Sony HDR-FX1 Digital HD Video Camera Recorder User Manual

2-178-348-11(1)

Operating

Instructions

Read this first

Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

HDR-FX1

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.

This symbol is intended to alert the

user to the presence of uninsulated

“dangerous voltage” within the

product’s enclosure that may be of

sufficient magnitude to constitute

a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the

user to the presence of important

operating and maintenance

(servicing) instructions in the

literature accompanying the

appliance.

For customers in the U.S.A. and

CANADA

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are

recyclable.

You can help preserve our

environment by returning your

used rechargeable batteries to the

collection and recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of

rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-

8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking

Lithium-Ion batteries.

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you

may call:

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-

SONY (7669)

The number below is for the FCC related matters

only.

Regulatory Information

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the

bottom. Record the serial number in the space

provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever

you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this

product.

Model No. HDR-FX1

Serial No.

Model No.AC-

Serial No.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY

Model No.: HDR-FX1

Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.

Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego,

CA 92127 U.S.A.

Telephone No.: 858-942-2230

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,

and (2) this device must accept any interference

received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or

modifications not expressly approved in this

manual could void your authority to operate this

equipment.

b Note:

• This equipment has been tested and found to comply

with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant

to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable

protection against harmful interference in a

residential installation. This equipment generates,

uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if

not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. 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.

– Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit

different from that into which the receiver is

connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

The interface cable supplied must be used with the

equipment in order to comply with the limits for a

digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of

FCC Rules.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is capable of recording in both

HDV and DV formats. You can use only mini DV

cassettes in your camcorder.

The HDV standards

• Digital high-definition (HD) video signals are

recorded and played back on a DV format cassette.

• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2 format,

which is adopted in BS (broadcast satellite) digital

and terrestrial digital HDTV broadcastings and in

Blu-ray disc recorders.

Tip

• Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i

specification, which utilizes 1080 effective scanning

lines, within the HDV standards, and records

pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps. The

i.LINK Interface is adopted as the digital interface

enabling a digital connection with TVs and personal

computers compatible with the HDV format.

Recording

• Before starting to record, test the recording function

to make sure the picture and sound are recorded

without any problems.

• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot

be provided, even if recording or playback is not

possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder,

storage media, etc.

• TV color systems differ depending on the country/

region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need

an NTSC system-based TV.

• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other

materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized

recording of such materials may be contrary to the

The LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are

manufactured using extremely high-precision

technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are

operational for effective use.

However, there may be some tiny black points and/

or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color)

that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the

viewfinder.

These points are normal results of the manufacturing

process and do not affect the recording in any way.

• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens

to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause

malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera

near a window or outdoors.

,continued

• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your

camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun

only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.

Playing back HDV tapes on other

devices

A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot be

played back on a device that is not compatible

with the HDV format. The screen appears blue.

Check the contents of tapes by playing them

back on this camcorder prior to playing them

back on other devices.

Connecting other devices

Before connecting your camcorder to other device

such as a VCR or a computer with an 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.

Using this manual

The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder

used on this manual are captured using a digital

still camera, and thus may appear different from

what you see.

Using the camcorder

• To ensure a good grip, fasten the grip belt as shown

in the following illustration.

• You can change the language to be used for screen

display on your camcorder (p. 18).

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder

LCD panel

Battery pack

Microphone

Jack holder

Read this first............................................................................................. 2

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items.............................................................. 10

Step 2: Charging the battery pack............................................................ 11

Using an outside power source ................................................................................. 14

Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 14

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 15

Adjusting the LCD panel ........................................................................................... 15

Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................ 15

Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 16

Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape.............................................................. 17

Step 7: Setting the screen language........................................................ 18

Recording

Recording movies .................................................................................... 20

Recording for a longer time ................................................................................ 22

Using zoom ............................................................................................................... 22

Recording in mirror mode ......................................................................................... 23

Displaying the recording setup information – Status check ...................................... 24

Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 25

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 25

Recording the subject lit by strong light – SPOT LIGHT ........................................... 25

Adjusting the white balance ...................................................................................... 26

Recording using manual adjustments...................................................... 27

Adjusting the iris ........................................................................................................ 28

Adjusting the gain ..................................................................................................... 28

Adjusting the shutter speed ...................................................................................... 29

Adjusting the volume of light – ND FILTER .............................................................. 30

Displaying the zebra pattern to adjust the brightness ............................................... 31

Table of Contents

,continued

Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 32

Adjusting the focus manually .....................................................................................32

Enhancing the outline to focus – PEAKING ..............................................................33

Customizing the picture quality or sound................................................. 34

Customizing the picture quality – PICTURE PROFILE .............................................34

Adjusting the audio recording level – Microphone volume level ................................36

Recording a picture using various features.............................................. 37

Developing scenes smoothly – Shot transition ..........................................................37

Fading in and out of a scene– FADER ......................................................................38

Recording an index signal at the beginning of recording ...........................................39

Recording in 16:9 wide rec mode ....................................................... 40

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec Review ................. 41

Playback

Viewing movies........................................................................................ 42

Playing back in various modes ..................................................................................43

Various playback functions ...................................................................... 44

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH .............44

Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................44

Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code ..............................44

Displaying the video information – Status check .......................................................45

Playing the picture on a TV...................................................................... 46

Viewing the picture on a high definition TV ...............................................................46

Viewing the picture on a 16:9 TV or a 4:3 TV ............................................................48

Locating a scene on a tape for playback.................................................. 49

Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory ........................................49

Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search .......................................50

Searching for a recording start point – Index search .................................................50

Advanced operations

Using the Menu

Selecting menu items .........................51

Using the (CAMERA SET) menu

– STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC,

etc. ...............................................52

Using the (AUDIO SET) menu

– AUDIO MIX, etc. ........................56

Using the (LCD/VF SET) menu

– LCD COLOR, etc. .....................58

Using the (IN/OUT REC) menu

– REC FORMAT/TV TYPE, etc. ...59

Using the (OTHERS) menu

– CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,

etc. ...............................................62

Customizing Personal Menu ..............65

Assigning the functions ......................68

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to another tape ....................70

Recording pictures from a VCR

or TV ............................................74

Connecting to a computer ..................77

Dubbing sound to a recorded

tape ........................................78

Connecting an analog VCR to the

computer via your camcorder

– Signal conversion function ........81

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting .................................83

Warning indicators and messages .....88

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ............90

HDV format and recording/playback ..91

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack ..............................................92

About i.LINK .......................................94

Maintenance and precautions ............95

Specification .......................................98

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ...........100

Index ................................................107

Note on the icons used in this manual

: Features available for the HDV

format only.

: Features available for the DV format only.

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies

1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 11.

2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

Press the battery pack and slide it down.

a Slide the OPEN/

EJECT lever in

the direction of the

arrow to open the lid.

The cassette compartment

comes out automatically.

b Insert the cassette with

its window-side facing

out, then push the center

of the back of the

cassette.

c Press on the

cassette

compartment.

Close the cassette lid after

the cassette compartment

slides back in by itself.

Battery Pack

OPEN/EJECT lever

Window-side

Quick Start Guide

3 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.

The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 16.

The pictures are recorded in the HDV format in the default setting. To record in the DV format,

see page 60.

4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

a Open the hood shutter.

b Open the LCD panel and

adjust the angle.

c While pressing the green

button, set the POWER

switch to CAMERA.

d Press REC START/STOP.

Recording starts. To change to

standby mode, press REC

START/STOP again.

a While pressing the green

button, set the POWER

switch to VCR.

b Press m (rewind).

c Press N (play) to start the

playback.

To stop, press x (stop).

To turn off the power, set the POWER

switch to OFF (CHG).

Getting started

Step 1: Checking

supplied items

Make sure you have following items supplied

with your camcorder.

The number in parentheses indicates the number

of that item supplied.

AC Adaptor (1)

Power cord (1)

Lens hood (1)

This is attached to your camcorder.

b Note

• If you attach an optical filter (optional) or so, remove

the lens hood.

Large eyecup (1)

To attach it to your camcorder, see page 16.

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

A/V connecting cable (1)

Component video cable (1)

Shoe adaptor (1)

To attach it to your camcorder, see page 104.

Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1)

Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

To insert the batteries in the Remote

Commander, see page 105.

Cleaning cassette (1)

Shoulder strap (1)

To attach it to your camcorder, see page 101.

Operating Instructions (This manual) (1)

Getting started

Step 2: Charging the

battery pack

You can charge the battery by attaching the

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to

your camcorder.

b Note

• You cannot use batteries other than the

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) (p. 92).

• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor

with any metallic objects. This may cause a

malfunction.

• Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC

Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall

outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs.

1 Press the battery pack and slide it

down.

2 With the b mark on the DC plug

facing the battery pack, connect the

AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your

camcorder.

3 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor.

4 Connect the power cord to the wall

outlet.

To the wall outlet

DC plug

DC IN jack

Power cord

AC Adaptor

Battery pack

b mark

,continued

Getting started

5 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and

charging starts.

After charging the battery

The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the

battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC

Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

To remove the battery pack

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

2 Press BATT RELEASE and slide the

battery pack up.

To check the remaining battery – Battery

Info

You can check the battery’s current charge level

and its current remaining recording time both

during charging or when the power is turned off.

The remaining recording time in the selected

recording format appears.

1 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

3 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

The battery information appears for about

7 seconds.

Keep the button pressed to view it for about

20 seconds.

A Battery charge level: Displays

approximate remaining amount of

power left in the battery pack.

B Possible recording time using the LCD

panel.

C Possible recording time using the

viewfinder.

BATTERY INFO

50%0% 100%

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL

REC TIME AVAILABLE

LCD SCREEN:

VIEWFINDER:

110

min

125 min

Getting started

Charging time

Approximate number of minutes required when

you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack

at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)

recommended.)

b Note

• NP-F330/F530/500/510/710 battery packs cannot be

used with your camcorder.

Recording time

Approximate number of minutes available

when you use a fully charged battery pack at

25°C (77°F).

Recording in the HDV format

Recording in the DV format

• The top figures show an approximate number of

minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set

to ON.

• The middle figures show an approximate number of

minutes when the LCD BACKLIGHT switch is set

to OFF.

• The bottom figures show an approximate number of

minutes when recording with the viewfinder.

• “Typical recording time” means an approximate

number of minutes when recording while you

repeatedly record, start/stop, move the POWER

switch to change the power mode, and zoom. The

actual battery life may be shorter.

z Tip

• You can also use NP-F550/F730/F750/F960 battery

packs. After charging these battery packs, make a

trial recording with them before an actual recording

to see the recording time. The recording time varies

depending on the environment where the camcorder

is used. Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to display the

recording time on the screen.

Playing time

Approximate number of minutes available

when you use a fully charged battery pack at

25°C (77°F).

HDV format pictures

DV format pictures

* With the LCD BACKLIGHT switch set to ON.

b Note

• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack

when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack

of your camcorder, even if its power cord is

disconnected from the wall outlet.

• The recording and playback time will be shorter

when you use your camcorder in low temperature.

Battery pack

NP-F570 (supplied) 260

NP-F770 370

NP-F970 485

Battery pack Continuous

recording

time

Typical

recording

time

NP-F570

(supplied)

110

125

NP-F770 235

260

255

130

NP-F970 360

390

385

200

205

Battery pack Continuous

recording

time

Typical

recording

time

NP-F570

(supplied)

120

130

NP-F770 255

275

140

NP-F970 380

410

210

215

Battery pack LCD panel

opened*

LCD panel

closed

NP-F570

(supplied)

175 195

NP-F770 360 400

NP-F970 545 605

Battery pack LCD panel

opened*

LCD panel

closed

NP-F570

(supplied)

200 235

NP-F770 415 480

NP-F970 630 725

,continued

Getting started

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or

the battery information will not be correctly

displayed in following conditions.

– The battery pack is not attached correctly.

– The battery pack is damaged.

– The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery

information only.)

Using an outside power source

You can use the AC Adaptor as the power

source when you do not want the battery to

run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,

the battery pack will not lose its charge even

when it is attached to your camcorder.

PRECAUTION

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.

Connect your camcorder as shown in

“Step 2: Charging the battery pack”

(p. 11).

Step 3: Turning the

power on

You need to set the POWER switch to the

respective power mode to record or play back

pictures.

When using this camcorder for the first time,

the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 16).

While pressing the green button, set the

POWER switch.

The power turns on.

• CAMERA: To record pictures.

• VCR: To play or edit pictures.

To turn off the power

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

Getting started

Step 4: Adjusting the

LCD panel and

viewfinder

Adjusting the LCD panel

You can adjust the angle and brightness of

the LCD panel to meet various recording

situations.

Even when there are obstructions between

you and the subject, you can check the

subject on the LCD screen during recording

by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.

Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then

rotate it to the desired position.

To adjust the brightness of the LCD

screen

Adjust the brightness by pressing LCD

BRIGHT – or +.

z Tip

• If you rotate the LCD panel until it faces down, you

can close and restore the LCD panel to the original

position with the LCD screen facing out.

• If you are using the battery pack for power source,

you can select the brightness by setting [LCD BL

LEVEL] on the [LCD/VF SET] menu

(p. 58).

• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions

using the battery pack, set the LCD BACKLIGHT

switch to OFF ( appears). This position saves

battery power.

• Even if you change the brightness of the LCD panel,

the brightness of recorded pictures is not affected.

• You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by

setting [BEEP] on the (OTHERS) menu to

[OFF]

(p. 62).

Adjusting the viewfinder

You can view images using the viewfinder

when you close the LCD panel. Use the

viewfinder when the battery is running out, or

when the screen is hard to see.

1 Lift up the viewfinder.

2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment

lever until the picture is clear.

180 degrees

Up to about

100 degrees

Viewfinder lens

adjustment lever

Getting started

When the picture in the viewfinder is

hard to see

If you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder

clearly under bright circumstances, use the

supplied large eyecup.

To attach the large eyecup, stretch it a little and

align it with the groove of the viewfinder, then

slide it up to the end. You can attach the large

eyecup facing either the right or left side.

z Tip

• To select the brightness of the viewfinder backlight

when you are using the battery pack, select

(LCD/VF SET) menu, then [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 58).

Step 5: 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.

b Note

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3

months, the built-in rechargeable button-type

battery gets discharged and the date and time

settings may be cleared from the memory. In that

case, charge the rechargeable button-type battery

(p. 97) and then set the date and time again.

1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 14).

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

Proceed to step 6 when you set the clock for

the first time.

Large eyecup

(supplied)

POWER switch

Getting started

3 Press MENU.

4 Select the (OTHERS) menu by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

5 Select [CLOCK SET] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

6 Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

You can set any year up to the year 2079.

7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and

minute in the same way as was done in

step 6, then press the dial.

For midnight, set it to 12:00AM.

For midday, set it to 12:00PM.

Step 6: Inserting a

cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only.

For details on these cassettes (such as write-

protection), see page 91.

b Note

• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This

may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in

the direction of the arrow and open the

lid.

The cassette compartment automatically

comes out and opens up.

CAMERA SET

WB PRESET

AE RESPONSE

GAIN SETUP

SHOT TRANS

STEADYSHOT

STDYSHOT TYP

FLCKR REDUCE

[

]

:END

OTHERS

RETURN

ASSIGN BTN

CLOCK SET

WORLD TIME

LANGUAGE

BEEP

REC LAMP

FORMAT LAMP

[

]

:END

120min

CLOCK SET

[

]

:CANCEL

AMDMY 12100:JAN2004

120min

CLOCK SET

[

]

:CANCEL

AMDMY 12100:JAN2004

Lid

OPEN/EJECT lever

,continued

Getting started

2 Insert a cassette with its window-side

facing out.

3 Press on the cassette

compartment.

The cassette compartment automatically

slides back in.

4 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in the

direction of the arrow and open the lid.

The cassette compartment automatically

comes out.

2 Take out the cassette, then press .

The cassette compartment automatically

slides back in.

3 Close the lid.

Step 7: Setting the

screen language

You can select the language to be used on the

LCD screen.

1 Turn on your camcorder.

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

3 Press MENU.

4 Select the (OTHERS) menu by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

Window-side

Push the center of the back

of the cassette lightly.

POWER switch

OTHERS STBY

RETURN

ASSIGN BTN

CLOCK SET

WORLD TIME

LANGUAGE

BEEP

REC LAMP

FORMAT LAMP

[

]

:END

Getting started

5 Select [LANGUAGE] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

6 Select the desired language by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

7 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

z Tip

• Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified

English) for when you cannot find your native

tongue among the options.

0:00:00

[

]

:END

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

ENG

[

SIMP

]

FRAN

AIS

ESPA

PORTUGUÊS

Recording

Recording movies

You can record movies in either the HDV or

the DV format.

Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in

“Getting started” (p. 10 - p. 18).

Movies will be recorded along with stereo

sound.

1 Open the shutter of the lens hood.

2 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

3 While pressing the green button, set

the POWER switch to CAMERA.

The HDV format lamp lights up and your

camcorder is set to recording standby (the

default setting).

It takes some time for your camcorder to be

set to recording standby.

4 Select the recording format.

To record in the HDV format

Select the (IN/OUT REC) menu,

[REC FORMAT], then [HDV1080i] (the

default setting)(p. 60).

appears on the LCD screen and

your camcorder is set to recording standby.

To record in the DV format

Select the (IN/OUT REC) menu,

[REC FORMAT], then [DV] (p. 60).

appears on the LCD screen, the DV

format lamp lights up, and your camcorder

is set to recording standby.

5 Press REC START/STOP.

Recording starts. [REC] appears on the

LCD screen and the Camera recording

lamps light up.

Press REC START/STOP again to stop

recording.

To turn the power off

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

Format lamps

POWER switch and

REC START/STOP

Camera recording lamp

Camera recording

lamp

Recording

To record from a low-angle

Use the REC START/STOP button on the

handle after releasing the HOLD lever.

To view the picture during recording, face the

LCD panel or the viewfinder upward, or face

the LCD screen down, then close and restore the

LCD panel to the original position with the LCD

screen facing out.

Indicators displayed during recording

The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.

Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 44)

will not be displayed during recording.

A Recording format ( or )

Recording mode (SP or LP) is also

displayed in the DV format.

B Remaining battery

The indicated time may not be correct,

depending on the environment where you

are using your camcorder. When you open

or close the LCD panel, it takes about

1 minute to display the correct remaining

battery time.

C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or

[REC] (recording))

D Time code or tape counter (hour:

minute: second)

The time code of this camcorder utilizes the

drop-frame system.

E Recording capacity of the tape (p. 64)

F Microphone volume level (p. 36)

G Center marker (p. 55)

The center marker appears at the center of

the screen when [CENTER MARKR] on

the (CAMERA SET) menu is set to

[ON]. It helps composing pictures on the

screen.

H ND filter

If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes on the screen,

activate the ND filter (p. 30).

b Note

• Before changing the battery pack, set the POWER

switch to OFF (CHG).

• When the camcorder is left in recording standby for

more than about 5 minutes, your camcorder exits the

recording standby mode (the drum stops rotating) to

prevent tape wear and battery loss. Since the power

does not turn off, you can restart recording by

pressing REC START/STOP again. It takes some

time to restart recording, but this not a malfunction.

z Tip

• You can record the color bars on a tape. If you record

movies including the color bars, you can adjust the

color while observing the color bars when you are

viewing the pictures on a TV or monitor. To display

the color bars, press BARS. Press BARS again to

hide the color bars.

• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last

recorded scene to the next, note the following.

– Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be

recorded continuously without a break even when

you turn the power off).

– Do not record pictures in the HDV format and the

DV format on the same tape.

– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on

the same tape.

– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP

mode.

• The recording time, date, and the camera settings

data are recorded automatically on the tape without

being displayed on the screen. You can view this

information during playback by pressing DATA

CODE (p. 44).

HOLD lever

min

0:00:00

REC

HDV1080

,continued

Recording

• Following functions may not work correctly with the

tape recorded in the HDV format and the DV format

mixed:

– Zero set memory

– Date search

– Index search

Recording for a longer time

On the (IN/OUT REC) menu, select

[ REC MODE], then [LP] (p. 60).

In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times

longer than you can when recording in the SP

mode.

A tape recorded in the LP mode should be

played back only on this camcorder.

Using zoom

Zoom levers are mounted on the camera itself

and on the handle.

Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but

use it sparingly for the best results.

1 Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/

REMOTE.

2 Press the power zoom lever slightly for

a slower zoom. Press it further for a

faster zoom.

To record a wider range of view

Press the W side of the power zoom lever.

The subject appears farther away (Wide

angle).

To record a closer view

Press the T side of the power zoom lever.

The subject appears closer (Telephoto).

Using the handle zoom

You can adjust the zoom speed with the handle

zoom switch when using the handle zoom lever.

1 Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/

REMOTE.

2 Set the handle zoom switch to H (high) or

L (low).

You can set the zoom speed of H or L of the

handle zoom lever in [HANDLE ZOOM]

on the (CAMERA SET) menu. In the

default setting, [H] is set to 6, and [L] is set

to 3 (p. 54).

1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)*

80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)*

* The minimum distance required between your

camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus with

that side of the lever.

Zoom ring

Handle zoom switch

Handle zoom lever

Recording

3 Press the handle zoom lever to zoom in or

out.

b Note

• You cannot adjust the zoom speed by pressing the

handle zoom lever. Change the zoom speed by

setting [HANDLE ZOOM] (p. 54).

• You cannot use the handle zoom lever when the

handle zoom switch is set to OFF.

• You cannot change the zoom speed of the power

zoom lever on the camera itself by switching the

handle zoom switch.

Using the zoom ring

You can zoom at the desired speed. Fine

adjustment is also possible.

1 Set the ZOOM switch to RING.

2 Rotate the zoom ring to zoom.

b Note

• Rotate the zoom ring at an appropriate speed.

Zooming may not be able to catch up the rotating

speed of the ring if it is rotated too fast.

• When you zoom using the Remote Commander, set

the ZOOM switch to LEVER/REMOTE.

• Zoomed position and picture angle change when the

ZOOM switch is switched from LEVER/REMOTE

to RING.

• If you rotate the zoom ring fast, motor noise will

become louder as the zoom motor rotates at high

speeds. If the motor noise is so loud that can be

recorded, use the zoom lever or the Remote

Commander.

Recording in mirror mode

You can turn the LCD panel towards the

subject so that you and your subject can share

the image being recorded. You can also

utilize this function when recording yourself,

or to keep the attention of small children

attracted to the camcorder while you record

them.

Open the LCD panel 180 degrees, then

rotate it towards the subject until it clicks.

A mirror-image of the subject appears on the

LCD screen, but the picture will be normal

when recorded.

Up to about 100 degrees

Recording

Displaying the recording setup

information – Status check

You can check the setup value of the

following items in the standby mode or

during recording.

• Audio setup such as microphone volume level

(p. 36)

• Output setup ([COMPONENT], [i.LINK

CONV], and [TV TYPE] settings) (p. 60)

• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons

(p. 68)

• Picture profile setup (p. 34)

1 Press STATUS CHECK.

2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to

display the desired item.

Each time you turn the dial, the items

appear in the following order:

AUDIO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN t

PICT. PROFILE

To turn off the display of the recording

setup information

Press STATUS CHECK.

b Note

• Information of the picture profile setup does not

appear when it is set to [OFF].

Recording

Adjusting the

exposure

The exposure is adjusted automatically in the

default setting.

If you want to record brighter or darker

pictures than those of the auto exposure

adjustment, use the manual adjustment

function (p. 27), or customize the picture

quality by using the PICTURE PROFILE

function (p. 34).

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects

When your subject has its back to the sun or

other light, you can adjust the exposure to

prevent the subject from becoming

shadowed.

Press BACK LIGHT during recording or

in the standby mode.

. appears.

To cancel the back light function, press BACK

LIGHT again.

b Note

• The back light function is canceled when you press

SPOT LIGHT.

• You cannot use the back light function if 2 or more

items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted

manually.

Recording the subject lit by

strong light – SPOT LIGHT

When the subject is lit by strong light, such as

in a theater, use the spot light function to

prevent people’s faces from appearing

excessively white.

During recording or in the standby mode,

press SPOT LIGHT.

appears.

To cancel the spot light function, press SPOT

LIGHT again.

b Note

• The spot light function is canceled when you press

BACK LIGHT.

• You cannot use the spot light function if 2 or more

items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted

manually.

Recording

Adjusting the white balance

You can adjust the white balance according

to the light of the recording environment.

The white balance adjustment data for 2

different recording conditions can be set up

and memorized separately in memory A and

B. During recording, you can recall the setup

data from the memory with the WHT BAL

(white balance) switch. The setup data will be

retained for about 3 months as long as it is not

readjusted even if the power is disconnected.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to

the center position to release the auto

lock mode.

2 Press WHT BAL.

3 Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.

4 Shoot a white subject such as a piece of

paper filling the entire screen under

the same lighting condition as that of

the subject.

5 Press (one-push) WHT BAL.

A or B flashes quickly.

When the white balance is adjusted, A

or B lights up and the adjustment data is

memorized.

To recall adjustment data from the

memory

During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the

center position to release the auto lock

mode.

2 Set the WHT BAL switch to A or B.

3 Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the recalled

adjustment.

b Note

• Avoid subjecting your camcorder to mechanical

shock while A or B is flashing.

• If A or B does not change from flashing to lit

steadily, your camcorder is unable to set up the white

balance. In this case, use the preset or automatic

white balance.

To use the preset white balance

Your camcorder has 2 sets of preset white

balance values to be selected according to the

light of the recording scene.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the

center position to release the auto lock

mode.

2 Press MENU.

3 Select the (CAMERA SET) menu

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

4 Select [WB PRESET] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

5 Select the desired item by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

(one-push)

WHT BAL

Recording

6 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

7 Set the WHT BAL switch to PRESET.

8 Press WHT BAL.

The white balance is set to the selected

setting.

To restore the automatic white balance

Press WHT BAL, or set the AUTO LOCK

switch to AUTO LOCK.

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain,

shutter speed) also become temporarily automatic.

Recording using

manual adjustments

You can manually adjust the iris, gain, etc.

according to the brightness of the recording

scene or in order to obtain desired effects.

Adjust the iris, gain, shutter speed, and white

balance after setting the AUTO LOCK

switch to the center position to release the

auto lock mode.

Depending on the position of the AUTO

LOCK switch, you can hold or release the

settings of these functions.

See page 26 for details on how to adjust the

white balance.

b Note

• If you want to set the exposure intentionally to other

than a proper level, adjust the iris, gain, and shutter

speed manually.

• If you adjust only one of either iris, shutter speed, or

gain manually, you can record with iris priority,

shutter speed priority, or gain priority, respectively.

z Tip

• To adjust the brightness of pictures, set all of the iris,

gain, and shutter speed to the manual adjustment

mode, then rotate the iris dial.

Item Recording scene

[OUTDOOR]

()

• general night views,

neon signs, or fireworks

• sunset, sunrise

• under daylight

fluorescent lamps

[INDOOR] (n) • at party or in studios

where lighting

conditions change

quickly

• under video lamps such

as those in a studio, under

sodium lamps, mercury

lamps, or warm white

fluorescent lamps

Position Purpose

AUTO LOCK To adjust automatically.

Center (to

release the auto

lock mode)

To adjust manually.

HOLD Select this position after adjusting

the settings manually to retain

them.

Recording

Adjusting the iris

You can manually adjust the light volume

entering the lens.

As the iris is opened (smaller aperture

values), the light volume increases. The

range of focus narrows and only the subject

appears in sharp focus.

As the iris is closed (larger aperture values),

the light volume decreases and the range of

focus widens.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to

the center position to release the auto

lock mode.

2 Press IRIS.

The current aperture value (F) appears.

3 Rotate the IRIS dial to a desired

aperture value.

The aperture value (F) varies from F1.6 to

F11, and Close, and the corresponding

value appears.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press IRIS, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to

AUTO LOCK.

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manually adjusted items (gain, shutter

speed, white balance) also become temporarily

automatic.

• As you shift the zoom from W (wide) to T

(telephoto), the aperture value varies from F1.6 to

F2.8.

z Tip

• You can select the rotation direction of the iris dial

with [IRIS DIAL] on the (OTHERS) menu

(p. 63).

• The iris has an important effect on the “depth of

field,” that is, the focused range. An open iris makes

the depth of field shallower (shorter focused range),

and a closed iris makes the depth of field deeper

(longer focused range). Use the iris effectively

according to your purpose of recording.

Adjusting the gain

Adjust the gain manually when shooting

blackish or dark objects if you do not want

the AGC (auto gain control) to be activated.

IRIS dial

Recording

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to

the center position to release the auto

lock mode.

2 Press GAIN.

The current gain value appears.

3 Set the GAIN switch to the desired

position.

3 gain levels (H, M, L) are available.

You can set the value for the respective

positions with [GAIN SETUP] on the

(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 52).

The default settings for each position are

18 dB (H), 9 dB (M) and 0 dB (L).

The larger the number, the greater the gain.

To restore automatic adjustment

Press GAIN, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to

AUTO LOCK.

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, shutter

speed, white balance) also become temporarily

automatic.

Adjusting the shutter speed

You can manually adjust and fix the shutter

speed for your convenience. Depending on

the shutter speed, you can make the subject

look still, or on the contrary, emphasize the

fluidity of movement.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to

the center position to release the auto

lock mode.

2 Press SHUTTER SPEED.

3 Adjust the shutter speed by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

You can select a shutter speed between 1/4

second and 1/10000 second.

The selected shutter speed appears on the

screen. For example, if you select 1/100

second, [100] appears. The larger the

number that appears on the screen, the

faster the shutter speed. The smaller the

number that appears on the screen, the

slower the shutter speed.

,continued

Recording

To restore automatic adjustment

Press SHUTTER SPEED, or set the AUTO

LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.

b Note

• If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO

LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain,

white balance) also become temporarily automatic.

z Tip

• It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter

speed. Manual focusing with your camcorder

attached to a tripod is recommended.

• The picture may flicker or change colors under

fluorescent lamps, sodium lamps, or mercury lamps.

Adjusting the volume of light

– ND FILTER

You can record the subject clearly by using

the ND filter when the recording

environment is too bright.

There are 2 levels of ND filter setting. ND

filter 1 reduces the volume of light to about

1/6, and ND filter 2 to about 1/32.

If [ND1] or [ND2] flashes in the standby

mode, set the ND FILTER switch to the

respective position.

If [ND1] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to 1 to turn on

[ND1].

If [ND2] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to 2 to turn on

[ND2].

If [ND OFF] flashes

Set the ND FILTER switch to OFF to turn off

the indicator.

b Note

• If you move the ND FILTER switch during

recording, the picture and sound may be distorted.

• If you adjust the iris manually, no ND filter indicator

will appear even if the ND filter should be activated.

z Tip

• If you close the iris extensively when recording a

bright subject, diffraction may occur, resulting in a

fuzzy focus. (This is a common phenomenon with

video cameras.) The ND filter suppresses this

phenomenon and gives better recording results.

Recording

Displaying the zebra pattern to

adjust the brightness

If there is a part of the screen where

brightness is over a certain level, the part may

appear excessively white when played back.

By displaying the zebra pattern on such a

part, you can be reminded to adjust the

brightness before recording.

Select the brightness level to display the

zebra pattern in the menu setting.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, press MENU.

2 Select the (CAMERA SET) menu

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

3 Select [ZEBRA LEVEL] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

4 Select the desired level by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

Select a value from [70] to [100] or [100+].

If you select [70], the zebra pattern appears

at the part of 70±5 % of the brilliance

signal.

If you select [100+], the zebra pattern

appears at all areas of the brilliance signal

over 100 %.

The default setting is [100+].

5 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

6 Set the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to

ZEBRA.

The zebra pattern will appear.

To hide the zebra pattern

Set the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to OFF.

b Note

• The zebra pattern is not recorded on the tape.

• You cannot use the zebra pattern when the peaking

function is activated (p. 33).

Recording

Adjusting the focus

The focus is adjusted automatically in the

default setting.

Adjusting the focus manually

You can adjust the focus manually according

to the recording conditions.

Use this function in the following cases.

– To record a subject behind a window covered

with raindrops.

– To record horizontal stripes.

– To record a subject with little contrast

between the subject and its background.

– When you want to focus on a subject in the

background.

– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.

1 During recording or in the standby

mode, set the FOCUS switch to MAN

(manual).

9 appears.

2 Rotate the focus ring and adjust the

focus.

9 changes to when the focus cannot be

adjusted any farther.

9 changes to

when the focus cannot be adjusted any

closer.

Tips for focusing manually

• It is easier to focus on the subject when

you use the zoom function. Move the

power zoom lever towards T (telephoto)

to adjust the focus, and then, towards W

(wide angle) to adjust the zoom for

recording.

• When you want to record a close-up

image of a subject, move the power zoom

lever towards W (wide angle) to fully

magnify the image, then adjust the focus.

To focus on a distant subject

Record the subject with the FOCUS switch slid

down to INFINITY.

appears.

If you release the switch, it returns to automatic

focusing.

Use this function to record a distant subject

when a close subject is focused using automatic

focusing.

To use the expanded focus

Press EXPANDED FOCUS.

[EXPANDED FOCUS] appears and the center

of the screen is magnified by about 2 times. It

will be easier to confirm the focus setting during

manual focusing. The screen returns to the

original size after about 5 seconds.

As long as the focus ring is rotated, the image

remains magnified. The image returns to the

original size in about 2 seconds after you release

the ring, or when you press REC START/

STOP.

To adjust the focus automatically

Set the FOCUS switch to AUTO.

Focus ring

Recording

To focus automatically temporarily

Record the subject with PUSH AUTO pressed.

If you release the button, the setting returns to

manual focusing.

