Sony HDR TG3E User Manual

3-288-523-13(1)  
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder  
Operating Guide  
HDR-TG1E/TG3E  
For details on the advanced operations, please refer to  
“Handycam Handbook” (PDF).  
© 2008 Sony Corporation  
and human health which could otherwise be  
caused by inappropriate waste handling of  
the battery. The recycling of the materials  
will help to conserve natural resources.  
In case of products that for safety,  
performance or data integrity reasons  
require a permanent connection with an  
incorporated battery, this battery should be  
replaced by qualified service staff only.  
To ensure that the battery will be treated  
properly, hand over the product at end-of-  
life to the applicable collection point for the  
recycling of electrical and electronic  
equipment.  
For all other batteries, please view the  
section on how to remove the battery from  
the product safely. Hand the battery over to  
the applicable collection point for the  
recycling of waste batteries.  
For more detailed information about  
recycling of this product or battery, please  
contact your local Civic Office, your  
household waste disposal service or the  
shop where you purchased the product.  
For customers in the U.S.A.  
If you have any questions about this  
product, you may call:  
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-  
222-SONY (7669).  
The number below is for the FCC related  
matters only.  
Regulatory Information  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: HDR-TG1E  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.  
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA  
92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone number: 858-942-2230  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions: (1) This device may not cause  
harmful interference, and (2) this device must  
accept any interference received, including  
interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Notice for the customers in the  
countries applying EU Directives  
Notes  
HDR-TG1E is to be used with the  
The manufacturer of this product is Sony  
Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku  
Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized  
Representative for EMC and product safety  
is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger  
Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For  
any service or guarantee matters please  
refer to the addresses given in separate  
service or guarantee documents.  
Handycam Station Model DCRA-C230 and  
AC Adaptor Model AC-L200/L200B.  
CAUTION  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in this  
manual could void your authority to operate this  
equipment.  
Note  
“Memory Stick”  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
These limits are designed to provide reasonable  
protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates,  
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,  
if not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications.  
N50  
3
However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If this  
equipment does cause harmful interference to  
radio or television reception, which can be  
determined by turning the equipment off and on,  
the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Notes on use  
Supplied items  
The numbers in ( ) are the supplied  
quantity.  
• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 4 GB (1)  
• AC Adaptor (1)  
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Power cord (Mains lead) (1)  
• Handycam Station (1) A  
• Component A/V cable (1) B  
• A/V connecting cable (1) C  
• USB cable (long) (1) D  
• USB cable (short) (1) E  
• Dedicated USB Terminal Adaptor (1) F  
• USB adaptor cap (1) G  
• 21-pin adaptor (1)  
– Increase the separation between the equipment  
and receiver.  
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a  
circuit different from that to which the receiver  
is connected.  
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV  
technician for help.  
The supplied interface cable must be used with the  
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a  
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of  
FCC Rules.  
For the models with  
bottom surfaces only.  
the mark printed on their  
• Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH50 (1)  
• Wrist strap (1)  
• CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software”  
(1) (p. 26)  
– Picture Motion Browser (Software)  
– PMB Guide  
– Handycam Handbook (PDF)  
• “Operating Guide” (This manual) (1)  
Battery pack and “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo”  
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 Class B digital apparatus complies with  
Canadian ICES-003.  
A
D
F
B
C
E
G
* The Dedicated USB Terminal Adaptor F and  
the USB adaptor cap G are attached to the USB  
cable (short) E beforehand.  
4
external media first, and then perform [MEDIA  
FORMAT] (p. 24).  
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use  
with your camcorder  
• For recording movies, it is recommended that  
you use a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of 1 GB or  
larger marked with:  
• The LCD screen is manufactured using  
extremely high-precision technology, so over  
99.99% of the pixels are operational for  
effective use. However, there may be some tiny  
black points and/or bright points (white, red,  
blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on  
the LCD screen. These points are normal results  
of the manufacturing process and do not affect  
the recording in any way.  
(“Memory Stick  
PRO Duo”)*  
(“Memory Stick  
PRO-HG Duo”)  
* Marked with Mark2 or not, either can be used.  
• A “Memory Stick PRO Duo” of up to 16 GB  
has been confirmed to operate correctly with  
this camcorder.  
• See page 14 for the recordable time of a  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”  
On recording  
• Before starting to record, test the recording  
function to make sure the image and sound are  
recorded without any problems.  
• Compensation for the contents of recordings  
cannot be provided, even if recording or  
playback is not possible due to a malfunction of  
the camcorder, recording media, etc.  
• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and “Memory Stick  
PRO-HG Duo” are both called as “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” in this manual.  
• TV color systems differ depending on the  
country/region. To view your recordings on a  
TV, you need a PAL system-based TV.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and  
other materials may be copyrighted.  
Using the camcorder  
• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed  
or waterproofed. See “Precautions” (p. 32).  
• Do not do any of the following when the  
(Movie)/  
(Still) mode lamps (p. 10), the  
Unauthorized recording of such materials may  
be contrary to the copyright laws.  
access lamp (p. 12) or the QUICK ON lamp  
(p. 7) is lit or flashing.  
Otherwise, the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” may  
be damaged, recorded images may be lost or  
other malfunctions could occur.  
– Eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
– Remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from  
the camcorder.  
– Apply mechanical shock or vibration to the  
camcorder.  
• If you close the LCD panel when your  
On playing back recorded images on  
other devices  
• Your camcorder is compatible with MPEG-4  
AVC/H.264 High Profile for HD (high  
definition) image quality recording. Therefore,  
you cannot play back images recorded with HD  
(high definition) image quality on your  
camcorder with the following devices;  
– Other AVCHD format compatible devices  
which are not compatible with High Profile  
camcorder is connected to other devices with  
the USB cable, the recorded images may be lost.  
– Devices which are not compatible with the  
AVCHD format  
• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick  
PRO Duo,” be careful so that the “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” does not pop out and drop  
(p. 12).  
• When connecting your camcorder to another  
device with a cable, be sure to insert the  
connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the  
plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the  
terminal and may result in a malfunction of your  
camcorder.  
Save all your recorded image data  
• To prevent your image data from being lost,  
save all your recorded images on other media. It  
is recommended that you save the image data on  
a disc such as DVD-R using your computer, etc.  
Also, you can save your image data using a  
VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder (p. 23).  
• If you repeat recording/deleting images for a  
long time, fragmentation of data occurs on the  
media. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In  
such a case, save your images on some type of  
• It is recommended that you save your image  
data periodically, after recording.  
5
 
