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3-278-984-11(1)
© 2008 Sony Corporation
Digital Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
DCR-HC51E/HC52E/
HC53E/HC54E
Getting Started 9
Recording/
Playback
17
Using the Menu 28
Dubbing/Editing 43
Using a Computer 47
Troubleshooting 51
Additional Information 58
Quick Reference 68
2
Read this first
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.
Do not expose the batteries to
excessive heat such as sunshine,
fire or the like.
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
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
WARNING
CAUTION
For customers in the U.S.A.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC52E
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone number: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
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.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC54E
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA
92127 U.S.A.
Telephone number: 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.
3
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.
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 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 BS 1362 (i.e., marked with an 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 (i.LINK, etc.) again.
Notice for the customers in the
countries applying EU Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony
Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-
0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for
EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland
GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart,
Germany. For any service or guarantee matters
please refer to the addresses given in separate
service or guarantee documents.
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.
Notice for customers in the
United Kingdom
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
Continued ,
4
Disposal of waste batteries
(applicable in the European
Union and other European
countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the
packaging indicates that the battery
provided with this product shall not be
treated as household waste. By ensuring
these batteries are disposed of correctly,
you will help prevent potentially negative
consequences for the environment and
human health which could otherwise be
caused by inappropriate waste handling of
the battery. The recycling of the materials
will help to conserve natural resources. In
case of products that for safety,
performance or data integrity reasons
require a permanent connection with an
incorporated battery, this battery should be
replaced by qualified service staff only. To
ensure that the battery will be treated
properly, hand over the product at end-of-
life to the applicable collection point for the
recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment. For all other batteries, please
view the section on how to remove the
battery from the product safely. Hand the
battery over to the applicable collection
point for the recycling of waste batteries.
For more detailed information about
recycling of this product or battery, please
contact your local Civic Office, your
household waste disposal service or the
shop where you purchased the product.
About the manuals supplied with your
camcorder
“Operating Guide” (This manual)
For DCR-HC53E/HC54E
“First Step Guide” for connecting the
camcorder to a computer and using the
supplied software (stored on the supplied
CD-ROM)
Type of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with . Your camcorder is not
compatible with the Cassette Memory
function (p. 59).
Using the camcorder
Do not hold the camcorder by the
following parts.
The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “On use and care” (p. 62).
When connecting your camcorder to
another device with communication
cables, be sure to insert the connector plug
in the correct way.
Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal
Notes on use
LCD panel
Battery packViewfinder
Read thid first (Continued)
5
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 pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
About the 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. 14).
On recording
Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
TV color systems differ depending on the
country/region. To view your recordings
on a TV, you need 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 this manual
The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
The illustrations used on this manual are
based on the model DCR-HC54E. The
model name is indicated on the bottom of
your camcorder.
Design and specifications of recording
media and accessories are subject to
change without notice.
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
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
Continued ,
6
video cameras and offers a quality typical
of a Carl Zeiss lens.
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer
Function. The number value indicates the
amount of light from a subject coming into
the lens.
Read thid first (Continued)
7
Table of Contents
Read this first ..................................2
Notes on use ................................. 4
Step 1: Checking supplied items
.......................................................9
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
.....................................................10
Step 3: Turning the power on and
setting the date and time ............13
Changing the language setting
................................................... 14
Step 4: Making setting adjustments
before recording ..........................15
Step 5: Inserting a Cassette .........16
Easy Recording/Playback
(Easy Handycam) .......................17
Recording .....................................19
Zooming ...................................... 20
Recording in dark places
(NightShot plus) ........................ 20
Adjusting the exposure for backlit
subjects .................................... 21
Recording in mirror mode ........... 21
Playback .......................................22
Using the guide functions
(USAGE GUIDE) ........................23
Searching for the starting point ..... 24
Searching for the last scene of the
most recent recording
(END SEARCH) ........................ 24
Searching manually
(EDIT SEARCH) ........................ 24
Reviewing the most recently
recorded scenes
(Rec review) ............................. 24
Playing the picture on a TV ..........26
Using the menu items .......... 28
Operation button items .................29
Menu items ...................................36
MANUAL SET menu .............37
– P EFFECT
CAMERA SET menu ............38
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/
STEADYSHOT, etc.
PLAYER SET/
VCR SET menu ....................39
– AUDIO MIX
LCD/VF SET menu ...............40
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
TAPE SET menu ..................41
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/
REMAIN
SETUP MENU menu ............41
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.
OTHERS menu .....................42
– WORLD TIME, etc.
