Sony Handycam DCRHC38 User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS  
For your protection, please read these safety  
instructions completely before operating  
Cleaning  
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before  
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners  
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened  
with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.  
the appliance, and keep this manual for  
future reference.  
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions  
and instructions on the appliance, or the one  
described in the operating instructions and  
adhere to them.  
Installation  
Water and Moisture  
Use  
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –  
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen  
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a  
swimming pool, etc.  
Power Sources  
This set should be operated only from the type of  
power source indicated on the marking label. If  
you are not sure of the type of electrical power  
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or  
local power company. For those sets designed to  
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer  
to the operating instructions.  
Power-Cord Protection  
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be  
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or  
against them, paying particular attention to the  
plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord  
exits from the appliance.  
Polarization  
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac  
power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider  
than the other).  
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one  
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to  
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing  
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact  
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.  
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized  
plug by forcing it in.  
Accessories  
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,  
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing  
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious  
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,  
bracket, or table recommended by the  
manufacturer.  
Ventilation  
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided  
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable  
operation of the set, and to protect it from  
overheating, these slots and openings must never  
be blocked or covered.  
Overloading  
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or  
convenience receptacles beyond their capacity,  
since this can result in fire or electric shock.  
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth  
or other materials.  
Object and Liquid Entry  
– Never block the slots and openings by placing  
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar  
surface.  
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as  
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper  
ventilation is provided.  
Never push objects of any kind into the set  
through openings as they may touch dangerous  
voltage points or short out parts that could result  
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any  
kind on the set.  
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or  
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct  
sunlight.  
Attachments  
Do not use attachments not recommended by the  
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.  
Continued ,  
3
 
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)  
Lightning  
Safety Check  
For added protection for this set during a lightning  
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for  
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall  
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.  
This will prevent damage to the set due to  
lightning and power-line surges.  
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the  
set, ask the service technician to perform routine  
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)  
to determine that the set is in safe operating  
condition.  
Service  
Damage Requiring Service  
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer  
servicing to qualified service personnel under the  
following conditions:  
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or  
frayed.  
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen  
into the set.  
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.  
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by  
being dropped, or the cabinet has been  
damaged.  
– If the set does not operate normally when  
following the operating instructions. Adjust  
only those controls that are specified in the  
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of  
other controls may result in damage and will  
often require extensive work by a qualified  
technician to restore the set to normal operation.  
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in  
performance – this indicates a need for service.  
Servicing  
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as  
opening or removing covers may expose you to  
dangerous voltage or other hazards.  
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.  
Replacement parts  
When replacement parts are required, be sure the  
service technician has used replacement parts  
specified by the manufacturer that have the same  
characteristics as the original parts.  
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,  
electric shock, or other hazards.  
4
Read this first  
Before operating the unit, please read this  
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future  
reference.  
For customers in the U.S.A.  
If you have any questions about this  
product, you may call:  
CAUTION  
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-  
222-SONY (7669).  
Replace the battery with the  
specified type only. Otherwise, fire  
or injury may result.  
The number below is for the FCC related  
matters only.  
Regulatory Information  
For customers in the U.S.A. and  
CANADA  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: DCR-HC38  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.  
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES  
Lithium-Ion batteries are  
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA  
92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone Number: 858-942-2230  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference  
that may cause undesired operation.  
recyclable. You can help preserve  
our environment by returning  
your used rechargeable batteries  
to the collection and recycling  
location nearest you.  
For more information regarding recycling of  
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-  
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking  
Lithium-Ion batteries.  
Battery pack  
CAUTION  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC  
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two  
conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must accept any  
interference received, including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in this  
manual could void your authority to operate this  
equipment.  
Note  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with  
Canadian ICES-003.  
These limits are designed to provide reasonable  
protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates,  
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,  
if not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If this  
equipment does cause harmful interference to  
radio or television reception, which can be  
determined by turning the equipment off and on,  
Continued ,  
5
 
Read this first (Continued)  
the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
compatible with the Cassette Memory  
function (p. 58).  
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
– Increase the separation between the equipment  
and receiver.  
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a  
circuit different from that to which the receiver  
is connected.  
Using the camcorder  
• Do not hold the camcorder by the  
following parts.  
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV  
technician for help.  
The supplied interface cable must be used with the  
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a  
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of  
FCC Rules.  
Viewfinder  
Battery pack  
Owner’s Record  
The model and serial numbers are located on the  
bottom. Record the serial number in the space  
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever  
you call your Sony dealer regarding this product.  
Model No. DCR-HC38  
Serial No.  
LCD panel  
Model No. AC-  
Serial No.  
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof  
or waterproof.  
For the State of California, USA only  
Perchlorate Material - special handling may  
apply, See  
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains  
perchlorate.  
• Before connecting your camcorder to  
another device with a USB or 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.  
Notes on use  
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.  
Your camcorder is supplied with two  
kinds of manuals  
Operating Guide” (This manual)  
First Step Guide” for connecting the  
camcorder to a computer and using the  
supplied software (stored on the supplied  
CD-ROM)  
• 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  
Type of cassette you can use in your  
camcorder  
• You can use mini DV cassettes marked  
with  
. Your camcorder is not  
6
results of the manufacturing process and  
do not affect the recording in any way.  
• 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.  
• Design and specifications of recording  
media and accessories are subject to  
change without notice.  
Black point  
White, red, blue  
or green point  
About the Carl Zeiss lens  
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl  
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by  
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony  
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,  
or the lens to direct sunlight for long  
periods of time may cause malfunctions.  
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.  
• 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.  
About the language setting  
• 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).  
On recording  
• 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  
country/region. To view your recordings  
on a TV, you need a NTSC system-based  
TV.  
7
 
Table of Contents  
Menu items ...................................35  
Read this first ................................. 5  
.................................................... 10  
.................................................... 11  
VCR SET menu .................... 38  
LCD/VF SET menu ............... 39  
TAPE SET menu .................. 40  
................................................... 14  
before recording ......................... 15  
OTHERS menu .................... 41  
Easy Recording/Playback  
(Easy Handycam) ....................... 17  
recorders ....................................42  
Recording pictures from a TV or  
Recording ..................................... 19  
Zooming ...................................... 20  
Recording in dark places  
(NightShot plus) ........................ 20  
subjects .................................... 21  
VCR, etc. ....................................44  
Playback ....................................... 22  
Using the guide functions  
(USAGE GUIDE) ........................ 23  
computer ..................................... 46  
software ...................................... 47  
Searching for the last scene of the  
most recent recording  
(END SEARCH) ......................... 24  
Searching manually  
(EDIT SEARCH) ........................ 24  
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes  
Troubleshooting ............................ 50  
(Rec review) .............................. 24  
..................................................... 55  
8
pack .......................................... 59  
About i.LINK ................................ 60  
Specifications ...............................64  
Indicators displayed during  
recording/playback ......................70  
Index .............................................72  
Spanish Quick Guide/  
Guía rápida en español  
9
GSetttiengpSta1rte:d Checking supplied items  
Make sure that you have following items  
supplied with your camcorder.  
The number in the parentheses indicates the  
number of that item supplied.  
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 26, 42)  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1)  
CD-ROM “Handycam Application  
Software” (1) (p. 46)  
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)  
10  
   
Step 2: Charging the battery pack  
2
1
2
3
1
With the v mark facing  
down  
Battery pack  
POWER switch  
DC IN jack  
4
To the wall outlet  
AC Adaptor  
Power cord  
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack (H series) (p. 59) after  
attaching it to your camcorder.  
4
Connect the power cord to the AC  
Adaptor and the wall outlet.  
CHG (charge) lamp  
b Notes  
• You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack other than the H series to your camcorder.  
1
Align the terminals of the battery  
pack and your camcorder 1, then  
attach the battery pack and click  
it into place 2.  
2
3
Slide the POWER switch in the  
direction of the arrow to  
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).  
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and  
charging starts.  
Connect the AC Adaptor to the  
DC IN jack on your camcorder.  
Continued ,  
11  
       
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)  
5
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off  
when the battery is fully charged.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from  
the DC IN jack.  
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
DC IN jack holding both the camcorder  
and the DC plug.  
After a while, the approximate recordable  
time and battery information appear for  
about 7 seconds. You can view the battery  
information for up to 20 seconds by  
pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the  
information is displayed.  
To use an outside power source  
You can operate your camcorder using the  
power from the wall outlet by making the  
same connections as you do when charging  
the battery pack. The battery pack will not  
lose its charge in this case.  
Remaining battery (approx.)  
BATTERY INFO  
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL  
0%  
50%  
100%  
To remove the battery pack  
REC TIME AVAILABLE  
LCD SCREEN : 85 min  
VIEWFINDER : 99 min  
1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH.  
2 Remove the battery pack in the direction  
Recording capacity (approx.)  
of the arrow.  
POWER switch  
You can check the remaining battery charge  
on the LCD screen.  
Indicator  
Status  
1
Sufficient power remaining  
Battery low, recording/  
playback will stop soon.  
2
Replace the battery with a  
fully charged one, or charge  
the battery.  
PUSH  
Charging time  
When storing the battery pack  
Fully discharge the battery before storing it  
for an extended period (p. 59).  
Approximate time (min.) required when  
you fully charge a fully discharged battery  
pack.  
Battery pack  
NP-FH30 (supplied)  
NP-FH50  
Charging time  
To check the remaining battery  
(Battery Info)  
Set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG), then  
press DISP/BATT INFO.  
115  
135  
170  
390  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
12  
         
– 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  
power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.  
Recording time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
Continuous  
recording  
time  
Typical  
recording  
time*  
Battery pack  
On the charging/recording/playback time  
NP-FH30  
(supplied)  
95  
110  
155  
180  
330  
395  
760  
890  
45  
55  
• 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.  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
75  
90  
165  
195  
380  
445  
On the AC Adaptor  
* Typical recording time shows the time when  
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the  
power on/off and zooming.  
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC  
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the  
wall outlet 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.  
b Notes  
• All times measured under the following  
conditions:  
Top: Recording with LCD screen.  
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the  
LCD panel closed.  
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power  
(house current) is still supplied to it while  
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.  
Playing time  
Approximate time (min.) available when  
you use a fully charged battery pack.  
LCD panel  
opened  
LCD panel  
closed  
Battery pack  
NP-FH30  
(supplied)  
105  
135  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
170  
370  
845  
220  
465  
1065  
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. 12) will not be  
correctly displayed under the following  
conditions.  
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.  
– The battery pack is damaged.  
13  
   
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the  
date and time  
Set the date and time when using this  
camcorder for the first time. If you do not  
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]  
screen appears every time you turn on your  
camcorder or change the POWER switch  
position.  
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.  
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.  
The clock starts.  
To turn off the power  
Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).  
To reset the date and time  
You can set the desired date and time by  
touching  
SET] (p. 27).  
t [PAGE2] t [CLOCK  
Touch the button  
on the LCD screen.  
b Notes  
• 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. 64).  
• At the time of purchase, the power is set to turn  
off automatically if you leave your camcorder  
without any operation attempted for  
POWER switch  
1
While pressing the green button,  
slide the POWER switch in the  
direction of the arrow to turn on  
the respective lamp.  
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power  
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 41).  
CAMERA: To record on a tape.  
PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.  
z Tips  
The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.  
• 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 32 for [DATA CODE]  
(During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
only [DATE/TIME])).  
CLOCK SET  
Y
M
D
H
M
:
2007 JAN  
1
12 00 AM  
• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work  
correctly, adjust the touch panel  
(CALIBRATION) (p. 62).  
OK  
Changing the language setting  
2
3
Set [Y] (year) with  
then touch  
/
,
.
You can change the on-screen displays to  
show messages in a specified language.  
You can set any year up to the year  
2079.  
Touch  
(SETUP MENU) t [  
then select the desired language.  
t [MENU] t  
LANGUAGE],  
Set [M] (month), then touch  
and repeat for [D] (day), [H] (hour)  
and [M] (minute).  
14  
       
Step 4: Making setting adjustments before  
recording  
Opening the lens cover  
The viewfinder  
Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.  
You can view pictures using the viewfinder  
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when  
the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.  
Viewfinder  
After recording, set the LENS COVER  
switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover.  
The LCD panel  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best  
angle to record or play (2).  
Viewfinder lens  
adjustment lever  
Move it until the picture  
is clear.  
DISP/BATT INFO  
180 degrees  
(max.)  
2
z Tips  
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder  
backlight by selecting  
[VF B.L.] (p. 39).  
(LCD/VF SET) -  
The grip belt  
1
Fasten the grip belt and hold your  
camcorder correctly.  
90 degrees to the  
90 degrees  
camcorder  
(max.)  
b Notes  
• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame  
accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD  
panel.  
4
1
2
z Tips  
• 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.  
3
• See [LCD BRT] (p. 32) to adjust the brightness  
of the LCD screen.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen  
indicators (such as Battery Info) on or off.  
15  
           
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette  
portion marked {DO NOT PUSH} while  
it is sliding in. It may cause a  
malfunction.  
You can use mini DV  
(p. 58).  
cassettes only  
1
Slide and hold the  
EJECT lever in the direction of the  
arrow and open the lid.  
OPEN/  
3
Close the lid.  
OPEN/EJECT lever  
To eject the cassette  
Open the lid following the same procedure  
as described in step 1 and remove the  
cassette.  
z Tips  
• The recordable time varies depending on [REC  
MODE] (p. 40).  
Lid  
The cassette compartment automatically  
comes out and opens up.  
2
Insert a cassette with its window  
facing outwards, then press  
.
Push the center of the back  
of the cassette lightly.  
Window  
Cassette compartment  
The cassette compartment  
automatically slides back in.  
b Notes  
Do not force the cassette  
compartment closed by pressing the  
16  
   
RecordinEg/PalasybyackRecording/Playback (Easy Handycam)  
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.  
Open the lens cover (p. 15)  
A
B
E
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.  
appears on the screen D.  
EASY  
Press REC START/STOP B (or E) to start recording.*  
60min  
REC 0:00:00  
The indicator (A) changes from [STBY] to  
[REC]. To stop recording, press REC START/  
STOP again.  
A
GUIDE  
FN  
* During Easy Handycam operation, you can only record in the SP mode.  
Continued ,  
17  
       
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)  
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
D
B
C
B Stop  
C Play/Pause toggles as you touch it  
D 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  
to display adjustable menu settings. See page 27 for details on setting.  
• Almost all the settings return to their defaults automatically (p. 35).  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.  
x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam  
During Easy Handycam operation, the BACK LIGHT button (p. 21) is unavailable. [Invalid  
during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is not available in Easy  
Handycam mode.  
18  
     
Recording  
Open the lens cover (p. 15).  
POWER switch  
REC START/  
STOP A  
REC START/STOP B  
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 A (or B).  
[STBY]  
[REC]  
To stop recording, press REC START/STOP again.  
Continued ,  
19  
   
Recording (Continued)  
z Tips  
Zooming  
• You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 37) if you want to  
zoom to a level greater than 40 ×.  
You can magnify images up to 40 times the  
original size with the power zoom lever or  
the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.  
Recording in dark places  
(NightShot plus)  
Wider range of view:  
(Wide angle)  
Infrared port  
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.  
(
and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.)  
b Notes  
Close view: (Telephoto)  
• The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.  
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with  
your fingers or other objects. Remove the  
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.  
• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 28)  
when it is hard to focus automatically.  
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a  
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster  
zoom.  
b Notes  
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright  
places. This may cause a malfunction.  
• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image  
blurring as desired when the power zoom lever  
is set to the T (Telephoto) side.  
• 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.  
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the  
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.  
• 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.  
20  
     
Adjusting the exposure for  
backlit subjects  
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,  
press BACK LIGHT to display .. To  
cancel the back light function, press BACK  
LIGHT again.  
Recording in mirror mode  
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the  
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees  
to the lens side (2).  
z Tips  
• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  
LCD screen, but the image will be normal when  
recorded.  
21  
         
Playback  
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly  
to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it  
while pressing the green button.  
Start playing back.  
Touch  
to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch  
to start playback.  
Play/Pause* toggles as you touch it  
Stop  
Rewind/Fast forward  
* Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.  
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).  
z Tips  
• You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 32).  
22  
   
Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)  
You can easily select the desired setting  
screens by using the guide functions  
(USAGE GUIDE).  
Unavailable settings during Easy  
Handycam  
During Easy Handycam operation, some  
items are unavailable. If an attempted  
setting is not available, but still desired,  
touch [SET] to display an on-screen  
instruction. Follow the instruction to cancel  
Easy Handycam operation and then select  
the setting.  
z Tips  
• If [SET] is not displayed in step 3, follow the  
instruction on the screen.  
Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as  
shown below.  
SHOOT  
GUIDE:  
Takes you to the setting  
screens related to  
recording.  
DISP  
GUIDE:  
Enables you to check the  
meaning of each indicator  
that appears on the LCD  
screen. See page 71 for  
details.  
1
2
Touch [GUIDE].  
Select the desired item.  
e.g., to record night views  
Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT  
SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to  
display [To keep the mood of a night  
view].  
3
Touch [SET].  
The desired setting screen appears.  
Adjust the settings according to your  
purpose.  
23  
     
Searching for the starting point  
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp  
1
2
3
4
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
lights up (p. 19).  
Searching for the last scene of  
the most recent recording  
(END SEARCH)  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not  
work once you eject the cassette after you  
have recorded on the tape.  
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
Touch  
t [PAGE1], then touch  
[END SCH].  
Select [ON] with  
then touch [EXEC] t  
/
,
.
60min  
PAGE1 PAGE2  
0:00:00  
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
SPOT FOCUS  
FOCUS  
SPOT  
METER  
DISP  
GUIDE  
MENU SCENE  
SEL.  
END  
SCH  
EXPO–  
SURE  
EDIT  
GUIDE FN  
Touch here again to cancel the operation.  
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.  
5
Touch and hold  
backward)/  
and release it at the point where  
you want the recording to start.  
(to go  
(to go forward)  
b Notes  
• [END SCH] will not work correctly when there  
is a blank section between recorded sections on  
the tape.  
Reviewing the most recently  
recorded scenes (Rec review)  
z Tips  
You can view a few seconds of the scene  
recorded just before you stopped the tape.  
• This operation is also available when the  
POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.  
1
2
Touch  
[MENU].  
t [PAGE1] t  
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.  
Select  
/
(CAMERA SET) with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
24  
             
3
4
Select [EDITSEARCH] with  
, then touch [EXEC].  
/
Select [ON] with  
/
,
then touch [EXEC] t  
.
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
EDIT  
GUIDE FN  
5
Touch  
.
The last few seconds of the most  
recently recorded scene are played back.  
Then, your camcorder is set to standby.  
25  
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 outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 11). Refer also to the  
instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
Device without an  
S VIDEO jack  
Device with an  
S VIDEO jack  
(Black)  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
(Red)  
(White)  
(Red)  
1
A/V OUT jack  
(Yellow)  
A/V OUT  
2
: Signal flow  
VCRs or TVs  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
When connecting your camcorder to a  
TV through a 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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
z Tips  
• You can display the time code on the TV screen  
by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD]  
(p. 41).  
26  
       
Using the Menu  
Using the menu items  
1
2
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  
Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item.  
Unavailable items will be grayed out.  
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.  
x To use the operation buttons on  
PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3  
For details of the button items, see page  
28.  
/
1 Touch  
.
2 Touch the desired page.  
3 Touch the desired button.  
4 Select the desired setting, then touch  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close) to hide the menu screen.  
t
(Close).  
Each touch of [  
RET.] takes you to  
the previous screen.  
b Notes  
• With some settings, you do not have to  
touch  
x To use menu items during Easy  
.
Handycam operation  
1 Touch  
.
x To use menu items  
For details of the items, see page 35.  
2 Select the desired button.  
3 Change your item setting.  
After finishing the settings, touch  
(close).  
1 Touch  
[PAGE1].  
The menu index screen appears.  
t [MENU] on  
b Notes  
• Cancel Easy Handycam operation to use  
menu items normally.  
27  
         
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.  
FOCUS  
You can adjust the focus manually. You can  
select this function also when you want to  
focus on a certain subject intentionally.  
The available functions during Easy  
Handycam operation are marked with “*”.  
See page 27 for details on selecting  
button items.  
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
9 appears.  
When the CAMERA lamp lights  
up  
2 Touch  
(focusing on close subjects)/  
(focusing on distant subjects) to  
sharpen the focus.  
appears when the  
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and  
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted  
farther away.  
[PAGE1]  
SPOT FOCUS  
You can select and adjust the focal point to  
a subject not located in the center of the  
screen.  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[AUTO] in step 1.  
b Notes  
• The minimum possible distance between  
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp  
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide  
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for  
telephoto.  
60min  
SPOT FOCUS  
STBY  
0:00:00  
Touch here  
AUTO  
END  
z Tips  
• 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.  
Touch the point where you want to focus on  
in the frame.  
9 appears.  
To adjust the focus automatically, touch  
[AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO].  
b Notes  
• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
28  
       
TWILIGHT* (  
)
SPOT METER  
Select to maintain the darkening  
atmosphere of the distant surroundings in  
twilight scenes.  
(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.  
SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset)  
60min  
SPOT METER  
STBY  
0:00:00  
(
)
Select to maintain the atmosphere of  
situations such as sunsets and sunrises.  
Touch here  
AUTO  
END  
Touch the point where you want to fix and  
adjust the exposure on the screen.  
appears.  
LANDSCAPE* (  
)
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.  
This setting also prevents your camcorder  
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in  
windows between the camcorder and the  
subject.  
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to  
[AUTO].  
b Notes  
• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is  
automatically set to [MANUAL].  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (  
)
See page 71.  
Select to bring out the subject such as  
people or flowers while creating a soft  
background.  
MENU  
See page 35.  
SCENE SEL.  
You can record pictures effectively in  
various situations with the SCENE SEL.  
function.  
SPOTLIGHT** (  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing excessively white when subjects  
are lit by strong light.  
BAUTO  
Select to automatically record pictures  
effectively without the [SCENE SEL.]  
function.  
Continued ,  
29  
               
Operation button items (Continued)  
SPORT** (Sports lesson) (  
Select to minimize shake when shooting  
fast moving subjects.  
)
60min  
AUTO  
STBY  
0:00:00  
OK  
MANU–  
AL  
1
EXPOSURE  
2
1 Touch [MANUAL].  
SNOW** (  
)
appears.  
Select this when shooting in very bright,  
white conditions, such as on a ski slope;  
otherwise pictures may appear too dark.  
2 Adjust the exposure by touching  
/
.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,  
touch [AUTO].  
[PAGE2]  
FADER  
You can add the following effects to  
currently recording pictures.  
BEACH** (  
)
Select to prevent people’s faces from  
appearing dark in strong light or reflected  
light, such as at a beach in midsummer.  
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode  
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),  
then touch  
t
.
2 Press REC START/STOP.  
The fader indicator stops flashing and  
disappears when the fade is complete.  
* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away  
only.  
**Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short  
distance away.  
To cancel [FADER] before starting the  
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.  
If you press REC START/STOP once, the  
setting is canceled.  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
Fading out  
Fading in  
EXPOSURE  
WHITE  
You can fix the brightness of a picture  
manually. Adjust the brightness when the  
subject is too bright or too dark.  
30  
           
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.  
BLACK  
3 Touch  
.
flashes quickly. When the white  
balance has been adjusted and stored in  
the memory, the indicator stops  
flashing.  
MOSC. FADER  
b Notes  
MONOTONE  
• Set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]  
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.  
• When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing  
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.  
white object while  
flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not  
be set.  
• When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if  
is flashing quickly.  
keeps  
, set [WHT  
WHT BAL (White balance)  
flashing after touching  
BAL] to [AUTO].  
You can adjust the color balance to the  
brightness of the recording environment.  
z Tips  
BAUTO  
The white balance is adjusted  
automatically.  
• 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 your  
camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10  
seconds for better color balance adjustment.  
• When the white balance has been set with [ONE  
PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.]  
settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from  
inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo  
the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the  
white balance.  
OUTDOOR (  
)
The white balance is appropriately  
adjusted for the following recording  
conditions:  
– Outdoors  
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks  
– Sunrise or sunset  
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps  
INDOOR (n)  
BEEP*  
The white balance is appropriately  
adjusted for the following recording  
conditions:  
BON  
A beeping sound starts when you start/stop  
recording, or operate the touch panel.  
– 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  
OFF  
Cancels the beeping sound and shutter  
sound.  
CLOCK SET*  
ONE PUSH (  
)
The white balance will be adjusted  
according to the ambient light.  
See page 14.  
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].  
Continued ,  
31  
                 
Operation button items (Continued)  
60min  
0:00:00:00  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
1
2
3
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen. The recorded picture will not be  
affected by this operation.  
AUTO  
100 AWB  
GUIDE  
F1. 8  
9dB  
FN  
Adjust the brightness with  
/
.
6
5
4
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights  
up  
ASteadyShot off  
BExposure  
CWhite balance  
DGain  
EShutter speed  
FAperture value  
You can use the video operation buttons  
(
/
/
/
) on every PAGE.  
[PAGE1]  
MENU  
b Notes  
• 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.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, you can set  
[DATE/TIME] only.  
VOL* (Volume)  
BEEP*  
END SCH (END SEARCH)  
See page 31.  
CLOCK SET  
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*  
See page 14.  
[PAGE3]  
[PAGE2]  
V SPD PLAY  
DATA CODE*  
During playback, displays information  
(data code) recorded automatically at the  
time of recording.  
(Various speed playback)  
You can play back in various modes while  
viewing movies.  
BOFF  
1 Touch the following buttons during  
playback.  
Data code is not displayed.  
To  
Touch  
CAM DATA (below)  
change the  
playback  
direction*  
Displays camera setting data.  
(frame)  
DATE/TIME  
Displays the date and time.  
32  
             
– When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC  
mode on other camcorders.  
– On blank sections of the tape.  
– When the tape has been recorded in a TV  
color system other than that of your  
camcorder (p. 57).  
To  
Touch  
play back  
slowly**  
[ySLOW]  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
[ySLOW]  
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is  
set to SAVE (p. 58).  
– On sections recorded in HDV format.  
play back 2  
times faster  
(double speed)  
(double speed)  
To reverse direction:  
(frame) t  
• 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.  
• 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-HC38 camcorders).  
(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.  
Recording sound  
Insert a recorded cassette into your  
camcorder beforehand.  
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
**Pictures output from the DV Interface  
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in  
slow mode.  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
2 Touch [  
To return to the normal playback mode,  
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from  
RET.] t  
.
2 Touch  
(Play/Pause) to play back the  
tape, then touch it again at the point where  
you want to start recording the sound.  
3 Touch  
CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB].  
X appears.  
t [PAGE3] t [A DUB  
frame playback).  
b Notes  
• You will not hear the recorded sound. You may  
see mosaic-like images of the previously played  
picture.  
60min  
DUB CTRL  
0:00:00:00  
RET.  
A
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)  
AUDIO  
DUB  
Using the internal stereo microphone  
(p. 67), you can add sound to a tape already  
recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 40) without  
erasing the original sound.  
4 Touch  
(Play).  
Your camcorder starts audio recording via  
the internal stereo microphone.  
appears while recording the new sound  
in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of the  
tape.  
b Notes  
• You cannot record additional audio:  
– When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit  
mode (p. 40).  
– When the tape has been recorded in the LP  
mode.  
5 Touch  
recording.  
(Stop) when you want to stop  
To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2 to  
select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB].  
– When your camcorder is connected via an  
i.LINK cable.  
6 Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
Continued ,  
33  
     
Operation button items (Continued)  
To check the recorded sound  
1 Play back the tape on which you have  
recorded audio (p. 22).  
2 Touch  
t [PAGE1] t [MENU].  
3 Select  
(VCR SET), then touch  
to select [AUDIO MIX],  
/
then touch [EXEC].  
VCR SET  
AUDIO MIX  
ST1  
ST2  
EXEC  
RET.  
4 Touch  
/
to adjust the balance  
of the original sound (ST1) and the new  
sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC].  
b Notes  
• The original sound (ST1) is output at the default  
setting.  
REC CTRL (Recording control)  
LCD BRT (LCD bright)  
34  
     
Menu items  
• Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 17).  
CAMERA  
PLAY/EDIT  
Easy Handycam  
MANUAL SET menu (p. 36)  
P EFFECT  
z
z
OFF  
CAMERA SET menu (p. 37)  
D ZOOM  
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
4:3  
ON  
WIDE SEL  
STEADYSHOT  
EDITSEARCH  
N.S.LIGHT  
OFF  
ON  
VCR SET menu (p. 38)  
AUDIO MIX  
z
LCD/VF SET menu (p. 39)  
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. 40)  
REC MODE  
AUDIO MODE  
z
z
z
z
SP  
12BIT  
AUTO  
REMAIN  
z
SETUP MENU menu (p. 40)  
USB STREAM  
z
z
z
z
z
OFF  
z
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
ON  
OTHERS menu (p. 41)  
WORLD TIME  
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.  
35  
   
MANUAL SET menu  
– P EFFECT  
MOSAIC*  
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.  
The default setting is marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 27 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
P EFFECT (Picture effect)  
* Not available during playback.  
You can add special effects to a picture  
during recording or playback.  
appears.  
b Notes  
• Effects added to the playback pictures are not  
output via the DV Interface (i.LINK). Only  
the original pictures can be output.  
BOFF  
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.  
• You cannot add effects to externally input  
pictures.  
NEG.ART  
The color and brightness are reversed.  
z Tips  
• You can record pictures edited with special  
effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.  
(p. 42).  
SEPIA  
Pictures appear in sepia.  
B&W  
Pictures appear in black and white.  
SOLARIZE  
Pictures appear as an illustration with  
strong contrast.  
PASTEL*  
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.  
36  
                     
CAMERA SET  
menu  
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.  
B4:3  
Standard setting (to record pictures to be  
played back on a 4:3 TV).  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 27 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
16:9 WIDE (  
)
Records pictures to be played back on a  
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.  
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with  
[16:9 WIDE] selected.  
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)  
You can select the maximum zoom level in  
case you want to zoom to a level greater  
than 40 × (the default setting) while  
recording on a tape. Note that the image  
quality decreases when you are using the  
digital zoom.  
When viewed on a 16:9 wide  
screen TV*  
When viewed on a standard  
TV**  
* 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 saw it on the  
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.  
The right side of the bar shows the digital  
zooming factor. The zooming zone  
appears when you select the zooming  
level.  
STEADYSHOT  
BOFF  
You can compensate for camera shake (the  
default setting is [ON]). Set  
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically.  
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when  
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion  
lens (optional), then the image becomes  
natural.  
80 ×  
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 80 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
2000 ×  
EDITSEARCH  
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,  
and after that, up to 2,000 × zoom is  
performed digitally.  
BOFF  
Does not display  
LCD screen.  
or  
on the  
WIDE SEL (Wide select)  
ON  
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.  
Displays  
and  
on the LCD  
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH  
function and Rec review (p. 24).  
Continued ,  
37  
                   
CAMERA SET menu  
(Continued)  
VCR SET menu  
– AUDIO MIX  
N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)  
AUDIO MIX  
When using the NightShot plus (p. 20)  
function to record, you can record clearer  
pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which  
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the  
default setting).  
See page 34.  
b Notes  
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers  
or other objects (p. 67).  
• Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is  
attached.  
• The maximum shooting distance using  
[N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).  
z Tips  
• 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.  
38  
         
LCD/VF SET menu  
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc  
b Notes  
The default settings are marked with B.  
See page 27 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
• 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 B.L. (LCD back light)  
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD  
screen’s backlight. The recorded picture  
will not be affected by this operation.  
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.  
BBRT NORMAL  
Standard brightness.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the LCD screen.  
BLETTER BOX  
Normal setting (standard type of display)  
b Notes  
• 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.  
SQUEEZE  
Expands the picture vertically if black  
bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect  
ratio are undesirable.  
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  
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.  
BRIGHT  
Brightens the viewfinder screen.  
39  
                   
TAPE SET menu  
SETUP MENU  
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN  
menu  
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
The indicators in parentheses appear when  
the items are selected.  
See page 27 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
See page 27 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
USB STREAM  
REC MODE (Recording mode)  
You can view the pictures displayed on the  
screen of your camcorder on your computer  
(USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See  
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-  
ROM for details (p. 49).  
BSP (SP)  
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on  
a cassette.  
LP (LP)  
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times  
the SP mode (Long Play).  
LANGUAGE  
You can select the language to be used on  
the LCD screen.  
b Notes  
• If you record in the LP mode, pictures may  
appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted  
when you play back the tape on other  
camcorders or VCRs.  
• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]  
(simplified English) for when you cannot find  
your native tongue among the options.  
• 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.  
DEMO MODE  
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to  
view the demonstration about 10 minutes  
after you have removed a cassette from  
your camcorder, and slide the POWER  
switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA  
lamp.  
AUDIO MODE  
B12BIT  
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo  
sounds).  
z Tips  
16BIT (  
)
• 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.)  
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound  
with high quality).  
REMAIN  
– When a cassette is inserted.  
BAUTO  
– When the POWER switch is set to other than  
CAMERA.  
Displays the remaining tape indicator for  
about 8 seconds in situations such as those  
described below.  
• When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/  
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.  
• When you touch  
(Play/Pause).  
ON  
Always displays the remaining tape  
indicator.  
40  
                                       
OTHERS menu  
– WORLD TIME, etc.  
The default settings are marked with B.  
See page 27 for details on selecting  
menu items.  
WORLD TIME  
When using your camcorder abroad, you  
can set the time difference by touching  
/
, 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.  
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.  
b Notes  
• When you connect your camcorder to a wall  
outlet, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to  
[NEVER].  
DISP OUT (Display output)  
BLCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.  
V-OUT/LCD  
Shows displays such as the time code on  
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the  
viewfinder.  
41  
                 
Dubbing/Editing  
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders  
You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs  
or DVD/HDD recorders.  
You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, 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 outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 11). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
Device without an  
S VIDEO jack  
Device with an  
S VIDEO jack  
(Black)  
(White)  
(Yellow)  
(White)  
1
A/V OUT jack  
(Red)  
(Yellow)  
(Red)  
A/V OUT  
DV  
2
VCRs or DVD/HDD  
recorders  
To i.LINK jack  
3
To DV Interface  
(i.LINK)  
: Signal flow  
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not  
output audio.  
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)  
B A/V connecting cable with S  
C i.LINK cable (optional)  
VIDEO (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.  
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  
b Notes  
• When you are connecting your camcorder to a  
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the  
42  
         
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack,  
and the red (right channel) or the white (left  
channel) plug to the audio input jack on the  
device.  
• When you connect a device via an A/V  
connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the  
default setting) (p. 41).  
5
When dubbing is complete, stop  
your camcorder and the  
recording device.  
b Notes  
• To record the date/time and camera settings data  
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,  
display them on the screen (p. 32).  
1
Prepare your camcorder for  
playback.  
Insert the recorded cassette.  
• The following cannot be output via the DV  
Interface (i.LINK):  
– Indicators  
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to  
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.  
– Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 36)  
• When connected using an i.LINK cable, the  
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture  
is paused on your camcorder while recording.  
• 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.  
2
3
Insert the recording media in the  
recording device.  
If your recording device has an input  
selector, set it to the appropriate input  
(such as video input1, video input2).  
Connect your camcorder to the  
recording device (VCR or DVD/  
HDD recorder) with the A/V  
connecting cable (supplied) 1,  
an A/V connecting cable with S  
VIDEO (optional) 2 or an i.LINK  
cable (optional) 3.  
Connect your camcorder to the input  
jacks of the recording device.  
4
Start playback on the camcorder,  
and recording on the recording  
device.  
Refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with your recording device for  
details.  
43  
Recording pictures from a TV or VCR, etc.  
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures or TV programs from a TV or VCR,  
etc., on a tape.  
Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand.  
You can connect your camcorder to a TV, VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the  
i.LINK cable (optional).  
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation  
(p. 11). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.  
b Notes  
You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a TV or VCR that does not have an  
i.LINK jack.  
• You cannot input picture and sound separately.  
DV  
To i.LINK jack  
TVs or VCR  
To DV Interface (i.LINK)  
i.LINK  
i.LINK cable (optional)  
: Signal flow  
When connecting your camcorder to  
another device using an i.LINK cable, the  
3
4
Slide the POWER switch  
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/  
EDIT lamp.  
video and audio signals are transmitted  
digitally, producing high quality pictures  
and sound. Note that you cannot output  
picture and sound separately.  
Set your camcorder to recording  
pause mode.  
1
2
Connect your TV or VCR to your  
camcorder with an i.LINK cable.  
Touch  
t [PAGE3] t [REC  
CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].  
If you are recording from a VCR,  
insert a cassette.  
44  
   
5
When recording pictures from a  
VCR:  
Start playing the cassette on the  
VCR.  
When recording pictures from a  
TV:  
Select a TV program.  
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].  
Touch [  
RET.] t  
.
b Notes  
• 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.)  
45  
Using a Computer  
What you can do with Windows computer  
When you install the “Picture Motion  
Browser” on a Windows computer from the  
About “First Step Guide”  
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the  
The “First Step Guide” is an instruction  
following operations.  
manual you can refer to on your computer.  
This describes basic operations, from initial  
hookup of your camcorder and computer  
b Notes  
• You cannot install the supplied software,  
and making settings, to general operation  
“Picture Motion Browser”, on a Macintosh  
the first time you use the software “Picture  
Motion Browser” stored on the CD-ROM  
(supplied).  
computer.  
Guide”” (p. 47), start the “First Step  
Guide”, then follow the instructions.  
About the help function of the  
software  
The Help guide explains all the functions of  
all the software applications. Refer to the  
Help guide for further detailed operations  
after reading the “First Step Guide”  
thoroughly.  
To display the Help guide, click the [?]  
mark on the screen.  
Main functions  
x Importing/Viewing movies taken  
with your camcorder  
System requirements  
You can manage movies by date and time  
of shooting, and select movies you want to  
view as thumbnails. These thumbnails can  
be enlarged and played in a slide show.  
When using “Picture Motion Browser”  
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000  
Professional, Windows XP Home  
Edition, Windows XP Professional or  
Windows XP Media Center Edition  
Standard installation is required.  
Operation is not assured if the above OS  
has been upgraded or in a multi-boot  
environment.  
x Editing movies imported to a  
computer  
You can edit imported movies on a  
computer.  
x Exporting movies from your  
CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster  
computer to your camcorder  
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This  
product is based on DirectX technology.  
It is necessary to have DirectX  
installed.)  
You can export movies that have been  
imported to a computer from your  
camcorder, back to your camcorder.  
Sound system: Direct Sound compatible  
sound card  
Memory: 256 MB or more  
46  
           
Installing the “First  
Step Guide” and  
software  
Hard disk: Disc volume required for  
installation: Approximately 350 MB  
You need to install the “First Step Guide”  
and software to your Windows computer  
before connecting your camcorder  
to the computer. The installation is  
required only for the first time.  
Display: DirectX 7 or later-compatible  
video card, Minimum 1024 × 768 dots,  
High Color (16 bit color)  
Others: USB port (This must be  
provided as standard), DV Interface  
(IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect via an  
i.LINK cable), disc drive (You need a  
CD-ROM drive to install the “Picture  
Motion Browser”.)  
Contents to be installed and procedures  
may differ depending on your OS.  
Installing the “First Step Guide”  
b Notes  
1
2
Confirm that your camcorder is  
not connected to the computer.  
• Operations are not guaranteed on all the  
recommended environments.  
For example, other open or background  
applications running on currently may limit  
product performance.  
Turn on the computer.  
• Log on as an Administrator for installation.  
• Close all applications running on the  
computer before installing the software.  
3
Place the supplied CD-ROM in the  
disc drive of your computer.  
The installation screen appears.  
If the screen does not appear  
1 Click [Start], then click [My  
Computer]. (For Windows 2000,  
double-click [My Computer].)  
2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]  
(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*  
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary  
depending on the computer.  
4
Click [FirstStepGuide].  
Continued ,  
47  
   
Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (Continued)  
5
Select the desired language and  
the model name of your  
camcorder from the pull-down  
menu.  
5
6
Read [License Agreement], select  
[I accept the terms of the license  
agreement] when you agree, then  
click [Next].  
Follow the on-screen instructions  
to install the software.  
Depending on the computer, you may  
need to install third party software  
(shown below). If the installation screen  
appears, follow the instructions to  
install the required software.  
6
Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].  
Installation starts.  
When [Save is complete] appears, click  
[OK] to finish the installation.  
x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c  
Software required to handle movies  
Restart the computer if required to  
complete the installation.  
To view the “First Step Guide” in PDF  
In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].  
The short-cut icons, such as [  
]
(Picture Motion Browser), appear on the  
desktop.  
To install the software “Adobe  
Reader” to display the PDF file  
In step 6, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].  
Installing the software  
1
Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing  
7
Remove the CD-ROM from the  
disc drive of your computer.  
2
3
Click [Install].  
After you install the software,  
a shortcut icon for the  
customers registration website  
is created on the desktop.  
Select the language for the  
application to be installed, then  
click [Next].  
• Once you register on the website, you  
can get secure and useful customer  
support.  
4
Check your country/region, then  
click [Next].  
48  
Viewing “First Step Guide”  
To view “First Step Guide” on your  
computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer  
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.  
Double-click the short-cut icon for “First  
Step Guide” on the desktop.  
z Tips  
• You can also start by selecting [Start] t  
[Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP)  
t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide]  
t Your camcorder's folder t “First Step  
Guide” in HTML.  
• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without  
installing, copy the desired language folder from  
the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM,  
and then double-click [Index.html].  
• Refer to the “First Step Guide” in PDF in the  
following cases:  
– When printing the desired topics of “First  
Step Guide”  
– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed  
correctly due to the browser setting even in  
recommended environment.  
– When the HTML version of “First Step  
Guide” cannot be installed.  
49  
   
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.  
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 (p. 17, 35).  
• Overall operations/Easy Handycam .....50  
• Batteries/Power sources .......................50  
• LCD screen/viewfinder ........................51  
• Cassette tapes .......................................51  
• Recording .............................................52  
• Playback ...............................................53  
• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other  
devices..................................................53  
• Connecting to a computer ....................54  
The menu item settings have  
changed unexpectedly.  
• The following settings return to the default  
settings automatically when you set the  
POWER switch to OFF(CHG) for more  
than 12 hours.  
– BACK LIGHT  
– [SPOT FOCUS]  
• Functions that cannot be used together  
..............................................................54  
– [FOCUS]  
– [SPOT METER]  
– [SCENE SEL.]  
– [EXPOSURE]  
– [WHT BAL]  
– [AUDIO MIX]  
Overall operations/Easy  
Handycam  
The power does not turn on.  
The camcorder gets warm.  
• Attach a charged battery pack to the  
camcorder (p. 11).  
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall  
outlet (p. 11).  
• The camcorder may get warmer while you  
use it. This is not a malfunction.  
Batteries/Power sources  
The camcorder does not operate  
even when the power is set to on.  
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. 41), or turn  
on the power again (p. 14), or use the AC  
Adaptor.  
• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet or remove the battery pack, then  
reconnect it after about 1 minute.  
• Press the RESET button (p. 68) using a  
sharp-pointed object. (If you press the  
RESET button, all settings are reset.)  
• Charge the battery pack (p. 11).  
• The battery is fully discharged, or almost  
discharged.  
Buttons do not work.  
• During Easy Handycam operation, not all  
buttons are functional (p. 18).  
The CHG (charge) lamp does not  
light while the battery pack is being  
charged.  
• Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)  
(p. 11).  
50  
       
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder  
correctly (p. 11).  
• Connect the power cord to the wall outlet  
properly (p. 11).  
The buttons do not appear on the  
touch panel.  
• Touch the LCD screen lightly.  
• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your  
camcorder (p. 68).  
• The battery charge is completed (p. 12).  
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while  
the battery pack is being charged.  
The buttons on the touch panel do  
not work correctly or do not work at  
all.  
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder  
correctly (p. 11). If the problem persists,  
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall  
outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The  
battery pack may be worn-out.  
• Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION])  
(p. 62).  
Menu items are grayed out.  
The remaining battery time indicator  
does not indicate the correct time.  
• You cannot select grayed items in the  
current recording/playback situation.  
• 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. 11, 59).  
The picture in the viewfinder is not  
clear.  
• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever  
until the picture appears clearly (p. 15).  
• 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 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. 15).  
The battery pack discharges too  
quickly.  
Dots in lines appear on the LCD  
screen.  
• 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. 11, 59).  
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are  
not recorded.  
Cassette tapes  
The cassette cannot be ejected from  
the compartment.  
LCD screen/viewfinder  
• Make sure the power source (battery pack  
or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly  
(p. 11).  
• Moisture condensation has occurred inside  
the camcorder (p. 61).  
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.  
Continued ,  
51  
   
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
• Avoid stopping then recording a movie in  
the LP mode.  
The Cassette Memory indicator or  
title display does not appear while  
using a cassette with Cassette  
Memory.  
[END SCH] does not work.  
• Do not eject the cassette after recording  
(p. 24).  
• There is nothing recorded on the cassette.  
• This camcorder does not support Cassette  
Memory, so the indicator does not appear.  
• There is a blank section between recorded  
sections of the tape. This is not a  
malfunction.  
The remaining tape indicator is not  
displayed.  
• Set [  
REMAIN] to [ON] to always  
display the remaining tape indicator (p. 40).  
The auto focus does not function.  
• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 28).  
The cassette is noisier during  
rewinding or fast-forwarding.  
• The recording conditions are not suitable  
for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually  
(p. 28).  
• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast  
forward speed increases (compared with  
battery operation) and therefore increases  
noise. This is not a malfunction.  
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 37).  
Recording  
The BACK LIGHT function does not  
function.  
The tape does not start when you  
press REC START/STOP.  
• 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. 18).  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the CAMERA lamp (p. 19).  
• 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. 58).  
• 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. 61).  
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.  
You cannot record a smooth  
transition on a tape from the last  
recorded scene to the next.  
A vertical band appears when  
recording a bright subject.  
• Perform [END SCH] (p. 24).  
• This phenomenon is called the smear effect.  
This is not a malfunction.  
• 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.  
52  
           
The color of the picture is not  
correctly displayed.  
No sound or only a low sound is  
heard.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function  
(p. 20).  
• Turn up the volume (p. 22).  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is  
heard appropriately (p. 34).  
• 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. 26).  
The screen picture is bright, and the  
subject does not appear on the  
screen.  
• Deactivate the NightShot plus function  
(p. 20), or cancel the BACK LIGHT  
function (p. 21).  
The sound breaks off.  
• Clean the head using the cleaning cassette  
(optional) (p. 62).  
Undesirable flicker occurs.  
“---” is displayed on the screen.  
• This anomaly may occur when recording  
pictures under the discharge tube, such as a  
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury  
lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORT]. This  
is not a malfunction.  
• 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.  
Black bands appear when you  
record a TV screen or computer  
screen.  
Noises appear and  
on the screen.  
is displayed  
• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 37).  
• The tape was recorded in a TV color system  
other than that of your camcorder (NTSC).  
This is not a malfunction (p. 57).  
[The lens cover might be  
closed.Check the cover.] appears on  
the screen when the lens cover is  
open.  
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.  
• There is not enough light, or the lens is  
covered by your finger or other object.  
Playback  
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to  
other devices  
You cannot play back a tape.  
• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn  
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 22).  
• Rewind the tape (p. 22).  
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. 41).  
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. 62).  
Continued ,  
53  
       
Troubleshooting (Continued)  
Functions that cannot be used  
together  
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. 42).  
Depending on the functions, you may not  
be able to use them together. The following  
list shows examples of functions that  
cannot be used at the same time.  
Not available  
If this function is set  
New sound added to a recorded tape  
is not heard.  
BACK LIGHT  
[SPOT METER],  
[EXPOSURE]  
• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is  
heard appropriately (p. 34).  
[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SEL.]  
[SPOT METER] NightShot plus  
[SCENE SEL.] NightShot plus  
Pictures from connected devices are  
not displayed correctly.  
[EXPOSURE]  
[WHT BAL]  
NightShot plus  
NightShot plus  
• The input signal is not NTSC (p. 57).  
Connecting to a computer  
The computer does not recognize  
your camcorder.  
• Install the “Picture Motion Browser”  
(p. 47).  
• The computer may not recognize your  
camcorder for a few moments after you  
connect it. Wait for a while.  
• Disconnect USB devices other than the  
keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder  
from the (USB) jack on the computer.  
• Disconnect the cable from the computer  
and camcorder, restart the computer, then  
connect them again correctly.  
You cannot install the supplied  
software, “Picture Motion Browser,”  
on a Macintosh computer.  
• You can install “Picture Motion Browser”  
only on a Windows computer.  
54  
   
Warning indicators and messages  
them of the 5-digit code, which starts  
from “E.”  
Self-diagnosis display/Warning  
indicators  
E (Battery level warning)  
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.  
• 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.  
% (Moisture condensation warning)*  
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis  
display)  
• Eject the cassette, remove the power  
source, and then leave it for about 1  
hour with the cassette lid open (p. 61).  
C:04:ss  
• The battery pack is not an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H  
series). Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack (H series) (p. 59).  
Q (Warning indicators pertaining to  
the tape)  
• Connect the DC plug of the AC  
Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your  
camcorder securely (p. 11).  
Slow flashing:  
• There is less than 5 minutes remaining  
on the tape.  
C:21:ss  
• No cassette is inserted.*  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
Remove the cassette and leave your  
camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-  
insert the cassette (p. 61).  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 58).*  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out.*  
C:22:ss  
• Clean the head using a cleaning  
cassette (optional) (p. 62).  
Z (Eject cassette warning)*  
Slow flashing:  
C:31:ss / C:32:ss  
• The write-protect tab on the cassette is  
set to lock (p. 58).  
• 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. 61).  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has occurred  
(p. 61).  
• The self-diagnosis display code is  
displayed (p. 55).  
• Remove the power source. Reconnect it  
and operate your camcorder again.  
• Change the cassette. Press RESET  
(p. 68), and operate your camcorder  
again.  
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators  
appear on the screen (p. 31).  
E:61:ss / E:62:ss  
• Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility. Inform  
Continued ,  
55  
       
Warning indicators and messages (Continued)  
Examples of warning messages  
If messages appear on the screen, follow the  
instructions.  
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject  
the cassette (p. 61)  
% Moisture condensation. Turn off  
for 1H. (p. 61)  
Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 16)  
• Check if the cassette is damaged.  
QZ The tape is locked - check the  
tab. (p. 58)  
56  
 
Additional Information  
Using your camcorder abroad  
Power supply  
Simple setting of the clock by time  
difference  
You can easily set the clock to the local  
time abroad by entering the time difference  
between where you live and where you are.  
Select [WORLD TIME] in the  
(OTHERS) menu, then set the time  
difference (p. 41).  
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.  
Use a commercially available AC plug  
adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the  
design of the wall outlet [b].  
AC-L200/L200B  
[a]  
[b]  
On TV color systems  
Your camcorder is NTSC system, so its  
picture can only be viewed on a NTSC  
system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input  
jack.  
System  
Used in  
NTSC  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,  
Canada, Central America, Chile,  
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana,  
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico,  
Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,  
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
PAL  
Australia, Austria, Belgium,  
China, Czech Republic,  
Denmark, Finland, Germany,  
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,  
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia,  
New Zealand, Norway, Poland,  
Portugal, Singapore,  
Slovak Republic, Spain,  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,  
United Kingdom, etc.  
PAL - M Brazil  
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.  
SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,  
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,  
etc.  
57  
           
Maintenance and precautions  
x To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to  
set it to SAVE.  
Usable cassette tapes  
You can use mini DV format cassettes only.  
Use a cassette with the  
mark.  
Your camcorder is not compatible with the  
Cassette Memory function.  
To prevent a blank section from being  
created on the tape  
Go to the end of the recorded section using  
END SEARCH (p. 24) before you begin the  
next recording in the following cases:  
• You have played back the tape.  
REC: The cassette can be  
recorded.  
SAVE: The cassette cannot be  
recorded (write-protected).  
REC  
SAVE  
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.  
• You have used EDIT SEARCH.  
Copyright signal  
x When you play back  
Do not put a label  
along this border.  
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.  
x When you record  
Labeling position  
You cannot record software on your  
camcorder that contains copyright control  
signals for copyright protection of software.  
[Cannot record due to copyright  
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.  
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.  
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.  
Notes on use  
x When not using your camcorder for a  
long time  
Remove the cassette and store it.  
Gold-plated connector  
58  
         
– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-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 the “InfoLITHIUM”  
battery pack  
This unit is compatible with an  
We recommend using a large capacity battery  
pack: NP-FH70/FH100 (optional).  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).  
Your camcorder operates only with an  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
• 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.  
“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs  
have the  
mark.  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery  
pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a  
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for communicating information related to  
operating conditions between your  
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/  
charger.  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
calculates the power consumption  
according to the operating conditions of  
your camcorder, and displays the remaining  
battery time in minutes.  
• 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.  
To charge the battery pack  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you  
start using your camcorder.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an  
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C  
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the 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.  
• 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.  
• 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.  
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 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.  
• 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. 41).  
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up,  
and insert it in your camcorder right before  
you start taking shots.  
Continued ,  
59  
       
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
About battery life  
About the i.LINK Baud rate  
• 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.  
i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies  
according to the device. There are 3 types.  
S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)  
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)  
S400 (approx. 400Mbps)  
The baud rate is listed under  
About i.LINK  
“Specifications” in the operating  
instructions of each piece of equipment. It  
is also indicated near the i.LINK interface  
on some devices.  
The baud rate may differ from the indicated  
value when the unit is connected to a device  
with a different maximum baud rate.  
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-  
compliant DV Interface. This section  
describes the i.LINK standard and its  
features.  
What is i.LINK?  
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 42, 44.  
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.  
b Notes  
• IEEE 1394 is an international standard  
standardized by the Institute of Electrical and  
Electronics Engineers.  
• When connecting your camcorder to another  
i.LINK-compatible device, be sure to turn off  
the power of the device and disconnect the AC  
Adaptor from the wall outlet before connecting  
or disconnecting the i.LINK cable.  
60  
   
• When disconnecting the power cord, pull it by  
the plug and not the cord.  
• Do not damage the power cord such as by  
placing anything heavy on it.  
About the required i.LINK cable  
Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable  
(during DV dubbing).  
• 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  
– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with  
plenty of water and consult a doctor.  
On using your camcorder  
On use and care  
• Do not use or store the camcorder and  
accessories in the following locations.  
– Anywhere extremely hot, cold or humid.  
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.  
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.  
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  
– 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.  
condensation. Eject the cassette] or [%  
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]  
appears. The indicator will not appear when  
the moisture condenses on the lens.  
• Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V  
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).  
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories  
recommended in these operating instructions.  
• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,  
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets  
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this  
malfunction cannot be repaired.  
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the  
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it  
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it  
any further.  
x If moisture condensation has occurred  
None of the functions except cassette  
ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn  
off your camcorder, and leave it for about  
one hour with the cassette lid open. Your  
camcorder can be used again when both of  
the following conditions are met:  
• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,  
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on the  
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF(CHG)  
when you are not using your camcorder.  
• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for  
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause  
heat to build up inside.  
• The warning message does not appear when the  
power is turned on.  
• 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  
Continued ,  
61  
     
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)  
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service  
facility to have the video heads replaced.  
malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid  
until the cassette is ejected.  
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.  
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.  
• When you bring your camcorder from a ski  
slope into a place warmed up by a heating  
device.  
• While using your camcorder, the back of the  
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a  
malfunction.  
• 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.  
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.  
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 On adjustment of the touch panel  
(CALIBRATION)  
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 outlet  
using the supplied AC Adaptor during the  
operation.  
1 Turn off the power, then 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.  
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).  
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback  
picture or the screen is displayed in blue.  
2 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with  
the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the  
like.  
– 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.  
• 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  
The position of the “×” changes. If you did  
not press the right spot, start from step 2  
again.  
62  
     
• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is  
rotated.  
To remove dust from inside the  
viewfinder  
On handling the casing  
1 Pull out the viewfinder.  
• 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.  
2 While pushing in the tab on the side  
with a fine-tipped implement such as a  
ball point pen, pull the eyecup block in  
the direction of the arrow to remove.  
Tab  
– Handling with above substances on your  
hands.  
– Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or  
vinyl objects for a long period of time.  
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.  
3 Remove dust from the eyecup block  
with a camera blower, etc.  
• 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.  
4 Press the viewfinder onto the body of  
the camcorder.  
5 Remove dust from the inside area where  
the eyecup block was attached with a  
camera blower, etc.  
Continued ,  
63  
 
Maintenance and precautions  
(Continued)  
Specifications  
System  
6 Attach the eyecup block to the  
viewfinder, pushing it straight on until it  
clicks.  
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  
NTSC color, EIA 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  
b Notes  
• The eyecup block is a precision part. Do not  
disassemble it further.  
• Do not touch the lens of the eyecup block.  
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  
On charging the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery  
Your camcorder has a pre-installed  
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,  
and other settings even when the POWER  
switch is set to OFF(CHG). The pre-  
installed rechargeable battery is always  
charged while your camcorder is connected  
to the wall outlet 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.  
Electric viewfinder (color)  
Image device  
3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge  
Coupled Device)  
Gross: Approx. 680 000 pixels  
Effective (movie): Approx. 340 000  
pixels  
Lens  
Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar  
40 × (Optical), 2 000 × (Digital)  
Focal length  
However, even if the pre-installed  
rechargeable battery is not charged, the  
camcorder operation will not be affected as  
long as you are not recording the date.  
f=1.9 ~ 76 mm (3/32 ~ 3 in.)  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
In CAMERA: 36 ~ 1 440 mm (1 7/16 ~  
56 3/4 in.)  
F1.8 ~ 4.1  
x Procedures  
Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet  
using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it  
with the POWER switch set to OFF(CHG)  
for more than 24 hours.  
Filter diameter: 30 mm (1 3/16 in.)  
64  
   
Color temperature  
Storage temperature  
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR]  
(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)  
Minimum illumination  
5 lx (lux) (F 1.8)  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
63 × 85 × 114 mm  
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 1/2 in.) (w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts  
63 × 85 × 115 mm  
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus  
function)  
(2 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 4 5/8 in.) (w/h/d)  
including the projecting parts with  
supplied battery pack NP-FH30  
attached  
Input/Output connectors  
Audio/Video output  
10-pin connector  
Mass (approx.)  
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)  
Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω  
(ohms)  
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load  
impedance 47 kΩ (kilohms)), Output  
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ  
(kilohms)  
390 g (13 oz) main unit only  
450 g (15 oz) including the NP-FH30  
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60  
cassette.  
Supplied accessories  
See page 10.  
USB jack  
mini-B  
DV input/output  
AC Adaptor AC-L200/L200B  
Power requirements  
AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz  
Current consumption  
0.35 - 0.18 A  
i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin  
connector S100)  
Power consumption  
18 W  
Output voltage  
LCD screen  
Picture  
6.2 cm (2.5 type)  
Total dot number  
123 200 (560 × 220)  
DC 8.4 V*  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
-20 °C to + 60 °C (-4 °F to + 140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
48 × 29 × 81 mm (1 15/16 × 1 3/16 ×  
3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the  
projecting parts  
General  
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  
Mass (approx.)  
170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the power cord  
During camera recording using the  
LCD 2.1 W  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for  
other specifications.  
Continued ,  
65  
Specifications (Continued)  
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30)  
On trademarks  
• “Handycam” and  
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony  
Corporation.  
are  
Maximum output voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Output voltage  
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.)  
is a trademark.  
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are  
trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.  
Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other  
countries.  
• Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple  
Computer, Inc in the U.S. and other countries.  
• Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark  
of Intel Corporation.  
• Adobe and Adobe Reader are either registered  
trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems  
Incorporated in the United States and/or other  
countries.  
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.  
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.  
66  
QIduicek Rnetfeirefnyceing parts and controls  
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.  
A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (20)  
B Power zoom lever (20)  
C
OPEN/EJECT lever (16)  
D Hooks for a shoulder belt  
Attach a shoulder belt (optional).  
E Grip belt (15)  
F Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (7)  
G LENS COVER switch (15)  
H Internal stereo microphone (33)  
I Infrared port (20)  
Continued ,  
67  
   
Identifying parts and controls (Continued)  
A DISP/BATT INFO button (12, 15)  
B EASY button (17)  
C RESET button  
Initializes all the settings, including the  
setting of the date and time.  
D LCD screen/touch panel (15, 70)  
E Zoom buttons (20)  
F REC START/STOP button (17, 19)  
G Speaker  
Playback sounds comes out from the  
speaker. For how to adjust the volume,  
see page 22.  
H BATT (battery release) PUSH button  
(12)  
I CHG (charge) lamp (11)  
J
(USB) jack  
K BACK LIGHT button (21)  
68  
   
A POWER switch (14)  
B Viewfinder (15)  
C Eyecup (63)  
D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (15)  
E
DV interface (42, 44)  
F DC IN jack (11)  
G A/V OUT jack (26, 42)  
H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT lamp (14)  
I REC START/STOP button (17, 19)  
J Tripod receptacle  
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of  
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm  
(7/32 in.)) to the tripod receptacle using  
a tripod screw.  
69  
 
Indicators displayed during recording/playback  
Recording  
Indicators when you made  
changes  
1
2
3
4
5
You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 71) to  
check the function of each indicator that  
appears on the LCD screen.  
b Notes  
• Some of the indicators may not appear when  
you use [DISP GUIDE].  
Upper left  
Upper right  
7
6
60min  
STBY  
0:00:00  
60min  
A Remaining battery (approx.)  
B Recording mode (SP or LP) (40)  
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or  
[REC] (recording))  
+
GUIDE  
FN  
/
E D I T  
D Recording: Tape counter (hour:  
minute: second)  
Bottom  
Center  
Playback: Time code (hour: minute:  
second: frame)  
Upper left  
E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.)  
(40)  
Indicator  
Meaning  
F Function button (27)  
AUDIO MODE (40)  
G Guide button (23)  
Upper right  
Viewing  
Indicator  
Meaning  
DV input (44)  
1
2
8
4
5
Center  
Indicator  
Meaning  
NightShot plus (20)  
Warning (55)  
7
% Z  
Bottom  
9
6
Indicator  
Meaning  
H Tape transport indicator  
I Video operation buttons (22)  
Flexible spot meter (29)/  
Manual exposure (30)  
9
.
Manual focus (28)  
Backlight (21)  
70  
       
z Tips  
Indicator  
Meaning  
• You can also operate by touching  
[DISP GUIDE].  
t
SCENE SEL. (29)  
Picture effect (36)  
White balance (31)  
n
Wide select (37)  
SteadyShot off (37)  
EDITSEARCH (37)  
+
/
E D I T  
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  
Checking the screen indicators  
(Display guide)  
You can easily check the meaning of each  
indicator that appears on the LCD screen.  
1 Touch [GUIDE] t [DISP GUIDE].  
2 Touch the area including the indicator that  
you want to check.  
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.  
To finish the operation, touch [END].  
71  
         
Index  
DISP GUIDE  
Numeric  
DISP OUT  
M
A
E
A DUB CTRL  
N
A.SHUT OFF  
F
B
N.S.LIGHT  
O
G
I
C
P
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack  
L
R
D
REC CTRL  
LCD B.L.  
REC MODE  
72  
 
VF B.L.  
S
W
Searching for the starting point  
WHT BAL  
WIDE DISP  
SPOT METER  
Z
SUNRSSUNST  
T
U
V
V SPD PLAY  
73  
Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español  
Paso 1: Comprobación de los elementos  
suministrados  
Asegúrese de que su videocámara contiene  
los siguientes elementos.  
El número entre paréntesis indica la  
cantidad del elemento.  
Adaptador de alimentación de ca (1)  
Cable de alimentación (1)  
Cable de conexión A/V (1)  
Batería recargable NP-FH30 (1)  
CD-ROM “Handycam Application  
Software” (1)  
Guía de operaciones (Este manual) (1)  
74  
 
