Sony DCR IP55 User Manual

3-075-459-12 (1)

Digital

Video Camera

Recorder

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain

it for future reference.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the

serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers

whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. DCR-IP

Model No. AC-

Serial No.

DCR-IP45/IP55

Welcome!

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. With your Handycam, you can

capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is

loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be

producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.

For customers in the U.S.A.

and CANADA

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do

not expose the unit to rain or

moisture.

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH

WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,

FULLY INSERT.

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are

recyclable.

You can help preserve our

environment by returning

your used rechargeable

batteries to the collection and

recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of

rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-

8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/.

This symbol is intended to

alert the user to the presence

of uninsulated “dangerous

voltage” within the product’s

enclosure that may be of

sufficient magnitude to

constitute a risk of electric

shock to persons.

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking

Lithium-Ion batteries.

“Memory Stick”

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following

two conditions: (1) This device may not cause

harmful interference, and (2) this device must

accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired

operation.

This symbol is intended to

alert the user to the presence

of important operating and

maintenance (servicing)

instructions in the literature

accompanying the appliance.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with

Canadian ICES-003.

DCR-IP55 only

Countries and areas where you can use

network functions are restricted.

For details, refer to the separate Network

Operating Instructions.

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this

product will increase eye hazard. As the laser

beam used in this Handycam is harmful to

eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the

cabinet.

Refer to servicing to qualified personnel only.

Note:

For customers in the U.S.A.

This equipment has been tested and found to

comply with the limits for a Class B digital

device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide

If you have any questions about this product,

you may call:

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-

SONY (7669)

reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation. This

equipment generates, uses, and can radiate

radio frequency energy and, if not installed

and used in accordance with the instructions,

may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no

guarantee that interference will not occur in a

particular installation. If this equipment does

cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined

by turning the equipment off and on, the user

is encouraged to try to correct the interference

by one or more of the following measures:

The number below is for the FCC related

matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name:

Model No.:

SONY

DCR-IP55

Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.

Address:

680 Kinderkamack

Road, Oradell,

NJ07649 U.S.A.

201-930-6972

Telephone No.:

This device complies with Part 15 of the

FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) This device

may not cause harmful interference, and

(2)this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may

cause undesired operation.

—

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

—

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

—

Consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION

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.

You are cautioned that any changes or

modifications not expressly approved in this

manual could void your authority to operate

this equipment.

DCR-IP55 only

IMPORTANT NOTE

For customers in CANADA

To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance

requirements, the following antenna

installation and device operating

configurations must be satisfied: the antenna

has been installed by the manufacturer and no

changes can be made.

DCR-IP55 only

The term “IC:” before the radio certification

number only signifies that Industry Canada

technical specifications were met.

Main Features

•Recording moving pictures on

tapes (p. 29)

•Playing back tapes (p. 42)

•Recording still images on the

“Memory Stick”s (p. 49, 114)

Recording moving pictures

or still images, and playing

them back

•Recording moving pictures on the

“Memory Stick”s (p. 129)

•Viewing still images recorded on

the “Memory Stick”s (p. 135)

•Viewing moving pictures on the

“Memory Stick”s (p. 138)

•Viewing moving pictures recorded

on tapes using the i.LINK cable

(p. 152)

(The i.LINK of this camcorder

Capturing images on your

computer

adopts the

not adopt the

format of

format only. It does

or the MPEG2

•Viewing images recorded on the

“Memory Stick”s using the USB

cable (p. 166, 171)

•Viewing moving pictures recorded

on tapes using the USB cable

(p. 161)

•Capturing images on your

computer from your camcorder

using the USB cable (p. 163)

Main Features

Accessing the Internet via a

Bluetooth equipped device

(optional) (DCR-IP55 only)

Accessing the Internet, sending/

receiving your e-mail. For details,

refer to the Network Function

Operating Instructions supplied

with your camcorder. (DCR-IP55

only) (p. 172)

Other uses

Functions to adjust exposure in the recording mode

•BACK LIGHT (p. 37)

•NightShot/Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter (p. 38)

•Recording with the flash (p. 51, 118)

•PROGRAM AE (p. 65)

•White balance (p. 54)

•Adjusting the exposure manually (p. 68)

•Flexible Spot Meter (p. 69)

•HOLOGRAM AF (p. 119)

Functions to give images more impact

•Digital zoom (p. 34). The default setting is set to OFF. (To zoom greater than 10×, select

the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)

•Fader (p. 58)

•Picture effect (p. 61, 75)

•Digital effect (p. 62, 76)

•Title (p. 92, 97)

•MEMORY MIX (p. 125)

Functions to give a natural appearance to your recordings

•Sports lesson (p. 65)

•Landscape (p. 65)

•Manual focus (p. 70)

•Spot Focus (p. 72)

Functions to use after recording

•END SEARCH (p. 41)

•DATA CODE (p. 43)

•MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH (p. 79)

•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 77)

•TITLE SEARCH (p. 83)

Table of contents

Main Features............................... 4 Advanced Recording

Operations

Introduction

Recording still images in CAMERA mode ... 49

Adjusting the white balance manually ... 54

Using the wide mode ................................ 56

Using the fader function ........................... 58

Using special effects – Picture effect ....... 61

Using special effects – Digital effect ....... 62

Using the PROGRAM AE ........................ 65

Adjusting the exposure manually ........... 68

Using the spot light-metering mode

– Flexible Spot Meter.......................... 69

Focusing manually .................................... 70

Using the spot focus mode

– Spot Focus......................................... 72

Using the viewfinder ................................ 73

– Basic operations............................. 8

Quick Start Guide

– Recording on a tape................................ 10

– Recording on a “Memory Stick” ............... 12

Getting started

Using this manual ..................................... 14

Checking supplied accessories ................ 16

Step 1 Preparing the power supply ........ 17

Installing the battery pack................. 17

Charging the battery pack ................. 18

Connecting to a wall outlet ............... 21

Step 2 Setting the date and time .............. 22

Step 3 Inserting a cassette ......................... 25

Step 4 Using the touch panel ................... 27

Advanced Playback

Operations

Playing back a tape with picture effects ... 75

Playing back a tape with digital effects.... 76

Enlarging images recorded on tapes

– Tape PB ZOOM ............................... 77

Searching for a scene

– MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH........... 79

Searching the boundaries of recorded tape

by title – TITLE SEARCH .................. 83

Searching a recording by date

Recording – Basics

Recording a picture ................................... 29

Shooting a backlit subject

– BACK LIGHT ............................ 37

Shooting in the dark

– NightShot/Super NightShot/

Color Slow Shutter ...................... 38

Self-timer recording ........................... 40

Checking the recording

– DATE SEARCH ............................... 84

Editing

– END SEARCH ................................. 41

Dubbing a tape ........................................... 85

Recording video or TV programs ........... 88

Superimposing a title ................................ 92

Making your own titles ............................ 97

The Micro Cassette Memory .................. 100

Labeling a cassette

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape.................................... 42

To display the screen indicators

– Display function ....................... 43

Viewing the recording on TV .................. 47

Table of contents

Viewing images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” Operations

“Memory Stick” on your computer

– For Macintosh users ...................... 171

Using a “Memory Stick”

– Introduction ................................... 103

Recording still images on a

Using the Network function

(DCR-IP55 only)

“Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording ............. 114

Recording an image from a tape

as a still image ................................... 122

Superimposing a still image in a

“Memory Stick” on an image

– MEMORY MIX............................... 125

Recording moving pictures on the

“Memory Stick”

– MPEG movie recording ................ 129

Recording a picture from a tape as a

moving picture.................................. 132

Viewing a still image

Accessing the network ............................ 172

Customising your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings .................. 174

Troubleshooting

Types of trouble and how to correct

trouble ................................................ 183

Self-diagnosis display ............................. 190

Warning indicators and messages ........ 191

– Memory photo playback .............. 135

Viewing a moving picture

– MPEG movie playback ................. 138

Copying still images recorded on the

“Memory Stick” to a tape ................ 140

Enlarging still images recorded on the

“Memory Stick”

– Memory PB ZOOM ....................... 142

Playing back images continuously

– SLIDE SHOW ................................. 144

Preventing accidental erasure

– Image protection ............................ 146

Deleting images – DELETE .................... 147

Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK .... 150

Additional Information

Usable cassettes........................................ 194

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.... 196

About i.LINK............................................ 198

Using your camcorder abroad ............... 200

Maintenance information and

precautions ........................................ 201

Specifications............................................ 206

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls ......... 208

Index .......................................................... 215

Viewing Images Using your

Computer

Viewing images on your computer

– Introduction ................................... 151

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the i.LINK cable

– For Windows users ....................... 152

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users ....................... 153

Viewing images recorded on a tape on

your computer

– For Windows users ....................... 161

Viewing images recorded on a

“Memory Stick” on your computer

– For Windows users ....................... 166

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the USB cable

– For Macintosh users ...................... 169

Introduction – Basic operations

This section describes the basic operations to operate the camcorder.

How to turn on the power and select the mode

To supply power for the camcorder, see “Step 1 Preparing the power supply” on page

17.

1,2

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

(1) Slide the POWER switch down while pressing the small green button, then release

your finger.

The camcorder is turned on, and then the camcorder turns to the CAMERA mode

so that the CAMERA lamp lights up.

(2) Slide the POWER switch down. Each time you slide it down, the mode changes as

follows and corresponding mode lamp also lights up.

CAMERA Use this mode when you record on a tape.

MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55)

MEMORY:

Use this mode when you record on a “Memory Stick,” or

play back or edit an image in a “Memory Stick.”

Use this mode when you use the network

NETWORK:

(DCR-IP55 only)

function. For details, refer to the supplied network function

operating instructions.

VCR Use this mode when you play back or edit an image recorded on a tape or

“Memory Stick”.

Introduction – Basic operations

Grip position

The grip on this camcorder can be moved to three positions. Turn the grip to the

appropriate position depending on your purpose.

Storing position

Recording position

Cassette inserting/

ejecting position

Storing position

Turn the grip to this position when you store your camcorder.

Recording position

Turn the grip until it comes to a steady position or where it is easy to grip in order to

perform operations such as the zoom function. Then hold your camcorder through the

wrist strap to prevent the camera from dropping.

Cassette inserting/ejecting position

Turn the grip to this position so that the cassette lid can be seen completely.

Note

When inserting or ejecting the cassette, be sure to turn the grip to the cassette inserting/

ejecting position. Otherwise, the cassette cannot be inserted or ejected.

Quick Start Guide – Recording on a tape

This chapter introduces you to the basic

features to record pictures on tepes of your

camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )”

for more information.

Turn the grip to the recording position, and

hold your camcorder through the wrist strap to

prevent the camera from dropping as

illustrated.

Connecting the power cord (p. 20)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 17).

Open the DC IN

jack cover.

AC power adaptor

Connect the plug with its v mark facing up.

Inserting a cassette (p. 25)

1Turn the grip to

the cassette

inserting/

3Push the middle

portion of the

back of the

4Press the cassette

compartment

lightly to close.

After the cassette

compartment

goes down

2Slide OPEN/

EJECT in the

direction of the

arrow and open

the lid.

ejecting

cassette into the

cassette

position.

Otherwise, the

cassette cannot

be inserted or

ejected.

compartment.

Insert the cassette

in a straight line

deeply into it with

the cassette

window facing

out.

completely, close

the lid until it

clicks.

Cassette window

Cassette compartment

OPEN/EJECT

Recording a picture (p. 29)

Viewfinder

When the LCD panel is closed,

use the viewfinder.

1Remove the lens cap.

Adjust the viewfinder lens to

your eyesight (p. 33).

2Turn the grip to the

recording position, and

hold your camcorder

through the wrist strap.

3Set the POWER switch

to CAMERA. The

CAMERA lamp lights

up.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

5Press START/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

STOP. Your

camcorder starts

recording. To

stop recording,

press START/

STOP again.

MODE

POWER

START/STOP

4Slide OPEN in the direction of the

B mark indicated on the

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock

setting is not set up yet. Set the clock setting

before recording (p. 22).

camcorder to open the LCD

panel. The picture appears on the

LCD screen.

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD

screen ^{(p. 42)}

CAMERA

1Set the POWER switch

to VCR.

2Press

of the touch panel to

rewind the tape.

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

The VCR lamp lights

up.

MODE

POWER

3Press of the touch panel to

start playback.

Note

When using the touch panel, press

operation buttons lightly with your

thumb or the supplied stylus (DCR-IP55

only) supporting the LCD screen from

the rear of it. Do not press the LCD

screen with sharp objects other than the

stylus supplied (DCR-IP55 only).

Note

Do not pick up your

camcorder by the LCD

panel, the battery pack, the

flash or the jack cover.

Quick Start Guide – Recording on a “Memory Stick”

This chapter introduces you to the basic

features to record on a “Memory Stick” of your

camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )”

for more information.

Turn the grip to the recording position, and

hold your camcorder through the wrist strap to

prevent the camera from dropping as

illustrated.

Connecting the power cord (p. 20)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 17).

Open the DC

IN jack cover.

AC power adaptor

Connect the plug with its v mark facing up.

Inserting a “Memory Stick” (p. 104)

Position the b mark on the “Memory Stick” as illustrated and insert a “Memory Stick” in

the “Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go.

Press the

“Memory Stick”

once lightly to

eject it.

“Memory

Stick” access

lamp

“Memory Stick” slot

Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick” (p. 114)

Viewfinder

1Remove the lens cap.

When the LCD panel is closed,

use the viewfinder.

Adjust the viewfinder lens to

your eyesight (p. 33).

2Turn the grip to the

recording position, and

hold your camcorder

through the wrist strap.

3Set the POWER switch

to MEMORY/

NETWORK (DCR-IP55

only). The MEMORY/

NETWORK lamp lights

up.

5Press PHOTO

lightly.

When the green z

mark stops flashing,

then lights up, you

can record a still

image.

4Slide OPEN in the direction

of the B mark indicated on

the camcorder to open the

LCD panel. The picture

PHOTO

6Press PHOTO

appears on the LCD screen.

deeper.

The image when you

pressed PHOTO

deeper will be

recorded on a

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is not

set up yet. If you want to record the date and time for a

picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 22).

PHOTO

“Memory Stick”.

Monitoring the still image on the LCD screen

(p. 135)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

1Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

(DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

The MEMORY/NETWORK or VCR lamp lights up.

MODE

POWER

2Press PLAY or

PB.

The last recorded image is

displayed.

PLAY

Note

Do not pick up your

camcorder by the LCD

panel, the battery pack, the

flash or the jack cover.

— Getting started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before

you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number

by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-IP55 is the model used for

illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any

differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “DCR-IP55 only”.

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in

capital letters.

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep to indicate that the operation is

being carried out.

Types of differences

DCR-

IP45

MEMORY

—

IP55

Mark on the POWER switch

Network function

MEMORY/NETWORK

Provided

—

Not provided

Note on the MICROMV format

Your camcorder is based on the MICROMV format. You can only use

MICROMV cassettes with your camcorder.

•Records and plays back for about 60 minutes with equal quality when compared to

DV (digital video).

•The Micro Cassette Memory feature is provided with all MICROMV cassettes. The

camcorder can access any scene easily using the memory (MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH

function).

•Adopts the MPEG2 format as a data compression method. This format is the same as

the one for DVD (digital versatile disc). Records in 12 Mbps bit rate to obtain a higher

quality of image.

•Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is the still image.

This is not malfunction.

The mark is indicated on the MICROMV cassette.

Note on TV color systems

TV color systems differ from country or area. To view your recordings on a TV set, you

need a NTSC system-based TV.

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.

Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the

Precautions on camcorder care

Lens and LCD screen/finder

•The LCD screen and the finder 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 constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.

These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the

recording in any way.

•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea

water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].

•

Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F), such as in a

car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].

•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD

screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause

malfunctions [c].

•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.

Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].

[a]

[b]

[c]

[d]

Checking supplied accessories

Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

1 AC-L20A AC power adaptor (1), the

8 USB cable (1) (p. 155)

power cord (1) (p. 18)

9 CD-ROM (SPVD-008 USB Driver) (1) (p.

2 NP-FF50 battery pack (1) (p. 17, 18)

3 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 47, 85)

4 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 212)

153)

q; CD-ROM (MovieShaker Ver.3.1 for

MICROMV) (1) (p. 152)

qa Battery terminal cover (1) (p. 17)

5 Size AA (R6) batteries for the Remote

Commander (2) (p. 213)

qs Cleaning cloth (1) (p. 202)

6 Lens cap (1) (p. 29), String (1) (p. 211)

qd Stylus (1) (DCR-IP55 only)

7 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 103)

Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a

malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Installing the battery pack

(1) Lift BATT (battery) RELEASE in the direction of the arrow to release the battery

terminal cover.

(2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

To remove the battery pack

The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.

Battery terminal cover

To protect the battery terminals, install the battery terminal cover after the battery pack

is removed.

Installing the battery pack

Make sure that the battery pack is properly installed. Check also the battery pack is not

attached to your camcorder askew.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Charging the battery pack

Charge the battery pack before using your camcorder.

Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (F series).

See page 196 for details of the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC

IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The battery CHG lamp lights up when the charge begins. After charging is

completed, the battery CHG lamp goes off (full charge).

To a wall outlet

CAMERA

Battery CHG lamp

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

POWER

After charging the battery pack

Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Note

Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of

the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power

adaptor.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

While charging the battery pack, the battery CHG lamp flashes in the following

cases:

– The battery pack is not installed correctly.

– Something is wrong with the battery pack.

When you use the AC power adaptor

Place the AC power adaptor near the wall outlet. If any trouble occurs with this unit,

disconnect the plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.

Charging time

Battery pack

NP-FF50 (supplied)

NP-FF70

Full charge

120

150

Approximate minutes at 25°C (77°F) to charge an empty battery pack

Recording time

Recording with

the viewfinder

Recording with

the LCD screen

Battery pack

Backlighting on

Backlighting off

Continuous Typical*

Continuous Typical* Continuous Typical*

NP-FF50

(supplied)

NP-FF70

155

130

155

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

Approximate recording time when you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and

turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

Playing time

on LCD screen

Playing time

with LCD closed

Battery pack

NP-FF50 (supplied)

NP-FF70

130

155

Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Note

Approximate recording time and continuous playing time at 25 °C (77 °F). The battery

life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

If the power goes off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that the

battery pack has enough power to operate

Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining

indicator is correct.

Recommended charging temperature

We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 °C

to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).

What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?

The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as

battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible

with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (F series). Your camcorder operates only with the

“InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” F series battery packs have the

mark.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Connecting to a wall outlet

When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a

wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.

(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the DC

IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.

(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

2,3

To a wall outlet

PRECAUTION

The camcorder is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long

as it is connected to a wall outlet, even if the camcorder itself has been turned off.

Notes

•The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your

camcorder.

•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack cannot supply

any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power

cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.

•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug

of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power

adaptor.

A car battery

You cannot use a car battery with the camcorder.

Step 2 Setting the date and time

Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. “CLOCK SET”

will be displayed each time you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/

NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) unless you set the date and time settings.

If you do not use your camcorder for about three months, the date and time settings

may be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in

your camcorder will have been discharged (p. 203).

In this case, charge the built-in rechargeable battery, then set your area, the daylight

saving time (DST), the year, the month, the day, the hour and the minute.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

The CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK lamp lights up.

(2) Press FN (Function) to display PAGE1 (p. 27).

(3) Press MENU to display the menu.

(4) Press r/R to select , then press EXEC.

(5) Press r/R to select CLOCK SET, then press EXEC.

(6) Press r/R to select your area, then press EXEC.

(7) Press r/R to select whether your area is in daylight saving time or not, then press

EXEC.

(8) Press r/R to select the year, then press EXEC.

(9) Set the month, day and hour with the same procedure as step 8.

(10) Press r/R to set the minute, then press EXEC by the time signal. The clock starts to

move.

2,3

EXEC

STBY

EXIT

SETUP MENU

STBY

EXIT

GMT +0.0

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET

AREA

CLOCK SET

USB STREAM

LANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

CLOCK SET

USB STREAM

LANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

Lisbon, London

DST OFF

DATE

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

EXIT

GMT –5.0

EXIT

GMT –5.0

CLOCK SET

AREA26

CLOCK SET

AREA26

EXIT

GMT –5.0

CLOCK SET

AREA26

NewYork, Bogota

DST OFF

DATE

^RY ^RM ^RD

2002 JAN

DATE

12 00AM

EXEC

EXIT

GMT –5.0

EXIT

2002

5:30:00 PM

CLOCK SET

AREA26

EXIT

GMT –5.0

NewYork, Bogota

SETUP MENU STBY

CLOCK SET JUL

USB STREAM

LANGUAGE

DEMO MODE

CLOCK SET

AREA26

NewYork, Bogota

DST OFF

^RY ^RM ^RD

2002 JUL

DATE

^RM ^RD ^R

DATE

2002 JAN

12 00AM

30PM

EXEC

RET.

Step 2 Setting the date and time

The year changes as follows:

2000

2002

2079

To return to FN (Function)

Press EXIT.

Note

Instead of DST, SUMMERTIME is displayed on the LCD screen for some models.

When using your camcorder abroad

Set the clock to the local time (p. 24).

If you use the camcorder in a region where summer time is used

Set DST SET to ON in the menu settings.

If you do not set the date and time

“– – – – – – – –” and “– –:– –:– –” are recorded on the tape or the “Memory Stick” as the

data code.

Note on the time indicator

The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.

– 12:00 AM stands for midnight.

– 12:00 PM stands for noon.

Step 2 Setting the date and time

Simple setting of clock by time difference

You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference. Set up the

AREA SET and DST SET items in the menu settings.

See page 182 for more information.

1920 21 22 23 2425 26 272930 31 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 121314 16 17 18

Area

code

Time-zone Area setting

differences

Area

code

Time-zone Area setting

differences

GMT–12:00 Eniwetok, Kwajalein

GMT–11:00 Midway Is., Samoa

GMT–10:00 Hawaii

GMT

Lisbon, London

GMT+01:00 Berlin, Paris

GMT+02:00 Helsinki, Cairo

GMT+03:00 Moscow, Nairobi

GMT+03:30 Tehran

GMT–09:00 Alaska

GMT–08:00 LosAngeles, Tijuana

GMT–07:00 Denver, Arizona

GMT–06:00 Chicago, Mexico City

GMT–05:00 New York, Bogota

GMT–04:00 Santiago

GMT+04:00 Abu Dhabi, Baku

GMT+04:30 Kabul

GMT+05:00 Karachi, Islamabad

GMT+05:30 Calcutta, New Delhi

GMT+06:00 Almaty, Dhaka

GMT+06:30 Rangoon

GMT–03:30 St. John’s

GMT–03:00 Brasilia, Montevideo

GMT–02:00 Fernando de Noronha

GMT–01:00 Azores

GMT+07:00 Bangkok, Jakarta

GMT+08:00 HongKong, Singapore

GMT+09:00 Seoul, Tokyo

GMT+09:30 Adelaide, Darwin

GMT+10:00 Melbourne, Sydney

GMT+11:00 Solomon Is

To set your local time

Select AREA in the menu settings, then press

EXEC. Next, select the country or area where

you stay in, using the table above, then press

EXEC.

GMT+12:00 Fiji, Wellington

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

(1) Prepare the power source.

(2) Turn the grip to the cassette inserting/ejecting position. See “Introduction – Basic

operations” (p. 9) for more information.

(3) Slide OPEN/EJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette

compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

(4) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette into the cassette compartment.

Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into it with the cassette window facing

out.

(5) Press the cassette compartment lightly to close. The cassette compartment

automatically goes down.

(6) After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it clicks.

Cassette lid

OPEN/

EJECT

5,6

Cassette

window

Cassette compartment

To eject a cassette

Follow the procedures above, and take out the cassette after the cassette compartment

opens completely in step 3.

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

Notes

•Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction.

•Be sure to turn the grip to the cassette inserting/ejecting position. Otherwise, the

cassette cannot be inserted or ejected.

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

Label

Labels may cause a malfunction of the camcorder. Therefore, be sure not to:

•Stick on any labels other than the one supplied.

•Stick the label onto any part of the cassette other than the label position [a].

[a]

Step 4 Using the touch panel

Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Press the LCD screen with

your finger or the supplied stylus (DCR-IP55 only) to operate each function. This

section describes how to operate the touch panel during recording or playing back

images on a tape.

(1) Prepare the power source (p. 17 to 21).

(2) Slide OPEN in the direction of the B mark indicated on the camcorder to open the

LCD panel.

(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA, MEMORY/NETWORK(DCR-IP55 only) or

VCR.

(4) Press FN to display PAGE1. The operation buttons of PAGE1 appear on the LCD

screen.

(5) Press PAGE2 to go to PAGE2. The operation buttons of PAGE2 appear on the LCD

screen.

(6) Press PAGE3 to go to PAGE3. The operation buttons of PAGE3 appear on the LCD

screen.

(7) Press a desired operation item. See relevant pages of this manual for each function.

5,6

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

SPOT

FOCUS

SPOT

METER

END

SCH

EXPO-

SURE

FADER

SELF TITLE

TIMER

DIG

EFFT

MEM

MIX

LCD

BRT

VOL

COUNT

RESET

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

POWER

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To execute settings

Press EXEC or

OK. The display returns to PAGE1, 2 or 3.

To cancel settings

Press

OFF. The display returns to PAGE1, 2 or 3.

Step 4 Using the touch panel

Notes

•When using the touch panel, press the LCD screen lightly with your thumb, the

supplied stylus (DCR-IP55 only) or index finger supporting the LCD screen from the

back side of it.

•Do not press the LCD screen with sharp objects other than the stylus supplied (DCR-

IP55 only).

•Do not press the LCD screen too hard.

•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.

•If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You

can make the display appear and disappear with DSPL/TOUCH PANEL on your

camcorder.

•When the operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment is

required (CALIBRATION) (p. 203).

•When the LCD screen gets dirty, use the supplied cleaning cloth.

When executing each item

The green bar appears above the item.

If an item is not available

The color of the items changes to grey.

Touch panel

You can operate with the touch panel using the viewfinder (p. 73).

Press FN to display the following buttons:

In CAMERA mode

PAGE1

PAGE2

PAGE3

SPOT FOCUS, MENU, FADER, END SCH, EXPOSURE, SPOT METER

SELF TIMER, TITLE, DIG EFFT, MEM MIX

LCD BRT, VOL, COUNT RESET

In VCR mode

PAGE1

PAGE2

PAGE3

MENU, VOL, TITLE, MULTI SCH

LCD BRT, DIG EFFT, PB ZOOM, END SCH

DATA CODE, COUNT RESET, REC CTRL

See page 107 when you set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55

only).

— Recording – Basics —

Recording a picture

Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.

(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides.

(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” (p. 17 to 26)

for more information.

(3) Turn the grip to the recording position, and hold your camcorder through the wrist

strap. See “Quick Start Guide” (p. 10) for more information.

(4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Your camcorder is set to the recording standby

mode.

(5) Slide OPEN in the direction of the B mark indicated on the camcorder to open the

LCD panel. The viewfinder automatically turns off.

(6) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator appears.

The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder lights up. To

stop recording, press START/STOP again.

REC 0:00:01

40min

Microphone

START/STOP

Camera

recording lamp

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

Recording a picture

After recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

(2) Close the LCD panel, then turn the grip to the cassette inserting/ejecting position.

(3) Eject the cassette.

(4) Turn the grip to the storing position.

(5) Remove the power source.

Note

Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.

To enable transition

Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene can be performed as

long as you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder. When you

want to change the battery pack, be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). It

does not affect transition.

Note

The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed

while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display

the recording data, press DATA CODE during playback. You can also use the Remote

Commander for this operation (p. 43).

If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for five minutes while the

cassette is inserted

Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent

battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF

(CHG), and to ON again. However, your camcorder does not turn off automatically

while the cassette is not inserted.

The battery life when you record using the LCD screen

The battery time is slightly shorter than the shooting time using the viewfinder.

Recording a picture

Adjusting the LCD screen

The LCD panel turns about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to

the lens side.

Slide OPEN to open the LCD panel.

When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically, and hold it into the camcorder body.

Note

When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode (p. 35), the viewfinder

automatically turns off.

When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight

The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the

viewfinder.

When you adjust the angle of the LCD panel

Make sure the LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees.

Recording a picture

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Press FN and select PAGE3 (p. 27).

You can also adjust the brightness of the LCD screen in the following operations.

• Set the POWER switch to VCR. Press FN and select PAGE2.

• Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only). Press FN and

select PAGE3.

(2) Press LCD BRT. The screen to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen appears.

(3) Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using –/+.

– : to dim

+ : to brighten

(4) Press

OK. The display returns to PAGE3.

2-4

PAGE3

LCD

BRT

LCD BRT

–

the bar indicator

OPEN

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

The color of the LCD screen

You can adjust it using the LCD COLOR item in the menu settings (p. 177).

Even if you adjust the LCD screen using LCD BRT, LCD COLOR, or the LCD screen

backlight

The recorded picture will not be affected.

The setting of the LCD BACKLIGHT switch

Normally, set it to ON. When you use the camcorder in bright conditions using the

battery pack, set it to OFF. This position saves battery power.

Recording a picture

Adjusting the viewfinder

If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder.

Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder

come into sharp focus.

Adjust with the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.

Viewfinder lens

adjustment lever

You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to your camcorder body with the

LCD screen facing out. You can operate with the touch panel through the viewfinder in

CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) mode (p. 73).

Viewfinder backlight

You can change the brightness of the backlight.

Select VF B.L. in the menu settings when using the battery pack (p. 177).

Even if you adjust the viewfinder backlight

The recorded picture will not be affected.

Recording a picture

Using the zoom feature

Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)

“W” side:for wide-angle (subject appears further away)

Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.

To zoom greater than 10×

Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally. To activate the digital zoom, select the

digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set

to OFF in the default setting (p. 176).

The right side of the bar shows the digital

zooming zone.

The digital zooming zone appears when you

select the digital zoom power in the menu

settings.

When you shoot close to a subject

If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the

focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/8 inch)

away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 inch)

away in the wide-angle position.

Digital zoom

•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 10×. Up to 20x or 120x zoom is

performed digitally.

•The picture quality deteriorates as you move the power zoom lever toward the “T”

side.

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

You cannot use the digital zoom.

Recording a picture

Shooting with the mirror mode

This feature allows the camera subject to view him or herself on the LCD screen.

The subject can see his or her own image on the LCD screen while you look at the

subject in the viewfinder.

Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) and

rotate the LCD screen 180 degrees.

The

indicator appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen.

Xz appears in the standby mode, and z appears in the recording mode. Some other

indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.

Picture in the mirror mode

The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal

when recorded.

During recording in the mirror mode

FN appears mirror-reversed in the viewfinder.

When you press FN

The

indicator does not appear on the LCD screen.

Recording a picture

Indicators displayed in the recording mode

The indicators are not recorded on the tape.

Remaining battery time

Micro Cassette Memory

STBY/REC

REC

0:00:01

45min

40min

Tape counter

Remaining tape

This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play back for a while.

JUL

2002

12 : 05 : 56 PM

FN button

Press this button to display operation buttons on the LCD screen.

Time

The time is displayed about five seconds after the power is turned on.

Date

The date is displayed about five seconds after the power is turned on.

Remaining battery time indicator during recording

The remaining battery time indicator shows the approximate recording time. The

indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording.

When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about one minute for the

correct remaining battery time in minutes to be displayed.

Tape counter

The tape counter can be reset using COUNT RESET in the PAGE3 screen.

Remaining tape indicator

The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape.

Recording data

The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed

while recording. However, they are recorded automatically on the tape. To display the

recording data, press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback. You

can also operate in the PAGE3 screen during playback (p. 43).

Recording a picture

Shooting a backlit subject – BACK LIGHT

When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a

light background, use the backlight function.

BACK LIGHT

Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) and

press BACK LIGHT.

The . indicator appears on the LCD screen.

To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.

During back light function

The backlight function will be canceled when you press MANUAL in the EXPOSURE

mode (p. 68) or SPOT METER (p. 69).

Recording a picture

Shooting in the dark

– NightShot/Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter

Using NightShot

NightShot enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you can

satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when you

use this function.

Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) and set

NIGHTSHOT to ON.

and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen. To cancel NightShot, set

NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

COLOR

NIGHTSHOT

SLOW S

OFF

SUPER

NIGHTSHOT

Infrared rays (NightShot Light)

emitter

Using Super NightShot

Super NightShot makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those recorded in

NightShot.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Set NIGHTSHOT to ON. The

screen.

and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD

(3) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.

The

and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT“ indicators flash on the LCD screen.

To cancel Super NightShot, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT again.

Using the NightShot Light

The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To activate NightShot Light, set

N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (The default setting is ON) (p. 175).

Using Color Slow Shutter

Color Slow Shutter enables you to record color images in a dark place.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Set NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

(3) Press COLOR SLOW S.

The

and COLOR SLOW SHUTTER indicators flash on the LCD screen.

To cancel the Color Slow Shutter function, press COLOR SLOW S again.

Recording a picture

Notes

•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This

may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

•When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be

recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.

•If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,

focus manually.

•Do not cover the NightShot Light emitter when using the NightShot function.

While using NightShot, you cannot use the following functions:

– Exposure

– Flexible Spot Meter

– PROGRAM AE

– White balance

– HOLOGRAM AF

While using Super NightShot, you cannot use the following functions:

– Fader

– Exposure

– Digital effect

– PROGRAM AE

– Recording still images

– White balance

– Flexible Spot Meter

– HOLOGRAM AF

– Recording with the flash

While using the Color Slow Shutter function, you cannot use the following

functions:

– Fader

– Exposure

– Digital effect

– PROGRAM AE

– Recording still images

– Flexble Spot Meter

– HOLOGRAM AF

– Recording with the flash

While using Super NightShot or Color Slow Shutter

The shutter speed will be automatically adjusted depending on the brightness of the

background. The motion of the moving picture may slow down.

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

You cannot use following functions:

– Super NightShot function

– Color Slow Shutter

NightShot Light

NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance

using the NightShot Light is about three meters (10 feet).

In dark places

Color slow shutter may not work properly.

Recording a picture

Self-timer recording

Recording automatically starts in 10 seconds after you set the self-timer. You can also

use the Remote Commander for this operation.

(1) In the standby mode, press FN and select PAGE2 (p. 27).

(2) Press SELFTIMER.

The

(self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen.

(3) Press START/STOP.

The self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two

seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts

automatically.

START/STOP

PAGE2

To stop the countdown

Press START/STOP.

To restart the countdown, press START/STOP again.

To cancel self-timer recording

Press SELFTIMER so that the

(self-timer) indicator disappears from the LCD screen

while your camcorder is in the standby mode. You cannot cancel self-timer recording

using the Remote Commander.

Note

The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when:

– Self-timer recording is finished.

– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

You can also record still images on the “Memory Stick” with the self-timer (p. 121).

Checking the recording– END SEARCH

You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record. It is convenient when

you make the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record

smooth.

(1) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 27).

(2) Press END SCH.

The last five seconds of the recorded section are played back and your camcorder

returns to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To stop searching

Press END SCH again.

Even once you eject the cassette

The end search function works.

— Playback – Basics —

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the recorded tape etc. on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel,

you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also control playback

using the Remote Commander.

(1) Prepare the power source and insert the recorded tape.

(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(3) Slide OPEN in the direction of the B mark to open the LCD panel.

(4) Press

(5) Press

to rewind the tape.

to start playback.

(6) Adjust the volume following the steps below.

1 Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 27).

2 Press VOL. The screen for the volume adjustment appears.

3 Press –/+ to adjust the volume.

– : to decrease the volume.

+ : to increase the volume.

(7) Press

OK. The display returns to PAGE1.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

POWER

6,7

VOL

The bar indicator

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To stop playback

Press

on the LCD screen or STOP on the Remote Commander.

Playing back a tape

When monitoring on the LCD screen

You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the

LCD screen facing out.

If you leave the power on for a long time

Your camcorder gets warm. This is not a malfunction.

When you open or close the LCD panel

Make sure that the LCD panel is set vertically.

To display the screen indicators – Display function

Press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder or DISPLAY on the Remote

Commander.

The indicators disappear from the LCD screen.

To make the indicators appear, press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL or DISPLAY again.

Using the data code function

Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the

recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code).

Follow the steps below to display the data code using the touch panel or the Remote

Commander.

Using the touch panel

(1) In the playback mode, press FN and select PAGE3.

(2) Press DATA CODE.

DATACODE

OFF

CAM

DATE

DATA DATA

(3) Select CAM DATA or DATE DATA, then press

OK.

(4) Press EXIT.

Playing back a tape

Using the Remote Commander

Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander in the playback mode.

The display changes as follows:

date/time t various settings (SteadyShot OFF, exposure, white balance, gain, shutter

speed, aperture value) t no indicator

Not to display various settings

Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 182).

The display changes as follows when you press DATA CODE on the Remote

Commander: date/time y no indicator

Date/time

Various settings

[a]

[b]

[c]

[d]

[e]

[f]

[a] SteadyShot OFF

[b] Exposure mode

[c] White balance

[d] Gain

[e] Shutter speed

[f] Aperture value

Various settings

Various settings shows the camcorder’s recording information at the time of recording.

In the recording mode, the various settings will not be displayed.

When you use the data code function, bars (-- -- --) appear if:

– A blank portion of the tape is being played back.

– The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise.

– The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the date and time set.

Data code

When you connect your camcorder to a TV, the data code also appears on the TV

screen.

Remaining battery time indicator during playback

The indicator shows the approximate continuous playback time. The indicator may not

be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are playing back. When you close

the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about one minute for the correct remaining

battery time to be displayed.

Playing back a tape

Various playback modes

To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR.

To view a still image (playback pause)

•Press

during playback. To resume playback, press

again.

•Press PAUSE on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume normal

playback, press PAUSE again.

To fastforward the tape

•Press

in stop mode. To resume normal playback, press

•Press FF on the Remote Commander in the stop mode. To resume normal playback,

press PLAY.

To rewind the tape

•Press

in stop mode. To resume normal playback, press

•Press REW on the Remote Commander in stop mode. To resume normal playback,

press PLAY.

To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search)

•Keep pressing

during playback. To resume normal playback, release the

button.

•Keep pressing REW or FF on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume

normal playback, release the button.

To monitor the high-speed picture while fastforwarding or

rewinding the tape (skip scan)

•Keep pressing

while rewinding or

while advancing the tape. To resume

rewinding or advancing, release the button.

•Keep pressing REW on the Remote Commander while rewinding the tape, or keep

pressing FF on the Remote Commander while advancing the tape. To resume normal

rewinding or advancing, release the button.

To view the picture at slow speed (slow playback)

Press SLOW on the Remote Commander during playback. To pause playback, press

or PAUSE on the Remote Commander. To resume normal playback, press

PLAY on the Remote Commander again.

To search the last scene recorded (END SEARCH)

Press END SCH on PAGE2 in stop mode. The last five seconds of the recorded section

are played back then the camcorder stops.

Playing back a tape

Video control buttons on the LCD screen

To play back or pause a tape

To stop a tape

To rewind a tape

To fastforward a tape

When the playback pause mode lasts for five minutes

Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press

PLAY on the Remote Commander.

Viewing the recording on TV

Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your

camcorder to watch the playback pictures on the TV screen. You can operate the

playback control buttons in the same way as when you view playback pictures on the

LCD screen. When viewing the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that

you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 20).

Refer to the operating instructions of your TV.

Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV with the A/V connecting cable.

Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

The supplied A/V connecting cable is equipped with an S video plug and a video plug.

Use either the S video plug or the video plug depending on the TV. Do not connect both

of the plugs to the TV.

Yellow

Black

S VIDEO

VIDEO

White

A/V

A/V connecting

cable (supplied)

AUDIO

Red

: Signal flow

If your TV is already connected to the VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR with the A/V connecting

cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

Viewing the recording on TV

If your TV or VCR is a monaural type

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the

white or red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the white

plug, the sound is an L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is an R

(right) signal.

If your TV has an S video jack

Connect using the S video plug to faithfully obtain original pictures. With this

connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting

cable. Connect the S video plug to the S video jack on the TV or VCR. This connection

produces higher quality MICROMV format pictures.

To display the screen indicators on TV

Set DISPLAY to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings (p. 182).

Then press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL. To turn off the screen indicators, press DSPL/

TOUCH PANEL again.

— Advanced Recording Operations —

Recording still images in CAMERA mode

You can record still images on a "Memory Stick" in CAMERA mode.

Before operation

Insert a "Memory Stick" into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still image appears.

The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet. To change the still

image, release PHOTO, select a still image again, and then press and hold PHOTO

lightly.

(3) Press PHOTO deeper.

The still image will be displayed.

Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

The image when you pressed PHOTO deeper will be recorded on the "Memory

Stick."

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

SFN

640

1 / 12

CAPTURE

PHOTO

SFN

640

PHOTO

Recording still images in CAMERA mode

“Memory Stick”

For details, see page 103 for more information.

Image size of still images

Image size is automatically set to 640 × 480.

When you want to record still images in different sizes, use the Memory Photo

recording function (p. 114).

When POWER switch is set to CAMERA

You cannot select image quality mode.

The image quality mode you last selected is used. (The default setting is SUPER FINE).

For details, see page 178 for more information.

Notes

• Do not shake or strike your camcorder when you record still images.

The image may fluctuate.

• You cannot record still images on a "Memory Stick" during following operations

(

flashes.):

– Wide mode

– Fader

– Picture effect

– Digital effect

– Super NightShot

– Color Slow Shutter

– END SEARCH

– MEMORY MIX

During and after recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

Your camcorder continues recording on tape.

When you press PHOTO on the Remote Commander to record still images

The image when you press PHOTO will be recorded on the “Memory Stick”

To record still images on a “Memory Stick” during tape recording

You cannot check an image on the screen by pressing PHOTO lightly.

To record images with higher quality

We recommend you use the Memory Photo recording function (p. 114).

You cannot record a title.

Recording still images in CAMERA mode

Recording images with the flash

The flash pops up automatically. The default setting is auto (no indicator). To change

the flash mode, press (flash) repeatedly until the flash mode indicator appears on the

LCD screen.

(flash)

Each press of (flash) changes the indicator as follows:

t AUTO (No indicator)

Auto red-eye reduction: The flash fires before recording to reduce red-eye.

Forced flash:

No flash:

The flash fires regardless of the surrounding brightness.

The flash does not fire.

The amount of flash is automatically adjusted to the appropriate brightness. You can

also change FLASH LVL to the desired brightness in the menu settings (p. 175). Try

recording various images to find the most appropriate setting for FLASH LVL.

Notes

•The recommended shooting distance using the built-in flash is 0.3 m to 2.5 m (31/32

feet to 8 1/3 feet).

•Attaching the lens hood (optional) or a conversion lens (optional) may block the light

from the flash or cause lens shadow to appear.

•Auto red-eye reduction ( ) may not produce the desired effect depending on

individual differences, the distance to the subject, the subject not looking at the pre-

recording flash or other conditions.

•The flash effect cannot be obtained easily when you use forced flash in a bright

location.

•When recording with the flash, it takes longer to prepare for image capture. This is

because your camcorder starts to charge power for firing after the flash pops up.

Darken the surroundings by covering the lens, and press PHOTO lightly so that your

camcorder starts to charge power after the flash pops up.

•The flash CHG lamp flashes while the power for firing is being charged. After

charging is completed, the flash CHG lamp lights up.

•If it is not easy to focus on the subject automatically, for example, when recording in

the dark, use the focal distance information (p. 71) for focusing manually.

Recording still images in CAMERA mode

If you leave your camcorder for five or more minutes after disconnecting the

power source

Your camcorder returns to the default setting (auto).

You cannot shoot images with the flash during the following operations:

– Wide mode

– Fader

– Digital effect

– Picture effect

– Super NightShot

– Color Slow Shutter

– END SEARCH

– MEMORY MIX

– Recording

The flash does not fire even if you select auto (no indicator) and

reduction) during the following operations:

– Exposure

(auto red-eye

– NightShot

– Spotlight of PROGRAM AE

– Sunset & moon of PROGRAM AE

– Landscape of PROGRAM AE

– Flexible Spot Meter

Recording still images in CAMERA mode

Self-timer recording

You can record still images with the self-timer. You can also use the Remote

Commander for this operation.

Before operation

Insert a "Memory Stick" into your camcorder.

(1) In the recording standby mode, press FN and select PAGE2.

(2) Press SELFTIMER.

The

(self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen.

(3) Press PHOTO deeper.

The self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep. In the last two seconds of

the countdown, the beep gets faster, then the recording starts automatically.

PHOTO

PAGE2

PHOTO

To cancel self-timer recording

Press SELFTIMER so that the

(self-timer) indicator disappears from the LCD screen

while your camcorder is in the standby mode. You cannot cancel the self-timer

recording using the Remote Commander.

Note

The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when:

– Self-timer recording is finished.

– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.

During recording to the tape

You cannot use self-timer recording.

Adjusting the white balance manually

You can manually adjust and set the white balance. This adjustment makes white

subjects look white and allows more natural color balance. Normally white balance is

automatically adjusted.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) .

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select WHT BAL in

in the menu settings to select a desired

white balance mode (p. 175).

HOLD : Recording a single-colored subject or background

(OUTDOOR) :

•Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after sunset, just before sunrise, neon signs, or

fireworks

•Under a color matching fluorescent lamp

n (INDOOR) :

•When lighting conditions change quickly

•In too bright places such as photography studios

•Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps

EXIT

MANUAL SET

PROGRAM AE

EFFECT

FLASH LVL

WHT BAL

N. S. LIGHT

AUTO SHTR

AUTO

HOLD

OUTDOOR

INDOOR

EXEC

RET.

Adjusting the white balance manually

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To return to the automatic white balance mode

Set WHT BAL to AUTO in the menu settings.

If the picture is being taken in a studio lit by TV lighting

We recommend that you record in n (INDOOR).

When you record under fluorescent lighting

Select AUTO or HOLD.

Your camcorder may not adjust the white balance correctly in n (INDOOR) mode.

In AUTO mode

Point your camcorder at the white subject for about 10 seconds after setting the POWER

switch to CAMERA to get better adjustment when:

– You detach the battery for replacement.

– You bring your camcorder from indoors to outdoors holding the exposure, or vice

versa.

In HOLD mode

Set the white balance to AUTO and reset to HOLD after few seconds when:

– You change the PROGRAM AE mode.

– You bring your camcorder from indoors to outdoors, or vice versa.

Using the wide mode

You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9WIDE). If

you connect a TV compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system, the screen size is

automatically sellected.

Black bands appear on the LCD screen during recording in 16:9WIDE mode [a]. The

picture during playing back on a normal TV [b] or a wide -screen TV [c] are

compressed in the widthwise direction. If you set the screen mode of the wide-screen

TV to the full mode, you can watch pictures of normal images [d].

[b]

[a]

16:9WIDE

[c]

[d]

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then set 16:9WIDE to ON in

in the menu settings (p. 176).

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

CAMERA SET

D ZOOM

16:9 WIDE

STEADYSHOT

EXIT

STBY

POWER

OFF

EXEC

RET.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel the wide mode

Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.

Using the wide mode

In the wide mode, you cannot select the following functions:

– Recording still images

– OLD MOVIE

– BOUNCE

During recording

You cannot select or cancel the wide mode. When you cancel the wide mode, set your

camcorder to the recording standby mode and then set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu

settings.

Connection for a TV

Pictures recorded in 16:9WIDE mode automatically appear on the TV screen at full size

when:

– You connect your camcorder to a TV that is compatible with the video ID (ID-1/ID-2)

system.

– You connect your camcorder to the S video jack on the TV.

ID-1 system

The ID-1 system sends aspect ratio (screen horizontal/vertical ratio) information (16:9,

4:3, or letter box) with video signals.

ID-2 system

The ID-2 system sends a copyright protection signal with ID-1 signals inserted between

video signals when you connect your camcorder to other equipment using an A/V

connecting cable.

Using the fader function

You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance.

[a]

STBY

REC

NORM. FADER

(fader)

MOSC.FADER

(mosaic)

BOUNCE^{1) 2)}

[b]

STBY

REC

MONOTONE

When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color.

When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white.

¹⁾You can use the bounce function when D ZOOM is set to OFF in the menu settings.

²⁾Fade in only.

Using the fader function

(1) To fade in [a]

In the recording standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1.

To fade out [b]

In the recording mode, press FN to display PAGE1.

(2) Press FADER. The FADER screen appears.

(3) Select a desired fader mode.

(4) Press

OK to return to PAGE1, and press EXIT to return to FN.

The fader indicator you selected flashes.

(5) Press START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing, then lights up.

After the fade in/out is carried out, the fader indicator goes off and your camcorder

automatically returns to the normal mode.

2-4

FADER

OFF

NORM. MOSC.

FADER FADER

BOUN– MONO–

TONE

To cancel the fader function

Before pressing START/STOP, press

Press EXIT to return to FN.

OFF in step 2. The display returns to PAGE1.

Using the fader function

Note

You cannot use the following functions while using the fader function. Also, you cannot

use the fader function while using the following functions:

– Digital effect

– Super NightShot

– Color Slow Shutter

– Recording still images

While using the BOUNCE function, you cannot use the following functions:

– Exposure

– Flexible Spot Meter

– Focus

– Zoom

– Picture effect

Note on the BOUNCE function

You cannot select the bounce function in the following mode or functions:

– D ZOOM is activated in the menu settings

– Wide mode

– Picture effect

– PROGRAM AE

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

You cannnot use the fader function.

Using special effects – Picture effect

You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the

TV.

NEG. ART [a] : The color and brightness of the picture are reversed.

SEPIA :

B&W :

The picture is sepia.

The picture is monochrome (black-and-white).

SOLARIZE [b] : The light intensity is clearer, and the picture looks like an illustration.

PASTEL [c] :

The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an

animated cartoon.

MOSAIC [d] : The picture is mosaic.

[a] [b]

[c]

[d]

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select P EFFECT in

picture effect mode (p. 175).

in the menu settings to select a desired

EXIT

MANUAL SET STBY

PROGRAM AE

CAMERA

EFFECT

OFF

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

FLASH LVL

WHT BAL

NEG. ART

SEPIA

OFF

VCR

N. S. LIGHT

AUTO SHTR

B&W

SOLARIZE

PASTEL

MOSAIC

MODE

EXEC

RET.

POWER

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To turn the picture effect function off

Select OFF in P EFFECT in the menu settings.

While using the picture effect function, you cannot use following functions:

– OLD MOVIE

– BOUNCE

– Recording still images

When you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)

The picture effect is automatically canceled.

Using special effects – Digital effect

You can add special effects to recorded pictures using the various digital functions. The

sound is recorded normally.

STILL

You can record a still image so that it is superimposed on a moving picture.

FLASH (FLASH MOTION)

You can record still images successively at regular intervals.

LUMI. (LUMINANCEKEY)

You can swap the brighter area in a still image with a moving picture.

TRAIL

You can record a picture so that an incidental image like a trail is left.

SLOW SHTR (SLOW SHUTTER)

You can slow down the shutter speed. The slow shutter mode is good for recording

dark pictures more brightly.

OLD MOVIE

You can add an old movie type atmosphere to pictures. Your camcorder automatically

sets the wide mode to ON, the picture effect to SEPIA, and the appropriate shutter

speed.

Still image

Moving picture

STILL

Still image

Moving picture

LUMI.

Using special effects – Digital effect

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE2.

(3) Press DIG EFFT. The DIG EFFTscreen appears.

(4) Press a desired digital effect mode. In the STILL and LUMI. modes, the still image is

stored in memory.

(5) Press –/+ to adjust the effect.

Items to adjust

STILL

The rate of the still image you want to superimpose on the moving

picture

FLASH

LUMI.

The interval of frame by frame playback

The color scheme of the area in the still image which is to be swapped

with a moving picture

TRAIL

The vanishing time of the incidental image

SLOW SHTR Shutter speed. The larger the shutter speed number, the slower the

shutter speed.

OLD MOVIE No adjustment necessary

(6) Press

OK. The display returns to PAGE2.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

POWER

3-6

DIG

EFFT

DIG EFFT

OFF

SLOW

SHTR MOVIE

OLD

LUMI.

STILL

FLASH LUMI.

TRAIL

–

The bar appears when setting following

digital effect modes : STILL, FLASH,

LUMI., TRAIL.

PAGE2

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel the Digital effect

Press

OFF. The display returns to PAGE2.

Using special effects – Digital effect

Notes

•The following functions do not work during digital effect:

– Fader

– Super NightShot

– Color Slow Shutter

– Recording still images

•The PROGRAM AE function does not work in the slow shutter mode.

•The following functions do not work in the OLD MOVIE mode:

– Wide mode

– Picture effect

– PROGRAM AE

When you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)

The digital effect will be automatically canceled.

When recording in the slow shutter mode

Auto focus may not be effective. Focus manually using a tripod.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed number

SLOW SHTR 1

SLOW SHTR 2

SLOW SHTR 3

SLOW SHTR 4

Shutter speed

1/30

1/15

1/8

1/4

Using the PROGRAM AE

You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting

requirements.

Spotlight

This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white

when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater.

Soft portrait

This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as

people or flowers.

Sports lesson

This mode minimizes shake on fast-moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.

Beach & ski

This mode prevents people’s faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light,

such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.

Sunset & moon

This mode allows you to maintain atmosphere when you are recording sunsets, general

night views, fireworks displays and neon signs.

Landscape

This mode is for when you record distant subjects such as mountains. Also it prevents

your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you are

recording a subject behind glass or a screen.

Using the PROGRAM AE

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select PROGRAM AE in

desired mode (p. 175).

in the menu settings to select a

EXIT

MANUAL SET

PROGRAM AE AUTO

EFFECT

SPOTLIGHT

FLASH LVL

WHT BAL

PORTRAIT

SPORTS

N. S. LIGHT

AUTO SHTR

BEACH&SKI

SUNSETMOON

LANDSCAPE

EXEC

RET.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To turn the PROGRAM AE off

Select AUTO in PROGRAM AE in the menu settings.

