2-548-726-12 (1) Digital Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide DCR-PC53E/PC55E Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.
Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. “Memory Stick” N50 FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC ADAPTOR A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience.
• Before connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. • When disconnecting the AC Adaptor from the Handycam Station, hold both the DC plug and the Handycam Station and disconnect the AC Adaptor.
Table of Contents Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ...............................................................7 Step 2: Charging the battery pack .............................................................8 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........12 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel .............................................................13 Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................
Remote Commander ...............................................................................30 Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) ............................30 Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................31 Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................32 Using the Menu Using the menu items ............................................................34 Menu items ...........................
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) .........................61 Jacks to connect external devices ...........................................................63 Using a Computer Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ...................64 Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer .................66 Viewing “First Step Guide”.......................................................................70 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) ..
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. A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 32, 54) “Memory Stick Duo” 16MB (1) (p. 16, 98) (DCR-PC55E) USB cable (1) (p. 64) Getting Started Wrist strap (1) Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1) (p. 98) (DCR-PC55E) AC Adaptor (1) (p.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series) (p. 100) after attaching it to your camcorder. 3 Close the battery cover. • Only the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (NPFA50) can be used. POWER switch Be sure to close the cover completely. DC IN jack 4 Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG). (The default setting.) Handycam Station DC plug Mains lead To the wall socket AC Adaptor 1 Slide the battery cover in the direction of the arrow to open it.
7 Install the camcorder onto the Handycam Station. Open the interface connector cover. To charge the battery pack using only the AC Adaptor Getting Started Turn off the power, then connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder. • You can operate your camcorder connected to a power source such as a wall socket as shown in the illustration. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued) To remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station Turn the power of your camcorder off and then press the RELEASE button and remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station. Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. Battery pack Charging time NP-FA50 (supplied) 125 Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.
• 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 or the Handycam Station, even when the mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket. Getting Started On the charging/recording/playback time • Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F). (10 to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures.
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly To record or play back, slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. When using it for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 15). POWER switch 1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly in the direction of the arrow to turn on the respective lamp. The lens cover opens automatically when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEM.
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (). 180 degrees 90 degrees (max.) (max.) Getting Started 2 1 DISP/BATT INFO 90 Degrees to the camcorder • Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel. • If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out.
Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 21), or change the settings (p. 34) using the touch panel. Place your hand on the rear side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen. 1 Touch . Touch [MENU] during Easy Handycam operation (p. 18). 60min 1/3 Touch the button on the LCD screen. 0:00:00 MENU DISP GUIDE TELE MACRO EXPOSURE SPOT FOCUS FADER 2 Touch [DISP GUIDE]. The indicators vary depending on the settings.
Step 6: 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. then touch 1M 1D 0: 00 OK 4 Set [Y] (year) with touch , –:––:–– CLOCK SET DATE 2005 Y / . / , then .
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” Cassette tape You can use mini DV (p. 97). cassettes only • The recordable time varies depending on [REC MODE] (p. 48). 1 Slide and hold the OPEN/ EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. OPEN/EJECT lever 3 Close the lid. To eject the cassette Proceed with the same steps as you would when inserting a cassette tape. “Memory Stick Duo” You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or (p. 98).
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo” Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once. • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.
Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically adjusted optimally, which frees you from detailed adjustment. Since only basic functions become available and screen font size increases for easy viewing, even first time users can enjoy easy operation. Go through the procedures described in steps 1 to 7 (p. 7 to 16) before operation.
Playing back with ease 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. 2 Press EASY . Easy Handycam operation ON The EASY lamp lights up in blue. Movies Still images Touch , then touch to start playback. Slow playback is available on the Remote Commander. A Touch a picture. A / to select C B C Recording/Playback 3 Start playing back. MENU MENU B Stop Play/Pause toggles as you touch it Tape playback Previous/Next Delete (p.
