Operating Guide
Page 7
...points (white, red, blue, or green in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly... by Carl Zeiss, in color) that is grayed out is indicated on the model DCR-HC54. Black point White...are used on this manual are manufactured using your camcorder to malfunction. The model name is not available under the current recording or playback conditions. • The LCD screen and the...
...points (white, red, blue, or green in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly... by Carl Zeiss, in color) that is grayed out is indicated on the model DCR-HC54. Black point White...are used on this manual are manufactured using your camcorder to malfunction. The model name is not available under the current recording or playback conditions. • The LCD screen and the...
Operating Guide
Page 9
...Recording pictures from a VCR, etc 46 Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC54 48 Installing the "First Step Guide" and software (DCR-HC54 49 Viewing "First Step Guide" (DCRHC54 51 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting 52 Warning indicators and messages 57 ...the language setting 16 Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording 17 Step 5: Inserting a Cassette ......... 18 Recording/Playback Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam 19 Recording 21 Zooming 22 Recording in dark places (NightShot plus 22 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects 23 Recording...
...Recording pictures from a VCR, etc 46 Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC54 48 Installing the "First Step Guide" and software (DCR-HC54 49 Viewing "First Step Guide" (DCRHC54 51 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting 52 Warning indicators and messages 57 ...the language setting 16 Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording 17 Step 5: Inserting a Cassette ......... 18 Recording/Playback Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam 19 Recording 21 Zooming 22 Recording in dark places (NightShot plus 22 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects 23 Recording...
Operating Guide
Page 10
Table of Contents (Continued) Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...... 59 Maintenance and precautions ...... 60 Usable cassette tapes 60 About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack 61 About i.LINK 62 On using your camcorder 63 Specifications 66 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls ....... 69 Indicators displayed during recording/playback 72 Index 75 Spanish Quick Guide/ Guía rápida en español 78 10
Table of Contents (Continued) Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...... 59 Maintenance and precautions ...... 60 Usable cassette tapes 60 About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack 61 About i.LINK 62 On using your camcorder 63 Specifications 66 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls ....... 69 Indicators displayed during recording/playback 72 Index 75 Spanish Quick Guide/ Guía rápida en español 78 10
Operating Guide
Page 13
...Recording capacity (approx.) You can view the battery information for an extended period (p. 61). Indicator Status Sufficient power remaining Battery low, recording/ playback will not lose its charge in the direction of the arrow. Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you do when charging the ...pack. pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed. Getting Started To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by Continued , 13 You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD ...
...Recording capacity (approx.) You can view the battery information for an extended period (p. 61). Indicator Status Sufficient power remaining Battery low, recording/ playback will not lose its charge in the direction of the arrow. Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you do when charging the ...pack. pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed. Getting Started To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by Continued , 13 You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD ...
Operating Guide
Page 14
...- On the AC Adaptor • Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using your camcorder. • Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in low temperatures. • The recording and playback time will be correctly displayed under the following conditions. - b Notes • All times measured under... (for Battery Info only). • The power will not be shorter when you use your camcorder in a narrow space, such as the AC Adaptor is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be supplied from the wall outlet (wall socket). Step2: Charging the battery pack (...
...- On the AC Adaptor • Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using your camcorder. • Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in low temperatures. • The recording and playback time will be correctly displayed under the following conditions. - b Notes • All times measured under... (for Battery Info only). • The power will not be shorter when you use your camcorder in a narrow space, such as the AC Adaptor is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be supplied from the wall outlet (wall socket). Step2: Charging the battery pack (...
Operating Guide
Page 15
... switch 1 While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be displayed during playback (see page 34 for the first time. PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures. CLOCK SET Y MD 2 0 0 8 JAN 1 12 : 0 0 AM OK 2 Set [Y] (year) with / ... appears. The clock starts. Getting Started Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you can set any operation attempted for the hour and minute.
... switch 1 While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be displayed during playback (see page 34 for the first time. PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures. CLOCK SET Y MD 2 0 0 8 JAN 1 12 : 0 0 AM OK 2 Set [Y] (year) with / ... appears. The clock starts. Getting Started Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you can set any operation attempted for the hour and minute.
Operating Guide
Page 17
...screen indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off. The grip belt Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly. 4 1 2 3 17 The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is clear. z Tips • You can adjust the brightness of ...the LCD screen. • Press DISP/BATT INFO to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel. This is convenient during playback operations. • See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to adjust the brightness of ...
...screen indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off. The grip belt Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly. 4 1 2 3 17 The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is clear. z Tips • You can adjust the brightness of ...the LCD screen. • Press DISP/BATT INFO to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel. This is convenient during playback operations. • See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to adjust the brightness of ...
Operating Guide
Page 19
...stop recording, press REC START/ STOP again. 60min REC 0:00:00 A GUIDE FN * During Easy Handycam operation, you from [STBY] to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Recording/Playback 2 Press EASY C. Open the lens cover (p. 17) A B Recording E DC 1 Slide the ...camera settings are automatically optimally adjusted, which frees you can only record in the SP mode. Continued , 19 Recording/Playback Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the screen D. 3 Press REC START/STOP B (or E) ...
...stop recording, press REC START/ STOP again. 60min REC 0:00:00 A GUIDE FN * During Easy Handycam operation, you from [STBY] to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Recording/Playback 2 Press EASY C. Open the lens cover (p. 17) A B Recording E DC 1 Slide the ...camera settings are automatically optimally adjusted, which frees you can only record in the SP mode. Continued , 19 Recording/Playback Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the screen D. 3 Press REC START/STOP B (or E) ...
Operating Guide
Page 20
Touch , then touch to start playback. disappears from the screen D. x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, the . (back light) button (p. 23) is unavailable. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation Touch to display adjustable menu settings. x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is set to...as you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Touch the buttons on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued) Playback Slide the POWER switch A in Easy...
Touch , then touch to start playback. disappears from the screen D. x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, the . (back light) button (p. 23) is unavailable. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation Touch to display adjustable menu settings. x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is set to...as you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Touch the buttons on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued) Playback Slide the POWER switch A in Easy...
Operating Guide
Page 21
POWER switch REC START/ STOP A REC START/STOP B Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Recording/Playback Recording Open the lens cover (p. 17). Continued , 21 Press REC START/STOP A (or B). [STBY] [REC] To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again. If the POWER switch is set to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
POWER switch REC START/ STOP A REC START/STOP B Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Recording/Playback Recording Open the lens cover (p. 17). Continued , 21 Press REC START/STOP A (or B). [STBY] [REC] To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again. If the POWER switch is set to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
Operating Guide
Page 23
Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to display .. z Tips • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded. 23 Recording/Playback Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press . (back light) to the lens side (2). To cancel the backlight 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 display .. z Tips • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded. 23 Recording/Playback Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press . (back light) to the lens side (2). To cancel the backlight function, press . (back light) again.
Operating Guide
Page 24
...it while pressing the green button. Stop Rewind/Fast forward * Playback automatically stops if pause is set to adjust the volume. If the POWER switch is engaged for a scene during playback Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or / while fast forwarding or rewinding the tape... (Skip Scan). Playback Slide the POWER switch in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 34). 24 To search...
...it while pressing the green button. Stop Rewind/Fast forward * Playback automatically stops if pause is set to adjust the volume. If the POWER switch is engaged for a scene during playback Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or / while fast forwarding or rewinding the tape... (Skip Scan). Playback Slide the POWER switch in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 34). 24 To search...
Operating Guide
Page 25
...to display an on the LCD screen. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. See page 73 for details. ... the instruction to your purpose. The desired setting screen appears. Adjust the settings according to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. e.g., to record night views Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT SCENE...keep the mood of each indicator that appears on -screen instruction. Recording/Playback Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE) You can easily select the desired setting screens by...
...to display an on the LCD screen. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. See page 73 for details. ... the instruction to your purpose. The desired setting screen appears. Adjust the settings according to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. e.g., to record night views Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT SCENE...keep the mood of each indicator that appears on -screen instruction. Recording/Playback Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE) You can easily select the desired setting screens by...
Operating Guide
Page 27
Recording/Playback 27 The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby. 3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with / , then touch [EXEC]. 4 Select [ON] with / , then touch [EXEC] t . 60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT GUIDE FN 5 Touch .
Recording/Playback 27 The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby. 3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with / , then touch [EXEC]. 4 Select [ON] with / , then touch [EXEC] t . 60min STBY 0:00:00 EDIT GUIDE FN 5 Touch .
Operating Guide
Page 34
... B OFF Data code is not displayed. 34 CAM DATA (below) Displays camera setting data. The recorded picture will appear. • During Easy Handycam operation, you can play back in the same area. VOL* (Volume) See page 24. CLOCK SET See page 15. [PAGE3] V SPD PLAY (...• In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and time are displayed in various modes while viewing movies. 1 Touch the following buttons during playback. Adjust the brightness with / . If you record a picture without setting the clock and [--:--:--] will not be affected by this operation. DISP GUIDE (...
... B OFF Data code is not displayed. 34 CAM DATA (below) Displays camera setting data. The recorded picture will appear. • During Easy Handycam operation, you can play back in the same area. VOL* (Volume) See page 24. CLOCK SET See page 15. [PAGE3] V SPD PLAY (...• In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and time are displayed in various modes while viewing movies. 1 Touch the following buttons during playback. Adjust the brightness with / . If you record a picture without setting the clock and [--:--:--] will not be affected by this operation. DISP GUIDE (...
Operating Guide
Page 35
...frame by frame (frame) [ySLOW] To reverse direction: (frame) t [ySLOW] (double speed) To reverse direction: (frame) t (double speed) (frame) during playback pause. When your camcorder is connected via the internal stereo microphone. When the tape has been recorded in a TV color system other...AUDIO DUB]. When the tape has been recorded in the LP mode. - Check the picture on other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). appears while recording the new sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during frame playback. * Horizontal lines may see mosaic-like images of the tape. - When the write-protect tab of...
...frame by frame (frame) [ySLOW] To reverse direction: (frame) t [ySLOW] (double speed) To reverse direction: (frame) t (double speed) (frame) during playback pause. When your camcorder is connected via the internal stereo microphone. When the tape has been recorded in a TV color system other...AUDIO DUB]. When the tape has been recorded in the LP mode. - Check the picture on other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). appears while recording the new sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during frame playback. * Horizontal lines may see mosaic-like images of the tape. - When the write-protect tab of...
Operating Guide
Page 38
...drawing. 38 b Notes • Effects added to externally input pictures. z Tips • You can add special effects to a picture during playback. PASTEL* Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. P EFFECT (Picture effect) ...LINK). Only the original pictures can be output. • You cannot add effects to the playback pictures are reversed. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during recording or playback. P EFFECT The default setting is marked with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc...
...drawing. 38 b Notes • Effects added to externally input pictures. z Tips • You can add special effects to a picture during playback. PASTEL* Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. P EFFECT (Picture effect) ...LINK). Only the original pictures can be output. • You cannot add effects to the playback pictures are reversed. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during recording or playback. P EFFECT The default setting is marked with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc...
Operating Guide
Page 42
... turn on the CAMERA lamp. See page 29 for when you touch (Play/Pause). See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) You can select the language to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with high quality). When a cassette is set the POWER switch to be interrupted when... items. REC MODE (Recording mode) B SP (SP) Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may be used on your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch repeatedly to view the demonstration about 10 minutes after about 8 seconds in the 16...
... turn on the CAMERA lamp. See page 29 for when you touch (Play/Pause). See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) You can select the language to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with high quality). When a cassette is set the POWER switch to be interrupted when... items. REC MODE (Recording mode) B SP (SP) Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may be used on your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch repeatedly to view the demonstration about 10 minutes after about 8 seconds in the 16...
Operating Guide
Page 45
... to the audio input jack on the device. • When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the recording device. 4 Start playback on the camcorder, and recording on the recording device. If your recording device has an input selector, ...DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the default setting) (p. 43). 1 Prepare your camcorder to the recording device (VCR or DVD/ HDD recorder) with the A/V connecting cable (supplied) 1, an A/V connecting cable with your recording device for playback. Dubbing/Editing b Notes • When you connect a device via the DV ...
... to the audio input jack on the device. • When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the recording device. 4 Start playback on the camcorder, and recording on the recording device. If your recording device has an input selector, ...DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the default setting) (p. 43). 1 Prepare your camcorder to the recording device (VCR or DVD/ HDD recorder) with the A/V connecting cable (supplied) 1, an A/V connecting cable with your recording device for playback. Dubbing/Editing b Notes • When you connect a device via the DV ...
Operating Guide
Page 52
... MIX] The camcorder gets warm. • The camcorder may get warmer while you use it after about 1 minute. • Press the RESET button (p. 70) using your Sony dealer. • Overall operations/Easy Handycam ..... 52 • Batteries/Power sources 52 • LCD screen/viewfinder 53 • Cassette tapes 53 • Recording 54 • Playback 55 •...
... MIX] The camcorder gets warm. • The camcorder may get warmer while you use it after about 1 minute. • Press the RESET button (p. 70) using your Sony dealer. • Overall operations/Easy Handycam ..... 52 • Batteries/Power sources 52 • LCD screen/viewfinder 53 • Cassette tapes 53 • Recording 54 • Playback 55 •...