Sony Handycam DCR-HC16E Operation Manual
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Sony Handycam DCR-HC16E Operation Manual

Digital video camera recorder
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Operations Guide
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© 2004 Sony Corporation
Digital Video Camera Recorder
DCR-HC16E/HC18E/HC20E
3-088-337-11(1)

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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam DCR-HC16E

  • Page 1 Camera Operations Guide Read this first Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-HC16E/HC18E/HC20E © 2004 Sony Corporation 3-088-337-11(1)

  • 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 ATTENTION The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.
  • Page 3 camera, and thus may appear different from what you see. • The illustrations used on this manual are based on the model DCR-HC20E. Notes on using the camcorder • Hold your camcorder correctly. • If the Strap Belt is too long, fasten the Strap Belt as shown in the following illustration.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Read this first ... 2 Quick Start Guide Recording movies ... 8 Recording/Playing back with ease ... 10 Getting started Step 1: Checking supplied items... 11 Step 2: Charging the battery pack... 12 Using an outside power source ... 14 Step 3: Turning the power on...
  • Page 5 Recording a picture using various effects ... 31 Fading in and out of a scene – FADER ... 31 Searching for the starting point ... 32 Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH ... 32 Searching manually –...
  • Page 6 Advanced operations Customizing Your Cam- corder Changing the menu settings ... 43 Using the (MANUAL SET) menu – PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc..44 Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – D ZOOM/16:9WIDE, etc..47 Using the (PLAYER SET)/ SET) menu – HiFi SOUND/AUDIO MIX ...

  • Page 8: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Recording movies Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 12. Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. Insert a cassette into the camcorder. Slide the OPEN/ ZEJECT lever in the direction of the...

  • Page 9: Start Recording While Checking The Subject On The Lcd Screen

    Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen. The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 17. Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. Open the LCD panel. While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down to light up...

  • Page 10: Recording/Playing Back With Ease

    Recording/Playing back with ease By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback. Press EASY when recording/ playing back. EASY lights up in blue (a) and the screen font size increases (b) during Easy Handycam operation.

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Getting started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) Mains lead (1) Wireless Remote Commander (1) (DCR-HC18E/HC20E) A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

  • Page 12: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) to your camcorder. b Notes • You cannot use batteries other than the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 83). • Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminals with any metallic objects.
  • Page 13 To remove the battery pack BATT (battery) POWER release button switch Battery pack Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing the BATT (battery) release button down. b Note •...

  • Page 14: Using An Outside Power Source

    When LCD BACKLIGHT is set to OFF Battery pack Continuous recording time NP-FP50 (supplied) NP-FP70 NP-FP90 Recording time when recording with the viewfinder Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F). Battery pack Continuous recording time NP-FP50...

  • Page 15: Step 3: Turning The Power On

    Step 3: Turning the power on You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mode to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the CLOCK SET screen appears (p. 17). LENS COVER switch POWER switch Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.

  • Page 16: Step 4: Adjusting The Lcd Panel And Viewfinder

    Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder Adjusting the LCD panel You can adjust the angle and brightness of the LCD panel to meet various recording situations. Even when there are obstructions between you and the subject, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.

  • Page 17: Step 5: Setting The Date And Time

    To use the viewfinder during operation When you are recording, you can adjust the exposure (p. 28) and fader (p. 31) while checking the image on the viewfinder. Have the LCD panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the screen facing out. Slide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA mode.
  • Page 18 Touch to display PAGE1. 60min 0:00:00 PAGE1 PAGE2 SPOT FOCUS SPOT FOCUS B AL METER MENU FADER EXPO– SURE Touch MENU. MANUAL SET PROGRAM AE P EFFECT FLASH MODE FLASH LVL AUTO SHTR EXEC RET. Select (SETUP MENU) with , then touch EXEC. SETUP MENU CLOCK SET --:--:--...

  • Page 19: Step 6: Inserting A Cassette Tape

    Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape You can use mini DV cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as write- protection), see page 81. b Note • Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

  • Page 20: Step 7: Setting The Screen Language

    Step 7: Setting the screen language You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen. Turn on your camcorder. Open the LCD panel. Touch to display PAGE1. 60min STBY 0:00:00 PAGE1 PAGE2 SPOT FOCUS SPOT FOCUS B AL METER MENU FADER...

  • Page 21: Recording

    Recording Recording movies Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 20). When you are recording, movies will be recorded along with stereo sound. Camera recording lamp LENS COVER switch REC START/STOP REC START/STOP z Tip •...

