Table of contents Main Features ............................................... 6 Introduction – Basic operations ................. 8 Quick Start Guide – Recording on a tape ........................ 10 Quick Start Guide – Recording on a “Memory Stick” ... 12 Getting started Using this manual ..................................... Checking supplied accessories ................ Step 1 Preparing the power supply ........ Installing the battery pack ................. Charging the battery pack .................
Table of contents “Memory Stick” operations Using the Network function Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction .................................... 103 Recording still images on a “Memory Stick” – Memory photo recording ............. 114 Recording an image from a tape as a still image ................................... 122 Superimposing a still image in a “Memory Stick” on a moving picture – MEMORY MIX ...............................
Main Features Recording moving picture or still images, and playing them back •Viewing moving pictures recorded on tapes using the i.LINK cable (p.xx) •Viewing images recorded on “Memory Stick”s using the USB cable (p. xx) •Viewing moving pictures recorded on tapes using the USB cable (p. xx) •Capturing images on your computer from your camcorder using the USB cable (p. xx) 6 •Recording moving pictures on tapes (p. xx) •Playing back tapes (p. xx) •Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s (p.
Accessing the Internet via a Bluetooth equipped device (DCR-IP55 only) Accessing the Internet, sending/ receiving your e-mail. For details, refer to the Network Function Operating Instructions supplied with your camcorder. (DCR-IP55 only) (p. xx) Other uses Functions to adjust exposure in the recording mode •Back light (p. xx) •NightShot/Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter (p. xx) •Recording with the flash (p.xx) •PROGRAM AE (p. xx) •White balance (p. xx) •Adjusting the exposure manually (p.
Introduction – Basic operations This section describes the basic operations to operate the camcorder. How to turn on the power and select the mode To supply power for the camcorder, see “Quick Start Guide” on page xx. 1,2 CAMERA MEMORY NET WORK (CHG) OFF ON VCR MODE POWER (1) Slide the POWER switch down while pressing the small green button, then release your finger. The camcorder is turned on, and then the camcorder turns to the CAMERA mode so that the CAMERA lamp lights up.
Introduction – Basic operations Grip position The grip on this camcorder can be moved to three positions. Turn the grip to the desired position depending on your purpose. Move the grip while pressing PUSH. Recording position Cassette inserting/ ejecting position Getting started Storing position PUSH Storing position While pressing PUSH, turn the grip to this position when you store your camcorder.
Quick Start Guide – Recording on a tape This chapter introduces you to the basic features to record pictures on tepes of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. While pressing PUSH, turn the grip to the recording position, and hold your camcorder through the wrist strap to prevent the camera from dropping as illustrated. Connecting the mains lead (p. XX) Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. XX). Open the DC IN jack cover.
Recording a picture (p. XX) Viewfinder When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. xx). 1 Remove the lens cap. 5 Press START/STOP. 4 Slide OPEN in the Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. direction of the arrow indicated on the camcorder to open the LCD panel. The picture appears on the screen. 3 Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. The CAMERA lamp lights up.
Quick Start Guide – Recording on a “Memory Stick” This chapter introduces you to the basic features to record on a “Memory Stick” of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information. While pressing PUSH, turn the grip to the recording position, and hold your camcorder through the wrist strap to prevent the camera from dropping as illustrated. Connecting the mains lead (p. xx) Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. xx). Open the DC IN jack cover.
Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick” Viewfinder When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. xx). (p. xx) 1 Remove the lens cap. 5 Pressing 6 Press 4 Slide OPEN in the PHOTO lightly. PHOTO deeper. PHOTO PHOTO direction of the arrow indicated on the camcorder to open the LCD panel. The picture appears on the screen. 3 Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK for DCRIP55 (MEMORY for DCR-IP45). The MEMORY/NETWORK or MEMORY lamp lights up.
— Getting started — Using this manual The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-IP55 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “DCR-IP55 only”.
Precautions on camcorder care Lens and LCD screen/finder [a] [b] [c] [d] Getting started •The LCD screen and the finder 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 constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.
