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2-319-641-11(1)
© 2007 Sony Corporation
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/
DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD808E/
DVD908E
Enjoying with your
camcorder
10
Getting Started 19
Recording/Playback
29
Editing 48
Utilizing recording media 57
Customizing your
camcorder
62
Using a Computer 81
Troubleshooting 86
Additional
Information
99
Quick
Reference
112
2
Read this before operating your camcorder
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
The use of optical instruments with this product
will increase eye hazard. Use of controls or
adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
Replace the battery with the specified type only.
Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted
to this equipment for your safety and
convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied
one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362
(i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the
fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony
service station.
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and sound
of this unit.
This product has been tested and found compliant
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8
feet).
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart
the application or disconnect and connect the
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical
& Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the
European Union and other
European countries with
separate collection
systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over
to the applicable collection point for the recycling
of electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you
will help prevent potential negative consequences
for the environment and human health, which
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste
handling of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local Civic
Office, your household waste disposal service or
the shop where you purchased the product.
Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander
WARNING
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
3
If you have any questions about this product, you
may call:
Sony Customer Information Center
1-800-222-SONY (7669).
The number below is for the FCC related matters
only.
Regulatory Information
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Your camcorder is supplied with two
kinds of operations guides.
“Operating Guide” (This manual)
“First Step Guide” for using your
camcorder with the computer connected
(stored on the supplied CD-ROM)
Types of the disc you can use in your
camcorder
You can use the following discs only.
For customers in the U.S.A.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-DVD808E
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-DVD908E
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Notes on use
Continued ,
4
Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)
8cm DVD-RW
8cm DVD+RW
8cm DVD-R
8cm DVD+R DL
Use the discs with marks listed below. See
page 12 for details.
For reliability durability of recording /
playback, we recommend that you use Sony
discs or discs with an
*(for
VIDEO CAMERA) mark for your
camcorder.
b Note
Using a disc other than above may cause the
unsatisfactory recording/playback or you may
not be able to remove the disc from your
camcorder.
* Depending on the place you bought, the disc has
mark.
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use
in your camcorder
You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked
with or
(p. 102).
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your
camcorder.)
“Memory Stick”
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)
• You cannot use any type of memory card
except “Memory Stick Duo.”
Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick
PRO Duo” can be used only with
“Memory Stick PRO” compatible
equipment.
Do not attach a label or the like on a
“Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick
Duo Adaptor.
When using a “Memory Stick Duo”
with “Memory Stick” compatible
equipment
Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor
Using the camcorder
Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
The camcorder is not dustproofed,
dripproofed or waterproofed. See “About
handling of your camcorder” (p. 105).
To prevent discs from being broken or
recorded images from being lost, do not
do the following when either of the
respective lamps of the POWER switch
(p. 23) or the access lamps (p. 26, 28) is
on:
to remove the battery pack or AC
Adaptor from the camcorder.
– to apply mechanical shock or vibration to
the camcorder.
Viewfinder LCD screen
Battery
5
When connecting your camcorder to
another device with a USB cable, be sure
to insert the connector plug in the correct
way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the
terminal will damage the terminal and
may result in a malfunction of your
camcorder.
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-
precision technology, so over 99.99% of
the pixels are operational for effective
use. However, there may be some tiny
black points and/or bright points (white,
red, blue, or green in color) that appear
constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder. These points are normal
results of the manufacturing process and
do not affect the recording in any way.
Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder,
or the lens to direct sunlight for long
periods of time may cause malfunctions.
Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take images of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
On recording
Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the image
and sound are recorded without any
problems. You cannot delete images once
you record them on a DVD-R/DVD+R
DL. Use a DVD-RW/DVD+RW for trial
recording (p. 12).
Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
TV color systems differ depending on the
countries/regions. To view your
recordings on a TV, you need a PAL
system-based TV.
Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
About language setting
The on-screen displays in each local
language are used for illustrating the
operating procedures. Change the screen
language before using your camcorder if
necessary (p. 24).
About this manual
The LCD screens and the viewfinder
images and indicators shown in this
manual were taken with a digital still
camera, and may look different from what
you actually see.
Design and specifications of recording
media and other accessories are subject to
change without notice.
The illustration used in this manual are
based on the model DCR-DVD508E/
DVD908E.
Disc in this Operating Guide refers to 8cm
DVD discs.
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior images.
It adopts the MTF measurement system for
video cameras and offers a quality typical
Black point
White, red, blue or
green point
Continued ,
6
Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)
of a Carl Zeiss Lens. Also, the lens for your
camcorder is T -coated to suppress
unwanted reflections and faithfully
reproduce colors.
MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The
number value indicates the amount of light
from a subject coming into the lens.
About the marks used in this manual
• The operations available depend on the
disc used. The following marks are used
to indicate the type of disc you can use
for a particular operation.
7
Table of Contents
Read this before operating your
camcorder ....................................2
Subject examples and solutions
......................................................9
What you can do with your
camcorder ..................................10
Choosing a disc ..........................12
Using your camcorder ................14
HOME” and “ OPTION”
- Taking advantage of two types of
menus ........................................16
Step 1: Checking supplied items
....................................................19
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
....................................................20
Step 3: Turning the power on, and
setting the date and time ............23
Changing the language setting
....................................................... 24
Step 4: Preparing for recording
....................................................25
Step 5: Inserting a disc or a
“Memory Stick Duo” ...................26
Recording and playing back with
ease (Easy Handycam) ..............29
Recording ...................................32
Zooming ........................................ 34
Recording sound with more presence
(5.1ch surround recording) ........... 34
Using the flash .............................. 34
Recording high quality still images
during movie recording (Dual Rec)
....................................................... 35
Recording in dark places (NightShot)
....................................................... 36
Adjusting the exposure for backlit
subjects ......................................... 36
Recording in mirror mode ............. 36
Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3)
....................................................... 36
Recording the fast action in slow-
motion (SMTH SLW REC) .............. 37
Playback .....................................39
Using PB zoom ............................. 41
Playing back a series of still images
(Slide show) .................................. 41
Playing the picture on a TV
....................................................42
Making the disc compatible with
playback on other devices or DVD
drives (Finalizing) .......................44
(OTHERS) category .............48
Deleting images ..........................48
Dividing the image ......................50
Creating the Playlist ...................51
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD
recorders ....................................54
Printing recorded images
(PictBridge compliant printer)
....................................................55
(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY)
category ......................................57
Playing a disc on other devices
....................................................57
Finding the right disc (DISC
SELECT GUIDE) ........................58
Deleting all scenes on the disc
(Formatting) ................................59
Recording additional scenes after
finalizing ....................................60
Enjoying with your camcorder
Getting Started
Recording/Playback
Editing
Utilizing recording media
Continued ,
8
Table of Contents (Continued)
What you can do with the
(SETTINGS) category of the
HOME MENU ............................ 62
Using the HOME MENU ................ 62
List of the (SETTINGS) category
items .............................................. 63
MOVIE SETTINGS .................... 64
(Items for recording movies)
PHOTO SETTINGS ................... 66
(Items for recording still images)
VIEW IMAGES SET ................... 69
(Items to customize the display)
SOUND/DISP SET .................... 70
(Items to adjust beep and the
screen)
OUTPUT SETTINGS ................. 72
(Items for when connecting other
devices)
CLOCK/ LANG ........................ 72
(Items to set clock and language)
GENERAL SET .......................... 73
(Other setup items)
Activating functions using the
OPTION MENU ..................... 74
Using the OPTION MENU ............. 74
Recording items on the OPTION
MENU ............................................ 75
Viewing items on the OPTION MENU
....................................................... 75
Functions set in the OPTION MENU
.................................................... 76
What you can do with Windows
computer .................................... 81
Installing the “First Step Guide” and
software ..................................... 83
Viewing “First Step Guide”
.................................................... 85
Using a Macintosh computer
.................................................... 85
Troubleshooting ......................... 86
Warning indicators and messages
.................................................... 95
Using your camcorder abroad
.................................................... 99
Maintenance and precautions
.................................................. 101
Specifications ........................... 108
Identifying parts and controls
.................................................. 112
Indicators displayed during
recording/playback ................... 116
Glossary ................................... 119
Index ........................................ 120
Customizing your camcorder Using a Computer
Troubleshooting
Additional Information
Quick Reference
9
Subject examples and solutions
Shooting
Checking your golf
swing
B SMTH SLW REC............................. 37
Capturing still
images during
movie recording
B Dual Rec......................................... 35
Flowers in close-up
B PORTRAIT...................................... 78
B FOCUS............................................ 76
B TELE MACRO ................................. 76
Focusing on the
dog on the left side
of the screen
B FOCUS............................................ 76
B SPOT FOCUS.................................. 76
Getting a good shot
of a ski slope or
beach
B BACK LIGHT....................................36
B BEACH ............................................78
B SNOW .............................................78
A child on the stage
under a spot light
B SPOTLIGHT.....................................78
Fireworks with all
its splendor
B FIREWORKS....................................77
B FOCUS ............................................76
A sleeping child
under dim light
B NightShot........................................36
B COLOR SLOW SHTR.......................79
10
Your camcorder records image data on 8cm DVD*.
It is more convenient than video tape and far more versatile.
Enjoying with your camcorder
What you can do with your camcorder
* DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is a high-capacity optical disc.
No rewinding to start recording (p.29, 32)
Recorded images are stored in empty areas on the
disc so there is no risk that valuable recordings are
accidentally overwritten.
Since no rewinding is necessary prior to recording,
you can start shooting any time you desire.
b Notes
Still images can be recorded only on "Memory Stick
Duo."
You can find a scene quickly using a VISUAL
INDEX screen (p.30, 39)
The VISUAL INDEX screen allows you to check
recorded contents at a glance. All you have to do is
touch the scene you want to view.
The disc does not wear out no matter how many
times you play it back. The precious moments you
have captured on disc last for a long time.
Records widescreen format and 5.1ch surround
sound (p.34, 36)
You can record high quality widescreen images on a wide
LCD screen that shows the same 16:9 angle of view as a
wide TV. Realistic 5.1ch surround sound can also be
directly recorded onto the disc.
Taking beautiful shots easily
11
Enjoying with your camcorder
** Finalizing: a process to make it possible to play back recorded DVD on other DVD devices (p.44).
Playback on a DVD device or DVD drive (p.44)
You can play back recorded and finalized** discs on a home
DVD device, DVD recorder or DVD drive of a computer that
supports 8cm disc.
When finalizing the disc, you can create DVD menus to
enable quick access to scenes you want to view.
Playback on widescreen TV and home theater (p.34,
42)
Images recorded in widescreen format can be played back
on a wide TV with complete panoramic effect. Discs are also
recorded with 5.1ch surround sound to provide full sound on
a home theater.
A recorded disc can be played back on a variety of devices
High-speed image transfer (p.81)
Image data can be quickly transferred to a computer
without requiring playback.
Computers with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) provide
even faster image transfer.
Using the supplied software to edit and copy (p.81)
Picture Motion Browser, the software supplied with your
camcorder allows you to edit movies or still images stored
in your computer to create your original DVD. Copying
discs could not be easier enabling you to share your
precious moments with family and friends.
Connecting camcorder to a computer
12
Your camcorder is compatible with 8cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD+R DL.
It does not support 12cm discs.
Recording time
Expected recordable time on one side of the disc.
The recordable time varies depending on type of discs or recording mode.
z Tips
Figures such as 9M and 6M in the table show the average bit rate. M stands for Mbps.
If you use a double-sided disc, you can record on both sides of the disc (p.101).
Recording format for DVD-RW
When you use a DVD-RW, you can choose the recording format from VIDEO mode or VR mode.
In this manual, VIDEO mode is indicated as and VR mode as .
VIDEO mode and VR mode Glossary (p.119)
Choosing a disc
Apporoximate recordable time
( ) : the minimum recording time
Recording mode
9M (HQ) (high quality)
20 (18) 35 (32)
6M (SP) (standard quality)
30 (18) 55 (32)
3M (LP) (long play)
60 (44) 110 (80)
Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the
recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of a disc. Movies containing
quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit rate, and this reduces the overall recording
time.
A recording format that is compatible with most DVD devices, especially after
finalizing.
In VIDEO mode, only the most recent image can be erased.
A recording format that enables editing with your camcorder (deleting and
rearranging the order of images).
A finalized disc can be played back in DVD devices
*1
that support VR mode.
13
Enjoying with your camcorder
*
1
Refer to the instruction manual of your DVD device to see whether it supports the VR mode of DVD-RW.
*
2
Formatting deletes all recordings and returns the recording medium to its original empty state (p.59). Even
when using a new disc, format it with your camcorder (p.26).
*
3
Finalizing is required to play the disc in a DVD drive on a computer. A DVD+RW that is not finalized may
cause the computer to malfunction.
Disc format features
Figures in parentheses ( ) indicate page numbers.
Disc types and symbols
DVD-RW DVD+RW DVD-R DVD+R DL
Symbols used in this manual
Both 16:9 (wide) and 4:3 movie can be recorded
on the same disc
(36)
zz zz
Deleting the most recent recording (49) zzz ––
Deleting or editing recordings on your camcorder
(48)
z ––
Using a disc repeatedly even if the disc becomes
full by formatting*
2
(59)
zzz ––
Finalizing required to play on other devices (44) z
*1
z*
1
*1
*
3
zz
Creating the DVD menu when you finalize the disc
(47)
z zzz
Making longer recordings on a side of a disc
–––z
14
Continued on the next page
Using your camcorder
1Preparing
(See page 19 to 28.)
Select the disc that best suits your needs.
Do you want to delete or edit images on your
camcorder?
Yes No
For long recording
2Recording, playback, editing
(See pages 29, 32, 39, and 50.)
What you can do with your camcorder depends on the type of disc (p.13).
3Viewing on your camcorder
(See pages 30 and 39)
You can also connect it to a TV for viewing
(p.42).
* Select the recording format and format the disc on your camcorder (p.26).
z Tips
You can select the disc from [DISC SELECT GUIDE] (p.58).
Yes No
Do you want to delete images and reuse
the disc?
15
Enjoying with your camcorder
Finalize
Finalize
Finalize
Finalize
Finalize
Finalize
Finalize
4Viewing on another DVD device
(See pages 44, 57.)
To view a disc recorded on your camcorder on other DVD devices, you need to finalize
it first.
b Notes
The less the recording volume of the disc is, the more it takes time to finalize the disc.
The features of a finalized disc depend on disc type.
Recordings cannot be
added even if there is free
space left.
Like commercially sold
DVD, this disc can be
played back in most DVD
devices after finalizing.
The disc can be played back
in a device compatible with
the DVD-RW VR mode.
The disc can be played back without finalizing.
But finalizing is required in some cases.
For details, see page 44.
Unfinalizing allows you
to add recordings (p.60).
Recordings can be added
without unfinalizing.
Playback compatibility
Playback compatibility with any DVD device is not guaranteed. Refer to the instruction manual
supplied with your DVD device or consult your dealer.
DVD device /
DVD recorder
DVD drive
16
HOME” and “ OPTION”
- Taking advantage of two types of menus
B Categories and items of the HOME MENU
(CAMERA) category
(VIEW IMAGES) category
(OTHERS) category
(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY)
category
(SETTINGS) category
To customize your camcorder (p. 62).
* You can also set these items during Easy
Handycam operation
(p. 29). For items
available in the (SETTINGS) category, see
page
62.
HOME MENU” - the starting point for operations with your
camcorder
(HELP)
Displays a description of the item (p. 17)
Category
Items Page
MOVIE* 33
PHOTO* 33
SMTH SLW REC 37
Items Page
VISUAL INDEX* 39
PLAYLIST 51
Items Page
DELETE* 48
EDIT 50
PLAYLIST EDIT 51
PRINT 55
COMPUTER 81
Items Page
FINALIZE* 44
DISC SELECT GUIDE 58
FORMAT* 59
FORMAT* 60
UNFINALIZE 60
DISC INFO 57
17
Enjoying with your camcorder
1 Turn the POWER switch to turn
on your camcorder.
2 Press (HOME) A (or B).
3 Touch the category you want to
use.
Example: (OTHERS) category
4 Touch the item you want to use.
Example: [EDIT]
5 Continue operation by following
the guidance on the screen.
To hide the HOME MENU screen
Touch .
When you want to know something
about the function of each item on the
HOME MENU - HELP
1 Press (HOME).
The HOME MENU appears.
2 Touch (HELP).
The bottom of the (HELP) button
turns orange.
Using the HOME MENU
(HOME) A
(HOME) B
Continued ,
18
3 Touch the item you want to know the
content.
When you touch an item, its explanation
appears on the screen.
To apply the option, touch [YES],
otherwise, touch [NO].
To deactivate the HELP
Touch (HELP) again in step 2.
Just a touch on the screen during recording
or playback displays the functions available
at that moment. You will find it easy to
make various settings. See page 74 for
further details.
Using the OPTION MENU
Records a movie.
Activate?
MOVIE
YES
NO
(OPTION)
HOME” and OPTION” (Continued)
19
Getting Started
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have the following
items supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 20)
Mains lead (1) (p. 20)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 42, 54)
USB cable (1) (p. 55)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 115)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH60 (1)
(p. 20)
CD-ROM “Handycam Application
Software” (1) (p. 81)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
20
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (H series) (p. 104) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
b Notes
You can use only "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack
H series.
1 Turn the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to OFF
(CHG) (The default setting).
2 Attach the battery pack by sliding
it in the direction of the arrow
until it clicks.
Lift up the viewfinder and attach
the battery pack by sliding it in
the direction of the arrow until it
clicks.
3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder.
Open the jack cover, and connect the
DC plug of the AC Adaptor.
Match the v mark on the DC plug with
the v mark on your camcorder.
4 Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor and the wall socket.
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp
turns off when the battery is fully
charged.
5 Disconnect the AC Adaptor from
the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
b Notes
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN
jack holding both the camcorder and the DC
plug.
1
2
4
4
3
POWER switch
DC IN jack
DC plug
AC Adaptor
Mains lead
To the wall socket
Jack cover
CHG
(charge) lamp
Battery
21
Getting Started
To remove the battery pack
1 Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
2 Raise the viewfinder.
3 Press the BATT (battery) release button
and remove the battery pack.
b Notes
When you remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor, make sure that the (Movie) lamp/
(Still) lamp (p. 23) is turned off.
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period.
To use an outside power source
Make the same connections as you do when
charging the battery pack. The battery pack
will not lose its charge in this case.
To check the remaining battery
(Battery Info)
Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then
press DISP/BATT INFO.
After a while, the approximate recordable
time and battery information appear for
about 7 seconds. You can view the battery
information for up to 20 seconds by
pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the
information is displayed.
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E
BATT (battery)
release button
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FH50 135
NP-FH60
(supplied)
135
NP-FH70 170
NP-FH100 390
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-FH50 80 40
80 40
80 40
NP-FH60
(supplied)
105 50
110 55
110 55
NP-FH70 170 85
180 90
180 90
NP-FH100 395 195
415 205
415 205
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording capacity (approx.)
Continued ,
22
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD908E
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
b Notes
All times measured with recording mode [SP]
under the following conditions:
Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.
Bottom: Recording time when recording with
the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD908E
* When the LCD backlight is on.
On the battery pack
Before changing the battery pack, Turn the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and turn off the
(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 23).
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or Battery Info (p. 21) will not be
correctly displayed under the following
conditions:
The battery pack is not attached correctly.
The battery pack is damaged.
The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery
Info only).
The power will not be supplied from the battery
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the
mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.
When attaching an optional video light, it is
recommended that you use an NP-FH70/NP-
FH100 battery pack.
We do not recommend using an NP-FH30,
which only allows short recording and playback
times, with your camcorder.
On the charging/recording/playback time
Times measured when using the camcorder at
25 °C (77 °F) (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is
recommended).
The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low
temperatures.