Recording Lens cover Opens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch. PHOTO REC START/STOP POWER switch REC START/ STOP 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp to select a recording medium. If the POWER switch is set to OFF, slide it down while pressing the green button. On a tape, light up the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. On a “Memory Stick Duo,” light up the CAMERA-MEM lamp. 2 Start recording.
Playback 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. 2 Start playing back. Movies Still images A to Touch . The most recently recorded image is displayed. A C B Stop Play/Pause toggles as you touch it Rewind/Fast forward • Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes. B C Tape playback Previous/Next Recording/Playback On a Tape: Touch , then touch start playback.
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. 5 1 To adjust the focus for an off center subject (SPOT FOCUS) ............... See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 40. 2 To fix the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter) ....... See [SPOT METER] on page 39. 3 4 To record in mirror mode ............ 6 Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 270 degrees to the lens side (). Recording To use zoom ...........................
• You can enjoy SLIDE SHOW PLUS with the camcorder mounted on the Handycam Station or not (p. 8). You can adjust the following settings by touching while executing SLIDE SHOW PLUS. (* default setting) Touch [OK] [END] when you finish the setting. PB FOLDER REPEAT To use PB zoom ....................... CLOCK DISP You can magnify pictures from about 1.1 to 5 times the original size. Magnification can be adjusted with the power zoom lever . When set to [ON]*, the clock appears.
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (continued) To use special effects ................ See (PICT.APPLI.) menu (p. 44). To initialize the settings (RESET)... 2 9 7 8 Press RESET to initialize all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. (Menu items customized on Personal Menu are not initialized.) Other part names and functions q; qa • For how to adjust the volume, see page 21. REC lamp The REC lamp lights up in red during recording (p. 50).
Recording/Playback 25
Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording movies Recording still images On a tape 1 2 3 4 5 8 1 9 60min FINE 0 30 101 P-MENU 6 7 qa 7 Remaining battery (approx.
( ) is a reference page. The indicators during recording will not be recorded.
Indicators displayed during recording/playback (continued) Indicators when you made changes Center Indicator Color Slow Shutter (41) You can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 14) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen.
Searching for the starting point Make sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up. 60min Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH) [END SEARCH] will not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. Touch 1 0:00:00 EDIT 2 Touch and hold (to go backward)/ (to go forward) and release it at the point where you want the recording to start. 0:00:00 EXECUTING CANCEL Touch here to cancel the operation.
Remote Commander Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander. Insulation sheet • Aim the Remote Commander towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 24). • To change the battery, see page 105. Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) 6 1 During playback, press ZERO 7 1 q; 8 2 3 SET MEMORY at a point you want to locate later on. The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00” and appears on the screen.
To cancel the operation Press ZERO SET MEMORY again. Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) You can locate the point where the recording date changes. 1 Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. 3 Press (previous)/(next) to select a recording date. 60 min 0:00:00:00 30 min Recording/Playback 2 Press SEARCH M. . DATE -01 SEACH P-MENU To cancel the operation Press STOP .
Playing the picture on a TV Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 8). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. A/V or A/V OUT jack 1 (Yellow) (White) (Red) IN VCRs or TVs 2 : Signal flow A/V connecting cable (supplied) Connect the input jack of the other device to the A/V (DCR-PC55E) or A/V OUT (DCR-PC53E) jack on your camcorder or the Handycam Station.
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR) Use the 21-pin adaptor supplied with your camcorder (For models with the mark printed on their bottom surfaces only). This adaptor is designed for output use only.
Using the menu items Follow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page. 1 Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the respective lamp. [CAMERA-TAPE] lamp: settings on a tape [CAMERA-MEM] lamp: settings on a “Memory Stick Duo” [PLAY/EDIT] lamp: settings for viewing/editing 2 Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item. Unavailable items will be grayed out. To use the short-cuts of Personal Menu On Personal Menu, short-cuts for frequently used menu items are added.
After finishing the settings, touch (close) to hide the menu screen. If you decide not to change the setting, touch to return to the previous screen.
Menu items Position of lamp: TAPE MEM PLAY/EDIT PROGRAM AE SPOT METER EXPOSURE WHITE BAL. AUTO SHUTTER × SPOT FOCUS FOCUS TELE MACRO FLASH SET COLOR SLOW S × SELF-TIMER * DIGITAL ZOOM WIDE SELECT STEADYSHOT × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × FADER PICT. EFFECT × × × × D. EFFECT INT.REC-STL × DEMO MODE × × × × CAMERA SET menu (p.
Available menu items () vary depending on the position of the lamp. *These functions are available during Easy Handycam operation. Position of lamp: TAPE MEM PLAY/EDIT END SEARCH × × × × × × × BURN VCD × × × × × × EDIT/PLAY menu (p. 47) VAR. SPD PB REC CTRL AUD DUB CTRL REC MOVIE BURN DVD STANDARD SET menu (p.
CAMERA SET menu Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.) The default settings are marked with . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items. PROGRAM AE You can record pictures effectively in various situations with the PROGRAM AE function.
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. WHITE BAL. (White balance) You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. AUTO The white balance is adjusted automatically.
CAMERA SET menu (continued) • The setting returns to [AUTO] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. AUTO SHUTTER Automatically activates the electronic shutter to adjust the shutter speed when recording in bright conditions if you set it to [ON] (the default setting). SPOT FOCUS You can select and adjust the focal point to aim it at a subject not located in the center of the screen. Touch . To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] in step .
FLASH SET Note that these settings will not function with external flashes (optional) that do not support the following settings. FLASH MODE ON Flashes every time. • The shutter speed of your camcorder changes depending on the brightness. The motion of the picture may slow down at this time. SELF-TIMER The self-timer starts recording after about 10 seconds. Touch [SELF-TIMER] [ON] . appears. Press REC START/STOP to record movies, or PHOTO to record still images.
MEMORY SET menu CAMERA SET menu (continued) 120 × Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 120 × zoom is performed digitally. WIDE SELECT You can record a picture in a ratio suitable for the screen on which it will be displayed. 4:3 Standard setting (to record pictures to be played back on a 4:3 TV). 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 with [16:9 WIDE ( )] selected.
• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the recording environment. • The image size of a picture is as follows. – When [FINE] is selected, the image size is approx. 150kB. – When [STANDARD] is selected, the image size is approx. 60kB. MOVIE SET IMAGE SIZE 320 × 240 ( ) Records movies in high resolution. ) Allows for more movie recording time.
PICT.APPLI. menu MEMORY SET menu (continued) Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback (FADER/ PICT. EFFECT, etc.) NEW FOLDER You can create a new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick Duo.” When a folder is full (a maximum of 9999 images are stored) a new folder is automatically created. Touch [YES] . • You cannot delete the created folders using your camcorder. You will have to format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 43), or delete them using your computer.
OVERLAP (fade in only) * Available during recording only. Touch . appears. To cancel [D. EFFECT], touch [OFF] in step . WIPE (fade in only) STILL Records a movie while superimposing it on a previously recorded still image. DOT FADER (fade in only) D. EFFECT (Digital effect) Touch the desired effect. Adjust the effect with / , then touch . When you select [STILL] or [LUMI. KEY], the image when you touch is saved as a still image.
PICT.APPLI. menu (continued) PICT. EFFECT (Picture effect) You can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback. appears. OFF Does not use [PICT. EFFECT] setting. NEG.ART record them on another tape/DVD (p. 55). INT.REC-STL (Interval photo recording) You can record still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” at a selected interval. This function is useful to observe the movement of clouds or the changes in daylight, etc. The color and brightness are reversed.
EDIT/PLAY menu Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END SEARCH, etc.) The default settings are marked with . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items. VAR.SPD PB (Various speed playback) You can play back in various modes while viewing movies. Touch the following buttons during playback.
STANDARD SET menu Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/ LCD SET/DISP OUTPUT/USB, etc.) The default settings are marked with . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 34 for details on selecting menu items. REC MODE (Recording mode) SP () Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette. LP () Increases the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play).
LCD BL LEVEL You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. NORMAL Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen. • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during recording. LCD COLOR Low intensity High intensity WIDE DISPLAY You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio picture appears in the LCD screen.
STANDARD SET menu (continued) OFF ON Data code is not displayed. Always displays the remaining tape indicator. DATE/TIME Displays the date and time. REMOTE CTRL (Remote control) CAMERA DATA (below) Displays camera setting data. This cannot be selected during Easy Handycam operation. 60min 0:00:00:00 6 5 AUTO 100 AWB F1. 8 9dB 1 2 3 4 SteadyShot off* Exposure* White balance* Gain* Shutter speed Aperture value * Appears only during tape playback.
TIME/LANGU. menu (CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE) MENU ROTATE NORMAL Scrolls the menu items downwards by touching . OPPOSITE Scrolls the menu items upwards by touching . A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) 5 min The camcorder is automatically turned off when you do not operate your camcorder for more than approximately 5 minutes. The camcorder is not automatically turned off. • When you connect your camcorder to a wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER]. CALIBRATION See page 104.
Customizing Personal Menu You can add desired menu items to Personal Menu, and customize Personal Menu settings for each POWER switch position. This is convenient if you add frequently used menu items to Personal Menu. Deleting a menu item 1 Touch You can add up to 28 menu items for each POWER switch position. Delete a less important menu item, if you want to add more. [P-MENU SET UP] If the desired menu item is not displayed, touch / . Adding a menu item 1 Touch [DELETE].
3 Touch / to move the menu item to the desired place. 4 Touch . To sort more items, repeat steps 2 to 4. 5 Touch [END] . • You cannot move [P-MENU SET UP]. Touch [P-MENU SET UP] [RESET] [YES] [YES] . If the desired menu item is not displayed, touch / .
Connecting to a VCR or TV Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 8). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. A/V or A/V OUT* jack 1 AUDIO/VIDEO jacks (Yellow) (White) (Red) VCRs or TVs To S VIDEO jack To i.LINK (IEEE1394) jack 2 3 DV or i.LINK compliant device DV OUT* Interface : Signal flow * For DCR-PC53E The jack works as an output only.
• When connecting the A/V connecting cable to the A/V jack (DCR-PC55E)/A/V OUT jack (DCR-PC53E) on your camcorder, remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station. Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. You can copy the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (such as VCRs or DVD recorders). 1 Connect your VCR/DVD recorder to your camcorder as a recording device. See page 54 for connection details. 2 Prepare your VCR/DVD recorder for recording.
Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc. (continued) • The following cannot be output via the DV interface: – Indicators – [PICT. EFFECT] (p. 46), [D. EFFECT] (p. 45) or PB zoom (p. 23). – Titles that are recorded on other camcorder. • To record the date/time and camera settings data when connected by the A/V connecting cable (supplied), display them on the screen (p. 49). • When connected using an i.
When recording on a “Memory Stick Duo,” touch [MENU] (EDIT/PLAY) [ REC MOVIE]. 5 Start playing the cassette on your VCR, or select a TV program. 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. When recording on a “Memory Stick Duo,” touch [REC STOP]. 8 Touch . Recording still images 1 Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Recording movies.
Dubbing sound to a recorded tape You can add sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 48) without erasing the original sound. Connecting Active Interface Shoe A/V connecting cable (supplied) (White) Internal microphone A/V jack Do not connect the Video plug (Yellow). AUDIO OUT : Signal flow You can record audio by connecting in one of the following ways. An external microphone (optional) to the Active Interface Shoe.
