Click Table of Contents “Handycam” Handbook HDR-CX130/CX160/CX180 Enjoy Useful Functions Index 2011 Sony Corporation 4-271-478-11(1) US
Using the “Handycam” Handbook Searching for information quickly Table of Contents You will find information on using your camcorder to its fullest in this “Handycam” Handbook. Read the “Handycam” Handbook in addition to the Operating Guide (a separate volume). Information on using your camcorder connected to a computer will be also found in the Operating Guide and the “PMB Help” that is the Help of the supplied “PMB (Picture Motion Browser)” software.
Read this first Built-in USB Cable Supplied items Table of Contents The numbers in ( ) are the supplied quantity. AC Adaptor (1) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) Component A/V cable (1) A/V connecting cable (1) USB connection support cable (1) Use this cable when the Built-in USB Cable of the camcorder (p. 14) is too short for connection.
About language setting DVD media recorded with HD image quality (high definition) On recording Save all your recorded image data Notes on battery pack/AC Adaptor Notes on playing back You may not be able to play back normally images recorded on your camcorder with other devices. Also, you may not be able to play back images recorded on other devices with your camcorder.
When the camcoder is connected to a computer or accessories Do not try to format the recording media of the camcorder using a computer. If you do so, your camcorder may not operate correctly. When connecting the camcorder to another device with communication cables, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of the camcorder.
Enjoy useful functions Enjoy useful functions Beautiful & easy Recording anywhere & anytime Checking your golf swing Golf Shot (67) Smth Slw REC (66) Capturing images beautifully without cumbersome setting Intelligent Auto (34) Focus on the child on the left side of the screen Tracking the subject (36) Spot Focus (69) US 6
Recoording in a dimly-lit room Low Lux (70) Capturing fireworks, or a sunset in all its splendor Fireworks (70) Sunrise&Sunset (70) Capturing photos during movie recording Dual Rec (37) Smile Shutter (37) Changing the image quality and recording mode / Setting (35) Recording mode (35) Changing the recording media Media setting (20) US 7
Fun & simple Using playback & edit Playing back a digest of your movies Highlight Playback (38) Editing on the camcorder Capturing a photo from a movie (45) Deleting unnecessary scene (Dividing (45), Deleting (42)) US 8
Easy ways to store Saving good memories Computer (50) External media (55) DVD writer (58, 61) Recorder (62) Easy uploading Uploading with a PC when you are out PMB Portable US 9
Table of contents Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the language setting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Preparing the recording media.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38 39 40 40 42 42 43 43 45 45 Table of Contents Enjoying a digest of your movies (Highlight Playback).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing the settings for Highlight Playback.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saving Highlight Playback ( Scenario Save).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Converting and sharing Highlight Playback scenes or Highlight scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customizing your camcorder 64 64 65 66 68 75 76 77 77 Table of Contents Using menus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating menus.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Menu lists.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack Table of Contents DC IN jack Battery pack AC Adaptor Power cord (Mains lead) DC plug To the wall outlet (wall socket) Align the mark on the DC plug with that on the DC IN jack. You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your camcorder. Enjoy Useful Functions CHG (charge) lamp Notes You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder.
To charge the battery using your computer This method is useful when the AC Adaptor is not available. Turn off the camcorder and attach the battery pack to the camcorder. Connect the camcorder to a running computer using the Built-in USB Cable. When the battery is fully charged, disconnect the camcorder from the computer. Notes Operation with all computers is not assured.
Charging time Battery pack NP-FV50 (supplied) NP-FV70 NP-FV100 Charging time AC Adaptor 155 195 390 Built-in USB Cable* 315 600 1050 Table of Contents Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack. The charging times shown in the table above are measured when charging the camcorder at a temperature of 25 C (77 °F). It is recommended that you charge the battery in a temperature range of 10 C to 30 C (50 °F to 86 °F).
Notes on the battery pack Table of Contents When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, turn the camcorder off and make sure (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 24), the access lamp (p. 22) are turned off. that the The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions: The battery pack is not attached correctly. The battery pack is damaged. The temperature of the battery pack is low. Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place.
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time 1 Table of Contents Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER. MODE lamp POWER button 2 Enjoy Useful Functions Select the desired language, then touch [Next]. Touch the button on the LCD screen 3 Select the desired geographical area with To set the date and time again, touch , then touch [Next].