Table of Contents  
When the camcorder is connected to a  
computer  
Read this first ..................................2  
• Do not try to format the “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” in the camcorder using a computer. If you  
do so, your camcorder may not operate  
correctly.  
................................................... 11  
PRO Duo....................................12  
About language setting  
• The on-screen displays in each local language are  
used for illustrating the operating procedures.  
Change the screen language before using your  
camcorder if necessary (p. 11).  
About this manual  
• The images of the LCD screen used in this  
manual for illustration purposes are captured  
using a digital still camera, and therefore may  
appear different from the actual images of the  
LCD screen.  
• Design and specifications of your camcorder  
and accessories are subject to change without  
notice.  
Recording...................................... 13  
Playback........................................ 15  
recording/playback ......................19  
• The screenshots are from Windows Vista. The  
scenes may vary depending on the operating  
system of the computer.  
Performing various functions  
• Refer also to “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) and  
“PMB Guide.”  
..................................................... 21  
Saving images............................... 23  
Deleting images.............................24  
Handbook” (PDF)....................... 26  
................................................... 26  
Troubleshooting.............................30  
Precautions ...................................32  
Specifications ................................33  
6
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Charging the battery pack  
POWER button  
QUICK ON  
lamp  
/CHG lamp  
Battery pack  
Power cord  
(Mains lead)  
DC IN jack  
AC Adaptor  
DC plug  
To the wall outlet  
(wall socket)  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack NP-FH50 after attaching  
it to your camcorder.  
4
5
Insert the battery.  
1 Open the battery/Memory Stick Duo  
cover.  
2 Insert the battery pack all the way in  
until it clicks.  
3 Close the battery/Memory Stick Duo  
cover.  
b Notes  
• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack other than NP-FH50 to your camcorder.  
1
Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack on the Handycam  
Station.  
Place the camcorder on the  
Handycam Station as shown  
above, and insert it into the  
Handycam Station securely, all  
the way to the bottom.  
Be sure that the v mark on the DC plug  
is facing up.  
The /CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts. The /CHG (charge)  
lamp turns off when the battery pack is  
fully charged. Remove the camcorder  
from the Handycam Station.  
2
3
Connect the power cord (mains  
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the  
wall outlet (wall socket).  
Make sure that the LCD panel is  
closed.  
7
       
b Notes  
• You cannot charge the battery pack while the  
QUICK ON lamp is flashing. When the QUICK  
ON lamp is flashing, press POWER to turn off  
your camcorder. Make sure the QUICK ON  
lamp is not flashing before charging the battery  
pack.  
DC IN jack  
Open the jack cover.  
To remove the battery pack  
Turn off your camcorder and open the  
battery/Memory Stick Duo cover.  
Slide the battery eject lever.  
DC plug  
With the v mark  
Be sure not to drop the battery pack.  
on the bottom  
Battery eject lever  
Available running time for the  
supplied battery pack  
Charging time:  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a completely exhausted  
battery pack.  
Recording/Playback time:  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
b Notes  
• When you remove the battery pack or  
disconnect the AC Adaptor, make sure that the  
“HD” stands for high definition image  
quality, and “SD” stands for standard image  
quality.  
(Movie) lamp/  
(Still) lamp (p. 10)/  
access lamp (p. 12)/QUICK ON lamp are turned  
off.  
(Unit:min.)  
To charge the battery pack using only  
the AC Adaptor  
Close the LCD panel with your camcorder  
turns off, then connect the AC Adaptor to  
the DC IN jack on your camcorder.  
HD  
SD  
Charging time  
Recording time* *  
135  
1
2
Continuous recording  
time  
100  
120  
Typical recording  
time*  
50  
60  
3
2
Playback time*  
135  
145  
*1 [REC MODE]: SP  
*2 When the LCD backlight is on.  
*3 Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
8
On the battery pack  
• When you remove the battery pack, turn off  
your camcorder, and turn off the  
(Movie)  
lamp/  
(Still) lamp (p. 10)/access lamp  
(p. 12)/QUICK ON lamp.  
• The power will not be supplied from the battery  
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam  
Station, even when the power cord (mains lead)  
is disconnected from the wall outlet (wall  
socket).  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
• Times measured when using the camcorder at  
25°C (77°F) (10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) is  
recommended).  
• The available recording and playback time will  
be shorter when you use your camcorder in low  
temperatures.  
• The available recording and playback time will  
be shorter depending on the conditions under  
which you use your camcorder.  
On the AC Adaptor  
• Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when  
using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC  
Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket)  
immediately if any malfunction occurs while  
using your camcorder.  
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow  
space, such as between a wall and furniture.  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic  
objects. This may cause a malfunction.  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
source (mains) is still supplied to it while  
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the  
AC Adaptor.  
On using abroad  
• You can use your camcorder in any countries/  
regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with  
your camcorder. Also, you can charge the  
battery pack.  
Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor,  
if necessary, depending on the design of the wall  
outlet (wall socket).  
See “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) for details.  
9
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the  
date and time  
When using the camcorder for  
the first time, the [CLOCK  
SET] screen appears on the  
LCD screen.  
POWER button  
(HOME)  
Touch the button on the LCD screen.  
(Movie) /  
(Still)  
select switch  
2270 degrees (max.)  
1
Open the LCD panel.  
Your camcorder turns on.  
To turn on your camcorder when the  
LCD panel is opened, close it and open  
it again, or press POWER with the LCD  
panel opened.  
To adjust the LCD panel, open the LCD  
panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1),  
then rotate it to the best angle to record  
or play (2). You can rotate the LCD  
panel 270 degrees to the lens side (2)  
to record in mirror mode.  
2
Slide the  
(Movie)/  
(Still)  
select switch repeatedly in the  
direction of the arrow until the  
respective lamp lights up.  
(Movie): To record movies  
(Still): To record still images  
Go to step 4 when you turn on your  
camcorder for the first time.  
190degrees  
to the  
camcorder  
• When you turn on  
(Still) lamp, the  
screen aspect ratio is changed to 4:3  
automatically (the default setting).  
10  
   
Changing the language setting  
3
4
5
Touch  
(SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/  
(HOME) t  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
LANG] t [CLOCK SET].  
Touch  
t [CLOCK/  
LANGUAGE SET], then select the  
desired language.  
(HOME) t  
(SETTINGS)  
LANG] t  
Select the desired geographical  
area with  
[NEXT].  
[
/
, then touch  
Set [SUMMERTIME], [Y] (year),  
[M] (month), [D] (day), hour and  
minute, then touch  
.
The clock starts.  
To turn off the power  
When recording standby/recording mode,  
close the LCD panel, then press POWER.  
Otherwise, close the LCD panel or press  
POWER.  
z Tips  
• The date and time do not appear during  
recording, but they are automatically recorded  
on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” and can be  
displayed during playback.  
• You can turn off the operation beeps by  
touching  
(HOME) t  
(SETTINGS)  
t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [BEEP] t [OFF].  
• When you close the LCD panel during standby/  
recording, the QUICK ON lamp starts flashing  
and your camcorder goes to sleep mode. If  
[QUICK ON STBY] is set to [OFF] on the  
HOME MENU (p. 22), closing the LCD panel  
makes your camcorder turn off.  
11  
   
Step 3: Inserting a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
Access lamp  
If you insert a new “Memory Stick  
PRO Duo,” the [Create a new Image  
Database File.] screen appears.  
b Notes  
• Do not do any of the following when the  
See page 5 on the “Memory Stick” you can  
use with your camcorder.  
(Movie) /  
(Still) mode lamps (p. 10), the  
access lamp or the QUICK ON lamp (p. 7) is lit  
or flashing.  
Otherwise, the media may be damaged,  
recorded images may be lost or other  
malfunctions could occur.  
1
Insert the “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo.”  
1 Open the battery/Memory Stick Duo  
– Eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” from the  
camcorder  
– Remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor  
– Shake or knock your camcorder  
• Do not open the battery/Memory Stick Duo  
cover during recording.  
cover.  
2 Insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
all the way in until it clicks.  
3 Close the battery/Memory Stick Duo  
cover.  
• If you force the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” into  
the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo,” the Memory Stick Duo slot, or  
image data may be damaged.  
• If [Failed to create a new Image Database File.  
It may be possible that there is not enough free  
space.] is displayed in step 3, format the  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” (p. 24). Note that  
formatting will delete all data recorded on the  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”  
2
3
Open the LCD panel and turn on  
the  
(Movie) lamp.  
On the [Create a new Image  
Database File.] screen, touch  
[YES].  
To eject a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
Open the battery/Memory Stick Duo cover,  
lightly push the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
in once.  
12  
     
Recording/Playback  
Recording  
START/STOP A  
(Movie) /  
(Still)  
select switch C  
[STBY] t [REC]  
PHOTO B  
Flashing t Lights up  
1
2
Open the LCD panel.  
Slide the  
lights up.  
(Movie)/  
(Still) select switch C until the respective lamp  
(Movie): To record movies  
(Still): To record still images  
3
Start recording.  
Movies  
Still Images  
Press START/STOP A.  
To stop recording, press START/STOP A  
again.  
Press PHOTO B lightly to adjust the  
focus A (a beep sounds), then press  
it fully B (a shutter click sounds).  
appears beside  
disappears, the image has been recorded.  
. When  
• See “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) to display  
the image of SD (standard definition) image  
quality.  
b Notes  
• If you close the LCD panel during recording, the recording will be stopped.  
13  
   
z Tips  
• You can check the free “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” space by touching  
(MANAGE MEDIA) t [MEDIA INFO].  
(HOME) t  
• You can capture still images by pressing  
PHOTO B during movie recording.  
• When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next  
movie file is created automatically.  
• The maximum recordable time of Sony  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” is as follows with  
recording mode [HD SP] (the default setting);  
1 GB: approx. 15 minutes  
2 GB: approx. 30 minutes  
4 GB: approx. 65 minutes  
8 GB: approx. 140 minutes  
16 GB: approx. 280 minutes  
• When measuring “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
capacity, 1 GB equals 1 billion bytes, a portion  
of which is used for data management.  
• Check the number of recordable still images on  
the LCD screen of your camcorder (p. 19).  
• You can capture still images from recorded  
movies (HDR-TG1E). See “Handycam  
Handbook” (PDF) for details.  
14  
 
Playback  
(VIEW IMAGES)  
1 Goes to the  
2 Goes to the  
3 Goes to  
(Film Roll Index) screen  
(Face Index) screen  
(HOME)  
7 Displays movies with HD (high definition)  
image quality*  
8 Displays still images  
4 Previous 6 images  
9 Searches for images by date  
5 Next 6 images  
0
(OPTION)  
6 Returns to the recording screen  
*
appears when you select the movie with  
SD (standard definition) image quality.  
1
2
Open the LCD panel to turn on your camcorder.  
Touch (VIEW IMAGES).  
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen (It may take some time to display  
the thumbnails).  
3
Start playback.  
Movies  
Still Images  
Touch the  
or  
tab, then select  
Touch the  
tab, then select the  
the desired movie to play back.  
desired still image to play back.  
Beginning of the Toggles Play  
scene/previous  
scene  
or Pause as  
you touch  
Slide show  
Next scene  
Go to the VISUAL Previous/Next  
INDEX screen  
Reverse/Forward  
OPTION  
Stop (go to the  
INDEX screen)  
OPTION  
15  
 
To adjust the sound volume of movies  
When playing back a movie, touch  
(OPTION) t  
tab t [VOLUME],  
then adjust the volume with  
/
.
Open the jack cover.  
z Tips  
• On the VISUAL INDEX screen, i appears  
with the image on the tab that was most recently  
played back/recorded (B for the still image).  
When you touch a movie marked with i, you  
can play it back from the point it was previously  
stopped.  
A/V Remote  
Connector  
Open the jack cover.  
Playing the image on a TV  
Connection methods and quality of the  
image (HD (high definition)/SD (standard  
definition)) viewed on the TV screen differ  
depending on what type of TV is connected,  
and the connectors used.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power  
source (p. 7).  
Refer also to the instruction manuals  
supplied with the device to be connected.  
Handycam  
Station  
b Notes  
• When recording, set [X.V.COLOR] to [ON] to  
play back on an x.v.Color-compliant TV. Some  
settings may need to be adjusted on the TV  
when playing back. Refer to the instruction  
manual of your TV for details.  
b Notes  
• When the A/V connecting cable is used to  
output images, images are output with SD  
(standard definition) image quality.  
• Your camcorder and the Handycam Station are  
equipped with A/V Remote Connector or A/V  
OUT jack. Connect the A/V connecting cable or  
component A/V cable either to the Handycam  
Station or to your camcorder. If you connect A/  
V connecting cables or component A/V cable to  
both the Handycam Station and your camcorder  
at the same time, image disturbance may occur.  
Operation flow  
Switch the input on the TV to the  
connected jack.  
Refer to the instruction manuals of the  
TV.  
r
Connect your camcorder and TV  
referring to [TV CONNECT Guide].  
Touch  
(HOME) t  
(OTHERS)  
t [TV CONNECT Guide].  
r
Make the required output settings  
on your camcorder.  
16  
 
