Sony Handycam HDR AX2000E User Manual

4-163-320-13(1)  
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder  
Operating Guide  
HDR-AX2000E  
© 2009 Sony Corporation  
Notice  
Disposal of waste  
batteries (applicable in  
the European Union and  
other European countries  
with separate collection  
systems)  
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes  
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart  
the application or disconnect and connect the  
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.  
Notice for the customers in the  
countries applying EU Directives  
This symbol on the battery or on the packaging  
indicates that the battery provided with this  
product shall not be treated as household waste.  
On certain batteries this symbol might be used in  
combination with a chemical symbol. The  
chemical symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb)  
are added if the battery contains more than  
0.0005% mercury or 0.004% lead.  
By ensuring these batteries are disposed of  
correctly, you will help prevent potentially  
negative consequences for the environment and  
human health which could otherwise be caused by  
inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The  
recycling of the materials will help to conserve  
natural resources.  
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.  
Disposal of Old Electrical  
& Electronic Equipment  
(Applicable in the  
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.  
European Union and other  
European countries with  
separate collection  
systems)  
This symbol on the product or on its packaging  
indicates that this product shall not be treated as  
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over  
to the applicable collection point for the recycling  
of electrical and electronic equipment. By  
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you  
will help prevent potential negative consequences  
for the environment and human health, which  
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste  
handling of this product. The recycling of  
materials will help to conserve natural resources.  
For more detailed information about recycling of  
this product, please contact your local Civic  
Office, your household waste disposal service or  
the shop where you purchased the product.  
Applicable Accessory: Wireless Remote  
Commander  
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.  
Continued ,  
3
Read this first (Continued)  
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of  
FCC Rules.  
Regulatory Information  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Battery pack  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
Model No.: HDR-AX2000E  
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.  
Notes on use  
Types of memory cards you can use in  
your camcorder  
• You can use the following memory cards  
for this camcorder; “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” (Mark2) media, “Memory Stick  
PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory cards,  
SDHC memory cards, SDXC memory  
cards (Speed Class 4 or faster is required  
for each SD card). However, operation  
with all memory cards is not assured.  
CAUTION  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in this  
manual could void your authority to operate this  
equipment.  
Note  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
These limits are designed to provide reasonable  
protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates,  
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,  
if not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If this  
equipment does cause harmful interference to  
radio or television reception, which can be  
determined by turning the equipment off and on,  
the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media of up to  
32 GB and SD cards of up to 64 GB have  
been verified to operate with your  
camcorder.  
• In this manual, “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
(Mark2) media and “Memory Stick PRO-  
HG Duo” media are called “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” media. SD memory card,  
SDHC memory card and SDXC memory  
card are called SD card.  
• See page 91 for the recordable time of  
memory cards.  
b Notes  
• A MultiMedia Card cannot be used with this  
camcorder.  
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards  
cannot be imported to or played back on  
computers or A/V devices not supporting the  
exFAT* file system by connecting the  
camcorder to these devices with the USB cable.  
Confirm in advance that the connecting  
equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If  
you connect an equipment not supporting the  
exFAT system and the format screen appears,  
– 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  
4
 
do not perform the format. All the data recorded  
will be lost.  
* The exFAT is a file system that is used for  
Using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following part.  
SDXC memory cards.  
Size of memory card you can use with  
your camcorder  
LCD panel  
Lens hood  
• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, half the  
size of “Memory Stick,” or standard size  
SD cards can be used for this camcorder.  
• Do not attach a label or the like on  
memory card or memory card adaptor.  
Doing so may cause a malfunction.  
Internal  
microphone  
Microphone (sold  
separately) or  
Microphone holder  
Viewfinder  
b Notes  
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or  
• Connect cables to your camcorder with their  
terminals placed the correct way. Squeezing the  
terminals into your camcorder's jacks may  
damage them or results in a malfunction of your  
camcorder.  
About menu items, LCD panel,  
viewfinder, and lens  
• A menu item that is grayed out is not  
available under the current recording or  
playback conditions.  
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are  
manufactured using extremely high-  
precision technology, so over 99.99% of  
the pixels are operational for effective  
use. However, there may be some tiny  
black points and/or bright points (white,  
red, blue, or green in color) that appear  
Continued ,  
5
 
Read this first (Continued)  
constantly on the LCD screen and/or the  
viewfinder. These points are normal  
results of the manufacturing process and  
do not affect the recording in any way.  
memory card on other media such as a  
computer, before formatting the memory  
card.  
• Before starting to record, test the  
recording function to make sure the  
picture and sound are recorded without  
any problems.  
• Compensation for the loss of the content  
of recordings or the loss of recording  
opportunities cannot be provided, even if  
recording or playback is not possible due  
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage  
media, etc., or even if images or sounds  
are distorted due to the limits of the  
capabilities of the camcorder.  
Black point  
White, red, blue or green point  
• TV color systems differ depending on the  
countries/regions. To view your  
recordings on a TV, you need a PAL  
system-based TV.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the copyright laws.  
Do not expose your camcorder’s  
viewfinder, lens, or LCD screen to the  
sun or strong light source for extended  
periods.  
• Intense light sources, especially the sun  
will converge on the viewfinder or lens  
and damage the internal parts of your  
camcorder. Avoid sunlight or other strong  
light sources when storing your  
• Because of the way that the image device  
(CMOS sensor) reads out image signals,  
the following phenomena may occur.  
camcorder. Protect this device by always  
closing the lens cover or by placing it in  
its bag when not in use.  
– The subjects passing by the frame rapidly  
might appear crooked depending on the  
recording conditions. (This phenomenon may  
be notable in displays having high motion  
resolution.)  
– Horizontal lines appear on the screen during  
recording under fluorescent lights. The  
phenomena can be reduced by adjusting the  
shutter speed (p. 28).  
– Images on the screen look horizontally  
divided when a subject is lighted with a flash.  
The phenomena can be reduced by using a  
slower shutter speed.  
About temperature of your camcorder  
and battery pack  
• Your camcorder has a protective function  
that disables recording or playback if the  
temperature of your camcorder or battery  
pack is beyond the safely operable range.  
In this case, a message appears on the  
LCD screen or in the viewfinder (p. 88).  
On playing back movies  
On recording  
• Your camcorder is compatible with  
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 High Profile for  
high definition image quality (HD)  
recording. Therefore, you cannot play  
back images recorded with high definition  
image quality (HD) on your camcorder  
with the following devices;  
• In order to stabilize memory card  
operation, it is recommended that you  
format the memory card when you use it  
with your camcorder for the first time. All  
data recorded on the memory card will be  
erased by formatting, and can not be  
recovered. Save important data on the  
6
– Other AVCHD format compatible devices  
which are not compatible with High Profile  
– Devices which are not compatible with the  
AVCHD format  
Note on disposal/transfer  
• Even if you delete all data or format the  
memory card on your camcorder or  
computer, you may not delete data from  
the memory card completely. When you  
transfer the memory card or your  
camcorder, it is recommended that you  
delete the data completely using  
commercially available data deletion  
software to prevent the recovery of your  
data. Also, when you dispose of the  
memory card, it is recommended that you  
destroy the actual body of the memory  
card.  
• Movies made using this camcorder may  
not play back normally on devices other  
than this camcorder. Also, movies  
recorded on other devices may not play  
back properly on this camcorder.  
• Standard (SD) image quality movies  
recorded on SD memory cards cannot be  
played on AV equipment of other  
manufacturers.  
Discs recorded with high definition  
image quality (HD)  
About the operation of the camcorder  
• This camcorder captures high definition  
footage in the AVCHD format. 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.  
• You can operate the camcorder using the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial/B/b buttons  
(p. 18), V/v/B/b/EXEC buttons (p. 61),  
and the touch panel. However, you cannot  
use the touch panel to make some settings  
such as the MENU items.  
About this manual  
Save all your recorded image data  
• The images of the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder used in this manual for  
illustration purposes are captured using a  
digital still camera, and therefore may  
appear different.  
• The on-screen displays in each local  
language are used for illustrating the  
operating procedures. Change the screen  
language before using your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 19).  
• To prevent your image data from being  
lost, save all your recorded images on  
external media periodically. It is  
recommended that you save the image  
data on a computer using the supplied  
application software.  
Format the recording media using  
[MEDIA FORMAT] if images are not  
recorded or played back properly  
• If you continue recording and deleting  
images on a memory card for a long time,  
the files on that memory card may be  
fragmented. As a result, you may not be  
able to record and save images properly.  
If this happens, save images on a separate  
recordable media, such as a disc or  
computer, then format the memory card  
• Design and specifications of recording  
media and other accessories are subject to  
change without notice.  
7
Table of Contents  
8
Continued ,  
9
Table of Contents (Continued)  
10  
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items  
Large eyecup (1) (p. 17)  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
• Memory cards are not included. See pages 5 and  
95 for types of memory cards that you can use  
on your camcorder.  
AC Adaptor (AC-L100C) (1) (p. 13)  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F570) (1)  
Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 12)  
This lens hood is pre-mounted.  
Power cord (mains lead) (1) (p. 13)  
Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-845)  
(1) (p. 109)  
CD-ROM “Content Management Utility” (1)  
Operating Guide (1)  
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.  
Component video cable (1) (p. 47)  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 47)  
11  
     
Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover  
PUSH (lens hood release) button  
Align the marks on the lens hood to  
those on the camcorder, and turn the  
lens hood in the direction of the  
arrow 2 until it is locked.  
To remove the lens hood with lens  
cover  
Turn the lens hood in the opposite direction  
to the arrow 2 in the illustration while  
pressing the PUSH (lens hood release)  
button.  
z Tips  
• If you attach or remove a 72mm (2 7/8 in.) PL  
filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood  
with lens cover.  
To open or close the shutter of the  
lens hood with lens cover  
Move the lens cover lever to OPEN to open  
the lens cover, and move the lever to  
CLOSE to close the lens cover.  
12  
         
Step 3: Charging the battery pack  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (L series) with the  
supplied AC Adaptor.  
1
Press the battery pack against the  
back of your camcorder and slide  
it down.  
b Notes  
• You cannot use batteries other than the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) (p. 96).  
2
With the B mark on the DC plug  
facing outwards, connect the DC  
plug to the DC IN jack on your  
camcorder.  
DC plug  
DC IN jack  
Power cord  
(mains lead)  
AC Adaptor  
To the wall outlet  
(wall socket)  
B mark  
3
4
Connect the power cord (mains  
lead) to the AC Adaptor.  
Connect the power cord (mains  
lead) to the wall outlet (wall  
socket).  
Continued ,  
13  
         
To remove the battery pack  
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
Push the BATT RELEASE (battery release)  
button and remove the battery pack.  
5
Set the POWER switch to OFF  
(CHG).  
The CHG lamp lights up and charging  
starts.  
BATT RELEASE  
(battery release) button  
To store the battery pack  
If the battery pack is not in use for a while,  
run down the battery and store it. See page  
97 for details on storage of the battery pack.  
After charging the battery  
Charging time  
The CHG lamp turns off when the battery is  
fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor  
from the DC IN jack.  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
Battery pack  
NP-F570 (supplied)  
NP-F770  
Charging time  
z Tips  
260  
370  
485  
• You can check the remaining battery life with  
the status check function (p. 46).  
NP-F970  
b Notes  
• You cannot use the NP-F330 battery pack with  
your camcorder.  
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
• The CHG lamp flashes during charging, or the  
Battery Info (p. 46) will not be correctly  
displayed under the following conditions.  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
– The battery pack is worn-out.  
14  
     
Step 4: Turning the  
power on and holding  
your camcorder  
properly  
– The battery pack is too cold.  
Remove the battery pack and put it in a warm  
place.  
– The battery pack is too hot.  
Remove the battery pack and put it in a cool  
place.  
To record or play back, set the POWER  
switch to ON.  
• The power will not be supplied from the battery  
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the  
power cord (mains lead) is disconnected from  
the wall outlet (wall socket).  
When you use your camcorder for the first  
time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears  
On the charging time  
• Time measured with the camcorder at 25 °C  
(77 °F). 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended.  
Using an outside power source  
You can use the AC Adaptor to obtain the  
AC power. While you are using the AC  
Adaptor, the battery pack will not lose its  
charge even when it is attached to your  
camcorder.  
POWER switch  
1
Slide the POWER switch to ON  
while pressing the green button.  
Connect your camcorder as shown  
Press and hold the  
green button.  
On the AC Adaptor  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic  
objects. This may cause a malfunction.  
b Notes  
• The current date and time appear on the LCD  
screen for a few seconds when you turn on your  
camcorder after you set the date and time with  
[CLOCK SET] (p. 18).  
Continued ,  
15  
         
(Continued)  
Step 5: Adjusting the  
LCD panel and  
viewfinder  
2
Hold the camcorder properly.  
LCD panel  
Open the LCD panel 180 degrees (1), then  
rotate it to the best angle to record or play  
back (2).  
1Open 180 degrees.  
290 degrees  
(max.)  
2180 degrees  
(max.)  
3
Ensure a good grip, then fasten  
the grip belt.  
DISPLAY button  
z Tips  
• Images are displayed as mirror images on the  
LCD screen, but are recorded as normal images.  
To turn off the LCD backlight to make  
the battery last longer  
To turn off the power  
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).  
Press and hold the DISPLAY button for a  
few seconds until  
appears.  
This setting is practical when you use your  
camcorder in bright conditions or when you  
want to save battery power. The recorded  
picture will not be affected by the setting.  
To turn on the LCD backlight, press and  
hold the DISPLAY button for a few  
b Notes  
• If warning messages appear on the screen,  
follow the instructions (p. 89).  
seconds until  
disappears.  
Also, you can turn on the LCD backlight by  
turning on/off the camcorder.  
z Tips  
• You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen  
from [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 74).  
16  
             
b Notes  
• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.  
Viewfinder  
You can view picture using the viewfinder  
to save the battery, or when the picture on  
the LCD screen is not clear.  
Large eyecup  
(supplied)  
Attach with the  
protruding part  
at the top.  
Viewfinder lens  
adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture  
becomes clear.  
b Notes  
• You may see primary colors shimmering in the  
viewfinder when you move your line of sight.  
This is not a malfunction. The shimmering  
colors will not be recorded on the memory card.  
z Tips  
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight from [VF BACKLIGHT] (p. 75).  
• To display images both on the LCD display and  
in the viewfinder, set [VF POWERMODE] to  
[ON] (p. 75).  
When the picture in the viewfinder is  
hard to see  
If you cannot see the picture in the  
viewfinder clearly under bright  
circumstances, use the supplied large  
eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch  
it slightly and align it with the eyecup  
groove in the viewfinder. You can attach  
the large eyecup facing either the right or  
left side.  
17  
         
Step 6: Setting the date and time  
Set the date and time when using your  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not  
set the date and time, [CLOCK SET] screen  
appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder.  
2
3
4
5
Select  
(OTHERS) by turning  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then  
press the dial.  
z Tips  
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3  
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets  
discharged and the date and time settings may  
be cleared from the memory. In that case,  
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the  
date and time again (p. 99).  
Select [CLOCK SET] by turning  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then  
press the dial.  
Select your area by turning the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press  
the dial.  
MENU  
button  
SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial  
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for  
the first time.  
1
Press the MENU button.  
Set [SUMMERTIME], [Y] (year),  
[M] (month), [D] (day), hour and  
minute, by turning the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial, then press the dial.  
18  
     
Step 7: Inserting a  
memory card  
1
Open the cover in the direction of  
the arrow.  
The clock starts.  
• Set [SUMMERTIME] to [ON] to move the  
time forward 1 hour.  
• You can set any year up to the year 2037.  
z Tips  
• The date and time are automatically recorded on  
the selected memory card, and can be displayed  
during playback (DATA CODE button, p. 45).  
2
Orient the memory card’s  
notched corner as shown in the  
illustration, and insert into the  
memory card slot until it clicks.  
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
Press the MENU button and select  
(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial. Select the screen language in  
[LANGUAGE] (p. 76).  
Memory card slot A  
and its access lamp  
Memory card slot B  
and its access lamp  
Insert with the notched corner  
first, and facing down.  
b Notes  
• If you insert a memory card into the slot in  
the wrong direction, the memory card, the  
memory card slot, or image data may be  
damaged.  
• When you insert a new memory card in  
standby mode, the [Create a new Image  
Continued ,  
19  
             
Database File.] screen appears. Follow the  
screen indication, and touch [YES].  
b Notes  
• You can only select a slot that already has a  
memory card inserted.  
• While movies are being recorded on the  
memory card, you cannot switch the slot even if  
you press the memory card slot A/B buttons.  
To eject the memory card  
Lightly push the memory card once.  
z Tips  
• When only one slot has a memory card inserted,  
the slot that has the memory card is selected  
automatically.  
• If the memory card is fully recorded during  
recording, the camcorder continues recording  
automatically on the memory card inserted in  
the other slot (Relay recording, p. 22).  
b Notes  
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing in red,  
your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not  
shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power  
off, eject the memory card, or remove the  
battery pack. Otherwise, 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.] appears in step 2, format the memory  
card (p. 58).  
• When inserting or ejecting the memory card, be  
careful to prevent the memory card from  
popping out and dropping.  
Selecting the memory card slot to be  
used for recording  
Press the A or B button of the memory card  
slot where the memory card you want to  
record on is inserted. The lamp of the  
selected slot lights up in green.  
Memory card slot A button  
Memory card slot B button  
20  
Recording/Playback  
Recording  
Recording lamp  
Handle record button  
Recording lamp  
Lens hood  
POWER switch  
Record button  
Your camcorder records movies on memory cards. Do the following steps to record movies.  
• This camcorder can record movies in either high definition image quality (HD) or standard definition  
image quality (SD). The factory setting is high definition image quality (HD) ([REC FORMAT], p. 24).  
b Notes  
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing in red, your camcorder is writing data on the memory card. Do not  
shake or knock your camcorder, or remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor.  
• See page 91 on the recording time of movies.  
• Your camcorder can record movies for about 13 hours continuously.  
• If a movie file exceeds 2 GB during recording, the camcorder divides the file and create a new file  
automatically.  
• The menu settings, the PICTURE PROFILE settings, and the settings made by the AUTO/MANUAL  
switch are stored in your camcorder when you turn the POWER switch to OFF. The access lamp lights up  
while the settings are being stored. If you remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor before turning off  
the power, the settings may return to the default settings.  
1
Open the shutter of the lens hood.  
Continued ,  
21  
           
Recording (Continued)  
2
3
Slide the POWER switch to ON while pressing the green button.  
Press and hold the green  
button.  
Press the record button or the handle record button.  
[STBY] t [REC]  
The recording lamp lights up during recording.  
To stop the movie recording, press the record button or the handle record button again.  
z Tips  
• When recording in high definition image quality (HD), the aspect ratio is fixed to 16:9. When recording in  
standard definition image quality (SD), you can switch the aspect ratio to 4:3 ([  
WIDE REC], p. 69).  
• You can change the screen display during recording (p. 45).  
• Indicators displayed on the screen during recording are shown on page 110.  
• The recording lamp can be set to stay off ([REC LAMP], p. 76).  
• For low angle recording, the handle record button is convenient. Release the HOLD lever to enable the  
handle record button. It might be helpful if you set the LCD panel face up or close it after turning it face  
down, or lift the viewfinder up during the low angle recording.  
• You can capture still images from the movies you recorded (p. 55).  
To continue recording on memory cards, one after another (Relay recording)  
Insert memory cards each in both slots A and B, so the camcorder switches memory card A (or  
B) just before space on the other one runs out, and continues recording on the next memory  
card automatically.  
22  
 
Insert a recordable memory card.  
Small space  
End  
Start  
REC: Recording  
Small space  
b Notes  
• Do not eject the memory card that is currently being used for recording. Replace only the memory card  
whose slot lamp is off.  
• Even if you press the memory card slot button, A or B, while recording movies, you cannot switch the slot  
currently being used.  
• When the remaining recording time of the memory card being used is less than 1 minute and the other slot  
has a recordable memory card inserted, [  
] or [  
] appears on the camcorder screen.  
The indicator turns off when the memory card is switched.  
• If you start recording on a memory card with the remaining recording time of less than 1 minute, the  
camcorder may not be able to relay-record. To relay-record without fail, make sure that the memory card  
has more than 1 minute when you start recording.  
• Seamless playback of relay-recorded movies with this camcorder is not possible.  
• You can re-combine relay-recorded movies using the supplied application software (Windows only).  
Continued ,  
23  
Recording (Continued)  
Selecting the recording format  
You can select the recording format (bit-rate, image quality, image size, frame rate, scanning  
system). In the default setting, [  
] is selected.  
To change the setting  
Press MENU t select  
EXEC dial.  
(REC/OUT SET) t [REC FORMAT] with the SEL/PUSH  
Setting value  
Description  
• Bit-rate  
FX: max. 24 Mbps  
FH: approx. 17 Mbps (average)  
HQ: approx. 9 Mbps (average)  
LP: approx. 5 Mbps (average)  
• Image quality  
HD: High definition image quality  
SD: Standard definition image quality  
• Image size  
FX: 1920×1080  
FH: 1920×1080  
HQ: HD recording 1440×1080  
SD recording 720×576  
LP: 1440×1080  
• Frame rate  
either 25 or 50  
• Scanning system  
i: interlace  
p: progressive  
pSCAN: Records images of progressive scanning system as interlace  
signal (50i).  
Setting value  
If you select [  
], for example, movies are recorded with following format.  
• HD: High definition image quality. SD is standard definition image quality.  
• 1080: Effective scanning lines  
• 50: Frame rate  
• i: Scanning system  
• FX: Recording mode  
b Notes  
• The recording mode is fixed to FX or FH with the progressive scanning system.  
24  
     
Changing the settings of your camcorder  
recordings  
Using the handle zoom  
Adjusting the zoom  
1 Set the handle zoom switch B to VAR  
or FIX.  
z Tips  
• When you set the handle zoom switch B to  
VAR, you can zoom in or out at variable  
speed.  
• When you set the handle zoom switch B to  
FIX, you can zoom in or out at fixed speed  
set in [HANDLE ZOOM] (p. 67).  
2 Press the handle zoom lever A to zoom  
in or out.  
b Notes  
.
• You cannot use the handle zoom lever A when  
the handle zoom switch B is set to OFF.  
Using the power zoom lever  
Move the power zoom lever D slightly for  
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
• You cannot change the zoom speed of the power  
zoom lever D with the handle zoom switch B.  
Using the zoom ring  
Wide view: (Wide angle)  
You can zoom at the desired speed by  
turning the zoom ring C. Fine adjustment  
is also possible.  
b Notes  
• Turn the zoom ring C at a moderate speed. If  
you turn it too fast, the zoom speed may lag  
behind the zoom ring rotation speed, or the  
operation sound of the zoom may also be  
recorded.  
Close view: (Telephoto)  
z Tips  
• The minimum distance required between your  
camcorder and the subject for focus is about  
1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about  
80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.  
• The focus may not be adjusted at certain zoom  
positions if the subject is within 80 cm (about  
2 5/8 feet) from your camcorder.  
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom  
lever D. If you move your finger off the power  
zoom lever D, the operation sound of the  
power zoom lever D may also be recorded.  
Continued ,  
25  
                     
9 changes to  
cannot be adjusted any farther. 9  
when the focus  
Adjusting the focus manually  
changes to  
when the focus cannot be  
adjusted any closer.  
z Tips  
For focusing manually  
• It is easier to focus on the subject when you use  
the zoom function. Move the power zoom lever  
towards T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, and  
then, towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom  
for recording.  
• When you want to record a close-up image of a  
subject, move the power zoom lever towards W  
(wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then  
adjust the focus.  
To restore automatic adjustment  
Set the FOCUS switch B to AUTO.  
9 disappears and the automatic focus  
adjustment is restored.  
You can adjust the focus manually for  
different recording conditions.  
Use this function in the following cases.  
– To record a subject behind a window covered  
with raindrops.  
Using automatic focus temporarily  
(Push auto focus)  
Record the subject while pressing and  
holding the PUSH AUTO button C.  
If you release the button, the setting returns  
to manual focusing.  
Use this function to shift the focus on one  
subject to another. The scenes will shift  
smoothly.  
– To record horizontal stripes.  
– To record a subject with little contrast between  
the subject and its background.  
– When you want to focus on a subject in the  
background.  
z Tips  
• The focal distance information (for when it is  
dark and hard to adjust the focus) appears for  
about 3 seconds in the following cases. (It will  
not be displayed correctly if you are using a  
conversion lens (sold separately)).  
– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.  
– When you set the FOCUS switch B to  
MAN and 9 appears on the screen  
– When you rotate the focus ring while 9 is  
displayed on the screen.  
1
2
During recording or standby, set  
the FOCUS switch B to MAN.  
9 appears.  
Rotate the focus ring A and  
adjust the focus.  
26  
         
Using the expanded focus (Expanded  
focus)  
Adjusting the image brightness  
[EXPANDED FOCUS] is assigned to the  
ASSIGN 7 button (p. 39).  
Press the ASSIGN 7 button.  
[EXPANDED FOCUS] appears and the  
center of the screen is magnified by about  
2.0 times. It will be easier to confirm the  
focus setting during manual focusing. The  
screen returns to the original size when you  
press the button again.  
b Notes  
• Even though the image appears expanded on the  
screen, the recorded image is not expanded.  
z Tips  
• You can select a type of an expanded image  
displayed during the expanded focus  
([EXPANDED FOCUS TYPE], p. 74).  
You can adjust the image brightness by  
adjusting the iris, gain or shutter speed, or  
by reducing the light volume with the ND  
filter B.  
Focusing on a distant subject (Focus  
infinity)  
Slide the FOCUS switch B to INFINITY  
and hold it there.  
b Notes  
appears on the screen.  
• You cannot use the back light function and the  
spotlight function when iris, gain and shutter  
speed are adjusted manually.  
• [AE SHIFT] is not effective temporarily while  
you adjust the iris, gain and shutter speed all  
manually.  
To return to manual focus mode, release the  
FOCUS switch B. This function enables  
you to set focus on a distant subject even  
when the focus is automatically set on a  
close subject.  
b Notes  
Adjusting the iris  
You can manually adjust the iris to control  
the volume of the light entering the lens. By  
adjusting the iris, you can change or close  
• This function is only available during the  
manual focus. It is not available during the  
automatic focus.  
(
) the aperture of the lens, which is  
expressed as an F value between F1.6 and  
F11. The volume of the light increases the  
more that you open the aperture (decreasing  
F value). The volume of the light decreases  
the more that you close the aperture  
(increasing F value). The current F value  
appears on the screen.  
1 During recording or standby, set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch H to  
MANUAL.  
Continued ,  
27  
                 
2 When the iris is automatically adjusted,  
press the IRIS button E.  
next to the gain value disappears, or  
the gain value appears on the screen.  
next to the iris value disappears, or  
the iris value appears on the screen.  
3 Set the gain switch F to H, M or L.  
The gain value set for the selected gain  
switch position appears on the screen.  
You can set the gain value for each gain  
switch position from [GAIN SET] of the  
(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 65).  
3 Adjust the iris with the iris ring A.  
When you assign [PUSH AUTO IRIS]  
to one of the ASSIGN buttons, you can  
automatically adjust the iris while  
pressing and holding that ASSIGN  
button. See page 39 for details on the  
ASSIGN button.  
To adjust the gain automatically  
Press the GAIN button C, or set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch H to AUTO.  
z Tips  
The gain value disappears, or  
next to the gain value.  
appears  
• The F value becomes close to F3.4 as the zoom  
position changes from W to T even when you  
open the aperture by setting the F value lower  
than F3.4, such as F1.6.  
• The range of focus, an important effect of the  
aperture, is called the depth of field. The depth  
of field gets shallower as the aperture is opened,  
and deeper as the aperture is closed. Use the  
aperture creatively to obtain the desired effect in  
your photography.  
b Notes  
• When you set AUTO/MANUAL switch H to  
AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris,  
shutter speed, white balance) also become  
automatic.  
z Tips  
• When you record high definition image quality  
(HD) movies with the gain set to [-6dB] and  
play them back with the data code, the gain  
value is displayed as [---].  
• This is handy for making the background  
blurred or sharp.  
To adjust the iris automatically  
Press the IRIS button E, or set the AUTO/  
MANUAL switch H to AUTO.  
Adjusting the shutter speed  
You can manually adjust and fix the shutter  
speed. You can make a moving subject look  
still or emphasize the movement of a  
moving subject by adjusting the shutter  
speed.  
The iris value disappears, or  
next to the iris value.  
appears  
b Notes  
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch H  
to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (gain,  
shutter speed, white balance) also become  
automatic.  
1 During recording or standby, set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch H to  
MANUAL.  
2 Press the SHUTTER SPEED button D  
until the shutter speed value is  
highlighted.  
Adjusting the gain  
You can adjust the gain manually when you  
do not want to use the AGC (automatic gain  
control).  
3 Change the shutter speed displayed on  
the screen by turning the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial G.  
1 During recording or standby, set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch H to  
MANUAL.  
You can adjust the shutter speed in a  
range of 1/3 second through 1/10000  
second.  
2 When the gain is automatically  
adjusted, press the GAIN button C.  
The denominator of the set shutter speed  
appears on the screen. For example,  
28  
       
[100] appears on the screen when you  
set the shutter speed to 1/100 second.  
The larger the value on the screen, the  
faster the shutter speed.  
The ND filter indicator will stop flashing  
and remain on the screen.  
If  
flashes, set the ND filter to OFF.  
The ND filter icon will disappear from the  
screen.  
4 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial G to  
lock the shutter speed.  
b Notes  
To readjust the shutter speed, do steps  
2 to 4.  
• If you change the ND filters B during  
recording, the movie and sound may be  
distorted.  
• When adjusting the iris manually, the ND filter  
icon does not flash even if the light volume  
should be adjusted with the ND filter.  
z Tips  
• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower  
shutter speed. Manual focusing with your  
camcorder attached to a tripod is recommended.  
• When recording under fluorescent lamps,  
sodium lamps, or mercury lamps, the picture  
may flicker or change colors, or may have  
horizontal bands of noise. You may be able to  
improve the situation by adjusting the shutter  
speed.  
• If the camcorder cannot detect the ND filter  
position (OFF/1/2/3),  
flashes on the screen.  
Make sure that the ND filter is set correctly.  
z Tips  
• While recording a bright subject, diffraction  
may occur if you close the aperture further  
down, resulting in a fuzzy focus (this is a  
common phenomenon with video cameras). The  
ND filter B suppresses this phenomenon and  
gives better recording results.  
To adjust the shutter speed  
automatically  
Press the SHUTTER SPEED button D  
twice, or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch  
H to AUTO.  
Adjusting to natural color (White  
balance)  
The shutter speed value disappears, or  
appears next to the shutter speed value.  
b Notes  
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch H  
to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris,  
gain, white balance) also become automatic.  
Adjusting the volume of light  
(ND filter)  
You can record the subject clearly by using  
the ND filter B when the recording  
environment is too bright.  
The ND filters 1, 2 and 3 reduce the volume  
of light to about 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64,  
respectively.  
If  
flashes during the iris automatic  
adjustment, set the ND filter to 1. If  
flashes during the iris automatic  
adjustment, set the ND filter to 2. If  
flashes during the iris automatic  
adjustment, set the ND filter to 3.  
You can adjust and fix the white balance  
according to the lighting conditions of  
recording environment.  
You can store white balance values in  
Continued ,  
29  
         
memory A (  
respectively. Unless a white balance is  
A) and memory B (  
B),  
Indicator  
Shooting conditions  
• Under the lighting  
conditions that change  
in many ways, such as  
a party hall  
• Under strong light,  
such as in a  
n
Indoor  
([INDOOR])  
readjusted, values will remain even after the  
power has been turned off.  
When you select PRESET, [OUTDOOR] or  
[INDOOR] is selected, according to which  
one you previously set with [WB PRESET]  
photography studio  
in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu.  
• Under sodium lamps  
or mercury lamps  
1
During recording or standby, set  
the AUTO/MANUAL switch D to  
MANUAL.  
To save the adjusted white balance  
value in memory A or B  
1 Set the white balance memory switch to  
2
3
Press the WHT BAL button A.  
A (  
A) or B (  
B) in step 3 of  
“Adjusting to natural color (White  
balance).”  
Set the white balance memory  
switch B to any one of  
PRESET/A/B.  
2 Capture a white subject, such as white  
paper, full-screen in the same lighting  
condition as the one in which the subject  
is.  
Select A or B for recording with the  
white balance setting stored in memory  
A or B.  
3 Press the  
(one push) button C.  
A or  
B starts flashing rapidly. It  
will stay on when the white balance  
adjustment is completed and the  
Indicator  
Shooting conditions  
• White balance values  
adjusted for light  
sources can be stored  
in memory A and  
memory B. Follow the  
adjusted white balance  
B(p. 30).  
A
adjusted value is stored in  
B.  
A or  
(Memory A)  
B
(Memory B)  
b Notes  
• When a white balance adjustment value has not  
been obtained successfully, A or  
B
turns from rapid flashing to slow flashing.  
Adjust the subject appropriately and set the  
shutter speed to auto or around 1/50, then try  
adjusting the white balance again.  
• It may take a long time to adjust the white  
balance, depending on the recording conditions.  
If you want to perform a different operation  
before completing the adjustment, set the white  
balance memory switch B to another position  
to temporarily suspend white balance  
adjustment.  
• Recording neon signs  
or fireworks  
• Recording sunset/  
sunrise, just after  
sunset or just before  
sunrise  
Outdoor  
([OUTDOOR])  
• Under daylight color  
fluorescent lamps  
30  
           
To adjust the white balance  
automatically  
Picture profile  
number  
Recording condition  
Press the WHT BAL button A or set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch D to AUTO.  
PP1  
PP2  
PP3  
PP4  
PP5  
PP6  
You can assign your own  
setting  
You can assign your own  
setting.  
b Notes  
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch D  
to AUTO, other manual adjusted items (iris,  
gain, and shutter speed) also become automatic.  
Appropriate setting to  
record people  
Appropriate setting to  
record film-like pictures  
Customizing the picture quality  
(Picture profile)  
Appropriate setting to  
record sunset  
Appropriate setting to  
record black and white  
pictures  
1
2
During standby, press the  
PICTURE PROFILE button B.  
Select a picture profile number  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
You can record with the settings of the  
selected picture profile.  
You can customize the picture quality by  
adjusting picture profile items such as  
[GAMMA] and [DETAIL].  
3
Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
Connect your camcorder to a TV or  
monitor, and adjust the picture quality  
while observing the picture on the TV or  
monitor screen.  
Picture quality settings for different  
recording conditions have been stored in  
[PP1] through [PP6] as default settings.  
To cancel the picture profile recording  
Select [OFF] in step 2 with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
To change the picture profile  
You can change the settings stored in [PP1]  
through [PP6].  
b Notes  
• When you set [x.v.Color] in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu to [ON], the picture  
profile will be disabled.  
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button  
B.  
Continued ,  
31  
     