• When you attach an external microphone (optional) to the Active Interface Shoe, you can check the picture and the sound by connecting your camcorder to a TV using the A/V connecting cable. However, sound you are recording is not output from your camcorder. Check the sound using a TV or other device. • When connecting the A/V connecting cable to the A/V jack (DCR-PC55E)/A/V OUT jack (DCR-PC53E) on your camcorder, remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station.
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information (Image protection/Print mark) 1 Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. 2 Touch . 60min 101–0001 2 / 10 101 MEMORY PLAY P-MENU 3 Select a picture you want to delete with / . • To delete all pictures at once, select [ALL ERASE] (p. 43).
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) Selecting still images for printing (Print mark) You can print out pictures using a PictBridge compliant printer without connecting the camcorder to a computer. The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard is used to select images for printing on your camcorder. By marking images that you want to print out, you do not need to reselect them when you print them out. (You cannot specify the number of printouts.
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) (continued) One of the images stored on the “Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed. • We cannot guarantee the operation of models that are not PictBridge compatible. 1 Select the image to be printed 2 Touch / . [COPIES]. 3 Select the number of copies to be printed with / . You can set a maximum of 20 copies of one image to be printed. 4 Touch [END]. To print the date on the image, touch [DATE/TIME] [DATE] or [DAY & TIME] .
Jacks to connect external devices Camcorder 1 • When you are recording on a “Memory Stick Duo” with an external flash (optional) connected to the accessory shoe, turn off the power of the external flash to prevent charging noise being recorded. • When an external microphone (optional) is connected, it takes precedence over the internal microphone (p. 24). For DCR-PC55E: A/V (audio/video) jack (p. 32, 54, 74) 2 3 For DCR-PC53E: A/V (audio/video) OUT jack (p. 32, 54, 74) 4 DC IN jack (p.
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer When you install the Picture Package software on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the following operations by connecting your camcorder to your computer. still images from pictures saved on your computer and easily create a short original video or slide show with added music and visual styles. • Software and features available for Macintosh computers differ from those available for Windows computers.
About “First Step Guide” “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This “First Step Guide” describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software stored on the CDROM (supplied). After installing the CDROM, reading “Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer” (p. 66), start the “First Step Guide”, then follow the instructions.
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer (continued) Others: USB port (This must be provided as standard), disc drive For Macintosh users When using ImageMixer VCD2 OS: Mac OS X (v10.1.
Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive).* * Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer. 4 Click [Install]. Depending on the OS on the computer, a message appears notifying you that “First Step Guide” cannot be installed automatically with the InstallShield Wizard. In such a case, manually copy “First Step Guide” to your computer according to the message instructions. 7 Read [License Agreement], check [I accept the terms of the license agreement] when you agree, then click [Next].
Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer (continued) 10 Select the language for “First Step Guide” to be installed, then click [Next]. Depending on the computer, this screen may not be displayed. In such a case, skip to step 12. 11 Click [Next] to install the “First 13 If the [Installing Microsoft (R) DirectX(R)] screen is displayed, follow the steps below to install DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step 14. Read [License Agreement], then click [Next]. Click [Next]. Step Guide”.
The computer turns off once, then starts up again automatically (Restart). The short-cut icons for [Picture Package Menu] and [Picture Package Menu destination Folder] (and “First Step Guide”, if installed by steps 11-12) appear on the desktop. 5 Copy [FirstStepGuide.pdf], stored in the desired language in the [FirstStepGuide] folder, to your computer. 6 Copy [IMXINST.SIT] in the [MAC] folder of the CD-ROM to a folder of your choice. 7 Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the folder it was copied to.
Viewing “First Step Guide” Displaying “First Step Guide” Starting up on a Windows computer Pixela User Support Center Viewing with Microsoft Internet Explorer Ver.6.0 or later is recommended. Double-click the icon on the desktop. Pixela Home Page Windows: http://www.ppackage.com/ Macintosh: http://www.ImageMixer.com/ – North America (Los Angeles) Telephone: +1-213-341-0163 – Europe (U.K.
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) You can create DVDs when you connect your camcorder to a Sony VAIO series computer* that supports “Click to DVD” via an i.LINK cable (optional). The picture is automatically copied and written to a DVD. The following procedures describe how to create a DVD from a picture recorded on a tape. For system and operation requirements, visit the following URL: to i.
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”) (continued) 1 Turn on the computer. Quit all applications running with an i.LINK. 7 Touch [EXEC] on the screen of your camcorder. 0:00:00:00 60min BURN DVD START CREATE DVD? 2 Prepare the power source for your camcorder, then slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/ EDIT lamp. Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source since it takes a few hours to create a DVD. 3 Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder.
To cancel the operation Touch [CANCEL] on the LCD screen on your camcorder. Using a Computer • You cannot cancel the operation after [Finalizing DVD.] is displayed on the LCD screen of your camcorder. • Do not disconnect the i.LINK cable or set the POWER switch to another mode on your camcorder until the picture is completely copied to the computer. • When [CONVERTING] or [WRITING] is displayed on the screen, capturing of pictures has already finished. Even if you disconnect the i.
Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function) (DCR-PC55E) Using the A/V connecting cable and an i.LINK cable (optional), you can convert an analog signal output from an analog device such as a VCR to a digital signal and transfer it to a digital device, such as a computer, via your camcorder. Software that can record the video signal must be installed on your computer beforehand.
3 On the LCD screen, touch [MENU] (STANDARD SET) [A/VDV OUT] [ON] . 4 Start playback on the analog video unit. 5 Start capturing procedures on your computer. Regarding operation, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the software or the on-line help. After capturing images and sound, stop capturing procedures on your computer, and stop playback on the analog video unit.
Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, remove the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam The power does not turn on. • The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the camcorder. • Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 8). • Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall socket (p. 8).
Batteries/Power sources The power abruptly turns off. • When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF] (p. 51), or turn on the power again (p. 12), or use the AC Adaptor. • Charge the battery pack (p. 8). The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged. • Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG) (p. 8).
Troubleshooting (continued) LCD screen An unknown picture appears on the LCD screen. • The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 46). Touch the LCD screen or insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” to cancel [DEMO MODE]. An unknown indicator appears on the screen. • Refer to the indicator list (p. 92). The picture remains on the LCD screen. • This occurs if you disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket or remove the battery pack without turning off the power first. This is not a malfunction.
The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. • Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining tape indicator (p. 50). 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. “Memory Stick Duo” You cannot operate functions using the “Memory Stick Duo.” • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-MEM or PLAY/EDIT lamp (p. 12).
Troubleshooting (continued) The data file name is not indicated correctly. • Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not conform to the universal standard. • The file is damaged. • The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 98). The data file name flashes. • The file is damaged. • The file format is not supported on your camcorder (p. 98). Recording Refer also to “Adjusting the image during recording” (p. 81) and “Memory Stick Duo” section (p. 79).
The external flash (optional) does not work. • The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached correctly. [END SEARCH] does not work. • The cassette was ejected after recording (p. 29). • The cassette is new and has nothing recorded. [END SEARCH] does not work correctly. • There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is not a malfunction. Adjusting the image during recording Refer also to “Menu” (p. 84). The auto focus does not function.
Troubleshooting (continued) Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen. • The spots appear when you are recording in [SLOW SHUTTR] or [COLOR SLOW S]. This is not a malfunction. The picture appears too bright on the screen, and the subject does not appear on the screen. • Cancel the BACK LIGHT function (p. 22). The picture appears too dark on the screen, and the subject does not appear on the screen. • The LCD backlight is turned off.
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. 103). No sound or only a low sound is heard. • Set [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] (p. 48). • Turn up the volume (p. 21). • Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 59). • When you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are connected as well (p. 32).