Name and functions of each part  
Buttons, jacks, etc., which are not explained  
in other chapters, are explained here.  
Recording/Playback  
A Flash  
The flash will flash automatically  
depending on recording conditions in the  
default setting.  
Touch  
(HOME) t  
(SETTINGS)  
t [PHOTO SETTINGS] t [FLASH  
MODE] to change the setting.  
B Speaker  
C QUICK ON lamp  
Flashes during sleep mode. When you open  
the LCD panel while the QUICK ON lamp  
is flashing, you can start recording in about  
1 second (QUICK ON).  
The flashing stops and the power turns off  
automatically if you do not operate your  
camcorder for a certain period during sleep  
mode ([QUICK ON STBY], p. 22).  
D Power zoom lever  
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a  
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
You can magnify still images from about  
1.1 to 5 times the original size (Playback  
zoom).  
• When you touch the screen during playback  
zoom, the point you touched will be displayed in  
the center of the LCD screen.  
E RESET button  
Press RESET to initialize all the settings  
including the clock setting.  
F EASY button  
Press EASY to display  
and most of  
the settings are set automatically for easy  
recording/playback. To cancel, press EASY  
again.  
Handycam Station  
17  
   
G DISP/BATT INFO button  
You can switch the screen display when  
you press DISP/BATT INFO while the  
power is on.  
You can check the remaining battery when  
you press it after you open the LCD panel  
and press POWER to turn off your  
camcorder.  
Connecting to other devices  
K HDMI OUT jack  
Connect with the HDMI cable (optional).  
L A/V Remote Connector/A/V OUT  
jack  
Connect with the component A/V cable or  
A/V connecting cable.  
H Built-in microphone  
N Interface connector (Bottom surface)  
Connect your camcorder and the Handycam  
Station or the Dedicated USB Terminal  
Adaptor.  
By attaching the Dedicated USB Terminal  
Adaptor, you can connect the USB cable to  
your camcorder without using the  
Handycam Station.  
Sound picked up by the internal  
microphone is converted to 5.1ch surround  
sound and recorded.  
I Access lamp  
When the access lamp is lit or flashing,  
your camcorder is writing/reading data on  
the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”  
J POWER button  
P
(DISC BURN) button  
Press POWER to turn on your camcorder.  
When you press it while the power is on,  
your camcorder turns off.  
• When you press POWER to turn on your  
camcorder while the LCD panel is closed, your  
camcorder goes to sleep mode. When you press  
POWER while sleep mode, your camcorder  
turns off.  
Create a disc by connecting the camcorder  
to a computer, etc. For details, see “PMB  
Guide” (p. 28).  
Q Interface connector (Handycam  
Station)  
Connect to the interface connector on your  
camcorder when you attach your camcorder  
to the Handycam Station.  
M Tripod receptacle (Bottom surface)  
Attach a tripod (optional) to the tripod  
receptacle using a tripod screw (optional:  
the length of the screw must be less than 5.5  
mm (7/32 in.)).  
R
(USB) jack  
Connect with the USB cable.  
• For HDR-TG3E: output only  
O Hook for wrist strap (Bottom surface)  
Attach the strap and place your hand  
through the loop to prevent the camcorder  
from damage by being dropped.  
18  
 
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
A HOME button  
Recording movies  
B Remaining battery (approx.)  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
D Recording quality (HD/SD) and  
Recording mode (FH/HQ/SP/LP)  
E Media  
F Counter (hour/minute/second)  
G Recording remaining time  
Recording still images  
H OPTION button  
I FACE DETECTION  
J VIEW IMAGES button  
K Face Index set  
L 5.1ch surround recording  
M Image size  
N Approximate number of recordable still  
images and media/During still image  
recording  
Viewing movies  
O Recording folder  
P Return button  
Q Playback mode  
R Currently playing movie number/  
Number of total recorded movies  
S Previous/Next button  
T Video operation buttons  
U Currently playing still image number/  
Number of total recorded still images  
Viewing still images  
V Playback folder  
W Slide show button  
X Data file name  
Y VISUAL INDEX button  
19  
   
Upper right  
Indicators on the LCD screens  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Following indicators appear during  
recording/playback to indicate the settings  
of your camcorder.  
FADER  
LCD backlight off  
Upper left  
Center  
Upper right  
Bottom  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Picture effect  
Digital effect  
Manual focus  
9
Bottom  
SCENE SELECTION  
Upper left  
n
White balance  
SteadyShot off  
Indicator  
Meaning  
AUDIO MODE  
EXPOSURE/  
SPOT METER  
Self-timer recording  
Flash, REDEYE  
REDUC  
TELE MACRO  
ZEBRA  
MICREF LEVEL low  
WIDE SELECT  
X.V.COLOR  
Face Index  
BLT-IN ZOOM MIC  
FACE DETECTION  
Center  
z Tips  
Indicator  
Meaning  
• Indicators and their positions are approximate  
and differ from what you actually see. See  
“Handycam Handbook” (PDF) for details.  
IMAGE SIZE  
• The recording date and time are recorded  
automatically on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo.”  
They are not displayed while recording.  
However, you can check them as [DATA  
CODE] during playback.  
Continuous slide show  
Color Slow Shutter  
PictBridge connecting  
E
Warning  
20  
Performing various functions - “ HOME” and  
“ OPTION”  
You can display the menu screen by  
To see the explanation of the HOME  
MENU (HELP)  
touching  
(HOME)/ (OPTION). For  
details of the menu items, see “Handycam  
Handbook” (PDF) (p. 26).  
1 Touch  
2 Touch  
The bottom of  
(HOME).  
(HELP).  
(HELP) turns orange.  
(HOME)  
3 Touch the item you want to learn about.  
When you touch an item, its explanation  
appears on the screen.  
(OPTION)  
To apply the selected item, touch [YES].  
Using the HOME MENU  
Using the OPTION MENU  
You can change the operating settings for  
your convenience. Touch  
display the menu screen.  
(HOME) to  
The  
OPTION MENU appears just like  
the pop-up window that appears when you  
right-click the mouse on a computer. Press  
(OPTION) to display the menu items  
you can change in the current situation.  
Menu items  
Menu items  
Category  
1
2
Touch the desired category then  
item to change the setting.  
Tab  
1
2
Touch the desired tab then item  
to change the setting.  
Follow the instructions on the  
screen.  
After completing the setting,  
touch  
.
z Tips  
• If the item is not on the screen, touch  
change the page.  
• To hide the HOME MENU screen, touch  
/
to  
.
b Notes  
• You cannot simultaneously select or activate the  
grayed items in the current recording/playback  
situation.  
• When the item you want is not on the screen,  
touch another tab. If you cannot find the item  
anywhere, the function is not available under the  
current situation.  
21  
 
• The  
(OPTION) MENU cannot be used  
(SETTINGS) category  
during Easy Handycam operation.  
MOVIE  
SETTINGS  
[REC MODE], [AUDIO  
MODE], [WIDE SELECT],  
[DIGITAL ZOOM],  
Items of the HOME MENU  
[STEADYSHOT], [AUTO  
SLW SHUTTR],  
[X.V.COLOR],  
(CAMERA) category  
MOVIE*  
[GUIDEFRAME], [ZEBRA],  
PHOTO*  
[
REMAINING SET],  
SMTH SLW REC  
(VIEW IMAGES) category  
VISUAL INDEX*  
INDEX*  
[SUB-T DATE], [FLASH  
MODE]*, [FLASH LEVEL],  
[REDEYE REDUC], [FACE  
DETECTION], [  
INDEX  
SET]*  
INDEX*  
PHOTO  
SETTINGS  
[
IMAGE SIZE]*, [FILE  
PLAYLIST  
NO.], [GUIDEFRAME],  
[ZEBRA], [FLASH MODE]*,  
[FLASH LEVEL], [REDEYE  
REDUC], [FACE  
(OTHERS) category  
DELETE*  
[
[
DELETE],  
DELETE]  
DETECTION]  
PHOTO CAPTURE (HDR-TG1E)  
VIEW  
IMAGES  
SET  
[DATA CODE],  
EDIT  
[
[
DELETE],  
DELETE], [DIVIDE]  
[
DISPLAY]  
PLAYLIST  
EDIT  
[
[
[
[
[
[
[
ADD], [  
ADD],  
SOUND/  
DISP SET**  
[VOLUME]*, [BEEP]*, [LCD  
BRIGHT], [LCD BL LEVEL],  
[LCD COLOR]  
ADD by date],  
ADD by date],  
ERASE], [  
ERASE ALL],  
ERASE ALL],  
MOVE], [  
ERASE],  
MOVE]  
OUTPUT  
SETTINGS  
[TV TYPE], [DISP OUTPUT],  
[COMPONENT]  
CLOCK/  
LANG  
[CLOCK SET]*, [AREA  
SET], [SUMMERTIME],  
PRINT  
[
LANGUAGE SET]*  
USB  
[
USB CONNECT], [DISC  
GENERAL  
SET  
[DEMO MODE],  
CONNECT  
BURN]  
[CALIBRATION], [A.SHUT  
OFF], [QUICK ON STBY],  
[CTRL FOR HDMI]  
TV CONNECT Guide*  
(MANAGE MEDIA) category  
/
SET  
MEDIA INFO  
* You can set these items also during Easy  
Handycam operation.  
MEDIA FORMAT*  
REPAIR IMG.DB F.  
**The menu name is changed to [SOUND  
SETTINGS] during Easy Handycam operation.  
22  
   
Saving images  
Due to the limited capacity of the “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo,” make sure that you save  
the image data to some type of external  
media such as a DVD-R or the hard disk of  
a computer.  
Items of the OPTION MENU  
Items you can set only on the OPTION  
MENU will be described below.  
tab  
You can save the images recorded on the  
camcorder as described below.  
[FOCUS], [SPOT FOCUS], [TELE MACRO],  
[EXPOSURE], [SPOT METER], [SCENE  
SELECTION], [WHITE BAL.], [COLOR  
SLOW SHTR]  
Using a computer  
By using “Picture Motion Browser” on the  
supplied CD-ROM, you can save the  
images recorded on your camcorder with  
HD (high definition) image quality or SD  
(standard definition) image quality.  
tab  
[FADER], [D.EFFECT], [PICT.EFFECT]  
tab  
[BLT-IN ZOOM MIC], [MICREF LEVEL],  
[SELF-TIMER], [TIMING], [RECORD  
SOUND]  
For details, see “PMB Guide” (p. 28).  
– (The tab depends on the situation/No tab)  
Creating a disc with One Touch  
(One Touch Disc Burn)  
You can save images recorded on the  
camcorder directly to a disc with ease by  
[SLIDE SHOW], [SLIDE SHOW SET],  
[COPIES], [DATE/TIME], [SIZE]  
pressing the  
(DISC BURN) button.  
Saving images on a computer  
You can save images recorded on the  
camcorder on the hard disk of a computer.  
Creating a disc with selected images  
You can save images copied to your  
computer on a disc. You can also edit those  
images.  
Connecting your camcorder to  
other devices  
For details, see “Handycam Handbook”  
(PDF).  
Connecting with the A/V connecting  
cable  
You can dub to VCRs, DVD/HDD  
recorders with SD (standard definition)  
image quality.  
23  
 