2 Select the PICTURE PROFILE number  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
3 Select [SETTING] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
4 Select an item to be adjusted with the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
5 Adjust the picture quality with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other  
items.  
7 Select [  
RETURN] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
8 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial A.  
A picture profile indicator appears.  
32  
GAMMA  
To select a gamma curve.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[STANDARD]  
[CINEMATONE1]  
[CINEMATONE2]  
Standard gamma curve  
Gamma curve 1 for producing tone of film camera images  
Gamma curve 2 for producing tone of film camera images  
COLOR MODE  
To set type and level of colors.  
Item  
Description and settings  
Selects a type of colors.  
[TYPE]  
[STANDARD]  
: Standard colors  
[CINEMATONE1] : Film camera image-like colors good with  
[GAMMA] set to [CINEMATONE1]  
[CINEMATONE2] : Film camera image-like colors good with  
[GAMMA] set to [CINEMATONE2]  
[LEVEL]  
Sets a color level when you set [TYPE] to the settings other than  
[STANDARD].  
1 (close to color settings of [STANDARD]) to 8 (color settings of the  
selected type)  
COLOR LEVEL  
To set the color level.  
Item  
Description and settings  
-7 (light) to +7 (dark), -8: black and white  
COLOR PHASE  
To set the color phase.  
Item  
Description and settings  
-7 (greenish) to +7 (reddish)  
WB SHIFT  
To set items for the white balance shift.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[LB[COLOR TEMP]] Sets a color temperature offset value.  
-9 (bluish) to +9 (reddish)  
[CC[MG/GR]]  
Sets a color correct offset value.  
-9 (greenish) to +9 (magentish)  
Continued ,  
33  
         
DETAIL  
To set items for the detail.  
Item  
Description and settings  
Sets the detail level.  
-7 to +7  
SKINTONE DETAIL  
To adjust the detail of skintone areas to reduce wrinkles.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[ON/OFF]  
Suppresses details in skin-tone areas to reduce wrinkles. Select [ON]  
when you want to use this function. You can also select other areas.  
[LEVEL]  
Sets the adjustment level.  
1 (less adjust the detail) to 8 (more adjust the detail)  
[COLOR SEL]  
Sets color items for the detail adjustment.  
[PHASE]  
: Sets the color phase.  
0 (purple) t 32 (red) t 64 (yellow) t  
96 (green) t 127 (blue)  
: Sets the color range.  
[RANGE]  
0 (selects no color), 1 (narrow: selects a single  
color) to 31 (wide: selects multiple colors in  
similar color phases and saturation)  
The detail will not be adjusted when you set  
[RANGE] to 0.  
[SATURATION] : Sets the color saturation.  
0 (selects a light color) to 31 (selects a deep color)  
COPY  
To copy the settings of the picture profile to another picture profile number.  
RESET  
To reset the picture profile to the default setting.  
34  
         
To copy the picture profile setting to  
another picture profile number  
Audio setup  
See page 31 for the location of the buttons.  
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button  
B.  
2 Select the picture profile number that  
you want to copy from with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
3 Select [SETTING] t [COPY] with  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
4 Select the number of the picture profile  
that you want to copy to with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
5 Select [YES] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
6 Select [  
RETURN] t [OK] with the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
To reset the picture profile settings  
You can reset the picture profile settings by  
each picture profile number. You cannot  
reset all picture profile settings at once.  
See page 31 for the location of the buttons.  
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button  
B.  
2 Select the number of the picture profile  
that you want to reset with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
Channel setting  
1 Select input sources with the CH1 (INT  
MIC/INPUT1) switch C and the CH2  
(INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2) switch  
D.  
3 Select [SETTING] t [RESET] t  
[YES] t [  
RETURN] t [OK]  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
See the table below for the recording  
channels.  
Continued ,  
35  
       
LINE: For inputting sound from an  
audio device  
MIC: For inputting sound from an  
external microphone that does  
not support the +48V power  
source.  
MIC+48V:For inputting sound from a  
device that supports the +48V  
power source.  
When you connect a microphone to the  
INPUT2 jack, set the INPUT2 switch to  
an appropriate position for that  
microphone.  
When the CH1 switch is set to  
INT MIC  
CH2 switch  
Input channel and source  
position  
INT MIC Internal  
microphone  
(L)  
CH1  
Internal  
microphone  
(R)  
CH2*  
INPUT1  
INPUT2  
Internal  
microphone  
(mono)  
CH1  
b Notes  
• Do not operate the INPUT1/INPUT2 switches  
during recording to prevent noise from being  
recorded.  
• When you connect a device that supports the  
+48V power source to the INPUT1 or INPUT2  
jack, set the INPUT1/INPUT2 switches to MIC  
prior to connecting the device. When you  
disconnect the device, set the INPUT1/INPUT2  
switch to MIC first, then disconnect it.  
XLR INPUT1  
CH2**  
CH1  
Internal  
microphone  
(mono)  
XLR INPUT2  
CH2**  
When the CH1 is set to INPUT1  
• When you connect a microphone that does not  
support the +48V power source to the INPUT1  
or INPUT2 jack, set the INPUT1/INPUT2  
switch to MIC. If you use it with the INPUT1/  
INPUT2 switch set to MIC+48V, it may be  
damaged or the recorded sound may be  
distorted.  
CH2 switch  
Input channel and source  
position  
INT MIC XLR INPUT1  
CH1  
Internal  
microphone  
(mono)  
CH2**  
INPUT1  
INPUT2  
XLR INPUT1  
CH1  
Adjusting the volume  
You can adjust the volume of an internal  
microphone or a microphone connected to  
the INPUT1/INPUT2 jacks.  
CH2**  
XLR INPUT1  
XLR INPUT2  
CH1  
CH2**  
z Tips  
* The recording level of channel 2 is  
• See page 35 on the CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT1)  
and the CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2)  
switches.  
synchronized with that of channel 1 when only  
the internal microphone is used. The recording  
level of channel 2 is controlled with the CH1  
(AUDIO LEVEL) dial and the CH1 (AUTO/  
MAN) switch.  
1 Set the AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2) switch  
E of the channel to be adjusted to  
MAN.  
**You can adjust the recording levels of channel 1  
and channel 2 separately.  
appears on the screen.  
2 Turn the AUDIO LEVEL dial F to  
adjust the volume during recording or  
standby.  
2 Set the INPUT1 switch B to an  
appropriate position for the microphone  
connected to the INPUT1 jack A.  
36  
     
To restore automatic adjustment  
Set the AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2) switch E  
of the manually adjusted channel to AUTO.  
4
Press the record button.  
An about 6-second movie is stretched to  
about 24 seconds and recorded as a  
slow-motion movie.  
z Tips  
• To check other audio settings, press the  
STATUS CHECK button G.  
Recording ends when [Recording...]  
disappears from the screen.  
• For other settings, see the  
menu (p. 71).  
(AUDIO SET)  
Setting the headphone sound  
To cancel [SMOOTH SLOW REC], press  
the MODE button.  
To change the setting  
Press the MENU button, and select the  
setting to be changed.  
x
REC MODE  
You can select the record mode from [1080/  
50i FX], [1080/50i FH], [1080/50i HQ], or  
[1080/50i LP] for smooth slow recording.  
You can select the channel, CH1 or CH2, to  
output from the headphone.  
See [HEADPHONE OUT] on the sound at  
STEREO MIX (p. 71).  
x TIMING  
You can use this to select when recording  
starts in relation to when the record button  
(handle record button) is pressed.  
Recording with the SMOOTH  
SLOW REC function  
Fast moving subjects and actions, which  
cannot be captured under the general  
recording conditions, can be recorded in  
smooth moving slow-motion.  
[6sec AFTER]*  
This is useful for recording fast actions  
such as a golf or tennis swing.  
[6sec BEFORE]  
1
2
Press the MODE button.  
* The default setting is [6sec AFTER].  
b Notes  
• Sounds cannot be recorded.  
• The shutter speed is automatically set to 1/215  
second when you start [SMOOTH SLOW  
REC]. (You cannot set a slower shutter speed  
than 1/215 second.)  
On the LCD screen, select  
[CAMERA] t [SMOOTH SLOW  
REC].  
• The recording time may be shorter, depending  
on recording conditions.  
• The image quality is lower than with the regular  
recording.  
3
Select the image quality.  
Continued ,  
37  
     
• The camcorder does not perform relay recording  
with memory cards during [SMOOTH SLOW  
REC]. If the space on the memory card is  
insufficient, the camcorder records movies only  
as long as there is space available.  
• The time of the movie recorded using  
[SMOOTH SLOW REC] is recorded after being  
converted to slow-motion, not the time when the  
movie is actually shot.  
• Progressive recording is not available for  
[SMOOTH SLOW REC]. The progressive  
setting is changed to the interlace setting  
automatically.  
• Even if you change the record mode with  
[
REC MODE], the record mode of the  
standard definition image quality (SD) does not  
change.  
38  
Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons  
Some functions can be assigned to the  
ASSIGN buttons for use. You can assign a  
single function to any one of the ASSIGN 1  
to 7 buttons.  
ASSIGN 4-6 buttons  
ASSIGN 1-3 buttons  
Functions you can assign to the  
ASSIGN buttons  
The buttons in parentheses indicate that the  
functions are assigned to the buttons by  
default.  
• EXPANDED FOCUS (p. 27) (ASSIGN 7  
button)  
• PUSH AUTO IRIS (p. 27)  
• IRIS RING ROTATE (p. 65)  
• AE SHIFT (p. 66) (ASSIGN 5 button)  
• BACK LIGHT (p. 66)  
• SPOTLIGHT (p. 66)  
• STEADYSHOT (p. 67)  
• D.EXTENDER (p. 68)  
• FADER (p. 68)  
• COLOR BAR (p. 68)  
• ZEBRA (p. 73) (ASSIGN 4 button)  
• PEAKING (p. 73)  
• MARKER (p. 73)  
ASSIGN 7/  
EXPANDED  
FOCUS button  
• REC LAMP (p. 76)  
• VISUAL INDEX (p. 41) (ASSIGN 6 button)  
• MODE (p. 52)  
1
2
Press the MENU button B.  
Select  
(OTHERS) t [ASSIGN  
BUTTON] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
3
Select the ASSIGN button to  
which you want to assign a  
function with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
Continued ,  
39  
             
[--------] appears if no function is assigned  
to the ASSIGN button.  
4
Select the function that you want  
to assign with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
5
6
7
Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
Select [  
RETURN] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
Press the MENU button B to hide  
the menu screen.  
40  
Playback  
VISUAL INDEX button  
DISPLAY button  
ASSIGN 6/VISUAL INDEX button  
MODE button  
VOLUME button  
You can play back movies as follows:  
1
Slide the POWER switch to ON.  
Press and hold the  
green button.  
2
Press the VISUAL INDEX button.  
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after a few seconds.  
Recording media  
Playback mode  
Previous  
Next  
Thumbnail  
(movie)  
Current movie  
You can display the VISUAL INDEX screen also by pressing the MODE button, followed  
by touching [PLAY] t [VISUAL INDEX] on the screen.  
You can turn on or off the time and date display on the thumbnails by pressing the  
DISPLAY button.  
Continued ,  
41  
       
Playback (Continued)  
3
Play back movies.  
1 Touch the recording media you want to play back.  
: Memory card A  
: Memory card B  
2 Touch the playback mode, and select the desired image quality of movies.  
Playback mode  
: High definition image quality (HD)  
: Standard definition image quality (SD)  
3 Touch twice the thumbnail of the movie you want to play back.  
The first touch will show the information on the movie at the lower part of the screen.  
ADate and time of recording started  
BResolution  
CFrame rate  
DRecord mode  
EDuration  
FTime code of recording started  
Time code will not be displayed correctly when you play back the memory card with no time  
code, or the memory card with time code that your camcorder does not support.  
i appears with the movie that has been most recently played back or recorded. If you touch the  
movie with i, you can continue playback from the previous time.  
42  
 
Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie.  
Previous  
Stop  
Next  
Fast forward  
Pause/Play  
Fast reverse  
b Notes  
• You may not be able to play back movies recorded on other camcorders.  
z Tips  
• When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX  
screen.  
• Touch  
/
during pause to play back movies slowly.  
• As you repeat touching  
/
during playback, movies are played back as fast as about 5 times  
t about 10 times t about 30 times t about 60 times.  
• Reduced-size images which enable you to view many movies at the same time on the VISUAL INDEX  
screen are called “thumbnails.”  
• You can operate playback using the PREV/PLAY/NEXT/STOP/PAUSE/SCAN/SLOW buttons on the  
camcorder.  
To adjust the volume  
Adjust the volume with the VOLUME buttons.  
To return to the recording mode  
Press the VISUAL INDEX button.  
Viewing still images  
You can create still images by capturing scenes from movies that you recorded on your  
View still images.  
1 Touch the recording media you want to view.  
: Memory card A  
: Memory card B  
Continued ,  
43  
     
Playback (Continued)  
2 Touch the playback mode, then select  
(still image).  
Playback mode  
3 Touch twice the thumbnail of the still image you want to view.  
The first touch will show the information on the still image at the lower part of the screen.  
ADate and time of recording  
BResolution  
CImage size  
DPlayback folder  
EPlayback folder edge  
Indicates that this is the first or the last page of the playback folder. This does not appear  
when there is only 1 playback folder.  
B appears on the still image that was played back most recently.  
Your camcorder displays the selected still image.  
Next  
VISUAL INDEX  
Previous  
44  
Changing/checking the settings in your  
camcorder  
Displaying recording data (Data  
code)  
You can display information, including  
date, time, and camera data automatically  
stored during recording on the screen  
during playback.  
Press the DATA CODE button A  
during playback or pause.  
The screen changes like “date and time  
display t camera data display t no  
display” as you press the button.  
A STEADYSHOT  
B Exposure  
Changing the screen  
appears during playback of the  
movie recorded with the iris, gain or  
shutter speed automatically adjusted.  
appears during playback of the  
movie recorded with the iris, gain or  
shutter speed manually adjusted.  
You can turn on and off the display of the  
time code, and other information on the  
screen.  
Press the DISPLAY button B.  
C Iris  
The screen indicators turn on (displayed)  
and off (not displayed) as you press the  
button.  
In the recording mode, the screen changes  
like “detailed display t simple display t  
no display” as you press the button.  
appears in the iris value display  
area during playback of the movie  
recorded with the iris manually adjusted  
to its maximum value.  
D Gain  
E Shutter speed  
F White balance  
z Tips  
• You can display the screen indicators during  
playback on a TV. Select [ALL OUTPUT] of  
[DISPLAY OUTPUT] (p. 75).  
Continued ,  
45  
             
b Notes  
1
Press the STATUS CHECK button  
C.  
• The exposure correction value (EV), shutter  
speed, iris and flash on/off will be displayed  
during viewing still images.  
• When you play back the memory card on other  
devices, the camera data may be displayed  
incorrectly. Confirm the correct camera data on  
your camcorder.  
Displaying the settings in your  
camcorder (Status check)  
You can check the settings of the following  
items.  
• Audio setup such as microphone volume  
2
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial D  
until a desired display shows up  
on the screen.  
• Output signal setup ([VIDEO OUT], etc.)  
• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN  
AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t  
CAMERA t MEDIA INFO t  
BATTERY INFO  
Setup items are displayed according to  
the settings of the camcorder when it is  
turned on.  
• Camera setup (p. 65)  
• Memory card information  
You can check the estimated used and free  
spaces.  
To hide the display  
Press the STATUS CHECK button C.  
• Battery Info  
You can check the remaining capacity of  
the attached battery.  
46  
       
Connecting a monitor or a TV  
Playback image quality depends on the type of monitor or TV, or the jacks used to make the  
connection.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor to obtain AC power (p. 15).  
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected.  
Jacks on your camcorder  
Open the jack cover and connect the cable.  
Continued ,  
47  
     
Connecting to a high definition TV  
High definition image quality (HD) movies are played back in high  
definition image quality (HD).  
Standard definition image quality (SD) movies are played back in  
standard definition image quality (SD).  
COMPONENT IN VIDEO  
HDMI IN  
AUDIO  
: Signal flow  
Menu Setting  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
(REC/OUT SET)  
menu t  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[COMPONENT  
OUTPUT] t  
[1080i/576i] (default)  
COMPONENT  
IN  
(White)  
(Red)  
AUDIO  
Component video cable  
(supplied)  
(Green) Y  
(Blue) PB/CB  
(Red) PR/CR  
VIDEO  
b Notes  
• If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs  
to output audio signals.  
48  
 
: Signal flow  
Menu Setting  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
(REC/OUT SET)  
HDMI IN  
menu t  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[HDMI OUTPUT] t  
[AUTO] (default) (p. 70)  
HDMI cable (sold separately)  
b Notes  
• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.  
• Images are not output from the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder, if copyright protection signals are  
recorded in the movies.  
• Your TVs may not function correctly (for example, no sound or image).  
• Do not connect the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of the external device with  
the HDMI cable. This may cause a malfunction.  
• This camcorder is not compatible with “BRAVIA” sync.  
Continued ,  
49  
Connecting to a 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV  
High definition image quality (HD) movies are played back  
in standard definition image quality (SD).  
Standard definition image quality (SD) movies are played  
back in standard definition image quality (SD).  
COMPONENT IN VIDEO  
AUDIO  
VIDEO/AUDIO  
To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)  
Select  
your TV (p. 70).  
(REC/OUT SET) t [VIDEO OUT] t [TV TYPE] and the aspect ratio to match  
z Tips  
• When your TV is monaural (when your TV has only one audio input jack), connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and connect the white (left channel) or the red (right  
channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR. When you want to play the sound in monaural  
mode, use a connecting cable for that purpose.  
: Signal flow  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
Menu Setting  
(REC/OUT SET)  
menu t  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[COMPONENT  
OUTPUT] t  
[576i] (p. 70)  
COMPONENT  
IN  
(White)  
(Red)  
AUDIO  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[TV TYPE] t  
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 70)  
Component video cable  
(supplied)  
(Green) Y  
(Blue) PB/CB  
(Red) PR/CR  
VIDEO  
b Notes  
• If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs  
to output audio signals.  
50  
: Signal flow  
Menu Setting  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
(No other jacks should be  
connected.)  
A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
(REC/OUT SET)  
menu t  
(Yellow)  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
(White)  
(Red)  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[TV TYPE] t  
[16:9]/[4:3]* (p. 70)  
* Change the settings according to the TV connected.  
When connecting to your TV via a VCR  
Select the connecting method with [VIDEO OUT] (p. 70) depending on the input jack of the  
VCR. Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR. Set the input selector on the  
VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).  
b Notes  
• Images are output in standard definition image quality (SD) when the A/V connecting cable is used.  
• When the frame rate of [REC FORMAT] is 25p, images are converted to the interlace signals by the pull-  
down system to be output.  
z Tips  
• The resolution of the signal depends on the [VIDEO OUT] setting. See page 70 for details.  
• If you connect your camcorder to the TV using more than one type of cable to output images, the order of  
priority of the TV input jacks is as follows:  
HDMI t component video t video.  
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send both video/audio signals. The  
HDMI OUT jack outputs high quality images and digital audio.  
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR)  
Use a 21-pin adaptor (commercially available) to view playback images.  
TV/VCR  
51  
Editing  
Operating the MODE menu  
You can edit the recorded movies, format  
memory cards, etc.  
4
Touch the desired item.  
Example: [DELETE]  
MODE button  
POWER switch  
5
Operate following the  
instructions on the screen.  
MODE button  
To hide the MODE menu screen  
Touch  
, or press the MODE button.  
To return to the previous screen  
1
2
Set the POWER switch to ON.  
Press the MODE button.  
Touch  
.
3
Touch the desired category.  
Example: [EDIT] category  
52  
           
Protecting recorded images (Protect)  
Protect movies and still images to avoid  
deleting them by mistake.  
To undo the protection of movies and  
still images  
Touch the movie or still image marked with  
- in step 4.  
- disappears.  
z Tips  
• You can also protect movies and still images by  
pressing the MENU button on the VISUAL  
INDEX screen or the playback screen.  
1
2
3
Press the MODE button.  
Touch [EDIT] t [PROTECT].  
To protect movies, touch [MOVIE  
PROTECT] t select the desired  
memory card and image quality.  
To protect still images, touch [PHOTO  
PROTECT] t select the desired  
memory card.  
4
Touch the movies or still images  
to be protected.  
- is displayed on the selected images.  
z Tips  
• Press and hold the image down to preview  
the image. Touch  
previous screen.  
to return to the  
• You can select up to 100 images at one time.  
5
Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
53  
       
Using the Playlist of movies  
from your camcorder during the operation. It  
may damage the memory card.  
• You cannot add still images to a Playlist.  
The Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of  
the movies that you have selected.  
The original movies are not changed even if  
you edit or erase the movies added to the  
Playlist.  
z Tips  
• You can add a maximum of 999 high definition  
image quality (HD) movies, or 99 standard  
definition image quality (SD) movies to the  
Playlist.  
Creating the Playlist  
b Notes  
• You can also add movies by pressing the  
MENU button on the VISUAL INDEX screen,  
the playback screen or the Playlist screen.  
• High definition image quality (HD) movies and  
standard definition image quality (SD) movies  
are added to individual Playlists.  
Playing the Playlist  
1
2
Press the MODE button.  
1
2
Press the MODE button.  
Touch [EDIT] t [PLAYLIST EDIT]  
t [ADD] t select the desired  
memory card and image quality.  
Touch [PLAY] t [PLAYLIST] t  
select the desired memory card  
and image quality.  
Movies added to the Playlist appear.  
3
Touch the movie to be added to  
the Playlist.  
is displayed on the selected movies.  
3
Touch the movie you want to play  
back.  
The Playlist is played back from the  
selected movie to the end, then the  
screen returns to the Playlist screen.  
To erase unnecessary movies from  
the Playlist  
z Tips  
• Press and hold the image down to preview  
the image. Touch  
previous screen.  
to return to the  
1 Press the MODE button.  
2 Touch [EDIT] t [PLAYLIST EDIT]  
t [ERASE] t select the desired  
memory card and image quality.  
4
Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
• To erase all the movies from the Playlist,  
touch [EDIT] t [PLAYLIST EDIT] t  
[ERASE ALL] t select the desired  
memory card and image quality.  
b Notes  
3 Touch the movie to be erased from the  
list.  
• Do not remove the battery pack, the AC Adaptor  
or the memory card that contains the movies  
is displayed on the selected movies.  
54  
           
Capturing still images  
from a movie  
You can save a selected frame from a  
recorded movie as a still image.  
z Tips  
• Press and hold the image down to preview  
the image. Touch  
previous screen.  
to return to the  
4 Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
1
2
Press the MODE button.  
z Tips  
• Even if you erase a movie from a Playlist, the  
original movie is not deleted.  
• You can also erase movies by pressing the  
MENU button on the Playlist screen or the  
Playlist playback screen.  
Touch [EDIT] t [PHOTO  
CAPTURE] t select the desired  
memory card and image quality.  
To change the order within the Playlist  
3
4
Touch the movie to be captured.  
1 Press the MODE button.  
The selected movie starts playback.  
2 Touch [EDIT] t [PLAYLIST EDIT]  
t [MOVE] t select the desired  
memory card and image quality.  
Touch  
at the point where  
you want to capture.  
3 Touch the movie to be moved.  
is displayed on the selected movies.  
The movie pauses. Play and pause  
toggles as you press  
.
z Tips  
• Press and hold the image down to preview  
After you select the point with  
fine adjustment with  
, make  
the image. Touch  
previous screen.  
to return to the  
/
.
4 Touch  
.
5 Select the destination with B/b.  
6 Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
z Tips  
• When you select multiple movies, the movies  
are moved following the order appearing in the  
Playlist.  
• You can also reorder movies by pressing the  
MENU button on the Playlist screen.  
Returns to the beginning of the selected  
movie  
5
Touch  
.
The captured still image is saved on the  
memory card selected for movies. When  
capturing is finished, the screen returns  
to pause.  
• To continue capturing, touch  
, then  
repeat steps from step 4.  
• To capture a still image from another movie,  
touch , then repeat steps from step 3. If  
you change the memory card and the image  
Continued ,  
55  
     
movie (Continued)  
Dividing a movie  
You can divide a movie at a designated  
point.  
quality of the movies, start again from the  
beginning.  
1
2
Press the MODE button.  
6
Touch  
t
.
Touch [EDIT] t [DIVIDE] t  
select the desired memory card  
and image quality.  
b Notes  
• The image size is fixed depending on the image  
quality of the movie:  
– [2.1M] with high definition image quality  
(HD)  
– [0.2M] in 16:9 (wide) with standard definition  
image quality (SD)  
– [VGA(0.3M)] in 4:3 with standard definition  
image quality (SD)  
• The memory card where you want to save still  
images should have enough free space.  
3
4
Touch the movie to be divided.  
The selected movie starts playback.  
Touch  
at the point where you  
want to divide.  
The movie pauses. Play and pause  
• The recording date and time of captured still  
images is the same as the recording date and  
time of the movies.  
toggles as you press  
.
• If the movie you are capturing from has no data  
code, the recording date and time of the still  
image will be the date and time you captured  
from the movie.  
After you select the point with  
fine adjustment with  
, make  
/
.
Returns to the beginning of the selected  
movie  
5
Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
b Notes  
• You cannot restore movies once they are  
divided.  
• Do not remove the battery pack, the AC Adaptor  
or the memory card that contains the movies  
from your camcorder during the operation. It  
may damage the memory card.  
56  
     
Deleting movies and  
still images  
You can free media space by deleting  
movies and still images from the memory  
card.  
• A slight difference may occur from the point  
where you touch and the actual dividing  
point, as your camcorder selects the dividing  
point based in about half-second increments.  
• If you divide the original movie, the movie  
added to the Playlist will also be divided.  
b Notes  
• You cannot restore images once they are  
deleted.  
• Do not remove the battery pack, the AC Adaptor  
or the memory card that contains the movies or  
still images from your camcorder during the  
operation. It may damage the memory card.  
z Tips  
• You can also divide a movie by pressing the  
MENU button on the VISUAL INDEX screen  
or the playback screen of movies.  
• You cannot delete protected movies and still  
images. Undo the protection of the movies and  
still images to delete them, before you try to  
delete them (p. 53).  
• If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist  
(p. 54), the movie added to the Playlist is  
deleted also from the Playlist.  
• Save important movies and still images in  
z Tips  
• You can select up to 100 images at one time.  
• To delete all data recorded on the memory card  
and recover all the recordable space of the  
memory card, format the memory card (p. 58).  
1
2
3
Press the MODE button.  
Touch [EDIT] t [DELETE].  
To delete movies, touch [MOVIE  
DELETE] t select the desired  
memory card and image quality.  
To delete still images, touch [PHOTO  
DELETE] t select the desired  
memory card.  
4
Touch the movies or still images  
to be deleted.  
is displayed on the selected images.  
Continued ,  
57  
     
(Continued)  
Formatting the  
memory card  
Formatting deletes all data from the  
memory card to recover recordable free  
space.  
b Notes  
• Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to  
prevent your camcorder from running out of  
power during the operation.  
• To avoid the loss of important images, you  
should save them (p. 77) before formatting the  
memory card.  
• Protected movies and still images are also  
deleted.  
z Tips  
• Press and hold the image down to preview  
the image. Touch  
previous screen.  
to return to the  
1
2
Press the MODE button.  
5
Touch  
t [YES] t  
.
Touch [MANAGE MEDIA] t  
[MEDIA FORMAT].  
To delete all movies/still images at  
one time  
In step 3, touch [MOVIE DELETE ALL]  
t select the desired memory card and  
image quality t [YES] t [YES] t  
3
4
Touch the memory card to be  
formatted.  
.
• To delete all still images at one time, touch  
[PHOTO DELETE ALL] t select the desired  
memory card t [YES] t [YES] t  
.
Touch [YES] t [YES] t  
.
b Notes  
• Protected movies and still images are not  
deleted from the memory card.  
b Notes  
• While [Executing...] is displayed, do not operate  
the buttons on the camcorder, or disconnect the  
AC Adaptor or remove the memory card from  
the camcorder. (The access lamp is lit or  
z Tips  
• You can also delete images by pressing the  
MENU button on the VISUAL INDEX screen  
or the playback screen of movies and still  
images.  
flashing while formatting the memory card.)  
58  
     
Preventing data on the memory card from being  
recovered  
Unintelligible data will be written on the  
memory card. Thus, it may become more  
difficult to recover any original data. Even  
if you format the memory card, there may  
be some data remaining. Therefore, when  
you dispose of or transfer the memory card,  
it is recommended that you perform a  
The media empty screen appears.  
STOP button  
[
MEDIA EMPTY]/[  
MEDIA  
EMPTY] operation.  
b Notes  
• If you perform this operation, all stored data are  
deleted. To avoid the loss of important images,  
they should be saved (p. 77) before the  
operation.  
• You cannot perform this operation unless you  
connect the AC Adaptor to the wall outlet (wall  
socket).  
• Disconnect all cables except the AC Adaptor.  
Do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during the  
operation.  
7
Touch [YES] t [YES] t  
.
• Do not apply any vibrations or shocks to your  
camcorder during this operation.  
b Notes  
• It may take from several minutes to several  
hours to empty recording media, depending on  
the capacity. You can check the actual time  
required on the LCD screen.  
• If you stop the operation while [Executing...]  
appears, be sure to complete the operation by  
performing [MEDIA FORMAT] or emptying  
when you use the memory card next time.  
1
Operate the camcorder on an  
outside power source using the  
AC Adaptor (p. 15).  
2
3
4
Set the POWER switch to ON.  
Press the MODE button.  
Touch [MANAGE MEDIA] t  
[MEDIA FORMAT].  
5
6
Touch the memory card to be  
formatted.  
The format screen appears.  
Press and hold the STOP button  
for more than 3 seconds.  
59  
 
Repairing the image  
database file  
This function checks the management  
information and the consistency of movies  
on the memory card, and repairs any  
inconsistencies found.  
b Notes  
• Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  
socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to  
prevent your camcorder from running out of  
power during the operation.  
1
2
Press the MODE button.  
Touch [MANAGE MEDIA] t  
[REPAIR IMAGE DB FILE].  
3
4
Touch the memory card you want  
to check the management file.  
Touch [YES].  
The management file check starts.  
Touch  
and quit the management  
file check if no inconsistency is found.  
5
Touch [YES].  
After [Completed.] appears, touch  
.
b Notes  
• If you stop the operation while [Repairing the  
Image Database File] appears, be sure to  
complete the operation as described above when  
you use the memory card next time.  
60  
     
Using the Menu  
Operating the menu  
You can change various settings or make  
detailed adjustments using the menu items  
displayed on the screen.  
3
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
until the icon of the desired menu  
is highlighted, then press the dial  
to select the menu.  
MENU button  
V/v/B/b/EXEC buttons  
CAMERA SET (p. 65)  
REC/OUT SET (p. 69)  
OTHERS (p. 76)  
POWER switch  
4
5
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
until the desired menu item is  
highlighted, then press the dial to  
select the item.  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial/  
B/b buttons  
MENU button  
z Tips  
• You may select menu items also with the B/b  
buttons.  
1
2
Set the POWER switch to ON.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
until the desired setting is  
highlighted, then press the dial to  
confirm the setting.  
Press the MENU button.  
The menu screen appears.  
Continued ,  
61  
           
Operating the menu (Continued)  
6
Press the MENU button to hide  
the menu screen.  
To return to the previous screen, select  
[
RETURN].  
b Notes  
• The available menu items vary depending on the  
context of your camcorder during recording or  
playback.  
62  
Menu items (Continued)  
(OTHERS) menu (p. 76)  
REC LAMP  
(SMOOTH SLOW REC)  
REC MODE  
TIMING  
(EDIT) menu (p. 53, 54, 56,  
PROTECT  
ADD TO PLAYLIST  
DIVIDE  
DELETE  
DELETE ALL  
(PLAYLIST EDIT) menu  
ADD  
MOVE  
ERASE  
ERASE ALL  
64  
(CAMERA SET)  
menu  
expanded to the negative range. Especially  
in a bright environment, minus gain control  
allows more suitable gain setting and  
enables low noise recording. The dynamic  
range of the camcorder is not reduced when  
you set [MINUS AGC] to [ON].  
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the  
recording conditions (GAIN SET/BACK  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
BON  
See page 61 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Enables minus gain control (up to -3 dB)  
during automatic gain control, as required.  
Press the MENU button t select  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
OFF  
Disables minus gain control during  
automatic gain control.  
IRIS RING ROTATE  
GAIN SET  
You can select the operating direction of  
the iris ring.  
You can set gain values for H, M and L  
positions of the GAIN switch. The default  
settings of [H], [M] and [L] are 18 dB, 9 dB  
and 0 dB, respectively.  
BNORMAL  
Makes images dark with clockwise  
rotation of the iris ring.  
1 Select [H], [M] or [L] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
OPPOSITE  
Makes images dark with counter-  
clockwise rotation of the iris ring.  
2 Set the gain value with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial, and press the dial.  
You can select the value between -6 dB  
and 21 dB by 3 dB. The larger the value,  
the higher the gain.  
z Tips  
• You can assign this function to an ASSIGN  
button (p. 39).  
3 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
WB PRESET  
4 Press the MENU button to hide the  
menu screen.  
You can use the preset white balance. For  
more details, see page 29.  
AGC LIMIT  
AWB SENS  
You can select the upper limit for the Auto  
Gain Control (AGC) from [OFF] (21 dB,  
the default setting), [18dB], [15dB],  
You can set the auto white balance  
operation under a reddish light source such  
as an incandescent lamp or candle, or under  
a bluish light source such as in outdoor  
shade.  
[12dB], [9dB], [6dB], [3dB] and [0dB].  
b Notes  
• If you adjust the gain manually, you cannot  
obtain the effect of [AGC LIMIT].  
BINTELLIGENT  
Automatically adjusts the white balance so  
that scenes look natural for the light  
source.  
MINUS AGC  
When you set this function to [ON], the  
automatic gain control range can be  
Continued ,  
65  
                                 
