Sony Handycam DCR HC27E. User Manual

3-097-356-12(1)  
Digital Video Camera Recorder  
Operating Guide  
DCR-HC27E/HC28E  
© 2006 Sony Corporation  
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.  
Notes on use  
Types of cassette you can use in your  
camcorder  
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked  
• 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.  
with  
. Your camcorder is not  
compatible with the Cassette Memory  
function (p. 61).  
Using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following parts.  
Viewfinder  
Battery pack  
Black point  
White, red, blue  
or green point  
LCD panel  
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof  
or waterproof.  
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,  
or the lens to direct sunlight for long  
periods of time may cause malfunctions.  
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might  
cause your camcorder to malfunction.  
Take pictures of the sun only in low light  
conditions, such as at dusk.  
• Before connecting your camcorder to  
another device with an i.LINK cable, be  
sure to insert the connector plug the  
correct way, and not forcibly to avoid  
damaging the terminal, or cause a  
malfunction of your camcorder.  
Continued ,  
3
Read this first (Continued)  
On recording  
About the Carl Zeiss lens  
• Before starting to record, test the  
recording function to make sure the  
picture and sound are recorded without  
any problems.  
• 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.  
• TV color systems differ depending on the  
countries/regions. To view your  
recordings on a TV, you need a PAL  
system-based TV.  
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl  
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by  
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony  
Corporation, and produces superior images.  
It adopts the MTF* measurement system for  
video cameras and offers a quality typical  
of a Carl Zeiss lens.  
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer  
Function. The number value indicates the  
amount of light from a subject coming into  
the lens.  
• Television programs, films, video tapes,  
and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the copyright laws.  
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.  
• 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. 14).  
• The illustrations used on this manual are  
based on the model DCR-HC28E. The  
model name is indicated on the bottom of  
your camcorder.  
• Design and specifications of recording  
media and accessories are subject to  
change without notice.  
4
Table of Contents  
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording  
Continued ,  
5
6
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP30 (1)  
(p. 9, 62)  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9)  
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  
Mains lead (1) (p. 9)  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 28, 45)  
Lens cap (1) (p. 12, 20)  
• To attach the lens cap  
Attach the lens cap to the metal fittings of the  
grip belt, as illustrated below, using the strap.  
8
         
Step 2: Charging the battery pack  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
2
Slide the POWER switch in the  
direction of the arrow to  
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).  
battery pack (P series/H series)  
(p. 62) after attaching it to your  
camcorder.  
POWER switch  
DC IN jack  
3
Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack on your camcorder.  
DC plug  
To the wall socket  
AC Adaptor  
Mains lead  
DC IN jack  
1
Align the terminals of the battery  
pack and your camcorder 1, then  
attach the battery pack and click  
it into place 2.  
With the v mark facing to the  
LCD screen  
2
1
Continued ,  
9
                     
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)  
To remove the battery pack  
4
Connect the mains lead to the AC  
Adaptor and the wall socket.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to  
OFF(CHG). Hold down the V  
BATT(battery) release lever with one  
hand.  
CHG (charge) lamp  
2 Remove the battery in the direction of  
the arrow with the other hand.  
POWER switch  
1
2
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
5
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off  
when the battery is fully charged.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the DC IN jack.  
V BATT (battery)  
release lever  
When storing the battery pack  
Fully discharge the battery before storing it  
for an extended period (p. 63).  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
DC IN jack holding both the camcorder  
and the DC plug.  
Charging time  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
To use an outside power source  
You can operate your camcorder using the  
power from the wall socket by making the  
same connections as you do when charging  
the battery pack. The battery pack will not  
lose its charge in this case.  
Battery pack  
NP-FP30 (supplied)  
NP-FP50  
Charging time  
115  
125  
NP-FP71  
170  
NP-FP90  
220  
NP-FH50  
135  
NP-FH70  
170  
NP-FH100  
390  
10  
           
On the battery pack  
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the  
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).  
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during  
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 23) will not be  
correctly displayed under the following  
conditions.  
Recording time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
– The battery pack is worn-out. (For Battery  
Info only.)  
• The power will not be supplied from the battery  
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the  
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the  
mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.  
NP-FP30  
(supplied)  
95  
110  
135  
160  
330  
395  
500  
580  
155  
180  
330  
395  
760  
890  
45  
55  
NP-FP50  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
65  
80  
165  
195  
250  
290  
75  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C  
(77 °F). (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is  
recommended.)  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
when you use your camcorder in low  
temperatures.  
• The recording and playback time will be shorter  
depending on the conditions under which you  
use your camcorder.  
90  
165  
195  
380  
445  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
On the AC Adaptor  
• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC  
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
wall socket immediately if any malfunction  
occurs while using your camcorder.  
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow  
space, such as between a wall and furniture.  
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic  
objects. This may cause a malfunction.  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
PRECAUTION  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to  
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.  
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
NP-FP30 (supplied)  
NP-FP50  
105  
150  
370  
550  
170  
370  
845  
135  
190  
465  
705  
220  
465  
1065  
NP-FP71  
NP-FP90  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
11  
   
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your  
camcorder firmly  
• After you have set the date and time  
([CLOCK SET], p. 16), the next time you  
turn on the power of your camcorder, the  
current date and time will be displayed on  
the LCD screen for a few seconds.  
To record or play back, slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
When using it for the first time, the  
[CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 16).  
POWER switch  
Lens cap  
3
4
Hold the camcorder correctly.  
Ensure a good grip, then fasten  
the grip belt.  
1
2
Remove the lens cap by pressing  
both knobs on the sides of the  
cap.  
4
1
2
3
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly in the direction of the  
arrow to turn on the respective  
lamp.  
To turn off the power  
1 Slide the POWER switch to  
OFF(CHG).  
If the POWER  
switch is set to  
OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the  
green button.  
2 Attach the lens cap.  
• At the time of purchase, the power will be set to  
turn off automatically if you leave your  
camcorder without any operation attempted for  
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power  
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 44).  
Lamps that light up  
CAMERA: To record on a tape.  
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
12  
           
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder  
The LCD panel  
The viewfinder  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best  
angle to record or play (2).  
You can view pictures using the viewfinder  
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when  
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.  
180 degrees  
(max.)  
2
Viewfinder  
1
90 degrees to the  
90 degrees  
camcorder  
(max.)  
Viewfinder lens  
adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture is  
clear.  
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the  
lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the  
LCD screen facing out. This is convenient  
during playback operations.  
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 35) to adjust the brightness  
of the LCD screen.  
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight by selecting  
[VF B.L.] (p. 42).  
(LCD/VF SET) -  
• You can adjust the [FADER] and the  
[EXPOSURE] setting using the viewfinder  
(p. 33).  
13  
         
Step 5: Using the touch panel  
You can play back recorded pictures  
(p. 21), or change the settings (p. 30) using  
the touch panel.  
Changing the language setting  
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
Select the screen language in [  
Place your hand on the rear side of  
the LCD panel to support it. Then,  
touch the buttons displayed on the  
screen.  
LANGUAGE] on the  
MENU) (p. 30, 43).  
(SETUP  
Checking the screen indicators  
(Display guide)  
DISP/BATT INFO  
You can easily check the meaning of each  
indicator (p. 25) that appears on the LCD  
screen.  
1
2
Touch  
.
–:––:––  
60min  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
Touch the button on the LCD screen.  
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work  
correctly, adjust the LCD screen  
(CALIBRATION) (p. 67).  
• Dots in lines may appear on the LCD screen, but  
this is not a malfunction. These dots are not  
recorded.  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
DISP  
GUIDE  
METER  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
Touch [DISP GUIDE].  
To hide the screen indicators  
Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the  
screen indicators (such as time code) on or  
off.  
Select area for guide.  
END  
DISP GUIDE  
The indicators vary depending on the  
settings.  
14  
                 
3
Touch the area including the  
indicator that you want to check.  
DISP GUIDE  
END  
1/2  
FOCUS:  
MANUAL  
PROGRAM AE:  
SPOTLIGHT  
P EFFECT:  
SEPIA  
PAGE  
PAGE  
RET.  
The meanings of the indicators in the  
area are listed on the screen. If you  
cannot find the indicator you want to  
check, touch [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to  
toggle.  
When you touch [  
RET.], the screen  
returns to the area selecting display.  
To finish the operation  
Touch [END].  
15  
Step 6: Setting the date and time  
Set the date and time when using this  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not  
3
Select [CLOCK SET] with  
/
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]  
screen appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder or change the POWER switch  
position.  
, then touch [EXEC].  
CLOCK SET  
• 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. 68).  
Y
M
1
D
H
M
00  
:
2007  
1
0
OK  
4
Set [Y] (year) with  
then touch  
/
,
.
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
CLOCK SET  
Y
M
1
D
H
M
00  
:
2007  
1
0
POWER switch  
Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for  
OK  
the first time.  
5
Set [M] (month), then touch  
and repeat for [D] (day), [H] (hour)  
and [M] (minute).  
1
Touch  
t [MENU].  
MANUAL SET  
PROGRAM AE  
EFFECT  
AUTO SHTR  
P
The clock starts.  
• The date and time are not displayed while  
recording, but they are automatically recorded  
on the tape, and can be displayed during  
playback (see page 35 for [DATA CODE]  
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
only [DATE/TIME])).  
EXEC  
RET.  
2
Select  
/
(SETUP MENU) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
--:--:--  
EXEC  
RET.  
16  
         
Step 7: Inserting a Cassette  
You can use mini DV  
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC  
MODE] (p. 42).  
cassettes only  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing outwards, then press  
.
Push the center of the back  
of the cassette lightly.  
1
Slide and hold the  
EJECT lever in the direction of the  
arrow and open the lid.  
OPEN/  
Window  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
Cassette compartment  
The cassette compartment  
automatically slides back in.  
Lid  
Do not force the cassette  
compartment closed by pressing the  
portion marked {DO NOT PUSH} while  
it is sliding in. It may cause a  
malfunction.  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
3
Close the lid.  
To eject the cassette  
Open the lid following the same procedure  
as described in step 1 and remove the  
cassette.  
17  
             
RecordinEg/PalasybyackRecording/Playback (Easy Handycam)  
Remove the lens cap (p. 12).  
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of  
the camera settings are automatically optimally  
adjusted, which frees you from detailed  
adjustments. The screen font size increases for  
easy viewing.  
A
B
D
C
Recording  
1
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn  
on the CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG),  
slide it while pressing the green button.  
2
3
Press EASY C.  
EASY  
appears on the screen D.  
Press REC START/STOP B to start recording.*  
60min  
REC 0:00:00  
The indicator (A) changes [STBY] to [REC].  
A
To stop recording, press B again.  
FN  
* Movies are recorded in SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.  
18  
               
Playback  
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on  
the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.  
If the POWER switch is  
set to OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the green  
button.  
Touch  
start playback.  
, then touch  
to  
A
C
B
A Stop  
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
C Rewind/Fast forward  
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation  
Press EASY C again.  
disappears from the screen D.  
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation  
Touch  
and [MENU] to display adjustable menu settings. See page 30 for details on  
setting.  
• Almost all the settings return to the default setting automatically (p. 37).  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images. Almost all the  
settings are returned to the previous situation.  
x Unavailable buttons during Easy Handycam  
During Easy Handycam operation, the BACK LIGHT button (p. 22) is unavailable. [Invalid  
during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if operations not available during Easy Handycam  
are attempted.  
19  
   
Recording  
Lens cap  
Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs  
on the sides of the cap  
POWER switch  
REC START/  
STOP  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on  
the CAMERA lamp.  
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG),  
slide it while pressing the green button.  
Press REC START/STOP to start recording.  
The indicator (A) changes [STBY] to [REC].  
A
To stop movie recording  
Press REC START/STOP again.  
20  
     
Playback  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
2
Start playing back.  
Touch  
to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch  
to start  
playback.  
A
C
B
A Stop  
B Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
• Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.  
C Rewind/Fast forward  
To adjust the volume  
Touch  
t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then  
/
to adjust the volume.  
To search for a scene during playback  
Touch and hold  
/
during playback (Picture Search), or  
/
while fast  
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).  
• You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 36).  
21  
           
Functions used for recording/playback, etc.  
Wider range of view: (Wide angle)  
1
2
3
Close view: (Telephoto)  
5
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
4
• You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 39) if you want to  
zoom to a level greater than 20 ×.  
6
7
• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom  
lever. If you move your finger off the power  
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power  
zoom lever may also be recorded.  
qa  
• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image  
blurring as desired when the power zoom lever  
is set to the T (Telephoto) side.  
To record in dark places (NightShot  
plus) ................................... 2  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch 2 to  
q;  
9
8
ON. (  
and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”]  
appear.)  
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.  
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port 3  
with your fingers or other objects. Remove the  
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 32)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
qs  
• Do not use these functions in bright places. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
Recording  
To adjust the exposure for backlit  
To use zoom.......................... 1  
Move the power zoom lever 1 slightly for  
a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
subjects (BACK LIGHT).............. 6  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
press BACK LIGHT 6 to display .. To  
cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
22  
                           
To adjust the focus for an off center  
subject (SPOT FOCUS) ............. q;  
Recording/playback  
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 32.  
To check the remaining battery  
(Battery Info) ......................... 7  
To fix the exposure for the selected  
subject (Flexible spot meter)...... q;  
See [SPOT METER] on page 32.  
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then  
press DISP/BATT INFO 7. The battery  
information appears for about 7 seconds.  
You can view the battery information for up  
to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT  
INFO again while the battery information is  
displayed.  
To record in mirror mode .......... qa  
Open the LCD panel qa 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees  
to the lens side (2).  
Remaining battery (approx.)  
BATTERY INFO  
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL  
2
0%  
50%  
100%  
1
REC TIME AVAILABLE  
LCD SCREEN : 86 min  
VIEWFINDER : 99 min  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal  
when recorded.  
To turn off the operation confirmation  
beep (BEEP) .......................... q;  
See [BEEP] on page 44.  
To use a tripod....................... qs  
To initialize the settings  
(RESET)................................ 8  
Press RESET 8 to initialize all the  
settings, including the setting of the date  
and time.  
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the  
screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.))  
to the tripod receptacle qs using a tripod  
screw.  
To use a Shoulder Belt ............. 5  
Attach the Shoulder Belt (optional) to its  
designated hook 5.  
Other part names and functions  
D Internal stereo microphone  
I Speaker  
Playback  
Playback sound comes out from the  
speaker.  
To play back the images with added  
special effects (Picture effect) .... q;  
• For how to adjust the volume, see page 21.  
See [P EFFECT] on page 38.  
23  
                                         
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
Recording  
Viewing  
1
2
7
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
6
A Remaining battery (approx.)  
G Tape transport indicator  
H Video operation buttons (21)  
B Recording mode (SP or LP) (42)  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:  
minute: second)  
Playback: Time code (hour: minute:  
second: frame)  
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)  
(43)  
F Function button (30)  
Data code during recording  
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 as [DATA CODE] during playback  
(p. 35).  
24  
                   
( ) is a reference page.  
The indicators during recording will not be recorded.  
Bottom  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
Indicator  
Meaning  
Flexible spot meter (32)/  
Manual exposure (34)  
You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 14) to  
check the function of each indicator that  
appears on the LCD screen.  
• Some of the indicators may not appear when  
you use [DISP GUIDE].  
9
.
Manual focus (32)  
Backlight (22)  
PROGRAM AE (38)  
Upper left  
Upper right  
Picture effect (38)  
White balance (34)  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
60min  
n
Wide select (40)  
SteadyShot off (40)  
Panel off (33)  
+
FN  
/
E D I T  
+
/
E D I T  
EDITSEARCH (40)  
Bottom  
Center  
Upper left  
Indicator  
Meaning  
AUDIO MODE (42)  
Upper right  
Indicator  
Meaning  
DV input (47)  
Center  
Indicator  
Meaning  
NightShot plus (22)  
Warning (58)  
% Z  
25  
 
Searching for the starting point  
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp  
lights up (p. 20).  
Searching manually  
(EDIT SEARCH)  
You can search for the start point to start  
the next recording while viewing the  
pictures on the screen. The sound is not  
played back during the search.  
Searching for the last scene of  
the most recent recording (END  
SEARCH)  
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not  
work once you eject the cassette after you  
have recorded on the tape.  
1
2
3
4
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
Touch  
t [PAGE1], then touch  
[END SCH].  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
60min  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
0:00:00  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
METER  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU FADER  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
Touch here again to cancel the operation.  
Select [ON] with  
then touch [EXEC] t  
/
,
.
The last scene of the most recent  
recording is played back for about 5  
seconds, and the camcorder enters the  
standby mode at the point where the last  
recording has finished.  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
FN  
• [END SCH] will not work correctly when there  
is a blank section between recorded sections on  
the tape.  
• This operation is also available when the  
POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.  
5
Touch and hold  
backward)/  
(to go  
(to go forward)  
and release it at the point where  
you want the recording to start.  
26  
               
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes (Rec review)  
You can view a few seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
1
2
3
4
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
Select [ON] with  
then touch [EXEC] t  
/
,
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
FN  
5
Touch  
.
The last few seconds of the most  
recently recorded scene are played back.  
Then, your camcorder is set to the  
standby.  
27  
   
Playing the picture on a TV  
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting  
cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the  
wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 9). Refer also to the  
instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
1
A/V OUT  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
A/V OUT jack  
VCRs or TVs  
: Signal flow  
2
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
When your TV is monaural (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.  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional)  
When connecting to another device via the S  
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection.  
Connect the white and red plugs (left/right  
audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO  
channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this  
case, the yellow (standard video) plug  
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO  
connection only will not output audio.  
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor  
(EUROCONNECTOR)  
You need the 21-pin adaptor (optional) to  
connect your camcorder to a TV for  
viewing recorded images. This adaptor is  
designed for output use only.  
• You can display the time code on the TV screen  
by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD]  
(p. 44).  
When connecting your camcorder to a  
TV through a VCR  
TV/VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN  
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on  
the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2,  
etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.  
28  
                 
29  
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items  
Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.  
1
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow  
repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.  
CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape  
PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing  
2
Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
x To use the operation buttons on PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3  
For details of the button items, see page 32.  
1 Touch  
.
2 Touch the desired page.  
3 Touch the desired button.  
4 Select the desired setting, then touch  
• With some settings, you do not have to touch  
t
(close).  
.
x To use menu items  
For details of the items, see page 38.  
1
2
3
4
MANUAL SET  
EFFECT  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
REMAIN  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
REMAIN  
TAPE SET  
REC MODE  
REMAIN  
P
SP  
LP  
LP  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
1 Touch  
t [MENU] on [PAGE1].  
The menu index screen appears.  
2 Select the desired menu.  
Touch  
/
to select the item, then touch [EXEC]. (The process in step 3 and 4  
is the same as that in step 2.)  
3 Select the desired item.  
4 Customize the item.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
Each touch of [  
RET.] takes you to the previous screen.  
30  
           
x To use menu items during Easy Handycam operation  
60min  
STBY 0:00:00  
FN  
1 Touch  
.
2 Select the desired menu.  
Touch [MENU] then select the desired menu.  
3 Change your item setting.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
Each touch of [  
RET.] takes you to the previous screen.  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation to use menu items normally.  
31  
 
Operation button items  
Available operation buttons vary depending  
on the position of the lamp and the display  
(PAGE).  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
The available functions during Easy  
Handycam operation are marked with “*”.  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
9 appears.  
2 Touch  
(focusing on distant subjects) to  
sharpen the focus. appears when the  
(focusing on close subjects)/  
button items.  
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
farther away.  
When the CAMERA lamp lights  
up  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[
AUTO] in step 1.  
• It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the  
power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to  
adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to  
adjust the zoom for recording. When you want  
to record a subject at close range, move the  
power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then  
adjust the focus.  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
[PAGE1]  
SPOT FOCUS  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
aim it at a subject not located in the center  
of the screen.  
60min  
SPOT FOCUS  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch here  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
AUTO  
OK  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
Touch the point where you want to focus on  
in the frame.  
9 appears.  
SPOT METER (Flexible spot  
meter)  
You can adjust and fix the exposure to the  
subject, so that it is recorded in suitable  
brightness even when there is strong  
contrast between the subject and the  
background, such as subjects in the  
spotlight on stage.  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[
[
AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to  
AUTO].  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
60min  
SPOT METER  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch here  
FOCUS  
You can adjust the focus manually. You can  
select this function also when you want to  
focus on a certain subject intentionally.  
AUTO  
OK  
Touch the point where you want to fix and  
adjust the exposure on the screen.  
appears.  
32  
           
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [ AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to  
AUTO].  
MOSC. FADER  
[
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
MONOTONE  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
When fading in, the picture gradually  
changes from black and white to color.  
When fading out, it gradually changes from  
color to black and white.  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
See page 14.  
Using the viewfinder  
You can adjust [EXPOSURE] and  
[FADER] while using the viewfinder by  
having the LCD panel rotated 180 degrees  
and closed with the screen facing out.  
MENU*  
See page 37.  
1 Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights  
up.  
FADER  
2 Close the LCD panel with the screen  
facing out.  
appears.  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
3 Touch  
4 Touch  
The LCD screen is turned off.  
.
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode  
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),  
.
then touch  
t
.
5 Touch the LCD screen while checking the  
display in the viewfinder.  
[EXPOSURE], etc. are displayed.  
2 Press REC START/STOP.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
6 Touch the button you want to set.  
[EXPOSURE]: Adjust with  
and touch  
To cancel [FADER] before starting the  
/
,
operation, touch [  
OFF] in step 1.  
.
[FADER]: Touch it repeatedly to select a  
desired effect.  
• If you press REC START/STOP once, the  
setting is canceled.  
: The LCD screen lights up.  
To hide the buttons, touch  
.
Fading out  
Fading in  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
WHITE  
See page 26.  
BLACK  
Continued ,  
33  
             
Operation button items (Continued)  
INDOOR (n)  
EXPOSURE  
The white balance is adjusted to be  
appropriate for the following recording  
conditions:  
You can fix the brightness of a picture  
manually. Adjust the brightness when the  
subject is much brighter or darker than the  
background.  
– Indoors  
– At party scenes or studios where the lighting  
conditions change quickly  
– Under video lamps in a studio, or under  
sodium lamps or incandescent-like color  
lamps  
60min  
AUTO  
STBY  
0:00:00  
OK  
MANU–  
AL  
1
2
ONE PUSH (  
)
EXPOSURE  
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].  
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
2 Frame a white object such as a piece of  
paper, to fill the screen under the same  
lighting conditions as you will shoot  
the subject.  
appears.  
2 Adjust the exposure by touching  
/
.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [ AUTO].  
• You can adjust [EXPOSURE] and [FADER]  
while using the viewfinder by having the LCD  
panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the  
screen facing out (p. 33).  
3 Touch  
.
flashes quickly. When the white  
balance has been adjusted and stored in  
the memory, the indicator stops  
flashing.  
•Do not shake your camcorder while  
is flashing quickly.  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
flashes slowly if white balance  
could not be set.  
•If  
keeps flashing even after you  
[PAGE2]  
have touched  
to [ AUTO].  
, set [WHT BAL]  
WHT BAL (White balance)  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
• If you have changed the battery pack while [  
AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder  
outdoors after inside use with the [EXPOSURE]  
set (or vice versa), select [  
AUTO] and aim  
B
AUTO  
your camcorder at a nearby white object for  
about 10 seconds for better color balance  
adjustment.  
The white balance is adjusted  
automatically.  
• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change  
the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your  
camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or  
vice versa.  
OUTDOOR (  
)
The white balance is adjusted to be  
appropriate for the following recording  
conditions:  
• Set [WHT BAL] to [  
AUTO] or [ONE  
PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent  
lamps.  
– Outdoors  
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks  
– Sunrise or sunset  
• The setting returns to [  
AUTO] when you  
turn the power off for more than 12 hours.  
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps  
34  
         
[PAGE2]  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
DATA CODE*  
During playback, displays information  
(data code) recorded automatically at the  
time of recording.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
B
OFF  
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights  
up  
Data code is not displayed.  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
You can use the video operation buttons  
(
/
/
/
) on every PAGE.  
CAM DATA (below)  
Displays camera setting data.  
[PAGE1]  
MENU*  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
1
2
3
AUTO  
100 AWB  
See page 37.  
F1. 8  
9dB  
FN  
VOL* (Volume)  
6
5
4
See page 21.  
ASteadyShot off  
BExposure  
CWhite balance  
DGain  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
See page 26.  
EShutter speed  
FAperture value  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
• In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and  
time are displayed in the same area. If you  
record a picture without setting the clock, [-- -- -  
---] and [--:--:--] will appear.  
See page 14.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
[DATE/TIME] only.  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
Continued ,  
35  
       
Operation button items (Continued)  
[PAGE3]  
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)  
V SPD PLAY  
(Various speed playback)  
See page 49.  
You can play back in various modes while  
viewing movies.  
REC CTRL (Recording control)  
(DCR-HC28E)  
See page 47.  
1 Touch the following buttons during  
playback.  
To  
Touch  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
(frame)  
play back  
[ySLOW]  
slowly**  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
[ySLOW]  
play back 2  
times faster  
(double speed)  
(double speed)  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
(double speed)  
play back frame  
by frame  
(frame) during  
playback pause.  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) during  
frame playback.  
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,  
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This  
is not a malfunction.  
**Pictures output from the DV Interface  
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in  
slow mode.  
2 Touch [  
To return to the normal playback mode,  
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from  
RET.] t  
.
frame playback).  
• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may  
see mosaic-like images of the previously played  
picture.  
36  
         
Menu items  
• Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 18).  
CAMERA  
PLAY/EDIT  
Easy Handycam  
MANUAL SET menu (p. 38)  
PROGRAM AE  
P EFFECT  
z
z
z
z
AUTO  
OFF  
ON  
AUTO SHTR  
CAMERA SET menu (p. 39)  
D ZOOM  
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
4:3  
ON  
WIDE SEL  
STEADYSHOT  
EDITSEARCH  
N.S.LIGHT  
OFF  
ON  
PLAYER SET (DCR-HC27E)/  
VCR SET (DCR-HC28E) menu (p. 41)  
AUDIO MIX  
z
LCD/VF SET menu (p. 41)  
LCD B.L.  
LCD COLOR  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
BRT NORMAL  
VF B.L.  
WIDE DISP  
BRT NORMAL  
TAPE SET menu (p. 42)  
REC MODE (DCR-HC27E)  
REC MODE (DCR-HC28E)  
AUDIO MODE  
z
z
z
z
z
SP  
SP  
12BIT  
AUTO  
REMAIN  
z
SETUP MENU menu (p. 43)  
CLOCK SET  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
ON  
OTHERS menu (p. 44)  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
–*  
z
A.SHUT OFF  
DISP OUT  
5min  
LCD  
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.  
37  
   
MANUAL SET menu  
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
SUNSETMOON**(  
)
Select to maintain the atmosphere of  
situations such as sunsets, general night  
views or fireworks.  
PROGRAM AE  
You can record pictures effectively in  
various situations with the PROGRAM AE  
function.  
BAUTO  
Select to automatically record pictures  
effectively without the [PROGRAM AE]  
function.  
LANDSCAPE**(  
)
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.  
This setting also prevents your camcorder  
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in  
windows that comes in between the  
camcorder and the subject.  
SPOTLIGHT*(  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing excessively white when subjects  
are lit by strong light.  
• Items with one asterisk (*) can be adjusted  
to focus on subjects only a short distance  
away. Items with two asterisks (**) can be  
adjusted to focus on subjects farther away.  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (  
)
Select to bring out the subject such as  
people or flowers while creating a soft  
background.  
• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you turn  
the power off for more than 12 hours.  
P EFFECT (Picture effect)  
You can add special effects to a picture  
during recording or playback.  
appears.  
SPORTS* (Sports lesson) (  
)
Select to minimize shake when shooting  
fast moving subjects.  
BOFF  
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.  
NEG.ART  
The color and brightness are reversed.  
BEACH&SKI*(  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing dark in strong light or reflected  
light, such as at a beach in midsummer or  
on a ski slope.  
38  
                         
CAMERA SET  
menu  
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.  
SEPIA  
Pictures appear in sepia.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
B&W  
Pictures appear in black and white.  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
SOLARIZE  
Pictures appear as an illustration with  
strong contrast.  
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)  
You can select the maximum zoom level in  
case you want to zoom to a level greater  
than 20 × (the default setting) while  
recording on a tape. Note that the image  
quality decreases when you are using the  
digital zoom.  
PASTEL*  
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.  
MOSAIC*  
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone  
appears when you select the zooming  
level.  
BOFF  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically.  
* Not available during playback.  
• You can record pictures edited with special  
effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.  
(p. 45).  
• You cannot output playback pictures edited with  
picture effects via the DV Interface (i.LINK).  
40 ×  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 40 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
800 ×  
• For DCR-HC28E:  
You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures.  
Up to 20 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 800 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
AUTO SHTR (Auto shutter)  
Automatically activates the electronic  
shutter to adjust the shutter speed when  
recording in bright conditions if you set it to  
[ON] (the default setting).  
Continued ,  
39  
                   
CAMERA SET menu (Continued)  
WIDE SEL (Wide select)  
EDITSEARCH  
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable  
for the screen on which it will be displayed.  
Refer also to the operating instructions  
supplied with your TV for details.  
BOFF  
Does not display  
LCD screen.  
or  
on the  
ON  
Displays  
B4:3  
and  
on the LCD  
Standard setting (to record pictures to be  
played back on a 4:3 TV).  
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH  
function and Rec review (p. 26).  
16:9 WIDE (  
Records pictures to be played back on a  
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.  
)
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
When using the NightShot plus (p. 22)  
function to record, you can record clearer  
pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which  
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the  
default setting).  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with  
[16:9 WIDE] selected.  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide  
screen TV*  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects (p. 22).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is  
attached.  
When viewed on a standard  
TV**  
• The maximum shooting distance using  
[N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet). If you  
record subjects in dark places, such as night  
scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT] to  
[OFF]. You can make the image color deeper  
this way.  
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the  
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.  
**Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in  
the wide mode, it appears as you have seen on  
the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.  
STEADYSHOT  
You can compensate for camera shake (the  
default setting is [ON]). Set  
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when  
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion  
lens (optional), then the image becomes  
natural.  
40  
           
PLAYER SET/  
LCD/VF SET menu  
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc  
VCR SET menu  
– AUDIO MIX  
The default settings are marked with B.  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
The PLAYER SET menu is for the DCR-  
HC27E, and the VCR SET menu is for the  
DCR-HC28E.  
LCD B.L. (LCD back light)  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
AUDIO MIX  
BBRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
See page 49.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
LCD COLOR  
You can adjust the color on the LCD screen  
with  
/
. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
Low intensity High intensity  
Continued ,  
41  
                 
LCD/VF SET menu (Continued)  
TAPE SET menu  
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)  
You can adjust the brightness of the  
viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
BBRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
REC MODE (Recording mode)  
BSP (SP)  
BRIGHT  
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on  
a cassette.  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
• When you connect your camcorder to outside  
power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically  
selected for the setting.  
• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is  
slightly reduced during recording.  
LP (LP)  
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times  
the SP mode (Long Play).  
• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like  
noise may appear or sound may be interrupted  
when you play back the tape on other  
camcorders or VCRs.  
• When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in  
the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture  
may be distorted or the time code may not be  
written properly between the scenes.  
WIDE DISP (Wide display)  
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio  
picture appears in the viewfinder and the  
LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to  
[16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not  
be affected by this operation.  
AUDIO MODE  
BLETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
B12BIT  
SQUEEZE  
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds).  
Expands the picture vertically if black  
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect  
ratio are undesirable.  
16BIT (  
)
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound  
with high quality).  
42  
                         
SETUP MENU  
menu  
– CLOCK SET/LANGUAGE, etc.  
REMAIN  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
BAUTO  
Displays the remaining tape indicator for  
about 8 seconds in situations such as those  
described below.  
CLOCK SET  
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/  
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.  
See page 16.  
• When you touch  
(Play/Pause).  
LANGUAGE  
ON  
Always displays the remaining tape  
indicator.  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
DEMO MODE  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
view the demonstration in about 10  
minutes, after you have removed a cassette  
from your camcorder, and slide the  
POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the  
CAMERA lamp.  
• The demonstration will be suspended in  
situations such as those described below.  
– When you touch the screen during the  
demonstration. (The demonstration starts  
again after about 10 minutes.)  
– When a cassette is inserted.  
– When the POWER switch is set to other than  
CAMERA.  
43  
             
OTHERS menu  
– WORLD TIME/BEEP, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
See page 30 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
DISP OUT (Display output)  
BLCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.  
WORLD TIME  
V-OUT/LCD  
When using your camcorder abroad, you  
can set the time difference by touching  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the  
viewfinder.  
/
, the clock will be adjusted in  
accordance with the time difference.  
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock  
returns to the originally set time.  
BEEP  
BON  
A melody sounds when you start/stop  
recording, or operate the touch panel.  
OFF  
Cancels the melody.  
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)  
B5min  
The camcorder is automatically turned off  
when you do not operate your camcorder  
for more than approximately 5 minutes.  
NEVER  
The camcorder is not automatically turned  
off.  
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall  
socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to  
[NEVER].  
44  
                   
Dubbing/Editing  
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc.  
You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (VCR/  
DVD device, etc.).  
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR/DVD device, etc., using the A/V connecting cable  
(1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).  
Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 9). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
1
A/V OUT  
AUDIO/  
VIDEO jacks  
A/V OUT jack  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
VCR/DVD  
device  
To i.LINK jack  
2
To DV or DV OUT Interface  
(i.LINK)  
DV  
3
: Signal flow  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
C i.LINK cable (optional)  
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your  
camcorder to another device equipped with an  
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are  
transmitted digitally, producing high quality  
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot  
output picture and sound separately.  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional)  
When connecting to another device via the S  
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting  
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be  
reproduced more faithfully than with the  
supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the  
white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S  
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V  
connecting cable. In this case, the yellow  
(standard video) plug connection is not  
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not  
output audio.  
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the  
A/V connecting cable to the video jack, and the  
red (right channel) or the white (left channel)  
plug to the audio jack on the VCR/TV.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the  
default setting) (p. 44).  
Continued ,  
45  
                     
Dubbing to VCR/DVD device, etc. (Continued)  
• To record the date/time and camera settings data  
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,  
display them on the screen (p. 35, 44).  
• The following cannot be output via the DV  
Interface (i.LINK):  
– Indicators  
– Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 38)  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, the  
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture  
is paused on your camcorder while recording to  
a VCR.  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, data  
code (date/time/camera settings data) may not  
be displayed or recorded depending on the  
device or application.  
1
2
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
Prepare your VCR/DVD device for  
recording.  
When dubbing to the VCR, insert a  
cassette for recording.  
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, video input2).  
3
4
Connect your VCR/DVD device to  
your camcorder as a recording  
device.  
Connect your camcorder to the input  
jacks of a VCR or a DVD device.  
Start playback on the camcorder,  
and recording on the VCR/DVD  
device.  
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.  
46  
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-  
HC28E)  
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape.  
Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand.  
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR etc. or an i.LINK-compatible device using the  
i.LINK cable (optional).  
Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 9). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
• You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR etc. that does not have an  
i.LINK jack.  
• You cannot input picture and sound separately.  
• Your camcorder can only record from a PAL source. For example, French system video/broadcasts  
(SECAM) will not be recorded correctly. See page 61 for details on TV color systems.  
To i.LINK jack  
AV device with  
i.LINK output  
jack  
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
DV  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
: Signal flow  
1
2
Connect your VCR to your  
camcorder with an i.LINK cable.  
3
4
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
• The  
indicator appears when you  
connect your camcorder and other devices  
via an i.LINK cable. (This indicator may  
also appear on the connected device.)  
Set your camcorder to recording  
pause mode.  
Touch  
t [PAGE3] t [REC  
Insert a cassette into the VCR.  
CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].  
Continued ,  
47  
           
Recording pictures from a VCR,  
etc. (Continued)  
Dubbing sound to a  
recorded tape  
You can add sound to a tape already  
recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 42) without  
erasing the original sound.  
5
Start playing the cassette on the  
VCR.  
Internal stereo  
microphone  
The picture played on the connected  
device appears on the LCD screen of  
your camcorder.  
6
7
8
Touch [REC START] at the point  
you want to start recording.  
Stop recording.  
Touch  
(Stop) or [REC PAUSE].  
You can record audio by using the internal  
stereo microphone.  
• You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit  
mode (p. 42).  
Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP  
mode.  
– When your camcorder is connected via an  
i.LINK cable.  
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC  
mode.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV  
color system other than that of your  
camcorder (p. 61).  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is  
set to SAVE (p. 62).  
– On sections recorded in HDV format.  
• When you add sound, the picture will not be  
output from the A/V OUT jack. Check the  
picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder.  
48  
   
Recording sound  
6
Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder beforehand.  
• You can only record additional audio over a  
tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound  
may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape  
recorded on other camcorders (including other  
DCR-HC27E/HC28E camcorders).  
1
2
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
To check the recorded sound  
1 Play back the tape on which you have  
recorded audio (p. 21).  
Touch  
(Play/Pause) to play  
back the tape, then touch it again  
at the point where you want to  
start recording the sound.  
2 Touch  
t [PAGE1] t [MENU].  
3 Select  
HC27E, or  
(PLAYER SET) for the DCR-  
(VCR SET) for the DCR-  
HC28E, then touch  
/
to select  
[AUDIO MIX], then touch [EXEC].  
3
Touch  
t [PAGE3] t [A  
VCR SET  
AUDIO MIX  
ST1  
ST2  
DUB CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB].  
X appears.  
60min  
DUB CTRL  
0:00:00:00  
RET.  
EXEC  
RET.  
A
4 Touch  
/
to adjust the balance  
of the original sound (ST1) and the new  
sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC].  
AUDIO  
DUB  
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default  
setting.  
• Audio balance adjustment returns to the default  
setting after 12 hours of turning the power off.  
4
5
Touch  
(Play) and start  
playing back the audio you want  
to record at the same time.  
appears while recording the new  
sound in stereo 2 (ST2) during the  
playback of the tape.  
Touch  
to stop recording.  
(Stop) when you want  
To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2 to  
select scenes, then touch [AUDIO  
DUB].  
49  
       
Jacks to connect external devices  
Open the jack cover.  
A For DCR-HC27E:  
DV OUT Interface (i.LINK) (p. 45)  
For DCR-HC28E:  
DV Interface (i.LINK) (p. 45, 47)  
B A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 28, 45)  
C DC IN jack (p. 9)  
1
2
3
50  
     
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.  
Overall operations/Easy Handycam  
The power does not turn on.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 9).  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall socket (p. 9).  
The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket or remove the battery pack, then reconnect  
it after about 1 minute.  
• Press the RESET button (p. 23) using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button,  
all settings are reset.)  
Buttons do not work.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all buttons are functional (p. 19).  
Settings change during Easy Handycam operation.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the settings of the functions that are not displayed on the  
screen return to their defaults. Previously made settings are restored when you cancel the  
Easy Handycam operation (p. 18, 37).  
[DEMO MODE] does not start.  
• You cannot view the demonstration together with NightShot plus (p. 22).  
• Eject the cassette from your camcorder (p. 17).  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.  
Batteries/Power sources  
The power abruptly turns off.  
• When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the  
camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF]  
(p. 44), or turn on the power again (p. 12), or use the AC Adaptor.  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 9).  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG) (p. 9).  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 9).  
• Connect the mains lead to the wall socket properly (p. 9).  
• The battery charge is completed (p. 10).  
Continued ,  
51  
         
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 9). If the problem persists, disconnect  
the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be  
worn-out.  
The power turns off frequently although the remaining battery time indicator  
indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate.  
• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the battery pack has not  
been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again to correct the indication (p. 9).  
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. 9, 62).  
• 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 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. 9, 62).  
A problem occurs when the camcorder is connected to the AC Adaptor.  
• Turn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket. Then, connect it  
again.  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
A rippling effect appears on the LCD screen when you touch it.  
• This is not a malfunction. Do not press hard on the LCD screen.  
An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder.  
• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 43). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette to  
cancel [DEMO MODE].  
An unknown indicator appears on the screen.  
• A warning indicator or message appears on the screen (p. 58).  
52  
The picture remains on the LCD screen.  
• This occurs if you disconnect the DC plug from your camcorder or remove the battery pack  
without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.  
The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.  
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder (p. 14).  
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.  
• Adjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 67).  
The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.  
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 13).  
The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.  
• Close the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is  
open (p. 13).  
Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen.  
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded.  
Cassette tapes  
The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.  
• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 9).  
• Remove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 10).  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 9).  
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 65).  
The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a  
cassette with Cassette Memory.  
• This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear.  
The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.  
• Set [  
REMAIN] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 43).  
The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.  
• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery  
operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction.  
Continued ,  
53  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Recording  
The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp (p. 20).  
• The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.  
• Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 62).  
• 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. 65).  
You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene  
to the next.  
• Perform END SEARCH (p. 26).  
• 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 SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.  
• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.  
[END SCH] does not work.  
• Do not eject the cassette after recording (p. 26).  
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.  
[END SCH] does not work correctly.  
• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.  
Adjusting the image during recording  
Refer also to “Menu” (p. 56).  
The auto focus does not function.  
• Set [FOCUS] to [  
• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 32).  
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 40).  
The BACK LIGHT function does not function.  
• In the following settings, the BACK LIGHT function is canceled.  
– [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE]  
– [SPOT METER]  
• The BACK LIGHT function does not work during Easy Handycam operation (p. 19).  
54  
           
A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark.  
• This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is too high. This is not  
a malfunction.  
A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject.  
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.  
The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22).  
The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22), or cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 22).  
The picture appears too bright, or flickering or changes in color occurs.  
• These anomalies may occur when recording pictures under the discharge tube, such as a  
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORTS]. This is  
not a malfunction. Cancel [PROGRAM AE] to reduce the anomaly (p. 38).  
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 40).  
Playback  
You cannot play back tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
• Rewind the tape (p. 21).  
Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or  
do not appear.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 66).  
No sound or only a low sound is heard.  
• Turn up the volume (p. 21).  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 49).  
• If you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting  
cable are also connected (p. 28).  
Continued ,  
55  
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
The sound breaks off.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 66).  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.  
• A blank section on the tape is being played.  
• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.  
Noises appear and  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder (PAL). This is  
not a malfunction (p. 61).  
is displayed on the screen.  
• The tape you are playing was recorded on another device with a 4ch microphone (4CH MIC  
REC). Your camcorder is not compatible with 4ch microphone recording.  
Menu  
Menu items are grayed out.  
• You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.  
You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS].  
• You cannot use [SPOT FOCUS] together with [PROGRAM AE].  
You cannot use [SPOT METER].  
• You cannot use [SPOT METER] together with NightShot plus.  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is automatically set to [  
AUTO].  
You cannot use [EXPOSURE].  
• You cannot use [EXPOSURE] together with NightShot plus.  
• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [  
AUTO].  
You cannot use [WHT BAL].  
• You cannot use [WHT BAL] together with NightShot plus.  
You cannot use [PROGRAM AE].  
• You cannot use [PROGRAM AE] together with NightShot plus.  
56  
             
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices  
Time code and other information appear on the display of the connected  
device.  
• Set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] while connected with an A/V connecting cable (p. 44).  
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 another device for dubbing a picture from your  
camcorder (p. 45).  
New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard.  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is heard  
appropriately (p. 49).  
Pictures from connected devices are not displayed correctly.  
• The input signal is not PAL (p. 61).  
Connecting to a computer  
The computer does not recognize your camcorder.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect  
them again correctly.  
You cannot view the video your camcorder is seeing on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again.  
You cannot view the video recorded on a tape on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer, then connect it again.  
57  
Warning indicators and messages  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
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.  
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in  
the viewfinder, check the following.  
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If  
the problem persists even after you have  
tried a couple of times, contact your Sony  
dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
% (Moisture condensation warning)*  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 65).  
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. 62).  
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• Connect the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your  
camcorder securely (p. 9).  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 62).*  
C:21:ss  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 65).  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
C:22:ss  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 66).  
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 62).  
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. 65).  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 65).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 58).  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it  
and operate your camcorder again.  
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators  
appear on the screen (p. 44).  
• Change the cassette. Press RESET  
(p. 23), and operate your camcorder  
again.  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
58  
       
Description of warning  
messages  
QZ The tape is locked - check the  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
Q The tape has reached the end.  
• Rewind or change the tape.  
x Battery/Power  
x Others  
Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
Cannot record due to copyright  
protection. (p. 61)  
Battery level is low.  
• Change the battery (p. 9, 62).  
Cannot add audio. Disconnect the  
i.LINK cable. (p. 48)  
Old battery. Use a new one. (p. 62)  
Z Re-attach the power source. (p. 9)  
Use new AC adapter or reinsert. (p. 9)  
Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 48)  
Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot  
add audio. (p. 48)  
x Moisture condensation  
Cannot add audio on the blank  
portion of a tape. (p. 48)  
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject  
the cassette (p. 65)  
Cannot add audio. (p. 48)  
• You cannot add sound to a tape  
recorded on other devices by 4CH MIC  
REC.  
% Moisture condensation. Turn off  
for 1H. (p. 65)  
x Cassette/Tape  
x
Dirty video head. Use a  
cleaning cassette. (p. 66)  
Q Insert a cassette. (p. 17)  
Cannot start Easy Handycam.  
Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 17)  
• Check if the cassette is damaged.  
Cannot cancel Easy Handycam.  
Continued ,  
59  
 
Warning indicators and messages (Continued)  
Invalid during Easy Handycam  
operation. (p. 19)  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot  
playback.  
• Your camcorder cannot play back this  
format. Play back the tape with the  
equipment that recorded it.  
HDV recorded tape. Cannot add  
audio.  
• Your camcorder does not allow you to  
add audio on a section of a tape  
recorded in HDV format (p. 48).  
60  
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder  
abroad  
Usable cassette tapes  
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.  
Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
Power supply  
Your camcorder is not compatible with the  
Cassette Memory function.  
You can use your camcorder in any  
country/region using the AC Adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within the  
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
created on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
END SEARCH (p. 26) before you begin the  
next recording in the following cases:  
• You have played back the tape.  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is PAL system, so its  
picture can only be viewed on a PAL  
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jack.  
• You have used EDIT SEARCH.  
Copyright signal  
System  
Used in  
x When you play back  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,  
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.  
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain,  
x For DCR-HC28E:  
When you record  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright control  
signals for copyright protection of software.  
[Cannot record due to copyright  
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.  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,  
United Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M Brazil  
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America, Chile,  
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,  
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,  
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,  
Notes on use  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to local time  
abroad by the time difference you are in.  
Select [WORLD TIME] in the  
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time  
difference (p. 44).  
Continued ,  
61  
                       
Usable cassette tapes (Continued)  
About the  
“InfoLITHIUMbattery  
pack  
This unit is compatible with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series/H  
series).  
x To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
“InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be  
recorded (write-protected).  
have the  
“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs  
have the mark.  
mark.  
REC  
SAVE  
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 an optional AC Adaptor/  
charger.  
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.  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
Labeling position  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
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.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp  
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside  
of this temperature range, you may not be able  
to charge it efficiently.  
• When charging the battery pack while the AC  
Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after  
charging is complete, disconnect the cable from  
the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove  
the battery pack.  
x When cleaning the gold-plated  
connector  
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.  
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.  
Gold-plated connector  
62  
           
– 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-FP71/  
FP90/FH70/FH100 (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-FP71/FP90/FH70/FH100 (optional).  
• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)  
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.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The  
battery pack is not water resistant.  
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.  
• 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.  
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, set [A.SHUT OFF] to  
[NEVER] on the  
(OTHERS) menu and  
leave your camcorder in tape recording standby  
until the power goes off (p. 44).  
63  
 
About i.LINK  
The baud rate is listed under  
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-  
compliant DV Interface. This section  
describes the i.LINK standard and its  
features.  
“Specifications” in the operating  
instructions of each piece of equipment. It  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
What is i.LINK?  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a device  
with a different maximum baud rate.  
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.  
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.  
* 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.  
To use i.LINK functions on this unit  
For details on how to dub when this unit is  
connected to other video devices having a  
DV Interface, see page 45, 47.  
This unit can also be connected to other  
i.LINK (DV Interface) compatible devices  
made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal  
computer) as well as to video devices.  
Some i.LINK compatible video devices,  
such as Digital Televisions, DVD,  
MICROMV or HDV recorders/players are  
not compatible with DV devices. Before  
connecting to other devices, be sure to  
confirm whether the device is compatible  
with a 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 i.LINK-compatible  
device having two or more 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.  
instructions for the device to be connected.  
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard  
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and  
Electronics Engineers.  
• When you connect this unit to a device equipped  
with an i.LINK jack using an i.LINK cable,  
power off the device and remove the mains lead  
from the wall socket before connecting (or  
disconnecting) an 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 the required i.LINK cable  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
64  
   
Maintenance and precautions  
• 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 mains lead, pull it by  
the plug and not the lead.  
• Do not damage the mains lead such as by  
placing anything heavy on it.  
• Keep metal contacts clean.  
• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,  
– consult your local authorized Sony service  
facility.  
– wash off any liquid that may have contacted  
your skin  
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.  
– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical  
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.  
– 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.  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
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.  
– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD  
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be  
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the  
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.  
– Anywhere very humid.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V  
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
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, [%Z Moisture  
condensation. Eject the cassette] or [%  
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]  
appears. The indicator will not appear when  
the moisture condenses on the lens.  
• 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.  
• 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.  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
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:  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF(CHG)  
when you are not using your camcorder.  
Continued ,  
65  
     
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
• The warning message does not appear when the  
power is turned on.  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback  
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.  
• Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted  
and video operation buttons are touched.  
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.  
– Playback pictures do not move.  
– Playback pictures do not appear or the sound  
breaks off.  
– [x  
Dirty video head. Use a cleaning  
cassette.] appears on the screen during  
recording/playback.  
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.  
• The video heads will wear after long use. If you  
cannot obtain a clear image even after using a  
cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because  
the video heads are worn. Please contact your  
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility to have the video heads replaced.  
• 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.  
• When you use your camcorder after a squall or a  
shower.  
• When you use your camcorder in a hot and  
humid place.  
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 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).  
x To clean the LCD screen  
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.  
Video head  
• If the video heads are dirty, video or sound  
distortion may be apparent.  
• If the following problem occurs, clean the video  
heads for 10 seconds with the Sony DVM-  
12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).  
66  
 
x On adjustment of the LCD screen  
(CALIBRATION)  
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.  
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,  
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide  
and sunscreen.  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
The buttons on the touch panel may not  
work correctly. If this happens, follow the  
procedure below. It is recommended you  
connect your camcorder to the wall socket  
using the supplied AC Adaptor during the  
operation.  
1 Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).  
2 Eject the cassette from your camcorder,  
then disconnect any connecting cables  
except the AC Adaptor from your  
camcorder.  
3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp while pressing  
DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder, and  
keep pressing down DISP/BATT INFO for  
about 5 seconds.  
4 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the  
like.  
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  
– 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.  
The position of the “×” changes. If you did  
not press the right spot, start from step 4  
again.  
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is  
rotated.  
Continued ,  
67  
   
Maintenance and precautions  
(Continued)  
Specifications  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
System  
Video recording system  
2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system  
Audio recording system  
Rotary heads, PCM system  
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo  
1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)  
Video signal  
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(CHG). The pre-  
installed rechargeable battery is always  
charged while your camcorder is connected  
to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor or  
while the battery pack is attached. The  
rechargeable battery will be fully  
discharged in about 3 months if you do  
not use your camcorder at all without the  
AC Adaptor connected or the battery pack  
attached. Use your camcorder after  
charging the pre-installed rechargeable  
battery.  
PAL color, CCIR standards  
Usable cassette  
Mini DV cassette with the  
printed  
mark  
Tape speed  
SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s  
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s  
Recording/playback time  
However, even if the pre-installed  
SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)  
Fast forward/rewind time  
Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and rechargeable battery pack)  
Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60  
cassette and AC Adaptor)  
Viewfinder  
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 socket  
using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it  
with the POWER switch set to OFF(CHG)  
for more than 24 hours.  
Electric viewfinder (color)  
Image device  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 800 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): Approx. 400 000  
pixels  
Lens  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
20 × (Optical), 800 × (Digital)  
Focal length  
f=2.3 ~ 46 mm (3/32 ~ 1 13/16 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
In CAMERA: 44 ~ 880 mm (1 3/4 ~  
34 1/32 in.)  
F1.8 ~ 3.1  
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)  
68  
       
Color temperature  
General  
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR]  
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
Minimum illumination  
5 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
Power requirements  
DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack)  
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)  
Average power consumption  
During camera recording using the  
viewfinder 1.8 W  
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus  
function)  
During camera recording using the  
LCD 2.1 W  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
Input/Output connectors  
Audio/Video output  
10-pin connector  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),  
unbalanced  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
65 × 79 × 113 mm  
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms), unbalanced  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 kΩ (kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
(2 5/8 × 3 1/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
(including the projecting parts)  
65 × 79 × 113 mm  
(2 5/8 × 3 1/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
(including the projecting parts with  
supplied battery pack NP-FP30  
attached)  
DV input/output (DCR-HC28E)  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
DV output (DCR-HC27E)  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
Mass (approx.)  
360 g (12 oz) main unit only  
420 g (14 oz) including the NP-FP30  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette.  
Supplied accessories  
LCD screen  
Picture  
AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
Total dot number  
123 200 (560 × 220)  
Power requirements  
AC 100 V - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
Current consumption  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
Power consumption  
18 W  
Output voltage  
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)  
Continued ,  
69  
Specifications (Continued)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
On trademarks  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.)  
(w/h/d) excluding the projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the mains lead  
is a trademark.  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for  
other specifications.  
• “Handycam” and  
are  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FP30)  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.  
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
Output voltage  
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.  
DC 7.2 V  
Capacity  
3.6 Wh (500 mAh)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm  
(1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in) (w/h/d)  
Mass (approx.)  
40 g (1.5 oz)  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Type  
Lithium ion  
Design and specifications are subject to change  
without notice.  
Types of differences  
DCR-HC  
27E  
28E  
DV Interface  
OUT  
IN/OUT  
70  
 
Index  
Numeric  
F
Flexible spot meter  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
A
A DUB CTRL  
Connect  
G
H
AUTO SHTR  
D
A.SHUT OFF  
I
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
B
DISP GUIDE  
BATT (battery) release lever  
DISP OUT  
Battery  
J
L
E
C
LCD B.L.  
Continued ,  
71  
 
Index (Continued)  
O
S
Operation confirmation beep  
Searching for the starting point  
M
P
Movie  
Pre-installed rechargeable  
T
R
REC CTRL  
REC MODE  
REC MODE  
N
Rechargeable battery pack  
NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch  
N.S.LIGHT  
U
72  
Additional information on this product and answers  
to frequently asked questions can be found at our  
Customer Support Website.  
Printed in Japan  

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