Sony DCR-SX83 Operating Manual
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Sony DCR-SX83 Operating Manual

Sony DCR-SX83 Operating Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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Download this manual See also: Handbook, Service Manual
DCR-SX83
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
Guía de operaciones
2010 Sony Corporation
4-171-513-11(1)
US
ES

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Summary of Contents for Sony DCR-SX83

  • Page 1 4-171-513-11(1) DCR-SX83 Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide Guía de operaciones 2010 Sony Corporation...
  • Page 2 Record the serial number operating and maintenance in the space provided below. Refer to these (servicing) instructions in numbers whenever you call upon your Sony the literature accompanying dealer regarding this product. the appliance. Model No. DCR- Serial No.

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth.
  • Page 4 Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world. A Type B Type BF Type B3 Type C Type SE Type O Type (American (British Type) (British Type) (British Type) (CEE Type) (CEE Type) (Ocean Type) Type) The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart. Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used.
  • Page 5 Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Vietnam Oceania Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Australia New Zealand 230/240 North America Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Canada Central America Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Bahamas 120/240 Costa Rica Cuba 110/220 Dominican (rep) El Salvador...

  • Page 6: Read This First

    1-800-822- 8837, or visit Be sure to charge the battery pack using a http://www.rbrc.org/ genuine Sony battery charger or a device that Caution: Do not handle can charge the battery pack. damaged or leaking Lithium- Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small Ion batteries.
  • Page 7 If you have any questions about this harmful interference to radio or television product, you may call: reception, which can be determined by Sony Customer Information Center 1-800- turning the equipment off and on, the 222-SONY (7669). user is encouraged to try to correct the...
  • Page 8 Using the camcorder Exposing the LCD screen or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause Do not hold the camcorder by the following malfunctions. parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause the jack covers.
  • Page 9 Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss understandability. lens, which was developed jointly by Carl In this manual, the internal memory of your Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and camcorder and memory card are called produces superior images. It adopts the MTF “recording media. ”...
  • Page 10 Notes on use Do not do any of the following, otherwise, the recording media may be damaged, recorded images may be impossible to play back or may be lost, or other malfunctions could occur. Eject the memory card when the access lamp (p.

  • Page 11: Operation Flow

    Operation flow Getting started (p. 14) Prepare the power source and recording media. Recording movies and photos (p. 21) Recording movies C p. 22 ¼ Changing the recording mode ¼ Expected recording time (MEDIA INFO) Shooting photos C p. 24 Playing movies and photos Playback on the camcorder C p.

  • Page 12: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............3 Read this first .
  • Page 13 Customizing your camcorder Using menus ..................46 Getting detailed information from the “Handycam”...

  • Page 14: Getting Started

    Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack CHG (charge) lamp DC IN jack Power cord Battery pack (Mains lead) DC plug To the wall outlet AC Adaptor (wall socket) You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your camcorder.

  • Page 15: Charging The Battery Pack Abroad

    ¼ Tips See page 59 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.

  • Page 16: Step 2: Turning The Power On, And Setting The Date And Time

    Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder turns on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER. POWER button MODE lamp Select the desired geographical area with , then touch [NEXT].

  • Page 17: Changing The Language Setting

    ¦ Notes The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the recording (MENU) ‚ media, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, touch [Show others] ‚ [PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK] category) ‚...

  • 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. Internal memory Memory card 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

    To check the recording media settings When recording in movie recording mode or photo recording mode, the recording media icon is displayed in the top right corner of the screen. Recording media icon The icon displayed on the LCD screen varies depending on the camcorder you use. Inserting a memory card ¦...

  • Page 20: To Memory Card

    Open the cover, orient the memory card’s notched corner as shown in the illustration, and insert into the memory card slot until it clicks. Close the cover after inserting the memory card. Access lamp Note direction of notched corner. The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory card.

  • Page 21: Recording/Playback

    Recording/Playback Recording In the default setting, movies are recorded on the internal memory. Tips ¼ See page 18 on changing the recording media. To open the lens cover Slide the LENS COVER switch to open. ¼ Tips When you finish recording or when you play back images, close the lens cover. Fasten the grip belt.
  • Page 22 Recording movies Press START/STOP to start recording. You can start recording also by touching in the bottom left of the LCD screen. START/STOP button [STBY] ‚ [REC] To stop recording, press START/STOP again. You can stop recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.
  • Page 23 The following states will be indicated if data is still being written onto the recording media after recording has finished. During this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or AC Adaptor. Access lamp (p. 20) is lit or flashing The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing ¼...
  • Page 24 Shooting photos In the default setting, photos are recorded on the internal memory. Tips ¼ See page 18 on changing the recording media. Press MODE to turn on the (Photo) lamp. The LCD screen display switches for photo recording mode, and the screen aspect ratio becomes 4:3.
  • Page 25 Playback on the camcorder In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the internal memory are played. Tips ¼ See page 18 on changing the recording media. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder turns on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p.
  • Page 26 Returns to the recording screen. is displayed when is touched. You can scroll the display by touching and dragging õ appears with the movie or photo that was most recently played or recorded. If you touch the movie or photo with õ, you can continue playback from the previous time. (Ô appears on the photo recorded on a memory card.) Playing movies Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie.
  • Page 27 Viewing photos Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Previous To start/stop slide show Next OPTION To the VISUAL INDEX screen ¼ Tips When viewing photos recorded on a memory card, (playback folder) appears on the screen.

  • Page 28: Playing Images On A Tv

    Playing images on a TV Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or VCR using the A/V connecting cable or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO . Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
  • Page 29 To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3) (MENU) ‚ [Show others] ‚ [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under Touch [GENERAL SET] category) ‚ [TV TYPE] ‚ [16:9] or [4:3] ‚ ‚ ‚ 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.

  • Page 30: Making Good Use Of Your Camcorder

    Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos Touch and display the mark You can free media space by deleting on the movies or photos to be movies and photos from recording media. deleted. ¦ Notes You cannot restore images once they are deleted.
  • Page 31 Touch to select the recording date of the desired movies/photos, then touch Touch the image down on the LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch return to the previous screen. Touch [YES] ‚ ‚...

  • Page 32: Saving Movies And Photos With A Computer

    To process photos using a Macintosh computer connected to your camcorder, see the following website. Microsoft Windows XP SP3 /Windows Vista http://guide.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/mac/ /Windows 7 ms/us/ Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster Step 2 Installing the supplied Application software “PMB”...
  • Page 33 then click [Next] ‚ [Install]. Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on your camcorder, then connect the camcorder to the Turn on the computer. computer using the supplied USB cable. Log on as an Administrator for installation.
  • Page 34 To disconnect your camcorder from the software. Restart the computer if required to computer complete the installation. Click the icon at the bottom right of the When the installation is completed, desktop of the computer ‚ [Safely remove following icons will appear. USB Mass Storage Device].

  • Page 35: Starting Pmb (Picture Motion Browser)

    Starting PMB Creating a disc with (Picture one touch Motion Browser) (One Touch Disc Burn) Double-click the “PMB” short-cut icon on the computer screen. Movies and photos recorded on your camcorder that have not yet been saved with One Touch Disc Burn function can be saved on a disc automatically.

  • Page 36: Importing Movies And Photos To A Computer

    Importing movies and photos to a computer Movies and photos recorded on your Follow the instructions on the camcorder can be imported to a computer. computer screen. Turn on the computer beforehand. ¦ Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this ¦...

  • Page 37: Creating A Disc

    Creating a disc You can create a disc by selecting movies Click [Import]. previously imported to your computer (p. 36). Refer to “PMB Help” (p. 35) for details. Turn on your computer, and place an unused disc on the DVD drive. See page 32 for the type of discs you can use.

  • Page 38: Copying A Disc

    Capturing photos from a movie Follow the instructions on the You can save a frame of a movie as a screen to create a disc. photo file. It may take a long time to create a disc. Double-click the movie to be edited on “PMB, ”...

  • Page 39: Saving Images With An External Device

    For details on available external media, go to the Sony support website in your country/region. media can be saved. This screen will appear only when there are newly recorded images.
  • Page 40 ¦ Notes touch the image to be saved. The number of scenes you can save on the appears. external media are as follows. However, even if When you selected [DUB by date], select the external media has free space, you cannot the date of the images to be dubbed with save scenes exceeding the following number.

  • Page 41: Creating A Disc With A Dvd Writer, Recorder

    Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder Creating a disc with the dedicated Insert an unused disc into the DVD writer, DVDirect Express DVD writer, and close the disc tray. You can create a disc or play back the images on a created disc by using the The [DISC BURN] screen appears on dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express...
  • Page 42 You can play back movies on the TV Touch the movie you want to burn on screen by connecting the camcorder to a the disc. TV (p. 28). appears. Insert a created disc into the DVD writer. The movies on the disc appear as VISUAL INDEX on the camcorder screen.
  • Page 43 AC Adaptor for this memory operation (p. 15). USB CONNECT]: Memory card Sony DVD writer may not be available in some The displayed recording media differ countries/regions. depending on the model. Connect the AC Adaptor and the...
  • Page 44 Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this (Yellow) operation (p. 15). (White) Sony DVD writer may not be available in some countries/regions. AUDIO A/V connecting cable (supplied) (Red) Connect the A/V connecting cable to the (Yellow) input jack of another device.
  • Page 45 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. ¦ Notes Since dubbing is performed via analog data transfer, the image quality may deteriorate.

  • Page 46: Customizing Your Camcorder

    Customizing your camcorder Using menus 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) ‚...
  • Page 47 ¦ Notes You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions. Grayed out menu items or settings are not available. ¼ Tips Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and recording mode (movie/photo).
  • Page 48 Using the OPTION MENU The OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click the mouse on a computer. When is displayed at bottom-right of the screen, you can use the OPTION MENU. You touch , and the menu items you can change in the context appear.
  • Page 49 Menu lists (MANUAL SETTINGS) category SCENE SELECTION ....Selects an appropriate recording setting according to the type of scene, such as night view or beach. FADER ........Fades scenes in or out. WHITE BAL......... Adjusts the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. SPOT MTR/FCS ......
  • Page 50 (PLAYBACK) category VISUAL INDEX ......Displays recording images as thumbnails (p. 25). VIEW IMAGES DATE INDEX ..... Enables searching for desired images by date. FILM ROLL ....Displays and plays the scenes by a certain interval. FACE ......Displays and plays the face scenes. PLAYLIST........
  • Page 51 (MANAGE MEDIA) category MEDIA SETTINGS MOVIE MEDIA SET ..Sets the media for recording movies (p. 18). PHOTO MEDIA SET ..Sets the media for recording photos (p. 18). MEDIA INFO ......Displays information on the recording media, such as free space. MEDIA FORMAT INT.

  • Page 52: Getting Detailed Information From The "Handycam" Handbook

    Getting detailed information from the “Handycam” Handbook To view the “Handycam” Handbook, double-click the short-cut icon on the The “Handycam” Handbook is a user guide computer screen. designed to be read on a computer screen. The “Handycam” Handbook is intended to be read when you want to know more about operating your camcorder.

  • Page 53: Additional Information

    Charge the battery pack (p. 14). media in order to investigate the problem. However, your Sony dealer will neither copy Pressing START/STOP or PHOTO does not nor retain your data. record images.
  • Page 54 (under have tried to fix a couple of times, contact the recording medium. your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. In this case, when you contact them, give them all the numbers of The memory card is damaged. Format the the error code beginning with C or E.

  • Page 55: 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 56: About Care And Storage Of The Lens

    If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked: Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or Consult your local authorized Sony service vinyl objects for a long period of time facility. About care and storage of the lens Wash off any liquid that may have contacted your skin.

  • Page 57: Specifications

    Specifications System Note on disposal/transfer of the Signal format: NTSC color, EIA standards camcorder Movie recording format: Even if you delete all movies and still images, or Video: MPEG-2 PS perform [MEDIA FORMAT], data on the internal Audio recording system recording media may not be completely erased.
  • Page 58 81 mm (1 15/16 speed 1/30 second) × 1 3/16 × 3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the projecting parts The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid Mass (approx.): 170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the and the image processing system power cord (mains lead) (BIONZ) allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described.
  • Page 59 Corporation. [SP] “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony [LP] Corporation. “BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony Example of expected recording time of Corporation. movies in a memory card Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

  • Page 60: Quick Reference

    Quick reference Screen indicators Indicator Meaning Upper left Center Upper right FADER Approximate number of 9999 recordable photos and 9999 recording media Playback folder of memory card Current playing movie or 100/112 photo/Number of total Bottom recorded movies or photos Upper left Bottom Indicator...

  • Page 61: Parts And Controls

    Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages. RESET button Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting. (USB) jack (33, 35, 36, 39, 41) MODE button (21) (movie)/ (photo) lamp (21) (DISC BURN) button (35) button...
  • Page 62 Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).

  • Page 63: Index

    Index Symbols 16:9 ..........29 LANGUAGE SET .......17 Saving images in external media ............39 4:3 ..........29 Screen indicators ......60 Macintosh ........32 Self-diagnosis display ....54 A/V connecting cable...28, 44 Maintenance ........55 Setting the date and time ...16 MEDIA SETTINGS ....18 Software ........32 Memory card .......19 Specifications ......57 Battery pack .........14...
  • Page 64 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed in China...
  • Page 65 4-171-509-11(1) Table of contents Getting started Recording/Playback Making good use of your camcorder Saving images with an external device Customizing your DCR-SX83 camcorder Additional information Digital Video Camera Recorder “Handycam” Handbook Quick reference 2010 Sony Corporation...

  • Page 66: Supplied Items

    Read this first Supplied items Menu items, LCD panel, and lens A menu item that is grayed out is not available The numbers in ( ) are the supplied under the current recording or playback quantity. conditions. ÿ AC Adaptor (1) The LCD screen is manufactured using ÿ...
  • Page 67 Carl Compensation for the contents of recordings Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and cannot be provided, even if recording or produces superior images. It adopts the MTF playback is not possible due to a malfunction of measurement system for video cameras and the camcorder, storage media, etc.
  • Page 68 About images, illustrations, and screen displays of this manual The example images used in this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different from images and screen indicators that actually appear on your camcorder. And, the illustrations of your camcorder and its screen indication are exaggerated or simplified for understandability.
  • Page 69 Operation flow Getting started (p. 11) Prepare the power source and memory card. Recording movies and photos (p. 19) Recording movies C p. 20 ¼ Changing the recording mode (p. 24) ¼ Expected recording time (MEDIA INFO, p. 66) Shooting photos C p. 21 Playing movies and photos Playback on the camcorder C p.

  • Page 70: Advice For Successful Recording

    Advice for successful recording To get good results in recording Stabilizing your camcorder When you hold the camcorder, keep your upper body upright, and hold your arms close to your body. The SteadyShot function is effective against camera-shake, however, it is essential that you not move the camcorder. Zooming smoothly Zoom in and out slowly and smoothly.

  • Page 71: Useful Recording Techniques

    Useful recording techniques Capturing images beautifully without Focusing on the child on the left side of troublesome setting the screen INTELLIGENT AUTO (23) Prior tizing the subject (25) SPOT FOCUS (58) Capturing photos during movie A sleeping child under dim light LOW LUX (61) recording Dual Rec (25)
  • Page 72 Table of contents Read this first ..................2 Notes on use .
  • Page 73 Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos ..............35 Protecting recorded movies and photos (Protect) .
  • Page 74 Additional information Troubleshooting ................71 Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators.

  • Page 75: Getting Started

    Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack CHG (charge) lamp DC IN jack Power cord Battery pack (Mains lead) DC plug To the wall outlet AC Adaptor (wall socket) You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your camcorder.

  • Page 76: Charging Time

    ¼ Tips See page 80 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. Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.
  • Page 77 The temperature of the battery pack is low. Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place. The temperature of the battery pack is high. Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place. 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], p.

  • Page 78: Step 2: Turning The Power On, And Setting The Date And Time

    Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder turns on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER. POWER button MODE lamp Select the desired geographical area with , then touch [NEXT].

  • Page 79: Changing The Language Setting

    ¦ Notes The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the recording (MENU) ‚ media, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, touch [Show others] ‚ [PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK] category) ‚...

  • Page 80: 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. Internal memory Memory card 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 81: Inserting A Memory Card

    To check the recording media settings The recording media icon is displayed in the top right corner of the screen when using recording mode for movies or photos. Recording media icon The icon displayed on the LCD screen varies depending on the camcorder you use. Inserting a memory card ¦...
  • Page 82 Open the cover, orient the memory card’s notched corner as shown in the illustration, and insert into the memory card slot until it clicks. Close the cover after inserting the memory card. Access lamp Note direction of notched corner The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory card.

  • Page 83: Recording/Playback

    Recording/Playback Recording In the default setting, movies are recorded on the internal memory. Tips ¼ See page 16 on changing the recording media. To open the lens cover Slide the LENS COVER switch to open. ¼ Tips When you finish recording or when you play back images, close the lens cover. Fasten the grip belt.

  • Page 84: Recording Movies

    Recording movies Press START/STOP to start recording. You can start recording also by touching in the bottom left of the LCD screen. [STBY] ‚ [REC] To stop recording, press START/STOP again. You can stop recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen. The icons and indicators on the LCD panel will be displayed for about 3 seconds, then disappear after turning on your camcorder or switching the recording (movie/photo)/playback modes.

  • Page 85: Shooting Photos

    AC Adaptor. Access lamp (p. 18) is lit or flashing The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing Tips ¼ You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO fully (Dual Rec, p. 25). When a face is detected, a white frame appears and the image quality around the face is optimized automatically ([FACE DETECTION], p.
  • Page 86 Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully. You can record photos also by touching on the LCD screen. Flashes ‚ Lights up When disappears, the photo is recorded. Tips ¼ See page 81 on the recordable number of photos. (MENU) ‚...

  • Page 87: Useful Functions For Recording Movies And Photos

    Useful functions for recording movies and photos Tips ¼ You can set [ DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 62) if you want to zoom to a greater level. Zooming Recording better images You can magnify images up to 25 times the automatically (INTELLIGENT AUTO) original size with the power zoom lever.

  • Page 88: Selecting The Recording Mode

    Camera-shake detection recording mode. In the default setting, REC MODE] is set to [SP]. (Tripod) The camcorder detects that camera-shake does not occur, and makes the optimum setting for tripod. Long time recording High quality ¦ Note recording The camcorder may not detect the expected scene or subject, depending on the recording (MENU) ‚...

  • Page 89: Prioritizing The Subject

    Prioritizing the subject Capturing smiles automatically (Smile Shutter) When [FACE DETECTION] (p. 61) is set to [ON] (the default setting), and several In the default setting, a photo is recorded faces are detected, touch the face you want automatically when the camcorder detects to record as priority.

  • Page 90: Recording In Mirror Mode

    Tips ¼ When the MODE lamp is set to (Movie), the size of photos becomes [ 2.7M] (16:9 wide) or [2.1M] (4:3). You can record photos during recording standby in the same way as when the (Photo) lamp is turned on. Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (...
  • Page 91 Playback on the camcorder In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the internal memory are played. Tips ¼ See page 16 on changing the recording media. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder turns on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p.
  • Page 92 Returns to the recording screen. is displayed when is touched. You can scroll the display by touching and dragging õ appears with the movie or photo that was most recently played or recorded. If you touch the movie or photo with õ, you can continue playback from the previous time. (Ô appears on the photo recorded on a memory card.) Playing movies Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie.
  • Page 93 Viewing photos Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Previous To start/stop slide show Next OPTION To the VISUAL INDEX screen Tips ¼ When viewing photos recorded on a memory card, (playback folder) appears on the screen.

  • Page 94: Useful Functions For Playing Movies And Photos

    Useful functions for playing movies and photos IMAGES] (under [PLAYBACK] category) ‚ [DATE INDEX]. On the [Film Roll Index]/[Face Index] screen, Searching for desired images by you can display the Date Index by touching the date (Date Index) date in the upper right corner of the screen. You can search for desired images by date Searching for desired scene by efficiently.

  • Page 95: Searching For Desired Scene By Face (Face Index)

    ¦ Tips Notes ¼ You can also display the Film Roll Index by Faces may not be detected depending on (MENU) ‚ [Show others] ‚ touching recording conditions. [VIEW IMAGES] (under [PLAYBACK] Example: People wearing glasses or hats, or who category) ‚...

  • Page 96: Playing Back A Series Of Photos (Slide Show)

    (OPTION) ‚ tab ‚ by selecting [SLIDE SHOW SET] while playing photos. The Touch the screen at the point you default setting is [ON] (continuous playback). want to display in the center of the displayed frame. The point where you touched on the screen is moved to the center of the display frame.

  • Page 97: Playing Images On A Tv

    Playing images on a TV Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or VCR using the A/V connecting cable or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO . Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 13). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
  • Page 98 To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3) (MENU) ‚ [Show others] ‚ [OUTPUT SETTINGS] (under Touch [GENERAL SET] category) ‚ [TV TYPE] ‚ [16:9] or [4:3] ‚ ‚ ‚ 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.

  • Page 99: Making Good Use Of Your Camcorder

    Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos Touch and display the mark You can free media space by deleting on the movies or photos to be movies and photos from recording media. deleted. ¦ Notes You cannot restore images once they are deleted.
  • Page 100 Touch to select the recording date of the desired movies/photos, then touch Touch the image down on the LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch return to the previous screen. Touch [YES] ‚ ‚...

  • Page 101: Protecting Recorded Movies And Photos (Protect)

    Protecting recorded movies and photos (Protect) To protect all the movies and photos recorded on the same day at one time Protect movies and photos to avoid deleting them by mistake. ¦ Note You cannot select [ PRT. by date] for the ¼...

  • Page 102: Dividing A Movie

    Dividing a movie dividing movies on the memory card. (MENU) ‚ [Show A slight difference may occur from the point Touch where you touch and the actual dividing others] ‚ [ DIVIDE] (under point, as your camcorder selects the dividing [EDIT] category).

  • Page 103: Capturing A Photo From A Movie

    Capturing a photo from a movie (MENU) ‚ [Show ‚ Touch Touch others] ‚ [PHOTO CAPTURE] (under [EDIT] category). ¦ The [PHOTO CAPTURE] screen Notes The image size is fixed depending on the aspect appears. ratio of the movie: 0.2M] in 16:9 (wide) Touch the movie to be captured.

  • Page 104: Dubbing/Copying Movies And Photos From The Internal Recording Media

    Dubbing/copying movies and photos from the internal recording media to Touch the type of dubbing. memory card [DUB by select]: To select movies and [DUB by date]: To dub all movies of a Dubbing movies specified date [ DUB ALL]: To dub the Playlist You can dub movies recorded on the When you select the Playlist as the internal recording media of your camcorder...

  • Page 105: Copying Photos

    ¼ Tips To check the dubbed movies after dubbing is Select the photo to be copied. finished, select [MEMORY CARD] on [MOVIE [COPY by select]: Touch the photo to MEDIA SET] and play them back (p. 16). be copied, and mark with . You can select multiple photos.

  • Page 106: Using The Playlist Of Movies

    Using the Playlist of movies The Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of the movies that you have selected. The original movies are not changed even if you edit or erase the movies added to the Playlist. Touch to select the recording date of the desired movie, then touch Creating the Playlist (MENU) ‚...
  • Page 107 selected movie to the end, then the The selected movie is marked with . Touch the image on the LCD screen to screen returns to the Playlist screen. confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous screen. To erase unnecessary movies from the Touch Playlist Select the destination with...

  • Page 108: Saving Images With An External Device

    Touch [Copy.] on the camcorder Refer to the instruction manual supplied with screen. the external media. Refer to the Sony support page for your Movies and photos in the internal country/region for details on external media recording media of the camcorder that that can be used.
  • Page 109 Follow the on-screen instructions to After the operation is completed, select the recording media and image touch on the camcorder selection methods. screen. When you selected [DUB by select], touch the image to be saved. appears. When you selected [DUB by date], select ¦...

  • Page 110: Creating A Disc With A Dvd Writer, Recorder

    Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder To finish the external media connection Creating a disc with the dedicated Touch on the VISUAL INDEX DVD writer, DVDirect Express screen of the external media. You can create a disc or play back the Disconnect the USB Adaptor Cable.
  • Page 111 Touch the movie you want to burn on Insert an unused disc into the the disc. DVD writer, and close the disc appears. tray. The [DISC BURN] screen appears on the camcorder screen. Press (DISC BURN) on the DVD Remaining Disc capacity writer.

  • Page 112: Creating A Disc With A Dvd Writer, Etc., Other Than Dvdirect Express

    You can also operate by the camcorder ¦ screen. Notes Touch [END] ‚ [EJECT DISC] on the Sony DVD writer may not be available in some countries/regions. camcorder screen and remove the disc Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall after the operation is completed.

  • Page 113: Creating A Disc With A Recorder, Etc

    ‚ [USB CONNECT] (under socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this [OTHERS] category). operation (p. 12). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some countries/regions. Touch the recording media that contains the images on the A/V connecting cable (supplied) Connect the A/V connecting cable to the camcorder screen.
  • Page 114 A/V Remote Connector 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 Input the recording device, and then S VIDEO your camcorder.

  • Page 115: Customizing Your Camcorder

    Customizing your camcorder Using menus 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) ‚...

  • Page 116: Using My Menu

    ¦ Notes You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions. Grayed out menu items or settings are not available. ¼ Tips Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and recording mode (movie/photo).

  • Page 117: Using The

    Using the OPTION MENU The OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click the mouse on a computer. When is displayed at bottom-right of the screen, you can use the OPTION MENU. You touch , and the menu items you can change in the context appear.
  • Page 118 Menu lists (MANUAL SETTINGS) category (EDIT) category SCENE SELECTION DELETE FADER DELETE WHITE BAL. DELETE SPOT MTR/FCS PROTECT SPOT METER PROTECT SPOT FOCUS PROTECT EXPOSURE DIVIDE FOCUS PHOTO CAPTURE TELE MACRO MOVIE DUB SMTH SLW REC DUB by select (SHOOTING SET) category DUB by date REC MODE DUB ALL...
  • Page 119 (GENERAL SET) category SOUND/DISP SET VOLUME 28, 68 BEEP LCD BRIGHT LCD BL LEVEL LCD COLOR DISPLAY SET OUTPUT SETTINGS TV TYPE DISP OUTPUT CLOCK/ LANG CLOCK SET AREA SET DST SET/SUMMERTIME LANGUAGE SET POWER SETTINGS A.SHUT OFF POWER ON BY LCD OTHER SETTINGS DEMO MODE CALIBRATION...

  • Page 120: Manual Settings (Items To Adjust For Scene Condition)

    MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene SPOTLIGHT**( ) Prevents people’s faces from condition) appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. strong light. The default settings are marked with Ô. BEACH** ( SCENE SELECTION Takes the vivid blue of the ocean or a lake.
  • Page 121 BLACK FADER ONE PUSH ( Fades in/out with the black effect. The white balance will be adjusted according to the ambient light. Touch [ONE PUSH]. Frame a white object such as a piece of paper, to fill the screen under the same lighting conditions as you will shoot the subject.
  • Page 122 SPOT MTR/FCS (Spot meter/ SPOT FOCUS focus) You can select and adjust the focal point to aim it at a subject not located at the center You can adjust the brightness and focus of the screen. for the selected subject simultaneously. This function enables you to use [SPOT METER] (p.
  • Page 123 Touch (nearby subject)/ (distant ON ( ) subject) to adjust the focus. The zoom (p. 23) moves to the top of the T To adjust the focus automatically, touch (telephoto) side automatically and allows recording subjects at a close distance down to [AUTO].

  • Page 124: Shooting Set (Items For Customized Shooting)

    SHOOTING SET (Items for customized [TIMING] shooting) Select the recording start point after See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. START/STOP is pressed. The default The default settings are marked with Ô. setting is [3sec AFTER]. REC MODE (Recording mode) See page 24.
  • Page 125 FACE DETECTION STANDARD Provides the SteadyShot effect under relatively Detects the faces of your subjects and adjusts stable recording conditions. the focus/color/exposure automatically. OFF ( Ô ON The SteadyShot function is not used. Detects faces. ¦ Notes OFF ( ) When you change the setting of Does not detect faces.
  • Page 126 Tips ¼ AUDIO REC SET When you specify the priority subject by touching the detection frame on the LCD BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (Built-in zoom screen, the face with a double-lined frame has microphone) priority (p. 25). You can record a movie with vivid sound SMILE DETECTION appropriate to the zoom position.

  • Page 127: Photo Settings (Items For Recording Photos)

    PHOTO SETTINGS (Items for recording photos) See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. The default settings are marked with Ô. SELF-TIMER The right side of the bar shows the digital Press PHOTO to start the count down. A zooming factor. The zooming zone appears photo is recorded after about 10 seconds.

  • Page 128: Playback (Items For Playback)

    PLAYBACK (Items for playback) FILE NO. (File number) See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. You can select the way to assign file number VISUAL INDEX of photos. See page 27. Ô SERIES Assigns file numbers of photos in sequence. VIEW IMAGES The file number becomes larger each time you record a photo.

  • Page 129: Edit (Items For Editing)

    EDIT (Items for editing) DATE/TIME See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. DELETE See page 35. PROTECT Date Time See page 37. CAMERA DATA DIVIDE Movie See page 38. PHOTO CAPTURE See page 39. MOVIE DUB Photo See page 40. PHOTO COPY See page 41.

  • Page 130: Others (Items For Other Settings)

    OTHERS MANAGE MEDIA (Items for other settings) (Items for recording media) See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. The default settings are marked with Ô. MEDIA SETTINGS USB CONNECT See page 16. See page 48.
  • Page 131 While deleting data, do not apply any vibrations or shocks to your camcorder. The actual performing time for deleting data is as follows; DCR-SX83: about 2 minutes If you stop performing [EMPTY] while [Executing…] appears, be sure to complete the operation by performing [MEDIA FORMAT]...

  • Page 132: General Set (Other Setup Items)

    GENERAL SET (Other setup items) If you open the LCD panel 180 degrees to face See “Using menus” (p. 51) on the operation. the screen outside and close the LCD panel The default settings are marked with Ô. to the camcorder body, the setting becomes [NORMAL] automatically.
  • Page 133 LANGUAGE SET OUTPUT SETTINGS You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen. TV TYPE See page 33. ¼ Tips Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] DISP OUTPUT (Display output) (simplified English) for when you cannot find You can set where the screen displays are to your native tongue among the options.
  • Page 134 OTHER SETTINGS DEMO MODE When your camcorder is connected to a wall outlet (wall socket), a demonstration movie appear about 10 minutes after you turn on the (Movie) lamp by pressing MODE. Ô ON The demonstration appears. The demonstration does not appear. Tips ¼...

  • Page 135: Additional Information

    The temperature of your camcorder is media in order to investigate the problem. extremely low. Leave your camcorder with the However, your Sony dealer will neither copy power of your camcorder on. Turn off your nor retain your data. camcorder and take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder there for a while, then turn on Overall operations ..........
  • Page 136 The following menu items return to the disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall default settings when you switch between outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony movie recording and photo recording and dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.
  • Page 137 Your camcorder is recording the image you The buttons on the touch panel do not have just shot on the recording media. You work correctly or do not work at all. cannot make new recording during this period. Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION]) The recording media is full.
  • Page 138 The temperature of your camcorder is Black bands appear when you record a TV extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and screen or computer screen. take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder there for a while, then turn on the camcorder. Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p.
  • Page 139 A movie cannot be divided. is indicated on an image on the VISUAL INDEX screen. A movie that is too short cannot be divided. A protected movie cannot be divided. The image data base file may be damaged. Check the data base file by touching A photo cannot be captured from a (MENU) ‚...

  • Page 140: Self-Diagnosis Display/Warning Indicators

    If the problem persists even after you be used simultaneously have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony The following list shows examples of service facility. In this case, when you unworkable combinations of functions and contact them, give them all the numbers of menu items.
  • Page 141 C:06: ÿÿ (Warning indicators pertaining to The battery pack temperature is high. Change memory card formatting) the battery pack or place it in a cool place. The memory card is damaged. C:13: ÿÿ / C:32: ÿÿ The memory card is not formatted correctly Remove the power source.

