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WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued) Lightning For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800- 222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information...
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-HC26 Serial No. Model No. AC- Serial No.
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About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF* measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.
Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 3 Read this first ... 5 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ... 11 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ... 12 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ... 15 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...
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Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) ... 31 Playing the picture on a TV ...32 Using the Menu Using the menu items ...34 Operation button items ...36 Menu items ...41 MANUAL SET menu ...42 – PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc. CAMERA SET menu ...43 –...
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Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ... 79 Usable cassette tapes ... 80 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 81 About i.LINK ... 82 Maintenance and precautions ... 83 Specifications ... 86 Index ... 89...
Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. • The cassette tape is not supplied. See page 6, 80 for compatible cassettes for your camcorder.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 81) after attaching it to your camcorder. POWER switch DC IN jack DC plug To the wall outlet AC Adaptor Power cord Align the terminals of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it into place 2.
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The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet by making the same connections as you do when charging...
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued) Playing time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. LCD panel Battery pack opened NP-FP30 (supplied) NP-FP50 NP-FP70 NP-FP71 NP-FP90 On the battery pack • Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly To record or play back, slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. When using it for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 19). POWER switch Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the...
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2). 180 degrees (max.) 90 degrees to the 90 degrees camcorder (max.)
Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 25), or change the settings (p. 34) using the touch panel. Place your hand on the rear side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
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Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued) Touch the area including the indicator that you want to check. DISP GUIDE FOCUS: MANUAL PROGRAM AE: SPOTLIGHT P EFFECT: SEPIA PAGE PAGE The meanings of the indicators in the area are listed on the screen. If you cannot find the indicator you want to check, touch [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to toggle.
Step 6: Setting the date and time 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 or change the POWER switch position.
Step 7: Inserting a Cassette You can use mini DV (p. 80). • The recordable time varies depending on [REC MODE] (p. 46). Slide and hold the EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. OPEN/EJECT lever The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.
Recording/Playback Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy viewing. Recording Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
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Playback Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows. If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.
Recording Lens cap Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap REC START/STOP B Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp. If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.
Playback Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Start playing back. Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch playback. A Stop B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it •...
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. Recording To use zoom... 1 qa Move the power zoom lever 1 slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Wider range of view: (Wide angle) Close view: (Telephoto) • You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons qa on the LCD frame.
To fix the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter)... 0 See [SPOT METER] on page 36. To record in mirror mode ... qs Open the LCD panel qs 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2).
Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording A Remaining battery (approx.) B Recording mode (SP or LP) (46) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D Recording: Tape counter (hour: minute: second)/Tape photo recording (24) Playback: Time code (hour: minute: second: frame) E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.) (47) F Function button (34)
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( ) is a reference page. The indicators during recording will not be recorded. Indicators when you made changes You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 17) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. • Some of the indicators may not appear when you use [DISP GUIDE].
Searching for the starting point Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up (p. 24). Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH) [END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape.
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review) You can view a few seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU]. Select (CAMERA SET) with , then touch [EXEC]. Select [EDITSEARCH] with , then touch [EXEC].
Playing the picture on a TV You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
Using the Menu Using the menu items Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page. Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.
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x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation 60min STBY 0:00:00 1 Touch 2 Select the desired menu. Touch [MENU] then select the desired menu. 3 Change your item setting. After finishing the settings, touch Each touch of [ RET.] takes you to the previous screen.
Operation button items Available operation buttons vary depending on the position of the lamp and the display (PAGE). The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are marked with*.
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To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [ AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to AUTO]. • If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL]. • The setting returns to [ AUTO] when you turn the power off for more than 12 hours. DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)* See page 17.
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Operation button items (Continued) EXPOSURE You can fix the brightness of a picture manually. When recording indoors on a clear day, for instance, you can avoid backlight shadows on people next to the window by fixing the exposure to that of the wall side of the room.
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SELF TIMER The self-timer starts recording after about 10 seconds. t [PAGE2] t [SELF 1 Touch TIMER]. appears. 2 Touch 3 Press REC START/STOP to record movies, or PHOTO to record still images. To cancel the count down during recording movies, press REC START/STOP.
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Operation button items (Continued) BURN DVD When your camcorder is connected to a Sony VAIO series personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape on a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) (p. 62). BURN VCD...
Menu items • Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit. • During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 22). MANUAL SET menu PROGRAM AE P EFFECT AUTO SHTR CAMERA SET menu D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH...
MANUAL SET menu – PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items. PROGRAM AE You can record pictures effectively in various situations with the PROGRAM AE function.
SEPIA Pictures appear in sepia. B&W Pictures appear in black and white. SOLARIZE Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast. PASTEL* Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during playback. • You can record pictures edited with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.
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CAMERA SET menu (Continued) WIDE SEL (Wide select) You can record a picture in a ratio suitable for the screen on which it will be displayed. Refer also to the operating instructions supplied with your TV for details. B 4:3 Standard setting (to record pictures to be played back on a 4:3 TV).
VCR SET menu – HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items. HiFi SOUND You can select whether to play back audio recorded using other devices with dual sound or stereo sound.
LCD/VF SET menu (Continued) • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording. WIDE DISP (Wide display) You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio picture appears in the viewfinder and the LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to [16:9 WIDE].
REMAIN B AUTO Displays the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds in situations such as those described below. • When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted. • When you touch (Play/Pause). Always displays the remaining tape indicator.
OTHERS menu – WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items. WORLD TIME When using your camcorder abroad, you can set the time difference by touching , the clock will be adjusted in accordance with the time difference.
Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (VCR/ DVD device, etc.). You can connect your camcorder to a VCR/DVD device, etc., using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
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Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued) Prepare your camcorder for playback. Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Prepare your VCR/DVD device for recording. When dubbing to the VCR, insert a cassette for recording. When dubbing to the DVD recorder, insert a DVD for recording.
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc. You can record pictures or TV programs from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc., on a tape. Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand. You can connect your camcorder to a TV, VCR/DVD or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK cable.
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued) Touch [REC START] at the point you want to start recording. Stop recording. Touch (Stop) or [REC PAUSE]. Touch [ RET.] t Dubbing sound to a recorded tape You can add sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit mode (p.
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Touch (Play/Pause) to play back the tape, then touch it again at the point where you want to start recording the sound. t [PAGE3] t [A Touch DUB CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB]. X appears. 60min 60min 0:00:00:00 0:00:00:00 A DUB CTRL RET.
Jacks to connect external devices Camcorder Open the jack cover. A (USB) jack (p. 55) DV Interface (i.LINK) (p. 49, 51, 62) C A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 32, 49) D DC IN jack (p. 12)
A USB cable is not supplied with your camcorder. If necessary, buy a USB 2.0 cable (Type A to Type B-mini.). A Sony product is recommended. – i.LINK cable This method is good for copying video and sound recorded on a tape.
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer (Continued) About “First Step Guide” “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This “First Step Guide” describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software stored on the CD-...
• When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer. To copy recordings from a tape, connect your camcorder to the computer with an i.LINK cable and use the standard software in the OS.
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Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (Continued) If the screen does not appear 1 Double-click [My Computer]. 2 Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive).* * Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer. Click [Install]. The software version of Picture Package is displayed as “1.5.”...
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Click [Install] on the [Ready to Install the Program] screen. The installation of Picture Package starts. Click [Next] to install the “First Step Guide.” Depending on the computer, this screen may not be displayed. In such a case, skip to step 11. Click [Next], then follow the on- screen instructions to install ImageMixer VCD2.
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Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (Continued) The computer turns off once, then starts up again automatically (Restart). The short-cut icons for [Picture Package Menu] and [Picture Package destination folder] (and “First Step Guide,” if installed in step 10) appear on the desktop.
Music Contents without obtaining authorization or approval of the respective owners thereof. License of Picture Package by Sony Corporation would not be construed as conferring to you by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any license or right to use the Music Contents.
DVD”) You can create a DVD from a tape with a Sony VAIO series computer* preinstalled with “Click to DVD Ver.1.2” (Sony original software) or later via an i.LINK cable. The picture is automatically copied and written to a DVD.
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Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/ EDIT lamp. Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder. Connect your camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK cable (p. 62). • When you connect your camcorder to a computer, make sure you insert the connector in the correct way.
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Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) (Continued) stage, DVD creation will continue on your computer. • If any of the following occurs, copying of the picture is canceled. A DVD containing the data up to the point the operation was canceled is created.
Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn on.
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The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.
An unknown indicator appears on the screen. • A warning indicator or message appears on the screen (p. 76). The picture remains on the LCD screen. • This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug from your camcorder or remove the battery pack without turning off the power first.
Troubleshooting (Continued) The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding. • When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction. Recording Refer also to “Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 68). The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.
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[STEADYSHOT] does not function. • Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 44). The BACK LIGHT function does not function. • In the following settings, the BACK LIGHT function is canceled. – [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE] – [SPOT METER] • The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation (p. 23). A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark.
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Troubleshooting (Continued) No sound or only a low sound is heard. • Set [HiFi SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 45). • Turn up the volume (p. 25). • Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately (p.
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You cannot use [EXPOSURE]. • You cannot use [EXPOSURE] together with NightShot plus. • If you set [PROGRAM AE], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [ You cannot use [WHT BAL]. • You cannot use [WHT BAL] together with NightShot plus. You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].
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Troubleshooting (Continued) You cannot view the video your camcorder is seeing on the computer. • Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again. • Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp on your camcorder, and set [USB STREAM] to [ON] (p.
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8 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again. 1 Double-click [My Computer]. 2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*. * Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer. 3 Click [Open]. 4 Double-click [Driver]. 5 Double-click [Setup.exe].
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Troubleshooting (Continued) 5 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete them. – [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder – [USB Audio Device] in the [Sound, video and game controller] folder –...
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An error message appears while operating Picture Package. • Close Picture Package first, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder to turn on another lamp. The CD-R drive is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker.
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If the problem persists even after you have tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis...
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Description of warning messages If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions. x Battery/Power Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 81) Battery level is low. • Change the battery (p. 12, 81). Old battery. Use a new one. (p. 81) Z Re-attach the power source.
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Warning indicators and messages (Continued) Invalid during Easy Handycam operation. (p. 23) USB invalid during Easy Handycam • You cannot connect the USB cable during Easy Handycam. Touch HDV recorded tape. Cannot playback. • Your camcorder cannot play back this format.
Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].
Usable cassette tapes You can use mini DV format cassettes only. Use a cassette with the Your camcorder is not compatible with cassettes with Cassette Memory. To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p.
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack This unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series). Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs have the mark. What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack? An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your...
• 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.
DV Interface, see page 49, 51. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video devices. Some i.LINK compatible video devices, such as Digital Televisions, DVD, MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are not compatible with DV devices.
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• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound distortion may be apparent. • If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM- 12CLD cleaning cassette (optional). – Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
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LCD screen • Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage. • If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction. •...
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack attached. Use your camcorder after charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery. However, even if the pre-installed rechargeable battery is not charged, the camcorder operation will not be affected as long as you are not recording the date. Procedures Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it...
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Minimum illumination 5 lx (lux) (F 1.8) 0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus function)* Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can be shot with infrared lighting. Input/Output connectors Audio/Video output 10-pin connector Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω...
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On trademarks • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • Picture Package is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • is a trademark. • “Handycam” and registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.
Index Numeric 12BIT...46 16BIT...46 16:9 WIDE...44 4:3 ...44 A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) ...53 AC Adaptor...12 Adjusting exposure for back light ...26, 69 AUDIO MIX...53 AUDIO MODE...46 AUTO SHTR (Auto shutter)...43 A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) ...48 A/V connecting cable ...32, 49 A/V OUT jack...32, 49 BACK LIGHT ...26, 69 BATT (battery) release lever...
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Index (Continued) i.LINK cable ...49, 51, 62 Jack ...54 Label ...80 LANDSCAPE ...42 LANGUAGE...47 LCD ...48 LCD BRT (LCD bright)...39 LCD B.L. (LCD back light) ...45 LCD COLOR ...45 LCD panel ...16 LCD screen...16 LCD/VF SET menu...45 Lens cap...11, 15, 22 LETTER BOX...46 Lid ...20 LP (Long Play) ...46...
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SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter)...36, 70 SPOTLIGHT ...42 SQUEEZE ...46 STEADYSHOT ...44, 69 STEREO ...45 Sub sound ...45 SUNSETMOON ...42 System requirements...56 Tape counter ...28 Tape photo recording...24 TAPE SET menu ...46 Tape ... See Cassette Telephoto ...26 Time code ...28 Touch panel ...17 Trademark...88 Tripod ...27...
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Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan...