Sony CX160E Operating Manual

Digital hd video camera recorder
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Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
HDR-CX130E/CX160E/CX180E
4-271-483-12(1)
Table of contents
Getting started
Recording/Playback
Advanced operations
Saving movies and photos
with a computer
Saving images with an
external device
Customizing your camcorder
Additional information
Quick reference

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Sony CX160E

  • Page 1 Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide HDR-CX130E/CX160E/CX180E 4-271-483-12(1) Table of contents Getting started Recording/Playback Advanced operations Saving movies and photos with a computer Saving images with an external device Customizing your camcorder Additional information Quick reference...
  • Page 2: Read This First

    Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion  batteries. Be sure to charge the battery pack using a  genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack. Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small  children.
  • Page 3 FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany.
  • Page 4: Declaration Of Conformity

    For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800- 222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information...
  • Page 5: Supplied Items

    A/V connecting cable (1)   USB connection support cable (1)   Use this cable when the Built-in USB Cable of the camcorder (p. 11) is too short for connection. Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1)  CD-ROM “Handycam” Application ...
  • Page 6  or battery pack becomes extremely high or extremely low, you may not be able to record or play back on the camcorder, due to the protection features of the camcorder being activated in such situations. In this case, an indicator appears on the LCD screen.
  • Page 7  [Format]  the desired medium (HDR- CX160E/CX180E)  Notes on optional accessories We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.  Genuine Sony accessories may not be available  in some countries/regions. About this manual, illustrations and on-screen displays The example images used in this manual for ...
  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    To check the recording media settings..........17 Copying movies and photos (HDR-CX160E/CX180E)......19 Recording/Playback Recording.
  • Page 9 Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc with a recorder, etc..49 Customizing your camcorder Using menus..................51 Getting detailed information from the “Handycam”...
  • Page 10: Getting Started

     Notes You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder.  Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen. Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
  • Page 11 Operation with all computers is not assured.  If you connect the camcorder to a laptop computer that is not connected to a power source, the battery  of the laptop computer will continue to use up its charge. Do not leave the camcorder connected to a computer in this manner.
  • Page 12: Charging Time

     See page 58 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 right on the LCD screen. To remove the battery pack Close the LCD screen.
  • Page 13: Charging The Battery Pack Abroad

    Notes on the battery pack When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, turn the camcorder off and make sure  that the (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 21), the access lamp (p. 19) are turned off. The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions: ...
  • Page 14: Step 2: Turning The Power On, And Setting The Date And Time

    Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER.  Select the desired language, then touch [Next]. Touch the button on the...
  • Page 15 Set [Summer Time], then touch [Next]. If you set [Summer Time] to [On], the clock advances 1 hour.  Select the date format, then touch [Next]. Select the date and time, touch [Next]  The clock starts.  Notes The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the ...
  • Page 16: Changing The Language Setting

     You can turn off the camcorder also by pressing POWER.  When [Power On By LCD] is set to [Off], turn off your camcorder by pressing POWER.  Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.
  • Page 17: Step 3: Preparing The Recording Media

    Step 3: Preparing the recording media The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder. HDR-CX130E HDR-CX160E/CX180E 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 18 Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or AV  devices not supporting the exFAT* file system by connecting the camcorder to these devices with the USB cable. Confirm in advance that the connecting equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If you connect an equipment not supporting the exFAT system and the format screen appears, do not perform the format.
  • Page 19: Copying Movies And Photos (Hdr-Cx160E/Cx180E)

    To eject the memory card Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once. Copying movies and photos (HDR-CX160E/CX180E) You can copy movies and photos from the internal recording media to the memory card. (MENU)  [Edit/Copy]  [Copy], then follow the instructions that appear Touch on the screen.
  • Page 20: Recording/Playback

    HDR-CX130E: Memory card HDR-CX160E/CX180E: Internal recording media Tips  To change the recording media, see page 17 (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).  Fasten the grip belt. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.
  • Page 21 You can change the settings using the [Display Setting] menu. To capture smiles In the default setting, a photo is automatically recorded when the camcorder detects the smile of a person during movie recording (Smile Shutter). When the camcorder detects faces during movie recording, image quality is automatically adjusted ([Face Detection]).
  • Page 22 TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. In this case, set [Guide Frame] to [On], and record images using the outer frame displayed on the screen as a guide. To adjust the angle of the LCD panel, first open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and ...
  • Page 23 Shooting photos MODE button (Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo  Press MODE to turn on the The LCD screen display switches for photo recording mode, and the screen aspect ratio becomes 4:3.  Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully. Tips ...
  • Page 24: Selecting The Recording Mode

    The types of media that images can be saved on will depend on the recording mode selected. For details on a save operation using the external devices, see page 40. Types of media On this camcorder Internal recording media Memory card On external devices...
  • Page 25: Playback On The Camcorder

