3-278-983-11(1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Getting Started Operating Guide DCR-HC52/HC54 © 2008 Sony Corporation 11 Recording/ 19 Playback Using the Menu 29 Dubbing/Editing 44 Using a Computer 48 Troubleshooting 52 Additional Information 59 Quick Reference 69 Spanish Quick Guide/ Guía rápida en español 78
WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating 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. Use Power Sources This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.
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 (wall socket) and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.
Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. CAUTION Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result. For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information For customers in the U.S.A.
Read thid first (Continued) Notes DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to be used with AC Adaptor Model AC-L200/L200B. CAUTION 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.
will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder. About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens • A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions. • The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.
Read thid first (Continued) 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.
Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS..........3 Read this first .................................. 5 Notes on use ................................. 6 Getting Started Using the Menu Using the menu items .......... 29 Operation button items .................30 Menu items ...................................37 MANUAL SET menu .............38 – P EFFECT CAMERA SET menu ............39 Step 1: Checking supplied items ..................................................... 11 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ..
Table of Contents (Continued) Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...... 59 Maintenance and precautions ...... 60 Usable cassette tapes ................ 60 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack .......................................... 61 About i.LINK ................................ 62 On using your camcorder ........... 63 Specifications ............................... 66 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls ....... 69 Indicators displayed during recording/playback ............
Getting Started Step 1: 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. USB cable (1) (DCR-HC54) (p. 70) AC Adaptor (1) (p. 12) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1) (p. 12, 61) Getting Started Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 12) CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (DCR-HC54)(p. 48) Operating Guide (This manual) (1) A/V connecting cable (1) (p.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack 2 1 2 1 3 With the v mark facing down Battery pack POWER switch DC IN jack 4 To the wall outlet (wall socket) AC Adaptor Power cord (Mains lead) You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 61) after attaching it to your camcorder. 4 Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet (wall socket). b Notes CHG (charge) lamp • You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder.
To use an outside power source You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by making the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case. pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed. Remaining battery (approx.) BATTERY INFO BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL 0% 50% 100% To remove the battery pack 2 Remove the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. POWER switch Recording capacity (approx.
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued) Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. Battery pack Continuous recording time Typical recording time* NP-FH30 (supplied) 95 45 110 55 NP-FH50 155 75 180 90 NP-FH70 330 165 395 195 NP-FH100 760 380 890 445 * Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.
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. 4 Move to [D] (day) with , then set with / and repeat for the hour and minute. For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM. settings are correct, then touch . The clock starts. Touch the button on the LCD screen.
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued) Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch t [MENU] t (SETUP MENU) t [ LANGUAGE], then select the desired language.
Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording Opening the lens cover Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. The viewfinder 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 Getting Started 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).
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette You can use mini DV (p. 60). cassettes only 1 Slide and hold the OPEN/ EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. OPEN/EJECT lever portion marked {DO NOT PUSH} while it is sliding in. It may cause a malfunction. 3 Close the lid. To eject the cassette Open the lid following the same procedure as described in step 1 and remove the cassette. z Tips Lid The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.
Recording/Playback Easy Recording/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. 17) A B D C Recording 1 Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn Recording/Playback E on the CAMERA lamp. If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.
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. Touch , then touch start playback. If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. to A D B C A GUIDE (p. 25) 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.
Recording Open the lens cover (p. 17). POWER switch REC START/ STOP A REC START/STOP B If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button. Recording/Playback Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp. Press REC START/STOP A (or B). [STBY] [REC] To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again.
Recording (Continued) Zooming You can magnify images up to 40 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. z Tips • You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 39) if you want to zoom to a level greater than 40 ×. 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) Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom.
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects Recording in mirror mode Recording/Playback To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press . (back light) to display .. To cancel the backlight function, press . (back light) again. 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.
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.
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 Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below.
Searching for the starting point Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up (p. 21). 1 Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU]. Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH) [END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. 2 Select (CAMERA SET) with , then touch [EXEC]. / 3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with / , then touch [EXEC]. Touch t [PAGE1], then touch [END SCH].
3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with / , then touch [EXEC]. 4 Select [ON] with / then touch [EXEC] t 60min STBY 5 Touch 0:00:00 GUIDE FN . The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby. Recording/Playback EDIT , .
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 (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
Using the Menu Using the menu items 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing 2 Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item. Unavailable items will be grayed out. x To use the operation buttons on PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3 For details of the button items, see page 30. b Notes • With some settings, you do not have to touch .
Operation button items Available operation buttons vary depending on the position of the lamp and the display (PAGE). The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. The available functions during Easy Handycam operation are marked with “*”. See page 29 for details on selecting button items. When the CAMERA lamp lights up [PAGE1] SPOT FOCUS You can select and adjust the focal point to a subject not located in the center of the screen.
TWILIGHT* ( SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter) You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background, such as subjects in the spotlight on stage. 60min SPOT METER STBY ) Select to maintain the darkening atmosphere of the distant surroundings in twilight scenes. SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset) ( ) 0:00:00 Select to maintain the atmosphere of situations such as sunsets and sunrises.
Operation button items (Continued) SPORT** (Sports lesson) ( ) 60min Select to minimize shake when shooting fast moving subjects. STBY 0:00:00 OK MANU– AL AUTO 1 EXPOSURE 2 SNOW** ( ) Select this when shooting in very bright, white conditions, such as on a ski slope; otherwise pictures may appear too dark. 1 Touch [MANUAL]. appears. 2 Adjust the exposure by touching . / To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO].
BLACK 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. 3 Touch . flashes quickly. When the white balance has been adjusted and stored in the memory, the indicator stops flashing. MOSC. FADER MONOTONE 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.
Operation button items (Continued) CAM DATA (below) CLOCK SET* Displays camera setting data. See page 15. DATE/TIME Displays the date and time. LCD BRT (LCD bright) 60min Adjust the brightness with / You can use the video operation buttons ( / / / ) on every PAGE. [PAGE1] MENU See page 37. VOL* (Volume) See page 24. END SCH (END SEARCH) See page 26. DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)* 6 4 b Notes • In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and time are displayed in the same area.
To Touch change the playback direction* (frame) [ySLOW] To reverse direction: (frame) t [ySLOW] play back 2 times faster (double speed) (double speed) To reverse direction: (frame) t (double speed) play back frame by frame (frame) during playback pause. To reverse direction: (frame) during frame playback. * Horizontal lines may appear at the top, bottom, or in the center of the screen. This is not a malfunction. **Pictures output from the DV Interface (i.
Operation button items (Continued) 6 Touch [ RET.] t . To check the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p. 24). 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) See page 46.
Menu items • Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit. • During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 19). CAMERA PLAY/EDIT Easy Handycam z z OFF z z z z z – – – – – OFF 4:3 ON OFF ON – z – z z z z z z z z BRT NORMAL – BRT NORMAL – z z z z – z SP 12BIT AUTO z z z z z – OFF z ON z z z z z z z – –* 5min LCD OFF MANUAL SET menu (p. 38) P EFFECT CAMERA SET menu (p. 39) D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH N.S.
MANUAL SET menu – P EFFECT The default setting is marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. P EFFECT (Picture effect) You can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback. appears. B OFF Does not use [P EFFECT] setting. NEG.ART The color and brightness are reversed. MOSAIC* Pictures appear mosaic-patterned. * Not available during playback.
CAMERA SET menu – D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. D ZOOM (Digital zoom) B 4:3 Standard setting (to record pictures to be played back on a 4:3 TV). 16:9 WIDE ( When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with [16:9 WIDE] selected.
CAMERA SET menu ( (Continued) VCR SET menu – AUDIO MIX N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light) When using the NightShot plus (p. 22) function to record, you can record clearer pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the default setting). b Notes • Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p. 69). • Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is attached. • The maximum shooting distance using [N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).
LCD/VF SET menu – LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default settings are marked with B. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. 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. B BRT NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen. b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting.
TAPE SET menu – REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. SETUP MENU menu – USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) REC MODE (Recording mode) B SP (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).
OTHERS menu – WORLD TIME, etc. The default settings are marked with B. See page 29 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. GUIDEFRAME You can display the frame and check that the subject is horizontal or vertical by setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON].
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 (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12).
b Notes • When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the 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. 43). 1 Prepare your camcorder for playback. Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape. Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand. You can connect your camcorder to a VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK cable (optional). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
5 Start playing the cassette on the VCR. The picture played on the connected device appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder. 6 Touch [REC START] at the point you want to start recording. 7 Stop recording. Touch 8 Touch [ (Stop) or [REC PAUSE]. RET.] t . • 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.
Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer (DCRHC54) When you install the “Picture Motion Browser” on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the following operations. b Notes • You cannot install the supplied software, “Picture Motion Browser”, on a Macintosh computer. About “First Step Guide” The “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer.
Memory: 256 MB or more Hard disk: Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 350 MB Display: Minimum 1024 × 768 dots Others: USB port (this must be provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive (CD-ROM drive is necessary for installation) b Notes You need to install the “First Step Guide” and software to your Windows computer before connecting your camcorder to the computer.
Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (DCR-HC54) (Continued) 5 Select the desired language and the model name of your camcorder from the pull-down menu. 5 Read [License Agreement], select [I accept the terms of the license agreement] when you agree, then click [Next]. 6 Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. 6 Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)]. Installation starts. When [Save is complete] appears, click [OK] to finish the installation.
Viewing “First Step Guide” (DCR-HC54) 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 your camcorder’s “First Step Guide” on the desktop. z Tips Using a Computer • 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.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. • Overall operations/Easy Handycam ..... 52 • Batteries/Power sources ....................... 52 • LCD screen/viewfinder ........................ 53 • Cassette tapes ....................................... 53 • Recording ............................................. 54 • Playback ...........
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12). • Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket) properly (p. 12). • The battery charge is completed (p. 12). The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.
Troubleshooting (Continued) The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a cassette with Cassette Memory. • This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear. The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. • Set [ REMAIN] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 42). The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.
The color of the picture is not correctly displayed. • Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22). The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen. • Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22), or cancel the backlight function (p. 23). No sound or only a low sound is heard. • Turn up the volume (p. 24). • Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 36).
Troubleshooting (Continued) 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. 44). New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard. • Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 36). Pictures from connected devices are not displayed correctly. • The input signal is not NTSC (p. 59).
Warning indicators and messages Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.” 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.
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. 63) % Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. (p. 63) Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 18) • Check if the cassette is damaged. QZ The tape is locked - check the tab. (p.
Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply 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 (wall socket) [b].
Maintenance and precautions 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. 26) before you begin the next recording in the following cases: • You have played back the tape. • You have used EDIT SEARCH.
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack • This unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series). Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “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.
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) About battery life • Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it is probably time to replace it with a new one. • Each battery’s life is governed by storage, operating and environmental conditions. About i.LINK The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINKcompliant DV Interface. This section describes the i.LINK standard and its features. What is i.LINK? i.
b Notes • 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 (wall socket) before connecting or disconnecting the i.LINK cable. About the required i.LINK cable Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable (during DV dubbing). On using your camcorder On use and care x When not using your camcorder for a long time • Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a cassette for about 3 minutes.
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) • 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 malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.
2 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the like. To remove dust from inside the viewfinder 1 Pull out the viewfinder. 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 The position of the “×” changes. If you did not press the right spot, start from step 2 again. • You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is rotated.
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) Specifications System 6 Attach the eyecup block to the viewfinder, pushing it straight on until it clicks. b Notes • The eyecup block is a precision part. Do not disassemble it further. • Do not touch the lens of the eyecup block. 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).
Color temperature [AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K) Minimum illumination 11 lx (lux) (F 1.8) 0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus function) Input/Output connectors A/V Remote Connector 10-pin connector 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) USB jack (DCR-HC54) mini-B DV input/output jack i.
Specifications (Continued) Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30) On trademarks 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.) 40 g (1.5 oz) Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) Type Lithium ion • “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (22) B Power zoom lever (22) C OPEN/EJECT lever (18) D Hooks for a shoulder belt Attach a shoulder belt (optional).
Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A DISP/BATT INFO button (13, 17) B EASY button (19) C RESET button Initializes all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. D LCD screen/touch panel (17, 72) E Zoom buttons (22) F REC START/STOP button (19, 21) G Speaker Playback sounds comes out from the speaker. For how to adjust the volume, see page 24. H BATT (battery release) PUSH button (13) I CHG (charge) lamp (12) J For DCR-HC54: (USB) jack K .
A POWER switch (15) B Viewfinder (17) C Eyecup (65) D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (17) DV interface (44, 46) F DC IN jack (12) G A/V Remote Connector (28, 44) H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT lamp (15) I REC START/STOP button (19, 21) Quick Reference E 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.
Indicators displayed during recording/playback A Remaining battery (approx.) Recording 1 B Recording mode (SP or LP) (42) 2 3 4 5 C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D Recording: Tape counter (hour: minute: second) Playback: Time code (hour: minute: second: frame) E Recording capacity of the tape (approx.
Indicators when you made changes Indicator Meaning SCENE SEL. (31) You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 73) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. Picture effect (38) White balance (33) n b Notes Wide select (39) • Some of the indicators may not appear when you use [DISP GUIDE]. Upper left Upper right 60min STBY 0:00:00 60min SteadyShot off (39) / EDIT + EDITSEARCH (39) b Notes • The content and the position of the indicator are normal.
Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued) To finish the operation, touch [END]. z Tips • You can also operate by touching [DISP GUIDE].
Index Numeric (Display guide)..................... 73 LETTER BOX......................41 12BIT....................................42 DISP OUT (Display output) ................... 43 LP (Long Play) .....................42 Display indicators ................ 72 M Dubbing................................ 44 MANUAL SET menu...........38 16BIT....................................42 16:9 WIDE............................39 4:3 .........................................39 A A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) ......
Index (Continued) Recording time .....................14 VCR SET menu ................... 40 REMAIN ..............................42 VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)........ 41 Reversal Playback ................35 VOL (Volume)..................... 24 S S VIDEO cable...............28, 44 SCENE SEL. ........................31 W Searching for the starting point ..............................................26 Warning indicators............... 57 SEPIA...................................38 WHITE......
Quick Reference 77
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.
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 Adaptador de alimentación de ca Cable de alimentación Puede cargar la batería “InfoLITHIUM” (serie H) tras conectarla a la videocámara. b Notas • No es posible colocar una batería “InfoLITHIUM” que no sea serie H en la videocámara. 3 Conecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca en la toma de entrada de cc de la videocámara con la marca v de la clavija de cc hacia abajo.
Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación) El indicador CHG (carga) se enciende y se inicia el proceso de carga. 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. Para comprobar la carga restante de la batería (información sobre la batería) Ajuste el interruptor POWER en la posición OFF (CHG) y, a continuación, presione DISP/BATT INFO.
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.
Paso 2: Carga de la batería (Continuación) 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. • No utilice el adaptador de alimentación de ca colocado en un espacio angosto, tal como entre una pared y los muebles.
3 Vaya a [M] (mes) con y, a continuación, ajuste el valor con / . 4 Vaya a [D] (día) con y, a continuación, ajuste el valor con / y repita el proceso para la hora y los minuto. Ajuste la medianoche a las 12:00 AM. Ajuste el mediodía a las 12:00 PM. fecha y hora sea correcta, luego toque . 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 Toque t [PÁG.2] t [AJ.
Paso 4: Realización de ajustes antes de la grabación Apertura de la cubierta del objetivo Deslice el interruptor LENS COVER hacia la posición OPEN. • Presione DISP/BATT INFO para activar o desactivar los indicadores que aparecen en pantalla (como la información de la batería). Visor Puede ver imágenes utilizando el visor para evitar el desgaste de la batería o cuando la imagen en la pantalla LCD es mala.
Paso 5: Inserción de un videocasete Solamente puede utilizar videocasetes de formato mini DV . 1 Deslice la palanca OPEN/ EJECT en el sentido de la flecha y manténgala en esa posición para abrir la tapa. Palanca OPEN/EJECT b Notas • 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 funcionamiento. 3 Cierre la tapa.
Grabación Abra la cubierta 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). ESPERA GUÍA [ESPERA] GRAB. GUÍA [GRAB.] Para detener la grabación, presione REC START/STOP A (o B) nuevamente.
Reproducción Deslice el indicador 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. Al tocar este botón, se alterna entre los modos de reproducción y pausa* 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.
US Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.