  • Page 142: Recording Media

    Description of warning messages Recovering data. Your camcorder tries to recover data If messages appear on the screen, follow the automatically if the data writing was not instructions. performed properly. Recording media Cannot recover data. Internal memory format error. Writing data onto the media of the camcorder has failed.
  • Page 143 Do not eject the memory card during writing. Data may be damaged. Reinsert the memory card, and follow the instructions on the LCD screen. Other No further selection is possible. You can add no more than 99 movies to a Playlist.

  • Page 144: Recording Time Of Movies/Number Of Recordable Photos

    Recording time of movies/number of recordable photos Playing time Approximate time available when you use a fully charged battery pack. Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack (unit: minute) Battery pack Recording time NP-FV30 Approximate time available when you use a (supplied) fully charged battery pack.

  • Page 145: Expected Number Of Recordable Photos

    (25) (25) (55) ¦ Notes The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and (50) (50) (110) the image processing system (BIONZ) allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes (105)

  • Page 146: 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 Hz/60 Hz range. On TV color systems Your camcorder is a NTSC-system-based camcorder.
  • Page 147 Setting to the local time You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your (MENU) ‚ [Show others] ‚ [CLOCK/ camcorder abroad. Touch LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] category) ‚ [AREA SET] and [DST SET]/[SUMMERTIME] (p. 69). World time difference Time-zone Area setting...

  • Page 148: Maintenance And Precautions

    Maintenance and precautions the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (while About the “Memory Stick” media the access lamp is lit or flashing) If you use the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” “Memory Stick” media are a compact, media near magnets or magnetic fields portable IC recording medium with a large It is recommended that you make a back-up of data capacity.

  • Page 149: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    adaptor on “Memory Stick” media compliant your computer device, make sure the “Memory Stick PRO When playing back image data recorded with Duo” media adaptor is inserted into the device other devices in the correct direction. If inserted in the wrong direction, the device may be damaged.

  • Page 150: About Handling Of Your Camcorder

    If any solid object or liquid gets inside the camcorder completely, touch (MENU) casing, unplug your camcorder and have it ‚ [Show others] ‚ [POWER SETTINGS] checked by a Sony dealer before operating it [GENERAL SET] category) ‚ (under any further. [A.SHUT OFF] ‚ [NEVER], and leave your camcorder in recording standby until the power goes off (p.

  • Page 151: Moisture Condensation

    LCD screen Keep metal contacts clean. If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked: Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD Consult your local authorized Sony service screen, as it may cause uneven color and other facility. damage. Wash off any liquid that may have contacted If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a your skin.

  • Page 152: Rechargeable Battery

    To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as (MENU) ‚ [Show others] ‚ described above. [OTHER SETTINGS] (under [GENERAL SET] category) ‚ [CALIBRATION]. On charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery Your camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and other settings even when the LCD screen is closed.
  • Page 153 Sony card. Corporation. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and...
  • Page 154 URL to download it. When downloading the source code, select DCR-SX43 as the model for your camcorder. http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/ We would prefer you do not contact us about the contents of source code. Read “license2.pdf ” in the “License” folder on the CD-ROM.

  • Page 155: Quick Reference

    Quick reference Screen indicators Indicator Meaning Upper left Center Upper right FADER (56) Approximate number of 9999 recordable photos and 9999 recording media (22, 81) Playback folder of memory card (29) Current playing movie or photo/Number of total 100/112 Bottom recorded movies or photos (28, 80) Upper left...

  • Page 156: Parts And Controls

    Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages. RESET button Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting. (USB) jack (48) MODE button (19) (movie)/ (photo) lamp (19) (DISC BURN) button (see Operating Guide) button (23) POWER button (14)
  • Page 157 Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).

  • Page 158: Index

    Index Symbols DST SET ........69 Dual Rec ........25 16:9 ..........34 Maintenance ........84 Dubbing ........40 4:3 ..........34 MANAGE MEDIA .....66 DVDirect Express .......46 MANUAL SETTINGS ....56 DVD writer......46, 48 MEDIA FORMAT ......66 A.SHUT OFF ......69 MEDIA INFO ......66 A/V connecting cable...33, 49 MEDIA SETTINGS ....16 EMPTY ........67 Abroad .........82...
  • Page 159 PLAYBACK .........64 SPOT METER ......58 Playback ........27 SPOT MTR/FCS ......58 PLAYBACK SET ......64 STEADYSHOT ......60 Playlist ..........42 SUMMERTIME ......69 PLAYLIST EDIT ......65 SUNRISE&SUNSET....56 PORTRAIT ........56 Supplied items .......2 Power on ........14 POWER ON BY LCD ....69 TELE MACRO ......59 POWER SETTINGS ....69 Telephoto ........23 Precautions ........84 Thumbnail ........35...
  • Page 160 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/...

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