Paso 2: Carga de la batería  
2
1
2
3
1
Con la marca v hacia  
abajo  
Batería  
Interruptor POWER  
Toma de entrada de cc  
4
Al tomacorriente de pared  
Adaptador de alimentación de ca  
Cable de alimentación  
Para cargar la batería “InfoLITHIUM”  
4
Conecte el cable de alimentación  
al adaptador de alimentación de  
ca y al tomacorriente de pared.  
(serie H), conéctela a la  
videocámara.  
b Notas  
El indicador CHG (carga)  
• No puede conectar ninguna batería  
“InfoLITHIUM” que no sea de la serie H a la  
videocámara.  
1
2
3
Alinee los terminales de la batería  
y de su videocámara 1, luego  
coloque la batería y cálcela en su  
lugar 2.  
Deslice el interruptor POWER en  
el sentido de la flecha hasta la  
posición OFF(CHG) (Ajuste  
predeterminado).  
El indicador CHG (carga) se enciende y  
se inicia el proceso de carga.  
Conecte el adaptador de  
alimentación de ca a la toma de  
entrada de cc de la videocámara.  
Continuación ,  
75  
Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación)  
Para comprobar la carga restante de  
la batería (Información sobre la  
batería)  
Ajuste el interruptor POWER en  
OFF(CHG) y, a continuación, presione  
DISP/BATT INFO.  
5
El indicador CHG (carga) se  
apaga cuando la batería está  
completamente cargada.  
Desconecte el adaptador de  
alimentación de ca de la toma de  
entrada de cc  
Desconecte el adaptador de  
alimentación de ca de la toma de entrada  
de cc sujetando a la vez la videocámara  
y la clavija de cc  
Para utilizar una fuente de  
alimentación externa  
Puede utilizar la cámara mediante la  
alimentación del tomacorriente de pared  
realizando las mismas conexiones que  
cuando carga la batería. La batería no  
perderá la carga en este caso.  
Después de cierto tiempo, el tiempo  
disponible para grabación y la información  
sobre la batería aparecen durante  
aproximadamente 7 s (segundo). Puede ver  
la información sobre la batería durante 20 s  
(segundo) presionando nuevamente DISP/  
BATT INFO mientras se visualiza la  
información.  
Para retirar la batería  
Batería restante (aprox.)  
1 Apague la alimentación y presione  
PUSH.  
BATTERY INFO  
NIVEL CARGA BATERÍA  
0%  
50%  
100%  
2 Extraiga la batería en el sentido de la  
flecha.  
TIEMPO GRAB DISPON  
PANT. LCD  
VISOR  
:
:
85 min  
99 min  
Interruptor POWER  
Capacidad de grabación (aprox.)  
Puede comprobar la carga restante de la  
batería en la pantalla LCD.  
1
2
Indicador  
Estado  
Suficiente energía restante  
Batería baja, la grabación/  
reproducción se detendrá  
pronto.  
PUSH  
Sustituya la batería por una  
completamente cargada, o  
cargue la batería.  
Cuando guarde la batería  
Descargue completamente la batería antes  
de guardarla durante un período  
prolongado.  
76  
Tiempo de carga  
Tiempo de reproducción  
Tiempo aproximado (min) necesario para  
cargar totalmente una batería descargada  
por completo.  
Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible  
cuando utiliza una batería completamente  
cargada.  
Batería  
Tiempo de carga  
Panel LCD  
abierto  
Panel LCD  
cerrado  
Batería  
NP-FH30  
(suministrado)  
115  
NP-FH30  
(suministrado)  
105  
135  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
135  
170  
390  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
170  
370  
845  
220  
465  
1 065  
Tiempo de grabación  
Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible  
cuando utiliza una batería completamente  
cargada.  
Acerca de la batería  
• Antes de cambiar la batería, deslice el  
interruptor POWER a la posición OFF(CHG).  
• El indicador CHG (carga) parpadeará durante la  
carga o la información de la batería no se  
mostrará correctamente en las siguientes  
condiciones.  
– La batería no está correctamente conectada.  
– La batería está dañada.  
– La batería está agotada (sólo para la  
información de la batería).  
• Cuando el adaptador de alimentación de ca esté  
conectado a la toma de entrada de cc de la  
videocámara, la batería no suministrará  
Tiempo de  
grabación  
continua  
Tiempo de  
grabación  
normal*  
Batería  
NP-FH30  
(suministrado)  
95  
110  
155  
180  
330  
395  
760  
890  
45  
55  
NP-FH50  
NP-FH70  
NP-FH100  
75  
90  
165  
195  
380  
445  
alimentación, incluso si el cable de alimentación  
está desconectado del tomacorriente de pared.  
Acerca del tiempo de carga/grabación/  
reproducción  
• Tiempo calculado con la videocámara a 25 °C  
(Se recomienda de 10 a 30 °C)  
• El tiempo de grabación y de reproducción será  
más corto cuando use la videocámara a bajas  
temperaturas.  
* El tiempo de grabación normal muestra la hora  
cuando se repite la operación de inicio/  
detención de la grabación, al conectar y  
desconectar la alimentación y al usar la función  
de zoom.  
• El tiempo de grabación y de reproducción será  
más corto en función de las condiciones de uso  
de la videocámara.  
b Notas  
• Todo el tiempo calculado en las siguientes  
condiciones:  
Parte superior: Grabación con pantalla LCD.  
Parte inferior: Grabación con el visor mientras  
el panel LCD se encuentra cerrado.  
Acerca del adaptador de alimentación de  
ca  
• Si utiliza el adaptador de alimentación de ca  
conéctelo a un tomacorriente de pared cercano.  
Si se produce alguna falla de funcionamiento al  
utilizar la videocámara, desconecte el adaptador  
de alimentación de ca del tomacorriente de  
inmediato.  
Continuación ,  
77  
Paso 2: Carga de la batería  
(Continuación)  
Paso 3: Encendido y  
ajuste de la fecha y la  
hora  
Ajuste la fecha y la hora cuando use la  
videocámara por primera vez. De lo  
contrario, la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ]  
aparecerá cada vez que encienda la  
videocámara o cambie la posición del  
interruptor POWER.  
• No utilice el adaptador de alimentación de ca  
colocado en un espacio angosto, tal como entre  
una pared y los muebles.  
• Evite la formación de cortocircuitos en la clavija  
de cc del adaptador de alimentación de ca o en  
el terminal de la batería con objetos metálicos.  
Esto podría provocar una falla de  
funcionamiento.  
• Aunque la videocámara esté apagada, seguirá  
recibiendo alimentación de ca (corriente  
doméstica) mientras esté conectada a la toma de  
pared mediante el adaptador de alimentación de  
ca  
Toque el botón  
en la pantalla LCD.  
Interruptor POWER  
1
Mientras presiona el botón verde,  
deslice el interruptor POWER en  
el sentido de la flecha para que se  
encienda el indicador  
correspondiente.  
CAMERA: Para grabar en una cinta.  
PLAY/EDIT: Para reproducir o editar  
imágenes.  
Aparecerá la pantalla [AJ. RELOJ].  
AJ. RELOJ  
A
M
1
D
H
M
:
2007  
1
12 00AM  
OK  
2
Ajuste [A] (año) con  
luego toque  
/
,
.
Puede seleccionar cualquier año hasta el  
año 2079.  
78  
Cambio de los ajustes de  
idioma  
3
Ajuste [M] (mes), luego toque  
y repita el procedimiento  
para [D] (día), [H] (hora) y [M]  
(minuto).  
Puede cambiar las indicaciones en pantalla  
para mostrar mensajes en un idioma en  
particular. Toque  
t [MENU] t  
Ajuste la medianoche a las 12:00 AM.  
Ajuste el mediodía a las 12:00 PM.  
(AJUS. MENÚ) t [  
LANGUAGE], y luego seleccione el  
idioma deseado.  
El reloj se pone en funcionamiento.  
Para apagar la videocámara  
Deslice el interruptor POWER hasta la  
posición OFF(CHG).  
Para restablecer la fecha y la hora  
Para ajustar la fecha y la hora deseadas,  
toque  
t [PÁG.2] t [AJ. RELOJ].  
b Notas  
• Si no usa la videocámara durante  
aproximadamente 3 meses, la batería  
recargable incorporada se descarga y es posible  
que los ajustes de la fecha y la hora se borren de  
la memoria. En este caso, cargue la batería  
recargable y ajuste la fecha y la hora  
nuevamente.  
• Al momento de la compra, la alimentación se  
ajusta para desconectarse automáticamente si no  
se opera la videocámara durante unos 5 min  
(minuto) para ahorrar energía de la batería  
([APAG. AUTO]).  
z Sugerencias  
• La fecha y hora no aparecen durante la  
grabación, pero se graban automáticamente en  
la cinta y pueden visualizarse durante la  
reproducción ([CÓD. DATOS] (Durante el  
funcionamiento de Easy Handycam, sólo puede  
ajustar [FECHA HORA])).  
• Si los botones del panel sensible al tacto no  
funcionan correctamente, ajuste el panel  
sensible al tacto (CALIBRACIÓN).  
79  
Paso 4: Ajustes antes de grabar  
Apertura de la tapa del objetivo  
El visor  
Deslice el interruptor LENS COVER a  
OPEN.  
Puede ver imágenes utilizando el visor para  
evitar el desgaste de la batería o cuando la  
imagen en la pantalla LCD es mala.  
Visor  
Después de grabar, ajuste el interruptor  
LENS COVER a CLOSE para cerrar la tapa  
del objetivo.  
El panel LCD  
Palanca de ajuste del  
objetivo del visor  
Muévala hasta que la  
imagen se aclare.  
Abra el panel LCD a 90 grados con  
respecto a la videocámara (1), luego gírelo  
hacia el mejor ángulo para grabar o  
reproducir (2).  
z Sugerencias  
DISP/BATT INFO  
180 grados  
(máx.)  
2
• Puede ajustar el brillo de fondo del visor  
seleccionando  
VIS].  
(AJ LCD/VIS) - [LUZ F.  
La correa de sujeción  
Ajuste la correa de sujeción y sostenga la  
cámara correctamente.  
1
90 grados con respecto  
90 grados  
a la videocámara  
(máx.)  
b Notas  
4
1
2
• No presione los botones en el marco del panel  
LCD por error al abrirlo o ajustarlo.  
z Sugerencias  
• Si gira el panel LCD 180 grados hacia el lado  
del objetivo, podrá cerrarlo con la pantalla LCD  
hacia afuera. Esto resulta conveniente durante  
operaciones de reproducción.  
3
• Consulte [BRIL LCD] para ajustar el brillo de la  
pantalla LCD.  
• Presione DISP/BATT INFO para activar o  
desactivar los indicadores de pantalla (como la  
información sobre la batería).  
80  
Paso 5: Inserción de un videocasete  
b Notas  
Solamente puede utilizar videocasetes mini  
DV  
.
No fuerce el compartimiento del  
videocasete presionando la parte  
con la marca {DO NOT PUSH} mientras  
se desliza hacia adentro. Podría  
provocar una falla de  
1
Deslice y sostenga la palanca  
OPEN/EJECT en el sentido de la  
flecha y abra la tapa.  
funcionamiento.  
Palanca  
OPEN/EJECT  
3
Cierre la tapa.  
Para expulsar el videocasete  
Abra la tapa realizando el mismo  
procedimiento como se describe en el paso  
1 y extraiga el videocasete.  
Tapa  
z Sugerencias  
• El tiempo disponible para grabación varía en  
función del [MOD GRB].  
El compartimiento del videocasete sale  
automáticamente y se abre.  
2
Inserte un videocasete con la  
cara de la ventanilla hacia afuera  
y, a continuación, presione  
.
Presione ligeramente el  
centro de la parte posterior  
del videocasete.  
Ventanilla  
Compartimiento del videocasete  
El compartimiento del  
videocasete se desliza  
automáticamente hacia adentro.  
81  
Grabación  
Abra la tapa del objetivo.  
Interruptor POWER  
REC START/  
STOP A  
REC START/STOP B  
Deslice el interruptor POWER varias veces en el sentido de la  
flecha para que se encienda el indicador CAMERA.  
Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición  
OFF(CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón  
verde.  
Presione REC START/STOP A (o B).  
GUÍA  
GUÍA  
[ESPERA]  
[GRAB.]  
Para detener la grabación, presione REC START/STOP nuevamente.  
82  
Reproducción  
Deslice el interruptor POWER en el sentido de la flecha varias  
veces para encender el indicador PLAY/EDIT.  
Si el interruptor POWER está en la posición  
OFF(CHG), deslícelo mientras presiona el botón  
verde.  
Inicie la reproducción.  
Toque  
para rebobinar la cinta al punto deseado y luego presione  
para  
iniciar la reproducción.  
Reproducir/Pausa* se alterna cada vez que toca el botón  
GUÍA  
Detener  
Rebobinar/Avanzar rápidamente  
* La reproducción se detiene automáticamente si se acciona la pausa durante más de 3 min (minuto).  
Para ajustar el volumen  
Toque  
t [PÁG.1] t [VOL], luego  
/
para ajustar el volumen.  
Para buscar una escena durante la reproducción  
Mantenga presionado  
/
durante la reproducción (Búsqueda de imágenes), o  
/
durante el avance rápido o rebobinado de la cinta (Exploración con salto).  
z Sugerencias  
• Puede reproducir en diversos modos ([REP VEL V]).  
83  
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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