Sony Handycam DCR-HC32E Operating Manual
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Sony Handycam DCR-HC32E Operating Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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See also: Service Manual
Printed on 100% recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
Printed in Japan
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC32E/HC33E/
HC39E/HC42E/HC43E
© 2005 Sony Corporation
2-584-907-13 (1)
7
Getting Started
Recording/
18
Playback
34
Using the Menu
57
Dubbing/Editing
68
Using a Computer
80
Troubleshooting
102
Additional Information

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam DCR-HC32E

  • Page 1 Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide DCR-HC32E/HC33E/ HC39E/HC42E/HC43E © 2005 Sony Corporation 2-584-907-13 (1) Getting Started Recording/ Playback Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Using a Computer...

  • Page 2: Notes On Use

    Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE ATTENTION The electromagnetic fields at the specific...
  • Page 3 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.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Step 1: Checking supplied items ...7 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...8 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...12 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...13 Step 5: Using the touch panel ...14 Changing the language setting ...14...
  • Page 5 Using the Menu Using the menu items ...34 Menu items...36 CAMERA SET menu ...38 Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/ WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) MEMORY SET menu...43 Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/BURST/ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.) PICT.APPLI.
  • Page 6 Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer ...70 Viewing “First Step Guide”...74 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)...75 Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function) (DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC42E/HC43E) ...78 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ...80...

  • Page 7: Step 1: Checking Supplied Items

    A button-type lithium battery is already installed. A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 32, 57) USB cable (1) (p. 68) Shoulder Strap (1) (p. 112) Rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 8, 106) NP-FP30 (DCR-HC32E/HC33E) NP-FP50 (DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E) CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5” (1) (p. 68) 21-pin adaptor (1)

  • Page 8: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    Handycam Station securely, all AC Adaptor the way to the bottom. The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. • When inserting the camcorder into the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover. With the  mark facing up...
  • Page 9 DC IN jack With the  mark facing down AC Adaptor To the wall socket To remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station Turn off the power, then remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station holding both your camcorder and the Handycam Station.

  • Page 10: Charging Time

    Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued) Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. Battery pack NP-FP30 (supplied with DCR-HC32E/ HC33E) NP-FP50 (supplied with DCR-HC39E/ HC42E/HC43E) NP-FP70 NP-FP90 Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
  • Page 11 • The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even when the mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.

  • Page 12: Step 3: Turning The Power On And Holding Your Camcorder Firmly

     Set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE. • At the time of purchase, the power will be set to turn off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power. ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 54).

  • Page 13: Step 4: Adjusting The Lcd Panel And Viewfinder

    Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (). DISP/BATT INFO 180 degrees (max.) 90 degrees (max.)

  • Page 14: Step 5: Using The Touch Panel

    Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 21), 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.

  • Page 15: Step 6: Setting The Date And Time

    POWER switch position. • If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p.

  • Page 16: Step 7: Inserting A Tape Or A "Memory Stick Duo

    • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.

  • Page 17: Step 8: Selecting The Aspect Ratio (16:9 Or 4:3) Of The Recording Picture (Dcr-Hc39E/Hc42E/Hc43E)

    Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording picture (DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E) By recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode, you can enjoy wide-angle, high-resolution pictures. • If you intend to view pictures on a wide TV, recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode is recommended.

  • Page 18: Recording/Playback With Ease (Easy Handycam)

    Start recording. Movies Press REC START/STOP  (or ). [STBY] To stop recording, press  (or ) again. Open the lens cover. DCR-HC32E/ HC33E: : Light up the : Light up the Easy Handycam Still images (4:3) Press PHOTO . [REC] ...

  • Page 19: Playing Back With Ease

    Playing back with ease Slide the POWER switch  in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Press EASY . The EASY lights up in blue. Start playing back. Movies Touch , then touch start playback. Slow playback is available on the Remote Commander.

  • Page 20: Recording

    Recording Open the lens cover. DCR-HC32E/HC33E: REC START/  STOP Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp to select a recording medium. On a tape: Light up the CAMERA- TAPE lamp.

