2-178-349-11(1)
Operating
Instructions
Read this first
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
HDR-FX1E
© 2004 Sony Corporation
The LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effective use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/
or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color)
that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder.
These points are normal results of the manufacturing
process and do not affect the recording in any way.
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens
to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera
near a window or outdoors.
Notes on use
Your camcorder is capable of recording in both
HDV and DV formats. You can use only mini DV
cassettes in your camcorder.
The HDV standards
• Digital high-definition (HD) video signals are
recorded and played back on a DV format cassette.
• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 format,
which is adopted in BS (broadcast satellite) digital
and terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings and in
Blu-ray disc recorders.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your
camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun
only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.
z Tip
• Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i
specification, which utilizes 1080 effective scanning
lines, within the HDV standards, and records
pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps. The
i.LINK Interface is adopted as the digital interface
enabling a digital connection with TVs and personal
computers compatible with the HDV format.
Playing back HDV tapes on other
devices
A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot be
played back on a device that is not compatible
with the HDV format. The screen appears blue.
Check the contents of tapes by playing them
back on this camcorder prior to playing them
back on other devices.
Recording
• Before starting to record, test the recording function
to make sure the picture and sound are recorded
without any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot
be provided, even if recording or playback is not
possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder,
storage media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the country/
region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need
a PAL system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such materials may be contrary to the
copyright laws.
Connecting other devices
Before connecting your camcorder to other device
such as a VCR or a computer with an i.LINK cable,
be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper
direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly
in the wrong direction, the terminal may be
damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your
camcorder.
Using this manual
The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder
used on this manual are captured using a digital
still camera, and thus may appear different from
what you see.
,continued
3
Table of Contents
Read this first ............................................................................................. 2
Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8
Adjusting the LCD panel ........................................................................................... 15
Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................ 15
Recording movies .................................................................................... 20
Using zoom ............................................................................................................... 22
Recording in mirror mode ......................................................................................... 23
Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 25
Adjusting the white balance ...................................................................................... 26
Adjusting the gain ..................................................................................................... 28
Adjusting the shutter speed ...................................................................................... 29
Adjusting the volume of light – ND FILTER .............................................................. 30
,continued
5
Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 32
Adjusting the focus manually .....................................................................................32
Enhancing the outline to focus – PEAKING ..............................................................33
Developing scenes smoothly – Shot transition ..........................................................37
Fading in and out of a scene– FADER ......................................................................38
Recording an index signal at the beginning of recording ...........................................39
Viewing movies ........................................................................................ 42
Playing back in various modes ..................................................................................43
Various playback functions ...................................................................... 44
Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................44
Displaying the video information – Status check .......................................................45
Playing the picture on a TV...................................................................... 46
Viewing the picture on a high definition TV ...............................................................46
Viewing the picture on a 16:9 TV or a 4:3 TV ............................................................48
Searching for a recording start point – Index search .................................................50
6
Using the
(CAMERA SET) menu
etc. ...............................................52
– AUDIO MIX, etc. ........................56
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
– LCD COLOR, etc. .....................58
– REC FORMAT/TV TYPE, etc. ...59
– CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,
etc. ...............................................62
Recording pictures from a VCR
Dubbing sound to a recorded
Connecting an analog VCR to the
– Signal conversion function ........81
Note on the icons used in this manual
: Features available for the HDV
format only.
: Features available for the DV format only.
7
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies
1
Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.
Press the battery pack and slide it down.
Battery Pack
2
Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
a Slide the OPEN/
b Insert the cassette with c Press
on the
EJECT
lever in
its window-side facing
out, then push the center
of the back of the
cassette.
cassette
compartment.
Close the cassette lid after
the cassette compartment
slides back in by itself.
the direction of the
arrow to open the lid.
The cassette compartment
comes out automatically.
Window-side
OPEN/EJECT
lever
Quick Start Guide
8
3
Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.
The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in the default setting. To record in the DV format,
a Open the hood shutter.
b Open the LCD panel and
adjust the angle.
c While pressing the green
button, set the POWER
switch to CAMERA.
d Press REC START/STOP.
Recording starts. To change to
standby mode, press REC
START/STOP again.
4
View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.
a While pressing the green
button, set the POWER
switch to VCR.
b Press m (rewind).
c Press N (play) to start the
playback.
To stop, press x (stop).
To turn off the power, set the POWER
switch to OFF (CHG).
Quick Start Guide
9
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
Getting started
Step 1: Checking
supplied items
Make sure you have following items supplied
with your camcorder.
A/V connecting cable (1)
The number in parentheses indicates the number
of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1)
Component video cable (1)
Shoe adaptor (1)
Mains lead (1)
Lens hood (1)
This is attached to your camcorder.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1)
R6 (size AA) batteries (2)
To insert the batteries in the Remote
Commander, see page 105.
Cleaning cassette (1)
b Note
Shoulder strap (1)
• If you attach an optical filter (optional) or so, remove
the lens hood.
21-pin adaptor (1)
For the models with the
their bottom surfaces only.
Large eyecup (1)
mark printed on
Operating Instructions (This manual) (1)
Getting started
10
1 Press the battery pack and slide it
Step 2: Charging the
battery pack
down.
You can charge the battery by attaching the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to
your camcorder.
b Note
• You cannot use batteries other than the
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor
with any metallic objects. This may cause a
malfunction.
• Use a nearby wall socket when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
socket immediately if any malfunction occurs.
2 With the b mark on the DC plug
facing the battery pack, connect the
AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
Battery pack
b mark
DC plug
DC IN jack
3 Connect the mains lead to the AC
AC Adaptor
Adaptor.
Mains lead
4 Connect the mains lead to the wall
socket.
To the wall socket
,continued
Getting started
11
Tocheck the remaining battery– Battery
Info
5 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
After charging the battery
You can check the battery’s current charge level
and its current remaining recording time both
during charging or when the power is turned off.
The remaining recording time in the selected
recording format appears.
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the
battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
To remove the battery pack
1
2
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
Open the LCD panel and adjust the
angle.
3
Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.
The battery information appears for about
7 seconds.
Keep the button pressed to view it for about
20 seconds.
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
1
2
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
0%
50%
100%
Press BATT RELEASE and slide the
battery pack up.
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN:
VIEWFINDER:
115 min
125 min
A Battery charge level: Displays
approximate remaining amount of
power left in the battery pack.
B Possible recording time using the LCD
panel.
C Possible recording time using the
viewfinder.
Getting started
12
• The top figures show an approximate number of
minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set
to ON.
• The middle figures show an approximate number of
minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set
to OFF.
Charging time
Approximate number of minutes required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack
at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)
recommended.)
• The bottom figures show an approximate number of
minutes when recording with the viewfinder.
number of minutes when recording while you
repeatedly record, start/stop, move the POWER
switch to change the power mode, and zoom. The
actual battery life may be shorter.
Battery pack
NP-F570 (supplied)
NP-F770
260
370
485
NP-F970
b Note
z Tip
• NP-F330/F530/500/510/710 battery packs cannot be
used with your camcorder.
• You can also use NP-F550/F730/F750/F960 battery
packs. After charging these battery packs, make a
trial recording with them before an actual recording
to see the recording time. The recording time varies
depending on the environment where the camcorder
is used. Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to display the
recording time on the screen.
Recording time
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
Recording in the HDV format
Playing time
Battery pack Continuous Typical
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
recording
time
recording
time
HDV format pictures
NP-F570
(supplied)
115
125
125
65
65
65
Battery pack LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-F770
NP-F970
235
260
260
130
130
130
NP-F570
(supplied)
175
200
NP-F770
NP-F970
360
545
410
620
365
390
390
200
205
205
DV format pictures
Recording in the DV format
Battery pack Continuous Typical
Battery pack LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
recording
time
recording
time
NP-F570
(supplied)
200
235
NP-F570
(supplied)
120
135
130
65
70
65
NP-F770
NP-F970
415
630
480
725
NP-F770
NP-F970
250
280
275
135
140
140
* With the LCD BACKLIGHT switch set to ON.
b Note
• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack
when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack
of your camcorder, even if its mains lead is
disconnected from the wall socket.
380
415
410
205
215
215
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low temperature.
,continued
Getting started
13
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or
the battery information will not be correctly
displayed in following conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
Step 3: Turning the
power on
– The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery
information only.)
You need to set the POWER switch to the
respective power mode to record or play back
pictures.
When using this camcorder for the first time,
Using an outside power source
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power
source when you do not want the battery to
run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,
the battery pack will not lose its charge even
when it is attached to your camcorder.
While pressing the green button, set the
POWER switch.
The power turns on.
PRECAUTION
Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
Connect your camcorder as shown in
• CAMERA: To record pictures.
• VCR: To play or edit pictures.
To turn off the power
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
Getting started
14
z Tip
• If you rotate the LCD panel until it faces down, you
can close and restore the LCD panel to the original
position with the LCD screen facing out.
• If you are using the battery pack for power source,
you can select the brightness by setting [LCD BL
Step 4: Adjusting the
LCD panel and
viewfinder
LEVEL] on the
• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions
using the battery pack, set the LCD BACKLIGHT
switch to OFF (
battery power.
appears). This position saves
Adjusting the LCD panel
• Even if you change the brightness of the LCD panel,
the brightness of recorded pictures is not affected.
• You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by
setting [BEEP] on the
(OTHERS) menu to
You can adjust the angle and brightness of
the LCD panel to meet various recording
situations.
Even when there are obstructions between
you and the subject, you can check the
subject on the LCD screen during recording
by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.
Adjusting the viewfinder
You can view images using the viewfinder
when you close the LCD panel. Use the
viewfinder when the battery is running out, or
when the screen is hard to see.
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
180 degrees
Up to about
100 degrees
Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then
rotate it to the desired position.
1 Lift up the viewfinder.
To adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen
2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment
Adjust the brightness by pressing LCD
BRIGHT – or +.
lever until the picture is clear.
Getting started
15
When the picture in the viewfinder is
hard to see
Step 5: Setting the
date and time
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 a little and
align it with the groove of the viewfinder, then
slide it up to the end. You can attach the large
eyecup facing either the right or left side.
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not set
the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen
appears every time you turn on your
camcorder.
b Note
Large eyecup
(supplied)
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable button-type
battery gets discharged and the date and time
settings may be cleared from the memory. In that
case, charge the rechargeable button-type battery
(p. 97) and then set the date and time again.
z Tip
• To select the brightness of the viewfinder backlight
when you are using the battery pack, select
POWER switch
2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the
angle.
Proceed to step 6 when you set the clock for
the first time.
Getting started
16
3 Press MENU.
Step 6: Inserting a
cassette tape
CAMERA SET
WB PRESET
AE RESPONSE
GAIN SETUP
SHOT TRANS
STEADYSHOT
STDYSHOT TYP
HANDLE ZOOM
You can use mini DV
cassettes only.
For details on these cassettes (such as write-
[
]
MENU :END
b Note
4 Select the
(OTHERS) menu by
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This
may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT
lever in
OTHERS
RETURN
ASSIGN BTN
CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
BEEP
the direction of the arrow and open the
lid.
REC LAMP
FORMAT LAMP
[
]
MENU :END
5 Select [CLOCK SET] by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
120min
CLOCK SET
2004
Y
1
M
1
D
0 : 00
OPEN/EJECT
lever
Lid
[
]
MENU :CANCEL
6 Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
120min
CLOCK SET
2004
Y
1
M
1
D
0 : 00
[
]
MENU :CANCEL
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
You can set any year up to the year 2079.
7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and
minute in the same way as was done in
step 6, then press the dial.
,continued
Getting started
17
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side
Step 7: Setting the
screen language
facing out.
Push the center of the back
Window-side
of the cassette lightly.
You can select the language to be used on the
LCD screen.
3 Press
on the cassette
compartment.
POWER switch
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in.
1 Turn on your camcorder.
2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the
angle.
3 Press MENU.
4 Close the lid.
4 Select the
(OTHERS) menu by
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
To eject the cassette
1
Slide the OPEN/EJECT
lever in the
OTHERS
RETURN
STBY
direction of the arrow and open the lid.
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out.
ASSIGN BTN
CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
BEEP
REC LAMP
FORMAT LAMP
2
3
Take out the cassette, then press
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in.
.
[
]
MENU :END
Close the lid.
Getting started
18
5 Select [LANGUAGE] by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
0:00:00
LANGUAGE
DEUTSCH
E
HNIKA
ENGLISH
ENG SIMP
[
]
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAIS
I TALIANO
[
]
MENU :END
6 Select the desired language by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
7 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
z Tip
• Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified
English) for when you cannot find your native
tongue among the options.
Getting started
19
Recording
3 While pressing the green button, set
the POWER switch to CAMERA.
Recording movies
The HDV format lamp lights up and your
camcorder is set to recording standby (the
default setting).
It takes some time for your camcorder to be
set to recording standby.
You can record movies in either the HDV or
the DV format.
Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in
Movies will be recorded along with stereo
sound.
Camera recording lamp
Format lamps
4 Select the recording format.
To record in the HDV format
Select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu,
[REC FORMAT], then [HDV1080i] (the
appears on the LCD screen and
your camcorder is set to recording standby.
POWER switch and
REC START/STOP
To record in the DV format
Camera recording
lamp
Select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu,
appears on the LCD screen, the DV
format lamp lights up, and your camcorder
is set to recording standby.
1 Open the shutter of the lens hood.
5 Press REC START/STOP.
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the
LCD screen and the Camera recording
lamps light up.
Press REC START/STOP again to stop
recording.
2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the
To turn the power off
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
angle.
Recording
20
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
To record from a low-angle
[REC] (recording))
Use the REC START/STOP button on the
handle after releasing the HOLD lever.
To view the picture during recording, face the
LCD panel or the viewfinder upward, or face
the LCD screen down, then close and restore the
LCD panel to the original position with the LCD
screen facing out.
D Time code or tape counter (hour:
minute: second)
The time code of this camcorder utilizes the
drop-frame system.
HOLD lever
The center marker appears at the center of
the screen when [CENTER MARKR] on
the
(CAMERA SET) menu is set to
[ON]. It helps composing pictures on the
screen.
H ND filter
If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes on the screen,
b Note
• Before changing the battery pack, set the POWER
switch to OFF (CHG).
• When the camcorder is left in recording standby for
more than about 5 minutes, your camcorder exits the
recording standby mode (the drum stops rotating) to
prevent tape wear and battery loss. Since the power
does not turn off, you can restart recording by
pressing REC START/STOP again. It takes some
time to restart recording, but this not a malfunction.
Indicators displayed during recording
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.
Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 44)
will not be displayed during recording.
z Tip
• You can record the color bars on a tape. If you record
movies including the color bars, you can adjust the
color while observing the color bars when you are
viewing the pictures on a TV or monitor. To display
the color bars, press BARS. Press BARS again to
hide the color bars.
60min
HDV1080
REC
0:00:00
60min
i
ND
1
• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last
recorded scene to the next, note the following.
– Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be
recorded continuously without a break even when
you turn the power off).
L
R
– Do not record pictures in the HDV format and the
DV format on the same tape.
– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on
the same tape.
– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP
mode.
A Recording format (
or
)
Recording mode (SP or LP) is also
displayed in the DV format.
• The recording time, date, and the camera settings
data are recorded automatically on the tape without
being displayed on the screen. You can view this
information during playback by pressing DATA
B Remaining battery
The indicated time may not be correct,
depending on the environment where you
are using your camcorder. When you open
or close the LCD panel, it takes about
1 minute to display the correct remaining
battery time.
,continued
Recording
21
• Following functions may not work correctly with the
tape recorded in the HDV format and the DV format
mixed:
– Zero set memory
– Date search
– Index search
1 Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/
REMOTE.
2 Press the power zoom lever slightly for
a slower zoom. Press it further for a
faster zoom.
Recording for a longer time
To record a wider range of view
Press the W side of the power zoom lever.
The subject appears farther away (Wide
angle).
On the
(IN/OUT REC) menu, select
To record a closer view
Press the T side of the power zoom lever.
The subject appears closer (Telephoto).
[
In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times
longer than you can when recording in the SP
mode.
A tape recorded in the LP mode should be
played back only on this camcorder.
Using the handle zoom
You can adjust the zoom speed with the handle
zoom switch when using the handle zoom lever.
Using zoom
Handle zoom lever
Handle zoom switch
Zoom levers are mounted on the camera itself
and on the handle.
Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but
use it sparingly for the best results.
1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)*
Zoom ring
80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)*
1
2
Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/
REMOTE.
Set the handle zoom switch to H (high) or
L (low).
* The minimum distance required between your
camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus with
that side of the lever.
You can set the zoom speed of H or L of the
handle zoom lever in [HANDLE ZOOM]
on the
(CAMERA SET) menu. In the
default setting, [H] is set to 6, and [L] is set
Recording
22
3
Press the handle zoom lever to zoom in or
out.
Recording in mirror mode
b Note
• You cannot adjust the zoom speed by pressing the
handle zoom lever. Change the zoom speed by
• You cannot use the handle zoom lever when the
handle zoom switch is set to OFF.
• You cannot change the zoom speed of the power
zoom lever on the camera itself by switching the
handle zoom switch.
You can turn the LCD panel towards the
subject so that you and your subject can share
the image being recorded. You can also
utilize this function when recording yourself,
or to keep the attention of small children
attracted to the camcorder while you record
them.
Using the zoom ring
You can zoom at the desired speed. Fine
adjustment is also possible.
Up to about 100 degrees
1
2
Set the ZOOM switch to RING.
Rotate the zoom ring to zoom.
b Note
• Rotate the zoom ring at an appropriate speed.
Zooming may not be able to catch up the rotating
speed of the ring if it is rotated too fast.
• When you zoom using the Remote Commander, set
the ZOOM switch to LEVER/REMOTE.
• Zoomed position and picture angle change when the
ZOOM switch is switched from LEVER/REMOTE
to RING.
• If you rotate the zoom ring fast, motor noise will
become louder as the zoom motor rotates at high
speeds. If the motor noise is so loud that can be
recorded, use the zoom lever or the Remote
Commander.
Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then
rotate it towards the subject until it clicks.
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal
when recorded.
Recording
23
b Note
Displaying the recording setup
information – Status check
• Information of the picture profile setup does not
appear when it is set to [OFF].
You can check the setup value of the
following items in the standby mode or
during recording.
• Audio setup such as microphone volume level
• Output setup ([COMPONENT], [i.LINK
CONV], and [TV TYPE] settings) (p. 60)
• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons
• Picture profile setup (p. 34)
1 Press STATUS CHECK.
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
display the desired item.
Each time you turn the dial, the items
appear in the following order:
AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t
PICT. PROFILE
To turn off the display of the recording
setup information
Press STATUS CHECK.
Recording
24
• You cannot use the back light function if 2 or more
items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted
manually.
Adjusting the
exposure
Recording the subject lit by
strong light – SPOT LIGHT
The exposure is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.
If you want to record brighter or darker
pictures than those of the auto exposure
adjustment, use the manual adjustment
quality by using the PICTURE PROFILE
When the subject is lit by strong light, such as
in a theater, use the spot light function to
prevent people’s faces from appearing
excessively white.
Adjusting the exposure for backlit
subjects
When your subject has its back to the sun or
other light, you can adjust the exposure to
prevent the subject from becoming
shadowed.
During recording or in the standby mode,
press SPOT LIGHT.
appears.
To cancel the spot light function, press SPOT
LIGHT again.
b Note
• The spot light function is canceled when you press
BACK LIGHT.
• You cannot use the spot light function if 2 or more
items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted
manually.
Press BACK LIGHT during recording or
in the standby mode.
. appears.
To cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
b Note
• The back light function is canceled when you press
SPOT LIGHT.
Recording
25
the same lighting condition as that of
the subject.
Adjusting the white balance
5 Press
(one-push) WHT BAL.
B flashes quickly.
A or
You can adjust the white balance according
to the light of the recording environment.
The white balance adjustment data for 2
different recording conditions can be set up
and memorized separately in memory A and
B. During recording, you can recall the setup
data from the memory with the WHT BAL
(white balance) switch. The setup data will be
retained for about 3 months as long as it is not
readjusted even if the power is disconnected.
When the white balance is adjusted,
or B lights up and the adjustment data is
memorized.
A
To recall adjustment data from the
memory
1
During recording or in the standby
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the
center position to release the auto lock
mode.
2
3
Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.
Press WHT BAL.
The white balance is set to the recalled
adjustment.
b Note
• Avoid subjecting your camcorder to mechanical
shock while
• If A or
A or
B is flashing.
B does not change from flashing to lit
steadily, your camcorder is unable to set up the white
balance. In this case, use the preset or automatic
white balance.
(one-push)
WHT BAL
To use the preset white balance
Your camcorder has 2 sets of preset white
balance values to be selected according to the
light of the recording scene.
1
During recording or in the standby
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the
center position to release the auto lock
mode.
1 During recording or in the standby
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to
the center position to release the auto
lock mode.
2
3
Press MENU.
Select the
(CAMERA SET) menu
by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
2 Press WHT BAL.
4
5
Select [WB PRESET] by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
3 Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.
Select the desired item by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
4 Shoot a white subject such as a piece of
paper filling the entire screen under
Recording
26
Item
Recording scene
Recording using
manual adjustments
[OUTDOOR]
• general night views,
neon signs, or fireworks
• sunset, sunrise
(
)
• under daylight
fluorescent lamps
You can manually adjust the iris, gain, etc.
according to the brightness of the recording
scene or in order to obtain desired effects.
Adjust the iris, gain, shutter speed, and white
balance after setting the AUTO LOCK
switch to the center position to release the
auto lock mode.
Depending on the position of the AUTO
LOCK switch, you can hold or release the
settings of these functions.
[INDOOR] (n) • at party or in studios
where lighting
conditions change
quickly
• under video lamps such
as those in a studio, under
sodium lamps, mercury
lamps, or warm white
fluorescent lamps
6
7
8
Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
Set the WHT BAL switch to PRESET.
Position
Purpose
Press WHT BAL.
The white balance is set to the selected
setting.
AUTO LOCK
To adjust automatically.
To adjust manually.
Center (to
release the auto
lock mode)
To restore the automatic white balance
Press WHT BAL, or set the AUTO LOCK
switch to AUTO LOCK.
HOLD
Select this position after adjusting
the settings manually to retain
them.
b Note
See page 26 for details on how to adjust the
white balance.
• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain,
shutter speed) also become temporarily automatic.
b Note
• If you want to set the exposure intentionally to other
than a proper level, adjust the iris, gain, and shutter
speed manually.
• If you adjust only one of either iris, shutter speed, or
gain manually, you can record with iris priority,
shutter speed priority, or gain priority, respectively.
z Tip
• To adjust the brightness of pictures, set all of the iris,
gain, and shutter speed to the manual adjustment
mode, then rotate the iris dial.
Recording
27
To restore automatic adjustment
Press IRIS, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to
AUTO LOCK.
Adjusting the iris
b Note
• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter
speed, white balance) also become temporarily
automatic.
• As you shift the zoom from W (wide) to T
(telephoto), the aperture value varies from F1.6 to
F2.8.
You can manually adjust the light volume
entering the lens.
As the iris is opened (smaller aperture
values), the light volume increases. The
range of focus narrows and only the subject
appears in sharp focus.
As the iris is closed (larger aperture values),
the light volume decreases and the range of
focus widens.
z Tip
• You can select the rotation direction of the iris dial
with [IRIS DIAL] on the
(OTHERS) menu
• The iris has an important effect on the “depth of
field,” that is, the focused range. An open iris makes
the depth of field shallower (shorter focused range),
and a closed iris makes the depth of field deeper
(longer focused range). Use the iris effectively
according to your purpose of recording.
Adjusting the gain
IRIS dial
Adjust the gain manually when shooting
blackish or dark objects if you do not want
the AGC (auto gain control) to be activated.
1 During recording or in the standby
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to
the center position to release the auto
lock mode.
2 Press IRIS.
The current aperture value (F) appears.
3 Rotate the IRIS dial to a desired
aperture value.
The aperture value (F) varies from F1.6 to
F11, and Close, and the corresponding
value appears.
Recording
28
Adjusting the shutter speed
1 During recording or in the standby
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to
the center position to release the auto
lock mode.
You can manually adjust and fix the shutter
speed for your convenience. Depending on
the shutter speed, you can make the subject
look still, or on the contrary, emphasize the
fluidity of movement.
2 Press GAIN.
The current gain value appears.
3 Set the GAIN switch to the desired
position.
3 gain levels (H, M, L) are available.
You can set the value for the respective
positions with [GAIN SETUP] on the
The default settings for each position are
18 dB (H), 9 dB (M) and 0 dB (L).
The larger the number, the greater the gain.
To restore automatic adjustment
Press GAIN, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to
AUTO LOCK.
b Note
• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, shutter
speed, white balance) also become temporarily
automatic.
1 During recording or in the standby
mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to
the center position to release the auto
lock mode.
2 Press SHUTTER SPEED.
3 Adjust the shutter speed by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
You can select a shutter speed between 1/3
second and 1/10000 second.
The selected shutter speed appears on the
screen. For example, if you select 1/100
second, [100] appears. The larger the
number that appears on the screen, the
faster the shutter speed. The smaller the
number that appears on the screen, the
slower the shutter speed.
,continued
Recording
29
If [ND2] flashes
Set the ND FILTER switch to 2 to turn on
[ND2].
To restore automatic adjustment
Press SHUTTER SPEED, or set the AUTO
LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.
b Note
If [ND OFF] flashes
Set the ND FILTER switch to OFF to turn off
the indicator.
• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO
LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain,
white balance) also become temporarily automatic.
z Tip
• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter
speed. Manual focusing with your camcorder
attached to a tripod is recommended.
• The picture may flicker or change colors under
fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps.
b Note
• If you move the ND FILTER switch during
recording, the picture and sound may be distorted.
• If you adjust the iris manually, no ND filter indicator
will appear even if the ND filter should be activated.
z Tip
• If you close the iris extensively when recording a
bright subject, diffraction may occur, resulting in a
fuzzy focus. (This is a common phenomenon with
video cameras.) The ND filter suppresses this
phenomenon and gives better recording results.
Adjusting the volume of light
– ND FILTER
You can record the subject clearly by using
the ND filter when the recording
environment is too bright.
There are 2 levels of ND filter setting. ND
filter 1 reduces the volume of light to about
1/6, and ND filter 2 to about 1/32.
If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes in the standby
mode, set the ND FILTER switch to the
respective position.
If [ND1] flashes
Set the ND FILTER switch to 1 to turn on
[ND1].
Recording
30
Select a value from [70] to [100] or [100+].
If you select [70], the zebra pattern appears
at the part of 70±5 % of the brilliance
signal.
Displaying the zebra pattern to
adjust the brightness
If you select [100+], the zebra pattern
appears at all areas of the brilliance signal
over 100 %.
If there is a part of the screen where
brightness is over a certain level, the part may
appear excessively white when played back.
By displaying the zebra pattern on such a
part, you can be reminded to adjust the
brightness before recording.
The default setting is [100+].
5 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
Select the brightness level to display the
zebra pattern in the menu setting.
6 Set the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to
ZEBRA.
The zebra pattern will appear.
To hide the zebra pattern
Set the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to OFF.
b Note
• The zebra pattern is not recorded on the tape.
• You cannot use the zebra pattern when the peaking
1 During recording or in the standby
mode, press MENU.
2 Select the
(CAMERA SET) menu
by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
3 Select [ZEBRA LEVEL] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
4 Select the desired level by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
Recording
31
1 During recording or in the standby
mode, set the FOCUS switch to MAN
(manual).
Adjusting the focus
The focus is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.
9 appears.
2 Rotate the focus ring and adjust the
Adjusting the focus manually
focus.
9 changes to
when the focus cannot be
adjusted any farther. 9 changes to
when the focus cannot be adjusted any
closer.
You can adjust the focus manually according
to the recording conditions.
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.
Use this function in the following cases.
– To record a subject behind a window covered
with raindrops.
– 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.
To focus on a distant subject
Record the subject with the FOCUS switch slid
down to INFINITY.
– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.
appears.
If you release the switch, it returns to automatic
focusing.
Focus ring
Use this function to record a distant subject
when a close subject is focused using automatic
focusing.
To use the expanded focus
Press EXPANDED FOCUS.
[EXPANDED FOCUS] appears and the center
of the screen is magnified by about 2 times. It
will be easier to confirm the focus setting during
manual focusing. The screen returns to the
original size after about 5 seconds.
As long as the focus ring is rotated, the image
remains magnified. The image returns to the
original size in about 2 seconds after you release
the ring, or when you press REC START/
STOP.
To adjust the focus automatically
Set the FOCUS switch to AUTO.
Recording
32
z Tip
To focus automatically temporarily
Record the subject with PUSH AUTO pressed.
If you release the button, the setting returns to
manual focusing.
• For easier focusing, use peaking together with the
expanded focus.
Use this function to shift the focus from one
subject to another. The scenes will transition
smoothly.
z Tip
• 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 (optional).)
– When the focus mode is switched from automatic
to manual.
– When you rotate the focus ring.
Enhancing the outline to focus
– PEAKING
You can enhance the outline of the image on
the screen for easier focusing.
During recording or in standby mode, set
the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to
PEAKING.
To cancel peaking
Set the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to OFF.
b Note
• The peaking is not recorded on the tape.
• You cannot use the peaking function when the zebra
Recording
33
Customizing the
picture quality or
sound
Customizing the picture quality
– PICTURE PROFILE
You can customize the picture quality by
adjusting the color intensity, brightness,
white balance, etc. You can set 6 different
picture quality settings depending on the
recording time of day, the weather, or the
camera person, and store them in the
memory.
Connect your camcorder to a TV or monitor,
and adjust the picture quality while observing
the picture on the TV or monitor screen.
At the default setting, [PP1] through [PP6]
are registered with picture quality settings for
the following recording conditions.
1 In the standby mode, press PICTURE
PROFILE.
2 Select a picture profile number by
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
[PP1] through [PP6] are available.
Picture profile Recording condition
number
PP1
PP2
PP3
PP4
PP5
PP6
Appropriate setting to record in
the HDV format
3 Select [SETTING] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Appropriate setting to record in
the DV format
4 Select an item to be adjusted by
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
Appropriate setting to record
people
Appropriate setting to record
film-like pictures
5 Adjust the picture quality by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
Appropriate setting to record
sunset
Appropriate setting to record in
black and white
Item
Adjustment
[COLOR
LEVEL]
–7 (low) to +7 (high)
–8: black and white
You can change the above default settings at
your convenience.
[COLOR
PHASE]
–7 (greenish) to +7 (reddish)
[SHARP-
NESS]
0 (softer) to 15 (clearer)
Recording
34
Item
Adjustment
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other
[SKINTONE To make wrinkles less
DTL]
items.
noticeable by suppressing the
outlines on the part of skin
color to be enhanced.
[TYPE1] (the color range
recognized as a skin color is
narrow) to [TYPE3] (the color
range recognized as a skin
color is wide)
In the case of [TYPE3], the
effect may also be applied to a
color that is not a skin color.
[OFF]: no adjustment
7 Select [ RETURN] by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
8 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial, then press the dial.
A picture profile indicator appears.
[AE SHIFT]
–7 (darker) to +7 (lighter)
To cancel the picture profile recording
Select [OFF] in step 2, then press the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial.
[AGC LIMIT] Select the upper limit for the
gain ([OFF], 12dB, 6dB,
0dB).
[OFF] is 18dB.
To check the picture profile settings
During recording or in the standby mode, press
[AT IRIS
LMT]
Select the highest aperture
value for the automatic
adjustment (F11, F6.8, F4).
[WB SHIFT] –7 (to make white parts
bluish) to +7 (to make white
parts reddish)
To copy the picture profile setting to
other picture profiles
1
2
Press PICTURE PROFILE.
[AWB SENS] To set the auto white balance
operation under a reddish light
source such as an
Select the number of the picture profile
to be copied from by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
incandescent lamp or candle,
or under a blueish light source
such as in outdoor shade.
[HIGH] (reddishness or
blueishness is reduced) to
[LOW] (reddishness or
blueishness is increased)
[AWB SENS] is not effective
under a clear sky or the sun.
3
4
5
Select [SETTING] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Select [COPY] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Select the number of the picture profile
to be copied to by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial, then press the dial.
[CINEMA-
TONE γ]
[ON]: Pictures are recorded
with the gamma curve that
reproduces the natural
6
Select [YES] again by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
If you decide not to copy the settings, select
[NO].
gradation sequence, similar to
that of film cameras.
7
Press PICTURE PROFILE.
[CINE-
FRAME]
[CINEFRAME 25]:
Pictures are recorded with a
cinema-like atmosphere.
[OFF]: normal recording
To reset the picture profile settings
You can reset the picture profile settings by
picture profile number. You cannot reset all
picture profile settings at once.
[COPY]
To copy a picture profile
setting to other picture
profiles.
1
Press PICTURE PROFILE.
[RESET]
To restore the default setting
of the picture profile.
,continued
Recording
35
2
Select the number of the picture profile
to be reset by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Adjusting the audio recording
level – Microphone volume level
3
4
5
Select [SETTING] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
You can adjust the microphone volume when
recording. Checking the volume with
headphones is recommended.
Select [RESET] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Select [YES] by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial, then press the dial.
If you decide not to reset the picture profile,
select [NO].
6
Press PICTURE PROFILE.
b Note
• If you adjust all of the iris, shutter speed and gain
manually, you cannot obtain the effect of [AE
SHIFT].
• If you adjust the iris manually, you cannot obtain the
effect of [AT IRIS LMT].
• If the object is s bright that the aperture value set in
[AT IRIS LMT] is not appropriate, the shutter speed
may reach 1/1750 automatically.
• If you adjust the gain manually, you cannot obtain
the effect of [AGC LIMIT].
• If you select [CINEFRAME 25] when the shutter
speed is slower than 1/12, the shutter speed is
automatically set to 1/25.
1 Open the cover and set the AUTO/
MAN switch to MAN.
The audio level meter appears.
2 During recording or in the standby
mode, adjust the volume by turning
the AUDIO LEVEL dial.
To restore automatic adjustment
Set the AUTO/MAN switch to AUTO.
b Note
• You cannot adjust the volume of audio input from
the AUDIO/VIDEO jack or the HDV/DV jack.
z Tip
• To check the audio setting information in greater
check the microphone volume during automatic
adjustment.
Recording
36
Recording a picture
using various
features
REC
START/STOP
Developing scenes smoothly
– Shot transition
You can register the settings of focus, zoom,
iris, gain, shutter speed, and white balance,
and then change the recording setting from
the current one to the registered one, resulting
in a smooth transition of scenes (Shot
transition).
For example, you can shift the focus from
closer objects to farther objects, or change the
depth of field by adjusting the iris. In
addition, you can develop scenes under
different recording conditions smoothly. If
you register the manual adjustment function
of the white balance, the scenes will develop
smoothly between objects indoor and those
outdoor.
Step 1: Store the settings
1
Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC
repeatedly to turn on the STORE lamp.
2
Adjust the desired items manually.
To adjust the camera setup items such as iris
manually, set the AUTO LOCK switch to
the center position to release the auto lock
adjustment.
3
Press a button (A or B) to select the
storage location.
Use a tripod to avoid camera-shake.
The setting is stored in the selected button.
The settings are called Shot A and Shot B
respectively.
SHOT A
b Note
• If you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), the
settings stored in Shot A and B are deleted.
SHOT B
Step 2: Check the stored settings (Shot)
1
Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC
repeatedly to turn on the CHECK lamp.
Set the transition curve and duration using
[SHOT TRANS] on the
(CAMERA
2
Press the button (A or B) in which the
setting was stored.
The selected setting will take effect on the
picture on the screen. The focus, zoom, and
so on, are automatically adjusted as stored
in the setting.
b Note
• You cannot check the transition time and curve set
using [SHOT TRANS] on the
SET) menu.
(CAMERA
,continued
Recording
37
Recording using the Shot transition
function
Fading in and out of a scene
– FADER
1
Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC
repeatedly to turn on the EXEC lamp.
2
3
Press REC START/STOP.
You can add the following effects to
currently recording pictures.
Assign the FADER function to one of the
details on how to assign a function.
Press the button (A or B) in which the
desired setting was stored.
Pictures will be recorded with the settings
that were changed automatically from the
current ones to the stored ones.
120min
SHOT TRANS
REC
0:00:05
EXEC
SHOT A
SHOT B
S
E
Transition bar
S: start
E: end
b Note
REC START/STOP
• You cannot zoom, focus, or adjust manually while
checking or activating the Shot transition.
• When you change [SHOT TRANS] on the
(CAMERA SET) menu, turn off the STORE/
CHECK/EXEC lamp by pressing the button.
• You cannot return from the stored Shot A or B
settings to previous settings after you activate the
Shot transition during recording.
• If you press the following buttons during the shot
transition operation, the operation is canceled:
– PICTURE PROFILE
– MENU
– P-MENU
[BLACK FADER]
[WHITE FADER]
– EXPANDED FOCUS
– STATUS CHECK
z Tip
• You can record using both settings by making them
change either from Shot A to Shot B or from Shot B
to Shot A. For example, to change from Shot A to
Shot B, turn on the CHECK lamp and press A
followed by REC START/STOP, then turn on the
EXEC lamp and press B.
• You can rehearse the shot transition by pressing the
button (A or B), in which the desired setting was
stored, before pressing REC START/STOP in step
2.
1 Press the ASSIGN button assigned to
the FADER function in the standby
mode (to fade in) or during recording
(to fade out).
To cancel the operation
Each time you press the button, the
indicator changes as follows:
[BLACK FADER] t [WHITE FADER]
t no display
Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC repeatedly until
the STORE/CHECK/EXEC lamps are all
turned off.
Recording
38
2 Press REC START/STOP.
Press the ASSIGN button assigned to the
index function.
The FADER indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.
When pressed during recording
appears for about 7 seconds and an index
signal is recorded.
To cancel the operation
Press the ASSIGN button assigned to the
FADER function repeatedly until the FADER
indicators disappear.
When pressed in the standby mode
flashes.
After you press REC START/STOP to start
b Note
recording,
appears for about 7 seconds and
• You cannot use the FADER function together with
[FRAME REC] (Frame recording).
an index signal is recorded.
Recording an index signal at the
beginning of recording
To cancel the operation
Before starting to record, press the ASSIGN
button assigned to the index function again.
b Note
If you make an index for a scene, you can
The index function will make it easier to
check the transition of recording or edit your
pictures using index signals.
• You cannot record an index signal on a recorded tape
afterward.
Assign the index function to one of the
assign a function.
REC START/STOP
Recording
39
* The playback picture may look different depending
on the TV connected.
Recording in 16:9
wide rec mode
You can display pictures recorded in the DV
format on the entire TV screen by setting
[DV WIDE REC] on the
(CAMERA
SET) menu at the time of recording.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied
with your TV as well.
[ON]
Select [ON] to view the recorded pictures on a
16:9 wide TV screen.
On the LCD screen or viewfinder screen
On a 4:3 TV screen*
1 In the standby mode, press MENU.
2 Select the
(CAMERA SET) menu
by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
On a 16:9 wide TV
screen
3 Select [DV WIDE REC] by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
[OFF]
Select [OFF] to view the recorded pictures on a
4:3 TV screen.
4 Select [ON] or [OFF] depending on the
TV, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial.
On the LCD screen or viewfinder screen
The dark bars are
translucent on the screen.
5 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
On a 4:3 TV screen
On a 16:9 wide TV
screen*
Recording
40
Reviewing the most
recently recorded
scenes – Rec Review
You can view a few seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.
In the standby mode, press REC
REVIEW.
The last few seconds of the most recently
recorded scene are played back. Then, your
camcorder is set to the standby mode.
Recording
41
Playback
3 Press m (rewind) to go to the point
you want to view.
Viewing movies
4 Press N (play) to start playback.
Make sure you have a recorded cassette
inserted into your camcorder.
Some of the operations are possible using the
Remote Commander.
When you want to play back recordings on
To adjust the volume
Adjust the volume by pressing VOLUME
– (decrease) / + (increase).
When playing back the tape, select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV],
then [AUTO] (the default setting).
To stop playback
Press x (stop).
To pause
Press X (pause) during playback.
Press N (play) or X (pause) again to restart the
playback.
Playback stops automatically when the pause
mode continues for more than 5 minutes.
To fast forward or rewind
Press M (fast forward) or m (rewind) in stop
mode.
POWER switch
To review movies on the viewfinder
Close the LCD panel. Then, adjust the
viewfinder angle.
Indicators displayed during tape
playback
60min
HDV1080
0:00:00:00
60min
i
1 Open the LCD panel and adjust the
angle.
2 While pressing the green button, set
the POWER switch to VCR.
A Format of the playback signal
(HDV1080i or DV) / Recording mode (SP
or LP)
B Remaining battery
C Tape transport indicator
D Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)
or tape counter (hour: minute: second)
The time code of this camcorder is of the
drop-frame system.
Playback
42
b Note
To
Press
• When playing back a tape recorded in the HDV and
DV formats, and the signal switches between HDV
and DV, the picture and sound disappear
temporarily.
play back frame
by frame
C (frame) on the Remote
Commander during playback
pause.
• You cannot play back the tape recorded in the HDV
format on video cameras of the DV format or mini-
DV players.
• Recording mode (SP or LP) appears when a tape
recorded in the DV format is played back.
To reverse direction, press c
(frame) on the Remote
Commander during playback
pause.
To return to the normal playback mode, press N
(play).
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top, bottom, or in
the center of the screen. This is not a malfunction.
Playing back in various modes
b Note
• Pictures in the HDV format are not output from the
HDV/DV jack when they are paused or played
back in other than normal playback mode.
• Pictures in the HDV format may appear distorted
during:
To fast forward or rewind during
playback – Picture search
Keep on pressing M (fast forward) or m
(rewind) during playback.
– Picture search
– Reverse playback
To resume normal playback, release the button.
To view the picture while fast
forwarding or rewinding – Skip scan
Keep on pressing M (fast forward) or m
(rewind) while fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape.
To resume fast forwarding or rewinding, release
the button.
To play back in various modes
You will not hear the recorded sound. Also, you
may see mosaic-like images of the previously
played picture remaining on the screen.
To
Press
change the
playback
I (reverse) on the Remote
Commander during playback.
direction*
play back slowly y (slow) during playback.
To reverse direction
1 Press I (reverse) on the
Remote Commander.
2 y (slow).
play back 2 times ×2 (double speed) on the
faster (double
speed)
Remote Commander during
playback.
To reverse direction
1 Press I (reverse) on the
Remote Commander.
2 ×2 (double speed) on the
Remote Commander.
Playback
43
b Note
• The END SEARCH function will not work correctly
when there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.
Various playback
functions
Displaying the screen indicators
You can locate the end of the last recording,
or display the date of recording and camera
settings data.
You can choose to display the time code, tape
counter, and other information on the screen.
Press DISPALY/BATT INFO.
The indicator switches on or off as you press the
button.
z Tip
• You can display the screen indicators during
playback on a TV. Select the
(OTHERS) menu,
[DISP OUTPUT], then [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 64).
However, only playback mode indicators and tape
counter appear when playing back a tape recorded in
the HDV format, and [COMPONENT] on the
(IN/OUT REC) menu is set to [1080i/576i].
Searchingforthelast sceneof the
most recent recording
– END SEARCH
Displaying the date/time and
camera settings data – Data code
This function is handy when you have played
back the tape, for example, but want to start
recording right after the most recently
recorded scene. The END SEARCH function
will not work once you eject the cassette after
you have recorded on the tape.
During playback, you can view the date/time
data and the camera settings data that are
automatically recorded while recording
pictures on a tape.
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
2 Press DATA CODE on the camcorder
or Remote Commander during
playback or playback pause.
2 Press END SEARCH (VCR).
The last scene of the most recent recording
is played back for about 5 seconds.
Each time you press the button, the
indicators appear in turn as follows:
Date/time t Camera settings data t (no
display)
To cancel the operation
Press END SEARCH (VCR).
Playback
44
Camera settings data display
In the date/time data display, the date and time
is displayed in the same area.
Displaying the video information
– Status check
If you record the picture without setting the
clock, [-- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will appear.
You can check the setup value of the
following items.
60min
0:00:00
60min
HDV1080
i
• Audio setup such as audio mix (p. 56)
• Output signal setup ([VCR HDV/DV], etc.)
• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons
AUTO
F1.7
6
dB
100
A SteadyShot off
B Exposure
C Aperture value
If you manually adjust the aperture value to
the maximum, appears.
D Gain
E Shutter speed
F White balance
appears when pictures recorded by
using the shot transition function are played
back.
To hide the camera settings data
Select the
(OTHERS) menu, [DATA
Each time you press DATA CODE, the date/
time indicator turns on and off.
1 Press STATUS CHECK.
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
display the desired item.
Each time you turn the dial, the items
appear in the following order:
AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN
To turn off the video information
Press STATUS CHECK.
Playback
45
TV connections differ depending on the type
of TV.
Playingthepictureon
a TV
Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied
with the devices to be connected.
Viewing the picture on a high definition TV
TV
When you have an S video jack
on your TV or VCR
S video cable
(optional)
Yellow
A/V connecting
cable (supplied)
White
Red
Green
Component video cable (supplied)
Blue
Red
i.LINK cable (optional)
Signal flow
• In case of this connection, the TV needs to be
set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is
connected. Refer to the operating manual
supplied with the TV for the details.
Connect your camcorder and your TV
using either cables described below.
To connect the TV using an i.LINK cable
This connection is recommended when your TV
is compatible with HDV/DV and has an i.LINK
jack.
To connect the TV using the component
video cable
• To view the picture recorded in the HDV
• Before connecting the i.LINK cable, select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV],
then [AUTO] (the default setting).
format, set [COMPONENT] on the
OUT REC) menu according to your TV
(p. 60). When the picture recorded in the DV
(IN/
Playback
46
format is played back, an equivalent signal
with [576i] is output, even if [1080i/576i] is
selected.
• Only video signals are output from the
COMPONENT OUTPUT jack. To output
audio signals, connect the white and red plugs
of the A/V connecting cable to the audio input
jack of your TV.
To connect the TV using the A/V
connecting cable
When there is an S video jack on the device to
be connected, connect it with your camcorder
by the S video jacks using an S video cable
(optional) instead of the yellow video plug of
the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This
connection produces pictures more faithfully on
the TV connected. The audio will not be output
when you connect with the S video cable alone.
b Note
• Be sure that you set [VCR HDV/DV] before
connecting the i.LINK cable. Otherwise, the TV
might not be able to recognize the video signal
correctly.
• Pictures in the DV format are not output from the
COMPONENT OUTPUT jack, if copyright
protection signals are recorded in the pictures.
z Tip
• If you connect your camcorder to your TV using
more than one type of cables to output the pictures in
analog signal, the output signals have priority in the
following order:
COMPONENT OUTPUT jack t S video jack t
AUDIO/VIDEO jack
When your TV is connected to a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input
on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set
the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
Playback
47
Viewing the picture on a 16:9 TV or a 4:3 TV
TV or VCR
When you have an S video jack
on your TV or VCR
S video cable
(optional)
Yellow
A/V connecting
cable (supplied)
White
Red
Green
Component video cable (supplied)
Blue
Signal flow
Red
To connect the TV using the A/V
connecting cable
Connect your camcorder and your TV or
VCR using either cables described below.
When there is an S video jack on the device to
be connected, connect it with your camcorder
by the S video jacks using an S video cable
(optional) instead of the yellow video plug of
the A/V connecting cable (supplied). Use an S
video cable to produce high resolution pictures.
The audio will not be output when you connect
with the S video cable alone.
To connect the TV using the component
video cable
This connection is recommended when your TV
has COMPONENT VIDEO jacks.
• To view the picture recorded in the HDV
format, set [COMPONENT] on the
(IN/
OUT REC) menu according to your TV
(p. 60). When a picture recorded in the DV
format is played back, an equivalent signal
with [576i] is output, even if [1080i/576i] is
selected.
To view the picture on a 4:3 TV
• To view the picture recorded in the HDV
format, select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu,
• Only video signals are output from the
COMPONENT OUTPUT jack. To output
audio signals, connect the white and red plugs
of the A/V connecting cable to the audio input
jack of your TV or VCR.
• To view the picture recorded in the DV
format, select the
(CAMERA SET)
menu, [DV WIDE REC], then [OFF] before
Playback
48
When your TV is connected to a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input
on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set
the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
Locating a scene on a
tape for playback
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 or the red plug to the audio input jack of
your TV or VCR.
Searching quickly for a desired
scene – Zero set memory
When you want to play the sound in monaural
mode, use a connecting cable (optional) for that
purpose.
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin connector
(EUROCONNECTOR)
Use the 21-pin adaptor supplied with your
camcorder (for modesl with the
mark
printed on their bottom surfaces only). This
adaptor is designed for output use only.
TV/VCR
b Note
• Pictures in the DV format are not output from the
COMPONENT OUTPUT jack, if copyright
protection signals are recorded in the pictures.
1 During playback, press ZERO SET
MEMORY on your camcorder or
Remote Commander at the point you
want to locate later on.
The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00” and
appears on the screen.
If the tape counter is not displayed, press
DISPALY/BATT INFO.
2 Press x (stop) when you want to stop
playback.
3 Press m (rewind).
The tape stops automatically when the tape
counter reaches “0:00:00.”
4 Press N (play).
The playback starts from the point
designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter.
,continued
Playback
49
• The Date search will not function correctly when
there is a blank section between recorded sections on
the tape.
To cancel the operation
Press ZERO SET MEMORY again.
b Note
• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds
between the time code and the tape counter.
• Zero set memory will not function correctly if there
is a blank section between recorded sections on the
tape.
Searching for a recording start
point – Index search
You can locate the point where an index
Searching for a scene by date of
recording – Date search
SEARCH MODE
You can locate the point where the recording
date changes.
. / >
STOP
SEARCH MODE
. / >
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
STOP
2 Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote
Commander repeatedly to select
[INDEX SEARCH].
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on
the Remote Commander to select an
index point.
2 Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote
Commander repeatedly to select
[DATE SEARCH].
You can select the previous or the next
index signal of the present point on the tape.
Playback starts automatically from the
point where the index signal is recorded.
3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on
the Remote Commander to select a
recording date.
You can select the previous or the next date
of the present point on the tape.
Playback starts automatically from the
point where the date changes.
To cancel the operation
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.
b Note
• If 1 day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your
camcorder may not accurately find the index point.
• The Index search will not function correctly when
there is a blank section between recorded sections on
the tape.
To cancel the operation
Press STOP on the Remote Commander.
b Note
• If 1 day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your
camcorder may not accurately find the point where
the recording date changes.
Playback
50
IN/OUT REC (p. 59)
OTHERS (p. 62)
BAdvanced operations
Using the Menu
OTHERS
STBY
RETURN
ASSIGN BTN
CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
BEEP
Selecting menu items
REC LAMP
FORMAT LAMP
You can change various settings or make
detailed adjustments using the menu items
displayed on the screen.
[
]
MENU :END
4 Select the desired item by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
The available menu items vary depending
on the power mode of your camcorder.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.
120min
STBY
0:00:00
REMOTE CTRL
ON
OFF
[
]
MENU :END
POWER switch
5 Select the desired setting by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
OTHERS
STBY
BEEP
REC LAMP
FORMAT LAMP
IRIS DIAL
LETTER SIZE
REMAINING
DISP OUTPUT
REMOTE CTRL OFF
[
]
MENU :END
2 Press MENU to display the menu
index screen.
6 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
CAMERA SET
WB PRESET
STBY
To return to the previous screen, select
AE RESPONSE
GAIN SETUP
SHOT TRANS
STEADYSHOT
STDYSHOT TYP
HANDLE ZOOM
[
RETURN].
[
]
MENU :END
3 Select the icon of the desired menu by
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
CAMERA SET (p. 52)
AUDIO SET (p. 56)
LCD/VF SET (p. 58)
Using the Menu
51
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.
Using the
(CAMERA SET) menu
– STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC, etc.
CAMERA SET
RETURN
STBY
OUTDOOR
You can select the items listed below on the
CAMERA SET menu. For details on how to
select items, see “Selecting menu items”
The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the
WB PRESET
AE RESPONSE
GAIN SETUP
SHOT TRANS
STEADYSHOT
STDYSHOT TYP
HANDLE ZOOM
[
]
MENU :END
WB PRESET
AE RESPONSE
GAIN SETUP
Select the speed to adjust the exposure automatically, in accordance with the
brightness of the subject. [FAST], [MIDDLE], and [SLOW] are available.
Select the adjustment value for each position (H, M, and L) of the GAIN switch
1
Select [H], [M], or [L] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
2
Select an adjustment value by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
0dB, 3dB, 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 15dB, and 18dB are available. The larger the
number, the greater the gain.
3
4
Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
Using the Menu
52
SHOT TRANS
on using the shot transition function.
TRANS TIME
Select the time that takes to make a transition from the current setting to the
selected setting.
Duration from [2.0 sec] through [15.0 sec] are available. It is set to [4.0 sec] in the
default setting.
TRANS CURVE
Select the transition curve.
The figures below show the transition curve of each mode.
*1: parameter level
*2: transition of time
LINEAR
Select to make the transition linearly.
*1
*1
*1
*2
*2
GSOFT STOP
SOFT TRANS
Select to make the transition slowly at the end.
Select to make the transition slowly at the
beginning and end, and linearly in between.
*2
b Note
• Before setting [SHOT TRANS], turn off all of the STORE/CHECK/EXEC lamps by
,continued
Using the Menu
53
STEADYSHOT
GON
Select to activate the SteadyShot function. You can select the type of
the SteadyShot function in [STDYSHOT TYP].
OFF (
)
Select to deactivate the SteadyShot function. Select when recording
using a tripod. More natural pictures are produced.
You can also deactivate the SteadyShot function by using the
b Note
• The SteadyShot function does not work well when a wide conversion lens other than VCL-
HG0872 (optional) is attached to your camcorder.
• When using VCL-HG0872, select [WIDE CONV.] in [STDYSHOT TYP] below.
STDYSHOT TYP
You can select the type of the SteadyShot function that compensates for camera-
shake. To release the SteadyShot function, select [OFF] in [STEADYSHOT] or
HARD
Select to activate the SteadyShot function with stronger effect. This
mode is not recommended for recording with camera panning
technique.
GSTANDARD
Select to activate the standard SteadyShot function.
SOFT
Select to activate the SteadyShot function so that it leaves a slight
unsteadiness on the picture so the picture looks natural.
WIDE CONV.
Select when a wide conversion lens (optional) is attached. This mode
is the most effective with Sony VCL-HG0872 wide conversion lens.
HANDLE ZOOM
Select this item to set the zoom speed of position H and L of the handle zoom
1
Select [H] or [L] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
2
Select a zoom speed by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
Speeds 1 through 8 are available. The larger the number, the faster the zoom
speed.
3
4
Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
ZEBRA LEVEL
See page 31 for details.
Using the Menu
54
CENTER MARKR
GOFF
Select when you do not want to display the center marker on the
ON
Select to display the center marker on the screen.
b Note
• The center marker and its position do not affect the adjustment, setting, or recording in any
way.
FRAME REC
You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately
recording a few frames and then moving the subject a little. Operate your
camcorder using the Remote Commander to prevent camera shake.
GOFF
Select to record in the standard recording mode.
ON (
)
Select to record pictures using the FRAME REC function.
1
2
3
Select [ON], then press the dial.
Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
Press REC START/STOP.
A picture (approximately 5 frames) is recorded, and your
camcorder enters the standby mode.
4
Move the subject and repeat step 3.
b Note
• When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated
correctly.
• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.
• You cannot record index signals during frame recording.
DV WIDE REC
See page 40 for details.
Using the Menu
55
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.
Using the (AUDIO
SET) menu– AUDIO MIX, etc.
AUDIO SET
RETURN
MULTI–SOUND STEREO
AUDIO MIX
AUDIO MODE
WIND
MIC/LINE IN
You can select the items listed below on the
AUDIO SET menu. For details on how to select
The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
[
]
MENU :END
MULTI-SOUND
You can select how to play back audio on a tape that was recorded in stereo mode
using another camcorder.
GSTEREO
Select to play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with both
main and sub sound.
1
2
Select to play back a stereo tape with the left channel sound or a dual
sound track tape with the main sound.
Select to play back a stereo tape with the right channel sound or a dual
sound track tape with the sub sound.
b Note
• You can play back a dual sound track cassette on this camcorder. However, you cannot
record a dual sound track on this camcorder.
• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you disconnect the power source from your
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.
AUDIO MIX
You can adjust the audio balance between the originally recorded sound (ST1)
b Note
• You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode.
• Only the originally recorded sound will be heard when you disconnect the power source
from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.
AUDIO MODE
G12BIT
Select to record in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).
16BIT (
)
Select to record in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).
b Note
• When recording in the HDV format, sound is automatically recorded in [16BIT] mode.
Using the Menu
56
WIND
GON
Standard setting.
OFF
Select when you want to record the sound as it is without reducing the
noise caused by wind.
MIC/LINE IN
GEXT MIC
Select to input an audio signal when a microphone is connected to the
MIC/LINE jack.
LINE
Select to input an audio signal when an audio device is connected to
the MIC/LINE jack.
Using the Menu
57
power mode of your camcorder. The screen
shows the items you can operate at the moment.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.
Using the (LCD/VF
SET) menu– LCD COLOR, etc.
LCD/VF SET
RETURN
LCD COLOR
LCD BL LEVEL
VF B. LIGHT
You can select the items listed below on the
LCD/VF SET menu. For details on how to
select items, see “Selecting menu items”
[
]
MENU :END
The default settings are marked with G. The
settings you can adjust vary depending on the
LCD COLOR
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the color on the LCD screen. The
recorded picture will not be affected by this setting.
Low intensity
High intensity
LCD BL LEVEL
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture
will not be affected by this setting.
GNORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Select to brighten the LCD screen.
b Note
• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically
selected for this setting.
VF B.LIGHT
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be
affected by this setting.
GNORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
To brighten the viewfinder screen.
b Note
• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically
selected for this setting.
Using the Menu
58
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.
Using the (IN/OUT
REC) menu– REC FORMAT/TV
TYPE, etc.
IN/OUT REC
RETURN
You can select the items listed below on the IN/
OUT REC menu. For details on how to select
The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the
VCR HDV/DV
REC MODE
COMPONENT
i . LINK CONV
TV TYPE
AUTO
A/V DV OUT
[
]
MENU :END
VCR HDV/DV
Select the playback signal. Normally select [AUTO].
When the camcorder is connected to another device using an i.LINK cable, select
the signal to be input/output from the HDV/DV jack. The selected signal is
recorded or played back.
GAUTO
HDV
• Select this to play back signals by switching the format between
HDV and DV automatically.
• For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back signals
input/output from the HDV/DV jack by switching the format
between HDV and DV automatically.
• Select this to play back the signals in the HDV format only.
• For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back the input/
output signals in the HDV format only.
Select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc.
DV
• Select this to play back the signals in the DV format only.
• For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back the input/
output signals in the DV format only.
Select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc.
b Note
• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting [VCR HDV/DV]. Otherwise, the connected TV
may not be able to recognize the video signal from this camcorder.
• When [AUTO] is selected and the signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture and
sound disappear temporarily.
• When [i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON], pictures are output as follows:
– at [AUTO], an HDV signal is converted to the DV format and output; a DV signal is
output as it is.
– at [HDV], an HDV signal is converted to the DV format and output; a DV signal is not
output.
– at [DV], a DV signal is output as it is; an HDV signal is not output.
,continued
Using the Menu
59
REC FORMAT
Selects a recording format when the POWER switch is set at CAMERA. The
format lamp of the selected format will light up during recording.
GHDV1080i
Select to record in the HDV1080i specification.
(
)
DV (
)
Select to record in the DV format.
z Tip
• When you output the picture during recording simultaneously to a connected device using
an i.LINK cable, also set [i.LINK CONV] accordingly (p. 60).
REC MODE
GSP ( SP )
Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a tape.
LP ( LP )
Select to increase the recording time to 1.5 times that of the SP mode
(Long Play). The use of Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassettes is
recommended to get the most out of your camcorder.
b Note
• You cannot add sound on a tape recorded in the LP mode.
• If you record in the LP mode, a random square noise may appear or sound may be
interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs.
• When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback
picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.
COMPONENT
i.LINK CONV
576i
Select when connecting your camcorder to a TV with the component
input jack.
G1080i/576i
Select when connecting your camcorder to a TV that has the
component input jack and is capable of displaying the 1080i signal.
When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA, this setting is effective only when
[HDV1080i] is selected in [REC FORMAT].
When the POWER switch is set to VCR, this setting is effective only when
[AUTO] or [HDV] is selected in [VCR HDV/DV].
GOFF
Select to output the pictures from the HDV/DV jack in accordance
with the [REC FORMAT] and [VCR HDV/DV] settings.
ON (HDVcDV)
Select to always output the pictures in the DV format from the
HDV/DV jack.
b Note
• See [VCR HDV/DV] for information about an input signal via an i.LINK connection.
Using the Menu
60
• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting [i.LINK CONV]. Otherwise, the connected
video device may not be able to recognize the video signal from this camcorder.
TV TYPE
You need to convert the signal depending on the TV connected.
G16:9
Select to view your pictures on a 16:9 wide TV.
The recorded pictures will appear as follows:
When HDV pictures
are played back
When DV pictures
are played back
4:3
Select to view your pictures on a 4:3 standard TV.
The recorded pictures will appear as follows:
When HDV pictures
are played back
When DV pictures
are played back
z Tip
• When you view pictures recorded with [DV WIDE REC] on the
(CAMERA SET)
menu set to [ON] on a 4:3 standard TV, pictures may appear as they are in height, but are
compressed in width depending on the TV. If you view the recorded pictures on such type
of 4:3 standard TV, set [DV WIDE REC] to [OFF] before recording.
A/V c DV OUT
You can connect a digital device and an analog device to your camcorder and
convert the signal transmitted from the connected devices to the appropriate signal
on your camcorder.
GOFF
Select when you are not using the Signal conversion function.
ON (
)
To output analog images and sound in digital format using your
camcorder.
The analog signal input to the AUDIO/VIDEO jack of your camcorder
will be converted and output from the i.LINK Interface of your
camcorder.
For details, see page 81.
Using the Menu
61
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.
Using the (OTHERS)
menu– CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,
etc.
OTHERS
RETURN
You can select the items listed below on the
OTHERS menu. For details on how to select
The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the
ASSIGN BTN
CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
BEEP
FORMAT LAMP
DATA CODE
[
]
MENU :END
ASSIGN BTN
CLOCK SET
WORLD TIME
You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the
time difference by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the clock will be adjusted
in accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the
clock returns to the originally set time.
LANGUAGE
BEEP
can select from English, Simplified English, Traditional-Chinese, Simplified-
Chinese, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Italian, Greek, Russia,
Arabic, or Persian.
GMELODY
Select to play a melody when you start/stop recording, or when an
unusual condition occurs on your camcorder.
NORMAL
OFF
Select to sound a beep instead of the melody.
Select to cancel the melody, the beep sound, and the shutter sound.
Using the Menu
62
REC LAMP
GON
Select to turn on the camera recording lamps on the front and rear of
your camcorder during recording.
OFF
Select this setting in the following recording situations. The camera
recording lamps on the front and rear will not light up during
recording.
• When you do not want the subject to be nervous about being
recorded.
• When you are recording close to the subject.
• When the subject reflects the light of the recording lamp.
FORMAT LAMP
GON
Select to turn on the format lamp. The lamp of the format that is
selected in [REC FORMAT] lights up when the POWER switch is set
to CAMERA. The lamp of the format that is selected in [VCR HDV/
DV] lights up when the POWER switch is set to VCR.
OFF
Select when you do not want to turn on the format lamp. The i.LINK
lamp also does not light up.
b Note
• The format lamp lights up according to the format of the playback or of an input signal from
another device when [VCR HDV/DV] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu is set to [AUTO].
IRIS DIAL
You can select the rotation direction of the iris dial to open or close the iris.
GNORMAL
Select to rotate clockwise when looked at from the lens side to close
the iris and decrease the light volume.
OPPOSITE
Select to rotate counter clockwise when looked at from the lens side
to close the iris and decrease the light volume.
DATA CODE
LETTER SIZE
GDATE/CAM
Select to display the date and time, or the camera settings data during
playback.
DATE
Select to display the date and time during playback.
GNORMAL
Select to display the menu screen at normal size.
2x
Select to display the selected menu item at double the normal height.
,continued
Using the Menu
63
REMAINING
GAUTO
Select to display the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds:
• After you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR with a
cassette inserted, and your camcorder calculates the remaining
amount of tape.
• After you press N (play) or DISPLAY/BATT INFO.
ON
Select to always display the remaining tape indicator.
DISP OUTPUT
GLCD PANEL
Select to show indicators such as the time code on the LCD screen and
in the viewfinder.
V-OUT/PANEL
Select to show indicators such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD
screen, and in the viewfinder.
b Note
• You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO while
[V-OUT/PANEL] is selected.
REMOTE CTRL
GON
Select when using the Remote Commander supplied with your
camcorder.
OFF
Select to deactivate the Remote Commander to prevent your
camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR
remote control unit.
b Note
• The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your
camcorder for more than 5 minutes.
Using the Menu
64
Adding a menu – Add
Customizing Personal
Menu
You can add frequently used menu items to
Personal Menu for easier and faster access.
The available items vary depending on the
power mode of your camcorder.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.
You can add frequently used menu items to
Personal Menu, or sort them in the order you
like (customizing). You can customize the
Personal Menu for each power mode of your
camcorder.
b Note
• You can add up to 28 menu items each for the
CAMERA and VCR modes. If you want to add
more, you must delete a less important menu item
before adding a new menu item (p. 66).
1 Press P-MENU.
120min
P–MENU
END
STBY
0:00:00
SHOT TRANS
ASSIGN BTN
REC FORMAT
AE RESPONSE
WB PRESET
GAIN SETUP
[
]
P–MENU :END
2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
120min
STBY
0:00:00
P–MENU SETUP
RETURN
ADD
DELETE
SORT
RESET
1 Press P-MENU.
[
]
P–MENU :END
2 Select the desired item by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
3 Select [ADD] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
120min
STBY
0:00:00
Se l ec t t he ca t egor y.
RETURN
3 Select the desired setting by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
CAMERA SET
AUDIO SET
LCD/VF SET
IN/OUT REC
OTHERS
[
]
P–MENU :END
,continued
Using the Menu
65
4 Select a menu category by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
120min
STBY
0:00:00
120min
STBY
0:00:00
Se l ec t t he i t em.
RETURN
P–MENU SETUP
RETURN
ADD
WB PRESET
AE RESPONSE
GAIN SETUP
SHOT TRANS
STEADYSHOT
STDYSHOT TYP
DELETE
SORT
RESET
[
]
[
]
P–MENU :END
P–MENU :END
5 Select a menu item by turning the SEL/
3 Select [DELETE] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
The available items vary depending on the
power mode of the camcorder.
Only the available items are displayed.
120min
STBY
0:00:00
Se l ec t i t em t o de l e t e.
RETURN
SHOT TRANS
ASSIGN BTN
REC FORMAT
AE RESPONSE
WB PRESET
120min
ADD
STBY
0:00:00
GAIN SETUP
STDYSHOT TYP
Add t o CAMERA
mode's P–MENU?
[
]
P–MENU :END
YES
NO
[
]
P–MENU :END
4 Select the item that you want to delete
by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
6 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
The menu is added to the end of the list.
120min
STBY
0:00:00
DELETE
AE RESPONSE
De l ete f r om CAMERA
mode's P–MENU?
YES
NO
7 Press P-MENU.
[
]
P–MENU :END
Deleting menu – Delete
5 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
The selected menu is deleted from Personal
Menu.
1 Press P-MENU.
6 Press P-MENU.
120min
P–MENU
END
STBY
0:00:00
SHOT TRANS
ASSIGN BTN
REC FORMAT
AE RESPONSE
WB PRESET
GAIN SETUP
[
]
P–MENU :END
Using the Menu
66
Arranging the order of menus
displayed on Personal Menu
– Sort
5 Move the menu item to the desired
place by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial.
120min
Se l ec t new l oca t i on.
STBY
0:00:00
You can sort the menus added to Personal Menu
in the desired order.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
SHOT TRANS
ASSIGN BTN
REC FORMAT
WB PRESET
GAIN SETUP
AE RESPONSE
ZEBRA LEVEL
1 Press P-MENU.
[
]
P–MENU :END
120min
P–MENU
END
STBY
0:00:00
SHOT TRANS
ASSIGN BTN
REC FORMAT
AE RESPONSE
WB PRESET
GAIN SETUP
6 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
To sort more items, repeat steps 4 to 6.
[
]
P–MENU :END
7 Press P-MENU.
2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
Initializing the settings – Reset
120min
STBY
0:00:00
P–MENU SETUP
RETURN
ADD
DELETE
SORT
RESET
You can initialize Personal Menu to the default
settings after adding or deleting menus.
[
]
P–MENU :END
1 Press P-MENU.
3 Select [SORT] by turning the SEL/
120min
P–MENU
END
STBY
0:00:00
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
SHOT TRANS
ASSIGN BTN
REC FORMAT
AE RESPONSE
WB PRESET
GAIN SETUP
120min
STBY
0:00:00
Se l ec t i t em t o move.
RETURN
1
2
3
4
5
6
SHOT TRANS
[
]
P–MENU :END
ASSIGN BTN
REC FORMAT
AE RESPONSE
WB PRESET
GAIN SETUP
[
]
P–MENU :END
2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
4 Select the menu item you want to move
by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
120min
STBY
0:00:00
P–MENU SETUP
RETURN
ADD
DELETE
SORT
RESET
120min
STBY
0:00:00
Se l ec t new l oca t i on.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
SHOT TRANS
ASSIGN BTN
[
]
P–MENU :END
REC FORMAT
AE RESPONSE
WB PRESET
GAIN SETUP
ZEBRA LEVEL
[
]
P–MENU :END
,continued
Using the Menu
67
3 Select [RESET] by turning the SEL/
Assigning the
functions
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
120min
RESET
STBY
0:00:00
I n i t i a l i ze
CAMERA mode's
Depending on the functions, you need to assign
them to the ASSIGN buttons to use them. You
can assign single function to each ASSIGN 1/2/
3 button.
P–MENU se t t i ng?
YES
NO
[
]
P–MENU :END
Functions you can assign to the ASSIGN
buttons
• [FADER] (p. 38)
4 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
• [STEADYSHOT]
120min
RESET
STBY
0:00:00
• [INDEX SAVE] (p. 39)
• [AUDIO DUB] (p. 79)
• [DISPLAY] (p. 44)
• [BARS] (p. 21)
Are you su r e?
YES
NO
[
]
P–MENU :END
5 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
The Personal Menu settings return to the
default settings.
To cancel initialization, select [NO].
6 Press P-MENU.
1 Press MENU.
2 Select the
(OTHERS) menu by
turning SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
3 Select [ASSIGN BTN] by turning SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.
4 Select the number of the ASSIGN
button you want to assign the function
Using the Menu
68
by turning SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
[ASSIGN1] through [ASSIGN3] are
available. [------] is displayed at the number
that no function is assigned.
5 Select the function to be assigned by
turning SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
6 Select [OK] by turning SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial, then press the dial.
7 Press MENU to hide the menu.
z Tip
• When you press the ASSIGN button assigned to the
[STEADYSHOT], the SteadyShot function is
released and
appears on the LCD screen. To
activate the SteadyShot fucntion, press the same
button again. You can select the effect level of the
SteadyShot function at [STDYSHOT TYP] on the
• There are independent buttons of DISPLAY and
BARS, however you can assign them also to the
ASSIGN buttons at your convenience. You can use
both buttons.
Using the Menu
69
Dubbing/Editing
You can copy a picture played back on your
camcorder to other recording devices (such
as VCRs).
Connect your camcorder to a VCR as shown
in the following illustration.
Dubbing to another
tape
Connecting a VCR
To dub to an HDV compatible device
Connect your camcorder to an HDV compatible
device using an i.LINK cable (optional).
Player
Recorder
i.LINK cable (optional)
HDV/DV jack
HDV/DV jack
Signal flow
b Note
To select the video format to be dubbed
The video format to be dubbed depends on the
settings of [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK
• If you change the settings of [VCR HDV/DV] and
[i.LINK CONV] with the i.LINK cable connected,
the video device may not be able to recognize the
video signal from the camcorder at the time of
dubbing.
• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and the
signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture
and sound disappear temporarily.
CONV] on the
(IN/OUT REC) menu.
Before setting these menu items, disconnect the
i.LINK cable.
• Pictures will be dubbed in the recorded format
when [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and
[i.LINK CONV] is set to [OFF].
• Pictures, including those recorded in the HDV
format, will be dubbed in the DV format when
[VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], and
[i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON].
• When the recorder is an HDR-FX1E, set [VCR
HDV/DV] on the
(IN/OUT REC) menu to
• Only pictures in the selected format will be
dubbed when [VCR HDV/DV] is set to
[HDV] or [DV]. Other pictures will be dubbed
as blank portions, so neither picture nor sound
will be dubbed.
Dubbing/Editing
70
To dub to a DV device
Connect your camcorder to a VCR using an
i.LINK cable (optional).
i.LINK compatible
devices
i.LINK jack
HDV/DV jack
i.LINK cable (optional)
Signal flow
• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and the
signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture
and sound disappear temporarily.
To select the video format to be dubbed
The video format to be dubbed depends on the
(IN/OUT REC)
menu. Before setting these menu items,
disconnect the i.LINK cable.
• Pictures, including those recorded in the HDV
format, will be dubbed in the DV format when
[VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and
[i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON].
• If the tape was recorded with the HDV and
DV formats mixed, set [VCR HDV/DV] to
[DV] to dub only pictures in the DV format.
Pictures in the HDV format will be dubbed as
blank portions, so neither picture nor sound
will be dubbed.
b Note
• If you change the settings of [VCR HDV/DV] and
[i.LINK CONV] with the i.LINK cable connected,
the video device may not be able to recognize the
video signal from the camcorder at the time of
dubbing.
• If [i.LINK CONV] is set to [OFF] while [VCR
HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], pictures recorded in the
HDV mode will be recorded as blank portions, so
neither picture nor sound will be recorded.
• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [HDV], the
connected DV device cannot recognize pictures, so
pictures will be dubbed as blank portions.
Dubbing/Editing
71
To dub to an AV device
Connect your camcorder to a VCR using the A/
V connecting cable (supplied).
When you have an S video
jack on your VCR *
S video cable
(optional)
VCRs
Yellow
AUDIO/VIDEO jack
Signal flow
White
Red
A/V connecting cable
(supplied)
* When there is an S video jack on the device to be
connected, connect an S video cable (optional) to
that jack instead of using the yellow video plug of
the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This
connection produces higher quality DV format
pictures. The audio will not be output if you connect
with the S video cable alone.
b Note
• Select the
(OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT],
• When you connect your camcorder to a monaural
device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V
connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or the
white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the TV.
z Tip
• To record the date/time and camera settings data,
Dubbing/Editing
72
Dubbing to another tape
1 Connect the recording device to your
2 Prepare the recording device.
• Insert a cassette for recording.
• If the recording device has an input
selector, set it to the input mode.
3 Prepare your camcorder for playback.
• Insert the recorded cassette.
• Set the POWER switch to VCR.
4 Start the playback on your camcorder,
and record it on the VCR.
Refer to the operating instructions supplied
with your VCR for details.
5 When the dubbing is finished, stop
your camcorder and the VCR.
b Note
• When you use an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture
becomes rough when a picture is paused on your
camcorder while recording it to a VCR.
• Pictures recorded in the HDV format are not output
from the HDV/DV jack during playback pause or
in playback modes other than normal playback.
• When you use an i.LINK cable, you cannot record
the picture and sound separately.
z Tip
• The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the HDV/DV
jack holder will light up and indicate the format of
the output signal when you use an i.LINK cable.
• When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and sound
signals are transmitted digitally, producing high
quality pictures.
Dubbing/Editing
73
b Note
• Your camcorder can only record from a PAL source.
For example, French video or TV programs
(SECAM) cannot be recorded correctly. See page 90
for details on TV color systems.
• If you use a 21-pin adaptor to input PAL source, you
need a dual direction 21-pin adaptor (optional).
Recording pictures
from a VCR or TV
You can record pictures or TV programs
from a VCR or TV on a tape inserted in your
camcorder.
Connecting a VCR or TV
To record from an HDV compatible device
You can record and edit pictures from an HDV
compatible VCR. Use your camcorder as a
recorder and connect it to an HDV compatible
device using an i.LINK cable (optional).
On this camcorder (recorder), select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], then
Player
Recorder
HDV/DV jack
HDV/DV jack
i.LINK cable (optional)
Signal flow
b Note
• In case of digital broadcasting, you may not be
allowed to record some programs for copyright
Dubbing/Editing
74
To record from a DV/AV device
You can record and edit pictures or TV
programs from a VCR or TV. Use your
camcorder as a recorder and connect it to a VCR
using the A/V connecting cable (supplied). You
can connect a DV compatible device also using
an i.LINK cable (optional).
When you use an i.LINK cable to connect a DV
compatible device, select the (IN/OUT
REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], then [DV] or
VCRs or TVs
When you have an S video jack on your
TV or VCR *
S video cable
(optional)
Yellow
A/V connecting
cable (supplied)
White
Red
AUDIO/VIDEO
jack
HDV/DV jack
i.LINK jack
Connecting with an i.LINK cable
i.LINK cable (optional)
Signal flow
* When there is an S video jack on the device to be
connected, connect an S video cable (optional) to
that jack instead of using the yellow video plug of
the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This
connection produces higher quality DV format
pictures. The audio will not be output if you connect
with the S video cable alone.
• When a 4:3 video signal is input, it appears with
black bands on the right and left sides on the screen
of your camcorder.
z Tip
• If the recording device has an i.LINK jack, it is
recommended to connect it using an i.LINK cable
(optional).
b Note
• You can record pictures from DV/AV devices only
in the DV format.
• When you use the A/V connecting cable (supplied),
select the
(OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT],
• When you connect your camcorder to a monaural
device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V
connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or the
white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the TV.
Only the sound from the connected plug is recorded.
Dubbing/Editing
75
Recording movies
7 Press x (stop) to stop recording.
b Note
• When you use an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture
becomes rough when a picture is paused on your
VCR.
Insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder
before the following operations.
• When you use an i.LINK cable, you cannot record
the picture and sound separately.
• When you use an i.LINK cable, if you pause or stop
the recording and restart it, the picture may not be
recorded smoothly.
1 Connect your TV or VCR to your
camcorder as a playback device
z Tip
• The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the HDV/DV
jack holder will light up and indicate the format of
the input signal when you use an i.LINK cable.
• When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and sound
signals are transmitted digitally, producing high
quality pictures.
2 If you are recording from a VCR,
insert a cassette.
3 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
• When you use an i.LINK cable,
appears during recording. This indicator may appear
on the screen of the playback device, however they
will not be recorded.
• Index signals are automatically recorded on the tape
during recording. You can also record index signals
at the desired positions during recording by pressing
the ASSIGN button assigned to the index function
4 Set your camcorder to recording
pause.
While pressing X (pause), press both z
REC (record) buttons simultaneously.
5 Start playing the cassette on your
VCR, or select a TV program.
The picture played on the connected device
appears on the LCD screen of your
camcorder.
6 Press X (pause) again at the point you
want to start recording.
Dubbing/Editing
76
• Be sure to set [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK
CONV] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu
before connecting the i.LINK cable. If you
connect the i.LINK cable first, the computer
may hang up or may not recognize the signal
from your camcorder.
Connecting to a
computer
To use your camcorder by connecting it to a
computer using an i.LINK cable, the computer
must have an i.LINK interface, and application
software to read video signals must be installed
on the computer.
Refer to the manual supplied with the
application software for the system
requirements of the computer.
b Note
• Connect a computer that can handle the signal of the
format indicated by the i.LINK lamps. If you
connect a computer that cannot handle the signal, the
computer may hang up or may not recognize the
signal from your camcorder.
• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before resetting [REC
FORMAT] when the POWER switch is set to
CAMERA. Otherwise, the computer may hang up.
z Tip
• The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the HDV/DV
jack holder will light up and indicate the format of
the input signal when you use an i.LINK cable.
To import pictures on a tape to the
computer
• To scan pictures recorded in the HDV format
on the tape in the HDV format, set [VCR
HDV/DV jack
• To scan pictures recorded in the DV format on
the tape in the DV format, set [VCR HDV/
i.LINK cable (optional)
• To scan pictures recorded in the HDV format
on the tape in the DV format, set [VCR HDV/
b Note
• Pictures may not be imported correctly depending
on the application software of the computer.
• You cannot import pictures recorded in the DV
format in the HDV format.
Connecting the computer
To import pictures from the computer to
your camcorder
In the HDV format
• Before connecting your camcorder to the
computer with an i.LINK cable, be sure to
insert the connector plug in the proper
direction. If you insert the connector plug
forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal
may be damaged, or this may cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.
In the DV format
• Connect the i.LINK cable to the computer
first, then to your camcorder. Connecting in
the opposite order may cause static electricity
to build up, resulting in a malfunction of your
camcorder.
Dubbing/Editing
77
You can record additional audio to the
original sound on a tape recorded in the DV
format. You can add sound to a tape already
recorded in the 12-bit mode without erasing
the original sound.
Dubbing sound to a
recorded tape
Preparing for audio dubbing
Audio device (such as
CD/MD players)
Internal microphone
Audio output jacks
Do not connect the
Video plug (yellow).
Audio R
(red)
CAUDIO/VIDEO jack
Audio L
(white)
A/V connecting cable
(supplied)
BMIC (PLUG IN POWER)/LINE
jack
Microphone (optional)
Signal flow
AMIC (PLUG IN POWER)/LINE jack
in the order of MIC/LINE jack t AUDIO/
VIDEO jack t internal microphone.
Record audio in one of the following ways.
• Using the internal microphone (no connection
required).
• Connecting a microphone (optional) to the
MIC/LINE jack. (A)
b Note
• When you use the AUDIO/VIDEO jack or the
internal microphone to record additional sound, the
picture will not be output from the AUDIO/VIDEO
jack. Check the picture on the LCD screen or the
viewfinder, and the sound on the headphones.
• You cannot record additional audio:
– When the tape is recorded in the HDV format.
– When the tape is recorded in the 16-bit mode.
– When the tape is recorded in the LP mode.
– When your camcorder is connected using an
i.LINK cable.
Select the
(AUDIO SET) menu, [MIC/
• Connecting an audio device (optional) to the
MIC/LINE jack. (B)
Select the
(AUDIO SET) menu, [MIC/
• Connecting an audio device to the AUDIO/
VIDEO jack. (C)
The audio input to be recorded takes precedence
Dubbing/Editing
78
– On blank sections of the tape.
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set to
SAVE.
– On the tape recorded on another device with a 4ch
microphone (4CH MIC REC).
7 Press x (stop) when you want to stop
recording.
• When you use an external microphone (optional) to
record additional audio, you can check the picture
and the sound by connecting your camcorder to a TV
using the A/V connecting cable. However, sound
you have recorded afterwards is not output from the
speaker. Check the sound by using headphones or a
TV.
To set the end point for audio dubbing
During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY
at the scene at which you want to stop audio
dubbing. Then, perform steps 4 to 6. The
recording stops automatically at the selected
scene.
• The sound from a monaural device connected to the
MIC/LINE jack is recorded in the L channel.
b Note
• You can only record additional audio over a tape
recorded on your camcorder. The sound may
deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape recorded
on other camcorders (including other HDR-FX1E
camcorders).
Recording sound
z Tip
Assign the audio dubbing function to one of the
details on how to assign a function.
• You can manually adjust the microphone volume
when you are:
– Recording sound from an external microphone or
audio device connected to the MIC/LINE jack.
– Recording sound from a device connected to the
AUDIO/VIDEO jack.
1 Insert a recorded cassette into your
– Recording sound using the internal microphone.
camcorder.
Checking and adjusting the
recorded sound
2 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
3 Press N (play) to play the tape.
1 Play back the tape on which you have
recorded audio following the
procedures in “Recording sound”
4 Press X (pause) at the point where you
want to start recording the sound.
The playback pauses.
5 Press the ASSIGN button assigned to
2 Press MENU.
audio dubbing.
The
X mark appears on the LCD screen.
3 Select the (AUDIO SET) menu by
turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
6 Press X (pause) and start playing back
the audio you want to record at the
same time.
The
mark remains on the LCD screen
4 Select [AUDIO MIX] by turning the
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
while sound is recorded.
The new sound is recorded in stereo 2
(ST2).
,continued
Dubbing/Editing
79
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
adjust the balance between the original
sound (ST1) and the sound recorded
afterwards (ST2), then press the dial.
The original sound (ST1) is output in the
default setting.
The adjusted audio balance returns to the
default setting about 5 minutes after the
battery pack or other power sources have
been disconnected.
6 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
Dubbing/Editing
80
(supplied), and a digital device such as a
computer to your camcorder using an i.LINK
cable (optional). Your camcorder converts
the analog video signal from the VCR to a
digital signal and transmits it to the computer
to be dubbed.
To use the signal conversion function,
application software to import video signals
must be installed on the computer.
Connecting an analog
VCR to the computer
via your camcorder
– Signal conversion function
Connect an analog video device to your
camcorder using the A/V connecting cable
Connecting a computer
Refer to the manual supplied with the
application software for the system
requirements of the computer.
When you have an S video jack
on your VCR
S video cable
(optional)
AUDIO/VIDEO jack
Yellow
White
Red
A/V connecting
cable (supplied)
HDV/DV jack
i.LINK cable (optional)
Signal flow
b Note
• Select the
cable connected, the computer may hang up or may
not recognize this camcorder.
(OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT],
• Before connecting the i.LINK cable, select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], then [DV]
(p. 59). If you do this operation with the i.LINK
Dubbing/Editing
81
• Analog signals are not output from the
COMPONENT OUTPUT jack.
Importing a picture to the
computer
1 Turn on the analog device.
2 Set the POWER switch to VCR.
Use the AC Adaptor (supplied) as the
power source.
3 Press MENU.
4 Select the
(IN/OUT REC) menu
by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,
then press the dial.
5 Select [A/V t DV OUT] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press
the dial.
6 Select [ON] by turning the SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial, then press the dial.
7 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
8 Start playback on the analog device.
9 Start importing on the computer.
Refer to the manual supplied with the
program software or its on-line help for
details.
After importing the picture and sound
Stop importing on the computer, and stop
playback on the analog device.
b Note
• Your camcorder may not be able to output the signal
to the computer correctly depending on the video
signal input to your camcorder.
• You cannot import pictures that have been recorded
using a copyright protection signal to a computer via
your camcorder.
Dubbing/Editing
82
Troubleshooting
persists, remove the power source and
contact your Sony dealer.
If “C:ss:ss” is displayed on the LCD
screen or the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis
details.
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problem using your
camcorder, use the following table to
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem
Overall operations
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
The power does not turn on.
• The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the
camcorder.
The camcorder does not operate even cDisconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket or remove the battery
when the power is set to on.
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not
work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object. If you press
the RESET button, all settings including the clock setting (except the
Personal Menu and Picture Profile settings) are reset.
A clattering noise is heard when the
camcorder is handled with the
POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) or
VCR.
• This is because some lens functions on the camcorder use a linear
mechanism. This is not a malfunction.
The supplied Remote Commander
does not function.
cSet [REMOTE CTRL] on the
cInsert batteries into the battery compartment with the + – polarities
correctly matching the + – marks. If this still does not solve the problem,
cRemove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the
remote sensor.
The camcorder gets warm.
• This is because the power has been turned on for a long time. This is not
a malfunction.
Batteries/Power sources
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
The CHG (charge) lamp does not
light while the battery pack is being
charged.
cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the lamp still does
not light up, then it indicates that no power is supplied from the wall
socket.
,continued
Troubleshooting
83
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem
the battery pack is being charged.
The battery pack is not charged.
persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact
cSet the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
The battery pack is quickly
discharged.
• The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has
not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the
The remaining battery time indicator • The temperature of the environment is too high or too low, or the battery
does not indicate the correct time.
pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the
The power turns off frequently
although the remaining battery
indicator indicates that the battery
pack has enough power to operate.
• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the
battery pack has not been charged enough.
A problem occurs when the
camcorder is connected to the AC
Adaptor.
cTurn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket.
Then, connect it again.
Cassette tapes
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
Cassette cannot be ejected from the
compartment.
cMake sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected
cassette lid is open.
The Cassette Memory indicator does cSince your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory, no
not appear while using a cassette with
indicator appears.
Cassette Memory.
The remaining tape indicator is not
displayed.
cSet [
REMAINING] to [ON] on the
(OTHERS) menu to always
Troubleshooting
84
LCD screen/viewfinder
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
screen.
screen.
The picture in the viewfinder is not
clear.
The picture in the viewfinder has
disappeared.
cClose the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder
Recording
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
The tape does not start when you
press REC START/STOP.
cThe tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.
cThe tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the
cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the
The tape does not start when you
press REC START/STOP on the
handle.
The power abruptly turns off.
The zoom does not function.
cWhen using the zoom lever on the Remote Commander, set the ZOOM
switch to LEVER/REMOTE (p. 23).
The handle zoom does not work.
Zoom or shot transition stops in the
middle of the operation.
• This occurs when you replace a cassette during the operation (when the
camcorder is connected to another recording device for the purpose of
backup recording).
The SteadyShot does not function.
The auto focus does not function.
cSet [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] in the
(CAMERA SET) menu
cThe recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus
A vertical band appears when
recording candlelight or electric light
in the dark.
• This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is
too high. This is not a malfunction.
,continued
Troubleshooting
85
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
A vertical band appears when
recording a bright subject.
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.
Tiny spots in white appear on the
screen.
• The spots appear at a slower shutter speed. This is not a malfunction.
Picture appears too bright on the
screen, and the subject does not
appear on the screen.
Playback
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
Cannot play back.
Cannot play back in reverse direction. cReverse playback is not possible with the tape recorded in the HDV
format.
Horizontal lines appear on the
picture. The displayed pictures are
not clear or do not appear.
Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines
look jagged.
cAdjust [SHARPNESS] to the – (soften) side in the PICTURE PROFILE
No sound or only a low sound is
heard.
cSet [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] on the
(AUDIO SET) menu
cOn the
(AUDIO SET) menu, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2]
cWhen you are using an S VIDEO cable or a component video cable,
make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are
The sound breaks off.
The date search and index search do • There is a blank section at the beginning or in the middle of the tape. This
not work.
is not a malfunction.
“---” is displayed on the screen.
• The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.
• A blank section on the tape is being played.
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.
END SEARCH does not work.
• The POWER switch is set to CAMERA.
• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.
END SEARCH does not work
correctly.
• There is a blank section at the beginning or in the middle of the tape. This
is not a malfunction.
No picture appears during END
SEARCH or Rec Review.
• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DV formats. This is not a
malfunction.
Troubleshooting
86
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
Cannot view the picture or hear the
sound on the TV connected with the
component video cable.
cSet [COMPONENT] on the
cWhen you are using the component video cable, make sure the red and
(IN/OUT REC) menu according to the
The picture appears distorted on the • This happens when viewing a picture recorded in the 16:9 wide mode on
4:3 TV.
a 4:3 TV.
cTo play back the picture, set [TV TYPE] on the
(IN/OUT REC)
cBefore recording, set [DV WIDE REC] on the
(CAMERA SET)
Noises appear and
displayed on the screen.
or
is
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your
appears on the LCD
• This appears when you play back a tape recorded on other recording
devices using a 4-channel microphone. This camcorder does not comply
with the 4-channel microphone recording standard.
screen.
Dubbing
Symptom
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
Pictures from connected devices are cSet [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] on the
(OTHERS) menu
(OTHERS) menu
not displayed on the LCD screen or
the viewfinder.
Cannot dub correctly using the A/V
connecting cable.
cSet [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] on the
When connected using an i.LINK
cable, no picture appears on the
monitor screen during dubbing.
cSet [VCR HDV/DV] on the
(IN/OUT REC) menu according to the
New sound added to a recorded tape cIn the
(AUDIO SET) menu, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1]
is not heard.
Pictures disappears for a moment
when you press EXPANDED
FOCUS.
• If you press EXPANDED FOCUS during recording in the DV format
while transferring pictures to the connected device, pictures disappear
when switching from the normal size to the expanded size.
Troubleshooting
87
Warning indicators and messages
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in
parentheses for details.
Indication
Cause and/or Corrective Actions
C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Self-
diagnosis display)
Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after
you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized
Sony service facility.
C:04:ss
cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.
C:21:ss
cMoisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your
C:22:ss
C:31ss / C:32ss
cSymptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove and
insert the cassette, then operate your camcorder again. Do not perform
cRemove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your
camcorder again.
cChange the tape.
E:61:ss / E:62:ss
cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.”
E (Battery level warning)
• The battery pack is nearly used up.
• Depending on the operating, environmental, or battery conditions, the
E indicator may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes
remaining.
% (Moisture condensation warning)* cEject the cassette, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), and leave it for
Q (Warning indicator pertaining to Slow flashing:
the tape)
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape.
• No cassette is inserted.*
Fast flashing:
• The tape has run out.*
Z (Eject cassette warning)*
Slow flashing:
Fast flashing:
* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.
Troubleshooting
88
Warning messages
If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.
Subjects
Indications
Corrective Actions/
References
Battery
Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
Battery level is low.
Old battery. Use a new one.
Z Re-attach the power source.
–
Moisture
condensation
% Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette.
% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.
Q Insert a cassette.
Cassette/Tape
Z Reinsert the cassette.
cThe cassette might be damaged, etc.
Q Z The tape is locked - check the tab.
Q The tape has reached the end.
Cannot record due to copyright protection.
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the i.LINK cable.
Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot add audio.*
–
Others
–
Cannot add audio on the blank portion of a tape.
HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio.
Cannot add audio.
No registered value set in SHOT-A.
No registered value set in SHOT-B.
Change to correct tape format.
cThe pictures cannot be played back
because of an incompatible format.
No output image in “VCR HDV/DV”. Change
format.
cStop inputting the playback signal,
or reset [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 59).
Already added to CAMERA mode’s P-MENU.
Already added to VCR mode’s P-MENU.
–
–
x
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.
* Appears only for the pictures recorded in the DV format.
Troubleshooting
89
Additional Information
On HDV compatible TVs
An HDV compatible TV with the component
input jack is required to view playback pictures
recorded in the HDV format. See the table
below.
It is recommended to use an i.LINK cable to
connect these TVs.
Using your camcorder
abroad
Power supply
Sony TV models
You can use your camcorder in any country/
regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with
your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V,
50/60 Hz.
KDE-P42MRX1, KDE-P42XS1, KDE-P37XS1
KDL-L42MRX1, KDL-L32MRX1,
KE-P42MRX1, KE-P42XS1, KE-P37XS1,
KE-P42M1, KE-P37M1, KE-MX42S1,
KE-MX42A1, KE-MX42M1, KE-MX32S1,
KE-MX32A1, KE-MX32M1, KE-MV42A1,
KE-MV42M1
On TV color systems
Your camcorder is a PAL system-based
camcorder. If you want to view the playback
picture recorded in the DV format on a TV, it
must be a PAL system-based TV (see following
list) with the AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.
KP-FW51M90A, KP-FW46M90A,
KP-FW46X90A, KP-FX43M90A
KLV-L42MRX1, KLV-L32MRX1, KLV-L32M1
KV-HR36M91, KV-HR36M61, KV-HR36M90,
KV-HR36M31, KV-HR34M91, KV-HR34M61,
KV-HR34M90, KV-HR32M91, KV-HR32M61,
KV-HR32M90, KV-HR32M31, KV-HR29M91,
KV-HR29M61
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.
KV-HX32M31
KV-HZ34M85, KV-HZ34M65, KV-HZ34M90,
KV-HZ34M80, KV-HZ29M85, KV-HZ29M65,
KV-HZ29M90, KV-HZ29M80, KV-HZ29M55,
etc.
As of 1st October, 2004
PAL - M
PAL - N
SECAM
Brazil
b Note
• Some models are not available depending on the
country or region.
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.
Simple setting of the clock by time
NTSC
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada,
Central America, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan,
Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam,
Taiwan, the Philippines, the
difference
You can easily set the clock to the local time by
setting a time difference when using your
camcorder abroad. Select [WORLD TIME] on
the
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time
U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.
Additional Information
90
Notes on cassette tapes
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set
to SAVE.
HDV format and
recording/playback
Your camcorder is capable of recording in both
HDV and DV formats.
You can use only mini DV cassettes in your
camcorder.
Use a cassette with the
mark.
What is the HDV (
) format?
The HDV format is a video format developed to
record and play back digital high definition
(HD) video signals on a DV cassette.
Your camcorder adopts the Interlace mode with
1080 effective scan lines of screen ruling
(1080i, number of pixels 1440 × 1080 dots).
The video bit rate for recording is about 25
Mbps.
REC: The cassette can be recorded.
SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-
protected).
When labeling the cassette
Be sure to place the label only on the locations
as shown in the following illustration so as not
to cause malfunction of your camcorder.
i.LINK is adopted for the digital interface,
enabling a digital connection with an HDV
compatible TV or computer.
Do not put a label
along this border.
Playback
Your camcorder can play back pictures in both
the DV format and HDV1080i specification.
Copyright signal
When you play back
If the cassette you play back on your camcorder
contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to
a tape in another video device connected to your
camcorder.
Labeling position
After using the cassette
When you record
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid
distortion of the picture or the sound. The
cassette should then be put in its case, and stored
in an upright position.
You cannot record software on your
camcorder that contains copyright
control signals for copyright protection
of software.
[Cannot record due to copyright protection.]
appears on the LCD screen, or on the TV screen
if you try to record such software.
Your camcorder does not record copyright
control signals on the tape when it records.
,continued
Additional Information
91
When cleaning the gold-plated
connector
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a
cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10
times it has been ejected.
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is
dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may
not be indicated correctly.
About the
“ InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack
This unit is compatible with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your
camcorder operates only with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
“InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the
mark.
Gold-plated
connector
What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack?
b Note
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-
ion battery pack that has functions for
communicating information related to operating
conditions between your camcorder and an
optional AC Adaptor/charger.
• Your camcorder is not compatible with Cassette
Memory.
are trademarks.
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates
the power consumption according to the
operating conditions of your camcorder, and
displays the remaining battery time in minutes.
With an AC Adaptor/charger (optional), the
remaining battery time and charging time
appear.
HDV and
Sony Corporation and JVC.
are trademarks of
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.
To charge the battery pack
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you
start using your camcorder.
• We recommend charging the battery pack in
an ambient temperature of between 10°C to
30°C (50°F to 86°F) until the CHG (charge)
lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack
outside of this temperature range, you may not
be able to charge it efficiently.
• After charging is complete, either disconnect
the cable from the DC IN jack on your
camcorder or remove the battery pack.
To use the battery pack effectively
• Battery pack performance decreases when the
surrounding temperature is 10°C (50°F) or
below, and the length of time you can use the
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do
one of the following to use the battery pack for
a longer time.
Additional Information
92
– 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 (optional).
leave your camcorder in tape recording
standby until the power goes off.
About battery life
• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity
drops little by little as you use it more and
more, and as time passes. When the available
battery time is shortened considerably, a
probable cause is that the battery pack has
reached the end of its life. Please buy a new
battery pack.
• The battery life varies depending on how it is
stored and the operating conditions and
environment for each battery pack.
• 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 (optional).
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG) when not recording or playing back on
your camcorder. The battery pack is also
consumed when your camcorder is in
recording standby or playback pause.
• Have spare battery packs ready for 2 or 3
times the expected recording time, and make
trial recordings before making the actual
recording.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The
battery pack is not water resistant.
About 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. The
indication on the remaining battery time will
be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the
battery indication will not be restored if it is
used in high temperatures for a long time, or if
left in a fully charged state, or when the
battery pack is frequently used.
Use the remaining battery time indication as a
guide to the approximate shooting time.
• The 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 and
environment.
About storage of the battery pack
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,
fully charge the battery pack and use it on your
camcorder once a year to maintain the 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, eject a cassette and
Additional Information
93
device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK
interface on some device.
The maximum baud rate for device that does not
have any indication (such as this unit) is
“S100.”
The baud rate may differ from the indicated
value when the unit is connected to device with
a different maximum baud rate.
About i.LINK
The i.LINK Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-
compliant Interface. This section describes the
i.LINK standard and its features.
What is i.LINK?
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for
transferring digital video, digital audio, and
other data to other i.LINK-compatible device.
You can also control other device using the
i.LINK.
i.LINK-compatible device can be connected
using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are
operations and data transactions with various
digital AV devices.
When 2 or more i.LINK-compatible device are
connected to this unit in a daisy chain,
operations and data transactions are possible
with not only the device that this unit is
connected to but also with other devices via the
directly connected device.
* What is Mbps?
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the
amount of data that can be sent or received in
1 second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps
means that 100 megabits of data can be sent in
1 second.
To use i.LINK functions on this unit
For details on how to dub when this unit is
connected to other video device having a
This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK
compatible device made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO
series personal computer) as well as to video
device.
Some i.LINK compatible video device such as
Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players,
and MICROMV recorders/players are not
compatible with this unit. Before connecting to
other device, be sure to confirm whether the
device is compatible with HDV/DV or not.
For details on precautions and compatible
application software, refer also to the operating
instructions for the device to be connected.
Note, however, that the method of operation
sometimes varies according to the
characteristics and specifications of the device
to be connected. Also, operations and data
transactions may not be possible on some
connected device.
b Note
• Normally, only one device can be connected to this
unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this
unit to an HDV/DV compatible device having two or
more i.LINK Interfaces, refer to the operating
instructions of the device to be connected.
About the required i.LINK cable
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable
(during HDV/DV dubbing).
z Tip
• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394
data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a
trademark approved by many corporations.
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers.
i.LINK and
Corporation.
are trademarks of Sony
About i.LINK Baud rate
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according
to the device. There are 3 types.
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)
The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in
the operating instructions of each piece of
Additional Information
94
• 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 mains lead, pull by
the plug and not the cord.
Maintenance and
precautions
• Do not damage the mains lead such as by
placing anything heavy on it.
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.
• Keep metal contacts clean.
• Keep the Remote Commander and button-
type battery out of children’s reach. If the
battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a
doctor immediately.
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,
– consult your local authorized Sony service
facility.
– 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.
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted
your skin.
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with
plenty of water and consult a doctor.
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.
Noise may occur.
– Sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand or
dust gets in your camcorder, it may
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction
cannot be repaired.
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages
the inside of the viewfinder or the LCD
screen.
When not using your camcorder for a
long time
Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by
playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.
Moisture condensation
If your camcorder is brought directly from a
cold place to a warm place, moisture may
condense inside your camcorder, on the surface
of the tape, or on the lens. In this state, the tape
may stick to the head drum and be damaged or
your camcorder may not operate correctly. If
there is moisture inside your camcorder, [%Z
Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette] or [%
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]
appears. The indicator will not appear when the
moisture condenses on the lens.
– 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.
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for
example, from rain or sea water. If your
camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be
repaired.
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it
any further.
If moisture condensation has occurred
None of the functions except cassette ejection
will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your
camcorder, and leave it for about 1 hour with
the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be
used again if % or Z does not appear when the
power is turned on again.
If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder
sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this
happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejected
for 10 seconds after the cassette lid is opened.
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,
modifying, or mechanical shock. Be
particularly careful of the lens.
• Keep the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG)
when you are not using your camcorder.
,continued
Additional Information
95
This is not a malfunction. Do not close the
cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.
after using a cleaning cassette, it might be
because the video head is worn. Please contact
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility to have the video head
replaced.
Note on moisture condensation
Moisture may condense when you bring your
camcorder from a cold place into a warm place
(or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder
in a humid place as shown below.
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski
slope into a place warmed up by a heating
device.
• When you bring your camcorder from an air-
conditioned car or room into a hot place
outside.
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or
a shower.
LCD screen
• Do not add 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.
To clean the LCD screen
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and
humid place.
• If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen
dirty, it is recommended to use an LCD
cleaning cloth (optional) to clean it. When you
use the LCD Cleaning Kit (optional), do not
apply the cleaning liquid directly to the LCD
screen. Use cleaning paper moistened with the
liquid.
How to prevent moisture condensation
When you bring your camcorder from a cold
place into a warm place, put your camcorder in
a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag
when the air temperature inside the plastic bag
has reached the surrounding temperature (after
about 1 hour).
Cleaning 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 prevent the finish from
being damaged.
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent and
insecticide.
– Handling with above substances on your
hands.
Video head
• When the video head becomes dirty, you
cannot record pictures normally, or distorted
picture or sound is played back.
• If the following problem occurs, clean the
video heads for 10 seconds with the cleaning
cassette.
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the
playback picture or the screen is displayed
in blue.
– Leaving the case in contact with rubber or
vinyl objects for a long period of time.
About care and storage of the lens
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft
cloth in the following instances:
– 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.
– Playback pictures do not move.
– A part of playback pictures does not move.
– Playback pictures do not appear or the
sound breaks off.
– [x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning
cassette.] appears on the screen during
recording.
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to
little dirt or dust.
• The video head suffers from wear after long
use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even
Additional Information
96
• To prevent molds periodically clean the lens
as described above.
2
Remove dust from inside the viewfinder
and the part shown below with a blower.
It is recommended you operate your camcorder
about once a month to keep it in an optimum
state for a long time.
To charge the pre-installed button-type
battery
Your camcorder has a pre-installed button-type
battery to retain the date, time, and other
settings even when the POWER switch is set to
OFF (CHG). The pre-installed button-type
battery is always charged while you are using
your camcorder but it will get discharged
gradually if you do not use your camcorder. The
button-type battery will be fully discharged in
about 3 months if you do not use your
camcorder at all. However, even if the pre-
installed button-type battery is not charged, the
camcorder operation will not be affected if you
are not recording the date.
Procedures
Connect your camcorder to a wall socket using
the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the
POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more
than 24 hours.
Removing dust from inside the
viewfinder
1
Remove the viewfinder.
While sliding the viewfinder release lever
down 1, slide and remove the viewfinder
2.
Additional Information
97
Color temperature
[AUTO], [ONE-PUSH A/B], [INDOOR]
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)
Minimum illumination
Specification
System
3 lx (lux) (F 1.6)
Video recording system (HDV)
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system
Video recording system (DV)
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system
Audio recording system (HDV)
Rotary heads, MPEG-1 Audio Layer2
Quantization: 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)
Transfer rate: 384 kbps
Audio recording system (DV)
Rotary heads, PCM system
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1,
stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)
Video signal
Input/Output connectors
Audio/Video input/output
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),
unbalanced, sync negative
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load impedance
47 kΩ (kilohms)), Input impedance more than
47 kΩ (kilohms), Output impedance less than
2.2 kΩ (kilohms)
S VIDEO input/output
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),
unbalanced
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),
unbalanced
PAL color, CCIR standards, 1080/50i
specification
Usable cassette
COMPONENT OUTPUT jack
Y: 1 Vp-p (0.3 V sync negative)
PB/PR, CB/CR: +/- 350 mVp-p, Input
impedance 75 Ω (ohms)
Mini DV cassette with the
printed
mark
Headphones jack
Tape speed (HDV)
Stereo minijack (Ø 3.5 mm)
LANC jack
Approx. 18.81 mm/s
Tape speed (DV)
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm)
MIC jack
Minijack, 0.388 mV low impedance with DC
2.5 to 3.0 V, output impedance 6.8 kΩ
(kilohms) (Ø 3.5 mm), Stereo type
HDV/DV jack
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s
Recording/playback time (HDV)
60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)
Recording/playback time (DV)
SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)
LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)
Fast forward/rewind time
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60 cassette)
Viewfinder
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin connector
S100)
LCD screen
Picture
8.8 cm (3.5 type)
Total dot number
250 000 (1 120 × 224)
Electric viewfinder (color)
Image device
6 mm (1/3 type) 3CCD (Charge Coupled
Device)
Gross: Approx. 1 120 000 pixels
Effective: Approx. 1 070 000 pixels
Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*
Combined power zoom lens
Filter diameter: 72 mm (2 7/8 in.)
12 × (Optical)
F = 1.6 ~ 2.8
Focal length
4.5 - 54 mm (3/16 - 2 1/4 in.)
When converted to a 35 mm still camera
32.5 - 390 mm (1 5/16 - 15 3/8 in.)
(40 - 480 mm (1 5/8 - 19 in.) in 4:3 TV mode)
Additional Information
98
General
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F570)
Maximum output voltage
DC 8.4 V
Output voltage
DC 7.2 V
Capacity
Power requirements
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)
Average power consumption (when using the
battery pack)
During camera recording using the viewfinder
with normal brightness:
HDV recording 7.3 W
DV recording 6.9 W
During camera recording using the LCD with
normal brightness:
15.8 Wh (2 200 mAh)
Dimensions (approx.)
38.4 × 20.6 × 70.8 mm
(1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 7/8 in.) (w/h/d)
Mass (approx.)
100 g (3.5 oz)
HDV recording 7.9 W
DV recording 7.5 W
Operating temperature
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage temperature
Operating temperature
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Type
Lithium ion
-20°C to + 60°C (-4°F to + 140°F)
Dimensions (approx.)
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
151 × 181 × 365 mm (6 × 7 1/4 × 14 3/8 in.)
(w/h/d)
Mass (Approx.)
2.0 kg (4 lb 6 1/2 oz) main unit only
2.1 kg (4 lb 10 1/8 oz) including the NP-F570
rechargeable battery pack, DVM60 cassette
and lens hood.
Supplied accessories
AC Adaptor AC-L15A/L15B
Power requirements
AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Current consumption
0.35 - 0.18 A
Power consumption
18 W
Output voltage
DC 8.4 V, 1.5 A
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.)
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.) (w/h/
d) excluding the projecting parts
Mass (approx.)
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the mains lead
Additional Information
99
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and
controls
Camcorder
A SHOT TRANSITION operation buttons
D Rear remote sensor
F BATT RELEASE (battery release)
button (p. 12)
Lights up when handling an i.LINK signal.
J Shoe adaptor attaching part (p. 104)
Quick Reference
100
A Hook for the shoulder strap
* Each of the buttons has a raised tactile dot. (The
ASSIGN button has it on the 2 button.) Use it to
identify the location of the buttons.
D FOCUS switch (AUTO/MAN (manual)/
To attach the shoulder strap
Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your
camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap.
INFINITY) (p. 32)
H
WHT BAL (One-push white balance)
button (p. 26)
J WHT BAL (white balance) switch (A/B/
PRESET) (p. 26)
,continued
Quick Reference
101
* Each of the buttons has a raised tactile dot. (The
VOLUME button has it on the + side.) Use it to
identify the location of the buttons.
C RESET button
If you press RESET, all settings including
the clock setting (except the Personal Menu
and Picture Profile settings) return to the
default.
I Video control buttons (Rewind,
Playback*, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,
Slow, Record) (p. 42)
N REC START/STOP button and HOLD
lever (p. 21)
O AUTO/MAN (manual) audio switch
Quick Reference
102
A
LANC jack (blue)
N Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens)
The
LANC control jack is used for
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens which can reproduce fine images.
The lens for your camcorder was developed
jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation. It adopts the MTF
measurement system for video cameras and
offers a quality as fine as a Carl Zeiss lens.
The lens for your camcorder is also T*-
coated to suppress unwanted reflection and
faithfully reproduce colors.
controlling the tape transport of video
device and peripherals connected to it.
B i (headphones) jack
When you use headphones, the speaker on
your camcorder is silent.
D
MTF stands for Modulation Transfer
Function.The value number indicates the
amount of light from a subject coming into
the lens.
G Tripod receptacle
Make sure that the length of the tripod
screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).
Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod
securely, and the screw may damage your
camcorder.
78)
I MIC (PLUG IN POWER)/LINE jack
(red) (p. 78)
L Front remote sensor
M Speaker
,continued
Quick Reference
103
A Shoe adaptor
To remove the lens hood
To connect an accessory, press down and
push it to the end, and then tighten the
screw. To remove an accessory, loosen the
screw, and then press down and pull out the
accessory.
Loosen the lens hood fixing screw, then turn the
lens hood in the direction of the arrow.
When you attach the shoe adaptor, be
careful not to damage the LCD panel.
C OPEN/EJECT
lever (p. 17)
Hood fixing screw
To attach the lens hood
Align the marks on the lens hood to those on the
camcorder, and turn the lens hood in the
opposite direction of the arrow in the figure
above. Tighten the lens hood fixing screw.
To attach the shoe adaptor
Quick Reference
104
Remote Commander
2
Insert 2 R6 (size AA) batteries by
matching the + and – on the batteries to
the + and – in the battery compartment.
3
Replace the cover back until it clicks.
D Video control buttons (Rewind,
Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,
Frame, Slow, ×2) (p. 42)
b Notes on the Remote Commander
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light
sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting.
Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not
function properly.
• The Remote Commander may not function properly
when the remote sensor is obstructed with a
conversion lens (optional).
E Transmitter
After turning on your camcorder, point
towards the remote sensor to control your
camcorder.
• When you are operating with the Remote
Commander supplied with your camcorder, your
VCR may also operate. In that case, select a
commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR,
or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.
To insert the batteries
1
Press and pull out the cover of the
battery compartment.
Quick Reference
105
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder
Following indicators will appear on the LCD
screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of
your camcorder.
Indicators
Meanings
LCD backlight off (p. 16)
Picture Profile (p. 34)
Index recording (p. 39)
Example: Indicators in the CAMERA mode
through
Self-diagnosis (p. 88)
4-channel microphone
STBY
120min
0:00:00
60min
HDV1080
i
ND
1
* Appears only for the pictures in the DV format.
L
PP1
F 1.6 18dB
18R0
Indicators
y120min
,
Meanings
Remaining battery (p. 21)
Recording format (p. 20)
Recording mode (p. 22)
SP , LP
STBY/REC
Recording standby/
recording mode
ND , ND , ND
OFF
ND filter (p. 30)
1
2
4:3 standard mode (p. 40)
Remaining tape (p. 21)
60min q
Output analog images and
sound in digital format
HDV input/DV input
Zero set memory (p. 49)
Warning (p. 88)
Q Z
9
Manual focus (p. 32)
Backlight (p. 25)
.
Spot light (p. 25)
n
Preset white balance (p. 26)
A,
B
One-push white balance
Iris closed (p. 28)
Quick Reference
106
Customizing Personal
"InfoLITHIUM" battery
pack ............................ 92
Index
Numerics
16:9 wide recording (DV
WIDE REC) ................40
Menu...........................65
A
D
L
Display
Language
(LANGUAGE)........... 18
LCD back light (LCD BL
LEVEL)...................... 58
LCD brightness (LCD
BRIGHT).................... 15
LP (Long Play)
E
B
See Recording mode (REC
MODE)
Battery
F
M
Frame recording (FRAME
REC) ...........................55
Main sound
Menu
Menu letter size (LETTER
SIZE).......................... 63
Microphone volume
level ............................ 36
G
C
Camera settings data
display .........................44
Center marker (CENTER
MARKR).....................55
Charging the battery
H
Pre-installed button-type
battery...................97
I
N
,continued
107
Smooth transition
SP (Standard Play)
See Recording mode (REC
MODE)
SteadyShot
(STEADYSHOT)........54
SteadyShot type
(STDYSHOT TYP).....54
Sub sound
O
Z
Operation confirmation beep
P
Personal Menu
(P-MENU) .................. 65
Playback
T
Telephoto
Transition curve (TRANS
CURVE)......................53
Transition time (TRANS
TIME)..........................53
R
Recording capacity
Recording format (REC
FORMAT) .................. 60
Recording lamp (REC
LAMP)........................ 63
Recording mode (REC
MODE)....................... 60
U
V
Viewfinder
Brightness
(VF B.LIGHT)......58
S
Signal conversion function
W
Wide angle
108
Printed on 100% recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
Printed in Japan
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