Sony Handycam HDR-HC3E Operating Manual
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Sony Handycam HDR-HC3E Operating Manual

Sony Handycam HDR-HC3E Operating Manual

Digital hd video camera recorder
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See also: Service Manual
Enlarged version
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
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
HDR-HC3E
GB
© 2006 Sony Corporation
2-661-356-11(1)
Enjoying pictures with
8
high definition quality
10
Getting Started
Easy Handycam
22
Recording/
26
Playback
Using the Menu
44
Dubbing/Editing
70
Using a Computer
80
Troubleshooting
88
Additional Information
107
Quick Reference
123

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam HDR-HC3E

  • Page 1 Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide HDR-HC3E © 2006 Sony Corporation 2-661-356-11(1) Enjoying pictures with high definition quality Getting Started Easy Handycam Recording/...

  • Page 2: Read This First

    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...
  • Page 3 Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor. Memory Stick Duo Adaptor Using the camcorder • Do not hold the camcorder by the following part. LCD panel • The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof.
  • Page 4 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 5: Table Of Contents

    Step 1: Checking supplied items ...10 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...11 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...15 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...16 Step 5: Using the touch panel ...17 Changing the language setting ...
  • Page 6 Using the menu items ... 44 Menu items ... 46 CAMERA SET menu ... 48 Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/ WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) MEMORY SET menu ... 54 Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/ NEW FOLDER, etc.)
  • Page 7 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) ...85 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ...88 Warning indicators and messages ...103 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...107 Usable cassette tapes ...108 About the “Memory Stick” ...110 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...112 About i.LINK ...113 Maintenance and precautions ...114...

  • Page 8: Enjoying Pictures With High Definition Quality

    TV set is not available. This provides an easy path to HDV format video. • The down convert function converts HDV format video to DV for playback or editing when your camcorder is connected to a TV or VCR that is not HDV1080i compliant. The resulting image is displayed in SD (standard definition).

  • Page 9: Viewing Video Recorded In The Hdv Format

    Pictures recorded in the HDV format can be played back as crisp HD (high definition) pictures on a high definition TV. • For details on Sony HDV1080i compliant TVs, see page 109. Viewing on a 16:9 (wide)/4:3 TV (p. 38) Your camcorder can down convert video recorded in the HDV format to SD (standard definition) quality for playback on a conventional TV.

  • Page 10: Getting Started

    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 and “Memory Stick Duo” are not included. See page 2, 108 and 110 for compatible cassettes and “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 11: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    To the wall socket AC Adaptor Mains lead • You can operate your camcorder connected to a power source such as a wall socket as shown in the illustration. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.
  • Page 12 OFF (CHG) (The default setting). CHG (charge) lamp Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your camcorder. Be sure that the v mark on the DC plug is facing to the v mark on your camcorder.
  • Page 13 Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. Battery pack NP-FP50 NP-FP60 (supplied) NP-FP70 NP-FP71 NP-FP90 Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. Recording in the HDV format Continuous Battery pack recording...
  • Page 14 Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic LCD panel objects. This may cause a malfunction. closed 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.

  • Page 15: Step 3: Turning The Power On And Holding Your Camcorder Firmly

    • After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p. 19), the next time you turn on the power of your camcorder, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.

  • Page 16: 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 (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2). 190 degrees to the camcorder 2180 degrees (max.)

  • Page 17: Step 5: Using The Touch Panel

    Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 27), or change the settings (p. 44) 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 18 Step 5: Using the touch panel (Continued) Touch the area including the indicator that you want to check. The meanings of the indicators in the area are listed on the screen. If you cannot find the indicator you want to check, touch When you touch to the area selecting display.

  • Page 19: 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.

  • Page 20: Step 7: Inserting A Tape Or A "Memory Stick Duo

    Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” Cassette tape You can use mini DV (p. 108). • The recordable time varies depending on [ REC MODE] (p. 62). Slide and hold the EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.
  • Page 21 • 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 22: Easy Handycam - Using Your Camcorder With Automatic Settings

    Easy Handycam - using your camcorder with automatic settings 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.

  • Page 23: Still Images

    Still images Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp. If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Press EASY A. appears on the screen B. Press PHOTO D to record.* Press and hold lightly to adjust the focus.
  • Page 24 Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued) Playing back movies/still images Slide the POWER switch E to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the touch panel B as follows. x To cancel Easy Handycam operation Press EASY A again. x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation Touch [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings.

  • Page 26: Recording/Playback

    Recording/Playback Recording Lens cover Opens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch. CAM CTRL dial START/STOP B Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp to select a recording medium. Movies on tape: The CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up.

  • Page 27: Playback

    Playback Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Start playing back. Movies Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch to start playback. A Stop B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it •...

  • Page 28: Functions Used For Recording/Playback, Etc

    • You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons 0 on the LCD panel. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.

  • Page 29: To Control The Image Settings Manually With The Dial

    • When attaching a conversion lens (optional) or a filter (optional) to your camcorder, the flash light does not emit light. • You can change the brightness of the flash by...

  • Page 30: To Record In Mirror Mode

    Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (Continued) To record in mirror mode ... qh Open the LCD panel qh 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2). • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded.

  • Page 31: To Turn Off The Operation Confirmation Beep (Beep)

    The REC lamp lights up in red during recording (p. 65). The REC lamp flashes if the remaining tape or battery power is low. S Remote sensor Point the Remote Commander (p. 36) towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder.

  • Page 32: Indicators Displayed During Recording/Playback

    Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording movies A Recording format ( (62) Recording mode (SP or LP) is also displayed in the DV format. B Remaining battery (approx.) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D During recording: Tape counter (hour: minute: second) During playback: Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)

  • Page 33: Viewing Movies

    ( ) is a reference page. The indicators during recording will not be recorded. Viewing movies N Tape transport indicator O Video operation buttons (27) Viewing still images P Data file name Q Picture number/Total number of recorded pictures in the current playback folder R Playback folder (56) S Previous/Next folder icon...
  • Page 34 Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued) Indicators when you made changes You can use the [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].

  • Page 35: 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 The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby.

  • Page 36: Remote Commander

    Memory playback) (p. 27) * These buttons are not available during Easy Handycam operation. • Aim the Remote Commander towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 31). • To change the battery, see page 117. Searching quickly for a desired...

  • Page 37: Searching For A Scene By Date Of Recording (Date Search)

    To cancel the operation Press ZERO SET MEMORY 5 again before rewinding. • 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.

  • Page 38: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    COMPONENT IN AUDIO t (p. 40) • Make all menu settings on your camcorder before connecting. The TV may not recognize the video signal properly when changing [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK CONV] settings after connecting with an i.LINK cable. * Pictures recorded in the DV format are played back as SD (standard definition) images regardless of the connection.

  • Page 39: Connecting To A High Definition Tv

    • DV format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 73) cannot be output. • Your TVs may not function correctly (e.g., no sound or image). Do not connect the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of the external device with the HDMI cable. This may cause a malfunction.

  • Page 40: Connecting To A 16:9 (Wide) Or 4:3 Tv

    • If your TV is not compatible with HDV1080i, connect your camcorder and TV with the supplied component video cable and A/V connecting cable as illustrated in • The TV needs to be set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is connected. See the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.
  • Page 41 * Change the settings according to the TV connected. • If you connect your camcorder to your TV using more than one type of cable to output images from a jack other than the i.LINK jack, the order of priority of the output signals is as follows: HDMI t component video t S VIDEO t audio/video.
  • Page 42 Select the connecting method on page 70 depending on the input jack of the 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 44: Using The Menu

    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-TAPE lamp: CAMERA-MEMORY lamp: Duo”...
  • Page 45 If you decide not to change the setting, touch x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation is not displayed during Easy Handycam operation (p. 24). 60min EASY STBY MENU 1 Touch [MENU]. Available menu items appear on the screen. 2 Select the desired menu.

  • Page 46: Menu Items

    Menu items CAMERA SET menu PROGRAM AE SPOT METER EXPOSURE WHITE BAL. SHARPNESS AUTO SHUTTER AE SHIFT CAMERA COLOR WB SHIFT SPOT FOCUS FOCUS TELE MACRO FLASH SET SUPER NS NS LIGHT COLOR SLOW S ZEBRA HISTOGRAM SELF-TIMER DIGITAL ZOOM STEADYSHOT CONV.LENS DIAL SET...
  • Page 47 Position of lamp: DEMO MODE EDIT/PLAY menu VAR. SPD PB REC CTRL BURN DVD END SEARCH STANDARD SET menu VCR HDV/DV REC FORMAT DV SET VOLUME MULTI-SOUND LCD/VF SET COMPONENT i.LINK CONV TV TYPE DISP GUIDE STATUS CHECK GUIDEFRAME DATA CODE REMAINING REMOTE CTRL REC LAMP...

  • Page 48: 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 B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 44 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 49 [AUTO] is selected, taken your camcorder outdoors or brought it indoors after outside use 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 50 CAMERA SET menu (Continued) SHARPNESS You can adjust the sharpness of the image outline with the sharpness is anything other than the default setting. Soften AUTO SHUTTER Automatically activates the electronic shutter to adjust the shutter speed when recording in bright conditions if you set it to [ON] (the default setting).
  • Page 51 W (wide angle), then adjust the focus. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
  • Page 52 • Remove the conversion lens (optional). • Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 50) 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 in this case.

  • Page 53: Digital Zoom

    To cancel the count down, touch [RESET]. To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF]. • You can also operate by pressing START/STOP or PHOTO on the Remote Commander (p. 36). DIGITAL ZOOM You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 ×...

  • Page 54: Memory Set Menu

    Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality. 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. When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA- TAPE* 2.3M...
  • Page 55 Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality. 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. When the POWER switch is set to PLAY/ EDIT* 1.2M...

  • Page 56: New Folder, Etc.)

    Touch [YES] t • You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 56), or delete them using your computer. • The number of recordable pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 57: Pict.appli. Menu

    PICT.APPLI. menu Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback (SLIDE SHOW/PICT.EFFECT/SMTH SLW REC, etc.) The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 44 for details on selecting menu items.
  • Page 58 [CINEMA EFECT] selected. • You cannot record playback 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 HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK).
  • Page 59 [END]. PictBridge PRINT See page 77. USB SELECT You can connect the camcorder to a personal computer with a USB cable and view pictures on the computer. You can also connect the camcorder to a PictBridge compatible printer (p. 77) using this function.

  • Page 60: Edit/Play Menu

    10 minutes, after you have removed both a cassette and a “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. • The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below.

  • Page 61: End Search, Etc.)

    (Movie recording control) See page 74. 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. 85).

  • Page 62: Rec Format

    [VCR HDV/DV] setting. Otherwise, the connected device, such as a VCR, may not be able to recognize the video signal from your camcorder. • When [AUTO] is selected, when the signal switches between HDV and DV formats, the picture and sound are interrupted temporarily.
  • Page 63 B 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 slightly reduced during recording.
  • Page 64 (wide) TV. HDV/DV (16:9) format pictures HDV/DV (16:9) format pictures HDV/DV • When you connect your camcorder to a TV with an i.LINK cable to play back the tape, [TV TYPE] cannot be set. DISP GUIDE See page 17. STATUS CHECK You can check the setup value of the following items.
  • Page 65 REMOTE CTRL (Remote control) The default setting is [ON], allowing you to use the supplied Remote Commander (p. 36). • Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit. REC LAMP (Recording lamp)

  • Page 66: 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 116.

  • Page 67: Customizing Personal Menu

    Customizing Personal Menu You can add desired menu items to Personal Menu, and customize Personal Menu settings for each POWER lamp 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 68: Using The Cam Ctrl Dial

    Customizing Personal Menu (Continued) Arranging the order of menu items displayed on Personal Menu t [P-MENU SET UP] Touch t [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 69 Setting with the CAM CTRL dial The following is an example of the procedure to adjust the [FOCUS] setting manually. The procedure is the same for other setting items. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA- MEMORY. Press the MANUAL button. The indicator of the setting item appears on the screen.

  • Page 70: Dubbing/Editing

    Pictures recorded in the DV format are played back as SD (standard definition) images, regardless of the connection. When connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video jack on the device, and the white (left channel) or red (right channel) plug to the audio jack on the device.
  • Page 71 Jacks on your camcorder Open the jack cover and connect the cable. Using an i.LINK cable (optional) The dubbed format (HDV/DV) differs depending on the recording format or the format supported by the VCR/DVD device. Select the required settings from the table below and make the menu settings.

  • Page 72: Dubbing To Another Device

    HDV and DV formats, the picture and sound are interrupted temporarily. • When the recorder is HDR-HC3E, set [VCR HDV/DV] to [AUTO] on the recorder and the player (p. 61). • When the player and the recorder are both HDV1080i compatible devices such as HDR- HC3E and connected with the i.LINK cable,...

  • Page 73: Recording Pictures From A Vcr

    • You need an i.LINK cable for this operation. • Your camcorder can only record from a PAL source. For example, French video or TV programs (SECAM) cannot be recorded correctly. See page 107 for details on TV color systems.

  • Page 74: Recording Movies

    ( ) will be indicated on the LCD screen of your camcorder (This indicator may appear on the screen of the playback device, however, it will not be recorded). Insert a cassette into the VCR.

  • Page 75: Dubbing Pictures From A Tape To A "Memory Stick Duo

    • The date and time the picture is recorded on the tape and stored on the “Memory Stick Duo” are recorded. On your camcorder, the date and time the picture is recorded on the tape are displayed. Camera setting data recorded on the tape cannot be stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”...

  • Page 76: Deleting Recorded Pictures From The "Memory Stick Duo

    (Print mark) The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard is used to select images for printing on your camcorder. By marking images that you want to print out, you do not need to reselect them when you print them out (You cannot specify the number of printouts).

  • Page 77: Printing Recorded Images (Pictbridge Compliant Printer)

    • 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. This may change the information of the images with the Print mark put on using the other device.
  • Page 78 – Operate the POWER switch. – Disconnect the USB cable from the printer. – Remove the “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder. (PICT.APPLI.) • If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB • If you print a still image recorded with a 16:9 •...

  • Page 79: Jacks To Connect External Devices

    The accessory can be turned on or off as you operate the POWER switch on your camcorder. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your accessory for details. • When you connect an accessory, open the shoe cover.

  • Page 80: Using A Computer

    Notes on connecting to a 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 connector in the correct direction. If you insert the connector forcibly, it may be damaged, and cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
  • Page 81 To USB jack USB cable (supplied) To USB jack • Do not connect your camcorder to the computer at this point. • The computer may not recognize the camcorder if you connect them with the USB cable before turning on your camcorder.
  • Page 82 (for playback only) B Folder containing image files recorded with your camcorder When no new folders have been created, only [101MSDCF] is displayed. C Folder containing movie data recorded using other camcorders without the...

  • Page 83: Copying Movies On A Tape To The Computer

    Observe the following points when connecting to ensure the camcorder operates correctly. • Connect the camcorder to a computer via the USB cable. Make sure no other USB devices are connected to the computer. • If your computer has a USB keyboard and a...
  • Page 84 HDV format to a computer. • You can create DVDs from a tape by connecting your camcorder to a Sony VAIO series computer that has “Click to DVD Ver.2.3”or later installed (p. 85). The quality of the picture to be copied to DVDs is SD (standard definition).

  • Page 85: Creating A Dvd (Direct Access To "Click To Dvd")

    – Latin America http://www.sony-latin.com/vaio/info/ index.jsp * Note that you need a computer with a DVD drive that can be used to write DVDs, and “Click to DVD Ver.2.3” (Sony original software) or later installed. To i.LINK connector HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK) : Signal flow •...
  • Page 86 Connect your camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK cable (p. 85). • When you connect your camcorder to a computer, make sure you insert the connector in the correct way. If you insert the connector forcibly, damage may occur and cause camcorder malfunction.
  • Page 87 • 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. • If any of the following occurs, copying of the picture is canceled.

  • Page 88: Troubleshooting

    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.
  • Page 89 The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 11). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.

  • Page 90: Cassette Tapes

    • Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 11). • Remove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 12). • Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 11).

  • Page 91: Memory Stick Duo

    The data file name is not indicated correctly. • Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not conform to the universal standard. • The file is damaged. • The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 110). Continued ,...
  • Page 92 • The “Memory Stick Duo” is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 76). • Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder or insert another “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 56). • You cannot record movies with this unit on the “Memory Stick Duo.”...
  • Page 93 • You cannot use the flash during tape recording. • When attaching a conversion lens (optional) or a filter (optional) to your camcorder, it may block the flash of your camcorder. In this case, the flash light does not emit light.
  • Page 94 Troubleshooting (Continued) [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function. • [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function when you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON]. Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen. • The spots appear when you are recording in [SLOW SHUTTR], [SUPER NS], or [COLOR SLOW S].
  • Page 95 Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or do not appear. • Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 115). You cannot hear the sound recorded with 4CH MIC REC on another camcorder. • Adjust [ AUDIO MIX] (p. 62).
  • Page 96 • 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. 107).
  • Page 97 (STANDARD SET) menu (p. 64) and play back the picture. appears on the LCD screen. • This appears when you play back a tape recorded on other recording devices using a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC). This camcorder does not comply with the 4ch microphone recording standard. Remote Commander The supplied Remote Commander does not function.
  • Page 98 Troubleshooting (Continued) You cannot use [SPOT METER]. • You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with: – NightShot – [CINEMA EFFECT] of [D.EFFECT] – [COLOR SLOW S] • If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [AUTO]. You cannot use [EXPOSURE]. •...
  • Page 99 [HISTOGRAM] is not displayed. • [HISTOGRAM] is not displayed while displaying the date and time. • indicator appears and [HISTOGRAM] is not displayed in the following. – While using [DIGITAL ZOOM] – While using [D.EFFECT] You cannot use [FADER]. • You cannot use [FADER] together with: –...
  • Page 100 Troubleshooting (Continued) Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed. • You cannot zoom pictures from connected devices on your camcorder (p. 30). Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected device. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p.
  • Page 101 • You cannot use an i.LINK cable. Connect the camcorder and the computer using the USB cable. • Slide the POWER switch to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp on your camcorder and set [USB SELECT] to [ Memory Stick] (p. 59).
  • Page 102 Troubleshooting (Continued) You cannot copy images to the Windows computer. • Display pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” with the following procedures. 1 Double-click [My Computer]. 2 Double-click the icon for the newly recognized drive [Removable Disk]. It may take some time until the drive is recognized.

  • Page 103: Warning Indicators And Messages

    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...
  • Page 104 • 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 105: Moisture Condensation

    • Insert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.” Incompatible type of Memory Stick. • A type of “Memory Stick Duo” incompatible with your camcorder is inserted (p. 110). This Memory Stick is not formatted correctly. • Check the format, then format the “Memory Stick Duo”...

  • Page 106: Pictbridge Compliant Printer

    • Switch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it. Connect the camcorder to a PictBridge compatible printer. • Switch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it.

  • Page 107: Additional Information

    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. On TV color systems Your camcorder is PAL system, so its...

  • Page 108: Usable Cassette Tapes

    HDTV broadcastings, in Blu-ray Disc recorders, etc. Playback • Your camcorder can play back pictures in both the DV format and HDV1080i specification. • Your camcorder can play back pictures recorded in the HDV 720/30p format, but cannot output it from the HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK).
  • Page 109 If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may not show correctly. Gold-plated connector On Sony HDV1080i compliant TVs An HDV format compatible TV with the component input jack is required to view playback pictures recorded in the HDV format.

  • Page 110: About The "Memory Stick

    • 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 111 “Design rule for Camera File system” universal standard established by the 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 112: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    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, set [A.SHUT OFF] to...

  • Page 113: About I.link

    Interfaces, refer to the operating instructions of the device to be connected. • 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 114: Maintenance And 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 115 Such a freezing point cannot be recovered if it was created while recording. To prevent such a problem, use the Sony mini DV cassette. • If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM- 12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).
  • Page 116 (optional), it might be because the video heads are worn out. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video heads replaced. LCD screen • Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage.
  • Page 117 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 118 Maintenance and precautions (Continued) To remove dust from inside the viewfinder Remove the eyecup. 1 Remove the 2 screws beneath and on the right side of the finder using a screwdriver. 2 Slide the eyecup in the direction of the arrow to remove it.

  • Page 119: Specifications

    Remove dust from the inside area where the finder lens block was attached with a camera blower. • You cannot disassemble your camcorder further because it is a precision component. Reassemble by following steps 1 to 4 in reverse. Caution Do not remove any other screws.
  • Page 120 JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). Files in this format can have additional information such as your camcorder’s setting information at the time of recording. The focal length figures are actual figures resulting from wide angle pixel read-out.
  • Page 121 General Power requirements DC 7.2 V (battery pack) DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor) Average power consumption During camera recording using the viewfinder with normal brightness: HDV recording 3.9 W DV recording 3.8 W During camera recording using the LCD with normal brightness: HDV recording 4.2 W DV recording 4.1 W Operating temperature...
  • Page 122 • Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc in the U.S. and other countries. • HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. • HDMI, Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Interface LLC.

  • Page 123: Quick Reference

    Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A Power zoom lever (28) B PHOTO button (26) C POWER switch (15) D Viewfinder (16) E Eyecup (118) F Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (16) G Battery pack/battery terminal cover (11) H START/STOP button (26) I Active Interface Shoe OPEN/EJECT lever (20)
  • Page 124 Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A CAM CTRL dial (29) B MANUAL button (29) C NIGHTSHOT switch (29) D Zoom buttons (28) E START/STOP button (26) F BACK LIGHT button (29) G DISP/BATT INFO button (30) H EASY button (22) I COMPONENT OUT jack (79) J A/V OUT jack (79) K DC IN jack (79)
  • Page 125 A Flash B Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (4) C Microphone (31) D Camera recording lamp (31) LANC jack (79) F HDV/DV Interface (i.LINK) (79) G HDMI OUT jack (79) H Remote sensor (31) I Cassette compartment lid (20) J Hooks for the Shoulder belt K BATT (battery release) lever (12) L Grip belt (15) M Tripod receptacle (30)

  • Page 126: Index

    Index Numeric 1080i/576i...63 12BIT...62 16BIT...62 21-pin adaptor...42 576i ...63 AC Adaptor ...11 Access lamp...21 Active Interface Shoe ...79 Adjusting exposure for back light...29, 93 AE SHIFT...50, 98 ALL ERASE...55 AUDIO MIX ...62 AUDIO MODE ...62 AUTO SHUTTER ...50 A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) ...66 A/V connecting cable ...39, 70 A/V OUT jack ...39, 79...
  • Page 127 ...38 HDMI cable ...39 HDMI OUT jack...39, 79 HDV format ...61 HDV1080i ...8, 62 HDV/DV Interface...39, 79 HISTOGRAM ...52, 99 Holding the camcorder ...15 Icon ...See Display indicators Image delete button...33 Image protection ...77 Image quality (QUALITY)...54 Image size (IMAGE SIZE) ...54...
  • Page 128 Index (Continued) OPEN/EJECT lever ...20 Operation confirmation beep ... See BEEP OUTDOOR ...49 PAL ...96, 107 PASTEL ...59 PB FOLDER (Playback folder) ...56 PB zoom ...30 Personal Menu ...44, 67 Add ...67 Arrange the order ...68 Customize...67 Delete ...67 Reset ...68 Use...44 Personal Menu button...32 PHOTO button ...23, 26, 36...
  • Page 129 TIME/LANGU. menu...66 Touch panel ...17 Trademark...122 TRAIL ...58 Transmitter...36 Tripod ...30 TV ...38 TV color systems ...107 TV TYPE ...64 USB jack...79 USB SELECT...59 Using abroad...107 VAR.SPD PB (Various speed playback) ...60 VCR HDV/DV ...61 VF B.LIGHT (Viewfinder brightness)...63 Video control buttons ...36 Video head ...115 Video operation buttons...33 Viewfinder ...16...

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