Notes

•Because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance,

you cannot take close-ups in the following modes:

– Spotlight

– Sports lesson

– Beach & ski

•Your camcorder is set to focus only on distant subjects in the following modes:

– Sunset & moon

– Landscape

•The following functions do not work in PROGRAM AE:

– Color Slow Shutter

– Slow shutter

– OLD MOVIE

– BOUNCE

Using the PROGRAM AE

•The PROGRAM AE does not work in the following cases (The indicator flashes):

– To set the NIGHTSHOT to ON.

– To record images on a “Memory Stick” using the MEMORY MIX.

•When you set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only), sports

lesson does not work. (The indicator flashes.)

While WHT BAL is set to AUTO in the menu settings

The white balance is adjusted even if the PROGRAM AE is selected.

You can adjust the following functions while using the PROGRAM AE:

– Exposure

– Flexible Spot Meter

If you record under a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp or

mercury lamp

Flickering or changes in color may occur in the following modes. If this happens, turn

the PROGRAM AE off:

– Soft portrait

– Sports lesson

Adjusting the exposure manually

You can adjust and set the exposure. Normally the exposure is automatically adjusted.

Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases:

– The subject is backlit

– To shoot a bright subject agaist a background

– To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press EXPOSURE. The EXPOSURE screen appears.

(4) Press MANUAL.

(5) Adjust the exposure using –/+.

– : to dim

+ : to brighten

(6) Press

OK. The display returns to PAGE1.

3-6

EXPO–

SURE

AUTO

MANU–

EXPOSURE

–

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To return to the automatic exposure mode

Press

AUTO in step 5. The display returns to PAGE1.

Note

When you adjust the exposure manually, the following functions do not work:

– Color Slow Shutter

– Backlight

Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode:

– If you change the PROGRAM AE mode.

– If you set NIGHTSHOT to ON.

Using the spot light-metering mode

– Flexible Spot Meter

You can take a picture with the appropriate exposure automatically for just the point

you want to focus on and with its exposure fixed. Use the Flexible Spot Meter mode in

the following cases:

– The subject is backlit.

– When there is strong contrast between the subject and background such as with a

subject that is on stage and lighted by a spotlight.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press SPOT METER. The SPOT METER screen appears.

(4) Press the desired area in the frame on the LCD screen.

The SPOT METER indicator flashes on the LCD screen. The exposure of the point

you selected is adjusted.

(5) Press

OK. The display returns to PAGE1.

3-5

SPOT

METER

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

SPOT METER

SPOT

FOCUS

SPOT

METER

MENU FADER END

SCH

AUTO

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To return to the automatic exposure mode

Press

AUTO in step 3. The display returns to PAGE1.

Note

The following functions do not work during the Flexible Spot Meter:

– Color Slow Shutter

– Backlight

Your camcorder automatically returns from the Flexible Spot Meter to the

automatic exposure:

– If you change the PROGRAM AE mode

– If you set NIGHTSHOT to ON

Focusing manually

You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases.

Normally, focus is automatically adjusted.

•The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting:

– subjects through glass coated with water droplets

– horizontal stripes

– subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls or the sky

•When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the

background

•Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FOCUS. The 9 indicator appears.

(3) Turn the focus ring to sharpen focus.

To return to the autofocus mode

Press FOCUS to turn off 9,

or indicator.

To focus precisely

It is easier to focus on the subject if you adjust the zoom to shoot at the “W” (wide-

angle) position after focusing at the “T” (telephoto) position.

When you shoot close to the subject

Focus at the end of the “W” (wide-angle) position.

Focusing manually

9 changes as follows:

when recording a distant subject

when the subject is too close to focus on

Focal distance information is displayed for about three seconds on the LCD screen

in the following cases:

– When switching the focus adjustment mode from autofocus to manual

– When turning the focus ring

Focal distance information

– This information aids focusing if it is not easy to focus on the subject, for example,

when recording in the dark. Use this information as a rough guide to get a sharp

focus.

– You cannot get correct information if you have attached a conversion lens (optional)

to your camcorder.

Using the spot focus mode – Spot Focus

You can take a picture with the appropriate focus automatically for just the point you

want to focus on and with its focus fixed.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press SPOT FOCUS. The SPOT FOCUS screen appears.

(4) Press the desired area in the frame on the LCD screen.

The SPOT FOCUS indicator flashes on the LCD screen. When the focus of the point

you selected is adjusted, the 9 indicator appears.

(5) Press

OK to return to PAGE1.

3-5

SPOT

FOCUS

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

SPOT FOCUS

SPOT

FOCUS

SPOT

METER

MENU FADER END EXPO–

SCH SURE

AUTO

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To return to the autofocus mode

Press

AUTO in step 4. The display returns to PAGE1.

Note

When adjusting Spot Focus, the following modes do not work:

– Fader

– PROGRAM AE

Focal distance information

It is not displayed on the screen.

Using the viewfinder

Turn the LCD panel over and move it back to your camcorder body with the LCD

screen facing out. You can operate with the touch panel using the viewfinder.

Use the viewfinder in the following case:

When operating camera brightness and the fader (only in CAMERA mode) on the touch

panel using the viewfinder

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Turn the LCD panel over and move it back to your camcorder body with the LCD

screen facing out.

(3) Press

OFF. The message PANEL OFF appears on the LCD screen.

(4) Press OK. The LCD screen is turned off.

(5) Press the LCD screen through the viewfinder. EXPOSURE,

FADER (only in CAMERA mode) appear.

OK,

ON and

(6) Select the desired item, then press

OK.

EXPOSURE: adjust the exposure by pressing –/+.

FADER: press FADER until the desired fader mode is displayed.

The indicator changes as follows:

FADER t M. FADER t BOUNCE t MONOTONE t (no indicator)

ON: The LCD screen lights up in the mirror mode.

3,4

5,6

In CAMERA mode

OFF

FADER

In MEMORY/

NETWORK (DCR-

IP55 only) mode

PANEL OFF

To make the buttons on the LCD screen disappear

Press

OK.

Using the viewfinder

Notes

•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.

•Do not press the LCD screen with sharp objects other than the stylus supplied. (DCR-

IP55 only).

•In VCR or memory playback mode, you cannot operate with the touch panel through

the viewfinder.

To operate the items that are not displayed

Set the LCD screen back to the previous position. Operate the items using the LCD

screen.

FN,

OFF, PLAY, INDEX and NETWORK in the viewfinder

These buttons appear mirror-reversed.

Available recording time

See the table on page 19 for details of the recording time using the viewfinder.

— Advanced Playback Operations —

Playing back a tape with picture effects

During playback, you can process a scene using the picture effect functions: NEG.ART,

SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE.

(1) In the playback or playback pause mode, press FN to display PAGE1.

(2) Press MENU, then select P EFFECT in

in the menu settings to select a desired

picture effect mode (p. 175).

See page 61 for details of each picture effect function.

EXIT

MANUAL SET

P EFFECT

OFF

NEG. ART

SEPIA

B&W

SOLARIZE

RET.

EXEC

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel the picture effect function

Set P EFFECT to OFF in the menu settings.

Notes

•You cannot process externally input scenes using the picture effect function.

•You cannot record images on a tape on your camcorder while you are processing the

image using the picture effect function. However, you can record images on a

“Memory Stick” (p. 122, 132), or on a VCR using your camcorder as a player.

Pictures processed by the picture effect function

Pictures processed by the picture effect function are not output through the i.LINK

(MICROMV Interface).

When you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) or stop playing back

The picture effect function is automatically canceled.

Playing back a tape with digital effects

During playback, you can process a scene using the digital effect functions: STILL,

FLASH, LUMI. and TRAIL.

(1) In the playback or playback pause mode, press FN and select PAGE2.

(2) Press DIG EFFT. The DIG EFFT screen appears.

(3) Select a desired digital effect mode. In the STILL or LUMI. mode, the picture being

displayed is stored in memory as a still image.

(4) Press –/+ to adjust the effect. See page 62 for details.

(5) Press

OK. The display returns to PAGE2.

2-5

DIG

EFFT

PAGE2

DIG EFFT

OFF

STILL FLASH LUMI. TRAIL

DIG EFFT

OFF

LUMI.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel the digital effect function

Press

OFF in step 2. The display returns to PAGE2.

Notes

•You cannot process externally input scenes using the digital effect function.

•You cannot record images on a tape on your camcorder while you are processing the

image using the digital effect function. However, you can record images on a

“Memory Stick” (p. 122, 132), or on a VCR using your camcorder as a player.

Pictures processed by the digital effect function

Pictures processed by the digital effect function are not output through the i.LINK

(MICROMV Interface).

When you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) or stop playing back

The digital effect function is automatically canceled.

Enlarging images recorded on tapes

– Tape PB ZOOM

You can enlarge playback images recorded on tapes. Your camcorder can enlarge still

images recorded on the “Memory Stick”, too (p. 142).

(1) In the playback or playback pause mode, press FN and select PAGE2.

(2) Press PB ZOOM. The PB ZOOM screen appears.

(3) Press the area you want to enlarge in the frame on the PB ZOOM screen.

The area you pressed moves to the center of the LCD screen, and the playback

image is enlarged to twice the size. If you press the other area again, the area moves

to the center of the LCD screen.

(4) Adjust the zoom ratio by the zoom lever.

You can select the image from 1.1 times up to five times its size.

“W” side: Decrease the zoom ratio.

“T” side: Increase the zoom ratio.

PB ZOOM

× 2.1

END

2,3

PB ZOOM

ZOOM

END

PAGE2

To cancel the PB ZOOM function

Press

END.

Notes

•You cannot process externally input scenes using the PB ZOOM function with your

camcorder.

•You cannot record images on a tape on your camcorder while you are processing the

image using the tape PB ZOOM function. However, you can record images on a

“Memory Stick” (p. 122), or on a VCR using your camcorder as a player.

•You cannot record moving pictures on a “Memory Stick” on your camcorder while

you are processing the picture using the tape PB ZOOM function.

Enlarging images recorded on tapes – PB ZOOM

The PB ZOOM function is automatically canceled when you operate the following

functions:

– Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)

– Stop playing back

– Insert a “Memory Stick”

Images in the PB ZOOM

Images in the PB ZOOM mode are not output through the i.LINK (MICROMV

Interface) and (USB) jack.

In the PB ZOOM mode

If you press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL button, the frame on the PB ZOOM screen

disappears. You cannot move the part you pressed to the center of the LCD screen.

Edge of the enlarged image

The edge of the enlarged image cannot be displayed at the center of the LCD screen.

Searching for a scene – MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH

Using the multi-picture search function, you can display thumbnails of all the

beginning scenes of images recorded in the tape onto the index screen. The recording

date and title of each image or scene are also indicated.

The thumbnails described in this section are the still images of all the beginning scenes

of each recorded moving pictures and still images to help you search for the desired

scene easily. When you select the thumbnail you want to play back, the camcorder

starts searching for the image or scene and plays it back automatically.

You can also control this function using the Remote Commander.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MULTI SCH. The MULTI SCH screen appears.

(4) Press </, to select the direction to scan. The camcorder starts scanning in the

selected direction. When you select ,, the thumbnails are displayed from the

upper-left window, and when you select <, they are displayed from the lower-

right window. When scanning is completed, it stops automatically. The upper-left

window turns black and the thumbnails will be displayed on the index screen.

MULTI SRCH

X/x/C/c

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

MULTI SCH

END

EXEC

DATE

END

3,4

[a]

[b]

SELECT

DIRECTION

MULTI

SCH

[a] The picture being fast-forwarded or rewound

[b] The blue portion indicates the range of the scan currently being made to display

thumbnails

Searching for a scene – MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH

(5) Select the thumbnail you want to play back, then press EXEC. The camcorder starts

searching for the image or scene and plays it back automatically. The blue portion

of the bar indicates the scanning range and the white portion of the bar indicates the

recorded portion.

When you want to change the thumbnail

Press

RET, and select the thumbnail you want to play back again, then press

OK.

X/x/C/c/EXECUTE buttons

[d]

[e]

[c]

[c] The title/date (The title turns to the date indication after five seconds.)

[d] The actual point you are trying to search for (yellow v mark)

[e] The present point on the tape (yellow bar)

To return to the MULTI SCH screen from playback

Press

RET.

To stop searching

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

To end the multi-picture search function

Press

END. The display returns to PAGE1.

To end the multi-picture search function from the playback screen

Press EXIT.

Searching for a scene – MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH

When controlling the camcorder with the Remote Commander

You can use the MULTI SRCH and X/x/C/c/EXECUTE buttons.

X/x/C/c/EXECUTE buttons

MULTI SRCH

If the tape has a blank portion in the beginning of the tape or between recorded

portions

The multi-picture search function may not work correctly.

The number of thumbnails stored in one cassette

About 400 thumbnails can be stored.

The number of thumbnails that can be displayed for in one scanning

A maximum of 11 thumbnails can be displayed for in one scanning.

When you press MULTI SRCH on the Remote Commander

The MULTI SCH screen appears.

During searching

The other functions of this camcorder do not work.

The thumbnail images displayed on the MULTI SCH screen

You cannot modify these thumbnail images.

When you use the multi-picture search function with the digital effect activated

The digital effect will be canceled.

Some of the 11 thumbnails may not be displayed in the following cases:

•There are fewer than 11 recorded images and scenes on the searched portion of the

tape.

•When scanning a tape recorded over previous recordings.

•When you have erased all the Micro Cassette Memory of the tape (p. 102).

Searching for a scene – MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH

To select the thumbnail with the Remote Commander

Press X/x/C/c on the Remote Commander.

When you press DATE or qPOS

You can switch to the title/date display or the tape bar display that shows the present

point on the tape.

While the camcorder is searching for the image or scene, the tape ber display appears

even if you select Title/Date.

Notes

•Thumbnails may not be displayed depending on the condition of the tape. This is not

a malfunction.

•Noise may appear on the thumbnails. However, this has no effect on the recorded

images.

When you select < or , during scanning

The next 11 thumbnails will be scanned.

Even if the first thumbnail is not displayed before the scanning is completed

You can search and play back the image or scene.

Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title

–

TITLE SEARCH

You can search for the boundaries of a recorded tape by selecting the title. Use the

Remote Commander for this operation.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the TITLE

SEARCH indicator appears.

The indicator changes as follows:

TITLE SEARCH t DATE SEARCH t (no indicator)

(3) Press X or x on the Remote Commander to select the title for playback, then press

EXECUTE on the Remote Commander.

Even if you do not press EXECUTE, playback starts automatically in two seconds

after you press X or x.

TITLE SEARCH

CAMERA

HELLO!

MODE

CONGRATULATIONS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PRESENT

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

GOOD MORNING

WEDDING

MODE

POWER

TITLE SEARCH

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PRESENT

GOOD MORNING

WEDDING

NIGHT

BASEBALL

[b] [a]

[a] Actual point you are trying to search for

[b] Present point on the tape

To stop searching

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

If a tape has a blank portion in the beginning of the tape or between recorded

sections

The title search function may not work correctly.

To superimpose a title

See page 92.

Searching a recording by date – DATE SEARCH

Your camcorder automatically searches for the point where the recording date changes

and starts playback from that point by selecting the recording date (Date search). Use

the Remote Commander for this operation.

Use this function to check where recording dates change or to edit the tape at each

recording date.

Searching for the date by using cassette memory

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander repeatedly, until the DATE

SEARCH indicator appears.

The indicator changes as follows:

TITLE SEARCH t DATE SEARCH t (no indicator)

(3) Press X or x on the Remote Commander to select the date for playback, then press

EXECUTE on the Remote Commander.

Even if you do not press EXECUTE, playback starts automatically in two seconds

after you press X or x.

DATE SEARCH

CAMERA

SEP/ 5/02

SEP/ 6/02

DEC/24/02

JAN/ 1/03

FEB/ 11/03

APR/29/03

MODE

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

DATE SEARCH

SEP/ 5/02

SEP/ 6/02

DEC/24/02

JAN/ 1/03

FEB/ 11/03

APR/29/03

[b] [a]

[a] Actual point you are trying to search for

[b] Present point on the tape

To stop searching

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

If a tape has a blank in the beginning of the tape or a portion between recorded

sections

The date search function may not work correctly.

Micro Cassette Memory

The tape cassette memory can hold 20 recording date data.

— Editing —

Dubbing a tape

Using the A/V connecting cable

You can dub or edit on the VCR connected to your camcorder using your camcorder as

a player. Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/V connecting cable supplied

with your camcorder. The supplied A/V connecting cable is equipped with an S video

plug and a video plug. Use either the S video plug or the video plug depending on the

recorder. Do not connect both of the plugs to the recorder.

Before operation

•Set DISPLAY to LCD in the menu settings. (The default setting is LCD.)

•Press the following buttons to make the indicator disappear so that they will not be

superimposed on the edited tape:

On your camcorder:

DSPL/TOUCH PANEL

On the Remote Commander:

DISPLAY, DATA CODE, SEARCH MODE

(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the

recorded tape into your camcorder.

(2) Prepare the VCR for recording, then set the input selector to LINE.

Refer to the operating instructions of the VCR.

(3) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(4) Play back the recorded tape on your camcorder.

(5) Start recording on the VCR.

Refer to the operating instructions of your VCR.

Yellow

Black

S VIDEO

A/V

White

VIDEO

A/V connecting

cable (supplied)

AUDIO

: Signal flow

Red

When you have finished dubbing a tape

Stop recording on the VCR, and stop playback on your camcorder.

Dubbing a tape

You can edit on VCRs that support the following systems

8 mm,

Hi8, Digital8,

VHS,

S-VHS,

VHSC,

S-VHSC,

Betamax,

ED Betamax,

mini DV,

DV or

MICRO MV

If your VCR is a monaural type

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack on the

VCR and the white or red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR. When the white

plug is connected, the left channel audio is output, and when the red plug is connected,

the right channel audio is output.

If your VCR has an S video jack

Connect using the S video plug to faithfully obtain original pictures. With this

connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting

cable. Connect the S video plug to the S video jack of the VCR. This connection

produces higher quality MICROMV format pictures.

Dubbing a tape

Using the i.LINK cable

Simply connect the i.LINK cable (optional) to the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) of your

camcorder and to the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) of the MICROMV product. With

digital-to-digital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for

high-quality editing. (You cannot connect the camcorder to a DV product.) You cannot

dub the titles, displayed indicators, the contents of Micro Cassette Memory, or letters on

the “Memory Stick” index screen.

(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the VCR, and insert the

recorded tape into your camcorder.

(2) Prepare the VCR for recording.

(3) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(4) Play back the recorded tape on your camcorder.

(5) Start recording on the VCR. Refer to the operating instructions of the VCR.

i.LINK cable

(optional)

i.LINK

(MICROMV

Interface)

i.LINK

(MICROMV

Interface)

: Signal flow

When you have finished dubbing a tape

Stop recording on the VCR, and stop playback on your camcorder.

You can connect one VCR only using the i.LINK cable

See page 198 for more information about i.LINK.

Pictures processed by the picture effect, the digital effect or PB ZOOM function

These pictures are not output through the i. LINK (MICROMV Interface).

The following functions do not work during digital editing:

– Picture effect

– Digital effect

– PB ZOOM

Note on playback pause pictures

When you record a playback pause picture:

•The recorded picture becomes rough when recorded through the i.LINK (MICROMV

Interface).

•The picture may jitter when you play back the tape on other video equipment. And

there may be a time-lag when you play back the tape on other video equipment.

Recording video or TV programs

When using the A/V connecting cable

You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/

audio outputs. Use your camcorder as a recorder.

1 Switching the video input jack of the A/V connecting cable

The supplied A/V connecting cable is equipped with an S video plug and a video plug.

You have to select one of the jacks in the menu settings. The default setting is VIDEO. If

the setup is not necessary, go to “2 Making a recording” on page 89.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1

(3) Press MENU, then select VIDEOINPUT in

EXEC.

in the menu settings, then press

(4) Select VIDEO or S VIDEO, then press EXEC.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

3,4

EXIT

VCR SET

VIDEOINPUT

VCR SET

VIDEOINPUT

VIDEO

S VIDEO

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

Recording video or TV programs

2 Making a recording

Before operation

Set DISPLAY to LCD in

in the menu settings. (The default setting is LCD.)

(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into your camcorder. If you

are recording a tape from the VCR, insert a recorded tape into the VCR.

(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(3) Set the camcorder in the recording pause mode.

Press FN and select PAGE3.

Press qREC CTRL. Next, press REC PAUSE.

(4) Start playback on VCR if you record a tape from VCR. Select a TV program if you

record from TV. The picture from VCR or TV appears on the LCD screen or through

the viewfinder.

(5) Press REC START at the scene where you want to start recording from.

3,5

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

qREC CTRL

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

RET.

DATA COUNT

CODE RESET

qREC

CTRL

MODE

REC

PAUSE

REC

START

POWER

PAGE3

Black

Yellow

A/V

OUT

S VIDEO

White

VIDEO

AUDIO

Red

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

When you have finished dubbing a tape

Press

on the LCD screen or STOP on the Remote Commander to stop recording on

your camcorder and stop playback on VCR or TV.

Recording video or TV programs

If your TV or VCR is a monaural type

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video output jack and the

white or the red plug to the audio output jack on the VCR or the TV. When the white

plug is connected, the left channel audio is output, and when the red plug is connected,

the right channel audio is output.

If your TV or VCR has an S video jack

Pictures can be reproduced more faithfully by using an S video cable.

With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V

connecting cable.

Connect an S video cable to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the TV or

VCR. This connection produces higher quality MICROMV format pictures.

When using the i.LINK cable

Simply connect the i.LINK cable to the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) of your camcorder

and to the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) of the MICROMV product. With digital-to-

digital connection, video and audio signals are transmitted in digital form for high-

quality editing. (You cannot connect the camcorder to a DV product.)

(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into your camcorder, and

insert the recorded tape into VCR.

(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(3) Start playback on VCR. The picture from the VCR appears on the LCD screen of

your camcorder.

(4) Set the camcorder in the recording pause mode.

Press FN and select PAGE3, then press q REC CTRL. Next, press REC PAUSE.

(5) Press REC START at the scene where you want to start recording.

Recording video or TV programs

3,5

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

qREC CTRL

PAGE3

RET.

DATA COUNT

CODE RESET

qREC

CTRL

REC

PAUSE

REC

START

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

i.LINK

(MICROMV

Interface)

i.LINK cable (optional)

i.LINK (MICROMV

Interface)

: Signal flow

When you have finished dubbing a tape

Press

on the LCD screen or Stop on the Remote Commander to stop recording on

your camcorder and stop playback on VCR or TV.

Notes

•When an incompatible picture (such as one recorded with the DV format) is input, the

message INPUT ERROR appears.

•You can connect one VCR only using the i.LINK cable.

•First, start playback or turn to the playback pause mode before the camcorder starts

recording or turns to the recording pause mode. If no signal is input into the

camcorder, the message “NO INPUT” appears and the camcorder cannot start

recording.

Note on playback pause pictures

When you record a playback pause picture:

•The recorded picture becomes rough when recorded through the i.LINK (MICROMV

Interface).

•The picture may jitter when you play back the tape on other video equipment. And

there may be a time-lag when you play back the tape on other video equipment.

Before recording

Make sure if the MPEG IN indicator appears on the LCD screen. The MPEG IN

indicator may appear on both equipment.

Superimposing a title

You can superimpose a title for five seconds from the recording start point. When you

play back the tape, the title is displayed for about five seconds from the point where

you superimposed it.

VACATION

Superimposing a title on starting a recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Press FN and select PAGE2.

(3) Press TITLE.

(4) Press r/R to select

, then press EXEC. The PRESET TITLE screen appears.

(5) Press r/R to select a desired title, then press EXEC. The title is displayed on the LCD

screen.

(6) If necessary, change the color, size, or position by pressing COLOR, SIZE, POS r or

POS R.

(7) Press TITLE OK. The screen to save a title appears on the LCD screen.

(8) Press SAVE TITLE.

The TITLE indicator appears. And when you press START/STOP to start

recording, TITLE SAVE appears on the LCD screen for about five seconds and the

title is set.

Superimposing a title

EXIT

PRESET TITLE STBY

HELLO!

CAMERA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

CONGRATULATIONS!

OUR SWEET BABY

WEDDING

VACATION

THE END

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

TITLE

MODE

EXEC

RET.

POWER

EXEC

EXIT

PRESET TITLE STBY

HELLO!

PRESET TITLE STBY

HELLO!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

CONGRATULATIONS!

OUR SWEET BABY

WEDDING

VACATION

THE END

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

CONGRATULATIONS!

OUR SWEET BABY

WEDDING

VACATION

THE END

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

5-7

EXEC

EXIT

PRESET TITLE STBY

HELLO!

STBY

TITLE

RET.

EXIT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

CONGRATULATIONS!

OUR SWEET BABY

WEDDING

VACATION

THE END

VACATION

COLOR

SIZE

POS r POS R

EXEC

RET.

STBY –0:00:30

SAVE

TITLE

STBY

RET.

EXIT

TITLE

VACATION

PAGE2

If you set the write-protect tab to lock

You cannot superimpose or erase the title. Slide the write-protect tab to release the write

protection.

To use the custom title

If you want to use the custom title, select

in step 4.

On a blank portion of the tape

You cannot superimpose a title on the tape.

If the tape has a blank portion in the middle of the recorded parts

The title may not be displayed correctly.

Superimposing a title

The titles superimposed with your camcorder

•They are displayed only by the MICROMV format video equipment with index titler

function.

•The point you superimposed the title may be detected as an index signal when

searching a recording with other video equipment.

Not to display title during playback

Set TITLE DSPL to OFF in the menu settings (p. 180).

Title setting

•The title color changes as follows:

WHITE t YELLOW t VIOLET t RED t CYAN t GREEN t BLUE

•The title size changes as follows:

SMALL y LARGE

You cannot input 13 characters or more in LARGE size. If you input more than

12 characters, the title size returns to SMALL even if you select LARGE.

•If you select the title size “SMALL”, you have nine choices for the title position.

If you select the title size “LARGE”, you have eight choices for the title position.

The number of titles recordable on one cassette

You can record up to 20 titles when each title consists of 12 characters.

When 20 titles are already superimposed

The message TITLE FULL appears. Erase unnecessary titles.

Superimposing a title on a recorded tape

You can superimpose a title for five seconds from the recording start point.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press TITLE. The TITLE screen appears.

(4) Press INPUT TITLE. The TITLE SET screen appears.

(5) Press </, to select the direction to scan. The camcorder starts scanning in the

selected direction. When you select ,, the thumbnails are displayed from the

upper-left window, and when you select <, they are displayed from the lower-

right window. After the scanning is completed, the thumbnails are displayed on the

index screen.

(6) Select the thumbnail on which you want to superimpose a title, then press EXEC.

The title menu appears.

(7) Perform step 4 to 7 in “Superimposing a title on starting a recording” on page 92.

(8) Press SAVE TITLE.

TITLE SAVE appears on the LCD screen for about five seconds and the title is set.

Superimposing a title

TITLE

END

3,4

TITLE

INPUT

TITLE

SET

TITLE SET

END

EXEC

DATE

5,6

SELECT

DIRECTION

PRESET TITLE

HELLO!

EXIT

CAMERA

MEMORY/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

CONGRATULATIONS!

OUR SWEET BABY

WEDDING

VACATION

THE END

TITLE

SAVE

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

VACATION

MODE

EXEC

RET.

POWER

To use a custom title

If you want to use a custom title, select

in step 7.

Notes

•Thumbnails may not be displayed depending on the condition of the tape. This is not

a malfunction.

•Noise may appear on the thumbnails. However, this has no effect on the recorded

images.

•You cannot execute TITLE SAVE until the playback picture is displayed in step 8.

Superimposing a title

Erasing a title

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select TITLEERASE in

(p. 181) .

in the menu setting, then press EXEC

(4) Press r/R to select the title you want to erase, then press EXEC.

ERASE OK? appears.

(5) Make sure the title is the one you want to erase, then press OK.

EXEC

EXIT

READY

CM SET

T I TLEERASE

T I TLE DSPL

TAPE T I TLE

ERASE ALL

qINFODSPL

T I TLE DSPL

TAPE T I TLE

ERASE ALL

qINFODSPL

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

4,5

EXEC

T I TLE ERASE

HELLO!

PRESENT

CONGRATULATIONS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PRESENT

ERASE OK?

GOOD MORNING

WEDDING

CAN–

CEL

EXEC

END

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel erasing

Press CANCEL in step 4.

Making your own titles

You can make up to two titles and store them in the memory of your camcorder. Each

title can have up to 20 characters.

Making a title in CAMERA mode

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE2.

(3) Press TITLE.

(4) Press r/R to select

, and press EXEC. The TITLE SET screen appears.

(5) Select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET with r/R, then press EXEC.

(6) Select the desired character. Repeat pressing a key to select the desired character on

the key.

(7) Press t to move the cursor for the next character. Repeat the same procedure as

step 6 and 7 to complete your title.

(8) Press SET. The title is stored in memory.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

SELF

TIMER

TITLE DIG

EFFT

MEM

MIX

POWER

EXEC

EXIT

STBY

TITLE SET

CUSTOM1 SET

CUSTOM2 SET

TITLE SET

CUSTOM1 SET

CUSTOM2 SET

STBY

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

STBY EXIT

TITLE SET

CUSTOM1 SET

CUSTOM2 SET

TITLE SET

[

____________________

]

&?!

ABC

DEF

GH I

MNO

123 678

PQR

TUV

WXY

. ,

—

SET

EXEC

RET.

SET

6-8

STBY EXIT

_______________

PARTY

TITLE SET

[

_________________

]

PAR

&?!

ABC

DEF

&?!

ABC

DEF

GH I

MNO

123 678

GH I

MNO

123 678

PQR

TUV

WXY

. ,

—

SET

PQR

TUV

WXY

. ,

—

SET

PAGE2

Making your own titles

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To change a title you have stored

In step 5, select CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET depending on which title you want

to change, then press EXEC and enter the new title as desired.

To superimpose your own title on a tape

Follow the procedure in “Superimposing a title on starting a recording” on page 92.

If you take five minutes or longer to enter characters in the standby mode while a

cassette is in your camcorder, the power automatically goes off

The characters you have entered remain stored in memory. Set the POWER switch to

OFF (CHG) once and then to CAMERA again, then complete your title.

We recommend setting the POWER switch to VCR (p. 99) or removing the cassette so

that your camcorder does not automatically turn off while you are entering title

characters.

To erase the character

Press T. The last character is erased.

To enter a space

Press t.

To enter the character on the same button in succession

Press t to move the cursor to the next position, and enter the character.

Making your own titles

Making a title in the VCR mode

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press TITLE. The TITLE screen appears.

(4) Press TITLE SET. The TITLE SET screen appears.

(5) Press R/r to slect CUSTOM1 SET or CUSTOM2 SET, then press EXEC.

(6) Perform step 6 to 7 in “Making a title in CAMERA mode” on page 97.

(7) Press SET. The title is stored in memory.

TITLE

END

3,4

TITLE

INPUT

TITLE

SET

EXIT

TITLE SET

CUSTOM1 SET

CUSTOM2 SET

TITLE SET

[

EXIT

___________________

]

&?!

ABC

DEF

GH I

MNO

123 678

PQR

TUV

WXY

’ . ,

SET

–

EXEC

RET.

CAMERA

EXIT

TITLE SET

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

CUSTOM1”BASEBALL”

(CHG)

OFF

CUSTOM2 SET

VCR

SET

MODE

POWER

EXEC

RET.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To superimpose your own title on a tape

Follow the procedure in “Superimposing a title on starting a recording” on page 92.

The Micro Cassette Memory

The MICROMV cassette automatically records the recording settings and date. When

you insert a cassette with the POWER switch set to CAMERA or set the POWER switch

to VCR, the cassette information is automatically displayed for about five seconds.

The cassette information

[a]

INFO

ID 00001

GRADUATION

[b]

[c]

[d]

[e]

JUL 4 2002 6:29PM

DEC 15 2002 2:53PM

RECORDED AREA

[a] The unique number of each cassette. The camcorder automatically assign this

number.

[b] The cassette title set by the TAPE TITLE item in the menu settings (Cassette label).

[c] The first-recorded date in this cassette.

[d] The last-recorded date in this cassette.

[e] The recorded area is indicated by the white bar.

Recorded areas

A blank portion between recorded area is also indicated as a recorded area.

Cassette information

You can turn off the cassette information using the q INFODSPL item in

in the

menu settings.

When is flashing

Remove the cassette and insert it again. If the message is still displayed, the Micro

Cassette Memory may be corrupted. Replace the cassette with another cassette.

100

The Micro Cassette Memory

Labeling a cassette

The label can consist of up to 16 characters and is stored in cassette memory. When you

insert the labelled cassette and set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR, the label is

displayed for about five seconds.

(1) Insert the cassette you want to label.

(2) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR.

(3) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(4) Press MENU, then select TAPE TITLE in

in the menu settings, then press EXEC

(p. 180). The TAPE TITLE screen appears.

(5) Select a desired character. Repeat pressing a key to select the desired character on

the key.

(6) Press t to move the cursor for the next character. Repeat the same procedure as

step 5 and 6 to complete the label.

(7) Press SET. The label is stored in memory.

EXIT

CM SET

T I TLEERASE

4,5

6,7

T I TLE DSPL

TAPE T I TLE

ERASE ALL

qINFODSPL

SET

EXIT

CM SET

T I TLEERASE

T I TLE DSPL

TAPE T I TLE

ERASE ALL

EXEC

RET.

DEF

EXIT

TAPE TITLE

qINFODSPL

EXIT

[

]

GRADUATION

TAPE TITLE

&?!

GH I

ABC

DEF

&?!

GH I

ABC

DEF

&?!

GH I

ABC

RET.

EXEC

MNO

123 678

MNO

123 678

EXEC

MNO

123 678

PQR

TUV

WXY

SET

PQR

TUV

WXY

SET

PQR

TUV

WXY

SET

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To erase the label you have made

Select C in step 4. The last character is erased.

To change the label you have made

Insert the cassette to change the label, and operate in the same way to make a new label.

101

The Micro Cassette Memory

If you set the write-protect tab of the tape to lock

You cannot label the tape. Slide the write-protect tab to release the write protection.

To erase the character

Press T. The last character is erased.

To enter a space

Press t.

To enter the character on the same button in succession

Press t to move the cursor to the next position, and enter the character.

Erasing all the data in Micro Cassette Memory

You can delete all the data (cassette title, date, photo, thumbnail, and cassette

information) in Micro Cassette Memory at once.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select ERASE ALL in

(p. 180).

in the menu settings, then press EXEC

(4) Press R/r to select OK, then the press EXEC.

(5) Press R/r to select EXECUTE, then press EXEC. ERASING flashes on the LCD

screen. Once deleting is completed, COMPLETE is displayed.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel deleting

Select RETURN in step 4, then press EXEC.

Note

Once you delete all the data in the Micro Cassette Memory, the following operations do

not work:

– MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH

– TITLE SEARCH

– DATE SEARCH

Note on the ID number

This item cannot be deleted.

102

— “Memory Stick” Operations —

Using a “Memory Stick”– Introduction

You can record and play back still images and moving pictures on a “Memory Stick”

supplied with your camcorder. You can easily play back, record or delete images. You

can exchange image data with other equipment such as your computer etc., using the

USB cable for the “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder.

File format

Still image (JPEG)

Your camcorder compresses image data in JPEG format (extension .jpg).

Moving picture (MPEG)

Your camcorder compresses picture data in MPEG format (extension .mpg).

Typical image data file name

Still image

100-0001:

Dsc00001.jpg:

This file name appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder.

This file name appears on the display of your computer.

Moving picture

MOV10001:

This file name appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder.

Mov10001.mpg: This file name appears on the display of your computer.

Using a “Memory Stick”

Terminal

Write-protect tab

Labeling position

•You cannot record or erase images when the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick”

is set to LOCK.

•The position and shape of the write protect tab may be different depending on the

model.

•We recommend backing up important data on the hard disk of your computer.

•Image data may be damaged in the following cases:

– If you remove the “Memory Stick”, turn the power off or detach the battery for

replacement when the access lamp is flashing

– If you use the “Memory Stick” near magnets or magnetic fields such as those of

speakers and televisions

•Prevent metallic objects or your finger from coming into contact with the metal parts

of the connecting section.

•Stick its label on the labeling position.

•Do not bend, drop or apply strong shock to the “Memory Stick”.

•Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick”.

•Do not let the “Memory Stick” get wet.

•Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick” in locations that are:

– Extremely hot such as in a car parked in the sun or under the scorching sun

– Under direct sunlight

– Very humid or subject to corrosive gases

•When you carry or store a “Memory Stick”, put it in its case.

103

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

“Memory Stick” formatted by a computer

“Memory Stick” formatted by Windows OS or Macintosh computers do not have a

guaranteed compatibility with this camcorder.

Notes on image data compatibility

•Image data files recorded on the “Memory Stick” by your camcorder conform with the

Design Rules for Camera File Systems universal standard established by the JEITA

(Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

On your camcorder, you cannot play back still images recorded on other equipment

(DCR-TRV890E/TRV900/TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that does not conform to this

universal standard. (These models are not sold in some areas.)

•If you cannot use the “Memory Stick” that is used with other equipment, format it

with this camcorder (p. 179). Note that formatting erases all information on the

“Memory Stick.”

•“Memory Stick” and

are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

•All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective companies.

Furthermore, “™” and “®” are not mentioned in each case in this manual.

Inserting a “Memory Stick”

Position the b mark on the “Memory Stick” as illustrated, and insert a “Memory Stick”

in the “Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go.

“Memory Stick”

access lamp

“Memory Stick” slot

104

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Ejecting a “Memory Stick”

Confirm that the “Memory Stick” access lamp is not lit, then press the “Memory Stick”

once lightly.

While the “Memory Stick” access lamp is lit or flashing

Do not shake or strike your camcorder because your camcorder is reading the data from

the “Memory Stick” or recording the data on the “Memory Stick”. Do not turn the

power off , eject a “Memory Stick” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data

breakdown may occur.

MEMORYSTICK ERROR is displayed

Reinsert a “Memory Stick” a few times. The “Memory Stick” may be damaged if the

indicator is still displayed. If this occurs, use another “Memory Stick.”

Using a touch panel

Operation buttons for most functions using a “Memory Stick” are displayed on the LCD

screen. Press the LCD panel directly with your finger or the supplied stylus (DCR-IP55

only) to operate each function.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Slide OPEN in the direction of the B mark indicated on the camcorder to open the

LCD panel. The operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. You can switch the

memory playback/memory camera mode by pressing PLAY/CAM.

(3) Press FN. The operation buttons of PAGE1 appear on the LCD screen.

(4) Press PAGE2 to go to PAGE2. The operation buttons of PAGE2 appear on the LCD

screen.

(5) Press PAGE3 to go to PAGE3. The operation buttons of PAGE3 appear on the LCD

screen.

(6) Press a desired operation item.

See relevant pages for each function.

105

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

CAMERA

3-6

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

POWER

In the memory camera

mode

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

SPOT

FOCUS

SPOT

METER

MENU PLAY INDEX EXPO-

SURE

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

SELF

TIMER

PLAY INDEX

MEM

MIX

In the memory camera

mode

In the memory playback

mode (still image)

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT

LCD

BRT

PLAY INDEX

VOL

NETWORK

PLAY INDEX

CAM INDEX

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To execute settings

Press EXEC or

OK.

To cancel settings

Press

OFF or

AUTO. The display returns to PAGE1, 2 or 3.

106

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Notes

•When using the touch panel, press the LCD screen lightly with your thumb, the

supplied stylus (DCR-IP55 only) or index finger supporting the LCD screen from the

back side of it or press those buttons lightly with your index finger.

•Do not press the LCD screen with sharp objects other than the stylus supplied (DCR-

IP55 only).

•Do not press the LCD screen too hard.

•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.

•If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You

can control the display with DSPL/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder.

•When operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment is

required (CALIBRATION) (p. 203).

•When the LCD screen gets dirty, use the supplied cleaning cloth.

When executing each item

The green bar appears above the item.

If the items are not available

The color of the items changes to grey.

Touch panel

You can operate with the touch panel through the viewfinder (p. 73).

Press FN to display the following buttons:

In the memory camera mode

PAGE1

PAGE2

PAGE3

SPOT FOCUS, MENU, PLAY, INDEX, SPOT METER, EXPOSURE

SELFTIMER, PLAY, INDEX, MEM MIX

LCD BRT, PLAY, INDEX, VOL

In the memory playback mode

–

PAGE1

PAGE2

PAGE3

MENU, CAM, INDEX, DELETE,

–

PB ZOOM, CAM, INDEX, DATA CODE,

–

LCD BRT, CAM, INDEX, VOL,

107

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Selecting still image quality mode

You can select the image quality mode in still image recording and store the setting in

memory. The default setting is SUPER FINE.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select STILL SET in

in the menu settings, then press EXEC

(p. 178).

(4) Press r/R to select QUALITY, then press EXEC.

(5) Press r/R to select the desired image quality, then press EXEC.

3-5

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

BURST

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

BURST

STILL SET

MOVIE SET

SLIDE SHOW

FILE NO.

OFF

QUALITY

SUPER FINE

FINE

STANDARD

IMAGE SIZE

DELET ALL

FORMAT

REMAIN

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

Image quality settings

Setting Meaning

SUPER FINE (SFN) This is the highest image quality in your camcorder.

The number of still images you can record is less than in FINE

mode. Super fine images are compressed to about 1/3.

FINE (FINE)

Use this mode when you want to record high quality images. Fine

images are compressed to about 1/6.

STANDARD (STD) This is the standard image quality. Standard images compressed

to about 1/10.

108

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Note

In some cases, changing the image quality mode may not affect the image quality,

depending on the type of images you are shooting.

Differences in image quality mode

Recorded images are compressed in JPEG format before being stored in memory. The

memory capacity allocated to each image varies depending on the selected image

quality mode and image size. Details are shown in the table below. (You can select 1152

× 864 or 640 × 480 image size in the menu settings.)

1152 × 864 image size

Image quality mode

SUPER FINE

FINE

Memory capacity

About 600 KB

About 300 KB

About 200 KB

STANDARD

640 × 480 image size

Image quality mode

SUPER FINE

Memory capacity

About 190 KB

About 100 KB

About 60 KB

FINE

STANDARD

Image quality mode indicator

The image quality mode indicator is not displayed during playback.

When you select image quality

The number of images you can shoot in the currently selected image quality appears on

the LCD screen.

109

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Selecting moving picture quality mode

There are SUPER FINE, FINE, STANDARD and LIGHTMODE in the moving picture

quality mode. The default setting is SUPER FINE.

(1) Set POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK for (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select MOVIE SET in

in the menu settings, then press EXEC

(p. 178).

(4) Press r/R to select MOVIEMODE, then press EXEC.

(5) Press r/R to select the desired quality mode, then press EXEC.

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

MOVIE SET

SLIDE SHOW

FILE NO.

MEMORY SET

MOVIE SET

EXIT

MOVIEMODE SUPER FINE

REMAIN

DELET ALL

FORMAT

REMAIN

8sec

EXEC

RET.

EXIT

EXEC

RET.

EXIT

MEMORY SET

MOVIE SET

MOVIEMODE SUPER FINE

REMAIN

LIGHT

MEMORY SET

MOVIE SET

MOVIEMODE LIGHTMODE

REMAIN

FINE

STANDARD

LIGHTMODE

REMAIN

18sec

REMAIN

18sec

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

110

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Image quality settings

Frame

rate

Indicator

(during

recording)

Setting

Image size

Bit rate

(image and

audio)

30 fps

10 fps

SUPER FINE

(SFN)

352 × 240

144 × 96

1200 Kbps

750 Kbps

400 Kbps

200 Kbps

SFN

FINE

(FINE)

FINE

STANDARD

(STD)

STD

LIGHTMODE

(LIGHT)

LIGHT

SUPER FINE: You can record moving pictures at the highest quality. This mode is

suitable when you intend to modify the pictures using your computer. SUPER FINE is

the default setting of the camcorder.

FINE: You can record moving pictures for a longer time than with the SUPER FINE

mode, the quality, however, declines slightly.

STANDARD: You can record moving pictures for a longer time than with the FINE

mode, the image size, however, is smaller.

LIGHTMODE: Since the file size is small, this mode is suitable for e-mail transmission.

The image quality, however, declines.

Frame rate

A moving picture consists of continuous still images. Frame rate indicates the number

of images played back in one second. The more the number increases, the more natural

the moving picture becomes. You can play back a maximum of 30 still images per

second with your camcorder (30 fps/frame per second).

Bit rate

The higher the transmission rate, the more natural the moving picture becomes.

Maximum recording time for moving pictures

Image quality mode

SUPER FINE

FINE

Maximum recording time

45 s

1 min 10 s

STANDARD

LIGHTMODE

2 min 20 s

4 min 40 s

111

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Selecting the size of still image

You can select either of two image sizes.

Still images: 1152 × 864 or 640 × 480. (When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or

VCR, the image size is automatically set to 640 × 480.)

The default setting is 1152 × 864.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK(DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select STILL SET (still image) in

press EXEC (p. 178).

in the menu setting, then

(4) Press r/R to select IMAGESIZE, then press EXEC.

(5) Press r/R to select the desired image size, then press EXEC.

The indicator changes as follows:

1152

640

CAMERA

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

BURST

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

QUALITY

VCR

IMAGESIZE

MODE

POWER

EXEC

RET.

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

BURST

QUALITY

IMAGESIZE

1152

1152x864

640x480

REMAIN

EXEC

RET.

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

BURST

QUALITY

IMAGE SIZE

1152x864

REMAIN

EXEC

RET.

Note

When still images recorded on your camcorder in 1152 × 864 size are played back on

other equipment that does not support 1152 × 864 size, the full image may not appear.

112

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Image size settings

Setting

Meaning

Indicator

1152 × 864

Records 1152 × 864 still images.

1152

640 × 480

Records 640 × 480 still images.

640

Approximate number of still images you can record on a

“Memory Stick”

The number of images you can record varies depending on which image quality mode you

select and the complexity of the subject.

Capacity of “Memory Stick”

Image

quality

Image

size

8 MB

16 MB

32 MB

64 MB

(optional)

128 MB

(optional)

(supplied) (optional)

(optional)

SUPER FINE 1152 × 864 12 images

25 images

80 images

51 images

160 images 325 images 650 images

100 images 205 images

640 × 480 40 images

FINE

1152 × 864 25 images

640 × 480 80 images

50 images

100 images 205 images 415 images

160 images 325 images 650 images 1310 images

STANDARD 1152 × 864 37 images

74 images 150 images 300 images 600 images

640 × 480 120 images 240 images 485 images 980 images 1970 images

Approximate time of moving pictures you can record on a

“Memory Stick”

The time of moving pictures you can record varies depending on the complexity of the

subject.

Quality

Capacity of “Memory Stick”

8 MB

16 MB

32 MB

64 MB

128 MB

(supplied)

(optional)

SUPER FINE 45 s

1 min

3 min

5 min

6 min

13 min

20 min

41 min

82 min

FINE

1 min

2 min

10 min

20 min

41 min

STANDARD 2 min

LIGHTMODE 5 min

5 min

10 min

20 min

10 min

The table above shows approximate number and times of still images and moving

pictures you can record on a “Memory Stick” formatted by your camcorder.

113

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

You can record still images on a “Memory Stick”.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly. The green z mark stops flashing, then lights up. The

brightness of the image and the focus are adjusted and fixed while your camcorder

is targeted at the middle of the image. Recording does not start yet.

(3) Press PHOTO deeper. The image displayed on the LCD screen will be recorded on

a “Memory Stick”. Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

Approximate number of images can be

recorded on the “Memory Stick”

SFN

1152

1 / 12

Number of recorded images

PHOTO

PLAY INDEX

NETWORK

SFN

1152

PLAY INDEX

NETWORK

PHOTO

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

You can record still images on “Memory Stick” in CAMERA mode

For the details, see page 49.

114

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

The following functions do not work:

– Wide mode

– Digital zoom

– SteadyShot function

– Super NightShot

– Color Slow Shutter

– Fader

– Picture effect

– Digital effect

– Title

– Sports lesson mode of PROGRAM AE (The indicator flashes.)

While you are recording a still image

You cannot turn off the power or press PHOTO.

When you press PHOTO on the Remote Commander

Your camcorder immediately records the image that is on the LCD screen when you

press the button.

When you press PHOTO lightly in step 2

The image momentarily flickers. This is not a malfunction.

The number of still images you can record on a “Memory Stick”

It varies according to the image quality mode and the complexity of the subject.

Recording data

The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed

while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the “Memory Stick”.

To display the recording data, press DATA CODE during playback. You can also use

the Remote Commander for this operation (p. 43).

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

The angle of view is slightly larger compared with the angle of view in CAMERA

mode.

115

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

Recording images continuously

You can record still images continuously. Before recording, select one of the three

modes described below in the menu settings.

NORMAL [a]

Your camcorder shoots up to four still images in 1152 × 864 size or 13 still images in 640

× 480 size at about 0.5 sec intervals. (

)

EXP BRKTG

Your camcorder automatically shoots three images at about 0.5 sec intervals at different

exposures. (

)

MULTI SCRN [b]

Your camcorder shoots nine still images at about 0.5 sec intervals and displays the

images on a single page divided into nine boxes. Still images are recorded in 640 × 480

size. (

)

[a]

[b]

116

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select STILL SET in

(p. 178).

in the menu settings, then press EXEC

(4) Press r/R to select BURST, then press EXEC.

(5) Press r/R to select the desired settings.

(6) Press EXIT to make the menu settings disappear.

(7) Press PHOTO deeper.

PHOTO

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

BURST

MODE

OFF

QUALITY

IMAGE SIZE

POWER

EXEC

RET.

If the “Memory Stick” becomes full

FULL appears on the LCD screen, and you cannot record still images on this

“Memory Stick.”

The number of still images in continuous shooting

The number of still images you can shoot continuously varies depending on the image

size and the capacity of the “Memory Stick.”

During recording images continuously

The flash does not work.

When shooting with the self-timer function or the Remote Commander

Your camcorder automatically records up to the maximum recordable number of still

images.

If the remaining capacity of the ”Memory Stick“ is less than for three images.

EXP BRKTG does not work. When you press PHOTO lightly,

FULL appears on the

screen.

When selecting NORMAL

Recording continues up to the maximum number of still images during pressing

PHOTO deeper. Release PHOTO to stop recording.

The effect of EXP BRKTG

The effect of EXP BRKTG may not be noticable on the LCD screen.

We recommend viewing images on TV or the computer to realise the effect.

117

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

Recording images with the flash

The flash automatically pops up to strobe. The default setting is auto (no indicator). To

change the flash mode, press (flash) repeatedly until the flash mode indicator

appears on the LCD screen.

(flash)

Each press of (flash) changes the indicator as follows:

t AUTO (No indicator)

Auto red-eye reduction: The flash fires before recording to reduce the red-eye

phenomenon.

Forced flash:

No flash:

The flash fires regardless of the surrounding brightness.

The flash does not fire.

The amount of flash is automatically adjusted to the appropriate brightness. You can

also change FLASH LVL to the desired brightness in the menu settings (p. 175). Try

recording various images to find the most appropriate setting for FLASH LVL.

Notes

•The recommended shooting distance using the built-in flash is 0.3 m to 2.5 m (31/32

feet to 8 1/3 feet).

•Attaching the lens hood (optional) or a conversion lens (optional) may block the light

from the flash or cause lens shadow to appear.

•Auto red-eye reduction ( ) may not produce the desired effect depending on

individual differences, the distance to the subject, the subject not looking at the pre-

recording flash or other conditions.

•The flash effect cannot be obtained easily when you use forced flash in a bright

location.

•The flash CHG lamp flashes while the power for firing is being charged. After

charging is completed, the flash CHG lamp lights up.

•If it is not easy to focus on a subject automatically, for example, when recording in the

dark, use HOLOGRAM AF (p. 119) or the focal distance information (p. 71) for

focusing manually.

118

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

If you leave your camcorder for five or more minutes after disconnecting the

power source

Your camcorder returns to the default setting (auto).

The flash does not fire even if you select AUTO and Auto red-eye reduction (

during the following operations:

– NightShot

)

– Exposure

– Spotlight of PROGRAM AE

– Sunset & moon of PROGRAM AE

– Landscape of PROGRAM AE

– Flexible Spot Meter

During recording images continuously

The flash does not fire.

Shooting with an auxiliary light – HOLOGRAM AF

The HOLOGRAM AF is an auxiliary light source used for focusing on subjects in dark

places.

Set HOLOGRAM F to AUTO in

AUTO.)

in the menu settings. (The default setting is

When

appears on the LCD screen in a dark place, press PHOTO lightly. Then the

auxiliary light will automatically emit until the subject is focused.

HOLOGRAM AF emitter

About HOLOGRAM AF

“HOLOGRAM AF (Auto-Focus),” an application of laser holograms, is a new AF

optical system that enables still image shooting in dark places. Having gentler radiation

than conventional high-brightness LEDs or lamps, the system satisfies Laser Class 1 (*)

specification and thus maintains higher safety for human eyes.

No safety problems will be caused by directly looking into the HOLOGRAM AF emitter

at a close range. However, it is not recommended to do so, because you may experience

such effects like several minutes of image residual and dazzling, that you encounter

after looking into a flashlight.

* HOLOGRAM AF satisfies Class 1(time base 30 000 seconds), specified in all of JIS

(Japan), IEC(EU), and FDA(US) industry standards.

Complying with these standards identifies the laser product to be safe, under a

condition that a human looks at the laser light either directly or even through a lens

for 30 000 seconds.

119

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

Notes

•A conversion lens (optional) may obstruct the HOLOGRAM AF light and make

focusing difficult.

•If enough light does not reach the subject even if the HOLOGRAM AF emitter is

emitted (recommended shooting distance is 2.5 m (8 1/3 feet)), the subject will not be

focused.

•Focusing may be hampered if the light emitted from the HOLOGRAM AF is blocked

by an obstruction.

•Focus is achieved as long as HOLOGRAM AF light reaches to the subject even if its

light is slightly out of the middle position of the subject.

•If HOLOGRAM AF light is dim, it sometimes becomes difficult to focus. If this

happens, wipe the HOLOGRAM AF emitter with a soft, dry cloth.

The HOLOGRAM AF does not emit when:

– Flash is set to

(No flash)

– NightShot is set to ON

– Focusing manually

– Using Spot Focus

– Sunset & moon of PROGRAM AE

– Landscape of PROGRAM AE

– Continuous photo recording

120

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory photo recording

Self-timer memory photo recording

You can record images on the “Memory Stick” with the self-timer. You can also use the

Remote Commander for this operation.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN and select PAGE2.

(3) Press SELFTIMER in the standby mode.

The

(self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen.

(4) Press PHOTO deeper.

The self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two

seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts

automatically.

PAGE2

PHOTO

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

PHOTO

POWER

To cancel self-timer recording

Press SELFTIMER so that the

(self-timer) indicator disappears from the LCD screen.

You cannot cancel self-timer recording using the Remote Commander.

Note

The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when:

– Self-timer recording is finished.

– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.

To check the image to be recorded

You can check the image by pressing the PHOTO button lightly, then press it deeper to

start the self-timer recording.

121

Recording an image from a tape as a still

image

Your camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a tape and record it as a still

image on a “Memory Stick.”

Your camcorder can also take in moving picture data from other equipment through the

input connector and record it as a still image on a “Memory Stick.”

Before operation

•Insert a recorded tape into your camcorder.

•Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press

. The picture recorded on the tape is played back.

(3) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until the picture from the tape freezes. CAPTURE

appears on the LCD screen. Recording does not start yet.

(4) Press PHOTO deeper. The image displayed on the LCD screen will be recorded on

a “Memory Stick.” Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

₆₄₀SFN

1 / 40

CAPTURE

PHOTO

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

POWER

Image size of still images

Image size is automatically set to 640 x 480.

When the ”Memory Stick“ access lamp is lit or flashing

Do not shake or strike the unit. As well do not turn the power off, eject a “Memory

Stick” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur.

MEMORY STICK FORMAT ERROR appears on the LCD screen

The inserted “Memory Stick” is incompatible with your camcorder because its format

does not comform with your camcorder. Check the format of the “Memory Stick.”

If you press PHOTO lightly in the playback mode

Your camcorder stops momentarily.

Sound recorded on a tape

You cannot record audio from a tape.

122

Recording an image from a tape as a still image

Titles which have already been recorded on tapes

You cannot record the titles on the “Memory Stick”. The title does not appear while you

are recording a still image with PHOTO.

Recorcing date/time

The date/time when it is recorded on a “Memory Stick” is recorded. Various settings

are not recorded.

When you press the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander

Your camcorder immediately records the image that is on the LCD screen when you

press the button.

Recording a still image from other equipment

Before operation

Set DISPLAY in

to LCD in the menu settings (p. 182). (The defalt setting is LCD.)

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) When using the A/V connecting cable, set VIDEOINPUT to the appropriate

position depending on the player. (P. 176)

(3) Play back the recorded tape on the VCR, or turn the TV on to see the desired

program.

The image of the other equipment is displayed on the LCD screen or in the

viewfinder.

(4) At the point where you want to record, follow the steps 3 and 4 on page 122.

Using the A/V connecting cable

Black

Yellow

OUT

S VIDEO

A/V

VIDEO

AUDIO

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video jack on the VCR or

the TV.

123

Recording an image from a tape as a still image

If your TV or VCR has an S video jack

Pictures can be reproduced more faithfully by using an S video cable.

With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V

connecting cable.

Connect an S video cable to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the TV or

VCR.

Using the i.LINK cable

i.LINK

(MICROMV

Interface)

i.LINK

(MICROMV Interface)

i.LINK cable (optional)

: Signal flow

Note

When recording from a tape in poor recording condition, for example, a tape that is

worn out from repeated dubbing, recording is interrupted, or REC ERROR appears

and recording cannot be carried out. Record distortion-free images.

124

Superimposing a still image in a “Memory

Stick” on an image – MEMORY MIX

You can superimpose a still image you have recorded on a “Memory Stick” on top of

the moving picture you are recording.

You can record the superimposed images on a tape or a “Memory Stick.” (However,

you can record only superimposed still images on the “Memory Stick.”)

M. CHROM (Memory chromakey)

You can swap only the blue area of a still image such as an illustration or a frame with a

moving picture.

M. LUMI (Memory luminancekey)

You can swap the brighter area of a still image (such as a handwritten illustration or a

title) with a moving picture. To use this function, we recommend recording a title on a

“Memory Stick” before a trip or event.

C. CHROM (Camera chromakey)

You can superimpose a moving picture on top of a still image such as an image which

can be used as background. Shoot the subject against a blue background. Only the blue

area of the moving picture will be swapped with a still image.

M. OVERLAP* (Memory overlap)

You can make a moving picture fade in on top of a still image.

M. CHROM

CAM

Still image

Moving picture

CHROM

Blue

M. LUMI

Still image

CAM

L UM I

C. CHROM

CAM

Still image

Moving picture

CHROM

Blue

M. OVERLAP*

Moving picture

OV ER –

L A P

* The superimposed image using Memory overlap function can be recorded on tapes

only.

125

Superimposing a still image in a “Memory Stick” on an image

– MEMORY MIX

Recording a superimposed image to tape

Before operation

•Insert a tape for recording into your camcorder.

•Insert a “Memory Stick” recorded with still images into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

(2) In the standby mode, press FN and select PAGE2.

(3) Press MEM MIX. The last image recorded on the “Memory Stick” appears on the

right lower part of the LCD screen.

(4) Press –/+ on the right lower corner of the LCD screen to select the still image which

you want to superimpose.

– : to see the previous image

+ : to see the next image

(5) Press a desired mode. The still image is superimposed on the moving picture.

(6) Press –/+ on the left lower corner of the LCD screen to adjust the effect, then press

OK to return to PAGE2.

M. CHROM – The color (blue) scheme of the area in the still image which is to be

swapped with a moving image

– The color (bright) scheme of the area in the still image which is to

M. LUMI

be swapped with a moving image

C. CHROM – The color (blue) scheme of the area in the moving image which is

to be swapped with a still image

M. OVERLAP – No adjustment necessary

The fewer bars there are on the LCD screen, the stronger the effect.

(7) Press EXIT to return to FN.

(8) Press START/STOP to start recording.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

MEM MIX

OFF MCCAM

LUMI

MEM

MIX

CAMCM MCCAM

CHROM CHROM

Still image

MEM MIX

OFF

4,5

M. LUMI

MEM MIX

OFF

M. LUMI

PAGE2

126

Superimposing a still image in a “Memory Stick” on an image

– MEMORY MIX

To change the still image to be superimposed

Press –/+ on the right lower corner before step 6.

To cancel MEMORY MIX

Press

OFF. The display returns to PAGE2.

Notes

•You cannot use the MEMORY MIX function for moving pictures recorded on the

“Memory Stick”.

•When the overlapping still image has a large amount of white, the thumbnail image of

the picture may not be clear.

•During recording you cannot reselect the mode setting. Press

OFF to return to

PAGE2.

Image data modified on your computer or shot with other equipment

You may not be able to play modified images back with your camcorder.

When you select M. OVERLAP

You cannot change the still image. Press

OFF to cancel the M.OVERLAP mode, then

select the image again.

Recording a superimposed image to a “Memory Stick” as a still image

Before operation

Insert a recorded “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) In the standby mode, press FN and select PAGE2.

(3) Press MEM MIX. The last image recorded on the “Memory Stick” appears on the

small screen at the lower right corner of the LCD screen.

(4) Press –/+ on the right lower corner of the screen to select the still image which you

want to superimpose.

– : to see the previous image

+ : to see the next image

(5) Press a desired mode. The still image is superimposed on the moving picture.

(6) Press –/+ on the left lower corner of the LCD screen to adjust the effect, then press

OK. The display returns to PAGE2.

M. CHROM – The color (blue) scheme of the area in the still image which is to be

swapped with a moving image

– The color (bright) scheme of the area in the still image which is to

M. LUMI

be swapped with a moving image

C. CHROM – The color (blue) scheme of the area in the moving image which is

to be swapped with a still image

The fewer bars there are on the screen, the stronger the effect.

(7) Press EXIT to return to FN.

(8) Press PHOTO deeper to start recording.

The image displayed on the LCD screen will be recorded on a “Memory Stick.”

Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

127

Superimposing a still image in a “Memory Stick” on an image

– MEMORY MIX

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

MODE

POWER

MEM MIX

OFF MCCAM

LUMI

MEM

MIX

CAMCM MCCAM

CHROM CHROM

Still image

MEM MIX

OFF

4,5

M. LUMI

MEM MIX

OFF

M. LUMI

PAGE2

To change the still image to be superimposed

Press –/+ on the right lower corner before step 6.

To cancel MEMORY MIX

Press

OFF. The display returns to PAGE2.

Notes

•You cannot use MEMORY MIX function for moving pictures recorded on the

“Memory Stick”.

•If the overlapping still image has a large amount of white, the thumbnail image of the

picture may not be clear.

•You cannot reselect the mode. Press

OFF again to return to PAGE2.

Image size of still images

Image size is automatically set to 640 × 480.

Image data modified with your computers or shot with other equipment

You may not be able to play them back with your camcorder.

When recording images on a “Memory Stick” using MEMORY MIX

The PROGRAM AE does not work.

The “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder stores 20 images:

– For M. CHROM: 18 images (such as a frame) 100-0001~100-0018

– For C. CHROM: 2 images (such as a background) 100-0019~100-0020

Sample images

Sample images stored in the “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder are

protected (p. 146).

128

Recording moving pictures on the “Memory

Stick” – MPEG movie recording

You can record moving pictures with sound on the “Memory Stick”.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The camera recording lamp

located on the front of your camcorder lights up.

Quality mode

SUPER FINE

FINE

recordable time

Maximum 45 s

Maximum 1 min 10 s

Maximum 2 min 20 s

Maximum 4 min 40 s

STANDARD

LIGHTMODE

0:03

REC

40min

SFN

Recording time indicator can be recorded on

the “Memory Stick.”

[15Sec]

BBB

This indicator is displayed for five seconds

after pressing START/STOP. This indicator

is not recorded.

PLAY INDEX

NETWORK

START/STOP

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

To stop recording

Press START/STOP.

129

Recording moving pictures on the “Memory Stick”

– MPEG movie recording

Note

Sound is recorded in monaural.

MPEG movie recorded with the camcorder:

•Is MPEG MOVIE AD

•Cannot be played back on other digital still cameras and digital video camera

recorders.

•Cannot be output from the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface).

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

The following functions do not work:

– Wide mode

– Digital zoom

– SteadyShot function

– Super NightShot

– Color Slow Shutter

– Fader

– Picture effect

– Digital effect

– Title

– Sports lesson of PROGRAM AE (The indicator flashes.)

When using an external flash (optional)

Turn the power of the external flash off when recording moving pictures on the

“Memory Stick”. Otherwise, the charging sound of the flash may be recorded.

Recording date/time

The date/time are not displayed while recording. However, they are automatically

recorded onto the “Memory Stick”. To display the recording date/time, press DATA

CODE during playback. Various settings cannot be recorded. You can also use the

Remote Commander for this operation (p. 43).

During recording on the “Memory Stick”

Do not eject the cassette tape from your camcorder. While ejecting the tape, sound is not

recorded on the “Memory Stick.”

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

The angle of view is slightly larger compared with the angle of view in CAMERA

mode.

130

Recording moving pictures on the “Memory Stick”

– MPEG movie recording

Self-timer MPEG movie recording

You can record images on the “Memory Stick” with the self-timer. You can also use the

Remote Commander for this operation.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN and select PAGE2.

(3) Press SELFTIMER in the standby mode.

The

(self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen.

(4) Press START/STOP.

Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep. In the last two seconds of the

countdown, the beep gets faster, then recording starts automatically.

START/STOP

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

PAGE2

POWER

To stop the count down

Press START/STOP.

To restart the countdown, press START/STOP again.

To cancel the self-timer recording

Press SELFTIMER so that the

(self-timer) indicator disappears on the LCD screen.

You cannot cancel the self-timer recording using the Remote Commander.

Note

The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when:

– Self-timer recording is finished.

– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.

131

Recording a picture from a tape as a moving

picture

Your camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a tape and record it as a

moving picture on a “Memory Stick.” Your camcorder can also take in moving picture

data through the input connector and record it as a moving picture on a “Memory

Stick.”

Before operation

•Insert a recorded tape into your camcorder.

•Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press

. The picture recorded on the tape is played back.

(3) Press START/STOP at the scene where you want to start recording from.

Quality mode

SUPER FINE

FINE

recordable time

Maximum 45 s

Maximum 1 min 10 s

Maximum 2 min 20 s

Maximum 4 min 40 s

STANDARD

LIGHTMODE

Recording time indicator can be recorded on

the “Memory Stick.”

40min

0:15:42

0:03

[15Sec]

REC

SFN

BBB

This indicator is displayed for five seconds

after pressing START/STOP. This indicator

is not recorded.

START/STOP

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

To stop recording

Press START/STOP.

Note

Sound recorded in stereo is converted to monaural sound when recording from a tape.

132

Recording a picture from a tape as a moving picture

When the ”Memory Stick“ access lamp is lit or flashing

Do not shake or strike the unit. As well do not turn the power off, eject a “Memory

Stick” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, the image data breakdown may occur.

Titles cannot be recorded

You cannot record them on the “Memory Stick”. The title does not appear while you are

recording a moving picture with START/STOP.

Various settings recorded on a tape

They cannot be recorded on the “Memory Stick”. The date/time when it is recorded on

the “Memory Stick” is recorded.

Recording a moving picture from other equipment

Before operation

Set DISPLAY to LCD in the menu settings (p. 182). (The default setting is LCD.)

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) When using the A/V connecting cable, set VIDEOINPUT to the appropriate

position depending on the player. (p. 176)

(3) Play back the recorded tape, or turn the TV on to see the desired program.

The image of the other equipment is displayed on the LCD screen or in the

viewfinder.

(4) Press START/STOP at the scene where you want to start recording from.

Using the A/V connecting cable

Black

Yellow

OUT

S VIDEO

A/V

White

VIDEO

AUDIO

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

Red

: Signal flow

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video jack on the VCR or

the TV.

133

Recording a picture from a tape as a moving picture

If your TV or VCR has an S video jack

Pictures can be reproduced more faithfully by using an S video cable.

With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V

connecting cable.

Connect an S video cable to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the TV or

VCR.

Using the i.LINK cable

i.LINK

(MICROMV

Interface)

i.LINK

(MICROMV Interface)

i.LINK cable (optional)

: Signal flow

Note

When recording from a tape in poor recording condition, for example, a tape that is

worn out from repeated dubbing, recording is interrupted, or REC ERROR appears

and recording cannot be carried out. Record distortion-free images.

134

Viewing a still image

– Memory photo playback

You can play back still images recorded on a “Memory Stick.” You can also play back

six images including moving pictures on single screen arranged in the same order as a

“Memory Stick” by selecting the index screen.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) Press PLAY or

PB. The last recorded image is displayed.

(3) Press –/+ to select the desired still image.

– : to see the previous image

+ : to see the next image

PLAY

To stop memory photo playback

Press CAM or VCR, or MEMORY PLAY on the Remote Commander.

Note

You may not be able to play back images with your camcorder:

– when playing back image data modified on your computers.

– when playing back image data shot with other equipment.

Playback still images recorded on the “Memory Stick”

Playback images are not output from the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface).

File name

•The directory number may not be displayed and only the file name may be displayed

if the structure of the directory does not conform to the DCF standard.

•

- DIRECTORY ERROR may appear on the LCD screen if the structure of the

directory does not conform to the DCF standard. If this message appears, you can play

back images but cannot record them on the “Memory Stick.”

•The file name flashes on the LCD screen if the file is corrupted or the file is

unreadable.

135

Viewing a still image – Memory photo playback

To play back recorded images on a TV screen

•Connect your camcorder to the TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your

camcorder before the operation.

•When operating memory photo playback on a TV or on the LCD screen, the image

quality may appear to have deteriorated. This is not a malfunction. The image data is

as good as ever.

•Turn the audio volume of the TV down before operation, or noise (howling) may be

output from the TV speakers.

Still image

You can select still images also with –/+ on PAGE1, PAGE2 or PAGE3.

Screen indicators during still image playback

Image size

Image number/Total number of recorded images

6/100

MEMORY PLAY

1152

Print mark

Protect

JUL 4 2002

12:05:56 AM

Recording date/time/various settings

CAM INDEX

VCR

When the POWER switch is set to VCR,

CAM

displayed instead of

(camera)

Data Directory Number, File Number

When no images are recorded on the “Memory Stick”

When you press MEMORY PLAY on the Remote Commander,

NO FILE appears.

Recording data

To display the recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded), press

DATA CODE during playback. You can also use the Remote Commander for this

operation (p. 43).

To make LCD screen indicators disappear

Press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL.

136

Viewing a still image – Memory photo playback

Playing back 6 recorded images at a time (index screen)

You can play back six recorded images at a time. This function is especially useful when

searching for a particular image.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) In MEMORY/NETWORK mode, go to step 3.

In VCR mode, press

PB.

(3) Press INDEX to display the index screen.

A red B mark appears above the image that is displayed before changing to the index

screen mode.

T : to display the previous six images

t : to display the following six images

You can also display the previous or following six images with +/– on the Remote

Commander.

B mark

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To return to the normal playback screen (single screen)

Press the image you want to display.

Note

When displaying the index screen, the number appears above each image. This

indicates the order in which images are recorded on the “Memory Stick.” These

numbers are different from the data file names (p. 103).

Image data modified with personal computers or shot with other equipment

These files may not be displayed on the index screen.

137

Viewing a moving picture

– MPEG movie playback

You can play back moving pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick.” You can also play

back 6 images including still images in order at a time by selecting the index screen.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) Press PLAY or

PB. The last recorded image is displayed.

(3) Press –/+ to select the desired moving pictures.

– : to see the previous picture

+ : to see the next picture

(4) Press MPEG N X to start playback.

(5) Press VOL– or VOL+ to adjust the volume.

VOL– : to decrease the volume.

VOL+ : to increase the volume.

When the LCD screen is closed, no sound is heard.

PLAY

To pause MPEG movie playback

Press MPEG N X. To resume playback, press MPEG N X again.

Note

You may not be able to play back images with your camcorder:

– when playing back image data modified on your computers.

– when playing back image data shot with other equipment.

MPEG movie recorded with the camcorder:

•Is MPEG MOVIE AD

•Cannot be played back on other digital still cameras and digital video camera

recorders.

•Cannot be output from the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface).

To play back recorded images on a TV screen

•Connect your camcorder to the TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your

camcorder before operation.

•Turn the audio volume of the TV down before operation, or noise (howling) may be

output from the TV speakers.

Moving picture

You can select moving pictures also with –/+ on PAGE1, PAGE2 or PAGE3.

When no moving picture is recorded on a “Memory Stick”

When you press MEMORY PLAY on the Remote Commander,

NO FILE appears.

138

Viewing a moving picture – MPEG movie playback

To change the screen size

Press SCRN SIZE. The screen size changes as follows:

1 / 20

MEMORY P L A Y

1 / 20

MEMORY P L A Y

MOV 10001

MPEG

N X

SCRN

SIZE

MPEG

N X

SCRN

SIZE

VOL

CAM INDEX

Note on the screen size

•The picture may not be displayed at the middle of the LCD screen, depending on the

movie.

•Even if you switch the screen size, the picture may not be displayed full-screen size,

depending on the movie.

Screen indicators during moving picture playback

Data directory number/File number

Protect

1 / 20

0:03

SCRN

SIZE

Picture number/Total number of recorded

pictures

MOV 10001

MPEG

N X

VOL

JUL 4 2002

12:05:56 AM

CAM INDEX

Recording date/time. (Various settings are

displayed as “– – –”.)

Recording date/time

To display the recording date/time, press DATA CODE during playback. You can also

use the Remote Commander for this operation (p. 43).

To make screen indicators disappear

Press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL.

139

Copying still images recorded on the

“Memory Stick” to a tape

You can copy still images recorded on the “Memory Stick” and record them to a tape.

You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation.

Before operation

•Insert a tape for recording into your camcorder.

•Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Using the video control buttons, search a point where you want to record and stop

playback.

(3) Press

PB. The last recorded image is displayed.

(4) Press –/+ to select the desired image.

– : to see the previous image

+ : to see the next image

(5) Press FN and select PAGE3.

(6) Press q REC CTRL, then REC START.

Copying starts.

Press REC PAUSE at the scene where you want to stop recording.

(7) If you have more to copy, repeat steps 4 to 6.

PAGE3

6,7

26/26

0:00:07

640

REC CTRL MEMORY PLAY

RET.

REC CTRL MEMORY PLAY

RET.

REC

PAUSE

REC

START

REC

PAUSE

REC

START

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

WORK

(CHG)

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

To stop copying in the middle

Press x on the LCD screen or STOP on the Remote Commander.

140

Copying images recorded on the “Memory Stick” to a tape

Notes

•You cannot copy MPEG movie files to the tape.

•You cannot copy the index screen to the tape.

During copying

You cannot operate the following functions:

– MEMORY PLAY

– MEMORY INDEX

– MEMORY DELETE

– MEMORY –/+

– MEMORY MIX

Image data modified on your computers or shot with other equipment

You may not be able to copy modified images with your camcorder.

141

Enlarging still images recorded on the

“Memory Stick” – Memory PB ZOOM

You can enlarge still images recorded on a “Memory Stick”. You can select and view a

desired part from the enlarged still image. Also, you can copy the desired part of the

enlarged still image to the “Memory Stick”.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) In the memory playback mode, press FN and select PAGE2.

(2) Press PB ZOOM. PB ZOOM screen appears.

(3) Press the area that you want to enlarge in the frame on the PB ZOOM screen.

The area you pressed moves to the center of the LCD screen, and the playback

image is enlarged at twice the size. If you press the other area, the area moves to the

center of the LCD screen.

(4) Adjust the zoom ratio by the zoom lever.

You can select the image from 1.1 times up to five times its size

“W” side: Decrease the zoom ratio.

“T” side: Increase the zoom ratio.

2,3

3/14

1152

PB ZOOM

ZOOM

MEMORY PLAY

END

PAGE2

To cancel the Memory PB ZOOM function

Press

END.

142

Enlarging still images recorded on the “Memory Stick”

– Memory PB ZOOM

Pictures in the Memory PB ZOOM mode

Pictures are not output through the i.LINK (MICROMV Interface).

In the Memory PB ZOOM mode

If you press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL button, the frame on the Memory PB ZOOM screen

disappears. You cannot move the part you pressed to the center of the LCD screen.

Edge of an enlarged image

The edge of an enlarged image cannot be displayed in the center of the LCD screen.

Moving pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick”

The PB ZOOM function does not work.

To record an image processed by PB ZOOM on the “Memory Stick”

Press the PHOTO button to record the image processed by PB ZOOM. (Images are

recorded at 640 × 480 size.)

143

Playing back images continuously

– SLIDE SHOW

Your camcorder can automatically play back images in sequence. This function is

especially useful when checking recorded images or during a presentation.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select SLIDE SHOW in

in the menu settings (p. 179). And

press EXEC.

(4) Press START. Your camcorder plays back the images recorded on a “Memory Stick”

in sequence.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

MOVIE SET

SLIDE SHOW

FILE NO.

1 / 6

1152

3,4

READY

DELETE ALL

FORMAT

EXEC

RET.

START

END

To stop the slide show

Press

END.

To pause during a slide show

Press PAUSE.

To return to FN

Press

END, then EXIT.

To start the slide show from a particular image

Select the desired image using –/+ buttons before step 4.

144

Playing back images continuously – SLIDE SHOW

To view the recorded images on TV

Connect your camcorder to a TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your

camcorder (p. 47) before operation.

If you change the “Memory Stick” during operation

The slide show does not operate. If you change the “Memory Stick,” be sure to follow

the steps again from the beginning.

When there are no images on the “Memory Stick”

NO FILE appears.

145

Preventing accidental erasure

– Image protection

To prevent accidental erasure of important images, you can protect selected images.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) In MEMORY/NETWORK mode, go to step 3.

In VCR mode, press

PB.

(3) Press INDEX on your camcorder to display the index.

(4) Press - MARK. The screen to protect the image appears.

(5) Press the image you want to protect. The “-” appears above the protected image.

INDEX

MARK

DEL

EXIT

RET

MARK

EXIT

4,5

MARK

1 / 40

2 / 40

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel image protection

Press the image you want to cancel image protection in step 5 again. The “-”

disappears.

Note

Formatting erases all information on the “Memory Stick,” including the protected

image data. Check the contents of the “Memory Stick” before formatting.

If the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK

You cannot carry out image protection.

146

Deleting images – DELETE

You can delete images stored in a “Memory Stick.” You can delete all images or selected

images.

Deleting selected images

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) Press PLAY or

PB, then press –/+ to select the image you want to delete.

(3) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(4) Press DELETE. DELETE? appears on the LCD screen.

(5) Press OK. The selected image is deleted.

3 / 40

DELETE

640

4,5

DELETE?

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel deleting an image

Press CANCEL in step 5.

Notes

•To delete a protected image, first cancel image protection.

•Once you delete an image, you cannot restore it. Check the images to delete carefully

before deleting them.

If the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK

You cannot delete images.

147

Deleting images – DELETE

Deleting selected images on the index screen

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) In MEMORY/NETWORK mode, go to step 3.

In VCR mode, press

PB.

(3) Press INDEX to display the index.

(4) Press DEL, then press the image you want to delete. The number of the selected

image is highlighted.

(5) If there is other image you want to delete, press the image.

(6) After selecting the image to be deleted, press EXEC. DELETE? appears on the LCD

screen.

(7) Press OK. The selected images are deleted.

INDEX

-MARK

MARK

DEL

EXIT

RET

DEL

EXEC

EXIT

4-6

DEL

1 / 40

3 / 40

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel deleting an image

Press CANCEL in step 6.

148

Deleting images – DELETE

Deleting all the images

You can delete all the unprotected images in a “Memory Stick.”

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU, then select DELETE ALL in

press EXEC.

in the menu settings (p. 179). And

(4) Press R/r to select OK, then press EXEC.

OK changes to EXECUTE.

(5) Press EXEC.

DELETING appears on the LCD screen. When all the unprotected images are

deleted, COMPLETE is displayed.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

WORK

OFF

VCR

MODE

POWER

EXIT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

MOVIE SET

SLIDE SHOW

FILE NO.

DELETE ALL READY

FORMAT

MEMORY SET

STILL SET

MOVIE SET

SLIDE SHOW

FILE NO

DELETE ALL RETURN

FORMAT

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel deleting all the images in the “Memory Stick”

Press R/r to select RETURN in step 5, then press EXEC.

While DELETING appears

Do not turn the POWER switch or press any buttons.

149

Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK

You can specify the recorded still image to print out by putting marks. This function is

useful for printing out still images later.

Your camcorder conforms with the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard for

specifying the still images to print out.

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or VCR.

(2) In MEMORY/NETWORK mode, go to step 3.

In VCR mode, press

PB.

(3) Press INDEX to display the index.

(4) Press

MARK. The screen to write a print mark appears.

(5) Press the image you want to write a print mark. The

appears on the selected

image.

INDEX

MARK

DEL

EXIT

RET

MARK

EXIT

4,5

MARK

1 / 40

2 / 40

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To cancel writing print marks

Press the image you want to cancel the print mark in step 5 again . The

disappears.

If the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to LOCK

You cannot write print marks on still images.

Moving pictures

You cannot write print marks on moving pictures.

150

— Viewing Images Using your Computer —

Viewing images on your computer

– Introduction

There are the following ways of connecting the camcorder to a computer in order to

view images saved on a “Memory Stick” or recorded on a tape on your computer.

To view images on a computer which has a “Memory Stick” slot, first remove the

“Memory Stick” from the camcorder and then insert it into the computer’s “Memory

Stick” slot.

Reference pages

Camcorder

Connection

jack

Connection

cable

Computer

environment

requirements

USB connector,

editing software

For Macintosh

For Windows

users

USB cable

(supplied)

153-159

161-165

USB jack

Tape images

i.LINK

(MICROMV

Interface)

i.LINK (IEEE

1394) connector

editing software

i.LINK cable

(optional)

152

153-155

157-160

166-168

USB cable

(supplied)

USB connector,

editing software

“Memory Stick”

images

USB jack*

169-171

When connecting to a computer via the USB jack, complete installation of the

USB driver before connecting the camcorder to the computer. If you connect

the camcorder to the computer first, you will not be able to install the USB

driver correctly.

For details about your computer’s connectors and editing software, contact the

computer manufacturer.

*When connecting to a computer without a USB jack

Use an optional floppy disk adaptor for the “Memory Stick” or a PC card adaptor for a

“Memory Stick”.

When purchasing an accessory, check its catalog beforehand for the recommended

operating environment.

Notes on using your computer

“Memory Stick”

•“Memory Stick” operations on your camcorder cannot be assured if a “Memory Stick”

formatted on your computer is used on your camcorder, or if the “Memory Stick” in

your camcorder was formatted from your computer when the USB cable was

connected.

•Do not compress the data on the “Memory Stick.” Compressed data cannot be played

back on your camcorder.

Software

•Depending on your application software, the file size may increase when you open a

still image file.

•When you load an image modified using retouching software from your computer to

your camcorder or when you directly modify the image on your camcorder, the image

format will differ so a file error indicator may appear and you may be unable to open

the file.

Communications with your computer

Communications between your camcorder and your computer may not recover after

recovering from Suspend, Resume, or Sleep.

151

Connecting your camcorder to your computer

using the i.LINK cable – For Windows users

You can view or edit the images recorded on a tape using your computer. You can

record images edited with the computer on the tape.

To view images on your computer, the application software MovieShaker Ver.3.1 for

MICROMV (supplied) and i.LINK cable is required.

Computer

i.LINK

(MICROMV

i.LINK connector

Interface)

i.LINK cable

Note

To view images on your computer, you have to install the i.LINK driver and the

application software into your computer. They are included in the supplied application

software MovieShaker Ver.3.1 for MICROMV.

Before installing the i.LINK driver and the application software into your computer, be

sure not to connect the camcorder to the computer. For details on installing and on an

i.LINK connection, refer to the operating instructions supplied with MovieShaker

Ver.3.1 for MICROMV.

Recommended computer environment

Recommended Windows environment

OS:

Microsoft Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP

Home Edition or Windows XP Professional. Standard installation is

required.

Operation is not assured if the above environment is an upgraded OS.

Pentium III 600 MHz or faster (required)

CPU:

Pentium III 800 MHz or faster (recommended)

Main memory: 128 MB or larger (required)

256 MB or larger (recommended)

Display:

800 × 600 or larger screen size/1024 × 480 or larger screen size, 16 bit

color or higher

Hard disk:

100 MB hard disk space (for installation), ATA66 or higher speed

(required for capturing an image)

The i.LINK (IEEE1394) connector must be provided as standard.

Note

Operations are not guaranteed for all the recommended computer environments

mentioned above.

152

Connecting your camcorder to your computer

using the USB cable – For Windows users

Complete installation of the USB driver before connecting the camcorder to

the computer. If you connect the camcorder to the computer first, you will not

be able to install the USB driver correctly.

When connecting to a computer via the USB jack

You must install a USB driver onto your computer in order to connect the camcorder to

the computer’s USB connector. The USB driver can be found on the CD-ROM supplied,

along with the application software required for viewing images.

If you connect your camcorder and your computer using the USB cable, you can view

pictures live from your camcorder and pictures recorded on a tape on your computer

(USB streaming function).

Furthermore, if you download pictures from your camcorder to your computer, you can

process or edit them in image processing software and append them to e-mail.

You can view images recorded on a “Memory Stick” on your computer.

Recommended computer usage environment when connecting

via USB cable and viewing tape images on the computer

OS:

Microsoft Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP

Home Edition or Windows XP Professional Standard installation is required.

However, operation is not assured if the above environment is an upgraded OS.

You cannot hear sound if your computer is running Windows 98, but you can read still

images.

CPU:

Pentium III 500 MHz or faster (800 MHz or faster recommended)

Application:

DirectX 8.0a or later

Sound system:

16 bit stereo sound card and stereo speakers

Memory:

64 MB or more

Hard disk:

Available memory required for installation:

at least 200MB

Available hard disc memory recommended:

at least 1GB (depending on the size of the image files edited)

Display:

4 MB VRAM video card, Minimum 800 × 600 dot High color (16 bit color, 65000 colors),

Direct Draw display driver capability (At 800 × 600 dot or less, 256 colors and less, this

product will not operate correctly.)

Others:

This product is based on DirectX technology, so it is necessary to install DirectX.

The USB connector must be provided as standard.

You cannot use this function in the Macintosh environment.

153

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users

Recommended computer usage environment when connecting

via USB cable and viewing the “Memory Stick” images on the

computer

Recommended Windows environment

OS:

Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 Professional,

Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional standard installation is

required.

However, operation is not assured if the above environment is an upgraded OS.

CPU:

MMX Pentium 200 MHz or faster

The USB connector must be provided as standard.

Windows Media Player must be installed (to play back moving pictures).

Notes

•Operations are not guaranteed for the Windows environment if you connect two or

more USB equipment to a single computer at the same time, or when using a hub.

•Some equipment may not operate depending on the type of USB equipment that is

used simultaneously.

•Operations are not guaranteed for all the recommended computer environments

mentioned above.

•Windows and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

•Pentium is trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

•All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, “TM” and “®” are not

mentioned in each case in this manual.

154

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users

Installing the USB driver

Start the following operation without connecting the USB cable to your

computer.

Connect the USB cable according to “Making the computer recognize the

camcorder”.

If you are using Windows 2000 Professional, log in with permission of administrators.

If you are using Windows XP, log in with permission of computer managers.

(1) Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load.

(2) Insert the supplied CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of your computer. The

application software starts up and the title screen appears.

(3) Move the cursor to USB Driver and click. This starts USB driver installation.

(4) Follow the on-screen messages to install the USB driver.

(5) Remove the CD-ROM and then restart the computer, in accordance with the

instructions on the screen.

Note

If you connect the USB cable before USB driver installation is complete, the USB driver

will not be properly registered. Carry out installation again in accordance with the steps

on page 158.

155

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users

Making the computer recognize the camcorder

Viewing images recorded on a tape on your computer

Refer to page 166, 169 for details on viewing the “Memory Stick” images on your

computer.

You need to install PIXELA ImageMixer to view images recorded on a tape on your

computer. Install it from the CD-ROM supplied with your camcorder.

To install and use this software in Windows 2000 Professional, you must be authorized

as Power Users or Administrators. For Windows XP, you must be authorized as

Administrators.

(1) Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load.

If you are using your computer, close all running applications.

(2) Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your computer.

The application software starts up and the title screen appears. If the title screen

does not appear, double-click “My Computer” and then “ImageMixer” (CD-ROM

Drive). The application software screen appears after a while.

(3) Move the cursor to “PIXELA ImageMixer” and click.

The Install Wizard program starts up and the “Select Settings Language” screen

appears.

(4) Select the language for installation.

(5) Follow the on-screen messages.

The installation screen disappears when installation is complete.

(6) Click DirectX.

Follow the on-screen messages to install DirectX.

Restart your computer when the installation is completed.

(7) Connect the AC power adaptor to your camcorder. Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(8) Select USB STREAM to ON in

in the menu settings (p. 181).

(9) With the CD-ROM inserted, connect the USB jacks of the camcorder and computer

using the USB cable supplied with your camcorder.

Your computer recognizes the camcorder, and the Windows Add Hardware

Wizard starts.

(USB) jack

USB connector

USB cable (supplied)

(10) Follow the on-screen messages so that the Add Hardware Wizard recognizes that

the USB drivers have been installed. The Add Hardware Wizard starts three times

because three different USB drivers are installed. Be sure to allow the installation

to complete without interrupting it.

For Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home Edition/Professional users

(11) After the “File Needed” screen appears.

Open “Browse...” t “My Computer” t “ImageMixer” t “Sonyhcb.sys”, and

click “OK”.

156

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users

Viewing images recorded on a “Memory Stick”

(1) Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(2) Connect the AC power adaptor and set the POWER switch to MEMORY/

NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(3) Connect the (USB) jack on your camcorder to the USB connector on your

computer using the supplied USB cable.

USB MODE appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your computer

recognises the camcorder, and the Add Hardware Wizard starts.

(USB) jack

USB connector

USB cable (supplied)

(4) Follow the on-screen messages so that the Add Hardware Wizard recognises that

the USB drivers have been installed. The Add Hardware Wizard starts two times

because two different USB drivers are installed. Be sure to allow the installation to

complete without interrupting it.

You cannot install the USB driver if a “Memory Stick” is not in your camcorder.

Be sure to insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder before installing the USB

driver.

157

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users

If you cannot install the USB driver

The USB driver has been registered incorrectly as your computer was connected to your

camcorder before installation of the USB driver was completed. Perform the following

procedure to correctly install the USB driver.

Viewing images recorded on a tape

Step 1: Uninstall the incorrect USB driver

Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load.

Connect the AC power adaptor, and set the POWER switch to VCR.

Connect the USB connector on your computer to the (USB) jack on your

camcorder using the USB cable supplied with your camcorder.

Open your computer’s “Device Manager”.

Windows XP:

Select “Start” t “Control Panel” t “System” t “Hardware”, and click the

“Device Manager” button.

If there is no “System” inside “Pick a category” after clicking “Control Panel”, click

“Switch to classic view” instead.

Windows 2000 Professional:

Select “My Computer” t “Control Panel” t “System” t “Hardware” tab, and

click the “Device Manager” button.

Windows 98SE/Windows Me:

Select “My Computer” t “Control Panel” t “System”, and click “Device

Manager”.

Select and delete the underlined devices below.

Windows 98SE

Windows Me

158

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users

Windows 2000 Professional

Windows XP

Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) on your camcorder, and then disconnect the

USB cable.

Restart your computer.

Step 2: Install the USB driver on the supplied CD-ROM

Perform the entire procedure described in “Installing the USB driver” on page 155.

159

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Windows users

Viewing images recorded on a “Memory Stick”

Step1: Uninstall the incorrect USB driver

Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load.

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

Connect the AC power adaptor, and set the POWER switch to MEMORY/

NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

Connect the USB connector on your computer to the (USB) jack on your

camcorder using the USB cable supplied with your camcorder.

Open your computer’s “Device Manager”.

Windows 2000 Professional:

Select “My Computer” t “Control Panel” t “System” t “Hardware”, and click

the “Device Manager” button.

Other OS:

Select “My Computer” t “Control Panel” t “System”, and click “Device

Manager”.

Select “Other devices”.

Select the device prefixed with the “?” mark and delete.

Ex: (?)Sony Handycam

Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) on your camcorder, and then disconnect the

USB cable.

Restart your computer.

Step2: Install the USB driver on the supplied CD-ROM

Perform the entire procedure described in “Installing the USB driver” on page 155.

160

Viewing images recorded on a tape on your

computer – For Windows users

Capturing images with “PIXELA ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony”

You need to install the USB driver and PIXELA ImageMixer to view images recorded

on a tape on your computer (p. 155).

If you are using Windows 2000 Professional, you must be authorised as Power Users or

permission of managers.

Viewing images recorded on a tape

(1) Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load.

(2) Connect the AC power adaptor, and insert a cassette into your camcorder.

(3) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

Select USB STREAM in

to ON in the menu settings (p. 181).

(4) Select “Start” t “Programs” t “PIXELA” t “ImageMixer” t “PIXELA

ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony”.

The “PIXELA ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony” startup screen appears on your

computer.

The title screen appears.

(5) Click

on the screen.

161

Viewing images recorded on a tape on your computer

– For Windows users

(6) Select

Preview window

(7) Connect the (USB) jack on your camcorder with the USB connector on your

computer using the supplied USB cable.

(USB) jack

USB connector

USB cable (supplied)

(8) Press

on the LCD screen to start playback.

The picture from the tape appears on preview window on your computer.

162

Viewing images recorded on a tape on your computer

– For Windows users

Viewing pictures live from your camcorder

(1) Follow the steps 1, 2 on page 161.

(2) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

Select USB STREAM in

to ON in the menu settings (p. 181).

(3) Follow the steps 4 to 7 on pages 161 and 162.

The picture from your camcorder appears on preview window on your computer.

Capturing still images

Preview window

Thumbnail list window

(1) Select

(2) Looking at the preview window, move the cursor to

you want to capture.

and press it at the point

The still image on the screen is captured.

Captured images are displayed in the thumbnail list window.

163

Viewing images recorded on a tape on your computer

– For Windows users

Capturing moving pictures

Preview window

Thumbnail list window

(1) Select

(2) Look at the preview window and click on

want to capture. changes to

(3) Look at the preview window and click on

at the first scene of the movie you

at the last scene you want to

capture. The moving picture is captured. The captured images appear in the

thumbnail list window.

Notes

•PIXELA ImageMixer is only for the DV equipment though it has the function that

adopts the i.LINK cable. To view images recorded on a MICROMV tape, use the

application software MovieShaker Ver.3.1 for MICROMV.

•The following may occur while using your camcorder, and are not due to any

malfunction.

– The image shakes up and down.

– Some images are not displayed correctly due to noise, etc.

– Images of different colour systems to that of the camcorder are not displayed

correctly.

•When your camcorder is in the standby with a cassette inserted, it turns off

automatically after five minutes.

•We recommend setting DEMO MODE to OFF in the menu settings when your

camcorder is in the standby, and no cassette is inserted.

•Indicators in the camcorder LCD screen do not appear on images that are captured

into your computer.

If image data cannot be transferred by the USB connection

The USB driver has been registered incorrectly as your computer was connected to your

camcorder before installation of the USB driver was completed. Reinstall the USB driver

following the procedure on page 158.

If any trouble occurs

Close all running applications, then restart your computer.

164

Viewing images recorded on a tape on your computer

– For Windows users

Carry out the following operations after quitting the application:

– Disconnect the USB cable.

– Change the POWER switch to the other position or set the POWER switch to OFF

(CHG) on your camcorder.

When operating the following modes, they do not function for the image to be

output, or the image cannot be output

– Colour Slow Shutter

– Super NightShot

– Digital effect

– MEMORY MIX

Seeing the on-line help (operating instructions) of “PIXELA

ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony”

A “PIXELA ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony” on-line help site is available where you can

find the detailed operating method of “PIXELA ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony”.

(1) Click

located in the upper-right corner of the screen.

The ImageMixer’s Manual screen appears.

(2) You can find the information you need from the list of contents.

To close on-line help

Click

at the top right of the screen.

If you have any questions about “PIXELA ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony”

“ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony” is a trademark of PIXELA corporation. For more

information, refer to the instruction manual of the CD-ROM supplied with your

camcorder.

Note on using your computer

Communications with your computer

Communications between your camcorder and your computer may not recover after

recovering from Suspend, Resume, or Sleep.

165

Viewing images recorded on a “Memory

Stick” on your computer

– For Windows users

Viewing images

Before operation

•You need to install the USB driver to view “Memory Stick” images on your computer

(p. 155).

•An application such as Windows Media Player must be installed to play back moving

pictures in Windows environment.

(1) Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load.

(2) Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder, and connect the AC power adaptor to

your camcorder. Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55

only).

(3) When the CD-ROM is inserted on your computer, connect the (USB) jack on your

camcorder to the USB connector on your computer using the supplied USB cable.

USB MODE appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder.

(USB) jack

USB connector

USB cable

(supplied)

(4) Open “My Computer” on Windows and double-click the newly recognized drive

(Example: “Removable Disk (E:)”).

The folders inside the “Memory Stick” are displayed.

166

Viewing images recorded on a “Memory Stick” on your computer

– For Windows users

(5) Select and double-click the desired image file from the folder.

For the detailed folder and file name, see “Image file storage destinations and image

files.”

Desired file type

Still image/

Moving picture*

Double-click in this order

“100msdcf” folder

“Dcim” folder

Image file

* Copying a file to the hard disk of your computer before viewing it is recommended. If

you play back the file directly from the “Memory Stick,” the image and sound may

break off.

Image file storage destinations and image files

Image files recorded with your camcorder are grouped in folders by recording mode.

The meanings of the file names are as follows. ssss stands for any number within

the range from 0001 to 9999.

For Windows Me users

(The drive recognizing your camcorder is [E:].)

Folder containing still image and

moving picture data

Folder

File

Meaning

DSC0ssss.JPG

MOV1ssss.MPG

Still image file

Moving picture file

100MSDCF

167

Viewing images recorded on a “Memory Stick” on your computer

– For Windows users

Disconnect the USB cable and remove the “Memory Stick” or

setthe POWER switch to OFF(CHG)

– For Windows 2000 Professional/Windows Me, Windows XP Home Edition/

Professional users

To unplug the USB cable, eject the “Memory Stick” or set the POWER switch to

OFF(CHG), follow the procedure below.

(1) Move the cursor to the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon on the Task Tray and click

to cancel the applicable drive.

(2) After the “Safe to remove” message appears, disconnect the USB cable and remove

the “Memory Stick” or set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).

168

Connecting your camcorder to your

computer using the USB cable

– For Macintosh users

When connecting to a computer via the USB jack

You must install a USB driver onto your computer in order to connect the camcorder to

the computer's USB connector. The USB driver can be found on the CD-ROM supplied,

along with the application software required for viewing images.

Recommended Macintosh environment

Mac OS 8.5.1/8.6/9.0/9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v10.0/v10.1) standard installation is

required.

However, note that the update to Mac OS 9.0/9.1 should be used for the following

models.

•iMac with the Mac OS 8.6 standard installation and a slot loading type CD-ROM drive

•iBook or Power Mac G4 with the Mac OS 8.6 standard installation

The USB connector must be provided as standard.

QuickTime 3.0 or newer must be installed (to play back moving pictures).

Notes

•Operations are not guaranteed for the Macintosh environment if you connect two or

more USB equipment to a single computer at the same time, or when using a hub.

•Some equipment may not operate depending on the type of USB equipment that is

used simultaneously.

•Operations are not guaranteed for all the recommended computer environments

mentioned above.

•Macintosh and Mac OS, QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.

•All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, “TM” and “®” are not

mentioned in each case in this manual.

169

Connecting your camcorder to your computer using the USB cable

– For Macintosh users

Installing the USB driver

Do not connect the USB cable to your computer before installation of the USB

driver is completed.

For Mac OS 8.5.1/8.6/9.0 users

(1) Turn on your computer and allow the Mac OS to load.

(2) Insert the supplied CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive of your computer.

The application software screen appears.

(3) Click the “USB Driver” to open the folder containing the six files related to

“Driver.”

(4) Select the following two files, and drag and drop them into the System Folder.

• Sony Camcorder USB Driver

• Sony Camcorder USB Shim

(5) When the message appears, click “OK.”

The USB driver is installed on your computer.

(6) Remove the CD-ROM from the computer.

(7) Restart your computer.

For Mac OS 9.1/9.2/Mac OS X (v10.0/v10.1)

The USB driver need not be installed. Your Mac is automatically recognized as a drive

just by connecting your Mac using the USB cable.

170

Viewing images recorded on a “Memory

Stick” on your computer – For Macintosh users

Viewing images

Before operation

You need to install the USB driver to view the “Memory Stick” images on your

computer. (p. 170)

QuickTime 3.0 or newer must be installed to play back moving pictures.

(1) Turn on your computer and allow Mac OS to load.

(2) Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder, and connect the AC power adaptor to

your camcorder.

(3) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only).

(4) Connect the (USB) jack on your camcorder with the USB connector on your

computer using the supplied USB cable. USB MODE appears on the screen of your

camcorder.

(5) Double-click the “Memory Stick” icon on the desktop.

The folders inside the “Memory Stick” are displayed.

(6) Select and double-click the desired image file from the folder.

Desired file type

Double-click in this order

Still image/Moving picture*

“Dcim” folder t “100msdcf” folder t Image file

* Copying a file to the hard disk of your computer before viewing it is recommended. If

you play back the file directly from the “Memory Stick,” the image and sound may

break off.

Disconnect the USB cable and remove the “Memory Stick” or set

the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)

Follow the procedure below.

(1) Close all running applications.

Make sure that the access lamp of your camcorder is not lit.

(2) Drag the “Memory Stick” icon into the “Trash”. Alternatively, select the “Memory

Stick” icon by clicking on it, and then select “Eject disk” from the “Special” menu at

the top left of the screen.

(3) Disconnect the USB cable and remove the “Memory Stick” or set the POWER switch

to OFF (CHG).

For Mac OS X (v10.0) users

Shut down your computer, then disconnect the USB cable and remove the “Memory

Stick” or set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

171

— Using the Network function —

Accessing the network

– DCR-IP55 only

You can access the Internet using a Bluetooth equipped device that is complied to the

camcorder. Once the access is made, you can view a Web page, send/receive your e-

mail, etc. This section describes only how to open the Network Menu.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK.

(2) Press [NETWORK].

(Bluetooth) lamp lights up and Network Menu appears.

For the details, refer to the Network Function Operating Instructions supplied with

your camcorder.

(Bluetooth) lamp

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NET-

(CHG)

OFF

WORK

VCR

NETWORK

MODE

POWER

On trademarks

•The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Sony

Corporation under license.

•All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, “TM” and “®” are not

mentioned in each case in this manual.

Note

Make sure that your camcorder is in the standby with the POWER switch set to

MEMORY/NETWORK.

172

Accessing the network

How to hold your camcorder when operating in NETWORK mode

Hold your camcorder with your hand through the wrist strap to keep from dropping it.

The operation buttons needed in NETWORK mode are displayed on the LCD screen.

Press the buttons with the stylus supplied.

After using the stylus

Put it back in the holder on the wrist strap. Hold the stylus correctly as shown in the

illustration and insert it until it clicks.

173

— Customising Your Camcorder —

Changing the menu settings

To change the mode settings in the menu settings, press r/R to select the menu items.

The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon, then the menu item

and the mode.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) or

VCR.

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1.

(3) Press MENU to display the menu.

(4) Press r/R to select a desired icon, then press EXEC.

(5) Press r/R to select a desired item, then press EXEC.

(6) Press r/R to select a desired setting, then press EXEC.

(7) Repeat steps from 4 to 6 if you want to change other items. Press

RET. to return

to step 4.

For details, see “Selecting the mode setting of each item” (p. 175 to 182).

STBY

EXIT

STBY

MANUAL SET

PROGRAM AE

CAMERA

VCR

EFFECT

WHT BAL

OTHERS

EXIT

STBY EXIT

EXIT

MANUAL SET

PROGRAM AE

EFFECT

MANUAL SET

EFFECT

AREA SET

DST SET

BEEP

FLASH LVL

WHT BAL

N. S. LIGHT

AUTO SHTR

COMMANDER

DISPLAY

REC LAMP

EXEC

RET.

STBY

EXIT

OTHERS

EXEC

RET.

EXEC

RET.

AREA SET

DST SET

BEEP

AREA 26

NewYork

EXEC

COMMANDER Bogota

DISPLAY

REC LAMP

GMT -5.0

MEMORY/NETWORK

EXIT

MANUAL SET

PROGRAM AE

FLASH LVL

WHT BAL

STBY

EXIT

OTHERS

AREA SET

DST SET

BEEP

AREA 26

N. S. LIGHT

STBY

EXIT

OTHERS

AREA SET

DST SET

BEEP

EXEC

RET.

COMMANDER

DISPLAY

REC LAMP

EXEC

RET.

STBY EXIT

OTHERS

AREA SET

DST SET

BEEP

COMMANDER

DISPLAY

REC LAMP

EXEC

OFF

STBY

EXIT

OTHERS

AREA SET

DST SET

BEEP

COMMANDER

DISPLAY

REC LAMP

OFF

STBY

OFF

EXIT

OTHERS

AREA SET

DST SET

BEEP

COMMANDER

DISPLAY

REC LAMP

EXEC

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

174

Changing the menu settings

Menu items are displayed as the following icons:

MANUAL SET

CAMERA SET

VCR SET

LCD/VF SET

MEMORY SET

CM SET

TAPE SET

SETUP MENU

OTHERS

Selecting the mode setting of each item z is the default setting.

Menu items differ depending on the position of the POWER switch.

The LCD screen shows only the items you can operate at the moment.

POWER

switch

Icon/item

MANUAL SET

Mode

Meaning

PROGRAM AE

——

To suit your specific shooting requirement.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

P EFFECT

——

To add special effects like those in films or on the TV

to images (p. 61, 75).

CAMERA

VCR

FLASH LVL

HIGH

To make the flash level higher than normal.

CAMERA

z NORMAL To use the normal setting.

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

LOW

To make the flash level lower than normal.

CAMERA

WHT BAL

——

To adjust the white balance (p. 54).

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

N.S. LIGHT

z ON

To use the NightShot Light function (p. 38).

To cancel the NightShot Light function.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

OFF

z ON

OFF

AUTO SHTR

To automatically activate the electronic shutter when

shooting in bright conditions.

CAMERA

To not automatically activate the electronic shutter

even when shooting in bright conditions.

* DCR-IP55 only.

FLASH LVL

You cannot adjust FLASH LVL if the external flash (optional) is not compatible with the

flash level.

175

Changing the menu settings

POWER

switch

Icon/item

CAMERA SET

Mode

Meaning

D ZOOM

z OFF

20×

To deactivate the digital zoom. Up to 10× zoom is

CAMERA

carried out.

To activate the digital zoom. More than 10× to 20×

zoom is performed digitally (p. 34).

120×

To activate the digital zoom. More than 10× to 120×

zoom is performed digitally (p. 34).

16:9WIDE

z OFF

Not to record a 16:9 wide picture (p. 56).

To record a 16:9 wide picture.

CAMERA

STEADYSHOT z ON

To compensate for camera-shake.

OFF

To cancel the SteadyShot function. Natural pictures

are produced when shooting a stationary subject

with a tripod.

HOLOGRAM F z AUTO

The HOLOGRAM AF emits when focusing on

subjects is difficult in dark places (p. 119)

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

OFF

The HOLOGRAM AF does not emit.

VCR SET

VIDEOINPUT

z VIDEO

To use the video plug of the A/V connecting cable

when recording from a player.

VCR

To use the S video plug of the A/V connecting cable

when recording from a player.

S VIDEO

* DCR-IP55 only.

SteadyShot function

•The SteadyShot function may not correct excessive camera-shake. Even if

STEADYSHOT is set to ON.

•Attachment of a conversion lens (optional) may influence the SteadyShot function.

If you cancel the SteadyShot function

The SteadyShot off indicator

compensation for camera-shake.

appears. Your camcorder prevents excessive

176

Changing the menu settings

POWER

switch

Icon/item

LCD/VF SET

Mode

Meaning

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

LCD B.L.

z BRT NORMAL To set the brightness on the LCD screen normal.

BRIGHT

To brighten the LCD screen.

LCD COLOR

——

To adjust the color on the LCD screen with r/R.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

low intensity

high intensity

VF B.L.

z BRT NORMAL To set the brightness on the viewfinder screen to

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

normal.

BRIGHT

To brighten the viewfinder screen.

* DCR-IP55 only

LCD B.L. and VF B.L.

•When you select BRIGHT, battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during

recording.

•When you use power supplies other than the battery pack, BRIGHT is automatically

selected.

Even if you adjust LCD B.L., LCD COLOR and/or VF B.L.

The recorded picture will not be affected.

177

Changing the menu settings

POWER

switch

Icon/item

MEMORY SET

Mode

Meaning

STILL SET

BURST

z OFF

Not to record continuously.

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

NORMAL

To record from four to 13 images continuously

(p. 116).

EXP BRKTG

To record three images continuously with

different exposure.

MULTI SCRN To record nine images continuously (p. 116).

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

QUALITY

z SUPER FINE To record still images in the finest image quality

mode (p. 108).

FINE

To record still images in the fine image quality

mode.

STANDARD To record still images in the standard image

quality mode.

z 1152 × 864

To record still images at 1152 × 864 size

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

IMAGESIZE

MOVIE SET

(p. 112).

640 × 480

To record still images at 640 × 480 size.

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

MOVIEMODE z SUPER FINE To record moving pictures with super fine image

quality (p. 110).

FINE

To record moving pictures with fine image

quality.

STANDARD To record moving pictures with standard image

quality.

LIGHTMODE To record moving pictures to be used as an e-

mail attachment.

REMAIN z AUTO

To display the remaining capacity of the

“Memory Stick” in the following cases:

• for five seconds after inserting a “Memory

Stick” into your camcorder.

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

• when the capacity of the “Memory Stick” is

less than one minute after the POWER switch

is set to MEMORY/NETWORK.

• for five seconds after completing recording.

To always display the remaining capacity of the

“Memory Stick”.

* DCR-IP55 only.

If you select QUALITY

The number of images you can shoot in the currently selected image quality appears on

the LCD screen.

178

Changing the menu settings

POWER

switch

Icon/item

MEMORY SET

Mode

Meaning

——

z SERIES

RESET

——

To play back images in a continuous loop (p. 144). MEMORY/

NETWORK*

SLIDE SHOW

To assign numbers to file in sequence even if the

“Memory Stick” is changed.

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

FILE NO.

To reset the file numbering each time the

“Memory Stick” is changed.

DELETE ALL

FORMAT

To delete all the unprotected images (p. 149).

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

z RETURN

To cancel formatting.

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

To format an inserted “Memory Stick.”

Formatting erases all information on the

“Memory Stick”.

1. Press r/R to select FORMAT then press EXEC.

2. Press r/R to select OK, then press EXEC.

3. After “EXECUTE” appears, press EXEC.

“FORMATTING” flashes during formatting.

“COMPLETE” appears when formatting is

finished.

* DCR-IP55 only

Notes on formatting

•The “Memory Stick” supplied with your camcorder has been formatted at factory.

Formatting with your camcorder is not required.

•Do not turn the POWER switch or press any button while FORMATTING is

displayed.

•You cannot format the “Memory Stick” if the write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick”

is set to LOCK.

•Format the “Memory Stick” if

FORMAT ERROR appears.

•Formatting erases protected image data on the “Memory Stick”.

179

Changing the menu settings

POWER

switch

Icon/item

CM SET

Mode

Meaning

TITLEERASE

——

To erase the title you have superimposed (p. 96).

CAMERA

VCR

TITLE DSPL

z ON

OFF

To display the title you have superimposed.

Not to display the title.

VCR

TAPE TITLE

ERASE ALL

——

To label a cassette (p. 101).

CAMERA

VCR

——

To erase all the data in cassette memory (p. 102).

CAMERA

VCR

q INFODSPL z ON

To display the cassette information of the tape.

This is displayed for five seconds in the

following cases: (p. 100).

CAMERA

VCR

•When you insert a cassette with the POWER

switch set to CAMERA.

•When setting the POWER switch to VCR.

OFF

To not display the cassette information of the

tape.

TAPE SET

qREMAIN

z AUTO

To display the remaining tape bar:

CAMERA

VCR

•for about eight seconds after a cassette is

inserted and your camcorder calculates the

remaining amount of tape.

•for about eight seconds after the playback

button

is pressed in VCR mode.

•for about eight seconds after DSPL/TOUCH

PANEL is pressed to display the screen

indicators.

To always display the remaining tape indicator.

180

Changing the menu settings

POWER

switch

Icon/item

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET

Mode

Meaning

——

To set the date or time (p. 22).

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

USB STREAM z OFF

To deactivate the USB Streaming function.

To activate the USB Streaming function.

CAMERA

VCR

LANGUAGE

z ENGLISH

To display the following information indicators

in English: min, STBY, REC, CAPTURE, VOL,

END SEARCH and START.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

FRANÇAIS

To display the information indicators in French.

To display the information indicators in Spanish.

ESPAÑOL

PORTUGUÊS To display the information indicators in.

Portuguese.

To display the information indicators in Chinese.

To display the information indicators in Korean.

z ON

OFF

DEMO MODE

To make the demonstration appear.

To cancel the demonstration mode.

CAMERA

* DCR-IP55 only.

Notes on DEMO MODE

•You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette or the “Memory Stick” is inserted in

your camcorder.

•When NIGHTSHOT is set to ON, the “NIGHTSHOT” indicator appears on the LCD

screen and you cannot select DEMO MODE in the menu settings.

•If you press the touch panel during the demonstration, the demonstration stops for a

while, then it starts again after about 10 minutes.

•DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the default setting and the demonstration

starts about 10 minutes after you have set the POWER switch to CAMERA without a

cassette inserted.

To cancel the demonstration, insert a cassette, set the POWER switch to other than

CAMERA, or set DEMO MODE to OFF. To set to STBY (Standby) again, leave the

DEMO MODE at ON in the menu settings, turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG),

and return the POWER switch to CAMERA.

181

Changing the menu settings

POWER

switch

Icon/item

OTHERS

Mode

Meaning

When you press the DATA CODE button on the

Remote Commander, the date, time and various

settings during playback (p. 43).

DATA CODE

(On the Remote

Commander)

z DATE/CAM

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

The date and time are displayed during

playback.

DATE

To set your area temporarily, when using the

camcorder, in a new location (p. 22).

——

AREA SET

DST SET**

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

To be used when your area is not in daylight

saving time.

z OFF

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

To be used when your area is in daylight saving

time.

z MELODY

To output the melody when you start/stop

recording or when an unusual condition occurs

on your camcorder.

BEEP

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

NORMAL

OFF

To output the beep instead of the melody.

To cancel melody and the beep sound.

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

To activate the Remote Commander supplied

with your camcorder.

z ON

COMMANDER

To deactivate the Remote Commander to avoid

remote control misoperation caused by other

VCR’s remote control.

OFF

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

VCR

z LCD

To show the display on the LCD screen and

viewfinder.

DISPLAY

V-OUT/LCD To show the display on the TV screen, LCD

screen and viewfinder.

z ON

OFF

* DCR-IP55 only.

To light up the camera recording lamp at the

front of your camcorder.

REC LAMP

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK*

To turn the camera recording lamp off so that the

subject is not aware of recording.

**Instead of DST, SUMMERTIME is displayed on the screen for some models.

Note

If you press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL with DISPLAY set to V-OUT/LCD in the menu

settings, the picture from a TV or VCR will not appear on the LCD screen even when

your camcorder is connected to the output jacks on the TV or VCR.

When recording a close subject

When REC LAMP is set to ON, the red camera recording lamp on the front of the

camcorder may reflect on the subject if it is close. In this case, we recommend you set

REC LAMP to OFF.

In more than five minutes after removing the power source

The PROGRAM AE, FLASH LVL, WHT BAL and COMMANDER items return to their

default settings.

Other menu items are held in memory even when the battery is removed.

182

— Troubleshooting —

Types of trouble and how to correct trouble

If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to

troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and

contact your Sony dealer. If “C:ss:ss” appears on the LCD screen, the self-diagnosis

display function has activated. See page 190.

In the recording mode

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

START/STOP does not operate.

• The POWER switch is not set to CAMERA.

c Set it to CAMERA (p. 29).

• The tape has run out.

c Rewind the tape or insert a new one (p. 25, 45).

• The write-protect tab is set to expose the red mark.

c Use a new cassette or slide the tab (p. 26).

• The tape is stuck to the drum (moisture condensation).

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least one hour to acclimatize (p. 201).

The power goes off.

• When your camcorder is in the recording standby mode

for more than five minutes, the camcorder automatically

turns off to save battery power and to prevent battery and

tape wear.

c Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and then to ON.

• The battery pack is dead or nearly dead.

c Install a fully charged battery pack.

The image on the viewfinder screen

is not clear.

• The viewfinder lens is not adjusted correctly.

c Adjust the viewfinder lens (p. 33).

The SteadyShot function does not

work.

• STEADYSHOT is set to OFF in the menu settings.

c Set it to ON in the menu settings (p. 176).

• The setting is the manual focus mode.

The autofocusing function does not

work.

c Press FOCUS to set to the auto focus mode (p. 70).

• Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus.

c Adjust to focus manually (p. 70).

The picture does not appear in the

viewfinder.

• The LCD panel is open.

c Close the LCD panel when you record using the

viewfinder. (p. 31).

A vertical band appears when you

shoot a subject such as lights or a

candle flame against a dark

background.

• The contrast between the subject and background is too

high. This is not a malfunction.

A vertical band appears when you

shoot a very bright subject.

• This is not a malfunction.

Some tiny white, red, blue or green

spots appear on the LCD screen.

• SLOW SHUTTER, Super NightShot or Color Slow Shutter

mode is activated. This is not a malfunction.

(continued on the following page)

183

Types of trouble and how to correct trouble

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

An unknown picture is displayed on

the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

• If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to

CAMERA without a cassette inserted, your camcorder

automatically starts the demonstration.

c Insert a cassette or press the LCD screen. The

demonstration stops. You can also cancel DEMO MODE

(p. 181) in the menu settings.

The picture is recorded in incorrect or

unnatural colors.

• NIGHTSHOT is set to ON.

c Set it to OFF (p. 38).

Picture appears too bright, and the

subject does not appear on the LCD

screen.

• NIGHTSHOT is set to ON in a bright place.

c Set it to OFF (p. 38).

• The BACKLIGHT function is active.

c Set it off (p. 38).

The click of the shutter does not

sound.

• BEEP is set to OFF in the menu settings.

c Set it to MELODY or NORMAL (p. 182).

A black band appears when

recording a TV screen or computer

screen.

• Set STEADYSHOT to OFF in the menu settings (p. 176).

184

Types of trouble and how to correct trouble

In the playback mode

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Playback is not possible.

• The tape has run out.

c Rewind the tape (p. 45).

There are horizontal lines on the

picture or the playback picture is not

clear or does not appear.

• The video head may be dirty.

c Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional)

(p. 202).

No sound or only a low sound is

heard when playing back a tape.

• Volume is turned to minimum.

c Turn up the volume (p. 42).

• There is no title in the tape.

c Superimpose the titles (p. 92).

• The tape has a blank portion in the beginning of the tape

or between record portion (p. 83, 84).

The multi-picture search, title search

or date search function does not

work.

The title is not displayed.

• TITLE DSPL is set to OFF in the menu settings.

c Set it to ON in the menu settings (p. 180).

• VIDEOINPUT is not set correctly in the menu settings.

c Set it to the appropriate position (p. 176).

Dubbing cannot be made when using

the A/V connecting cable.

The playback picture freezes for

about one second.

• When playing back a transition of recordings, the

playback picture freezes for about one second. This is not a

malfunction.

185

Types of trouble and how to correct trouble

In the recording and playback modes

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The POWER switch does not turn on.

• The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead.

c Install a charged battery pack (p. 17).

• The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.

c Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet (p. 20).

• The temperature of the environment is too low.

• The battery pack is not fully charged.

c Charge the battery pack fully again (p. 18).

• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be

recharged.

The battery pack is quickly

discharged.

c Replace with a new battery pack (p. 17).

• You have used the battery pack in an extremely hot or

cold environmment for a long time.

The battery remaining indicator does

not indicate the correct time.

• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be

recharged.

c Replace with a new battery pack (p. 17).

• The battery is exhausted.

c Use a charged battery pack (p. 17, 18).

• A deviation has occured in the remaining time.

c Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication

on the battery remaining indicator is correct (p. 20).

The power goes off although the

battery remaining indicator indicates

that the battery pack has enough

power to operate.

• A deviation has occurred in the remaining battery time.

c Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication

on the battery remaining indicator is correct (p. 20).

The cassette cannot be removed from • The power source is disconnected.

the holder.

c Connect it firmly (p. 17, 20).

• The battery is exhausted.

c Use a charged battery pack (p. 17, 18).

• Moisture condensation has occurred.

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least one hour to acclimatize (p. 201).

The % and Z indicators flash and no

functions except for cassette ejection

work.

Remaining tape indicator is not

displayed.

• The q REMAIN is set to AUTO in the menu settings.

c Set it to ON to always display the remaining tape

indicator (p. 180).

186

Types of trouble and how to correct trouble

When operating using the “Memory Stick”

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The “Memory Stick” does not

function.

• The POWER switch is not set to MEMORY/NETWORK

(DCR-IP55 only).

c Set it to MEMORY/NETWORK (p. 13, 114).

• The “Memory Stick” is not inserted.

c Insert a “Memory Stick” (p. 104).

• The “Memory Stick” has already been recorded to its full

capacity.

Recording does not function.

c Delete unnecessary images and record again (p. 147).

• The “Memory Stick” formatted incorrectly is inserted.

c Format the “Memory Stick” using your camcorder or

use another “Memory Stick” (p. 179).

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to

LOCK.

c Release the lock (p. 103).

The image cannot be deleted.

• The image is protected.

c Cancel image protection (p. 146).

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to

LOCK.

c Release the lock (p. 103).

You cannot format the “Memory

Stick.”

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to

LOCK.

c Release the lock (p. 103).

Deleting all the images cannot be

carried out.

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to

LOCK.

c Release the lock (p. 103).

You cannot protect the image.

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to

LOCK.

c Release the lock (p. 103).

• The INDEX screen is not displayed.

c Press INDEX to display the index screen, then protect

the image (p. 146).

You cannot write a print mark on the

still image.

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set to

LOCK.

c Release the lock (p. 103).

• The INDEX screen is not displayed.

c Press INDEX to display the index screen, then write a

print mark (p. 150).

• You are trying to write a print mark on a moving picture.

c Print marks cannot be written to moving picture.

You cannot play back images in

actual size.

• You may not be able to play back images in actual size

when you try to play back images recorded by other

equipment.

This is not a malfunction.

You cannot play back image data.

• Your camcorder cannot play back some images processed

with a computer (The file name flashes on the LCD

screen).

• Your camcorder may not be able to play back the image

recorded using other camcorder.

187

Types of trouble and how to correct trouble

Others

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

A title is not recorded.

• 20 titles have been recorded.

c Erase unnecessary title (p. 96).

• The cassette is set to prevent accidental erasure.

c Slide the write-protect tab so that red portion is not

visible (p. 26).

• The tape has a blank portion in the recorded portion.

c Superimpose the title to the recorded position (p. 94).

A cassette label is not recorded.

• The tape is set to prevent accidental erasure.

c Slide the write-protect tab so that red portion is not

visible (p. 26).

The Remote Commander supplied

with your camcorder does not work.

• COMMANDER is set to OFF in the menu settings.

c Set it to ON (p. 182).

• Something is blocking the infrared rays.

c Remove the obstacle.

• The batteries are inserted in the battery holder with the + –

polarities incorrectly matching the + – marks.

c Insert the batteries with the correct polarity (p. 213).

• The batteries are dead.

c Insert new ones (p. 213).

• DISPLAY is set to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings.

c Set it to LCD (p. 182).

• VIDEOINPUT is not set correctly in the menu settings.

c Set it to the appropriate position (p. 176).

The picture from a TV or VCR does

not appear even when your

camcorder is connected to the

outputs on the TV or VCR.

• Moisture condensation has occurred.

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least one hour to acclimatize (p. 201).

The melody or beep sounds for

five seconds.

• Some troubles have occurred in your camcorder.

c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate

your camcorder.

• Disconnect the AC power adaptor from a wall outlet or

remove the battery, then reconnect it in about one minute.

Turn the power on. If the functions still do not work, press

the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object. (If you

press the RESET button, all the settings (DCR-IP55: except

the NETWORK mode settings) including the date and

time return to the default) (p. 208).

No function works though the power

is on.

188

Types of trouble and how to correct trouble

Symptom

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

• Charging is completed.

• The battery pack is not properly installed.

c Install it properly (p. 17).

While charging the battery pack

installed on the camcorder, the

battery CHG lamp does not light up.

• The POWER switch is not set to OFF (CHG).

c Set it to OFF (CHG).

You cannot charge the battery pack

installed on the camcorder.

• The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.

c Connect it to a wall outlet.

• The battery pack is not properly installed.

c Install it properly (P. 17).

While charging the battery pack, the

battery CHG lamp flashes.

• Something is wrong with the battery pack.

c Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony

service facility.

When you set the POWER switch to

VCR or OFF (CHG), if you move

your camcorder, you may hear a

clattering sound from inside your

camcorder.

• This is because some functions use a linear mechanism.

This is not a malfunction.

• The DSPL/TOUCH PANEL button is pressed.

c Press the LCD screen lightly.

The buttons do not appear on the

touch panel.

c Press DSPL/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder or

DISPLAY on the Remote Commander (p. 43).

c Adjust the LCD screen (CALIBRATION) (p. 203).

The buttons on the touch panel do

not work.

• The mirror mode is activated.

This is not a malfunction (p. 35).

The indicators appear mirror-

reversed in the viewfinder.

• It occurs if you set DISPLAY to V-OUT/LCD in the menu

settings when using mirror mode. This is not a

malfunction.

The characters on the TV screen are

reversed.

Image data cannot be transferred by

the USB connection.

• The USB cable was connected before installation of the

USB driver was completed.

c Uninstall the incorrect USB driver and reinstall the

USB driver (p. 155).

•Moisture condensation has started to condense in your

camcorder (p. 201).

A cassette cannot be removed even if

the cassette lid is open.

189

Self-diagnosis display

Your camcorder has a self-diagnosis display

function.

LCD screen or Viewfinder

This function displays the current condition of

your camcorder as a five-digit code (a combination

of a letter and figures) on the screen. If a five-digit

code is displayed, check the following code chart.

The last two digits (indicated by ss) will differ

depending on the state of your camcorder.

C:21:00

Self-diagnosis display

•C:ss:ss

You can service your camcorder

yourself.

•E:ss:ss

Contact your Sony dealer or local

authorized Sony facility.

Five-digit display

Cause and/or Corrective Actions

• You are using a battery pack that is not an

C:04:ss

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

c Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 20, 196).

C:21:ss

• Moisture condensation has occurred.

c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at

least one hour to acclimatize (p. 201).

C:22:ss

• The video heads are dirty.

c Clean the heads using the cleaning cassette (optional)

(p. 202).

C:31:ss

• A malfunction other than the above that you can service

has occurred.*

c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate

your camcorder.

C:32:ss

c Disconnect the power cord of the AC adaptor or remove

the battery pack. After reconnecting the power source,

operate your camcorder.

E:20:ss

E:61:ss

E:62:ss

• A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred.

c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony

service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code.

(example: E:61:10)

If you are unable to rectify the problem even if you try corrective actions a few times,

contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

* Do not perform this operation if moisture starts to condense (p. 201).

190

Warning indicators and messages

If indicators and messages appear on the LCD screen, check the following:

See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information.

Warning indicators

C:21:00

100-0001 Warning indicator as to file

Slow flashing:

Q Warning indicator as to tape

Slow flashing:

•The file is corrupted.

•The remaining tape is less than five minutes.

•No cassette is inserted.*

•The file is unreadable.

•You are trying to carry out MEMORY MIX

function on moving picture (p. 125).

•The write-protect tab on the cassette is out

(red) (p. 26).*

Fast flashing:

C:21:00 Self-diagnosis display (p. 190).

•The tape has run out.*

E The battery is dead or nearly dead

Slow flashing:

•The battery is nearly dead.

Depending on operational, enviromental or

battery conditions the E indicator may flash,

even if there are approximately five to 10

minutes remaining.

qZ Warning indicator as to a cleaning

cassette

Slow flashing:

•The cleaning cassette is inserted in the

camcorder in NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only)

mode (p. 202).

Z You need to eject the cassette*

Slow flashing:

% Moisture condensation has occurred*

Fast flashing:

•Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder,

and leave it for about one hour with the

cassette compartment open (p. 201).

•The write-protect tab on the cassette is out

(red) (p. 26).

Fast flashing:

•Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 201).

•The tape has run out.

Warning indicator as to Micro Cassette

Memory*

Slow flashing:

•Eject the cassette, and insert it again. If even

then the indicator flashes, the Micro Cassette

Memory of the cassette may be faulty.

Fast flashing:

•The Micro Cassette Memory of the

camcorder may be faulty.

•The self-diagnosis display function is

activated (p. 190).

- The image is protected*

Slow flashing:

•The image is protected (p. 146).

Warning indicator as to the flash

Slow flashing:

•During charging.

Warning indicator as to “Memory Stick”

Slow flashing:

•No “Memory Stick” is inserted.

Fast flashing:

•The self-diagnosis display function is

activated (p. 190).

Fast flashing*:

•The “Memory Stick” is not readable with

your camcorder (p. 103).

•The image cannot be recorded on “Memory

Stick”.

•There is something wrong with the flash.

Warning indicator as to recording of

still image

Slow flashing:

•The still image cannot be recorded on a

“Memory Stick” (p. 49).

Warning indicator as to “Memory Stick”

formatting*

Fast flashing:

•The “Memory Stick” data is corrupted.

•“Memory Stick” is not formatted correctly

(p. 179).

* You hear the melody or beep sound.

191

Warning indicators and messages

Warning messages

•CLOCK SET

Set the date and time (p. 22).

•FOR “InfoLITHIUM”

Use an “InfoLIHIUM” battery pack (p. 20, 196).

BATTERY ONLY

•

CLEANING CASSETTE²⁾

•COPY INHIBIT

The video heads are dirty (p. 201).

You tried to record a picture that has a copyright

control signal (p. 194).¹⁾

•

FULL

The “Memory Stick” is full (p. 117).¹⁾

The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set

to LOCK (p. 146).

•

NO FILE

No image is recorded on the “Memory Stick”

(p. 136).¹⁾

•

NO MEMORY STICK

MEMORY STICK ERROR

FORMAT ERROR

No “Memory Stick” is inserted.¹⁾

The “Memroy Stick” data is corrupted (p. 105).¹⁾

The “Memory Stick” is not recognized (p. 179).¹⁾

Check the format.

•

- DIRECTORY ERROR

There is more than two same directories (p. 135).¹⁾

PLAY ERROR

The image is distorted and cannot be played

back.¹⁾

•

REC ERROR

Check the input signal, then record again (p. 124,

134).¹⁾

•Q Z TAPE END

•Q NO TAPE

•DELETING

The tape has reached the end of the tape.¹⁾

Insert a cassette.¹⁾

You press PHOTO while deleting data in a

“Memory Stick”.¹⁾

•FORMATTING

You press PHOTO while formatting a “Memory

Stick.”¹⁾

•

NOW CHARGING

Charging flash does not work correctly.¹⁾

•q Z CLEANING END

The cleaning is complete. Eject the cleaning

cassette (p. 202).

•q Z CLEANING TAPE END

The cleaning tape has run out.

192

Warning indicators and messages

•

TITLE FULL

20 titles have been recorded (p. 94).¹⁾

•INPUT ERROR

A picture in an incompatible format (such as one

recorded with the DV format) is input (p. 91).¹⁾

•CHANGE TO “CAM” or “VCR”

A cleaning cassette cannot be used in MEMORY/

NETWORK mode (DCR-IP55 only) (p. 202).

¹⁾You hear the melody or beep sound.

²⁾The x indicator and

the LCD screen.

CLEANING CASSETTE message appear one after another on

193

— Additional Information —

Usable cassettes

Selecting cassette types

You can use

Hi8, Digital8,

Betamax,

cassette only. You cannot use any other 8 mm,

VHS,

VHSC,

DV, or

S-VHS,

mini DV cassettes.

S-VHSC,

ED Betamax,

All of the MICROMV cassettes have Micro Cassette Memory.

, and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

When you play back

If the tape you play back on your camcorder contains copyright signals, you cannot

copy it with another video camera connected to your camcorder.

When you record

You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals

for copyright protection of software.

COPY INHIBIT appears on the LCD screen or on the TV screen if you try to record such

software. Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it

records.

194

Usable cassettes

Notes on the MICROMV cassette

When affixing a label on the MICROMV cassette

Be sure to affix a label only on the location illustrated below [a] so as not to cause

malfunction of your camcorder.

[a]

After using the MICROMV cassette

Rewind the tape to the beginning, put the cassette in its case, and store it in an upright

position.

When the Micro Cassette Memory function does not work

Reinsert the cassette.

195

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?

The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for

communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder.

The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the

operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in

minutes.

Charging 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 lamp goes off, indicating that the battery

pack is fully charged. If you charge the battery outside of this temperature range, you

may not be able to efficiently charge the battery pack.

•After charging is completed, either disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your

camcorder or remove the battery pack.