  • Page 21: Playback

    Playback Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Start playing back. Movies On a Tape: Touch , then touch start playback.  Stop  Play/Pause toggles as you touch it ...

  • Page 22: Functions Used For Recording/Playback, Etc

    80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto. • You can set [DIGITAL ZOOM] if you want to zoom to a level greater than the following (p 42): – 20 times (DCR-HC32E/HC33E) – 12 times (DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E) To record in dark places (NightShot plus) ......

  • Page 23: To Adjust The Exposure For Backlit Subjects

    (Flexible spot meter) ... See [SPOT METER] on page 38. To record in mirror mode ... Open the LCD panel  90 degrees to the camcorder ( ), then rotate it 180 degrees  to the lens side ( ...

  • Page 24: Recording/Playback

    The REC lamp lights up in red during recording (p. 53). Remote sensor  Point the Remote Commander (p. 30) towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder. Internal stereo microphone  For DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E: When an external microphone is connected, the audio input from the external microphone takes precedence over others.

  • Page 26: Indicators Displayed During Recording/Playback

    Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording movies On a tape  Remaining battery (approx.) Recording mode ( or ) (51)   Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording))  Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)/Tape counter (hour: minute: second)  Recording capacity of the tape (approx.) (53) ...
  • Page 27  Tape transport indicator  Video operation buttons (21) When there is a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted in the camcorder, changes to (“Memory Stick Duo” playback) if a tape is not used for playback. On a “Memory Stick Duo” 0:00:00 ...
  • Page 28 Indicators displayed during recording/playback (continued) Indicators when you made changes You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 14) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. Upper left Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning EXT SUR MIC (51) AUDIO MODE (51) Continuous photo recording (43)

  • Page 29: Searching For The Starting Point

    You can view about 2 seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. Touch  60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby. (to go...

  • Page 30: Remote Commander

    Memory playback) (p. 21) * These buttons are not available during Easy Handycam operation. • Aim the Remote Commander towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 24). • To change the battery, see page 111. Searching quickly for a desired...

  • Page 31: Searching For A Scene By Date Of Recording (Date Search)

    Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) You can locate the point where the recording date changes. Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  Press SEARCH M. Press (previous)/   to select a recording date. 0:00:00:00 DATE -01 SEACH...

  • Page 32: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    Playing the picture on a TV Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 8). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. A/V or A/V OUT jack : Signal flow...
  • Page 33 (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR. • Do not connect A/V connecting cables to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station at the same time. The image and the sound might be distorted.

  • Page 34: Using The Menu Items

    Using the menu items Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page. Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the respective lamp. [CAMERA-TAPE] lamp: [CAMERA-MEMORY] lamp: Stick Duo” [PLAY/EDIT] lamp: settings for viewing/editing Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.
  • Page 35 After finishing the settings, touch (close) to hide the menu screen.  If you decide not to change the setting, touch to return to the previous screen.

  • Page 36: Menu Items

    NEW FOLDER REC FOLDER PB FOLDER PICT.APPLI. menu FADER SLIDE SHOW D. EFFECT PICT. EFFECT SMTH INT. REC* INT.REC-STL DEMO MODE PRINT DCR-HC32E/HC33E DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC42E/HC43E DCR-HC39E Position of lamp: (p. 38) (p. 43) (p. 46) TAPE MEMORY PLAY/EDIT × ...
  • Page 37 Available menu items (  ) vary depending on the position of the lamp. *These functions are available during Easy Handycam operation. EDIT/PLAY menu VAR. SPD PB REC CTRL AUD DUB CTRL REC MOVIE BURN DVD BURN VCD END SEARCH STANDARD SET menu REC MODE* REC MODE*...

  • Page 38: Camera Set Menu

    CAMERA SET menu Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 39 [AUTO] is selected, or you bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house while using fixed exposure, select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. • Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change...
  • Page 40 , the zoom (p. 22) moves to the top of the T (Telephoto) side automatically and allows for recording subjects at a close distance as follows: For DCR-HC32E/HC33E: down to about 39 cm (15 3/8 in.). For DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E: down to about 35 cm (13 7/8 in.).
  • Page 41 • Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 40) when it is hard to focus automatically. • The shutter speed of your camcorder changes depending on the brightness. The motion of the picture may slow down at this time.
  • Page 42 DIGITAL ZOOM You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 20 × (DCR-HC32E/HC33E) or 12 × (DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E) while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality decreases when you are using the digital zoom.

  • Page 43: Memory Set Menu

    MEMORY SET menu Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/BURST/ALL ERASE/ NEW FOLDER, etc.) The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 44 Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image quality. • When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the recording environment. • The image size of a 4:3 picture is as follows.
  • Page 45 Touch [YES]  • You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 45), or delete them using your computer. • The number of recordable pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 46: Pict.appli. Menu

    PICT.APPLI. menu Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback (PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/INT.REC-STL, etc.) The default settings are marked with  . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 47 SLIDE SHOW Plays back the images stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” or in a folder in sequence (slide show).  Touch [PB FOLDER].   Select [ALL FILES ( )] or [CURRENT FOLDER ( )], then touch If you select [CURRENT FOLDER ( all the images in the current playback folder selected in [PB FOLDER] (p.
  • Page 48 You cannot select 16:9/4:3 as the aspect ratio for [OLD MOVIE]. • You cannot record pictures edited using special effects on the tape in your camcorder. • You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output playback pictures edited with digital effects via the DV Interface.
  • Page 49 To cancel, touch [REC STOP], then [END]. • When your camcorder has shot several frames, it records them on the tape, after performing the END SEARCH function depending on the interval length. • Do not turn off the power or disconnect the power source while a message is displayed on the screen.

  • Page 50: Edit/Play Menu

    See page 60. 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”) using this command. See “Creating (frame) a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)”...

  • Page 51: Standard Set Menu

    Plays back with sub sound or the right channel sound. • You can play back, but cannot record a dual sound track cassette on your camcorder. • The setting returns to [STEREO] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.
  • Page 52  NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during recording.
  • Page 53 REMOTE CTRL (Remote control) The default setting is [ON], allowing you to use the Remote Commander (p. 30). • Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit. • The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

  • Page 54: Time/Langu. Menu

    5 minutes. NEVER The camcorder is not automatically turned off. • When you connect your camcorder to a wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER]. CALIBRATION See page 110.

  • Page 55: Customizing Personal Menu

    Customizing Personal Menu You can add desired menu items to Personal Menu, and customize Personal Menu settings for each POWER switch position. This is convenient if you add frequently used menu items to Personal Menu. Adding a menu item You can add up to 28 menu items for each POWER switch position.
  • Page 56 Customizing Personal Menu (continued) Arranging the order of menu items displayed on Personal Menu Touch [P-MENU SET UP]  [SORT].  If the desired menu item is not displayed, touch Touch the menu item you want to move. Touch to move the menu item to the desired place.

  • Page 57: Connecting To A Vcr Or Tv

    Connecting to a VCR or TV Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 8). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. A/V or A/V OUT* jack DV or DV OUT* Interface : Signal flow...

  • Page 58: Dubbing To Other Recording Devices

    Connecting to a VCR or TV (continued) dubbed with pictures. • Do not connect A/V connecting cables to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station at the same time. The image and the sound might be distorted. Dubbing to other recording...

  • Page 59: Recording Pictures From A Vcr Or Tv (Dcr-Hc32E/Hc33E/Hc42E/Hc43E)

    – Indicators – [PICT. EFFECT] (p. 48), [D. EFFECT] (p. 47) or PB zoom (p. 23). – Titles that are recorded on other camcorder. • To record the date/time and camera settings data, display them on the screen (p. 53).