Deleting images  
Select the image quality of the movie you  
want to delete before the operation.  
Connecting with the USB cable  
You can dub to movie dubbing compatible  
DVD writers, etc., with HD (high  
definition) image quality.  
1
Touch  
(OTHERS) t [DELETE].  
(HOME) t  
2
3
Touch [  
Touch [  
DELETE].  
DELETE] or [  
DELETE], then touch the movie to  
be deleted.  
The selected movie is marked with  
.
4
Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
To delete all movies at one time  
In step 3, touch [  
DELETE ALL]/[  
DELETE ALL] t [YES] t [YES] t  
.
To delete still images  
1 In step 2, touch [ DELETE].  
2 Touch [ DELETE], then touch the  
still image to be deleted.  
The selected still image is marked with  
.
3 Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
z Tips  
• To delete all still images at one time, in step 2,  
touch [  
t
DELETE ALL] t [YES] t [YES]  
.
To delete all images (Format)  
Touch  
MEDIA) t [MEDIA FORMAT] t  
[YES] t [YES] t  
(HOME) t  
(MANAGE  
.
24  
         
b Notes  
• Formatting will delete all data recorded on the  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”  
25  
Enjoying with a computer  
Performing with a computer  
Handbook/software to be  
installed  
x “Handycam Handbook” (PDF)  
“Handycam Handbook” (PDF) explains in  
detail about your camcorder and its  
practical use.  
4 Select the desired language and the model  
name of your Handycam, then click  
[Handycam Handbook (PDF)].  
Installation starts. When the installation is  
completed, the short-cut icon of  
“Handycam Handbook” (PDF) appears on  
the desktop of your computer.  
• The model name of your Handycam is  
printed on the lower side of its side surface.  
x “Picture Motion Browser” (only for  
Windows users)  
“Picture Motion Browser” is the supplied  
software. You can enjoy the following  
operations.  
– Creating a disc with one touch operation  
– Importing images to a computer  
– Editing imported images  
5 Click [Exit] t [Exit], then remove the  
CD-ROM from the disc drive of your  
computer.  
To view “Handycam Handbook,” double-  
click the short-cut icon of “Handycam  
Handbook.”  
– Creating a disc  
b Notes  
• The supplied software “Picture Motion  
Browser” is not supported by Macintosh  
computers. To use a Macintosh computer  
connected to your camcorder, see the  
following website for details.  
z Tips  
• For Macintosh users, follow the steps below.  
1 Turn on the computer.  
2 Place the CD-ROM (supplied) in the  
disc drive of your computer.  
Installing and viewing  
“Handycam Handbook” (PDF)  
3 Open the [Handbook] folder in the CD-  
ROM, double-click the [GB] folder and  
then drag-and-drop the  
“Handbook.pdf” on the computer.  
To view “Handycam Handbook,”  
double-click “Handbook.pdf.”  
To view “Handycam Handbook” (PDF),  
you need to install Adobe Reader on your  
computer.  
1 Turn on the computer.  
2 Place the CD-ROM (supplied) in the disc  
drive of your computer.  
The select screen for installation appears.  
Installing “Picture Motion  
Browser”  
x System requirements  
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional  
SP4/Windows XP SP2*/Windows  
Vista*  
* 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not  
supported.  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above OS has  
been upgraded or in a multi-boot  
environment.  
3 Click [Handycam Handbook].  
The installation screen for “Handycam  
Handbook” (PDF) appears.  
26  
       
b Notes  
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or faster  
(Intel Pentium 4 3.6 GHz or faster, Intel  
Pentium D 2.8 GHz or faster, Intel Core  
Duo 1.66 GHz or faster, Intel Core 2  
Duo 1.66 GHz or faster is  
recommended.)  
• Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster enables the  
following operations:  
• You can read images recorded on a “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” in a Memory Stick slot of a  
computer. However, in the following cases, do  
not use the Memory Stick slot of the computer,  
but connect your camcorder to the computer  
with the USB cable:  
– The computer is not compatible with a  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo.”  
– A Memory Stick Duo adaptor is required.  
– A “Memory Stick PRO Duo” cannot be read  
in the Memory Stick slot.  
– Reading data from the Memory Stick slot is  
slow.  
– Importing the contents to the computer  
– One Touch Disc Burn  
– Creating an AVCHD format disc/  
DVD-video  
– Copying a disc  
– Processing only the contents in SD  
(standard definition) image quality  
x Installation procedure  
You need to install the software to your  
Windows computer before connecting  
your camcorder to the computer. The  
installation is required only for the first  
time.  
Contents to be installed and procedures  
may differ depending on your OS.  
1 Confirm that your camcorder is not  
Memory: For Windows 2000, Windows  
XP: 512 MB or more (1 GB or more is  
recommended.)  
For processing SD (standard definition)  
image quality content only, 256 MB of  
memory or more is necessary.  
For Windows Vista: 1 GB or more  
Hard disk: Disk volume required for  
installation: Approximately 500 MB  
(10 GB or more may be necessary when  
creating AVCHD format discs.)  
connected to the computer.  
2 Turn on the computer.  
b Notes  
• Log on as an Administrator for installation.  
Display: Minimum 1,024 × 768 dots  
• Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
Others: USB port (this must be  
provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB  
(USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended),  
DVD burner (CD-ROM drive is  
necessary for installation)  
3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc  
drive of your computer.  
The installation screen appears.  
Attention  
This camcorder captures high definition  
footage in the AVCHD format. Using the  
enclosed PC software, high definition  
footage can be copied onto DVD media.  
However, DVD media containing AVCHD  
footage should not be used with DVD based  
players or recorders, as the DVD player/  
recorder may fail to eject the media and  
may erase its contents without warning.  
DVD media containing AVCHD footage  
may be played on a compatible Blu-ray  
Disc™ player/recorder or other compatible  
device.  
If the screen does not appear  
1 Click [Start], then click [My  
Computer]. (For Windows 2000,  
double-click [My Computer].)  
2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]  
(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
4 Click [Install].  
27  
5 Select the language for the application to  
be installed, then click [Next].  
6 As the screen to confirm the connection  
appears, connect your camcorder to the  
computer following the steps below.  
When using the Handycam Station  
1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
Handycam Station and a wall outlet  
(wall socket).  
7 Click [Continue].  
2 Set your camcorder onto the Handycam  
Station, then turn on your camcorder.  
3 Connect the (USB) jack of the  
Handycam Station (p. 18) to the  
computer using the supplied USB  
cable.  
8 Read [License Agreement], select [I accept  
the terms of the license agreement] if you  
agree, then click [Next].  
9 Confirm the installation settings, then click  
[Install].  
0 Follow the on-screen instructions to install  
the software.  
Depending on the computer, you may need  
to install third party software. If the  
installation screen appears, follow the  
instructions to install the required software.  
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on  
your camcorder automatically.  
4 Touch [  
USB CONNECT] on the  
[USB SELECT] screen of your  
camcorder.  
When using the Dedicated USB  
Terminal Adaptor  
1 Attach the Dedicated USB Terminal  
qa Restart the computer if required to  
complete the installation.  
qs Remove the CD-ROM from the disc drive  
Adaptor to your camcorder.  
of your computer.  
To disconnect the USB cable  
1 Click the  
icon t [Safely remove USB  
Mass Storage Device] t [OK] (Windows  
2000 only) on the task tray on the bottom  
right of the desktop of the computer.  
2 Touch [END] t [YES] on the screen of  
your camcorder.  
Dedicated USB  
Terminal  
Adaptor  
3 Disconnect the USB cable.  
USB cable  
To operate the “Picture Motion  
Browser”  
To start “Picture Motion Browser,” click  
[Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Picture  
Utility] t [PMB - Picture Motion  
Browser].  
For the basic operation of “Picture Motion  
Browser,” see “PMB Guide.” To display  
“PMB Guide,” click [Start] t [All  
Programs] t [Sony Picture Utility] t  
[Help] t [PMB Guide].  
2 Connect the AC Adaptor to your  
camcorder and a wall outlet (wall  
socket), then turn on your camcorder.  
3 Connect the USB cable connected to  
the Dedicated USB Terminal Adaptor  
to the computer.  
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on  
your camcorder automatically.  
4 Touch [  
USB CONNECT] on the  
[USB SELECT] screen of your  
camcorder.  
28  
 