The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
On the AC Adaptor
Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-FH50 65 30
70 35
70 35
NP-FH60
(supplied)
90 45
95 45
95 45
NP-FH70 145 70
150 75
150 75
NP-FH100 340 170
355 175
355 175
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-FH50 115 125
NP-FH60
(supplied)
150 165
NP-FH70 245 270
NP-FH100 565 615
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-FH50 115 120
NP-FH60
(supplied)
150 160
NP-FH70 245 255
NP-FH100 565 590
23
Getting Started
wall socket immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using your camcorder.
Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
Step 3: Turning the
power on, and setting
the date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not
set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET]
screen appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
position.
1 While pressing the green button,
turn the POWER switch
repeatedly in the direction of the
arrow until the respective lamp
lights up.
(Movie): To record movies
(Still): To record still images
The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.
2 Select the desired geographical
area with v/V, then touch [NEXT].
3 Set [SUMMERTIME], then touch
[NEXT].
POWER switch
Continued ,
24
Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time (Continued)
4 Set [Y] (year) with v/V.
5 Select [M] with b/B, then set the
month with v/V.
6 Set [D] (day), hour and minute in
the same way, then touch [NEXT].
7 Make sure that the clock is
correctly set, then touch .
The clock starts.
You can set any year up to the year
2037.
To turn off the power
Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
To reset the date and time
Select (HOME) t (SETTINGS)
t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [CLOCK SET],
and set the date and time.
b Notes
If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months
, the built-in rechargeable battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may
be cleared from the memory. In that case,
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the
date and time again (p. 107).
It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be
ready to shoot after the power is turned on. You
cannot operate your camcorder during this time.
The lens cover opens automatically when the
power is turned on. It closes when the playback
screen is selected, or the power is turned off.
In the setting at the time of purchase, the power
turns off automatically if you leave your
camcorder without any operation attempted for
approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 73).
z Tips
The date and time does not appear during
recording, but they are automatically recorded
on the disc, and can be displayed during
playback (see page 69 for [DATA CODE]).
Refer to page 100 for information concerning
“World time difference.”
If the buttons on the touch panel do not work
correctly, adjust the LCD screen
([CALIBRATION], p. 106).
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Touch (HOME)
t
(SETTINGS)
t[CLOCK/
LANG]
t[ LANGUAGE SET], then
select the desired language.
Changing the language setting
25
Getting Started
Step 4: Preparing for recording
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best
angle to record or play (2).
To turn off the LCD backlight to make
the battery last longer
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few
seconds until appears.
This setting is practical when you use your
camcorder in bright conditions or you want
to save battery power. The recorded image
will not be affected by the setting. To turn
on the LCD backlight, press and hold DISP/
BATT INFO for a few seconds until
disappears.
b Notes
Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame
when you open or adjust the LCD panel.
z Tips
If you open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens
side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD
screen facing out. This is convenient during
playback operations.
On the HOME MENU, touch (SETTINGS)
t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [LCD BRIGHT]
(p. 70) to adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen.
The information is displayed or hidden (display
y no display) each time you press DISP
BATT/INFO.
You can view images using the viewfinder
to avoid wearing down the battery, or when
the image seen on the LCD screen is poor.
z Tips
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight by selecting (SETTINGS) t
[SOUND/DISP SET] t [VF B.LIGHT] on the
HOME MENU (p. 71).
LCD panel
190 degrees to the
camcorder
2180 degrees
(max.)
290 degrees
(max.)
DISP/BATT INFO
Viewfinder
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the
image becomes
clear.
Viewfinder
26
Step 5: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick
Duo”
A new 8 cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-
R, or DVD+R DL is required for recording
(p. 12).
b Notes
Remove dust or fingerprints from the disc
beforehand, using a soft cloth (p.102).
1 Check that the power of your
camcorder is on.
2 Turn the disc cover OPEN switch
in the direction of the arrow
(OPEN B).
[PREPARING TO OPEN] appears on
the LCD screen.
The disc cover slightly opens
automatically.
3 Set the disc with the recording
side facing your camcorder, then
press the center of the disc until it
clicks.
4 Close the disc cover.
[DISC ACCESS] appears on the LCD
screen.
It may take some time for the camcorder
to recognize the disc.
x DVD-RW/DVD+RW
A window appears to ask whether you
will use [DISC SELECT GUIDE].
Using [DISC SELECT GUIDE] lets you
format the disc by following the
guidance on the screen. If you do not
want to use it, proceed to step 5.
x DVD-R/DVD+R DL
You can start recording immediately
after [DISC ACCESS] disappears from
the LCD screen. You do not need to
proceed to steps after step 5.
5 Touch the option that is right for
you on the screen.
x DVD-RW
Select the recording format, [VIDEO]
or [VR] (p. 12), then touch
.
Disc
Disc cover
OPEN switch
Pickup lens
When the disc cover
opens slightly, open
it further.
ACCESS lamp
(Disc)
Set the disc with the label side facing
out when using a single-sided disc.
27
Getting Started
x DVD+RW
Select the aspect ratio of the movie,
[16:9 WIDE] or [4:3], then touch
.
6 Touch [YES].
7 Touch when [Completed.] is
displayed.
When the formatting is completed, you
can start recording on the disc.
z Tips
When you use a DVD-RW while the Easy
Handycam operation (p. 29) is set, the
recording format is fixed to VIDEO
mode.
To remove the disc
1 Perform steps 1 and 2 to open the disc
cover.
2 Press the disc holder in the center of the
disc compartment, and remove the disc by
holding the edge.
b Notes
Be careful not to obstruct the operation with
your hand or other objects, etc., when opening
or closing the disc cover. Move the belt to the
bottom of the camcorder, then open or close the
disc cover.
If you catch the belt when closing the disc
cover, it may cause your camcorder to
malfunction.
Do not touch the disc with the recording side or
pickup lens (p.107).
When using a double-sided disc, take care not to
smudge the surface with fingerprints.
If you close the disc cover with the disc set
incorrectly, it may cause your camcorder to
malfunction.
Do not disconnect the power sources during
formatting.
Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder:
while the ACCESS lamp is on
while the ACCESS lamp is flashing
while [DISC ACCESS] or [PREPARING TO
OPEN] is displayed on the LCD screen
It may take some time to remove the disc
depending on the disc condition or recorded
materials.
It may take up to 10 minutes to remove a disc if
it is damaged or is dirty with fingerprints, etc. In
that case, the disc might be damaged.
z Tips
You can remove the disc when a power source
is connected to your camcorder even when your
camcorder is turned off. However, the disc
recognition process (step 4) does not start.
To delete all of the previously recorded images
from a DVD-RW/DVD+RW, then to use it
again to record new images, see “Deleting all
scenes on the disc (Formatting)” on page 59.
You can check the right disc using [DISC
SELECT GUIDE] on the HOME MENU (page
58).
You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo
marked with or
(p. 102).
z Tips
The number of recordable images vary,
depending on the image quality or the image
size. For details, see page 66.
“Memory Stick Duo”
Continued ,
28
Step 5: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” (Continued)
1 Open the LCD panel.
2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot
in the right direction until it clicks.
To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”
Lightly push the "Memory Stick Duo" in
once.
b Notes
When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your
camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake
or knock your camcorder, turn the power off,
eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the
battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be
damaged.
If you insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the
slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick
Duo,” the “Memory Stick Duo” slot, or image
data may be damaged.
When inserting or ejecting the "Memory Stick
Duo," be careful with the "Memory Stick Duo"
from popping out and dropping.
Access lamp
(“Memory Stick Duo”)
29
Recording/Playback
Recording/Playback
Recording and playing back with ease (Easy
Handycam)
Easy Handycam operation makes nearly all settings automatic so that you can perform
recording or playing back operation without detailed settings. It also makes screen font size
larger for easy viewing.
R
1 Turn the POWER
switch A until the
(Movie) lamp
turns on.
2 Press EASY B.
appears on the LCD screen.
3 Press START/STOP C or D to
start recording*.
To stop recording, press START/STOP
again.
1 Turn the POWER
switch A until the
(Still) lamp
turns on.
2 Press EASY B.
appears on the LCD screen.
3 Press PHOTO E to record a still
image**.
A
E
C
B
I
HD
F
If the POWER
switch is set to
OFF (CHG), turn
it while pressing
the green button.
Movies
[STBY]t[REC]
Still Images
66
Press PHOTO
E lightly to
adjust the
focus.
FlashingtLights up
Press PHOTO
E fully to
record the still
image.
*
**
Movies are recorded in the [SP] recording mode.
Still images are recorded with the [FINE] quality on the "Memory Stick Duo."
Continued ,
30
Recording and playing back with ease (Easy Handycam) (Continued)
1 Turn the POWER switch A to turn on your camcorder.
2 Press (VIEW IMAGES) F (or G).
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen. (It may take some time to
display the VISUAL INDEX screen.)
3 Start playing back.
Movies:
Touch , then touch the movie you want to view.
Viewing recorded movies/still images
Previous
6 images
Next
6 images
Disc type
Appears with the image on
each of the tab that was
lastly played back/recorded
(B for the still image).
Returns to the recording
screen
Displays the movies
Displays the still images
Returns to the
recording screen
Beginning of the scene/
previous scene
Toggles Play or
Pause as you touch
Next scene
Stop (go to the
VISUAL INDEX screen)
Reverse/ Forward
Return (to the VISUAL
INDEX screen)
31
Recording/Playback
Still images:
Touch , then touch the still image you want to view.
* [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 69).
z Tips
The screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX
screen when the movies from the one you
selected through the one at the end of the list are
all played back.
You can slow down the playback speed by
touching during pause.
You can adjust volume by selecting
(HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND
SETTINGS] t [VOLUME], then with
/ .
To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY B again. disappears
from the screen.
Menu settings during Easy Handycam
operation
Press (HOME) H(or I) to display
the menu items available for setup changes
(p.16, 62).
b Notes
You can neither delete nor edit movies on the
disc during Easy Handycam operation.
Most of the menu items automatically return to
the default settings. The settings of some menu
items are fixed. For more details, see page 86.
DVD-RW are formatted in VIDEO mode
(p. 12).
(OPTION) will not appear.
Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to
add effects to images or change settings.
Invalid buttons during Easy Handycam
operation
You cannot use some buttons/functions
during Easy Handycam operation since
they are automatically set (
p. 86). [Invalid
during Easy Handycam operation.] may
appear if operations not available during
Easy Handycam operation are attempted.
To view movies on a disc on other
devices (Finalize)
To view movies stored on a disc on a DVD
device or a computer, you need to "finalize"
the disc. For details on finalize operation,
see page 44.
b Notes
For DVD-R, DVD+R DL, you cannot reuse the
disc or record additional movies onto the disc
once you finalize the disc even if the disc has
free space.
During Easy Handycam operation, the DVD
menu is fixed to [STYLE1].
You cannot record additional scenes on a
finalized disc during Easy Handycam operation
(p. 60).
Slide show button
(page 41)
Previous/Next
Go to the VISUAL
INDEX screen
Return (to the VISUAL
INDEX screen)
32
Recording
Adjust and fasten the grip belt as illustrated,
and hold your camcorder properly.
b Notes
If the access lamps (page 26, 28) is on after
recording is finished, it means data is still being
written onto the disc or “Memory Stick Duo.”
Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the battery or
AC Adaptor.
POWER switch B
PHOTO F
START/STOP C
START/STOP A
(HOME) D
(HOME) E
Adjusting the grip belt
33
Recording/Playback
Movies are recorded on the disc. For
recordable time, see page 12.
1 Turn the POWER
switch
B until
the (Movie)
lamp turns on.
2 Press START/STOP A (or C).
To stop recording, press START/STOP
again.
Still images are recorded on the “Memory
Stick Duo.” For the number of recordable
still images, see page 66.
1 Turn the POWER
switch B until the
(Still) lamp
turns on.
2 Press PHOTO F.
appears next to . When
disappears, the image has been
recorded.
To switch to the movie recording
mode using the (HOME) button
D
(or
E)
Touch (CAMERA) of HOME MENU
t [MOVIE] or [PHOTO].
To record high resolution still images
on the "Memory Stick Duo" during
movie recording (Dual Rec)
See page 35 for details.
Movies
[STBY]t[REC]
Still Images
FlashingtLights up
Beep Click
Press slightly
to focus
Press full to
record
Continued ,
34
Recording (Continued)
You can magnify images up to 10 times the
original size with the power zoom lever or
the zoom buttons below the LCD screen.
You can magnify images with the power
zoom lever or the zoom buttons.
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
b Notes
Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom
lever. If you move your finger off the power
zoom lever, the operation sound of the power
zoom lever may also be recorded.
You cannot change the zoom speed with the
zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
z Tips
Using [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 64) let you zoom
in further than 10×.
Sound picked up by the built-in microphone
is converted to 5.1ch surround sound and
recorded.
Your camcorder has Dolby Digital 5.1
Creator installed for recording 5.1ch
surround sound. Enjoy realistic sound when
playing the disc on devices that support 5.1ch
surround sound.
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, 5.1ch surround sound
Glossary (p.119)
b Notes
5.1ch sound is converted to 2ch when played back
on your camcorder.
is displayed on the screen during 5.1ch
recording/playback.
Zooming
Close view: (Telephoto)
Wider range of view:
(Wide angle)
Recording sound with more
presence (5.1ch surround
recording)
Using the flash
Built-in microphone
Flash
Flash charge
lamp
35
Recording/Playback
Press (flash) repeatedly to select an
appropriate setting.
No indication (Auto flash): Automatically
flashes when there is insufficient ambient
light.
r
(Forced flash): Always uses the flash
regardless of the surrounding brightness.
r
(No flash): Records without flash.
b Notes
The recommended distance to the subject when
using the built-in flash is approximately 0.3 to
2.5 m (1 to 8 feet).
Remove any dust from the surface of the flash
lamp before using it. Flash effect may be
impaired if heat discoloration or dust obscures
the lamp.
The flash charge lamp flickers while charging
the flash, and remains lit when the battery
charge is complete.
If you use the flash in bright places such as
when shooting a backlit subject, the flash may
not be effective.
When attaching a conversion lens (optional) or a
filter (optional) to your camcorder, the flash
light does not emit light.
z Tips
You can change the brightness of the flash by
setting [FLASH LEVEL] (p. 65), or you can
prevent the redeye by setting [REDEYE
REDUC] (p. 66).
You can record high quality still images on
the “Memory Stick Duo” while recording a
movie on the disc.
1 Set the POWER switch to (Movie),
and press START/STOP to start movie
recording.
2 Press PHOTO fully.
After you start recording, and before you
finish, you can capture up to 3 frames of
still images from your movie.
3 Press START/STOP to stop movie
recording.
Stored still images appear one by one, and
the images are stored onto the “Memory
Stick Duo.” When disappears, the
image has been recorded.
b Notes
Do not eject the “Memory Stick Duo” before
recording is finished and the still images are
stored on the “Memory Stick Duo.”
You cannot use the flash during Dual Rec.
z Tips
When the POWER switch is set to
(Movie), the size of still images becomes
4.6M (16:9 wide) or 3.4M (4:3) (DCR-
DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD908E).
When the POWER switch is set to
(Movie), the size of still images becomes
2.3M (16:9 wide) or 1.7M (4:3) (DCR-
DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E).
You can record still images during recording
standby in the same way as when the POWER
switch is set to (Still). You can also record
with the flash.
Recording high quality still
images during movie recording
(Dual Rec)
Orange color
boxes indicate the
number of
recorded images.
When recording is
finished, the color
changes to orange.
Continued ,
36
Recording (Continued)
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch to ON. (
appears.)
b Notes
The NightShot and Super NightShot functions
use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the
infrared port with your fingers or other objects,
and remove the conversion lens (optional).
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 76)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
Do not use the NightShot and Super NightShot
functions in bright places. This may cause a
malfunction.
z Tips
To record an image brighter, use [SUPER
NIGHTSHOT] function (p. 79). To record an
image more faithfully to the original colors, use
[COLOR SLOW SHTR] function (p. 79).
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press BACK LIGHT to display .. To
cancel the back light function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees
to the lens side (2).
z Tips
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the image will be normal when
recorded.
To select the aspect ratio of the
movies
Turn the POWER switch until the
(Movie) lamp turns on, and press
WIDE SELECT repeatedly to select the
desired screen aspect ratio.
z Tips
Differences in the angle of view between 16:9
(wide) and 4:3 vary depending on the zoom
position.
Recording in dark places
(NightShot)
Adjusting the exposure for
backlit subjects
Infrared port
Recording in mirror mode
Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9
or 4:3)
POWER switch
WIDE SELECT
37
Recording/Playback
When you view the movie on a TV, set [TV
TYPE] to [16:9] or [4:3] according to your TV
(16:9/4:3) (p. 42).
When viewing 16:9 (wide) pictures with [TV
TYPE] set to [4:3], pictures may appear rough
depending on subjects.
To select the aspect ratio of the still
images
1 Turn the POWER switch until the
(Still) lamp turns on.
2 Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to select
the desired screen aspect ratio.
b Notes
The size of still images is [ 3.0M] (16:9
wide) or [4.0M] (4:3) at the maximum (DCR-
DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E).
The size of still images is [ 4.6M] (16:9
wide) or [6.1M] (4:3) at the maximum (DCR-
DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD908E).
z Tips
See page 67 for the number of recordable still
images.
Fast moving subjects and actions, which
cannot be captured under the ordinary
shooting conditions, can be shot in smooth
moving slow-motion for about 3 seconds.
This is useful to shoot fast actions such as a
golf or tennis swing.
1 Turn the POWER switch to turn on the
camcorder.
2 Press (HOME) A (or B) to display
the HOME MENU.
3 Touch (CAMERA).
4 Touch [SMTH SLW REC].
5 Press START/STOP.
An about 3 second-movie is recorded as a
12 second-slow-motion-movie.
When [Recording...] disappears, recording
is finished.
Touch to cancel the smooth slow
recording.
To change the setting
Touch (OPTION) t , then select
the setting you want to change.
[TIMING]
Select the recording start point after
START/STOP is pressed. The default
setting is [3sec AFTER].
[RECORD SOUND]
Select [ON] ( ) to superimpose sounds
such as conversation on the slow motion
pictures. (The default setting is [OFF].)
Your camcorder records sounds for about
12 seconds while [Recording...] is
displayed in step 5.
Recording the fast action in
slow-motion (SMTH SLW REC)
(HOME) B
(HOME) A
[3sec AFTER]
[3sec BEFORE]
Continued ,
38
Recording (Continued)
b Notes
Sounds are not recorded during the about 3
second-movie shooting.
Image quality of [SMTH SLW REC] is not as
good as that of normal recording.
39
Recording/Playback
Playback
Turn the POWER switch A to turn on your camcorder.
Press (VIEW IMAGES) B (or C).
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen. (It may take some time to
display the VISUAL INDEX screen.)
z Tips
Moving the zoom lever F let you select whether to display 6 or 12 images on the VISUAL INDEX
screen. To fix this number, touch (SETTINGS) in the HOME MENU t [VIEW IMAGES SET] t
[ DISPLAY] (p. 69).
POWER switch A
(VIEW IMAGES) B
(HOME) D
(VIEW IMAGES) C
(HOME) E
Zoom lever F
Previous
6 images
Next
6 images
Disc type
Appears with the image on
each of the tab that was
lastly played back/recorded
(B for the still image).
Returns to the
recording screen
Displays the movies
Displays the still images
(OPTION)
Returns to the
recording screen
Continued ,
40
Start playing back
Touch tab and the movie to be played back.
The VISUAL INDEX screen reappears when playback from the selected movie until the
last movie is completed.
Touch tab and the still image to be played back.
To switch to the playback mode
using the (HOME) button D (or
E)
Touch (VIEW IMAGES) t [VISUAL
INDEX]
To adjust the movie volume
Touch (OPTION) t tab t
[VOLUME], then adjust it with / .
z Tips
Touch / during pause to play back
movie slowly.
One touch makes the reverse/fast forward
approximately 5 times faster, two touches makes
it approximately 10 times* faster.
* Approximately 8 times faster using a DVD+RW
Movies
Beginning of the scene/
previous scene
Toggles Play or
Pause as you touch
Next scene
Stop (go to the
VISUAL INDEX screen)
Reverse/ Forward
Return (to the VISUAL
INDEX screen)
(OPTION)
Still Images
Slide show button
(page 41)
Previous/Next
Go to the VISUAL
INDEX screen
Return (to the VISUAL
INDEX screen)
(OPTION)
41
Recording/Playback
You can magnify still images from about
1.1 to 5 times the original size.
Magnification can be adjusted with the
power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on
the LCD frame.
1 Play back the still images you want to
magnify.
2 Magnify the still image with T
(Telephoto).
The screen is framed.
3 Touch the screen at the point you want
to display in the center of the displayed
frame.
4 Adjust the magnification with W (Wide
angle)/T (Telephoto).
To cancel, touch .
Touch on the still image playback
screen.
The slide show begins from the selected
image.
Touch to stop the slide show. To
restart, touch again.
b Notes
You cannot operate playback zoom during slide
show.
z Tips
You can set continuous slide show playback
using [SLIDE SHOW SET] on (OPTION)
t tab. The default setting is [ON]
(continuous playback).
Using PB zoom Playing back a series of still
images (Slide show)
42
Connect your camcorder to the input jack of TV or VCR using A/V connecting cable 1 or
A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO 2. Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the
supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.20). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied
with the devices to be connected.
1 A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of the other device.
2 A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO
(optional)
When connecting to another device via the S
VIDEO jack, by using an A/V connecting cable
with an S VIDEO cable (optional), higher
quality pictures can be produced than with an
A/V connecting cable. Connect the white and
red plug (left/right audio) and the S VIDEO
plug (S VIDEO channel) of the A/V connecting
cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional). The
yellow plug connection is not necessary. S
VIDEO connection only will not output audio.
When your TV is connected to a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN
input on the VCR. Set the input selector on
the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.),
if the VCR has an input selector.
To set the aspect ratio according to the
connected TV (16:9/4:3)
Change the setting according to the screen
aspect ratio of the TV you will view pictures
on.
1 Turn the POWER switch to turn on your
camcorder.
2 Touch (HOME) t
(SETTINGS) t [OUTPUT
SETTINGS] t [TV TYPE] t [16:9] or
[4:3] t .
b Notes
When you set [TV TYPE] to [4:3], the image
quality may deteriorate. Also, when the recorded
picture’s aspect ratio switches between 16:9
(wide) and 4:3, the image may jitter.
Playing the picture on a TV
: Signal flow
A/V OUT jack
S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
(Yellow)
(White)
(Red)
VCRs or TVs
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
(White)
(Red)
IN
Device without
S VIDEO jack
Device with
S VIDEO jack
43
Recording/Playback
When you play back a picture recorded in 16:9
(wide) aspect ratio on a 4:3 TV not compatible
with the 16:9 (wide) signal, set [TV TYPE] to
[4:3].
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 (left channel) or the red
(right channel) plug to the audio input jack
of your TV or VCR.
z Tips
You can display the counter on the TV screen by
setting [DISP OUTPUT] to [V-OUT/PANEL]
(p. 72).
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor
(EUROCONNECTOR)
Use a 21-pin adaptor (optional) to view
playback picture.
TV/VCR
44
Making the disc compatible with playback on
other devices or DVD drives (Finalizing)
Finalizing makes the recorded disc compatible for playback with other devices and DVD
drives of computers.
Before finalizing, you can select the style of the DVD menu which displays the image list
(p. 47).
Whether finalizing is required depends on the type of disc.
DVD-RW/DVD-R/DVD+R DL require finalizing.
DVD+RW do not require finalizing except in the following cases:
1 To create a DVD menu
2 To play back on a computer DVD drive
3 If the disc has a short total recording time (less than 5 min in HQ mode, 8 min in SP mode, or
15 min in LP mode)
b Notes
Playback compatibility with all device is not guaranteed.
No DVD menu is created for DVD-RW (VR mode).
To play back a disc in a DVD device for the first time (p.46)
Operation flow
F
i
n
a
li
z
e
F
i
n
a
li
z
e
F
i
n
a
li
z
e
Make desired settings for
the DVD menu.
In case 1,
2 or 3.
Playback on
other DVD device
45
Recording/Playback
To add recordings to a finalized disc (p.60)
b Notes
Even when you are using a DVD-RW or DVD+RW, you cannot record additional movies onto the disc
after finalizing the disc during Easy Handycam operation. To do so, cancel Easy Handycam operation
(p. 31).
To play back a disc in a DVD device after adding a recording (p.46)
Make a new
recording
Recordings cannot be
added.
Unfinalize the disc.
When the DVD menu has been created, a
confirmation screen prompts you to confirm that
you wish to add a recording.
Recordings can be added as usual.
F
i
n
a
li
z
e
F
i
n
a
li
z
e
F
i
n
a
li
z
e
Only in case 1
Make desired settings for
the DVD menu.
Playback on
other DVD device
Continued ,
46
Making the disc compatible with playback on other devices or DVD drives
(Finalizing) (Continued)
b Notes
It takes from a minute to a maximum of several
hours to finalize a disc. The shorter the amount
of material recorded on the disc, the longer it
takes for finalizing.
Use the AC Adaptor as the power source to
prevent your camcorder from running out of
power during finalizing.
When you finalize a double-sided disc, you
must finalize each side of the disc individually.
1 Place your camcorder in a stable
position, and connect the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
2 Turn on the power by turning the
POWER switch.
3 Insert the disc that you want to
finalize.
4 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) of the (HOME)
menu t [FINALIZE].
To select a DVD menu style, touch
(OPTION) t [DVD MENU]
(p. 47).
Go to step 5 if you want to finalize the
disc using [STYLE1] (default setting).
5 Touch [YES] t [YES].
Finalizing starts.
6 When [Completed.] appears,
touch .
b Notes
Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC
Adaptor during finalizing.
When you need to disconnect the AC Adaptor,
make sure that the power of your camcorder is
set to off and disconnect the AC Adaptor after
the (Movie) or (Still) lamp goes off.
Finalizing restarts when you connect the AC
Adaptor and turn on your camcorder again.
You cannot remove the disc until the finalizing
operation is completed.
When using the discs other than DVD-RW (VR
mode), Z flashes after finalizing is
completed on the recording standby screen of
your camcorder. Remove the disc from your
camcorder.
z Tips
When you set to create a DVD menu and
finalize the disc, the DVD menu appears for a
few seconds while finalizing the disc.
After the disc is finalized, the disc type/
recording format indicator changes as shown
below:
Finalizing a disc
DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)
DVD-RW (VR mode)
DVD+RW
DVD-R
DVD+R DL
47
Recording/Playback
To select a DVD menu style
1 In step 4, touch (OPTION) t
[DVD MENU].
2 Select the desired style from 4 types of
pattern with [T]/[t].
Select [NO MENU] if you do not create
a DVD menu.
3 Touch .
b Notes
The DVD menu style is fixed to [STYLE1]
during the Easy Handycam operation.
DVD
+RW
48
Editing
(OTHERS) category
This category enables you to edit or print
images on a disc or "Memory Stick Duo,"
or copy them onto your computer for
viewing, editing or creating an original
DVD.
DELETE
You can delete images on a disc or a
"Memory Stick Duo" (p.48).
EDIT
You can edit the images on a disc or a
“Memory Stick Duo” (p. 50).
PLAYLIST EDIT
You can create and edit a Playlist (p. 51).
PRINT
You can print still images on a connected
PictBridge printer (p. 55).
COMPUTER
You can connect your camcorder to a
computer (p. 81).
Deleting images
You can delete the images recorded on a
disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” using your
camcorder.
Insert a recorded disc or “Memory Stick
Duo” into your camcorder.
b Notes
You cannot retrieve the deleted images.
You cannot delete movies during Easy
Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy
Handycam operation first.
z Tips
You can select up to 100 images at once.
You can delete images on the playback screen
from [DELETE] under (OPTION) t
tab.
1 Touch (OTHERS) of the
(HOME) menu t [DELETE].
2 Touch [ DELETE].
3 Touch [ DELETE].
4 Touch the image that you want to
delete.
The selected image is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Item list
(OTHERS) category
Deleting the movies on the disc
49
Editing
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
5 Touch t [YES] t .
To delete all movies on the disc at one
time
In step 3, touch [ DELETE ALL] t
[YES] t [YES] t .
To delete the most recently recorded
movie
In step 3, touch [ LAST SCENE DEL]
t t [YES] t .
b Notes
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor from your camcorder while editing
images. It may damage the disc.
If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist
(p. 51), the movie is deleted also from the
Playlist.
Even if you delete unnecessary images from the
disc, the remaining disc capacity may not
increase as much as you can make additional
recording.
To delete all images recorded in the disc and
restore the original capacity of the disc, format
the disc (page 59).
z Tips
The images recorded by this camcorder and
stored onto a disc are called "original."
1 Touch (OTHERS) of the
(HOME) menu t [DELETE].
2 Touch [ DELETE].
3 Touch [ DELETE].
4 Touch the still image that you
want to delete.
The selected still image is marked with
.
Press and hold the still image on the LCD
screen to confirm the still image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
5 Touch t [YES] t .
To delete all still images on the
“Memory Stick Duo
In step 3, touch [ DELETE ALL] t
[YES] t [YES] t .
b Notes
You cannot delete still images in the following
cases:
"Memory Stick Duo" is write-protected.
DVD
+RW
Deleting the still images in the
“Memory Stick Duo”
Continued ,
50
write-protection is set to the still images by
the other device.
z Tips
To delete all images recorded on the “Memory
Stick Duo,” format the “Memory Stick Duo”
(p. 60).
Dividing the image
b Notes
You cannot divide movies during Easy
Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy
Handycam operation first.
1 Touch (OTHERS) of the
(HOME) menu t [EDIT].
2 Touch [DIVIDE].
3 Touch the movie that you want to
divide.
The selected movie starts playing.
4 Touch at the point where
you want to divide the movie into
the scenes.
The movie pauses.
Play and pause toggles as you press
.
5 Touch t [YES] t .
Returns to the beginning of
the selected movie.
Adjusts the dividing point more
precisely after the dividing point has
been selected with .
Deleting the images (Continued)
51
Editing
b Notes
Movies cannot be restored once they are
divided.
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor from your camcorder while editing
images. It may damage the disc.
Even if the divided movie is included in the
Playlist, the movie is not divided in the Playlist.
A slight difference may occur from the point
where you touch and the actual dividing
point, as your camcorder selects the dividing
point based on about half-second increments.
Creating the Playlist
A Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of
the movies that you have selected. The
original scenes are not changed even
though you edit or delete the scenes in the
Playlist.
Make sure to insert the recorded disc into
your camcorder.
b Notes
You cannot add or edit movies during Easy
Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy
Handycam operation first.
1 Touch (OTHERS) of the
(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST
EDIT].
2 Touch [ ADD].
3 Touch the scene that you want to
add to the Playlist.
.
The selected scene is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
4 Touch t [YES] t .
Continued ,
52
Creating the Playlist (Continued)
To add all the movies on the disc in
the Playlist
In step 2, touch [ ADD ALL] t [YES]
t [YES] t .
b Notes
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC
Adaptor from your camcorder while editing the
Playlist. It may damage the disc.
z Tips
You can add a maximum of 999 movies to the
Playlist.
You can add a movie when viewing it using
[ ADD] on (OPTION)
t tab.
Make sure to insert the disc on which the
Playlist is added into your camcorder.
1 Touch (VIEW IMAGES) of the
(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST].
The images added to the Playlist are
displayed on the screen.
2 Touch the scene from which you
want to play back.
The Playlist is played back from the
selected scene to the end, then the
screen returns to the Playlist screen.
To erase added images from the
Playlist at a time
1 Touch (OTHERS) of the
(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST EDIT].
2 Touch [ERASE].
To erase all images at a time, touch
[ERASE ALL] t [YES] t [YES] t
.
3 Touch the image that you want to erase
from the Playlist.
The selected image is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
4 Touch t [YES] t .
z Tips
The original images are not changed even if you
erase the images from the Playlist.
Changing the order within the Playlist
1 Touch (OTHERS) of the
(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST EDIT].
2 Touch [MOVE].
3 Select the image that you want to move.
The selected scene is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
4 Touch .
Playing the Playlist
53
Editing
5 Select the destination with [T]/[t].
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
6 Touch t [YES] t .
z Tips
When you select multiple images, the images
are moved following the order appeared in the
Playlist.
Dividing a movie within the Playlist
1 Touch (OTHERS) of the
(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST EDIT].
2 Touch [DIVIDE].
3 Select the movie that you want to divide.
The playback of the selected movie
starts.
4 Touch at the point where you want
to divide the movie into scenes.
The movie pauses.
5 Touch t [YES] t .
b Notes
A slight difference may occur from the point
where you touch and the actual dividing
point, as your camcorder selects the dividing
point based on about half-second increments.
z Tips
The original movies are not changed even if you
divide the movie in the Playlist.
Destination bar
Play and pause toggles as you press
.
54
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders
You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs
or DVD/HDD recorders. Connect the device in either of the following ways.
Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation
(p. 20). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
b Notes
Since dubbing is performed via analog data transfer, the image quality may deteriorate.
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of the other
device.
B A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via
the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V
connecting cable with an S VIDEO
cable (optional), higher quality images
can be produced than with an A/V
connecting cable. Connect the white and
red plug (left/right audio) and the S
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of the
A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO
cable (optional). The yellow plug
connection is not necessary. S VIDEO
connection only will not output audio.
b Notes
To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter,
etc.) on the screen of the monitor device
connected, set (SETTINGS) t [OUTPUT
SETTINGS] t [DISP OUTPUT] t [LCD
PANEL] (the default setting) on the HOME
MENU (p. 72).
To record the date/time and camera settings
data, display them on the screen (p. 69).
When you are connecting your camcorder to a
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the
A/V connecting cable to the video input jack,
and the red (right channel) or the white (left
channel) plug to the audio input jack on the
device.
VCRs or DVD/
HDD recorders
: Video/Signal flow
A/V OUT jack
S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
(Yellow)
(White)
(Red)
IN
VIDEO
AUDIO
(White)
(Red)
IN
Device without
S VIDEO jack
Device with
S VIDEO jack
55
Editing
1 Insert the recorded disc into your
camcorder.
2 Turn on your camcorder, and
press (VIEW IMAGES).
Set [TV TYPE] according to the display
device (p. 42).
3 Insert the recording media in the
recording device.
If your recording device has an input
selector, set it to the input mode.
4 Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (VCR or DVD/
HDD recorder) with the A/V
connecting cable (supplied) 1 or
an A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional) 2.
Connect your camcorder to the input
jacks of the recording device.
5 Start the playback on your
camcorder, and record it on the
recording device.
Refer to the instruction manuals
supplied with your recording device for
details.
6 When dubbing is finished, stop
the recording device, and then
your camcorder.
Printing recorded
images
(PictBridge
compliant printer)
You can print out still images using a
PictBridge compliant printer, without
connecting the camcorder to a computer.
Connect your camcorder to the AC Adaptor
to obtain power from the wall socket
(p. 20).
Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” containing
still images into your camcorder and turn
on the printer.
1 Turn on your camcorder.
2 Connect the (USB) jack of your
camcorder to the printer using
the USB cable (p. 112).
[USB SELECT] appears on the screen
automatically.
3 Touch [ PRINT].
One of the still images stored on the
“Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.
b Notes
We can guarantee the operation of only models
that are PictBridge compatible.
Connecting your camcorder to
the printer
When connection is complete,
(PictBridge connecting) appears on
the screen.
Continued ,
56
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) (Continued)
1 Touch the still image to be
printed.
The selected image is marked with .
Press and hold the image on the LCD
screen to confirm the image.
Touch to return to the previous
screen.
2 Touch (OPTION), set the
following options, then touch
.
[COPIES]: Set number of copies of a
still image to be printed. You can set up
to 20 copies.
[DATE/TIME]: Select [DATE],
[DAY&TIME], or [OFF] (no date/time
printed).
[SIZE]: Select the paper size.
If you do not change the setting, go to
step 3.
3 Touch [EXEC] t [YES] t .
The image selection screen appears
again.
To finish printing
Touch on the image selection screen.
b Notes
Refer also to the instruction manual of the
printer to be used.
Do not attempt the following operations when
is on the screen. The operations may not be
performed properly.
To operate the POWER switch.
To press (VIEW IMAGES)
To disconnect the USB cable from the printer.
To remove the “Memory Stick Duo” from
your camcorder
If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB
cable, turn the printer off and on again, and
restart the operation from the beginning.
You can select only the paper sizes that the
printer can print.
On some printer models, the top, bottom, right,
and left edges of images may be trimmed. If you
print a still image recorded in a 16:9 (wide)
ratio, the left and right ends of the image may be
trimmed widely.
Some printer models may not support the date
printing function. Refer to your printer’s
instruction manual for details.
You may not be able to print the following:
images edited by a computer
images recorded by other devices
images of 3MB or more
images with a pixel size larger than
2848×2136
z Tips
PictBridge is an industry standard established
by the Camera & Imaging Products Association
(CIPA). You can print still images without using
a computer by connecting a printer directly to a
digital video camera or digital still camera,
regardless of model or manufacturer.
You can print a still image when viewing it
using tab t [PRINT] on (OPTION).
Printing
57
Utilizing recording media
Utilizing recording media
(MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) category
This category enables you to use a disc or a
“Memory Stick Duo” for various purposes.
FINALIZE
You can enable discs to be played on other
devices by finalizing them (p. 44).
DISC SELECT GUIDE
Your camcorder advises you of the right
disc for your purpose (p. 58).
FORMAT
You can format and use the disc again
(p. 59).
FORMAT
You can format and use the “Memory Stick
Duo” again (p. 60).
UNFINALIZE
You can unfinalize a disc and record more
images on it (p. 60).
DISC INFO
You can display the disc information.
Playing a disc on
other devices
Finalizing a disc (p. 44) let you view
movies recorded by your camcorder on
other DVD devices. However, we do not
guarantee proper playback on all devices.
DVD+RW do not require finalization to be
played back on other devices.
b Notes
Do not use an 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm
DVD as it may cause a malfunction.
Make sure that a vertically installed device is
placed in a position such as that the disc can be
placed horizontally.
Some discs cannot be played back, may freeze
for an instant between scenes. Some functions
may be disabled on some devices.
z Tips
Devices that support subtitles can display the
recording date and time where the subtitles
normally appear (p. 65). Refer to the instruction
manual of your device.
If you have created a DVD menu (p. 47), you
can select the desired scene in the menu.
You can play a disc on a computer if a
DVD playback application is installed on
the computer.
Insert the finalized disc into the DVD drive
on your computer, and play back the disc
using a DVD playback application.
b Notes
Even when you use a DVD+RW, you must
finalize the disc (p. 44). Otherwise, it may cause
a malfunction.
Make sure that the DVD drive of the computer
can play an 8 cm DVD.
Do not use an 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm
DVD as it may cause a malfunction.
The disc may not be played back, or the movies
may not be played smoothly on some
computers.
Item list
(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY)
category
Playing a disc on other devices
Playing a disc on a computer
Continued ,
58
Movies stored on a disc cannot be copied
directly onto a computer to be played back or
edited.
z Tips
For details on operations and procedures, see the
“First Step Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM
(p. 81).
The volume label of the disc
The date when the disc was first used is
recorded (the default setting is 0:00AM
January 1, 2007).
<e.g.>
When the disc was first used at 0:00 pm on
January 1st 2007:
2007_01_01_00H00M_AM
z Tips
Images on discs are stored in the following
folders:
DVD-RW (VR mode)
DVD_RTAV folder
Other discs and modes
VIDEO_TS folder
Volume
label
Finding the right disc
(DISC SELECT GUIDE)
Select the option that is right for you on the
screen, then you will be informed of the
appropriate disc for your purposes.
1 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) of the (HOME).
2 Touch [DISC SELECT GUIDE].
3 Touch the option that is right for
you on the screen.
When you answer all the questions, you
will be informed of the right disc for
you.
If you insert the same type of disc as
indicated in [DISC SELECT GUIDE],
you can format it with your selected
settings.
Playing a disc on other devices
(Continued)
59
Utilizing recording media
Deleting all scenes on the disc (Formatting)
Formatting makes the recorded disc new
and reusable by deleting all the data
recorded on the disc. The recording
capacity of the disc is recovered by
formatting it.
A DVD-R/DVD+R DL cannot be
formatted. Replace it with a new
disc.
If you format a finalized disc
A DVD-RW (in VIDEO mode) returns to
the unfinalized state. The disc must be
finalized again to view its contents on
other devices.
In the case of a DVD-RW (VR mode)/
DVD+RW, formatting deletes all images
on a finalized disc. One of the following
icons, or , appears on the
screen, but there is no need to finalize the
disc again before playing the disc on other
devices.*
* To create the DVD menu on a DVD+RW,
finalize the disc again (p. 44).
1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder,
then connect the mains lead to
the wall socket.
2 Turn on your camcorder.
3 Insert the disc that you want to
format into your camcorder.
4 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) of the (HOME) t
[FORMAT].
Perform the following steps if your disc is
DVD-RW or DVD+RW.
x DVD-RW
Select [VIDEO] or [VR] for the
recording format (p. 12), then touch
.
x DVD+RW
Select the aspect ratio of the movie,
[16:9 WIDE] or [4:3], then touch .
5 Touch [YES].
6 Touch when [Completed.] is
displayed.
b Notes
Use the AC Adaptor as the power source to
prevent your camcorder from running out of
power during formatting.
Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC
Adaptor during formatting.
When you use a double-sided disc, formatting is
required on each side. You can format each side
in the different recording format.
In the case of DVD+RW , you cannot change
the movie aspect ratio midway. Format the disc
again to change the aspect ratio.
You cannot format a disc that has been
protected on other devices. Cancel the
protection with the original device, and then
format it.
z Tips
When you use a DVD-RW while the Easy
Handycam operation (p. 29) is set, the recording
format is fixed to the VIDEO mode.
Formatting the disc
Continued ,
60
Formatting deletes all images on a
“Memory Stick Duo.”
1 Turn on your camcorder.
2 Insert the "Memory Stick Duo"
that you want to format into your
camcorder.
3 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) of the (HOME) t
[FORMAT]
4 Touch [YES] t [YES].
5 When [Completed.] appears,
touch .
b Notes
Even the still images protected with another
device against accidental deletion are also
deleted.
Do not attempt the following operations when
[Executing...] is on the screen:
To operate the POWER switch or buttons
To remove the “Memory Stick Duo”
Formatting the “Memory Stick
Duo”
Recording additional
scenes after finalizing
You can record additional movies on the
finalized DVD-RWs/DVD+RWs after the
following steps, if the disc has free space.
When using the finalized DVD-RW
(VR mode), you can record
additional movies on the disc
without an additional steps.
1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder,
then connect the mains lead to
the wall socket.
2 Turn on your camcorder.
3 Insert the finalized disc into your
camcorder.
4 Touch (MANAGE DISC/
MEMORY) of the (HOME) t
[UNFINALIZE].
5 Touch [YES] t [YES], then touch
when [Completed.] appears.
If you have created a DVD menu (p. 47)
during finalizing, you must perform the
following steps prior to recording
additional movies.
When using a DVD-RW (VIDEO
mode)(Unfinalizing)
When using DVD+RW
Deleting all scenes on the disc
(Formatting) (Continued)
61
Utilizing recording media
1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder,
then connect the mains lead to
the wall socket.
2 Turn the POWER switch to turn
on the (Movie) lamp.
3 Insert the finalized disc into your
camcorder.
A confirmation screen appears to
prompt you to confirm that you wish to
record additional scenes.
4 Touch [YES] t [YES].
5 When [Completed.] appears,
touch .
b Notes
Use the AC Adaptor as power source to prevent
your camcorder from running out of power
during the operation.
Do not apply shock or vibration to your
camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC
Adaptor during the operation.
A DVD menu created during finalizing are
deleted.
For a double-sided disc, perform these steps for
each side of the disc.
You cannot record additional scenes on the
DVD-R/DVD+R DL.
You cannot record additional material on the
disc during the Easy Handycam operation.
Cancel the Easy Handycam operation.
62
Customizing your camcorder
What you can do with the (SETTINGS)
category of the HOME MENU
You can change the recording functions and
the operating settings for your convenience.
1 Turn on your camcorder, then
press (HOME).
2 Touch (SETTINGS).
3 Touch the desired setup item.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/
V to change the page.
4 Touch the desired item.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/
V to change the page.
5 Change the setting, then touch
.
Using the HOME MENU
(HOME)
(HOME)
(SETTINGS) category
63
Customizing your camcorder
MOVIE SETTINGS (p. 64)
PHOTO SETTINGS (p. 66)
VIEW IMAGES SET (p. 69)
SOUND/DISP SET
*
3
(p. 70)
OUTPUT SETTINGS (p. 72)
CLOCK/ LANG (p. 72)
GENERAL SET (p. 73)
*
1
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD908E
only
*
2
Also available during Easy Handycam
operation
*
3
Only [SOUND SETTINGS] is available
during Easy Handycam operation.
List of the (SETTINGS)
category items
Items Page
REC MODE
64
NIGHTSHOT LIGHT
64
DIGITAL ZOOM
64
STEADYSHOT
65
AUTO SLW SHUTTR
65
GUIDEFRAME
65
ZEBRA
65
REMAINING
65
SUB-T DATE
65
FLASH LEVEL
65
REDEYE REDUC
66
Items Page
IMAGE SIZE*
2
66
QUALITY
68
FILE NO.
68
NIGHTSHOT LIGHT
64
STEADYSHOT*
1
65
GUIDEFRAME
65
ZEBRA
65
FLASH LEVEL
65
REDEYE REDUC
66
Items Page
DATA CODE
69
DISPLAY
69
Items Page
VOLUME*
2
70
BEEP*
2
70
LCD BRIGHT
70
LCD BL LEVEL
70
LCD COLOR
71
VF B.LIGHT
71
Items Page
TV TYPE
72
DISP OUTPUT
72
Items Page
CLOCK SET*
2
23
AREA SET
72
SUMMERTIME
72
LANGUAGE SET*
2
72
Items Page
DEMO MODE
73
CALIBRATION
106
A.SHUT OFF
73
REMOTE CTRL
73
64
MOVIE SETTINGS
(Items for recording movies)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
The default settings are marked with B.
You can select from three levels of image
quality when recording a movie.
You can select an image quality of the
movie from three levels.
HQ
Records in high quality mode.
(9M (HQ))
B SP
Records in standard quality mode.
(6M (SP))
LP
Increases the recording time (Long Play).
(3M (LP))
b Notes
If you record in the LP mode, the quality of
scenes may be degraded, or scenes with quick
movements may appear with a block noise when
you play back the disc.
z Tips
See page 12 on the expected recording time of
each recording mode.
REC MODE (Recording
mode)
When using either the NightShot (p. 36) or
[SUPER NIGHTSHOT] (p. 79) function to
record, you can record clearer images by
setting [NIGHTSHOT LIGHT], which
emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the
default setting).
b Notes
Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers
or other objects (p. 113).
Remove the conversion lens (optional).
The maximum shooting distance using
[NIGHTSHOT LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).
You can select the maximum zoom level in
case you want to zoom to a level greater
than 10 × (the default setting) during
recording. Note that the image quality
decreases when you use the digital zoom.
B OFF
Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically.
20×
Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 20 × zoom is
performed digitally.
80×
(DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E)
Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 80 × zoom is
performed digitally.
NIGHTSHOT LIGHT
DIGITAL ZOOM
The right side of the bar shows the digital
zooming factor. The zooming zone appears
when you select the zooming level.
65
Customizing your camcorder
You can compensate for camera shake (the
default setting is [ON]). Set
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when
using a tripod (optional), then the image
becomes natural.
When this is set to [ON] (the default
setting), the shutter speed is automatically
reduced to 1/25 second when recording in
dark conditions.
You can display the frame and check that
the subject is horizontal or vertical by
setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON].
The frame is not recorded. Press DISP/
BATT INFO to make the frame disappear.
z Tips
Positioning the subject at the cross point of the
guide frame makes a balanced composition.
Diagonal stripes appear in portions of the
screen where brightness is at a preset level.
This is useful as a guide when adjusting the
brightness. When you change the default
setting, is displayed. The zebra pattern
is not recorded.
B OFF
The zebra pattern is not displayed.
70
The zebra pattern appears at a screen
brightness level of about 70 IRE.
100
The zebra pattern appears at a screen
brightness level of about 100 IRE or
higher.
b Notes
Portions of the screen where brightness is about
100 IRE or above may appear overexposed.
z Tips
IRE represents the screen brightness level.
B AUTO
Displays the remaining disc indicator for
about 8 seconds in situations such as those
described below.
When your camcorder recognizes the
remaining disc capacity with the POWER
switch set to (Movie).
When you press DISP/BATT INFO to
switch the indicator from off to on with
the POWER switch set to (Movie).
When you select the movie recording
mode on the HOME MENU.
ON
Always displays the remaining disc
indicator.
b Notes
When the remaining recordable time for movies
is less than 5 minutes, the indicator stays on the
screen.
Select [ON] (the default setting) to display
the recording date and time when you play
back a disc on a device with a subtitle
display function. Also refer to the
instruction manual of the playback device.
You can set this function when you use the
built-in flash, or an external flash (optional)
that is compatible with your camcorder.
HIGH ( )
Makes the flash level higher.
B NORMAL ( )
STEADYSHOT
AUTO SLW SHUTTR
(Auto slow shutter)
GUIDEFRAME
ZEBRA
REMAINING
SUB-T DATE
FLASH LEVEL
Continued ,
66
LOW ( )
Makes the flash level lower.
You can set this function when you use the
built-in flash, or an external flash (optional)
that is compatible with your camcorder.
You can prevent redeye by activating the
flash before recording.
Set [REDEYE REDUC] to [ON], then press
(flash) (p. 34) repeatedly to select a
setting.
(Auto redeye reduction): Pre-flashes to
reduce redeye before the flash automatically
flashes when there is insufficient ambient
light.
r
(Forced redeye reduction): Always
uses the flash and the redeye reducing pre-
flash.
r
(No flash): Records without flash.
b Notes
The redeye reduction may not produce the
desired effect due to individual differences and
other conditions.
REDEYE REDUC
(Redeye reduction)
PHOTO SETTINGS
(Items for recording still images)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
The default settings are marked with B.
b Notes
[ IMAGE SIZE] can be set only during
recording standby.
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD908E
B 6.1M ( )
Records still images clearly.
3.1M ( )
Allows you to record more still images in
relatively clear quality.
VGA (0.3M) ( )
Allows the maximum number of still
images to be recorded.
b Notes
When the picture ratio is changed to 16:9, the
image size is changed to [ 4.6M] ( )
(p. 37).
You can only select the image size for still images.
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E
B 4.0M ( )
Records still images clearly.
1.9M ( )
Allows you to record more still images in
relatively clear quality.
IMAGE SIZE
4.0M
MOVIE SETTINGS (Continued)
67
Customizing your camcorder
VGA (0.3M) ( )
Allows the maximum number of still
images to be recorded.
b Notes
When the picture ratio is changed to 16:9, the
image size is changed to [ 3.0M] ( )
(p. 37).
You can only select the image size for still images.
Capacity of the “Memory Stick Duo”
(MB) and the number of recordable
images
When the POWER switch is
(Still) (DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/
DVD908E)
When the POWER switch is
(Movie)* (DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/
DVD908E)
When the POWER switch is
(Still) (DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/
DVD808E)
When the POWER switch is
(Movie)* (DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/
DVD808E)
6.1M
2848 ×
2136
4.6M
2048 ×
1602
3.1M
2048 ×
1536
VGA
(0.3M)
640 ×
480
64MB 21
53
28
70
40
100
390
980
128MB 42
105
56
135
80
205
780
1970
256MB 76
190
100
250
140
370
1400
3550
512MB 155
390
205
510
295
760
2850
7200
1GB 315
800
420
1050
600
1550
5900
14500
2GB 650
1600
860
2150
1200
3150
12000
30000
4GB 1250
3200
1700
4250
2400
6300
23500
59000
4.6M
2848 × 1602
3.4M
2136 × 1602
64MB 28
70
37
93
128MB 56
135
74
185
3.0M
256MB 100
250
130
335
512MB 205
510
270
690
1GB 420
1050
550
1400
2GB 860
2150
1100
2850
4GB 1700
4250
2250
5700
4.0M
2304 ×
1728
3.0M
2304 ×
1296
1.9M
1600 ×
1200
VGA
(0.3M)
640 ×
480
64MB 32
81
42
105
65
160
390
980
128MB 64
160
85
215
130
325
780
1970
256MB 115
295
150
395
235
590
1400
3550
512MB 235
600
310
800
480
1200
2850
7200
1GB 480
1200
640
1600
980
2450
5900
14500
2GB 990
2500
1300
3350
2000
5000
12000
30000
4GB 1950
4900
2600
6600
3950
9500
23500
59000
2.3M
2016 × 1134
1.7M
1512 × 1134
64MB 56
135
72
175
4.6M
2848 × 1602
3.4M
2136 × 1602
4.0M 3.0M
1.7M
Continued ,
68
PHOTO SETTINGS (Continued)
* The image size is fixed depending on the aspect
ratio of the image recorded:
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/DVD908E
[ 4.6M] in the aspect ratio 16:9
[3.4M] in the aspect ratio 4:3
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E
[ 2.3M] in the aspect ratio 16:9
- [1.7M] in the aspect ratio 4:3
b Notes
All numbers measured at the following setting:
Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.
Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image
quality.
All numbers measured when using a “Memory
Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The
number of recordable images varies depending
on the recording environment.
Still image resolution is obtained by the unique
pixel array of Sony's ClearVid CMOS Sensor
and image processing system (new Enhanced
Imaging Processor).
B FINE ( )
Records still images at the fine image
quality level.
STANDARD ( )
Records still images at the standard image
quality level.
B SERIES
Assigns file numbers in sequence even if
the “Memory Stick Duo” is replaced with
another one.
RESET
Assign file number for each "Memory
Stick Duo."
See page 64.
See page 65.
See page 65.
See page 65.
See page 65.
See page 66.
128MB 110
280
145
355
256MB 200
500
260
640
512MB 410
1000
530
1300
1GB 840
2100
1050
2650
2GB 1700
4300
2200
5500
4GB 3400
8500
4400
10500
QUALITY
2.3M
2016 × 1134
1.7M
1512 × 1134
1.7M
FILE NO. (File number)
NIGHTSHOT LIGHT
STEADYSHOT (DCR-
DVD506E/DVD508E/
DVD908E)
GUIDEFRAME
ZEBRA
FLASH LEVEL
REDEYE REDUC
(Redeye reduction)
69
Customizing your camcorder
VIEW IMAGES SET
(Items to customize the display)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
The default settings are marked with B.
During playback, displays the information
(data code) recorded automatically at the
time of recording.
B OFF
Data code is not displayed.
DATE/TIME
Displays the date and time.
CAMERADATA (below)
Displays camera setting data.
DATE/TIME
ADate
BTime
DATA CODE
SP
2007
CAMERADATA
CSteadyShot off
DBrightness
EWhite balance
FGain
GShutter speed
HAperture value
IExposure
z Tips
appears for an image recorded using a flash.
The data code is displayed on the TV screen if
you connect your camcorder to a TV.
The indicator toggles through the following
sequences as you press DATA CODE on the
Remote Commander: [DATE/TIME] t
[CAMERADATA] t [OFF] (no indication)
Depending on the disc condition, bars [--:--:--]
appear.
You can select the number of thumbnails that
appear on the VISUAL INDEX screen.
B ZOOM LINK
Change the number of thumbnails (6 or 12)
with the zoom lever on your camcorder.*
6IMAGES
Displays thumbnails of 6 images.
DISPLAY
SP
Movie
Still image
Continued ,
70
12IMAGES
Displays thumbnails of 12 images.
* You can operate with the zoom buttons on the
LCD frame or on the Remote Commander
SOUND/DISP SET
(Items to adjust beep and the screen)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
The default settings are marked with B.
Touch / to adjust the volume
(p. 40).
B ON
A melody sounds when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.
OFF
Cancels the melody and shutter sound.
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen.
1 Adjust the brightness with / .
2 Touch .
z Tips
This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen’s backlight.
VOLUME
BEEP
LCD BRIGHT
LCD BL LEVEL (LCD
backlight level)
VIEW IMAGES SET (Continued)
71
Customizing your camcorder
B NORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Brightens the LCD screen.
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
slightly reduced during recording.
If you open the LCD panel 180 degrees to face
the screen outside and close the LCD panel to
the camcorder body, the setting becomes
[NORMAL] automatically.
z Tips
This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
You can adjust the color of the LCD screen
with / .
z Tips
This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
You can adjust the brightness of the
viewfinder.
B NORMAL
Standard brightness.
BRIGHT
Brightens the viewfinder screen.
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
slightly reduced during recording.
z Tips
This adjustment does not affect the recorded
images in any way.
LCD COLOR
VF B.LIGHT (Viewfinder
brightness)
Low intensity High intensity
72
OUTPUT SETTINGS
(Items for when connecting other devices)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
The default settings are marked with B.
See page 42.
B LCD PANEL
Shows displays such as the time code on
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
V-OUT/PANEL
Shows displays such as the time code on
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the
viewfinder.
CLOCK/ LANG
(Items to set clock and language)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
See page 23.
You can adjust a time difference without
stopping the clock.
Set your local area using v/V when using
your camcorder overseas.
Refer to the world time difference on page
100.
You can change this setting without
stopping the clock.
Set to [ON] to move the time forward
1hour.
You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
z Tips
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP] ]
(simplified English) for when you cannot
find your native tongue among the
options.
TV TYPE
DISP OUTPUT
CLOCK SET
AREA SET
SUMMERTIME
LANGUAGE SET
73
Customizing your camcorder
GENERAL SET
(Other setup items)
Touch 1, then 2.
If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V
to change the page.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
The default settings are marked with B.
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
view the demonstration in about 10
minutes, after you turn the POWER switch
to (Movie).
z Tips
The demonstration will be suspended in
situations such as those described below.
When you press START/STOP or PHOTO.
When you touch the screen during the
demonstration (The demonstration starts
again after about 10 minutes).
When you slide the disc cover open switch.
When you remove or insert a “Memory Stick
Duo.
When you set the POWER switch to
(Still).
When you press (HOME)/ (VIEW
IMAGES).
See page 106.
DEMO MODE
CALIBRATION
B 5min
The camcorder is automatically turned off
when you do not operate your camcorder
for more than approximately 5 minutes.
NEVER
The camcorder is not automatically turned
off.
b Notes
When you connect your camcorder to a wall
socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to
[NEVER].
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
use the supplied Remote Commander
(p. 115).
z Tips
Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from
responding to a command sent by another VCR
remote control unit.
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut
off)
REMOTE CTRL (Remote
control)
74
Activating functions using the OPTION MENU
The OPTION MENU appears just like the
pop-up window that appears when you
right-click the mouse on a computer.
Various functions are displayed in the
context of the operation.
1 While using your camcorder,
touch (OPTION) on the screen.
2 Touch the desired item.
If you cannot find the desired item,
touch another tab to change the page.
3 Change the setting, then touch
.
When the item you want is not on the
screen
Touch another tab. If you cannot find the
item anywhere, the function does not work
under the situation.
b Notes
The tabs and items that appear on the screen
depend on the recording/playback status of your
camcorder at the time.
Some items appear without a tab.
The OPTION MENU cannot be used during
Easy Handycam operation.
Using the OPTION MENU
(OPTION)
3
11
Tab
75
Customizing your camcorder
See page 74 for setting operation.
* Items that are included also in the HOME
MENU.
See page 74 for setting operation.
* Items that are included also in the HOME
MENU.
Recording items on the OPTION
MENU
Items * Page
tab
FOCUS
-76
SPOT FOCUS
-76
TELE MACRO
-76
EXPOSURE
-77
SPOT METER
-77
SCENE SELECTION
-77
WHITE BAL.
-78
COLOR SLOW SHTR
-79
SUPER NIGHTSHOT
-79
tab
FADER
-79
D.EFFECT
-80
PICT.EFFECT
-80
tab
REC MODE
a 64
MICREF LEVEL
-80
IMAGE SIZE
a 66
QUALITY
a 68
SELF-TIMER
-80
TIMING
-37
RECORD SOUND
-37
Viewing items on the OPTION
MENU
Items * Page
tab
DELETE
a 48
DELETE ALL
a 49
tab
DIVIDE
a 50
ERASE
a 52
ERASE ALL
a 52
MOVE
a 52
-- (A tab depends on the situation)
ADD
a 52
ADD ALL
a 52
PRINT
a 55
SLIDE SHOW
-41
VOLUME
a 70
DATA CODE
a 69
SLIDE SHOW SET
-41
ADD
a 51
ADD ALL
a 52
-- (No tab)
COPIES
-56
DATE/TIME
-56
SIZE
-56
DVD MENU
-47
76
Functions set in the OPTION MENU
Items you can set only on the OPTION
MENU will be described below.
How to set
(HOME MENU) t page 62
(OPTION MENU) t page 74
The default settings are marked with B.
You can adjust the focus manually. You can
select this function also when you want to
focus on a certain subject intentionally.
1 Touch [MANUAL].
9 appears.
2 Touch (focusing on close subjects)/
(focusing on distant subjects) to
sharpen the focus. appears when the
focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and
appears when the focus cannot be adjusted
farther away.
3 Touch .
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO] t in step 1.
b Notes
The minimum possible distance between
camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp
focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide
angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for
telephoto.
z Tips
It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the
power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to
adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to
adjust the zoom for recording. When you want
to record a subject at close range, move the
power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then
adjust the focus.
The focal distance information (the distance at
which the subject is focused on, for when it is
dark and hard to adjust focus) appears for a few
seconds in the following cases. (It will not be
displayed correctly if you are using a conversion
lens (optional).)
When the focus mode is switched from
automatic to manual.
When you set focus manually
You can select and adjust the focal point to
aim it at a subject not located at the center
of the screen.
1 Touch the subject on the screen.
9 appears.
2 Touch [END].
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO] t [
END] in step 1.
b Notes
If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
This is useful to shoot small subjects, such
as flowers or insects. You can blur out
backgrounds and the subject stands out
clearer.
When you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON]
( ), the zoom (p. 34) moves to the top of
the T (telephoto) side automatically and
allows recording subjects at a close
distance, down to about 45 cm (17 3/4 in.)
*.
* DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E: about
37 cm (14 5/8in.)
To cancel, touch [OFF], or zoom to wide-
angle (W side).
FOCUS
SPOT FOCUS
TELE MACRO
77
Customizing your camcorder
b Notes
When recording a distant subject, focusing may
be difficult and can take some time.
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 76)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
You can fix the brightness of an image
manually. Adjust [EXPOSURE] when the
subject is too bright or too dark relative to
the background.
1 Touch [MANUAL].
appears.
2 Adjust the exposure by touching /
.
3 Touch .
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO] t in step 1.
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
spotlight on stage.
1 Touch the point where you want to fix and
adjust the exposure on the screen.
appears.
2 Touch [END].
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO] t [
END] in step 1.
b Notes
If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
You can record images effectively in
various situations with the [SCENE
SELECTION] function.
B AUTO
Select this to automatically record images
effectively without the [
SCENE
SELECTION
] function.
TWILIGHT* ()
Select this to take night view without
losing the mood.
TWILIGHT PORT. ( )
Select this to take subject in foreground
against night view.
CANDLE ( )
Select this to take scene without losing
candle mood.
SUNRISE&SUNSET* ()
Select this to take the sunshine or sunset in
vivid colors.
FIREWORKS* ()
EXPOSURE
SPOT METER (Flexible
spot meter)
SCENE SELECTION
Continued ,
78
Functions set in the OPTION MENU (Continued)
Select this to take spectacular shots of
fireworks.
LANDSCAPE*
()
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.
This setting also prevents your camcorder
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in
windows that comes in between the
camcorder and the subject.
PORTRAIT ( )
Select to bring out the subject such as
people or flowers while creating a soft
background.
SPOTLIGHT**
()
Select to prevent people's faces from
appearing excessively white when subjects
are lit by strong light.
BEACH**
()
Select to take the vivid blue of the ocean or
a lake.
SNOW** ()
Select to take bright pictures of a white
landscape.
*Your camcorder is set to focus only on distant
subjects.
**Your camcorder is set not to focus on nearby
subjects.
b Notes
The [WHITE BAL. ] setting is cleared when
you set [SCENE SELECTION].
You can adjust the color balance to the
brightness of the recording environment.
B AUTO
The white balance is adjusted
automatically.
OUTDOOR ( )
The white balance is adjusted to be
appropriate for the following recording
conditions:
– Outdoors
– Night views, neon signs and fireworks
– Sunrise or sunset
– Under daylight fluorescent lamps
INDOOR (n)
The white balance is adjusted to be
appropriate for the following recording
conditions:
– Indoors
– At party scenes or studios where the lighting
conditions change quickly
– Under video lamps in a studio, or under
sodium lamps or incandescent-like color
lamps
ONE PUSH ( )
The white balance will be adjusted
according to the ambient light.
1 Touch [ONE PUSH].
2 Frame a white object such as a piece of
paper, to fill the screen under the same
lighting conditions as you will shoot
the subject.
3 Touch [ ].
flashes quickly. When the white
balance has been adjusted and stored in
the memory, the indicator stops
flashing.
b Notes
Set [WHITE BAL. ] to [AUTO] or adjust the
color in [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white
fluorescent lamps.
WHITE BAL. (White
balance)
79
Customizing your camcorder
While is flashing quickly during [ONE
PUSH] setting, continue to frame a white object
until stops flashing.
flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not
be set.
When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if keeps
flashing after touching , set [WHITE BAL.
] to [AUTO].
If you set [WHITE BAL. ], [SCENE
SELECTION] is automatically set to [AUTO].
z Tips
If you change the battery pack with [AUTO]
selected, or take your camcorder outdoors after
inside use (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and
aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for
about 10 seconds for better color balance
adjustment.
If you change the [SCENE SELECTION]
settings or move your camcorder outdoors
during white balance setting with [ONE PUSH],
you need to repeat the [ONE PUSH] operation.
When you set [COLOR SLOW SHTR] to
[ON], you can record an image brighter in
color even in dark places.
appears on the screen.
To cancel [COLOR SLOW SHTR], touch
[OFF].
b Notes
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 76)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
The shutter speed of your camcorder changes
depending on the brightness, which may result
in a slowdown of the motion of the image.
The image will be recorded at a maximum
of 16 times the sensitivity of NightShot
recording if you set [SUPER
NIGHTSHOT] to [ON] while the
NIGHTSHOT switch (p. 36) is also set to
ON.
appears on the screen.
To return to the normal setting, set [SUPER
NIGHTSHOT] to [OFF].
b Notes
Do not use [SUPER NIGHTSHOT] in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.
Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers
or other objects (p. 113).
Remove the conversion lens (optional).
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 76)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
The shutter speed of your camcorder changes
depending on the brightness, which may result
in a slowdown of the motion of the image.
You can record a transition with the
following effects adding to the interval
between scenes.
1 Select the desired effect in [STBY] (during
fading in) or [REC] (during fading out)
mode, then touch .
2 Press START/STOP.
The fader indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.
To cancel the fader before starting the
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.
If you press START/STOP, the setting is
canceled.
WHITE FADER
BLACK FADER
COLOR SLOW SHTR
(Color Slow Shutter)
SUPER NIGHTSHOT
FADER
STBY REC
Fading out Fading in
Continued ,
80
Functions set in the OPTION MENU (Continued)
When [OLD MOVIE] is selected,
appears on the screen and you can record
with an old movie-type atmosphere to your
movies.
To cancel [D.EFFECT], touch [OFF].
You can add special effects to an image
during recording or playback. appears.
B OFF
Does not use [PICT.EFFECT] setting.
SEPIA
Images appear in sepia.
B&W
Images appear in black and white.
PASTEL
Images appear as a pale pastel drawing.
You can select the microphone level for
recording sound.
Select [LOW] when you want to record
exciting and powerful sound in a concert
hall, etc.
B NORMAL
Records various surround sounds,
converting them into the certain level.
LOW ( )
Records surround sound faithfully. This
setting is not suitable for recording
conversations.
The self-timer records a still image about
10 seconds after being set.
Press PHOTO to record still images when
[SELF-TIMER] is set to [ON] and
appears.
To cancel the count down, touch [RESET].
To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF].
z Tips
You can also operate by pressing PHOTO on
the Remote Commander (p. 115).
D.EFFECT (Digital effect)
PICT.EFFECT (Picture
effect)
MICREF LEVEL
SELF-TIMER
81
Using a Computer
Using a Computer
What you can do with Windows computer
When you install the “Picture Motion
Browser” on a Windows computer from the
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the
following operations.
z Tips
See page 85 when you use a Macintosh
computer.
x Importing movies taken with your
camcorder
x Viewing movies imported to a
computer
You can manage movies and still images
by date and time of shooting, and select
movies or still images you want to view as
thumbnails. These thumbnails can be
enlarged and played in a slide show.
x Editing images imported to a
computer
x Creating an original DVD
You can create an original DVD from
image data imported from your camcorder.
x Copying a disc
t Video Disc Copier
You can copy all the images on a disc
taken with your camcorder.
The “First Step Guide” is an instruction
manual you can refer to on your computer.
This describes basic operations, from initial
hookup of your camcorder and computer
and making settings, to general operation
the first time you use the software “Picture
Motion Browser” stored on the CD-ROM
(supplied).
Referring to “Installing the “First Step
Guide”” (p. 83), start the “First Step
Guide”, then follow the instructions.
The Help guide explains all the functions of
all the software applications. Refer to the
Help guide for further detailed operations
after reading the “First Step Guide”
thoroughly.
To display the Help guide, click the
mark on the screen.
When using “Picture Motion Browser”
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,
Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP
Professional or Windows XP Media Center
Edition
Standard installation is required.
Operation is not assured if the above OS
has been upgraded or in a multi-boot
environment.
CPU:Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster.
Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This
product is based on DirectX technology. It
is necessary to have DirectX installed.)
Sound system: Direct Sound compatible
sound card
Memory: 256 MB or more
Main functions
About “First Step Guide”
About the help function of the
software
System requirements
Continued ,
82
What you can do with Windows computer (Continued)
Hard disk:
Disc volume required for installation:
Approximately 600 MB (5 GB or more
may be necessary when creating DVD
videos.)
Display: DirectX 7 or later-compatible video
card, Minimum 1024
× 768 dots, High
Color (16 bit color)
Others: USB port (this must be provided
as standard), Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0
compatible) is recommended, Disc drive
that can burn DVDs (CD-ROM drive
required for software installation)
When playing still images recorded
on a “Memory Stick Duo” on a
computer
OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,
Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP
Professional or Windows XP Media Center
Edition
Standard installation is required.
Operation is not assured if the above OS
has been upgraded.
CPU: MMX Pentium 200 MHz or faster
Others: USB port (this must be provided
as standard)
b Note
Even in a computer environment where the
operations are guaranteed, frames may be
dropped from movies, resulting in uneven
playback. However, imported images and
images on discs created subsequently will not be
affected.
Operations are not guaranteed, even on
computers fulfilling the above system
requirements.
Picture Motion Browser does not support 5.1ch
surround sound reproduction. The sound is
reproduced in 2ch sound.
Some computers do not support 8 cm discs
(such as DVD+R DL (double-layered)).
If you use a Notebook PC, connect it to the AC
Adaptor as the power source.
Otherwise, the software will not work properly
due to the power saving function of the PC.
z Tips
If your computer has a Memory Stick slot, insert
the “Memory Stick Duo” on which still images
are recorded into the Memory Stick Duo
Adaptor (optional), then insert it into the
Memory Stick slot on your computer to copy
still images to the computer.
When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and
your computer is not compatible with it, connect
your camcorder with the USB cable instead of
using the Memory Stick slot on the computer.
83
Using a Computer
Installing the “First Step Guide” and software
You need to install the “First Step Guide”
and software to your Windows computer
before connecting your camcorder
to the computer. The installation is
required only for the first time.
Contents to be installed and procedures
may differ depending on your OS.
z Tips
See page 85 when you use a Macintosh
computer.
1 Confirm that your camcorder is
not connected to the computer.
2 Turn on the computer.
b Notes
Log on as Administrators for installation.
Close all applications running on the
computer before installing the software.
3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the
disc drive of your computer.
The installation screen appears.
If the screen does not appear
1 Click [Start], then click [My
Computer]. (For Windows 2000,
double-click [My Computer].)
2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]
(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary
depending on the computer.
4 Click [FirstStepGuide].
5 Select the desired language and
the model name of your
camcorder from the pull-down
menu.
6 Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].
Installation starts.
When [Save is complete] appears, click
[OK] to finish the installation.
To install the “First Step Guide” in
PDF
In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].
To install the software “Adobe
Reader” to display the PDF file
In step 6, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].
1 Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing
the “First Step Guide”” (p. 83).
2 Click [Install].
3 Select the language for the
application to be installed, then
click [Next].
Installing the “First Step Guide”
Installing the software
Continued ,
84
Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (Continued)
4 Check your area and country/
region, then click [Next].
The software is set up for your selected
country/region.
5 Read [License Agreement], select
[I accept the terms of the license
agreement] when you agree, then
click [Next].
6 Connect your camcorder to your
computer via a USB cable, then
click [Next] on the connection
confirmation screen.
b Notes
Even if a screen prompting you to restart your
computer appears, you do not need to restart it
at this time. Restart your computer after
completing the installation.
7 Follow the on-screen instructions
to install the software.
Depending on the computer, you may
need to install third party software
(shown below). If the installation screen
appears, follow the instructions to
install the required software.
x Sonic UDF Reader
Software required to recognize a DVD-RW
(VR mode)
x Windows Media Format 9 Series
Runtime (Windows 2000 only)
Software required to create a DVD
x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c
Software required to handle movies
Restart the computer if required to
complete the installation.
The short-cut icons, such as [ ]
(Picture Motion Browser), appear on the
desktop.
8 Remove the CD-ROM from the
disc drive of your computer.
z Tips
Refer to the "First Step Guide" for how to
remove the USB cable.
After you install the software,
a shortcut icon for the
customers registration
website is created on the
desktop.
Once you register on the website, you
can get secure and useful customer
support.
http://www.sony.net/registration/di/
For the information about Picture
Motion Browser, visit the following
URL:
http://www.sony.net/support-disoft/
85
Using a Computer
Viewing “First Step
Guide
z Tips
See page 85 when you use a Macintosh
computer.
To view “First Step Guide” on your
computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.
Double-click the shortcut of “First Step
Guide” on the desktop.
z Tips
You can also start this program by selecting
[Start] t [Programs] ([All Programs] for
Windows XP) t [Sony Picture Utility] t
[First Step Guide] t folder with model name
of your camcorder t HTML version of “First
Step Guide.”
To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without
installing, copy the desired language folder from
the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM,
and then double-click [Index.html].
Refer to the PDF version of “First Step Guide”
in the following cases:
When printing the desired topics of “First
Step Guide”
When “First Step Guide” is not displayed
correctly due to the browser setting even in
recommended environment.
When the HTML version of “First Step
Guide” cannot be installed.
Using a Macintosh
computer
You can copy the still images from the
“Memory Stick Duo” to the Macintosh.
Install “First Step Guide” in the supplied
CD-ROM.
b Notes
The supplied software “Picture Motion
Browser” does not operate on Mac OS.
Refer to “First Step Guide” for the details on
connecting your camcorder to the computer and
copying the still images.
To copy still images from a “Memory
Stick Duo”
OS: Mac OS 9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v10.1/
v10.2/v10.3/v10.4).
Others: USB port (this must be provided
as standard)
The “First Step Guide” is an instruction
manual you can refer to on your computer.
This describes basic operations, from initial
hookup of your camcorder and computer
and making setting.
Referring to “Installing the “First Step
Guide,”” start the “First Step Guide,” then
follow the instructions.
Copy “FirstStepGuide(PDF),” stored in the
desired language in the [FirstStepGuide]
folder, to your computer.
Double-click “FirstStepGuide(PDF).”
If no software for viewing PDF files is
installed on your computer, you can
download Adobe Reader from the
following website:
http://www.adobe.com/
System requirements
About “First Step Guide”
Installing “First Step Guide”
Viewing “First Step Guide
86
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
If you run into any problems using your
camcorder, use the following table to
troubleshoot the problem. If the problem
persists, disconnect the power source and
contact your Sony dealer.
Overall operations/Easy Handycam
operation/Remote Commander. . . . . . . . . . . 86
Batteries/Power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
LCD screen/viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Discs/“Memory Stick Duo” . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Playing back on your camcorder . . . . . . . . . 91
Playing back a disc on other devices . . . . . . 92
Editing movies on the disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other
devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Connecting to a computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Functions that cannot be
used simultaneously . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
The power does not turn on.
Attach a charged battery pack to the
camcorder (p. 20).
Connect the plug of the AC Adaptor to the
wall socket (p. 20).
The camcorder does not operate
even when the power is set to on.
It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to
be ready to shoot after the power is turned
on. This is not a malfunction.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
socket or remove the battery pack, then
reconnect it after about 1 minute. If the
functions still do not work, press the RESET
button (p. 114) using a sharp-pointed object.
(If you press the RESET button, all settings,
including the clock setting, are reset.)
The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder
and leave it for a while in a cool place.
Buttons do not work.
During Easy Handycam operation, the
following buttons/functions are not
available.
– BACK LIGHT button (p.36)
– Playback zoom (p.41)
– Turning the LCD backlight on and off
(pressing and holding the DISP BATT/
INFO button for a few seconds) (p.25)
The (OPTION) button is not
displayed.
The OPTION MENU cannot be used during
Easy Handycam operation.
The menu settings have been
changed.
Most menu items automatically return to
their default settings during Easy Handycam
operation.
The following menu items are fixed during
Easy Handycam operation:
– Movie recording mode: [SP]
– [ QUALITY] for still images: [FINE]
– [DATA CODE]: [DATE/TIME]
– Recording format for DVD-RW: [VIDEO]
The following menu items return to their
default settings if the POWER switch is set
to OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours:
–[FOCUS]
– [SPOT FOCUS]
– [EXPOSURE]
– [SPOT METER]
– [SCENE SELECTION]
– [WHITE BAL. ]
– [MICREF LEVEL]
Overall operations/Easy
Handycam operation/Remote
Commander
87
Troubleshooting
Even if you press EASY, menu
settings do not switch to their
defaults automatically.
Following menu settings remain as they
were set even during Easy Handycam
operation.
– [FILE NO. ]
– [VOLUME]
– [TV TYPE]
[ DISPLAY]
– [BEEP]
– [SUB-T DATE]
– [CLOCK SET]
–[AREA SET]
– [SUMMERTIME]
– [DEMO MODE]
– [ LANGUAGE SET]
Your camcorder vibrates.
Vibration occurs depending on the condition
of the disc. This is not a malfunction.
A vibration is felt in your hand or a
faint sound is heard during
operation.
This is not a malfunction.
A motor sound is heard in the
camcorder when the disc cover is
closed without a disc.
Your camcorder is trying to recognize the
disc. This is not a malfunction.
Your camcorder gets warm.
This is because the power has been turned on
for a long time. This is not a malfunction.
Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a
while in a cool place.
The supplied Remote Commander
does not function.
Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 73).
Insert a battery into the battery holder with
the +/– polarities correctly matching the +/–
marks (p. 115).
Remove any obstructions between the
Remote Commander and the remote sensor.
Point the remote sensor away from strong
light sources such as direct sunlight or
overhead lighting. Otherwise, the Remote
Commander may not function properly.
Another DVD device malfunctions
when you use the supplied Remote
Commander.
Select a commander mode other than DVD 2
for your DVD device, or cover the sensor of
your DVD device with black paper.
The power abruptly turns off.
When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed
while you do not operate your camcorder,
the camcorder is automatically turned off
(A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of
[A.SHUT OFF] (p. 73), or turn on the power
again, or use the AC Adaptor.
Charge the battery pack (p. 20).
The CHG (charge) lamp does not
light while the battery pack is being
charged.
Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG)
(p. 20).
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
correctly (p. 20).
Connect the mains lead to the wall socket
properly.
The battery charge is completed (p. 20).
Batteries/Power sources
Continued ,
88
Troubleshooting (Continued)
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while
the battery pack is being charged.
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder
correctly (p. 20). If the problem persists,
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
socket and contact your Sony dealer. The
battery pack may be damaged.
The remaining battery time indicator
does not indicate the correct time.
The temperature of the environment is too
high or too low. This is not a malfunction.
The battery pack has not been charged
enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, replace the battery pack
with a new one (p. 20).
The indicated time may not be correct
depending on the environment of use.
The battery pack is quickly
discharged.
The temperature of the environment is too
high or low. This is not a malfunction.
The battery pack has not been charged
enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the
problem persists, replace the battery pack
with a new one (p. 20).
The buttons do not appear on the
touch panel.
Touch the LCD screen lightly.
Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder
(or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander)
(p. 25).
The buttons on the touch panel do
not work correctly or do not work at
all.
Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION])
(p. 106).
Menu items are grayed out.
You cannot select grayed items in the current
recording/playback status.
Some functions cannot be used
simultaneously (p. 94).
The image in the viewfinder is not
clear.
Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever
until the image appears clearly (p. 25).
The image in the viewfinder has
disappeared.
Close the LCD panel. No image is displayed
in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is
open (p. 25).
The disc cannot be removed.
Make sure the power source (battery pack or
AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 20).
The disc is damaged or is dirty with
fingerprints, etc. In this case, it may take up
to 10 minutes to remove the disc.
The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder
and leave it for a while in a cool place.
Finalizing is interrupted by turning off your
camcorder. Turn on your camcorder and
remove the disc after finalizing is completed
(p. 46).
Images cannot be deleted.
The maximum number of images that you
can delete on the index screen at one time is
100.
Images cannot be deleted depending on the
type and recording format of a disc (p. 13,
48).
LCD screen/viewfinder
Discs/“Memory Stick Duo”
89
Troubleshooting
Remaining disc space indicator is
not displayed.
Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always
display the remaining disc space indicator
(p. 65).
The indicators of the disc type and
the recording format on the LCD
screen are grayed out.
The disc may have been created other than
your camcorder. You can play back with
your camcorder, but you cannot record
additional scenes.
You cannot operate functions using
the “Memory Stick Duo.”
If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted
on a computer, format it again on your
camcorder (p. 60).
You cannot delete or format the
“Memory Stick Duo.”
The maximum number of images that you
can delete on the index screen at one time is
100.
You cannot delete still images that have
write-protection set by another device.
Data file name is incorrect or
flashing
The file may be corrupted.
The file format may not be supported by
your camcorder. Use the supported file
format
(p. 102).
Refer also to “Discs/"Memory Stick Duo"”
(p. 88).
Pressing START/STOP does not
record movies on the disc.
The playback screen is displayed. Set your
camcorder to recording standby (p. 33).
Your camcorder is recording the scene you
have just shot on the disc.
The disc has run out of space. Use a new disc
or format the disc (DVD-RW/DVD+RW
only, p. 59). Or delete the unnecessary
images (p. 48).
When you are using one of the following
discs after finalizing it, make the disc to be
able to record additional scenes (p.60). Or
use a new disc.
– DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)
– DVD+RW
The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder
and leave it for a while in a cool place.
Moisture condensation has occurred with the
disc. Turn off your camcorder and leave it
for about 1 hour in a cool place (p. 106).
You cannot record a still image.
The playback screen is displayed. Set your
camcorder to recording standby (p. 33).
The “Memory Stick Duo” has run out of
space. Use a new “Memory Stick Duo” or
format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 60). Or
delete the unnecessary images (p. 49).
You cannot record a still image together
with:
– [SMTH SLW REC]
– [FADER]
– [D.EFFECT]
– [PICT.EFFECT]
You cannot record a still image on a disc on
your camcorder.
Recording
Continued ,
90
Troubleshooting (Continued)
The ACCESS lamp lights up even
when you stop recording.
Your camcorder is recording the scene you
have just shot on the disc.
The recording angle looks different.
The recording angle may look different
depending on the mode of your camcorder.
This is not a malfunction.
The flash does not work.
You cannot record with the flash with:
– Capturing still images while shooting a
movie
– The conversion lens (optional) attached
Even if auto flash or (Auto redeye
reduction) is selected, you cannot use the
flash with:
– NightShot
– [SUPER NIGHTSHOT]
– [TWILIGHT], [CANDLE],
[SUNRISE&SUNSET], [FIREWORKS],
[LANDSCAPE], [SPOTLIGHT],
[BEACH] or [SNOW] in [SCENE
SELECTION]
– [MANUAL] in [EXPOSURE]
–[SPOT METER]
The actual recording time for movie
is less than the expected
approximate recording time of a
disc.
Depending on an object, such as a fast
moving object, the time available for
recording may shorten (p. 12).
The recording stops.
The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely high. Turn off your camcorder
and leave it for a while in a cool place.
Moisture condensation has occurred with the
disc. Turn off your camcorder and leave it
about 1 hour in a cool place (p. 106).
There is a time difference between
the point where you press START/
STOP and the point that the
recorded movie starts/stops.
On your camcorder, there may be a slight
time difference between the point where you
press START/STOP and the actual point that
recording movie starts/stops. This is not a
malfunction.
The movie aspect ratio (16:9/4:3)
cannot be changed.
You cannot change the movie aspect ratio if
your disc is DVD+RW.
The auto focus does not function.
Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 76).
The recording conditions are not suitable for
auto focus. Adjust the focus manually
(p. 76).
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.
Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 65).
[STEADYSHOT] may not be able to
compensate for excessive vibrations.
The BACK LIGHT function does not
function.
The BACK LIGHT function cannot be used
during Easy Handycam operation.
The subjects passing by the frame
very fast appear crooked.
This is called the focal plane phenomenon.
This is not a malfunction. Because of the
way the image device (CMOS sensor) reads
out image signals, the subjects passing by
the frame rapidly might appear crooked
depending on the recording conditions.
91
Troubleshooting
Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or
green appear on the screen.
The spots appear when you are recording
with [SUPER NIGHTSHOT] or [COLOR
SLOW SHTR]. This is not a malfunction.
The color of the image is not
correctly displayed.
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch to OFF (p. 36).
The screen image is bright, and the
subject does not appear on the
screen.
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch to OFF (p. 36).
The screen image is dark, and the
subject does not appear on the
screen.
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few
seconds to turn on the backlight (p. 25).
Horizontal stripes appear on the
image.
This occurs when recording images under a
fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury
lamp. This is not malfunction.
Black bands appear when you
record a TV screen or computer
screen.
Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 65)
(DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E).
[SUPER NIGHTSHOT] cannot be
operated.
Set the NIGHTSHOT switch to ON.
[COLOR SLOW SHTR] does not
operate correctly.
[COLOR SLOW SHTR] may not operate
correctly in total darkness. Use Super
NightShot or [SUPER NIGHTSHOT].
You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL].
You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL] when:
– The LCD panel is closed on your
camcorder with the LCD screen facing out.
– The power is supplied from the AC
Adaptor.
You cannot play back a disc.
Turn the POWER switch to turn on your
camcorder and press (VIEW IMAGES).
On the HOME MENU, touch (VIEW
IMAGES), then [VISUAL INDEX].
Check out the disc compatibility (p. 12).
Insert a disc with the recording side facing
your camcorder (p.26).
The disc that was recorded, formatted, of
finalized on other devices may not be played
back on your camcorder.
The playback image is distorted.
Clean the disc using a soft cloth (p. 102).
Still images stored on a “Memory
Stick Duo” cannot be played back.
Still images cannot be played back if you
have modified files or folders, or have edited
the data on a computer. (The file name
flashes in that case.) This is not a
malfunction (p. 103).
Still images recorded on other devices may
not be played back. This is not a malfunction
(p. 103).
” is indicated on an image in the
VISUAL INDEX screen.
Loading of the data may have failed. It may
be indicated correctly when you turn off the
power and then turn it on again, or repeat
removing and inserting the “Memory Stick
Duo” a couple of times.
This may appear on still images recorded on
other devices, edited on a computer, etc.
Playing back on your camcorder
Continued ,
92
Troubleshooting (Continued)
No sound or only a quiet sound is
heard when playing back a disc.
Turn up the volume (p. 40).
Sound is not output when the LCD screen is
closed. Open the LCD screen.
When you record sound with [MICREF
LEVEL] (p. 80) set to [LOW], the recorded
sound may be difficult to hear.
In case of [SMTH SLW REC], you cannot
record sounds during shooting (about 3
seconds).
You cannot play back the disc, or the
disc is not recognized.
Clean the disc using a soft cloth (p. 102).
Finalize the disc (p. 44).
A disc recorded in VR mode cannot be
played back on a device that does not
support VR mode. Check the compatibility
in the instruction manual of the playback
device.
The playback image is distorted.
Clean the disc using a soft cloth (p. 102).
” is indicated on an image in the
DVD menu.
Loading of the data may have failed when
the disc was finalized. For the following
discs, make the disc capable of additional
recording (p. 60), then remake the DVD
menu by finalizing the disc again (p. 48).
The DVD menu may be displayed correctly.
– DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)
– DVD+RW
Playback freezes for an instant
between the scenes.
The image may freeze for an instant between
scenes depending on the device being used.
This is not a malfunction.
In case of a DVD+R DL, the image may
freeze for an instant when the recording
layer changes. This is not a malfunction.
Playback does not move to the
previous scene when you press
..
If playback crosses 2 titles made
automatically by your camcorder when .
is pressed, playback may not move to the
previous scene. Select the desired scene
from the menu screen. Refer to the
instruction manual of the playback device
for further information.
Unable to edit.
Your disc may not be configured for editing
data.
There are no images recorded on the disc.
Unable to edit because of the condition of
the image.
You cannot edit an image protected on
another device.
You cannot copy or move the images
between a disc and a “Memory Stick Duo.”
Scenes cannot be added in the
Playlist.
The disc is full, or the added scenes exceed
999. Delete unnecessary scenes (p. 52).
You cannot add still images in the Playlist.
A movie cannot be divided.
A movie that is too short cannot be divided.
A movie protected on another device cannot
be divided.
Playing back a disc on other
devices
Editing movies on the disc
93
Troubleshooting
A scene cannot be deleted.
Your disc may not be configured for deleting
data (p. 13).
You cannot delete movie during the Easy
Handycam operation.
A scene protected on another device cannot
be deleted.
Unable to copy the images from a
disc to a “Memory Stick Duo.”
You cannot copy a movie from a disc to a
“Memory Stick Duo” as a still image during
playback on your camcorder.
Unable to finalize.
Battery is running out during finalizing. Use
the AC Adaptor.
The disc has already been finalized. In the
case of following discs, follow the required
procedure to record additional material
(p. 60):
– DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)
– DVD+RW
Unable to [UNFINALIZE].
[UNFINALIZE] is not available for the
following types of disc:
– DVD-RW (VR mode)
– DVD+RW
– DVD-R
– DVD+R DL
You cannot edit or record additional
material on a disc using other
devices.
You may not be able to edit a disc recorded
on your camcorder using other devices.
You cannot hear the sound.
When you are using the S VIDEO plug,
make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V
connecting cable are connected (p. 42).
The aspect ratio of the playback is
not correct when connecting your
camcorder to the TV.
Set [TV TYPE] depending on your TV
(p. 42).
You cannot dub correctly.
The A/V connecting cable is not connected
properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting
cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e. to
the input jack of another device for dubbing
a image from your camcorder (p. 54).
When using the movies on a disc, a
computer does not recognize your
camcorder.
Install Picture Motion Browser (p. 83).
Disconnect the USB device other than the
keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder
from the computer.
Disconnect the cable from the computer and
camcorder, restart the computer, then
connect them again correctly.
Cannot use the supplied software,
Picture Motion Browser, on the
Macintosh computer.
You cannot use Picture Motion Browser on a
Macintosh.
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to
other devices
Connecting to a computer
Continued ,
94
Troubleshooting (Continued)
The following list shows examples of
unworkable combinations of functions and
menu items.
* DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E
Functions that cannot be used
simultaneously
Cannot use
Because of following
settings
BACK LIGHT [SPOT METER],
[FIREWORKS],
[MANUAL] in
[EXPOSURE]
WIDE SELECT [OLD MOVIE]
[SCENE
SELECTION]
NightShot, [SUPER
NIGHTSHOT],
[COLOR SLOW
SHTR],
[OLD MOVIE], [TELE
MACRO], [FADER]
[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SELECTION]
[SPOT METER] NightShot, [SUPER
NIGHTSHOT]
[EXPOSURE] NightShot, [SUPER
NIGHTSHOT]
[WHITE BAL. ] NightShot, [SUPER
NIGHTSHOT]
[ONE PUSH] in
[WHITE BAL. ]
[SMTH SLW REC]
[SUPER
NIGHTSHOT]
[FADER], [D.EFFECT]
[COLOR SLOW
SHTR]
[FADER], [D.EFFECT],
[SCENE SELECTION]
[FADER] [SUPER NIGHTSHOT],
[COLOR SLOW
SHTR], [D.EFFECT],
[CANDLE],
[FIREWORKS]
[D.EFFECT] [SUPER NIGHTSHOT],
[COLOR SLOW
SHTR], [FADER]
[OLD MOVIE] [SCENE SELECTION],
[PICT.EFFECT]
[PICT.EFFECT] [OLD MOVIE]
[TELE MACRO] [SCENE SELECTION]
[AUTO SLW
SHUTTR]
[SUPER NIGHTSHOT],
[SCENE SELECTION],
[COLOR SLOW
SHTR], [D.EFFECT],
[SMTH SLW REC]
[STEADYSHOT] [SMTH SLW REC]*
Cannot use
Because of following
settings
95
Troubleshooting
Warning indicators and messages
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in
the viewfinder, check the following.
Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If
the problem persists even after you have tried
a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer
or local authorized Sony service facility.
C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis
display)
C:04:ss
The battery pack is not an
InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an
InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p.104).
Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor
to the DC IN jack of your camcorder
securely (p.20).
C:13:ss
The disc is faulty. Use a compatible disc
with your camcorder (p.12).
The disc is dirty or has scratches on it.
Clean the disc with the supplied cleaning
cloth (p.102).
C:32:ss
Symptoms that are not described above
have occurred. Remove the disc and
insert it again, then operate your
camcorder again.
Remove the power source. Reconnect it
again and operate your camcorder again.
Turn on your camcorder again.
E:20:ss / E:31:ss / E:61:ss /
E:62:ss / E:91:ss / E:94:ss
A malfunction that you cannot service
has occurred. Contact your Sony dealer
or local authorized Sony service facility.
Inform them of the 5-digit code, which
starts from “E.
101-0001 (Warning indicator
pertaining to files)
Slow flashing
The file is damaged.
The file is unreadable.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
discs)
Slow flashing
A disc is not inserted.*
Less than 5 minutes remains for
recording movies.
A disc that cannot be read or written is
inserted, such as the single-sided disc
inserted inside out.
Fast flashing
An unrecognizable disc is inserted.*
A finalized DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)/
DVD+RW is inserted into your
camcorder during recording standby.
The disc is fully recorded.*
The disc recorded in the different TV
color system from your camcorder is
inserted when (Movie) is selected.*
Z (You need to remove the disc)*
Fast flashing
An unrecognizable disc is inserted.
The disc is fully recorded.
An error might have occurred with the
disc drive in your camcorder.
A finalized disc is inserted.
Self-diagnosis display/Warning
indicators
C:04:00
Continued ,
96
Warning indicators and messages (Continued)
E (Battery level warning)
Slow flashing
The battery pack is nearly used up.
Depending on the operating,
environment, or battery conditions, E
may flash, even if there are
approximately 20 minutes remaining.
(High temperature warning)
Slow flashing
The temperature of your camcorder is
getting higher. Turn off your camcorder
and leave it for a while in a cool place.
Fast flashing*
The temperature of your camcorder is
extremely high. Turn off your
camcorder and leave it for a while in a
cool place.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
“Memory Stick Duo”)
No “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted
(p. 27).
(Warning indicators pertaining to
“Memory Stick Duo” formatting)*
The “Memory Stick Duo” is damaged.
The “Memory Stick Duo” is not
formatted correctly (p. 60, 102).
(Warning indicator pertaining to
incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)*
An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”
is inserted (
p. 102).
- (Warning indicator pertaining
to the write-protect of the “Memory
Stick Duo”)*
The write-protect tab on the “Memory
Stick Duo” is set to lock (p. 103).
Access to the “Memory Stick Duo” was
restricted on another device.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
the flash)
Fast flashing
There is something wrong with the
flash.
(Warning indicator pertaining to
camera-shake warning)
The amount of lights is not sufficient,
so camera-shake easily occurs. Use the
flash.
The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-
shake easily occurs. Hold the
camcorder steady with both hands and
shoot the image. However, note that the
camera-shake warning indicator does
not disappear.
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators
appear on the screen (p. 70).
If messages appear on the screen, follow the
instructions.
x Disc
ZRecording on disc disabled.
A malfunction has occurred with the
disc and the disc cannot be used.
Description of warning
messages
97
Troubleshooting
Playback prohibited.
You are trying to play back an
incompatible disc with your camcorder.
You are trying to play back an image
recorded with a copyright protection
signal.
Z Need to unfinalize disc.
To record on the finalized DVD-RW
(VIDEO mode), unfinalize it (p. 60).
Disc error. Remove disc.
Your camcorder cannot recognize the
disc, because the disc is incompatible
or has scratches.
Z Disc error. Unsupported
format.
The disc recorded in the different
format code from your camcorder.
Formatting the disc may enable you to
use the disc on your camcorder (DVD-
RW/DVD+RW only) (p.59).
x Memory Stick Duo”
Reinsert the Memory Stick.
Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a
few times. If even then the indicator
flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo” could
be damaged. Try with another
“Memory Stick Duo.”
This Memory Stick is not
formatted correctly.
Check the format, then format the
"Memory Stick Duo" with your
camcorder if necessary (p. 60, 102).
Memory Stick folders are full.
You cannot create folders exceeding
999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete
created folders using your camcorder.
You will have to format the “Memory
Stick Duo” (p. 60), or delete them using
your computer.
x PictBridge compliant printer
Not connected to PictBridge
compatible printer.
Switch off the printer and switch it on
again, then disconnect the USB cable
and reconnect it.
Cannot print. Check the printer.
Switch off the printer and switch it on
again, then disconnect the USB cable
and reconnect it.
x Others
No further selection is possible.
You can select up to 100 images only
when:
deleting images
editing the playlist
printing still images
Data protected.
The disc has been protected with
another device.
Cannot divide.
You cannot divided a movie that is
extremely short.
Recovering data Avoid any
vibration.
Your camcorder tries to recover data
automatically if the data writing was
not performed properly.
Continued ,
98
Warning indicators and messages (Continued)
Cannot recover data on disc.
Writing data to the disc has failed.
Attempts were made to recover the
data, but they were unsuccessful.
Please wait.
This is displayed if the disc removal
process takes time. Turn on the
camcorder and leave it for about 10
minutes, preventing vibration.
99
Additional Information
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 the
AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.
On TV color systems
Your camcorder is a PAL-system-based
camcorder. If you want to view the
playback image on a TV, it must be a PAL-
system-based TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO
input jack.
System Used in
PAL
Australia, Austria, Belgium,
China, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, Germany,
Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New
Zealand, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Singapore, Slovak
Republic, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, United
Kingdom, etc.
PAL - M Brazil
PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.
NTSC
Bahama Islands, Bolivia,
Canada, Central America,
Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,
Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan,
the Philippines, the U.S.A.,
Venezuela, etc.
SECAM
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,
Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,
etc.
Continued ,
100
Using your camcorder abroad (Continued)
Setting to the local time
You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your
camcorder abroad. Set (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [AREA SET] and
[SUMMERTIME] on the HOME MENU (p. 23).
World time difference
Time-zone
differences
Area setting
GMT Lisbon, London
+01:00 Berlin, Paris
+02:00 Helsinki, Cairo, Istanbul
+03:00 Moscow, Nairobi
+03:30 Tehran
+04:00 Abu Dhabi, Baku
+04:30 Kabul
+05:00 Karachi, Islamabad
+05:30 Calcutta, New Delhi
+06:00 Almaty, Dhaka
+06:30 Rangoon
+07:00 Bangkok, Jakarta
+08:00 Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing
+09:00 Seoul, Tokyo
+09:30 Adelaide, Darwin
+10:00 Melbourne, Sydney
+11:00 Solomon Is.
+12:00 Fiji, Wellington
–12:00 Eniwetok, Kwajalein
–11:00 Midway Is., Samoa
–10:00 Hawaii
–09:00 Alaska
–08:00 Los Angeles, Tijuana
–07:00 Denver, Arizona
–06:00 Chicago, Mexico City
–05:00 New York, Bogota
–04:00 Santiago
–03:30 St. John’ s
–03:00 Brasilia, Montevideo
–02:00 Fernando de Noronha
–01:00 Azores, Cape Verde Is.
Time-zone
differences
Area setting
101
Additional Information
Maintenance and precautions
See page 12 for the details of discs
which you can use with your
camcorder.
Notes on use
Hold the disc by its edge while supporting
the center hole lightly. Do not touch the
recording side (the opposite of the printed
side when using a single-sided disc).
Before shooting, be sure to remove dust
and fingerprints from the disc with a soft
cloth. Otherwise you may not be able to
record or play normally in some situations
using that disc.
When you set the disc in your camcorder,
press firmly until it clicks. When the
message [C:13:ss] appears on the LCD
screen, open the disc cover and set the
disc again.
Do not attach any adhesive material such
as a sticker on the surface of a disc. If you
do so, the disc may become unbalanced,
and this may cause a malfunction of the
disc or your camcorder.
Use of double-sided discs
Double-sided discs allow you to record
both sides of a disc.
x Recording on the A side
Place the disc in your camcorder with the side
with the symbol at the center facing
outwards until it clicks.
When using a double-sided disc, take care
not to smudge the surface with
fingerprints.
When a double-sided disc is used in your
camcorder, recording/playback are
performed on that side only. You cannot
switch to record on or play back the other
side with the disc set to the camcorder.
When recording/playback of one side is
complete, remove the disc and turn it over
to access the other side.
Perform the following operations on each
side of a double-sided disc:
Finalizing (p. 44)
Unfinalizing (p. 60)
Formatting (p. 59)
About the Disc
symbol
Place the symbol facing
outwards.
Recording is made on the rear side.
Continued ,
102
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
Care and storage of the discs
• Keep the disc clean, or the image quality
of the audio and video output may
deteriorate.
• Clean the disc with a soft cloth.
Wipe the disc from the center out. For
dirt, clean the disc with a soft cloth
slightly moistened in water, then remove
the moisture with a soft, dry cloth. Do not
use solvents such as benzine, cleaners
intended for vinyl LPs or antistatic spray,
as they may cause a malfunction to the
disc.
Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight
or leave it in a humid place.
• When you carry or store the disc, put it in
its case.
• When you want to write letters or marks,
etc. on a single-sided disc, write only on
the printed side using an oil-based marker
with a felt-tip, and do not touch the ink
until it dries. Do not heat the disc or use a
sharp-pointed tool, such as ball point pen.
Do not dry the surface by heating. You
cannot write, or mark, on double-sided
discs.
A "Memory Stick" is a compact, portable
IC recording medium with a large data
capacity. You can use only a "Memory
Stick Duo," which is about the half size of a
standard "Memory Stick," with your
camcorder.
However, we do not guarantee the
operation of all types of "Memory Stick
Duo" on your camcorder.
Still image format: Your camcorder compresses
and records image data in the JPEG (Joint
Photographic Experts Group) format. The file
extension is “.JPG.
File names of still images:
101- 0001: This file name appears on the
screen of your camcorder.
DSC00001.JPG: This file name appears on
the display of a computer.
A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted by a
computer (Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have
guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder.
About the “Memory Stick
Types of “Memory Stick”
Recording/
Playback
“Memory Stick”
(without MagicGate)
“Memory Stick Duo”*
1
(without MagicGate)
a
“MagicGate Memory Stick”
“Memory Stick Duo”*
1
(with MagicGate)
a*
2
*
3
“MagicGate Memory Stick
Duo” *
1
a*
3
“Memory Stick PRO”
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” *
1
a*
2
*
3
*
1
A “Memory Stick Duo” is about half the size of
a standard “Memory Stick.”
*
2
The types of “Memory Stick” that support high
speed data transfer. The speed of data transfer
varies depending on the device to be used.
*
3
“MagicGate” is a copyright protection
technology that records and transfers the
contents in an encrypted format. Note that data
that uses “MagicGate” technology cannot be
recorded or played on your camcorder.
103
Additional Information
Data read/write speed may vary depending on
the combination of the “Memory Stick” and
“Memory Stick” compliant product you use.
On a “Memory Stick Duo” with a
write-protect tab
You can prevent accidental erasure of
images when you slide the write-protect tab
on the “Memory Stick Duo” with a small
tapered object, to the write-protect position.
Notes on use
Damaged or lost image data will not be
compensated for, and may occur in the
following cases:
If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn the
power off on your camcorder, or remove the
battery pack for replacement while your
camcorder is reading or writing image files on
the “Memory Stick Duo” (while the access lamp
is lit or flashing).
If you use the “Memory Stick Duo” near
magnets or magnetic fields.
It is recommended you make a back-up of
important data on the hard disk of a
computer.
x On handling a “Memory Stick”
Keep the following in mind when handling
a “Memory Stick Duo.”
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 terminals.
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.
Be careful to keep “Memory Stick Duo” media
out of the reach of small children. There is
danger that a child might swallow it.
Do not insert anything other than a “Memory
Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot.
Doing so may cause a malfunction.
x On a location for use
Do not use or keep the “Memory Stick
Duo” in the following locations:
Places subject to extremely high temperature,
such as a car parked outside in the summer.
Places under direct sunlight.
Places with extremely high humidity or subject
to corrosive gases.
x On the Memory Stick Duo adaptor
After inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into
the Memory Stick Duo adaptor, you can use
it with a standard “Memory Stick”
compliant device.
When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with a
“Memory Stick” compliant device, be sure to
insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory
Stick Duo adaptor.
When inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into a
Memory Stick Duo adaptor, make sure the
“Memory Stick Duo” is inserted facing in the
correct direction, then insert it all the way in.
Note that improper use may cause a
malfunction. Also, if you force the “Memory
Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo adaptor
in the wrong direction, it may be damaged.
Do not insert a Memory Stick Duo adaptor
without a “Memory Stick Duo” attached. Doing
so may result in malfunctions of the unit.
x On a “Memory Stick PRO Duo”
The maximum memory capacity of a
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” that can be used
on your camcorder is 4 GB.
On image data compatibility
Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick
Duo” by your camcorder conform to the
“Design rule for Camera File system” universal
standard established by the JEITA (Japan
Electronics and Information Technology
Industries Association).
On your camcorder, you cannot play back still
images recorded on other devices (DCR-
TRV900E or DSC-D700/D770) that do not
conform to the universal standard. (These
models are not sold in some regions.)
Continued ,
104
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
If you cannot use a “Memory Stick Duo” that
has been used with another device, format it
with your camcorder (p. 60). Note that
formatting erases all information on the
“Memory Stick Duo.”
You may not be able to play back images with
your camcorder:
When playing back image data modified on
your computer.
When playing back image data recorded with
other devices.
Your camcorder operates only with an
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).
“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs
have the mark.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack?
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a
lithium-ion battery pack that has functions
for communicating information related to
operating conditions between your
camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/
charger.
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
calculates the power consumption
according to the operating conditions of
your camcorder, and displays the remaining
battery time in minutes.
With an AC Adaptor/charger, the remaining
battery time and charging time appear.
To charge the battery pack
Be sure to charge the battery pack before you
start using your camcorder.
We recommend charging the battery pack in an
ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C
(50 °F to 86 °F) until the CHG (charge) lamp
turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside
of this temperature range, you may not be able
to charge it efficiently.
After charging is complete, disconnect the cable
from the DC IN jack on your camcorder or
remove the battery pack.
To use the battery pack effectively
Battery pack performance decreases when the
surrounding temperature is 10 °C (50 °F) or
below, and the length of time you can use the
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do
one of the following to use the battery pack for a
longer time.
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-FH70/
NP-FH100 (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-FH70/NP-FH100.
Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG) when not recording or playing back on
your camcorder. The battery pack is also
consumed when your camcorder is in recording
standby or playback pause.
Have spare battery packs ready for two or three
times the expected recording time, and make
trial recordings using a DVD-RW/DVD+RW
before making the actual recording.
Do not expose the battery pack to water. The
battery pack is not water resistant.
About the remaining battery time
indicator
When the power goes off even though the
remaining battery time indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate,
charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining
battery time will be indicated correctly. Note,
however, that the battery indication will not be
restored if it is used in high temperatures for a
long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or
when the battery pack is frequently used. Use
the remaining battery time indication as a rough
guide only.
The E mark that indicates low battery flashes
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery
time remaining, depending on the operating
conditions or ambient temperature.
About storage of the battery pack
If the battery pack is not used for a long time,
fully charge the battery pack and use it up on
your camcorder once a year to maintain proper
About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery
pack
105
Additional Information
function. To store the battery pack, remove it
from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool
place.
To discharge the battery pack on your
camcorder completely, touch (SETTINGS)
t [GENERAL SET] t [A.SHUT OFF] t
[NEVER] on the HOME MENU and leave your
camcorder in recording standby until the power
goes off (p. 73).
About battery life
Battery capacity decreases over time and
through repeated use. If decreased usage time
between charges becomes significant, it is
probably time to replace it with a new one.
Each battery’s life is governed by storage,
operating and environmental conditions.
On use and care
Do not use or store the camcorder and
accessories in the following locations:
Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never leave
them exposed to temperatures above 60 °C
(140 °F), such as under direct sunlight, near
heaters or in a car parked in the sun. They
may malfunction or become deformed.
Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical
vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.
Near strong radio waves or radiation. The
camcorder may not be able to record properly.
Near AM receivers and video equipment.
Noise may occur.
On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand
or dust gets in your camcorder, it may
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction
cannot be repaired.
Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD
screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the
inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen.
Anywhere very humid.
Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V
(battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).
For DC or AC operation, use the accessories
recommended in these operating instructions.
Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example,
from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets
wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this
malfunction cannot be repaired.
If any solid object or liquid gets inside the
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it
any further.
Avoid rough handling, disassembling,
modifying, physical shock, or impact such as
hammering, dropping or stepping on the
product. Be particularly careful of the lens.
Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF (CHG)
when you are not using your camcorder.
Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause
heat to build up inside.
When disconnecting the mains lead, pull it by
the plug and not the cord.
Do not damage the mains lead such as by
placing anything heavy on it.
Keep metal contacts clean.
Keep the Remote Commander and button-type
battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is
accidentally swallowed, consult a doctor
immediately.
If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked:
consult your local authorized Sony service
facility.
wash off any liquid that may have contacted
your skin.
if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with
plenty of water and consult a doctor.
x When not using your camcorder for a
long time
Periodically turn it on and let it run such as by
playing back discs or recording for about 3
minutes.
Remove a disc from your camcorder.
Use up the battery pack completely before
storing it.
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 disc, or on the pickup lens.
This may cause a malfunction to your
camcorder.
About handling of your
camcorder
Continued ,
106
Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
x If moisture condensation has occurred
Leave your camcorder for about 1 hour
without turning it on.
x 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
follows:
You bring your camcorder from a ski
slope into a place warmed up by a heating
device.
You bring your camcorder from an air
conditioned car or room into a hot place
outside.
You use your camcorder after a squall or a
shower.
• You use your camcorder in a hot and
humid place.
x How to prevent moisture condensation
When you bring your camcorder from a
cold place into a warm place, put your
camcorder in a plastic bag and seal it
tightly. Remove the bag when the air
temperature inside the plastic bag has
reached the surrounding temperature (after
about 1 hour).
LCD screen
Do not exert excessive pressure on the LCD
screen, as it may cause damage.
If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a
residual image may appear on the LCD screen.
This is not a malfunction.
While using your camcorder, the back of the
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a
malfunction.
x To clean the LCD screen
If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen
dirty, it is recommended you use a soft
cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD
Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen.
Use cleaning paper moistened with the
liquid.
x On adjustment of the touch panel
(CALIBRATION)
The buttons on the touch panel may not
work correctly. If this happens, follow the
procedure below. It is recommended that
you connect your camcorder to the wall
socket using the supplied AC Adaptor
during the operation.
1 Turn on your camcorder, then press
(HOME).
2 Touch (SETTINGS) t [GENERAL
SET] t [CALIBRATION].
3 Touch “×” displayed on the screen with the
corner of the “Memory Stick Duo” or the
like. The position of “×” changes.
Touch [CANCEL] to cancel.
If you did not press the right spot, try the
calibration again.
b Notes
Do not use a sharp-pointed object for
calibration. Doing so may damage the LCD
screen.
You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is
rotated, or closed with the screen facing out.
On handling the casing
If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body
with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water,
and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth.
Avoid the following to avoid damage to the
finish:
Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,
alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide
and sunscreen.
Handling the camcorder with above
substances on your hands.
Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or
vinyl objects for a long period of time.
107
Additional Information
On the pickup lens
Do not touch the lens inside the disc
cover. Keep the disc cover closed except
when inserting and removing the disc, to
keep dust out.
When your camcorder does not work
because the pickup lens is dirty, clean it
with a blower (not supplied). Do not touch
the pickup lens directly during cleaning
because this may cause the camcorder to
malfunction.
About care and storage of the lens
Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft
cloth in the following instances:
When there are fingerprints on the lens
surface.
In hot or humid locations
When the lens is exposed to salty air such as
at the seaside.
Store in a well-ventilated location subject to
little dirt or dust.
To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as
described above. It is recommended that you
operate your camcorder about once a month to
keep it in optimum state for a long time.
On charging the pre-installed
rechargeable battery
Your camcorder has a pre-installed
rechargeable battery to retain the date, time,
and other settings even when the POWER
switch is set to OFF (CHG). The pre-
installed rechargeable battery is always
charged while your camcorder is connected
to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor or
while the battery pack is attached. The
rechargeable battery will be fully
discharged in about 3 months if you do
not use your camcorder at all. Use your
camcorder after charging the pre-installed
rechargeable battery.
However, even if the pre-installed
rechargeable battery is not charged, the
camcorder operation will not be affected as
long as you are not recording the date.
x Procedures
Connect your camcorder to a wall socket
using the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it
with the POWER switch set to OFF (CHG)
for more than 24 hours.
Pickup lens
108
Specifications
System
Video compression format
MPEG2/JPEG (Still images)
Audio compression format
Dolby Digital 2/5.1ch
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator
Video signal
PAL color, CCIR standards
Usable discs
8 cm DVD-RW/DVD+RW/DVD-R/
DVD+R DL
Recording format
Movie
DVD-RW: DVD-VIDEO (VIDEO
mode), DVD-Video Recording (VR
mode)
DVD+RW: DVD+RW Video
DVD-R/DVD+R DL: DVD-VIDEO
Still image
Exif Ver.2.2
*1
Recording time
DVD-RW/DVD+RW/DVD-R
9M (HQ): Approx. 20 min
6M (SP): Approx. 30 min
3M (LP): Approx. 60 min
DVD+R DL:
9M (HQ): Approx. 35 min
6M (SP): Approx. 55 min
3M (LP): Approx. 110 min
Viewfinder
Electric viewfinder (color)
Image device (ClearVid CMOS Sensor)
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/
DVD908E
CMOS: 6.3 mm (1/2.9 type)
Recording pixels (still, 4:3):
Max. 6.1 mega (2 848 × 2 136) pixels*
2
Gross: Approx. 3 200 000 pixels
Effective (movie, 16:9):
2 280 000 pixels
Effective (movie, 4:3):
1 710 000 pixels
Effective (still, 16:9):
2 280 000 pixels
Effective (still, 4:3):
3 040 000 pixels
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/
DVD808E
CMOS: 5.9 mm (1/3 type)
Recording pixels (still, 4:3):
Max. 4.0 mega (2 304 × 1 728) pixels*
2
Gross: Approx. 2 100 000 pixels
Effective (movie, 16:9):
1 430 000 pixels
Effective (movie, 4:3):
1 080 000 pixels
Effective (still, 16:9):
1 490 000 pixels
Effective (still, 4:3):
1 990 000 pixels
Lens
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T
10 × (Optical), 20 ×, 80 ×
*3
(Digital)
Filter diameter: 37 mm (1 1/2 in.)
Focal length
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/
DVD908E
F1.8 - 2.9
f=5.4 - 54 mm (7/32 - 2 1/4 in.)
When converted to a 35 mm still
camera
For movies:
40 - 400 mm (1 5/8 - 15 3/4 in.) (16:9)
49 - 490 mm (1 15/16 - 19 3/8 in.) (4:3)
For still images:
37 - 370 mm (1 1/2 - 14 5/8 in.) (4:3)
40 - 400 mm (1 5/8 - 15 3/4 in.) (16:9)
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/
DVD808E
F1.8 - 2.9
f=5.1 - 51 mm (7/32 - 2 1/8 in.)
When converted to a 35 mm still
camera
109
Additional Information
For movies *
4
:
41.3 - 485 mm (1 11/16 - 19 1/8 in.)
(16:9)
50.5 - 594 mm (2 - 23 1/2 in.) (4:3)
For still images:
37 - 370 mm (1 1/2 - 14 5/8 in.) (4:3)
40.4 - 404 mm (1 5/8 - 16 in.) (16:9)
Color temperature
[AUTO], [ONE PUSH],
[INDOOR] (3 200 K),
[OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)
Minimum illumination
1.5 lx (lux) (AUTO SLW SHUTTR
ON, Shutter speed 1/25 sec)
0 lx (lux) (during NightShot function)
*
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.
*
2
The unique pixel array of Sony’s
ClearVid CMOS Sensor and image
processing system (new Enhanced
Imaging Processor) allows still image
resolution equivalent to the sizes
described.
*
3
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/DVD808E
*
4
The focal length figures are actual
figures resulting from wide angle pixel
readout.
Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories.
Input/Output connectors
Audio/Video output
10-pin connector
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms)
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms)
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75
(ohms)
Audio signal: 327 mV (at load
impedance 47 k (kilohms)), Output
impedance with less than 2.2 k
(kilohms)
USB jack
mini-B
(DCR-DVD406E/DVD506E: output
only)
REMOTE jack
Stereo mini-minijack (Ø 2.5 mm)
LCD screen
Image
6.9 cm (2.7 type, aspect ratio 16:9)
Total dot number
211 200 (960 × 220)
General
Power requirements
DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack)
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)
Average power consumption
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/
DVD908E
During camera recording using the
viewfinder with normal brightness:
4.4 W
During camera recording using the
LCD with normal brightness:
4.6 W
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/
DVD808E
During camera recording using the
viewfinder with normal brightness:
3.8 W
During camera recording using the
LCD with normal brightness:
4.0 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)
Continued ,
110
Specifications (Continued)
Dimensions (approx.)
70 × 87 × 142 mm
(2 7/8 × 3 1/2 × 5 5/8 in.) (w/h/d)
including the projecting parts
70 × 87 × 145 mm
(2 7/8 × 3 1/2 × 5 5/8 in.) (w/h/d)
including the projecting parts, the NP-
FH60 rechargeable battery pack
attached
Mass (approx.)
DCR-DVD506E/DVD508E/
DVD908E
510 g (1 lb 1 oz) main unit only
590 g (1 lb 4 oz) including the NP-
FH60 rechargeable battery pack and a
disc
DCR-DVD406E/DVD408E/
DVD808E
490 g (1 lb 1 oz) main unit only
570 g (1 lb 4 oz) including the NP-
FH60 rechargeable battery pack and a
disc
Supplied accessories
See page 19.
AC Adaptor AC-L200/L200B
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*
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.)
48 × 29 × 81 mm (1 15/16 × 1 3/16 ×
3 1/4 in.) (w/h/d) excluding the
projecting parts
Mass (approx.)
170 g (6 oz) excluding the mains lead
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other
specifications.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH60
Maximum output voltage
DC 8.4 V
Output voltage
DC 7.2 V
Capacity
7.2 Wh (1 000 mAh)
Dimensions (approx.)
31.8 × 33.3 × 45.0 mm
(1 5/16 × 1 5/16 × 1 13/16 in.) (w/h/d)
Mass (approx.)
80 g (2.9 oz)
Operating temperature
0 °C to +40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Type
Lithium ion
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
111
Additional Information
On trademarks
“Handycam” and
are
registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.
“Memory Stick,” “ ,” “Memory Stick
Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick
PRO Duo,” “ ,”
“MagicGate,” “ ,”
“MagicGate Memory Stick” and “MagicGate
Memory Stick Duo” are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.
DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD+R
DL logo are trademarks.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks
of Dolby Laboratories.
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator is a trademark of
Dolby Laboratories.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are
either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/
or other countries.
Macintosh and Mac OS are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc in the U.S.
and other countries.
Pentium is a trademark or registered trademark
of Intel Corporation.
Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Adobe Acrobat are
either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United
States and/or other countries.
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.
Notes on the License
ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT OTHER THAN
CONSUMER PERSONAL USE IN ANY
MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE
MPEG-2 STANDARD FOR ENCODING
VIDEO INFORMATION FOR PACKAGED
MEDIA IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED
WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE
PATENTS IN THE MPEG-2 PATENT
PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS
AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C., 250
STEELE STREET, SUITE 300, DENVER,
COLORADO 80206.
"C Library," "Expat," "zlib," and "libjpeg"
software are provided in your camcorder. We
provide this software based on license agreements
with their owners of copyright. Based on requests
by the owners of copyright of these software
applications, we have an obligation to inform you
of the following. Please read the following
sections.
Read “license1.pdf” in the “License” folder on the
CD-ROM. You will find licenses (in English) of
"C Library," "Expat," "zlib," and "libjpeg"
software.
On GNU GPL/LGPL applied software
The software that is eligible for the following
GNU General Public License (hereinafter referred
to as "GPL") or GNU Lesser General Public
License (hereinafter referred to as "LGPL") are
included in the camcorder.
This informs you that you have a right to have
access to, modify, and redistribute source code for
these software programs under the conditions of
the supplied GPL/LGPL.
Source code is provided on the web. To
download, go to the following website and select
HDR-UX1/HDR-SR1.
http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/
We would prefer you do not contact us about the
contents of source code.
Read “license2.pdf” in the “License” folder on the
CD-ROM. You will find licenses (in English) of
"GPL," and "LGPL" software.
To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is needed. If it is
not installed on your computer, you can download
it from the Adobe Systems web page:
http://www.adobe.com/
112
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls
The numbers in ( ) are reference pages.
A Power zoom lever (34, 39)
B PHOTO button (29,33)
C Eyecup
D Viewfinder (25)
E Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (25)
F BATT (battery) release button (21)
G POWER switch (23)
H CHG (charge) lamp (20)
I START/STOP button (29,33)
J Battery pack (20)
K (flash) button (34)
L (Movie)/ (Still) mode lamps
(23)
M Grip belt (32)
N Hooks for a shoulder belt
Attach a shoulder belt (optional).
O REMOTE jack
Connect other optional accessories.
P (USB) jack (55)
(DCR-DVD406E/DVD506E: output
only)
113
Quick Reference
A Active Interface Shoe
The Active Interface Shoe supplies
power to optional accessories such as a
video light, a flash, or a microphone.
The accessory can be turned on or off as
you operate the POWER switch on your
camcorder. Refer to the operating
instructions supplied with your
accessory for details.
The Active Interface Shoe has a safety
device for fixing the installed accessory
securely. 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 are recording movies with an
external flash (optional) connected to the
accessory shoe, turn off the power of the
external flash to prevent charging noise
being recorded.
You cannot use an external flash (optional)
and the built-in flash at the same time.
When an external microphone (optional) is
connected, it takes precedence over the
internal microphone.
B ACCESS lamp (26)
C Disc cover OPEN switch (26)
D Disc cover (26)
E Internal microphone (34)
An Active Interface Shoe compatible
microphone (optional) will take
precedence when connected.
F Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (5)
G Flash (34)
H Remote sensor
Point the Remote Commander (p. 115)
towards the remote sensor to operate
your camcorder.
I Infrared port (64)
Continued ,
114
Identifying parts and controls (Continued)
A NIGHTSHOT switch (36)
B Speaker
Playback sounds come out from the
speaker. For how to adjust the volume,
see page 40.
C LCD screen/touch panel (16, 25)
D START/STOP button (29,33)
E Zoom buttons (34, 41)
F (HOME) button (17, 62)
G RESET button
Initializes all the settings, including the
setting of the date and time.
H Tripod receptacle
Attach the tripod (optional: the length of
the screw must be less than 5.5 mm
(7/32 in.)) to the tripod receptacle using
a tripod screw.
I DISP/BATT INFO button (25)
J WIDE SELECT button (36)
K (VIEW IMAGES) button (39)
L Memory Stick Duo” slot (27)
M Access lamp (“Memory Stick Duo”)
(27)
N DC IN jack (20)
O EASY button (29)
P A/V OUT jack (42,54)
Q BACK LIGHT button (36)
115
Quick Reference
Remote Commander
A DATA CODE button (69)
Displays the date and time or camera setting
data of the recorded images when you press this
during playback.
B PHOTO button (29,33)
The on-screen image when you press this
button will be recorded as a still image.
C SCAN/SLOW buttons (30, 40)
D . > (Previous/Next) buttons (30,
40)
E PLAY button (30, 40)
F STOP button (30, 40)
G DISPLAY button (25)
H Transmitter
I START/STOP button (29, 33)
J Power zoom buttons (34, 41)
K PAUSE buttons (30, 40)
L VISUAL INDEX button (30, 39)
Displays a VISUAL INDEX screen when you
press this during playback.
M b / B / v / V / ENTER buttons
When you press any button on the VISUAL
INDEX screen or Playlist, the orange frame
appears on the LCD screen. Select a desired
button or an item with b / B / v / V, then press
ENTER to enter.
b Notes
Remove the insulation sheet before using the
Remote Commander.
Point the Remote Commander towards the remote
sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 113).
When no commands have been sent from the
Remote Commander in a certain period, the
orange frame disappears. When you press any of
b / B / v / V, or ENTER again, the frame appears
at the position where it was displayed last.
You cannot select some buttons on the LCD
screen using b / B / v / V.
To change the battery of the Remote
Commander
1 While pressing on the tab, inset your
fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery
case.
2 Place a new battery with the + side facing
up.
3 Insert the battery case back into the Remote
Commander until it clicks.
When the lithium battery becomes weak, the
operating distance of the Remote Commander
may shorten, or the Remote Commander may
not function properly. In this case, replace the
battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery.
Use of another battery may present a risk of fire
or explosion.
WARNING
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in
fire.
I
nsu
l
a
ti
on s
h
ee
t
Tab
116
Indicators displayed during recording/playback
A Recording mode (HQ/SP/LP) (64)
B HOME button (17, 62)
C Remaining battery (approx.) (21)
D Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recording))
E Counter (hour/minute/second)
F Disc type (12)
G Recording format (12)
Appears for DVD-RW only.
H OPTION button (18, 74)
I Dual Rec (35)
J VIEW IMAGES button (30, 39)
K 5.1ch surround recording (34)
L Quality ([FINE] / [STD]) (68)
M Image size (66)
N Appears while a still image is being
saved.
O Recording folder
z Tips
When using the Dual Rec function, the movie
and still image shooting screens are both shown
together. The display position differs slightly
from that during normal operation.
As the number of still images recorded in
“Memory Stick Duo” increases, new folders are
automatically created to store them.
Recording movies
SP
Recording still images
117
Quick Reference
A Recording mode (HQ/SP/LP) (64)
B Return button (30, 40)
C Remaining battery (approx.) (21)
D Playback mode
E Counter (hour/minute/second)
F Disc type (12)
G Previous/Next button (30, 40)
H Scene number
I OPTION button (74)
J Video operation buttons (30, 40)
K 5.1ch surround recording (34)
L Image size (66)
M Current still image number /Total
number of recorded still images
N Slide show button (41)
O Previous/Next button (30, 40)
P Data file name
Q VISUAL INDEX button (30, 40)
R Playback folder
Viewing movies
SP
Viewing still images
Continued ,
118
Indicators displayed during recording/playback (Continued)
Following indicators appear during
recording/playback to indicate the settings
of your camcorder.
Upper left
Upper right
Center
Bottom
The date, time, and camera setting data of
the recorded images are recorded
automatically on the disc and “Memory
Stick Duo.” They are not displayed while
recording. However, you can check them as
[DATA CODE] during playback (p. 69).
You can view the recording date and time
on another device, etc. ([SUB-T DATE],
p. 65).
Indicators when you made
changes
Indicator Meaning
5.1ch surround recording/
playback (34)
Self-timer recording (80)
Flash light (34, 65)
MICREF LEVEL low
(80)
WIDE SELECT (36)
Indicator Meaning
Fader (79)
LCD backlight off (25)
Indicator Meaning
NightShot (36)
Super NightShot (79)
Color Slow Shutter (79)
Slide show set (41)
PictBridge connecting
(55)
E Z Warning (95)
SP
Upper left Upper right
Bottom Center
Indicator Meaning
Picture effect (80)
Digital effect (80)
9 Manual focus (76)
SCENE SELECTION
(77)
.
Backlight (36)
n White balance (78)
SteadyShot off (65)
EXPOSURE (77)/
SPOT METER (77)
Tele macro (76)
Zebra (65)
Data code during recording
119
Quick Reference
Glossary
x 5.1ch surround sound
A system that plays back sound on 6 speakers, 3 at
the front (left, right and center) and 2 at the rear
(right and left) with an additional low-pass
subwoofer counted as a 0.1 channel for
frequencies of 120 Hz or lower.
x DVD menu
A menu screen that enables you to select a
particular scene from a disc being played back on
another device.
x Dolby Digital
An audio encoding (compression) system
developed by Dolby Laboratories Inc.
x Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator
Sound compression technology developed by
Dolby Laboratories Inc. which compresses audio
efficiently while preserving high sound quality. It
enables recording of 5.1ch surround sound while
using disc space more efficiently. Discs created
by Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator can be played back
on a device compatible with the disc created on
your camcorder.
x MPEG
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group,
the group of standards for the coding (image
compression) of video (movie) and audio. There
are MPEG1 and MPEG2 formats. Your
camcorder records movies with SD (standard
definition) image quality in MPEG2 format.
x Thumbnail
Reduced-size images which enable you to view
many images at the same time. “VISUAL
INDEX” and “DVD MENU” use a thumbnail
display system.
x VIDEO mode
One of the recording formats you can select when
using a DVD-RW. VIDEO mode provides
excellent compatibility with other DVD devices.
x VR mode
One of the recording formats you can select when
using a DVD-RW. VR mode enables editing
(deleting or sequence rearrangement) with your
camcorder Finalizing the disc lets you play it back
on a VR mode compatible DVD device.
x VISUAL INDEX
This function displays images of movies and still
images you have recorded so that you can select
those scenes you want to play back.
120
Index
Numeric
21-pin adaptor.......................43
5.1 ch surround recording.....34
8cm DVD .............................10
A
AC Adaptor ..........................20
Active interface shoe..........113
Additional recording.............60
AREA SET...........................72
Aspect raito...........................36
AUTO SLW SHUTTR (Auto
slow shutter) ...................65, 94
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)
..............................................73
A/V connecting cable .....42, 54
B
BACK LIGHT................36, 90
Battery ..........................20, 115
Battery info...........................21
BEACH ................................78
BLACK FADER ..................79
Button-type lithium battery
............................................115
B&W ....................................80
C
CALIBRATION.................106
CAMERA DATA.................69
CANDLE..............................77
CD-ROM..............................81
Charging time .......................21
CLOCK SET ........................23
CLOCK/LANG ....................72
COLOR SLOW SHTR (Color
Slow Shutter)..................79, 94
Computer..............................81
Copyright........................5, 111
D
DATA CODE .............. 69, 118
DATE/TIME.......... 24, 69, 118
DC IN jack........................... 20
DC plug................................ 20
DELETE
Disc............................... 48
"Memory Stick Duo".... 49
DEMO MODE..................... 73
DIGITAL ZOOM ................ 64
Disc.............................. 26, 101
Disc cover OPEN switch ..... 26
DISC INFO.......................... 57
Disc remaining..................... 65
DISC SELECT GUIDE ....... 58
DISP OUTPUT.................... 72
DISPLAY............................. 69
Display indicators .............. 116
DIVIDE
Original......................... 50
Playlist .......................... 53
Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator
..................................... 34, 119
Double-sided disc .............. 101
Dual Rec .............................. 35
Dubbing ............................... 54
DVD drive............................ 57
DVD menu........................... 47
DVD-R................................. 13
DVD-RW............................. 13
DVD+R DL.......................... 13
DVD+RW ............................ 13
D.EFFECT (Digital effect)
....................................... 80, 94
E
Easy Handycam ................... 29
EDIT .................................... 48
EXPOSURE................... 77, 94
F
FADER...........................79, 94
FILE NO. (File number).......68
Finalize.................................44
FIREWORKS.......................77
First Step Guide..............81, 85
Flash .....................................34
FLASH LEVEL....................65
FOCUS...........................76, 90
FORMAT
Disc ...............................59
"Memory Stick Duo" ....60
G
GENERAL SET ...................73
Glossary..............................119
Grip belt................................32
H
HOME MENU ...............16, 62
CLOCK/LANG.............72
GENERAL SET............73
MOVIE SETTINGS...... 64
OUTPUT SETTINGS...72
PHOTO SETTINGS .....66
SOUND/DISP SET.......70
VIEW IMAGES SET....69
HQ ........................................64
I
Icon.......See Display indicators
IMAGE SIZE .......................66
Indicators............................118
INDOOR ..............................78
InfoLITHIUM ....................104
Install....................................83
Insulation sheet...................115
J
JPEG...................................102
121
Quick Reference
L
LANDSCAPE.......................78
LANGUAGE SET................72
LCD backlight ......................25
LCD BL LEVEL (LCD back
light level).......................70, 91
LCD BRIGHT ......................70
LCD COLOR........................71
LCD panel.............................25
LP..........................................64
M
Macintosh .............................85
Mains lead.............................20
Maintenance........................101
MANAGE DISC/MEMORY
category.................................57
Memory Stick ...............34, 102
“Memory Stick Duo”....27, 102
Memory Stick Duo adaptor
............................................103
MICREF LEVEL..................80
Mirror mode..........................36
Moisture condensation........105
MOVIE SETTINGS .............64
MPEG .................................119
N
NightShot..............................36
NIGHTSHOT LIGHT ..........64
NTSC....................................99
O
ONE PUSH...........................78
OPTION MENU...................74
Original
DELETE........................48
DIVIDE .........................50
OTHERS category................48
OUTDOOR...........................78
OUTPUT SETTINGS...........72
P
PAL ...................................... 99
PASTEL ............................... 80
PHOTO SETTINGS ............ 66
Pickup lens .........................107
PictBridge.............................55
Picture Motion Browser ....... 81
PICT.EFFECT (Picture effect)
........................................ 80, 94
Playback .........................29, 39
Playback zoom ..................... 41
Playing time ......................... 22
Playlist
Creating.........................51
Playback..................30, 52
PORTRAIT ..........................78
Pre-installed rechargeable
battery.................................107
Preparation ........................... 19
Print......................................55
R
REC MODE (Recording mode)
.............................................. 64
Recording .......................29, 32
Recording format ................. 12
Recording time...............12, 21
REDEYE REDUC ...............66
REMAINING....................... 65
Remaining battery
.................................... 116, 117
Remote Commander .......... 115
REMOTE CTRL .................. 73
RESET button ....................114
S
SCENE SELECTION
........................................ 77, 94
Self-diagnosis display .......... 95
SELF-TIMER....................... 80
SEPIA................................... 80
SETTINGS category............62
Slide show ............................41
SMTH SLW REC.................37
SNOW ..................................78
Software................................83
SOUND/DISP SET ..............70
SP..........................................64
Specifications .....................108
SPOT FOCUS ................76, 94
SPOT METER (Flexible spot
meter)..............................77, 94
SPOTLIGHT ........................78
STEADYSHOT....................65
Still Images.....................29, 33
SUB-T DATE.......................65
SUMMERTIME ...................72
SUNRISE&SUNSET ...........77
SUPER NIGHTSHOT..........79
Supplied items ......................19
System requirements ............81
T
TELE MACRO...............76, 94
Telephoto..............................34
Thumbnail...........................119
Tripod .................................114
TV...................................42, 72
TV color system ...................99
TV TYPE........................42, 72
TWILIGHT...........................77
TWILIGHT PORT. ..............77
U
UNFINALIZE ................60, 93
USB 2.0 ................................82
Using abroad.........................99
V
VBR......................................12
VCR or DVD/HDD recorder
..............................................55
VF B.LIGHT (Viewfinder
Continued ,
122
Index (Continued)
brightness) ............................71
VIDEO mode................12, 119
VIEW IMAGES SET...........69
Viewfinder............................25
Viewing ................................30
VISUAL INDEX....30, 39, 119
VOLUME.......................40, 70
Volume label ........................58
VR mode.......................12, 119
W
Wall socket...........................20
Warning indicators ...............95
Warning messages................96
WHITE BAL. (White balance)
........................................78, 94
WHITE FADER...................79
Wide angle............................34
Windows.........................81, 93
World time difference ........100
Write-protect tab.................103
Z
ZEBRA.................................65
Zoom ....................................34
http://www.sony.net/
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper
using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)
-free vegetable oil based ink.
Printed in Japan
Additional information on this product and answers
to frequently asked questions can be found at our
Customer Support Website.
GB
10


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