Sony 4-170-539-11(1) - Manuals

Page 2 - Read this first; WARNING; To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not; CAUTION; Battery pack; Notice for customers in the United

2 GB Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. WARNING 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. CAUTION Batter...

Page 3 - FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE; Notice for the customers in the

3 GB FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE Hereby, Sony Corporation, declares that this HDR-CX550VE, HDR-XR550VE Digital HD Video Camera Recorder is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Directive 1999/5/EC. For details, please access the following URL: http://www.comp...

Page 4 - Regulatory Information; Declaration of Conformity

4 GB 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 replac...

Page 5 - Supplied items; Viewfinder

5 GB 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 ...

Page 6 - lens; Black points

6 GB Battery pack The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “Precautions” (p. 65). Even if the camcorder is turned off, the GPS function is working as long as the GPS switch is set to ON. Make sure that the GPS switch is set to OFF during take off and landing of an airplane ...

Page 8 - Notes on use; Note on using the camcorder at high

GB In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with high definition image quality (HD) is called AVCHD disc. Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are subject to change without notice. Confirm the model name of your camcorder The model name is shown in this manual when there is a dif...

Page 9 - Operation flow; Playing movies and photos

GB Operation flow Getting started (p. 12) Prepare the power source and memory card. Recording movies and photos (p. 21) Recording movies  p. 22  Changing the recording mode  Expected recording time(MEDIA INFO) Shooting photos  p. 24 Playing movies and photos Playback on the camcorder  p. 27 Pla...

Page 10 - Table of contents; Getting started

10 GB Table of contents Read this first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Operation flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

Page 11 - Saving images with an external device

11 Table of c on ten ts GB Saving images with an external device Saving images in external media (DIRECT COPY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Creating a disc with a DVD writer, recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

Page 12 - Step 1: Charging the battery pack

12 GB Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack HDR-CX550E/CX550VE HDR-XR550E/XR550VE Battery pack AC Adaptor /CHG (flash/charge) lamp To the wall outlet (wall socket) Power cord (Mains lead) DC IN jack DC plug Battery pack AC Adaptor DC IN jack /CHG (flash/charge) lamp DC plug Power cord (M...

Page 13 - To remove the battery pack; ) and remove the battery

13 G etting star ted GB You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) after attaching it to your camcorder. Notes You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder. 1 Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen after replacing the viewfinder....

Page 14 - To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source; attached, the battery pack is not discharged.; Notes on the battery pack; Charging the battery pack abroad

14 GB To use a wall outlet (wall socket) as a power source Make the same connections as “Step 1: Charging the battery pack.” Even if the battery pack is attached, the battery pack is not discharged. Notes on the battery pack When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, replace the ...

Page 15 - Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the; Open the LCD screen of your camcorder.; Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.; Select the desired geographical area with

15 G etting star ted GB Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time 1 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER. 2 Select the desired geographical area with / , t...

Page 16 - To turn off the power

16 GB Notes The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the recording media, and can be displayed during playback. To display the date and time, touch (MENU)  [Show others]  [PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK] category)  [DATA CODE]  [DATE/TIME]    ...

Page 17 - Changing the language setting

17 G etting star ted GB Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.Touch (MENU)  [Show others]  [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] category)  [ LANGUAGE SET]  a desired language    .

Page 18 - Step 3: Preparing the recording media; Selecting the recording media for movies

1 GB Step 3: Preparing the recording media The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder. HDR-CX550E/CX550VE * Internal memory Memory card HDR-XR550E/XR550VE * Internal hard disk Memory card * In the defaul...

Page 19 - The recording medium is changed.; To check the recording media settings; recording media is displayed at the top right corner of the screen.; Inserting a memory card; Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder; “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media/“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media

1 G etting star ted GB  Touch [YES]  . The recording medium is changed. To check the recording media settings In either movie recording mode or photo recording mode, the media icon of the selected recording media is displayed at the top right corner of the screen. The icon displayed may vary depen...

Page 20 - To eject the memory card; Open the cover and lightly push the memory card in once.; to memory card

20 GB Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the nothched edge in the direction as illustrated until it clicks. Close the cover after inserting the memory card. The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory card. In that case, touch [YES]. If you recor...

Page 21 - Recording; Fasten the grip belt.

Rec or ding/P la yback 21 GB Recording/Playback Recording In the default setting, movies are recorded with high definition image quality (HD) on the following media. HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: Internal memory HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: Internal hard disk Tips To change the recording media, see page 18. 1 Fasten t...

Page 22 - Recording movies

22 GB Recording movies Press START/STOP to start recording. You can start recording also by touching  in the bottom left of LCD screen. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. You can stop recording also by touching  in the bottom left of LCD screen. The icons and indicators on the LCD panel wi...

Page 24 - Data code during recording; a desired setting; Shooting photos; Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully.; Flashes

24 GB Data code during recording The recording date, time and condition , and coordinates (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) are recorded automatically on the recording media. They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [DATA CODE] during playback. To display them, touch (MENU)  [Sho...

Page 25 - If white circular spots appear on photos

25 Rec or ding/P la yback GB Tips You can check the recordable number of photos on the LCD (p. 72). To change the image size, touch (MENU)  [Show others]  [ IMAGE SIZE] (under [PHOTO SETTINGS] category)  a desired setting   . You cannot record photos while is displayed. Your camcorder flashes a...

Page 26 - How to use the MANUAL dial; Using a tripod

26 GB Adjusting for shooting conditions Recording in dark places (NightShot) When you press NIGHTSHOT, appears, and you can record images even in total darkness. Press NIGHTSHOT again to cancel the NightShot function. Using NightShot in bright places will cause a malfunction of your camcorder. Adjus...

Page 27 - Playback; on the camcorder; Press; The VISUAL INDEX screen appears after some seconds.; Movies are displayed and sorted by recording date.

27 Rec or ding/P la yback GB Playback on the camcorder In the default setting, movies and photos that are recorded on the following recording media are played. HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: Internal memory HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: Internal hard disk Tips To change the recording media, see page 18. 1 Open the LCD s...

Page 28 - Returns to the recording screen.; Playing movies; Your camcorder starts playing the selected movie.

2 GB  / : Displays movies recorded on the previous/next date. *  / : Displays the previous/next movie.  Returns to the recording screen. *  is displayed when  is touched. appears when the standard definition image quality (STD) movie is selected with [ / SET]. You can scroll the display by touc...

Page 29 - To adjust the sound volume of movies; While playing back movies, touch; Viewing photos; Your camcorder displays the selected photo.

2 Rec or ding/P la yback GB To adjust the sound volume of movies While playing back movies, touch  adjust with /  . You can also adjust the sound volume by using / in the OPTION MENU. Viewing photos Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Tips When viewing photos recorded on the memory card, (...

Page 30 - Playing images on a TV; Connection methods and the image; HDMI OUT jack

30 GB Playing images on a TV Connection methods and the image quality (high definition (HD) or standard definition (STD)) viewed on the TV screen differ depending on what type of TV is connected, and the connectors used. Connecting a TV using [TV CONNECT Guide] You can connect your camcorder to the ...

Page 31 - Connecting to a high definition TV

31 Rec or ding/P la yback GB Types of connection cables between your camcorder and TV Connecting to a high definition TV Component A/V Cable (supplied) HDMI Cable (sold separately) Connecting to a non-high-definition 16: (wide) or 4:3 TV Component A/V Cable (supplied) A/V connecting cable with S VID...

Page 32 - On “PhotoTV HD”

32 GB When you connect with A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO When the S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) is connected, audio signals are not output. To output audio signals, connect the white and red plugs to the audio input jack of your TV. This connection produces higher resolution images compared wi...

Page 33 - Making good use of your camcorder; Deleting movies and; You can free media space by deleting; To delete all movies/photos at one time; DELETE

M ak ing good use of y our camc or der 33 GB Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos You can free media space by deleting movies and photos from recording media. Notes You cannot restore images once they are deleted. Save important movies and photos in advance. Do not remove the...

Page 35 - Saving movies and photos with a computer; Preparing a computer

Sa ving mo vies and phot os with a c omput er 35 GB Saving movies and photos with a computer Preparing a computer (Windows) You can perform following operations using “PMB (Picture Motion Browser).” Importing images to a computer Viewing and editing imported images Creating a disc Uploading movies a...

Page 36 - When using a Macintosh; Install “PMB” before connecting your; Turn on the computer.; The installation screen appears.; Select the country or region.

36 GB * 1 Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the OS has been upgraded or in a multi-boot environment. * 2 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. Windows Image Mastering API (IMAPI) Ver.2.0 or newer is required to use disc creation function, etc. * 3 Star...

Page 38 - Starting PMB; Double-click the “PMB” short-cut icon on; You can view, edit, or create discs of movies; Reading “PMB Help”; For details on how to use “PMB,” read the

3 GB To disconnect your camcorder from the computer  Click the icon at the bottom right of the desktop of the computer  [Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device].  Touch [END]  [YES] on the camcorder screen.  Disconnect the USB cable. Notes Access from the computer using the supplied software “PM...

Page 39 - Selecting the method for creating a disc; Player; Characteristics of each type of disc

3 Sa ving mo vies and phot os with a c omput er GB Selecting the method for creating a disc (computer) Several methods for creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc or a standard definition image quality (STD) disc from high definition image quality (HD) movies or photos recorded on your ca...

Page 40 - Discs you can use with “PMB”

40 GB Discs you can use with “PMB” You can use 12 cm discs of following type with “PMB.” For Blu-ray disc, see page 44. Disc type Features DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL Unrewritable DVD-RW/DVD+RW Rewritable Notes Always maintain your PlayStation  3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation  3 system sof...

Page 43 - At the top of the window, click

43 Sa ving mo vies and phot os with a c omput er GB Creating an AVCHD disc You can create an AVCHD disc by putting together high definition image quality (HD) movies previously imported to your computer (p. 42). In this section, the procedure for recording a high definition image quality (HD) movie ...

Page 44 - Creating a Blu-ray disc; Creating a standard; You can create a standard definition image

44 GB Creating a Blu-ray disc You can create a Blu-ray disc with a high definition image quality (HD) movie previously imported to a computer (p. 42). To create a Blu-ray disc, the BD Add-on Software for “PMB” must be installed. Click [BD Add-on Software] on the installation screen of “PMB,” and ins...

Page 45 - The window used to select movies; Copying a disc

45 Sa ving mo vies and phot os with a c omput er GB 4 At the top of the window, click  [Create DVD-Video Format Discs (STD)]. The window used to select movies appears. To add movies to the previously selected ones, select the movies in the main window and drag and drop onto the window for selecting...

Page 46 - Saving images in

46 GB Saving images with an external device Saving images in external media (DIRECT COPY) You can save movies and photos on external media (USB storage device), such as an external hard disk drive. You can also play back images on the camcorder or another playback device. Notes For this operation, y...

Page 47 - When connecting an external media; To play back images in the external

47 Sa ving images with an e xter nal devic e GB 6 After the operation is completed, touch on the camcorder screen. Notes The number of scenes you can save on the external media are as follows. However, even if the external media has free space, you cannot save scenes exceeding the following number. ...

Page 48 - To finish the external media connection; Creating a disc with a; AVCHD format compatible device

4 GB  Play back the image (p. 27). You can also view images on a TV connected to your camcorder (p. 30). You can play back the high definition image quality (HD) movies on your computer using [Player for AVCHD]. Start [Player for AVCHD] (p. 43), and select the drive where the external media is conn...

Page 49 - You can create a disc or play back the; Ordinary DVD device

4 Sa ving images with an e xter nal devic e GB Creating a disc with the dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express You can create a disc or play back the images on a created disc by using the dedicated DVD writer, DVDirect Express (sold separately). Refer also to the instruction manual supplied with the...

