3-088-340-12(1) Camera Operations Guide [GB] Camera Operations Guide Read this first Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-HC30E/HC40E © 2004 Sony Corporation
Read this first FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. ATTENTION WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. “Memory Stick” N-50 The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.
Notes on 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.
• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
Table of Contents : Features available for tape only. : Features available for “Memory Stick Duo” only. Read this first ............................................................................................. 2 Quick Start Guide Recording movies .................................................................................... 10 Recording still images .............................................................................. 12 Recording/Playing back with ease ................................
Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 37 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 37 Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter .......................... 38 Adjusting the exposure manually .............................................................................. 38 Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc. ......................................
Advanced operations Using the Menu Selecting menu items ........................ 62 Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – PROGRAM AE/WHITE BAL./16:9 WIDE, etc. .................................... 64 Using the (MEMORY SET) menu – BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc. ............................................... 70 Using the (PICT. APPLI.) menu – PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/ FRAME REC/INTERVAL REC/INT. REC–STL, etc. ............................. 74 Connecting to a VCR or TV ...............
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ...............................112 Warning indicators and messages ...120 Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad ..........124 Usable cassette tapes .....................124 About the “Memory Stick” ................126 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ................................128 About i.LINK .....................................130 Maintenance and precautions ..........131 Specification ....................................
Quick Start Guide Recording movies 1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 16. Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. 2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder. a Slide the OPEN/ b Insert the cassette with ZEJECT lever in the direction of the arrow to open the lid. The cassette compartment comes out automatically.
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 22. a Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. b Open the LCD panel. Quick Start Guide c While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down to light up the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. The power turns on. d Press REC START/ STOP. Recording starts. To change to standby mode, press REC START/STOP again. You can also use REC START/STOP of the LCD panel.
Recording still images 1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 16. Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. 2 Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into the camcorder. Insert it so that the b mark is at the bottom left corner. Push in until it clicks.
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 22. a Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. b Open the LCD panel. Quick Start Guide c While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up. The power turns on. d Press PHOTO lightly. A short beep sound is heard when the focus is adjusted. e Press PHOTO fully.
Recording/Playing back with ease By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback. Press EASY when recording/ playing back. EASY lights up in blue (1) and screen font size increases (2) during Easy Handycam operation. Easy Handycam operation ON For details, see instructions for each operation.
Getting started A/V connecting cable (1) Step 1: Checking supplied items USB cable (1) Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about half the size of a standard “Memory Stick,” in your camcorder. See page 126 for details.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack 1 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. 2 With the v mark on the DC plug facing down, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder. You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) to your camcorder. b Notes • You cannot use batteries other than the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p. 128).
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. To check the remaining battery – Battery Info DSPL/BATT INFO CHG CHG (charge) lamp Getting started POWER switch 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.
Charging time For DCR-HC30E: 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.) Battery pack Typical* recording time NP-FP50 (supplied) 120 65 NP-FP50 (supplied) 125 NP-FP70 255 140 NP-FP70 155 NP-FP90 455 250 NP-FP90 220 Recording time when recording with the LCD screen on Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).
For DCR-HC40E: Battery pack LCD panel opened* LCD panel closed NP-FP50 (supplied) 105 120 NP-FP70 225 255 NP-FP90 400 455 For DCR-HC30E: LCD panel closed NP-FP50 (supplied) 120 140 NP-FP70 255 295 NP-FP90 455 525 * With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON. 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.
Step 3: Turning the power on You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mode to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 22). LENS COVER switch POWER switch 1 Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. 2 While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch down. The power turns on. To enter the recording or playing mode, slide the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp for the desired power mode lights up.
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder Adjusting the LCD panel 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. Maximum 180 degrees touch / , then . z Tips • If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out.
To use the viewfinder during operation When you are recording on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo,” you can adjust the exposure (p. 37) and fader (p. 42) while checking the image on the viewfinder. Have the LCD panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the screen facing out. 1 Set the power mode to CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEMORY (p. 20). 2 Extend the viewfinder, and close the LCD panel with the screen facing out. appears on the screen. 3 Touch . [Set LCD off?] appears on the screen. 4 Touch [YES].
4 Step 6: Inserting the recording media Touch [MENU]. –:––:–– 60min CAMERA SET PROGRAM AE SPOT METER EXPOSURE 5 Inserting a cassette tape OK –:––:–– 60min DISPLAY You can use mini DV cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as writeprotection), see page 124. Getting started Select (TIME/LANGU.) with / , then touch . MENU ROTATE A. SHUT OFF b Note • Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side facing up. Inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” Window-side For details on the “Memory Stick Duo” (such as write-protection), see page 126. b Note • You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo,” which is about half the size of a standard “Memory Stick,” in your camcorder (p. 126). Do not try to force any other type of “Memory Stick” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot. Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly. Access lamp 3 Press .
b Notes • If you force the “Memory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick Duo” slot may be damaged. • Do not insert anything other than a “Memory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot. Doing so may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data from/to the “Memory Stick Duo.
5 Select the desired language with , then touch . / z Tip • Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.
Recording 3 Recording movies Select the recording mode. To record on a tape Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up, and your camcorder is set to the standby mode. You can record movies on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 15 to p. 25). When you are recording on a tape, movies will be recorded along with stereo sound. When you are recording on a “Memory Stick Duo,” the movie will be recorded with monaural sound.
Indicators displayed during recording on a tape Indicators displayed during recording on a “Memory Stick Duo” The indicators will not be recorded on the tape. Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 57) will not be displayed during recording. The indicators will not be recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” Date/time (p. 57) will not be displayed during recording.