b Notes  
• If you close the LCD panel when your  
camcorder is connected to other devices with  
the USB cable, the recorded images may be lost.  
z Tips  
• If the [USB SELECT] screen does not appear,  
touch  
[USB CONNECT].  
(HOME) t  
(OTHERS) t  
29  
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your  
camcorder, use the following table to  
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem  
persists, disconnect the power source and  
contact your Sony dealer.  
• For the symptoms of your camcorder, see  
“Handycam Handbook” (PDF) and for  
connecting to the computer, see “PMB Guide.”  
Pressing START/STOP or PHOTO  
does not record images.  
• Slide the  
switch to turn on the  
or  
(Movie)/  
(Still) select  
(Movie) lamp  
(Still) lamp (p. 13).  
• You cannot record images in sleep  
mode. Open the LCD panel.  
• Your camcorder is recording the image  
you have just shot on the “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo.” You cannot make  
new recording during this period.  
• The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is full.  
Use a new “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
or format the “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo.” Or delete the unnecessary  
images (p. 24).  
The power does not turn on.  
• Insert a charged battery pack into the  
camcorder (p. 7).  
• Connect the plug of the AC Adaptor to  
the wall outlet (wall socket) (p. 7).  
The camcorder does not operate  
even when the power is set to on.  
• Total number of movie scenes or still  
images exceeds the recordable capacity  
of your camcorder. Delete the  
• It takes a few seconds for your  
camcorder to be ready to shoot after the  
power is turned on. This is not a  
malfunction.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
wall outlet (wall socket) or remove the  
battery pack, then reconnect it after  
about 1 minute. If the functions still do  
not work, press the RESET button  
(p. 17) using a pointed object. (If you  
press the RESET button, all settings,  
including the clock setting, are reset.)  
unnecessary images (p. 24).  
You cannot install “Picture Motion  
Browser.”  
• Check the computer environment  
required to install “Picture Motion  
Browser.”  
• Install “Picture Motion Browser” in an  
orderly manner (p. 26).  
“Picture Motion Browser” does not  
work correctly.  
Your camcorder gets warm.  
• Finish “Picture Motion Browser” and  
restart your computer.  
• This is because the power has been  
turned on for a long time. This is not a  
malfunction.  
Your camcorder is not recognized by  
the computer.  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• Turn on the power again.  
• Use the AC Adaptor.  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 7).  
• Disconnect devices from the USB jack  
of the computer other than the  
keyboard, mouse, and your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the USB cable from the  
computer and the Handycam Station or  
the Dedicated USB Terminal Adaptor,  
and restart the computer, then connect  
the computer and your camcorder again  
in an orderly manner.  
30  
   
Indicators  
Causes/Solutions  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
• When the indicator flashes  
slowly, free space for  
recording images are  
running out. For the type of  
“Memory Stick” you can  
use with your camcorder,  
If indicators appear on the LCD screen,  
check the following.  
If the problem persists even after you have  
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony  
dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
• No “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” is inserted (p. 12).  
Indicators  
Causes/Solutions  
• When the indicator flashes  
quickly, there are not  
enough free space for  
recording images. Delete  
unnecessary images, or  
format the “Memory Stick  
PRO Duo” after storing the  
images on other media  
(p. 24).  
C:04:ss  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack NP-FH50. Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack NP-FH50 (p. 7).  
• Connect the DC plug of the  
AC Adaptor to the DC IN  
jack of the Handycam  
Station or your camcorder  
securely (p. 7).  
• The Image Database File is  
damaged.  
• The “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” is damaged. Format  
the “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” with your camcorder.  
C:13:ss/  
C:32:ss  
• Remove the power source.  
Reconnect it and operate  
your camcorder again.  
E:20:ss/  
E:31:ss/  
E:61:ss/  
E:62:ss/  
E:91:ss/  
E:94:ss  
• A malfunction that you  
cannot service has  
• An incompatible “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” is inserted.  
occurred. Contact your  
Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service  
facility. Inform them of the  
5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
-
• Access to the “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” was  
restricted on another  
device.  
• There is something wrong  
with the flash.  
101-0001  
• When the indicator flashes  
slowly, the file is damaged  
or unreadable.  
• The amount of light is not  
sufficient. Use the flash.  
E
• Battery power is low.  
• The camcorder is unsteady.  
Hold the camcorder steady  
with both hands. However,  
note that the camera-shake  
warning indicator does not  
disappear.  
• The temperature of your  
camcorder is getting high.  
Turn off your camcorder  
and leave it in a cool place.  
• The media is full.  
• Still images cannot be  
recorded during processing.  
Wait for a while, then  
record.  
31  
Additional Information  
Precautions  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked:  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin.  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
On use and care  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations:  
– Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid.  
Never leave them exposed to temperatures  
above 60°C (140°F), such as under direct  
sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in the  
sun. They may malfunction or become  
deformed.  
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical  
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.  
– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The  
camcorder may not be able to record properly.  
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Periodically turn on your camcorder and let it  
run such as by playing back or recording images  
for about 3 minutes.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand  
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
LCD screen  
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD  
screen, as it may cause damage.  
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD  
screen, or the lens may be exposed to direct  
sunlight. This damages the LCD screen.  
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a  
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V  
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories  
recommended in these operating instructions.  
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,  
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets  
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this  
malfunction cannot be repaired.  
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
x To clean the LCD screen  
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty,  
it is recommended you use a soft cloth to clean it.  
When you use the LCD Cleaning Kit (optional),  
do not apply the cleaning liquid directly to the  
LCD screen. Use cleaning paper moistened with  
the liquid.  
On handling the casing  
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,  
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
• Keep your camcorder turned off when you are  
not using your camcorder.  
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish:  
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen.  
• When disconnecting the power cord (mains  
lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord (lead).  
– Handling the camcorder with above  
substances on your hands.  
• Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)  
such as by placing anything heavy on it.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
32  
   
