3-278-984-11(1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Getting Started Operating Guide DCR-HC51E/HC52E/ HC53E/HC54E © 2008 Sony Corporation 9 Recording/ 17 Playback Using the Menu 28 Dubbing/Editing 43 Using a Computer 47 Troubleshooting 51 Additional Information 58 Quick Reference 68
Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. 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. CAUTION Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result. For customers in the U.S.A.
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. Battery pack 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.
Read thid first (Continued) Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems) This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste.
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 Using the Menu Read this first .................................. 2 Using the menu items .......... 28 Notes on use ................................. 4 Operation button items .................29 Menu items ...................................36 MANUAL SET menu .............37 Getting Started – P EFFECT Step 1: Checking supplied items .......................................................9 Step 2: Charging the battery pack .....................................................
Table of Contents (Continued) Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ...... 58 Maintenance and precautions ...... 59 Usable cassette tapes ................ 59 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack .......................................... 60 About i.LINK ................................ 61 On using your camcorder ........... 62 Specifications ............................... 65 Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls ....... 68 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-HC53E/HC54E) (p. 69) AC Adaptor (1) (p. 10) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1) (p. 10, 60) Getting Started Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 10) CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (DCR-HC53E/54E)(p. 47) 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 DC IN jack To the wall outlet (wall socket) POWER switch 4 AC Adaptor Power cord (Mains lead) You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 60) 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. 5 Make sure the date and time The clock starts. To turn off the power Touch the button on the LCD screen. Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
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. 59). 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. 15) 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. 23) 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. 15). 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. 38) 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. 19). 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. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR) You need the 21-pin adaptor (optional) to connect your camcorder to a TV for viewing recorded images. This adaptor is designed for output use only.
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 29. 1 Touch . 2 Touch the desired page. 3 Touch the desired button.
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 28 for details on selecting button items. When the CAMERA lamp lights up [PAGE1] You can adjust the focus manually.
Operation button items (Continued) 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.
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].
Operation button items (Continued) 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.
CAM DATA (below) CLOCK SET* Displays camera setting data. See page 13. DATE/TIME Displays the date and time. LCD BRT (LCD bright) 60min Adjust the brightness with / 2 [PAGE1] MENU See page 36. VOL* (Volume) See page 22. END SCH (END SEARCH) See page 24. DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)* 6 4 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.
Operation button items (Continued) To Touch change the playback direction* (frame) play back slowly** [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.
5 Touch (Stop) when you want to stop recording. To dub on other scenes, repeat step 2 to select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB]. 6 Touch [ RET.] t . 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 (PLAYER SET) for the DCRHC51E/HC53E, or (VCR SET) for the DCR-HC52E/HC54E, then touch / to select [AUDIO MIX], then touch [EXEC]. ST1 ST2 EXEC RET.
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 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 – z SP 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. 37) P EFFECT CAMERA SET menu (p. 38) 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 28 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 28 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.
PLAYER SET/ VCR SET menu 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). The PLAYER SET menu is for the DCRHC51E/HC53E, and the VCR SET menu is for the DCR-HC52E/HC54E. b Notes See page 35. AUDIO MIX • Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p. 68).
LCD/VF SET menu – LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default settings are marked with B. See page 28 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. 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].
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 28 for details on selecting menu items. 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 28 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.
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. 10).
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (Continued) 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. 42). 1 Prepare your camcorder for playback. Insert the recorded cassette.
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCRHC52E/HC54E) 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. 10).
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-HC52E/HC54E) (Continued) 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 . 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.
Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer (DCRHC53E/54E) 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.
What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC53E/54E) (Continued) 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.
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-HC53E/54E) 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 • 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 ..... 51 Batteries/Power sources ....................... 51 LCD screen/viewfinder ........................ 52 Cassette tapes ....................................... 52 Recording ............................................. 53 Playback ........
Troubleshooting (Continued) • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 10). • Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket) properly (p. 10). • The battery charge is completed (p. 10). The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 10). 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.
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. 41). The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding. • When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery operation) and therefore increases noise.
Troubleshooting (Continued) The color of the picture is not correctly displayed. • Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 20). The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen. • Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 20), or cancel the backlight function (p. 21). No sound or only a low sound is heard. • Turn up the volume (p. 22). • Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 35).
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. 43). New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard. • Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 35). Pictures from connected devices are not displayed correctly. • The input signal is not PAL (p. 58).
Warning indicators and messages Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators 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.
Examples of warning messages If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions. %Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette (p. 62) % Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. (p. 62) Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 16) • 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. On TV color systems Your camcorder is PAL system, so its picture can only be viewed on a PAL system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.
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. 24) before you begin the next recording in the following cases: • You have played back the tape. • You have used EDIT SEARCH.
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) 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.
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.
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) 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 • Do not use or store the camcorder and accessories in the following locations.
• 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.
Maintenance and precautions (Continued) 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.
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 x Procedures Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the POWER switch set to OFF(CHG) for more than 24 hours.
Specifications (Continued) 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: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms) Audio signal: 327 mV (at load impedance 47 kΩ (kilohms)), Output impedance with less than 2.
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other specifications. Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30) 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 Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. On trademarks • “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Quick Reference Identifying 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).
A DISP/BATT INFO button (11, 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, 71) E Zoom buttons (20) F REC START/STOP button (17, 19) Quick Reference G Speaker Playback sounds comes out from the speaker. For how to adjust the volume, see page 22. H BATT (battery release) PUSH button (11) I CHG (charge) lamp (10) J For DCR-HC53E/HC54E: (USB) jack K .
Identifying parts and controls (Continued) A POWER switch (13) B Viewfinder (15) C Eyecup (64) D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (15) E For DCR-HC51E/HC53E: DV OUT interface (43) For DCR-HC52E/HC54E: DV interface (43, 45) F DC IN jack (10) G A/V Remote Connector (26, 43) H CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT lamp (13) 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.
Indicators displayed during recording/playback A Remaining battery (approx.) Recording 1 B Recording mode (SP or LP) (41) 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 displayed during recording/playback (Continued) Indicators when you made changes Indicator Meaning SCENE SEL. (30) You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 72) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. Picture effect (37) White balance (32) n b Notes Wide select (38) • Some of the indicators may not appear when you use [DISP GUIDE].
To finish the operation, touch [END]. z Tips • You can also operate by touching [DISP GUIDE].
Index Numeric 12BIT....................................41 DISP GUIDE (Display guide) .................... 72 16BIT....................................41 DISP OUT (Display output) ................... 42 16:9 WIDE ...........................38 Display indicators ................ 71 21-pin adaptor.......................27 Dubbing ............................... 43 4:3.........................................38 A A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) ...................34 E Easy Handycam .............
Recording..................17, 19, 53 Recording time .....................12 V REMAIN ..............................41 V SPD PLAY (Various speed playback)..... 33 Reversal Playback.................34 VCR SET menu ................... 39 S VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light) ........ 40 S VIDEO cable ...............26, 43 VOL (Volume) ..................... 22 SCENE SEL. ........................30 V-OUT/LCD ........................ 42 Searching for the starting point ...................................
GB Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.