Troubleshooting (continued) Remote Commander The supplied Remote Commander does not function. • Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 50). • Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor. • Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly. • Insert a new battery. Insert a battery into the battery holder with the +/– polarities correctly matching the +/– marks (p. 105).
[COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly. • [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in total darkness. • You cannot use [COLOR SLOW S] together with: – [FADER] – [D. EFFECT] – [PROGRAM AE] – [EXPOSURE] – [SPOT METER] You cannot use [FADER]. • You cannot use [FADER] together with: – [SELF-TIMER] – [COLOR SLOW S] – [D. EFFECT] You cannot use [D. EFFECT]. Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices Pictures from connected devices are not displayed on the LCD screen. Troubleshooting • You cannot use [D.
Troubleshooting (continued) You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable. • Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 50). • The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e. to the output jack of a device you are dubbing a picture from (for DCR-PC55E), or to the input jack of another device for dubbing a picture from your camcorder. New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard.
You cannot view the pictures the camcorder is seeing on the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp on your camcorder, and set [USB-CAMERA] to [USB STREAM] (p. 49). (Only when connecting to the Windows computer with a USB cable) • Disconnect the cable from the computer, turn on the camcorder, then connect it again. You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on the computer.
Troubleshooting (continued) The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when using the USB cable. • The USB driver has been registered incorrectly as the computer was connected to your camcorder before the installation of the USB driver was completed. Follow the procedure below to install the USB driver correctly. For Windows 98/Windows 98SE/Windows Me When copying or playing the pictures on a tape using a computer, the operation is not guaranteed on Windows 98.
4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete them.
Troubleshooting (continued) 9 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again. 1 Double-click [My Computer]. 2 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*. * Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer. 3 Click [Open]. 4 Double-click [Driver]. 5 Double-click [Setup.exe]. • Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device], [USB Device], [? Sony Handycam] and [? Sony DSC] may cause a malfunction of your computer.
Picture Package does not function correctly. • Close Picture Package, then restart the computer. An error message appears while operating Picture Package. • Close Picture Package first, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder to turn on another lamp. The CD-R drive is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker. • For compatible drives, visit the following URL: http://www.ppackage.com/ [USB streaming...
Warning indicators and messages Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators If indicators appear on the LCD screen, 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. C: (or E:) : (Self-diagnosis display) C:04: • The battery pack is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 100). C:21: • Moisture condensation has occurred.
(Eject cassette warning)* Slow flashing: • The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 97). Battery level is low. • Change the battery (p. 8, 100) Old battery. Use a new one (p. 100). Fast flashing: • Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 103). • The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 92). (Warning indicator pertaining to image deletion)* • The image is protected (p. 60).
Warning indicators and messages (continued) Reinsert the Memory Stick. • Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a few times. If even then the indicator flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo” might be damaged. Try with another “Memory Stick Duo.” USB streaming... This function is not available. • You tried to play back or record on a “Memory Stick Duo” during USB Streaming. Memory Stick folders are full. This is a read-only Memory Stick. • Insert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.” Incompatible type of Memory Stick.
Flash Charging… Cannot record still images. • You are trying to record a still image while charging the flash (optional). Lens cover Lens cover not fully open. Turn power off then on (p. 12). Lens cover is not closed. Turn the power off once (p. 12). Others Cannot record due to copyright protection (p. 97). Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot add audio (p. 58).
Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any countries/regions 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 a PAL system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, it must be a PAL system based TV (see the following list) with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.
Usable cassette tapes You can use mini DV format cassettes only. Use a cassette with the mark. is a trademark. Your camcorder is not compatible with cassettes with Cassette Memory. To prevent a blank section from being made on the tape Go to the end of the recorded section using [END SEARCH] (p. 29) before you begin the next recording in the following cases: • You have played back the tape. • You have used [EDIT SEARCH].
About the “Memory Stick” A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable IC recording medium with a data capacity that exceeds the capacity of a floppy disk. You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about the half size of a standard “Memory Stick” in your camcorder. However, appearance on the list below does not guarantee the operation of all types of “Memory Stick Duo” in your camcorder.
• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the “Memory Stick Duo.” • Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick Duo.” • Do not let the “Memory Stick Duo” get wet. • Be careful to keep “Memory Stick Duo” media out of the reach of small children. There is danger that a child might swallow it. • Do not insert anything other than a “Memory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack This unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series). Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” A 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.
About i.LINK About battery life • The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use it more and more, and as time passes. When the available battery time is shortened considerably, a probable cause is that the battery pack has reached the end of its life. Please buy a new battery pack. • The battery life varies depending on how it is stored and the operating conditions and environment for each battery pack. The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINKcompliant DV Interface.
About i.LINK (continued) Maintenance and precautions The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of each piece of equipment. It is also indicated near the i.LINK interface on some devices. The baud rate may differ from the indicated value when the unit is connected to a device with a different maximum baud rate. On use and care * What is Mbps? Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the amount of data that can be sent or received in one second.
• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor immediately. • If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked, – consult your local authorized Sony service facility. – wash off any liquid that may have contacted your skin – if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and consult a doctor.
Maintenance and precautions (continued) • The video head suffers from wear after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette, it might be because the video head is worn. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video head replaced. 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.
• 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. To charge 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).
Specifications System Video recording system Still image recording system Audio recording system Video signal 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Exif Ver. 2.2* Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo) PAL color, CCIR standards Usable cassette Mini DV cassette with the mark printed Tape speed SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s LP: Approx. 12.
Dimensions (approx.) Mass (approx.) Supplied accessories 45 × 99 × 72 mm (1 13/16 × 4 × 2 7/8 in.) (w/h/d) 290 g (10 oz) main unit only 360 g (12 oz) including the NP-FA50 rechargeable battery pack and DVM60 cassette. See page 7. Handycam Station DCRA-C131 (DCR-PC55E) Audio/Video input/output USB jack DV jack 10-pin connector Input/output auto switch Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms), unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.
Index Numeric 21-pin adaptor .................. 7, 33 A A/V connecting cable .................................. 32, 54, 74 CAMERA SET menu .......... 38 Cassette .......................... 16, 97 Insert/Eject .................... 16 CD-ROM .............................. 64 E Charging the battery ............... 8 EASY button ........................ 18 Battery pack .................... 8 Easy Handycam ................... 18 Pre-installed rechargeable battery .........................
H LCD BRIGHT...................... 48 Handycam Station .................. 8 Help ...................................... 65 LCD panel ............................ 13 Using the menu ............. 34 LCD BL LEVEL .......... 49 MENU ROTATE .................. 51 LCD BRIGHT .............. 48 Mirror mode ......................... 22 Holding the camcorder......... 12 I Icon ...... See Display indicators Image delete button .............. 27 Image protection .................. 60 Image quality (QUALITY) ..
Index (continued) Personal Menu ............... 34, 52 REC FOLDER (Recording folder)................ 44 STANDARD ........................ 42 Add ............................... 52 Arrange the order .......... 52 REC LAMP.......................... 50 STD-USB ............................. 49 Customize ..................... 52 REC lamp (Recording lamp) ................. 24 STEADYSHOT .............. 42, 81 Reset ............................. 53 REC MODE (Recording mode) ................
V VAR.SPD PB (Various speed playback) ..... 47 Video head ......................... 103 VIDEO INPUT .................... 49 Video operation buttons ....... 27 Volume ................................. 21 W Wall socket ............................. 8 Warning indicators ............... 92 Warning messages ................ 92 WHITE BAL. (White balance) .................... 39 WHITE FADER ................... 44 Wide angle ........................... 22 WIDE SELECT ................... 42 Windows ................
On trademarks • “Memory Stick,” “ ,” “Memory Stick Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” “ ,” “MagicGate,” “ ,” “MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • Picture Package is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • is a trademark. • Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S.