Specifications  
About care and storage of the lens  
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft  
cloth in the following instances:  
– When there are fingerprints on the lens  
surface.  
– In hot or humid locations  
System  
Video compression format: AVCHD (HD)/  
MPEG2 (SD)/JPEG (Still images)  
Audio compression format: Dolby Digital 2/5.1ch  
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator  
Video signal: PAL color, CCIR standards  
1080/50i specification  
Recording format: Movie (HD): AVCHD 1080/  
50i  
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as  
at the seaside.  
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above. It is recommended that you  
operate your camcorder about once a month to  
keep it in optimum state for a long time.  
Movie (SD): MPEG2-PS  
Still image: Exif Ver.2.2*1  
Image device: 3.6 mm (1/5 type) CMOS sensor  
Recording pixels (still image, 4:3):  
Max. 4.0 mega (2 304 × 1 728) pixels*2  
Gross: Approx. 2 360 000 pixels  
Effective (movie, 16:9): Approx. 1 430 000  
pixels  
Effective (still image, 16:9): Approx.  
1 490 000 pixels  
Effective (still image, 4:3): Approx. 1 990 000  
pixels  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable  
battery to retain the date, time, and other settings  
even when your camcorder turned off. The pre-  
installed rechargeable battery is always charged  
while your camcorder is connected to the wall  
outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor or while  
the battery pack is attached. The rechargeable  
battery will be fully discharged in about 3  
months if you do not use your camcorder at all.  
Use your camcorder after charging the pre-  
installed rechargeable battery.  
Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
10 × (Optical), 20 ×, 120 × (Digital)  
Focal length: F1.8 ~ 2.3  
f=3.2 ~ 32.0 mm (5/32 ~ 1 5/16 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still camera  
For movies*3: 43 ~ 507 mm (1 3/4 ~ 20 in.)  
(16:9)  
For still images: 38 ~ 380 mm (1 1/2 ~ 15 in.)  
(4:3)  
Color temperature: [AUTO], [ONE PUSH],  
[INDOOR] (3 200 K),  
[OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
Minimum illumination: 5 lx (lux) ([AUTO SLW  
SHUTTR] [ON], Shutter speed 1/25 sec)  
However, even if the pre-installed rechargeable  
battery is not charged, the camcorder operation  
will not be affected as long as you are not  
recording the date.  
*1 “Exif” is a file format for still images,  
established by the JEITA (Japan  
Electronics and Information Technology  
Industries Association). Files in this  
format can have additional information  
such as your camcorder’s setting  
x Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave  
it with the power turned off for more than 24  
hours.  
information at the time of recording.  
*2 The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid  
CMOS sensor and image processing  
system (BIONZ) allows still image  
resolution equivalent to the sizes  
described.  
*3 The focal length figures are actual figures  
resulting from wide angle pixel readout.  
33  
 
Input/Output connectors  
AC Adaptor AC-L200/L200B  
A/V Remote Connector: Component/video and  
audio output jack  
HDMI OUT jack: HDMI mini Connector  
Power requirements: AC 100 V - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
Current consumption: 0.35 - 0.18 A  
Power consumption: 18 W  
Output voltage: DC 8.4 V*  
Operating temperature: 0 °C to + 40 °C (32 °F to  
104 °F)  
Storage temperature: -20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to +  
140 °F)  
LCD screen  
Image: 6.7 cm (2.7 type, aspect ratio 16:9)  
Total dot number: 211 200 (960 × 220)  
Dimensions (approx.): 48 × 29 × 81 mm  
(1 15/16 × 1 3/16 × 3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d)  
excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.): 170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the  
power cord (mains lead)  
General  
Power requirements: DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery  
pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption: During camera  
recording using the LCD with normal  
brightness:  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other  
specifications.  
HD: 3.3 W  
SD: 2.7 W  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH50  
Operating temperature: 0 °C to + 40 °C (32 °F to  
104 °F)  
Storage temperature: -20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to +  
140 °F)  
Maximum output voltage: DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage: DC 6.8 V  
Capacity: 6.1 Wh (900 mAh)  
Type: Li-ion  
Dimensions (approx.): 32 × 119 × 63 mm  
(1 5/16 × 4 3/4 × 2 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts  
32 × 119 × 63 mm  
(1 5/16 × 4 3/4 × 2 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts, and the supplied  
rechargeable battery pack attached  
Mass (approx.): 240 g (8 oz) main unit only  
300 g (10 oz) including the supplied  
rechargeable battery pack, and a “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo”  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
• Manufactured under license from Dolby  
Laboratories.  
Handycam Station DCRA-C230  
Input/Output connectors  
A/V OUT jack: Component/video and audio  
output jack  
USB jack: mini-B  
(HDR-TG3E: output only)  
Dedicated USB Terminal Adaptor  
Input/Output connectors  
USB jack: mini-B  
(HDR-TG3E: output only)  
34  
On trademarks  
• “Handycam” and  
are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
• “AVCHD” and “AVCHD” logotype are  
trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial  
Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation.  
• “Memory Stick,” “  
Duo,” “  
PRO Duo,” “  
,” “Memory Stick  
,” “Memory Stick  
,”  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,”  
,” “MagicGate,”  
,” “MagicGate Memory  
Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
• “x.v.Colour” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• “BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
• “BRAVIA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks  
of Dolby Laboratories.  
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition  
Multimedia Interface are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.  
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media,  
Windows Vista, and DirectX are either  
registered trademarks or trademarks of  
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/  
or other countries.  
• Macintosh and Mac OS are registered  
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its  
subsidiaries in the United States and other  
countries.  
• Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are  
either registered trademarks or trademarks of  
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United  
States and/or other countries.  
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.  
35  
Additional information on this product and  
answers to frequently asked questions can  
be found at our Customer Support Website.  
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper  
using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-  
free vegetable oil based ink.  
Printed in Japan  

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