Operating Guide
Page 7
...local language are used for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in...for effective use. About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is not possible due to a malfunction of the sun only in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. will damage the ...camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. Unauthorized recording of such materials may result in color) that is grayed out is indicated on the model DCR...
...local language are used for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in...for effective use. About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is not possible due to a malfunction of the sun only in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. will damage the ...camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. Unauthorized recording of such materials may result in color) that is grayed out is indicated on the model DCR...
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
... seconds by making the same connections as you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. 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 ... information for up to OFF(CHG), then press DISP/BATT INFO. 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 screen...
... seconds by making the same connections as you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. 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 ... information for up to OFF(CHG), then press DISP/BATT INFO. 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 screen...
Operating Guide
Page 14
...correctly. - On the AC Adaptor • Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using your camcorder, even when the power cord (mains lead) is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use a fully charged battery pack. Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)...outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using the AC Adaptor. b Notes • All times measured under which you use your camcorder in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture. • Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or ...
...correctly. - On the AC Adaptor • Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using your camcorder, even when the power cord (mains lead) is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use a fully charged battery pack. Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)...outlet (wall socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using the AC Adaptor. b Notes • All times measured under which you use your camcorder in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture. • Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or ...
Operating Guide
Page 15
...for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be displayed during playback (see page 34 for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you turn on the respective lamp. PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures. The clock starts. To reset...15 POWER switch 1 While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch in the direction of purchase, the power is set to turn on your camcorder for approximately 5 minutes, to OFF(CHG). You can set with / . In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date ...
...for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be displayed during playback (see page 34 for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you turn on the respective lamp. PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures. The clock starts. To reset...15 POWER switch 1 While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch in the direction of purchase, the power is set to turn on your camcorder for approximately 5 minutes, to OFF(CHG). You can set with / . In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date ...
Operating Guide
Page 17
... pictures using the viewfinder to adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting (LCD/VF SET) - [VF B.L.] (p. 41). This is convenient during playback operations. • See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the picture seen on or off. The grip belt...) on the LCD screen is clear. Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording Opening the lens cover Slide the LENS COVER switch to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel. Viewfinder lens adjustment...
... pictures using the viewfinder to adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting (LCD/VF SET) - [VF B.L.] (p. 41). This is convenient during playback operations. • See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the picture seen on or off. The grip belt...) on the LCD screen is clear. Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording Opening the lens cover Slide the LENS COVER switch to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel. Viewfinder lens adjustment...
Operating Guide
Page 19
... screen font size increases for easy viewing. If the POWER switch A is set to [REC]. Recording/Playback 2 Press EASY C. To 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. Open the...
... screen font size increases for easy viewing. If the POWER switch A is set to [REC]. Recording/Playback 2 Press EASY C. To 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. Open the...
Operating Guide
Page 20
disappears from the screen D. Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued) Playback Slide the POWER switch A in Easy Handycam mode. 20 x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is set to start playback. Touch , then touch to OFF(CHG), slide it D Rewind/Fast forward x To cancel Easy Handycam operation Press EASY C again. A D B C A GUIDE (p. 25...
disappears from the screen D. Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued) Playback Slide the POWER switch A in Easy Handycam mode. 20 x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is set to start playback. Touch , then touch to OFF(CHG), slide it D Rewind/Fast forward x To cancel Easy Handycam operation Press EASY C again. A D B C A GUIDE (p. 25...
Operating Guide
Page 21
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. 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. If the POWER switch is set to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
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. 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. 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
...* toggles as you touch it to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Stop Rewind/Fast forward * Playback automatically stops if pause is set to start playback. z Tips • You can play back in the direction of the arrow repeatedly 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). To adjust the volume Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then ...
...* toggles as you touch it to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Stop Rewind/Fast forward * Playback automatically stops if pause is set to start playback. z Tips • You can play back in the direction of the arrow repeatedly 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). To adjust the volume Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then ...