• When you are recording on a “Memory Stick Duo” with an external flash (optional) connected to the accessory shoe, turn off the power of the external flash to prevent charging noise being recorded. Recording for a longer time To record for a longer time on a tape In the (STANDARD SET) menu, select [ REC MODE], then [LP] (p. 83). 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.
Extend the viewfinder. 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 in that position of the lever. Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. To record wider range of view Move the power zoom lever towards W. The subject appears farther away (Wide angle). To record closer view Move the power zoom lever towards T. The subject appears closer (Telephoto).
2 Touch [SELF-TIMER]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu. 60min SELF–TIMER: STBY OFF OFF Recording still images – Memory photo recording 0:00:00 You can record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 15 to p. 25). ON PHOTO Touch [ON], then Recording 3 LENS COVER switch . appears. 60min STBY 0:00:00 P-MENU 4 Press REC START/STOP.
4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly. You will hear a light beeping sound when the focus and brightness settings are adjusted. Recording does not start at this point. Indicators displayed during recording 60min 1152 FINE 101 The indicator stops flashing. The number of images that can be recorded.* P-MENU 60min 1152 FINE 30 101 A Recording folder P-MENU *The number of images that can be recorded varies depending on the image quality setting and the recording environment.
Selecting image quality or size For DCR-HC40E: Select the (MEMORY SET) menu, [STILL SET], then [ QUALITY] or [ IMAGE SIZE] (p. 71). For DCR-HC30E: Select the (MEMORY SET) menu, [STILL SET], then [ QUALITY] (p. 71). The image size is set to [640 × 480]. Refer to the following list for the approximate number of pictures that can be recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on your camcorder.
[MENU] and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu. 60min SELF–TIMER: 30 1152 FINE OFF OFF Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo” while recording movies on a tape ON PHOTO 3 Touch [ON], then . appears. 60min 30 1152 FINE 101 P-MENU Press PHOTO fully during tape recording. 4 Press PHOTO. You will hear a beep sound counting down for about 10 seconds (The count down indication begins from 8). The image is recorded. When bars of disappear, the image is recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.
Recording with ease 3 Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up. – Easy Handycam With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are set to automatic mode, only basic functions become available, and screen font size increases for easy viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy recording. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 15 to p. 25) 4 Press EASY. The EASY lights up in blue.
Recording a still image 1 Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. 2 Open the LCD panel. 3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEMORY lamp lights up. Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button. b Notes • You cannot turn Easy Handycam operation on or off during recording. • During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are not available. – LCD BACKLIGHT (p. 21) – BACK LIGHT (p.
For [SELF-TIMER] (in the CAMERAMEMORY mode only) Touch [ON], then . Press PHOTO fully. You will hear a beep sound counting down for about 10 seconds. When the bars of disappear, the image is recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” Adjusting the exposure The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting. Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects Recording When your subject has its back to the sun or other light, you can adjust the exposure to prevent the subject from becoming shadowed.
Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background (such as subjects in the limelight on stage). 1 Touch during recording or in the standby mode. 2 Touch [SPOT METER]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu.
4 Adjust the exposure by touching (dim)/ (bright), then touch 60min STBY . Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc. 0:00:00 P-MENU Follow steps 1 and 2, then select [AUTO] in step 3. Recording To return the setting to automatic exposure You can record subjects in dark places (such as when capturing the face of your baby sleeping) with the NightShot plus, Super NightShot plus or Color Slow Shutter function.
2 Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON. and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear. 3 Touch . 4 Touch [SUPER NSPLUS]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu. 5 Touch [ON], then . and [“SUPER NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear. To cancel Super NightShot plus, follow steps 3 and 4, then select [OFF] in step 5. Or, set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF.
Adjusting the focus The focus is adjusted automatically in the default setting. Adjusting the focus for an offcenter subject – SPOT FOCUS 1 Touch during recording or in the standby mode. 2 Touch [SPOT FOCUS]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (CAMERA SET) menu. SPOT FOCUS STBY Follow steps 1 and 2, then touch [AUTO] in step 3. Or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 41).
3 Recording a picture using various effects Touch [MANUAL]. 9 appears. 4 Touch focus. or to sharpen the : To focus on close subjects. : To focus on distant subjects. 9 changes to when the focus cannot be adjusted any further. 9 changes to when the focus cannot be adjusted any closer. 60min FOCUS: AUTO STBY MANUAL POWER switch MANUAL OK Tips for focusing manually • It is easier to focus on the subject when you use the zoom function.
[OVERLAP] (fade in only) 4 Touch the desired effect, then touch . When you touch [OVERLAP], [WIPE] or [DOT FADER], the image on the tape in your camcorder is stored as a still image. (While storing the image, the screen turns to blue.) [WIPE] (fade in only) 60min STBY 0:00:00 MOSAIC FADER [DOT FADER] (fade in only) P-MENU 1 Slide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA-TAPE mode. 2 Touch in the standby mode (to fade in) or during recording (to fade out). 3 Recording 5 Press REC START/STOP.
4 Touch [MENU]. 5 Select (PICT. APPLI.), then [ OVERLAP] by touching / and . The recorded image appears on the thumbnail screen. 6 Touch (previous)/ (next) to select the still image to be superimposed. 7 Touch [ON], then . 8 Touch . 9 Press REC START/STOP to start recording. [M. OVRLAP] stops flashing, and disappears when fading is finished. Using special effects effect – Digital [SLOW SHUTTR] (slow shutter) You can slow down the shutter speed.
Items to adjust [STILL] The degree of transparency of the still image you want to superimpose on a movie. [FLASH] The interval of frame-byframe playback. [LUMI. KEY] The color scheme of the area in the still image which is to be swapped with a movie. [TRAIL] The fade time of the incidental image. [SLOW SHUTTR]* Shutter speed (1 is 1/25, 2 is 1/12, 3 is 1/6, 4 is 1/3). [OLD MOVIE] No adjustment necessary. * It is hard to adjust the focus automatically when you choose this effect.
[MTCAM CHROMA] (Memory Chroma key) You can have the movie swap into the blue area of a still image such as an illustration or into a frame with a blue area enclosed by the frame. 6 The still image is superimposed on the movie which is currently displayed on the LCD screen. Movie Still image Touch the desired effect.
• When you use the MEMORY MIX function in the mirror mode (p. 30), the picture on the LCD screen appears normally, without being mirror-reversed. • You may not be able to play back pictures modified on your computer or recorded with other camcorders on your camcorder. Searching for the starting point z Tip • The supplied SPVD-012 USB Driver CD-ROM contains sample images for use in MEMORY MIX operations. Refer to the supplied “Computer Applications Guide” for details.
3 Touch 3 . 60min END SEARCH 1 0:00:00 EXECUTING CANCEL Appears only with a cassette with Cassette Memory The last scene of the most recent recording is played back for about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where the last recording has finished. To cancel the operation Touch [CANCEL]. b Note • The END SEARCH function will not work correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.
Playback 3 Viewing movies recorded on a tape Make sure you have a recorded cassette inserted into your camcorder. Some of the operations are possible using the Remote Commander or using the touch panel. When you want to play back recordings on your TV, see page 59. Touch (rewind) to go to the point you want to view. 60min 0:00:00:00 60min P-MENU 4 Touch (play) to start playback. Playback To adjust the volume 1 Touch . 2 Touch [VOLUME]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / .
Indicators displayed during tape playback To resume fast forwarding or rewinding, release the button. To play back in various modes 60min 0:00:00:15 60min You will not hear the recorded sound. Also, you may see mosaic-like images of the previously played picture remaining on the screen. 1 During playback or playback pause, touch .
Viewing recordings with added effects – Digital effect You can apply [STILL], [FLASH], [LUMI. KEY], and [TRAIL] effects when viewing recorded pictures. For details on each effect, see page 44. To cancel Digital effect Follow steps 2 to 4, then select [OFF] in step 5. b Note • You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited with digital effects via the DV Interface.
Viewing recordings on a “Memory Stick Duo” You can view pictures one at a time on the screen. When you have a lot of pictures, you can list them to search through them easily. Make sure you have a recorded “Memory Stick Duo” inserted into your camcorder. When you want to play back a recorded picture on your TV, see page 59. 3 Touch . The most recently recorded picture appears on the screen. 60min 101–0001 1152 1 / 10 101 MEMORY PLAY P-MENU 4 Touch (previous)/ select a picture.
Indicators displayed during “Memory Stick Duo” playback with short cuts on the Personal Menu. In order to use other menu items, add them to the Personal Menu. z Tip • Once you record a picture in a folder, the same folder will be set as the default folder for playback. You can select a playback folder in the menu (p. 73). 60min 101–0010 1152 10 / 10 101 0:00:00 Playing back in various modes from a “Memory Stick Duo” P-MENU Using the screen in step 4 in “Viewing recordings on a “Memory Stick Duo”” (p.
To return to the single display mode, touch the picture that you want to display. To view pictures in other folders in the index screen 1 Touch . 2 Touch . 3 Touch [PB FOLDER]. 4 Select a folder with / , then touch . Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam Easy Handycam operation allows easy playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for playback. Also screen font size increases for easy viewing.
3 3 Press EASY. The EASY lights up in blue. 4 Play back pictures. When playing back on a tape The following buttons can be operated. (play/pause)/ (fast forward)/ (stop)/ (rewind) You can operate these operations and SLOW y on the Remote Commander. To cancel Easy Handycam operation Press EASY again. b Note • You cannot turn Easy Handycam operation on or off during communication with another device via USB cable.
Various playback functions 3 Touch [MENU]. 4 Select (PICT. APPLI.), then [PB ZOOM] by touching / and touch . You can magnify a small subject in a recording and display it on the screen. You can also display the recorded date and the name of the folder in which the picture is recorded. Tape playback zoom screen PB ZOOM 0:00:00:00 Play back the image.
z Tip • If you press DSPL/BATT INFO during the playback zoom operation, the frame will disappear. 3 Touch [DATA CODE]. If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch / . If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the (STANDARD SET) menu. Displaying the screen indicators 60min DATA CODE: 0:00:00:00 OFF OFF You can choose to display the time code, tape counter, and other information on the screen. DATE/ TIME CAMERA DATA Press DSPL/BATT INFO.
E Shutter speed F Aperture value * Appears only during tape playback b Note • Camera setting data do not appear when movies on a “Memory Stick Duo” are played back. z Tips • Exposure adjustment value (0EV) appears when a “Memory Stick Duo” is played back. • appears for the picture recorded using an external flash (optional).
Playing the picture on a TV A/V jack Connect your camcorder to a TV using the supplied A/V connecting cable as shown in the following illustration. Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall socket for the power supply (p. 16). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. To copy to another tape, see page 93.
Locating a scene on a tape for playback Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory m REW 4 Press PLAY. The playback starts from the point designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter. To cancel the operation Press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander again. b Notes • 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.
3 Press .(previous)/> (next) on the Remote Commander to select a title that you want to play. 1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. Playback starts automatically from the selected title. 2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote Commander repeatedly to select [DATE SEARCH]. 3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on the Remote Commander to select a recording date.
BAdvanced operations 4 Using the Menu Select the icon of the desired menu with / , then touch . CAMERA SET (p. 64) MEMORY SET (p. 70) PICT. APPLI. (p. 74) EDIT/PLAY (p. 79) STANDARD SET (p. 83) TIME/LANGU. (p. 88) Selecting menu items You can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen. 60min 0:00:00:00 TITLE ERASE TAPE TITLE ALL ERASE REC MODE AUDIO MODE VOLUME MULTI SOUND 5 POWER switch 1 Turn on the power (p. 20).
6 Select the desired setting. changes to . If you decide not to change the setting, touch to return to the previous screen. 60min REMOTE CTRL: OFF ON 0:00:00:00 OFF OK 7 Touch screen. , then to hide the menu You can also touch (return) to go back a screen each time you touch the button. Using the Menu To use the short-cuts of the Personal Menu The available items vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. Unavailable items will be grayed out. You can customize the short-cuts (p. 89).
Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – PROGRAM AE/WHITE BAL./16:9 WIDE, etc. You can select items listed below on the CAMERA SET menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). 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 currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out.
* Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance. **Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects. b Note • [SPORTS] (sports lesson) will not work when the POWER switch is set to CAMERAMEMORY. SPOT METER See page 38 for details. EXPOSURE See page 38 for details. WHITE BAL. You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment.
b Notes • You cannot use the white balance together with the NightShot plus, or Super NightShot plus function. • The setting returns to [AUTO] when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes. z Tips • For better color balance adjustment when [WHITE BAL.] is set to [AUTO], aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds after setting the POWER switch to CAMERA-TAPE when: – You remove the battery pack for replacement.
AUTO DCR-HC40E: Select to trigger the flash (optional) automatically. The flash goes off prematurely to reduce the red-eye phenomenon. b Note • DCR-HC40E: If the flash is not capable of preventing the red-eye phenomenon, you can select only [ON] or [AUTO]. FLASH LEVEL You can select an appropriate flash setting for recording with an external flash (optional). HIGH ( ) GNORMAL ( LOW ( ) Select to make the flash level higher than the standard setting. ) Standard setting.
DIGITAL ZOOM You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 times while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality decreases when you are using the digital zoom. This function is useful when recording enlarged pictures of a distant subject, such as a bird. The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming zone. The zooming zone appears when you select the zooming level. GOFF Select to deactivate the digital zoom.
STEADYSHOT You can select this function to compensate for camera-shake. GON OFF ( Standard setting (enable the SteadyShot function). ) Select to deactivate the SteadyShot function. Select to shoot a stationary subject with a tripod, or when using a conversion lens (optional). Natural pictures are produced.
Using the (MEMORY SET) menu – BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc. setting is selected. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min You can select items listed below on the MEMORY SET menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). The default settings are marked with G.
QUALITY GFINE ( ) Select to record still images with the fine image quality (compressed to about 1/4). STANDARD ( ) Select to record still images with the standard image quality (compressed to about 1/10). IMAGE SIZE For DCR-HC40E: G1152 × 864 ( ) Select to record still images for playing on a large screen. This setting can be selected only in the CAMERA-MEMORY mode. 640 × 480 ( ) Select to record many still images or for playing on a small screen.
b Notes • The folder will not be deleted even when you delete all the pictures in the folder. • Do not do any of the following while [ Erasing all data...] is displayed: – Move the POWER switch to select other power modes. – Operate any buttons. – Eject the “Memory Stick Duo.” FORMAT The supplied or newly purchased “Memory Stick Duo” has been formatted at the factory, and does not require formatting. For details on the “Memory Stick Duo,” see page 126. 1 Touch [YES] twice.
REC FOLDER As the default setting, pictures are saved in the 101MSDCF folder. You can select a folder to save your pictures. Create new folders from the [NEW FOLDER] menu, then select the folder to be used for recording with / and touch . When you have a lot of pictures, you can search for the desired picture easily when you sort them in folders. PB FOLDER Select the playback folder with / , then touch .
Using the (PICT. APPLI.) menu – PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/FRAME REC/ INTERVAL REC/INT. REC–STL, etc. You can select items listed below on the PICT. APPLI. menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). 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 currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out.
PASTEL Select to record the picture looking like a pale pastel drawing. (This effect is not available during playback.) MOSAIC Select to record picture appearing mosaicpatterned. (This effect is not available during playback.) b Note • You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited with Picture effects via the DV Interface. z Tip • You can copy pictures edited using picture effects to a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 95) or to another tape (p. 93).
To cancel the slide show, touch [END]. To pause, touch [PAUSE]. z Tips • You can select the first picture for the slide show by touching / before touching [START]. • If movies are played in the slide show, you can adjust the volume by touching (decrease)/ (increase). FRAME REC You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately frame recording and then moving the subject a little. Operate your camcorder using the Remote Commander to prevent camera shake.
INTERVAL REC You can record pictures on a tape at a selected interval, when you record flowers blooming, etc. Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation. [a] [a] [b] [b] a: [REC TIME] b: [INTERVAL] 1 Touch . 2 Touch [INTERVAL]. 3 Select a desired interval time (30 seconds, 1, 5 or 10 minutes), then touch . Touch [REC TIME]. Select a desired recording time (0.5, 1, 1.5 or 2 seconds), then touch . Touch [END]. Touch [ON], then GOFF .