    HDR-CX130E: Memory card HDR-CX160E/CX180E: Internal recording media Tips  To change the recording media, see page 17 (HDR-CX160E/CX180E).  The camcorder displays recorded images as an event automatically based on the date and time.  Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
  • Page 26  Change to the movie/photo recording mode  Time-line bar  Highlight Playback button *  Change Event Scale button Appears only when the image quality is set to [ The Event Index screen appears when you touch the event that is displayed on the center. You can also choose an event by touching ...
  • Page 27 Operating the camcorder while playing a movie You can use the functions shown in the figure below while the camcorder is playing a movie. The figure below will be displayed when you select [ setting) or [ MOVIE] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index screen.
  • Page 28: Performing Highlight Playback

    Viewing photos You can use the functions shown in the figure below while you are viewing photos. The figure below will be displayed when you select [ button on the Event Index screen. Delete Context Previous Tips  To repeat Slideshow, touch ...
  • Page 29: Playing Images On A Tv

    Switch the input on the TV to the connected jack. Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV.  Connect the camcorder to a TV. Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power  source (p. 12). Play a movie or a photo on the camcorder (p.
  • Page 30 Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.  Use an HDMI mini connector on one end  (for the camcorder), and a plug suitable for connecting your TV on the other end. Copyright-protected images are not output  (Green) Y from the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder.
  • Page 31 “Photo TV HD” standard. “Photo TV HD” allows for highly-detailed, photo-like depiction of subtle textures and colors. By connecting Sony’s Photo TV HD- compatible devices using an HDMI cable or the component AV cable new world of photos can be enjoyed in (MENU) ...
  • Page 32: Advanced Operations

    Undo the protection of the movies and photos to delete them, before you try to delete them. The demonstration movie on your camcorder is  protected (HDR-CX160E/CX180E). If you delete movies/photos that are included  in saved scenarios, the scenarios will also be deleted.
  • Page 33: Saving Movies And Photos With A Computer

    Joining image files Easy uploading when away from home (Windows,Macintosh) With PMB Portable, which is pre-installed on the camcorder, you can play back or upload your images to the Web by connecting your camcorder to a computer away from home.
  • Page 34: Preparing A Computer

    Apple Inc. Step 2 Installing the supplied software “PMB” Install “PMB” before connecting your camcorder to a computer.  Notes If a version of “PMB” under 5.0.00 has been ...
  • Page 35 When you are required to restart the  computer, follow the instructions that appear on the screen and restart it. Connect the camcorder to the computer  when you are instructed to do so.  Connect the camcorder to the...
  • Page 36  Notes Do not format the internal recording media of  the camcorder using a computer. If you do this, the camcorder will not operate correctly. Do not insert AVCHD recording discs that have  been created using the “PMB” software to DVD players or recorders, as these devices do not support the AVCHD standard.
  • Page 37: Starting Pmb (Picture Motion Browser)

    “PMB” functions. Uploading images to a network service The application software “PMB Portable” is pre-installed in the camcorder. You can enjoy the following functions using the “PMB Portable. ” Uploading images to network services such as ...
  • Page 38  (MENU)  [Setup]  touch (Connection)]  [USB Connect]. “Device Stage” is a menu of Windows 7, that is used to manage devices (camcorder, camera, etc.) that are connected to the computer.  Click “PMB Portable. ” The license agreement screen appears.
  • Page 39 The service can be suspended or altered  without notice by the website organizer. In these, as well as other cases, Sony shall not be liable in any way for any loss, damages or trouble between you and a third party which arose from the use of the service.
  • Page 40: Saving Images With An External Device

    Because DVD players/recorders are not compatible with the AVCHD format, DVD players/ recorders may fail to eject the disc. Delete the demonstration movie when copying or creating discs. If it is not deleted, the camcorder may  not operate correctly. However, you cannot recover the demonstration movie once you delete it.
  • Page 41 The devices on which the created disc can be played back DVD disc with high definition image quality (HD) AVCHD format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray disc player or a PlayStation DVD disc with standard definition image quality (STD) Ordinary DVD playback devices, such as a DVD player.
  • Page 42: Saving Images On An External Media Device

     satisfying requirements for operating. For details on available external media devices,  go to the Sony support website in your country/region. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).
  • Page 43: Camcorder Screen

    HDR-CX130E: Movies and photos that are stored in the memory card (inserted in the camcorder), and that have not yet been saved on to external media device can be saved on the connected media device at this time.
  • Page 44  Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to select the recording media (HDR- CX160E/CX180E), image selection methods and type of the image. You cannot copy images from an external media device to the internal recording medium on the camcorder.
  • Page 45: Creating A Disc With The Dvd Writer, Dvdirect Express

    Refer also to the instruction manual supplied with the DVD writer.  Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). DVDirect Express is referred to as “DVD ...
  • Page 46 When creating multiple copies of the same  disc  Connect the camcorder to the DVD writer and touch [DISC BURN OPTION].  Select the recording media containing the movie(s) you want to save (HDR-CX160E/CX180E) and touch [Next].  (the on the , then disconnect the...
  • Page 47: Your Camcorder

