Sony HVR Z5U User Manual

4-114-857-11(1)  
Digital HD Video  
Camera Recorder  
Operating Guide  
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,  
and retain it for future reference  
http://www.sony.net/  
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper  
using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)  
-free vegetable oil based ink.  
HVR-Z5U/Z5N  
© 2008 Sony Corporation  
Printed in Japan  
Read this first  
Before operating this unit, please read this  
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future  
reference.  
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use  
in your camcorder  
You can use any “Memory Stick” that has  
the following markings.  
Notes on use  
Types of cassette you can use in your  
camcorder  
Your camcorder is capable of recording in  
HDV, DVCAM and DV formats.  
When recording in HDV/DV format, Sony  
recommends that you use mini DV  
cassettes.  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
(This size can be used with your  
camcorder.)  
When recording in DVCAM format, Sony  
recommends that you use mini DVCAM  
cassettes. Your camcorder does not support  
the Cassette Memory function (p. 119).  
“Memory Stick”  
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)  
The HDV format  
• Digital high-definition (HD) video signals  
are recorded and played back on a DV  
format cassette.  
• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2  
format, which is adopted in BS (broadcast  
satellite) digital and terrestrial digital  
HDTV broadcastings and in Blu-ray disc  
recorders.  
b Notes  
• You cannot use any type of memory card  
except “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” can be used  
only with “Memory Stick PRO”  
compatible equipment.  
• Do not attach a label or the like on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” or a “Memory Stick  
Duo” Adaptor.  
• When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with  
“Memory Stick” compatible equipment,  
insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the  
“Memory Stick Duo” Adaptor.  
2
     
Using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following part.  
About menu items, LCD panel,  
viewfinder, and lens  
• A menu item that is grayed out is not  
available under the current recording or  
playback conditions.  
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are  
manufactured using extremely high-  
precision technology, so over 99.99% of  
the pixels are operational for effective  
use. However, there may be some tiny  
black points and/or bright points (white,  
red, blue, or green in color) that appear  
constantly on the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder. These points are normal  
results of the manufacturing process and  
do not affect the recording in any way.  
Lens hood  
LCD panel  
Internal microphone Microphone or  
Microphone holder  
Viewfinder  
Black point  
White, red, blue or green point  
b Notes  
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof  
or waterproof.  
• Do not connect cables to your camcorder  
with their terminals placed the wrong  
way. Squeezing the terminals into your  
camcorder's jacks may damage them or  
results in a malfunction of your  
camcorder.  
Do not expose your camcorder’s  
viewfinder, lens, or LCD screen to the  
sun or strong light source for extended  
periods.  
• Intense light sources, especially the sun  
will converge on the viewfinder or lens  
and damage the internal parts of your  
camcorder. Avoid sunlight or other strong  
light sources when storing your  
camcorder. Protect this device by always  
closing the lens cover or by placing it in  
its bag when not in use.  
About temperature of your camcorder  
and battery pack  
• Your camcorder has a protective function  
that disables recording or playback if the  
temperature of your camcorder or battery  
Continued ,  
3
Read this first (Continued)  
pack is beyond the safely operable range.  
In this case, a message appears on the  
screen or in the viewfinder (p. 116).  
Features available for the DV SP  
format only.  
The function that can be used when  
i.LINK cable is connected.  
On recording  
The function that can be assigned to  
an ASSIGN button.  
• Before starting to record, test the  
recording function to make sure the  
picture and sound are recorded without  
any problems.  
About this manual  
• The images of the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder used in this manual for  
illustration purposes are captured using a  
digital still camera, and therefore may  
appear different.  
• Compensation for the contents of  
recordings cannot be provided, even if  
recording or playback is not possible due  
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage  
media, etc.  
• The on-screen displays in each local  
language are used for illustrating the  
operating procedures. Change the screen  
language before using your camcorder if  
necessary (p. 21).  
• Design and specifications of recording  
media and other accessories are subject to  
change without notice.  
• TV color systems differ depending on the  
countries/regions. To view your  
recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC  
system-based TV.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the copyright laws.  
• Illustrations of battery packs in this  
manual show the NP-F770 unless  
otherwise specified.  
• Because of the way that the image device  
(CMOS sensor) reads out image signals,  
the subjects passing by the frame rapidly  
might appear crooked depending on the  
recording conditions. This phenomenon  
may be notable in displays having high  
motion resolution.  
On playing back HDV tapes on other  
devices  
A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot  
be played back on a device that is not  
compatible with the HDV format.  
Check the contents of tapes by playing  
them back on this camcorder prior to  
playing them back on other devices.  
Notes on the icons used in this  
manual  
Features available for the HDV  
format only.  
Features available for the DVCAM  
format only.  
4
Table of Contents  
Step 2: Attaching the supplied microphone and the lens hood with lens  
Playing back the most recently recorded movies  
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording  
Continued ,  
5
Table of Contents (Continued)  
6
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items  
Large eyecup (1) (p. 19)  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
• The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are  
not included. See pages 2, 119 and 122 for types  
of cassette tapes and “Memory Stick Duo” that  
you can use on your camcorder.  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F770) (1)  
(Only for models HVR-Z5U)  
AC Adaptor/Charger (AC-VQ1050) (1)  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F570) (1)  
(Only for models HVR-Z5N)  
Power cord (mains lead) (1) (p. 13)  
Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 12)  
This lens hood is pre-mounted.  
Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-831)  
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.  
Wind Screen (1), Microphone (ECM-XM1)  
(1) (p. 10)  
Component A/V cable (1) (p. 58)  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 58, 96)  
8
     
Accessory shoe kit (Accessory shoe (1),  
Accessory shoe plate (1), screws (4))  
Connecting cord (DK-415) (1) (p. 15)  
CD-ROM “Manuals for Digital HD Video  
Camera Recorder” (1)  
Operating Guide (2)  
9
 
Step 2: Attaching the supplied microphone and  
the lens hood with lens cover  
Attaching the supplied  
2
Place the microphone A in the  
microphone holder C with the  
model name facing upward, close  
the cover, and shut the clamp.  
microphone  
When you use the supplied microphone  
(ECM-XM1) for recording sound, do the  
following steps.  
3
4
Connect the plug of the  
microphone to the INPUT1 jack  
D.  
Put the microphone cable into the  
cable holder E.  
Put the cable in the outer cable holder.  
5
Select channels with the CH1 (INT  
MIC/INPUT1) switch F and the  
CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2)  
switch G.  
See the table below for the recording  
channels.  
1
Attach the wind screen B to the  
supplied microphone A.  
10  
       
When the CH1 switch is set to  
INT MIC  
6
Set the INPUT1 switch H to an  
appropriate position for the  
microphone connected to the  
INPUT1 jack D.  
CH2 switch  
Input channel and source  
position  
INT MIC Internal  
LINE: For inputting sound from an  
audio device  
microphone  
(L)  
CH1  
MIC: For inputting sound from an  
external microphone that does  
not support the +48V power  
source.  
MIC+48V: For inputting sound from a  
device that supports the  
+48V power source  
Internal  
microphone  
(R)  
CH2*  
INPUT1 Internal  
microphone  
(mono)  
CH1  
XLR INPUT1  
CH2**  
CH1  
including the supplied  
microphone.  
INPUT2 Internal  
microphone  
(mono)  
When you connect a microphone to the  
INPUT2 jack, set the INPUT2 switch to  
an appropriate position for that  
microphone.  
XLR INPUT2  
CH2**  
When the CH1 is set to INPUT1  
CH2 switch  
b Notes  
Input channel and source  
position  
• When you connect a device that supports the  
+48V power source to the INPUT1 or INPUT2  
jack, set the INPUT1/INPUT2 switch to MIC  
prior to connecting the device. When you  
disconnect the device, set the INPUT1/INPUT2  
switch to MIC first, then disconnect it.  
• When you connect a microphone that does not  
support the +48V power source to the INPUT1  
or INPUT2 jack, set the INPUT1/INPUT2  
switch to MIC. If you use it with the INPUT1/  
INPUT2 switch set to MIC+48V, it may be  
damaged or the recorded sound may be  
distorted.  
INT MIC XLR INPUT1  
CH1  
Internal  
microphone  
(mono)  
CH2**  
INPUT1 XLR INPUT1  
CH1  
CH2**  
INPUT2 XLR INPUT1  
XLR INPUT2  
CH1  
CH2**  
* The recording level of channel 2 is  
z Tips  
synchronized with that of channel 1 when only  
the internal microphone is used. The recording  
level of channel 2 is controlled with the CH1  
(AUDIO LEVEL) dial and the CH1 (AUTO/  
MAN) switch.  
• See page 44 for adjusting the volume.  
**You can adjust the recording levels of channel 1  
and channel 2 separately.  
Continued ,  
11  
cover (Continued)  
To open or close the shutter of the  
Attaching the lens hood with lens  
lens hood with lens cover  
cover  
Move the lens cover lever up or down to  
open or close the lens cover.  
PUSH (lens hood release) button  
Move the lens cover lever to OPEN to  
open the lens cover, and move the lever  
to CLOSE to close the lens cover.  
Align the marks on the lens hood to  
those on the camcorder, and turn the  
lens hood in the direction of the  
arrow 2.  
To remove the lens hood with lens  
cover  
Turn the lens hood in the opposite direction  
to the arrow 2 in the illustration while  
pressing the PUSH (lens hood release)  
button.  
z Tips  
• If you attach or remove a 72mm (2 7/8 in.) PL  
filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood  
with lens cover.  
12  
       
Step 3: Charging the battery pack  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (L series) with the  
supplied AC Adaptor/Charger.  
After charging the battery  
All segments of the battery mark (  
)
appear in the display window when the  
b Notes  
normal charge of the battery is completed.  
You can fully charge the battery pack if you  
continue charging the battery pack after the  
charge lamp turns off until the battery mark  
with “FULL” appears (full charge). The  
battery life of the fully charged battery is  
slightly longer than that of the normally  
charged battery.  
• You cannot use batteries other than the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series)  
2
Remove the battery pack from the AC  
Adaptor/Charger when the charge is  
completed.  
3
4
1
z Tips  
• You can check the remaining battery life with  
the battery info function (p. 55).  
To attach the battery pack  
Press the battery pack against the back of  
your camcorder and slide it down.  
Charge lamp  
1
2
3
Set the mode change switch to  
CHARGE.  
Connect the power cord (mains  
lead) to the AC Adaptor/Charger.  
Connect the power cord (mains  
lead) to the wall outlet (wall  
socket).  
4
Place the battery pack in the slot  
of the AC Adaptor/Charger, press  
it down, and slide it in the  
direction of the arrow as  
illustrated.  
The charge lamp turns on and charging  
starts.  
Continued ,  
13  
     
To remove the battery pack  
Recording time  
Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Push the  
BATT RELEASE (battery release) button  
and remove the battery pack.  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
Recording in the HDV format  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
NP-F570  
125  
130  
260  
265  
390  
395  
60  
65  
NP-F770  
NP-F970  
130  
130  
195  
195  
BATT RELEASE  
(battery release) button  
Recording in the DVCAM (DV) format  
To store the battery pack  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
If the battery pack will not be used for a  
while, run down the battery and store it. See  
page 124 for details on storage of the  
battery pack.  
NP-F570  
130  
135  
270  
280  
400  
415  
65  
65  
NP-F770  
NP-F970  
135  
140  
200  
205  
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
Top:  
When the LCD backlight turns on.  
Battery pack  
NP-F570  
NP-F770  
NP-F970  
Charging time  
Bottom: When recording with the viewfinder  
while the LCD panel is closed.  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
145  
230  
310  
b Notes  
• For HVR-Z5N*:  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
– The supplied battery pack is NP-F570.  
– You cannot use the NP-F330 battery pack  
with your camcorder.  
• For HVR-Z5U*:  
– The supplied battery pack is NP-F770.  
– You cannot use the NP-F330/F570 battery  
pack with your camcorder.  
* You can find the model name at the bottom of  
HDV format pictures  
LCD panel  
opened*  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
NP-F570  
NP-F770  
NP-F970  
170  
355  
530  
180  
370  
your camcorder.  
555  
14  
         
DVCAM (DV) format pictures  
Using an outside power source  
LCD panel  
Battery pack  
LCD panel  
closed  
opened*  
You can use the AC Adaptor/Charger to  
obtain AC power.  
NP-F570  
NP-F770  
NP-F970  
180  
375  
570  
190  
390  
595  
To the wall outlet  
(wall socket)  
Power cord  
* When the LCD backlight turns on.  
AC Adaptor/  
Charger  
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch to OFF.  
• The Battery Info (p. 55) will not be correctly  
displayed under the following conditions.  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
Mode change  
switch  
Charge lamp  
– The battery pack is worn-out.  
Connecting cord  
DK-415  
• Sony recommends that you use an NP-F970  
battery pack when you use your camcorder with  
the Memory Recording Unit (optional).  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C  
(77 °F). 10 to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended.  
1 Connect the power cord (mains lead) to  
the AC Adaptor/Charger.  
• 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 the conditions under which you  
use your camcorder.  
2 Connect the power cord (mains lead) to  
the wall outlet (wall socket).  
3 Connect the connecting cable (DK-415)  
to the AC Adaptor/Charger.  
4 Set the mode change switch of the AC  
Adaptor/Charger to VCR/CAMERA.  
5 Press the connecting part of the  
connecting cable (DK-415) against the  
back of your camcorder in the battery  
slot and slide it down.  
On the AC Adaptor/Charger  
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC  
Adaptor/Charger. Disconnect the AC Adaptor/  
Charger from the wall outlet (wall socket)  
immediately if any malfunction occurs while  
using your camcorder.  
• Do not use the AC Adaptor/Charger placed in a  
narrow space, such as between a wall and  
furniture.  
Continued ,  
15  
   
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor/Charger or battery terminal with any  
metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(house current) is still supplied to it while  
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the  
AC Adaptor/Charger.  
16  
Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your  
camcorder properly  
To record or play back, set the POWER  
switch to the respective positions.  
When you use your camcorder for the first  
time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears  
(p. 20).  
2
Hold the camcorder properly.  
POWER switch  
3
Ensure a good grip, then fasten  
the grip belt.  
1
Slide the POWER switch to  
CAMERA or VCR while you press  
the green button.  
Slide the POWER  
switch while  
pressing the green  
button.  
CAMERA: To record pictures.  
VCR: To play or edit pictures.  
b Notes  
To turn off the power  
• The current date and time appear on the LCD  
screen for a few seconds when you turn on your  
camcorder once you set the date and time  
([CLOCK SET], p. 20).  
Slide the POWER switch to OFF while  
pressing the green button.  
b Notes  
• If warning messages appear on the screen,  
follow the instructions.  
17  
       
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder  
The LCD panel  
The viewfinder  
Open the LCD panel 180 degrees (1), then  
rotate it to the best angle to record or play  
back (2).  
Viewfinder lens  
adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture  
becomes clear.  
1Open 180 degrees.  
290 degrees  
(max.)  
2180 degrees  
(max.)  
b Notes  
• You may see primary colors shimmering in the  
viewfinder when you move your eye line. This  
is not a malfunction. The shimmering colors  
will not be recorded on the recording media.  
DISPLAY/BATT INFO button  
z Tips  
z Tips  
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight from [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 83).  
• To display images both on the LCD display and  
in the viewfinder, set [VF POWERMODE] to  
[ON](p. 84).  
• You can see your mirror image on the LCD  
screen by setting the LCD panel facing you. The  
image will be recorded in a normal image.  
To turn off the LCD backlight to make  
the battery last longer  
• To display images in black and white in the  
viewfinder, set [VF COLOR] to [OFF] (p. 84).  
Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO  
button for a few seconds until  
appears.  
This setting is practical when you use your  
camcorder in bright conditions or when you  
want to save battery power. The recorded  
picture will not be affected by the setting.  
To turn on the LCD backlight, press and  
hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button for  
a few seconds until  
disappears.  
z Tips  
• You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen  
from [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 83).  
18  
             
When the picture in the viewfinder is  
hard to see  
If you cannot see the picture in the  
viewfinder clearly under bright  
circumstances, use the supplied large  
eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch  
it slightly and align it with the eyecup  
groove in the viewfinder. You can attach  
the large eyecup facing either the right or  
left side.  
b Notes  
• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.  
Large eyecup (supplied)  
Attach with the  
protruding part  
at the top.  
19  
     
Step 6: Setting the date and time  
Set the date and time when using your  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not  
set the date and time, [CLOCK SET] screen  
appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder or change the POWER switch  
positions.  
2
3
4
Select  
(OTHERS) by turning  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then  
press the dial.  
OTHERS  
RETURN  
CAMERA PROF.  
ASSIGN BTN  
CLOCK SET  
WORLD TIME  
LANGUAGE  
QUICK REC  
DATE REC  
z Tips  
--  
:
--:--  
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3  
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets  
discharged and the date and time settings may  
be cleared from the memory. In that case,  
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the  
date and time again (p. 128).  
[
]
MENU :END  
Select [CLOCK SET] by turning  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then  
press the dial.  
--:--:--:--  
CLOCK SET  
Y
M
D
2008  
-
JAN  
-
1
12 : 00 AM  
[
]
MENU :CANCEL  
Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the  
dial.  
MENU  
button  
SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial  
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for  
the first time.  
--:--:--:--  
CLOCK SET  
Y
M
D
2008  
-
JAN  
-
1
12 : 00 AM  
1
Press the MENU button.  
[
]
MENU :CANCEL  
5
Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour  
and minute, then press the dial.  
The clock starts.  
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.  
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.  
20  
         
z Tips  
• The date and time are automatically recorded on  
the tape, and can be displayed during playback  
(DATA CODE button, p. 54).  
.
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
Press the MENU button and select the  
(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial. Select the screen language in  
[LANGUAGE] (p. 93).  
21  
     
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”  
b Notes  
Cassette tape  
• Do not push the portion marked  
while the cassette  
compartment is sliding in. Doing so may  
cause a malfunction.  
{DO NOT PUSH}  
See page 119 for details on tapes including  
which tapes can be used and how to protect  
from overwriting tapes.  
3
Close the lid.  
1
Slide and hold the  
EJECT lever in the direction of the  
arrow and open the lid.  
OPEN/  
z Tips  
• The recordable time varies depending on [DV  
REC MODE] (p. 86).  
To eject the cassette  
Open the lid following the same procedure  
as described in step 1 and remove the  
cassette.  
Lid  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo”  
marked with  
,
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out.  
or  
(p. 122).  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing outwards, then press  
.
1
Open the “Memory Stick Duo”  
slot cover in the direction of the  
arrow.  
Push the center of the back of  
the cassette lightly.  
Window  
“Memory Stick Duo” slot cover  
Cassette  
compartment  
The cassette compartment automatically  
slides back in.  
22  
             
2
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”  
into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot  
in the right direction until it clicks.  
Access lamp  
b Notes  
• If you insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into  
the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory  
Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick Duo” slot,  
or image data may be damaged.  
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”  
Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo”  
once.  
b Notes  
• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your  
camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake  
or knock your camcorder, turn the power off,  
eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the  
battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be  
damaged.  
• When inserting or ejecting the “Memory Stick  
Duo,” be careful with the “Memory Stick Duo”  
from popping out and dropping.  
23  
   
Recording/Playback  
Recording  
Recording lamp  
Lens hood  
REC START/  
STOP button B  
Recording lamp  
ASSIGN 7/  
PHOTO button  
POWER switch  
REC START/STOP button A  
Your camcorder records movies on tape and still images on “Memory Stick Duo.” Do the  
following steps to record movies.  
• This camcorder can record movies in HDV or DVCAM (DV) format. The factory setting is HDV format  
([REC FORMAT], p. 85).  
1
Open the shutter of the lens hood.  
2
Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the green button.  
Press and hold the green  
button when you slide the  
POWER switch from OFF.  
24  
         
3
Press the REC START/STOP button A (or B).  
00:04:50:04  
60min  
REC  
[STBY] t [REC]  
The recording lamp lights up during recording.  
To stop the movie recording, press the REC START/STOP button again.  
z Tips  
• When recording in HDV format, the aspect ratio is fixed to 16:9. When recording in DVCAM (DV)  
format, you can switch the aspect ratio to 4:3 ([DV WIDE REC], p. 86).  
• You can change the screen display during recording (p. 54).  
• Indicators displayed on the screen during recording are shown on page 140.  
• The recording lamp can be set to stay off ([REC LAMP[F]], [REC LAMP[R]], p. 94).  
• You cannot record movies on a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• For low angle recording, the REC START/STOP button on the handle is convenient. Release the  
HOLD lever to enable the REC START/STOP button. It might be helpful if you set the LCD panel  
face up or close it after turning it face down, or lift the viewfinder up during the low angle recording.  
Continued ,  
25  
Recording (Continued)  
– When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [60] or [30] and  
the shutter speed is slower than 1/60  
To capture still images  
1 Assign [PHOTO] to the ASSIGN 7/  
PHOTO button (p. 46).  
– While using the fader  
– While using [SMTH SLW REC]  
– While using shot transition  
• The unique pixel array of Sony's ClearVid  
CMOS sensor and image processing system  
(Enhanced Imaging Processor) allows for still  
image resolution equivalent to the sizes  
described.  
2 Press the ASSIGN 7/PHOTO button or  
the PHOTO button on the Remote  
Commander.  
A still image will be recorded on the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
disappears  
when the recording is completed.  
You can capture still images during  
movie recording.  
z Tips  
• Image sizes of still images are as follows:  
– Recording in HDV format/DVCAM (DV)  
format (16:9): 1.2M  
– Recording in DVCAM (DV) format (4:3):  
0.9M  
z Tips  
• See page 142 for indicators that appear on the  
screen during recording.  
• You can assign [PHOTO] to another ASSIGN  
button from  
(OTHERS) t [ASSIGN  
– Playing back in HDV format: 1.2M  
– Playing back in DVCAM (DV) format (16:9):  
0.2M  
BTN] and use that ASSIGN button as a PHOTO  
button.  
– Playing back in DVCAM (DV) format (4:3):  
VGA  
Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”  
(MB) and the number of recordable  
pictures  
To store still images captured from  
movies on a tape on “Memory Stick  
Duo”  
You can capture an image in a movie and  
record it on a “Memory Stick Duo” as a still  
image. Be sure to insert a recorded tape and  
a “Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder.  
1.2M  
1440  
810  
0.9M  
1080 × 640 ×  
810 480  
VGA  
0.2M  
640 ×  
360  
×
1.2M  
512MB  
1GB  
770  
1000  
2100  
2900  
6000  
3650  
7500  
1550  
3150  
6300  
1 Assign [PHOTO] to the ASSIGN 7/  
2GB  
4300 12000 15000  
8500 23500 29500  
PHOTO button (p. 46).  
4GB  
2 Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
8GB  
12500 17000 48000 60000  
25500 34500 97500 122000  
3 Press the N (play) button to search for  
the scene you want to save as a still  
image. Press the ASSIGN 7/PHOTO  
button or the PHOTO button on your  
Remote Commander at the scene.  
16GB  
b Notes  
• Specifications are for Sony “Memory Stick  
Duo.” The actual number of recordable pictures  
can vary depending on the recording  
environment and the type of “Memory Stick  
Duo.”  
• You cannot store a still image under the  
following conditions:  
– When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [24] or [24A]  
and the shutter speed is slower than 1/48  
b Notes  
• The recorded date and time on the tape and the  
stored date and time on the “Memory Stick  
Duo” are both saved on the “Memory Stick  
Duo.” When you view the still images, only the  
recorded date and time on the tape will be  
displayed on the screen (Data code, p. 54).  
26  
       
• Camera data stored on the tape will not be  
copied to the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• You cannot store a still image during using your  
camcorder with [PB ZOOM] set to [ON] (p. 93).  
27  
Changing the settings of your camcorder  
recordings  
• You can increase the zoom speed of the zoom  
lever D or the handle zoom A ([SPEED  
ZOOM], p. 73).  
Adjusting the zoom  
Using the handle zoom  
1 Set the handle zoom switch B to VAR  
or FIX.  
z Tips  
• When you set the handle zoom switch B to  
VAR, you can zoom in or out at variable  
speed.  
• When you set the handle zoom switch B to  
FIX, you can zoom in or out at fixed speed  
set in [HANDLE ZOOM] (p. 73).  
.
2 Press the handle zoom lever A to zoom  
in or out.  
Using the zoom lever  
b Notes  
Move the power zoom lever D slightly for  
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
• You cannot use the handle zoom lever A when  
the handle zoom switch B is set to OFF.  
• You cannot change the zoom speed of the zoom  
lever D with the handle zoom switch B.  
Wide view: (Wide angle)  
Using the zoom ring  
You can zoom at the desired speed by  
turning the zoom ring C. Fine adjustment  
is also possible.  
b Notes  
• Turn the zoom ring C at a moderate speed. If  
you turn it too fast, the zoom speed may lag  
behind the zoom ring rotation speed, or the  
operation sound of the zoom may also be  
recorded.  
Close view: (Telephoto)  
z Tips  
• The minimum distance required between your  
camcorder and the subject for focus is about 1  
cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about  
80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.  
• The focus may not be adjusted at certain zoom  
positions if the subject is within 80 cm (about 2  
5/8 feet) from your camcorder.  
• When you set [FOCUS MACRO] to [OFF], you  
cannot focus on a subject within 80 cm (about 2  
5/8 feet) regardless of the zoom position (p. 73).  
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom  
lever D. If you move your finger off the power  
zoom lever D, the operation sound of the  
power zoom lever D may also be recorded.  
28  
                   
9 changes to  
cannot be adjusted any farther. 9  
changes to when the focus cannot be  
adjusted any closer.  
when the focus  
Adjusting the focus manually  
z Tips  
For focusing manually  
• It is easier to focus on the subject when you use  
the zoom function. Move the power zoom lever  
towards T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, and  
then, towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom  
for recording.  
• When you want to record a close-up image of a  
subject, move the power zoom lever towards W  
(wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then  
adjust the focus.  
To restore automatic adjustment  
Set the FOCUS switch B to AUTO.  
9 disappears and the automatic focus  
adjustment is restored.  
You can adjust the focus manually for  
different recording conditions.  
Use this function in the following cases.  
– To record a subject behind a window covered  
with raindrops.  
– To record horizontal stripes.  
– To record a subject with little contrast between  
the subject and its background.  
Using automatic focus temporarily  
(Push auto focus)  
Record the subject while pressing and  
holding the PUSH AUTO button C.  
If you release the button, the setting returns  
to manual focusing.  
Use this function to shift the focus on one  
subject to another. The scenes will shift  
smoothly.  
– When you want to focus on a subject in the  
background.  
z Tips  
• The focal distance information (for when it is  
dark and hard to adjust the focus) appears for  
about 3 seconds in the following cases. (It will  
not be displayed correctly if you are using a  
conversion lens (optional)).  
– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.  
– When you set the FOCUS switch to MAN  
and 9 appears on the screen  
– When you rotate the focus ring while 9 is  
displayed on the screen.  
1
2
During recording or standby, set  
the FOCUS switch B to MAN.  
9 appears.  
Rotate the focus ring A and  
adjust the focus.  
Continued ,  
29  
       
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
Adjusting the image brightness  
Using the expanded focus (Expanded  
focus)  
Assign [EXP.FOCUS] to any one of the  
ASSIGN buttons beforehand (p. 46).  
During standby, press the ASSIGN button  
to which [EXP.FOCUS] is assigned.  
[EXPANDED FOCUS] appears and the  
center of the screen is magnified by about  
2.0 times. It will be easier to confirm the  
focus setting during manual focusing. The  
screen returns to the original size when you  
press the button again.  
b Notes  
• The screen returns to the original size when you  
start recording during the expanded focus  
display.  
z Tips  
• You can select a type of an expanded image  
displayed during the expanded focus  
([EXP.FOCUS TYPE], p. 82).  
You can adjust the image brightness by  
adjusting the iris, gain or shutter speed, or  
by reducing the light volume with the ND  
filter B. Also, when [EXPOSURE] is  
assigned to the iris ring A, you can adjust  
the iris, gain and shutter speed with the iris  
ring A. You can assign [IRIS] or  
[EXPOSURE] to the iris ring A from  
[IRIS/EXPOSURE] of the  
Focusing on a distant subject (Focus  
infinity)  
Slide the FOCUS switch B to INFINITY  
and hold it there.  
appears on the screen.  
To return to manual focus mode, release the  
FOCUS switch B. This function enables  
you to set focus on a distant subject even  
when the focus is automatically set on a  
close subject.  
(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 69). The default  
setting is [IRIS].  
b Notes  
• You cannot use the back light function and the  
spotlight function if at least two of iris, gain and  
shutter speed are adjusted manually.  
b Notes  
• [AE SHIFT] is not effective while you adjust  
the iris, gain and shutter speed all manually.  
• This function is only available during the  
manual focus. It is not available during the  
automatic focus.  
Adjusting the iris  
You can manually adjust the iris to control  
the volume of the light entering the lens. By  
adjusting the iris, you can change or close  
the aperture of the lens, which is expressed  
as an F value between F1.6 and F11. The  
volume of the light increases the more that  
you open the aperture (decreasing F value).  
30  
               
shutter speed, white balance) also become  
automatic.  
The volume of the light decreases the more  
that you close the aperture (increasing F  
value). The current F value appears on the  
screen.  
Adjusting the exposure  
1 Select  
(CAMERA SET) menu t  
When [IRIS/EXPOSURE] is set to  
[EXPOSURE], you can adjust the image  
brightness by adjusting the iris, gain and  
shutter speed with the iris ring.  
You can also manually preset one or two of  
these parameters and adjust the remaining  
parameter(s) with the iris ring.  
[IRIS/EXPOSURE] t [RING  
ASSIGN] t [IRIS] (p. 69).  
2 During recording or standby, set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch F to  
MANUAL.  
3 When the iris is automatically adjusted,  
press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button I.  
next to the iris value disappears  
(p. 82), or the iris value appears on the  
screen.  
1 Select  
(CAMERA SET) menu t  
[IRIS/EXPOSURE] t [RING  
ASSIGN] t [EXPOSURE] (p. 69)  
2 During recording or standby, set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch F to  
MANUAL.  
4 Adjust the iris with the iris ring A.  
When you assign [PUSH AT IRIS] to  
one of the ASSIGN buttons, you can  
automatically adjust the iris while  
pressing and holding that ASSIGN  
button. See page 46 for details on the  
ASSIGN button.  
3 When [EXPOSURE] is automatically  
adjusted, press the IRIS/EXPOSURE  
button I.  
The iris, gain and shutter speed values  
and appear on the screen. You can  
adjust the iris, gain and shutter speed  
with the iris ring A.  
z Tips  
• The F value becomes close to F3.4 as the zoom  
position changes from W to T even when you  
open the aperture by setting the F value lower  
than F3.4, such as F1.6.  
• The range of focus, an important effect of the  
aperture, is called the depth of field. The depth  
of field gets shallower as the aperture is opened,  
and deeper as the aperture is closed. Use the  
aperture creatively to obtain the desired effect in  
your photography.  
When  
following operation.  
is not displayed, do the  
appears next to  
the items, indicating that you can adjust  
them with the iris ring A.  
– Gain  
Press the GAIN button C.  
– Shutter speed  
Press the SHUTTER SPEED button E  
twice. When the shutter speed is not locked,  
press the button once.  
• This is handy for making the background  
blurred or sharp.  
4 Adjust the image brightness by turning  
the iris ring A.  
To adjust the iris automatically  
Press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button I, or  
set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to  
AUTO.  
When you assign [PUSH AT IRIS] to  
one of the ASSIGN buttons, you can  
automatically adjust the exposure while  
pressing and holding that ASSIGN  
button. See page 46 for details on the  
ASSIGN button.  
The iris value disappears, or  
next to the iris value.  
appears  
b Notes  
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F  
to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (gain,  
Continued ,  
31  
 
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
To restore automatic adjustment  
To adjust the gain automatically  
Press the IRIS/EXPOSURE button I, or  
set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to  
AUTO.  
Press the GAIN button C, or set the  
AUTO/MANUAL switch F to AUTO.  
The gain value disappears, or  
next to the gain value.  
appears  
The values next to which  
is displayed  
disappear, or appears next to those  
values.  
b Notes  
• When you set AUTO/MANUAL switch F to  
AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris,  
shutter speed, white balance) also become  
automatic.  
b Notes  
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F  
to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (gain,  
shutter speed, white balance) also become  
automatic.  
z Tips  
• When you record a movie with the gain set to  
[-6dB] and play it back with the data code, the  
gain value is displayed as [---].  
z Tips  
• When you press the GAIN button C while  
is displayed on the screen next to the gain value,  
disappears and you can adjust the gain  
manually. When you press the GAIN button C  
again,  
with the iris ring A. See step 2 in “Adjusting  
the gain” for details on how to adjust the gain.  
• When you press the SHUTTER SPEED button  
E while  
the shutter speed value,  
can adjust the shutter speed manually. When  
you press the SHUTTER SPEED button E  
again,  
Adjusting the shutter speed  
You can manually adjust and fix the shutter  
speed. You can make a moving subject look  
still or emphasize the movement of a  
moving subject by adjusting the shutter  
speed.  
appears and you can adjust the gain  
is displayed on the screen next to  
disappears and you  
1 During recording or standby, set  
AUTO/MANUAL switch F to  
MANUAL.  
appears and you can adjust the shutter  
speed with the iris ring A. See steps 3 and 4  
in “Adjusting the shutter speed” on page 32 for  
details on how to adjust the shutter speed.  
2 Press the SHUTTER SPEED button E  
until the shutter speed value is  
highlighted.  
3 Change the shutter speed displayed on  
the screen by turning the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial G.  
Adjusting the gain  
You can adjust the gain manually when you  
do not want to use the AGC (automatic gain  
control).  
You can adjust the shutter speed in a  
range of 1/4 second through 1/10000  
second or the extended clear scan  
1 Set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F to  
MANUAL during recording or standby.  
(
).  
The denominator of the set shutter speed  
appears on the screen. For example,  
[100] appears on the screen when you  
set the shutter speed to 1/100 second.  
The larger the value on the screen, the  
faster the shutter speed.  
2 When the gain is automatically  
adjusted, press the GAIN button C.  
next to the gain value disappears, or  
the gain value appears on the screen.  
3 Set the gain switch H to H, M or L.  
The gain value set for the selected gain  
switch position appears on the screen.  
You can set the gain value for each gain  
switch position from [GAIN SETUP] of  
4 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial G to  
lock the shutter speed.  
To readjust the shutter speed, do steps  
2 to 4.  
the  
(CAMERA SET) menu  
32  
         
z Tips  
adjustment, set the ND filter to 2. If  
flashes during the iris automatic  
adjustment, set the ND filter to 3.  
The ND filter indicator will stop flashing  
and remain on the screen.  
• You can set the shutter speed between 1/3  
second and 1/10000 second in the following  
settings:  
– [HDV PROGRE.]t[SCAN TYPE]t[24] or  
[24A]  
If  
flashes, set the ND filter to OFF.  
will disappear from the screen.  
– [DV PROGRE.]t[SCAN TYPE]t[24]  
• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower  
shutter speed. Manual focusing with your  
b Notes  
camcorder attached to a tripod is recommended.  
• If you change the ND filters B during  
recording, the movie and sound may be  
distorted.  
• When adjusting the iris manually, the  
does not flash even if the light volume should be  
adjusted with the ND filter.  
• The picture may flicker or change colors under  
fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury  
lamps. You can reduce flickering by setting the  
shutter speed to an appropriate frequency in the  
icon  
extended clear scan (  
) range  
([ECS FREQ.], p. 71).  
z Tips  
• When recording a subject such as a monitor  
screen, set the shutter speed in the extended  
• While recording a bright subject, diffraction  
may occur if you close the aperture further  
down, resulting in a fuzzy focus (this is a  
common phenomenon with video cameras). The  
ND filter B suppresses this phenomenon and  
gives better recording results.  
clear scan (  
) range in order to obtain  
images with no horizontal bands of noise. You  
can set the shutter speed for the extended clear  
scan from [ECS FREQ.] in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 71).  
To adjust the shutter speed  
automatically  
Press the SHUTTER SPEED button E  
twice, or set the AUTO/MANUAL switch  
F to AUTO.  
Adjusting to natural color (White  
balance)  
The shutter speed value disappears, or  
appears next to the shutter speed value.  
b Notes  
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch F  
to AUTO, other manually adjusted items (iris,  
gain, white balance) also become automatic.  
.
Adjusting the volume of light  
(ND filter)  
You can record the subject clearly by using  
the ND filter B when the recording  
environment is too bright.  
The ND filters 1, 2 and 3 reduce the volume  
of light to about 1/4, 1/16 and 1/64,  
respectively.  
You can adjust and fix the white balance  
according to the lighting conditions of  
recording environment.  
If  
flashes during the iris automatic  
adjustment, set the ND filter to 1. If  
flashes during the iris automatic  
You can store white balance values in  
memory A (  
A) and memory B (  
B),  
Continued ,  
33  
         
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
respectively. Unless a white balance is  
readjusted, values will remain even after the  
power has been turned off.  
When you select PRESET, [OUTDOOR],  
[INDOOR] or [MANU WB TEMP] is  
selected, according to which one you  
previously set with [WB PRESET] in the  
(CAMERA SET) menu.  
Indicator  
Shooting conditions  
• Under the lighting  
conditions that change  
in many ways, such as  
a party hall  
• Under strong light  
such as in a  
n
Indoor  
([INDOOR])  
photography studio  
• Under sodium lamps  
or mercury lamps  
• Color temperature can  
be set between 2300K  
and 15000K (the  
default setting is  
6500K).  
Color  
1
During recording or standby, set  
the AUTO/MANUAL switch D to  
MANUAL.  
temperature  
([MANU WB  
TEMP])  
z Tips  
• You can change the outdoor white balance  
setting by setting offset. Press (one push)  
(outdoor) is selected and  
turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial E to select an  
offset value from -7 (bluish) to 0 (normal, the  
default setting) to +7 (reddish). You can also set  
the white balance offset value from the menu  
([WB OUTDR LVL], p. 70).  
2
3
Press the WHT BAL button A.  
button C while  
Set the white balance memory  
switch B to any one of  
PRESET/A/B.  
Select A or B for recording with the  
white balance setting stored in memory  
A or B.  
• You can change the color temperature. Set [WB  
PRESET] to [MANU WB TEMP] and the white  
balance memory switch B to PRESET, then  
Indicator  
Shooting conditions  
press the  
(one push) button C. Turn the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial E until the desired  
temperature appears on the screen, then press  
the dial to set the temperature. You can also set  
the color temperature from the menu ([WB  
TEMP SET], p. 70).  
• White balance values  
adjusted for light  
sources can be stored  
in memory A and  
memory B. Follow the  
adjusted white balance  
value in memory A or  
B(p. 34).  
A
(Memory A)  
B
(Memory B)  
To save the adjusted white balance  
value in memory A or B  
1 Set the white balance memory switch to  
• Recording neon signs  
or fireworks  
A (  
A) or B (  
B) in step 3 of  
Outdoor  
([OUTDOOR])  
“Adjusting to natural color (White  
balance).”  
• Recording sunset/  
sunrise, just after  
sunset or just before  
sunrise  
• Under daylight color  
fluorescent lamps  
2 Capture a white subject, such as white  
paper, full-screen in the same lighting  
condition as the one in which the subject  
is.  
3 Press  
A or  
(one push) button C.  
B starts flashing rapidly. It  
will stay on when the white balance  
adjustment is completed and the  
34  
                 
b Notes  
adjusted value is stored in  
B.  
A or  
• When you set [x.v.Color] of the  
(CAMERA SET) menu to [ON], the picture  
profile will be disabled.  
To adjust the white balance  
automatically  
Press the WHT BAL button A or set the  
Picture profile  
number (setting  
name)  
Recording condition  
AUTO/MANUAL switch D to AUTO.  
PP1  
:USER  
Default settings the same  
as when Picture Profile is  
[OFF]  
b Notes  
• When you set the AUTO/MANUAL switch D  
to AUTO, other manual adjustments (iris, gain,  
and shutter speed) also become automatic.  
PP2  
:USER  
Default settings the same  
as when Picture Profile is  
[OFF]  
Customizing the picture quality  
(Picture profile)  
PP3  
Example settings of  
:PRO COLOR pictures recorded by a  
professional shoulder  
camcorder with ITU709  
gamma  
PP4  
:PD COLOR  
Example settings of  
pictures recorded by a  
professional handy  
camcorder with PD  
gamma  
PP5  
Example settings of  
:FILM LOOK1 pictures recorded on  
cinema color negative film  
PP6  
Example settings of  
:FILM LOOK2 pictures screened with  
cinema color print film  
1
During standby, press the  
PICTURE PROFILE button B.  
You can customize the picture quality by  
adjusting picture profile items such as  
[GAMMA] and [DETAIL].  
Connect your camcorder to a TV or  
monitor, and adjust the picture quality  
while observing the picture on the TV or  
monitor screen.  
Picture quality settings for different  
recording conditions are stored in [PP1]  
through [PP6] as default settings.  
2
Select a picture profile number  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
You can record with the settings of the  
selected picture profile.  
Continued ,  
35  
     
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
3
Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
To cancel the picture profile recording  
Select [OFF] in step 2 with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
To change the picture profile  
You can change the settings stored in [PP1]  
through [PP6].  
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button  
B.  
2 Select the PICTURE PROFILE number  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
3 Select [SETTING] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
4 Select an item to be adjusted with the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
5 Adjust the picture quality with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other  
items.  
7 Select [  
RETURN] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
8 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial A.  
A picture profile indicator appears.  
z Tips  
• You can assign picture profiles to the ASSIGN  
buttons and use them to turn the picture profiles  
on and off (p. 46).  
36  
BLACK LEVEL  
To set the black level.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[MASTER BLACK]  
Sets the master black level.  
-15 to +15  
[BLACK R]  
[BLACK G]  
[BLACK B]  
Sets the black level of Rch.  
[MASTER BLACK] + [BLACK R] is the black level of Rch.  
-15 to +15  
Sets the black level of Gch.  
[MASTER BLACK] + [BLACK G] is the black level of Gch.  
-15 to +15  
Sets the black level of Bch.  
[MASTER BLACK] + [BLACK B] is the black level of Bch.  
-15 to +15  
GAMMA  
To select a gamma curve.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[STANDARD]  
[CINEMATONE1]  
[CINEMATONE2]  
[ITU709]  
Standard gamma curve  
Gamma curve 1 for producing tone of film camera images  
Gamma curve 2 for producing tone of film camera images  
Gamma curve that corresponds to ITU-709. Gain in low intensity area:  
4.5  
[G5.0]  
[PD]  
Gamma curve with 5.0 of a low intensity area gain  
Gamma curve for producing tone similar to DCR-PD series  
Gamma curve similar to x.v.Color  
[x.v.]  
BLACK GAMMA  
To correct gamma in low intensity area.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[RANGE]  
Selects a correcting range.  
HIGH / MIDDLE / LOW  
[LEVEL]  
Sets the correcting level.  
-7 (maximum black compression) to +7 (maximum black stretch)  
Continued ,  
37  
     
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
KNEE  
To set knee point and slope for video signal compression to reduce over-highlighting by  
limiting signals in high contrast area of the subject to the dynamic range of your camcorder.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[MODE]  
Selects a mode either automatic or manual.  
[AUTO]  
: to set the knee point and slope automatically.  
[MANUAL] : to set the knee point and slope manually.  
[AUTO SET]  
Sets the maximum point and sensitivity in the automatic mode.  
[MAX POINT]  
: Sets the maximum point.  
90% to 100%  
[SENSITIVITY] : Sets the sensitivity.  
HIGH/MIDDLE/LOW  
[MANUAL SET]  
Sets the knee point and slope manually.  
[POINT]  
: Sets the knee point.  
75% to 105%  
[SLOPE]  
: Sets the knee slope.  
-5(gentle) to +5(steep)  
COLOR MODE  
To set type and level of colors.  
Item  
Description and settings  
Selects a type of colors.  
[STANDARD] : Standard colors  
[TYPE]  
[CINEMATONE1] : Film camera image-like colors good with  
[GAMMA] set to [CINEMATONE1]  
[CINEMATONE2] : Film camera image-like colors good with  
[GAMMA] set to [CINEMATONE2]  
[ITU709 MTX]  
: Colors corresponding to ITU-709  
[LEVEL]  
Sets a color level when you set [TYPE] to the settings other than  
[STANDARD].  
1 (close to color settings of [STANDARD]) to 8 (color settings of the  
selected type)  
COLOR LEVEL  
To set the color level.  
Item  
Description and settings  
-7 (light) to +7 (dark), -8: black and white  
COLOR PHASE  
To set the color phase.  
Item  
Description and settings  
-7 (greenish) to +7 (reddish)  
38  
       
COLOR DEPTH  
To set the color depth for each color phase.  
This function is more effective for chromatic colors and less effective for achromatic colors.  
The color looks deeper as you increase the setting value to more positive side, and lighter as  
you decrease the value to more negative side. This function is effective even if you set  
[COLOR LEVEL] to [-8] (monotone).  
Item  
[R]  
[G]  
[B]  
[C]  
[M]  
[Y]  
Description and settings  
-7 (light red) to +7 (deep red)  
-7 (light green) to +7 (deep green)  
-7 (light blue) to +7 (deep blue)  
-7 (light cyan) to +7 (deep cyan)  
-7 (light magenta) to +7 (deep magenta)  
-7 (light yellow) to +7 (deep yellow)  
COLOR CORRCT  
To set items for the color correction.  
Item  
Description and settings  
Selects color correction type.  
[TYPE]  
[OFF]  
: Not correct colors.  
[COLOR REVISN] : Corrects colors stored in memory. Colors not  
stored in memory (displayed in black and  
white when [COLOR EXTRCT] is set) will  
not be corrected.  
[COLOR EXTRCT] : Displays areas in colors that are stored in the  
memory.  
The other areas are displayed in black and  
white. You can use this function to add effects  
on your movies or to confirm the colors to be  
stored in the memory.  
[MEMORY SEL]  
Selects a memory to be effective.  
[1]: Sets Memory 1 to be effective.  
[2]: Sets Memory 2 to be effective.  
[1&2]: Sets both Memory 1 and 2 to be effective.  
Continued ,  
39  
   
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
COLOR CORRCT (Continued)  
Item  
Description and settings  
[MEM1 COLOR]  
Sets colors stored in Memory 1.  
[PHASE]  
: Sets color phase.  
0 (purple) t 8 (red) t 16 (yellow) t  
24 (green) t 31 (blue)  
: Sets color phase range.  
[RANGE]  
0 (no color selection), 1 (narrow: to select only a  
single color) to 31 (wide: to select multiple colors  
in similar color phase)  
[SATURATION] : Sets saturation.  
0 (to select from light colors to dark colors) to 31  
(to select dark color)  
[ONE PUSH SET]: Automatically sets [PHASE] for a subject at the  
center of the marker. [SATURATION] is set to 0.  
[MEM1 REVISN]  
Corrects colors in Memory 1.  
[R GAIN]  
: Corrects the redness of the color in Memory 1.  
Tone of cyan becomes higher as the redness decreases.  
-15 (less reddish) to +15 (more reddish)  
0 for no correction  
[B GAIN]  
: Corrects the blueness of the color in Memory 1.  
Tone of yellow becomes higher as the blueness  
decreases.  
-15 (less bluish) to +15 (more bluish)  
0 for no correction  
[MEM2 COLOR]  
[MEM2 REVISN]  
Sets colors stored in Memory 2.  
See [MEM1 COLOR] for description and settings.  
Corrects colors in Memory 2.  
See [MEM1 REVISN] for description and settings.  
z Tips  
• Setting both memories to the same setting doubles the color correction effect.  
• The settings of [COLOR CORRCT] will be retained even if the power is turned off. However, if you want  
to correct colors that may change according to time of the day, weather, location, etc., it is recommended  
that you set [COLOR CORRCT] again prior to recording.  
• If you change the white balance value or the settings of [WB SHIFT], [COLOR LEVEL] or [COLOR  
PHASE] of the picture profile, the settings of [RANGE] and [PHASE] of the selected memory will  
change. When you change the white balance value or the settings of the above picture profile items after  
you have set [RANGE] and [PHASE], check the settings of [COLOR CORRCT] prior to recording.  
• During the automatic white balance adjustment, the white balance value automatically varies according to  
the lighting conditions of your recording environment. The manual white balance adjustment is  
recommended when you use [COLOR CORRCT].  
40  
WB SHIFT  
To set items for the white balance shift.  
Item  
Description and settings  
Selects a color filter type for the white balance shift.  
[FILTER TYPE]  
[LB-CC]  
[R-B]  
: Film type (color conversion and correction)  
: Video type (correction of R and B levels)  
[LB[COL TEMP]]  
[CC[MG/GR]]  
[R GAIN]  
Sets a color temperature offset value.  
-9 (bluish) to +9 (reddish)  
Sets a color correct offset value.  
-9 (greenish) to +9 (magentish)  
Sets an R level.  
-9 (low R level) to +9 (high R level)  
[B GAIN]  
Sets a B level.  
-9 (low B level) to +9 (high B level)  
DETAIL  
To set items for the detail.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[LEVEL]  
Sets the detail level.  
-7 to +7  
[MANUAL SET]  
[ON/OFF]  
[ON]  
: Turns on and off the manual detail adjustment.  
: Enables the manual detail adjustment (automatic  
optimization will not be performed).  
[OFF]  
: Disables the manual detail adjustment.  
[V/H BALANCE] : Sets the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) balance of  
detail.  
[B/W BALANCE]: Selects the balance of the upper DETAIL (P) and  
the lower DETAIL (N).  
TYPE 1 (off to the lower DETAIL (N) side) to  
TYPE 5 (off to the upper DETAIL (P) side)  
[BLACK LIMIT] : Sets the limit level of the lower DETAIL (N).  
0 (Low limit level: likely to be limited) to 7 (High  
limit level: not likely to be limited)  
[WHITE LIMIT] : Sets the limit level of the upper DETAIL (P).  
0 (Low limit level: likely to be limited) to 7 (High  
limit level: not likely to be limited)  
[CRISPENING] : Sets the crispening level.  
0 (shallow crispening level) to 7 (deep crispening  
level)  
[HI-LIGHT DTL] : Sets the DETAIL level in the high intensity areas.  
-2 to +2  
Continued ,  
41  
     
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
SKINTONE DTL  
To adjust the detail of skintone areas to reduce wrinkles.  
Item  
Description and settings  
[ON/OFF]  
Suppresses details in skin-tone areas to reduce wrinkles. Select [ON]  
when you want to use this function. You can also select other areas.  
[LEVEL]  
Sets the adjustment level.  
1 (less adjust the detail) to 8 (more adjust the detail)  
[COLOR SEL]  
Sets color items for the detail adjustment.  
[PHASE]  
: Sets the color phase.  
0 (purple) t 32 (red) t 64 (yellow) t  
96 (green) t 127 (blue)  
: Sets the color range.  
[RANGE]  
0 (selects no color), 1 (narrow: selects a single  
color) to 31 (wide: selects multiple colors in  
similar color phases and saturation)  
The detail will not be adjusted when you set  
[RANGE] to 0.  
[SATURATION] : Sets the color saturation.  
0 (selects a light color) to 31 (selects a deep color)  
[REVERSE]  
: Reverses the selected color range.  
If you execute this function when a color has been  
selected, colors that were not selected will be  
selected instead.  
[Y LEVEL]  
[Y RANGE]  
: Sets the color brightness.  
0 (selects a dark color) to 31 (selects a bright  
color)  
: Sets the color brightness range.  
1 (narrows the brightness range) to 32 (expands  
the brightness range)  
[ONE PUSH SET]: Automatically adjusts [PHASE],  
[SATURATION] and [Y LEVEL] for a subject at  
the center of the marker. [RANGE] and  
[Y RANGE] will not be changed.  
PROFILE NAME  
To name the picture profiles set in [PP1] through [PP6] (p. 43).  
COPY  
To copy the settings of the picture profile to another picture profile number.  
RESET  
To reset the picture profile to the default setting.  
42  
       
4 Select the number of the picture profile  
that you want to copy to with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
To name the picture profile settings  
You can name picture profile1 through 6.  
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button  
5 Select [YES] with the SEL/PUSH  
B.  
EXEC dial A.  
2 Select the picture profile that you want  
to name with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
A.  
6 Select [ RETURN] t [OK] with the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
3 Select [SETTING] t [PROFILE  
NAME] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
A.  
To reset the picture profile settings  
You can reset the picture profile settings by  
each picture profile number. You cannot  
reset all picture profile settings at once.  
4 Select a letter with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A. Repeat this operation  
until a complete name is entered.  
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button  
B.  
PICT. PROFILE  
2 Select the number of the picture profile  
that you want to reset with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
3 Select [SETTING] t [RESET] t  
CANCEL  
OK  
[YES] t [  
RETURN] t [OK]  
P I CTURE PROF I LE END  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
z Tips  
• Each name can be up to 12 characters long.  
Characters that can be used in profile  
names:  
• A to Z  
• 0 to 9  
• - _ / #  
& : .  
@
5 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial A.  
The profile name is changed.  
6 Select [  
RETURN] t [OK] with  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
To copy the picture profile setting to  
other picture profiles  
1 Press the PICTURE PROFILE button  
B.  
2 Select the picture profile that you want  
to copy from with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
3 Select [SETTING] t [COPY] with  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A.  
Continued ,  
43  
     
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings (Continued)  
To restore automatic adjustment  
Adjusting the volume  
Set the AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2) switch A of  
the manually adjusted channel to AUTO.  
You can adjust the volume of an internal  
microphone or a microphone connected to  
the INPUT1/INPUT2 jack.  
z Tips  
• To check other audio settings, press the  
STATUS CHECK button C.  
z Tips  
• For other settings, see the  
menu (p. 77).  
(AUDIO SET)  
• See page 10 for details on attaching the supplied  
microphone, and on the CH1 (INT MIC/  
INPUT1) and the CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/  
INPUT2) switches.  
Attaching a Memory Recording  
Unit  
You can attach an optional Memory  
Recording Unit HVR-MRC1 to your  
camcorder for recording. To attach it to  
your camcorder, do the following.  
Refer to the Memory Recording Unit  
operating instructions for details on its  
operation.  
Remove the Memory Recording Unit  
jack cover (1). Insert the terminal of  
the Memory Recording Unit in the  
Memory Recording Unit jack and  
slide the unit down (2).  
1
2
Set the AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2)  
switch A of the channel to be  
adjusted to MAN.  
appears on the screen.  
Turn the AUDIO LEVEL dial B to  
adjust the volume during  
recording or standby.  
44  
           
To remove the Memory Recording  
Unit  
Slide the Memory Recording Unit upward while  
pushing its RELEASE lever downward.  
b Notes  
• You cannot use the HDV/DV jack when the  
Memory Recording Unit is attached to your  
camcorder.  
• When you use the Memory Recording Unit, set  
appropriate items in [EXT REC CTRL] of the  
(IN/OUT REC) menu (p. 88).  
45  
Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons  
Some functions need to be assigned to the  
ASSIGN 4-6 buttons  
ASSIGN buttons for use. You can assign a  
single function to any one of the ASSIGN 1  
to 7 buttons.  
Functions you can assign to the  
ASSIGN buttons  
The buttons in parentheses indicate that the  
functions are assigned to the buttons by  
default.  
• EXP.FOCUS (p. 30)  
• FOCUS MACRO (p. 73)  
• D.EXTENDER (p. 73)  
• RING ROTATE (p. 69)  
• HYPER GAIN (p. 70)  
ASSIGN 1-3 buttons  
• AE SHIFT (p. 71) (ASSIGN 2 button)  
• PUSH AT IRIS (p. 30)  
• INDEX MARK (p. 47)  
• STEADYSHOT (p. 72)  
• BACK LIGHT (p. 72)  
• SPOTLIGHT (p. 72)  
• FADER (p. 73)  
• SMTH SLW REC (p. 73)  
• COLOR BAR (p. 76)  
ASSIGN7/PHOTO  
button  
• LAST SCN RVW (p. 48)  
• REC REVIEW (p. 48) (ASSIGN 3 button)  
• END SEARCH (p. 48)  
• ZEBRA (p. 80) (ASSIGN 1 button)  
• MARKER (p. 81)  
• PEAKING (p. 81)  
• TC RESET (p. 89)  
• TC COUNTUP (p. 89)  
1
2
Press the MENU button B.  
Select the  
(OTHERS) t  
[ASSIGN BTN] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
• PHOTO (p. 26) (ASSIGN 7 button)  
• PICTURE PROFILE (p. 35)  
• SHOT TRANSITION (p. 48)  
3
Select the ASSIGN button to  
which you want to assign a  
function with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
[------] appears if no function is assigned to  
the ASSIGN button.  
• Select [YES] when you select [SHOT  
TRANSITION], then do step 5.  
46  
     
Recording an index signal  
4
Select the function that you want  
to assign with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
If you record a scene with an index signal,  
you can easily find that scene during  
playback (p. 56).  
The index function will make it easier to  
check the transition of recording or edit  
your pictures using index signals.  
5
6
7
Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial A.  
1
2
Assign [INDEX MARK] to one of  
the ASSIGN buttons (p. 46).  
Select [  
RETURN] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial A.  
Press the ASSIGN button to  
which [INDEX MARK] is assigned.  
Press the MENU button B to hide  
the menu screen.  
During recording  
appears for about 7 seconds and an  
index signal is recorded.  
z Tips  
During standby  
• Shot transition is assigned to the ASSIGN  
4, 5 and 6 buttons (p. 48). Cancel the shot  
transition assignment to return to the pre-  
setting assignment.  
flashes.  
After you press the REC START/STOP  
button to start recording,  
appears  
for about 7 seconds and an index signal  
is recorded.  
• To cancel the shot transition, select  
[SHOT TRANSITION] t [YES] in step  
3.  
To cancel the operation  
Press the ASSIGN button to which [INDEX  
MARK] is assigned again before you start  
recording.  
b Notes  
• You cannot record an index signal on a recorded  
tape afterward.  
Continued ,  
47  
     
Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued)  
REVIEW] is assigned during  
standby.  
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most  
recently recorded scenes will be played  
back, then your camcorder returns to  
standby.  
Playing back the most recently  
recorded movies (Last scene  
review)  
You can set your camcorder to  
automatically rewind the tape to the  
beginning of the most recently recorded  
scene, play back to the end of the scene,  
then stop the tape.  
Searching for the last scene of  
the most recent recording  
(End search)  
1
2
Assign [LAST SCN RVW] to an  
ASSIGN button (p. 46).  
1
2
Assign [END SEARCH] to one of  
the ASSIGN buttons (p. 46).  
During standby, press the  
ASSIGN button to which [LAST  
SCN RVW] is assigned.  
Press the ASSIGN button to  
which [END SEARCH] is  
assigned.  
The last scene review starts.  
The last scene of the most recent  
recording will be played back for about  
5 seconds, and the camcorder goes  
standby at the point where the last  
recording has finished.  
b Notes  
• If the recording time of the movie is short,  
[LAST SCN RVW] may not work correctly.  
• [LAST SCN RVW] does not work once you  
take out a tape.  
z Tips  
• If you press the ASSIGN button again during  
the last scene review, your camcorder plays  
back the last 5 seconds of the most recently  
recorded movie, then goes standby at the end of  
the recording.  
b Notes  
• End search will not work once you eject the  
tape.  
• End search will not work correctly if a blank  
section exists between recorded sections on the  
tape.  
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes (Rec review)  
Using the Shot transition  
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
This is convenient during playback of the  
latest scene check.  
You can store settings of focus, zoom, iris,  
gain, shutter speed and white balance, and  
smoothly shift from the current settings to  
the stored settings (shot transition).  
For example, you can shift the focus from  
closer objects to farther objects, or change  
the depth of field by adjusting the iris. You  
can also develop scenes under different  
Press the REC REVIEW button or the  
ASSIGN button to which [REC  
48  
                   
b Notes  
conditions smoothly. If you store manually  
adjusted settings of white balance, you can  
smoothly shift from one scene to another  
under different conditions, such as from  
indoor to outdoor.  
• The settings stored in SHOT-A or  
SHOT-B will be erased when you set  
the POWER switch to OFF.  
Sony recommends that you use a tripod to  
avoid image blurring.  
You can set the items, such as transition  
curve and transition time, in [SHOT  
3
Check the stored settings.  
1 Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly  
to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION  
CHECK screen.  
TRANSITION] of the  
SET) menu (p. 75).  
(CAMERA  
2 Press the ASSIGN 5 button to check  
the SHOT-A. Press the ASSIGN 6  
button to check the SHOT-B.  
The image will be displayed with the  
settings stored in the selected SHOT.  
The focus, zoom, iris, gain, shutter  
speed and white balance are  
ASSIGN 4 - 6 buttons  
automatically adjusted to the stored  
settings.  
b Notes  
• On the shot transition check screen,  
the settings do not shift to the stored  
settings of the transition time and  
curve set in [TRANS TIME] and  
[TRANS CURVE] (p. 75)  
1
2
Assign [SHOT TRANSITION] to  
the ASSIGN buttons (p. 46).  
4
Execute the shot transition.  
z Tips  
1 Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly  
to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION  
EXEC screen.  
• Shot transition is assigned to ASSIGN 4, 5  
and 6 buttons.  
2 Press the REC START/STOP button.  
3 Press the ASSIGN 5 button for  
recording with SHOT-A, or the  
ASSIGN 6 button for recording with  
SHOT-B.  
The settings shift from the current ones  
to the stored ones.  
Store the settings (shot).  
1 Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly  
to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION  
STORE screen.  
2 Manually adjust the settings.  
See pages 28 to 43 for details on how to  
adjust the settings manually.  
3 Press the ASSIGN 5 button for storing  
the settings in SHOT-A, or the  
ASSIGN 6 button for storing the  
settings in SHOT-B.  
z Tips  
• Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly to  
cancel the shot transition.  
Continued ,  
49  
Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons (Continued)  
b Notes  
• When you change [SHOT TRANSITION]  
(p. 48), press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly  
to exit the shot transition screen.  
• You cannot return from the stored SHOT-A or  
SHOT-B settings to previous settings after you  
execute the shot transition during recording.  
• If you press the following buttons during the  
shot transition operation, the operation will be  
canceled:  
– PICTURE PROFILE button  
– MENU button  
– ASSIGN button to which [EXP.FOCUS] is  
assigned  
– STATUS CHECK button  
– ASSIGN button to which [SMTH SLW REC]  
is assigned  
• You can also make a transition from the SHOT-  
A to the SHOT-B or from the SHOT-B to the  
SHOT-A. For example, to make a transition  
from the SHOT-A to the SHOT-B, display the  
shot transition check screen, press the ASSIGN  
5 button to bring up the SHOT-A and press the  
REC START/STOP button. Then, display the  
shot transition execution screen and press the  
ASSIGN 6 button.  
• You can rehearse the shot transition by pressing  
the respective buttons (ASSIGN 5 or ASSIGN  
6) to which your customized settings are  
assigned before pressing the REC START/  
STOP button in step 4.  
To cancel the operation  
Press the ASSIGN 4 button repeatedly to  
exit the shot transition screen.  
50  
Playback  
VOLUME/MEMORY button  
PLAY button  
MEMORY/PLAY button  
MEMORY/INDEX button  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
You can play back movies as follows:  
MEMORY/DELETE button  
1
Slide the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the green button.  
Slide the POWER  
switch while pressing  
the green button.  
2
Start playing back.  
Press m (rewind) to go to the point you want to view, then press N (play) to start  
playback.  
x : STOP  
X : PAUSE (Press N or X again to restart the playback)  
m : REW  
(Rewind, review)  
M : FF (Cue, fast forward)  
y : SLOW  
b Notes  
• Your camcorder automatically goes into a stopped state when it is in pause for more than 3 minutes.  
• The screen may temporarily go blank losing images and sound when signals switch between HDV  
and DVCAM (DV) during playback of a tape in which HDV format and DVCAM (DV) format are  
mixed.  
Continued ,  
51  
     
Playback (Continued)  
• You cannot play back movies recorded in HDV format on DVCAM (DV) format video cameras or  
mini DV players.  
• You can play back a DV format tape on your camcorder only when its contents are recorded in the SP  
mode. You cannot play back movies recorded on the DV format tape in the LP mode.  
• Time code and user bits will not be displayed correctly when you play back a tape with no time code  
or user bit data, or a tape with time code that your camcorder does not support.  
z Tips  
• See page 142 for indicators displayed on the screen during playback.  
• See page 55 for how to switch displays during playback.  
To search for a scene while viewing a movie  
Press and hold m/M during playback (Picture Search). To view during fast forward, press  
and hold M. To view during rewind, press and hold m (Skip Scan).  
To adjust the volume  
Adjust the volume with the VOLUME/MEMORY button.  
To view still images  
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
2 Press the MEMORY/PLAY button.  
3 Select still image that you want to view using the VOLUME/MEMORY button.  
To stop viewing still images, press the MEMORY/PLAY button again.  
To display the list of still images (index screen)  
1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
2 Press the MEMORY/INDEX button.  
101–0050  
101  
1/19  
3 Select a still image using the VOLUME/MEMORY button.  
To display a single image, move B to that image and press the MEMORY/PLAY button.  
To stop displaying the list of still images, press the MEMORY/INDEX button again.  
52  
         
To delete still images from the “Memory Stick Duo”  
1 Do the steps of “To view still images” to display still images that you want to delete.  
2 Press the MEMORY/DELETE button.  
3 Select [YES] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
The still image will be deleted.  
b Notes  
• Still images cannot be restored once you delete them.  
• You cannot delete still images when the “Memory Stick Duo” is write-protected (p. 122) or the still image  
is protected (p. 107).  
z Tips  
• To delete a still image in the index, move B to the still image using the VOLUME/MEMORY button,  
then do steps 2 and 3.  
• To delete all still images, do [  
ALL ERASE] of the  
(MEMORY SET) menu (p. 91).  
53  
 
Changing/checking the settings in your  
camcorder  
Displaying recording data (Data  
code)  
You can display information, including  
date, time and camera data, automatically  
stored during recording on the screen  
during playback.  
1
2
Set the POWER switch B to VCR.  
Press the DATA CODE button A  
during playback or pause.  
The screen changes (date and time  
display t camera data display t no  
display) as you press the button.  
Changing the screen  
You can turn on and off the display of the  
time code, tape counter, and other  
information on the screen.  
A SteadyShot off  
B Exposure  
Press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO  
appears during playback of the  
button E.  
movie recorded with the iris, gain and  
shutter speed automatically adjusted.  
appears during playback of the  
movie recorded with the iris, gain and  
shutter speed manually adjusted.  
The screen indicators turn on (displayed)  
and off (not displayed) as you press the  
button.  
When the POWER switch is set to  
CAMERA, the screen changes (detailed  
display t simple display t no display) as  
you press the button.  
C Iris  
appears in the iris value display  
area during playback of the movie  
recorded with the iris manually adjusted  
to its maximum value.  
z Tips  
• You can display the screen indicators during  
playback on a TV. Select [V-OUT/PANEL] or  
[ALL OUTPUT] of [DISP OUTPUT] (p. 84).  
D Gain  
54  
             
E Shutter speed  
When the POWER switch B is set to  
CAMERA, the display changes in the  
following sequence:  
F White balance  
appears during playback of the  
AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t  
CAMERA t EXT DEVICE (when an  
external device is connected)  
movie recorded with the shot transition  
or [MANU WB TEMP].  
When the POWER switch B is set to  
VCR, the display changes in the  
following sequence:  
b Notes  
• The exposure correction value (0EV), shutter  
speed and iris will be displayed during viewing  
of still images on “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Date and time will be displayed in the same area  
when you select the date and time display. If  
you record without setting date and time, [--- --  
----] and [--:--:--] will be displayed.  
AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t  
EXT DEVICE (when an external device  
is connected)  
• An accurate shutter speed may not be displayed  
when you play back a tape recorded with your  
camcorder on another device. Check the data  
code that is displayed on the screen when you  
play back the tape on your camcorder for the  
accurate shutter speed.  
To hide the display  
Press the STATUS CHECK button C.  
Checking the remaining battery  
(Battery Info)  
Displaying the settings in your  
camcorder (Status check)  
Set the POWER switch B to OFF, then  
press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button  
E. The approximate recordable time in the  
selected format and battery information  
appear for about 7 seconds. You can view  
the battery information for up to 20 seconds  
by pressing the button again while the  
information is displayed.  
You can check the settings of the following  
items.  
• Audio setup such as microphone volume level  
• Output signal setup ([VCR HDV/DV], etc.)  
• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons  
Remaining battery (approx.)  
• Camera setup (p. 69)  
• Optional external recording unit HVR-MRC1 or  
HVR-DR60  
60  
65  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
1
2
Press the STATUS CHECK button  
C.  
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial D  
until a desired display shows up  
on the screen.  
55  
           
Locating a scene on a tape  
To cancel the operation  
Press the STOP button C on the Remote  
Commander.  
b Notes  
Each day of recording must be longer than 2  
minutes. Your camcorder may not detect the  
date if the recording of that date is short.  
A
B
• The date search may not work properly if a  
blank section exists on the tape.  
C
Searching for a recording start  
point (Index search)  
You can search scenes by indexes recorded  
at the start of recording (p. 47).  
b Notes  
See page 139 for details on how to use the  
Remote Commander.  
1
2
Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
Searching for a scene by date of  
recording (Date search)  
Press the SEARCH M. button A  
on the Remote Commander  
repeatedly to select [INDEX  
SEARCH].  
You can search scenes by recording dates.  
1
2
Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
3
Press the . (previous)/>  
(next) button B on the Remote  
Commander to select an index  
point.  
Press the SEARCH M. button A  
on the Remote Commander  
repeatedly to select [DATE  
SEARCH].  
You can select an index previous or next  
to the index of the current tape position.  
Playback automatically starts from the  
scene marked by the index.  
3
Press the . (previous)/>  
(next) button B on the Remote  
Commander to select a recording  
date.  
You can select a date previous or next to  
the date of the current tape position.  
Playback automatically starts from the  
scene recorded on the selected date.  
56  
           
To cancel the operation  
Press the STOP button C on the Remote  
Commander.  
b Notes  
• Recording between indexes must be longer than  
2 minutes. Your camcorder may not detect the  
date if the recording between the indexes is  
short.  
• The index search may not work properly if a  
blank section exists on the tape.  
57  
Playing the picture on a TV  
Connection methods and image quality differ depending on what type of TV is connected and  
connectors used.  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor/Charger to obtain AC power (p. 13).  
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected.  
Jacks on your camcorder  
Open the jack cover and connect the cable.  
b Notes  
• Set all the necessary menu items before you connect your camcorder to a TV. If you change the settings of  
[VCR HDV/DV] or [i.LINK SET] after connecting your camcorder to the TV with an i.LINK cable, the  
TV may not recognize video signals properly.  
Connecting to a high definition TV  
A movie recorded in HD quality is played back in HD quality.  
A movie recorded in SD quality is played back in SD quality.  
COMPONENT IN  
AUDIO  
i.LINK  
i.LINK  
(for HDV1080i)  
HDMI  
HDMI  
A
B
C
58  
             
: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
Menu Setting  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[VCR HDV/DV] t  
[AUTO] (85)  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[COMPONENT] t  
[1080i/480i] (87)  
A
Component A/V cable  
(supplied)  
2
(Green) Y  
(Blue) PB/CB  
(Red) PR/CR  
(White)  
(Red)  
b Notes  
• If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs  
to output audio signals.  
HDMI  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[VCR HDV/DV] t  
[AUTO] (85)  
B
IN  
3
HDMI cable (optional)  
b Notes  
• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.  
• Pictures in the DVCAM (DV) format are not output from the HDMI OUT jack, if copyright protection  
signals are recorded in the pictures.  
• DVCAM (DV) format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 100) cannot be output.  
• Your TVs may not function correctly (for example, no sound or image). Do not connect the HDMI OUT  
jack of your camcorder and HDMI OUT jack of the external device with the HDMI cable. This may cause  
a malfunction.  
z Tips  
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send both video and audio signals.  
Connecting HDMI OUT jack to an external device supplies high quality images and digital audio to you.  
Continued ,  
59  
     
Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)  
: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
Menu Setting  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[VCR HDV/DV] t  
[i.LINK SET] t [HDV  
t DV CONV] t [OFF]  
C
i.LINK cable (optional)  
1
b Notes  
• Your TV needs to have an i.LINK jack compatible with HDV1080i. For details, confirm the  
specifications of your TV.  
• If your TV is not compatible with HDV1080i, connect your camcorder and TV with the supplied  
component A/V cable and A/V connecting cable as illustrated in  
.
• The TV needs to be set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is connected. Refer to the instruction  
manuals supplied with your TV.  
• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the TV to be attached.  
60  
   
Connecting to a 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV  
A movie recorded in HD quality is converted and played  
back in SD quality. A movie recorded in SD quality is played  
back in SD quality.  
i.LINK  
i
S VIDEO  
S VIDEO  
COMPONENT IN  
AUDIO  
VIDEO/AUDIO  
VIDEO/AUDIO  
D
E
F
G
To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)  
Set the down-convert setting as follows:  
For HDV format signals:  
(IN/OUT REC) menu t [VIDEO OUT] t [DOWN CONVERT]  
For DV format signals:  
(IN/OUT REC) menu t [VIDEO OUT] t [DV WIDE CONV]  
z Tips  
• When your TV is monaural (When your TV has only one audio input jack), connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and connect the white (left channel) or the red (right  
channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR. When you want to play back the sound in  
monaural mode, use a connecting cable for that purpose.  
Continued ,  
61  
 
Playing the picture on a TV (Continued)  
: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
Menu Setting  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[VCR HDV/DV]  
t[AUTO] (85)  
[VIDEO OUT]  
Component A/V cable  
(supplied)  
D
t[COMPONENT]  
t[1080i/480i] (87)  
[VIDEO OUT]  
t[DOWN CONVERT]/  
[DV WIDE CONV]  
t[SQUEEZE]/  
[LETTER BOX]/[EDGE  
CROP]* (87)  
2
(Green) Y  
(Blue) PB/CB  
(Red) PR/CR  
(White)  
(Red)  
b Notes  
• If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs  
to output audio signals.  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[VCR HDV/DV] t  
E
[i.LINK SET] t [HDV  
1
i.LINK cable (optional)  
t DV CONV] t [ON]  
b Notes  
• The TV needs to be set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is connected. Refer to the instruction  
manuals supplied with your TV.  
• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the TV to be attached.  
* Change the settings according to the TV connected.  
62  
: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pages  
Type Camcorder  
Cable  
TV  
Menu Setting  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[VCR HDV/DV] t  
[AUTO] (85)  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[DOWN CONVERT]/  
[DV WIDE CONV] t  
[SQUEEZE]/[LETTER  
BOX]/[EDGE CROP]*  
(87)  
A/V connecting cable with  
S VIDEO (optional)  
2
(White)  
(Red)  
(Yellow)  
b Notes  
• When connecting only an S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel), audio signals are not output. To output  
audio signals, connect the white and red plugs of the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO to the audio  
input jack of your TV.  
• This connection produces higher resolution pictures compared with the A/V connecting cable (Type  
).  
A/V connecting cable  
(supplied)  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[VCR HDV/DV] t  
[AUTO] (85)  
[VIDEO OUT] t  
[DOWN CONVERT]/  
[DV WIDE CONV] t  
[SQUEEZE]/[LETTER  
BOX]/[EDGE CROP]*  
(87)  
2
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
* Change the settings according to the TV connected.  
z Tips  
• If you connect your camcorder to the TV using more than one type of cable to output images, the order of  
priority of the TV input jacks is as follows:  
HDMI t component video t S VIDEO t video.  
• See page 124 for the details of i.LINK.  
When connecting to your TV via a VCR  
Select the connecting method on page 96 depending on the input jack of the VCR. Connect  
your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the  
input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.).  
63  
 
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items  
You can change various settings or make  
detailed adjustments using the menu items  
displayed on the screen.  
3
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
until the icon of the desired menu  
is highlighted, then press the dial  
to select the menu.  
CAMERA SET (p. 69)  
DISPLAY SET (p. 80)  
IN/OUT REC (p. 85)  
MEMORY SET (p. 91)  
OTHERS (p. 92)  
POWER switch  
MENU  
button  
OTHERS  
RETURN  
STBY  
CAMERA PROF.  
ASSIGN BTN  
CLOCK SET  
WORLD TIME  
LANGUAGE  
QUICK REC  
DATE REC  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
[
]
MENU :END  
1
2
Set the POWER switch to  
CAMERA or VCR.  
4
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
until the desired menu item is  
highlighted, then press the dial to  
select the item.  
Press the MENU button.  
The menu index screen appears.  
The available menu items vary  
depending on the position of the power  
switch of your camcorder. Unavailable  
items will be grayed out.  
64  
     
5
6
Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial  
until the desired setting is  
highlighted or to bring up the  
desired setting, then press the  
dial to confirm the setting.  
STBY  
00:00:28:10  
BEEP  
OFF  
ON  
[
]
MENU :END  
Press the MENU button to hide  
the menu screen.  
To return to the previous screen, select  
[
RETURN].  
65  
.
Available menu items (z) vary depending on the POWER switch  
position.  
Menu items  
Position of POWER switch:  
CAMERA  
VCR  
(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 69)  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
(AUDIO SET) menu (p. 77)  
DV AU.MODE  
z
z
z
z
z
z
66  
   
Position of POWER switch:  
CAMERA  
VCR  
(DISPLAY SET) menu (p. 80)  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
CAM DATA DSP  
AU.LVL DISP  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
(IN/OUT REC) menu (p. 85)  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
DV REC MODE  
z
z
z
Continued ,  
67  
Menu items (Continued)  
Position of POWER switch:  
CAMERA  
VCR  
(TC/UB SET) menu (p. 89)  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
(MEMORY SET) menu (p. 91)  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
REC FOLDER  
PB FOLDER  
(OTHERS) menu (p. 92)  
CAMERA PROF.  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
PB ZOOM  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
REC LAMP[F]  
REC LAMP[R]  
REMOTE CTRL  
z
z
68  
(CAMERA SET)  
menu  
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the  
recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/BACK  
remains in automatic adjustment after  
changing [IRIS] to [EXPOSURE]. If it is in  
manual adjustment, it remains in manual  
adjustment after changing [IRIS] to  
[EXPOSURE].  
You can adjust the iris, gain and shutter speed  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 64 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
with the iris ring when  
the values on the screen.  
is displayed next to  
Adjustment for the gain and shutter speed can  
be switched between [EXPOSURE] and  
manual.  
– When you change [RING ASSIGN] from  
[EXPOSURE] to [IRIS]  
Press the MENU button t select the  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
The adjustment remains in the same mode  
that it was in prior to changing [RING  
ASSIGN]. If it is in automatic adjustment, it  
remains in automatic adjustment after  
changing [EXPOSURE] to [IRIS]. If it is in  
manual adjustment, it remains in manual  
adjustment after changing [EXPOSURE] to  
[IRIS].  
IRIS/EXPOSURE  
x RING ASSIGN  
You can select either [IRIS] (default  
setting) or [EXPOSURE] as the function  
assigned to the iris ring (p. 30).  
Adjustments for the gain and shutter speed  
can be switched between automatic and  
manual.  
x RING ROTATE  
You can select the rotation direction of the  
iris ring.  
• You can assign [RING ROTATE] to one of the  
ASSIGN buttons (p. 46).  
BNORMAL  
Makes images dark with clockwise  
rotation of the iris ring.  
GAIN SETUP  
You can set gain values for H, M and L  
positions of the gain switch. The default  
settings of [H], [M] and [L] are 18dB, 9dB  
and 0dB, respectively.  
OPPOSITE  
Makes images dark with counter-  
clockwise rotation of the iris ring.  
1 Select [H], [M] or [L] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
b Notes  
• You cannot assign [RING ASSIGN] to an  
ASSIGN button.  
2 Set the gain value with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial, and press the dial.  
• When the AUTO/MANUAL switch is set to  
AUTO, the IRIS/EXPOSURE button is not  
available.  
You can select the value between -6dB  
and 21dB by 3dB. The larger the value,  
the higher the gain.  
z Tips  
3 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
• The iris, gain and shutter speed values are  
adjusted as follows when you change the  
[RING ASSIGN] setting with the AUTO/  
MANUAL switch set to MANUAL.  
4 Press the MENU button to hide the  
menu screen.  
– When you change [RING ASSIGN] from  
[IRIS] to [EXPOSURE]  
The adjustment remains in the same mode  
that it was in prior to changing [RING  
ASSIGN]. If it is in automatic adjustment, it  
Continued ,  
69  
                       
Press the MENU button t select the  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
enables low noise recording. The dynamic  
range of your camcorder is not reduced  
when you set [MINUS AGC] to [ON].  
SMOOTH GAIN  
You can set the transition speed at which  
the gain setting shifts from one value to  
another, set for the gain switch positions,  
when you switch the gain switch from a  
position to another. You can select the  
transition speed from [FAST], [MIDDLE]  
and [SLOW] or set to [OFF]. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
BON  
Enables minus gain control during  
automatic gain control, as required.  
OFF  
Disables minus gain control during  
automatic gain control.  
WB PRESET  
HYPER GAIN  
You can use the preset white balance. For  
more details, see page 33.  
When you set this function to [ON]  
(
), you can increase the gain to its  
limit. The default setting is [OFF].  
WB OUTDR LVL  
b Notes  
• During the hyper gain, the picture quality will  
be reduced due to noise.  
• [HYPER GAIN] is automatically set to [OFF] if  
you turn the power off and back on.  
• When you record a movie with [HYPER GAIN]  
set to [ON] or the gain set to [-6dB] and play it  
back with the data code, the gain value is  
displayed as [---].  
You can set an offset value to adjust the  
outdoor white balance when you set [WB  
PRESET] to [OUTDOOR]. You can select  
the offset value from [-7] (bluish) - [0]  
(normal) - [+7] (reddish). The default  
setting is [0] .  
WB TEMP SET  
z Tips  
You can set the color temperature between  
2300K and 15000K in 100K steps when  
you set [WB PRESET] to [MANU WB  
TEMP].  
• You are recommended to use this function with  
manual focus.  
AGC LIMIT  
You can select the upper limit for the Auto  
Gain Control (AGC) from [OFF] (21dB, the  
default setting), [18dB], [15dB], [12dB],  
[9dB], [6dB], [3dB] and [0dB].  
ATW SENS  
You can set the auto white balance  
operation under a reddish light source such  
as an incandescent lamp or candle, or under  
a bluish light source such as in outdoor  
shade.  
b Notes  
If you adjust the gain manually, you cannot obtain  
the effect of [AGC LIMIT].  
BINTELLIGENT  
Automatically adjusts the white balance so  
that scenes look natural for the light  
source.  
MINUS AGC  
When you set this function to [ON], the  
automatic gain control range can be  
expanded to the negative range. Especially  
in a bright environment, minus gain control  
allows more suitable gain setting and  
HIGH  
Automatically adjusts the white balance  
while reducing redness or blueness.  
70  
                                   
MIDDLE  
LOW  
AE RESPONSE  
You can select the speed at which the  
automatic exposure adjustment function  
follows changes in the brightness of the  
subject. You can select the speed from  
[FAST], [MIDDLE] and [SLOW]. The  
default setting is [FAST].  
Automatically adjusts the white balance  
while increasing redness or blueness.  
b Notes  
• This is only effective when white balance is  
adjusted automatically.  
• [ATW SENS] is not effective under a clear sky  
or the sun.  
AT IRIS LMT  
You can select the highest iris value for the  
automatic adjustment from [F11], [F9.6],  
[F8], [F6.8], [F5.6], [F4.8] and [F4]. The  
default setting is [F11].  
SMOOTH WB  
You can set the transition speed at which  
the color temperature values shifts from one  
value to another, set for the white balance  
memory switch positions, when you switch  
the white balance memory switch from a  
position to another. You can select the  
transition speed from [FAST], [MIDDLE]  
and [SLOW] or set to [OFF]. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
b Notes  
• This function is not effective during the manual  
iris adjustment.  
ECS FREQ.  
You can set the shutter speed so that  
horizontal strips do not appear on a monitor  
screen, which is likely to occur when you  
record a monitor screen. Change the setting  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press  
the dial to confirm the setting. The default  
setting is [59.94Hz].  
AE SHIFT  
You can set an offset value to adjust the  
automatic exposure adjustment value  
between [-7] (dark) and [+7] (bright) with  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. The default  
setting is [0] .  
appears on the screen when you change the  
value from the default setting.  
You must set the shutter speed to the ECS  
and selected value  
(
) prior to setting this function (p. 32).  
You can set the shutter speed in the  
following frequency ranges depending on  
the setting of [SCAN TYPE]. How to select  
[SCAN TYPE] depends on the setting of  
b Notes  
• This function is not effective while you adjust  
the iris, shutter speed and gain all manually.  
• [AE SHIFT] is canceled when [EXPOSURE] is  
manually adjusted.  
• This function is not effective when [HYPER  
GAIN] is set to [ON].  
[REC FORMAT] of  
menu.  
(IN/OUT REC)  
[HDV1080i]: [HDV PROGRE.] t [REC  
TYPE] t [SCAN TYPE]  
[DV]: [DV PROGRE.] t [SCAN TYPE]  
SCAN TYPE  
60  
Frequency range  
59.94 Hz to 199.8 Hz  
29.97 Hz to 199.8 Hz  
23.98 Hz to 199.8 Hz  
30  
24, 24A*  
* Adjustable when [HDV PROGRE.] t [REC  
TYPE] t [INTERLACE].  
Continued ,  
71  
                       
Press the MENU button t select the  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
b Notes  
SPOTLIGHT  
• When you record a movie with the shutter speed  
set in [ECS FREQ.] and play it back with the  
data code, the shutter speed value is displayed as  
[---].  
When you set this function to [ON] ( ),  
you can prevent overexposure of light  
during recording of a subject under strong  
light, such as a stage. For example, you can  
prevent people's faces from over-  
FLCKR REDUCE  
highlighting. The default setting is [OFF].  
BON  
Reduces flickering. Flickering of the  
screen under a light source such as  
fluorescent lamps will be reduced.  
b Notes  
• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] when you set  
[BACK LIGHT] to [ON].  
• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] when  
[EXPOSURE] is manually adjusted.  
• You cannot use the spotlight function if at least  
two of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted  
manually.  
OFF  
Not reduce flickering.  
b Notes  
• Flickering may not be reduced for certain light  
sources.  
• [SPOTLIGHT] is set to [OFF] when [HYPER  
GAIN] is set to [ON].  
.
CNTRST ENHCR  
STEADYSHOT  
When you set this function to [ON], your  
camcorder detects high contrast images,  
such as backlit scenes, and automatically  
improves the unexposed images. The  
default setting is [OFF].  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON], you can reduce  
camera shakes. Select [OFF] ( ) when  
you use a tripod (optional) to make images  
look natural. The default setting is [ON].  
b Notes  
x TYPE  
• When you set [BACK LIGHT] to [ON],  
[CNTRST ENHCR] is temporarily disabled.  
You can select a type of camera-shake  
reduction for different recording situations.  
HARD  
BACK LIGHT  
Reduces camera shakes at a high level.  
This setting is not suitable for panorama  
tilt recordings.  
When you set this function to [ON] (.),  
you can correct backlighting. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
BSTANDARD  
Reduces camera shakes at a standard level.  
b Notes  
• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] when you set  
[SPOTLIGHT] to [ON].  
• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] when  
[EXPOSURE] is manually adjusted.  
• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] if at least two of  
iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted  
manually.  
• [BACK LIGHT] is set to [OFF] when [HYPER  
GAIN] is set to [ON].  
SOFT  
Reduces camera shakes at a low level.  
Slight unsteadiness remains in movies,  
which make the movies look as they are.  
WIDE CONV.  
This item is provided for a wide  
conversion lens (optional), and especially  
effective for Sony VCL-HG0872A wide  
conversion lens.  
72  
                       
subjects such as a wild bird away at a  
distance. The default setting is [OFF].  
AF ASSIST  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can temporarily focus manually using the  
focus ring during the auto focus adjustment.  
The default setting is [OFF].  
b Notes  
• This function is automatically set to [OFF]  
when you turn the power off and back on.  
b Notes  
FADER  
• This function is effective only when the FOCUS  
switch is set to AUTO (p. 29).  
You can add visual effects to transition  
between scenes.  
FOCUS MACRO  
1 Select [WHITE FADER] or [BLACK  
FADER] during standby to fade in with the  
selected effect or recording to fade out with  
the selected effect.  
2 Press the REC START/STOP button.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fading is complete.  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can focus on a subject within 80 cm (about  
2 5/8 feet). The default setting is [ON].  
When you set this function to [OFF] (  
you can set fine focus on a subject further  
than 80 cm regardless of the zoom position  
although you will lose focus on a subject  
within 80 cm.  
),  
To cancel before starting the operation,  
select [OFF] in step 1.  
The setting will be cleared every time you  
press the REC START/STOP button.  
HANDLE ZOOM  
STBY  
REC  
You can select the zoom speed for the FIX  
position of the handle zoom switch from [1]  
(slow) through [8] (fast). The default setting  
is [3].  
Fading out  
Fading in  
WHITE FADER  
SPEED ZOOM  
BLACK FADER  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can increase the zoom speed of the zoom  
lever and the handle zoom. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
b Notes  
• This function is automatically set to [OFF]  
when you turn the power off and back on.  
b Notes  
• When you set this function to [ON], the  
operation sound of the zoom may also be  
recorded.  
SMTH SLW REC  
D.EXTENDER  
Fast moving subjects and actions, which  
cannot be captured under the general  
recording conditions, can be recorded in  
smooth moving slow-motion.  
This is useful for recording fast actions  
such as a golf or tennis swing.  
When you set this function to [ON] (  
the displayed image becomes 1.5 times  
larger. The image quality decreases because  
the image is digitally processed. This  
function helps you to focus on far-away  
),  
Continued ,  
73  
                                       
Press the MENU button t select the  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
Select [EXECUTE], and press the REC  
START/STOP button on the [SMTH SLW  
REC] screen.  
x
TRIG LEVEL  
You can select the sound level at which  
recording is triggered from [HIGH],  
A recording of the length set in [REC  
TIME] is stretched by 4 times and recorded  
as a slow-motion movie.  
Recording ends when [Recording...]  
disappears from the screen.  
[MIDDLE] and [LOW] in [  
LEVEL]. The default setting is [HIGH].  
TRIG  
b Notes  
• Sounds cannot be recorded.  
• The shutter speed is automatically set to 1/250  
second when you start [SMTH SLW REC].  
• The recording time may be shorter than the set  
time, depending on recording conditions.  
• The image quality is lower than with the regular  
recording.  
To cancel [SMTH SLW REC], press the  
MENU button.  
You can select the [SMTH SLW REC]  
settings suitable for your recording.  
x REC TIMING  
You can use this to select when recording  
starts in relation to when the REC START/  
STOP button is pressed.  
z Tips  
• After executing [SMTH SLW REC] with an  
ASSIGN button, you can also cancel [SMTH  
SLW REC] by pressing the ASSIGN button  
again. See page 46 for details on how to use the  
ASSIGN buttons.  
• When [  
TRIG] is set to [ON], you can also  
[START TRIG]*  
[CENTER TRIG]  
start recording by pressing the REC START/  
STOP button.  
• When you manually set the microphone volume  
to a low level, [  
properly. We recommend that you set [  
TRIG LEVEL] to [MIDDLE] or [LOW].  
TRIG] may not work  
INTERVAL REC  
[END TRIG]  
You can record a series of movies on a tape  
at regular intervals. This function is useful  
to observe things like cloud movements or  
daylight changes. The scenes run smoothly  
into each other when you play back the  
tape. Use the AC Adapter/Charger to obtain  
AC power for long recording.  
* The default setting is [START TRIG].  
x REC TIME  
You can select the recording time from  
[3sec], [6sec] and [12sec]. The default  
setting is [3sec].  
The picture quality deteriorates as the  
recording time increases.  
Recording  
Recording  
Recording  
interval  
interval  
x
TRIG  
When you set this function to [ON],  
recording automatically starts in response  
to a preset sound level instead of the REC  
START/STOP button being pressed.  
1 Select [ON/OFF] t [ON] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
2 Perform the following step if you are  
changing the recording time from the  
default setting of [0.5sec]. If you are  
keeping the default recording time, go  
straight to step 3.  
The [  
TRIG] setting is canceled when  
you turn the power off and back on.  
74  
     
Select [REC TIME] t [0.5sec], [1sec],  
[1.5sec] or [2sec] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
DV FRAME REC  
You can record stop motion (or frame-by-  
frame) animation movies. That type of  
animation uses a technique of changing the  
subject, such as a doll or a toy's positions  
and recording it at each different position  
while your camcorder sits still. Use the  
Remote Commander to reduce camera  
shakes.  
3 Perform the following step if you are  
changing the interval time from the default  
setting of [30sec]. If you are keeping the  
default interval time, go straight to step 4.  
Select [INTERVAL] t [30sec], [1min],  
[5min] or [10min].  
4 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
BOFF  
Not use this function.  
5 Press the MENU button to hide the menu  
screen.  
6 Press the REC START/STOP button.  
ON (  
)
The [INTERVAL REC] recording starts.  
Records a movie by stop motion (or frame-  
by-frame) technique.  
To cancel [INTERVAL REC], press the  
REC START/STOP button.  
The operation of your camcorder differs  
depending on when you press the REC  
START/STOP button.  
If you press the button during [INTERVAL  
REC] recording, the recording temporarily  
stops. If you press it again, the  
[INTERVAL REC] recording restarts,  
If you press the button during [INTERVAL  
REC] interval, the [INTERVAL REC]  
recording stops and regular recording starts.  
If you press it again, regular recording  
stops. If you press the button once again,  
the [INTERVAL REC] recording restarts.  
To cancel the [INTERVAL REC]  
1 Select [ON] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
2 Press the MENU button to hide the  
menu screen.  
3 Press the REC START/STOP button.  
Your camcorder records a movie for  
about 6 frames and returns to standby.  
4 Move the subject and repeat step 3.  
b Notes  
• When you use frame recording continuously,  
the remaining tape time will not be indicated  
correctly.  
• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.  
• You cannot record index signals during frame  
recording.  
recording, select [ON/OFF] t [OFF] with  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
• This function is automatically set to [OFF]  
when you turn the power off and back on.  
b Notes  
• The recording time and interval time may differ  
slightly from the settings.  
• If you focus manually, you can get sharp images  
even if the lighting changes.  
SHOT TRANSITION  
You can set [TRANS TIME], [TRANS  
CURVE], [START TIMER] and [REC  
LINK].  
See page 48 for details on the shot  
transition function.  
x TRANS TIME  
You can set the transition time between  
[3.5sec] and [90.0sec]. The default setting  
is [4.0sec].  
Continued ,  
75  
           
Press the MENU button t select the  
(CAMERA SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
x TRANS CURVE  
x REC LINK  
You can select the transition curve.  
Characteristics of the transition curves are  
illustrated in the following graphs.  
*1: parameter level  
BOFF  
Not use this function  
SHOT-A  
*2: time  
Starts transition to SHOT-A when  
recording is started.  
LINEAR  
Makes the transition linearly.  
SHOT-B  
Starts transition to SHOT-B when  
recording is started.  
*1  
x.v.Color  
*2  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can record with the wider color range. Your  
camcorder can reproduce brilliant and vivid  
colors for flowers and the beautiful blue-  
green of tropical oceans that cannot be  
matched by conventional technologies.  
The default setting is [OFF].  
BSOFT STOP  
Makes the transition slowly at the end.  
*1  
b Notes  
*2  
• The colors may not be well reproduced when  
you play back a movie recorded with this  
function set to [ON] on a TV that does not  
support x.v.Color.  
• You cannot set [x.v.Color] in the following  
cases:  
SOFT TRANS  
Makes the transition slowly at the  
beginning and end, and linearly in  
between.  
*1  
– When recording in SD (standard) format  
– When recording movies  
• When you set [x.v.Color] to [ON], the picture  
profile will be disabled.  
*2  
COLOR BAR  
b Notes  
• You cannot change [TRANS TIME] and  
[TRANS CURVE] settings during store, check,  
or execution of [SHOT TRANSITION]. Cancel  
[SHOT TRANSITION] setting by pressing the  
ASSIGN 4 button several times before changing  
[TRANS TIME] or [TRANS CURVE] setting.  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON], you can display  
color bars on the screen or record them on a  
tape. This function helps you to adjust  
colors when you view movies recorded  
with your camcorder on a TV or a monitor.  
The default setting is [OFF].  
x START TIMER  
You can set the timer for starting the shot  
transition. You can select the time from  
[5sec], [10sec] and [20sec]. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
b Notes  
• This function is automatically set to [OFF]  
when you turn the power off and back on.  
76  
               
(AUDIO SET) menu  
Settings for the audio recording (DV  
AU.MODE/XLR SET, etc.)  
x TYPE  
Selects a type of the color bars.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 64 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Press the MENU buttont select the  
(AUDIO SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
TYPE 1  
DV AU.MODE  
(DV Audio mode)  
FS32K (  
)
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds). Select this setting for the  
DVCAM/DV SP recording.  
TYPE 2  
BFS48K (  
)
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound  
with high quality). Select this setting for  
the DVCAM/DV SP recording.  
b Notes  
• When recording in the HDV format, sound is  
automatically recorded in the [FS48K] mode.  
TYPE 3  
appears when the DVCAM standard is not  
met (p. 120).  
AUDIO LIMIT  
You can set the clipping-noise reduction  
function for CH1/CH2.  
TYPE 4 (75% brightness of TYPE 3)  
BOFF  
Disables the function.  
x TONE  
ON  
Outputs audio tone signals (1 kHz: full bit  
-20 dB) when you set [TONE] to [ON]. The  
default setting is [OFF].  
Enables the function.  
b Notes  
• This function is available only when you set the  
AUTO/MAN switch to MAN.  
Continued ,  
77  
                     
Press the MENU button t select the  
(AUDIO SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
LINKED  
INT MIC SET  
Applies the AGC of CH1 linked with that  
of CH2. Sound inputs from CH1/CH2 will  
be recorded as a set of sound such as stereo  
x INT MIC NR  
You can reduce noise from the internal  
microphone.  
sound.  
screen.  
appears on the status check  
A
BON  
b Notes  
Reduces noise from the internal  
microphone.  
• This function is available when the CH1 and  
CH2 switches are set to AUTO and the INPUT1  
and INPUT2 switches are both set to MIC or  
both set to LINE (p. 44).  
appears on the status check screen.  
OFF  
Does not reduce noise from the internal  
microphone.  
x AU.MAN GAIN  
You can select either linked or separate  
audio level control of CH1and CH2 when  
using an external microphone.  
x INT MIC SENS  
You can set recording sensitivity of the  
internal microphone.  
BSEPARATE  
Separately controls the audio levels of  
CH1 and CH2. Sound inputs from CH1  
and CH2 will be recorded as separate  
sound.  
BNORMAL  
Sensitivity that is normally used in  
professional recordings.  
HIGH  
LINKED (  
)
Sensitivity that is normally used in  
consumer recordings.  
appears on the status check  
screen.  
Controls the audio level of CH1 linked  
with that of CH2. Sound inputs from CH1  
and CH2 will be recorded as a set of sound  
such as stereo sound.  
status check screen.  
appears on the  
M
x INT MIC WIND  
BOFF  
b Notes  
Disables wind noise reduction.  
• This function is available when the CH1 and  
CH2 switches are set to MAN and the INPUT1  
and INPUT2 switches are both set to MIC or  
both set to LINE (p. 44).  
ON  
Enables wind noise reduction.  
appears on the status check screen.  
• When you select [LINKED], you can adjust the  
volume with the AUDIO LEVEL dial of CH1  
(p. 44).  
XLR SET  
x INPUT1 MIC NR  
x XLR AGC LINK  
You can reduce noise from the  
microphone.  
You can select either linked or separate  
AGC (Auto Gain Control) of CH1 and CH2  
when using an external microphone.  
BON  
Reduces noise from the microphone.  
BSEPARATE  
appears on the status check screen.  
Separately applies the AGC for CH1/CH2.  
Sound inputs from CH1/CH2 will be  
recorded as separate sound.  
OFF  
Does not reduce noise from the  
microphone.  
78  
               
recording point. If it is distorted at the input  
point, adjust the sound using the INPUT TRIM  
function. If it is distorted at the recording point,  
lower the total volume level manually.  
b Notes  
• The setting is not effective when you set the  
INPUT1 switch to LINE.  
x INPUT1 TRIM  
You can adjust the input signal level from  
INPUT1.  
• If you set INPUT TRIM too far to the minus  
side, the microphone volume becomes too low,  
resulting in a poor signal to noise ratio.  
• Test the effect of the INPUT TRIM function  
according to the microphone used or the sound  
field of the recording site before actual  
recording.  
You can select from [-18dB], [-12dB],  
[-6dB], [0dB], [+6dB] and [+12dB]. The  
default setting is [0dB].  
b Notes  
AUDIO CH SEL  
• The setting is not effective when you set the  
INPUT1 switch to LINE.  
BCH1,CH2  
Reproduces sound of CH1 and CH2 in  
respective channels.  
x INPUT1 WIND  
BOFF  
Disables wind noise reduction.  
CH1  
Reproduces sound of CH1 in channels 1  
and 2.  
ON  
Enables wind noise reduction.  
CH2  
appears on the status check screen.  
Reproduces sound of CH2 in channels 1  
and 2.  
b Notes  
• The setting is not effective when you set the  
INPUT1 switch to LINE.  
CH1+CH2  
Reproduces mixed sound of CH1 and CH2  
in channels 1 and 2.  
x INPUT2 MIC NR  
x INPUT2 TRIM  
z Tips  
• When you select [CH1,CH2] and play back a  
tape on your camcorder, sound of CH1 + CH2  
comes out of the speakers.  
• When you select [CH1+CH2], the same sound is  
outputted from right and left speakers of a  
device to be connected.  
x INPUT2 WIND  
You can set INPUT2 in the same way as  
INPUT1.  
z Tips  
• -48dBu is set as 0dB in your camcorder.  
• Set [INPUT TRIM] to [0dB] for the supplied  
microphone (ECM-XM1).  
DV AUDIO MIX  
• Set [INPUT TRIM] to [+12dB] for a  
microphone with an average sensitivity,  
including the optional microphone (Sony ECM-  
NV1).  
• The INPUT TRIM function adjusts the input  
level from an external microphone. When using  
a highly sensitive microphone or recording loud  
sound, set this to the minus side. When using a  
less sensitive microphone or recording quiet  
sound, set it to the plus side.  
You can monitor the sound dubbed from  
another device or recorded through 4-  
channel microphone during playback. You  
can set how to output the sound.  
BCH1,CH2  
Outputs only the sound recorded in CH1  
and CH2 during recording.  
MIX  
• When recording loud sound, the sound may be  
distorted at either the input point or the  
Outputs mixed sound of the sound  
recorded in CH1 and CH2 during  
Continued ,  
79  
                     
(DISPLAY SET)  
Press the MENU button t select the  
(AUDIO SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
menu  
Display settings of the display and the  
OUTPUT, etc.)  
recording and the sound dubbed in CH3  
and CH4.  
CH3,CH4  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
Outputs only the sound dubbed in CH3 and  
CH4.  
See page 64 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Press the MENU button t select the  
(DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
ZEBRA  
You can display a zebra pattern as a guide  
for adjusting brightness.  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON],  
and the  
brightness level appear on the screen. The  
zebra pattern will not be recorded on a tape  
or a “Memory Stick Duo.” The default  
setting is [OFF].  
x LEVEL  
You can select the brightness level between  
70 and 100 or 100+. The default setting is  
[70].  
z Tips  
• The zebra pattern is a strip pattern displayed  
over a part of an image on the screen when the  
part is higher than a preset brightness level.  
HISTOGRAM  
You can adjust the iris while referring to a  
histogram. A histogram is a graph that  
shows the distribution of the image  
brightness. You can use the histogram as a  
guide for adjusting the iris. The histogram  
will not be recorded on a tape or a  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
80  
                 
b Notes  
BOFF  
Does not display a histogram.  
• You cannot record an image with  
enhanced details on a tape or a “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
NORMAL  
Displays a histogram.  
z Tips  
ADVANCE  
• You can focus more easily using this  
function in combination with the  
expanded focus function (p. 30).  
Displays a histogram, and a bar that  
indicates an average of the brightness  
levels around the center of an image  
(within the marker) on the histogram.  
MARKER  
Average  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON], you can display  
markers. The default setting is [OFF].  
Markers will not be recorded on a tape or  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
Darker  
Brightness  
Brighter  
x CENTER  
When you select [ON], you can display a  
marker at the center of the screen. The  
default setting is [ON].  
z Tips  
• The left area on the graph shows the darker  
areas of the image while the right area shows the  
brighter areas.  
• A vertical line that indicates the brightness level  
of [ZEBRA] will be displayed on the histogram  
when you set [ZEBRA] to [ON].  
x ASPECT  
When you select [ON], you can display  
markers at boundaries of display area  
defined by the aspect ratio, which you can  
select from [4:3], [13:9] and [14:9]. The  
default setting is [OFF].  
PEAKING  
x ON/OFF  
When you select [ON], you can display an  
image on the screen with its details  
enhanced. This function helps you to adjust  
the focus. The default setting is [OFF].  
x SAFETY ZONE  
When you select [ON], then [80%] or  
[90%], you can display markers at  
boundaries of display area that regular  
home TVs can display. The default setting  
is [OFF].  
x COLOR  
You can select peaking color from  
[WHITE], [RED] and [YELLOW]. The  
default setting is [WHITE].  
x LEVEL  
You can select a peaking sensitivity from  
[HIGH], [MIDDLE] and [LOW]. The  
default setting is [MIDDLE].  
Continued ,  
81  
                   
Press the MENU button t select the  
(DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
x GUIDEFRAME  
CAM DATA DSP (Camera data  
display)  
When you select [ON], you can display  
frame markers that help you to check  
horizontal and vertical positions of a  
subject. The default setting is [OFF].  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can constantly display the iris, shutter speed  
and gain settings on the screen. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
60min  
00:04:50:04  
b Notes  
• You cannot output display information , such as  
the time code, to an external device via external  
output jacks when [MARKER] is set to [ON].  
• You cannot display markers when you set  
[DATE REC] to [ON].  
Iris value  
Shutter speed value  
z Tips  
Gain value  
• You can display all types of markers at the same  
time.  
z Tips  
• You can obtain a balanced composition by  
positioning the subject at the cross points of the  
guideframe marker.  
• You can display markers only on the LCD panel  
and viewfinder. You cannot display them on an  
external device.  
• The settings appear on the screen during  
the manual adjustment regardless of the  
settings of this function.  
indicates that the settings are  
automatically adjusted values.  
• The displayed settings are different from  
the settings that will be displayed when  
you press the DATA CODE button (p. 54).  
EXP.FOCUS TYPE  
You can set a type of the expanded focus  
display.  
AU.LVL DISP (Audio level display)  
BTYPE 1  
Simply enlarges images.  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can display the audio level meter on the  
screen. The default setting is [ON].  
TYPE 2  
Enlarges and shows images in white and  
black.  
Audio level meter  
ZOOM DISPLAY  
BBAR  
Displays a bar that indicates the zoom position.  
NUMBER  
Displays a number (0 through 99) that  
indicates the zoom position.  
82  
                     
FOCUS DISP  
LCD BRIGHT  
You can select how to display the focal  
distance during manual focus.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. Changes in the LCD brightness will  
not affect the brightness of recording  
images.  
BMETER  
Displays the focal distance in meters.  
z Tips  
FEET  
• You can also turn off the LCD backlight (p. 18).  
Displays the focal distance in feet.  
LCD COLOR  
SHUTTER DISP  
You can adjust the color level of the LCD  
panel. Changes in the LCD color level will  
not affect the color level of recording  
images.  
You can select how to display the shutter  
speed.  
BSECOND  
Displays the shutter speed in seconds.  
LCD BL LEVEL  
DEGREE  
Displays the shutter speed in degrees.  
You can adjust the backlight level of the  
LCD screen.  
The shutter speed equal to the period that  
your camcorder reads image data from the  
image sensor is defined as 360 degrees.  
The degree is calculated based on this  
definition and displayed.  
BNORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
– When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [60], 1/60  
second is defined as 360 degrees.  
– When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [24] or [24A],  
1/24 second is defined as 360 degrees.  
– When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [30], 1/30  
second is defined as 360 degrees.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [LCD BL LEVEL] is  
automatically set to [BRIGHT].  
• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable  
time with the battery is slightly reduced.  
For details on [SCAN TYPE], see [HDV  
PROGRE.] (p. 85) or [DV PROGRE.]  
(p. 86).  
b Notes  
VF B.LIGHT  
• When you press the DATA CODE button, the  
shutter speed will be displayed in seconds  
regardless of the setting of this function.  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder.  
BNORMAL  
z Tips  
Standard brightness.  
• Shutter speed slower than 360° are displayed in  
multiples of 360°, such as 360° × 2.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
Continued ,  
83  
                             
Press the MENU button t select the  
(DISPLAY SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], the recordable  
time with the battery is slightly reduced.  
DISP OUTPUT  
You can select outputs to which display  
information, such as time code, is  
outputted.  
VF COLOR  
BON  
BLCD PANEL  
Displays images in the viewfinder in color.  
Outputs the information to the LCD screen  
and viewfinder.  
OFF  
Displays images in the viewfinder in black  
and white.  
V-OUT/PANEL  
Outputs the information to the LCD  
screen, viewfinder and composite output.  
VF POWERMODE  
ALL OUTPUT  
BAUTO  
Outputs the information to the LCD  
screen, viewfinder, HDMI output,  
component output and composite output.  
Turns on the viewfinder while you close  
the LCD panel or record in mirror mode.  
ON  
b Notes  
Always turns on the viewfinder.  
• You cannot output display information, such as  
the time code, to an external device when  
[MARKER] is set to [ON].  
LETTER SIZE  
BNORMAL  
Displays the menu in regular letter size.  
2x  
Displays the selected menu items in letter  
size, the height of which is doubled.  
REMAINING  
BAUTO  
Displays the remaining time of a tape for  
about 8 seconds in the following situation:  
• When you set the POWER switch to VCR  
or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.  
• When you press N (Play) or the  
DISPLAY/BATT INFO button.  
ON  
Always displays the remaining time of a  
tape. The remaining time is not displayed  
when you insert a new tape or a tape that is  
rewound to the beginning. It is displayed  
when you start playback or recording.  
84  
                               
(IN/OUT REC)  
menu  
Recording settings, input and output  
signals to or from the external device via  
the HDV/DV (i.LINK) jack for  
recording or playback.  
HDV (  
)
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 64 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Press the MENU buttont select the  
(IN/OUT REC) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
Plays back only HDV format sections of a  
tape.  
During the i.LINK connection, inputs or  
outputs only HDV signals to or from an  
external device via the HDV/DV  
(i.LINK) jack for recording or playback.  
Select this setting when you connect your  
camcorder to your computer.  
DV (  
)
Plays back only DVCAM (DV) format  
sections of a tape.  
REC FORMAT  
During the i.LINK connection, inputs or  
outputs only DVCAM (DV) signals to or  
from an external device via the HDV/  
DV (i.LINK) jack for recording or  
You can select a recording format.  
BHDV1080i (  
)
Records in the HDV1080i format.  
playback. Select this setting when you  
connect your camcorder to your computer.  
DV (  
)
Records in the DVCAM (DV) format.  
b Notes  
Set also [DV REC MODE] when you  
record in this format (p. 86).  
• Make sure to disconnect the i.LINK cable prior  
to changing the setting. Otherwise, a video  
device may not recognize video signals.  
• When you select [AUTO], images and sounds  
may be cut off on switching between HDV  
signals and DVCAM (DV) signals.  
• When you set [i.LINK SET] t [HDV t DV  
CONV] to [ON], the following signals will be  
outputted:  
b Notes  
• Set also [i.LINK SET] as necessary when you  
output a movie to an external device through an  
i.LINK cable (p. 87).  
VCR HDV/DV  
– [AUTO]: HDV signals are converted to  
DVCAM (DV) signals and outputted.  
DVCAM (DV) signals are outputted without  
any conversion.  
– [HDV]: HDV signals are converted to  
DVCAM (DV) signals and outputted.  
DVCAM (DV) signals will not be outputted.  
– [DV]: DVCAM (DV) signals are outputted  
without any conversion. HDV signals will not  
be outputted.  
You can select a type of output signal to an  
external device for playing back a movie on  
the device. Select [AUTO] in most cases.  
When you connect your camcorder to an  
external device with an i.LINK cable, select  
a type of input and output signals to and  
from the external device via the HDV/DV  
jack. You can record or play back a movie  
reproduced by the selected type of signals.  
BAUTO  
HDV PROGRE.  
Automatically switches between HDV  
signals and DV signals during playback.  
During the i.LINK connection, recognizes  
HDV signals and DVCAM (DV) signals,  
and automatically inputs or outputs the  
x REC TYPE  
You can select an HDV recording format  
from [INTERLACE] and  
Continued ,  
85  
                             
Press the MENU button t select the  
(IN/OUT REC) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
[PROGRESSIVE]. The default setting is  
[INTERLACE].  
DV PROGRE.  
x SCAN TYPE  
You can select a scan type for recording in  
DVCAM/DV format.  
x SCAN TYPE  
You can select a scan type for recording in  
HDV format.  
B60  
B60  
Captures 60 fields per second in an  
interlace scan.  
Captures 60 fields per second in an  
interlace scan.  
24  
24  
Captures 24 frames per second.  
Captures 24 frames per second.  
30  
24A  
Captures 30 frames per second.  
Captures 24 frames per second.  
The phase of the 60i conversion is reset  
each time recording starts.  
DV REC MODE (DV Recording  
mode)  
30  
Captures 30 frames per second.  
This function is available only when you set  
[REC FORMAT] to [DV].  
b Notes  
• Selectable [SCAN TYPE] settings differ  
depending on the setting of [REC TYPE].  
BDVCAM (  
)
Records in the DVCAM format.  
– [INTERLACE]: [60], [24], [24A], [30]  
– [PROGRESSIVE]: [24], [30]  
• You can only play back a tape recorded with the  
[REC TYPE] set to [PROGRESSIVE] on a  
device that supports playback of a tape recoded  
by progressive scanning.  
• When recording in HDV format in [24A] mode,  
the time code does not progress correctly from  
scene to scene.  
When playing back those movies, a momentary  
pause will occur between scenes. In this case,  
you can copy the movies without the pause from  
your camcorder to a computer via an i.LINK  
cable and use them on the computer as normal  
movies.  
DV SP (  
)
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode of  
the DV format to record for a longer time  
than in the DVCAM format.  
b Notes  
• Mosaic-like disturbance or audio interruption  
may occur when you play back a movie  
recorded in the DV SP mode by another device.  
• Image may be distorted or time code may not be  
properly connected between the scenes recorded  
in the DVCAM mode and DV SP mode.  
DV WIDE REC  
• When [REC TYPE] is set to [PROGRESSIVE]  
and [SCAN TYPE] to [24], movies and time  
codes are recorded at 24 frames per second and  
indicators are displayed at 30 frames per second.  
When using the HDV/DV jack, the recorded  
signal is outputted at the following frame rate  
You can record a movie in an aspect ratio  
that matches that of a TV that you want to  
connect. Refer also to the instruction  
manuals that come with the TV.  
depending on the setting of  
REC) menu t [i.LINK SET] t [HDV t DV  
CONV]:  
(IN/OUT  
BON  
Records a movie in an aspect ratio that  
matches the full screen of a 16:9 (wide)  
TV.  
[OFF]: 24 frames per second  
[ON]: 30 frames per second  
When using other jacks, the recorded signal is  
outputted at 30 frames per second.  
86  
                         
b Notes  
OFF (  
)
Records a movie in an aspect ratio that  
matches the full screen of a 4:3 TV.  
• When you view a movie recorded in the  
DVCAM (DV) format with [DV WIDE REC]  
set to [ON] on a standard 4:3 TV, images of the  
movie may appear vertically compressed. In  
such a case, set [DV WIDE CONV] to  
b Notes  
• Set [DV WIDE CONV] correctly to suite a TV  
that you want to connect for playback (p. 86).  
[LETTER BOX] or [EDGE CROP].  
• The aspect ratio will be fixed to 16:9 and you  
cannot set it to 4:3 when you record in HDV  
format.  
x DV WIDE CONV  
You can select a down convert type when  
you down-covert DV widescreen signal to  
DV signal.  
VIDEO OUT  
Use this function for signals outputting  
from the following output jacks:  
– Component (480i)  
x COMPONENT  
You can select [480i] or [1080i/480i]  
depending on your TV when you connect  
your camcorder to a TV via a component  
cable.  
– S Video  
– Audio/Video  
BSQUEEZE  
Outputs a horizontally compressed image  
while maintaining its original height.  
480i  
Supports connection between your  
camcorder and a TV with a component  
input jack that supports the 480i format.  
LETTER BOX  
Outputs an image with black bars added to  
the top and bottom of the original image,  
while maintaining the original aspect ratio.  
B1080i/480i  
Supports connection between your  
camcorder and a TV with a component  
input jack that supports the 1080i format.  
EDGE CROP  
Outputs the central portion of the original  
image by cropping its right and left edges.  
x DOWN CONVERT  
You can select a down convert type when  
you down-covert HDV signal to DV signal.  
Use this function for signals outputting  
from the following output jacks:  
– Component (480i)  
i.LINK SET  
x HDV t DV CONV  
When you set this function to [ON], you can  
convert HDV format signals to DV format  
signals and output the DV format signals to an  
external device via the HDV/DV (i.LINK)  
jack. You can output DV format signals  
without any format conversion. The default  
setting is [OFF].  
– S Video  
– Audio/Video  
BSQUEEZE  
Outputs a horizontally compressed image  
while maintaining its original height.  
LETTER BOX  
x DOWN CONVERT  
You can set a down convert type when you  
set [HDV t DV CONV] to [ON] to  
convert HDV format signals to DV format  
signals.  
Outputs an image with black bars added to  
the top and bottom of the original image,  
while maintaining the original aspect ratio.  
EDGE CROP  
BSQUEEZE  
Outputs a horizontally compressed image  
while maintaining its original height.  
Outputs the central portion of the original  
image by cropping its right and left edges.  
Continued ,  
87  
                     
Press the MENU button t select the  
(IN/OUT REC) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
b Notes  
EDGE CROP  
Outputs the central portion of the original  
image by cropping its right and left edges.  
• When this function is set to [EXT ONLY],  
does not flash even when there is no tape  
inserted.  
b Notes  
• You can use the REC START/STOP button of  
your camcorder as a recording start/stop button  
for the external recording unit when you set this  
function to [EXT ONLY]. Use the REC button  
of the video control buttons (p. 138) to start  
recording on a tape or the STOP button to stop  
recording.  
• For i.LINK connection, see [VCR HDV/DV]  
• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting  
[i.LINK SET]. Otherwise, the connected video  
device may not be able to recognize the video  
signal from your camcorder.  
(EXT ONLY) flashes when you  
connect an external recording unit that is not  
supported by [EXT ONLY].  
EXT REC CTRL  
You can connect your camcorder to an  
HDV/DVCAM/DV compatible device  
(digital HD video camera recorder, digital  
video camera recorder, hard disc recorder,  
etc.) with an i.LINK cable, and record  
movies on your camcorder and the  
connected device simultaneously, or  
continue recording from your camcorder to  
the connected device.  
x STBY COMMAND  
BREC PAUSE  
Stops recording operation of a connected  
device by putting it in pause when you stop  
recording operation of your camcorder.  
STOP  
Stops recording operation of a connected  
device when you stop recording operation  
of your camcorder.  
Refer also to the instruction manuals  
supplied with the connecting devices.  
x REC CTL MODE  
BOFF  
Does not record on a connected device.  
SYNCHRONOUS (  
)
Records movies, sound and time code on a  
connected device in synchronization with  
your camcorder.  
RELAY (  
)
Records movies, sound and time code on a  
connected device when a tape on your  
camcorder reaches close to the end during  
recording.  
EXT ONLY (  
)
You can operate an external recording  
unit* with the REC START/STOP button  
of your camcorder.  
*HVR-MRC1(optional) or HVR-DR60  
(optional)  
88  
                   
(TC/UB SET) menu  
(TC PRESET/UB PRESET/TC LINK, etc.)  
2 Select [PRESET] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
3 Select the first 2 digits with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
4 Set other digits by repeating step 3.  
5 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 64 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Press the MENU button t select the  
(TC/UB SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
x RESET  
You can reset the user bit (00 00 00 00).  
Select [RESET] in step 1 of the  
[PRESET].  
TC PRESET  
x PRESET  
TC FORMAT  
You can preset the time code.  
1 Select [TC PRESET] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
You can select the frame mode.  
2 Select [PRESET] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
3 Select the first 2 digits with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
You can set the time code between  
00:00:00:00 and 23:59:59:29.  
BAUTO  
Sets the frame mode automatically in  
accordance with the inserted cassette.  
DF  
Sets the frame mode to the drop frame  
mode.  
4 Set other digits by repeating step 3.  
5 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
NDF  
Sets the frame mode to the non-drop frame  
mode.  
x RESET  
You can reset the time code (00:00:00:00).  
Select [RESET] in step 1 of the  
[PRESET].  
z Tips  
What is drop frame?  
Although 30 frames are considered as 1  
second in time code processing, the actual  
frame frequency of an NTSC image signal  
is 29.97 frames/sec. As a result, the time  
code gradually lags behind real time as the  
recording gets longer. The drop frame  
function adjusts the time code to real time.  
In the drop frame process, the first 2 frames  
of each second are not recorded except in  
every tenth minute. Recording without the  
drop frame process is called non-drop  
frame recording.  
TC COUNTUP  
You can increment the hour of time code by  
1 and reset the minute, second and frame of  
time code when you execute this function.  
b Notes  
• This function is available only when you set  
[TC MAKE] to [PRESET].  
UB PRESET  
x PRESET  
You can preset the user bit.  
1 Select [UB PRESET] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
Continued ,  
89  
                                 
Press the MENU button t select the  
(TC/UB SET) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
5 Select [TC/UB SET] t [TC LINK] with  
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
TC RUN  
The message [Synchronize TC with  
connected device?] appears.  
You can select how the time code advances.  
BREC RUN  
Advances the time code only during  
recording.  
Select this setting to record the time code  
continuous from the last time code of the  
previous recording.  
6 Select [YES] to synchronize the time code  
of the sub camcorder with that of the main  
camcorder. Disconnect the i.LINK cable  
from your camcorders when  
synchronization is completed. You can  
record with the synchronized time codes  
using those camcorders.  
FREE RUN  
Advances the time code regardless of  
operation of your camcorder.  
Select this setting to save the actual time in  
the time code.  
b Notes  
• If you want to execute [TC LINK] for more than  
two camcorders, repeat the steps for multiple  
sub camcorders with one main camcorder.  
• Some frame shifting may occur over time after  
time code synchronization.  
• Some frame shifting may occur if you turn the  
power off and back on. In such a case, set [TC  
LINK] again.  
TC MAKE  
BREGENERATE  
Reads the last time code of the previous  
recording from the tape and records the  
new time code consecutively from the last  
time code during the backspace editing.  
The time code runs in [REC RUN] mode  
regardless of the setting of [TC RUN].  
UB TIME REC  
BOFF  
Does not save the actual time in the user  
bit code.  
PRESET  
ON  
Records the newly set time code on the  
tape.  
Saves the actual time in the user bit code.  
UB-DATE/TC-TIME  
TC LINK  
You can save the date and time set in your  
camcorder in the user bit and time code,  
respectively, when you do this function.  
You can synchronize the time codes of  
multiple camcorders.  
This function is useful for editing movies  
recorded by multiple camcorders.  
1 Insert a tape to the main camcorder from  
which you want to generate the time code.  
2 Set the POWER switches of the main and  
sub camcorders to CAMERA.  
3 Connect the sub camcorder to the main  
camcorder with an i.LINK cable.  
b Notes  
• This function is available in the following cases:  
– [TC MAKE] : [PRESET]  
– [TC RUN] : [FREE RUN]  
– [UB TIME REC] : [OFF]  
• The time lag may occur between the set time  
code and the actual time as time goes on. Do  
[UB-DATE/TC-TIME] again prior to recording.  
• The date saved in the user bit will not be  
automatically updated even when the actual date  
has been changed.  
4 Set the main and sub camcorder as follows:  
• Set [TC RUN] to [FREE RUN] (p. 90).  
• Set [TC MAKE] to [PRESET] (p. 90).  
• Set [TC FORMAT] of the main and sub  
camcorders to the same settings (p. 89).  
Set the sub camcorders as follows:  
90  
                       
(MEMORY SET)  
menu  
b Notes  
• Do not do any of the following while [  
Formatting…] is displayed:  
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (ALL  
– Operate the POWER switch/buttons.  
– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• Formatting erases everything on the “Memory  
Stick Duo” including protected image data and  
newly created folders.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 64 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
Press the MENU button t select the  
(MEMORY SET) with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
FILE NO.  
BSERIES  
Assigns file numbers in sequence even if  
the “Memory Stick Duo” is replaced with  
another one. The file number is reset when  
a new folder is created or the recording  
folder is replaced with another.  
ALL ERASE  
You can delete all the still images without  
image protection on a “Memory Stick Duo”  
or in the selected folder.  
RESET  
Resets the file number to 0001 each time  
the “Memory Stick Duo” is changed.  
1 Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRENT  
FLDR].  
[ALL FILES]: Deletes all the images on  
the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
NEW FOLDER  
[CURRENT FLDR]: Deletes all the  
images in the currently selected folder.  
2 Select [YES] t [YES] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
When you select [YES], you can create a  
new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on  
a “Memory Stick Duo.” When a folder is  
full (a maximum of 9,999 images are  
stored), a new folder is automatically  
created.  
[
Erasing all data...] appears.  
[Completed.] appears when all unprotected  
images are deleted.  
b Notes  
b Notes  
• You cannot delete the new folder once you have  
created it on your camcorder. Format the  
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 91) or delete it on your  
computer.  
• Release the write protect tab on the “Memory  
Stick Duo” beforehand for the “Memory Stick  
Duo” with the write-protect tab (p. 122).  
• The folder will not be deleted even when you  
delete all the images in the folder.  
• Do not do any of the following while [  
Erasing all data...] is displayed:  
• The number of recordable pictures on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” may decrease as the  
number of folders increases.  
– Operate the POWER switch/buttons.  
– Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
REC FOLDER (Recording folder)  
You can select a folder in which you want  
to store still images.  
Select the folder with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
FORMAT  
You do not need to format the Memory  
Stick Duo” since it is already formatted at  
the factory. If you want to format the  
Memory Stick Duo,” select  
z Tips  
• The still images will be stored in the  
101MSDCF folder by default.  
[YES]t[YES].  
Continued ,  
91  
                               
(OTHERS) menu  
Press the MENU button t select the  
(MEMORY SET) with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
Settings while recording on a tape or other  
basic settings (QUICK REC/BEEP, etc.)  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
• Once you store the still images in the current  
folder, the folder is selected as a playback  
folder.  
See page 64 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
PB FOLDER (Playback folder)  
Press the MENU button t select the  
(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
You can select a folder in which still  
images you want to view are stored.  
Select the folder with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
CAMERA PROF. (Camera profile)  
You can save up to 99 camera setting  
profiles on a Memory Stick Duo” and two  
profiles in your camcorder. Using these  
saved profiles let you quickly obtain  
suitable camera settings later. When using  
multiple camcorders of this model, you can  
save the setting on a Memory Stick Duo”  
and load them into the other camcorders.  
z Tips  
• You can save menu settings, picture profiles and  
button settings as a camera profile.  
x To load a camera profile  
You can load a camera profile and use it on  
your camcorder.  
1 Select [LOAD] with SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
2 Select the camera profile that you want to  
load with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
3 Select [YES] in the check screen.  
Your camcorder is restarted and the  
selected camera profile becomes effective.  
b Notes  
• You cannot load camera profile that has been  
saved by a different model of camcorder or  
edited on a computer.  
x To save a camera profile  
1 Select [SAVE] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
2 Select [MEMORY STICK] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial to save the camera  
profile on the “Memory Stick Duo” or  
[CAMERA] to save it in your camcorder.  
92  
           
3 Select [NEW FILE] or an existing profile  
name with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
2 Select the camera profile that you want  
to copy with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
4 Select [YES] in the check screen with the  
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
The camera profile is saved.  
3 Select [MEMORY STICK] or  
[CAMERA] for a “Memory Stick Duo”  
or your camcorder as a copy destination  
of the camera profile.  
z Tips  
• When you select [NEW FILE] in [MEMORY  
STICK], a camera profile is saved as [MS01]  
the fist time you save a camera profile.  
• When you select [NEW FILE] in [CAMERA], a  
camera profile is saved as [CAM1] or [CAM2].  
4 Select [NEW FILE] or an existing  
profile name with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
5 Select [YES] on the check screen.  
• When you select an existing camera profile, the  
new camera profile is overwritten.  
• You cannot view nor edit a camera profile saved  
on a “Memory Stick Duo” on your computer.  
z Tips  
• You can copy a camera profile saved on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” to your camcorder.  
• You can save a camera profile on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” that has still image data.  
ASSIGN BTN  
x To change the camera profile name  
You can change the camera profile name.  
See page 46.  
1 Select [PROFILE NAME] with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
CLOCK SET  
2 Select the camera profile of which you  
want to change the name with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
See page 20.  
WORLD TIME  
[PROFILE NAME] screen appears.  
3 Change the profile name with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
When you use your camcorder abroad, you  
can adjust the clock to the local time by  
setting the time difference with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial.  
When you set the time difference to 0, the  
clock returns to the original setting.  
z Tips  
• You can enter the name in the same way as  
the picture profile (p. 43).  
4 Select [OK] with the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial.  
LANGUAGE  
Profile name is changed.  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
x To delete camera profile settings  
1 Select [DELETE] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
z Tips  
2 Select the camera profile you want to delete  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) in case that you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
3 Select [YES] on the check screen.  
x To copy a camera profile  
You can copy camera profile saved on your  
camcorder to a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
PB ZOOM (Playback zoom)  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can enlarge movie images about 1.1 to 5  
times (still images about 1.5 to 5 times)  
1 Select [COPY] with the SEL/PUSH  
EXEC dial.  
Continued ,  
93  
                       
Press the MENU button t select the  
(OTHERS) with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.  
z Tips  
with the handle zoom lever. The default  
setting is [OFF]. To end the zoom, press  
and hold the W side of the handle zoom  
lever until it stops.  
• When [DV WIDE REC] is set to [OFF], the date  
and time are displayed outside the 4:3 area but  
properly recorded on images.  
• When you record in the HDV format, the date  
and time are displayed at different positions  
during recording and playback.  
z Tips  
• To move the zoom horizontally, press the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial, then turn the dial. To move  
the zoom vertically, press the SEL/PUSH EXEC  
dial one more time, then turn the dial.  
BEEP  
BOFF  
QUICK REC  
Cancels the melody.  
ON  
You can slightly reduce the recording start  
point time when resuming recording by  
changing the POWER switch from OFF to  
CAMERA.  
Activates a melody when you start/stop  
recording.  
REC LAMP[F] (Recording lamp  
[front])  
BOFF  
It takes some time to restart recording from  
the state that the drum has stopped  
rotating, but the transition from the last  
recorded scene is smooth.  
When you set this function to [OFF], you  
can turn off the front camera recording  
lamp during recording. The default setting  
is [ON].  
ON (  
)
The time shortens slightly until recording  
restarts from the state that the drum has  
stopped rotating, but the transition from  
the last recorded scene may not be smooth.  
REC LAMP[R] (Recording lamp  
[rear])  
Select this when you do not want to miss a  
recording chance.  
When you set this function to [OFF], you  
can turn off the rear camera recording lamp  
during recording. The default setting is  
[ON].  
z Tips  
• When this function is set to [ON], the interval  
between scenes freezes for a moment (editing on  
your computer is recommended).  
REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)  
• When the camcorder is left in standby for more  
than about 3 minutes, your camcorder exits from  
standby (the drum stops rotating) to prevent tape  
wear and battery loss. Since the power does not  
turn off, you can restart recording by pressing  
the REC START/STOP button again.  
When you set this function to [ON], you  
can use the supplied Remote Commander  
(p. 139). The default setting is [ON].  
z Tips  
• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from  
responding to a command sent by another VCR  
remote control unit.  
DATE REC  
BOFF  
HOURS METER  
Does not superimpose the date and time on  
images.  
You can display the cumulative operation  
time of your camcorder with the total hours  
of operation, drum rotation, tape running, or  
ON  
Superimposes the date and time on images.  
94  
                               
the total number of tape unthreading  
operations.  
OPERATION  
Displays the total hours of operation in 10-  
hour increments.  
DRUM RUN  
Displays the total hours of drum rotation in  
10-hour increments.  
TAPE RUN  
Displays the total hours of tape running in  
10-hour increments.  
THREADING  
Displays the total number of tape  
unthreading operation in 10-operation  
increments.  
95  
       
Dubbing/Editing  
Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc.  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor/  
Charger for this operation (p. 13). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the  
devices to be connected.  
Connecting to external devices  
The connection method and the image quality will differ depending on the VCR, DVD/HDD  
device and the connectors used.  
Jacks on your camcorder  
Open the jack cover and connect the cable.  
: Signal flow  
Camcorder  
Cable  
External device  
HDV1080i compatible device  
t HD quality*  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
1
• i.LINK jack which is compatible with HDV1080i specification is required on the external device.  
AV device with i.LINK jack  
t SD quality*  
1
i.LINK cable (optional)  
AV device with S VIDEO jac  
t SD quality*  
A/V connecting cable with  
S VIDEO (optional)  
2
(White)  
(Red)  
(Yellow)  
96  
           
: Signal flow  
External device  
Camcorder  
Cable  
AV device with audio/video  
jacks**  
t SD quality*  
2
A/V connecting cable  
(supplied)  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
* Pictures recorded in the DVCAM (DV) format are dubbed in the SD (standard definition) quality,  
regardless of the connection.  
**When connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting  
cable to the video jack on the device, and connect the white (left channel) or red (right channel) plug to  
the audio jack on the device.  
b Notes  
• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.  
Using an i.LINK cable (optional)  
The dubbed format (HDV/DV) differs depending on the recording format or the format  
supported by the VCR/DVD device. See the table below for selecting the appropriate settings,  
and perform necessary menu setting.  
b Notes  
• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before changing these menu settings, otherwise the VCR/DVD device may  
not correctly identify the video signal.  
z Tips  
• This camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal. Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device to be  
connected.  
Continued ,  
97  
   
Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. (Continued)  
Format supported by the  
VCR/DVD device  
Menu setting  
Camcorder  
recording  
format  
Copy format  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
format  
HDV  
format*  
[VCR HDV/DV] [i.LINK SET]  
1
(p. 87)  
Copy HDV recording as  
HDV  
3
HDV  
HDV  
HDV  
*  
[OFF]  
Convert HDV recording to  
DVCAM (DV)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
[ON]  
[AUTO]  
Copy DVCAM (DV)  
recording as DVCAM  
(DV)  
DVCAM DVCAM  
(DV) (DV)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
[OFF]  
When tape is recorded in both HDV and DVCAM (DV) format  
Convert both HDV and  
DVCAM (DV) format to  
DVCAM (DV)  
HDV/  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
[AUTO]  
[HDV]  
[ON]  
3
Copy only portions  
recorded in HDV format  
HDV  
HDV  
*  
[OFF]  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
2
3
*  
*  
2
2
Copy only portions  
recorded in DVCAM (DV)  
format  
HDV  
*  
*  
[DV]  
[OFF]  
DVCAM DVCAM  
(DV) (DV)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
*1 Recording device compliant with the HDV1080i specification.  
*2 The tape advances, but no video or sound is recorded (blank).  
*3 Picture is not recognized (no recording is made).  
b Notes  
• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], and the signal switches between HDV and DVCAM (DV)  
formats, the picture and sound are interrupted temporarily.  
• When the recorder is HVR-Z5U/Z5N, set [VCR HDV/DV] to [AUTO] (p. 85).  
• When the player and the recorder are both HDV1080i compatible devices such as HVR-Z5U/Z5N and  
connected with the i.LINK cable, after pausing or stopping and then resuming the recording, the images  
will be a bit choppy or rough at that point.  
• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) when connecting with an A/V connecting  
cable (p. 84).  
When connecting with the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)  
Connect with S VIDEO jack instead of the video plug (yellow). This connection produces  
pictures more faithfully. This connection produces higher quality DVCAM (DV) format  
pictures. The audio will not be output when you connect with the S VIDEO cable alone.  
98  
b Notes  
Dubbing to another device  
• The following cannot be output via the HDV/  
DV interface (i.LINK):  
– Indicators  
– Titles that are recorded on other camcorders  
• Pictures recorded in the HDV format are not  
output from the HDV/DV interface (i.LINK)  
jack during playback pause or in any playback  
mode other than normal playback.  
1
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
Slide the POWER switch to VCR.  
• Note the following when connecting with an  
i.LINK cable:  
– The recorded picture becomes rough when a  
picture is paused on your camcorder while  
recording to a VCR/DVD device.  
Set [DOWN CONVERT]/[DV WIDE  
CONV] according to the playback  
device (TV, etc.) (p. 87).  
– Data codes (date/time/camera settings data)  
may not be displayed or recorded depending  
on the device or application.  
2
Prepare your VCR/DVD device for  
recording.  
– You cannot record the picture and sound  
separately.  
When dubbing to the VCR, insert a  
cassette for recording.  
• When dubbing to a DVD recorder from your  
camcorder through an i.LINK cable, you may  
not operate your camcorder on your DVD  
recorder even if its instruction manual says you  
can. If you can set the input mode to HDV or  
DV on your DVD recorder and can input/output  
pictures, follow the steps in “Using an i.LINK  
When dubbing to the DVD recorder,  
insert a DVD for recording.  
If your recording device has an input  
selector, set it to the appropriate input  
(such as video input1 and video input2).  
z Tips  
3
4
Connect your VCR/DVD device to  
your camcorder as a recording  
device.  
• To record the date/time and camera settings data  
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,  
display them on the screen.  
• When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and  
sound signals are transmitted digitally,  
producing high quality pictures.  
See page 96 for connection details.  
• When an i.LINK cable is connected, the format  
Start playback on the camcorder,  
and recording on the VCR/DVD  
device.  
of the output signal (  
) will be indicated on the LCD screen of  
your camcorder.  
or  
Refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with your recording device for  
details.  
5
When dubbing is complete, stop  
your camcorder and the VCR/DVD  
device.  
99  
 
Recording pictures from a VCR  
You can record pictures from a VCR on a  
HDV1080i  
compatible device  
AVdevicewith  
i.LINK jack  
tape. You can record a scene as a still image  
on a “Memory Stick Duo.” You can record  
pictures in the HDV format by connecting  
an HDV1080i specification compatible  
device. Be sure to insert a cassette or a  
“Memory Stick Duo” for recording in your  
camcorder beforehand.  
t HD quality  
t SD quality  
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR  
device using an i.LINK cable.  
To i.LINK connector  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet  
(wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor/Charger for this operation (p. 13).  
Refer also to the instruction manuals  
supplied with the devices to be connected.  
: Signal  
flow  
b Notes  
i.LINK cable  
(optional)  
• You need an i.LINK cable for this operation.  
• You cannot perform this operation with the A/V  
connecting cable.  
• Your camcorder has a 4-pin i.LINK terminal.  
Select a cable that fits the terminal on the device  
to be attached.  
To HDV/DV  
interface  
(i.LINK)  
• Your camcorder can only record from an NTSC  
source. For example, French video or TV  
programs (SECAM) cannot be recorded  
correctly. See page 118 for details on TV color  
systems.  
* An i.LINK jack which is compatible with  
HDV1080i specification is required.  
Recording movies  
1
2
Set the POWER switch to VCR.  
Set the input signal of your  
camcorder.  
Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [AUTO] when  
recording from an HDV format  
compatible device.  
Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] or  
[AUTO] when recording from a  
DVCAM (DV) format compatible  
device (p. 85).  
100  
       
3
Connect your VCR as a player to  
your camcorder.  
b Notes  
• You cannot record TV programs from the  
HDV/DV interface (i.LINK).  
• User bits are not recorded when dubbing from a  
DVCAM (DV) device via an i.LINK cable.  
When an i.LINK cable is connected, the  
format of the input signal (  
or  
) will be  
indicated on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder (This indicator may appear  
on the screen of the playback device but  
it will not be recorded).  
• You can record pictures from DV devices only  
in the DVCAM (DV) format.  
• Note the following when connecting with an  
i.LINK cable:  
– The recorded picture becomes rough when a  
picture is paused on your camcorder while  
recording to a VCR.  
– You cannot record the picture and sound  
separately.  
– If you pause or stop the recording and restart  
it, the picture may not be recorded smoothly.  
• If video signals inputted to your camcorder via  
the HDV/DV jack experience the  
4
5
Insert a cassette into the VCR.  
Set your camcorder to recording  
pause.  
While pressing X (PAUSE), press both  
z REC (record) buttons  
simultaneously.  
phenomenon of jittering (variation in  
frequency), that jittering is transmitted to the  
video signals outputted from the A/V remote  
connector. When you monitor a movie on a TV  
connected to your camcorder via the A/V  
remote connector, images may be distorted or  
not be displayed. Jittering will not affect  
recording of the movie on a tape with your  
camcorder but may affect recording of the  
movie with another VCR connected to your  
camcorder via the A/V remote connector.  
z Tips  
• When a 4:3 video signal is input, it appears with  
black bands on the right and left sides on the  
screen of your camcorder.  
6
Start playing the cassette on your  
VCR.  
The picture played on the VCR appears  
on the LCD screen of your camcorder.  
7
8
Press X (PAUSE) again at the  
point you want to start recording.  
Press x (STOP) to stop  
recording.  
Continued ,  
101  
(Continued)  
Copying movies on a  
tape to a computer  
Connect your camcorder to the computer  
with an i.LINK cable.  
Recording still images  
The computer needs to have an i.LINK  
connector and be installed with editing  
software that can copy video signals.  
The software required depends on the  
format of the recorded pictures and the  
format for copying to the computer (HDV  
or DVCAM (DV)) as shown in the table  
below.  
Be sure to insert a “Memory Stick Duo” for  
recording in your camcorder and assign  
[PHOTO] to the ASSIGN 7/PHOTO button  
(p. 46) beforehand.  
1
2
Perform steps 1 to 4 in  
“Recording movies.”  
Format for  
Recorded  
copying to  
Required software  
format  
the computer  
Start playing the cassette.  
Editing software  
capable of  
copying HDV  
signal  
The pictures on the VCR appear on the  
screen of your camcorder.  
HDV  
HDV  
Editing software  
DVCAM capable of  
(DV) copying DVCAM  
3
Press the ASSIGN 7/PHOTO  
button on your camcorder or the  
PHOTO button on the Remote  
Commander at the scene you  
want to record.  
HDV  
(DV) signal  
Editing software  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
DVCAM capable of  
(DV) copying DVCAM  
(DV) signal  
b Notes  
b Notes  
• The image size is 1.2M when capturing a still  
image from a movie recorded and played back  
in the HDV format. The image size is 0.2M  
when capturing a still image from a movie  
recorded and played back in the DVCAM (DV)  
and widescreen (16:9) formats, or VGA (0.3M)  
when the movie is recorded and played back in  
the DVCAM (DV) and 4:3 formats.  
• The HDV/DV jack of your camcorder does  
not have a power-supply function.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a  
computer via an i.LINK cable, make sure that  
the terminals of the i.LINK cable are placed the  
right way. Squeezing the terminals into jacks  
may damage the terminals and jacks, or result in  
a malfunction of your camcorder.  
• You cannot copy image data stored on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” onto your computer via an  
i.LINK cable.  
• Refer to the operating instructions of the  
software for the details on image copying.  
• Refer to the operating instructions of the editing  
software for the recommended connection.  
• Some editing software on the computer may not  
work correctly.  
• You cannot change format DVCAM (DV) to  
HDV.  
The required menu settings vary depending  
on the recorded images and the format  
102  
     
(HDV or DVCAM (DV)) to be copied to  
the computer.  
Step:1 Connect an i.LINK cable  
Format for  
Recorded  
copying to  
Menu setting*  
format  
the computer  
[VCR HDV/DV]  
t [HDV]  
[i.LINK SET] t  
[HDV t DV  
HDV  
HDV  
HDV/DV interface  
(i.LINK)  
CONV] t [OFF]  
[VCR HDV/DV]  
t [HDV]  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
HDV  
[i.LINK SET] t  
[HDV t DV  
CONV] t [ON]  
[VCR HDV/DV]  
t [DV]  
[i.LINK SET] t  
[HDV t DV  
CONV] t [OFF]  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
DVCAM  
(DV)  
Notes on connecting to the computer  
* See page 64 for menu settings.  
• Connect the i.LINK cable to the computer first,  
then to your camcorder. Connecting in the  
opposite order may cause static electricity to  
build up, resulting in a malfunction of your  
camcorder.  
• The computer may freeze or may not recognize  
the signal from your camcorder in the following  
situations.  
z Tips  
• To copy HDV format images as they are  
without changing their format, an HDV  
compatible environment is required.  
For details, refer to your software instruction  
manual or contact the software manufacturer.  
• To play movies by a regular DVD player, you  
need to create DVD video in the SD format. The  
DVD video is not in the HDV format.  
– Connecting your camcorder to a computer  
that does not support the video signal formats  
appearing on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder display (HDV or DVCAM (DV)).  
– Changing [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 85) and  
[i.LINK SET] (p. 87) settings while  
connected with an i.LINK cable.  
– Changing [REC FORMAT] setting while  
connected with an i.LINK cable with the  
POWER switch set to CAMERA (p. 85).  
– Changing the POWER switch position while  
connected with an i.LINK cable.  
• The format (HDV or DVCAM (DV)) of input/  
output signal appears on the LCD screen of your  
camcorder while connected with an i.LINK  
cable.  
Continued ,  
103  
 
When copying the movie in the  
DVCAM (DV) format from the  
computer to your camcorder  
Step:2 Copying the movies  
Use the supplied AC Adaptor/Charger to  
obtain AC power (p. 13).  
Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] (p. 85).  
1 Prepare editing software (not provided).  
2 Turn on your computer.  
3 Insert a tape into your camcorder and set  
the POWER switch to VCR.  
4 Set the menu of your camcorder.  
The menu settings vary depending on  
the copying image.  
5 Copy images to the computer with your  
software.  
b Notes  
• If images are copied in HDV format but are not  
recognized, your editing software may not  
support HDV format. Convert the images to  
DVCAM (DV) format according to step 4 and  
copy again.  
• A tape recorded in DVCAM (DV) format  
cannot be copied to a computer in HDV format.  
z Tips  
• When images recorded in HDV format are  
copied to a computer, the file size is about 2GB  
(almost the same as a DV file) for a 10-minute  
movie if the video compression format is  
MPEG2.  
When copying the movie in the HDV  
format from the computer to your  
camcorder  
Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [HDV] and [HDV  
t DV CONV] of [i.LINK SET] to [OFF]  
(p. 85, 87).  
b Notes  
• To copy an HDV format movie edited on a  
computer back onto a tape in HDV format is  
possible so long as your editing software  
supports copying HDV movies onto tape. For  
details, contact the software manufacturer.  
104  
 
Copying still images to a computer  
B Folder containing image files recorded  
System requirements  
by your camcorder when no new folders  
have been created, only [101MSDCF] is  
displayed.  
• For details on precautions and compatible  
application software, refer also to the operating  
instructions of the device to be connected.  
• Required hardware: “Memory Stick Duo” slot,  
Memory Stick Reader/Writer compatible with  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
C Folder containing movie data recorded  
by other camcorders without the folder  
creation function (for playback only)  
Folder  
101MSDCF (up DSC0ss Still image  
to 999MSDCF) ss.JPG file  
File  
Meaning  
Copying the pictures  
For Windows users  
You can copy still images stored on a  
“Memory Stick Duo” to your computer via  
the “Memory Stick Duo” slot of your  
computer.  
ssss are numbers between 0001 and  
9999.  
For Macintosh users  
Double-click the drive icon, then drag and  
drop the desired picture file onto the hard  
disk of your computer.  
1 Turn on your computer.  
2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the  
“Memory Stick Duo” slot of your  
computer.  
3 Double-click the [Removable Disk]  
icon displayed in [My Computer]. Then,  
drag and drop a still image from the  
folder onto the hard disk drive of your  
computer.  
1
2
3
A Folder containing image files recorded  
by other camcorders without the folder  
creation function (for playback only).  
105  
       
Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting  
If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the  
problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer.  
• Power sources/LCD screen/Remote Commander···p. 106  
• Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”···p. 107  
• Recording···p. 108  
• Playback···p. 111  
• Connecting to TV···p. 113  
• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices···p. 114  
• Connecting to a computer···p. 115  
Power sources/LCD screen/Remote Commander  
The power does not turn on or abruptly turns off.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 13).  
• Use the AC Adaptor/Charger to connect to a wall outlet (wall socket) (p. 13).  
The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor/Charger from the wall outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery  
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.  
• Press the RESET button (p. 138) using a sharp-pointed object.  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.  
The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 13, 123).  
• The indicated time may not be correct in certain circumstances. For example, when you open  
or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.  
The battery pack discharges too quickly.  
• Ambient temperature is too high or low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be worn-out. Replace  
it with a new one (p. 13, 123).  
The picture remains on the LCD screen.  
• This occurs if you disconnect the DK-415 cable or remove the battery pack without turning  
off the power first. This is not a malfunction.  
106  
       
The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.  
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 18).  
The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.  
• If you change [VF POWERMODE] to [AUTO], the finder light remains off while the LCD  
panel is open (p. 83).  
The supplied Remote Commander does not function.  
• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 94).  
• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.  
• Keep strong light sources, such as sunlight or overhead lighting, away from the remote  
sensor, otherwise the Remote Commander may not function properly.  
• Insert a fresh battery in the compartment with its +/– terminals matching those of the  
compartment (p. 139).  
Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.  
• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR.  
• Cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.  
Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”  
The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.  
• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor/Charger) is connected correctly  
(p. 13).  
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 126).  
The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a  
cassette with the Cassette Memory function.  
• This camcorder does not support the Cassette Memory function, so the indicator does not  
appear.  
The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.  
• Set [  
REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 84).  
The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.  
• When using the DK-415 cable rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery  
operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction.  
You cannot delete pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• The pictures are protected. Release the protect function on your computer, etc.  
Continued ,  
107  
   
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Recording  
The recording does not start when you press the REC START/STOP button.  
• Slide the POWER switch to CAMERA (p. 24).  
• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.  
• Set the write-protect tab of the cassette to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 119).  
• The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave  
your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 126).  
• Set [REC CTL MODE] of [EXT REC CTRL] to other than [EXT ONLY] (p. 88).  
The handle zoom does not work.  
• Set the handle zoom speed switch to FIX or VAR (p. 28).  
You cannot record on the “Memory Stick Duo.”  
• The “Memory Stick Duo” is full. Delete unnecessary pictures recorded on the “Memory Stick  
Duo” (p. 122).  
• Format the “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder (p. 91) or insert another “Memory Stick  
Duo” (p. 22).  
• You cannot record still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” in the following cases.  
– While executing [FADER]  
– While executing [SMTH SLW REC]  
– When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [24] or [24A] and the shutter speed is slower than 1/48 (p. 85,  
– When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [60] or [30] and the shutter speed is slower than 1/60 (p. 85,  
– While using shot transition  
• Assign [PHOTO] to the ASSIGN 7/PHOTO button or any one of the ASSIGN buttons.  
You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene  
to the next.  
• Do not record progressive pictures in different [REC TYPE] settings on the same tape.  
• Perform End search (p. 48).  
• Do not remove the cassette (the picture will be recorded continuously without a break even  
when you turn the power off).  
• Do not record pictures in the HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats on the same tape.  
• Do not record pictures in DVCAM mode and DV SP mode on the same tape.  
• When [QUICK REC] is set to [ON], you cannot record a smooth transition (p. 94).  
• When [SCAN TYPE] is set to [24A], you cannot record a smooth transition (p. 85).  
The shutter sound is not heard when you record a still image.  
• Set [BEEP] to [ON] (p. 94).  
• No shutter sound will be outputted during movie recording or while an external device is  
connected.  
108  
 
End search or last scene review does not work.  
• Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 48).  
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.  
• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
Automatic focus does not function.  
• Set the FOCUS switch to AUTO to enable the automatic focus function (p. 29).  
• Adjust the focus manually if the automatic focus does not work properly (p. 30).  
Menu items are grayed out or do not work.  
• You cannot select grayed out display items in the current recording/playback situation.  
• There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously. The following list shows  
examples of unworkable combinations of functions and menu items.  
Cannot use  
Situation  
[BACK LIGHT],  
[SPOTLIGHT]  
Two or more of iris, gain, and shutter speed are set manually.  
[IRIS/EXPOSURE] is set to [EXPOSURE] and image  
brightness is adjusted with the iris ring  
[HYPER GAIN] is set to [ON].  
[CNTRST ENHCR]  
[FADER]  
[BACK LIGHT] is set to [ON].  
No tape is inserted.  
Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder.  
The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to SAVE.  
[ZEBRA], [PEAKING],  
[CAM DATA DSP],  
[HISTOGRAM]  
[COLOR BAR] is set to [ON].  
[SMTH SLW REC]  
[REC TYPE] of [HDV PROGRE.] is set to [PROGRESSIVE].  
[REC TYPE] of [HDV PROGRE.] is set to [INTERLACE] and  
[SCAN TYPE] is set to [24], [24A] or [30].  
[SCAN TYPE] of [DV PROGRE.] is set to [24] or [30].  
[REC CTL MODE] of [EXT REC CTRL] is set to [EXT  
ONLY].  
[COLOR BAR] is set to [ON].  
[MARKER]  
[DATE REC] is set to [ON].  
[LCD BL LEVEL],  
[VF B.LIGHT]  
AC power source is being used.  
[TC LINK]  
Your camcorder is not connected to an external device via an  
i.LINK cable.  
[TC COUNTUP]  
[TC MAKE] is set to [REGENERATE].  
[UB-DATE/TC-TIME]  
[TC MAKE] is set to [REGENERATE].  
[TC RUN] is set to [REC RUN].  
[UB TIME REC] is set to [ON].  
Date and time are not set.  
Continued ,  
109  
                 
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Cannot use  
Situation  
[WORLD TIME],  
[DATE REC]  
Date and time are not set.  
[x.v.Color]  
[REC FORMAT] is set to [DV].  
The shutter speed is not set to the  
[ECS FREQ.]  
[INTERVAL REC]  
.
[REC CTL MODE] of [EXT REC CTRL] is set to [EXT  
ONLY].  
[REC TYPE] of [HDV PROGRE.] is set to [PROGRESSIVE].  
[REC TYPE] of [HDV PROGRE.] is set to [INTERLACE] and  
[SCAN TYPE] is set to [24], [24A] or [30].  
[SCAN TYPE] of [DV PROGRE.] is set to [24] or [30].  
[DV FRAME REC]  
[EXT REC CTRL]  
[REC CTL MODE] of [EXT REC CTRL] is set to [EXT  
ONLY].  
When [REC FORMAT] is set to [HDV1080i]  
[INTERVAL REC] is set to [ON].  
[DV FRAME REC] is set to [ON].  
Shutter speed, gain, white balance or iris cannot be adjusted manually.  
• Set the AUTO/MANUAL switch to MANUAL.  
Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.  
• This phenomenon appears when using a slow shutter speed (p. 32). This is not a malfunction.  
The subjects passing by the frame very fast appear crooked.  
• This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This is not a malfunction. Because of the way that  
the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the subjects passing by the frame  
rapidly might appear crooked depending on the recording conditions.  
The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.  
• Set [BACK LIGHT] to [OFF].  
• Set [HYPER GAIN] to [OFF].  
The screen picture is dark, and the subject does not appear on the screen.  
• Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button for a few seconds to turn on the backlight  
(p. 18).  
Horizontal stripes appear on the image.  
• This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury  
lamp. This is not a malfunction. This can be improved by changing the shutter speed (p. 32).  
110  
           
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.  
• This can be improved by adjusting the shutter speed in the extended clear scan (  
(p. 32).  
) range  
Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged.  
• Adjust [DETAIL] to the negative side (p. 41).  
Playback  
If you are playing back pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” refer also to the Cassette  
tapes/“Memory Stick Duo” section (p. 107).  
You cannot play back tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch to VCR.  
• Rewind the tape (p. 51).  
Image data stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back correctly.  
• Image data cannot be played back if you have modified file names or folders, or have edited  
the data on a computer (In this case, the file name flashes). This is not a malfunction (p. 123).  
• Pictures recorded on other devices may not be played back correctly. This is not a  
malfunction.  
The data file name is displayed incorrectly, or flashing.  
• The file is damaged.  
• The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 119).  
• Only the file name is displayed if the folder structure does not conform to the universal  
standard.  
Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or  
do not appear.  
• Video head is dirty. Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 127).  
You cannot hear the sound recorded with 4CH microphone recording on  
another camcorder.  
• Set [DV AUDIO MIX] for the DVCAM (DV) format 4-ch recording (p. 79).  
• You cannot reproduce the sound recorded in CH3 and CH4 on your camcorder for the HDV  
format 4-ch recording.  
No sound or only a low sound is heard.  
• Turn up the volume (p. 52).  
• Set [DV AUDIO MIX] (p. 79).  
• Pictures recorded using [SMTH SLW REC] do not have sounds.  
Continued ,  
111  
 
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The picture or sound breaks off.  
• The tape was recorded in both of the HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats. This is not a  
malfunction.  
The movies freeze for a while, or the sound breaks off.  
• This occurs if the tape or video head is dirty (p. 127).  
• Use the Sony mini DV cassette tape.  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape you are playing back was recorded without setting the date and time.  
• A blank section on the tape is being played back.  
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.  
• A movie recorded in the extended clear scan (  
) range is being played back.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded with the gain set to -6dB.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded with [HYPER GAIN] set to [ON].  
Noises appear and  
or  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (NTSC). This  
is not a malfunction.  
Date Search does not work correctly.  
• Be sure to record more than 2 minutes after the date changed. If one day’s recording is too  
short, your camcorder may not accurately find the point where the recording date changes.  
• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
No picture appears during End search, Rec review or Last scene review.  
• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats. This is not a malfunction.  
New sound added to a recorded tape on another camcorder is not heard.  
• Set [DV AUDIO MIX] from [CH1,CH2] (original sound) to [MIX] or [CH3,CH4] (p. 79).  
appears on the LCD screen.  
• This appears when you play back a tape recorded on other recording devices using a 4ch  
microphone. This camcorder does not comply with the 4ch microphone recording standard.  
112  
 
Connecting to TV  
You cannot view the picture on the TV connected with the i.LINK cable.  
• You cannot view the picture in the HD (high definition) quality on the TV if an i.LINK jack  
of the TV is not compatible with the HDV1080i specification (p. 58). Refer to the instruction  
manuals supplied with your TV.  
• Down convert the pictures recorded in HDV format and play back in DVCAM (DV) format  
(SD image quality) (p. 87).  
• Connect the TV with another connecting cable, and play back pictures (p. 58).  
You cannot hear the sound on the TV connected with the S VIDEO plug  
(S VIDEO channel) or component video plugs.  
• If you are using an S VIDEO plug or component video plugs, make sure the red and white  
plugs are also connected (p. 58).  
You cannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the  
component A/V cable.  
• Set [COMPONENT] according to the requirements of the connected device (p. 87).  
• When you are using the component A/V cable, make sure the red and white plugs are  
connected (p. 58).  
You cannot view the picture or hear the sound on the TV connected with the  
HDMI cable.  
• Pictures in the HDV format are not output from the HDMI OUT jack, if copyright protection  
signals are recorded in the pictures.  
• DVCAM (DV) format pictures input to the camcorder via i.LINK cable (p. 100) cannot be  
output.  
• This occurs if you record on a tape in both HDV and DVCAM (DV) formats. Disconnect and  
connect the HDMI cable, or slide the POWER switch to turn on your camcorder again.  
The picture appears distorted on the 4:3 TV.  
• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. Select the  
down conversion type from one of the following menus, depending on the recording format.  
– If the recording format is HDV, select from [DOWN CONVERT] in [VIDEO OUT]  
(p. 87).  
– If the recording format is DVCAM (DV), select from [DV WIDE CONV] in [VIDEO  
Black zone appears at top and bottom of a 4:3 TV screen.  
• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV.  
This is not a malfunction.  
Continued ,  
113  
 
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices  
Pictures from connected devices cannot be zoomed.  
• You cannot zoom pictures from connected devices on your camcorder.  
Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected  
device.  
• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] while connected with an A/V connecting cable  
(p. 84).  
You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.  
• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly.  
Make sure that the A/V connecting cable is connected to the input jack of the other device for  
dubbing a picture from your camcorder.  
When connected using an i.LINK cable, no picture appears on the monitor  
screen during dubbing.  
• Set [VCR HDV/DV] according to the requirements of the connected device (p. 85).  
You cannot add sound to the recorded tape.  
• You cannot add sound to the recorded tape on this unit.  
You cannot dub correctly using the HDMI cable.  
• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.  
When you copy a movie shot in wide (16:9) format using an i.LINK cable, the  
screen stretches vertically.  
• You cannot output the aspect ratio setting using an i.LINK cable. Set the aspect ratio of the  
TV instead.  
• Connect using an A/V connecting cable instead.  
114  
 
Connecting to a computer  
The computer does not recognize your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again securely.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, restart the computer, then connect the computer to  
your camcorder correctly.  
You cannot view or copy a movie recorded on a tape to a computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.  
• You need the editing software (optional) to copy a movie recorded on a tape to your computer  
(p. 102).  
Your computer freezes.  
• Set [VCR HDV/DV] correctly according to the connected device (p. 85).  
• Disconnect the cable from your computer and camcorder. Reboot your computer, and  
connect your computer and camcorder following the steps in the correct order (p. 103).  
115  
 
Warning indicators and messages  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
When an error occurs, a warning indicator  
appears on the LCD screen or in the  
viewfinder.  
101-1001(Warning indicator  
pertaining to files)  
• The file is damaged.  
You can fix some problems associated with  
the symptoms yourself. If the problem  
persists even after you have tried a couple  
of times, contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
• The file is unreadable (p. 123).  
E (Battery level warning)  
• The battery pack is nearly used up.  
• Depending on the operating,  
environment, or battery conditions, E  
may flash, even if there are  
approximately 5 to 10 minutes  
remaining.  
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis  
display)  
C:04:ss  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 123).  
(Warning indicator pertaining  
to battery pack temperature)  
C:06:ss  
• The battery pack is too hot. Replace the  
battery pack, or remove it and put it in a  
cool place.  
• The battery pack is too hot. Replace the  
battery pack, or remove it and put it in a  
cool place.  
C:21:ss  
% (Moisture condensation warning)*  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 126).  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 126).  
C:22:ss  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 127).  
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
C:31:ss / C:32:ss  
• Symptoms that are not described above  
have occurred. Remove and insert the  
cassette, then operate your camcorder  
again. Do not perform this procedure if  
moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 126).  
set to lock (p. 119).*  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it  
and operate your camcorder again.  
• Change the cassette. Press the RESET  
button (p. 138), and operate your  
camcorder again.  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
116  
           
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 119).  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 126).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 116).  
* When [BEEP] is set to [ON] (p. 94), you hear a  
melody when the warning indicators appear on  
the screen.  
Warning messages  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
117  
 
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder abroad  
Power supply  
Viewing HDV format pictures recorded  
in HDV format  
You need an HDV1080i compatible TV (or  
monitor) with a component jack and  
AUDIO/VIDEO input jack or an HDMI  
jack. You also need a component A/V cable  
(supplied) or an HDMI cable (optional).  
You can use your camcorder in any  
country/region using the AC Adaptor/  
Charger supplied with your camcorder  
within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
range.  
On TV color systems  
Viewing DVCAM (DV) format pictures  
recorded in DVCAM (DV) format  
Your camcorder is NTSC system, so its  
picture can only be viewed on an NTSC  
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jack.  
You need a TV with the AUDIO/VIDEO  
input jack. A connecting cable is also  
needed.  
System  
Used in  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America, Chile,  
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,  
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,  
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
When you are abroad, you can easily adjust  
the clock to the local time by setting the  
time difference. Select [WORLD TIME],  
then set the time difference (p. 93).  
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,  
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain,  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,  
United Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M Brazil  
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
118  
               
Maintenance and precautions  
Copyright signal  
HDV format and recording/  
playback  
x When you play back  
If the cassette you play back on your  
camcorder contains copyright signals, you  
cannot copy it to a tape in another video  
camera connected to your camcorder.  
Your camcorder is capable of recording in  
HDV/DVCAM/DV formats.  
It is recommended to use a cassette with the  
mark to record in the HDV/  
x When you record  
DVCAM/DV format.  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright control  
signals for copyright protection of software.  
[Cannot record due to copyright  
It is recommended to use a cassette with the  
mark to record in the DVCAM  
format.  
Your camcorder is not compatible with the  
Cassette Memory function.  
protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or  
on the viewfinder if you try to record such  
software. Your camcorder does not record  
copyright control signals on the tape when  
it records.  
What is the HDV format?  
The HDV format is a video format  
developed to record and play back digital  
high definition (HD) video signals on a DV  
cassette.  
Your camcorder adopts the Interlace mode  
with 1,080 effective scan lines of screen  
ruling (1080i, number of pixels 1,440 ×  
1,080 dots).  
The video bit rate for recording is about 25  
Mbps.  
i.LINK is adopted for the digital interface,  
enabling a digital connection with an HDV  
compatible TV or computer.  
Audio mode  
The DVCAM format has 2 audio modes.  
You cannot dub sound onto a recorded tape  
with your camcorder.  
x FS32K (12-bit) mode  
The original sound is recorded in channels  
1 and 2, and the new sound in channels 3  
and 4. The balance between channels 1/2  
and channels 3/4 can be adjusted by  
selecting [DV AUDIO MIX] in the menu  
settings during playback. If you select  
[MIX], the sounds of channel 1/2 and  
channel 3/ 4 are synthesized to be output.  
• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 format,  
which is adopted in BS (broadcast satellite)  
digital, terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings,  
in Blu-ray Disc recorders, etc.  
x FS48K (16-bit) mode  
Playback  
The original sound can be recorded in high  
quality using 2 channels. The audio mode  
can be indicated on the LCD screen or in  
the viewfinder.  
• Your camcorder can play back pictures in both  
the DVCAM (DV) format and HDV1080i  
specification.  
• Your camcorder can play back pictures recorded  
in the HDV 720/30p format, but cannot output it  
from the HDV/DV interface (i.LINK).  
Notes on use  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
created on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
[END SEARCH] (p. 48) before you begin  
the next recording when you have played  
back the tape.  
Continued ,  
119  
         
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
x To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
On Sony HDV1080i compliant TVs  
An HDV format compatible TV with the  
component input jack is required to view  
playback pictures recorded in the HDV  
format.  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be  
recorded (write-protected).  
Compatibility of the DVCAM/DV  
formats  
REC  
SAVE  
The DVCAM format was developed as a  
more reliable and higher-end format than  
the consumer DV format. Explained here  
are the differences, compatibility, and  
limitations on editing for the DVCAM and  
x When labeling the cassette  
Be sure to place the label only on the  
locations shown in the following  
illustration so as not to cause a malfunction  
of your camcorder.  
DV formats.  
appears when the DVCAM  
standard is not met.  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
Differences between the DVCAM and  
DV formats  
Specification  
DVCAM  
DV  
TRACK  
Pitch  
15 µm  
10 µm  
Labeling position  
Audio  
sampling  
frequency  
12 bit:32  
kHz  
16 bit:48  
kHz  
12 bit:32 kHz  
16 bit:48 kHz  
44.1 kHz  
x After using the cassette  
Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid  
distortion of the picture or the sound. The  
cassette should then be put in its case, and  
stored in an upright position.  
48 kHz  
Audio  
recording  
mode*  
Lock mode  
Lock/Unlock  
mode  
x When cleaning the gold-plated  
connector  
* There are 2 modes for audio recording, lock  
mode and unlock mode. In lock mode, the  
sampling frequencies of audio and video are  
synchronized. Therefore, lock mode is more  
effective than unlock mode in digital  
processing and smooth transition during audio  
editing.  
Generally, clean the gold-plated connector  
on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after  
every 10 times it has been ejected.  
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette  
is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape  
indicator may not show correctly.  
Gold-plated connector  
120  
     
Mini DVCAM and mini DV cassettes  
The recording format of the picture is  
defined according to the recorder’s format  
as described below.  
Compatibility on editing using DV  
jacks  
When this camcorder is connected to other  
digital video equipment using an i.LINK  
cable, the recording format of edited tapes  
is defined according to the source tape and  
the recorder’s format as described below.  
Playback or editing using the edited tape  
may be limited depending on dubbing  
operation. Start dubbing after reading  
“Limitations on editing” (p. 122).  
Recorder’s  
format  
Cassette’s  
format  
Recording  
format  
DVCAM  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM  
DV  
DV  
b Notes  
Source  
tape  
Player’s  
format  
Recorder’s Recording  
format format  
• This camcorder complies with the DVCAM  
format.Though mini DV cassettes can be used  
for recording, we recommend you use mini  
DVCAM cassettes to get the most out of the  
high reliability of the DVCAM format.  
• The recording time of mini DV cassettes is 1/3  
shorter than that indicated on mini DV cassettes  
when recorded in the DVCAM format.  
DV  
DVCAM DVCAM DVCAM 1)  
formatted  
(SP mode  
only)  
DV  
DV  
DV  
formatted  
DV  
DVCAM DVCAM  
DV DV  
DVCAM DVCAM DVCAM DVCAM  
formatted  
Compatibility on playback  
DV  
DV  
2)  
Tape  
On DV video  
equipment  
On DVCAM  
video  
DVCAM DV 3)  
DVCAM DVCAM  
equipment  
formatted  
2)  
(Compatib  
ility  
DV  
Can be  
Can be  
formatted  
playback  
played back  
only when  
recorded in  
SP mode  
depends  
on  
models.)  
DV  
DV  
DVCAM  
formatted  
Can be  
played back playback  
on some  
Can be  
1) When using mini DVCAM video equipment to  
perform DV dubbing of a tape recorded in DV  
format, the tape produced will be in the  
DVCAM format which the time code format  
will be partly misadjusted. (there will be no  
effect on the recorded picture except in certain  
cases.)  
equipment  
2) If the tape that is to be dubbed is in the DVCAM  
format as in 1), the tape produced will be in the  
DVCAM format and the time code format will  
be partly misadjusted.  
3) Some mini DV video equipment may be able to  
play back a DVCAM-formatted tape. Even if  
the tape is played back, quality of the playback  
cannot be guaranteed. The time code format will  
be partly misadjusted.  
Continued ,  
121  
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
Photographic Experts Group) format. The file  
extension is “.JPG.”  
• A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted by a  
computer (Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have  
guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder.  
b Notes  
• If you use tapes as in 1) to 3) above for editing,  
the functions may be limited regardless of the  
format of players and recorders.  
• Data read/write speed may vary depending on  
the combination of the “Memory Stick Duo”  
and “Memory Stick Duo” compliant product  
you use.  
• You can prevent accidental erasure of images  
when you slide the write-protect tab on the  
“Memory Stick Duo” with a small tapered  
object, to the write-protect position.  
• Damaged or lost image data will not be  
compensated for, and may occur in the  
following cases:  
– If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn the  
power off on your camcorder, or remove the  
battery pack for replacement while your  
camcorder is reading or writing image files on  
the “Memory Stick Duo” (while the access  
lamp is lit or flashing).  
Limitations on editing  
You may find the following limitations  
when editing a tape produced by dubbing or  
editing using the HDV/DV Interface  
(i.LINK) jack:  
• Due to the difference in track pitch, you cannot  
record or edit on DV-formatted tapes using mini  
DVCAM video equipment.  
• Depending on the DVCAM video equipment  
used, you may not be able to edit DVCAM  
formatted tapes if the audio recording mode is  
unlock mode. In this case, dub using audio/  
video jacks.  
About the “Memory Stick”  
– If you use the “Memory Stick Duo” near  
magnets or magnetic fields.  
• It is recommended to make a back-up of  
important data on the hard disk of a computer.  
• Be careful not to apply excessive force when  
writing on a memo area on a “Memory Stick  
Duo.”  
• Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory  
Stick Duo” or a “Memory Stick Duo” adaptor.  
• When you carry or store a “Memory Stick Duo,”  
put it in its case.  
• Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come  
into contact with the terminals.  
• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable  
IC recording medium with a large data  
capacity.  
You can use the following types of  
“Memory Stick” listed below on the  
camcorder. However, we do not guarantee  
the operation of all types of “Memory  
Stick” on your camcorder. (See the list  
below for more details.)  
Recording  
Types of “Memory Stick”  
/Playback  
“Memory Stick Duo”  
(with MagicGate)  
a
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
a
a
• Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory  
Stick Duo.”  
• Do not let the “Memory Stick Duo” get wet.  
• Be careful to keep “Memory Stick Duo” media  
out of the reach of small children. There is  
danger that a child might swallow it.  
• Do not insert anything other than a “Memory  
Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot.  
Doing so may cause a malfunction.  
• Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick Duo” in  
the following locations:  
– Places subject to extremely high temperature,  
such as a car parked outside in the summer.  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”  
• This product does not support high speed data  
transfer via a parallel interface.  
• This product cannot record or play data that uses  
“MagicGate” technology. “MagicGate” is a  
copyright protection technology that records and  
transfers the contents in an encrypted format.  
• This product is compatible with “Memory Stick  
Micro” (“M2”). “M2” is the abbreviation for the  
“Memory Stick Micro.”  
• Still image format: Your camcorder compresses  
and records image data in the JPEG (Joint  
– Places under direct sunlight.  
122  
         
– Places with extremely high humidity or  
subject to corrosive gases.  
conform to the universal standard. (These  
models are not sold in some regions.)  
• If you cannot use a “Memory Stick Duo” that  
has been used with another device, format it  
with your camcorder (p. 91). Note that  
formatting erases all information on the  
“Memory Stick Duo.”  
• You may not be able to play back images with  
your camcorder:  
– When playing back image data modified on  
your computer.  
x On the “Memory Stick Duo” adaptor  
• When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with a  
“Memory Stick” compliant device, make sure to  
insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into a “Memory  
Stick Duo” adaptor.  
• When inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into a  
“Memory Stick Duo” adaptor, make sure the  
“Memory Stick Duo” is inserted facing in the  
correct direction, then insert it all the way in.  
Note that improper use may cause a  
malfunction. Also, if you force the “Memory  
Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo”  
adaptor in the wrong direction, it may be  
damaged.  
• Do not insert a “Memory Stick Duo” adaptor  
without a “Memory Stick Duo” attached. Doing  
so may result in malfunctions of the unit.  
– When playing back image data recorded with  
other devices.  
About the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack  
This unit is compatible with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series).  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
x On a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
• The maximum memory capacity of a “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” that can be used on your  
camcorder is 16 GB.  
• This unit does not support high speed data  
transfer.  
“InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related to  
operating conditions between your  
camcorder and a supplied AC Adaptor/  
Charger.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
With an AC Adaptor/Charger, the  
remaining battery time and charging time  
appear.  
Notes on using “Memory Stick Micro”  
• To use a “Memory Stick Micro” with the  
camcorder, you need a Duo-sized M2 Adaptor.  
Insert the “Memory Stick Micro” into the Duo-  
sized M2 Adaptor, then insert the adaptor into  
the “Memory Stick Duo” slot. If you insert a  
“Memory Stick Micro” into the camcorder  
without using a Duo-sized M2 Adaptor, you  
might not be able to remove it from the  
camcorder.  
• Do not leave the “Memory Stick Micro” within  
the reach of small children. They might  
accidentally swallow it.  
On image data compatibility  
• Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick  
Duo” by your camcorder conform to the  
“Design rule for Camera File system” universal  
standard established by the JEITA (Japan  
Electronics and Information Technology  
Industries Association).  
• On your camcorder, you cannot play back still  
images recorded on other devices (DCR-  
TRV900 or DSC-D700/D770) that do not  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the charge lamp of the AC  
Adaptor/Charger turns off. If you charge the  
Continued ,  
123  
     
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
battery pack outside of this temperature range,  
you may not be able to charge it efficiently.  
About storage of the battery pack  
• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,  
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on  
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper  
function. To store the battery pack, remove it  
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool  
place.  
• To discharge the battery pack on your  
camcorder completely, leave your camcorder in  
tape recording standby until the power goes off  
(p. 17).  
To use the battery pack effectively  
• Battery pack performance decreases when the  
surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or  
below, and the length of time you can use the  
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do  
one of the following to use the battery pack for a  
longer time.  
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,  
and insert it in your camcorder right before  
you start taking shots.  
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-F770/  
F970 (optional).  
• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent  
playback, fast forward or rewind operation  
wears out the battery pack faster.  
About battery life  
• Battery capacity decreases over time and  
through repeated use. If decreased usage time  
between charges becomes significant, it is  
probably time to replace it with a new one.  
• Each battery’s life is governed by storage,  
operating and environmental conditions.  
We recommend using a large capacity battery  
pack: NP-F770/F970.  
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF when  
not recording or playing back on your  
camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed  
when your camcorder is in recording standby or  
playback pause.  
• Have spare battery packs ready for two or three  
times the expected recording time, and make  
trial recordings before making the actual  
recording.  
About i.LINK  
The HDV/DV (i.LINK) jack on your  
camcorder is an i.LINK-compliant 4-pin  
jack. This section describes the i.LINK  
standard and its features.  
What is i.LINK?  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
i.LINK is a digital serial interface for  
transferring digital video, digital audio, and  
other data to other i.LINK-compatible  
devices. You can also control other devices  
using the i.LINK.  
About the remaining battery time  
indicator  
• When the power goes off even though the  
remaining battery time indicator indicates that  
the battery pack has enough power to operate,  
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining  
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,  
however, that the battery indication will not be  
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a  
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or  
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use  
the remaining battery time indication as a rough  
guide only.  
i.LINK-compatible devices can be  
connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible  
applications are operations and data  
transactions with various digital AV  
devices.  
When two or more i.LINK-compatible  
devices are daisy-chained with the unit,  
operation becomes possible from any  
device in the chain. Note that operation  
method may vary, or data transactions may  
not be possible, depending on specifications  
and characteristics of the connected  
devices.  
• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes  
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery  
time remaining, depending on the operating  
conditions or ambient temperature.  
124  
       
b Notes  
not compatible with this unit. Before  
connecting to other devices, be sure to  
confirm whether the device is compatible  
with an HDV/DV device or not. For details  
on precautions and compatible application  
software, refer also to the operating  
• Normally, only one device can be connected to  
this unit with an i.LINK cable. When  
connecting this unit to an HDV/DV compatible  
device having two or more HDV/DV  
interfaces, refer to the operating instructions of  
the device to be connected.  
• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE  
1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and  
is a trademark approved by many corporations.  
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard  
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and  
Electronics Engineers.  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
b Notes  
• When connecting a device with an i.LINK  
terminal to your camcorder via an i.LINK cable,  
switch off the device and unplug it from the  
power socket before plugging in or unplugging  
the i.LINK cable.  
About the i.LINK Baud rate  
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies  
according to the device. There are 3 types.  
About x.v.Color  
• x.v.Color is a more familiar term for the  
xvYCC standard proposed by Sony, and is  
a trademark of Sony.  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
• xvYCC is an international standard for  
color space in video. This standard can  
express a wider color range than the  
currently used broadcast standard.  
The baud rate is listed under  
“Specifications” in the operating  
instructions of each piece of equipment. It  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a device  
with a different maximum baud rate.  
About handling of your  
camcorder  
On use and care  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations.  
– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never leave  
them exposed to temperatures above 60 °C  
(140 °F), such as under direct sunlight, near  
heaters or in a car parked in the sun. They  
may malfunction or become deformed.  
* What is Mbps?  
Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or  
the amount of data that can be sent or  
received in one second. For example, a  
baud rate of 100 Mbps means that 100  
megabits of data can be sent in one second.  
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical  
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.  
To use i.LINK functions on this unit  
For details on how to dub when this unit is  
connected to other video devices having an  
i.LINK interface, see page 99.  
This unit can also be connected to other  
i.LINK-compatible devices made by Sony  
(for example, a VAIO series personal  
computer) as well as to video devices.  
Some i.LINK compatible video devices,  
such as Digital Televisions, DVD,  
– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The  
camcorder may not be able to record properly.  
– Near AM receivers and video equipment.  
Noise may occur.  
– On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand  
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may  
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction  
cannot be repaired.  
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD  
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be  
MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are  
Continued ,  
125  
     
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the  
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.  
Moisture condensation  
If your camcorder is brought directly from a  
cold place to a warm place, moisture may  
condense inside your camcorder, on the  
surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this  
state, the tape may stick to the head drum  
and be damaged or your camcorder may not  
operate correctly. If there is moisture inside  
your camcorder, [Moisture condensation.  
Eject the cassette] or [Moisture  
– Anywhere very humid.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery  
pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories  
recommended in these operating instructions.  
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,  
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets  
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this  
malfunction cannot be repaired.  
condensation. Turn off for 1H.] appears.  
The indicator will not appear when the  
moisture condenses on the lens.  
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
x If moisture condensation has occurred  
None of the functions except cassette  
ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn  
off your camcorder, and leave it for about  
one hour with the cassette lid open. Your  
camcorder can be used again when both of  
the following conditions are met:  
• The warning message does not appear when the  
power is turned on.  
• Neither % nor Z flashes when a cassette is  
inserted and the video operation buttons are  
pressed.  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
• Do not use a deformed or damaged battery pack.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF when  
you are not using your camcorder.  
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
• When disconnecting the power cord (mains  
lead), pull it by the plug and not the lead.  
• Do not damage the power cord (mains lead)  
such as by placing anything heavy on it.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
If moisture starts to condense, your  
camcorder sometimes cannot detect  
condensation. If this happens, the cassette is  
sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after  
the cassette lid is opened. This is not a  
malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid  
until the cassette is ejected.  
• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type  
battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is  
accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor  
immediately.  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin.  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
x Note on moisture condensation  
Moisture may condense when you bring  
your camcorder from a cold place into a  
warm place (or vice versa) or when you use  
your camcorder in a humid place as shown  
below.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• When you bring your camcorder from an air  
conditioned car or room into a hot place outside.  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
• Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a  
cassette for about 3 minutes.  
• Use up the battery pack completely before  
storing it.  
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a  
shower.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
126  
 
– The following phenomenon occurs in  
DVCAM (DV) format.  
x How to avoid moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a  
cold place into a warm place, put your  
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it  
tightly. Remove the bag when the air  
temperature inside the plastic bag has  
reached the surrounding temperature (after  
about one hour).  
Block-noise  
appears.  
Video head  
If you play back a tape recorded in HDV  
format, the image and sound may freeze for  
a while (about 0.5 seconds).  
The playback screen goes blank.  
(Solid blue screen)  
This occurs if the HDV signals cannot be  
recorded or played back correctly because  
of dirt on the tape or video head. Depending  
on the cassette, this fairly infrequently  
occurs even if the cassette is brand new or  
is not used a lot.  
• The video heads will be worn after long use. If  
you cannot obtain a clear image even after using  
a cleaning cassette (optional), the video heads  
may be worn out. Please contact your Sony  
dealer or local authorized Sony service facility  
to have the video heads replaced.  
If this freezing point is created while  
playing back, you can solve this problem  
and see the pictures by rewinding after  
slightly forwarding. Such a freezing point  
cannot be recovered if it was created while  
recording.  
To prevent such a problem, use the Sony  
mini DV cassette.  
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video  
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony cleaning  
cassette (optional).  
LCD screen  
• Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD  
screen, as it may cause damage.  
• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a  
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
x To clean the LCD screen  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear.  
– The sound breaks off.  
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen  
dirty, it is recommended you use a soft  
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD  
Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the  
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen.  
Use cleaning paper moistened with the  
liquid.  
– [x  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording.  
– The following phenomenon occurs in HDV  
format.  
On handling the casing  
• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body  
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,  
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.  
• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the  
finish.  
The playback The playback screen  
screen pauses. goes blank.  
(Solid blue screen)  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen.  
Continued ,  
127  
 
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
Removing dust from inside the  
viewfinder  
About care and storage of the lens  
• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft  
cloth in the following instances:  
– When there are fingerprints on the lens  
surface.  
– In hot or humid locations  
1
Remove the eye piece of the  
viewfinder.  
Slide down the viewfinder release lever  
and hold it at the position (1), then lift  
the eye piece of the viewfinder as  
indicated with the arrow in the  
illustration (2).  
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as  
at the seaside.  
• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to  
little dirt or dust.  
• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as  
described above. It is recommended that you  
operate your camcorder about once a month to  
keep it in optimum state for a long time.  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,  
and other settings even when the POWER  
switch is set to OFF. The pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is always charged  
while your camcorder is connected to the  
wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC  
Adaptor/Charger or while the battery pack  
is inserted. The rechargeable battery will be  
fully discharged in about 3 months if you  
do not use your camcorder at all without the  
AC Adaptor/Charger connected or the  
battery pack attached. Use your camcorder  
after charging the pre-installed  
2
Remove dust inside the eye piece  
and viewfinder with a blower.  
rechargeable battery.  
However, even if the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is not charged, the  
camcorder operation will not be affected as  
long as you are not recording the date.  
x Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet  
(wall socket) using the supplied AC  
Adaptor/Charger, and leave it with the  
POWER switch set to OFF for more than  
24 hours.  
128  
         
Specifications  
Fast forward/rewind time  
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a PHDVM-  
63DM cassette and rechargeable  
battery pack)  
System  
Video recording system (HDV)  
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system  
Video recording system (DVCAM (DV))  
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system  
Still image recording system  
Exif Ver. 2.2*  
Audio recording system (HDV)  
Rotary heads, MPEG-1 Audio Layer-2,  
Quantization: 16 bits  
Fs48kHz (stereo)  
transfer rate: 384 kbps  
Audio recording system (DVCAM (DV))  
Rotary heads, PCM system  
Quantization: 12 bits  
Fs32kHz (channel 1/2 stereo),  
Quantization: 16 bits  
Fs48kHz (channel 1/2 stereo)  
Video signal  
NTSC color, EIA standards  
1080/60i specification  
Usable cassette  
Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a PHDVM-  
63DM cassette and AC Adaptor/  
Charger)  
Viewfinder  
Electric viewfinder (color, black and  
white)  
Picture  
1.1 cm (0.45 type, aspect  
ratio 16:9)  
Total dot number  
1 226 880 (approx. 852 × 3[RGB] ×  
480)  
Image device  
6.0 mm (1/3 type) 3CMOS sensor  
Recording Pixels (HDV/DV16:9 still  
recording):  
Max. 1.20 Mega (1 440 × 810) pixels**  
Gross: Approx. 1 120 000 pixels  
Effective (movie, 16:9):  
Approx. 1 037 000 pixels  
Effective (movie, 4:3):  
Approx. 778 000 pixels  
Effective (still, 16:9):  
Approx. 1 037 000 pixels  
Effective (still, 4:3):  
Mini DV cassette with the  
printed or Mini DVCAM cassette with  
the mark printed  
mark  
Tape speed (HDV)  
Approx. 18.812 mm/s  
Tape speed (DVCAM)  
Approx. 28.193 mm/s  
Approx. 778 000 pixels  
Lens  
Tape speed (DV SP)  
Approx. 18.812 mm/s  
G Lens  
Recording/playback time (HDV)  
63 min (using a PHDVM-63DM  
cassette)  
Recording/playback time (DVCAM)  
41 min (using a PHDVM-63DM  
cassette)  
Recording/playback time (DV SP)  
63 min (using a PHDVM-63DM  
cassette)  
20 × (Optical), Approx. 30 × (Digital,  
when [D.EXTENDER] is set to [ON])  
Focal length  
f=4.1 - 82.0 mm (3/16 - 3 1/4 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
29.5 - 590 mm (1 3/16 - 23 1/4 in.)  
(16:9),  
36.1 - 722 mm (1 7/16 - 28 1/2 in.)  
(4:3)  
F1.6 - 3.4  
Filter diameter: 72 mm (2 7/8 in.)  
Continued ,  
129  
   
Specifications (Continued)  
Color temperature  
i (headphones) jack  
[AUTO]  
Stereo-minijack (Ø 3.5 mm)  
(one push) A/B  
[INDOOR] (3 200K)  
Input/Output connectors  
[OUTDOOR] (5 800K 7 offset levels)  
[MANU WB TEMP] (2 300K -  
15 000K in 100K steps)  
Minimum illumination  
1.5 lx (lux) (Fixed Shutter Speed 1/30,  
auto gain, auto iris) (F 1.6)  
LANC  
jack  
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm)  
INPUT1/INPUT2 jack  
XLR 3-pin, female,  
-48 dBu: 3kΩ (kilohms)  
+4 dBu: 10kΩ (kilohms)  
(0 dBu=0.775 Vrms)  
HDV/DV jack  
i.LINK interface (IEEE 1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
* “Exif” is a file format for still images,  
established by the JEITA (Japan  
Electronics andInformationTechnology  
Industries Association). Files in this  
format can have additional information  
such as your camcorder’s setting  
information at the time of recording.  
**The unique pixel array of Sony's  
ClearVid CMOS sensor and image  
processing system (Enhanced Imaging  
Processor) allows for still image  
resolution equivalent to the sizes  
described.  
LCD screen  
Picture  
8.0 cm (3.2 type, aspect ratio 16:9)  
Total dot number  
921 600 (1 920 × 480)  
General  
Power requirements  
DC 7.2 V (battery pack)  
Output connectors  
A/V Remote Connector  
10-pin connector  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor/Charger)  
Average power consumption*  
During camera recording using the  
microphone ECM-XM1 and viewfinder  
with normal brightness:  
When A/V connecting cable is  
connected  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω(ohms)  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω(ohms)  
Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p (burst  
signal), 75 Ω(ohms)  
HDV recording 7.1 W  
DVCAM (DV) recording 6.8 W  
During camera recording using the  
microphone ECM-XM1 and LCD with  
normal brightness:  
When component A/V cable is  
connected  
HDV recording 7.3 W  
Y: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω(ohms), PB/PR, CB/CR:  
+/- 350 mV, 75 Ω(ohms)  
Audio signal: -10 dBu (at load  
impedance 47 kΩ(kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
DVCAM (DV) recording 7.0 W  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)  
(0 dBu=0.775 Vrms)  
HDMI OUT jack  
TypeA (19-pin)  
130  
Dimensions (approx.)  
HVR-Z5U:  
AC Adaptor/Charger AC-VQ1050  
Power requirements  
AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz  
Power consumption  
22 W  
Output voltage  
169 × 188 × 451 mm  
(6 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 17 7/8 in.)  
(w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts  
169 × 188 × 451 mm  
(6 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 17 7/8 in.)  
(w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts with the  
battery pack (NP-F770)  
HVR-Z5N:  
169 × 188 × 451 mm  
(6 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 17 7/8 in.)  
(w/h/d)  
DC 8.4 V*  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
123 × 53 × 135 mm  
(4 7/8 × 2 1/8 × 5 3/8 in.) (w/h/d)  
excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
including the projecting parts  
169 × 188 × 451 mm  
(6 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 17 7/8 in.)  
(w/h/d)  
390 g (13.8 oz) excluding the power  
cord (mains lead)  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor/Charger for  
including the projecting parts with the  
battery pack (NP-F570)  
Mass (approx.)  
other specifications.  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F770  
(supplied with HVR-Z5U)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
HVR-Z5U:  
2.2 kg (5 lb 1 oz) including the lens  
hood with lens cover  
2.6 kg (5 lb 10 oz) including the battery  
pack (NP-F770), cassette (PHDVM-  
63DM), lens hood with lens cover and  
microphone (ECM-XM1)  
HVR-Z5N:  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Maximum charge voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Maximum charge current  
3.0 A  
Capacity  
2.2 kg (5 lb 1 oz) including the lens  
hood with lens cover  
2.5 kg (5 lb 6 oz) including the battery  
pack (NP-F570), cassette (PHDVM-  
63DM), lens hood with lens cover and  
microphone (ECM-XM1)  
31.7 Wh (4 400 mAh)  
Type  
Li-ion  
* When the HVR-MRC1 is used, the average  
power consumption increases about 2.5 W.  
131  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570  
(supplied with HVR-Z5N)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Maximum charge voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Maximum charge current  
3.0 A  
Capacity  
15.8 Wh (2 200 mAh)  
Type  
Li-ion  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
132  
On trademarks  
Notes on the License  
• “Memory Stick,” “  
Duo,” “  
PRO Duo,” “  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,”  
,” “Memory Stick  
,” “Memory Stick  
,”  
ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN  
CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY  
MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE  
MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING  
VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED  
MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED  
WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE  
PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT  
PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS  
,” “Memory Stick  
,”  
Micro,” “MagicGate,” “  
“MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate  
Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250  
STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER,  
COLORADO 80206.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
• “x.v.Color” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
is a trademark.  
is a trademark.  
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and  
Windows Media are trademarks or registered  
trademarks of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the  
U.S. and other countries.  
• Macintosh and Mac OS are registered  
trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.  
• HDMI, HDMI logo, and High-Definition  
Multimedia Interface are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.  
• Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark  
of Intel Corporation.  
• Adobe, and Adobe Reader are trademarks of  
Adobe Systems Incorporated.  
All other product names mentioned herein may be  
the trademarks or registered trademarks of their  
respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®”  
are not mentioned in each case in this manual.  
133  
 
QIduicek Rnetfeirefnyceing parts and controls  
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.  
A Accessory shoe mount (134)  
B Hook for shoulder strap (137)  
C BATT RELEASE button (14)  
D Zoom lever (28)  
H Grip belt (17)  
I Microphone fixing clamper (10)  
J Microphone holder (10)  
K Microphone (10)  
E ASSIGN 7/PHOTO button (26)  
F Access lamp (23)  
L Accessory shoe (134)  
M Lens hood with lens cover (12)  
G “Memory Stick Duo” slot (22)  
1 Lift the edge of the accessory shoe plate  
and pull it in the direction opposite to  
that of the arrow on the accessory shoe  
plate and remove it from the accessory  
shoe.  
To mount the accessory shoe  
Mount the accessory shoe on the accessory  
shoe mount as illustrated.  
Accessory shoe plate  
2 Place the accessory shoe as its  
protrusions matches recesses of the  
accessory shoe mount, then fix it to the  
mount with four screws.  
Accessory shoe  
Accessory shoe  
3 Insert the accessory shoe plate in the  
direction of the arrow on the plate  
surface until the end of the plate  
engages the end of the shoe.  
To remove the accessory shoe  
Remove the shoe plate in the same way as  
step 1 of “To mount the accessory shoe.”  
Loosen the 4 screws and remove the  
accessory shoe from the accessory shoe  
mount.  
Accessory shoe plate  
134  
             
A Front recording lamp (94)  
The recording lamp flashes if the  
remaining tape or battery is low.  
R PICTURE PROFILE button (35)  
S MENU button (20)  
T AUTO/MANUAL switch (30)  
B Internal microphone (10)  
C Front remote sensor (94)  
D FOCUS switch (29)  
* The ASSIGN 2 button /AE SHIFT button has a  
raised tactile dot for your convenience in  
locating the button.  
E ND filter (33)  
F PUSH AUTO button (29)  
G ASSIGN 1 button/ZEBRA button (46)  
H ASSIGN 2 button/AE SHIFT button*  
I ASSIGN 3 button/REC REVIEW  
button (46)  
J Large eyecup (19)  
K CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT1) switch (44)  
L AUTO/MAN (CH1) switch (44)  
M AUDIO LEVEL(CH1) dial (44)  
N AUDIO LEVEL(CH2) dial (44)  
O AUTO/MAN (CH2) switch (44)  
P CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2)  
switch (44)  
Q STATUS CHECK button (55)  
Continued ,  
135  
Identifying parts and controls (Continued)  
A ASSIGN 4 button (46)  
B ASSIGN 5 button* (46)  
C ASSIGN 6 button (46)  
O LANC  
jack  
The LANC  
controlling the tape transport of video  
device and peripherals connected to it.  
control jack is used for  
D Memory Recording Unit jack (44)  
For an optional memory recording unit  
(HVR-DR60 or HVR-MRC1)  
P POWER switch (17)  
Q REC START/STOP button (24)  
R Cable holder (10)  
For securing the i.LINK cable or other  
cables  
E
HDV/DV jack (58)  
F A/V Remote Connector (58)  
* The ASSIGN 5 button has a raised tactile dot for  
your convenience in locating the button.  
G HDMI OUT jack (58)  
H i (headphones) jack  
For stereo mini-jack headphones  
I REC START/STOP button (24)  
J INPUT2 jack (10)  
K INPUT1 jack (10)  
L INPUT2 switch (44)  
M INPUT1 switch (44)  
N Cable holder (10)  
Inner cable holder and outer cable  
holder are provided for securing an  
i.LINK cable and a microphone cable,  
respectively.  
136  
   
A Handle zoom lever (28)  
B Hook for shoulder strap (137)  
C Handle zoom switch (28)  
D Lens cover lever (12)  
E Focus ring (29)  
To attach the shoulder strap  
Attach the shoulder strap (optional) to the  
hooks for the shoulder strap.  
F Zoom ring (28)  
G Iris ring (30)  
H GAIN button (32)  
I WHT BAL button* (33)  
J SHUTTER SPEED button (30)  
K
OPEN/EJECT lever (22)  
L SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (20)  
(One push) button (34)  
M
N White balance memory switch (33)  
O Gain switch (32)  
P IRIS/EXPOSURE button (30)  
* WHT BAL button has a raised tactile dot for  
your convenience in locating the button.  
Continued ,  
137  
     
Identifying parts and controls (Continued)  
* PLAY button, VOLUME/MEMORY button,  
A TC/U-BIT button  
and MEMORY/INDEX button have raised  
tactile dots for your convenience in locating the  
buttons.  
Switches between time code and user bit  
to display on the LCD screen.  
B DATA CODE button (54)  
C Video control buttons (STOP/REW/  
PLAY*/FF/PAUSE/REC/SLOW) (51)  
D VOLUME/MEMORY button* (51)  
E MEMORY/DELETE button (51)  
F MEMORY/INDEX button* (51)  
G MEMORY/PLAY button (51)  
H DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (54)  
I RESET button  
If you press the RESET button, all  
settings including the clock setting  
(except the Picture profile and Camera  
profile settings) return to the default.  
J LCD screen (18)  
K Viewfinder (18)  
L Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (18)  
M Viewfinder release lever (128)  
N Rear remote sensor (94)  
O Rear recording lamp (94)  
The recording lamp flashes if the  
remaining tape or battery is low.  
138  
       
b Notes  
• Aim the Remote Commander towards the  
remote sensor to operate your camcorder.  
• Point the remote sensor away from strong light  
sources such as direct sunlight or overhead  
lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander  
may not function properly.  
Remote Commander  
Remove the insulation sheet before using  
the Remote Commander.  
Insulation sheet  
• When you are operating with the Remote  
Commander supplied with your camcorder,  
your VCR may also operate. In that case, select  
a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your  
VCR, or cover the sensor of your VCR with  
black paper.  
7
To change the battery of the Remote  
Commander  
1 While pressing on the tab, inset your  
fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery  
case.  
8
9
1
2
3
4
2 Place a new battery with the + side facing  
up.  
5
6
3 Insert the battery case back into the Remote  
Commander until it clicks.  
0
Tab  
A PHOTO (26)  
The on-screen image when you press this  
button will be recorded onto the “Memory  
Stick Duo” as a still image.  
WARNING  
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not  
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in  
fire.  
B Memory control buttons (Index, –/+,  
Memory/playback) (52)  
C SEARCH M. (56)  
• When the lithium battery becomes weak, the  
operating distance of the Remote Commander  
may shorten, or the Remote Commander may  
not function properly. In this case, replace the  
battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery.  
Use of another battery may present a risk of fire  
or explosion.  
D . >  
E Video control buttons (Rewind,  
Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,  
Slow) (51)  
F ZERO SET MEMORY  
This button is invalid with your  
camcorder.  
G Transmitter  
H START/STOP (24)  
I Power zoom (28)  
J DISPLAY (54)  
139  
         
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder  
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.  
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape during recording.  
Recording movies  
Recording still images  
1
2
3
4
5
2
9
60  
min  
00:04:50:04  
min  
60  
REC  
1.2M  
q;  
HDV1080i  
12  
min  
101  
8
7
12min  
6
A Recording format (  
or  
H Recording folder (91)  
I Image size (26)  
,
B Remaining battery (approx.)  
J Recording indicator (26)  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
Data code during recording  
D During recording:  
Tape counter (hour: minute: second:  
frame)  
The date/time during recording and the  
camera setting data will be recorded  
automatically. They do not appear on the  
screen during recording, but you can check  
them on the screen by pressing the DATA  
CODE button during playback (p. 54).  
During playback:  
Time code (hour: minute: second:  
frame)  
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)  
F Audio level display (82)  
G Remaining recording time of an external  
Memory Recording Unit (optional)  
140  
         
Viewing movies  
Viewing still images  
2
qd qf  
9
1
2
qa  
4
5
101  
60  
min  
1.2M  
9/9  
60  
min  
00:04.50:04  
12  
min  
101-0011  
MEMORY PLAY  
qs  
HDV1080i  
qg  
L Data file name  
K Tape transport indicator  
Recording mode (DVCAM or DV SP)  
M Picture number/Total number of  
recorded pictures in the current  
playback folder  
appears when a tape recorded in the DVCAM  
or DV SP format is played back.  
N Playback folder (92)  
O Previous/Next folder icon  
The  
,
or  
appears when the  
first or last picture of the current folder is  
displayed and when there are multiple folders  
on the same “Memory Stick Duo.” You can  
move to Previous/Next folder with the  
VOLUME/MEMORY button.  
Continued ,  
141  
Center  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Z
Warning (116)  
Upper left  
Upper right  
60min  
00:00:00:00  
Bottom  
Indicator  
Meaning  
HISTOGRAM (80)  
DV AU.MODE (DV  
Audio mode) (77)*  
Center  
Bottom  
Manual volume  
control(44, 78)  
Upper left  
9
Manual focus (29)  
Picture profile (35)  
SPOTLIGHT (72)  
BACK LIGHT (72)  
SteadyShot off (72)  
PEAKING (81)  
Indicator  
Meaning  
~
Recording format (85)  
DV WIDE REC (86)*  
QUICK REC (94)**  
DV FRAME REC (75)*  
ND filter (33)  
.
D.EXTENDER (73)  
AE SHIFT (71)  
Extended clear scan  
(32, 71)  
INTERVAL REC (74)  
EXT REC CTRL (88)  
EXPOSURE control  
REC TYPE  
SCAN TYPE (85)  
Auto setting (82)  
n
A
B
White balance (33)  
FOCUS MACRO  
(73)  
Upper right  
HYPER GAIN (70)  
x.v.Color (76)**  
ZEBRA (80)  
Indicator  
Meaning  
INDEX MARK (47)  
HDV input/  
DV input (100)  
* The settings can be made only for the pictures  
in the DVCAM (DV) format.  
HDV output/  
DV output (99)  
**The setting can be made only for the pictures in  
the HDV format.  
i.LINK connection  
z Tips  
LCD backlight off (18)  
• Indicators may look different or appear at  
different positions.  
142  
 
Index  
Connect  
A
B
BATT RELEASE (battery  
D
Button-type lithium battery  
C
Deleting camera profile settings  
CAMERA PROF.  
Cassette  
AUDIO LEVEL (CH1)  
AUDIO LEVEL (CH1/CH2)  
CH1 (INT MIC/INPUT1)  
AUDIO LEVEL (CH2)  
CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/  
DV AU. MODE  
AUTO/MAN (CH1/CH2)  
DV REC MODE  
COLOR CORRCT (Color  
AU.LVL DISP  
Continued ,  
143  
 
Index (Continued)  
E
H
F
Folder  
J
K
I
L
PB FOLDER (Playback  
REC FOLDER (Recording  
G
144  
M
N
Q
R
REC CH SELECT switch  
Memory Recording Unit jack  
REC FOLDER (Recording  
O
Number of recordable  
“Memory Stick Duo” slot cover  
MEMORY/DELETE button  
P
REC START/STOP button  
Menu  
PB FOLDER  
PB ZOOM (Playback zoom)  
MEMORY SET menu  
PICTURE PROFILE button  
REMOTE CTRL (Remote  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
Microphone fixing clamper  
S
PUSH (lens hood release)  
Continued ,  
145  
Index (Continued)  
W
White balance memory switch  
SHUTTER SPEED button  
SKINTONE DTL (Skintone  
U
SMTH SLW REC  
X
Using your camcorder abroad  
Z
V
T
Viewfinder lens adjustment  
VOLUME/MEMORY button  
146  

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