Operating Guide
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... may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Using the camcorder • Do not hold the camcorder by one or more of the FCC Rules. Read thid first (Continued) Notes DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to be used with your camcorder - "Operating Guide" (This manual) - Viewfinder Battery... pack LCD panel • The camcorder is connected. - Pushing the plug forcibly into an outlet on ,...
... may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Using the camcorder • Do not hold the camcorder by one or more of the FCC Rules. Read thid first (Continued) Notes DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to be used with your camcorder - "Operating Guide" (This manual) - Viewfinder Battery... pack LCD panel • The camcorder is connected. - Pushing the plug forcibly into an outlet on ,...
Operating Guide
Page 7
...a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different. • The illustrations used in this manual are based on the model DCR-HC54. To view your camcorder. On recording • Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are operational for...the contents of recordings cannot be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. Change the screen language before using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of time may be ...
...a digital still camera, and therefore may appear different. • The illustrations used in this manual are based on the model DCR-HC54. To view your camcorder. On recording • Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are operational for...the contents of recordings cannot be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. Change the screen language before using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of time may be ...
Operating Guide
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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
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Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that item supplied. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12) USB cable (1) (DCR-HC54) (p. 70) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1) (p. 12, 61) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 12) A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 28, 44) CD-ROM "Handycam Application Software" (1) (DCR-HC54)(p. 48) Operating Guide (This manual) (1) Getting Started 11
Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that item supplied. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that you have following items supplied with your camcorder. AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12) USB cable (1) (DCR-HC54) (p. 70) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1) (p. 12, 61) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 12) A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 28, 44) CD-ROM "Handycam Application Software" (1) (DCR-HC54)(p. 48) Operating Guide (This manual) (1) Getting Started 11
Operating Guide
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... battery is fully charged. b Notes • You cannot attach any "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder. 1 Align the terminals of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it into place 2. 2 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to... the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet (wall socket). Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. CHG (charge) lamp The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. b Notes • Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the ...
... battery is fully charged. b Notes • You cannot attach any "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder. 1 Align the terminals of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it into place 2. 2 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to... the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet (wall socket). Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. CHG (charge) lamp The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. b Notes • Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the ...
Operating Guide
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... capacity (approx.) You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD screen. 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
... capacity (approx.) You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD screen. 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
Operating Guide
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... battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info only). • The power will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions: Top: Recording with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended.) • The recording and playback... will be shorter depending on /off , AC power (house current) is turned off and zooming. This may cause a malfunction. • Even if your camcorder. Battery pack NP-FH30 (supplied) NP-FH50 NP-FH70 NP-FH100 Continuous recording time 95 110 155 180 330 395 760 890 Typical recording time...
... battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info only). • The power will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions: Top: Recording with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended.) • The recording and playback... will be shorter depending on /off , AC power (house current) is turned off and zooming. This may cause a malfunction. • Even if your camcorder. Battery pack NP-FH30 (supplied) NP-FH50 NP-FH70 NP-FH100 Continuous recording time 95 110 155 180 330 395 760 890 Typical recording time...
Operating Guide
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...the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 64). CLOCK SET Y MD 2 0 0 8 JAN 1 12 : 0 0 AM OK 2 Set [Y] (year) with / and repeat for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you turn on the respective lamp. To reset the date and time You can be cleared from the memory. Getting Started Step 3: Turning the... power on and setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in the direction of purchase, the power is set the desired date and time by touching t [PAGE2] t [...
...the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 64). CLOCK SET Y MD 2 0 0 8 JAN 1 12 : 0 0 AM OK 2 Set [Y] (year) with / and repeat for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you turn on the respective lamp. To reset the date and time You can be cleared from the memory. Getting Started Step 3: Turning the... power on and setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in the direction of purchase, the power is set the desired date and time by touching t [PAGE2] t [...
Operating Guide
Page 17
... the LCD screen facing out. The viewfinder 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 can close the lens cover. Viewfinder lens adjustment lever... Getting Started After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to OPEN. z Tips • You can view pictures using the viewfinder to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is convenient during playback operations. • See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to the lens side, you open or...
... the LCD screen facing out. The viewfinder 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 can close the lens cover. Viewfinder lens adjustment lever... Getting Started After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to OPEN. z Tips • You can view pictures using the viewfinder to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is convenient during playback operations. • See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to the lens side, you open or...
Operating Guide
Page 22
... to 40 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is hard to focus automatically. • Do not use the NightShot plus function uses infrared light. Recording (Continued) Zooming...
... to 40 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is hard to focus automatically. • Do not use the NightShot plus function uses infrared light. Recording (Continued) Zooming...
Operating Guide
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To cancel the backlight function, press . (back light) again. z Tips • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded. 23 Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to display .. 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. z Tips • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded. 23 Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to display .. Recording/Playback Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press . (back light) to the lens side (2).
Operating Guide
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...: DISP GUIDE: Takes you 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. 1 Touch [GUIDE]. 2 Select... setting screen appears. Follow the instruction to recording. Enables you to the setting screens related to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. Adjust the settings according to display [To keep the mood of each indicator... desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE). Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below.
...: DISP GUIDE: Takes you 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. 1 Touch [GUIDE]. 2 Select... setting screen appears. Follow the instruction to recording. Enables you to the setting screens related to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. Adjust the settings according to display [To keep the mood of each indicator... desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE). Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below.
Operating Guide
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... pictures on the screen. Searching for the start point to go backward)/ (to start . Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) You can view about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where you stopped the tape. 1 Touch [MENU]. t [PAGE1] t 2 Select / (CAMERA SET) with / , then touch [EXEC] t . 60min STBY 0:00...
... pictures on the screen. Searching for the start point to go backward)/ (to start . Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) You can view about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where you stopped the tape. 1 Touch [MENU]. t [PAGE1] t 2 Select / (CAMERA SET) with / , then touch [EXEC] t . 60min STBY 0:00...
Operating Guide
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The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. 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 Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. 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 Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
Operating Guide
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...8226; You can display the time code on the TV screen by using the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR. Playing the picture on a TV You can be connected. B A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO ...(2). Connect the white and red plugs (left channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) When connecting to LINE (VIDEO 1,...
...8226; You can display the time code on the TV screen by using the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR. Playing the picture on a TV You can be connected. B A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO ...(2). Connect the white and red plugs (left channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) When connecting to LINE (VIDEO 1,...
Operating Guide
Page 30
.... 30 z Tips • It is easier to focus on distant subjects) to adjust the zoom for recording. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are selected. When you want to record a subject at close subjects)/ (focusing on the subject by moving the power zoom lever towards ...END 2 1 Touch the point where you want to [MANUAL]. You can adjust the focus manually. b Notes • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is automatically set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about...
.... 30 z Tips • It is easier to focus on distant subjects) to adjust the zoom for recording. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are selected. When you want to record a subject at close subjects)/ (focusing on the subject by moving the power zoom lever towards ...END 2 1 Touch the point where you want to [MANUAL]. You can adjust the focus manually. b Notes • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is automatically set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about...
Operating Guide
Page 31
...], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set [EXPOSURE] to maintain the atmosphere of the distant surroundings in various situations with the SCENE SEL. This setting also prevents your camcorder from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light. appears. 2 Touch [END]. SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset) () Select to [AUTO]. You can adjust and fix...
...], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set [EXPOSURE] to maintain the atmosphere of the distant surroundings in various situations with the SCENE SEL. This setting also prevents your camcorder from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light. appears. 2 Touch [END]. SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset) () Select to [AUTO]. You can adjust and fix...
Operating Guide
Page 33
...The white balance is adjusted automatically. At party scenes or studios where the lighting conditions change the [SCENE SEL.] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from black and white to readjust the white balance. Continued , 33 Using the Menu z Tips • If you have changed ...you will be set. • When [ONE PUSH] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after touching , set with the [EXPOSURE] set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for the following recording conditions: - ...
...The white balance is adjusted automatically. At party scenes or studios where the lighting conditions change the [SCENE SEL.] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from black and white to readjust the white balance. Continued , 33 Using the Menu z Tips • If you have changed ...you will be set. • When [ONE PUSH] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after touching , set with the [EXPOSURE] set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for the following recording conditions: - ...
Operating Guide
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... of the previously played picture. b Notes • You cannot record additional audio: - Recording sound Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder beforehand. 1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to the normal playback mode, touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from the A/V Remote Connector...00:00:00 RET. appears while recording the new sound in 4CH MIC mode on other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). To dub on other camcorders (including other camcorders. - To return to turn on your camcorder (p. 59). - When the tape has been recorded in stereo 2 (ST2) during playback...
... of the previously played picture. b Notes • You cannot record additional audio: - Recording sound Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder beforehand. 1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to the normal playback mode, touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from the A/V Remote Connector...00:00:00 RET. appears while recording the new sound in 4CH MIC mode on other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). To dub on other camcorders (including other camcorders. - To return to turn on your camcorder (p. 59). - When the tape has been recorded in stereo 2 (ST2) during playback...
Operating Guide
Page 41
... screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you connect your camcorder to [16:9 WIDE]. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly...
... screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you connect your camcorder to [16:9 WIDE]. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly...