3-214-660-11(1) Digital HD Video Camera Recorder Operating Guide HDR-CX7/CX7K For details on the advanced operations, please refer to “Handycam Handbook” (PDF).
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS WARNING To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.
Cleaning Unplug the set from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the set. Installation Water and Moisture long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.
Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. CAUTION Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result. For customers in the U.S.A. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information For customers in the U.S.A.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Save all your recorded image data • To prevent your image data from being lost, save all your recorded images on other media. It is recommended that you save the image data on a disc such as DVD-R using your computer. Also, you can save your image data using a VCR, or a DVD/HDD recorder (p. 26). • It is recommended that you save your image data periodically, after recording. When the camcorder is connected to a computer • Do not try to format the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” in the camcorder using a computer.
Table of Contents Read this first ...........................................................................................4 Notes on use .................................................................................................. 5 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ..............................................................8 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ............................................................9 Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time ..
Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. Wireless Remote Commander (1) AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9) A button-type lithium battery is already installed. Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander. Insulation sheet Power cord (1) (p. 9) Rechargeable battery pack (1) (p. 9) NP-FH60 Handycam Station (1) (p. 9) Component video cable (1) (p.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack DC IN jack /CHG lamp Getting Started POWER switch DC plug Power cord AC Adaptor Battery pack You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) after attaching it to your camcorder. b Notes • Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series). 1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on the Handycam Station. Be sure that the v mark on the DC plug is facing up.
To remove the battery pack Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery pack. BATT (battery release) lever “HD” stands for high definition image quality, and “SD” stands for standard image quality. (Unit:min.
Getting Started wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder. • Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture. • Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction. • Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power (house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time Touch the button on the LCD screen. POWER switch When using the camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears on the LCD screen. 1 While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch repeatedly in the direction of the arrow until the respective lamp lights up. (Movie): To record movies (Still): To record still images • When you turn on (Still) lamp, the screen aspect ratio is changed to 4:3 automatically.
Step 4: Inserting a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” POWER switch Getting Started Access lamp If you insert a new “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” the [Create a new Image Database File.] screen appears. See page 5 on the “Memory Stick” you can use with your camcorder. 1 Open the LCD panel. To eject a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” Open the LCD panel and Memory Stick Duo cover, lightly push the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” in once. b Notes 2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the lamp lights up.
Recording/Playback Recording START/STOP D POWER switch A [STBY] t [REC] PHOTO E START/STOP B EASY C Flashing t Lights up 1 Slide the POWER switch A until the respective lamp lights up. Press the green button only when the POWER switch is in the OFF (CHG) position. • • (Movie): To record movies (Still): To record still images 2 Start recording. Movies Press START/STOP D (or B). To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
z Tips Adjusting the LCD panel • You can check the free “Memory Stick PRO Duo” space by touching (HOME) t (MANAGE MEMORY STICK) t [ INFO]. • You can capture up to 3 still images by pressing PHOTO during movie recording. • The maximum recordable time of Sony “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is as follows with recording mode [HD SP] (the default setting); 512 MB: approx. 8 minutes 1 GB: approx. 15 minutes 2 GB: approx. 35 minutes 4 GB: approx. 65 minutes 8 GB: approx.
Playback POWER switch A (VIEW IMAGES) D (VIEW IMAGES) B (Film Roll Index) C 1 Returns to the recording screen 2 Previous 6 images 3 Next 6 images 4 Returns to the recording screen 5 HD (high definition) image quality movie tab* 6 Still image tab 7 (OPTION) 8 Searches for images by date * appears for movies with SD (standard definition) image quality. 1 Slide the POWER switch A to turn on your camcorder. 2 Press the (VIEW IMAGES) B (or D) button.
To adjust the sound volume of movies When playing back a movie, touch (OPTION) t tab t [VOLUME], then adjust the volume with / . HDMI OUT z Tips A/V OUT • When playback from the selected movie reaches the last movie, the screen returns to the INDEX screen. • i appears with the image on the tab that was most recently played back/recorded (B for the still image). When you touch a movie marked with i, you can play it back from the point it was previously stopped. Open the jack cover.
Names and functions of parts and controls 1 Power zoom lever To use the zoom, move the power zoom lever. Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. During playback, you can magnify still images from about 1.1 to 5 times the original size (Playback zoom). • When you touch the screen during playback zoom, the point you touched will be displayed in the center of the displayed frame. 2 PHOTO button (p. 14) 3 POWER switch (p. 12, 14) 4 START/STOP button (p.
qs RESET button wg NIGHTSHOT switch To initialize the settings (Reset), press RESET to initialize all the settings, including settings for date and time. To record in dark places, set the NIGHTSHOT switch to ON ( appears). wj Hook for a shoulder belt qd LCD screen/touch panel To record in mirror mode, open the LCD screen 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2). Attach the shoulder belt (optional). wk Internal microphone Records sound on movies.
Connecting to other devices w; HDMI OUT (mini) jack Connect an HDMI cable (optional). wa A/V OUT jack Connect the A/V connecting cable. ws DC IN jack wh Active Interface Shoe The Active Interface Shoe supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light, a flash, or a microphone. The accessory can be turned on or off as you operate the POWER switch on your camcorder. eg DISC BURN button Create a disc by connecting the camcorder to a computer. For details, see “Picture Motion Browser Guide.
Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording movies A Recording quality (HD/SD) and Recording mode (XP/HQ/SP/LP) B HOME button C Remaining battery (approx.) D Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) E Counter (hour/minute/second) F OPTION button G Dual Rec Recording still images H VIEW IMAGES button I Face Index Set K Quality ([FINE]/[STD]) L Image size M This appears while a still image is being saved.
Indicators on the LCD screens Following indicators appear during recording/playback to indicate the settings of your camcorder. Upper left Center Upper right Indicator Meaning FADER LCD backlight off Upper right Bottom Indicator Meaning Picture effect Digital effect Manual focus 9 Bottom SCENE SELECTION Upper left Indicator Meaning 5.1ch surround recording/playback Backlight .
Performing various functions - “ “ OPTION” HOME” and • You cannot simultaneously select or activate the grayed items in the current recording/playback situation. (HOME) B To see the explanation of the function of each item on the HOME MENU (HELP) (HOME) A (OPTION) Using the HOME MENU 1 Press (HOME) A (or B). 2 Touch (HELP). The bottom of the (HELP) turns orange. 1 Turn on your camcorder, then press (HOME) A (or B). 3 Touch the item you want to learn about.
b Notes COMPUTER • When the item you want is not on the screen, touch another tab. • The tabs and items that appear on the screen depend on the recording/playback status of your camcorder at the time. • Some items appear without a tab. • The OPTION MENU cannot be used during Easy Handycam operation (p. 15). [ COMPUTER], [DISC BURN] TV CONNECT Guide*1 (MANAGE MEMORY STICK) category FORMAT*1 Items of the HOME MENU INFO REPAIRIMG.DB F.
CLOCK/ LANG [CLOCK SET]*1, [AREA SET], [DST SET]/[SUMMERTIME], [ LANGUAGE SET]*1 GENERAL SET [DEMO MODE], [REC LAMP], [CALIBRATION], [A.SHUT OFF], [REMOTE CTRL] Items of the OPTION MENU Items you can set only on the OPTION MENU will be described below. tab Recording/Playback *1 You can set these items also during Easy Handycam operation (p. 15). *2 The menu name is changed to [SOUND SETTINGS] during Easy Handycam operation (p. 15).
Saving images Due to the limited capacity of the “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” make sure that you save the image data to some type of media such as a DVD-R or the hard disk of a computer. You can save the images recorded on the camcorder as described below. Saving images using a computer By using the “Picture Motion Browser” on the supplied CD-ROM, you can save images on a disc or the hard disk of a computer. For details, see “Picture Motion Browser Guide.