Press the MENU button t select  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
HIGH  
AUTO IRIS LIMIT  
Automatically adjusts the white balance  
while reducing redness or blueness.  
You can select the highest iris value for the  
automatic adjustment from [F11], [F9.6],  
[F8], [F6.8], [F5.6], [F4.8] and [F4]. The  
default setting is [F11].  
MIDDLE  
LOW  
Automatically adjusts the white balance  
while increasing redness or blueness.  
b Notes  
• This function is not effective during the manual  
iris adjustment.  
b Notes  
• This is only effective when white balance is  
adjusted automatically.  
• [AWB SENS] is not effective under a clear sky  
or the sun.  
FLICKER REDUCE  
BON  
Reduces flickering. Flickering of the  
screen under a light source such as  
fluorescent lamps will be reduced.  
AE SHIFT  
x ON/OFF  
OFF  
You can turn on or off the function. When  
[ON] is selected,  
Not reduce flickering.  
and selected value  
appear on the screen.  
b Notes  
x LEVEL  
• Flickering may not be reduced for certain light  
sources.  
You can set an offset value to adjust the  
automatic exposure adjustment value from  
[-7] (dark) - [0] (standard) - [+7] (bright)  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The  
default setting is [0].  
.
BACK LIGHT  
When you set this function to [ON] (.),  
you can correct backlighting. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
b Notes  
• This function is not effective while you adjust  
the iris, shutter speed and gain all manually.  
b Notes  
• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] when you set  
[SPOTLIGHT] to [ON].  
• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] if all of iris,  
gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.  
z Tips  
• You can assign an ASSIGN button to work as  
[ON/OFF] (p. 39).  
z Tips  
AE RESPONSE  
• You can assign this function to an ASSIGN  
button (p. 39).  
You can select the speed at which the  
exposure is adjusted automatically  
following the changes in the brightness of  
the subject. You can select the speed from  
[FAST], [MIDDLE] and [SLOW]. The  
default setting is [FAST].  
SPOTLIGHT  
When you set this function to [ON] ( ),  
you can prevent overexposure of light while  
recording a subject under strong light, such  
as a stage. For example, you can prevent  
people's faces from being over-exposed.  
The default setting is [OFF].  
66  
                             
b Notes  
• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] when you set  
[BACK LIGHT] to [ON].  
• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] if all of iris, gain,  
and shutter speed are adjusted manually.  
x ACTIVE STEADYSHOT TYPE  
You can select a type of powerful camera-  
shake reduction for different recording  
situations.  
BSTANDARD  
z Tips  
Reduces camera shakes more powerfully  
while you are walking or moving around.  
• You can assign this function to an ASSIGN  
button (p. 39).  
WIDE CONVERSION  
This item is provided for using a wide  
conversion lens (sold separately) in  
[ACTIVE STEADYSHOT] mode, and  
especially effective for Sony wide  
conversion lens.  
STEADYSHOT  
x SET  
BSTEADYSHOT  
You can activate the camera-shake  
reduction setting.  
b Notes  
• At the [ACTIVE STEADYSHOT] setting, the  
imaging field shifts slightly to the telephoto  
side, and the resolution will deteriorate slightly,  
as well.  
ACTIVE STEADYSHOT (  
)
You can use the camera-shake reduction  
with more powerful effect.  
z Tips  
OFF  
• You can assign an ASSIGN button to work as  
[SET] (p. 39).  
Select [OFF] (  
tripod (sold separately) to make images  
look natural.  
) when you use a  
AF ASSIST  
x STEADYSHOT TYPE  
You can select a type of camera-shake  
reduction for different recording situations.  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can temporarily focus manually using the  
focus ring during the auto focus adjustment.  
The default setting is [OFF].  
HARD  
Reduces camera shakes considerably.  
This setting is not suitable for recording  
when you are using techniques like  
panning or tilting.  
b Notes  
• This function is effective only when the FOCUS  
switch is set to AUTO (p. 26).  
BSTANDARD  
Standard camera-shake reduction.  
HANDLE ZOOM  
SOFT  
You can select the zoom speed for the FIX  
position of the handle zoom switch from [1]  
(slow) through [8] (fast). The default setting  
is [3].  
Reduces camera shakes moderately. Slight  
unsteadiness remains in movies, which  
make the movies look as they are.  
WIDE CONVERSION  
This item is provided for a wide  
conversion lens (sold separately), and  
especially effective for Sony wide  
conversion lens.  
Continued ,  
67  
               
Press the MENU button t select  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
b Notes  
D.EXTENDER  
• This function is automatically set to [OFF] (the  
default setting) when you switch the format,  
perform the function by the MODE button, or  
turn off the camcorder.  
• You cannot set this function when the remaining  
space of the memory card is less than 1 minute.  
When you set this function to [ON]  
(
), the displayed image becomes  
about 1.5 times larger. The image quality  
decreases because the image is digitally  
processed. This function helps you to focus  
on far-away subjects such as a wild bird  
away at a distance. The default setting is  
[OFF].  
z Tips  
• You can assign this function to an ASSIGN  
button (p. 39).  
b Notes  
x.v.Color  
• The function returns to the default setting when  
you switch the format, perform the function by  
the MODE button, or turn off the camcorder.  
When you set this function to [ON]  
(
), you can record with the wider  
color range. Your camcorder can reproduce  
brilliant and vivid colors for flowers and the  
beautiful blue-green of tropical oceans.  
The default setting is [OFF].  
z Tips  
• You can assign this function to an ASSIGN  
button (p. 39).  
FADER  
b Notes  
• The colors may not be well reproduced when  
you play back a movie recorded with this  
function set to [ON] on a TV that does not  
support x.v.Color.  
• You cannot set [x.v.Color] in the following  
cases:  
– When standard definition image quality (SD)  
is selected.  
– During recording movies  
You can add visual effects to transition  
between scenes.  
1 Select [WHITE FADER] or [BLACK  
FADER] during standby to fade in with the  
selected effect, or recording to fade out  
with the selected effect.  
2 Press the record button.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fading is complete.  
• When you set [x.v.Color] to [ON], the picture  
profile will be disabled.  
To cancel before starting the operation,  
select [OFF] in step 1.  
The setting will be cleared every time you  
press the record button.  
COLOR BAR  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON], you can display  
color bars on the screen or record them on  
the memory card. This function helps you  
to adjust colors when you view movies  
recorded with your camcorder on a TV or a  
monitor. The default setting is [OFF].  
Fading out  
Fading in  
WHITE FADER  
b Notes  
• This function is automatically set to [OFF]  
when you turn off the camcorder.  
BLACK FADER  
• You cannot change the setting during recording  
or expanded focus operation, or when fader is  
set.  
68  
                         
(REC/OUT SET)  
menu  
Recording settings, input and output  
x TYPE  
Selects a type of the color bars.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 61 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Press the MENU button t select  
(REC/OUT SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
TYPE 1  
TYPE 2  
TYPE 3  
REC FORMAT  
See page 24.  
WIDE REC  
You can record a movie in an aspect ratio  
that matches that of a TV that you want to  
connect. Refer also to the instruction  
manuals that come with the TV.  
BON  
Records a movie in an aspect ratio that  
matches the full screen of a 16:9 (wide)  
TV.  
OFF (  
)
Records a movie in an aspect ratio that  
matches the full screen of a 4:3 TV.  
TYPE 4 (75% brightness of TYPE 3)  
b Notes  
• Set [TV TYPE] correctly to suite a TV that you  
want to connect for playback.  
z Tips  
• You can assign an ASSIGN button to work as  
[ON/OFF] (p. 39).  
• The aspect ratio will be fixed to 16:9 and you  
cannot set it to 4:3 when you record movies with  
high definition image quality (HD).  
Continued ,  
69  
               
Press the MENU button t select  
(REC/OUT SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
b Notes  
• When you play back the standard definition  
image quality (SD) movies recorded with  
VIDEO OUT  
x HDMI OUTPUT  
You can select the resolution of the output  
signal from the HDMI OUT jack.  
[
WIDE REC] set to [ON], images may  
appear normal in vertical direction, but  
compressed in horizontal direction, depending  
on the TV.  
BAUTO  
720p/576i  
1080i/576i  
576p  
576i  
x COMPONENT OUTPUT  
You can select the resolution of the output  
signal from the COMPONENT OUT jacks.  
720p/576i  
B1080i/576i  
576i  
x TV TYPE  
You need to convert the signal depending  
on a type of your TV when playing back the  
movie. The recorded movies are played  
back as following illustrations.  
B16:9  
Select to view your movies on a 16:9  
(wide) TV.  
16:9 format  
movies  
4:3 format  
movies  
4:3  
Select to view your movies on a 4:3  
standard TV.  
16:9 format  
movies  
4:3 format  
movies  
70  
         
(AUDIO SET) menu  
Settings for the audio recording (AUDIO  
appears on the status check  
screen.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 61 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
x INT MIC WIND  
OFF  
Disables wind noise reduction.  
Press the MENU button t select  
(AUDIO SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
BON  
Enables wind noise reduction.  
appears on the status check screen.  
XLR SET  
AUDIO LIMIT  
x XLR AGC LINK  
You can set the clipping-noise reduction  
function for CH1/CH2.  
You can select either linked or separate  
AGC (Auto Gain Control) of CH1 and CH2  
when using an external microphone (sold  
separately).  
BOFF  
Disables the function.  
ON  
BSEPARATE  
Enables the function.  
Separately applies the AGC for CH1/CH2.  
Sound inputs from CH1/CH2 will be  
recorded as separate sound.  
b Notes  
• This function is available only when you set the  
AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2) switch to MAN.  
LINKED (  
)
Applies the AGC of CH1 linked with that  
of CH2. Sound inputs from CH1/CH2 will  
be recorded as a set of sound such as stereo  
HEADPHONE OUT  
sound.  
screen.  
appears on the status check  
A
You can set the sound to output to the  
headphone when the HEADPHONE  
MONITOR switch is set to STEREO MIX.  
b Notes  
BSTEREO  
Outputs in stereo.  
• This function is available when the CH1 and  
CH2 switches are set to AUTO and the INPUT1  
and INPUT2 switches are both set to MIC or  
both set to LINE (p. 35).  
MONO  
Outputs in monaural.  
x AUDIO MANUAL GAIN  
You can select either linked or separate  
audio level control of CH1 and CH2 when  
using an external microphone (sold  
separately).  
INT MIC SET  
x INT MIC SENS  
You can set recording sensitivity of the  
internal microphone.  
BSEPARATE  
Separately controls the audio levels of  
CH1 and CH2. Sound inputs from CH1  
and CH2 will be recorded as separate  
sound.  
BNORMAL  
Sensitivity that is normally used in  
professional recordings.  
HIGH  
Sensitivity that is normally used in  
consumer recordings.  
Continued ,  
71  
                               
Press the MENU button t select  
(AUDIO SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
a highly sensitive microphone or recording loud  
sound, set this to the minus side. When using a  
less sensitive microphone or recording quiet  
sound, set it to the plus side.  
• When recording loud sound, the sound may be  
distorted at either the input point or the  
recording point. If it is distorted at the input  
point, adjust the sound using the INPUT TRIM  
function. If it is distorted at the recording point,  
lower the total volume level manually.  
• If you set INPUT TRIM too far to the minus  
side, the microphone volume becomes too low,  
resulting in a poor signal to noise ratio.  
• Test the effect of the [AUDIO SET] function  
according to the microphone used or the sound  
field of the recording site before actual  
recording.  
LINKED (  
)
Controls the audio level of CH1 linked  
with that of CH2. Sound inputs from CH1  
and CH2 will be recorded as a set of sound  
such as stereo sound.  
status check screen.  
appears on the  
M
b Notes  
• This function is available when the CH1 and  
CH2 switches are set to MAN and the INPUT1  
and INPUT2 switches are both set to MIC or  
both set to LINE (p. 35).  
• When you select [LINKED], you can adjust the  
volume with the AUDIO LEVEL dial of CH1  
(p. 35).  
x INPUT1 TRIM  
You can adjust the input signal level from  
INPUT1.  
You can select from [-18dB], [-12dB],  
[-6dB], [0dB], [+6dB] and [+12dB]. The  
default setting is [0dB].  
b Notes  
• The setting is not effective when you set the  
INPUT1 switch to LINE.  
x INPUT1 WIND  
BOFF  
Disables wind noise reduction.  
ON  
Enables wind noise reduction.  
appears on the status check screen.  
b Notes  
• The setting is not effective when you set the  
INPUT1 switch to LINE.  
x INPUT2 TRIM  
x INPUT2 WIND  
You can set INPUT2 in the same way as  
INPUT1.  
z Tips  
• -48 dBu is set as 0 dB in your camcorder.  
• Set INPUT TRIM to [0dB] for a microphone  
(sold separately).  
• The INPUT TRIM function adjusts the input  
level from an external microphone. When using  
72  
       
(DISPLAY SET)  
menu  
Display settings of the display and the  
x COLOR  
You can select peaking color from  
[WHITE], [RED] and [YELLOW]. The  
default setting is [WHITE].  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 61 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
x LEVEL  
You can select a peaking sensitivity from  
[HIGH], [MIDDLE] and [LOW]. The  
default setting is [MIDDLE].  
b Notes  
Press the MENU button t select  
(DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
• The enhanced outlines will not be recorded on  
the memory card.  
z Tips  
• You can focus more easily using this function in  
combination with the expanded focus function  
(p. 27).  
• You can assign an ASSIGN button to work as  
[ON/OFF] (p. 39).  
ZEBRA  
You can display a zebra pattern as a guide  
for adjusting brightness.  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON],  
and the  
MARKER  
brightness level appear on the screen. The  
zebra pattern will not be recorded with the  
image. The default setting is [OFF].  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON], you can display  
markers. The default setting is [OFF].  
Markers will not be recorded on the  
memory card.  
x LEVEL  
You can select the brightness level between  
70 and 100 or 100+. The default setting is  
[70].  
x CENTER  
When you select [ON], you can display a  
marker at the center of the screen. The  
default setting is [ON].  
z Tips  
• The zebra pattern is a strip pattern displayed  
over a part of an image on the screen when the  
part is higher than the preset brightness level.  
• You can assign an ASSIGN button to work as  
[ON/OFF] (p. 39).  
x GUIDEFRAME  
When you select [ON], you can display  
frame markers that help you to check  
horizontal and vertical positions of a  
subject. The default setting is [OFF].  
PEAKING  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON],  
appears  
and you can display an image on the screen  
with its outlines enhanced. This function  
helps you to adjust the focus. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
b Notes  
• Only the time code is output to an external  
device via external output jacks when  
[MARKER] is set to [ON], even if [DISPLAY  
OUTPUT] is set to [ALL OUTPUT].  
Continued ,  
73  
                           
Press the MENU button t select  
(DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
• You cannot display markers under following  
conditions:  
– [EXPANDED FOCUS]  
z Tips  
• The settings appear on the screen during the  
manual adjustment regardless of the settings of  
this function.  
– During [SMOOTH SLOW REC]  
– When the current time is displayed after the  
power is turned on  
indicates that the settings are automatically  
adjusted values.  
• You can display markers only on the LCD panel  
and viewfinder. You cannot display them on an  
external device.  
• The displayed settings are different from the  
settings that will be displayed when you press  
the DATA CODE button (p. 45).  
z Tips  
AUDIO LEVEL DISPLAY  
• You can display all types of markers at the same  
time.  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can display the audio level meter on the  
screen. The default setting is [ON].  
• You can obtain a balanced composition by  
positioning the subject at the cross points of the  
guideframe marker.  
• You can assign an ASSIGN button to work as  
[ON/OFF] (p. 39).  
EXPANDED FOCUS TYPE  
You can set a type of the expanded focus  
display.  
BTYPE 1  
Simply enlarges images.  
Audio level meter  
TYPE 2  
LCD BRIGHT  
Enlarges and shows images in black and  
white.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. Changes in the LCD brightness will  
not affect the brightness of recording  
images.  
CAMERA DATA DISPLAY  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can constantly display the iris, gain and  
shutter speed settings on the screen. The  
default setting is [OFF].  
z Tips  
• You can also turn off the LCD backlight (p. 16).  
LCD COLOR  
You can adjust the color level of the LCD  
panel. Changes in the LCD color level will  
not affect the color level of recording  
images.  
LCD BACKLIGHT LEVEL  
Iris value  
Shutter speed value  
Gain value  
You can adjust the backlight level of the  
LCD screen.  
74  
                             
BNORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BON  
Always displays the remaining recording  
time available for movies.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
DISPLAY OUTPUT  
b Notes  
You can select where to output the display  
information, such as time code.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable  
time with the battery is slightly reduced.  
BLCD PANEL  
Outputs the information to the LCD screen  
and viewfinder.  
ALL OUTPUT  
VF BACKLIGHT  
Outputs the information to the LCD  
screen, viewfinder, HDMI output,  
component output and video output.  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder.  
BNORMAL  
b Notes  
Standard brightness.  
• Only the time code is output when [MARKER]  
is set to [ON] and a marker is displayed on the  
screen.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable  
time with the battery is slightly reduced.  
VF POWERMODE  
BAUTO  
Turns on the viewfinder while you close  
the LCD panel or record in mirror mode.  
ON  
Always turns on the viewfinder.  
REMAINING  
AUTO  
Displays the remaining recording time  
available for movies when you re-enter  
movie recording mode or switch to  
[SMOOTH SLOW REC]. When the  
remaining time is 5 minutes or more, the  
display goes off after 8 seconds.  
75  
                       
(OTHERS) menu  
Settings while recording or other basic  
settings (AREA SET/BEEP, etc.)  
BEEP  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 61 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
OFF  
Cancels the melody.  
BON  
Activates a melody when you start/stop  
Press the MENU button t select  
(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
recording, or when you are warned with  
warning indicators, etc.  
REC LAMP (Recording lamp)  
ASSIGN BUTTON  
When you set this function to [OFF], you  
can turn off the camera recording lamp. The  
default setting is [ON].  
CLOCK SET  
z Tips  
• You can assign this function to an ASSIGN  
button (p. 39).  
AREA SET  
REMOTE CONTROL  
You can adjust a time difference without  
stopping the clock. When you use your  
camcorder abroad, you can adjust the clock  
to the local time.  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can use the supplied Wireless Remote  
Commander (p. 109). The default setting is  
[ON].  
z Tips  
SUMMERTIME  
• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from  
responding to a command sent by another  
remote control unit.  
You can change this setting without  
stopping the clock. Set to [ON] to move the  
time forward 1 hour.  
CALIBRATION  
BOFF  
Does not set the summertime.  
ON  
Sets the summertime.  
LANGUAGE  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
z Tips  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) in case that you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
76  
                                       
CSoannvecitinnggwithima Coamgpuetesr with a computer  
Preparing a computer (Windows)  
Hard disk  
You can perform following operations  
using “Content Management Utility.”  
Disk volume required for installation:  
Approximately 100 MB  
Only the NTFS or exFAT file system can be  
used for importing videos or registering  
them for viewing.  
• Importing images to a computer  
• Viewing imported images  
To save movies using a computer, install  
the software from the supplied CD-ROM  
“Content Management Utility” beforehand.  
Use commercially available software to edit  
images or create discs.  
Display  
Minimum 1,024 × 768 dots  
Others  
USB port (this must be provided as standard,  
High-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible))  
(CD-ROM drive is necessary for  
installation)  
Step 1 Checking the computer system  
OS*1  
Microsoft Windows XP SP3*2/Windows  
Vista SP2*3/Windows 7  
*1 Standard installation is required. Operation is  
not assured if the OS has been upgraded or in  
a multi-boot environment.  
CPU  
Use an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.20 GHz CPU or  
faster to play back videos with high  
definition image quality (HD) in the FX  
mode.  
Videos with high definition image quality  
(HD) recorded in other than the FX mode  
may be played back with a slower CPU.  
Depending on the performance of your video  
card, videos with high definition image  
quality (HD) recorded using the FX mode  
may be played back with a slower CPU than  
that recommended above.  
For the following operations, an Intel  
Pentium III 1GHz or faster is necessary.  
– Importing movies to the computer  
– Processing with standard definition image  
quality (SD)  
*2 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not  
supported.  
*3 Starter (Edition) is not supported.  
b Notes  
• Operation with all computer environments is not  
assured.  
• The supplied software “Content Management  
Utility” is not supported by Macintosh  
computers.  
Step 2 Installing the supplied software  
“Content Management Utility”  
Install “Content Management Utility”  
before connecting your camcorder to a  
computer.  
1 Confirm that your camcorder is not  
Memory  
connected to the computer.  
For Windows XP: 512 MB or more (1 GB or  
more is recommended.) However, 256 MB  
or more is sufficient for processing only the  
movies with standard definition image  
quality (SD).  
2 Turn on the computer.  
• Log on as an Administrator for installation.  
• Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3 Place the supplied CD-ROM “Content  
Management Utility” in the disc drive of  
your computer.  
For Windows Vista/Windows 7: 1 GB or  
more  
The installation screen appears.  
Continued ,  
77  
         
• If the screen does not appear, click [Start]  
t [Computer] (in Windows XP, [My  
Computer]), then double-click  
When the installation is completed, the  
following icon will appear, depending  
on the selection in step 8.  
[SONYCMU(E:)] (CD-ROM).  
4 Select the language for the application  
to be installed, then click [OK].  
5 When the install wizard screen appears,  
click [Next].  
6 Confirm the license agreement, and if  
qd Remove the CD-ROM from the  
you accept the terms, click [Next].  
computer.  
7 Select the drive or folder to install the  
application, then click [Next].  
To disconnect your camcorder from  
the computer  
8 Select the option to create the desk-top  
shortcut, then click [Next].  
1 Click the  
icon at the bottom right of  
9 Turn on your camcorder, then connect  
the camcorder to the computer using the  
supplied USB cable.  
the desktop of the computer t [Safely  
remove USB Mass Storage Device-  
Drive].  
2 Touch [END] t [YES] on the  
camcorder screen.  
3 Disconnect the USB cable.  
The [USB SELECT] screen appears on  
the camcorder screen automatically.  
0 Touch [  
] or [  
] on the camcorder  
screen.  
• If the [USB SELECT] screen does not  
appear, press the MODE button, then touch  
[MANAGE MEDIA] t [USB  
CONNECT].  
qa Click [Next].  
qs Follow the on-screen instructions to  
install the software.  
• Restart the computer if required to complete  
the installation.  
78  
 
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your camcorder, follow the flow chart below.  
1 Check your camcorder, referring to the items on pages 79 to 87.  
2 Disconnect the power source, reconnect the power source after about 1 minute and turn  
on your camcorder.  
3 Press the RESET button (p. 108) with a pointed object, then turn on your camcorder.  
This operation will reset the date, time and area settings.  
4 Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.  
Power sources/LCD screen/Wireless Remote Commander  
The power does not turn on or abruptly turns off.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 13).  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall outlet (wall socket) (p. 13).  
The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery pack,  
then reconnect it after about 1 minute.  
• Press the RESET button (p. 108) using a sharp-pointed object.  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.  
The CHG lamp does not light up during charging the battery pack.  
• Set the POWER switch of the camcorder to OFF (CHG) (p. 13).  
• Attach the battery pack correctly (p. 13).  
• Connect the power plug to the wall outlet (wall socket) correctly.  
• The charging of the battery pack is completed (p. 13).  
Continued ,  
79  
           
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The CHG lamp blinks during charging the battery pack.  
• Attach the battery pack correctly (p. 13). If the CHG lamp still continues blinking, the battery  
pack may be damaged. Disconnect the power plug and consult your Sony dealer.  
• If the temperature of the battery pack is too high or too low, the battery pack may not be  
charged and the CHG lamp may blink slowly.  
The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 13, 96).  
• The indicated time may not be correct in certain circumstances. For example, when you open  
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.  
The battery pack discharges too quickly.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 13, 96).  
The image remains on the LCD screen.  
• This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug or remove the battery pack without turning off the  
power first. This is not a malfunction.  
The image in the viewfinder is not clear.  
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the image appears clearly (p. 17).  
The image in the viewfinder has disappeared.  
• If you set [VF POWERMODE] to [AUTO], the finder light remains off while the LCD panel  
is open (p. 75).  
The supplied Wireless Remote Commander does not function.  
• Set [REMOTE CONTROL] to [ON] (p. 76).  
• Remove any obstructions between the Wireless Remote Commander and the remote sensor  
of the camcorder.  
• Keep strong light sources, such as sunlight or overhead lighting, away from the remote  
sensor, otherwise the Wireless Remote Commander may not function properly.  
• Insert a fresh battery in the compartment with its +/– terminals matching those of the  
compartment (p. 109).  
80  
Another video device malfunctions when you use the supplied Wireless  
Remote Commander.  
• Select a commander mode other than DVD2 for your video device.  
• Cover the sensor of your video device with black paper.  
When a device is connected to the REMOTE jack, the camcorder or the device  
does not operate properly.  
• The connected device may react slowly to some operations, such as zooming.  
Memory card  
The remaining movie recording indicator is not displayed.  
• Set [  
(p. 75).  
REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining movie recording indicator  
The camcorder does not operate with the memory card inserted.  
• The memory card was formatted on a computer. Format them on this camcorder (p. 58).  
The data file name is incorrect, or flashing.  
• The file is damaged.  
• Use a file format supported by your camcorder (p. 94).  
The recording media indicator is flashing.  
• Something wrong happened to the memory card. Repair the image database file (p. 60).  
Images on the memory card cannot be deleted.  
• You can select no more than 100 images to be deleted on the edit screen.  
• The images are protected. Release the protect function (p. 53).  
Continued ,  
81  
 
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Recording  
The recording does not start when you press the record button.  
• The playback screen is displayed. Finish playback operation (p. 41).  
• There is no empty space on the memory card. Replace the memory card with new one, delete  
unnecessary images (p. 57) or format the memory card (p. 58).  
• Total number of movie scenes exceeds the recordable capacity of your camcorder (p. 92).  
Delete unnecessary images (p. 57).  
• The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it  
for a while in a cool place.  
• The temperature of your camcorder is extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and leave it  
for a while in a warm place.  
• Something wrong happened to the memory card. Repair the image database file (p. 60).  
The handle zoom does not work.  
• Set the handle zoom switch to FIX or VAR (p. 25).  
The access lamp remains lit even after recording was stopped.  
• Your camcorder is recording the scene you have just shot on the memory card.  
The imaging field looks different.  
• The imaging field may look different depending on the condition of your camcorder. This is  
not a malfunction.  
The actual recording time for movies is less than the expected recording time  
of the memory card.  
• Depending on the recording conditions, the time available for recording may be shorter, for  
example when recording a fast moving object, etc. (p. 91).  
The camcorder does not keep the setting changes.  
• Some menu items return to the default setting when the power is turned off (p. 63).  
• The LCD backlight setting and the EXPANDED FOCUS setting are not stored.  
• You disconnected the power sources when the POWER switch was set to ON. Before  
disconnecting the battery or the AC Adaptor, set the POWER switch to OFF and make sure  
that the access lamp is turned off.  
There is a time difference between the point when the record button is pressed  
and the point that the recording movie is started or stopped actually.  
• On your camcorder, there may be a slight time difference between the point where you press  
the record button and the actual point that recording movie starts/stops. This is not a  
malfunction.  
82  
 
The aspect ratio (16:9 (wide)/4:3) cannot be changed.  
• The aspect ratio of high definition image quality (HD) movies is 16:9 (wide).  
Automatic focus does not function.  
• Set the FOCUS switch to AUTO to enable the automatic focus function (p. 26).  
• Adjust the focus manually if the automatic focus does not work properly (p. 26).  
[This function is currently not available.] appears when selecting a function on  
the MODE menu.  
• Try again after finishing all tasks currently selected on the MODE menu.  
Menu items are grayed out or do not work.  
• You cannot select grayed out display items in the current recording/playback situation.  
• There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously. The following list shows  
examples of unworkable combinations of functions and menu items.  
Cannot use  
Situation  
[BACK LIGHT],  
All of iris, gain, and shutter speed are set manually.  
[SPOTLIGHT], [ON/  
OFF] of [AE SHIFT]  
[FADER]  
The camcorder is unable to record images.  
The memory card has less than 1 minute of remaining capacity.  
[COLOR BAR] is set to [ON].  
[ZEBRA], [PEAKING],  
[CAMERA DATA  
DISPLAY]  
[COLOR BAR] is set to [ON].  
[ON/OFF] of [MARKER] [EXPANDED FOCUS] is set to [ON].  
While the date and time are displayed when the power is turned  
on.  
[LCD BACKLIGHT  
LEVEL],  
AC power source is being used.  
[VF BACKLIGHT]  
[AREA SET],  
Date and time are not set.  
[SUMMERTIME]  
[COLOR BAR]  
Movies are being recorded.  
[FADER] is selected.  
[EXPANDED FOCUS] is set to [ON].  
Iris, gain, shutter speed, or white balance cannot be adjusted manually.  
• Set the AUTO/MANUAL switch to MANUAL.  
Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.  
• This phenomenon appears when using a slow shutter speed (p. 28). This is not a malfunction.  
Continued ,  
83  
                         
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The subjects passing by the frame very fast appear crooked.  
• This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This is not a malfunction. Because of the way that  
the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the subjects passing by the frame  
rapidly might appear crooked depending on the recording conditions.  
The LCD screen is too bright, and the subject cannot be seen.  
• Set [BACK LIGHT] to [OFF].  
The LCD screen is too dark, and the subject cannot be seen.  
• Press and hold the DISPLAY button for a few seconds to turn on the backlight (p. 16).  
Horizontal stripes appear on the image.  
• This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury  
lamp. This is not a malfunction. This can be improved by changing the shutter speed (p. 28).  
The image appears divided horizontally.  
• This occurs when you light the subject using a flash. This can be avoided by using a shutter  
speed as slow as possible (p. 28).  
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.  
• This can be improved by adjusting the shutter speed (p. 28).  
Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged.  
• Adjust [DETAIL] to the negative side (p. 34).  
The time code is not recorded in sequence.  
• The time code may not be recorded sequentially if you change the settings with [REC  
FORMAT].  
84  
Playback  
Refer also to the “Memory card” section (p. 81).  
The desired images cannot be found. Images cannot be played back.  
• Select the memory card and image quality of the image you want to play back on the  
VISUAL INDEX screen (p. 41).  
• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified file names or folders, or have edited  
the data on a computer (When viewing still images, the file name flashes). This is not a  
malfunction (p. 96).  
• Images recorded on other devices may not be played back, or displayed in incorrect size. This  
is not a malfunction.  
The data file name is displayed incorrectly, or flashing.  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 94).  
• Only the file name is displayed, if the folder structure does not conform to the universal  
standard.  
No sound or only a low sound is heard.  
• Turn up the volume (p. 43).  
• Movies recorded using [SMOOTH SLOW REC] do not have sounds.  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
• The memory card you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.  
• Bars will be displayed for the camera data of the movies recorded with [SMOOTH SLOW  
REC] or [COLOR BAR] set to [ON].  
• Bars will be displayed for the exposure correction value and flash information of the still  
images created with [PHOTO CAPTURE].  
appears on the LCD screen.  
• This appears when you play back movies recorded with 5.1ch surround sound. 5.1ch  
surround sound is down-mixed to 2ch stereo and played back on your camcorder.  
Continued ,  
85  
 
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Connecting to TV  
Neither image nor sound is played back on the TV connected with the  
component video cable.  
• Set [VIDEO OUT] according to the requirements of the connected device (p. 70).  
• When you are using the component video cable, make sure that you connect the red and white  
plugs of the A/V connecting cable (p. 47).  
Neither image nor sound is played back on the TV connected with the HDMI  
cable.  
• Pictures are not output from the HDMI OUT jack, if copyright protection signals are recorded  
in the pictures.  
• Signals are not output from the HDMI OUT jack when the USB jack is connected.  
Neither image nor sound is played back on the TV, projector, or AV amplifier  
connected with the HDMI cable.  
• If you cannot view images or hear sound on the TV, projector, or AV amplifier connected  
with the HDMI cable, try disconnecting and connecting the HDMI cable, or turn on your  
camcorder again.  
The image appears distorted on the 4:3 TV.  
• This happens when viewing a movie recorded in 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. Select [REC/  
OUT SET] t [VIDEO OUT] t [TV TYPE] t the appropriate down conversion type  
(p. 70).  
Black zone appears at top and bottom of a 4:3 TV screen.  
• This happens when viewing a movie recorded in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. This is  
not a malfunction.  
86  
 
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices  
Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected  
device.  
• Set [DISPLAY OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with the A/V connecting cable  
(p. 75).  
Dubbing cannot be done correctly using the A/V connecting cable.  
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting  
cable is connected to the input jack of the other device for dubbing images from your  
camcorder.  
Sound cannot be added to the memory card after recording.  
• You cannot add sound to the memory card after recording on your camcorder.  
Dubbing cannot be done correctly using the HDMI cable.  
• You cannot dub movies using the HDMI cable.  
Connecting to a computer  
The computer does not recognize the camcorder.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again securely.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, restart the computer, then connect the computer to  
your camcorder correctly.  
Movies cannot be viewed or copied to a computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.  
• You need to install the supplied “Content Management Utility” to copy movies from your  
camcorder to your computer (p. 77).  
The computer freezes.  
• Disconnect the cable from your computer and camcorder. Reboot your computer, and  
connect your computer and camcorder following the steps in the correct order (p. 77).  
87  
   
Warning indicators and messages  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
E (Battery level warning)  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
• Depending on the operating,  
environment, or battery conditions, E  
may flash, even if there are  
approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
When an error occurs, a warning indicator  
appears on the LCD screen or in the  
viewfinder.  
You can fix some problems associated with  
the symptoms yourself. If the problem  
persists even after you have tried a couple  
of times, contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
(Warning indicator pertaining  
to battery pack temperature)  
• The battery pack is too hot. Replace the  
battery pack, or remove it and put it in a  
cool place.  
C:04:ss  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 96).  
(Warning indicator  
pertaining to memory cards)  
• Connect the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of the  
camcorder firmly (p. 15).  
Slow flashing  
• Free spaces for recording images are  
running out. For the type of memory  
cards you can use with your camcorder,  
see page 5.  
C:06:ss  
• The battery pack is too hot. Replace the  
battery pack, or remove it and put it in a  
cool place.  
• No memory card is inserted (p. 19).  
Fast flashing  
• There are not enough free spaces for  
recording images. Delete unnecessary  
images (p. 57), or format the memory  
card (p. 58) after storing the images on  
other media (p. 77).  
C:13:ss  
• Remove the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
media. After installing them again,  
operate your camcorder.  
• The image database file may be  
damaged (p. 60).  
C:32:ss  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it  
and operate your camcorder again.  
(Warning indicators  
pertaining to memory card  
formatting)  
E:20:ss / E:61:ss / E:62:ss /  
E:92:ss / E:94:ss  
• The memory card is damaged.  
• The memory card is not formatted  
correctly (p. 58).  
• Try the steps 2 to 4 on page 79.  
(Warning indicator  
pertaining to incompatible memory  
card)  
• Incompatible memory card is inserted  
(p. 5).  
88  
       
-
- (Warning indicator  
HD movie management information  
is damaged. Create new  
information?  
pertaining to the write-protect of the  
memory card)  
• Access to the memory card was  
restricted on another device.  
• The management information of high  
definition image quality (HD) movies  
is damaged. Touch [YES] to create new  
management information. The  
* When [BEEP] is set to [ON] (p. 76), you hear a  
melody when the warning indicators appear on  
the screen.  
previously recorded images on the  
memory card cannot be played back on  
your camcorder (Image files are not  
damaged). If you execute [REPAIR  
IMAGE DB FILE] after creating new  
management information, playing back  
the previously recorded images may  
become possible. If it does not work,  
copy the image file to your computer  
using the supplied software.  
Warning messages  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
Memory card  
There is no HD movie management  
information. Create new  
information?  
Data error.  
• An error occurred during reading or  
writing the memory card. If the  
message appears after you repeat a few  
times, the memory card could be  
damaged. Try with another memory  
card.  
• As there is no management information  
of high definition image quality (HD)  
movies, the camcorder does not record  
or play back movies. Touch [YES] to  
create management information. You  
will be able to record or play back high  
definition image quality (HD) movies.  
Buffer overflow  
• You have performed recording and  
erasing operations repeatedly, or a  
memory card that has been formatted  
by other device is used. Copy and take  
data backup to other device (such as a  
computer), and then format the memory  
card on the camcorder (p. 58).  
• The size of the inserted memory card is  
not sufficient for copying the movie(s).  
Use the recommended memory card  
(p. 5).  
• It is possible to record standard  
definition image quality (SD) movies.  
Inconsistencies found in Image  
Database File. Cannot record or play  
HD movies. Do you want to repair the  
Image Database File?  
The Image Database File is  
damaged. Movies cannot be  
recorded or played. Do you want to  
repair the Image Database File?  
There is no Image Database File.  
Movies cannot be recorded or  
played. Create a new file?  
Inconsistencies found in Image  
Database File. Movies cannot be  
recorded or played. Do you want to  
repair the Image Database File?  
• There is no image database file. Touch  
[YES] to create a new image database  
file.  
• As the image database file is damaged,  
or has inconsistencies, the camcorder  
does not record movies. Touch [YES]  
to repair the image database file.  
Continued ,  
89  
   
Recovering data.  
Memory card A has been pulled out  
during writing. Data could be  
corrupted.  
• Your camcorder tries to recover data  
automatically if the data writing was  
not performed properly.  
Memory card B has been pulled out  
during writing. Data could be  
corrupted.  
Cannot recover data.  
• Reinsert the memory card, and follow  
the instructions on the LCD screen.  
• Writing data onto the media of the  
camcorder has failed. Attempts were  
made to recover the data, but they were  
unsuccessful.  
Others  
Reinsert memory card A.  
Reinsert memory card B.  
No further selection is possible.  
• You can select only 100 images at one  
time for:  
– Deleting movies/still images  
– Protecting movies/still images, or  
releasing the protection  
• Reinsert the memory card a few times.  
If even then the message appears, the  
memory card could be damaged. Try  
with another memory card.  
– Editing the Playlist  
A format error has occurred in  
memory card A.  
Data protected.  
A format error has occurred in  
memory card B.  
• You tried to delete protected data.  
Release the protection of the data.  
• Check the format, then format the  
memory card with your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 58).  
Memory card A may not record or  
play movies normally.  
Memory card B may not record or  
play movies normally.  
• Use the memory card recommended for  
your camcorder (p. 5).  
Memory card A may not record or  
play normally.  
Memory card B may not record or  
play normally.  
• Use the memory card recommended for  
your camcorder (p. 5).  
90  
Additional Information  
Recording time of movies  
Playing time  
Approximate time available when you use a  
fully charged battery pack.  
(unit: minute)  
Estimated time of recording and  
playback with each battery pack  
“HD” stands for high definition image  
quality, and “SD” stands for standard image  
quality.  
Battery pack  
LCD panel opened*  
Image quality HD  
SD  
Recording time  
Approximate time available when you use a  
fully charged battery pack.  
(unit: minute)  
NP-F570  
NP-F770  
NP-F970  
230  
470  
705  
280  
570  
860  
* When the LCD backlight turns on  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time  
Battery pack  
Estimated recording time of  
movies  
Image quality  
HD  
SD  
HD  
SD  
85  
85  
NP-F570  
130 150  
130 150  
80  
80  
x High definition image quality (HD)  
(unit: minute)  
NP-F770  
NP-F970  
290 320 170 185  
290 320 170 185  
AVCHD AVCHD AVCHD AVCHD  
24 M  
(FX)  
17 M  
(FH)  
9 M  
5 M  
430 480 245 285  
430 480 245 285  
(HQ)  
(LP)  
1 GB  
2 GB  
4 GB  
8 GB  
16 GB  
32 GB  
5
6
10  
20  
(5)  
(6)  
(9)  
(15)  
b Notes  
• Top: When the LCD backlight is on  
Bottom: When recording with the viewfinder  
10  
10  
25  
40  
(10)  
(10)  
(15)  
(35)  
• Recording format  
HD image quality: FX  
SD image quality: HQ  
• Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, zooming, and so  
on.  
• Times measured when using the camcorder at  
25 °C (77 °F) (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended).  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
when you use your camcorder in low  
temperatures.  
20  
25  
50  
90  
(20)  
(25)  
(40)  
(75)  
45  
55  
105  
185  
(45)  
(55)  
(80)  
(155)  
90  
115  
215  
375  
(90)  
(115)  
(165)  
(315)  
180  
235  
435  
750  
(180)  
(235)  
(335)  
(630)  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
depending on the conditions under which you  
use your camcorder.  
Continued ,  
91  
         
x Standard definition image quality (SD)  
(unit: minute)  
SD 9 M (HQ)  
1 GB  
2 GB  
4 GB  
8 GB  
16 GB  
32 GB  
10 (10)  
25 (25)  
55 (50)  
115 (105)  
235 (210)  
475 (425)  
b Notes  
• The recordable time may vary depending on the  
recording and subject conditions, [REC  
FORMAT] (p. 24).  
• The number in ( ) is the minimum recordable  
time.  
z Tips  
• You can record movies of a maximum of 3,999  
scenes with high definition image quality (HD),  
and 9,999 scenes with standard definition image  
quality (SD).  
• The maximum continuous recording time of  
movies is approximately 13 hours.  
• Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit  
Rate) format to automatically adjust image  
quality to suit the recording scene. This  
technology causes fluctuations in the recording  
time of the media. Movies containing quickly  
moving and complex images are recorded at a  
higher bit-rate, and this reduces the overall  
recording time.  
• Bit-rate (movie + audio, etc.), number of pixels,  
and aspect ratio of each recording mode of  
movies are as follows.  
– High definition image quality (HD)  
FX: max. 24 Mbps 1920 × 1080/16:9  
FH: approx. 17 Mbps (ave.) 1920 × 1080/16:9  
HQ: approx. 9 Mbps (ave.) 1440 × 1080/16:9  
LP: approx. 5 Mbps (ave.) 1440 × 1080/16:9  
– Standard definition image quality (SD)  
HQ: approx. 9 Mbps (ave.) 720 × 576/16:9,  
4:3  
• Number of pixels and aspect ratio of still images  
(Still images are created from movies.)  
1920 × 1080 dots/16:9  
640 × 360 dots/16:9  
640 × 480 dots/4:3  
92  
 
Using your camcorder abroad  
Power supply  
System  
Used in  
You can use your camcorder in any  
country/region using the AC Adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within the  
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range.  
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America, Chile,  
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,  
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,  
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,  
Viewing high definition image quality  
(HD) movies  
In countries/regions where 1080/50i is  
supported, you can view the movies with  
the same high definition image quality  
(HD) as that of the recorded movies.  
You need a PAL-system-based and 1080/  
50i compatible TV (or monitor) with  
component and AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jacks. The component video cable  
(supplied) or an HDMI cable (sold  
separately) must be connected.  
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
When you are abroad, you can easily adjust  
the clock to the local time by setting the  
time difference. Select [AREA SET], then  
set the time difference (p. 76).  
Viewing standard definition image  
quality (SD) movies  
To view standard definition image quality  
(SD) movies, you need a PAL-system-  
based TV with AUDIO/VIDEO input jacks.  
An A/V connecting cable must be  
connected.  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is PAL system, so its  
picture can only be viewed on a PAL-  
system TV with AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jacks.  
System  
Used in  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,  
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain,  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,  
United Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M Brazil  
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
93  
         
File/folder structure on the memory card  
The file/folder structure is shown below. You do not usually need to acknowledge the file/  
folder structure, when recording/playing back movies and still images on the camcorder.  
* “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media  
**SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC  
memory card  
9999, another folder is created to store  
new still image files.  
The folder name goes up: [101MSDCF]  
t [102MSDCF]  
• By pressing the MODE button, then selecting  
A Image management files  
When you delete the files, you cannot  
record/play back the images correctly.  
The files are defaulted as hidden files  
and not usually displayed.  
[MANAGE MEDIA] t [USB CONNECT] t  
[
]/[  
], you can access the memory card  
from the computer through USB connection.  
• Do not modify the files or folders on the  
camcorder from the computer. The image files  
may be destroyed or may not be played back.  
• Operation is not guaranteed, if you perform the  
above operation.  
• When you delete image files, follow the steps on  
page 57. Do not delete the image files on the  
camcorder directly from the computer.  
• Do not format the memory card using a  
computer. The camcorder may not operate  
correctly.  
• Do not copy the files on the memory card from  
the computer. Operation is not guaranteed.  
• Use the supplied application software “Content  
Management Utility” to input data from the  
memory card to a computer.  
B HD movie management information  
folder  
This folder contains recording data of  
high definition image quality (HD)  
movies. Do not try to open this folder or  
access the contents of this folder from a  
computer. Doing so might damage  
image files, or prevent image files from  
being played back.  
C SD movie files (MPEG-2 files)  
The extension of the files is “.MPG”.  
The maximum size is 2 GB. When the  
capacity of a file exceeds 2 GB, the file  
becomes divided.  
The file numbers go up automatically.  
When the capacity of a file number  
exceeds 9999, another folder is created  
to record new movie files. The folder  
name goes up: [101PNV01] t  
[102PNV01]  
D Still image files (JPEG files)  
The extension of the files is “.JPG”. The  
file numbers go up automatically. When  
the capacity of a file number exceeds  
94  
   
Maintenance and precautions  
About the AVCHD format  
What is the AVCHD format?  
About the memory card  
A memory card formatted by a computer  
(Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have  
The AVCHD format is a high definition  
digital video camera format used to record a  
high definition (HD) signal, using efficient  
data compression coding technology. The  
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is adopted to  
compress video data, and the Dolby Digital  
or Linear PCM system is used to compress  
audio data.  
The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is capable  
of compressing images at higher efficiency  
than that of the conventional image  
compressing format.  
guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder.  
• Data read/write speed may vary depending on  
the combination of the memory card and  
memory card compliant product you use.  
• Damaged or lost image data will not be  
compensated for, and may occur in the  
following cases:  
– If you eject the memory card, turn the power  
off on your camcorder, or remove the battery  
pack for replacement while your camcorder is  
reading or writing image files on the memory  
card (while the access lamp is lit or flashing).  
– If you use the memory card near magnets or  
magnetic fields.  
• It is recommended to make a back-up of  
important data on the hard disk of a computer.  
• Be careful not to apply excessive force when  
writing on a memo area on memory card.  
• Do not attach a label or the like on memory card  
or a memory card adaptor.  
• Because the AVCHD format uses a data  
compression system, images may be distorted in  
scenes where the image, angle, or brightness  
changes drastically. This is not a malfunction.  
Recording and playback on your  
camcorder  
• Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come  
into contact with the terminals.  
• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the  
memory card.  
• Do not disassemble or modify the memory card.  
• Do not let the memory card get wet.  
• Be careful to keep memory card out of the reach  
of small children. There is danger that a child  
might swallow it.  
Based on the AVCHD format, your  
camcorder records with the high definition  
image quality (HD). In addition to high  
definition image quality (HD), your  
camcorder is capable of recording a  
standard definition (SD) signal in the  
conventional MPEG-2 format.  
Video signal*: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264  
1920 ×1080/50i, 1440 × 1080/50i  
Audio signal: Dolby Digital 2ch  
Recording media: memory card  
• Do not insert anything other than the compliant  
size of memory card into the memory card slot.  
Doing so may cause a malfunction.  
• Do not use or keep the memory card in the  
following locations:  
– Places subject to extremely high temperature,  
such as a car parked outside in the summer.  
* Data recorded in AVCHD format other than the  
above mentioned cannot be played back on your  
camcorder.  
• 1080i specification  
A high definition specification which utilizes  
1,080 effective scanning lines and the interlace  
system.  
– Places under direct sunlight.  
– Places with extremely high humidity or  
subject to corrosive gases.  
x On the memory card adaptor  
• When inserting memory card into a memory  
card adaptor, make sure the memory card is  
inserted facing in the correct direction, then  
insert it all the way in. Note that improper use  
may cause a malfunction.  
Continued ,  
95  
       
On image data compatibility  
About the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack  
• Image data files recorded on a memory card by  
your camcorder conform to the “Design rule for  
Camera File system” universal standard  
established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and  
Information Technology Industries  
This unit is compatible with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series).  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
Association).  
• On your camcorder, you cannot play back still  
images recorded on other devices (DCR-  
TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that do not  
conform to the universal standard. (These  
models are not sold in some regions.)  
• If you cannot use memory card that has been  
used with another device, format it with your  
camcorder (p. 58). Note that formatting erases  
all information on the memory card.  
• You may not be able to play back images with  
your camcorder:  
– When playing back image data modified on  
your computer.  
“InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related to  
operating conditions between your  
camcorder and a supplied AC Adaptor.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
– When playing back image data recorded with  
other devices.  
About the “Memory Stick” media  
With an AC Adaptor, the remaining battery  
time and charging time appear.  
Recording  
Types of “Memory Stick” media  
/Playback  
“Memory Stick Duo” media  
(with MagicGate)  
_
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the charge lamp of the AC  
Adaptor turns off. If you charge the battery pack  
outside of this temperature range, you may not  
be able to charge it efficiently.  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
(Mark2) media  
a
a*  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”  
media  
* This product does not support 8-bit parallel data  
transfer but it supports 4-bit parallel data  
transfer the same as with “Memory Stick PRO  
Duo” media.  
• This product cannot record or play data that uses  
“MagicGate” technology. “MagicGate” is a  
copyright protection technology that records and  
transfers the contents in an encrypted format.  
To use the battery pack effectively  
• Battery pack performance decreases when the  
ambient temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or below,  
and the length of time you can use the battery  
pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the  
following to use the battery pack for a longer  
time.  
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,  
and insert it in your camcorder right before  
you start taking shots.  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-F770/  
F970 (sold separately).  
96  
         
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or rewind operation  
wears out the battery pack faster.  
We recommend using a large capacity battery  
pack: NP-F770/F970 (sold separately).  
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF when  
not recording or playing back on your  
camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed  
when your camcorder is in recording standby or  
playback pause.  
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or three  
times the expected recording time, and make  
trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
About battery life  
• Battery capacity decreases over time and  
through repeated use. If decreased usage time  
between charges becomes significant, it is  
probably time to replace it with a new one.  
• Each battery’s life is governed by storage,  
operating and environmental conditions.  
About x.v.Color  
• x.v.Color is a more familiar term for the  
xvYCC standard proposed by Sony, and is  
a trademark of Sony.  
• xvYCC is an international standard for  
color space in video. This standard can  
express a wider color range than the  
currently used broadcast standard.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
About the remaining battery time  
indicator  
• When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates that  
the battery pack has enough power to operate,  
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining  
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,  
however, that the battery indication will not be  
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a  
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or  
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use  
the remaining battery time indication as a rough  
guide only.  
About handling of your  
camcorder  
On use and care  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations.  
– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never leave  
them exposed to temperatures above 60 °C  
(140 °F), such as under direct sunlight, near  
heaters or in a car parked in the sun. They  
may malfunction or become deformed.  
• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes  
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery  
time remaining, depending on the operating  
conditions or ambient temperature.  
– 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.  
About storage of the battery pack  
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand  
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,  
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on  
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper  
function. To store the battery pack, remove it  
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool  
place.  
• To discharge the battery pack on your  
camcorder completely, leave your camcorder in  
recording standby until the power goes off  
(p. 15).  
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD  
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be  
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the  
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.  
– Anywhere very humid.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery  
pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories  
recommended in these operating instructions.  
Continued ,  
97  
       
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,  
Moisture condensation  
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets  
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this  
malfunction cannot be repaired.  
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
If your camcorder is brought directly from a  
cold place to a warm place, moisture may  
condense inside your camcorder and cause  
a malfunction of your camcorder.  
x If moisture condensation has occurred  
Leave your camcorder for about 1 hour without  
turning it on.  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
x Note on moisture condensation  
Moisture may condense when you bring your  
camcorder from a cold place into a warm place (or  
vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a  
humid place as shown below.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• When you bring your camcorder from an air  
conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.  
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a  
shower.  
• Do not use a deformed or damaged battery pack.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF when  
you are not using your camcorder.  
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
• When disconnecting the power cord (mains  
lead), pull it by the plug and not the lead.  
• Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)  
such as by placing anything heavy on it.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
• Keep the Wireless Remote Commander and  
button-type battery out of children’s reach. If  
the battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a  
doctor immediately.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
x How to avoid moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a cold place  
into a warm place, put your camcorder in a plastic  
bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag when the  
air temperature inside the plastic bag has reached  
the ambient temperature (after about 1 hour).  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin.  
LCD screen  
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD  
screen, as it may cause damage.  
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a  
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Turn on the camcorder and record and play back  
images about once a month to keep it in an  
optimum state for a long time.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
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.  
98  
 
On adjustment of the touch panel  
(CALIBRATION)  
The buttons on the touch panel may not  
work correctly. If this happens, follow the  
procedure below. It is recommended that  
you connect your camcorder to the wall  
outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor during the operation.  
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  
– 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.  
1 Turn on the camcorder.  
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above.  
2 Press the MENU button t select  
(OTHERS) t [CALIBRATION]  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,  
and other settings even when the POWER  
switch is set to OFF. The pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is always charged  
while your camcorder is connected to the  
wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC  
Adaptor or while the battery pack is  
attached. The rechargeable battery will be  
fully discharged in about 3 months if you  
do not use your camcorder at all without the  
AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack  
attached. Use your camcorder after  
charging the pre-installed rechargeable  
battery.  
3 Touch “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of memory card or the like 3  
times.  
• If you did not press the right spot, try the  
calibration again.  
• Touch [CANCEL] to cancel calibration.  
b Notes  
• Do not use a sharp-pointed object for  
calibration. Doing so may damage the LCD  
screen.  
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.  
On handling the casing  
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,  
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.  
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish.  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen.  
x Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet  
(wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER  
switch set to OFF for more than 24 hours.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
Continued ,  
99  
         
Removing dust from inside the  
viewfinder  
1
Remove the eye piece of the  
viewfinder.  
Slide down the viewfinder release lever  
and hold it at the position (1), then lift  
the eye piece of the viewfinder as  
indicated with the arrow in the  
illustration (2).  
2
Remove dust inside the eye piece  
and viewfinder with a blower.  
100  
   
Specifications  
36.1 - 722 mm (1 7/16 - 28 1/2 in.)  
(4:3)  
F1.6 - 3.4  
System  
Video signal  
PAL color, CCIR standards  
HDTV 1080/50i  
Video recording system  
HD image quality: MPEG-4 AVC/  
H.264 AVCHD  
Filter diameter: 72 mm (2 7/8 in.)  
Color temperature  
[AUTO]  
(one push) A/B  
[INDOOR] (3 200K)  
[OUTDOOR] (5 800K)  
Minimum illumination  
1.5 lx (lux) (Fixed Shutter Speed 1/25,  
auto gain, auto iris) (F 1.6)  
SD image quality: MPEG-2 PS  
Audio recording system  
Dolby Digital 2ch (48 kHz 16-bit)  
Dolby Digital Stereo Creator employed  
Still image recording system  
DCF Ver. 2.0  
* When [SET] of [STEADYSHOT] is set to  
[STEADYSHOT] or [OFF]  
Exif Ver. 2.21  
MPF Baseline  
Output connectors  
VIDEO OUT jack  
Recording media (movies/still images)  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media  
SD card (Class 4 or faster)  
Viewfinder  
Pin connector  
1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms) unbalanced, sync  
negative  
Electric viewfinder (color)  
Picture: 1.1 cm (0.45 type, aspect ratio  
16:9)  
AUDIO OUT jacks  
Pin connectors  
-10 dBu (at load impedance 47 kΩ  
(kilohms)), Output impedance with less  
than 2.2 kΩ (kilohms)  
(0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms)  
COMPONENT OUT jack  
Mini-D jack  
Y: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)  
PB/PR, CB/CR: 0.7 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)  
HDMI OUT jack  
Total dot number:  
1 226 880 (approx. 852 × 3 [RGB] ×  
480)  
Image device  
6.0 mm (1/3 type) 3CMOS sensor  
Gross: Approx. 1 120 000 pixels  
Effective (movie, 16:9):  
Approx. 1 040 000 pixels*  
Effective (movie, 4:3):  
Approx. 780 000 pixels*  
Lens  
HDMI connector  
i (headphones) jack  
Stereo-minijack (Ø 3.5 mm)  
G Lens  
20 × (Optical), Approx. 30 × (Digital,  
when [D.EXTENDER] is set to [ON])  
Focal length  
Input connectors  
INPUT1/INPUT2 jacks  
f=4.1 - 82.0 mm (3/16 - 3 1/4 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera*  
29.5 - 590 mm (1 3/16 - 23 1/4 in.)  
(16:9),  
XLR 3-pin, female,  
MIC: -48 dBu: 3 kΩ (kilohms)  
(Variable in the range of between  
-60 dBu and -30 dBu in 6 dBu step by  
the INPUT TRIM function)  
LINE: +4 dBu: 10 kΩ (kilohms)  
Continued ,  
101  
   
Specifications (Continued)  
(0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms)  
AC Adaptor AC-L100C  
Power requirements  
AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz  
Current consumption  
0.35 A - 0.18 A  
Power consumption  
18 W  
Input/Output connectors  
USB jack  
mini-B  
Remote jack  
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm)  
Output voltage  
LCD screen  
DC 8.4 V*  
Picture  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
48 × 29 × 81 mm  
8.0 cm (3.2 type, aspect ratio 16:9)  
Total dot number  
921 600 (1 920 × 480)  
General  
Power requirements  
(1 15/16 × 1 3/16 × 3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d)  
excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder with normal brightness:  
HD recording 6.6 W  
170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the power cord  
(mains lead)  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other  
specifications.  
SD recording 5.9 W  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
During camera recording using the  
LCD with normal brightness:  
HD recording 6.6 W  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Maximum charge voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
SD recording 5.9 W  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
Maximum charge current  
3.0 A  
Capacity  
-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
173 × 193 × 393 mm  
Typical: 15.8 Wh (2 200 mAh)  
Minimum: 15.0 Wh (2 100 mAh)  
Type  
(6 7/8 × 7 5/8 × 15 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
Li-ion  
2.1 kg (4 lb 11 oz) including the lens  
hood with lens cover  
2.3 kg (4 lb 15 oz) including the battery  
pack (NP-F570), lens hood with lens  
cover  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
• Manufactured under license from Dolby  
Laboratories.  
102  
On trademarks  
Notes on the License  
• “Handycam” and  
ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN  
CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY  
MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE  
MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING  
VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED  
MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED  
WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE  
PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT  
PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS  
are  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
• “AVCHD” and “AVCHD” logotype are  
trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony  
Corporation.  
• “Memory Stick ,” “  
Duo,” “  
PRO Duo,” “  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,”  
,” “Memory Stick  
,” “Memory Stick  
,”  
AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250  
STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER,  
COLORADO 80206.  
,” “MagicGate,”  
,” “MagicGate Memory  
Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are  
trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
• “x.v.Colour” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks  
of Dolby Laboratories.  
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.  
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• Macintosh and Mac OS are registered  
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• HDMI, HDMI logo, and High-Definition  
Multimedia Interface are trademarks or  
THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE  
AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR  
THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL  
USE OF A CONSUMER TO  
(i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH  
THE AVC STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND  
/OR  
(ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT WAS  
ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN  
A PERSONAL AND  
NON-COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND/OR  
WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO  
PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC  
VIDEO.  
NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE  
IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE.  
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE  
OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C.  
SEE <HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM>  
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.  
• 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.  
• SDXC and SDHC logos are trademarks of  
SD-3C, LLC.  
• MultiMedia Card is a trademark of  
MultiMediaCard Association.  
“C Library,” “Expat,” “zlib,” “libjpeg,” “dtoa”  
and “pcre” software are provided in your  
camcorder. We provide this software based on  
license agreements with their owners of  
copyright. Based on requests  
by the owners of copyright of these software  
applications, we have an obligation to inform you  
of the following. Please read the following  
sections.  
Read “license1.pdf” in the “License” folder on the  
CD-ROM “Content Management Utility.” You  
will find licenses (in English) of “C Library,”  
“Expat,” “zlib,” “libjpeg,” “dtoa” and “pcre”  
software.  
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.  
Continued ,  
103  
 
Specifications (Continued)  
On GNU GPL/LGPL applied software  
The software that is eligible for the following  
GNU General Public License (hereinafter referred  
to as “GPL”) or GNU Lesser General Public  
License (hereinafter referred to as “LGPL”) are  
included in the camcorder.  
This informs you that you have a right to have  
access to, modify, and redistribute source code for  
these software programs under the conditions of  
the supplied GPL/LGPL.  
Source code is provided on the web. Use the  
following URL to download it. When  
downloading the source code, select HDR-  
AX2000 as the model for your camcorder.  
http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/  
We would prefer you do not contact us about the  
contents of source code.  
Read “license2.pdf” in the “License” folder on the  
CD-ROM “Content Management Utility.” You  
will find licenses (in English) of “GPL,” and  
“LGPL” software.  
To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is needed. If it is  
not installed on your computer, you can download  
it from the Adobe Systems web page:  
http://www.adobe.com/  
104  
QIduicek Rnetfeirefnyceing parts and controls  
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.  
A VIDEO OUT jack/AUDIO OUT jacks  
S REMOTE jack  
The REMOTE jack is used for  
controlling playback, etc. on the video  
device and peripherals connected to it.  
B COMPONENT OUT jack (47)  
C HDMI OUT jack (47)  
T Grip belt (15)  
D
USB jack (77)  
U POWER switch (15)  
V Record button (21)  
E CHG (charge) lamp (13)  
F DC IN jack (13)  
W ASSIGN 7/EXPANDED FOCUS  
G Hook for shoulder strap (107)  
H Handle zoom lever (25)  
I Handle record button (21)  
J Microphone holder  
K Accessory shoe  
L Microphone fixing clamper  
M INPUT1 jack (35)  
N INPUT2 jack (35)  
O Cable holder  
Provided for securing a microphone  
cable, etc.  
P INPUT2 switch (35)  
Q INPUT1 switch (35)  
R Zoom lever (25)  
Continued ,  
105  
     
* The ASSIGN 5/AE SHIFT button and the  
ASSIGN 2 button have raised tactile dots for  
your convenience in locating the button.  
A Lens (12)  
B Lens hood with lens cover (12)  
C Internal microphone (35)  
D Front recording lamp (76)  
The recording lamp flashes if the  
remaining capacity of the memory card  
or battery is low.  
E Remote sensor (76)  
F ASSIGN 4/ZEBRA button (39)  
G ASSIGN 5/AE SHIFT button* (39)  
H ASSIGN 6/VISUAL INDEX button  
(39)  
I CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT1) switch (35)  
J AUTO/MAN (CH1) switch (36)  
K AUDIO LEVEL(CH1) dial (36)  
L AUDIO LEVEL(CH2) dial (36)  
M AUTO/MAN (CH2) switch (36)  
N CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2)  
switch (35)  
O ASSIGN 1/2*/3 buttons (39)  
P PUSH AUTO button (26)  
Q FOCUS switch (26)  
R ND filter (29)  
106  
 
A Hook for shoulder strap  
B Focus ring (26)  
To attach a shoulder strap  
Attach a shoulder strap (sold separately) to  
the hooks for a shoulder strap.  
C Lens cover lever (12)  
D Zoom ring (25)  
E Iris ring (27)  
F GAIN button (28)  
G WHT BAL button* (29)  
H SHUTTER SPEED button (28)  
I AUTO/MANUAL switch (27)  
J i (headphones) jack  
For stereo mini-jack headphones  
K BATT RELEASE button (14)  
L Battery pack (13)  
M Memory card B slot/select button/access  
lamp (19)  
N Memory card A slot/select button/  
access lamp (19)  
O
(One push) button (30)  
P White balance memory switch (29)  
Q Gain switch (28)  
R IRIS button (27)  
* WHT BAL button has a raised tactile dot for  
your convenience in locating the button.  
Continued ,  
107  
       
A RESET button  
Q MENU button** (18, 61)  
If you press the RESET button, all  
settings including the clock setting  
(except the picture profile settings)  
return to the default.  
R SEL/PUSH EXEC dial/B/b buttons (18,  
61)  
S VOLUME buttons* (41)  
T STATUS CHECK button (46)  
U MODE button (52)  
B VISUAL INDEX button (41)  
C Playback control buttons (PREV/  
PLAY*/NEXT/STOP/PAUSE/SCAN/  
SLOW) (41)  
V V/v/B/b/EXEC buttons (61)  
W MENU button* (18, 61)  
D DATA CODE button (45)  
E DISPLAY button (45)  
* PICTURE PROFILE button, VOLUME+  
button, MENU button, and PLAY button have  
raised tactile dots for your convenience in  
locating the buttons.  
**MENU button has a raised tactile bar for your  
convenience in locating the button.  
F LCD screen/touch panel (16)  
G Handle zoom switch (25)  
H Viewfinder (17)  
I Large eyecup (17)  
J Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (17)  
K Viewfinder release lever (100)  
L HEADPHONE MONITOR switch (37)  
M Rear recording lamp (76)  
The recording lamp flashes if the  
remaining capacity of the memory card  
or battery is low.  
N STATUS CHECK button (46)  
O PICTURE PROFILE button* (31)  
P MODE button (52)  
108  
   
b Notes  
Wireless Remote Commander  
• Aim the Wireless Remote Commander towards  
the remote sensor to operate your camcorder.  
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light  
sources such as direct sunlight or overhead  
lighting. Otherwise, the Wireless Remote  
Commander may not function properly.  
Remove the insulation sheet before using  
the Wireless Remote Commander.  
Insulation sheet  
• When you are operating with the Wireless  
Remote Commander supplied with your  
camcorder, your video device may also operate.  
In that case, select a commander mode other  
than DVD2 for your video device, or cover the  
sensor of your video device with black paper.  
To change the battery of the Wireless  
Remote Commander  
1 While pressing on the tab, inset your  
fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery  
case.  
2 Place a new battery with the + side facing  
up.  
3 Insert the battery case back into the  
Wireless Remote Commander until it  
clicks.  
Tab  
A DATA CODE button (45)  
B TC RESET button  
This button does not work with this  
camcorder.  
WARNING  
C SCAN/SLOW buttons (41)  
D . > (PREV/NEXT) buttons (41)  
E PLAY button (41)  
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not  
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in  
fire.  
F STOP button (41)  
• When the lithium battery becomes weak, the  
operating distance of the Wireless Remote  
Commander may shorten, or the Wireless  
Remote Commander may not function properly.  
In this case, replace the battery with a Sony  
CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery  
may present a risk of fire or explosion.  
G DISPLAY button (45)  
H Transmitter  
I START/STOP button (21)  
J Power zoom buttons (25)  
K PAUSE button (41)  
L MODE button (52)  
M b/B/v/V/ENTER buttons  
109  
           
Screen indicators  
Bottom  
Center  
Upper right  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
ZEBRA (73)  
STEADYSHOT (67)  
D.EXTENDER (68)  
x.v.Color (68)  
Bottom  
9
~
Manual focus (26)  
Picture profile (31)  
BACK LIGHT (66)  
SPOTLIGHT(66)  
Iris (27)  
Upper left  
.
Indicator  
Meaning  
t 60min  
Remaining battery  
REC FORMAT (24)  
WIDE REC (69)  
ND filter (29)  
9dB  
50  
Gain (28)  
Shutter speed (28)  
Manual volume control  
(36)  
Center  
AE SHIFT (66)  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Auto setting (74)  
White balance (29)  
Memory card  
n
B
A
Relay recording (22)  
z Tips  
STBY REC  
Recording status (21)  
Warning (88)  
• Indicators may look different or appear at  
different positions.  
E
N
Playback indicator (41)  
Data code during recording  
The recording date, time and condition are  
recorded automatically on the memory  
card. They are not displayed while  
recording. However, you can check them  
by pressing the DATA CODE button  
Upper right  
Indicator  
Meaning  
0min  
Estimated remaining  
recording time  
Recording/playback  
media  
00:00:00:00  
Time code  
(hour:minute:second:  
frame)  
LCD backlight off (16)  
WHITE FADER FADER (68)  
BLACK FADER  
110  
       
Index  
A
CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT1)  
CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/  
G
Connect  
AE SHIFT/ASSIGN 5 button  
H
AUDIO LEVEL DISPLAY  
AUDIO LEVEL (CH1/CH2)  
D
AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2)  
I
B
BATT RELEASE (battery  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
E
EXPANDED FOCUS TYPE  
Button-type lithium battery  
EXPANDEDFOCUS/ASSIGN  
C
F
Continued ,  
111  
 
Index (Continued)  
N
L
O
REPAIR IMAGE DB FILE  
S
P
M
SHUTTER SPEED button  
PICTURE PROFILE button  
“Memory Stick Duo” media  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
battery .................................. 99  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
media ....................................96  
T
PUSH (lens hood release)  
R
112  
Z
U
Using your camcorder abroad  
V
Viewfinder lens adjustment  
VISUAL INDEX/ASSIGN 6  
button....................................39  
W
White balance memory switch  
Wireless Remote Commander  
............................................109  
X
113  
Additional information on this product and answers  
to frequently asked questions can be found at our  
Customer Support Website.  
http://www.sony.net/  
Printed in Japan  

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