2-178-348-11(1) Operating Instructions Read this first Digital HD Video Camera Recorder HDR-FX1 © 2004 Sony Corporation
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. 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.
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.
• 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. • Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
Table of Contents 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 ................
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 ....................................
Advanced operations Using the Menu Troubleshooting Troubleshooting .................................83 Warning indicators and messages .....88 Selecting menu items .........................51 Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – STDYSHOT TYP/FRAME REC, etc. ...............................................52 Additional Information Using the (AUDIO SET) menu – AUDIO MIX, etc. ........................56 HDV format and recording/playback ..91 Using the (LCD/VF SET) menu – LCD COLOR, etc. .....................
Quick Start Guide Recording movies 1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder. To charge the battery, see page 11. Press the battery pack and slide it down. Battery Pack 2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder. a Slide the OPEN/ EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow to open the lid. The cassette compartment comes out automatically. OPEN/EJECT 8 lever Quick Start Guide b Insert the cassette with its window-side facing out, then push the center of the back of the cassette.
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. Quick Start Guide 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.
Getting started Wireless Remote Commander (1) Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder. A/V connecting cable (1) The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) Component video cable (1) Power cord (1) Lens hood (1) This is attached to your camcorder. Shoe adaptor (1) To attach it to your camcorder, see page 104.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack 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. You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to your camcorder. Getting started 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.
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 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.
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.) Battery pack NP-F570 (supplied) 260 NP-F770 370 NP-F970 485 Recording time Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).
• 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.
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder Adjusting the LCD panel Getting started 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. 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.
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. Large eyecup (supplied) Step 5: Setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time.
3 Press MENU. CAMERA SET WB PRESET AE RESPONSE GA I N SETUP SHOT TRANS STEADYSHOT STDYSHOT TYP FLCKR REDUCE [ MENU ] : END 4 b Note • Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder. 1 OTHERS RETURN ASS I GN BTN CLOCK SET WORLD T I ME LANGUAGE BEEP REC LAMP FORMAT LAMP [ MENU ] : END 5 You can use mini DV cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as writeprotection), see page 91.
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side facing out. Window-side 3 Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly. Step 7: Setting the screen language You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen. Press on the cassette compartment. POWER switch The cassette compartment automatically slides back in. 4 Close the lid. To eject the cassette 1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette compartment automatically comes out.
5 Select [LANGUAGE] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial. 0:00:00 LANGUAGE ENGLISH ENG [ S I MP ] FRANÇA I S ESPAÑOL PORTUGUÊS [ MENU ] : END Select the desired language by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial. 7 Press MENU to hide the menu screen. Getting started 6 z Tip • Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.
Recording 3 Recording movies 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. 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.
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. HOLD lever 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.
• 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. 1 Set the ZOOM switch to LEVER/ REMOTE.
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.
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.
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). • You cannot use the back light function if 2 or more items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.
the same lighting condition as that of the subject. Adjusting the white balance 5 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.
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 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.
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. To restore automatic adjustment Press IRIS, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK.
1 2 During recording or in the standby mode, set the AUTO LOCK switch to the center position to release the auto lock mode. Press GAIN. The current gain value appears. 3 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. Set the GAIN switch to the desired position. Recording 3 gain levels (H, M, L) are available.
To restore automatic adjustment Press SHUTTER SPEED, or set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK. If [ND2] flashes Set the ND FILTER switch to 2 to turn on [ND2]. b Note • If you set the AUTO LOCK switch to AUTO LOCK, other manually adjusted items (iris, gain, white balance) also become temporarily automatic. If [ND OFF] flashes Set the ND FILTER switch to OFF to turn off the indicator. z Tip • It is difficult to focus automatically at a lower shutter speed.
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+]. 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.
Adjusting the focus 1 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 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 • For easier focusing, use peaking together with the expanded focus. Recording 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.
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.
Adjustment Item Adjustment [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 [CINEFRAME] [CINEFRAME 30]: Pictures are recorded with a cinema-like atmosphere.
4 Select [COPY] by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial. 5 Select the number of the picture profile Adjusting the audio recording level – Microphone volume level 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]. You can adjust the microphone volume when recording. Checking the volume with headphones is recommended.
Recording a picture using various features REC START/STOP Developing scenes smoothly – Shot transition SHOT A Recording 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.
Recording using the Shot transition function 1 Press STORE/CHECK/EXEC Fading in and out of a scene – FADER 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. 1 2 0 min REC SHOT TRANS You can add the following effects to currently recording pictures.
2 Press REC START/STOP. The FADER indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fade is complete. Press the ASSIGN button assigned to the index function. When pressed during recording appears for about 7 seconds and an index signal is recorded. 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 in 16:9 wide rec mode * The playback picture may look different depending on the TV connected. 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. On the LCD screen or viewfinder screen On a 4:3 TV screen* 1 In the standby mode, press MENU.
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec Review You can view a few seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape. Recording 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 3 Press m (rewind) to go to the point you want to view. 4 Press N (play) to start 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). To adjust the volume Adjust the volume by pressing VOLUME – (decrease) / + (increase).
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 miniDV players. • Recording mode (SP or LP) appears when a tape recorded in the DV format is played back. Playing back in various modes Keep on pressing M (fast forward) or m (rewind) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.
Various playback functions You can locate the end of the last recording, or display the date of recording and camera settings data. 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.
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. 6 0 min 0: 00: 00 60 min HDV1080i AUTO F 1 .7 6 dB 100 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.
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 When you have an S video jack on your TV or VCR TV S video cable (optional) A/V connecting cable (supplied) Yellow White Red Green Component video cable (supplied) Blue i.
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.
Viewing the picture on a 16:9 TV or a 4:3 TV When you have an S video jack on your TV or VCR TV or VCR S video cable (optional) A/V connecting cable (supplied) Yellow White Red Green Component video cable (supplied) Blue Signal flow 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.
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.
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 • The Date search will not function correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.
BAdvanced operations IN/OUT REC (p. 59) OTHERS (p. 62) Using the Menu OTHERS RETURN ASS I GN BTN CLOCK SET WORLD T I ME LANGUAGE BEEP REC LAMP FORMAT LAMP [ MENU ] : END Selecting menu items You can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen. 4 STBY 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.
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.
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.
STEADYSHOT GON OFF ( Select to activate the SteadyShot function. You can select the type of the SteadyShot function in [STDYSHOT TYP]. ) 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).
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 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. Using the Menu b Note • The center marker and its position do not affect the adjustment, setting, or recording in any way.
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.
WIND 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 (LCD/VF SET) menu – LCD COLOR, etc. power mode of your camcorder. The screen shows the items you can operate at the moment. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 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 LCD / VF SET RETURN LCD COLOR LCD BL LEVEL VF B .
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.
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. GHDV1080i ( ) Select to record in the HDV1080i specification. DV ( Select to record in the DV format. ) 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 GSP ( SP ) Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a tape.
• 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. G16:9 Select to view your pictures on a 16:9 wide TV. The recorded pictures will appear as follows: When HDV pictures are played back 4:3 When DV pictures are played back Select to view your pictures on a 4:3 standard TV.
Using the (OTHERS) menu – CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME, 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 operate at the moment. Unavailable items will be grayed out. 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.
REC LAMP 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. FORMAT LAMP Select to turn on the format lamp.
REMAINING 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.
Customizing Personal Menu 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. 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.
4 Select a menu category by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial. 1 2 0 min STBY Se l ec t t he i t em. RETURN WB PRESET AE RESPONSE GA I N SETUP SHOT TRANS STEADYSHOT STDYSHOT TYP [ P–MENU ] : END 5 2 0:00:00 1 2 0 min STBY P–MENU SETUP RETURN ADD DELETE SORT RESET 3 The available items vary depending on the power mode of the camcorder. Only the available items are displayed.
Arranging the order of menus displayed on Personal Menu – Sort 5 1 2 0 min STBY 0:00:00 Se l ec t new l oca t i on. 1 SHOT TRANS 2 ASS I GN BTN 3 REC FORMAT 4 WB PRESET 5 GA I N SETUP 6 AE RESPONSE 7 ZEBRA LEVEL [ P–MENU ] : END You can sort the menus added to Personal Menu in the desired order. 1 Press P-MENU. 1 2 0 min STBY P–MENU END SHOT TRANS ASS I GN BTN REC FORMAT AE RESPONSE WB PRESET GA I N SETUP [ P–MENU ] : END 2 0:00:00 6 Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.
3 Select [RESET] by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial. 1 2 0 min RESET STBY 0:00:00 I n i t i a l i ze CAMERA m o d e ' s P–MENU s e t t i n g ? YES NO [ P–MENU ] : END 4 Select [YES] by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial. 1 2 0 min RESET STBY 0:00:00 A r e yo u s u r e ? YES NO 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.
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. Using 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.
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). Player HDV/DV jack Recorder i.
To dub to a DV device Connect your camcorder to a VCR using an i.LINK cable (optional). i.LINK compatible devices i.LINK jack HDV/DV jack i.LINK cable (optional) Signal flow Dubbing/Editing 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.
To dub to an AV device Connect your camcorder to a VCR using the A/ V connecting cable (supplied). When you have an S video jack on your VCR * S video cable (optional) VCRs Yellow AUDIO/VIDEO jack Signal flow White 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.
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. 5 Dubbing/Editing Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your VCR for details.
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). Player Recorder HDV/DV jack HDV/DV jack i.
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.
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.
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. • 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.
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. Dubbing sound to a recorded tape Preparing for audio dubbing Audio device (such as CD/MD players) Internal microphone Audio output jacks Do not connect the Video plug (yellow).
– 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.
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 80 Press MENU to hide the menu screen.
(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.
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.
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 88 for details. Overall operations Cause and/or Corrective Actions The power does not turn on.
Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem the battery pack is being charged. 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.
LCD screen/viewfinder 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 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 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.
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. 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.
Warning messages If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details. 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.
Additional Information On HDV compatible TVs Using your camcorder abroad 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. 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.
HDV format and recording/playback Notes on cassette tapes To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set to SAVE. 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.
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. Gold-plated connector b Note • Your camcorder is not compatible with Cassette Memory. are trademarks. HDV and are trademarks of Sony Corporation and JVC.
• • • • – 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.
About i.LINK The i.LINK Interface on this unit is an i.LINKcompliant 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. 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.
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 airconditioned car or room into a hot place outside.
• 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. 2 Remove dust from inside the viewfinder and the part shown below with a blower. 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).
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 ca
General Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F570) 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.
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.
A Hook for the shoulder strap W SHUTTER SPEED button (p. 29) B Zoom ring (p. 23) C Focus ring (p. 32) * 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. D FOCUS switch (AUTO/MAN (manual)/ INFINITY) (p. 32) To attach the shoulder strap E ZOOM switch (p. 22) Attach the shoulder strap supplied with your camcorder to the hooks for the shoulder strap. F ND FILTER switch (1/2/OFF) (p. 30) G PUSH AUTO button (p.
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.
A LANC jack (blue) The LANC control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video device and peripherals connected to it. B 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) G Tripod receptacle Make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).
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. To remove the lens hood Loosen the lens hood fixing screw, then turn the lens hood in the direction of the arrow. B Lens hood (p. 20) C OPEN/EJECT lever (p. 17) D Cassette compartment lid (p. 17) E Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p.
Remote Commander 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. 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. G REC START/STOP button (p. 20) H DATA CODE button (p.
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 SteadyShot off (p. 54, 68) LCD backlight off (p. 16) Example: Indicators in the CAMERA mode through Time code (p. 44)/Tape counter (p. 44)/ Self-diagnosis (p. 88) 1 2 0 min HDV1080i STBY 0:00:00 6 0 min Meanings Picture Profile (p. 34) Index recording (p. 39) 4-channel microphone recording standard (p.
Index Numerics 16:9 wide recording (DV WIDE REC) ................40 COLOR LEVEL................ 34 COLOR PHASE................ 34 COMPONENT .................. 60 Component video cable...................... 46, 48 Computer connection ........ 77 Customizing Personal Menu ........................... 65 A A/V connecting cable .......47, 48, 72, 75, 78, 81 AC Adaptor........................14 AE RESPONSE .................52 AE SHIFT ..........................35 AGC LIMIT .......................35 Aperture ...
NTSC................................. 90 O Operation confirmation beep See BEEP P 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 R Rec review.........................
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