Effective use of the battery pack

•Battery pack performance decreases in low-temperature surroundings. So, the time

that the battery pack can be used is shorter. We recommend the following to use the

battery pack longer:

– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up, and insert it in your camcorder

immediately before you start taking shots.

– Use the large capacity battery pack (NP-FF70, optional).

•Frequently using the LCD panel or frequently operating playback, fast forward or

rewind wears out the battery pack faster. We recommend using the large capacity

battery pack (NP-FF70, optional).

•Be certain to turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) when not taking shots or playing

back on your camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed when your camcorder is

in the standby mode or playback is paused.

•Have spare battery packs handy for two or three times the expected recording time,

and make trial recordings before taking the actual recording.

• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water resistant.

Remaining battery time indicator

•If the power goes off although the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the

battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again so that

the indication on the remaining battery time indicator is correct. Note, however, that

the correct battery indication sometimes will not be restored if it is used in high

temperatures for a long time or left in a fully charged state, or the battery pack is

frequently used. Regard the remaining battery time indication as the approximate

shooting time.

•The E mark indicating little remaining battery time sometimes flashes depending on

the operating conditions or ambient temperature and environment even if the

remaining battery time is about five to ten minutes.

196

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

How to store the battery pack

•If the battery pack is not used for a long time, do the following procedure once per

year to maintain proper function.

1. Fully charge the battery.

2. Discharge on your electronic equipment.

3. Remove the battery from the equipment and store it in a dry, cool place.

•To use the battery pack up on your camcorder, leave your camcorder in the recording

mode until the power goes off without a cassette inserted.

Battery life

•The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use it more and

more, and as time passes. When the available battery time is shortened considerably, a

probable cause is that the battery pack has reached the end of its life. Please buy a new

battery pack.

•The battery life varies depending on how it is stored and operating conditions and

environment for each battery pack.

197

About i.LINK

The i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) on this unit is an i.LINK-compliant MICROMV

input/output jack. This section describes the i.LINK standard and its features.

What is i.LINK?

i.LINK is a digital serial interface for handling digital video, digital audio and other

data in two directions between equipment having the i.LINK jack, and for controlling

other equipment.

i.LINK-compatible equipment can be connected by a single i.LINK cable. Possible

applications are operations and data transactions with various digital AV equipment.

When two or more i.LINK-compatible equipment are connected to this unit in a daisy

chain, operations and data transactions are possible with not only the equipment that

this unit is connected to but also with other devices via the directly connected

equipment.

Note, however, that the method of operation sometimes varies according to the

characteristics and specifications of the equipment to be connected, and that operations

and data transactions are sometimes not possible on some connected equipment.

Note

Normally, only one piece of equipment can be connected to this unit by the i.LINK

cable. When connecting this unit to i.LINK-compatible equipment having two or more

i.LINK jacks, refer to the operating instructions of the equipment to be connected.

About the name “i.LINK”

i.LINK is a more familiar term for IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and

is a trademark approved by many corporations.

IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and

Electronics Engineers.

i.LINK baud rate

The maximum baud rate of the camcorder is “S400”.

i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according to the equipment. Three maximum baud

rates are defined:

S100 (approx. 100 Mbps*)

S200 (approx. 200 Mbps)

S400 (approx. 400 Mbps)

The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the instruction manual of each

equipment. It is also indicated near the i.LINK jack on some equipment.

The maximum baud rate of equipment, except for this unit, on which it is not indicated

is “S100”.

When units are connected to equipment having a different maximum baud rate, the

baud rate sometimes differs from the indicated baud rate.

*What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for megabits per second, or the amount of data that can be sent or received

in one second. For example, a baud rate of 100Mbps means that 100 megabits of data

can be sent in one second.

198

About i.LINK

i.LINK functions on this unit

For details on how to dub when this unit is connected to other video equipment having

i.LINK (MICROMV Interface), see pages 87 and 90.

This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) compatible

equipment made by Sony (e.g. VAIO series personal computer) other than video

equipment.

Before connecting this unit to your computer, make sure that application software

supported by this unit is already installed on your computer.

For details on precautions when connecting this unit, also refer to the operating

instructions for the equipment to be connected.

Required i.LINK cable

Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable (during MPEG2 dubbing).

i.LINK and are trademarks.

199

Using your camcorder abroad

Countries and areas where you can use network functions are restricted. For details,

refer to the separate network function operating instructions (DCR-IP55 only).

You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the AC adaptor supplied with

your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.

When charging the battery pack, use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if

necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].

AC-L20A

[a]

[b]

Your camcorder is a NTSC system based camcorder. If you want to view the playback

picture on a TV, it must be a NTSC system based TV with VIDEO/AUDIO input jack.

The following shows TV color systems used overseas.

NTSC system

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,

Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A.,

Venezuela, etc.

PAL system

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 system

Brazil

PAL-N system

Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

SECAM system

Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

200

Maintenance information and precautions

Moisture condensation

If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may

condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this

condition, 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, the beep sounds and

the % indicator flashes. When the Z indicator flashes at the same time, the cassette is

inserted in your camcorder. If moisture condenses on the lens, the indicator will not

appear.

If moisture condensation 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 compartment open. Your

camcorder can be used again if the % indicator does not appear when the power is

turned on again.

If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder sometimes cannot detect condensation.

If this happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after the cassette lid

is opened. This is not a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is

ejected.

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 hot place as follows:

– You bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating

device

– You bring your camcorder from an air-conditioned car or room into a hot place

outside

– You use your camcorder after a squall or a shower

– You use your camcorder in a high temperature and humidity place

How to prevent moisture condensation

When you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place, put your

camcorder in a plastic bag and tightly seal it. Remove the bag when the air temperature

inside the plastic bag has reached the surrounding temperature (after about one hour).

Maintenance information

Cleaning the video head

To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video head. The video head

may be dirty when:

– mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture.

– playback pictures do not move.

– playback pictures do not appear.

– the x indicator and

CLEANING CASSETTE message appear one after another on

the LCD screen during recording.

201

Maintenance information and precautions

If the above problem, [a] or [b] occurs, clean the video heads with the Sony MGRCLD

cleaning cassette (optional). Check the picture and if the above problem persists, repeat

cleaning.

[a]

[b]

If the video heads gets dirtier, the entire screen becomes blue [b].

Using a cleaning cassette

Follow the procedure below.

(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR.

(2) Insert the cleaning cassette.

(3) Press OK. The message NOW CLEANING appears.

After the cleaning is finished, the message q Z CLEANING END appears.

(4) Eject the cleaning cassette.

To cancel cleaning

Press CANCEL.

The video head

The video head wears out if you use the camcorder for a long time. When use of the

cleaning cassette does not make the picture clear, the video head may have worn out. In

such cases, you must replace the video head. For details, contact your Sony dealer or

local authorized Sony service facility.

Notes

•When cleaning the video head, do not use any equipment other than the cleaning

cassette.

•The cleaning cassette does not work in MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-IP55 only) mode

(The message CHANGE TO “CAM” or “VCR” appears).

Cleaning the LCD screen

If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, we recommend using a LCD cleaning

cloth (supplied) to clean the LCD screen. When you use the LCD Cleaning Kit

(optional), do not apply the cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen. Clean the LCD

screen with a cleaning paper moistened with the liquid.

202

Maintenance information and precautions

Charging the built-in rechargeable battery

Your camcorder is supplied with a built-in rechargeable battery installed so as to retain

the date and time, etc., regardless of the setting of the POWER switch. The built-in

rechargeable battery is always charged as long as you are using your camcorder. The

battery, however, will get discharged gradually if you do not use your camcorder. It

will be completely discharged in about three months if you do not use your

camcorder at all. Even if the built-in rechargeable battery is not charged, it will not

affect the camcorder operation. To retain the date and time, etc., charge the battery if the

battery is discharged.

Charging the built-in rechargeable battery

•Connect your camcorder to the house current using the AC adaptor supplied with

your camcorder, and leave your camcorder with the POWER switch turned off for

more than 24 hours.

•Or install the fully charged battery pack in your camcorder, and leave your camcorder

with the POWER switch turned off for more than 24 hours.

Ajusting the LCD screen (CALIBRATION)

The buttons on the touch panel may not work correctly. If this happens, follow the

procedure below.

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

(2) Eject the tape from your camcorder, then disconnect any connecting cable from

your camcorder.

(3) Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing DSPL/TOUCH PANEL on your

camcorder, then keep pressing DSPL/TOUCH PANEL for about five seconds.

(4) Follow the procedure below with your finger or the supplied stylus (DCR-IP55

only).

1 Touch

2 Touch

3 Touch

at the upper left corner.

at the lower right corner.

in the middle of the LCD screen with your finger or the supplied stylus

(DCR-IP55 only).

CALIBRATE

Notes

•If you do not press the right spot, always returns to the position at the upper left

corner. In this case, start from step 4 again.

•You cannot carry out this operation with the LCD panel reversed.

203

Maintenance information and precautions

Precautions

Camcorder operation

•Operate your camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC adaptor).

•For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this operating

instructions.

•If any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it

checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further.

•Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens.

•Keep the POWER switch set 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.

•Keep your camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration.

•Do not touch the LCD screen with a sharp object other than the stylus supplied. (DCR-

IP55 only)

•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.

•Do not use the network function in a medical institution or in an aircraft (DCR-IP55

only).

On handling tapes

•Do not insert anything into the small holes on the rear of the cassette. These holes are

used to sense the type and thickness of the tape and if the recording tab is in or out.

•Do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape.

•Avoid touching or damaging the terminals. To remove dust, clean the terminals with a

soft cloth.

Camcorder care

•Remove the tape, and periodically turn on the power, operate the CAMERA and VCR

sections and play back a tape for about three minutes when your camcorder is not to

be used for a long time.

•Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are fingerprints on the lens,

remove them with a soft cloth.

•Clean the camcorder body with a dry soft cloth, or a soft cloth lightly moistened with

a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent which may damage the

finish.

•Do not let sand get into your camcorder. When you use your camcorder on a sandy

beach or in a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust. Sand or dust may cause

your camcorder to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.

AC power adaptor

•Unplug the unit from a wall outlet when you are not using the unit for a long time. To

disconnect the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the power cord itself.

•Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped or

damaged.

•Do not bend the power cord forcibly, or place a heavy object on it. This will damage

the cord and may cause fire or electrical shock.

•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the

connecting section. If this happens, a short may occur and the unit may be damaged.

•Always keep metal contacts clean.

•Do not disassemble the unit.

204

Maintenance information and precautions

•Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the unit.

•While the unit is in use, particularly during charging, keep it away from AM receivers

and video equipment. AM receivers and video equipment disturb AM reception and

video operation.

•The unit becomes warm during use. This is not a malfunction.

•Do not place the unit in locations that are:

– Extremely hot or cold

– Dusty or dirty

– Very humid

– Vibrating

About care and storage of the lens

•Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instance:

– When there are fingerprints on the lens surface

– In hot or humid locations

– When the lens is used in environments such as the seaside

•Store the lens in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust.

To prevent mold from occuring, periodically perform the above.

We recommend turning on and operating the video camera recorder about once per

month to keep the video camera recorder in an optimum state for a long time.

Battery pack

•Use only the specified charger or video equipment with the charging function.

•To prevent an accident from a short circuit, do not allow metal objects to come into

contact with the battery terminals.

•Keep the battery pack away from fire.

•Never expose the battery pack to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F), such as in a car

parked in the sun or under direct sunlight.

•Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place.

•Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.

•Do not disassemble nor modify the battery pack.

•Attach the battery pack to the video equipment securely.

•Charging while some capacity remains does not affect the original battery capacity.

Notes on dry batteries

To avoid possible damage from battery leakage or corrosion, observe the following:

•Be sure to insert the batteries with the + – polarities matched to the + – marks.

•Dry batteries are not rechargeable.

•Do not use a combination of new and old batteries.

•Do not use different types of batteries.

•Current flows from batteries when you are not using them for a long time.

•Do not use leaking batteries.

If batteries are leaking

•Wipe off the liquid in the battery compartment carefully before replacing the batteries.

•If you touch the liquid, wash it off with water.

•If the liquid get into your eyes, wash your eyes with a lot of water and then consult a

doctor.

If any problem occurs, unplug your camcorder and contact your nearest Sony dealer.

205

Specifications

Input/Output connectors

Wireless communication

(DCR-IP55 only)

Video camera

recorder

Audio/Video input/output

10-pin connector

Communication system

Bluetooth specification Ver. 1.1

Maximum communication

speed ^{1) 2)}

Approx. 723 kbps

Maximum output

Input/output auto switch

Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),

unbalanced, sync negative

Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω

(ohms), unbalanced

Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p,

75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced

Audio signal: 327 mV, (at output

impedance more than 47 kΩ

(kilohms) )

Input impedance with more than

47 kΩ (kilohms)

Output impedance with less than

2.2 kΩ (kilohms)

i. LINK (MICROMV Interface)

input/output

4-pin connector S400

LANC jack

Stereo mini-minijack (ø 2.5 mm)

USB jack

mini-B

System

Video recording system

2 rotary heads

Helical scanning system

Audio recording system

MPEG1 Audio Layer2 (Fs 48 kHz,

stereo)

Video signal

NTSC color, EIA standards

Usable cassette

Bluetooth specification Power

Class2

Communication distance ²⁾

Approx. 10 m (33 feet) (Open

space, when using a Sony BTA-

NW1/NW1A Modem Adaptor

with Bluetooth Function)

Compatible Bluetooth profiles ³⁾

Generic Access Profile

Dial-up Networking Profile

Usable frequency band

2.4 GHz band

MICROMV cassette with the

mark printed

Tape speed

Approx. 5.66 mm/s

Recording/playback time

(using cassette MGR60)

One hour

Fastforward/rewind time

(using cassette MGR60)

Approx. one min. and 30 seconds

Viewfinder

(2.400 – 2.483 5 GHz)

1) The maximum rate defined by

Bluetooth specification Ver. 1.1

2) Depends on obstacles between

the Bluetooth devices, radio

wave conditions, etc.

3) Defined by Bluetooth

specification for intended use

between the Bluetooth devices

Electric viewfinder (color)

Image device

LCD screen

Picture

3.8 mm (1/4.7 type) CCD

(Charge Coupled Device)

Gross: Approx. 1 070 000 pixels

Effective (still): Approx. 1 000 000

pixels

Effective (moving):

Approx. 690 000 pixels

Lens

6.2 cm (2.5 type)

50 × 37 mm (2 × 1 1/2 in.)

Total dot number:

211 200 (960 × 220)

General

Power requirements

7.2 V (battery pack)

8.4 V (AC power adaptor)

Average power consumption

(when using the battery pack)

During camera recording using

LCD: 4.4 W

Carl Zeiss

Combined power zoom lens

Filter diameter 30 mm. (1 3/16 in.)

10× (Optical), 120× (Digital)

Focal length

3.7 - 37 mm (5/32 - 1 1/2 in.)

When converted to a 35 mm still

camera

Viewfinder: 3.8 W

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.)

60 × 73 × 128.5 mm

(2 3/8 × 2 7/8 × 5 1/8 in.) (w/h/d)

Mass (approx.)

435 g (15 oz)

CAMERA:

50 - 500 mm (2 - 19 3/4 in.)

MEMORY/NETWORK

(DCR-IP55):

42 - 420 mm (1 11/16 - 16 5/8 in.)

Color temperature

Auto, HOLD (Hold), nIndoor

(3 200K),

Minimum illumination

7 lx (lux) (F 1.8)

excluding the battery pack and

cassette

480 g (1 lb 0 oz)

Outdoor (5 800K)

including the battery pack,

NP-FF50, cassette MGR60, lens cap

and wrist strap

Supplied accessories

See page 16.

0 lx (lux) (in the NightShot mode)*

* Objects unable to be seen due to

the dark can be shot with

infrared lighting.

206

Specifications

AC power adaptor

“Memory Stick”

Power requirements

100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption

23 W

Memory

Flash memory

8MB: MSA-8A

Operating voltage

Output voltage

2.7-3.6V

DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.5 A in the

operating mode

Power consumption

Approx. 45mA in the operating

mode

Approx. 130µA in the standby

mode

Dimensions (approx.)

50 × 2.8 × 21.5 mm

(2 × 1/8 × 7/8 in.) (w/h/d)

Mass (approx.)

4 g (0.14 oz)

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.)

125 × 39 × 62 mm (5 × 1 9/16 ×2 1/

2 in.) (w/h/d) excluding

projecting parts

Mass (approx.)

280 g (9.8 oz)

Design and specifications are

excluding power cord

subject to change without notice.

Battery pack

Maximum output voltage

DC 8.4 V

Output voltage

DC 7.2 V

Capacity

4.8 Wh (675 mAh)

Operating temperature

0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Dimensions (approx.)

40.8 × 12.5 × 49.1 mm

(1 5/8 × 1/2 × 1 15/16 in.)

(w/h/d)

Mass (approx.)

45 g (1.6 oz)

Type

Lithium ion

207

— Quick Reference —

Identifying the parts and controls

Camcorder

1 Lens cap (p. 29)

qa BATT (battery) RELEASE lever (p. 17)

qs (USB) jack (p. 151, 153, 169)

2 LCD screen/Touch panel (p. 27, 31, 105)

3 RESET button (p. 188)

4 DC IN jack

qd A/V (ID-2) jack (p. 47, 85, 90, 123, 133)

qf (LANC) jack

LANC stands for Local Application Control

Bus System. The control jack is used for

controlling the tape transport of video

equipment and other peripherals connected

to the video equipment. This jack has the

same function as the jack indicated as

CONTROL L or REMOTE.

5 FOCUS button (p. 70)

6 BACK LIGHT button (p. 37)

7 DSPL (DISPLAY)/TOUCH PANEL button

(p. 43)

8 i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) (p. 87, 90, 124,

134, 152)

qg LCD BACKLIGHT switch (p. 32)

The i.LINK (MICROMV Interface) is i.LINK

compatible.

qh Jack cover

9 Eyecup

0 Viewfinder (p. 33, 73)

208

Identifying the parts and controls

qjFlash (p. 51, 118)

qk Focus ring (p. 70)

ql Lens

ws Remote sensor

wd OPEN button (p. 29)

wf (Bluetooth) lamp (DCR-IP55 only)

(p. 172)

w; Camera recording lamp (p. 29)

wg HOLOGRAM AF emitter (p. 119)

wa Infrared rays (Nightshot Light) emitter

(p. 38)

Note on the Carl Zeiss lens

Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens which can reproduce a fine image.

The lens for your camcorder was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony

Corporation. It adopts the MTF* measurement system for video camera and offers a quality as

the Carl Zeiss lens.

* MTF is an abbreviation of Modulation Transfer Function.

The value number indicates the amount of light of a subject penetrating into the lens.

209

Identifying the parts and controls

ef “Memory Stick” access lamp (p. 104)

eg “Memory Stick” slot (p. 104)

eh Cassette lid (p. 25)

wh COLOR SLOW S/SUPER NIGHTSHOT

button (p. 38)

wj NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 38)

wk Battery or Flash CHG (Charge) lamp

ej Grip (p. 9)

(p. 18, 51, 118)

ek Tripod receptacle

wl (flash) button (p. 51, 118)

e; POWER switch (p. 8)

ea CAMERA lamp (p. 8)

Make sure that the length of the tripod

screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).

Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod

securely and the screw may damage your

camcorder.

es MEMORY/NETWORK lamp (DCR-IP55) or

MEMORY lamp (DCR-IP45) (p. 8)

el OPEN/EJECT lever (p. 25)

r; Hook for wrist strap (p. 211)

ra Speaker

ed VCR lamp (p. 8)

210

Identifying the parts and controls

rh Power zoom lever (p. 34)

rj START/STOP button (p. 29)

rk Microphone

rs Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 33)

rd PHOTO button (p. 49, 114)

rf Stylus holder (DCR-IP55 only) (p. 173)

rg Wrist strap (p. 10, 12)

rl Battery pack or battery terminal cover

(p. 17)

How to attach the supplied lens cap and wrist strap

211

Identifying the parts and controls

Remote Commander

The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on your camcorder

function identically to the buttons on your camcorder.

1 PHOTO button (p. 49, 114)

2 DISPLAY button (p. 43)

6 Transmitter

Point toward the remote sensor to control

your camcorder after turning on your

camcorder.

3 MEMORY control buttons

4 SEARCH MODE button (p. 83, 84)

5 MULTI SRCH button (p. 79)

7 DATA CODE button (p. 43)

8 START/STOP button (p. 29)

9 Power zoom button (p. 34)

0 Video control buttons (p. 42, 45)

qa X/x/C/c/EXECUTE buttons

212

Identifying the parts and controls

To prepare the Remote Commander

Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and – polarities on the batteries to

the + – marks inside the battery compartment.

The Remote Commander

•Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or

overhead lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly.

•Your camcorder works in the commander mode VTR 2. Commander modes 1, 2 and 3

are used to distinguish your camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control

misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in the Commander mode VTR 2, we

recommend changing the commander mode or covering the sensor of the VCR with

black paper.

213

Identifying the parts and controls

Operation indicators

LCD screen and viewfinder

1 2 0 min

S T B Y

0 : 1 2 : 3 4

1 2 min

E N D

S E A R C H

–

S T I L L

1 6

9 W I D E

N E G . A R T

A U T O

6 0 AWB

M P E G I N

F 1. 8

9 d B

1 0 0 – 0 0 0 1

1 Micro Cassette Memory (p. 36)

qg NIGHTSHOT/SUPER NIGHTSHOT (p. 38)/

COLOR SLOW SHUTTER (p. 38)

2 Remaining battery time (p. 36)

qh Tape counter (p. 36)/Self-diagnosis (p.

190)/Memory photo (p. 49)/Image

number (p. 136)

3 Zoom (p. 34)/Data file name (p. 103)

4 Digital effect (p. 62, 76)/MEMORY MIX

(p. 125)/FADER (p. 58)

qj Remaining tape (p. 36)/Memory playback

(p. 135)

5 16:9WIDE (p. 56)

qk END SEARCH (p. 41)

6 Picture effect (p. 61, 75)

7 Data code (p. 43)/Date

8 PROGRAM AE (p. 65)

9 BACK LIGHT (p. 37)

ql MPEG IN (p. 87)

w; Data file name (p. 125)

This indicator appears when the MEMORY

MIX functions work. /Time (p. 36)

0 SteadyShot off (p. 176)

qa Manual focus (p. 70)

qs Self-timer (p. 53, 121)

qd HOLOGRAM AF (p. 119)

wa Warning (p. 191)

ws Flash

wd Continuous photo recording (p. 116)

qf STBY/REC (p. 36)/Video control mode (p.

45)/Image size (p. 112)/Image quality

mode (p. 108)

214

Index

A, B

I, J, K, L

AC power adaptor .................. 20

Adjusting viewfinder ............. 33

Adjusting volume ................... 42

Auto red-eye reduction.. 51, 118

AUTO SHTR .......................... 175

A/V connecting cable

.......................... 47, 85, 123, 133

BACK LIGHT .......................... 37

Battery pack ............................. 17

BEEP ....................................... 182

BOUNCE .................................. 58

B&W ......................................... 61

i.LINK (MICROMV Interface)

.......................... 87, 90, 124, 134

Image protection ................... 146

Image quality mode ............. 108

Image size .............................. 112

Index screen ........................... 137

“InfoLITHIUM” battery

........................................ 20, 196

Infrared rays emitter .............. 38

JPEG ........................................ 103

Labeling a cassette ................ 101

(LANC) jack ...................... 208

LUMINANCEKEY ................. 62

Recording time ........................ 19

Remaining battery time

indicator .............................. 196

Remaining tape indicator

........................................ 36, 180

Remote Commander .... 212, 213

Remote sensor ............... 209, 213

RESET ..................................... 188

Self-diagnosis display .......... 190

Self-timer recording

.......................... 40, 53, 121, 131

SEPIA........................................ 61

Slide show .............................. 144

SLOW SHUTTER .................... 62

SOLARIZE ............................... 61

SPOT FOCUS .......................... 72

STEADYSHOT ...................... 176

STILL ........................................ 62

Stylus ................................ 28, 172

SUPER NIGHTSHOT ............. 38

S VIDEO jack

C, D

M, N

CALIBRATION ..................... 203

Camera chromakey .............. 125

Carl Zeiss lens ....................... 209

Cassette information ............ 100

Cassette memory .................. 100

Charging battery ..................... 18

Charging built-in rechargeable

battery ................................. 203

Cleaning cassette .................. 202

Clock set ................................... 22

COLOR SLOW SHUTTER .... 38

Continuous photo recording

.............................................. 116

Data code ................................. 43

DATE SEARCH ...................... 84

DEMO MODE ....................... 181

Digital effect ...................... 62, 76

DISPLAY ................................ 182

Dubbing a tape ........................ 85

Manual focus ........................... 70

Memory chromakey ............. 125

Memory luminancekey ........ 125

MEMORY MIX ...................... 125

Memory overlap ................... 125

Memory PB ZOOM .............. 142

Memory photo playback ..... 135

Memory photo recording .... 114

“Memory Stick” .................... 103

Menu settings ........................ 174

Micro cassette memory ........ 100

Mirror mode ............................ 35

Moisture condensation ........ 201

MONOTONE .......................... 58

MOSAIC ................................... 61

MOSC. FADER........................ 58

MPEG ..................................... 103

MULTI-PICTURE SEARCH .. 79

MULTI SCRN ........................ 116

NEG. ART ................................ 61

NETWORK ............................ 172

NIGHTSHOT .......................... 38

NORM. FADER ...................... 58

NTSC system ......................... 200

.................... 47, 85, 88, 123, 133

T, U, V

Tape counter ............................ 36

Tape PB ZOOM ....................... 77

Telephoto ................................. 34

Title ..................................... 92, 97

TITLE SEARCH ...................... 83

Touch panel ..................... 27, 105

TRAIL ....................................... 62

Transition ................................. 30

TV color systems ................... 200

USB jack ................. 151, 153, 169

USB Streaming ...................... 181

END SEARCH ......................... 41

EXP BRKTG ........................... 116

Exposure .................................. 68

W, X, Y, Z

O, P, Q

F, G, H

Warning indicators ............... 191

White balance .......................... 54

Wide-angle .............................. 34

Wide mode .............................. 56

Wrist strap ............................. 211

Write-protect tab ..................... 26

Zoom ........................................ 34

OLD MOVIE ............................ 62

Operation indicators ............ 214

PAL system ............................ 200

PASTEL .................................... 61

PB ZOOM ........................ 77, 142

Picture effect ...................... 61, 75

Playback pause........................ 45

Playing time ............................. 19

Power zoom ............................. 34

Print mark .............................. 150

PROGRAM AE....................... 65

Fader ......................................... 58

Fade in/out.............................. 58

Flash recording ............... 51, 118

FLASH ...................................... 62

FLASH MOTION.................... 62

Flexible Spot Meter ................. 69

FOCUS...................................... 70

Focusing manually ................. 70

FORMAT ................................ 179

Full charge ............................... 18

Grip ............................................. 9

Heads ...................................... 202

HOLOGRAM AF .................. 119

215

Printed using VOC (Volatile Organic

Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan

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