Enjoying with a computer Viewing “Handycam Handbook” (PDF) For advanced use of your camcorder, see “Handycam Handbook” (PDF). To view “Handycam Handbook” (PDF), you need to install Adobe Reader on your computer. For Windows users 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Place the CD-ROM (supplied) in the disc drive of your computer. The select screen for installation appears. 4 Select the desired language and the model name of your Handycam, then click [Handycam Handbook (PDF)]. Installation starts.
What you can do with a Windows computer When you install the “Picture Motion Browser” on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the following operations. x Creating a disc with images taken with your camcorder by one simple operation By pressing DISC BURN (p. 20) on the Handycam Station, you can save images recorded on your camcorder to a disc on your computer.
b Notes x Installation procedure You need to install the software to your Windows computer before connecting your camcorder to the computer. The installation is required only for the first time. Contents to be installed and procedures may differ depending on your OS. 1 Confirm that your camcorder is not connected to the computer. 2 Turn on the computer. b Notes • Log on as an Administrator for installation. • Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.
x Operating the Picture Motion Browser After you install the software, shortcut icons for “Picture Motion Browser” and “Picture Motion Browser Guide” are created on the desktop. For the basic operation of “Picture Motion Browser,” see “Picture Motion Browser Guide.” b Notes Double-click to start “Picture Motion Browser.” • Even if a screen prompting you to restart your computer appears, you do not need to restart it at this time. Restart your computer after completing the installation.
Recommended USB cable connection b Notes To assure the proper functioning of your camcorder, connect your camcorder to a computer as below. • Do not disconnect the USB cable while the access lamp is lit. • Before turning off your camcorder, disconnect the USB cable following the proper procedures described above. • Disconnect the USB cable using the proper procedures described above. Otherwise, files stored on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” may not be updated correctly.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Menu items are grayed out. • There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously. For details, see “Handycam Handbook” (PDF). The power does not turn on. • Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 9). • Connect the plug of the AC Adaptor to the wall outlet (p. 9).
• Make sure the media check tool of the computer activates. For details on the media check tool, see “Picture Motion Browser Guide.” Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators If indicators appear on the LCD screen, check the following. You can fix some symptoms 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:04:00 E (Battery level warning) • The battery pack is nearly used up.
(Warning indicator pertaining to camera-shake warning) • The amount of light is not sufficient, so camera-shake easily occurs. Use the flash. • The camcorder is unsteady, so camerashake easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands and record the image. However, note that the camera-shake warning indicator does not disappear. *1 Slow flashing *2 Fast flashing *3 You hear a melody when the warning indicators appear on the screen.
Additional Information Precautions On use and care 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.
About care and storage of the lens • Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: – When there are fingerprints on the lens surface. – In hot or humid locations – When the lens is exposed to salty air such as at the seaside. • Store in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust. • To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended that you operate your camcorder about once a month to keep it in optimum state for a long time.
Specifications System Video compression format AVCHD (HD)/MPEG2 (SD)/JPEG (Still images) Audio compression format Dolby Digital 2/5.1ch Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator Video signal NTSC color, EIA standards 1080/60i specification Recording format Movie (HD): AVCHD 1080/60i Movie (SD): MPEG2-PS Still image: Exif Ver.2.2*1 Image device 6.3 mm (1/2.9 type) CMOS sensor Recording pixels (still image, 4:3): Max. 6.1 mega (2 848 × 2 136) pixels*2 Gross: Approx.
including the projecting parts, and the NPFH60 rechargeable battery pack attached Mass (approx.) 370 g (13 oz) main unit only 450 g (15 oz) including the NP-FH60 rechargeable battery pack, and a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” Handycam Station DCRA-C191 Input/Output connectors Audio/Video output 10 pin connector Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms) Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms) Chrominance signal: 0.
On trademarks All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Furthermore, ™ and “®” are not mentioned in each case in this manual. Additional Information • “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “AVCHD” and “AVCHD” logotype are trademarks of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation.
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