Sony Handycam DCR-HC27E. Operating Manual

Sony Handycam DCR-HC27E. Operating Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC27E/HC28E
© 2006 Sony Corporation
3-097-356-12(1)
Getting Started
Recording/
Playback
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Troubleshooting
Additional Information
8
18
30
45
51
61

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam DCR-HC27E.

  • Page 1 Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide DCR-HC27E/HC28E © 2006 Sony Corporation 3-097-356-12(1) Getting Started Recording/ Playback Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Troubleshooting Additional Information...
  • Page 2: Read This First

    Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE...
  • Page 3 • You can use mini DV cassettes marked with . Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function (p. 61). 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.
  • Page 4 About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF* measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Step 1: Checking supplied items ...8 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...9 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...12 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...13 Step 5: Using the touch panel ...14 Changing the language setting ...
  • Page 6 Playing the picture on a TV ... 28 Using the Menu Using the menu items ... 30 Operation button items ... 32 Menu items ... 37 MANUAL SET menu ... 38 – PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc. CAMERA SET menu ... 39 –...
  • Page 7 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...61 Usable cassette tapes ...61 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...62 About i.LINK ...64 Maintenance and precautions ...65 Specifications ...68 Index ...71...
  • Page 8: Getting Started

    Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9) Mains lead (1) (p. 9) A/V connecting cable (1) (p.
  • Page 9: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    To the wall socket AC Adaptor Mains lead Align the terminals of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it into place 2. Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to OFF(CHG) (The default setting).
  • Page 10 Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the...
  • Page 11: Recording Time

    Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. PRECAUTION LCD panel • Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power closed (mains) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
  • Page 12: Step 3: Turning The Power On And Holding Your Camcorder Firmly

    • After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p. 16), the next time you turn on the power of your camcorder, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.
  • Page 13: Step 4: Adjusting The Lcd Panel And Viewfinder

    Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2). 180 degrees (max.) 90 degrees to the...
  • Page 14: Step 5: Using The Touch Panel

    Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 21), or change the settings (p. 30) using the touch panel. Place your hand on the rear side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
  • Page 15 Touch the area including the indicator that you want to check. DISP GUIDE FOCUS: MANUAL PROGRAM AE: SPOTLIGHT P EFFECT: SEPIA PAGE PAGE RET. The meanings of the indicators in the area are listed on the screen. If you cannot find the indicator you want to check, touch [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to toggle.
  • Page 16: Step 6: Setting The Date And Time

    POWER switch position. • If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory.
  • Page 17: Step 7: Inserting A Cassette

    Step 7: Inserting a Cassette You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 61). • The recordable time varies depending on [REC MODE] (p. 42). Slide and hold the OPEN/ EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. OPEN/EJECT lever The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.
  • Page 18: Recording/Playback

    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. Recording Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
  • Page 19 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.
  • Page 20: Recording

    Recording Lens cap Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on the sides of the cap 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.
  • Page 21: Playback

    Playback 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. A Stop B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it •...
  • Page 22: Functions Used For Recording/Playback, Etc

    Wider range of view: (Wide angle) Close view: (Telephoto) • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
  • Page 23: Recording/Playback

    See [SPOT METER] on page 32. To record in mirror mode ... qa Open the LCD panel qa 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2). • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded.
  • Page 24: Indicators Displayed During Recording/Playback

    Recording A Remaining battery (approx.) B Recording mode (SP or LP) (42) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D Recording: Tape counter (hour: minute: second) Playback: Time code (hour: minute: second: frame) E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.) (43) F Function button (30) Data code during recording...
  • Page 25 ( ) is a reference page. The indicators during recording will not be recorded. Indicators when you made changes You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 14) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. • Some of the indicators may not appear when you use [DISP GUIDE].
  • Page 26: Searching For The Starting Point

    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. • [END SCH] will not work correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.
  • Page 27: Reviewing The Most Recently Recorded Scenes (Rec Review)

    Select [EDITSEARCH] with , then touch [EXEC]. Select [ON] with then touch [EXEC] t 60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT Touch The last few seconds of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to the standby.
  • Page 28: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    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 socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
  • Page 30: Using The Menu

    Using the Menu Using the menu items Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page. Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.
  • Page 31 x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation 60min STBY 0:00:00 1 Touch 2 Select the desired menu. Touch [MENU] then select the desired menu. 3 Change your item setting. After finishing the settings, touch Each touch of [ RET.] takes you to the previous screen.
  • Page 32: Operation Button Items

    W (wide angle), then adjust the focus. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp STBY 0:00:00 focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
  • Page 33 To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [ AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to AUTO]. • If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL]. • The setting returns to [ AUTO] when you turn the power off for more than 12 hours. DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)* See page 14.
  • Page 34 AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after inside use with the [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. the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or vice versa.
  • Page 35 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 ) on every PAGE. [PAGE1] MENU* See page 37.
  • Page 36 Operation button items (Continued) [PAGE3] V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback) You can play back in various modes while viewing movies. 1 Touch the following buttons during playback. Touch change the playback direction* play back [ySLOW] slowly** To reverse direction: [ySLOW] play back 2 times faster...
  • Page 37: Menu Items

    Menu items • Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit. • During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 18). MANUAL SET menu PROGRAM AE P EFFECT AUTO SHTR CAMERA SET menu D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH...
  • Page 38: Manual Set Menu

    LANDSCAPE**( Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows that comes in between the camcorder and the subject.
  • Page 39: Camera Set Menu

    SEPIA Pictures appear in sepia. B&W Pictures appear in black and white. SOLARIZE Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast. PASTEL* Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during playback. • You can record pictures edited with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.
  • Page 40 CAMERA SET menu (Continued) WIDE SEL (Wide select) You can record a picture in a ratio suitable for the screen on which it will be displayed. Refer also to the operating instructions supplied with your TV for details. B 4:3 Standard setting (to record pictures to be played back on a 4:3 TV).
  • Page 41: Player Set/ Vcr Set Menu

    B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.
  • Page 42: Tape Set Menu

    B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the viewfinder screen. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.
  • Page 43: Setup Menu Menu

    The default setting is [ON], allowing you to view the demonstration in about 10 minutes, after you have removed a cassette from your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp. • The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below.
  • Page 44: Others Menu

    5 minutes. NEVER The camcorder is not automatically turned off. • When you connect your camcorder to a wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER]. DISP OUT (Display output) B LCD Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
  • Page 45: Dubbing/Editing

    Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (VCR/ DVD device, etc.). You can connect your camcorder to a VCR/DVD device, etc., using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).
  • Page 46 – Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 38) • When connected using an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture becomes rough when a picture is paused on your camcorder while recording to a VCR. • When connected using an i.LINK cable, data...
  • Page 47: Recording Pictures From A Vcr, Etc. (Dcr-Hc28E)

    Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 9). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. • You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR etc. that does not have an i.LINK jack.
  • Page 48: Dubbing Sound To A Recorded Tape

    – 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.
  • Page 49: Recording Sound

    DUB]. Touch [ RET.] t • You can only record additional audio over a tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape recorded on other camcorders (including other DCR-HC27E/HC28E camcorders). To check the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p.
  • Page 50: Jacks To Connect External Devices

    Jacks to connect external devices Open the jack cover. A For DCR-HC27E: DV OUT Interface (i.LINK) (p. 45) For DCR-HC28E: DV Interface (i.LINK) (p. 45, 47) B A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 28, 45) C DC IN jack (p. 9)
  • Page 51: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn on.
  • Page 52 The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 9). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.
  • Page 53: Cassette Tapes

    The picture remains on the LCD screen. • This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug from your camcorder or remove the battery pack without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction. The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.
  • Page 54: Adjusting The Image During Recording

    • The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 65). You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next.
  • Page 55 A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark. • This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is too high. This is not a malfunction. A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject. •...
  • Page 56 • The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read. Noises appear and • The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is not a malfunction (p. 61).
  • Page 57 You cannot view the video your camcorder is seeing on the computer. • Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again. You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on the computer.
  • Page 58: Warning Indicators And Messages

    If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If the problem persists even after you have tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis...
  • Page 59 Description of warning messages If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions. x Battery/Power Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 62) Battery level is low. • Change the battery (p. 9, 62). Old battery. Use a new one. (p. 62) Z Re-attach the power source.
  • Page 60 • Your camcorder cannot play back this format. Play back the tape with the equipment that recorded it. HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio. • Your camcorder does not allow you to add audio on a section of a tape recorded in HDV format (p. 48).
  • Page 61: Additional Information

    Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. On TV color systems Your camcorder is PAL system, so its...
  • Page 62: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    • When charging the battery pack while the AC Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove the battery pack. To use the battery pack effectively •...
  • Page 63 To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place. • To discharge the battery pack on your camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to...
  • Page 64: About I.link

    • i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations. • IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
  • Page 65: Maintenance And Precautions

    • If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. • Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product.
  • Page 66: Video Head

    • If the video heads are dirty, video or sound distortion may be apparent. • If the following problem occurs, clean the video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM- 12CLD cleaning cassette (optional). – Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture or the screen is displayed in blue.
  • Page 67 • 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.
  • Page 68: Specifications

    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.
  • Page 69 Color temperature [AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K) Minimum illumination 5 lx (lux) (F 1.8) 0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus function) Input/Output connectors Audio/Video output 10-pin connector Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω...
  • Page 70 Lithium ion Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. Types of differences DCR-HC DV Interface On trademarks • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and Corporation. • • “Handycam” and registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
  • Page 71: Index

    ...See SPOT METER FN (Function) button ...24, 30 FOCUS ...32, 54 Frame-by-frame Playback ...36 Full charge ...10 Getting started ...8 Grip belt...12 Holding the camcorder ...12 Icon ...See Display indicators Indicators ...25 INDOOR...34 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ...62 Infrared port...22 Initialize (Reset) ...23 Internal stereo microphone ...23...
  • Page 72 Index (Continued) LCD panel ...13 LCD screen...13 LCD/VF SET menu...41 Lens cap...8, 12, 18 LETTER BOX...42 Lid ...17 LP (Long Play) ...42 Mains lead ...9 Maintenance ...65 MANUAL SET menu ...38 Menu...30 CAMERA SET menu...39 LCD/VF SET menu...41 MANUAL SET menu ...38 Menu items...37 OTHERS menu ...44 PLAYER SET menu ...41...
  • Page 73 V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback) ...36 VCR SET menu ...41 VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)...42 Video head ...66 Video operation buttons...24 Viewfinder ...13 Back light ...42 Viewfinder lens adjustment lever ...13 VOL (Volume)...21 V-OUT/LCD...44 Wall socket ...9 Warning indicators...58 Warning messages ...59 WHITE ...33 WHT BAL...
  • Page 76 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...

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