  • Page 22: Recording For A Longer Time

    E Tape photo recording/Time code or tape counter (hour: minute: second) F Recording capacity of the tape (p. 54) G Function button b Notes • Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG). • In the default setting, when you do not operate the camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power will automatically turn off to prevent battery loss ([A.SHUT OFF], p.

  • Page 23: Using The Self-Timer

    Extend the viewfinder. Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees towards the subject. A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded. Using the self-timer With the self-timer, you can start recording after a delay of about 10 seconds.

  • Page 24: Recording Still Images - Tape Photo Recording

    Recording still images – Tape photo recording You can record still images. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 20). PHOTO LENS COVER switch POWER switch Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. Open the LCD panel.

  • Page 25: Recording With Ease - Easy Handycam

    Recording with ease – Easy Handycam With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are set to the automatic mode, only basic functions become available, and the screen font size increases for easy viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy recording.

  • Page 26: Adjusting The Exposure

    Adjusting the exposure The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting. Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects When your subject has its back to the sun or other light, you can adjust the exposure to prevent the subject from becoming shadowed.

  • Page 27: Adjusting The White Balance Manually

    To return the setting to automatic exposure Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ step 4. Or set [EXPOSURE] to [ (p. 28). b Notes • You cannot use the Flexible spot meter together with the NightShot plus function. •...

  • Page 28: Adjusting The Exposure Manually

    Adjusting the exposure manually You can fix the brightness of a picture at the best exposure. When recording indoors on a clear day, for instance, you can avoid backlight shadows on people next to the window by manually fixing the exposure to that of the wall side of the room.

  • Page 29: Recording In Dark Places - Nightshot Plus

    Recording in dark places – NightShot plus You can record subjects in dark places (such as when capturing the face of your baby sleeping) with this function. Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON. and ”NIGHTSHOT PLUS” appear. To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF.

  • Page 30: Adjusting The Focus Manually

    To adjust the focus automatically Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ step 4. Or, set [FOCUS] to [ b Note • You cannot use the SPOT FOCUS function together with [PROGRAM AE]. z Tip • If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is automatically set to [MANUAL].

  • Page 31: Recording A Picture Using Various Effects

    Recording a picture using various effects POWER switch REC START/ REC START/STOP STOP Fading in and out of a scene – FADER You can add the following effects to currently recording pictures. [BLACK] (black fader) [WHITE] (white fader) [MOSC. FADER] (mosaic fader) [MONOTONE] When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color.

  • Page 32: Searching For The Starting Point

    Searching for the starting point Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH This function is handy when you have played back the tape, for example, but want to start recording right after the most recently recorded scene.

  • Page 33: Reviewing The Most Recently Recorded Scenes - Rec Review

    Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec review You can view a few seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. Slide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA mode. Touch to display [PAGE1]. Touch MENU. Select (CAMERA SET), then select [EDITSEARCH] with...

  • Page 34: Playback

    Playback Viewing pictures recorded on a tape Make sure you have a recorded tape inserted into your camcorder. When you want to play back recordings on your TV, see page 39. For DCR-HC18E/HC20E: You can control playback using the Remote Commander.

  • Page 35: Playing Back In Various Modes

    Indicators displayed during playback 60min 0:00:00:15 60min A Remaining battery time B Recording mode (SP or LP) C Tape transport indicator D Time code (hour: minute: second: frame) or tape counter (hour: minute: second) E Function button F Video operation buttons Playing back in various modes To fast forward or rewind during playback –...

  • Page 36: Playing Back With Ease - Easy Handycam

    Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam Easy Handycam operation allows easy playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for playback. Also, the screen font size increases for easy viewing. Make sure you have a recorded tape inserted into your camcorder.

  • Page 37: Various Playback Functions

    Various playback functions You can display the recorded date and camera setting data. DSPL/BATT INFO POWER switch Displaying the screen indicators You can choose to display the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen. Press DSPL/BATT INFO. The indicators appear/disappear as you press the button.
  • Page 38 If you record the picture without setting the clock, [-- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will appear. 60min 0:00:00:00 AUTO F1. 7 A SteadyShot off B Exposure C White balance D Gain E Shutter speed F Aperture value Playback...

  • Page 39: Playing The Picture On A Tv

    Playing the picture on a TV A/V OUT jack A/V connecting cable (supplied)*1 Signal flow *1 The supplied A/V connecting cable has a video plug and an S video plug for the video connection. *2 This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.

  • Page 40: Locating A Scene On A Tape For Playback (Dcr-Hc18E/Hc20E)

    Locating a scene on a tape for playback (DCR-HC18E/HC20E) Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory mREW PLAY STOP DISPLAY ZERO SET MEMORY During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander at the point you want to locate later on.

  • Page 41: Searching For A Scene By Date Of Recording - Date Search

    Playback starts automatically from the selected title. TITLE SEARCH HAPPY NEW YEAR! PRESENT GOOD MORNING WEDDING NIGHT BASEBALL Point where the playback starts Present point on the tape To cancel the operation Press STOP on the Remote Commander. b Notes •...

  • Page 42: Playing Back Still Images In Sequence - Photo Scan

    choosing the recording date on the screen. ([CM SEARCH] is set to [ON] by default). When you are using a cassette that does not have Cassette Memory, your camcorder searches the still image automatically regardless of the recording date. SEARCH M. .

  • Page 43: Customizing Your Camcorder

    Advanced operations Customizing Your Camcorder Changing the menu settings You can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen. Turn on the power (p. 15). Touch to display [PAGE1]. 60min STBY 0:00:00 PAGE1 PAGE2 SPOT FOCUS...

  • Page 44: Using The (Manual Set) Menu

    Using the (MANUAL SET) menu – PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc. You can select items listed below on the MANUAL SET menu. To select items, see “Changing the menu settings” (p. 43). The default settings are marked with G. The indicators in parentheses appear when the PROGRAM AE You can record pictures easily in a situation that requires various techniques by selecting the following settings.

  • Page 45: Flash Mode

    **Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects. Note • When you set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON, [PROGRAM AE] does not work. (The indicator flashes.) P EFFECT You can add special effects (such as films) to a picture before or after recording. appears when the effect is selected.
  • Page 46 FLASH LVL Note that these settings will not function with external flashes that do not support the following settings. HIGH GNORMAL Note • The setting returns to [NORMAL] when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. AUTO SHTR Customizing Your Camcorder To make the flash (optional) level higher than normal.

  • Page 47: Using The (Camera Set) Menu

    Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – D ZOOM/16:9WIDE, etc. You can select items listed below on the CAMERA SET menu. To select items, see “Changing the menu settings” (p. 43). The default settings are marked with G. The indicators in parentheses appear when the D ZOOM You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 times while recording on a tape.
  • Page 48 When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder * The picture appears in full screen when the wide-screen TV switches to full mode. **Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in the wide mode, it appears as you have seen on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

  • Page 49: Mix

    Using the (PLAYER SET)/ (VCR SET) menu SOUND/AUDIO MIX You can select items listed below in the menu (the PLAYER SET menu for DCR-HC16E/ HC18E, the VCR SET menu for DCR-HC20E). To select these items, see “Changing the menu settings” (p. 43). HiFi SOUND You can select how to play back audio recorded on a tape in stereo mode.
  • Page 50 Using the SET) menu – LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L. You can select items listed below on the LCD/ VF SET menu. To select items, see “Changing the menu settings” (p. 43). LCD B.L. You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture will not be affected by this setting.

  • Page 51: Using The (Cm Set) Menu

    Using the SET) menu – TITLE/TAPE TITLE/ERASE ALL, etc. You can select items listed below on the CM SET menu. To select items, see “Changing the menu settings” (p. 43). TITLE Any titles you have superimposed using this camcorder can only be viewed on a video cassette device with the index titler function.
  • Page 52 Color white t yellow t violet t red t cyan t green t blue Size small y large (You can only select the small size when you are entering more than 13 characters.) Position You can select from 8 to 9 choices. Touch [TITLE OK], then touch [SAVE TITLE].
  • Page 53 CM SEARCH For DCR-HC18E/HC20E: TAPE TITLE You can label a cassette with Cassette Memory (up to 10 letters). The label will be displayed for approximately 5 seconds when you select the CAMERA mode and insert a cassette, or when you select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Up to 4 titles will be displayed at the same time if the cassette has titles superimposed.

  • Page 54: Using The (Tape Set) Menu - Rec Mode/Frame Rec/ Int.rec, Etc

    Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette. Select to increase the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play). The use of Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassette is recommended to get the most out of your camcorder.
  • Page 55 GOFF ON ( Notes • When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated correctly. • The last scene will be longer than other scenes. INT.REC You can record pictures on the tape at a selected interval. You can achieve excellent recordings of flowers blooming, etc.
  • Page 56 Tips • If you adjust the focus manually, you may be able to record clear pictures even if the light changes (p. 30). • You can silence the beeps during recording (p. 59). Customizing Your Camcorder...

  • Page 57: Using The (Setup Menu) Menu - Clock Set/Usb Stream/ Language, Etc

    Using the (SETUP MENU) menu – CLOCK SET/ USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. You can select items listed below on the SETUP MENU menu. To select items, see “Changing the menu settings” (p. 43). CLOCK SET You can set the date and time (p. 17). USB STREAM You can connect a USB cable (supplied) to your camcorder, and view the picture displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming).
  • Page 58 – When a mode other than CAMERA is selected. • If [A.SHUT OFF] is set to [5min] when the camcorder is used on the battery pack, the power will be turned off after approximately 5 minutes (p. 59). Customizing Your Camcorder...

  • Page 59: Using The (Others) Menu

    Using the (OTHERS) menu TIME, etc. You can select items listed below on the OTHERS menu. To select these items, see “Changing the menu settings” (p. 43). WORLD TIME You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the time difference by touching accordance with the time difference.

  • Page 60: Rec Lamp

    Note • The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. DISPLAY GLCD V-OUT/LCD REC LAMP VIDEO EDIT Select to make programs and dubbing the selected scenes to a tape on a VCR (p.

  • Page 61: Dubbing/Editing

    Dubbing/Editing Connecting to a VCR or TV A/V OUT jack A/V connecting cable (supplied)*1 Signal flow *1 The supplied A/V connecting cable has a video plug and an S video plug for the video connection. *2 This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.

  • Page 62: Dubbing To Another Tape

    transmitted digitally, producing high quality pictures. Note that you cannot record the picture and sound separately. For details, see page 84. Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to another tape You can copy and edit the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (such as VCRs).

  • Page 63: Recording Pictures From A Vcr (Dcr-Hc20E)

    Recording pictures from a VCR (DCR-HC20E) You can record and edit pictures from a VCR on a tape inserted in your camcorder via an i.LINK cable. Insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder. Connect your VCR to your camcorder (p.
  • Page 64 • Insert a cassette for recording. • Set the input selector to input mode if your VCR has one. Prepare your camcorder (playing device). • Insert a cassette for editing. • Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Touch to display [PAGE1].
  • Page 65 The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as the default setting.) Manufacturing [IR SETUP] code company Sony 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Aiwa 47, 53, 54 Akai 50, 62, 74...
  • Page 66 Remove the cassette from your camcorder. Prepare a pen and paper to take notes. Set the VCR to recording pause mode. Skip this step if you have selected i.LINK in step 9 (p. 64). b Note • Run the tape for about 10 seconds before pausing.
  • Page 67 Prepare a cassette. Insert a tape to be played back into the camcorder, then insert a cassette for recording into your VCR. Touch to display [PAGE1]. Touch MENU. Select (OTHERS), then select [VIDEO EDIT] with then touch [EXEC] Search for the beginning of the first scene that you want to dub on your camcorder, then pause playback.
  • Page 68 To save a program without using it to record Touch [ END] in step 9. The program is stored in memory until the cassette is ejected. To erase programs Follow steps 1 to 4 in “Recording the selected scenes as programs” (p. 66), then touch [UNDO].

  • Page 69: Dubbing Sound To A Recorded Tape

    Dubbing sound to a recorded tape Preparing for audio recording Internal microphone Signal flow Record audio in one of the following ways. • Using the internal microphone (no connection required). • Connecting a microphone (optional) to the MIC jack. The audio input to be recorded takes precedence over others in the order of MIC jack t internal microphone.
  • Page 70 Touch (pause) again at the point where you want to start recording the sound. The playback pauses. Touch and select [PAGE3]. Touch [A DUB CTRL]. 60min 0:00:00:00 A DUB CTRL RET. AUDIO Touch [AUDIO DUB]. X mark appears on the LCD A green screen.

  • Page 71: Creating Dvds Or Vcds

    Creating DVDs or VCDs When your camcorder is connected to a Sony VAIO series personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape to a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”). And, when...

  • Page 72: Troubleshooting

    If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. (p. 12) • The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.

  • Page 73: Cassette Tapes

    Symptom The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time. The power turns off frequently although the remaining battery indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate. The power abruptly turns off. A problem occurs when the camcorder is connected to the AC Adaptor.
  • Page 74 Symptom An unknown picture appears on the screen. An unknown indicator appears on the screen. The buttons do not appear on the touch panel. The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all. The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.
  • Page 75 Symptom A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject. The color of the picture is not correctly displayed. Picture appears too bright on the screen, and the subject does not appear on the screen. The screen is too dark for the image to be seen.
  • Page 76 Symptom The sound breaks off. For DCR-HC18E/HC20E: Cannot perform Date search with the recording date displayed on the screen. “---” is displayed on the screen. The END SEARCH function does not work. The END SEARCH function does not work correctly. Noises appear and is displayed on the screen.
  • Page 77 VCR correctly, then check the connection between your camcorder and the VCR. (p. 61) cWhen your camcorder is connected to a DV device that is not a Sony product via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1: Preparing your camcorder and VCR for operation”...

  • Page 78: Warning Indicators And Messages

    Troubleshooting Cause and/or Corrective Actions Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:04:ss cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.
  • Page 79 Indication (Warning indicator pertaining to the external flash) * You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen. Cause and/or Corrective Actions Slow flashing: • During charging Fast flashing: • The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 78).* •...

  • Page 80: Warning Messages

    Warning messages If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details. Subjects Indications Battery Use the ”InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Battery level is low. Old battery. Use a new one. Z Re-attach the power source. Moisture % Z Moisture condensation.

  • Page 81: Additional Information

    Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any countries/ regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz. On TV color systems Your camcorder is a PAL system-based camcorder.
  • Page 82 z Tip • The memory capacity of the cassette marked with is 4k bits. Your camcorder can accommodate cassettes having a memory capacity of up to 16k bits. Copyright signal When you play back If the cassette you play back on your camcorder contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to a tape in another video camera connected to your camcorder.

  • Page 83: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs have the mark. What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack? The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium- ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an...

  • Page 84: About I.link

    Tips • 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 85: Maintenance And Precautions

    Interface, see page 61, 62. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible device made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video device. Before connecting this unit to your computer,...
  • Page 86 • 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 87 LCD screen • Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage. • If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a residual image may appear on the LCD screen. This is not a malfunction. •...

  • Page 88: Specification

    Procedures Connect your camcorder to a wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more than 24 hours. Additional Information Specification Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Audio recording system Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1,...
  • Page 89 AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K) Minimum illumination 5 lx (lux) (F 1.7) 0 lx (lux) (during the NightShot plus function)* * Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can be shot with infrared lighting. Input/Output connectors Audio/Video output 10-pin connector...
  • Page 90 Types of differences DCR-HC DV Interface Remote sensor – z Provided – Not provided Additional Information IN/OUT...

  • Page 91: Quick Reference

    Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls Camcorder A LCD/Touch panel screen (p. 2, 16) B LCD BACKLIGHT button* (p. 16) C REC START/STOP button (p. 21) D BACK LIGHT button* (p. 26) E DSPL/BATT INFO button (p. 13, 37) F EASY button (p. 25, 36) G Viewfinder (p.
  • Page 92 Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens which can reproduce fine images. The lens for your camcorder was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality as fine as a Carl Zeiss lens.
  • Page 93 A PHOTO button (p. 24) B Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 16) C BATT (battery) release button (p. 13) D CHG (charge) lamp (p. 12) E REC START/STOP button (p. 21) F DC IN jack (p. 12) G Power zoom lever H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT mode lamps (p.
  • Page 94 A OPEN/ZEJECT lever (p. 19) B Strap Belt C Cassette lid (p. 19) D Tripod receptacle Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch). Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod securely, and the screw may damage your camcorder.
  • Page 95 Remote Commander (DCR-HC18E/HC20E) Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander. A PHOTO button (p. 24) B SEARCH M. button* (p. 40) C ./> buttons* (p. 40) D Video control buttons (Rewind, Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop, Slow) (p. 35) E ZERO SET MEMORY button* (p.
  • Page 96 WARNING Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Page 97: Indicators For The Lcd Screen And Viewfinder

    Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder Following indicators will appear on the LCD screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of your camcorder. Indicators vary depending on your camcorder model. Example: Indicators in the CAMERA mode Time code (p. 22)/Tape counter (p. 22)/Self- diagnosis (p.

  • Page 98: Index

    Index Numerics 16:9WIDE mode ... 47 21-pin adaptor ... 39 A/V connecting cable.. 39, 61 AC Adaptor ... 14 Adjusting the viewfinder... 16 Audio dubbing (A DUB CTRL)... 69 AUDIO MIX ... 49, 70 AUDIO MODE ... 54 Auto shut off function (A.SHUT OFF)...
  • Page 99 Operation confirmation beep See BEEP PAL ...81 Photo scan ...42 Photo search ...41 Picture effect (P EFFECT) ...45 Picture search ...35 Playback (V SPD PLAY) Double speed ...35 Frame...35 Reverse ...35 Slow...35 Playing time ...14 Power mode ...15 PROGRAM AE ...44 Rec review ...33 REC START/STOP ...21 Recording capacity...
  • Page 100 Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan...

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