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD
recorders .....................................43
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc.
(DCR-HC52E/HC54E) .................45
What you can do with Windows
computer (DCR-HC53E/54E) ......47
Installing the “First Step Guide” and
software (DCR-HC53E/54E) .......48
Viewing “First Step Guide” (DCR-
HC53E/54E) ................................50
Troubleshooting ............................51
Warning indicators and messages
.....................................................56
Getting Started
Recording/Playback
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Using a Computer
Troubleshooting
Continued ,
8
Using your camcorder abroad ...... 58
Maintenance and precautions ...... 59
Usable cassette tapes ................ 59
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack .......................................... 60
About i.LINK ................................ 61
On using your camcorder ........... 62
Specifications ............................... 65
Identifying parts and controls ....... 68
Indicators displayed during
recording/playback ..................... 71
Index ............................................ 74
Additional Information
Quick Reference
Table of Contents (Continued)
9
Getting Started
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have following items
supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 10)
Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 10)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 26, 43)
USB cable (1)
(DCR-HC53E/HC54E) (p. 69)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1)
(p. 10, 60)
CD-ROM “Handycam Application
Software” (1) (DCR-HC53E/54E)(p. 47)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)
10
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (H series) (p. 60) after
attaching it to your camcorder.
b Notes
You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack other than the H series to your camcorder.
1 Align the terminals of the battery
pack and your camcorder 1, then
attach the battery pack and click
it into place 2.
2 Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to
OFF(CHG) (The default setting).
3 With the v mark on the DC plug
facing down, connect the AC
Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder.
4 Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the
wall outlet (wall socket).
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp
turns off when the battery is fully
charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor
from the DC IN jack.
b Notes
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN
jack holding both the camcorder and the DC
plug.
1
2
4
3
1
2
Battery pack
DC IN jack
To the wall outlet (wall socket)
Power cord (Mains lead)
With the v mark facing
down
POWER switch
AC Adaptor
CHG (charge) lamp
11
Getting Started
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the
power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by
making the same connections as you do
when charging the battery pack. The battery
pack will not lose its charge in this case.
To remove the battery pack
1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH.
2 Remove the battery pack in the direction
of the arrow.
When storing the battery pack
Fully discharge the battery before storing it
for an extended period (p. 60).
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.
You can check the remaining battery charge
on the LCD screen.
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
2
1
POWER switch
PUSH
Indicator Status
Sufficient power remaining
Battery low, recording/
playback will stop soon.
Replace the battery with a
fully charged one, or charge
the battery.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-FH30 (supplied) 115
NP-FH50 135
NP-FH70 170
NP-FH100 390
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER
:
:
85
99
min
min
0% 50% 100%
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording capacity (approx.)
Continued ,
12
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
* Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
b Notes
All times measured under the following
conditions:
Top: Recording with LCD screen.
Bottom: Recording with viewfinder while the
LCD panel closed.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
On the battery pack
Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during
charging, or the Battery Info (p. 11) 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
power cord (mains lead) is disconnected from
the wall outlet (wall socket).
On the charging/recording/playback time
Times measured with 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 outlet (wall socket) when
using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the wall outlet (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
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the
AC Adaptor.
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-FH30
(supplied)
95 45
110 55
NP-FH50 155 75
180 90
NP-FH70 330 165
395 195
NP-FH100 760 380
890 445
Battery pack
LCD panel
opened
LCD panel
closed
NP-FH30
(supplied)
105 135
NP-FH50 170 220
NP-FH70 370 465
NP-FH100 845 1065
Step2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)
14
You can change the on-screen displays to
show messages in a specified language.
Touch t [MENU] t
(SETUP MENU) t [ LANGUAGE],
then select the desired language.
Changing the language setting
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued)
17
Recording/Playback
Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally
adjusted, which frees you from detailed adjustments. The screen font size increases for easy
viewing.
1 Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn
on the CAMERA lamp.
2 Press EASY C.
3 Press REC START/STOP B (or E) to start recording.*
* During Easy Handycam operation, you can only record in the SP mode.
Recording
A
B
E
DC
Open the lens cover (p. 15)
If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG),
slide it while pressing the green button.
EASY
appears on the screen D.
A
0:00:00
REC
FN
GUIDE
60 min
The indicator (A) changes from [STBY] to
[REC]. To stop recording, press REC START/
STOP again.
Continued ,
18
Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on
the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY C again. disappears from the screen D.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch to display adjustable menu settings. See page 28 for details on setting.
Almost all the settings return to their defaults automatically (p. 36).
Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.
x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the . (back light) button (p. 21) is unavailable. [Invalid
during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is not available in Easy
Handycam mode.
Playback
A
CB
D
A GUIDE (p. 23)
B Stop
C Play/Pause toggles as you touch it
D Rewind/Fast forward
Touch , then touch to
start playback.
If the POWER switch is
set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green
button.
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)
19
Recording/Playback
Recording
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
Press REC START/STOP A (or B).
To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again.
Open the lens cover (p. 15).
REC START/STOP B
POWER switch
REC START/
STOP A
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
[STBY] [REC]
Continued ,
20
You can magnify images up to 40 times the
original size with the power zoom lever or
the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
b Notes
[STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image
blurring as desired when the power zoom lever
is set to the T (Telephoto) side.
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
You can set [D ZOOM] (p. 38) if you want to
zoom to a level greater than 40 ×.
Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.
( and [“NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.)
b Notes
The NightShot plus function uses infrared light.
Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with
your fingers or other objects. Remove the
conversion lens (optional) if it is attached.
Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 29)
when it is hard to focus automatically.
Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.
Zooming
Close view: (Telephoto)
Wider range of view:
(Wide angle)
Recording in dark places
(NightShot plus)
Infrared port
Recording (Continued)
21
Recording/Playback
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects,
press . (back light) to display .. To
cancel the backlight 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.
Adjusting the exposure for
backlit subjects
Recording in mirror mode
22
Playback
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly
to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
Start playing back.
Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch to start playback.
* Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.
To adjust the volume
Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then / to adjust the volume.
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or / while fast
forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
z Tips
You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 33).
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it
while pressing the green button.
Stop
Play/Pause* toggles as you touch it
Rewind/Fast forward
23
Recording/Playback
Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)
You can easily select the desired setting
screens by using the guide functions
(USAGE GUIDE).
Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as
shown below.
1 Touch [GUIDE].
2 Select the desired item.
e.g., to record night views
Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT
SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to
display [To keep the mood of a night
view].
3 Touch [SET].
The desired setting screen appears.
Adjust the settings according to your
purpose.
Unavailable settings during Easy
Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, some
items are unavailable. If an attempted
setting is not available, but still desired,
touch [SET] to display an on-screen
instruction. Follow the instruction to cancel
Easy Handycam operation and then select
the setting.
z Tips
If [SET] is not displayed in step 3, follow the
instruction on the screen.
SHOOT
GUIDE:
Takes you to the setting
screens related to
recording.
DISP
GUIDE:
Enables you to check the
meaning of each indicator
that appears on the LCD
screen. See page 72 for
details.
24
Searching for the starting point
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp
lights up (p. 19).
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not
work once you eject the cassette after you
have recorded on the tape.
Touch t [PAGE1], then touch
[END SCH].
The last scene of the most recent
recording is played back for about 5
seconds, and the camcorder enters the
standby mode at the point where the last
recording has finished.
b Notes
[END SCH] will not work correctly when there
is a blank section between recorded sections on
the tape.
z Tips
This operation is also available when the
POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.
You can search for the start point to start
the next recording while viewing the
pictures on the screen. The sound is not
played back during the search.
1 Touch t [PAGE1] t
[MENU].
2 Select (CAMERA SET) with
/ , then touch [EXEC].
3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with /
, then touch [EXEC].
4 Select [ON] with / ,
then touch [EXEC] t .
5 Touch and hold (to go
backward)/ (to go forward)
and release it at the point where
you want the recording to start.
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.
1 Touch t [PAGE1] t
[MENU].
2 Select (CAMERA SET) with
/ , then touch [EXEC].
Searching for the last scene of
the most recent recording
(END SEARCH)
Searching manually
(EDIT SEARCH)
0:00:00
SPOT
FOCUS
FOCUS
MENU SCENE
SEL.
END
SCH
EXPO–
SURE
SPOT
METER
DISP
GUIDE
PAG E1 PAG E2
60min
Touch here again to cancel the operation.
Reviewing the most recently
recorded scenes (Rec review)
0:00:00STBY60min
EDIT
FN
GUIDE
25
Recording/Playback
3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with /
, then touch [EXEC].
4 Select [ON] with / ,
then touch [EXEC] t .
5 Touch .
The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most
recently recorded scene are played back.
Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
0:00:00STBY60min
EDIT
FN
GUIDE
27
Recording/Playback
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor
(EUROCONNECTOR)
You need the 21-pin adaptor (optional) to
connect your camcorder to a TV for
viewing recorded images. This adaptor is
designed for output use only.
TV/VCR
29
Using the Menu
Operation button
items
Available operation buttons vary depending
on the position of the lamp and the display
(PAGE).
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
The available functions during Easy
Handycam operation are marked with *”.
See page 28 for details on selecting
button items.
[PAGE1]
You can select and adjust the focal point to
a subject not located in the center of the
screen.
1 Touch the point where you want to focus
on in the frame.
9 appears.
2 Touch [END].
To adjust the focus automatically, touch
[AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO].
b Notes
If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
When the CAMERA lamp lights
up
SPOT FOCUS
AUTO
SPOT FOCUS
0:00:00
STBY60min
END
1
2
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].
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.
FOCUS
Continued ,
30
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] or set [EXPOSURE] to
[AUTO].
b Notes
If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is
automatically set to [MANUAL].
See page 72.
See page 36.
You can record pictures effectively in
various situations with the SCENE SEL.
function.
B AUTO
Select to automatically record pictures
effectively without the [SCENE SEL.]
function.
TWILIGHT* ( )
Select to maintain the darkening
atmosphere of the distant surroundings in
twilight scenes.
SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset)
()
Select to maintain the atmosphere of
situations such as sunsets and sunrises.
LANDSCAPE* ( )
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly.
This setting also prevents your camcorder
from focusing on glass or metal mesh in
windows between the camcorder and the
subject.
PORTRAIT (Soft 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.
SPOT METER
(Flexible spot meter)
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*
MENU
SCENE SEL.
AUTO
SPOT METER
0:00:00
STBY60min
END
1
2
Operation button items (Continued)
31
Using the Menu
SPORT** (Sports lesson) ( )
Select to minimize shake when shooting
fast moving subjects.
SNOW** ( )
Select this when shooting in very bright,
white conditions, such as on a ski slope;
otherwise pictures may appear too dark.
BEACH** ( )
Select to prevent people’s faces from
appearing dark in strong light or reflected
light, such as at a beach in midsummer.
b Notes
If you set [SCENE SEL], [WHT BAL] setting is
canceled.
See page 24.
You can fix the brightness of a picture
manually. Adjust the brightness when the
subject is too bright or too dark.
1 Touch [MANUAL].
appears.
2 Adjust the exposure by touching /
.
To return the setting to automatic exposure,
touch [AUTO].
[PAGE2]
You can add the following effects to
currently recording pictures.
1 Select the desired effect in standby mode
(to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out),
then touch t .
2 Press REC START/STOP.
The fader indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.
To cancel [FADER] before starting the
operation, touch [OFF] in step 1.
If you press REC START/STOP once, the
setting is canceled.
WHITE
* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away
only.
**Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short
distance away.
END SCH (END SEARCH)
EXPOSURE
FADER
MANU–
AL
EXPOSURE
0:00:00STBY60min
OK
AUTO
1
2
Fading out Fading in
Continued ,
32
BLACK
MOSC. FADER
MONOTONE
When fading in, the picture gradually
changes from black and white to color.
When fading out, it gradually changes from
color to black and white.
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 appropriately
adjusted 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 appropriately
adjusted 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 [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH]
under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.
When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing
white object while is flashing quickly.
flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not
be set.
When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if keeps
flashing after touching , set [WHT
BAL] to [AUTO].
If you set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is
canceled.
z Tips
If you have changed the battery pack while
[AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder
outdoors after inside use with the [EXPOSURE]
set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your
camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10
seconds for better color balance adjustment.
When the white balance has been set with [ONE
PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.]
settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from
inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo
the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the
white balance.
B ON
A beeping sound starts when you start/stop
recording, or operate the touch panel.
OFF
Cancels the beeping sound and shutter
sound.
WHT BAL (White balance)
BEEP*
Operation button items (Continued)
33
Using the Menu
See page 13.
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen. The recorded picture will not be
affected by this operation.
Adjust the brightness with / .
You can use the video operation buttons
( / / / ) on every PAGE.
[PAGE1]
See page 36.
See page 22.
See page 24.
See page 72.
[PAGE2]
During playback, displays information
(data code) recorded automatically at the
time of recording.
B OFF
Data code is not displayed.
CAM DATA (below)
Displays camera setting data.
DATE/TIME
Displays the date and time.
ASteadyShot off
BExposure
CWhite balance
DGain
EShutter speed
FAperture value
b Notes
In the [DATE/TIME] data display, the date and
time are displayed in the same area. If you
record a picture without setting the clock, [-- --
----] and [--:--:--] will appear.
During Easy Handycam operation, you can set
[DATE/TIME] only.
See page 32.
See page 13.
[PAGE3]
You can play back in various modes while
viewing movies.
1 Touch the following buttons during
playback.
CLOCK SET*
LCD BRT (LCD bright)
When the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights
up
MENU
VOL* (Volume)
END SCH (END SEARCH)
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*
DATA CODE*
BEEP*
CLOCK SET
V SPD PLAY
(Various speed playback)
FN
GUIDE
0:00:00:0060min
AWB100
9dBF1. 8
AUTO
1
2
3
456
Continued ,
34
2 Touch [ RET.] t .
To return to the normal playback mode,
touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from
frame playback).
b Notes
You will not hear the recorded sound. You may
see mosaic-like images of the previously played
picture.
Using the internal stereo microphone
(p. 68), you can add sound to a tape already
recorded in 12-bit mode (p. 41) without
erasing the original sound.
b Notes
You cannot record additional audio:
When the tape has been recorded in the 16-bit
mode (p. 41).
When the tape has been recorded in the LP
mode.
When your camcorder is connected via an
i.LINK cable.
When the tape has been recorded in 4CH MIC
mode on other camcorders.
On blank sections of the tape.
When the tape has been recorded in a TV
color system other than that of your
camcorder (p. 58).
When the write-protect tab of the cassette is
set to SAVE (p. 59).
On sections recorded in HDV format.
When you add sound, the picture will not be
output from the A/V Remote Connector. Check
the picture on the LCD screen or the viewfinder.
You can only record additional audio over a
tape recorded on your camcorder. The sound
may deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape
recorded on other camcorders (including other
DCR-HC51E/HC52E/HC53E/HC54E
camcorders).
Recording sound
Insert a recorded cassette into your
camcorder beforehand.
1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn
on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Touch (Play/Pause) to play back the
tape, then touch it again at the point where
you want to start recording the sound.
3 Touch t [PAGE3] t [A DUB
CTRL] t [AUDIO DUB].
4 Touch (Play).
Your camcorder starts audio recording via
the internal stereo microphone.
appears while recording the new sound
in stereo 2 (ST2) during the playback of the
tape.
To Touch
change the
playback
direction*
(frame)
play back
slowly**
[ySLOW]
To reverse direction:
(frame) t
[ySLOW]
play back 2
times faster
(double speed)
(double speed)
To reverse direction:
(frame) t
(double speed)
play back frame
by frame
(frame) during
playback pause.
To reverse direction:
(frame) during
frame playback.
* Horizontal lines may appear at the top,
bottom, or in the center of the screen. This
is not a malfunction.
**Pictures output from the DV Interface
(i.LINK) cannot be played back smoothly in
slow mode.
A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing)
RET.
0:00:00:0060min
AUDIO
DUB
0:00:00:0060min
A DUB CTRL
X appears.
Operation button items (Continued)
35
Using the Menu
5 Touch (Stop) when you want to stop
recording.
To dub on other scenes, repeat step
2 to
select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB].
6 Touch [ RET.] t .
To check the recorded sound
1 Play back the tape on which you have
recorded audio (p. 22).
2 Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU].
3 Select (PLAYER SET) for the DCR-
HC51E/HC53E, or (VCR SET) for
the DCR-HC52E/HC54E, then touch
/ to select [AUDIO MIX],
then touch [EXEC].
4 Touch / to adjust the balance
of the original sound (ST1) and the new
sound (ST2), then touch [EXEC].
b Notes
The original sound (ST1) is output at the default
setting.
See page 45.
See page 33.
REC CTRL (Recording control)
(DCR-HC52E/HC54E)
LCD BRT (LCD bright)
ST1
ST2
VCR SET
AUDIO MIX
EXEC
RET.
36
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.
Menu items
Available menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.
During Easy Handycam operation, the following settings are automatically applied (p. 17).