  • Page 60: Dubbing Pictures From A Tape To A "Memory Stick Duo

    Play the video, or receive the TV program you want to record. The pictures on the VCR or TV appear on the screen of your camcorder. Press PHOTO lightly at the scene you want to record. Check the image and press it fully.

  • Page 61: Dubbing Sound To A Recorded Tape

    You can record audio by connecting in one of the following ways. For DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E:  An external microphone (optional) to the Active Interface Shoe. For DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC42E/  HC43E: An audio device to the Handycam Station or your camcorder using the A/V connecting cable.

  • Page 62: Recording Sound

    When you attach an external microphone (optional) to the Active Interface Shoe, you can check the picture and the sound by connecting your camcorder to a TV using the A/V connecting cable. However, sound you are recording afterwards is not output from your camcorder.

  • Page 63: Deleting Recorded Pictures From The "Memory Stick Duo

    After step 2 to 4, the recording stops automatically at the selected scene. • 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 DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC39E/HC42E/HC43E camcorders).

  • Page 64: Marking Images On The "Memory Stick Duo" With Specific Information

    • To cancel Print mark, touch the image again to cancel Print mark in step 3. • Do not mark images on your camcorder if the “Memory Stick Duo” already has some images with the Print mark put on using other devices.

  • Page 65: Printing Recorded Images (Pictbridge Compliant Printer)

    Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to a wall socket for power. Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” on which still images are stored into your camcorder beforehand. Connect your camcorder to the printer Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

  • Page 66: Printing Recorded Images

    Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) (continued) – Removing the “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder. • If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB cable and restart the operation from the beginning. • For DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E: If you print a still image recorded with a 16:9 ratio, left and right ends of the image may be cut off.

  • Page 67: Jacks To Connect External Devices

    Stick Duo” with an external flash (optional) connected to the accessory shoe, turn off the power of the external flash to prevent charging noise being recorded.  For DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC42E/ HC43E: A/V (audio/video) jack (p. 32, 57, 78) For DCR-HC39E: A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 32, 57, 78) ...

  • Page 68: Before Referring To The "First Step Guide" On Your Computer

    Windows computers. For details, refer to chapter 6 of “First Step Guide” on CD-ROM. For “First Step Guide”, see the next section. • There are 2 ways to connect your camcorder to a computer. – USB cable This method is good for copying video and sound recorded on a tape to the computer, copying files from a “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 69: System Requirements

    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- ROM (supplied). After installing the CD- ROM, reading “Installing the software and...

  • Page 70: Installing The Software And "First Step Guide" On A Computer

    Others: USB port (This must be provided as standard) • When you connect your camcorder to a Macintosh computer using a USB cable, you cannot copy pictures recorded on a tape to the computer.
  • Page 71  Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive).* * Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer. Click [Install]. Depending on the OS on the computer, a message appears notifying you that “First Step Guide” cannot be installed automatically with the InstallShield Wizard.
  • Page 72 Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (continued) Select the language for “First Step Guide” to be installed, then click [Next]. Depending on the computer, this screen may not be displayed. In such a case, skip to step 12. Click [Next] to install the “First Step Guide”.
  • Page 73 • If you have any questions about Picture Package, contact information is listed on page Installing on a Macintosh computer Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on the computer. Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.

  • Page 74: Viewing "First Step Guide

    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...

  • Page 75: Creating A Dvd (Direct Access To "Click To Dvd")

    • You can only use an i.LINK cable for this operation. You cannot use a USB cable. * Note that you need a Sony VAIO computer equipped with a DVD drive that can be used to write DVDs. You also need the computer with “Click to DVD...

  • Page 76: Your Camcorder

    Connect your camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK cable (optional) (p. 75). • When you connect your camcorder to a computer, make sure you insert the connector in the correct direction. If you insert the connector forcibly, it may be damaged, and causes a malfunction of your camcorder.
  • Page 77 • When [CONVERTING] or [WRITING] is displayed on the screen, capturing of pictures has already finished. Even if you disconnect the i.LINK cable or turn off the camcorder at this stage, DVD creation will continue on your computer. • When any of the following occurs, copying of the picture is canceled.

  • Page 78: Connecting An Analog Vcr To The Computer Via Your Camcorder (Signal Convert Function) (Dcr-Hc32E/Hc33E/Hc42E/Hc43E)

    VCR to a digital signal and transfer it to a digital device, such as a computer, via your camcorder. Software that can record the video signal must be installed on your computer beforehand.

  • Page 79: Your Computer

    • When you are using a USB cable or an i.LINK cable to connect your camcorder to a computer, make sure you insert the connectors in the correct direction. If you insert the connectors forcibly, they may be damaged, and cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

  • Page 80: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, remove the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn on.
  • Page 81 The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.
  • Page 82 • This is not a malfunction. Do not press hard on the LCD screen. An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder. • The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 49). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” to cancel [DEMO MODE].

  • Page 83: Cassette Tapes

    • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY or PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 12). • Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder (p. 16). • If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on a computer, format it on your camcorder (p. 104). Pictures cannot be deleted.
  • Page 84 • Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 104). • The capacity is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 63). • Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 45).
  • Page 85 Smooth interval recording stops/[Smooth interval rec discontinued due to error.] appears and recording stops. (DCR-HC39E/HC42E/HC43E) • The video head may be dirty. Use a cleaning cassette (optional). • Try again from the beginning. • Use a Sony mini DV cassette. Continued ...
  • Page 86 Troubleshooting (continued) Adjusting the image during recording Refer also to “Menu” (p. 89). The auto focus does not function. • Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 40). • The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 40). [STEADYSHOT] does not function.
  • Page 87 This is not a malfunction. Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back. Deactivate the USB Streaming function on your camcorder and set the (USB) ON/OFF •...
  • Page 88 • The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read. Noises appear and • The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is not a malfunction (p. 102).
  • Page 89 Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander. • Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR, or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper. Menu Menu items are grayed out. • You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation. You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].
  • Page 90 Pictures output from the camcorder do not appear on the screen of the connected device. • When attaching the camcorder to the Handycam Station, close the DC IN jack cover, and then fully insert the camcorder into the Handycam Station in the correct direction securely...
  • Page 91 • The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e. to the output jack of a device you are dubbing a picture from (for DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC42E/HC43E), or to the input jack of another device for dubbing a picture from your camcorder.

  • Page 92: Connecting To A Computer

    You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder, and set [USB-PLY/EDT] to [USB STREAM] (p. 52). (Only when connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable) •...
  • Page 93 – [USB Composite Device] in the [Universal Serial Bus Controller] folder For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” – [? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark in the [Other devices] folder 5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].
  • Page 94 – [Composite USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” – [? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark in the [Other devices] folder 5 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].
  • Page 95 – [USB Device] in the [Other devices] folder For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” – [? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with a “?” mark in the [Other devices] folder 6 When the [Confirm Device Removal] screen appears, click [OK].
  • Page 96 • Close Picture Package, then restart the computer. 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.

  • Page 97: Warning Indicators And Messages

    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:) : (Self-diagnosis display) C:04:...
  • Page 98 • The amount of lights is not sufficient, so camera-shake easily occurs. Use the flash. • The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-shake easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands and shoot the image. However, note that the camera-shake warning indicator does not disappear.
  • Page 99 • Insert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.” Incompatible type of Memory Stick. • A type of “Memory Stick Duo” incompatible with your camcorder is inserted (p. 104). This Memory Stick is not formatted correctly. • Check the format, then format the “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 100 Your camcorder cannot play back this • format. Play back the tape with the equipment that recorded it. HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio. • Your camcorder does not allow you to add audio on a section of a tape recorded in HDV format.
  • Page 101 • A/V connecting cables are connected to both the camcorder and the Handycam Station. Disconnect one of them. • When the A/V connecting cable is connected only to your camcorder, your camcorder is not attached to the Handycam Station correctly. Attach the Handycam Station correctly.

  • Page 102: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. On TV color systems Your camcorder is a PAL system-based camcorder.

  • Page 103: Usable Cassette Tapes

     When you record (for DCR-HC32E/ HC33E/HC42E/HC43E) You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals for copyright protection of software.

  • Page 104: About The "Memory Stick

    Compensation for damaged image data will not be made. • If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn the power off on your camcorder, or remove the battery pack for replacement while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the “Memory Stick Duo”...
  • Page 105 JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). • On your camcorder, you cannot play back still images recorded on other devices (DCR- TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that do not conform to the universal standard. (These models are not sold in some regions.)

  • Page 106: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    • After charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder, remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station, or remove the battery pack.

  • Page 107: About I.link

    • 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.

  • Page 108: Maintenance And Precautions

    DV Interface, see page 57. 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. Before connecting this unit to your computer, make sure that application software supported by this unit is already installed on your computer.

  • Page 109: Moisture Condensation

    • 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.
  • Page 110 If you cannot obtain a clear image even 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. LCD screen •...

  • Page 111: Rechargeable Battery

    Remote Commander may shorten, or the Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

  • Page 112: Using The Strap Belt As A Wrist Strap

    Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap This is useful for carrying your camcorder. Open the hook and loop fastener of the hand pad  and remove it from the ring . Hand pad Move the hand pad fully to the right , then close the hook and...

  • Page 113: Specifications

    (using a DVM60 cassette) Fast forward/ Approx. 2 min 40 s rewind time (using a DVM60 cassette) Viewfinder Electric viewfinder DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC39E: black and white DCR-HC42E/HC43E: color Image device DCR-HC32E/HC33E: 3 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Gross: Approx. 800 000 pixels Effective (still): Approx.
  • Page 114 Specifications (continued) Input/Output connectors DCR-HC32E/HC33E/HC42E/HC43E: Audio/Video 10-pin connector input/output Input/output auto switch Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Audio signal: 327 mV (at output impedance more than 47 kΩ...
  • Page 115 Handycam Station DCRA-C121 (DCR-HC32E/HC33E/ HC42E/HC43E) Audio/Video 10-pin connector input/output Input/output auto switch Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Audio signal: 327 mV (at output impedance more than 47 kΩ...

  • Page 116: Index

    Index A/V connecting cable ... 32, 57, 61, 78 A/V DV OUT... 52 A/V jack ... 32, 57, 61, 78 Access lamp ... 16 Active Interface Shoe... 67 AC Adaptor ... 7 Adjusting exposure for back light ... 86 ALL ERASE ... 45 Aspect ratio ...
  • Page 117 Getting started... 7, 70, 74 Handycam Station... 7 Hand pad ... 112 Help... 69 Holding the camcorder... 12 Icon ... See Display indicators Image delete button... 27 Image protection ... 64 Image quality (QUALITY) ... 43 Image size (IMAGE SIZE) ...
  • Page 118 Index (continued) OLD MOVIE ... 48, 90 ONE PUSH ... 39 OPEN/EJECT lever... 16 Operation confirmation beep ...See BEEP OUTDOOR ... 39 OVERLAP ... 46 PAL ... 88, 102 PASTEL ... 48 PB FOLDER (Playback folder) ... 45 PB zoom... 23 Personal Menu ...
  • Page 119 Tape... See Cassette Tape counter... 26 Tape playback select button ... 27 Telephoto... 22 TELE MACRO ... 40 TIME/LANGU. menu... 54 Time code... 26 Touch panel ... 14 Trademark ... 123 TRAIL... 47 Transmitter ... 30 Tripod... 23 TV ... 32, 57 TV color systems ...
  • Page 123 Sony Corporation. • “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. • Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.

This manual is also suitable for:

Handycam dcr-hc39eHandycam dcr-hc33eHandycam dcr-hc42eHandycam dcr-hc43eDcr-hc32

Table of Contents