Operating Guide
Page 6
Read thid first (Continued) Notes DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to operate this equipment. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in accordance with . Increase the separation between the equipment ... the FCC Rules. special handling may cause harmful interference to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Viewfinder Battery pack LCD panel • The camcorder is not compatible with your camcorder to another device with communication cables, be used with the equipment in a residential installation. CAUTION You are designed to which can...
Read thid first (Continued) Notes DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to operate this equipment. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in accordance with . Increase the separation between the equipment ... the FCC Rules. special handling may cause harmful interference to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Viewfinder Battery pack LCD panel • The camcorder is not compatible with your camcorder to another device with communication cables, be used with the equipment in a residential installation. CAUTION You are designed to which can...
Operating Guide
Page 7
..., so over 99.99% of the pixels are normal results of the camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on the model DCR-HC54. However, there may be contrary to change without any way. About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens • A menu item that appear constantly on -screen... used on the bottom of such materials may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. will damage the terminal and may result in low light conditions, such as at the sun.
..., so over 99.99% of the pixels are normal results of the camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on the model DCR-HC54. However, there may be contrary to change without any way. About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens • A menu item that appear constantly on -screen... used on the bottom of such materials may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. will damage the terminal and may result in low light conditions, such as at the sun.
Operating Guide
Page 9
... 43 - LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc TAPE SET menu 42 - WORLD TIME, etc. USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders 44 Recording pictures from a VCR, etc 46 Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC54 48 ...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 in mirror ...
... 43 - LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc TAPE SET menu 42 - WORLD TIME, etc. USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. Dubbing/Editing Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders 44 Recording pictures from a VCR, etc 46 Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC54 48 ...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 in mirror ...
Operating Guide
Page 13
Remaining battery (approx.) BATTERY INFO BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL 0% 50% 100% REC TIME AVAILABLE LCD SCREEN : 85 min VIEWFINDER : 99 min Recording capacity (approx.) You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by Continued , 13 Battery pack NP-FH30 (supplied) NP-...you do when charging the battery pack. Getting Started To use an outside power source You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD screen. POWER switch 1 2 PUSH When storing the battery pack Fully discharge the battery before storing it for about 7 seconds. pressing...
Remaining battery (approx.) BATTERY INFO BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL 0% 50% 100% REC TIME AVAILABLE LCD SCREEN : 85 min VIEWFINDER : 99 min Recording capacity (approx.) You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by Continued , 13 Battery pack NP-FH30 (supplied) NP-...you do when charging the battery pack. Getting Started To use an outside power source You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD screen. POWER switch 1 2 PUSH When storing the battery pack Fully discharge the battery before storing it for about 7 seconds. pressing...
Operating Guide
Page 14
...you use a fully charged battery pack. On the charging/recording/playback time • Times measured with LCD screen. 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 ...mains lead) 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 LCD panel opened 105 170 370 845 LCD panel closed . The battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info only). • The power will...
...you use a fully charged battery pack. On the charging/recording/playback time • Times measured with LCD screen. 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 ...mains lead) 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 LCD panel opened 105 170 370 845 LCD panel closed . The battery pack is worn-out (for Battery Info only). • The power will...
Operating Guide
Page 15
...displayed while recording, but they are correct, then touch . CAMERA: To record on the LCD screen. You can set it to [D] (day) with , then set with / and repeat for approximately 5 minutes, to turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position. 4 Move to 12:00 PM. To turn off ... 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 do not use your camcorder without any year up to the year 2079. 3 Move to [M] (month) with , then set the date and time, the [CLOCK ...
...displayed while recording, but they are correct, then touch . CAMERA: To record on the LCD screen. You can set it to [D] (day) with , then set with / and repeat for approximately 5 minutes, to turn on your camcorder or change the POWER switch position. 4 Move to 12:00 PM. To turn off ... 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 do not use your camcorder without any year up to the year 2079. 3 Move to [M] (month) with , then set the date and time, the [CLOCK ...
Operating Guide
Page 17
...Getting Started After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD screen is poor. The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is convenient during playback operations. ...8226; See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to the lens side, you open or adjust the LCD panel. z Tips •...
...Getting Started After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD screen is poor. The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is convenient during playback operations. ...8226; See [LCD BRT] (p. 34) to the lens side, you open or adjust the LCD panel. z Tips •...
Operating Guide
Page 22
....) b Notes • The NightShot plus function uses infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is hard to a level greater than 40 ×. Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it... places (NightShot plus function in .) for a faster zoom. This may also be recorded. • You cannot change the zoom speed with your finger on the LCD frame.