CAMERA PLAY/EDIT Easy Handycam
MANUAL SET menu (p. 37)
P EFFECT zz OFF
CAMERA SET menu (p. 38)
D ZOOM z OFF
WIDE SEL z
4:3
STEADYSHOT z
ON
EDITSEARCH z
OFF
N.S.LIGHT z
ON
PLAYER SET (DCR-HC51E/HC53E)/
VCR SET (DCR-HC52E/HC54E) menu
(p. 39)
AUDIO MIX z
LCD/VF SET menu (p. 40)
LCD B.L. zz
BRT NORMAL
LCD COLOR zz
VF B.L. zz
BRT NORMAL
WIDE DISP zz
TAPE SET menu (p. 41)
REC MODE (DCR-HC51E/HC53E) z SP
REC MODE (DCR-HC52E/HC54E) zz
SP
AUDIO MODE z
12BIT
REMAIN zz
AUTO
SETUP MENU menu (p. 41)
USB STREAM (DCR-HC53E/HC54E) zz OFF
LANGUAGE zz
z
DEMO MODE z
ON
OTHERS menu (p. 42)
WORLD TIME zz –*
A.SHUT OFF zz
5min
DISP OUT zz
LCD
GUIDEFRAME z
OFF
37
Using the Menu
MANUAL SET menu
– P EFFECT
The default setting is marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
See page 28 for details on selecting
menu items.
You can add special effects to a picture
during recording or playback. appears.
B OFF
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.
NEG.ART
The color and brightness are reversed.
SEPIA
Pictures appear in sepia.
B&W
Pictures appear in black and white.
SOLARIZE
Pictures appear as an illustration with
strong contrast.
PASTEL*
Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.
P EFFECT (Picture effect)
MOSAIC*
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.
b Notes
Effects added to the playback pictures are not
output via the DV Interface (i.LINK). Only
the original pictures can be output.
For DCR-HC52E/HC54E:
You cannot add effects to externally input
pictures.
z Tips
You can record pictures edited with special
effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc.
(p. 43).
* Not available during playback.
38
CAMERA SET
menu
– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
See page 28 for details on selecting
menu items.
You can select the maximum zoom level in
case you want to zoom to a level greater
than 40 × (the default setting) while
recording on a tape. Note that the image
quality decreases when you are using the
digital zoom.
B OFF
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically.
80 ×
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 80 × zoom is
performed digitally.
2000 ×
Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically,
and after that, up to 2,000 × zoom is
performed digitally.
You can record a picture in a ratio suitable
for the screen on which it will be displayed.
Refer also to the operating instructions
supplied with your TV for details.
D ZOOM (Digital zoom)
WIDE SEL (Wide select)
The right side of the bar shows the digital
zooming factor. The zooming zone
appears when you select the zooming
level.
B 4:3
Standard setting (to record pictures to be
played back on a 4:3 TV).
16:9 WIDE ( )
Records pictures to be played back on a
16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with
[16:9 WIDE] selected.
You can compensate for camera shake (the
default setting is [ON]). Set
[STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when
using a tripod (optional) or the conversion
lens (optional), then the image becomes
natural.
B OFF
Does not display or on the
LCD screen.
ON
Displays and on the LCD
screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH
function and Rec review (p. 24).
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the
wide-screen TV switches to full mode.
** Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in
the wide mode, it appears as you saw it on the
LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
STEADYSHOT
EDITSEARCH
When viewed on a 16:9 wide
screen TV*
When viewed on a standard
TV**
41
Using the Menu
TAPE SET menu
– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN
The default settings are marked with B.
The indicators in parentheses appear when
the items are selected.
See page 28 for details on selecting
menu items.
B SP (SP)
Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on
a cassette.
LP (LP)
Increases the recording time to 1.5 times
the SP mode (Long Play).
b Notes
If you record in the LP mode, pictures may
appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted
when you play back the tape on other
camcorders or VCRs.
When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in
the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture
may be distorted or the time code may not be
written properly between the scenes.
B 12BIT
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo
sounds).
16BIT ( )
Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound
with high quality).
B AUTO
Displays the remaining tape indicator for
about 8 seconds in situations such as those
described below.
When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/
EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted.
When you touch (Play/Pause).
ON
Always displays the remaining tape
indicator.
SETUP MENU
menu
– USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.
See page 28 for details on selecting
menu items.
You can view the pictures displayed on the
screen of your camcorder on your computer
(USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See
“First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-
ROM for details (p. 50).
You can select the language to be used on
the LCD screen.
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]]
(simplified English) for when you cannot find
your native tongue among the options.
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to
view the demonstration about 10 minutes
after you have removed a cassette from
your camcorder, and slide the POWER
switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA
lamp.
z Tips
The demonstration will be suspended in
situations such as those described below.
When you touch the screen during the
demonstration. (The demonstration starts
again after about 10 minutes.)
When a cassette is inserted.
When the POWER switch is set to other than
CAMERA.
REC MODE (Recording mode)
AUDIO MODE
REMAIN
USB STREAM (DCR-HC53E/
HC54E)
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
42
OTHERS menu
– WORLD TIME, etc.
The default settings are marked with B.
See page 28 for details on selecting
menu items.
When using your camcorder abroad, you
can set the time difference by touching
/ , the clock will be adjusted in
accordance with the time difference.
If you set the time difference to 0, the clock
returns to the originally set time.
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
outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is
automatically set to [NEVER].
B LCD
Shows displays such as the time code on
the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.
V-OUT/LCD
Shows displays such as the time code on
the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the
viewfinder.
WORLD TIME
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)
DISP OUT (Display output)
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
Placing the subject at the cross point of the
guide frame makes a balanced composition.
GUIDEFRAME
43
Dubbing/Editing
Dubbing/Editing
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.
You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, using the A/V connecting
cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3).
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for
this operation (p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be
connected.
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of another device.
B A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via the S
VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting
cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be
reproduced more faithfully than with the
supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the
white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S
VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V
connecting cable. In this case, the yellow
(standard video) plug connection is not
necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not
output audio.
C i.LINK cable (optional)
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your
camcorder to another device equipped with an
i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are
transmitted digitally, producing high quality
pictures and sound. Note that you cannot
output picture and sound separately.
DV
2
1
3
(Yellow)
(White)
(Red)
(Black)
(White)
(Red)
(Yellow)
Device without an
S VIDEO jack
Device with an
S VIDEO jack
A/V Remote
Connector
: Signal flow
To i.LINK jack
To DV or DV OUT
Interface (i.LINK)
VCRs or DVD/HDD
recorders
Continued ,
44
b Notes
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.
When you connect a device via an A/V
connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the
default setting) (p. 42).
1 Prepare your camcorder for
playback.
Insert the recorded cassette.
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to
turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Insert the recording media in the
recording device.
If your recording device has an input
selector, set it to the appropriate input
(such as video input1, video input2).
3 Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (VCR or DVD/
HDD recorder) with the A/V
connecting cable (supplied) 1,
an A/V connecting cable with S
VIDEO (optional) 2 or an i.LINK
cable (optional) 3.
Connect your camcorder to the input
jacks of the recording device.
4 Start playback on the camcorder,
and recording on the recording
device.
Refer to the operating instructions
supplied with your recording device for
details.
5 When dubbing is complete, stop
your camcorder and the
recording device.
b Notes
To record the date/time and camera settings data
when connected by the A/V connecting cable,
display them on the screen (p. 33).
The following cannot be output via the DV
Interface (i.LINK):
Indicators
Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 37)
When connected using an i.LINK cable, the
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture
is paused on your camcorder while recording.
When connected using an i.LINK cable, data
code (date/time/camera settings data) may not
be displayed or recorded depending on the
device or application.
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (Continued)
45
Dubbing/Editing
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-
HC52E/HC54E)
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape.
Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand.
You can connect your camcorder to a VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK
cable (optional).
Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for
this operation (p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be
connected.
When connecting your camcorder to
another device using an i.LINK cable, the
video and audio signals are transmitted
digitally, producing high quality pictures
and sound. Note that you cannot output
picture and sound separately.
1 Connect your VCR, etc., to your
camcorder with an i.LINK cable.
2 Insert a cassette into the VCR.
3 Slide the POWER switch
repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/
EDIT lamp.
4 Set your camcorder to recording
pause mode.
Touch t [PAGE3] t [REC
CTRL] t [REC PAUSE].
b Notes
You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR that does not have an i.LINK
jack.
DV
i.LINK
: Signal flow
To i.LINK jack
To DV Interface (i.LINK)
i.LINK cable (optional)
AV device
with i.LINK
jack
Continued ,
46
5 Start playing the cassette on the
VCR.
The picture played on the connected
device appears on the LCD screen of
your camcorder.
6 Touch [REC START] at the point
you want to start recording.
7 Stop recording.
Touch (Stop) or [REC PAUSE].
8 Touch [ RET.] t .
b Notes
The indicator appears when you connect
your camcorder and other devices via an i.LINK
cable. (This indicator may also appear on the
connected device.)
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-HC52E/HC54E) (Continued)
47
Using a Computer
Using a Computer
What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-
HC53E/54E)
When you install the “Picture Motion
Browser” on a Windows computer from the
supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the
following operations.
b Notes
You cannot install the supplied software,
“Picture Motion Browser”, on a Macintosh
computer.
x Importing/Viewing movies taken
with your camcorder
You can manage movies by date and time
of shooting, and select movies you want to
view as thumbnails. These thumbnails can
be enlarged and played in a slide show.
x Editing movies imported to a
computer
You can edit imported movies on a
computer.
x Exporting movies from your
computer to your camcorder
You can export movies that have been
imported to a computer from your
camcorder, back to 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. 48), 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: Windows 2000 Professional SP4,
Windows XP SP2*,
Windows Vista*
*64-bit editions and Starter (Edition)
are not supported.
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 800 MHz 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
Main functions
About “First Step Guide”
About the help function of the
software
System requirements
Continued ,
50
Viewing “First Step Guide” (DCR-HC53E/54E)
To view “First Step Guide” on your
computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer
Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.
Double-click the short-cut icon for your
camcorder’s “First Step Guide” on the
desktop.
z Tips
You can also start by selecting [Start] t
[Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP)
t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide]
t Your camcorder's folder t “First Step
Guide” in HTML.
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 “First Step Guide” in PDF 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.
51
Troubleshooting
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 ..... 51
Batteries/Power sources ....................... 51
LCD screen/viewfinder ........................ 52
Cassette tapes ....................................... 52
Recording ............................................. 53
Playback ............................................... 54
Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other
devices.................................................. 54
Connecting to a computer .................... 55
Functions that cannot be used together
.............................................................. 55
The power does not turn on.
• Attach a charged battery pack to the
camcorder (p. 10).
• Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall
outlet (wall socket) (p. 10).
The camcorder does not operate
even when the power is set to on.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery
pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute.
Press the RESET button (p. 69) using a
sharp-pointed object. (If you press the
RESET button, all settings are reset.)
Buttons do not work.
During Easy Handycam operation, not all
buttons are functional (p. 18).
Settings change during Easy
Handycam operation.
During Easy Handycam operation, the
settings of the functions that are not
displayed on the screen return to their
defaults (p. 17, 36).
The menu item settings have
changed unexpectedly.
The following settings return to the default
settings automatically when you set the
POWER switch to OFF(CHG) for more
than 12 hours.
backlight
[SPOT FOCUS]
–[FOCUS]
[SPOT METER]
[SCENE SEL.]
–[EXPOSURE]
[WHT BAL]
[AUDIO MIX]
The camcorder gets warm.
The camcorder may get warmer while you
use it. This is not a malfunction.
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. 42), or turn
on the power again (p. 13), or use the AC
Adaptor.
Charge the battery pack (p. 10).
The battery is fully discharged, or almost
discharged.
The CHG (charge) lamp does not
light while the battery pack is being
charged.
Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG)
(p. 10).
Overall operations/Easy
Handycam
Batteries/Power sources
Continued ,
55
Troubleshooting
You cannot dub correctly using the
A/V connecting cable.
The A/V connecting cable is not connected
properly. Make sure that the A/V
connecting cable is connected to the input
jack of another device for dubbing a picture
from your camcorder (p. 43).
New sound added to a recorded tape
is not heard.
Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is
heard appropriately (p. 35).
Pictures from connected devices are
not displayed correctly.
The input signal is not PAL (p. 58).
The computer does not recognize
your camcorder.
Install the “Picture Motion Browser”
(p. 48).
The computer may not recognize your
camcorder for a few moments after you
connect it. Wait for a while.
Disconnect USB devices other than the
keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder
from the (USB) jack on the computer.
Disconnect the cable from the computer
and camcorder, restart the computer, then
connect them again correctly.
You cannot install the supplied
software, “Picture Motion Browser,”
on a Macintosh computer.
You can install “Picture Motion Browser”
only on a Windows computer.
Depending on the functions, you may not
be able to use them together. The following
list shows examples of functions that
cannot be used at the same time.
Connecting to a computer (DCR-
HC53E/54E)
Functions that cannot be used
together
Not available If this function is set
backlight [SPOT METER],
[EXPOSURE]
[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SEL.]
[SPOT METER] NightShot plus
[SCENE SEL.] NightShot plus
[EXPOSURE] NightShot plus
[WHT BAL] NightShot plus
57
Troubleshooting
If messages appear on the screen, follow the
instructions.
%Z Moisture condensation. Eject
the cassette (p. 62)
% Moisture condensation. Turn off
for 1H. (p. 62)
Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 16)
Check if the cassette is damaged.
QZ The tape is locked - check the
tab. (p. 59)
Examples of warning messages
17


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