining battery time  
indicator  
• When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates that  
the battery pack has enough power to operate,  
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining  
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,  
however, that the battery indication will not be  
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a  
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or  
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use  
the remaining battery time indication as a rough  
guide only.  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp  
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside  
of this temperature range, you may not be able  
to charge it efficiently.  
• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes  
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery  
time remaining, depending on the operating  
conditions or ambient temperature.  
• When charging the battery pack while the AC  
Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after  
charging is complete, disconnect the cable from  
the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove  
the battery pack.  
About storage of the battery pack  
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,  
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on  
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper  
function. To store the battery pack, remove it  
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool  
place.  
To use the battery pack effectively  
• Battery pack performance decreases when the  
surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or  
below, and the length of time you can use the  
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do  
one of the following to use the battery pack for a  
longer time.  
• To discharge the battery pack on your  
camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to  
[NEVER] on the  
(OTHERS) menu and  
leave your camcorder in tape recording standby  
until the power goes off (p. 42).  
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,  
and insert it in your camcorder right before  
you start taking shots.  
60  
       
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard  
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and  
Electronics Engineers.  
About battery life  
• Battery capacity decreases over time and  
through repeated use. If decreased usage time  
between charges becomes significant, it is  
probably time to replace it with a new one.  
About the i.LINK Baud rate  
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies  
according to the device. There are 3 types.  
• Each battery’s life is governed by storage,  
operating and environmental conditions.  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
About i.LINK  
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-  
compliant DV Interface. This section  
describes the i.LINK standard and its  
features.  
The baud rate is listed under  
“Specifications” in the operating  
instructions of each piece of equipment. It  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
What is i.LINK?  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a device  
with a different maximum baud rate.  
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for  
transferring digital video, digital audio, and  
other data to other i.LINK-compatible  
devices. You can also control other devices  
using the i.LINK.  
* What is Mbps?  
i.LINK-compatible devices can be  
connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible  
applications are operations and data  
transactions with various digital AV  
devices.  
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or  
the amount of data that can be sent or  
received in one second. For example, a  
baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100  
megabits of data can be sent in one second.  
When two or more i.LINK-compatible  
devices are daisy-chained with the unit,  
operation becomes possible from any  
device in the chain. Note that operation  
method may vary, or data transactions may  
not be possible, depending on specifications  
and characteristics of the connected  
devices.  
To use i.LINK functions on this unit  
For details on how to dub when this unit is  
connected to other video devices having a  
DV Interface, see page 43, 45.  
This unit can also be connected to other  
i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices  
made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal  
computer) as well as to video devices.  
Some i.LINK compatible video devices,  
such as Digital Televisions, DVD,  
MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are  
not compatible with DV devices. Before  
connecting to other devices, be sure to  
confirm whether the device is compatible  
with a DV device or not. For details on  
precautions and compatible application  
software, refer also to the operating  
b Notes  
• Normally, only one device can be connected to  
this unit with an i.LINK cable. When  
connecting this unit to an i.LINK-compatible  
device having two or more DV Interfaces, refer  
to the operating instructions of the device to be  
connected.  
z Tips  
• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE  
1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and  
is a trademark approved by many corporations.  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
Continued ,  
61  
   
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
b Notes  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF(CHG)  
when you are not using your camcorder.  
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
• When disconnecting the power cord (mains  
lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord.  
• When connecting your camcorder to another  
i.LINK-compatible device, be sure to turn off  
the power of the device and disconnect the AC  
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket)  
before connecting or disconnecting the i.LINK  
cable.  
About the required i.LINK cable  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
• Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)  
such as by placing anything heavy on it.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin  
On using your camcorder  
On use and care  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations.  
– Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid.  
Never leave them exposed to temperatures  
above 60 °C (140 °F), such as under direct  
sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in the  
sun. They may malfunction or become  
deformed.  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a  
cassette for about 3 minutes.  
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical  
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The  
camcorder may not be able to record properly.  
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
Moisture condensation  
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand  
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD  
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be  
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the  
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V  
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories  
recommended in these operating instructions.  
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,  
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets  
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this  
malfunction cannot be repaired.  
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
If your camcorder is brought directly from a  
cold place to a warm place, moisture may  
condense inside your camcorder, on the  
surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this  
state, the tape may stick to the head drum  
and be damaged or your camcorder may not  
operate correctly. If there is moisture inside  
your camcorder, [%Z Moisture  
condensation. Eject the cassette] or [%  
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]  
appears. The indicator will not appear when  
the moisture condenses on the lens.  
x If moisture condensation has occurred  
None of the functions except cassette  
ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn  
off your camcorder, and leave it for about  
one hour with the cassette lid open. Your  
camcorder can be used again when both of  
the following conditions are met:  
62  
     
• The warning message does not appear when the  
power is turned on.  
• Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted  
and video operation buttons are touched.  
If moisture starts to condense, your  
camcorder sometimes cannot detect  
condensation. If this happens, the cassette is  
sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after  
the cassette lid is opened. This is not a  
malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid  
until the cassette is ejected.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound  
breaks off.  
– [x  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording/playback.  
• The video heads will wear after long use. If you  
cannot obtain a clear image even after using a  
cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because  
the video heads are worn. Please contact your  
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility to have the video heads replaced.  
x Note on moisture condensation  
Moisture may condense when you bring  
your camcorder from a cold place into a  
warm place (or vice versa) or when you use  
your camcorder in a humid place as shown  
below.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• When you bring your camcorder from an air  
conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.  
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a  
shower.  
LCD screen  
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD  
screen, as it may cause damage.  
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a  
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
x To clean the LCD screen  
x How to avoid moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a  
cold place into a warm place, put your  
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it  
tightly. Remove the bag when the air  
temperature inside the plastic bag has  
reached the surrounding temperature (after  
about one hour).  
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  
dirty, it is recommended you use a soft  
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD  
Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the  
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen.  
Use cleaning paper moistened with the  
liquid.  
x On adjustment of the touch panel  
(CALIBRATION)  
Video head  
The buttons on the touch panel may not  
work correctly. If this happens, follow the  
procedure below. It is recommended you  
connect your camcorder to the wall outlet  
(wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor during the operation.  
1 Turn off the power, then slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp while pressing DISP/BATT  
INFO on your camcorder, and keep  
pressing down DISP/BATT INFO for  
about 5 seconds.  
It is recommended you use a cleaning  
cassette (optional) before recording  
anything important.  
• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound  
distortion may be apparent.  
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video  
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-  
12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback  
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.  
Continued ,  
63  
     
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
2 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the  
like.  
To remove dust from inside the  
viewfinder  
1 Pull out the viewfinder.  
2 While pushing in the tab on the side  
with a fine-tipped implement such as a  
ball point pen, pull the eyecup block in  
the direction of the arrow to remove.  
Tab  
The position of the “×” changes. If you did  
not press the right spot, start from step 2  
again.  
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is  
rotated.  
On handling the casing  
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,  
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.  
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish.  
3 Remove dust from the eyecup block  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen.  
with a camera blower, etc.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
About care and storage of the lens  
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft  
cloth in the following instances:  
4 Press the viewfinder onto the body of  
the camcorder.  
– When there are fingerprints on the lens  
surface.  
– In hot or humid locations  
5 Remove dust from the inside area where  
the eyecup block was attached with a  
camera blower, etc.  
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as  
at the seaside.  
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above. It is recommended that you  
operate your camcorder about once a month to  
keep it in optimum state for a long time.  
64  
 
Specifications  
System  
6 Attach the eyecup block to the  
viewfinder, pushing it straight on until it  
clicks.  
Video recording system  
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system  
Audio recording system  
Rotary heads, PCM system  
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo  
1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)  
Video signal  
PAL color, CCIR standards  
Usable cassette  
Mini DV cassette with the  
printed  
mark  
Tape speed  
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s  
Recording/playback time  
b Notes  
• The eyecup block is a precision part. Do not  
disassemble it further.  
SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
Fast forward/rewind time  
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and rechargeable battery pack)  
Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and AC Adaptor)  
Viewfinder  
• Do not touch the lens of the eyecup block.  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,  
and other settings even when the POWER  
switch is set to OFF(CHG). The pre-  
installed rechargeable battery is always  
charged while your camcorder is connected  
to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC  
Adaptor or while the battery pack is  
attached. The rechargeable battery will be  
fully discharged in about 3 months if  
you do not use your camcorder at all  
without the AC Adaptor connected or the  
battery pack attached. Use your camcorder  
after charging the pre-installed  
Electric viewfinder (color)  
Image device  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 800 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): Approx. 400 000  
pixels  
Lens  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
40 × (Optical), 2 000 × (Digital)  
Focal length  
rechargeable battery.  
However, even if the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is not charged, the  
camcorder operation will not be affected as  
long as you are not recording the date.  
f=1.9 ~ 76 mm (3/32 ~ 3 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
In CAMERA: 36 ~ 1 440 mm (1 7/16 ~  
56 3/4 in.)  
F1.8 ~ 4.1  
x Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet  
(wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER  
switch set to OFF(CHG) for more than 24  
hours.  
Filter diameter: 30 mm (1 3/16 in.)  
Continued ,  
65  
   
Specifications (Continued)  
Color temperature  
During camera recording using the  
LCD 2.1 W  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR]  
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
Minimum illumination  
11 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus  
function)  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
63 × 85 × 114 mm  
Input/Output connectors  
A/V Remote Connector  
10-pin connector  
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts  
63 × 85 × 115 mm  
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 5/8 in.) (w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts with  
supplied battery pack NP-FH30  
attached  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω(ohms)  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω(ohms)  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms)  
Mass (approx.)  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 kΩ(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
380g(13oz) main unit only  
440g(15oz) including the NP-FH30  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette.  
USB jack (DCR-HC53E/HC54E)  
mini-B  
DV input/output jack (DCR-HC52E/  
HC54E)  
Supplied accessories  
See page 9.  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
DV output jack (DCR-HC51E/HC53E)  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
AC Adaptor AC-L200/L200B  
Power requirements  
AC 100 V - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
Current consumption  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
Power consumption  
18 W  
Output voltage  
LCD screen  
Picture  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
Total dot number  
123 200 (560 × 220)  
DC 8.4 V*  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
48 × 29 × 81 mm (1 15/16 × 1 3/16 ×  
3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the  
projecting parts  
General  
Power requirements  
DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder 1.8 W  
Mass (approx.)  
170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the power cord  
(mains lead)  
66  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for  
other specifications.  
On trademarks  
• “Handycam” and  
are  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
is a trademark.  
DC 7.2 V  
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media,  
Windows Vista, and DirectX are either  
registered trademarks or trademarks of  
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/  
or other countries.  
• Macintosh and Mac OS are registered  
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its  
subsidiaries in the United States and other  
countries.  
Capacity  
3.6 Wh (500 mAh)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm  
(1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
40 g (1.5 oz)  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Type  
• Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are  
either registered trademarks or trademarks of  
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United  
States and/or other countries.  
Lithium ion  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
All other product names mentioned herein may be  
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their  
respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®”  
are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  
67  
QIduicek Rnetfeirefnyceing parts and controls  
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.  
A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (20)  
B Power zoom lever (20)  
C
OPEN/EJECT lever (16)  
D Hooks for a shoulder belt  
Attach a shoulder belt (optional).  
E Grip belt (15)  
F Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (5)  
G LENS COVER switch (15)  
H Internal stereo microphone (34)  
I Infrared port (20)  
68  
   
A DISP/BATT INFO button (11, 15)  
B EASY button (17)  
C RESET button  
Initializes all the settings, including the  
setting of the date and time.  
D LCD screen/touch panel (15, 71)  
E Zoom buttons (20)  
F REC START/STOP button (17, 19)  
G Speaker  
Playback sounds comes out from the  
speaker. For how to adjust the volume,  
H BATT (battery release) PUSH button  
I CHG (charge) lamp (10)  
J For DCR-HC53E/HC54E:  
(USB) jack  
K . (back light) button (21)  
Continued ,  
69  
     
Identifying parts and controls (Continued)  
A POWER switch (13)  
B Viewfinder (15)  
C Eyecup (64)  
D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (15)  
E For DCR-HC51E/HC53E:  
DV OUT interface (43)  
For DCR-HC52E/HC54E:  
DV interface (43, 45)  
F DC IN jack (10)  
G A/V Remote Connector (26, 43)  
H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT lamp (13)  
I REC START/STOP button (17, 19)  
J Tripod receptacle  
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of  
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm  
(7/32 in.)) to the tripod receptacle using  
a tripod screw.  
70  
 
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
A Remaining battery (approx.)  
Recording  
B Recording mode (SP or LP) (41)  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
1
2
3
4
5
[REC] (recording))  
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:  
minute: second)  
Playback: Time code (hour: minute:  
second: frame)  
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)  
F Function button (28)  
G Guide button (23)  
7
6
H Tape transport indicator  
I Video operation buttons (22)  
Viewing  
1
2
8
4
5
7
9
6
Continued ,  
71  
       
Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued)  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
SCENE SEL. (30)  
You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 72) to  
check the function of each indicator that  
appears on the LCD screen.  
Picture effect (37)  
White balance (32)  
n
b Notes  
Wide select (38)  
• Some of the indicators may not appear when  
you use [DISP GUIDE].  
SteadyShot off (38)  
Upper left  
Upper right  
+
/
E D I T  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
60min  
b Notes  
• The content and the position of the indicator are  
normal. It may differ from the actual display.  
Data code during recording  
+
GUIDE  
FN  
/
E D I T  
The date/time during recording and the  
camera setting data will be recorded  
automatically. They do not appear on the  
screen during recording, but you can check  
them as [DATA CODE] during playback  
Bottom  
Center  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
AUDIO MODE (41)  
Checking the screen indicators  
(Display guide)  
Upper right  
You can easily check the meaning of each  
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.  
1 Touch [GUIDE] t [DISP GUIDE].  
Indicator  
Meaning  
DV input (45)  
Center  
Indicator  
Meaning  
NightShot plus (20)  
Warning (56)  
% Z  
Bottom  
2 Touch the area including the indicator that  
you want to check.  
The meanings of the indicators in the area  
are listed on the screen. If you cannot find  
the indicator you want to check, touch  
[PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to toggle.  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Flexible spot meter (30)/  
Manual exposure (31)  
9
.
Manual focus (29)  
Backlight (21)  
72  
         
To finish the operation, touch [END].  
z Tips  
• You can also operate by touching  
[DISP GUIDE].  
t
73  
Index  
DISP GUIDE  
Numeric  
DISP OUT  
M
E
A
A DUB CTRL  
N
A.SHUT OFF  
F
N.S.LIGHT  
B
O
G
I
P
C
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
L
R
D
REC CTRL (Recording  
REC MODE  
74  
 
V
V SPD PLAY  
VF B.L.  
S
Searching for the starting point  
W
WHT BAL  
WIDE DISP  
WIDE SEL  
SPOT METER  
Z
SUNRSSUNST  
T
U
75  
Additional information on this product and answers  
to frequently asked questions can be found at our  
Customer Support Website.  
Printed in Japan  

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