If you set [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time] to [On], the clock advances 1 hour. Table of Contents 4 Set [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time], then touch [Next]. 5 Select the date format, then touch [Next]. / to set the value, then touch * The confirmation screen appears only when you set the clock for the first time. Enjoy Useful Functions 6 Select the date and time, touch *. [Next] The clock starts.
To turn off the power Tips You can turn off the camcorder also by pressing POWER. When [Power On By LCD] (p. 82) is set to [Off], turn off your camcorder by pressing POWER. Table of Contents Close the LCD screen. The (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds and the camcorder is turned off. Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. (MENU) [Setup] [ (General Settings)] [Language Setting] Touch .
Step 3: Preparing the recording media HDR-CX130 Memory card HDR-CX160/CX180 * Internal memory Table of Contents The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder. Memory card * In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on this recording media. You can perform recording, playback and editing operations on the selected medium.
Inserting a memory card Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder SD Speed Class “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (Mark2) — “Memory Stick PROHG Duo” media Table of Contents Notes Set the recording medium to [Memory Card] to record movies and/or photos on a memory card (HDR-CX160/CX180). Described in this manual “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media SD memory card SDXC memory card Class 4 or faster SD card Operation with all memory cards is not assured.
direction as illustrated until it clicks. Close the cover after inserting the memory card. Access lamp Table of Contents Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the notched edge in the Note the direction of notched corner. Close the cover. Notes If [Failed to create a new Image Database File. It may be possible that there is not enough free space.] is displayed, format the memory card (p. 77). Confirm the direction of the memory card.
Recording/Playback Recording Tips To change the recording media, see page 20 (HDR-CX160/CX180). 1 Fasten the grip belt. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. Enjoy Useful Functions 2 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Table of Contents In the default setting, movies and photos are recorded on the following media. Movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD).
Recording movies START/STOP button [STBY] [REC] Table of Contents MODE button (Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo Press MODE to turn on the (Movie) lamp. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. To display items on the LCD screen again Enjoy Useful Functions Press START/STOP to start recording. Touch anywhere on the screen except the buttons on the LCD screen so that you can use items. You can change the settings using the [Display Setting] menu (p.
To capture smiles Capturing a photo Table of Contents In the default setting, a photo is automatically recorded when the camcorder detects the smile of a person during movie recording (Smile Shutter, p. 73). When the camcorder detects faces during movie recording, image quality is automatically adjusted ([Face Detection], p. 73). Smile Detection frame (Orange) Face Detection frame (White) Notes If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording.
Data code during recording Shooting photos MODE button Flashes Lights up PHOTO button disappears, the photo is recorded. Press MODE to turn on the (Photo) lamp. Enjoy Useful Functions (Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo When Table of Contents The recording date, time and condition are recorded automatically on the recording media. They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [Data Code] (MENU) [Setup] [ (Playback during playback.
Playback on the camcorder Tips To change the recording media, see page 20 (HDR-CX160/CX180). The camcorder displays recorded images as an event automatically based on the date and time. 1 2 Table of Contents You can enjoy the playback of images with powerful sound through the stereo speakers built into the camcorder. In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media are played.
* Appears only when the image quality is set to [ HD Quality]. The Event Index screen appears when you touch the event that is displayed on the center. 4 You can also choose an event by touching on the time-line bar. (Change Event Scale) on the bottom right of the screen so that you can change the time Touch range of the time-line bar from one and a half years to three months, which changes the number of the events that can be displayed on the time-line bar.
Operating the camcorder while playing a movie Table of Contents You can use the functions shown in the figure below while the camcorder is playing a movie. MOVIE/PHOTO] (the default The figure below will be displayed when you select [ MOVIE] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index setting) or [ screen. Volume adjustment Delete Context To stop* Next Previous To fast-forward* To pause*/play * These buttons can be used only when the camcorder is playing a movie.
Viewing photos Table of Contents You can use the functions shown in the figure below while you are viewing photos. The figure PHOTO] by touching the Switch Image Type below will be displayed when you select [ button on the Event Index screen. Delete Context Next Previous To start/stop slide show Tips To repeat Slideshow, touch Enjoy Useful Functions [Slideshow Set].
Playing images on a TV Connection methods and the image quality (high definition (HD) or standard definition (STD)) viewed on the TV screen differ depending on what type of TV is connected, and the connectors used. List of connection When the recording quality is high definition image quality (HD), the movies are played back in high definition image quality (HD). When the recoding quality is standard image quality (STD), the movies are played back in standard definition image quality (STD).
When you connect with component A/V cable When movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD), they are played back in standard definition image quality (STD). When movies are recoded with standard image quality (STD), they are played back in standard definition image quality (STD). If you connect only component video plugs, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs to output audio signals. Select the [Component] setting for the component input jack you are using.
Notes There may be some operations you cannot do with the remote commander. (MENU) To set your camcorder, touch [Setup] [ (Connection)] [CTRL FOR HDMI] [On] (the default setting) . Also set your TV accordingly. Refer to the instruction manual of the TV for details. The operation of “BRAVIA” Sync differs according to each model of BRAVIA. Refer to the instruction manual of your TV for details.
Advanced operations You can magnify images up to 30 times using SteadyShot] is set optical zooming, unless [ to [Active]. Tips You can set [Digital Zoom] if you want to zoom to a greater level. Zooming You can magnify images up to 42 times the original size with the power zoom lever. You can magnify images also with the / on the LCD screen. Recording better images automatically (Intelligent Auto) Touch at the right bottom on the recording screen of movies or photos.
Camera-shake detection (Walk), (Tripod) The camcorder detects whether camerashake occurs or not, and makes the optimum compensation. You can switch the recording mode to select the movie quality when recording high definition image quality (HD) movies ] is the default setting). The ([Standard recording time of the recording media is changed depending on the recording mode. Selecting high definition image quality (HD) or standard image quality (STD) Touch the desired recording mode.
Recording modes and the media Using the Tracking focus function If you touch the subject you want to track on the LCD screen, the camcorder tracks that subject and records a movie. Recording mode Types of media PS* FX FH/ HQ/LP When you touch a face A double-lined frame appears around the face and the camcorder adjusts the focus, color and exposure automatically.
Notes The subject you touched may not be detected, depending on the surrounding brightness or hairstyle of the subject. In this case, touch the subject again when you record. If you want to track a face, set the [Face Detection] setting to other than [Off] ([Auto] is the default setting). Tips The double-lined frame around a face targeted for possible smile detection shot turns orange. If the face you touched disappears from the LCD screen, the subject selected in [Face Detection] (p. 73) has priority.
Enjoying a digest of your movies (Highlight Playback) Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (). Tips button on the playback screen Touching the displays functions you can currently use, and allows you to use those functions easily. 1 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.
You can make various settings for Highlight Playback. Touch [Highlight Setting] during Highlight Playback. Table of Contents Changing the settings for Highlight Playback The LCD screen during Highlight Playback Volume adjustment You can set the following items. To stop Next Previous To pause To stop a Highlight Playback To pause, touch To stop, touch . . To watch a Highlight Playback again Touch [Replay] on the screen after a Highlight Playback has finished.
Photo: Play the photo you want to use in a . Highlight Playback, and then touch Notes The audio used for the Highlight Playback will be converted to 2ch stereo. The [Playback Range] setting is cleared when the Highlight Playback stops. When you connect the camcorder to an external device, such as a TV, and watch Highlight Playback or Highlight Scenario, these images do not appear on the LCD screen of the camcorder. You can save a Highlight Playback as a “Scenario.
Touch [Save and Share] on the screen after Highlight Playback or Highlight scenario playback has finished. Touch [Watch] after the conversion process has finished. To watch a Highlight Movie by selecting one from a list of “Highlight Movie” You can select [Save and Share] by button on the screen touching the while Highlight Playback scenes or saved Highlight scenarios are played back. Touch (MENU) [Playback Function] [Highlight Movie] touch the desired Highlight Movie. .
Making good use of your camcorder You can free media space by deleting movies and photos from recording media. Notes You cannot restore images once they are deleted. Save important movies and photos in advance. Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while deleting the images. It may damage the recording media. Do not eject the memory card while deleting images from the memory card. You cannot delete protected movies and photos.
To undo the protection of movies and photos Touch the movie or photo marked with in step 3. disappears. Protect movies and photos to avoid deleting them by mistake. will be displayed on the protected images. To protect all movies/photos in an event at one time (MENU) [Edit/ Touch Copy] [Protect]. In step 2, touch [Set All In Event]. Touch / to select the desired . event, then touch When [ / Setting] is set to STD Quality], appears [ .
[Multiple Images]: Touch the image to be copied, and mark it with . You can select multiple images. Tips The original copy of the image will not be deleted after the copy operation has been completed. The images recorded by this camcorder and stored onto the recording media are called “original.” (MENU) [Edit/ Touch Copy] [Copy]. The media selection screen appears. Touch the desired thumbnail so that you to can confirm the image. Touch return to the selection screen.
Dividing a movie Divide] on the Touch [ movie playback screen. at the point where you Touch want to divide the movie into scenes. Capturing a photo from a movie You can capture images from movies recorded with your camcorder. The movie pauses. The [Photo Capture] screen appears. at the point where you Touch want to capture a photo. The movie pauses. / to adjust the Touch capturing point with more precision.
Notes The image size is fixed based on the image quality of the movie. If the movie was recorded with one of the following image quality levels, the image size will be set as shown below. High definition image quality (HD): 2.1 M (16:9) Wide aspect ratio (16:9) with standard definition image quality (STD): 0.2 M (16:9) 4:3 aspect ratio with standard definition image quality: 0.3 M (4:3) The recording medium where you want to save photos should have enough free space.
Saving movies and photos with a computer Selecting the method for creating a disc (computer) Disc type Choosing a method Importing movies and To save images on a Blu-ray disc with high definition image quality (HD) photos to a computer (p. 50) Creating a Blu-ray disc* with high definition image quality (HD) (p. 52) To save images on a AVCHD recording disc with high definition image quality (HD) AVCHD format playback devices (a Sony Blu-ray disc player, PlayStation3, etc.
Discs you can use with “PMB” Disc type DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL DVD-RW/DVD+RW Features Unrewritable Rewritable Notes Always maintain your PlayStation3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation3 system software. The PlayStation3 may not be available in some countries/regions. Table of Contents You can use 12 cm discs of following type with “PMB.” For Blu-ray disc, see page 52.
Creating a disc with one touch (Disc Burn) Turn on your camcorder, then connect the camcorder to the computer using the Built-in USB Cable. Notes High definition image quality (HD) movies (the default setting) will make an AVCHD recording disc. You cannot create AVCHD recording discs from movies recorded with [HD FX] or [60p Quality ] mode of [ REC Mode]. Creating a Blu-ray disc is not available with Disc Burn.
Importing movies and photos to a computer Click [Import]. Refer to “PMB Help” for details. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15). Table of Contents 3 Movies and photos recorded on your camcorder can be imported to a computer. Turn on the computer beforehand. 1 Turn on your camcorder, then connect the camcorder to the computer using the Built-in USB Cable. 2 Touch [USB Connect] on the camcorder screen.
Saving images on a disc 1 Turn on your computer, and place an unused disc on the DVD drive. 2 3 See page 47 for the type of discs you can use. If any other software than “PMB” starts automatically, shut it down. Start “PMB.” 4 5 To add movies to the previously selected ones, select the movies in the main window and drag and drop onto the window for selecting movies. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a disc.
Copying a disc You can create a Blu-ray disc with a high definition image quality (HD) movie previously imported to a computer (p. 50). To create a Blu-ray disc, the BD Add-on Software for “PMB” must be installed. Click [BD Add-on Software] on the installation screen of “PMB,” and install this plug-in according to the on-screen instructions. Connect your computer to the internet when you install [BD Add-on Software]. You can copy a recorded disc to another disc using “Video Disc Copier.
Saving images with an external device Selecting a method for saving images with an external device External devices External media device Saving images on an external media device with high definition image quality (HD). DVDirect Express DVD writer Saving images on a DVD disc with high definition image quality (HD).
The types of media on which images are saved The devices on which the created disc can be played back DVD disc with high definition image quality (HD) AVCHD format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray disc player or a PlayStation3. Table of Contents Refer to “Recording modes and the media” on page 36. DVD disc with standard definition image quality (STD) Ordinary DVD playback devices, such as a DVD player.
Saving images on an external media device You can save movies and photos on an external media device (USB storage devices), such as an external hard disk drive. You can also play back images on the camcorder or another playback device. Notes You may not be able to use external media devices with a code function. The FAT file system is available for your camcorder. If the storage medium of the external device was formatted for the NTFS file system, etc.
Connect the USB Adaptor Cable to the (USB) jack of your camcorder. HDR-CX160/CX180: Movies and photos that are stored on one of the camcorder’s recording media selected in [Media Select], and that have not yet been saved on external media device can be saved on the connected media device at this time. Make sure not to disconnect the USB cable while [Preparing image database file. Please wait.] is displayed on the LCD screen. If [Repair Img. DB F.] is displayed on the camcorder screen, .
Touch while the camcorder is in the playback standby mode ([Event View] or Event Index is displayed) of the external media device. Disconnect the USB Adaptor Cable. When you selected [Multiple Images], touch the image to be saved. Notes The number of scenes you can save on the external media device are as follows. However, even if the external media device has free space, you cannot save scenes exceeding the following number. High definition image quality (HD) movies: Max.
You can also view images on a TV connected to your camcorder (p. 31). You can play back the high definition image quality (HD) movies on your computer using [Player for AVCHD]. Start [Player for AVCHD], and select the drive where the external media device is connected with [Settings]. You can create a disc or play back the images on a created disc by using the DVD writer, DVDirect Express (sold separately). Refer also to the instruction manual supplied with the DVD writer.
6 Insert an unused disc into the DVD writer, and close the disc tray. 4 Press writer. 5 Tips If the total memory size of movies to be burnt by the DISC BURN operation exceeds that of the disc, disc creation stops when the limit is reached. The last movie on the disc may be cut off. (DISC BURN) on the DVD HDR-CX130 Movies that are stored in the memory card (inserted in the camcorder), and that have not yet been saved on any disc can be saved on the disc at this time.
appears. Remaining Disc capacity Play the created disc to make sure copying was performed correctly before deleting the movies on your camcorder. If [Failed.] or [DISC BURN failed.] appears on the screen, insert another disc into the DVD writer and perform the DISC BURN operation again. Tips Disc creation time to copy movies to the limit of the disc is about 20 to 60 minutes. It may take more time depending on the recording mode or the number of scenes.
Insert a created disc into the DVD writer. The movies on the disc appear on the index screen on the camcorder. Use the USB cable to connect your camcorder to a disc creation device, which is compatible with high definition image quality (HD) movies, such as a Sony DVD writer. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected. Press the play button on the DVD writer. You can also operate by the camcorder screen.
You can copy images played back on your camcorder on a disc or video cassette, by connecting your camcorder to a disc recorder, a Sony DVD writer, etc., other than DVDirect Express, with the A/V connecting cable. Connect the device in either way of or . Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. The [USB Select] screen appears on the camcorder screen.
A/V Remote Connector Connect your camcorder to the recording device (a disc recorder, etc.) with the A/V connecting cable (supplied) or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (sold separately). Input S VIDEO 3 Connect your camcorder to the input jacks of the recording device. Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device. VIDEO (Yellow) (White) 4 Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your recording device for details.
Customizing your camcorder Using menus You can enjoy using your camcorder more by making good use of menu operations. The camcorder has various menu items under each of 6 menu categories. Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) p. 68 Image Quality/Size (Items for setting up image quality or size) p. 75 Playback Function (Items for playback) p. 76 Table of Contents Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode) p. 66 Edit/Copy (Items for editing) p. 77 Setup (Other setup items) p.
Menu lists Image Quality/Size Shooting Mode REC Mode Frame Rate / Setting Wide Mode x.v.
Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode) 82 LCD Brightness 82 A. Shut Off 82 Power On By LCD 82 Language Setting 82 Calibration 100 Battery Info 82 Demo Mode 83 (Clock Settings) Date & Time Setting 83 Date & Time 83 Summer Time 83 Date & Time Format 83 Area Setting See “Using menus” (p. 64) on the operation. The default settings are marked with . Movie You can record movies. Table of Contents (General Settings) Beep Photo You can shoot photos.
Notes You cannot record sound. Image quality is not as good as that of normal recording. REC Mode] will be set to [Standard The [ ] automatically When the standard definition image quality (STD) mode is selected, you cannot record movies using [Smth Slw REC]. * The camcorder sets the point when the loudest Golf Shot Divides 2 seconds of fast movement into frames which are then recorded as a movie and photos.
Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) Notes Set [White Balance] to [Auto] or adjust the color in [One Push] under white or cool white fluorescent lamps. When you select [One Push], keep framing white objects. While the camcorder is recording a movie, is grayed out and [One Push] cannot be set. If you set [White Balance], [Scene Selection] is set to [Auto]. White Balance You can adjust the color balance to the recording environment.
Exposure You can fix the brightness of a picture manually. Adjust the brightness when the subject is too bright or too dark. 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. Table of Contents Spot Meter (Flexible spot meter) Touch / to adjust the brightness. To adjust the exposure automatically, touch [Auto].
Tips appears when the focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and appears when the focus cannot be adjusted farther away. It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom for recording. When you want to record a subject at close range, move the power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then adjust the focus.
Snow** ( ) Self-Timer * Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away only. ** Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short distance away. Press PHOTO to start the count down. A photo is recorded after about 10 seconds. Off Notes If you set [Scene Selection], [White Balance] setting is canceled. Cancels the self-timer. On ( ) Starts the self-timer recording. To cancel the recording, touch [Reset]. Fader You can record a transition with the following effects adding to the interval between scenes.
Digital Zoom SteadyShot Active Table of Contents You can select the maximum zoom level. Note that the image quality decreases when you use the digital zoom. You can compensate for camera shake. SteadyShot] to [Off] ( ) when Set [ using a tripod (sold separately), then the image becomes natural. Provides a more powerful SteadyShot effect. Standard Provides a SteadyShot effect, performing wide-angle recording under relatively stable recording conditions.
On Adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects automatically. Off Does not adjust the exposure for backlit subjects. Table of Contents Your camcorder adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects automatically. Smile Shutter Face Detection The shutter is released when the camcorder detects a smile. Dual Capture Only during movie recording, the shutter is released automatically, when the camcorder detects a smile.
Blt-in Zoom Mic Guide Frame You can display the frame and check that the subject is horizontal or vertical. The frame is not recorded. Off The microphone does not record sound following zooming in or out. Off Does not display the guide frame. On ( ) Table of Contents You can record a movie with vivid sound appropriate to the zoom position. On The microphone records sound following zooming in or out. Displays the guide frame. Wind Noise Reduct. Disables wind noise reduction.
Image Quality/Size (Items for setting up image quality or size) Wide Mode When recording standard definition image quality (STD) movies, you can select the horizontal to vertical ratio according to the TV connected. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV. REC Mode See page 35. 16:9 WIDE Frame Rate Records movies to the full screen on a 16:9 (wide) TV screen. You can select the frame rate to be used to record high definition image quality (HD) movies.
Playback Function (Items for playback) See “Using menus” (p. 64) on the operation. Image Size 3.3M ( Event View See page 27. ) Records photos clearly (2,112 × 1,584). 2.5M ( Highlight Movie ) See page 38. Records photos clearly in the 16:9 (wide) ratio (2,112 × 1,188). 1.9M ( Scenario ) See page 40. Allows you to record more photos in relatively clear quality (1,600 × 1,200). VGA(0.3M) ( Table of Contents You can select a size for the photos you are going to shot.
Setup Edit/Copy (Other setup items) See “Using menus” (p. 64) on the operation. See “Using menus” (p. 64) on the operation. The default settings are marked with . Delete Media Select (HDR-CX160/ CX180) See page 42. See page 20. Protect See page 43. Table of Contents (Items for editing) Media Info You can check the remaining recordable time for each recording mode of the recording media for movies and the approximate free and used media space of the recording media.
While deleting data, do not apply any vibrations or shocks to your camcorder. You can check the time that the camcorder will take to delete data on the LCD screen. If you stop performing [Empty] while [Executing...] appears, be sure to complete the operation by performing [Format] or [Empty] when you use the camcorder next time. Table of Contents To avoid the loss of important images, you should save them before formatting the recording media.
Volume Camera Data You can adjust the volume of playback / . sound by touching Date/Time Download Music See page 40. You can transfer music files from audio CDs or MP3 files to your camcorder by connecting the camcorder to a computer. Date Time Table of Contents Displays camera setting data. Empty Music Movie TV Type You need to convert the signal depending on the TV connected when playing back movies and photos. The recorded movies and photos are played back as following illustrations.
HDMI Resolution 4:3 Select the output image resolution when connecting your camcorder to a TV with an HDMI cable (sold separately). Movies and photos Movies and photos recorded in 16:9 recorded in 4:3 mode (wide) mode Auto Normal setting (outputs the signal according to the TV automatically). Table of Contents Select this to view your movies and photos on a 4:3 standard TV. The recorded movies and photos are played back as shown below.
Notes When you connect the camcorder to other devices using the [MTP] mode, movies that have been recorded with the same image quality as the one currently selected (selected with / Setting] menu) can only be the [ displayed on the connected device. When the camcorder is connected to an external device in the [MTP] mode, movie files will be displayed with the recorded date, however, some information, such as area information, included in the movie files cannot be displayed on the connected device.
Beep Power On By LCD A melody sounds when you start/stop recording, or operate the touch panel. Off On Cancels the melody. Turns the power on or off by opening or closing the LCD screen panel. LCD Brightness Off Does not turn the power on or off by opening or closing the LCD screen panel. You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. Normal Language Setting Normal setting (normal brightness). Select this when the LCD screen is not bright enough.
Demo Mode Date & Time Setting Date & Time See page 17. Daylight Savings/Summer Time You can change this setting without stopping the clock. Set to [On] to move the time forward 1 hour. On The demonstration appears. Off Off Does not set the summertime. The demonstration does not appear. On Sets the summertime. Date & Time Format You can select one from 4 types of date and time format. Area Setting You can adjust a time difference without stopping the clock.
Additional information Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, follow the steps below. Overall operations The power does not turn on. Disconnect the power source, attach the power source again after about 1 minute, and turn the camcorder on. Press RESET (p. 105) using a pointed object, and turn the camcorder on. If you press RESET, all settings, including the clock setting, are reset. The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.
Batteries/power sources While Intelligent Auto is active, some menu settings related to image quality will be changed automatically. The following menu items return to the default settings when you switch between movie recording and photo recording and playback modes. [ Fader] [ Self-Timer] [Tele Macro] The power abruptly turns off. The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged. Your camcorder gets warm. Your camcorder may become warm during operation.
The battery pack is quickly discharged. Images stored on the memory card cannot be deleted. The ambient temperature is too high or low. This is not a malfunction. The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p. 98). The data file name is not indicated correctly or flashes. LCD screen Menu items are grayed out. You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.
Photos cannot be recorded. There is a time difference between the point when START/STOP is pressed and the point that the recording movie is started or stopped actually. You cannot record photos together with: [Smth Slw REC] [Golf Shot] [ Fader] The camcorder cannot shoot photos while it is in the movie recording mode, depending on the [ REC Mode] or [ Frame Rate] selected. The access lamp remains lit or flashing even if recording was stopped.
Horizontal stripes appear on the images. is indicated on a thumbnail. This occurs when recording images under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp. This is not a malfunction. Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen. Set [ SteadyShot] to an option except for [Active] (p. 72). is indicated on a thumbnail. [LCD Brightness ] cannot be adjusted.
The top, bottom, right, and left edges of images are trimmed slightly on a connected TV. Images cannot be played back or the memory card is not recognized. The playback device does not support playing back memory cards (p. 4). Editing movies/photos on your camcorder Unable to edit. The image appears distorted on the 4:3 TV. Unable to edit because of the condition of the image. A movie that is too short cannot be divided. A protected movie cannot be divided.
Self-diagnosis display/ Warning indicators Images are not copied correctly. You cannot copy images using the HDMI cable (sold separately). The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure to connect the cable to the input jack of another device (p. 62). Table of Contents If indicators appear on the LCD screen, check the following. If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
(Warning indicator pertaining to photo recording) Slow flashing Free spaces for recording images are running out. For the type of memory card you can use with your camcorder, see page 21. No memory card is inserted (p. 21). Fast flashing There are not enough free spaces for recording images. After storing the images on other media (p. 53), delete unnecessary images, or format the memory card (p. 77). The image data base file may be damaged.
Inconsistencies found in image database file. Do you want to repair the image database file? The Image Database File is damaged. Do you want to repair the Image Database File? Inconsistencies found in image database file. Cannot record or play HD movies. Do you want to repair the image database file? The management file is damaged. When you touch [Yes], a new management file is created. The old recorded images on the media cannot be played back (Image files are not damaged). If you execute [Repair Img.
Data protected. Format the memory card (p. 77). Note that if you format the memory card, all the recorded movies and photos are deleted. Still picture folder is full. Cannot record still pictures. You tried to delete protected data. Release the protection of the data. Table of Contents Cannot recognize this memory card. Format and use again. You cannot create folders exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using your camcorder. Format the memory card (p.
Using your camcorder abroad On TV color systems 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 Hz/60 Hz range. Your camcorder is an NTSC-system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback image on a TV, it must be an NTSCsystem-based TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.
Setting to the local time World time difference Time-zone differences +10:00 +11:00 +12:00 Lisbon, London Berlin, Paris Helsinki, Cairo, Istanbul Moscow, Nairobi Tehran Abu Dhabi, Baku Kabul Karachi, Islamabad Calcutta, New Delhi Almaty, Dhaka Yangon Bangkok, Jakarta Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing Seoul, Tokyo Adelaide, Darwin –11:00 –10:00 –09:00 –08:00 –07:00 –06:00 –05:00 –04:00 –03:30 –03:00 –02:00 –01:00 US 95 Area setting Melbourne, Sydney Solomon Is Fiji, Wellington, Eniwetok, Kwajalein Samoa H
Maintenance and precautions * Data recorded in AVCHD format other than What is the AVCHD format? About the memory card Recording and playback on your camcorder Based on the AVCHD format, your camcorder records with the high definition image quality (HD). In addition to high definition image quality (HD), your camcorder is capable of recording a standard definition (STD) signal in the conventional MPEG-2 format. US 96 Index Video signal*: MPEG-4 AVC/H.
and transfers the contents in an encrypted format. On the memory card adaptor About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs. “InfoLITHIUM” V series battery packs mark.
Put About battery life When the power goes off even though the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining battery time will be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the battery indication will not be restored if it is used in high temperatures for a long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or when the battery pack is frequently used.
Near If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder. This may cause a malfunction to your camcorder. If moisture condensation has occurred Leave your camcorder for about 1 hour without turning it on.
When On adjustment of the touch panel ([Calibration]) Table of Contents The buttons on the touch panel may not work correctly. If this happens, follow the procedure below. It is recommended that you connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation. (MENU) [Setup] [ (General Settings)] [Calibration].
Note on disposal/transfer of the memory card On trademarks US 101 Index Enjoy Useful Functions “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “AVCHD” and “AVCHD” logotype are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
“C Library,” “zlib,” and “libjpeg” software are provided in your camcorder. We provide this software based on license agreements with their owners of copyright. Based on requests by the owners of copyright of these software applications, we have an obligation to inform you of the following. Please read the following sections. Read “license3.pdf ” in the “License” folder on the CD-ROM. You will find licenses (in English) of “C Library,” “zlib,” and “libjpeg” software.
Quick reference Screen indicators Center Center Indicator Meaning [STBY]/[REC] Recording status (24) Slide show set Warning (90) Playback mode (29) Table of Contents Right Left Right Left Indicator Indicator Bottom Meaning 60i MENU button (64) Self-timer recording (71) 60min Wide Mode (75) [Face Detection] set to [Off] (73) [Smile Shutter] set to [Off] (73) Manual focus (69) 0:00:00 Counter (hour:minute: second) 00Min Estimated recording remaining time Photo size (76) Scene Sele
Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages. Bottom Meaning Table of Contents Indicator View Images button (27) Micref Level low (74) Wind Noise Reduct. (74) Blt-in Zoom Mic (74) Low Lux (70) Spot Meter/Fcs (68)/ Spot Meter (69)/ Exposure (69) Intelligent Auto (34) Slide show button 101-0005 Protected image (43) Indicators and their positions are approximate and may differ from what you actually see. Some indicators may not appear, depending on your camcorder model.
Table of Contents (View Images) button (27) POWER button (17) Speaker Power zoom lever (34) PHOTO button (26) MODE button (24) CHG (charge) lamp (13) Battery pack (13) (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (24) MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (HDR-CX160/ CX180) HDMI OUT jack (31) (USB) jack (56, 58) START/STOP button (24) DC IN jack (13) Enjoy Useful Functions RESET button Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting.
Index Symbols A A. Shut Off....................................82 A/V connecting cable...........32, 63 Abroad..........................................94 Area Setting..................................83 Auto Back Light...........................73 AVCHD........................................47 AVCHD format............................96 B C F Face Detection.............................73 Fader..............................................71 FH..................................................
P R S U USB cable................................58, 61 USB Connect................................50 USB Connect Setting..................81 USB LUN Setting.........................81 W Wall outlet (wall socket).............13 Warning messages.......................91 White Balance..............................68 White Fader..................................71 Wide angle....................................34 Wide Mode...................................75 Wind Noise Reduct.....................74 X x.v.
Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.
