Sony Handycam DCR-HC37E Operating Manual

Sony Handycam DCR-HC37E Operating Manual

Digital video camera recorder
Table of Contents

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Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC37E/HC38E/
HC45E
© 2007 Sony Corporation
2-319-524-11(1)
Getting Started
Recording/
Playback
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Using a Computer
Troubleshooting
Additional Information
Quick Reference
7
15
26
41
46
50
57
68

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Sony Handycam DCR-HC37E

  • Page 1 Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide DCR-HC37E/HC38E/ HC45E © 2007 Sony Corporation 2-319-524-11(1) Getting Started Recording/ Playback Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Using a Computer Troubleshooting Additional Information Quick Reference...
  • 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 Type of cassette you can use in your camcorder • You can use mini DV cassettes marked with . Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function (p. 57). Using the camcorder • Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
  • 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

    Table of Contents Read this first ... 2 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ... 7 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...8 Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time ... 12 Changing the language setting ...
  • Page 6 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ... 50 Warning indicators and messages ... 55 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ... 57 Maintenance and precautions ... 57 Usable cassette tapes ... 57 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 58 About i.LINK ... 59 On using your camcorder ... 60 Specifications ...
  • Page 7: Getting Started

    (DCR-HC45E) (p. 69, 71) • A USB cable is not supplied with the DCR-HC37E/HC38E models. If necessary, buy a USB 2.0 cable (Type A to Type B-mini.). A Sony product is recommended. Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1) (p. 8, 58) CD-ROM “Handycam Application...
  • Page 8: Step 2: Charging The Battery Pack

    Step 2: Charging the battery pack Battery pack DC IN jack To the wall socket You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 58) after attaching it to your camcorder. b Notes • You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder.
  • Page 9 CHG (charge) lamp The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. For DCR-HC45E: Connect the mains lead to the AC Adaptor and the wall socket. Insert the camcorder into the Handycam Station securely, all the way to the bottom. CHG (charge) lamp The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.
  • Page 10 Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued) For DCR-HC45E: To remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station Turn off the power, then remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station holding both your camcorder and the Handycam Station. For DCR-HC37E/HC38E: To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall socket by making the same connections as you do when charging...
  • Page 11: Charging Time

    Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. Battery pack Charging time NP-FH30 (supplied) NP-FH50 NP-FH70 NP-FH100 Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. Continuous Battery pack recording time NP-FH30...
  • Page 12: Step 3: Turning The Power On And Setting The Date And Time

    Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position.
  • Page 13: Step 4: Making Setting Adjustments Before Recording

    Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording Opening the lens cover Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. 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).
  • Page 14: Step 5: Inserting A Cassette

    Step 5: Inserting a Cassette You can use mini DV (p. 57). 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.
  • Page 15: 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. Open the lens cover (p. 13) Recording Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
  • Page 16 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.
  • Page 17: Recording

    Recording Open the lens cover (p. 13). 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).
  • Page 18: Zooming

    Recording (Continued) Zooming You can magnify images up to 40 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. Wider range of view: (Wide angle) Close view: (Telephoto) Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom.
  • Page 19: Adjusting The Exposure For Backlit Subjects

    Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press BACK LIGHT to display .. To cancel the back light function, press 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).
  • Page 20: 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 automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes. To adjust the volume Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then...
  • Page 21: Using The Guide Functions (Usage Guide)

    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.
  • Page 22: Searching For The Starting Point

    Searching for the starting point Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up (p. 17). Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH) [END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape.
  • Page 23 Select [EDITSEARCH] with , then touch [EXEC]. Select [ON] with then touch [EXEC] t 60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT GUIDE Touch The last few seconds of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
  • Page 24: 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. 8). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
  • Page 25 A A/V connecting cable (supplied) For DCR-HC45E: The Handycam Station and your camcorder are both equipped with A/V OUT jacks (p. 70, 71). Connect the A/V connecting cable either to the Handycam Station or to your camcorder, depending on your setup. B A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) When connecting to another device via the S...
  • Page 26: Using The Menu

    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.
  • Page 27: Operation Button Items

    Operation button items Available operation buttons vary depending on the position of the lamp and the display (PAGE). The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are marked with “*”.
  • Page 28: Flexible Spot Meter

    Operation button items (Continued) SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter) You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background, such as subjects in the spotlight on stage.
  • Page 29 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 light, such as at a beach in midsummer.
  • Page 30 Operation button items (Continued) BLACK MOSC. FADER MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black and white to color. When fading out, it gradually changes from color to black and white. WHT BAL (White balance) You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment.
  • Page 31 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 34.
  • Page 32 Operation button items (Continued) Touch play back [ySLOW] slowly** To reverse direction: [ySLOW] play back 2 times faster To reverse direction: (double speed) (double speed) play back frame by frame playback pause. To reverse direction: frame playback. * Horizontal lines may appear at the top, bottom, or in the center of the screen.
  • Page 33 To check the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p. 20). t [PAGE1] t [MENU]. 2 Touch 3 Select (PLAYER SET) for the DCR- HC37E/HC45E, or (VCR SET) for the DCR-HC38E, then touch to select [AUDIO MIX], then touch [EXEC].
  • Page 34: 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. 15). MANUAL SET menu P EFFECT CAMERA SET menu D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH N.S.LIGHT PLAYER SET (DCR-HC37E/HC45E)/...
  • Page 35: Manual 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 26 for details on selecting menu items. P EFFECT (Picture effect) You can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback.
  • Page 36: Camera Set Menu

    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 26 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 ×...
  • Page 37: Player Set/ Vcr Set Menu

    N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light) When using the NightShot plus (p. 18) 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.
  • Page 38: Lcd/Vf Set Menu

    LCD/VF SET menu – LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default settings are marked with B. See page 26 for details on selecting menu items. LCD B.L. (LCD back light) You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation.
  • Page 39: Tape Set Menu

    TAPE SET menu – REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 26 for details on selecting menu items. REC MODE (Recording mode) B SP (SP) Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.
  • Page 40: Others Menu

    OTHERS menu – WORLD TIME, etc. The default settings are marked with B. See page 26 for details on selecting menu items. WORLD TIME When using your camcorder abroad, you can set the time difference by touching , the clock will be adjusted in accordance with the time difference.
  • Page 41: Dubbing/Editing

    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).
  • Page 42 Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (Continued) DCR-HC45E: A/V OUT jack A/V OUT DV OUT DV OUT Interface (i.LINK) : Signal flow A A/V connecting cable (supplied) For DCR-HC45E: The Handycam Station and your camcorder are both equipped with A/V OUT jacks (page 70, 71).
  • Page 43 Prepare your camcorder for playback. Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Insert the recording media in the recording device. If your recording device has an input selector, set it to the appropriate input (such as video input1, video input2).
  • Page 44: Recording Pictures From A Tv Or Vcr, Etc. (Dcr-Hc38E)

    Recording pictures from a TV or VCR, etc. (DCR- HC38E) Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures or TV programs from a TV or VCR, etc., on a tape. Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand. You can connect your camcorder to a TV, VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK cable (optional).
  • Page 45 When recording pictures from a VCR: Start playing the cassette on the VCR. When recording pictures from a Select a TV program. The picture played on the connected device appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder. Touch [REC START] at the point you want to start recording.
  • Page 46: Using A Computer

    Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer When you install the “Picture Motion Browser” on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the following operations. b Notes • You cannot install the supplied software, “Picture Motion Browser”, on a Macintosh computer.
  • Page 47: Installing The "First Step Guide" And Software

    Hard disk: Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 350 MB Display: DirectX 7 or later-compatible video card, Minimum 1024 × 768 dots, High Color (16 bit color) Others: USB port (This must be provided as standard), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive (You need a CD-ROM drive to install the “Picture Motion Browser”.)
  • Page 48 Remove the CD-ROM from the disc drive of your computer. After you install the software, a shortcut icon for the customers registration website is created on the desktop. • Once you register on the website, you can get secure and useful customer support. http://www.sony.net/registration/di/...
  • Page 49: Viewing "First Step Guide

    Tips • 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...
  • Page 50: 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/ Remote Commander... 50 • Batteries/Power sources ... 51 •...
  • Page 51 • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 8). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out. The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.
  • Page 52: Cassette Tapes

    Troubleshooting (Continued) The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared. • Close the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is open (p. 13). Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen. • This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded.
  • Page 53 The BACK LIGHT function does not function. • In the following settings, the BACK LIGHT function is canceled. – [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE] – [SPOT METER] • The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation (p. 16). A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark.
  • Page 54 Troubleshooting (Continued) Noises appear and on the screen. • The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is not a malfunction (p. 57). is displayed on the screen. • The tape you are playing was recorded on another device with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC REC).
  • Page 55: 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 56 Warning indicators and messages (Continued) them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.” E (Battery level warning) • The battery pack is nearly used up. • Depending on the operating, environment, or battery conditions, E may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes remaining.
  • Page 57: 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 picture can only be viewed on a PAL system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.
  • Page 58: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    Maintenance and precautions (Continued) To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set it to SAVE. REC: The cassette can be recorded. SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-protected). When labeling the cassette Be sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
  • Page 59: 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 60: On Using Your Camcorder

    DV Interface, see page 41, 44. This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as well as to video devices. Some i.LINK compatible video devices, such as Digital Televisions, DVD, MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are not compatible with DV devices.
  • Page 61 • 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 62 (optional), it might be because the video heads are worn. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video heads replaced. LCD screen •...
  • Page 63 To remove dust from inside the viewfinder 1 Pull out the viewfinder. 2 While pushing in the tab on the side with a fine-tipped implement such as a ball point pen, pull the eyecup block in the direction of the arrow to remove. 3 Remove dust from the eyecup block with a camera blower, etc.
  • Page 64: Specifications

    Remote Commander may shorten, or the Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
  • Page 65 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) Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω...
  • Page 66 Specifications (Continued) USB jack mini-B DV output i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin connector S100) AC Adaptor AC-L200/L200B Power requirements AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz Current consumption 0.35 - 0.18 A Power consumption 18 W Output voltage DC 8.4 V* Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) Storage temperature...
  • Page 67 On trademarks • “Handycam” and registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • is a trademark. • Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.
  • Page 68: Quick Reference

    Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (18) B Power zoom lever (18) OPEN/EJECT lever (14) D Hooks for a shoulder belt Attach a shoulder belt (optional). E Grip belt (13) F Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (4) G LENS COVER switch (13) H For DCR-HC45E:...
  • Page 69 A DISP/BATT INFO button (10, 13) B EASY button (15) C RESET button Initializes all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. D LCD screen/touch panel (13, 72) E Zoom buttons (18) F REC START/STOP button (15, 17) G Speaker Playback sounds comes out from the speaker.
  • Page 70 Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A POWER switch (12) B Viewfinder (13) C Eyecup (63) D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (13) E For DCR-HC37E: DV OUT interface (41) For DCR-HC38E: DV interface (41, 44) F DC IN jack (8) G A/V OUT jack (24, 41) H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT lamp (12) I REC START/STOP button (15, 17) J Tripod receptacle...
  • Page 71 For DCR-HC45E: Handycam Station For DCR-HC45E: Remote Commander Insulation sheet A Interface connector (USB) jack DV OUT interface (42) D DC IN jack (8) E A/V OUT jack (24, 42) A Transmitter B REC START/STOP button (15, 17) C Power zoom buttons (18) D Video control (Rewind, Playback, Fast- forward, Pause, Stop, Slow) buttons (16, E DISPLAY button (13)
  • Page 72: Indicators Displayed During Recording/Playback

    Recording A Remaining battery (approx.) B Recording mode (SP or LP) (39) 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.) (39) F Function button (26) G Guide button (21)
  • Page 73 Indicator Meaning SCENE SEL. (28) Picture effect (35) White balance (30) Wide select (36) SteadyShot off (36) EDITSEARCH (36) E D I T Data code during recording The date/time during recording and the camera setting data will be recorded automatically. They do not appear on the screen during recording, but you can check them as [DATA CODE] during playback (p.
  • Page 74: Index

    Numeric 12BIT...39 16BIT...39 16:9 WIDE ...36 21-pin adaptor...25 4:3...36 A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) ...32 AC Adaptor ...8 AUDIO MIX ...33 AUDIO MODE ...39 A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) ...40 A/V connecting cable ...25, 42 BACK LIGHT...19, 53 Battery ...8, 58 BEACH ...29 BEEP ...30 BLACK ...30...
  • Page 75 REC CTRL (Recording control)...44 REC MODE (Recording mode) ...39 Rec review ...22 Recording...15, 17, 52 Recording time ...11 REMAIN ...39 Remote Commander ...40, 71 Reversal Playback...31 S VIDEO cable ...25, 42 SCENE SEL..28 Searching for the starting point ...22 SEPIA ...35 SETUP MENU menu ...39 SNOW ...29...
  • 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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