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WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”...
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued) Lightning For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet (wall socket) and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-HC52/HC54 Serial No. Model No. AC- Serial No.
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked with . Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function (p. 60). Using the camcorder • Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts. Viewfinder Battery pack LCD panel • The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof.
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• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need a NTSC system-based •...
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Read thid first (Continued) video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. * MTF stands for Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.
Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS...3 Read this first ... 5 Notes on use ... 6 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ... 11 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ... 12 Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time ... 15 Changing the language setting ...
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Table of Contents (Continued) Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ... 59 Maintenance and precautions ... 60 Usable cassette tapes ... 60 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 61 About i.LINK ... 62 On using your camcorder ... 63 Specifications ... 66 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls ...
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. AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 12) A/V connecting cable (1) (p.
Notes • You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder. Align the terminals of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it into place 2.
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To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by making the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. • Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor.
You can set the desired date and time by touching SET] (p. 29). b Notes • If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p.
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued) Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. t [MENU] t Touch (SETUP MENU) t [ LANGUAGE], then select the desired language.
After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover. 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). DISP/BATT INFO 180 degrees (max.)
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette You can use mini DV (p. 60). Slide and hold the EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. OPEN/EJECT lever The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up. Insert a cassette with its window facing outwards, then press Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly.
Recording/Playback Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy viewing. Open the lens cover (p. 17) Recording Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
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Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued) Playback Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows. If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.
Recording Open the lens cover (p. 17). REC START/STOP B Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp. If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Press REC START/STOP A (or B).
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. • 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.
. (back light) again. Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2). z Tips • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded.
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Start playing back. Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch * Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes. To adjust the volume Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then...
Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE) You can easily select the desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE). Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below. SHOOT Takes you to the setting GUIDE: screens related to recording.
Touch here again to cancel the operation. The last scene of the most recent recording is played back for about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where the last recording has finished. b Notes •...
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Select [EDITSEARCH] with , then touch [EXEC]. Select [ON] with then touch [EXEC] t 60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT GUIDE Touch The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
Playing the picture on a TV You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
Using the Menu Using the menu items Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item. Unavailable items will be grayed out.
To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO]. b Notes 0:00:00 • 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. z Tips •...
Select to maintain the atmosphere of situations such as sunsets and sunrises. LANDSCAPE* ( Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows between the camcorder and the subject.
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Operation button items (Continued) SPORT** (Sports lesson) ( Select to minimize shake when shooting fast moving subjects. SNOW** ( Select this when shooting in very bright, white conditions, such as on a ski slope; otherwise pictures may appear too dark. BEACH** ( Select to prevent people’s faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected...
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[EXPOSURE] set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. • When the white balance has been set with [ONE PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.]...
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Operation button items (Continued) CLOCK SET* See page 15. LCD BRT (LCD bright) You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. Adjust the brightness with When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights You can use the video operation buttons [PAGE1] MENU...
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– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit mode (p. 42). – When the tape has been recorded in the LP mode. – When your camcorder is connected via an i.LINK cable. – When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC mode on other camcorders.
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Operation button items (Continued) 6 Touch [ RET.] t To check the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p. 24). t [PAGE1] t [MENU]. 2 Touch 3 Select (VCR SET), then touch to select [AUDIO MIX], then touch [EXEC].
Menu items • Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit. • During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 19). MANUAL SET menu P EFFECT CAMERA SET menu D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH N.S.LIGHT VCR SET menu...
MANUAL SET menu – P EFFECT The default setting is marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. P EFFECT (Picture effect) You can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback.
CAMERA SET menu – D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. D ZOOM (Digital zoom) You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 40 ×...
CAMERA SET menu ( (Continued) N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light) When using the NightShot plus (p. 22) function to record, you can record clearer pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the default setting). b Notes • Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p.
B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen. b Notes • 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.
See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) You can view the pictures displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See “First Step Guide” in the supplied CD- ROM for details (p. 51).
5 minutes. NEVER The camcorder is not automatically turned off. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to a wall outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER]. DISP OUT (Display output) B LCD Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).
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Notes • When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack, and the red (right channel) or the white (left channel) plug to the audio input jack on the device.
(p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. b Notes • You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR that does not have an i.LINK jack. : Signal flow When connecting your camcorder to another device using an i.LINK cable, the...
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Stop recording. Touch (Stop) or [REC PAUSE]. Touch [ RET.] t b Notes • The indicator appears when you connect your camcorder and other devices via an i.LINK cable. (This indicator may also appear on the connected device.)
The “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software “Picture Motion Browser”...
Contents to be installed and procedures may differ depending on your OS. Installing the “First Step Guide” Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. Turn on the computer. • Log on as an Administrator for installation.
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Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (DCR-HC54) (Continued) Select the desired language and the model name of your camcorder from the pull-down menu. Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)]. Installation starts. When [Save is complete] appears, click [OK] to finish the installation. To view the “First Step Guide” in PDF In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].
• You can also start by selecting [Start] t [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide] t Your camcorder's folder t “First Step Guide” in HTML. • To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without...
– [EXPOSURE] – [WHT BAL] – [AUDIO MIX] The camcorder gets warm. • The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction. Batteries/Power sources The power abruptly turns off. • When approximately 5 minutes have...
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12). • Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket) properly (p. 12). • The battery charge is completed (p. 12). The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.
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The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a cassette with Cassette Memory. • This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear. The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. • Set [ REMAIN] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p.
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• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (NTSC). This is not a malfunction (p. 59). is displayed on the screen. • The tape you are playing was recorded on another device with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC).
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• Install the “Picture Motion Browser” (p. 49). • The computer may not recognize your camcorder for a few moments after you connect it. Wait for a while. • Disconnect USB devices other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the (USB) jack on the computer.
(p. 12). C:21:ss • Moisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re- insert the cassette (p. 63). C:22:ss • Clean the head using a cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 64).
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Warning indicators and messages (Continued) Examples of warning messages If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions. %Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette (p. 63) % Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. (p. 63) Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 18) •...
Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
Maintenance and precautions Usable cassette tapes You can use mini DV format cassettes only. Use a cassette with the Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function. To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p.
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...
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) About battery life • Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it is probably time to replace it with a new one. • Each battery’s life is governed by storage, operating and environmental conditions.
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor). • For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in these operating instructions. • Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example, from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired.
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• When you bring your camcorder from an air conditioned car or room into a hot place outside. • When you use your camcorder after a squall or a shower. • When you use your camcorder in a hot and humid place.
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• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is rotated. On handling the casing • If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.
Adaptor or while the battery pack is attached. The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all without the AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack attached. Use your camcorder after charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery.
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Specifications (Continued) Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30) Maximum output voltage DC 8.4 V Output voltage DC 7.2 V Capacity 3.6 Wh (500 mAh) Dimensions (approx.) 31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm (1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in) (w/h/d) Mass (approx.) 40 g (1.5 oz) Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (22) B Power zoom lever (22) OPEN/EJECT lever (18) D Hooks for a shoulder belt Attach a shoulder belt (optional). E Grip belt (17) F Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (7) G LENS COVER switch (17) H Internal stereo microphone (35)
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Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A DISP/BATT INFO button (13, 17) B EASY button (19) C RESET button Initializes all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. D LCD screen/touch panel (17, 72) E Zoom buttons (22) F REC START/STOP button (19, 21) G Speaker Playback sounds comes out from the...
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A POWER switch (15) B Viewfinder (17) C Eyecup (65) D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (17) DV interface (44, 46) F DC IN jack (12) G A/V Remote Connector (28, 44) H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT lamp (15) I REC START/STOP button (19, 21) J Tripod receptacle Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm...
Recording Viewing A Remaining battery (approx.) B Recording mode (SP or LP) (42) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or D Recording: Tape counter (hour: E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.) F Function button (29) G Guide button (25) H Tape transport indicator I Video operation buttons (24) [REC] (recording)) minute: second)
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Indicators when you made changes You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 73) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. b Notes • Some of the indicators may not appear when you use [DISP GUIDE]. Upper left 60min STBY...
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Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued) To finish the operation, touch [END]. z Tips • You can also operate by touching [DISP GUIDE].
Index Numeric 12BIT...42 16BIT...42 16:9 WIDE...39 4:3 ...39 A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) ...35 AC Adaptor...12 AUDIO MIX...36 AUDIO MODE...42 A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) ...43 A/V connecting cable ...28, 44 Backlight...23, 54 Battery ...12, 61 BEACH...32 BEEP ...33 BLACK...33 B&W...38 CALIBRATION ...64 CAM DATA ...34...
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Index (Continued) Recording time ...14 REMAIN ...42 Reversal Playback ...35 S VIDEO cable...28, 44 SCENE SEL..31 Searching for the starting point ...26 SEPIA...38 SETUP MENU menu ...42 SNOW ...32 SOLARIZE...38 SP (Standard Play)...42 Specifications ...66 SPORT (Sports lesson)...32 SPOT FOCUS ...30 SPOT METER ...
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español Paso 1: Comprobación de los elementos suministrados Asegúrese de que su videocámara contiene los siguientes elementos. El número entre paréntesis indica la cantidad del elemento. Adaptador de alimentación de ca (1) Cable de alimentación (1) Cable de conexión de A/V (1) Cable USB (1) (DCR-HC54)
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería Batería Toma de entrada de cc Al tomacorriente de pared Cable de alimentación Puede cargar la batería “InfoLITHIUM” (serie H) tras conectarla a la videocámara. b Notas • No es posible colocar una batería “InfoLITHIUM”...
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación) El indicador CHG (carga) se enciende y se inicia el proceso de carga. El indicador CHG (carga) se apaga cuando la batería está completamente cargada. Desconecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca de la toma de entrada de cc.
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Tiempo de carga Tiempo aproximado (min) necesario para cargar totalmente una batería descargada por completo. Batería Tiempo de carga NP-FH30 (suministrada) NP-FH50 NP-FH70 NP-FH100 Tiempo de grabación Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible cuando utiliza una batería completamente cargada. Tiempo de Batería grabación continua NP-FH30...
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Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación) Acerca del adaptador de alimentación de • Si utiliza el adaptador de alimentación de ca conéctelo a un tomacorriente de pared cercano. Si se produce alguna falla de funcionamiento al utilizar la videocámara, desconecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca del tomacorriente de inmediato.
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Vaya a [M] (mes) con continuación, ajuste el valor con Vaya a [D] (día) con continuación, ajuste el valor con y repita el proceso para la hora y los minuto. Ajuste la medianoche a las 12:00 AM. Ajuste el mediodía a las 12:00 PM. Verifique que la configuración de fecha y hora sea correcta, luego toque...
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Paso 4: Realización de ajustes antes de la grabación Apertura de la cubierta del objetivo Deslice el interruptor LENS COVER hacia la posición OPEN. Luego de grabar, ajuste el interruptor LENS COVER en la posición CLOSE para cerrar la cubierta del objetivo. Panel LCD Abra el panel LCD a 90 grados con respecto a la videocámara (1), luego gírelo...
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Paso 5: Inserción de un videocasete Solamente puede utilizar videocasetes de formato mini DV Deslice la palanca OPEN/ EJECT en el sentido de la flecha y manténgala en esa posición para abrir la tapa. Palanca OPEN/EJECT Tapa El compartimiento del videocasete sale automáticamente y se abre.
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Grabación Abra la cubierta del objetivo. REC START/STOP B Deslice el interruptor POWER varias veces en el sentido de la flecha para que se encienda el indicador CAMERA. Presione REC START/STOP A (o B). Para detener la grabación, presione REC START/STOP A (o B) nuevamente. Si el interruptor POWER está...
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Reproducción Deslice el indicador POWER en el sentido de la flecha varias veces para encender el indicador PLAY/EDIT. Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición OFF (CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón verde. Inicie la reproducción. Toque para rebobinar la cinta hasta el punto deseado y, a continuación, toque para iniciar la reproducción.
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Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed in Japan...