INT. REC-STL This function is useful to observe the movement of clouds or the change of daylight. Your camcorder will shoot a still image at a selected interval and record it on a “Memory Stick Duo.” [a] [a] [b] [a] [b] a: Shooting time b: Interval 1 Touch . 2 Select a desired interval time (1, 5, or 10 minutes), then touch 3 Touch [ON], then touch . GOFF ON ( 4 Touch . To deactivate interval recording. ) To record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo” in the selected interval. . flashes.
Using the (EDIT/ PLAY) menu – TITLE/ power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min 0:00:00:00 TAPE TITLE, etc. You can select items listed below on the EDIT/ PLAY menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). The default settings are marked with G. The settings you can adjust vary depending on the EDIT/PLAY VAR. SPD PB REC CTRL AUD DUB CTRL OK VAR. SPD PB See page 50 for details.
BURN VCD When your camcorder is connected to a personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape on a CD-R (Direct Access to Video CD Burn) using this command. See the supplied “Computer Applications Guide” for details. END SEARCH EXEC Select to activate the END SEARCH function. The most recently recorded picture is played back for about 5 seconds and then stops automatically. CANCEL Select to stop the END SEARCH function.
3 Touch to move s to select the next character, and enter the character in the same manner. 4 When you have finished entering characters, touch 2 Touch 3 Touch . . (color), / (position), [SIZE] as necessary to select a desired color, position or size. Color white t yellow t violet t red t cyan t green t blue Position You can select from 8 to 9 choices. Size small y large (You can only select the small size when you are entering more than 13 characters.) 4 Touch . 5 Touch [SAVE].
TITLE DISP You can view the title when you play back the picture. GON Select to display the title when a scene superimposed with a title appears. OFF Select when you do not want to display the title. TAPE TITLE You can label a cassette with Cassette Memory (up to 10 letters). The label will be displayed for approximately 5 seconds when you select the CAMERA-TAPE mode and insert a cassette, or when you select the PLAY/EDIT mode.
The default settings are marked with G. The Using the (STANDARD SET) menu – REC MODE/MULTISOUND/AUDIO MIX/USB-CAMERA, etc. 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 currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 60min You can select the items listed below on the STANDARD SET menu. To select these items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62).
b Notes • 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. 106). b Notes • You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode.
b Notes • When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. • When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during recording. 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. GOFF ON ( Select when not using the Digital convert function.
DATA CODE GOFF Select not to display date, time and the camera settings data during playback. DATE/TIME Select to display the date and time during playback (p. 57). CAMERA DATA Select to display the camera settings data during playback (p. 57). REMAINING GAUTO Select to display the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds: • After you select the CAMERA-TAPE mode with the cassette inserted, and your camcorder calculates the remaining amount of tape. • When you touch (play/pause).
NORMAL Select to sound a beep instead of the melody. OFF Select to cancel the melody, the beep sound, the shutter sound or touch panel operation confirmation beep. GLCD PANEL Select to show the displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder. V-OUT/PANEL Select to show the displays such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the viewfinder. DISPLAY b Note • You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DSPL/BATT INFO while [VOUT/PANEL] is selected.
Using the (TIME/ LANGU.) menu – CLOCK SET/ The settings you can adjust vary depending on the power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can currently operate. Unavailable items will be grayed out. WORLD TIME, etc. You can select items listed below on the TIME/ LANGU. menu. To select items, see “Selecting menu items” (p. 62). 60min STBY 0:00:00 TIME/LANGU. CLOCK SET WORLD TIME LANGUAGE OK CLOCK SET You can set the date and time (p. 22).
Customizing Personal Menu 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. 3 60min STBY Select the category. END OK 4 60min Select the item. END OK 5 Touch / then touch STBY MENU EXPO– SURE FADER FOCUS SPOT FOCUS SPOT METER 0:00:00 60min STBY P–MENU SET UP NO Touch [YES]. The menu is added to the end of the list. Touch [P-MENU SET UP].
The selected menu is deleted from Personal Menu. Deleting menu – Delete 6 1 Touch 60min 1/3 2 . 0:00:00 STBY MENU EXPO– SURE FADER FOCUS SPOT FOCUS SPOT METER If the desired menu is not displayed on the screen, touch / until the menu is displayed. b Note • You cannot delete [MENU] and [P-MENU SET UP]. You can sort the menus added to Personal Menu in the desired order. 1 0:00:00 Touch 60min END ADD DELETE SORT RESET 1/3 3 Touch [DELETE]. 60min STBY Select button to delete.
4 Touch the menu item you want to move. 60min STBY Select new location. 1 2 MENU 3 5 5 SPOT FOCUS 0:00:00 60min STBY P–MENU SET UP 3 FADER 4 SPOT FOCUS 6 SPOT METER FOCUS 1/3 5 EXPO– SURE 3 RESET Touch [RESET]. 60min RESET END 0:00:00 STBY Initialize CAMERA-TAPE mode's P-MENU setting? YES OK . To sort more items, repeat steps 4 to 6. 7 SORT 4 Touch [YES]. 60min RESET Touch [END].
Dubbing/Editing You can record the picture from a VCR or TV to a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted into your camcorder (p. 94). You can also create a copy of the picture recorded on your camcorder on other recording device (p. 93). Connect your camcorder to a TV or VCR as shown in the following illustration. Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation. Connecting to a VCR or TV Connecting with an i.LINK cable DV Interface i.LINK cable (optional) i.
To use an i.LINK cable for connection Use an i.LINK cable (optional) to connect your camcorder to other device via the DV Interface. The video and sound signals are transmitted digitally, producing high quality pictures. Note that you cannot record the picture and sound separately. For details, see page 130. Dubbing to another tape You can copy and edit the picture played back on your camcorder to other recording devices (such as VCRs). 1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder as a recording device (p. 92).
touch [MENU], and select it from the (EDIT/PLAY) menu (p. 79). 3 Touch [REC PAUSE]. Recording pictures from a VCR or TV You can record and edit pictures or TV programs from a VCR or TV on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted in your camcorder. You can also record a scene as a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Insert a cassette or a “Memory Stick Duo” for recording in your camcorder. If you have connected the A/V connecting cable, select the input signal in [VIDEO INPUT] in the (STANDARD SET) menu (p.
2 Play the video, or receive the TV program you want to record. The pictures on the VCR or TV appear on the screen of your camcorder. 3 Press PHOTO lightly at the scene you want to record. Check the image and press it fully. The image is not recorded unless you press PHOTO fully. Release it if you do not want to record the scene, and select other scene as described above.
6 Touch [REC STOP] at the point you want to stop recording. (stop) to stop tape playback. , then . 7 Touch 8 Touch b Notes • DCR-HC40E: You can record still images fixed to image size [640 × 480]. • The Data code and titles recorded on the tape cannot be recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” The time and date the picture is recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” will be recorded. • The sound is recorded in 32kHz monaural. z Tips • You can also record a movie by pressing REC START/STOP during tape playback.
10Touch , then . b Notes • You cannot dub the index screen. • You may not be able to dub images modified on your computer or recorded with other camcorders on your camcorder. • You cannot dub MPEG movies on the tape. Dubbing selected scenes from a tape – Digital program editing You can select up to 20 scenes (programs) and record them in the desired order to other recording device such as VCRs or to a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted in your camcorder.
connection. The dubbing procedure is easier with the i.LINK connection. 2 8 PROG. EDIT MARK START IN Prepare your VCR. • Insert a cassette for recording. • Set the input selector to input mode if your VCR has one. 3 Touch [OTHER DEVICE]. Prepare your camcorder (playing device). • Insert a cassette for editing. • Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. 0:00:00:00 EDIT UNDO SET TOTAL 0:00:00:00 SCENE 0 END 9 Touch [EDIT SET]. PROG.
To set the [IR SETUP] code [IR SETUP] code list When you connect with an A/V connecting cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code signal to see if your VCR can be operated by your camcorder (infrared ray emitter). The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as the default setting.) Remote sensor Infrared ray emitter VCR 1 Touch , then [IR SETUP]. 2 Select the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR 3 Touch [PAUSEMODE].
Manufacturing company [IR SETUP] code Roadstar 47 SABA 21, 76, 91 Salora 89 Samsung 22, 32, 52, 93, 94 Sanyo 36 Schneider 10, 83, 84 SEG 73 Seleco 47, 74 Sharp 89 Siemens 10, 36 Tandberg 26 Telefunken 91, 92 Thomson 76, 100 Thorn 36, 47 Toshiba 40, 93 Universum 47, 70, 84, 92 W. W. House 47 Watoson 58, 83 Step 2 : Adjusting the synchronization of the VCR Follow the steps below when you are performing digital program edit for the first time to a tape in a VCR.
5 Rewind the tape on your VCR, then play back in slow mode. Recording the selected scenes as programs 5 opening numbers for each [IN] and closing numbers for each [OUT] appear. 6 7 Take a note of the opening number value of each [CUT-IN] and the closing number value of each [CUT-OUT], then calculate the average number value for each [CUT-IN] and [CUTOUT]. When you are performing a digital program edit for the first time to a tape in a VCR, go through the procedures described in Steps 1 and 2 (p.
6 10Touch [MARK OUT]. Touch the desired item. When you are recording on a tape in the VCR Touch [OTHER DEVICE]. PROG. EDIT MARK START IN The ending point of the first program is set, and the lower part of the program mark changes to light blue. PROG. EDIT MARK START IN 0:00:00:00 EDIT UNDO SET 0:00:00:00 EDIT UNDO SET TOTAL 0:00:00:12 SCENE 1 TOTAL 0:00:00:00 SCENE 0 END END When you are recording on a “Memory Stick Duo” 1 Touch [MEMORY STICK]. PROG.
To end Digital program editing Touch [END]. To save a program without using it to record Touch [END] in step 11. The program is stored in memory until the cassette is ejected. To erase programs 1 Follow steps 1 to 6 in “Recording the selected scenes as programs” (p. 101), then touch [UNDO]. 2 Touch [DEL 1MARK] to delete the last set program. Or, touch [ALL ERASE] to erase all the programs. 3 Touch [EXEC]. The programs are deleted. To cancel this operation, touch [CANCEL].
You can record additional audio to the original sound on the tape. You can add sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit mode without erasing the original sound. Dubbing sound to a recorded tape Preparing for audio recording B Intelligent accessory shoe for DCR-HC40E See page 138. Internal microphone AMIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack Microphone (optional) CA/V jack A/V connecting cable (supplied) Do not connect the S video plug (black) and the Video plug (yellow).
you have recorded afterwards is not output from the speaker. Check the sound by using a TV. A green screen. 60min AUD DUB CTRL Recording sound X mark appears on the LCD 0:00:00:00 AUDIO DUB 1 Insert a recorded cassette into your camcorder. 2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. 3 Touch tape. 4 Touch (play/pause) again at the point where you want to start recording the sound.
Checking and adjusting the recorded sound 1 Deleting recorded pictures Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio in “Recording sound” (p. 105). 2 Touch 3 Touch [MENU]. 4 Touch / to select (STANDARD SET), then touch You can delete all or selected pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo.” 1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. 2 Touch . 60min 101–0001 2 / 10 101 MEMORY PLAY . 60min .
To delete pictures on the index screen You can easily search for the picture to be deleted by displaying 6 pictures at once. 1 Slide the POWER switch to select the PLAY/EDIT mode. 2 3 4 5 6 Touch . Touch . Touch . Touch [ DELETE]. Touch the picture you want to delete. appears on the image to be deleted. To display the next or the previous 6 pictures, touch / . 7 Touch . 8 Touch [YES].
5 3 Touch [PROTECT]. Touch . END PROTECT 101–0002 2/ 10 6 101–0002 2/ 10 101 Touch the image that you want to protect. 7 PRO– TECT PR I NT MARK DELETE PB FOLDER OK 5 Touch . END selected image. 101 Touch SET SET - appears on the PROTECT 101–0002 2/ 10 4 101 Touch [PRINT MARK]. . PRINT MARK 8 Touch [END]. 101–0002 2/ 10 To cancel image protection Follow steps 1 to 5, then touch the image to cancel image protection. - disappears from the image.
b Note • Do not mark images on your camcorder if the “Memory Stick Duo” already has some images with the Print mark put on other devices. This may change the information of the images with the Print mark put on the other device. Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) You can easily print still images recorded on your camcorder by using a PictBridge compliant printer, even if you do not have a computer.
6 Select (STANDARD SET), then [USB-PLY/EDT] by touching / and . 7 Select [PictBridge], then touch 8 Touch 9 Connect the USB jack (p. 137) of your camcorder to a printer using the supplied USB cable. Printing . 1 Select the image to be printed by touching (previous image)/ (next image). 2 Touch 3 Select the number of copies to be printed by touching / , then touch . . The location of the USB jack of the printer differs depending on the model.
To print another image Repeat steps 1 to 6. To stop printing Touch [CANCEL] while printing. To finish printing Touch [END] and disconnect the USB cable from your camcorder and printer. Dubbing/Editing b Notes • Do not attempt the following operations when is on the screen. The operations may not be performed properly.
Troubleshooting 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 120 for details. Overall operations 112 Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The power does not turn on.
Batteries/Power sources 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 socket. • The battery charge is completed. (p. 16) The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem the battery pack is being charged.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The Cassette Memory indicator does cClean the gold-plated connector of the cassette. (p. 125) not appear while using a cassette with Cassette Memory. The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. cSet [ REMAINING] to [ON] on the (STANDARD SET) menu to always display the remaining tape indicator. (p. 86) A cassette label is not recorded. cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 124) cErase unnecessary titles when the Cassette Memory is full. (p.
Recording If you are using a “Memory Stick Duo” for recording, refer also to the “Memory Stick Duo” section. (p. 117) Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP. cSlide the POWER switch to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. (p. 20) 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. 125) cThe tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The external flash (optional) does not work. • The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached correctly. • Two or more flashes are attached. Only one external flash can be attached. The flash level cannot be changed. • The flash level cannot be changed during Easy Handycam operation. Flickering or changes in color occurs.
Symptom Noises appear and on the screen. Cause and/or Corrective Actions is displayed • The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your camcorder. This is not a malfunction. (p. 124) “Memory Stick Duo” Cause and/or Corrective Actions Cannot operate functions using the “Memory Stick Duo.” cSet the POWER switch to the CAMERA-MEMORY or PLAY/EDIT mode. (p. 20) c Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder. (p. 24) • The “Memory Stick Duo” was formatted on a personal computer.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions Image protection cannot be applied. cWhen you are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab, release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 126) cPerform the operation again on the index screen. (p. 107) Cannot mark pictures for print. cWhen you are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab, release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The title is not displayed. cSet [ TITLE DISP] to [ON] in the (EDIT/PLAY) menu. (p. 82) • The title cannot be displayed during Easy Handycam operation. The title cannot be deleted. cSet the write-protect tab to REC. (p. 125) The Title search does not work. cEnter a title if there is no title on the tape. (p. 80) cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 124) cSet [ SEARCH] to [ON] in the (EDIT/PLAY) menu. (p.
Warning indicators and messages Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators If indicators appear on the screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details. Indication Cause and/or Corrective Actions C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Selfdiagnosis 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.
Indication Cause and/or Corrective Actions (Warning indicator pertaining to • An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted. incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)* 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. 125).* Fast flashing: • The tape has run out.
Subjects “Memory Stick Duo” Indications Corrective Actions/ References Insert a Memory Stick. cSee page 24. Reinsert the Memory Stick. cReinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a few times. If even then the indicator flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo” might be damaged. Try with another “Memory Stick Duo.” Do not eject the Memory Stick during writing. – This is a read-only Memory Stick. cInsert a writable “Memory Stick Duo.” Incompatible type of Memory Stick.
Subjects Indications Corrective Actions/ References PictBridge compliant printer Cannot print. Check the printer. cSwitch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it. FLASH Charging… Cannot record still images. • You are trying to record a still image while charging the flash (optional). Others Cannot record due to copyright protection. – Cannot add audio. Disconnect the i.LINK cable. cSee page 104. Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot add audio.
Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any countries/ regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz. On TV color systems Your camcorder is a PAL system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, it must be a PAL system-based TV (see following list) with the AUDIO/ VIDEO input jack.
z Tip • The memory capacity of the cassette marked with is 4k bits. Your camcorder can accommodate cassettes having a memory capacity of up to 16k bits. 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. Do not put a label along this border.
About the “Memory Stick” The “Memory Stick” is a new light and small recording media which, despite its size, can store more data than a floppy disk. You can use following types of “Memory Stick” on your camcorder. However, appearance on the list does not guarantee the operation of all types of “Memory Stick Duo” on your camcorder.
• Be careful not to apply excessive force when writing on a memo area on a “Memory Stick Duo.” • Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo adaptor. • When you carry or store a “Memory Stick Duo,” put it in its case. • Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come into contact with the terminal. • Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the “Memory Stick Duo.” • Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick Duo.” • Do not let the “Memory Stick Duo” get wet.
• 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 (P series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. “InfoLITHIUM” P series battery packs have the mark.
• • • • – 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-FP70/FP90 (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-FP70/FP90 (optional). Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) when not recording or playing back on your camcorder.
About i.LINK The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINKcompliant DV 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.
Maintenance and precautions On use and care 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. Otherwise, unplug it from the wall socket. 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.
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 airconditioned 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.
4 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with the corner of the supplied “Memory Stick Duo.” The position of the “×” changes. If you did not press the right spot, start from step 4 again. b Note • You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if you have rotated the LCD panel and set it with the LCD screen facing out. On handling the casing 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).
Specification Video camera recorder System Video recording system 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Still image recording system Exif Ver. 2.2 *1 *1 “Exif” is a file format for still images, established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). Files in this format can have additional information such as your camcorder’s setting information at the time of recording.
DV input/output 4-pin connector LANC jack Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm) USB jack mini-B 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 LCD screen Picture 6.2 cm (2.5 type) Total dot number 123 200 (560 × 220) General AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B 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.
Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls Camcorder 4 5 1 6 7 2 8 9 3 A LCD/Touch panel screen (p. 3, 21) B LCD BACKLIGHT* (p. 21) C REC START/STOP (p. 27, 50) D BACK LIGHT button* (p. 37) E DSPL/BATT INFO button (p. 17) F EASY button (p. 35, 54) G Viewfinder (p. 3, 21) H FOR DCR-HC40E: Connection Lamp The Connection Lamp flashes when USB or i.LINK connection is established with other devices and during demonstration. I Battery pack (p.
8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 A DV Interface B (USB) jack C Jack cover D A/V (audio/video) jack E (LANC) jack (blue) The LANC control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video device and peripherals connected to it. 9 q; qa qs qd qf qg O MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (red) (p. 104) This jack works as an input jack for an external microphone as well as a powersupply jack for a plug-in-power microphone. When the external microphone is connected, it takes precedence.
1 7 2 8 3 4 5 9 q; qa 6 qs A PHOTO button (p. 31) B Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 21) C BATT (battery) release button (p. 16) D CHG (charge) lamp (p. 16) E REC START/STOP (p. 27, 50) F DC IN jack (p. 16) G For DCR-HC40E: Intelligent accessory shoe / shoe cover (p. 104) For DCR-HC30E: Accessory shoe/shoe cover • Remove the shoe cover when you use an accessory. • Extend the viewfinder when you attach or remove the shoe cover or the accessory.
2 3 1 4 A OPEN/ZEJECT lever (p. 23) 3 Use the Strap Belt as shown below. B Strap Belt (p. 3) C Cassette lid (p. 23) D 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. Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap It is useful when you carry your camcorder. 1 Open the hook and loop fastener of the hand pad (1) and remove it from the ring (2).
Remote Commander Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander. To remove the insulation sheet Insulation sheet To change the battery 1 While pressing on the tab, inset your fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery case. Tab A PHOTO button (p. 31) B Memory control buttons (Index*, –/+, Memory playback) (p. 52) C SEARCH M. button* (p. 60, 61) D ./> buttons* (p. 60, 61) 2 Remove the button-type lithium battery.
WARNING Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. b Notes on the Remote Commander • A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used in the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries other than CR2025.
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder Following indicators will appear on the LCD screen and viewfinder to indicate the state of your camcorder. Indicators vary depending on your camcorder model. Indicators This indicator appears when you use video flash light (optional). Example: Indicators in the CAMERA-TAPE mode Frame recording (p. 76) Outputting analog images and sound in digital format (p. 85) Time code (p. 57)/Tape counter (p. 57)/Selfdiagnosis (p. 120)/Picture number (p.
Index Numerics 16:9 WIDE mode ...............68 21-pin adaptor ..............59, 94 A A/V connecting cable .......................59, 92, 104 AC Adaptor........................16 Accessory shoe ................138 Adjusting the viewfinder ...21 Audio dubbing (AUD DUB CTRL) ...................................104 AUDIO MIX..............84, 106 AUDIO MODE ..................83 Auto shut off function (A. SHUT OFF) ..........87 AUTO SHUTTER .............66 B C CALIBRATION ..............
Interval recording (INTERVAL REC)..... 77 J JPEG................................ 126 L LANC .............................. 137 LANGUAGE..................... 88 Language (LANGUAGE) ........... 25 LCD back light (LCD BL LEVEL)...... 84 LCD BACKLIGHT... 21, 136 LCD brightness (LCD BRIGHT).......... 21 LCD COLOR .................... 84 LCD screen.......................... 3 LCD/VF SET .................... 84 LP (Long Play) See Recording mode (REC MODE) Luminance key (LUMI. KEY) .............
T Tape counter ......................28 Telephoto See Zoom Time code ..........................28 Title (Cassette Memory) TAPE TITLE...............82 TITL ERASE ..............81 TITLE..........................80 TITLE DISP ................82 Title search.........................60 TRAIL................................44 TV color systems .............124 U USB Streaming ..................85 USB-CAMERA...........85 USB-PLY/EDT ...........85 Using abroad ....................124 V Video head .................
Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.