Checking supplied accessories Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 qa qs qd qf qg qh 1 AC-L20A AC power adaptor (1), the power cord (1) (p. XX) 2 NP-FF50 battery pack (1) (p. XX, XX) 3 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. XX) 4 i.LINK cable* (1) (p. XX) 5 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. XX) 6 Size AA (R6) batteries for Remote Commander (2) (p. XX) 7 Lens cap (1) (p. XX) 8 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. XX) 9 USB cable* (1) (p.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Installing the battery pack 1 2 Getting started (1) While sliding , in the direction of the arrow, lift BATT (battery) RELEASE to release the battery terminal cover. (2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. To remove the battery pack The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack before using your camcorder. Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (F series). See page XX for details of the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the supplied AC power adapter to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up. (2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adapter. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply While charging the battery pack, the CHG lamp flashes in the following cases: – The battery pack is not installed correctly. – Something is wrong with the battery pack. Charging time Battery pack Full charge NP-FF50 (supplied) 120 NP-FF70 150 Getting started When you use the AC power adaptor Place the AC power adaptor near the wall outlet. If any trouble occurs with this unit, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply Note Approximate recording time and continuous playing time at 25 °C (77 °F). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment. If the power goes off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining indicator is correct.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply PRECAUTION The camcorder is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to a wall outlet, even if the camcorder itself has been turned off. Getting started Notes •The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your camcorder. •The DC IN jack has “source priority.
Step 2 Setting the date and time Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. “CLOCK SET” will be displayed each time you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY/ NETWORK for DCR-IP55 (MEMORY for DCR-IP45) unless you set the date and time settings. If you do not use your camcorder for about three months, the date and time settings may be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in your camcorder will have been discharged (p. xxx).
Step 2 Setting the date and time The year changes as follows: 1995 2002 2079 Press EXIT. Getting started To return to FN (Function) Note Instead of DST SET, SUMMERTIME is displayed on the screen for some models. If you do not set the date and time “– – – – – – – – –” and “– –:– –:– –” are recorded on the tape or the “Memory Stick” as the data code. Note on the time indicator The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle. – 12:00 AM stands for midnight. – 12:00 PM stands for noon.
Step 2 Setting the date and time 24 Area code Time-zone differences Area setting Area code Time-zone differences Area setting 1 GMT Lisbon, London 19 GMT–12:00 Eniwetok, Kwajalein 2 GMT+01:00 Berlin, Paris 20 GMT–11:00 Midway Is.
Step 3 Inserting a cassette 2 3 PUSH Getting started (1) Prepare the power source. (2) While pressing PUSH, turn the grip to the cassette inserting/ejecting position . (3) Slide OPEN/ZEJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens. (4) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette into the cassette compartment. Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into it with the cassette window facing out.
Step 3 Inserting a cassette Notes •Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction. •Be sure to turn the grip to the cassette inserting/ejecting position. Otherwise, the cassette cannot be inserted or ejected. •Be careful not to catch your finger between the grip and the camcorder body. To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. Note on the label Labels may cause a malfunction of the camcorder.
Step 4 Using the touch panel Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Touch the LCD panel directly to operate each function. 5,6 4 3 CAMERA MEMORY NET WORK (CHG) OFF ON VCR PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT SPOT FOCUS FN SPOT METER MENU FADER END SCH Getting started (1) Prepare the power source. (2) Slide OPEN in the direction of the arrow indicated on the camcorder to open the LCD panel. (3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA, VCR or MEMORY/NETWORK for DCR-IP55 (MEMORY for DCR-IP45).
Step 4 Using the touch panel Notes •When using the touch panel, press the operation buttons with your thumb or the supplied styrus (DCR-IP55 only) supporting the LCD screen from the back side of it. •Do not press the operation buttons with sharp objects other than the stylus supplied (DCR-IP55 only). •Do not press the LCD screen too hard. •Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands. •If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear.
— Recording – Basics — Recording a picture Your camcorder automatically focuses for you. 6 Recording – Basics (1) Remove the lens cap. (2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1 Preparing the power supply” (p.XX) and “Step 3 Inserting a cassette” (p.XX) for more information. (3) While pressing PUSH, turn the grip to the recording position, and hold your camcorder through the wrist strap. (4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Your camcorder is set to the recording standby mode.
Recording a picture After recording (1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). (2) Close the LCD panel and while pressing PUSH, turn the grip to the cassette inserting/ejecting position. (3) Eject the cassette. (4) While pressing PUSH, turn the grip to the storing position. (5) Remove the power source. Note Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.
Recording a picture Adjusting the LCD screen The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to the lens side. 90° Recording – Basics 180° When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically, and swing it into the camcorder body. Note When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode (p. xx), the viewfinder automatically turns off. When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight The LCD screen may be difficult to see.
Recording a picture Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. Press FN and select PAGE3. You can also adjust the brightness of the LCD screen in the following operations. Set the POWER switch to VCR. Press FN and select PAGE2. Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK for DCR-IP55 (MEMORY for DCR-IP45). Press FN and select PAGE3. (2) Press LCD BRT. The screen to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen appears. (3) Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using –/+.
Recording a picture Adjusting the viewfinder If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. The viewfinder lens adjustment lever Recording – Basics Adjust with the viewfinder lens adjustment lever. You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to your camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out.
Recording a picture Using the zoom feature Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings. T: for telephoto (subject appears closer) W: for wide-angle (subject appears further away) W T W W T T To zoom greater than 10× Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally. To activate the digital zoom, select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.
Recording a picture Shooting with the Mirror Mode This feature allows the camera subject to view him or herself on the LCD screen. The subject can see his or her own image on the LCD screen while you look at the subject in the viewfinder. The indicator appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen. When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA, Xz appears in the standby mode, and z appears in the recording mode. Some other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.
Recording a picture Indicators displayed in the recording mode The indicators are not recorded on the tape. Remaining battery time indicator Micro Cassette Memory indicator STBY/REC indicator 40min REC 0:00:01 45min Tape counter indicator Remaining tape indicator This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play back for a while. JUL 4 2002 12 : 05 : 56 PM FN FN button Press this button to display operation buttons on the LCD screen.
Recording a picture Shooting a backlit subject – BACK LIGHT When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the backlight function. Recording – Basics BACK LIGHT Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK mode for DCR-IP55 (MEMORY mode for DCR-IP45). The . indicator appears on the screen. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.
Recording a picture Shooting in the dark – NightShot/Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter Using NightShot NightShot enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when you use this function. While your camcorder is in CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK mode for DCR-IP55 (MEMORY mode for DCR-IP45), set NIGHTSHOT to ON. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the screen. To cancel NightShot, set NIGHTSHOT to OFF.
Recording a picture While using NightShot, you cannot use the following functions: – Exposure – Flexible Spot Meter – PROGRAM AE – White balance – HOLOGRAM AF Recording – Basics Notes •Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction. •When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.
Recording a picture Self-timer recording Recording automatically starts in 10 seconds after you set the self-timer. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation. (1) In the standby mode, press FN and select PAGE2 (p. XX). (2) Press SELFTIMER. The (self-timer) indicator appears on the screen. (3) Press START/STOP. The self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last 2 seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts automatically.
Checking the recording– END SEARCH You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record. It is convenient when you want to check the recording or when you make the transition between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record smooth. 1 Recording – Basics (1) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. xx). (2) Press END SCH. The last five seconds of the recorded section are played back and your camcorder returns to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker.
— Playback – Basics — Playing back a tape You can monitor the recorded tape etc. on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel, you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Prepare the power source and insert the recorded tape. Set the POWER switch to VCR. Slide OPEN in the direction of the arrow to open the LCD panel. Press to rewind the tape. to start playback.
Playing back a tape When monitoring on the LCD screen You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out. Playback – Basics If you leave the power on for a long time Your camcorder gets warm. This is not a malfunction. When you open or close the LCD panel Make sure that the LCD panel is set vertically. To display the screen indicators – Display function Press DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.
Playing back a tape Using the Remote Commander Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander in the playback mode. The display changes as follows: date/time t various settings (SteadyShot OFF, exposure, white balance, gain, shutter speed, aperture value) t no indicator Not to display various settings Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. xx).
Playing back a tape Various playback modes To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR. To view a still image (playback pause) • Press during playback. To resume playback, press again. • Press PAUSE on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume normal playback, press PAUSE again. • Press in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press . • Press FF on the Remote Commander in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press PLAY.
Playing back a tape Video control buttons on the LCD screen To play back or pause a tape To stop a tape To rewind a tape To fastforward a tape When the playback pause mode lasts for five minutes Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press PLAY on the Remote Commander. or Slow playback Slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder. However, this function does not work for an output signal from the i.LINK (MICROMV) jack.
Viewing the recording on TV Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback pictures on the TV screen. You can operate the playback control buttons in the same way as when you view playback pictures on the LCD screen. When viewing the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC adaptor (p. xx). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV.
Viewing the recording on TV If your TV or VCR is a monaural type Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the white or red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the white plug, the sound is an L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is an R (right) signal. If your TV has an S video jack Connect using the S video plug to faithfully obtain original pictures.
— Advanced Recording Operations — Recording still images in the CAMERA mode You can record still images on a "Memory Stick" in the CAMERA mode. Before operation Insert a "Memory Stick" into your camcorder. 1 CAMERA MEMORY NET WORK (CHG) OFF ON VCR MODE Advanced Recording Operations (1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still image appears. The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet.
Recording still images in the CAMERA mode Notes • Do not shake or strike your camcorder when you record still images. The image may fluctuate. • You cannot record still images on a "Memory Stick" during following operations: – Wide mode – Fader – Picture effect – Digital effect – Super NightShot – Color Slow Shutter – END SEARCH – MEMORY MIX “Memory Stick” For details, see xx for more information. Image size of still images Image size is automatically set to 640 × 480.