Use this function to shift the focus from one

subject to another. The scenes will transition

smoothly.

z Tip

• The focal distance information (for when it is dark

and hard to adjust the focus) appears for about 3

seconds in the following cases. (It will not be

displayed correctly if you are using a conversion

lens (optional).)

– When the focus mode is switched from automatic

to manual.

– When you rotate the focus ring.

Enhancing the outline to focus

– PEAKING

You can enhance the outline of the image on

the screen for easier focusing.

During recording or in standby mode, set

the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to

PEAKING.

To cancel peaking

Set the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to OFF.

b Note

• The peaking is not recorded on the tape.

• You cannot use the peaking function when the zebra

pattern is activated (p. 31).

z Tip

• For easier focusing, use peaking together with the

expanded focus.

Recording

Customizing the

picture quality or

sound

Customizing the picture quality

– PICTURE PROFILE

You can customize the picture quality by

adjusting the color intensity, brightness,

white balance, etc. You can set 6 different

picture quality settings depending on the

recording time of day, the weather, or the

camera person, and store them in the

memory.

Connect your camcorder to a TV or monitor,

and adjust the picture quality while observing

the picture on the TV or monitor screen.

At the default setting, [PP1] through [PP6]

are registered with picture quality settings for

the following recording conditions.

You can change the above default settings at

your convenience.

1 In the standby mode, press PICTURE

PROFILE.

2 Select a picture profile number by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

[PP1] through [PP6] are available.

3 Select [SETTING] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Select an item to be adjusted by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

5 Adjust the picture quality by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

Picture profile

number

Recording condition

PP1 Appropriate setting to record in

the HDV format

PP2 Appropriate setting to record in

the DV format

PP3 Appropriate setting to record

people

PP4 Appropriate setting to record

film-like pictures

PP5 Appropriate setting to record

sunset

PP6 Appropriate setting to record in

black and white

Item Adjustment

[COLOR

LEVEL]

–7 (low) to +7 (high)

–8: black and white

[COLOR

PHASE]

–7 (greenish) to +7 (reddish)

[SHARP-

NESS]

0 (softer) to 15 (clearer)

Recording

6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other

items.

7 Select [ RETURN] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

8 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, then press the dial.

A picture profile indicator appears.

To cancel the picture profile recording

Select [OFF] in step 2, then press the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial.

To check the picture profile settings

During recording or in the standby mode, press

STATUS CHECK (p. 24).

To copy the picture profile setting to

other picture profiles

Press PICTURE PROFILE.

2 Select the number of the picture profile

to be copied from by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

3 Select [SETTING] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

[SKINTONE

DTL]

To make wrinkles less

noticeable by suppressing the

outlines on the part of skin

color to be enhanced.

[TYPE1] (the color range

recognized as a skin color is

narrow) to [TYPE3] (the color

range recognized as a skin

color is wide)

In the case of [TYPE3], the

effect may also be applied to a

color that is not a skin color.

[OFF]: no adjustment

[AE SHIFT] –7 (darker) to +7 (lighter)

[AGC LIMIT] Select the upper limit for the

gain ([OFF], 12dB, 6dB,

0dB).

[OFF] is 18dB.

[AT IRIS

LMT]

Select the highest aperture

value for the automatic

adjustment (F11, F6.8, F4).

[WB SHIFT] –7 (to make white parts

bluish) to +7 (to make white

parts reddish)

[AWB SENS] To set the auto white balance

operation under a reddish light

source such as an

incandescent lamp or candle,

or under a blueish light source

such as in outdoor shade.

[HIGH] (reddishness or

blueishness is reduced) to

[LOW] (reddishness or

blueishness is increased)

[AWB SENS] is not effective

under a clear sky or the sun.

[CINEMA-

TONE γ]

[ON]: Pictures are recorded

with the gamma curve that

reproduces the natural

gradation sequence, similar to

that of film cameras.

Item Adjustment

[CINE-

FRAME]

[CINEFRAME 30]:

Pictures are recorded with a

cinema-like atmosphere. This

produces the feel of

smoothness better than

[CINEFRAME 24].

[CINEFRAME 24]:

Pictures are recorded with the

atmosphere of 24 frames per

second adopted by film

recording.

[OFF]: normal recording

[COPY] To copy a picture profile

setting to other picture

profiles.

[RESET] To restore the default setting

of the picture profile.

Item Adjustment

,continued

Recording

4 Select [COPY] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

5 Select the number of the picture profile

to be copied to by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, then press the dial.

6 Select [YES] again by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

If you decide not to copy the settings, select

[NO].

7 Press PICTURE PROFILE.

To reset the picture profile settings

You can reset the picture profile settings by

picture profile number. You cannot reset all

picture profile settings at once.

1 Press PICTURE PROFILE.

2 Select the number of the picture profile

to be reset by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, then press the dial.

3 Select [SETTING] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Select [RESET] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

5 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, then press the dial.

If you decide not to reset the picture profile,

select [NO].

6 Press PICTURE PROFILE.

b Note

• If you adjust all of the iris, shutter speed and gain

manually, you cannot obtain the effect of [AE

SHIFT].

• If you adjust the iris manually, you cannot obtain the

effect of [AT IRIS LMT].

• If the object is so bright that the aperture value set in

[AT IRIS LMT] is not appropriate, the shutter speed

may reach 1/2000 automatically.

• If you adjust the gain manually, you cannot obtain

the effect of [AGC LIMIT].

• If you select [CINEFRAME 24] when the shutter

speed is slower than 1/30, the shutter speed is

automatically set to 1/60.

• If you select [CINEFRAME 30] when the shutter

speed is slower than 1/15, the shutter speed is

automatically set to 1/30.

Adjusting the audio recording

level – Microphone volume level

You can adjust the microphone volume when

recording. Checking the volume with

headphones is recommended.

1 Open the cover and set the AUTO/

MAN switch to MAN.

The audio level meter appears.

2 During recording or in the standby

mode, adjust the volume by turning

the AUDIO LEVEL dial.

To restore automatic adjustment

Set the AUTO/MAN switch to AUTO.

b Note

• You cannot adjust the volume of audio input from

the AUDIO/VIDEO jack or the HDV/DV jack.

z Tip

• To check the audio setting information in greater

detail, press STATUS CHECK (p. 24). You can also

check the microphone volume during automatic

adjustment.

Recording

Recording a picture

using various

features

Developing scenes smoothly

– Shot transition

You can register the settings of focus, zoom,

iris, gain, shutter speed, and white balance,

and then change the recording setting from

the current one to the registered one, resulting

in a smooth transition of scenes (Shot

transition).

For example, you can shift the focus from

closer objects to farther objects, or change the

depth of field by adjusting the iris. In

addition, you can develop scenes under

different recording conditions smoothly. If

you register the manual adjustment function

of the white balance, the scenes will develop

smoothly between objects indoor and those

outdoor.

Use a tripod to avoid camera-shake.

Set the transition curve and duration using

[SHOT TRANS] on the (CAMERA

SET) menu (p. 53).

Step 1: Store the settings

Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC

repeatedly to turn on the STORE lamp.

2 Adjust the desired items manually.

To adjust the camera setup items such as iris

manually, set the AUTO LOCK switch to

the center position to release the auto lock

mode. See pages 26 to 29 for details on

adjustment.

3 Press a button (A or B) to select the

storage location.

The setting is stored in the selected button.

The settings are called Shot A and Shot B

respectively.

b Note

• If you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), the

settings stored in Shot A and B are deleted.

Step 2: Check the stored settings (Shot)

Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC

repeatedly to turn on the CHECK lamp.

2 Press the button (A or B) in which the

setting was stored.

The selected setting will take effect on the

picture on the screen. The focus, zoom, and

so on, are automatically adjusted as stored

in the setting.

b Note

• You cannot check the transition time and curve set

using [SHOT TRANS] on the (CAMERA

SET) menu.

SHOT A

SHOT B

REC

START/STOP

,continued

Recording

Recording using the Shot transition

function

Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC

repeatedly to turn on the EXEC lamp.

2 Press REC START/STOP.

3 Press the button (A or B) in which the

desired setting was stored.

Pictures will be recorded with the settings

that were changed automatically from the

current ones to the stored ones.

b Note

• You cannot zoom, focus, or adjust manually while

checking or activating the Shot transition.

• When you change [SHOT TRANS] on the

(CAMERA SET) menu, turn off the STORE/

CHECK/EXEC lamp by pressing the button.

• You cannot return from the stored Shot A or B

settings to previous settings after you activate the

Shot transition during recording.

• If you press the following buttons during the shot

transition operation, the operation is canceled:

–PICTURE PROFILE

–MENU

–P-MENU

– EXPANDED FOCUS

– STATUS CHECK

z Tip

• You can record using both settings by making them

change either from Shot A to Shot B or from Shot B

to Shot A. For example, to change from Shot A to

Shot B, turn on the CHECK lamp and press A

followed by REC START/STOP, then turn on the

EXEC lamp and press B.

• You can rehearse the shot transition by pressing the

button (A or B), in which the desired setting was

stored, before pressing REC START/STOP in step

To cancel the operation

Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC repeatedly until

the STORE/CHECK/EXEC lamps are all

turned off.

Fading in and out of a scene

– FADER

You can add the following effects to

currently recording pictures.

Assign the FADER function to one of the

ASSIGN buttons in advance. See page 68 for

details on how to assign a function.

[BLACK FADER]

[WHITE FADER]

1 Press the ASSIGN button assigned to

the FADER function in the standby

mode (to fade in) or during recording

(to fade out).

Each time you press the button, the

indicator changes as follows:

[BLACK FADER] t [WHITE FADER]

t no display

SHOT TRANS EXEC

REC 0:00:05120min

SHOT A

SHOT B

Transition bar

S: start

E: end

REC START/STOP

Recording

2 Press REC START/STOP.

The FADER indicator stops flashing and

disappears when the fade is complete.

To cancel the operation

Press the ASSIGN button assigned to the

FADER function repeatedly until the FADER

indicators disappear.

b Note

• You cannot use the FADER function together with

[FRAME REC] (Frame recording).

Recording an index signal at the

beginning of recording

If you make an index for a scene, you can

easily search for the scene later (p. 50).

The index function will make it easier to

check the transition of recording or edit your

pictures using index signals.

Assign the index function to one of the

ASSIGN buttons in advance. See page 68 to

assign a function.

Press the ASSIGN button assigned to the

index function.

When pressed during recording

appears for about 7 seconds and an index

signal is recorded.

When pressed in the standby mode

flashes.

After you press REC START/STOP to start

recording, appears for about 7 seconds and

an index signal is recorded.

To cancel the operation

Before starting to record, press the ASSIGN

button assigned to the index function again.

b Note

• You cannot record an index signal on a recorded tape

afterward.

REC START/STOP

Recording

Recording in 16:9

wide rec mode

You can display pictures recorded in the DV

format on the entire TV screen by setting

[DV WIDE REC] on the (CAMERA

SET) menu at the time of recording.

Refer to the operating instructions supplied

with your TV as well.

[ON]

Select [ON] to view the recorded pictures on a

16:9 wide TV screen.

[OFF]

Select [OFF] to view the recorded pictures on a

4:3 TV screen.

* The playback picture may look different depending

on the TV connected.

1 In the standby mode, press MENU.

2 Select the (CAMERA SET) menu

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

3 Select [DV WIDE REC] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

4 Select [ON] or [OFF] depending on the

TV, then press the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial.

5 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

On the LCD screen or viewfinder screen

On a 4:3 TV screen*

On a 16:9 wide TV

screen

On the LCD screen or viewfinder screen

On a 4:3 TV screen

On a 16:9 wide TV

screen*

The dark bars are

translucent on the screen.

Recording

Reviewing the most

recently recorded

scenes – Rec Review

You can view a few seconds of the scene

recorded just before you stopped the tape.

In the standby mode, press REC

REVIEW.

The last few seconds of the most recently

recorded scene are played back. Then, your

camcorder is set to the standby mode.

Playback

Viewing movies

Make sure you have a recorded cassette

inserted into your camcorder.

Some of the operations are possible using the

Remote Commander.

When you want to play back recordings on

your TV, see page 46.

When playing back the tape, select the

(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV],

then [AUTO] (the default setting).

1 Open the LCD panel and adjust the

angle.

2 While pressing the green button, set

the POWER switch to VCR.

3 Press m (rewind) to go to the point

you want to view.

4 Press N (play) to start playback.

To adjust the volume

Adjust the volume by pressing VOLUME

– (decrease) / + (increase).

To stop playback

Press x (stop).

To pause

Press X (pause) during playback.

Press N (play) or X (pause) again to restart the

playback.

Playback stops automatically when the pause

mode continues for more than 5 minutes.

To fast forward or rewind

Press M (fast forward) or m (rewind) in stop

mode.

To review movies on the viewfinder

Close the LCD panel. Then, adjust the

viewfinder angle.

Indicators displayed during tape

playback

A Format of the playback signal

(HDV1080i or DV) / Recording mode (SP

or LP)

B Remaining battery

C Tape transport indicator

D Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)

or tape counter (hour: minute: second)

The time code of this camcorder is of the

drop-frame system.

POWER switch

0:00:00:0060

min

HDV1080

Playback

b Note

• When playing back a tape recorded in the HDV and

DV formats, and the signal switches between HDV

and DV, the picture and sound disappear

temporarily.

• You cannot play back the tape recorded in the HDV

format on video cameras of the DV format or mini-

DV players.

• Recording mode (SP or LP) appears when a tape

recorded in the DV format is played back.

Playing back in various modes

To fast forward or rewind during

playback – Picture search

Keep on pressing M (fast forward) or m

(rewind) during playback.

To resume normal playback, release the button.

To view the picture while fast

forwarding or rewinding – Skip scan

Keep on pressing M (fast forward) or m

(rewind) while fast forwarding or rewinding the

tape.

To resume fast forwarding or rewinding, release

the button.

To play back in various modes

You will not hear the recorded sound. Also, you

may see mosaic-like images of the previously

played picture remaining on the screen.

To return to the normal playback mode, press N

(play).

* Horizontal lines may appear at the top, bottom, or in

the center of the screen. This is not a malfunction.

b Note

• Pictures in the HDV format are not output from the

HDV/DV jack when they are paused or played

back in other than normal playback mode.

• Pictures in the HDV format may appear distorted

during:

– Picture search

– Reverse playback

To Press

change the

playback

direction*

I (reverse) on the Remote

Commander during playback.

play back slowly y (slow) during playback.

To reverse direction

1 Press I (reverse) on the

Remote Commander.

2 y (slow).

play back 2 times

faster (double

speed)

×2 (double speed) on the

Remote Commander during

playback.

To reverse direction

1 Press I (reverse) on the

Remote Commander.

2 ×2 (double speed) on the

Remote Commander.

play back frame

by frame

C (frame) on the Remote

Commander during playback

pause.

To reverse direction, press c

(frame) on the Remote

Commander during playback

pause.

To Press

Playback

Various playback

functions

You can locate the end of the last recording,

or display the date of recording and camera

settings data.

Searching for the last scene of the

most recent recording

– END SEARCH

This function is handy when you have played

back the tape, for example, but want to start

recording right after the most recently

recorded scene. The END SEARCH function

will not work once you eject the cassette after

you have recorded on the tape.

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press END SEARCH (VCR).

The last scene of the most recent recording

is played back for about 5 seconds.

To cancel the operation

Press END SEARCH (VCR).

b Note

• The END SEARCH function will not work correctly

when there is a blank section between recorded

sections on the tape.

Displaying the screen indicators

You can choose to display the time code, tape

counter, and other information on the screen.

Press DISPALY/BATT INFO.

The indicator switches on or off as you press the

button.

z Tip

• You can display the screen indicators during

playback on a TV. Select the (OTHERS) menu,

[DISP OUTPUT], then [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 64).

However, only playback mode indicators and tape

counter appear when playing back a tape recorded in

the HDV format, and [COMPONENT] on the

(IN/OUT REC) menu is set to [1080i/480i].

Displaying the date/time and

camera settings data – Data code

During playback, you can view the date/time

data and the camera settings data that are

automatically recorded while recording

pictures on a tape.

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press DATA CODE on the camcorder

or Remote Commander during

playback or playback pause.

Each time you press the button, the

indicators appear in turn as follows:

Date/time t Camera settings data t (no

display)

Playback

Camera settings data display

In the date/time data display, the date and time

is displayed in the same area.

If you record the picture without setting the

clock, [--- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will appear.

A SteadyShot off

B Exposure

C Aperture value

If you manually adjust the aperture value to

the maximum, appears.

D Gain

E Shutter speed

F White balance

appears when pictures recorded by

using the shot transition function are played

back.

To hide the camera settings data

Select the (OTHERS) menu, [DATA

CODE] then [DATE] (p. 63).

Each time you press DATA CODE, the date/

time indicator turns on and off.

Displaying the video information

– Status check

You can check the setup value of the

following items.

• Audio setup such as audio mix (p. 56)

• Output signal setup ([VCR HDV/DV], etc.)

(p. 59)

• Functions assigned to the ASSIGN buttons

(p. 68)

1 Press STATUS CHECK.

2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to

display the desired item.

Each time you turn the dial, the items

appear in the following order:

AUIDO t OUTPUT t ASSIGN

To turn off the video information

Press STATUS CHECK.

F1.7 1006

0:00:00

AUTO

min

HDV1080

Playback

Playing the picture on

a TV

TV connections differ depending on the type

of TV.

Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall

outlet for the power supply (p. 14).

Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied

with the devices to be connected.

To copy to another tape, see page 70.

Viewing the picture on a high definition TV

Connect your camcorder and your TV

using either cables described below.

To connect the TV using an i.LINK cable

This connection is recommended when your TV

is compatible with HDV/DV and has an i.LINK

jack.

• Before connecting the i.LINK cable, select the

(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV],

then [AUTO] (the default setting).

• In case of this connection, the TV needs to be

set so that it recognizes that the camcorder is

connected. Refer to the operating manual

supplied with the TV for the details.

To connect the TV using the component

video cable

• To view the picture recorded in the HDV

format, set [COMPONENT] on the (IN/

OUT REC) menu according to your TV

(p. 60). When the picture recorded in the DV

Signal flow

A/V connecting

cable (supplied)

Yellow

White

Red

S video cable

(optional)

Component video cable (supplied)

i.LINK cable (optional)

When you have an S video jack

on your TV or VCR

Red

Blue

Green

Playback

format is played back, an equivalent signal

with [480i] is output, even if [1080i/480i] is

selected.

• Only video signals are output from the

COMPONENT OUTPUT jack. To output

audio signals, connect the white and red plugs

of the A/V connecting cable to the audio input

jack of your TV.

To connect the TV using the A/V

connecting cable

When there is an S video jack on the device to

be connected, connect it with your camcorder

by the S video jacks using an S video cable

(optional) instead of the yellow video plug of

the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This

connection produces pictures more faithfully on

the TV connected. The audio will not be output

when you connect with the S video cable alone.

b Note

• Be sure that you set [VCR HDV/DV] before

connecting the i.LINK cable. Otherwise, the TV

might not be able to recognize the video signal

correctly.

• Pictures in the DV format are not output from the

COMPONENT OUT jack, if copyright protection

signals are recorded in the pictures.

z Tip

• If you connect your camcorder to your TV using

more than one type of cables to output the pictures in

analog signal, the output signals have priority in the

following order:

COMPONENT OUTPUT jack t S video jack t

AUDIO/VIDEO jack

• See page 94 for details on i.LINK.

When your TV is connected to a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input

on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set

the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

Playback

Viewing the picture on a 16:9 TV or a 4:3 TV

Connect your camcorder and your TV or

VCR using either cables described below.

To connect the TV using the component

video cable

This connection is recommended when your TV

has COMPONENT VIDEO jacks.

• To view the picture recorded in the HDV

format, set [COMPONENT] on the (IN/

OUT REC) menu according to your TV

(p. 60). When a picture recorded in the DV

format is played back, an equivalent signal

with [480i] is output, even if [1080i/480i] is

selected.

• Only video signals are output from the

COMPONENT OUTPUT jack. To output

audio signals, connect the white and red plugs

of the A/V connecting cable to the audio input

jack of your TV or VCR.

To connect the TV using the A/V

connecting cable

When there is an S video jack on the device to

be connected, connect it with your camcorder

by the S video jacks using an S video cable

(optional) instead of the yellow video plug of

the A/V connecting cable (supplied). Use an S

video cable to produce high resolution pictures.

The audio will not be output when you connect

with the S video cable alone.

To view the picture on a 4:3 TV

• To view the picture recorded in the HDV

format, select the (IN/OUT REC) menu,

[TV TYPE], then [4:3] (p. 61).

• To view the picture recorded in the DV

format, select the (CAMERA SET)

menu, [DV WIDE REC], then [OFF] before

recording (p. 40).

Signal flow

A/V connecting

cable (supplied)

Yellow

White

Red

When you have an S video jack

on your TV or VCR

S video cable

(optional)

TV or VCR

Component video cable (supplied)

Red

Blue

Green

Playback

When your TV is connected to a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input

on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set

the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

When your TV is monaural (When your

TV has only one audio input jack)

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting

cable to the video input jack and connect the

white or the red plug to the audio input jack of

your TV or VCR.

When you want to play the sound in monaural

mode, use a connecting cable (optional) for that

purpose.

b Note

• Pictures in the DV format are not output from the

COMPONENT OUT jack, if copyright protection

signals are recorded in the pictures.

Locating a scene on a

tape for playback

Searching quickly for a desired

scene – Zero set memory

1 During playback, press ZERO SET

MEMORY on your camcorder or

Remote Commander at the point you

want to locate later on.

The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00” and

appears on the screen.

If the tape counter is not displayed, press

DISPALY/BATT INFO.

2 Press x (stop) when you want to stop

playback.

3 Press m (rewind).

The tape stops automatically when the tape

counter reaches “0:00:00.”

4 Press N (play).

The playback starts from the point

designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter.

,continued

Playback

To cancel the operation

Press ZERO SET MEMORY again.

b Note

• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds

between the time code and the tape counter.

• Zero set memory will not function correctly if there

is a blank section between recorded sections on the

tape.

Searching for a scene by date of

recording – Date search

You can locate the point where the recording

date changes.

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote

Commander repeatedly to select

[DATE SEARCH].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on

the Remote Commander to select a

recording date.

You can select the previous or the next date

of the present point on the tape.

Playback starts automatically from the

point where the date changes.

To cancel the operation

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

b Note

• If 1 day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your

camcorder may not accurately find the point where

the recording date changes.

• The Date search will not function correctly when

there is a blank section between recorded sections on

the tape.

Searching for a recording start

point – Index search

You can locate the point where an index

signal is recorded (p. 39).

1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

2 Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote

Commander repeatedly to select

[INDEX SEARCH].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on

the Remote Commander to select an

index point.

You can select the previous or the next

index signal of the present point on the tape.

Playback starts automatically from the

point where the index signal is recorded.

To cancel the operation

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

b Note

• If 1 day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your

camcorder may not accurately find the index point.

• The Index search will not function correctly when

there is a blank section between recorded sections on

the tape.

. / >

SEARCH MODE

STOP

. / >

SEARCH MODE

STOP

Using the Menu

Advanced operations

Using the Menu

Selecting menu items

You can change various settings or make

detailed adjustments using the menu items

displayed on the screen.

1 Turn on the power (p. 14).

2 Press MENU to display the menu

index screen.

3 Select the icon of the desired menu by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

CAMERA SET (p. 52)

AUDIO SET (p. 56)

LCD/VF SET (p. 58)

IN/OUT REC (p. 59)

OTHERS (p. 62)

4 Select the desired item by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

The available menu items vary depending

on the power mode of your camcorder.

Unavailable items will be grayed out.

5 Select the desired setting by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

6 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

To return to the previous screen, select

[ RETURN].

POWER switch

CAMERA SET

WB PRESET

AE RESPONSE

GAIN SETUP

SHOT TRANS

STEADYSHOT

STDYSHOT TYP

FLCKR REDUCE

[

]

:END

STBY

OTHERS STBY

RETURN

ASSIGN BTN

CLOCK SET

WORLD TIME

LANGUAGE

BEEP

REC LAMP

FORMAT LAMP

[

]

:END

0:00:00120min

REMOTE CTRL

STBY

[

]

:END

OFF

OTHERS STBY

BEEP

REC LAMP

FORMAT LAMP

IRIS DIAL

LETTER SIZE

REMAINING

DISP OUTPUT

REMOTE CTRL

OFF

[

]

:END

Using the Menu

Using the

(CAMERA SET) menu

– STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC, etc.

You can select the items listed below on the

CAMERA SET menu. For details on how to

select items, see “Selecting menu items”

(p. 51).

The default settings are marked with G. The

indicators in parentheses appear when the

setting is selected. The settings you can adjust

vary depending on the power mode of your

camcorder. The screen shows the items you can

operate at the moment. Unavailable items will

be grayed out.

WB PRESET

Select to use the preset white balance. See page 26 for details.

AE RESPONSE

Select the speed to adjust the exposure automatically, in accordance with the

brightness of the subject. [FAST], [MIDDLE], and [SLOW] are available.

GAIN SETUP

Select the adjustment value for each position (H, M, and L) of the GAIN switch

(p. 28).

1 Select [H], [M], or [L] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

2 Select an adjustment value by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then

press the dial.

0dB, 3dB, 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 15dB, and 18dB are available. The larger the

number, the greater the gain.

3 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

CAMERA SET STBY

RETURN

WB PRESET

AE RESPONSE

GAIN SETUP

SHOT TRANS

STEADYSHOT

STDYSHOT TYP

FLCKR REDUCE

[

]

:END

OUTDOOR

Using the Menu

SHOT TRANS

Select this setting to set the transition duration and time. See page 37 for details

on using the shot transition function.

TRANS TIME

Select the time that takes to make a transition from the current setting to the

selected setting.

Duration from [2.0 sec] through [15.0 sec] are available. It is set to [4.0 sec] in the

default setting.

TRANS CURVE

Select the transition curve.

The figures below show the transition curve of each mode.

*1: parameter level

*2: transition of time

b Note

• Before setting [SHOT TRANS], turn off all of the STORE/CHECK/EXEC lamps by

pressing the button repeatedly (p. 37).

LINEAR Select to make the transition linearly.

GSOFT STOP Select to make the transition slowly at the end.

SOFT TRANS Select to make the transition slowly at the

beginning and end, and linearly in between.

,continued

Using the Menu

STEADYSHOT

b Note

• The SteadyShot function does not work well when a wide conversion lens other than VCL-

HG0872 (optional) is attached to your camcorder.

• When using VCL-HG0872, select [WIDE CONV.] in [STDYSHOT TYP] below.

STDYSHOT TYP

You can select the type of the SteadyShot function that compensates for camera-

shake. To release the SteadyShot function, select [OFF] in [STEADYSHOT] or

use the ASSIGN button assigned to the SteadyShot function (p. 68).

FLCKR REDUCE

b Note

• Flickering may not be reduced depending on the light source.

HANDLE ZOOM

Select this item to set the zoom speed of position H and L of the handle zoom

switch (p. 22).

1 Select [H] or [L] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

2 Select a zoom speed by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

GON Select to activate the SteadyShot function. You can select the type of

the SteadyShot function in [STDYSHOT TYP].

OFF ( ) Select to deactivate the SteadyShot function. Select when recording

using a tripod. More natural pictures are produced.

You can also deactivate the SteadyShot function by using the

ASSIGN button assigned to the SteadyShot function (p. 68).

HARD Select to activate the SteadyShot function with stronger effect. This

mode is not recommended for recording with camera panning

technique.

GSTANDARD Select to activate the standard SteadyShot function.

SOFT Select to activate the SteadyShot function so that it leaves a slight

unsteadiness on the picture so the picture looks natural.

WIDE CONV. Select when a wide conversion lens (optional) is attached. This mode

is the most effective with Sony VCL-HG0872 wide conversion lens.

GON Select to record under normal conditions. Flickering of the screen

under a light source such as fluorescent lamps will be reduced.

OFF Select when you do not want to reduce flickering of the screen.

Using the Menu

Speeds 1 through 8 are available. The larger the number, the faster the zoom

speed.

3 Select [OK] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

ZEBRA LEVEL

See page 31 for details.

CENTER MARKR

b Note

• The center marker and its position do not affect the adjustment, setting, or recording in any

way.

FRAME REC

You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately

recording a few frames and then moving the subject a little. Operate your

camcorder using the Remote Commander to prevent camera shake.

b Note

• When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated

correctly.

• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.

• You cannot record index signals during frame recording.

DV WIDE REC

See page 40 for details.

GOFF Select when you do not want to display the center marker on the

screen (p. 21).

ON Select to display the center marker on the screen.

GOFF Select to record in the standard recording mode.

ON ( ) Select to record pictures using the FRAME REC function.

1 Select [ON], then press the dial.

2 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

3 Press REC START/STOP.

A picture (approximately 6 frames) is recorded, and your

camcorder enters the standby mode.

4 Move the subject and repeat step 3.

Using the Menu

Using the (AUDIO

SET) menu

– AUDIO MIX, etc.

You can select the items listed below on the

AUDIO SET menu. For details on how to select

items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 51).

The default settings are marked with G. The

indicators in parentheses appear when the

setting is selected. The settings you can adjust

vary depending on the power mode of your

camcorder. The screen shows the items you can

operate at the moment. Unavailable items will

be grayed out.

MULTI-SOUND

You can select how to play back audio on a tape that was recorded in stereo mode

using another camcorder.

b Note

• You can play back a dual sound track cassette on this camcorder. However, you cannot

record a dual sound track on this camcorder.

• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you disconnect the power source from your

camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

AUDIO MIX

You can adjust the audio balance between the originally recorded sound (ST1)

and sound added afterwards (ST2) on the tape (p. 79).

b Note

• You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode.

• Only the originally recorded sound will be heard when you disconnect the power source

from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

AUDIO MODE

b Note

• When recording in the HDV format, sound is automatically recorded in [16BIT] mode.

AUDIO SET

RETURN

MULTI–SOUND

AUDIO MIX

AUDIO MODE

WIND

MIC/LINE IN

[

]

:END

STEREO

GSTEREO Select to play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with both

main and sub sound.

1 Select to play back a stereo tape with the left channel sound or a dual

sound track tape with the main sound.

2 Select to play back a stereo tape with the right channel sound or a dual

sound track tape with the sub sound.

G12BIT Select to record in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).

16BIT ( ) Select to record in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).

Using the Menu

WIND

MIC/LINE IN

GON Standard setting.

OFF Select when you want to record the sound as it is without reducing the

noise caused by wind.

GEXT MIC Select to input an audio signal when a microphone is connected to the

MIC/LINE jack.

LINE Select to input an audio signal when an audio device is connected to

the MIC/LINE jack.

Using the Menu

Using the (LCD/VF

SET) menu

– LCD COLOR, etc.

You can select the items listed below on the

LCD/VF SET menu. For details on how to

select items, see “Selecting menu items”

(p. 51).

The default settings are marked with G. The

settings you can adjust vary depending on the

power mode of your camcorder. The screen

shows the items you can operate at the moment.

Unavailable items will be grayed out.

LCD COLOR

Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the color on the LCD screen. The

recorded picture will not be affected by this setting.

LCD BL LEVEL

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture

will not be affected by this setting.

b Note

• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically

selected for this setting.

VF B.LIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be

affected by this setting.

b Note

• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically

selected for this setting.

LCD/VF SET

RETURN

LCD COLOR

LCD BL LEVEL

VF B. LIGHT

[

]

:END

GNORMAL Standard brightness.

BRIGHT Select to brighten the LCD screen.

GNORMAL Standard brightness.

BRIGHT To brighten the viewfinder screen.

Low intensity

High intensity

Using the Menu

Using the (IN/OUT

REC) menu

– REC FORMAT/TV

TYPE, etc.

You can select the items listed below on the IN/

OUT REC menu. For details on how to select

these items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 51).

The default settings are marked with G. The

indicators in parentheses appear when the

setting is selected. The settings you can adjust

vary depending on the power mode of your

camcorder. The screen shows the items you can

operate at the moment. Unavailable items will

be grayed out.

VCR HDV/DV

Select the playback signal. Normally select [AUTO].

When the camcorder is connected to another device using an i.LINK cable, select

the signal to be input/output from the HDV/DV jack. The selected signal is

recorded or played back.

b Note

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting [VCR HDV/DV]. Otherwise, the connected TV

may not be able to recognize the video signal from this camcorder.

• When [AUTO] is selected and the signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture and

sound disappear temporarily.

• When [i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON], pictures are output as follows:

– at [AUTO], an HDV signal is converted to the DV format and output; a DV signal is

output as it is.

– at [HDV], an HDV signal is converted to the DV format and output; a DV signal is not

output.

– at [DV], a DV signal is output as it is; an HDV signal is not output.

IN/OUT REC

RETURN

VCR HDV/DV

REC MODE

COMPONENT

i . LINK CONV

TV TYPE

A/V DV OUT

[

]

:END

AUTO

GAUTO • Select this to play back signals by switching the format between

HDV and DV automatically.

• For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back signals

input/output from the HDV/DV jack by switching the format

between HDV and DV automatically.

HDV • Select this to play back the signals in the HDV format only.

• For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back the input/

output signals in the HDV format only.

Select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc.

(p. 77).

DV • Select this to play back the signals in the DV format only.

• For an i.LINK connection, select this to record/play back the input/

output signals in the DV format only.

Select this when connecting the camcorder to a computer, etc.

(p. 77).

,continued

Using the Menu

REC FORMAT

Selects a recording format when the POWER switch is set at CAMERA. The

format lamp of the selected format will light up during recording.

z Tip

• When you output the picture during recording simultaneously to a connected device using

an i.LINK cable, also set [i.LINK CONV] accordingly (p. 60).

REC MODE

b Note

• You cannot add sound on a tape recorded in the LP mode.

• If you record in the LP mode, a random square noise may appear or sound may be

interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs.

• When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback

picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.

COMPONENT

i.LINK CONV

When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA, this setting is effective only when

[HDV1080i] is selected in [REC FORMAT].

When the POWER switch is set to VCR, this setting is effective only when

[AUTO] or [HDV] is selected in [VCR HDV/DV].

b Note

• See [VCR HDV/DV] for information about an input signal via an i.LINK connection.

GHDV1080i

()

Select to record in the HDV1080i specification.

DV ( ) Select to record in the DV format.

GSP ( SP ) Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a tape.

LP ( LP ) Select to increase the recording time to 1.5 times that of the SP mode

(Long Play). The use of Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassettes is

recommended to get the most out of your camcorder.

480i Select when connecting your camcorder to a TV with the component

input jack.

G1080i/480i Select when connecting your camcorder to a TV that has the

component input jack and is capable of displaying the 1080i signal.

GOFF Select to output the pictures from the HDV/DV jack in accordance

with the [REC FORMAT] and [VCR HDV/DV] settings.

ON (HDVcDV) Select to always output the pictures in the DV format from the

HDV/DV jack.

Using the Menu

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before setting [i.LINK CONV]. Otherwise, the connected

video device may not be able to recognize the video signal from this camcorder.

TV TYPE

You need to convert the signal depending on the TV connected.

z Tip

• When you view pictures recorded with [DV WIDE REC] on the (CAMERA SET)

menu set to [ON] on a 4:3 standard TV, pictures may appear as they are in height, but are

compressed in width depending on the TV. If you view the recorded pictures on such type

of 4:3 standard TV, set [DV WIDE REC] to [OFF] before recording.

A/V c DV OUT

You can connect a digital device and an analog device to your camcorder and

convert the signal transmitted from the connected devices to the appropriate signal

on your camcorder.

G16:9 Select to view your pictures on a 16:9 wide TV.

The recorded pictures will appear as follows:

4:3 Select to view your pictures on a 4:3 standard TV.

The recorded pictures will appear as follows:

GOFF Select when you are not using the Signal conversion function.

ON ( ) To output analog images and sound in digital format using your

camcorder.

The analog signal input to the AUDIO/VIDEO jack of your camcorder

will be converted and output from the i.LINK Interface of your

camcorder.

For details, see page 81.

When HDV pictures

are played back

When DV pictures

are played back

When HDV pictures

are played back

When DV pictures

are played back

Using the Menu

Using the (OTHERS)

– CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,

etc.

You can select the items listed below on the

OTHERS menu. For details on how to select

these items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 51).

The default settings are marked with G. The

indicators in parentheses appear when the

setting is selected. The settings you can adjust

vary depending on the power mode of your

camcorder. The screen shows the items you can

operate at the moment. Unavailable items will

be grayed out.

ASSIGN BTN

You can assign functions to the ASSIGN buttons (p. 68).

CLOCK SET

You can set the date and time (p. 16).

WORLD TIME

You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the

time difference by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, the clock will be adjusted

in accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the

clock returns to the originally set time.

LANGUAGE

You can select or change the language used for the on-screen display (p. 18). You

can select from English, Simplified English, Canadian-French, Latin American

Spanish, Brazilian-Portuguese, Traditional-Chinese, or Korean.

BEEP

OTHERS

RETURN

ASSIGN BTN

CLOCK SET

WORLD TIME

LANGUAGE

BEEP

FORMAT LAMP

DATA CODE

[

]

:END

GMELODY Select to play a melody when you start/stop recording, or when an

unusual condition occurs on your camcorder.

NORMAL Select to sound a beep instead of the melody.

OFF Select to cancel the melody, the beep sound, and the shutter sound.

Using the Menu

REC LAMP

FORMAT LAMP

b Note

• The format lamp lights up according to the format of the playback or of an input signal from

another device when [VCR HDV/DV] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu is set to [AUTO].

IRIS DIAL

You can select the rotation direction of the iris dial to open or close the iris.

DATA CODE

Select the item to be displayed when you press DATA CODE (p. 44).

LETTER SIZE

GON Select to turn on the camera recording lamps on the front and rear of

your camcorder during recording.

OFF Select this setting in the following recording situations. The camera

recording lamps on the front and rear will not light up during

recording.

• When you do not want the subject to be nervous about being

recorded.

• When you are recording close to the subject.

• When the subject reflects the light of the recording lamp.

GON Select to turn on the format lamp. The lamp of the format that is

selected in [REC FORMAT] lights up when the POWER switch is set

to CAMERA. The lamp of the format that is selected in [VCR HDV/

DV] lights up when the POWER switch is set to VCR.

OFF Select when you do not want to turn on the format lamp. The i.LINK

lamp also does not light up.

GNORMAL Select to rotate clockwise when looked at from the lens side to close

the iris and decrease the light volume.

OPPOSITE Select to rotate counter clockwise when looked at from the lens side

to close the iris and decrease the light volume.

GDATE/CAM Select to display the date and time, or the camera settings data during

playback.

DATE Select to display the date and time during playback.

GNORMAL Select to display the menu screen at normal size.

2x Select to display the selected menu item at double the normal height.

,continued

Using the Menu

REMAINING

DISP OUTPUT

b Note

• You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DISPLAY/BATT INFO while

[V-OUT/PANEL] is selected.

REMOTE CTRL

b Note

• The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your

camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

GAUTO Select to display the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds:

• After you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR with a

cassette inserted, and your camcorder calculates the remaining

amount of tape.

• After you press N (play) or DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

ON Select to always display the remaining tape indicator.

GLCD PANEL Select to show indicators such as the time code on the LCD screen and

in the viewfinder.

V-OUT/PANEL Select to show indicators such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD

screen, and in the viewfinder.

GON Select when using the Remote Commander supplied with your

camcorder.

OFF Select to deactivate the Remote Commander to prevent your

camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR

remote control unit.

Using the Menu

Customizing Personal

The available items vary depending on the

power mode of your camcorder.

Unavailable items will be grayed out.

You can add frequently used menu items to

Personal Menu, or sort them in the order you

like (customizing). You can customize the

Personal Menu for each power mode of your

camcorder.

1 Press P-MENU.

2 Select the desired item by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

3 Select the desired setting by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

Adding a menu – Add

You can add frequently used menu items to

Personal Menu for easier and faster access.

b Note

• You can add up to 28 menu items each for the

CAMERA and VCR modes. If you want to add

more, you must delete a less important menu item

before adding a new menu item (p. 66).

1 Press P-MENU.

2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

3 Select [ADD] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

END

P–MENU

SHOT TRANS

REC FORMAT

AE RESPONSE

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

ASSIGN BTN

0:00:00120min STBY

P–MENU SETUP

RETURN

ADD

DELETE

SORT

RESET

[

P–MENU

]

:END

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

Select the category.

RETURN

CAMERA SET

AUDIO SET

LCD/VF SET

IN/OUT REC

OTHERS

,continued

Using the Menu

4 Select a menu category by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

5 Select a menu item by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

The available items vary depending on the

power mode of the camcorder.

Only the available items are displayed.

6 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

The menu is added to the end of the list.

7 Press P-MENU.

Deleting menu – Delete

1 Press P-MENU.

2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

3 Select [DELETE] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Select the item that you want to delete

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

5 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

The selected menu is deleted from Personal

Menu.

6 Press P-MENU.

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

Select the item.

RETURN

WB PRESET

AE RESPONSE

GAIN SETUP

SHOT TRANS

STEADYSHOT

STDYSHOT TYP

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

ADD

YES

STDYSHOT TYP

Add to CAMERA

mode's P–MENU?

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

END

P–MENU

SHOT TRANS

REC FORMAT

AE RESPONSE

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

ASSIGN BTN

0:00:00120min STBY

P–MENU SETUP

RETURN

ADD

DELETE

SORT

RESET

[

P–MENU

]

:END

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

Select item to delete.

RETURN

SHOT TRANS

ASSIGN BTN

REC FORMAT

AE RESPONSE

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

DELETE

YES

AE RESPONSE

De l ete f r om CAMERA

mode's P–MENU?

Using the Menu

Arranging the order of menus

displayed on Personal Menu

– Sort

You can sort the menus added to Personal Menu

in the desired order.

1 Press P-MENU.

2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

3 Select [SORT] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Select the menu item you want to move

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

5 Move the menu item to the desired

place by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC

dial.

6 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

To sort more items, repeat steps 4 to 6.

7 Press P-MENU.

Initializing the settings – Reset

You can initialize Personal Menu to the default

settings after adding or deleting menus.

1 Press P-MENU.

2 Select [P-MENU SETUP] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

END

P–MENU

SHOT TRANS

REC FORMAT

AE RESPONSE

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

ASSIGN BTN

0:00:00120min STBY

P–MENU SETUP

RETURN

ADD

DELETE

SORT

RESET

[

P–MENU

]

:END

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

Select i tem to move.

RETURN

SHOT TRANS

ASSIGN BTN

REC FORMAT

AE RESPONSE

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

0:00:00120min

[

P–MENU

]

:END

Select new locat ion.

SHOT TRANS

ASSIGN BTN

REC FORMAT

AE RESPONSE

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

ZEBRA LEVEL

STBY

0:00:00120min

[

P–MENU

]

:END

Select new locat ion.

SHOT TRANS

ASSIGN BTN

REC FORMAT

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

AE RESPONSE

ZEBRA LEVEL

STBY

0:00:00120min STBY

[

P–MENU

]

:END

END

P–MENU

SHOT TRANS

REC FORMAT

AE RESPONSE

WB PRESET

GAIN SETUP

ASSIGN BTN

0:00:00120min STBY

P–MENU SETUP

RETURN

ADD

DELETE

SORT

RESET

[

P–MENU

]

:END

,continued

Using the Menu

3 Select [RESET] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

5 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

The Personal Menu settings return to the

default settings.

To cancel initialization, select [NO].

6 Press P-MENU.

Assigning the

functions

Depending on the functions, you need to assign

them to the ASSIGN buttons to use them. You

can assign single function to each ASSIGN 1/2/

3 button.

Functions you can assign to the ASSIGN

buttons

• [FADER] (p. 38)

• [STEADYSHOT]

• [INDEX SAVE] (p. 39)

• [AUDIO DUB] (p. 79)

• [DISPLAY] (p. 44)

• [BARS] (p. 21)

1 Press MENU.

2 Select the (OTHERS) menu by

turning SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then

press the dial.

3 Select [ASSIGN BTN] by turning SEL/

PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial.

4 Select the number of the ASSIGN

button you want to assign the function

0:00:00120min

[

P–MENU

]

:END

RESET

YES

Initialize

CAMERA mode's

P–MENU se t t i ng?

STBY

0:00:00120min

[

P–MENU

]

:END

RESET

YES

Are you sure?

STBY

Using the Menu

by turning SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

[ASSIGN1] through [ASSIGN3] are

available. [------] is displayed at the number

that no function is assigned.

5 Select the function to be assigned by

turning SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then

press the dial.

6 Select [OK] by turning SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, then press the dial.

7 Press MENU to hide the menu.

z Tip

• When you press the ASSIGN button assigned to the

[STEADYSHOT], the SteadyShot function is

released and appears on the LCD screen. To

activate the SteadyShot fucntion, press the same

button again. You can select the effect level of the

SteadyShot function at [STDYSHOT TYP] on the

(CAMERA SET) menu (p. 54).

• There are independent buttons of DISPLAY and

BARS, however you can assign them also to the

ASSIGN buttons at your convenience. You can use

both buttons.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to another

tape

You can copy a picture played back on your

camcorder to other recording devices (such

as VCRs).

Connect your camcorder to a VCR as shown

in the following illustration.

Connecting a VCR

To dub to an HDV compatible device

Connect your camcorder to an HDV compatible

device using an i.LINK cable (optional).

To select the video format to be dubbed

The video format to be dubbed depends on the

settings of [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK

CONV] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu.

Before setting these menu items, disconnect the

i.LINK cable.

• Pictures will be dubbed in the recorded format

when [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and

[i.LINK CONV] is set to [OFF].

• Pictures, including those recorded in the HDV

format, will be dubbed in the DV format when

[VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], and

[i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON].

• Only pictures in the selected format will be

dubbed when [VCR HDV/DV] is set to

[HDV] or [DV]. Other pictures will be dubbed

as blank portions, so neither picture nor sound

will be dubbed.

b Note

• If you change the settings of [VCR HDV/DV] and

[i.LINK CONV] with the i.LINK cable connected,

the video device may not be able to recognize the

video signal from the camcorder at the time of

dubbing.

• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and the

signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture

and sound disappear temporarily.

• When the recorder is an HDR-FX1, set [VCR HDV/

DV] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu to [AUTO]

on the recording HDR-FX1 (p. 74).

i.LINK cable (optional)

Signal flow

HDV/DV jack

Recorder

HDV/DV jack

Player

Dubbing/Editing

To dub to a DV device

Connect your camcorder to a VCR using an

i.LINK cable (optional).

To select the video format to be dubbed

The video format to be dubbed depends on the

settings of [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 59) and [i.LINK

CONV] (p. 60) in the (IN/OUT REC)

menu. Before setting these menu items,

disconnect the i.LINK cable.

• Pictures, including those recorded in the HDV

format, will be dubbed in the DV format when

[VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and

[i.LINK CONV] is set to [ON].

• If the tape was recorded with the HDV and

DV formats mixed, set [VCR HDV/DV] to

[DV] to dub only pictures in the DV format.

Pictures in the HDV format will be dubbed as

blank portions, so neither picture nor sound

will be dubbed.

b Note

• If you change the settings of [VCR HDV/DV] and

[i.LINK CONV] with the i.LINK cable connected,

the video device may not be able to recognize the

video signal from the camcorder at the time of

dubbing.

• If [i.LINK CONV] is set to [OFF] while [VCR

HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], pictures recorded in the

HDV mode will be recorded as blank portions, so

neither picture nor sound will be recorded.

• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [HDV], the

connected DV device cannot recognize pictures, so

pictures will be dubbed as blank portions.

• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO] and the

signal switches between HDV and DV, the picture

and sound disappear temporarily.

i.LINK cable (optional)

HDV/DV jack

Signal flow

i.LINK jack

i.LINK compatible

devices

Dubbing/Editing

To dub to an AV device

Connect your camcorder to a VCR using the A/

V connecting cable (supplied).

* When there is an S video jack on the device to be

connected, connect an S video cable (optional) to

that jack instead of using the yellow video plug of

the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This

connection produces higher quality DV format

pictures. The audio will not be output if you connect

with the S video cable alone.

b Note

• Select the (OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT],

then [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) (p. 64).

• When you connect your camcorder to a monaural

device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V

connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or the

white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the TV.

z Tip

• To record the date/time and camera settings data,

first have them displayed on screen (p. 44).

A/V connecting cable

(supplied)

Signal flow

VCRs

AUDIO/VIDEO jack

Yellow

Red

White

When you have an S video jack on

your VCR *

S video cable

(optional)

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to another tape

1 Connect the recording device to your

camcorder (p. 70).

2 Prepare the recording device.

• Insert a cassette for recording.

• If the recording device has an input

selector, set it to the input mode.

3 Prepare your camcorder for playback.

• Insert the recorded cassette.

• Set the POWER switch to VCR.

4 Start the playback on your camcorder,

and record it on the VCR.

Refer to the operating instructions supplied

with your VCR for details.

5 When the dubbing is finished, stop

your camcorder and the VCR.

b Note

• When you use an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture

becomes rough when a picture is paused on your

camcorder while recording it to a VCR.

• Pictures recorded in the HDV format are not output

from the HDV/DV jack during playback pause or

in playback modes other than normal playback.

• When you use an i.LINK cable, you cannot record

the picture and sound separately.

z Tip

• The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the HDV/DV

jack holder will light up and indicate the format of

the output signal when you use an i.LINK cable.

• When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and sound

signals are transmitted digitally, producing high

quality pictures.

Dubbing/Editing

Recording pictures

from a VCR or TV

You can record pictures or TV programs

from a VCR or TV on a tape inserted in your

camcorder.

Connecting a VCR or TV

To record from an HDV compatible device

You can record and edit pictures from an HDV

compatible VCR. Use your camcorder as a

recorder and connect it to an HDV compatible

device using an i.LINK cable (optional).

On this camcorder (recorder), select the

(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], then

[AUTO] (p. 59) before connecting.

b Note

• In case of digital broadcasting, you may not be

allowed to record some programs for copyright

reasons (p. 91).

i.LINK cable (optional)

Signal flow

Player

HDV/DV jack

Recorder

HDV/DV jack

Dubbing/Editing

To record from a DV/AV device

You can record and edit pictures or TV

programs from a VCR or TV. Use your

camcorder as a recorder and connect it to a VCR

using the A/V connecting cable (supplied). You

can connect a DV compatible device also using

an i.LINK cable (optional).

When you use an i.LINK cable to connect a DV

compatible device, select the (IN/OUT

REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], then [DV] or

[AUTO] (p. 59) before connecting.

* When there is an S video jack on the device to be

connected, connect an S video cable (optional) to

that jack instead of using the yellow video plug of

the A/V connecting cable (supplied). This

connection produces higher quality DV format

pictures. The audio will not be output if you connect

with the S video cable alone.

b Note

• You can record pictures from DV/AV devices only

in the DV format.

• When you use the A/V connecting cable (supplied),

select the (OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT],

then [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) (p. 64).

• When you connect your camcorder to a monaural

device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V

connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or the

white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the TV.

Only the sound from the connected plug is recorded.

• When a 4:3 video signal is input, it appears with

black bands on the right and left sides on the screen

of your camcorder.

z Tip

• If the recording device has an i.LINK jack, it is

recommended to connect it using an i.LINK cable

(optional).

A/V connecting

cable (supplied)

i.LINK cable (optional)

HDV/DV jack

Signal flow

i.LINK jack

VCRs or TVs

Yellow

Red

White

When you have an S video jack on

your TV or VCR *

S video cable

(optional)

Connecting with an i.LINK cable

AUDIO/VIDEO

jack

Dubbing/Editing

Recording movies

Insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder

before the following operations.

1 Connect your TV or VCR to your

camcorder as a playback device

(p. 74).

2 If you are recording from a VCR,

insert a cassette.

3 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

4 Set your camcorder to recording

pause.

While pressing X (pause), press both z

REC (record) buttons simultaneously.

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 Press X (pause) again at the point you

want to start recording.

7 Press x (stop) to stop recording.

b Note

• When you use an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture

becomes rough when a picture is paused on your

VCR.

• When you use an i.LINK cable, you cannot record

the picture and sound separately.

• When you use an i.LINK cable, if you pause or stop

the recording and restart it, the picture may not be

recorded smoothly.

z Tip

• The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the HDV/DV

jack holder will light up and indicate the format of

the input signal when you use an i.LINK cable.

• When you use an i.LINK cable, the video and sound

signals are transmitted digitally, producing high

quality pictures.

• When you use an i.LINK cable,

appears during recording. This indicator may appear

on the screen of the playback device, however they

will not be recorded.

• Index signals are automatically recorded on the tape

during recording. You can also record index signals

at the desired positions during recording by pressing

the ASSIGN button assigned to the index function

(p. 39).

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting to a

computer

To use your camcorder by connecting it to a

computer using an i.LINK cable, the computer

must have an i.LINK interface, and application

software to read video signals must be installed

on the computer.

Refer to the manual supplied with the

application software for the system

requirements of the computer.

Connecting the computer

• Before connecting your camcorder to the

computer with an 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.

• Connect the i.LINK cable to the computer

first, then to your camcorder. Connecting in

the opposite order may cause static electricity

to build up, resulting in a malfunction of your

camcorder.

• Be sure to set [VCR HDV/DV] and [i.LINK

CONV] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu

before connecting the i.LINK cable. If you

connect the i.LINK cable first, the computer

may hang up or may not recognize the signal

from your camcorder.

b Note

• Connect a computer that can handle the signal of the

format indicated by the i.LINK lamps. If you

connect a computer that cannot handle the signal, the

computer may hang up or may not recognize the

signal from your camcorder.

• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before resetting [REC

FORMAT] when the POWER switch is set to

CAMERA. Otherwise, the computer may hang up.

z Tip

• The i.LINK lamp, HDV or DV, on the HDV/DV

jack holder will light up and indicate the format of

the input signal when you use an i.LINK cable.

To import pictures on a tape to the

computer

• To scan pictures recorded in the HDV format

on the tape in the HDV format, set [VCR

HDV/DV] to [HDV] (p. 59) and [i.LINK

CONV] to [OFF] (p. 60).

• To scan pictures recorded in the DV format on

the tape in the DV format, set [VCR HDV/

DV] to [DV] (p. 59).

• To scan pictures recorded in the HDV format

on the tape in the DV format, set [VCR HDV/

DV] to [HDV] (p. 59) and [i.LINK CONV] to

[ON] (p. 60).

b Note

• Pictures may not be imported correctly depending

on the application software of the computer.

• You cannot import pictures recorded in the DV

format in the HDV format.

To import pictures from the computer to

your camcorder

In the HDV format

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [HDV] (p. 59) and

[i.LINK CONV] to [OFF] (p. 60).

In the DV format

Set [VCR HDV/DV] to [DV] (p. 59).

HDV/DV jack

i.LINK cable (optional)

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing sound to a

recorded tape

You can record additional audio to the

original sound on a tape recorded in the DV

format. You can add sound to a tape already

recorded in the 12-bit mode without erasing

the original sound.

Preparing for audio dubbing

Record audio in one of the following ways.

• Using the internal microphone (no connection

required).

• Connecting a microphone (optional) to the

MIC/LINE jack. (A)

Select the (AUDIO SET) menu, [MIC/

LINE IN], then [EXT MIC] (p. 57).

• Connecting an audio device (optional) to the

MIC/LINE jack. (B)

Select the (AUDIO SET) menu, [MIC/

LINE IN], then [LINE] (p. 57).

• Connecting an audio device to the AUDIO/

VIDEO jack. (C)

The audio input to be recorded takes precedence

in the order of MIC/LINE jack t AUDIO/

VIDEO jack t internal microphone.

b Note

• When you use the AUDIO/VIDEO jack or the

internal microphone to record additional sound, the

picture will not be output from the AUDIO/VIDEO

jack. Check the picture on the LCD screen or the

viewfinder, and the sound on the headphones.

• You cannot record additional audio:

– When the tape is recorded in the HDV format.

– When the tape is recorded in the 16-bit mode.

– When the tape is recorded in the LP mode.

– When your camcorder is connected using an

i.LINK cable.

BMIC (PLUG IN POWER)/LINE

jack

Microphone (optional)

A/V connecting cable

(supplied)

Internal microphone

Signal flow

CAUDIO/VIDEO jack

Audio device (such as

CD/MD players)

Do not connect the

Video plug (yellow).

Audio output jacks

Audio R

(red)

Audio L

(white)

AMIC (PLUG IN POWER)/LINE jack

Dubbing/Editing

– On blank sections of the tape.

– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set to

SAVE.

– On the tape recorded on another device with a 4ch

microphone (4CH MIC REC).

• When you use an external microphone (optional) to

record additional audio, you can check the picture

and the sound by connecting your camcorder to a TV

using the A/V connecting cable. However, sound

you have recorded afterwards is not output from the

speaker. Check the sound by using headphones or a

TV.

• The sound from a monaural device connected to the

MIC/LINE jack is recorded in the L channel.

Recording sound

Assign the audio dubbing function to one of the

ASSIGN buttons in advance. See page 68 for

details on how to assign a function.

1 Insert a recorded cassette into your

camcorder.

2 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

3 Press N (play) to play the tape.

4 Press X (pause) at the point where you

want to start recording the sound.

The playback pauses.

5 Press the ASSIGN button assigned to

audio dubbing.

The X mark appears on the LCD screen.

6 Press X (pause) and start playing back

the audio you want to record at the

same time.

The mark remains on the LCD screen

while sound is recorded.

The new sound is recorded in stereo 2

(ST2).

7 Press x (stop) when you want to stop

recording.

To set the end point for audio dubbing

During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY

at the scene at which you want to stop audio

dubbing. Then, perform steps 4 to 6. The

recording stops automatically at the selected

scene.

b Note

• You can only record additional audio over a tape

recorded on your camcorder. The sound may

deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape recorded

on other camcorders (including other HDR-FX1

camcorders).

z Tip

• You can manually adjust the microphone volume

when you are:

– Recording sound from an external microphone or

audio device connected to the MIC/LINE jack.

– Recording sound from a device connected to the

AUDIO/VIDEO jack.

– Recording sound using the internal microphone.

Checking and adjusting the

recorded sound

1 Play back the tape on which you have

recorded audio following the

procedures in “Recording sound”

(p. 79).

2 Press MENU.

3 Select the (AUDIO SET) menu by

turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

4 Select [AUDIO MIX] by turning the

SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the

dial.

,continued

Dubbing/Editing

5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to

adjust the balance between the original

sound (ST1) and the sound recorded

afterwards (ST2), then press the dial.

The original sound (ST1) is output in the

default setting.

The adjusted audio balance returns to the

default setting about 5 minutes after the

battery pack or other power sources have

been disconnected.

6 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting an analog

VCR to the computer

via your camcorder

– Signal conversion function

Connect an analog video device to your

camcorder using the A/V connecting cable

(supplied), and a digital device such as a

computer to your camcorder using an i.LINK

cable (optional). Your camcorder converts

the analog video signal from the VCR to a

digital signal and transmits it to the computer

to be dubbed.

To use the signal conversion function,

application software to import video signals

must be installed on the computer.

Connecting a compuer

Refer to the manual supplied with the

application software for the system

requirements of the computer.

b Note

• Select the (OTHERS) menu, [DISP OUTPUT],

then [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) (p. 64).

• Before connecting the i.LINK cable, select the

(IN/OUT REC) menu, [VCR HDV/DV], then [DV]

(p. 59). If you do this operation with the i.LINK

cable connected, the computer may hang up or may

not recognize this camcorder.

Signal flow

HDV/DV jack

i.LINK cable (optional)

A/V connecting

cable (supplied)

AUDIO/VIDEO jack

When you have an S video jack

on your VCR

S video cable

(optional)

Yellow

Red

White

Dubbing/Editing

Importing a picture to the

computer

1 Turn on the analog device.

2 Set the POWER switch to VCR.

Use the AC Adaptor (supplied) as the

power source.

3 Press MENU.

4 Select the (IN/OUT REC) menu

by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial,

then press the dial.

5 Select [A/V t DV OUT] by turning

the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press

the dial.

6 Select [ON] by turning the SEL/PUSH

EXEC dial, then press the dial.

7 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.

8 Start playback on the analog device.

9 Start importing on the computer.

Refer to the manual supplied with the

program software or its on-line help for

details.

After importing the picture and sound

Stop importing on the computer, and stop

playback on the analog device.

b Note

• Your camcorder may not be able to output the signal

to the computer correctly depending on the video

signal input to your camcorder.

• You cannot import pictures that have been recorded

using a copyright protection signal to a computer via

your camcorder.

• Analog signals are not output from the

COMPONENT OUTPUT jack.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problem using your

camcorder, use the following table to

troubleshoot the problem. If the problem

persists, remove the power source and

contact your Sony dealer.

If “C:ss:ss” is displayed on the LCD

screen or the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis

display function is activated. See page 88 for

details.

Overall operations

Batteries/Power sources

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The power does not turn on. • The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the

camcorder.

cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 11).

cUse the AC Adaptor to connect to the wall outlet (p. 14).

The camcorder does not operate even

when the power is set to on.

cDisconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery

pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not

work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object. If you press

the RESET button, all settings including the clock setting (except the

Personal Menu and Picture Profile settings) are reset.

A clattering noise is heard when the

camcorder is handled with the

POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) or

VCR.

• This is because some lens functions on the camcorder use a linear

mechanism. This is not a malfunction.

The supplied Remote Commander

does not function.

cSet [REMOTE CTRL] on the (OTHERS) menu to [ON] (p. 64).

cInsert batteries into the battery compartment with the + – polarities

correctly matching the + – marks. If this still does not solve the problem,

insert new batteries since the batteries are dead (p. 105).

cRemove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the

remote sensor.

The camcorder gets warm. • This is because the power has been turned on for a long time. This is not

a malfunction.

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The CHG (charge) lamp does not

light while the battery pack is being

charged.

cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the lamp still does

not light up, then it indicates that no power is supplied from the wall

outlet.

• The battery charge is completed (p. 11).

,continued

Troubleshooting

Cassette tapes

The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while

the battery pack is being charged.

cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem

persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact

your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged (p. 11, 93).

The battery pack is not charged. cSet the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The battery pack is quickly

discharged.

• The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has

not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.

cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the

battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged (p. 11, 93).

The remaining battery time indicator

does not indicate the correct time.

• The temperature of the environment is too high or too low, or the battery

pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.

cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the

battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged (p. 11, 93).

The power turns off frequently

although the remaining battery

indicator indicates that the battery

pack has enough power to operate.

• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the

battery pack has not been charged enough.

cFully charge the battery again to correct the indication (p. 11).

A problem occurs when the

camcorder is connected to the AC

Adaptor.

cTurn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet.

Then, connect it again.

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Cassette cannot be ejected from the

compartment.

cMake sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected

correctly (p. 11).

cRemove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again (p. 11).

cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 11).

Cassette is not ejected even when the

cassette lid is open.

cMoisture condensation is starting in your camcorder (p. 95).

The Cassette Memory indicator does

not appear while using a cassette with

Cassette Memory.

cSince your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory, no

indicator appears.

The remaining tape indicator is not

displayed.

cSet [ REMAINING] to [ON] on the (OTHERS) menu to always

display the remaining tape indicator (p. 64).

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Troubleshooting

LCD screen/viewfinder

Recording

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

An unknown language appears on the

screen.

cSee page 18.

An unknown indicator appears on the

screen.

cRefer to the indicator list (p. 106).

The picture in the viewfinder is not

clear.

cUse the viewfinder lens adjustment lever to adjust the lens (p. 15).

The picture in the viewfinder has

disappeared.

cClose the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder

when the LCD panel is open (p. 15).

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The tape does not start when you

press REC START/STOP.

cSet the POWER switch to CAMERA (p. 14).

cThe tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.

cSet the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 91).

cThe tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the

cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the

cassette (p. 95).

The tape does not start when you

press REC START/STOP on the

handle.

cRelease the HOLD lever (p. 21).

The power abruptly turns off. cCharge the battery pack (p. 11).

The zoom does not function. cSet the ZOOM switch correctly (p. 22).

cWhen using the zoom lever on the Remote Commander, set the ZOOM

switch to LEVER/REMOTE (p. 23).

The handle zoom does not work. cSet the handle zoom switch to H or L (p. 22).

Zoom or shot transition stops in the

middle of the operation.

• This occurs when you replace a cassette during the operation (when the

camcorder is connected to another recording device for the purpose of

backup recording).

The SteadyShot does not function. cSet [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] in the (CAMERA SET) menu

(p. 54).

cPress the ASSIGN button assigned to the SteadyShot (p. 68).

The auto focus does not function. cSet the FOCUS switch to AUTO to enable auto focus (p. 32).

cThe recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus

manually (p. 32).

A vertical band appears when

recording candlelight or electric light

in the dark.

• This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is

too high. This is not a malfunction.

,continued

Troubleshooting

Playback

A vertical band appears when

recording a bright subject.

• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.

Tiny spots in white appear on the

screen.

• The spots appear at a slower shutter speed. This is not a malfunction.

Oblique stripes appear on the screen. cSet the ZEBRA/PEAKING switch to OFF (p. 31).

Picture appears too bright on the

screen, and the subject does not

appear on the screen.

cCancel the back light function (p. 25).

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Cannot play back. cIf the tape has reached the end, rewind the tape (p. 42).

Cannot play back in reverse direction. cReverse playback is not possible with the tape recorded in the HDV

format.

Horizontal lines appear on the

picture. The displayed pictures are

not clear or do not appear.

cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (p. 96).

Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines

look jagged.

cAdjust [SHARPNESS] to the – (soften) side in the PICTURE PROFILE

function (p. 34).

No sound or only a low sound is

heard.

cSet [MULTI-SOUND] to [STEREO] on the (AUDIO SET) menu

(p. 56).

cTurn up the volume (p. 42).

cOn the (AUDIO SET) menu, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST2]

(additional sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 56).

cWhen you are using an S VIDEO cable or a component video cable,

make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are

connected as well (p. 46).

The sound breaks off. cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (p. 96).

The date search and index search do

not work.

• There is a blank section at the beginning or in the middle of the tape. This

is not a malfunction.

“---” is displayed on the screen. • The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.

• A blank section on the tape is being played.

• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.

END SEARCH does not work. • The POWER switch is set to CAMERA.

• The cassette was ejected after recording (p. 44).

• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.

END SEARCH does not work

correctly.

• There is a blank section at the beginning or in the middle of the tape. This

is not a malfunction.

No picture appears during END

SEARCH or Rec Review.

• The tape was recorded in both HDV and DV formats. This is not a

malfunction.

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Troubleshooting

Dubbing

Cannot view the picture or hear the

sound on the TV connected with the

component video cable.

cSet [COMPONENT] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu according to the

requirements of the connected device (p. 60).

cWhen you are using the component video cable, make sure the red and

white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are connected (p. 46).

The picture appears distorted on the

4:3 TV.

• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in the 16:9 wide mode on

a 4:3 TV.

cTo play back the picture, set [TV TYPE] on the (IN/OUT REC)

menu (p. 61).

cBefore recording, set [DV WIDE REC] on the (CAMERA SET)

menu to [OFF] (p. 40).

Noises appear and or is

displayed on the screen.

• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your

camcorder. This is not a malfunction (p. 90).

appears on the LCD

screen.

• This appears when you play back a tape recorded on other recording

devices using a 4-channel microphone. This camcorder does not comply

with the 4-channel microphone recording standard.

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Pictures from connected devices are

not displayed on the LCD screen or

the viewfinder.

cSet [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] on the (OTHERS) menu

(p. 64).

Cannot dub correctly using the A/V

connecting cable.

cSet [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] on the (OTHERS) menu

(p. 64).

When connected using an i.LINK

cable, no picture appears on the

monitor screen during dubbing.

cSet [VCR HDV/DV] on the (IN/OUT REC) menu according to the

requirements of the connected device (p. 59).

New sound added to a recorded tape

is not heard.

cIn the (AUDIO SET) menu, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1]

(original sound) side until the sound is heard properly (p. 56).

Pictures disappears for a moment

when you press EXPANDED

FOCUS.

• If you press EXPANDED FOCUS during recording in the DV format

while transferring pictures to the connected device, pictures disappear

when switching from the normal size to the expanded size.

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Troubleshooting

Warning indicators and messages

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators

If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in

parentheses for details.

* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.

Indication Cause and/or Corrective Actions

C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Self-

diagnosis display)

Some symptoms can be fixed by yourself. If the problem persists even after

you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized

Sony service facility.

C:04:ss

cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.

Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 92).

C:21:ss

cMoisture condensation has occurred. Remove the cassette and leave your

camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 95).

C:22:ss

cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (p. 96).

C:31ss / C:32ss

cSymptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove and

insert the cassette, then operate your camcorder again. Do not perform

this procedure if moisture starts to condense (p. 95).

cRemove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your

camcorder again.

cChange the tape.

E:61:ss / E:62:ss

cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.”

E (Battery level warning) • The battery pack is nearly used up.

• Depending on the operating, environmental, or battery conditions, the

E indicator may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes

remaining.

% (Moisture condensation warning)* cEject the cassette, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), and leave it for

about 1 hour with the cassette lid open (p. 95).

Q (Warning indicator pertaining to

the tape)

Slow flashing:

• There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape.

• No cassette is inserted.*

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 91).*

Fast flashing:

• The tape has run out.*

Z (Eject cassette warning)* Slow flashing:

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 91).

Fast flashing:

• Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 95).

• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 88).

Troubleshooting

Warning messages

If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.

* Appears only for the pictures recorded in the DV format.

Subjects Indications Corrective Actions/

References

Battery Use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. cSee page 92.

Battery level is low. cCharge the battery (p. 11).

Old battery. Use a new one. cSee page 92.

Z Re-attach the power source. –

Moisture

condensation

% Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette. cSee page 95.

% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. cSee page 95.

Cassette/Tape Q Insert a cassette. cSee page 17.

Z Reinsert the cassette. cThe cassette might be damaged, etc.

Q Z The tape is locked - check the tab. cSee page 91.

Q The tape has reached the end. –

Others Cannot record due to copyright protection. –

Cannot add audio. Disconnect the i.LINK cable. cSee page 78.

Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot add audio.* cSee page 78.

Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot add audio.* cSee page 78.

Cannot add audio on the blank portion of a tape. cSee page 78.

HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio. cSee page 78.

Cannot add audio. cSee page 78

No registered value set in SHOT-A. cRegister a setting in A (p. 37).

No registered value set in SHOT-B. cRegister a setting in B (p. 37).

Change to correct tape format. cThe pictures cannot be played back

because of an incompatible format.

No output image in “VCR HDV/DV”. Change

format.

cStop inputting the playback signal,

or reset [VCR HDV/DV] (p. 59).

Already added to CAMERA mode’s P-MENU. –

Already added to VCR mode’s P-MENU. –

x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette. cSee page 96.

Additional Information

Using your camcorder

abroad

Power supply

You can use your camcorder in any country/

regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with

your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V,

50/60 Hz.

Use a commercially available AC plug

adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the

design of the wall outlet [b].

On TV color systems

Your camcorder is an NTSC system-based

camcorder. If you want to view the playback

picture recorded in the DV format on a TV, it

must be an NTSC system-based TV (see

following list) with the AUDIO/VIDEO input

jack.

On HDV compatible TVs

An HDV compatible TV with the component

input jack is required to view playback pictures

recorded in the HDV format. See the table

below.

It is recommended to use an i.LINK cable to

connect these TVs.

As of 1st October, 2004

b Note

• Some models are not available depending on the

country or region.

Simple setting of the clock by time

difference

You can easily set the clock to the local time by

setting a time difference when using your

camcorder abroad. Select [WORLD TIME] on

the (OTHERS) menu, then set the time

difference (p. 62).

System Used in

NTSC Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada,

Central America, Chile, Colombia,

Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan,

Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam,

Taiwan, the Philippines, the

U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.

PAL Australia, Austria, Belgium,

China, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong

Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait,

Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway,

Poland, Portugal, Singapore,

Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Thailand, United

Kingdom, etc.

PAL - M Brazil

PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,

Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

AC-L15A/L15B

[a]

[b]

Sony TV models

KD-34XBR960, KD-36XS955, KD-34XS955,

KD-30XS955

KDE-55XBR950, KDE-50XS955, KDE-42XS955,

KDE-37XS955

KDF-60WE655, KDF-55WE655, KDF-50WE655,

KDF-42WE655, KDF-60XS655, KDF-55XS655

KDP-57WS655, KDP-51WS655

KE-42M1

KE-MX42K1, KE-MX42N1, KE-MX32K1,

KE-MX32N1, KE-P42M1

KF-50WE620, KF-42WE620

KLV-32M1, KLV-23M1

KP-57WS520, KP-51WS520, KP-46WT520

KV-36HS420, KV-34HS420, KV-32HS420,

KV-30HS420, KV-27HS420

KV-DX32K9H, KV-DX32K90B, KV-DX32K90L

KV-HR36N90, KV-HR36K90, KV-HR32K90,

KV-HR34N90, KV-HR29N90

KV-HZ34N90, KV-HZ29N90, etc.

Additional Information

HDV format and

recording/playback

Your camcorder is capable of recording in both

HDV and DV formats.

You can use only mini DV cassettes in your

camcorder.

Use a cassette with the mark.

What is the HDV ( ) format?

The HDV format is a video format developed to

record and play back digital high definition

(HD) video signals on a DV cassette.

Your camcorder adopts the Interlace mode with

1080 effective scan lines of screen ruling

(1080i, number of pixels 1440 × 1080 dots).

The video bit rate for recording is about 25

Mbps.

i.LINK is adopted for the digital interface,

enabling a digital connection with an HDV

compatible TV or computer.

Playback

• Your camcorder can play back pictures in both

the DV format and HDV1080i specification.

• Your camcorder can play back a picture

recorded in the 720/30p system of the HDV

format but cannot output it from the HDV/

DV jack.

When you play back

If the cassette you play back on your camcorder

contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to

a tape in another video device connected to your

camcorder.

When you record

You cannot record software on your

camcorder that contains copyright

control signals for copyright protection

of software.

[Cannot record due to copyright protection.]

appears on the LCD screen, or on the TV screen

if you try to record such software.

Your camcorder does not record copyright

control signals on the tape when it records.

Notes on cassette tapes

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set

to SAVE.

REC: The cassette can be recorded.

SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-

protected).

When labeling the cassette

Be sure to place the label only on the locations

as shown in the following illustration so as not

to cause malfunction of your camcorder.

After using the cassette

Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid

distortion of the picture or the sound. The

cassette should then be put in its case, and stored

in an upright position.

Do not put a label

along this border.

Labeling position

,continued

Additional Information

When cleaning the gold-plated

connector

Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a

cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10

times it has been ejected.

If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is

dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may

not be indicated correctly.

b Note

• Your camcorder is not compatible with Cassette

Memory.

are trademarks.

HDV and are trademarks of

Sony Corporation and JVC.

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.

About the

“InfoLITHIUM”

battery pack

This unit is compatible with the

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your

camcorder operates only with the

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

“InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the

mark.

What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack?

The “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.

The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates

the power consumption according to the

operating conditions of your camcorder, and

displays the remaining battery time in minutes.

With an AC Adaptor/charger (optional), the

remaining battery time and charging time

appear.

To charge the battery pack

• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you

start using your camcorder.

• We recommend charging the battery pack in

an ambient temperature of between 10°C to

30°C (50°F to 86°F) until the CHG (charge)

lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack

outside of this temperature range, you may not

be able to charge it efficiently.

• After charging is complete, either disconnect

the cable from the DC IN jack on your

camcorder or remove the battery pack.

To use the battery pack effectively

• Battery pack performance decreases when the

surrounding temperature is 10°C (50°F) or

below, and the length of time you can use the

battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do

one of the following to use the battery pack for

a longer time.

Gold-plated

connector

Additional Information

– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it

up, and insert it in your camcorder right

before you start taking shots.

– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-F770/

F970 (optional).

• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent

playback, fast forward or rewind operation

wears out the battery pack faster. We

recommend using a large capacity battery

pack: NP-F770/F970 (optional).

• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF

(CHG) when not recording or playing back on

your camcorder. The battery pack is also

consumed when your camcorder is in

recording standby or playback pause.

• Have spare battery packs ready for 2 or 3

times the expected recording time, and make

trial recordings before making the actual

recording.

• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The

battery pack is not water resistant.

About remaining battery time indicator

• 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. The

indication on the 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.

Use the remaining battery time indication as a

guide to the approximate shooting time.

• The E mark that indicates low battery flashes

even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery

time remaining, depending on the operating

conditions or ambient temperature and

environment.

About storage of the battery pack

• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,

fully charge the battery pack and use it on your

camcorder once a year to maintain the proper

function.

To store the battery pack, remove it from your

camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place.

• To discharge the battery pack on your

camcorder completely, eject a cassette and

leave your camcorder in tape recording

standby until the power goes off.

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.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony

Corporation.

Additional Information

About i.LINK

The i.LINK Interface on this unit is an i.LINK-

compliant Interface. This section describes the

i.LINK standard and its features.

What is i.LINK?

i.LINK is a digital serial interface for

transferring digital video, digital audio, and

other data to other i.LINK-compatible device.

You can also control other device using the

i.LINK.

i.LINK-compatible device can be connected

using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are

operations and data transactions with various

digital AV devices.

When 2 or more i.LINK-compatible device are

connected to this unit in a daisy chain,

operations and data transactions are possible

with not only the device that this unit is

connected to but also with other devices via the

directly connected device.

Note, however, that the method of operation

sometimes varies according to the

characteristics and specifications of the device

to be connected. Also, operations and data

transactions may not be possible on some

connected device.

b Note

• Normally, only one device can be connected to this

unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this

unit to an HDV/DV compatible device having two or

more i.LINK Interfaces, refer to the operating

instructions of the device to be connected.

z Tip

• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394

data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a

trademark approved by many corporations.

• IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized

by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers.

About i.LINK Baud rate

i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according

to the device. There are 3 types.

S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)

S200 (approx. 200Mbps)

S400 (approx. 400Mbps)

The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in

the operating instructions of each piece of

device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK

interface on some device.

The maximum baud rate for device that does not

have any indication (such as this unit) is

“S100.”

The baud rate may differ from the indicated

value when the unit is connected to device with

a different maximum baud rate.

* What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the

amount of data that can be sent or received in

1 second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps

means that 100 megabits of data can be sent in

1 second.

To use i.LINK functions on this unit

For details on how to dub when this unit is

connected to other video device having a

i.LINK Interface, see page 70.

This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK

compatible device made by Sony (e.g. a VAIO

series personal computer) as well as to video

device.

Some i.LINK compatible video device such as

Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players,

and MICROMV recorders/players are not

compatible with this unit. Before connecting to

other device, be sure to confirm whether the

device is compatible with HDV/DV or not.

For details on precautions and compatible

application software, refer also to the operating

instructions for the device to be connected.

About the required i.LINK cable

Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable

(during HDV/DV dubbing).

i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony

Corporation.

Additional Information

Maintenance and

precautions

On use and care

• Do not use or store the camcorder and

accessories in the following locations.

– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never

leave them exposed to temperatures above

60°C (140°F), such as under direct sunlight,

near heaters or in a car parked in the sun.

They may malfunction or become

deformed.

– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical

vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.

– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The

camcorder may not be able to record

properly.

– Near AM receivers and video equipment.

Noise may occur.

– Sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand or

dust gets in your camcorder, it may

malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction

cannot be repaired.

– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD

screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be

exposed to direct sunlight. This damages

the inside of the viewfinder or the LCD

screen.

– Anywhere very humid.

• Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery

pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).

• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories

recommended in these operating instructions.

• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for

example, from rain or sea water. If your

camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction.

Sometimes this malfunction cannot be

repaired.

• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the

casing, unplug your camcorder and have it

checked by a Sony dealer before operating it

any further.

• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,

modifying, or mechanical shock. Be

particularly careful of the lens.

• Keep the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG)

when you are not using your camcorder.

• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for

example, and operate it. Doing so might cause

heat to build up inside.

• When disconnecting the power cord, pull by

the plug and not the cord.

• Do not damage the power cord such as by

placing anything heavy on it.

• Keep metal contacts clean.

• 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.

When not using your camcorder for a

long time

Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by

playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.

Moisture condensation

If your camcorder is brought directly from a

cold place to a warm place, moisture may

condense inside your camcorder, on the surface

of the tape, or on the lens. In this state, the tape

may stick to the head drum and be damaged or

your camcorder may not operate correctly. If

there is moisture inside your camcorder, [%Z

Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette] or [

Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]

appears. The indicator will not appear when the

moisture condenses on the lens.

If moisture condensation has occurred

None of the functions except cassette ejection

will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your

camcorder, and leave it for about 1 hour with

the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be

used again if

% or Z does not appear when the

power is turned on again.

If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder

sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this

happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejected

for 10 seconds after the cassette lid is opened.

,continued

Additional Information

This is not a malfunction. Do not close the

cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.

Note on moisture condensation

Moisture may condense when you bring your

camcorder from a cold place into a warm place

(or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder

in a humid place as shown below.

• When you bring your camcorder from a ski

slope into a place warmed up by a heating

device.

• When you bring your camcorder from an air-

conditioned car or room into a hot place

outside.

• When you use your camcorder after a squall or

a shower.

• When you use your camcorder in a hot and

humid place.

How to prevent moisture condensation

When you bring your camcorder from a cold

place into a warm place, put your camcorder in

a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag

when the air temperature inside the plastic bag

has reached the surrounding temperature (after

about 1 hour).

Video head

• When the video head becomes dirty, you

cannot record pictures normally, or distorted

picture or sound is played back.

• If the following problem occurs, clean the

video heads for 10 seconds with the cleaning

cassette.

– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the

playback picture or the screen is displayed

in blue.

– Playback pictures do not move.

– A part of playback pictures does not move.

– Playback pictures do not appear or the

sound breaks off.

–[

x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning

cassette.] appears on the screen during

recording.

• 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 add 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.

This is not a malfunction.

• While using your camcorder, the back of the

LCD screen may heat up. This is not a

malfunction.

To clean the LCD screen

• If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen

dirty, it is recommended to use an LCD

cleaning cloth (optional) to clean it. When you

use the LCD Cleaning Kit (optional), do not

apply the cleaning liquid directly to the LCD

screen. Use cleaning paper moistened with the

liquid.

Cleaning the casing

• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder

body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with

water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft

cloth.

• Avoid the following to prevent the finish from

being damaged.

– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,

alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent and

insecticide.

– Handling with above substances on your

hands.

– Leaving the case in contact with rubber or

vinyl objects for a long period of time.

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.

Additional Information

• To prevent molds periodically clean the lens

as described above.

It is recommended you operate your camcorder

about once a month to keep it in an optimum

state for a long time.

To charge the pre-installed button-type

battery

Your camcorder has a pre-installed button-type

battery to retain the date, time, and other

settings even when the POWER switch is set to

OFF (CHG). The pre-installed button-type

battery is always charged while you are using

your camcorder but it will get discharged

gradually if you do not use your camcorder. The

button-type battery will be fully discharged in

about 3 months if you do not use your

camcorder at all. However, even if the pre-

installed button-type battery is not charged, the

camcorder operation will not be affected if you

are not recording the date.

Procedures

Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet using

the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the

POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more

than 24 hours.

Removing dust from inside the

viewfinder

Remove the viewfinder.

While sliding the viewfinder release lever

down

1, slide and remove the viewfinder

2 Remove dust from inside the viewfinder

and the part shown below with a blower.

Additional Information

Specification

System

Video recording system (HDV)

2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system

Video recording system (DV)

2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system

Audio recording system (HDV)

Rotary heads, MPEG-1 Audio Layer2

Quantization: 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)

Transfer rate: 384 kbps

Audio recording system (DV)

Rotary heads, PCM system

Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1,

stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)

Video signal

NTSC color, EIA standards, 1080/60i

specification

Usable cassette

Mini DV cassette with the mark

printed

Tape speed (HDV)

Approx. 18.81 mm/s

Tape speed (DV)

SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s

LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s

Recording/playback time (HDV)

60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)

Recording/playback time (DV)

SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette)

LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette)

Fast forward/rewind time

Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60 cassette)

Viewfinder

Electric viewfinder (color)

Image device

6 mm (1/3 type) 3CCD (Charge Coupled

Device)

Gross: Approx. 1 120 000 pixels

Effective: Approx. 1 070 000 pixels

Lens

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T*

Combined power zoom lens

Filter diameter: 72 mm (2 7/8 in.)

12 × (Optical)

F = 1.6 ~ 2.8

Focal length

4.5-54mm (3/16- 21/4in.)

When converted to a 35 mm still camera

32.5 - 390 mm (1 5/16 - 15 3/8 in.)

(40 - 480 mm (1 5/8 - 19 in.) in 4:3 TV mode)

Color temperature

[AUTO], [ONE-PUSH A/B], [INDOOR]

(3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)

Minimum illumination

3 lx (lux) (F 1.6)

Input/Output connectors

Audio/Video input/output

Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),

unbalanced, sync negative

Audio signal: 327 mV (at load impedance

47 kΩ (kilohms)), Input impedance more than

47 kΩ (kilohms), Output impedance less than

2.2 kΩ (kilohms)

S VIDEO input/output

Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),

unbalanced

Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 Ω

(ohms), unbalanced

COMPONENT OUTPUT jack

Y: 1 Vp-p (0.3 V sync negative)

B/PR, CB/CR: +/- 350 mVp-p, Input

impedance 75 Ω (ohms)

Headphones jack

Stereo minijack (Ø 3.5 mm)

LANC jack

Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm)

MIC jack

Minijack, 0.388 mV low impedance with DC

2.5 to 3.0 V, output impedance 6.8 kΩ

(kilohms) (Ø 3.5 mm), Stereo type

HDV/DV jack

i.LINK Interface (IEEE1394, 4-pin connector

S100)

LCD screen

Picture

8.8 cm (3.5 type)

Total dot number

250 000 (1 120 × 224)

Additional Information

General

Power requirements

DC 7.2 V (battery pack)

DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)

Average power consumption (when using the

battery pack)

During camera recording using the viewfinder

with normal brightness:

HDV recording 7.4 W

DV recording 6.9 W

During camera recording using the LCD with

normal brightness:

HDV recording 8.0 W

DV recording 7.5 W

Operating temperature

0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Storage temperature

-20°C to + 60°C (-4°F to + 140°F)

Dimensions (approx.)

151 × 181 × 365 mm (6 × 7 1/4 × 14 3/8 in.)

(w/h/d)

Mass (Approx.)

2.0 kg (4 lb 6 1/2 oz) main unit only

2.1 kg (4 lb 10 1/8 oz) including the NP-F570

rechargeable battery pack, DVM60 cassette

and lens hood.

Supplied accessories

See page 10.

AC Adaptor AC-L15A/L15B

Power requirements

AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Current consumption

0.35 - 0.18 A

Power consumption

18 W

Output voltage

DC 8.4 V, 1.5 A

Operating temperature

0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Storage temperature

-20°C to + 60°C (-4°F to + 140°F)

Dimensions (approx.)

56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.) (w/h/

d) excluding the projecting parts

Mass (approx.)

190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the power cord

Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F570)

Maximum output voltage

DC 8.4 V

Output voltage

DC 7.2 V

Capacity

15.8 Wh (2 200 mAh)

Dimensions (approx.)

38.4 × 20.6 × 70.8 mm

(1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 7/8 in.) (w/h/d)

Mass (approx.)

100 g (3.5 oz)

Operating temperature

0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Type

Lithium ion

Design and specifications are subject to change

without notice.

Quick Reference

100

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and

controls

Camcorder

A SHOT TRANSITION operation buttons

(p. 37)

B Eyecup (p. 16)

C Viewfinder release lever (p. 97)

D Rear remote sensor

E Rear camera recording lamp (p. 20)

F BATT RELEASE (battery release)

button (p. 12)

G REC START/STOP button (p. 20)

H i.LINK lamps (HDV/DV) (p. 73)

Lights up when handling an i.LINK signal.

I Battery pack (p. 11)

J Shoe adaptor attaching part (p. 104)

K Power zoom lever (p. 22)

L EXPANDED FOCUS button (p. 32)

M Grip belt (p. 4)

N POWER switch (p. 14)

Quick Reference

101

A Hook for the shoulder strap

B Zoom ring (p. 23)

C Focus ring (p. 32)

D FOCUS switch (AUTO/MAN (manual)/

INFINITY) (p. 32)

E ZOOM switch (p. 22)

F ND FILTER switch (1/2/OFF) (p. 30)

G PUSH AUTO button (p. 33)

H WHT BAL (One-push white balance)

button (p. 26)

I GAIN switch (H/M/L) (p. 28)

J WHT BAL (white balance) switch (A/B/

PRESET) (p. 26)

K Handle zoom switch (H/L/OFF) (p. 22)

L REC REVIEW button (p. 41)

M Format lamps (p. 20)

N Viewfinder (p. 3, 15)

O BACK LIGHT button* (p. 25)

P SPOT LIGHT button (p. 25)

Q ASSIGN buttons (1/2/3)* (p. 68)

R ZEBRA/PEAKING switch (p. 31, 33)

S IRIS button (p. 28)

T GAIN button* (p. 28)

U AUTO LOCK switch (p. 26, 28, 29)

V WHT BAL (white balance) button (p. 26)

W SHUTTER SPEED button (p. 29)

* Each of the buttons has a raised tactile dot. (The

ASSIGN button has it on the 2 button.) Use it to

identify the location of the buttons.

To attach the shoulder strap

Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your

camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap.

,continued

Quick Reference

102

A LCD screen (p. 3, 15)

B IRIS dial (p. 28)

C RESET button

If you press RESET, all settings including

the clock setting (except the Personal Menu

and Picture Profile settings) return to the

default.

D VOLUME –/+ buttons* (p. 42)

E DATA CODE button (p. 44)

F DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (p. 12)

G END SEARCH (VCR) button (p. 44)

H Handle zoom lever (p. 22)

I Video control buttons (Rewind,

Playback*, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,

Slow, Record) (p. 42)

J LCD BRIGHT –/+ buttons (p. 15)

K LCD BACKLIGHT switch (p. 15)

L ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 49)

M BARS button (p. 21)

N REC START/STOP button and HOLD

lever (p. 21)

O AUTO/MAN (manual) audio switch

(p. 36)

P CHG (charge) lamp (p. 11)

Q DC IN jack (p. 11)

R AUDIO LEVEL dial (p. 36)

* Each of the buttons has a raised tactile dot. (The

VOLUME button has it on the + side.) Use it to

identify the location of the buttons.

Quick Reference

103

A LANC jack (blue)

The LANC control jack is used for

controlling the tape transport of video

device and peripherals connected to it.

i (headphones) jack

When you use headphones, the speaker on

your camcorder is silent.

C Hook for the shoulder strap (p. 101)

D HDV/DV jack (p. 46, 70, 71, 74, 75, 77)

E S VIDEO jack (p. 46, 48, 72, 75)

F COMPONENT OUTPUT jack (p. 46, 48)

G Tripod receptacle

Make sure that the length of the tripod

screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).

Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod

securely, and the screw may damage your

camcorder.

H AUDIO/VIDEO jack (p. 46, 48, 72, 75,

78)

I MIC (PLUG IN POWER)/LINE jack

(red) (p. 78)

J Microphone (p. 78)

K Front camera recording lamp (p. 20)

L Front remote sensor

M Speaker

N Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens)

Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl

Zeiss lens which can reproduce fine images.

The lens for your camcorder was developed

jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony

Corporation. It adopts the MTF

measurement system for video cameras and

offers a quality as fine as a Carl Zeiss lens.

The lens for your camcorder is also T*-

coated to suppress unwanted reflection and

faithfully reproduce colors.

MTF stands for Modulation Transfer

Function.The value number indicates the

amount of light from a subject coming into

the lens.

,continued

Quick Reference

104

A Shoe adaptor

To connect an accessory, press down and

push it to the end, and then tighten the

screw. To remove an accessory, loosen the

screw, and then press down and pull out the

accessory.

When you attach the shoe adaptor, be

careful not to damage the LCD panel.

B Lens hood (p. 20)

C OPEN/EJECT lever (p. 17)

D Cassette compartment lid (p. 17)

E Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 15)

F PICTURE PROFILE button (p. 34)

G MENU button (p. 51)

H P-MENU button (p. 65)

I STATUS CHECK button (p. 24, 45)

J SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 51)

To attach the shoe adaptor

To remove the lens hood

Loosen the lens hood fixing screw, then turn the

lens hood in the direction of the arrow.

To attach the lens hood

Align the marks on the lens hood to those on the

camcorder, and turn the lens hood in the

opposite direction of the arrow in the figure

above. Tighten the lens hood fixing screw.

Hood fixing screw

Quick Reference

105

Remote Commander

A DISPLAY button (p. 44)

B SEARCH MODE button (p. 50)

C ./> buttons (p. 50)

D Video control buttons (Rewind,

Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,

Frame, Slow, ×2) (p. 42)

E Transmitter

After turning on your camcorder, point

towards the remote sensor to control your

camcorder.

F ZERO SET MEMORY button (p. 49)

G REC START/STOP button (p. 20)

H DATA CODE button (p. 44)

I Power zoom button (p. 22)

To insert the batteries

Press and pull out the cover of the

battery compartment.

2 Insert 2 size AA (R6) batteries by

matching the + and – on the batteries to

the + and – in the battery compartment.

3 Replace the cover back until it clicks.

b Notes on the Remote Commander

• Point the remote sensor away from strong light

sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting.

Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not

function properly.

• The Remote Commander may not function properly

when the remote sensor is obstructed with a

conversion lens (optional).

• When you are operating with the Remote

Commander supplied with your camcorder, your

VCR may also operate. In that case, select a

commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR,

or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.

Quick Reference

106

Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder

Following indicators will appear on the LCD

screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of

your camcorder.

* Appears only for the pictures in the DV format.

Indicators Meanings

y120min Remaining battery (p. 21)

, Recording format (p. 20)

SP , LP Recording mode (p. 22)

STBY/REC Recording standby/

recording mode

, ND

OFF

ND filter (p. 30)

4:3 standard mode (p. 40)

Audio mode (p. 56)*

60min q Remaining tape (p. 21)

Frame recording (p. 55)*

Output analog images and

sound in digital format

(p. 61)*

HDV input/DV input

(p. 76)

Zero set memory (p. 49)

Q Z Warning (p. 88)

9 Manual focus (p. 32)

Backlight (p. 25)

Spot light (p. 25)

n Preset white balance (p. 26)

A, B One-push white balance

(p. 26)

Iris closed (p. 28)

F1.6 18

180

HDV1080

0:00:00120min

60min

PP1

STBY

Example: Indicators in the CAMERA mode

Time code (p. 44)/Tape counter (p. 44)/

Self-diagnosis (p. 88)

SteadyShot off (p. 54, 68)

LCD backlight off (p. 16)

through Picture Profile (p. 34)

Index recording (p. 39)

4-channel microphone

recording standard (p. 87)*

Indicators Meanings

Quick Reference

107

Index

Numerics

16:9 wide recording (DV

WIDE REC) ................40

A/V connecting cable

.......47, 48, 72, 75, 78, 81

AC Adaptor........................14

AE RESPONSE .................52

AE SHIFT..........................35

AGC LIMIT.......................35

Aperture .............................28

ASSIGN BTN....................68

AT IRIS LMT ....................35

Audio dubbing

(AUDIO MIX) ......56, 79

AUDIO MODE..................56

AWB SENS .......................35

BACK LIGHT (camera) ....25

Battery

Battery Info .................12

Battery pack ................11

Remaining battery

time.................21, 93

Remote Commander..105

BEEP..................................62

BLACK FADER................38

Button-type battery............97

Camera settings data

display .........................44

Cassette..............................17

Center marker (CENTER

MARKR).....................55

Charging the battery

Battery pack ................11

Pre-installed button-type

battery...................97

CINEFRAME ....................35

CINEMATONE γ ..............35

Cleaning cassette................96

Clock set (CLOCK SET) ...16

Color bar ............................21

COLOR LEVEL................34

COLOR PHASE................34

COMPONENT..................60

Component video

cable......................46, 48

Computer connection ........77

Customizing Personal

Menu...........................65

Data code (DATA CODE)

..............................44, 63

Date search........................50

Date/time.....................16, 44

Display

DISP OUTPUT...........64

Display indicators.....106

Dual sound track tape........56

Dubbing.............................70

END SEARCH..................44

Expanded focus .................32

Exposure............................25

FADER..............................38

Flickering (FLCKR

REDUCE)...................54

Focus .................................32

FORMAT LAMP ..............63

Frame playback .................43

Frame recording (FRAME

REC) ...........................55

Full charge.........................11

Gain ...................................28

GAIN SETUP....................52

Grip belt...............................4

HANDLE ZOOM..............54

Handle zoom speed ...........22

HDV ........................3, 90, 91

Headphones jack..............103

i.LINK ...............................94

i.LINK cable

46, 70, 71, 74, 75, 77, 81

i.LINK CONV................... 60

Index search...................... 50

Index signal....................... 39

"InfoLITHIUM" battery

pack ............................ 92

Iris..................................... 28

IRIS DIAL ........................ 63

LANC.............................. 103

Language

(LANGUAGE)........... 18

Large eyecup..................... 16

LCD back light (LCD BL

LEVEL)...................... 58

LCD brightness (LCD

BRIGHT).................... 15

LCD COLOR.................... 58

LCD screen ......................... 3

Lens hood........................ 104

Low-angle recording......... 21

LP (Long Play)

See Recording mode (REC

MODE)

Main sound

See MULTI-SOUND

Manual focus..................... 32

AUDIO SET............... 56

CAMERA SET........... 52

IN/OUT REC.............. 59

LCD/VF SET.............. 58

OTHERS .................... 62

Selecting items........... 51

Menu letter size (LETTER

SIZE).......................... 63

MIC/LINE IN.................... 57

Microphone volume

level............................ 36

Mirror mode...................... 23

Moisture condensation...... 95

MPEG2 ............................... 3

MULTI-SOUND............... 56

ND FILTER ...................... 30

,continued

Quick Reference

108

NTSC.................................90

Operation confirmation beep

See BEEP

PAL ...................................90

PEAKING ......................... 33

Personal Menu

(P-MENU).................. 65

PICTURE PROFILE.........34

Picture search....................43

Playback

Double speed..............43

Frame..........................43

Reverse....................... 43

Slow............................43

Playing time ......................13

Rec review......................... 41

Recording capacity

Display........................ 21

REMAINING .............64

Recording format (REC

FORMAT).................. 60

Recording lamp (REC

LAMP)........................63

Recording mode (REC

MODE).......................60

Recording time.................. 13

Remote Commander........105

REMOTE CTRL ........64

Remote sensor.........100, 103

RESET.............................102

S video.......47, 48, 72, 75, 81

Self-diagnosis display ....... 88

SHARPNESS....................34

Shoe adaptor....................104

Shot transition ................... 37

SHOT TRANS............53

Shutter speed.....................29

Signal conversion function

(A/V c DV OUT).61, 82

SKINTONE DTL.............. 35

Skip scan ...........................43

Smooth transition

See END SEARCH

SP (Standard Play)

See Recording mode (REC

MODE)

SPOT LIGHT.....................25

STATUS CHECK........24, 45

SteadyShot

(STEADYSHOT)........54

SteadyShot type

(STDYSHOT TYP).....54

Stereo.................................56

Sub sound

See MULTI-SOUND

Tape counter ................21, 49

Telephoto

See Zoom

Time code ..........................21

Transition curve (TRANS

CURVE)......................53

Transition time (TRANS

TIME)..........................53

TV color systems...............90

TV TYPE...........................61

Using abroad......................90

VCR HDV/DV...................59

Video head.........................96

Viewfinder

Adjusting.....................15

Brightness

(VF B.LIGHT)......58

Maintenance................97

Volume ..............................42

Warning indicators.............88

Warning messages .............88

WB PRESET .....................26

WB SHIFT.........................35

White balance ....................26

WHITE FADER ................38

Wide angle

See Zoom

Wind noise (WIND) ..........57

WORLD TIME .................62

Write-protect tab ...............91

Zebra pattern .....................31

ZEBRA LEVEL .........31

Zero set memory................49

Zoom .................................22

Zoom ring..........................23

Printed in Japan

Printed on 100% recycled paper using

VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free

vegetable oil based ink.

Sony HDR-FX1 Digital HD Video Camera Recorder

Product's Documents

User Manual

Specifications

Sony HDR-FX1 Questions and Answers

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