    Disconnect the USB cable or the AC Adaptor  Subject the camcorder to mechanical shock  or vibration Eject the memory card from the camcorder  Play the created disc to make sure copying was  performed correctly before deleting the movies on your camcorder.
  • Page 48: Than Dvdirect Express

    Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  countries/regions. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the...
  • Page 49: Creating A Standard Definition Image Quality (Std) Disc With A Recorder, Etc

    Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  countries/regions. High definition image quality (HD) movies  will be copied with standard definition image on the quality (STD).
  • Page 50 A/V connecting cable  (supplied) or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO  (sold separately). Connect your camcorder to the input jacks  of the recording device. Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device.
  • Page 51: Customizing Your Camcorder

    Customizing your camcorder Using menus You can enjoy using your camcorder more by making good use of menu operations. The camcorder has various menu items under each of 6 menu categories. Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode) p. 52 Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) p.
  • Page 52: Shooting Mode

    Scene Selection ... Selects an appropriate recording setting according to the type of scene, Fader ... Fades scenes in or out. Self-Timer ... Sets the self-timer when your camcorder is in photo recording mode. Tele Macro... Shoots a subject in focus with the background out of focus.
  • Page 53: Playback Function

    “BRAVIA” Sync compatible TV with the HDMI cable (sold separately). USB Connect ... Selects which type of media on the camcorder is to be used when the camcorder is connected to an external device via USB.
  • Page 54 A. Shut Off ... Changes the [A. Shut Off] setting (p. 13). Power On By LCD ... Sets whether or not the camcorder is turned on and off when you open Language Setting ... Sets the display language (p. 16).
  • Page 55: Getting Detailed Information From The "Handycam" Handbook

     [Install], and follow the on- screen instructions to install “Handycam” Handbook. The model name of your camcorder is  printed on the bottom surface. To view the “Handycam” Handbook, double-click the short-cut icon on the computer screen.
  • Page 56: Additional Information

    During repair, we may check a minimum  amount of data stored on the internal memory in order to investigate the problem. However, your Sony dealer will neither copy nor retain your data. See the “Handycam” Handbook (p. 55) for ...
  • Page 57 If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. In this case, when you contact them, give them all the numbers of the error code beginning with C or E.
  • Page 58: Recording Time Of Movies/Number Of Recordable Photos

    C (77 °F). 10  recommended. The recording and playback time will be  shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures. The recording and playback time will be shorter  depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.
  • Page 59: Playing Time

     recording time indicated in the table, you need 1120 to delete the demonstration movie on your camcorder (HDR-CX160E/CX180E). Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit  Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of the media.
  • Page 60 The number of recordable photos of memory  card may vary depending on the recording conditions.  Notes The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and  the image processing system (BIONZ) allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described. Tips ...
  • Page 61: 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 62 (wall socket) via the AC 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. Use your camcorder after charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery. However, even if the pre-...
  • Page 63: Specifications

    11 lx (lux) (in default setting, shutter speed 1/50 second) 3 lx (lux) ([Low Lux] is set to [On], shutter speed 1/25 second) The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and the image processing system (BIONZ) allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described.
  • Page 64 C (32 °F to  Corporation. “x.v.Colour” is a trademark of Sony  C (‒4 °F to  Corporation. “BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  29 mm 81 mm   “BRAVIA” is a registered trademark of Sony ...
  • Page 65 MultiMediaCard is a trademark of  MultiMediaCard Association. All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  Add further enjoyment with your PlayStation 3 by downloading the application for PlayStation 3 from PlayStation Store (where available.) The application for PlayStation 3 requires...
  • Page 66: Quick Reference

    101-0005  Indicators and their positions are approximate  and may differ from what you actually see. Some indicators may not appear, depending on  your camcorder model. Meaning Recording image quality (HD/STD), frame rate(50p/50i) and recording mode (PS/FX/ FH/HQ/LP)
  • Page 67: Parts And Controls

    Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting.  MODE button (21)  (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (21)  MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (HDR- CX160E/CX180E)  HDMI OUT jack (29)   (USB) jack (42, 45)
  • Page 68 Grip belt (20)  Built-in USB Cable (11)  Memory card access lamp (19) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data.  Tripod receptacle  Memory card slot (19)  BATT (battery) release lever (12)
  • Page 69: Index

    Index A/V connecting cable...30, 50 Battery pack ...10 Built-in USB Cable ...5, 11 Care ...61 Charging the battery pack ...10 Charging the battery pack abroad ...13 Clock Set ...14 Computer...34 Computer system ...34 Connection ...29 Copy ...19 Data Code ...15 Date/Time ...15 Delete ...32 Disc recorder ...49...
  • Page 72 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed on 70% or more recycled paper. 2011 Sony Corporation  Printed in China...

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