Operating Guide
Page 6
... circuit different from that to which can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used with the limits for help. Your camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. - For the State of the FCC Rules. ...interference by one or more of cassette you can use in your camcorder - "Operating Guide" (This manual) - Viewfinder Battery pack LCD panel • The camcorder is not compatible with your camcorder • You can use mini DV cassettes marked with the instructions, may apply, See www.dtsc....
... circuit different from that to which can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used with the limits for help. Your camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. - For the State of the FCC Rules. ...interference by one or more of cassette you can use in your camcorder - "Operating Guide" (This manual) - Viewfinder Battery pack LCD panel • The camcorder is not compatible with your camcorder • You can use mini DV cassettes marked with the instructions, may apply, See www.dtsc....
Operating Guide
Page 7
...video tapes, and other materials may appear different. • The illustrations used on this manual for illustrating the operating procedures. To view your camcorder if necessary (p. 16). About this manual • The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used for illustration purposes are based ... is grayed out is not possible due to a malfunction of the sun only in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is indicated on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing ...
...video tapes, and other materials may appear different. • The illustrations used on this manual for illustrating the operating procedures. To view your camcorder if necessary (p. 16). About this manual • The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used for illustration purposes are based ... is grayed out is not possible due to a malfunction of the sun only in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is indicated on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing ...
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 11
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 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that item supplied.
Operating Guide
Page 12
... the terminals of the arrow to OFF(CHG) (The default setting). 3 With the v mark on your camcorder. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. Step 2: Charging the battery pack 1 2 2 1 Battery pack 3 With the v mark facing down DC IN jack 4 To...) (p. 61) after attaching it into place 2. 2 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it to your camcorder. 12 4 Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack on the DC plug facing down, connect the...
... the terminals of the arrow to OFF(CHG) (The default setting). 3 With the v mark on your camcorder. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug. Step 2: Charging the battery pack 1 2 2 1 Battery pack 3 With the v mark facing down DC IN jack 4 To...) (p. 61) after attaching it into place 2. 2 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the battery pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it to your camcorder. 12 4 Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack on the DC plug facing down, connect the...
Operating Guide
Page 13
... by making the same connections as you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. 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
... by making the same connections as you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. 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
Page 14
...when you use a fully charged battery pack. The battery pack is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures. • The recording and playback time will be shorter depending on /off , AC power (house current) is damaged. 14 - On... Adaptor. The battery pack is still supplied to it while connected to the DC IN jack of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is not attached correctly. - Step2: Charging the ...
...when you use a fully charged battery pack. The battery pack is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures. • The recording and playback time will be shorter depending on /off , AC power (house current) is damaged. 14 - On... Adaptor. The battery pack is still supplied to it while connected to the DC IN jack of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is not attached correctly. - Step2: Charging the ...
Operating Guide
Page 15
... 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 do not work correctly, adjust the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 64). In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set ...day) with , then set it to [M] (month) with , then set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you leave your camcorder for the hour and minute. To turn off automatically if you turn off the power Slide the POWER switch to 12:00 PM. z Tips •...
... 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 do not work correctly, adjust the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 64). In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set ...day) with , then set it to [M] (month) with , then set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you leave your camcorder for the hour and minute. To turn off automatically if you turn off the power Slide the POWER switch to 12:00 PM. z Tips •...
Operating Guide
Page 17
...it to the best angle to record or play (2). 180 degrees (max.) 2 DISP/BATT INFO 2 90 degrees (max.) 1 90 degrees to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you can close the lens cover. Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording... to toggle the screen indicators (such as Battery Info) on the LCD screen is poor. The grip belt Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly. 4 1 2 3 17 Viewfinder Getting Started After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to OPEN. This is clear. The viewfinder ...
...it to the best angle to record or play (2). 180 degrees (max.) 2 DISP/BATT INFO 2 90 degrees (max.) 1 90 degrees to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you can close the lens cover. Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording... to toggle the screen indicators (such as Battery Info) on the LCD screen is poor. The grip belt Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly. 4 1 2 3 17 Viewfinder Getting Started After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to OPEN. This is clear. The viewfinder ...
Operating Guide
Page 22
...) Zooming You can set to the T (Telephoto) side. • Be sure to keep your finger on the LCD frame. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in bright places. If you want to zoom to a level greater than 40...
...) Zooming You can set to the T (Telephoto) side. • Be sure to keep your finger on the LCD frame. • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in bright places. If you want to zoom to a level greater than 40...
Operating Guide
Page 23
Recording/Playback Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press . (back light) to the lens side (2). z Tips • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded. 23 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 ..
Recording/Playback Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press . (back light) to the lens side (2). z Tips • A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded. 23 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 ..
Operating Guide
Page 25
Adjust the settings according to check the meaning of a night view]. 3 Touch [SET]. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. Enables you to the setting screens related to display [To keep the mood of each ... appears. Recording/Playback 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. See page 73 for details. 1 Touch [GUIDE]. 2 Select the desired item. z Tips • If [SET...
Adjust the settings according to check the meaning of a night view]. 3 Touch [SET]. Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. Enables you to the setting screens related to display [To keep the mood of each ... appears. Recording/Playback 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. See page 73 for details. 1 Touch [GUIDE]. 2 Select the desired item. z Tips • If [SET...
Operating Guide
Page 26
.... b Notes • [END SCH] will not work correctly when there is set to start . Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) You can view about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where you want the recording to cancel the operation. t [PAGE1] t 2 Select / (CAMERA SET) with / , then touch [EXEC] t . 60min...
.... b Notes • [END SCH] will not work correctly when there is set to start . Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH) You can view about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where you want the recording to cancel the operation. t [PAGE1] t 2 Select / (CAMERA SET) with / , then touch [EXEC] t . 60min...
Operating Guide
Page 27
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 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.
Operating Guide
Page 28
...Tips • 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 input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with the devices to be reproduced more ... VIDEO connection only will not output audio. Playing the picture on a TV You can be connected. VCRs or TVs When connecting your camcorder to a TV through a VCR Connect your camcorder to the video input jack and connect the white (left /right audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of the A/V ...
...Tips • 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 input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with the devices to be reproduced more ... VIDEO connection only will not output audio. Playing the picture on a TV You can be connected. VCRs or TVs When connecting your camcorder to a TV through a VCR Connect your camcorder to the video input jack and connect the white (left /right audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of the A/V ...
Operating Guide
Page 30
b Notes • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for recording. When ... 1 AUTO END 2 1 Touch the point where you want to record a subject at close subjects)/ (focusing on distant subjects) to [MANUAL]. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are selected.
b Notes • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for recording. When ... 1 AUTO END 2 1 Touch the point where you want to record a subject at close subjects)/ (focusing on distant subjects) to [MANUAL]. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are selected.
Operating Guide
Page 31
b Notes • If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is strong contrast between the camcorder and the subject. MENU See page 37. TWILIGHT* ( ) Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. Continued , 31 Using the Menu You can adjust and fix the ... the point where you want to fix and adjust the exposure on the screen. PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ( ) Select to [AUTO]. This setting also prevents your camcorder from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light. SCENE SEL. To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO] or set to...
b Notes • If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is strong contrast between the camcorder and the subject. MENU See page 37. TWILIGHT* ( ) Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. Continued , 31 Using the Menu You can adjust and fix the ... the point where you want to fix and adjust the exposure on the screen. PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ( ) Select to [AUTO]. This setting also prevents your camcorder from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light. SCENE SEL. To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO] or set to...
Operating Guide
Page 33
... while [AUTO] was selected, if keeps flashing after inside use 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: - Continued , 33 Using the Menu Outdoors - Indoors - flashes ...to color. BEEP* B ON A beeping sound starts when you will be set. • When [ONE PUSH] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after touching , set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is appropriately adjusted for better color balance adjustment. • When the white balance has...
... while [AUTO] was selected, if keeps flashing after inside use 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: - Continued , 33 Using the Menu Outdoors - Indoors - flashes ...to color. BEEP* B ON A beeping sound starts when you will be set. • When [ONE PUSH] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after touching , set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is appropriately adjusted for better color balance adjustment. • When the white balance has...
Operating Guide
Page 35
... the LCD screen or the viewfinder. • You can add sound to a tape already recorded in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of your camcorder. Your camcorder starts audio recording via an i.LINK cable. - A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) Using the internal stereo microphone (p. 69), you can only record additional...) (frame) during frame playback. * Horizontal lines may appear at the point where you dub audio on a tape recorded on other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). This is not a malfunction. **Pictures output from the DV Interface (i.LINK) cannot be output from frame playback).
... the LCD screen or the viewfinder. • You can add sound to a tape already recorded in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of your camcorder. Your camcorder starts audio recording via an i.LINK cable. - A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) Using the internal stereo microphone (p. 69), you can only record additional...) (frame) during frame playback. * Horizontal lines may appear at the point where you dub audio on a tape recorded on other DCR-HC52/HC54 camcorders). This is not a malfunction. **Pictures output from the DV Interface (i.LINK) cannot be output from frame playback).
Operating Guide
Page 41
...if black bands at the top and bottom in the viewfinder and the LCD screen by this operation. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for details on the LCD screen with B. WIDE DISP (Wide display) You can select how ... of the viewfinder. Using the Menu LCD/VF SET menu - See page 29 for the setting. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording....
...if black bands at the top and bottom in the viewfinder and the LCD screen by this operation. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for details on the LCD screen with B. WIDE DISP (Wide display) You can select how ... of the viewfinder. Using the Menu LCD/VF SET menu - See page 29 for the setting. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording....