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HDR-CX550E/CX550VE/
XR550E/XR550VE
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
2010 Sony Corporation
4-170-539-11(1)
Table of contents
Getting started
Recording/Playback
Making good use of your
camcorder
Saving movies and photos
with a computer
Saving images with an
external device
Customizing your
camcorder
Additional information
Quick reference
10
12
21
33
35
46
55
63
72
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Sony Handycam 4-170-539-11(1)
Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam 4-170-539-11(1)
- Page 1 HDR-CX550E/CX550VE/ XR550E/XR550VE Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide 2010 Sony Corporation 4-170-539-11(1) Table of contents Getting started Recording/Playback Making good use of your camcorder Saving movies and photos with a computer Saving images with an external device Customizing your...
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Page 2: Read This First
Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Be sure to charge the battery pack using a genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack. Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children. - Page 3 URL: http://www.compliance.sony.de/ Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Page 4 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...
- Page 5 See page 19 for the memory card you can use with this camcorder. Using the camcorder Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers. Viewfinder LCD Screen...
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Page 6: About Language Setting
The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “Precautions” (p. 65). Even if the camcorder is turned off, the GPS function is working as long as the GPS switch is set to ON. Make sure that the GPS switch is set to OFF during take off and landing of an airplane (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE). - Page 7 MEDIA] category) [YES] Notes on optional accessories We recommend using genuine Sony accessories. Genuine Sony accessories may not be available in some countries/regions. About this manual, illustrations and on-screen displays The example images used in this manual for ...
- Page 8 (p. 20) are lit or flashing When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do not crash the camcorder against an object. Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas (HDR-XR550E/XR550VE). On the drop sensor (HDR-XR550E/...
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Page 9: Operation Flow
Expected recording time(MEDIA INFO) Shooting photos p. 24 Playing movies and photos Playback on the camcorder p. 27 Playing images on a TV p. 30 Saving images Saving movies and photos with a computer p. 35 Saving movies and photos in external media ... -
Page 10: Table Of Contents
Playback on the camcorder ........ - Page 11 Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder ..........48 Customizing your camcorder Using menus .
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Page 12: Getting Started
Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack HDR-CX550E/CX550VE Battery pack Adaptor HDR-XR550E/XR550VE Battery pack Adaptor DC IN jack DC plug Power cord (Mains lead) DC IN jack DC plug Power cord (Mains lead) /CHG (flash/charge) lamp To the wall outlet (wall socket) /CHG (flash/charge) lamp To the wall outlet (wall socket) - Page 13 See page 69 on recording and playing time. When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the remaining battery indicator at the upper left on the LCD screen. To remove the battery pack Close the LCD screen.
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Page 14: Charging The Battery Pack Abroad
We do not recommend using an NP-FV30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with your camcorder. In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation for about 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF]). -
Page 15: Step 2: Turning The Power On, And Setting The Date And Time
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER. Select the desired geographical area with... - Page 16 Notes Even if the LCD screen is closed, if the viewfinder is pulled out, the camcorder is not turned off. When you turn off the power of the camcorder, make sure that the viewfinder is retracted to the original position.
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Page 17: Changing The Language Setting
Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. (MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ Touch LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] category) [ LANGUAGE SET] a desired language ... -
Page 18: Step 3: Preparing The Recording Media
Step 3: Preparing the recording media The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder. HDR-CX550E/CX550VE HDR-XR550E/XR550VE In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on this recording media. You can perform recording, playback and editing operations on the selected medium. -
Page 19: To Check The Recording Media Settings
Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (Mark2) media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory cards (Class 4 or faster) and SDHC memory cards (Class 4 or faster) can be used with this camcorder. A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder. -
Page 20: To Memory Card
Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the nothched edge in the direction as illustrated until it clicks. Close the cover after inserting the memory card. The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory card. -
Page 21: Recording/Playback
Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 15). You can switch recording modes by pressing MODE. Press MODE to light up the desired recording ... - Page 22 When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically. It will take several seconds until you can start recording after you turn on the camcorder. You cannot operate your camcorder during this time.
- Page 23 TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. In this case, set [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON], and record images using the outer frame displayed on the screen as a guide. To adjust the angle of the LCD panel, first open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and ...
- Page 24 Data code during recording The recording date, time and condition , and coordinates (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) are recorded automatically on the recording media. They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [DATA CODE] during playback. To display them, touch (MENU) ...
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Page 25: Acquiring Location Information Using The Gps (Hdr-Cx550Ve/Xr550Ve)
Make sure that the GPS switch is set to OFF during take off and landing of an airplane. Processing time can be shortened when you load the GPS assist data into the camcorder using the supplied software “PMB. ” Install “PMB” on your computer (p. 36) and connect the computer to the internet. -
Page 26: Adjusting For Shooting Conditions
Press NIGHTSHOT again to cancel the NightShot function. Using NightShot in bright places will cause a malfunction of your camcorder. Adjusting focus, etc., manually (MANUAL dial) It is convenient to make manual adjustments using the MANUAL dial, by assigning a menu item ([FOCUS] in the default setting) to the MANUAL dial. -
Page 27: Playback On The Camcorder
To change the recording media, see page 18. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p.15). Press (VIEW IMAGES). -
Page 28: Playing Movies
To stop To fast-reverse Notes You may not be able to play back the images with other devices than camcorder. Tips When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the INDEX screen. -
Page 29: Viewing Photos
To adjust the sound volume of movies While playing back movies, touch You can also adjust the sound volume by using Viewing photos Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Previous To the VISUAL INDEX screen Tips When viewing photos recorded on the memory card, ... -
Page 30: Playing Images On A Tv
TV is connected, and the connectors used. Connecting a TV using [TV CONNECT Guide] You can connect your camcorder to the TV easily following the instructions displayed on the LCD screen, [TV CONNECT Guide]. - Page 31 (Yellow) (White) (Red) When connecting to your TV via 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 (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).
- Page 32 “PhotoTV HD” standard. “PhotoTV HD” allows for highly-detailed, photo-like depiction of subtle textures and colors. By connecting Sony’s PhotoTV HD- compatible devices using an HDMI cable * or the component A/V cable ** , a whole new world of photos can be enjoyed in breathtaking full HD quality.
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Page 33: Making Good Use Of Your Camcorder
Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos You can free media space by deleting movies and photos from recording media. Notes You cannot restore images once they are deleted. Save important movies and photos in advance. - Page 34 Touch to select the recording date of the desired movies/photos, then touch Touch the image on the LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch to the previous screen. Touch [YES] to return ...
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Page 35: Saving Movies And Photos With A Computer
To save movies and photos using a computer, install “PMB” from the supplied CD-ROM beforehand. Notes Do not format the media of your camcorder from a computer. Your camcorder may not operate correctly. This camcorder captures high definition footage ... -
Page 36: When Using A Macintosh
The supplied software “PMB” is not supported by Macintosh computers. To process photos using a Macintosh computer connected to your camcorder, see the following website. http://guide.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/mac/ ms/us/ Step 2 Installing the supplied software “PMB” Install “PMB” before connecting your camcorder to a computer. - Page 37 Click [Continue] on the computer screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. Connect the camcorder to the computer during the installation of “PMB. ” Depending on the computer, you may need to install third party software. If...
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Page 38: Starting Pmb (Picture Motion Browser)
To disconnect your camcorder from the computer Click the icon at the bottom right of the desktop of the computer [Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device]. Touch [END] [YES] on the camcorder screen. Disconnect the USB cable. Notes Access from the computer using the supplied ... -
Page 39: Selecting The Method For Creating A Disc (Computer)
Several methods for creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc or a standard definition image quality (STD) disc from high definition image quality (HD) movies or photos recorded on your camcorder are described here. Select the method that suits your disc player. - Page 40 Discs you can use with “PMB” You can use 12 cm discs of following type with “PMB. ” For Blu-ray disc, see page 44. Disc type DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL DVD-RW/DVD+RW Notes Always maintain your PlayStation The PlayStation 3 may not be available in some countries/regions. ...
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Page 41: Creating A Disc With One Touch (One Touch Disc Burn)
(STD) disc (p. 44). Install “PMB” beforehand (p. 36), however, do not start “PMB. ” Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the AC Adaptor supplied for this operation (p. 14). With One Touch Disc Burn function on your ... -
Page 42: Importing Movies And Photos To A Computer
Movies and photos recorded on your camcorder can be imported to a computer. Turn on the computer beforehand. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Turn on your camcorder, then... -
Page 43: Creating An Avchd Disc
Creating an AVCHD disc You can create an AVCHD disc by putting together high definition image quality (HD) movies previously imported to your computer (p. 42). In this section, the procedure for recording a high definition image quality (HD) movie on a DVD disc is explained. -
Page 44: Creating A Blu-Ray Disc
Creating a Blu-ray disc You can create a Blu-ray disc with a high definition image quality (HD) movie previously imported to a computer (p. 42). To create a Blu-ray disc, the BD Add-on Software for “PMB” must be installed. Click [BD Add-on Software] on the installation screen of “PMB, ”... -
Page 45: Copying A Disc
At the top of the window, click [Create DVD-Video Format Discs (STD)]. The window used to select movies appears. To add movies to the previously selected ones, select the movies in the main window and drag and drop onto the window for selecting movies. -
Page 46: Saving Images With An External Device
the external media. For details on available external media, go to the Sony support website in your country/region. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket). - Page 47 Touch [YES] camcorder screen. To play back images in the external media on the camcorder Touch [Play without copying.] in step 5 above. The VISUAL INDEX screen of the external media is displayed.
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Page 48: Creating A Disc With A Dvd Writer, Recorder
See page 44 to create a Blu-ray disc. See page 46 to save images in the external media. AVCHD format compatible device Player Sony Blu-ray disc player PlayStation 3, etc. Creating device DVD writer, DVDirect Express (p. 49) ... - Page 49 Refer also to the instruction manual supplied with the DVD writer. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Only unused discs of the following types can ...
- Page 50 Repeat steps 3 and 4 when the total memory size of movies to be burnt exceeds that of the disc. [END] [EJECT Touch DISC] on the camcorder screen. Remove the disc after the operation is completed. Touch , then disconnect the USB cable.
- Page 51 Disconnect the USB cable or the AC adaptor Subject the camcorder to mechanical shock or vibration Eject the memory card from the camcorder Play the created disc to make sure dubbing was performed correctly before deleting the movies on your camcorder.
- Page 52 Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some countries/regions. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the...
- Page 53 Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some countries/regions. High definition image quality (HD) movies will be dubbed with standard definition image quality (STD).
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Page 54: Your Camcorder
Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device. Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your recording device for details. When dubbing is finished, stop the recording device, and then your camcorder. ... -
Page 55: Customizing Your Camcorder
Using the menus, you can perform useful functions and change various settings. If you make good use of menu operations, you can enjoy using your camcorder. The camcorder has various menu items under each of eight menu categories. MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition) p. 58 SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting) ... - Page 56 Grayed out menu items or settings are not available. Tips Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and recording mode (movie/photo). Using MY MENU You can use the menu items more easily by registering the menu items you use most often on MY MENU.
- Page 57 When the item you want is not on the screen, touch another tab. (There may be no tab.) The tabs and items that appear on the screen depend on the recording/playback status of your camcorder at the time.
- Page 58 Menu lists (MANUAL SETTINGS) category SCENE SELECTION ... Selects an appropriate recording setting according to the type of scene, FADER ... Fades scenes in or out. WHITE BAL..Adjusts the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. SPOT MTR/FCS ...
- Page 59 WIDE SELECT ... Sets the horizontal to vertical ratio when recording movies with standard definition image quality (STD). (PHOTO SETTINGS) category SELF-TIMER ... Sets the self-timer when your camcorder is in photo recording mode. IMAGE SIZE ... Sets the photo size. STEADYSHOT ... Sets the SteadyShot function when recording photos.
- Page 60 DUB ALL/ DUB ALL ... Dubs all saved movies in a playlist. PHOTO COPY COPY by select ... Selects photos and copy. COPY by date ... Copies all photos of a specified date. PLAYLIST EDIT ADD ... Adds movies in a playlist. ADD/ ADD by date/ ADD by date ...
- Page 61 OUTPUT SETTINGS TV TYPE ... Converts the signal depending on the TV connected (p. 30). COMPONENT ... Select this option when you connect your camcorder to a TV with the component input jack (p. 31). HDMI RESOLUTION ... Selects the output image resolution when connecting your camcorder to a TV with an HDMI cable.
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Page 62: Getting Detailed Information From The "Handycam" Handbook
Select the desired language and the model name of your camcorder, then click [Handycam Handbook (PDF)]. The model name of your camcorder is printed on its bottom surface. Click [Exit] [Exit], then remove the CD-ROM from your computer. -
Page 63: Additional Information
Press RESET (p. 74) using a pointed object, and turn the camcorder on. If you press RESET, all settings, including the clock setting, are reset. Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Your camcorder may be required to initialize or ... - Page 64 If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. In this case, when you contact them, give them all the numbers of the error code beginning with C or E.
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Page 65: Precautions
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. Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product. - Page 66 pack. Keep metal contacts clean. If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked: Consult your local authorized Sony service facility. Wash off any liquid that may have contacted your skin. If any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with ...
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Page 67: Specifications
Wireless Remote Commander may shorten, or the Wireless Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Specifications System... - Page 68 3 lx (lux) (LOW LUX is set to [ON], shutter speed 1/25 second) 0 lx (lux) (NIGHTSHOT is set to on) The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and the image processing system (BIONZ) allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described.
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Page 69: Internal Memory
Maximum charge current: 2.1 A Capacity Typical: 7.0 Wh (1 030 mAh) Minimum: 6.6 Wh (980 mAh) Type: Li-ion Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are subject to change without notice. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. -
Page 70: Internal Hard Disk
The recordable time may vary depending on the recording and subject conditions and [ MODE]. On charging/recording/playback time Measured when using the camcorder at 25 (77 °F) (10 recommended) The recording and playback time will be ... - Page 71 “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “x.v.Colour” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “BRAVIA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
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Page 72: Quick Reference
Quick reference Screen indicators Upper left Center Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning MENU button AUDIO MODE Self-timer recording GPS tracking status Flash / REDEYE REDUC MICREF LEVEL low WIDE SELECT BLT-IN ZOOM MIC 60 min Remaining battery Recording folder Return button Center Indicator Meaning... -
Page 73: Parts And Controls
Active Interface Shoe The Active Interface Shoe supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light, a flash, or a microphone. The accessory can be turned on or off as you operate the POWER switch on your camcorder. - Page 74 Built-in microphone Flash Lens (G lens) MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (headphones) jack Remote sensor/Infrared port Camera recording lamp (61) The camera recording lamp lights up in red during recording. The lamp flashes when the remaining recording media capacity or battery power is low.
- Page 75 Hook for a shoulder belt Tripod receptacle (26) Memory card slot (20) Memory card Access lamp (20) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data. BATT (battery) release lever (13)
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Page 76: Index
Index A/V connecting cable...31, 53 AVCHD...39 Battery pack ...12 Blu-ray disc ...44 Capturing photos from a movie ...45 Care ...65 Charging the battery abroad ...14 Charging the battery pack ...12 CLOCK SET ...15 Computer...35 Computer system ...35 Copying a disc ...45 Creating a disc ...39, 48 Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc ...44... - Page 80 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 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan...