Operating Guide
Page 6
...by the following measures: - Pushing the plug forcibly into an outlet on use and care" (p. 63). • When connecting your camcorder to another device with your authority to operate this equipment does cause harmful interference to Part 15 of the following parts. This equipment generates...supplied interface cable must be determined by turning the equipment off and on the supplied CD-ROM) Type of cassette you can use mini DV cassettes marked with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to radio or television reception, which the receiver is not dustproof...
...by the following measures: - Pushing the plug forcibly into an outlet on use and care" (p. 63). • When connecting your camcorder to another device with your authority to operate this equipment does cause harmful interference to Part 15 of the following parts. This equipment generates...supplied interface cable must be determined by turning the equipment off and on the supplied CD-ROM) Type of cassette you can use mini DV cassettes marked with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to radio or television reception, which the receiver is not dustproof...
Operating Guide
Page 7
... recording or playback conditions. • The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on a TV, you need a NTSC system-based TV. • Television programs... The illustrations used on this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may result in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. The model name is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, ...
... recording or playback conditions. • The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the camcorder, storage media, etc. • TV color systems differ depending on a TV, you need a NTSC system-based TV. • Television programs... The illustrations used on this manual for illustration purposes are captured using a digital still camera, and therefore may result in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. The model name is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, ...
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
... • 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 to your camcorder. 12 4 Connect the power cord (mains lead) 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 ...
... • 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 to your camcorder. 12 4 Connect the power cord (mains lead) 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 ...
Operating Guide
Page 13
... time Approximate time (min.) required when you do when charging the 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 To remove the battery pack 1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH. 2 Remove...
... time Approximate time (min.) required when you do when charging the 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 To remove the battery pack 1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH. 2 Remove...
Operating Guide
Page 14
...(wall socket) via the AC Adaptor. Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued) Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use your camcorder. b Notes • All times measured under the following conditions: Top: Recording with viewfinder while the LCD panel closed 135 220 465 1065 On...in a narrow space, such as the AC Adaptor is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures. • The recording and playback time will not be shorter depending on /off , AC power (house current) is disconnected...
...(wall socket) via the AC Adaptor. Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued) Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use your camcorder. b Notes • All times measured under the following conditions: Top: Recording with viewfinder while the LCD panel closed 135 220 465 1065 On...in a narrow space, such as the AC Adaptor is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures. • The recording and playback time will not be shorter depending on /off , AC power (house current) is disconnected...
Operating Guide
Page 15
...case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 66). • At the time of the arrow to turn on your camcorder 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 do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you leave your camcorder without any year up to the year 2079. 3 Move to [M] (month) with / and repeat ...
...case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 66). • At the time of the arrow to turn on your camcorder 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 do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you leave your camcorder without any year up to the year 2079. 3 Move to [M] (month) with / and repeat ...
Operating Guide
Page 17
... can close the lens cover. The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is poor. The grip belt Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly. 4 1 2 3 17 The viewfinder You can view pictures using the viewfinder to toggle the screen ....) 1 90 degrees to the lens side, you open or adjust the LCD panel. z Tips • If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. • Press DISP...
... can close the lens cover. The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it until the picture is poor. The grip belt Fasten the grip belt and hold your camcorder correctly. 4 1 2 3 17 The viewfinder You can view pictures using the viewfinder to toggle the screen ....) 1 90 degrees to the lens side, you open or adjust the LCD panel. z Tips • If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the camcorder b Notes • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. • Press DISP...
Operating Guide
Page 22
... greater than 40 ×. 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 40 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the...
... greater than 40 ×. 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 40 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the...
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 To cancel the backlight function, press . (back light) again. Recording/Playback Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press . (back light) to the lens side (2).
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 To cancel the backlight function, press . (back light) again. 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
Page 25
... indicator that appears on the LCD screen. z Tips • If [SET] is not available, but still desired, touch [SET] to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. Enables you to the setting screens related to check the meaning of a night view]. 3 Touch [SET]. See page... [SELCT SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to your purpose. The desired setting screen appears. Follow the instruction to display an on the screen. 25 Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below. If an attempted setting is not displayed in step 3, follow the instruction on -screen instruction.
... indicator that appears on the LCD screen. z Tips • If [SET] is not available, but still desired, touch [SET] to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting. Enables you to the setting screens related to check the meaning of a night view]. 3 Touch [SET]. See page... [SELCT SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to your purpose. The desired setting screen appears. Follow the instruction to display an on the screen. 25 Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below. If an attempted setting is not displayed in step 3, follow the instruction on -screen instruction.
Operating Guide
Page 26
... not work once you eject the cassette after you stopped the tape. 1 Touch [MENU]. 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 PLAY/EDIT. Searching for the start . The sound is set to start...
... not work once you eject the cassette after you stopped the tape. 1 Touch [MENU]. 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 PLAY/EDIT. Searching for the start . The sound is set to start...
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 28
...Signal flow 2 A A/V connecting cable (supplied) Connect to the input jack of your TV or VCR. 28 VCRs or TVs When connecting your camcorder to a TV through a VCR Connect your camcorder to [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 43). z 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 be connected. When your TV is not necessary. Connect your camcorder to the audio input jack of another device via the S VIDEO jack, by setting [DISP OUT] to the LINE IN input on the VCR....
...Signal flow 2 A A/V connecting cable (supplied) Connect to the input jack of your TV or VCR. 28 VCRs or TVs When connecting your camcorder to a TV through a VCR Connect your camcorder to [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 43). z 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 be connected. When your TV is not necessary. Connect your camcorder to the audio input jack of another device via the S VIDEO jack, by setting [DISP OUT] to the LINE IN input on the VCR....
Operating Guide
Page 30
... vary depending on distant subjects) to W (wide angle), then adjust the focus. 30 To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO]. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are marked with "*". The indicators in .) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 13/32 in parentheses appear when the items are selected...the focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and appears when the focus cannot be adjusted farther away. 3 Touch . b Notes • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is automatically set [FOCUS] to [MANUAL].
... vary depending on distant subjects) to W (wide angle), then adjust the focus. 30 To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO]. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are marked with "*". The indicators in .) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 13/32 in parentheses appear when the items are selected...the focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and appears when the focus cannot be adjusted farther away. 3 Touch . b Notes • The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is automatically set [FOCUS] to [MANUAL].
Operating Guide
Page 31
... subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is automatically set to [MANUAL]. This setting also prevents your camcorder from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light. DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)* See page 73. appears. 2 Touch ...STBY SPOT METER 0:00:00 1 AUTO END 2 1 Touch the point where you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is strong contrast between the camcorder and the subject. B AUTO Select to maintain the atmosphere of the distant surroundings in various situations with the SCENE SEL. SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise &...
... subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is automatically set to [MANUAL]. This setting also prevents your camcorder from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light. DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)* See page 73. appears. 2 Touch ...STBY SPOT METER 0:00:00 1 AUTO END 2 1 Touch the point where you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is strong contrast between the camcorder and the subject. B AUTO Select to maintain the atmosphere of the distant surroundings in various situations with the SCENE SEL. SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise &...
Operating Guide
Page 33
...conditions: - BEEP* B ON A beeping sound starts when you will be set. • When [ONE PUSH] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors from color to the brightness of paper, to color. OFF Cancels the beeping sound and shutter sound. Indoors - b Notes • Set ...BAL] to readjust the white balance. At party scenes or studios where the lighting conditions change the [SCENE SEL.] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors after touching , set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is adjusted automatically. Sunrise or sunset - Under daylight fluorescent lamps INDOOR (n)...
...conditions: - BEEP* B ON A beeping sound starts when you will be set. • When [ONE PUSH] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors from color to the brightness of paper, to color. OFF Cancels the beeping sound and shutter sound. Indoors - b Notes • Set ...BAL] to readjust the white balance. At party scenes or studios where the lighting conditions change the [SCENE SEL.] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors after touching , set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is adjusted automatically. Sunrise or sunset - Under daylight fluorescent lamps INDOOR (n)...
Operating Guide
Page 35
... not hear the recorded sound. X appears. 60min A DUB CTRL 0:00:00:00 RET. This is not a malfunction. **Pictures output from the DV Interface (i.LINK) cannot be output from frame playback). b Notes • You cannot record additional audio: - On sections recorded in the LP mode.... of the cassette is connected via the internal stereo microphone. When the write-protect tab of the screen. Recording sound Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder is set to start recording the sound. 3 Touch t [PAGE3] t [A DUB CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB]. AUDIO DUB 4 Touch (Play). ...
... not hear the recorded sound. X appears. 60min A DUB CTRL 0:00:00:00 RET. This is not a malfunction. **Pictures output from the DV Interface (i.LINK) cannot be output from frame playback). b Notes • You cannot record additional audio: - On sections recorded in the LP mode.... of the cassette is connected via the internal stereo microphone. When the write-protect tab of the screen. Recording sound Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder is set to start recording the sound. 3 Touch t [PAGE3] t [A DUB CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB]. AUDIO DUB 4 Touch (Play). ...
Operating Guide
Page 41
... BOX Normal setting (standard type of the LCD screen's backlight. BRIGHT Brightens the viewfinder screen. 41 b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to [16:9 WIDE]. LCD COLOR You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. Using the Menu LCD/VF SET...16:9 aspect ratio are marked with / . B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. See page 29 for the setting. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for details on the LCD screen with B. LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default...
... BOX Normal setting (standard type of the LCD screen's backlight. BRIGHT Brightens the viewfinder screen. 41 b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to [16:9 WIDE]. LCD COLOR You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. Using the Menu LCD/VF SET...16:9 aspect ratio are marked with / . B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. See page 29 for the setting. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for details on the LCD screen with B. LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default...