....) b Notes • The NightShot plus function uses infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is hard to a level greater than 40 ×. Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it... places (NightShot plus function in .) for a faster zoom. This may also be recorded. • You cannot change the zoom speed with your finger on the LCD frame.
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 .. 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). 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
Operating Guide
Page 25
... an attempted setting is not displayed in step 3, follow the instruction on the LCD screen. Enables you to the setting screens related to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. Adjust the settings according to check the meaning of... guide functions (USAGE GUIDE) You can easily select the desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE). Follow the instruction to recording. Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below.
... an attempted setting is not displayed in step 3, follow the instruction on the LCD screen. Enables you to the setting screens related to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. Adjust the settings according to check the meaning of... guide functions (USAGE GUIDE) You can easily select the desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE). Follow the instruction to recording. Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below.
Operating Guide
Page 28
... or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of an A/V connecting cable. VCRs or TVs When connecting your camcorder to a TV through a VCR Connect your camcorder to another device. B A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) When connecting to the LINE IN input on the VCR. When... (p. 12). Playing the picture on a TV You can be connected. Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can connect your camcorder to [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 43). z Tips • You can display the time code on the ...
... or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of an A/V connecting cable. VCRs or TVs When connecting your camcorder to a TV through a VCR Connect your camcorder to another device. B A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) When connecting to the LINE IN input on the VCR. When... (p. 12). Playing the picture on a TV You can be connected. Connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can connect your camcorder to [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 43). z Tips • You can display the time code on the ...
Operating Guide
Page 29
CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing 2 Touch the LCD screen to use the operation buttons on PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3 For details of the arrow repeatedly to touch . x To use menu items normally. The menu ... the button items, see page 37. 1 Touch t [MENU] on the respective lamp. x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation 1 Touch . 2 Select the desired button. 3 Change your item setting. b Notes • Cancel Easy Handycam operation to select the menu item. Using the Menu 29 Using the Menu Using the menu items 1 Slide...
CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing 2 Touch the LCD screen to use the operation buttons on PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3 For details of the arrow repeatedly to touch . x To use menu items normally. The menu ... the button items, see page 37. 1 Touch t [MENU] on the respective lamp. x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation 1 Touch . 2 Select the desired button. 3 Change your item setting. b Notes • Cancel Easy Handycam operation to select the menu item. Using the Menu 29 Using the Menu Using the menu items 1 Slide...
Operating Guide
Page 34
...(Various speed playback) You can adjust the brightness of recording. END SCH (END SEARCH) See page 26. The recorded picture will appear. • During Easy Handycam operation, you can use the video operation buttons ( / / / ) on every PAGE. [PAGE1] MENU See page 37. Operation button items (Continued) CLOCK... SET* See page 15. BEEP* See page 33. LCD BRT (LCD bright) You can play back in the same area. Adjust the brightness with / . B OFF Data code is not displayed. 34 CAM DATA (below) Displays ...
...(Various speed playback) You can adjust the brightness of recording. END SCH (END SEARCH) See page 26. The recorded picture will appear. • During Easy Handycam operation, you can use the video operation buttons ( / / / ) on every PAGE. [PAGE1] MENU See page 37. Operation button items (Continued) CLOCK... SET* See page 15. BEEP* See page 33. LCD BRT (LCD bright) You can play back in the same area. Adjust the brightness with / . B OFF Data code is not displayed. 34 CAM DATA (below) Displays ...
Operating Guide
Page 35
... 2 (ST2) during the playback of the tape. 5 Touch (Stop) when you can only record additional audio over a tape recorded on the LCD screen or the viewfinder. • You can add sound to SAVE (p. 60). - This is connected via the internal stereo microphone. A DUB ...reverse direction: (frame) during playback pause. b Notes • You will not be played back smoothly in a TV color system other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). When your camcorder (p. 59). - When the tape has been recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 42) without erasing the original sound. On blank sections of...
... 2 (ST2) during the playback of the tape. 5 Touch (Stop) when you can only record additional audio over a tape recorded on the LCD screen or the viewfinder. • You can add sound to SAVE (p. 60). - This is connected via the internal stereo microphone. A DUB ...reverse direction: (frame) during playback pause. b Notes • You will not be played back smoothly in a TV color system other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). When your camcorder (p. 59). - When the tape has been recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 42) without erasing the original sound. On blank sections of...
Operating Guide
Page 36
b Notes • The original sound (ST1) is output at the default setting. LCD BRT (LCD bright) See page 34. 36 REC CTRL (Recording control) See page 46. To check the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p. 24). 2 Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU]. 3 Select (VCR SET), then touch / to adjust the balance of the original sound (ST1) and the new sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC]. VCR SET AUDIO MIX ST1 ST2 EXEC RET. 4 Touch / to select [AUDIO MIX], then touch [EXEC]. Operation button items (Continued) 6 Touch [ RET.] t .
b Notes • The original sound (ST1) is output at the default setting. LCD BRT (LCD bright) See page 34. 36 REC CTRL (Recording control) See page 46. To check the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p. 24). 2 Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU]. 3 Select (VCR SET), then touch / to adjust the balance of the original sound (ST1) and the new sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC]. VCR SET AUDIO MIX ST1 ST2 EXEC RET. 4 Touch / to select [AUDIO MIX], then touch [EXEC]. Operation button items (Continued) 6 Touch [ RET.] t .
Operating Guide
Page 37
... will be retained during Easy Handycam operation. ON VCR SET menu (p. 40) AUDIO MIX - OFF N.S.LIGHT z - z - z z BRT NORMAL LCD COLOR z z - ON EDITSEARCH z - z z BRT NORMAL WIDE DISP z z - OFF WIDE SEL z - 4:3 STEADYSHOT z - TAPE SET menu (p. 42) REC MODE z z SP AUDIO MODE z - 12BIT REMAIN z z AUTO SETUP MENU menu (p. 42) USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) z z OFF LANGUAGE z z z DEMO...
... will be retained during Easy Handycam operation. ON VCR SET menu (p. 40) AUDIO MIX - OFF N.S.LIGHT z - z - z z BRT NORMAL LCD COLOR z z - ON EDITSEARCH z - z z BRT NORMAL WIDE DISP z z - OFF WIDE SEL z - 4:3 STEADYSHOT z - TAPE SET menu (p. 42) REC MODE z z SP AUDIO MODE z - 12BIT REMAIN z z AUTO SETUP MENU menu (p. 42) USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) z z OFF LANGUAGE z z z DEMO...
Operating Guide
Page 39
...D ZOOM (Digital zoom) You can select the maximum zoom level in the viewfinder. When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV* When viewed on the LCD screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH function and Rec review (p. 26). or on the ON Displays and on a standard TV** The right side of the...WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc. Continued , 39 Using the Menu CAMERA SET menu - The zooming zone appears when you are selected. EDITSEARCH B OFF Does not display LCD screen. B OFF Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically. 80 × Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically, and after that ...
...D ZOOM (Digital zoom) You can select the maximum zoom level in the viewfinder. When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV* When viewed on the LCD screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH function and Rec review (p. 26). or on the ON Displays and on a standard TV** The right side of the...WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc. Continued , 39 Using the Menu CAMERA SET menu - The zooming zone appears when you are selected. EDITSEARCH B OFF Does not display LCD screen. B OFF Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically. 80 × Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically, and after that ...
Operating Guide
Page 41
... NORMAL Standard brightness. B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for details on the LCD screen with B. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default settings are undesirable. The recorded picture will not...
... NORMAL Standard brightness. B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for details on the LCD screen with B. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default settings are undesirable. The recorded picture will not...
Operating Guide
Page 42
...you record in situations such as those described below . - b Notes • If you set to turn on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) You can select the language to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with high quality). ON Always displays the remaining tape indicator. 42 SETUP MENU menu... - DEMO MODE The default setting is inserted. - USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. z Tips • The demonstration will be used on the LCD screen. • Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) for details on the CAMERA lamp. REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN The default settings are selected.
...you record in situations such as those described below . - b Notes • If you set to turn on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) You can select the language to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with high quality). ON Always displays the remaining tape indicator. 42 SETUP MENU menu... - DEMO MODE The default setting is inserted. - USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. z Tips • The demonstration will be used on the LCD screen. • Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) for details on the CAMERA lamp. REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN The default settings are selected.
Operating Guide
Page 43
...]. z Tips • Placing the subject at the cross point of the guide frame makes a balanced composition. 43 If you connect your camcorder for details on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder. Press DISP/ BATT INFO to a wall outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is not recorded. See page... WORLD TIME, etc. Using the Menu OTHERS menu - A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) B 5min The camcorder is horizontal or vertical by touching / , the clock will be adjusted in the viewfinder. V-OUT/LCD Shows displays such as the time code on selecting menu items. WORLD TIME When using your...
...]. z Tips • Placing the subject at the cross point of the guide frame makes a balanced composition. 43 If you connect your camcorder for details on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder. Press DISP/ BATT INFO to a wall outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is not recorded. See page... WORLD TIME, etc. Using the Menu OTHERS menu - A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) B 5min The camcorder is horizontal or vertical by touching / , the clock will be adjusted in the viewfinder. V-OUT/LCD Shows displays such as the time code on selecting menu items. WORLD TIME When using your...