Operating Guide
Page 25
...camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below. Adjust the settings according to display [To keep the mood of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. z Tips • If [SET] is not available, but still desired, touch [SET] to check the meaning of a night view]. 3 Touch [SET]. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam... Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. See page 73 for details. 1 Touch [GUIDE]. 2 Select the desired item. SHOOT GUIDE: DISP GUIDE: Takes you to display an on the screen. 25 Recording/Playback Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE) ...
...camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below. Adjust the settings according to display [To keep the mood of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. z Tips • If [SET] is not available, but still desired, touch [SET] to check the meaning of a night view]. 3 Touch [SET]. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam... Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. See page 73 for details. 1 Touch [GUIDE]. 2 Select the desired item. SHOOT GUIDE: DISP GUIDE: Takes you to display an on the screen. 25 Recording/Playback Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE) ...
Operating Guide
Page 27
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 . The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby. Recording/Playback 27
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 . The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby. Recording/Playback 27
Operating Guide
Page 34
...8226; 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. When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up You can adjust the brightness of recording. BEEP* See page 33. Adjust the brightness with / . DISP GUIDE... of the LCD screen. CLOCK SET See page 15. [PAGE3] V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback) You can set [DATE/TIME] only. Operation button items (Continued) CLOCK SET* See page 15. The recorded picture will appear. • During Easy Handycam operation, you can play back in the same area.
...8226; 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. When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up You can adjust the brightness of recording. BEEP* See page 33. Adjust the brightness with / . DISP GUIDE... of the LCD screen. CLOCK SET See page 15. [PAGE3] V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback) You can set [DATE/TIME] only. Operation button items (Continued) CLOCK SET* See page 15. The recorded picture will appear. • During Easy Handycam operation, you can play back in the same area.
Operating Guide
Page 35
...camcorders (including other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). Check the picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder. • You can add sound to a tape already recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 42) without erasing the original sound. appears while recording the new sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of your camcorder...To reverse direction: (frame) t (double speed) (frame) during frame playback. * Horizontal lines may appear at the point where you can only record additional audio over a tape recorded on other camcorders. - When the tape has been recorded in the LP mode. - ...
...camcorders (including other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). Check the picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder. • You can add sound to a tape already recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 42) without erasing the original sound. appears while recording the new sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of your camcorder...To reverse direction: (frame) t (double speed) (frame) during frame playback. * Horizontal lines may appear at the point where you can only record additional audio over a tape recorded on other camcorders. - When the tape has been recorded in the LP mode. - ...
Operating Guide
Page 38
... (Picture effect) You can be output. • You cannot add effects to the playback pictures are reversed. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during recording or playback. Only the original pictures can add special effects to a picture during playback. appears. NEG.ART The color and brightness are not output via the DV...
... (Picture effect) You can be output. • You cannot add effects to the playback pictures are reversed. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during recording or playback. Only the original pictures can add special effects to a picture during playback. appears. NEG.ART The color and brightness are not output via the DV...
Operating Guide
Page 42
...LP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may be interrupted when you play back the tape on a cassette. b Notes • If you record in situations such as those described below . • When you set to other camcorders or VCRs. • When you...POWER switch to view the demonstration about 10 minutes.) - REMAIN B AUTO Displays the remaining tape indicator for details on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) You can select the language to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play). See "First Step Guide" in parentheses appear when the items are...
...LP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may be interrupted when you play back the tape on a cassette. b Notes • If you record in situations such as those described below . • When you set to other camcorders or VCRs. • When you...POWER switch to view the demonstration about 10 minutes.) - REMAIN B AUTO Displays the remaining tape indicator for details on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) You can select the language to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play). See "First Step Guide" in parentheses appear when the items are...
Operating Guide
Page 45
...the appropriate input (such as video input1, video input2). 3 Connect 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. Indicators - Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 38) • When...Insert the recorded cassette. Dubbing/Editing b Notes • 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. Refer to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp....
...the appropriate input (such as video input1, video input2). 3 Connect 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. Indicators - Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 38) • When...Insert the recorded cassette. Dubbing/Editing b Notes • 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. Refer to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp....
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 •...