Page 50 - To customize a disc with DISC BURN

50 GB  Insert an unused disc into the DVD writer, and close the disc tray. The [DISC BURN] screen appears on the camcorder screen.  Press (DISC BURN) on the DVD writer. Movies recorded on the internal recording media that have not been saved on any discs will be recorded onto the disc. When there ...

Page 51 - To play back a disc on the DVD writer

51 Sa ving images with an e xter nal devic e GB To play back a disc on the DVD writer  Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket) (p. 14).  Turn on your camcorder, and connect the DVD writer to the  (USB) jack of yo...

Page 53 - connecting cable with S VIDEO; A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO

53 Sa ving images with an e xter nal devic e GB  Insert the recording media in the recording device. If your recording device has an input selector, set it to the input mode.  Connect your camcorder to the recording device (a disc recorder, etc.) with the A/V connecting cable  (supplied) or an A/...

Page 55 - Customizing your camcorder; Using menus; MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition); Setting menus

Customizing y our camc or der 55 GB Customizing your camcorder Using menus Using the menus, you can perform useful functions and change various settings. If you make good use of menu operations, you can enjoy using your camcorder. The camcorder has various menu items under each of eight menu categor...

Page 56 - Using MY MENU

56 GB Notes You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions. Grayed out menu items or settings are not available. Tips Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and recording mode (movie/photo). Using MY MEN...

Page 57 - Using the OPTION MENU

57 Customizing y our camc or der GB 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. When is displayed at bottom-right of the screen, you can use the OPTION MENU. You touch , and the menu items you can change in the ...

Page 58 - Menu lists

5 GB Menu lists (MANUAL SETTINGS) category SCENE SELECTION .................. Selects an appropriate recording setting according to the type of scene, such as night view or beach. FADER .................................... Fades scenes in or out. WHITE BAL. ................................ Adjusts t...

Page 63 - Additional information; Troubleshooting; If you run into any problems using your

Additional inf or mation 63 GB Additional information Troubleshooting If you run into any problems using your camcorder, follow the steps below.  Check the list (p. 63 to 65), and inspect your camcorder.  Remove the power source, attach the power source again after about 1 minute, and turn the cam...

Page 65 - Precautions; On use and care

65 Additional inf or mation GB The Image Database File is damaged. Check the data base file by touching (MENU)  [Show others]  [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category)  the recording medium. The memory card is damaged. Format the memory card with your camcorder (p. 60). Incompatible mem...

Page 67 - Note on disposal/transfer of memory; Specifications; System

67 Additional inf or mation GB (See “Getting detailed information from the “Handycam” Handbook” on page 62.) to prevent the recovery of your data. Also, when you dispose of the camcorder, it is recommended that you destroy the actual body of the camcorder. Note on disposal/transfer of memory card Ev...

Page 69 - Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50; Expected charging and running time

6 Additional inf or mation GB Mass (approx.): 170 g (6.0 oz) excluding the power cord (mains lead) * See the label on the AC Adaptor for other specifications. Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 Maximum output voltage: DC 8.4 V Output voltage: DC 6.8 V Maximum charge voltage: DC 8.4 V Maximum charge c...

Page 71 - On trademarks

71 Additional inf or mation GB On trademarks “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “AVCHD” and “AVCHD” logotype are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. “Memory Stick,” “ ,” “Memory Stick Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,” ...

Page 72 - Quick reference; Screen indicators; Upper left

72 GB Quick reference Screen indicators Upper left Indicator Meaning MENU button AUDIO MODESelf-timer recordingGPS tracking status Flash / REDEYE REDUCMICREF LEVEL lowWIDE SELECTBLT-IN ZOOM MIC 60 min Remaining batteryRecording folderReturn button Center Indicator Meaning [STBY]/[REC] Recording stat...

Page 73 - Parts and controls

73 Q uick r ef er ence GB Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages. HDR-CX550E/CX550VE HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  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 yo...

Page 76 - Index

76 GB You will find the menu lists on pages 58 to 61 Index I Image quality ...............................58Install ............................................36 L LANGUAGE SET .......................17 M Macintosh ....................................36Maintenance ................................65...

Page 80 - Printed in Japan

GB Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/ Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan