Sony DCR-HC54 - Manual

5 Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result. RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.You can help preserve our ...

6 Notes DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to be used with AC Adaptor Model AC-L200/L200B. 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 li...

9 Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS.......... 3 Read this first .................................. 5 Notes on use ................................. 6 Step 1: Checking supplied items ..................................................... 11 Step 2: Charging the battery pack .........................

10 Using your camcorder abroad ...... 59 Maintenance and precautions ...... 60 Usable cassette tapes ................ 60About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack .......................................... 61 About i.LINK ................................ 62On using your camcorder ........... 63 Specificat...

11 Gett in g S ta rte d 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. 12) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 12) A/V connecting cable (1) (...

12 Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 61) 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 camcord...

13 Gett in g S ta rte d 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 ...

14 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 scree...

15 Gett in g S ta rte d 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 Whil...

16 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 Gett in g S ta rte d Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover. Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder ( 1 ), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play ( 2 ...

18 Step 5: Inserting a Cassette You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 60). 1 Slide and hold the OPEN/ EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up. 2 Insert a cassette with its window facing outwards, then press . The cass...

19 R e co rd in g/ Pl aybac k 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 ...

20 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 ...

21 R e co rd in g/ Pl aybac k 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. 17). REC START/STOP B POWER switch REC START/STOP A If ...

22 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 leve...

23 R e co rd in g/ Pl aybac k 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-imag...

24 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...

25 R e co rd in g/ Pl aybac k 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 [SHOO...

26 Searching for the starting point Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up (p. 21). [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 se...

28 Playing the picture on a TV You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable ( 1 ) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO ( 2 ). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refe...

29 U sin g the M e n u Using the Menu Using the menu items 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. CAMERA lamp: settings for recording on a tape PLAY/EDIT lamp: settings for viewing/editing 2 Touch the LCD screen to select the menu item. Unav...

30 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 “ *...

31 U sin g the M e n u 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 expos...

32 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 stron...

33 U sin g the M e n u 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 balanc...

34 See page 15. 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 37. See page 24. See page 26. See page 73. [PAGE2] During pla...

35 U sin g the M e n u 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. 69), you ca...

36 6 Touch [ RET.] t . To check the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p. 24). 2 Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU]. 3 Select (VCR SET), 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)...

37 U sin g the M e n u * 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. 19). CAMERA PLAY/...

38 MANUAL SET menu – P EFFECT The default setting is marked with B . The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 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] settin...

39 U sin g the M e n u 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 29 for details on selecting menu items. You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a le...

40 When using the NightShot plus (p. 22) function to record, you can record clearer pictures by setting [N.S.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. 69). • Remove the conversion len...

41 U sin g the M e n u LCD/VF SET menu – LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default settings are marked with B . See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. B BRT NORMAL St...

42 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 29 for details on selecting menu items. B SP ( SP ) Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette. LP ( LP ) Increases the recordin...

43 U sin g the M e n u OTHERS menu – WORLD TIME, etc. The default settings are marked with B . See page 29 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 s...

44 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 VID...

45 D u b b in g/ Editing 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...

46 Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. 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...

48 Using a Computer What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC54) 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 comp...

49 U si n g a Com p ut er Memory: 256 MB or more Hard disk: Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 350 MB Display: Minimum 1024 × 768 dots Others: USB port (this must be provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect...

50 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 view the “First Step Guide” in PDF In step 6 , click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)]. T...

52 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 ..... 52• Batteries/Power sources ............

53 Troubleshoo ting • Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 12). • Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket) properly (p. 12). • The battery charge is completed (p. 12). The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged. • Attach the ba...

54 The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a cassette with Cassette Memory. • This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear. The remaining tape indicator is not displayed. • Set [ REMAIN] to [ON] to always display the remaining t...

55 Troubleshoo ting The color of the picture is not correctly displayed. • Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22). The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen. • Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 22), or cancel the backlight function (p. 23). Undesira...

57 Troubleshoo ting 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 f...

58 If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions. % Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette (p. 63) % Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. (p. 63) Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 18) • Check if the cassette is damaged. Q Z The tape is locked - check the tab. (p. 60) Examples of warni...

59 Addi tional I n fo rmat io n Additional Information Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necess...

60 Maintenance and precautions You can use mini DV format cassettes only.Use a cassette with the mark. Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function. To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p. 26) before y...

61 Addi tional I n fo rmat io n This unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.“InfoLITHIUM” H series battery packs have the mark. What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack? An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-...

62 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. The DV Interface...

63 Addi tional I n fo rmat io n b Notes • When connecting your camcorder to another i.LINK-compatible device, be sure to turn off the power of the device and disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) before connecting or disconnecting the i.LINK cable. About the required i.LINK ca...

64 • The warning message does not appear when the power is turned on. • Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted and video operation buttons are touched. If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejecte...

65 Addi tional I n fo rmat io n 2 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen with the corner of the “Memory Stick” or the like. The position of the “×” changes. If you did not press the right spot, start from step 2 again. • You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is rotated. On handling the casing • I...

66 6 Attach the eyecup block to the viewfinder, pushing it straight on until it clicks. b Notes • The eyecup block is a precision part. Do not disassemble it further. • Do not touch the lens of the eyecup block. On charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery Your camcorder has a pre-installed re...

67 Addi tional I n fo rmat io n Color temperature [AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K) Minimum illumination 11 lx (lux) (F 1.8)0 lx (lux) (during NightShot plus function) Input/Output connectors A/V Remote Connector 10-pin connectorVideo signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms) Luminance s...

68 Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30) Maximum output voltage DC 8.4 V Output voltage DC 7.2 V Capacity 3.6 Wh (500 mAh) Dimensions (approx.) 31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm (1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 in) (w/h/d) Mass (approx.) 40 g (1.5 oz) Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F) Type Lithium ion ...

69 Quick Refe re nce Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (22) B Power zoom lever (22) C OPEN/EJECT lever (18) D Hooks for a shoulder beltAttach a shoulder belt (optional). E Grip belt (17) F Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (7) G LENS ...

70 A DISP/BATT INFO button (13, 17) B EASY button (19) C RESET buttonInitializes all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. D LCD screen/touch panel (17, 72) E Zoom buttons (22) F REC START/STOP button (19, 21) G SpeakerPlayback sounds comes out from the speaker. For how to adjust...

72 Indicators displayed during recording/playback A Remaining battery (approx.) B Recording mode ( SP or LP ) (42) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D Recording: Tape counter (hour: minute: second) Playback: Time code (hour: minute: second: frame) E Recording capacity of the...

73 Quick Refe re nce You can use [DISP GUIDE] (p. 73) to check the function of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. b Notes • Some of the indicators may not appear when you use [DISP GUIDE]. Upper left Upper right Center Bottom b Notes • The content and the position of the indicator are no...

75 Quick Refe re nce Index Numeric 12BIT ....................................42 16BIT ....................................42 16:9 WIDE ............................39 4:3 .........................................39 A A DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing) ...................35 AC Adaptor............................

79 Span is h Q u ic k G u ide/G u ía r ápida en e sp año l Paso 2: Carga de la batería Puede cargar la batería “InfoLITHIUM” (serie H) tras conectarla a la videocámara. b Notas • No es posible colocar una batería “InfoLITHIUM” que no sea serie H en la videocámara. 1 Alinee los terminales de la bater...

80 El indicador CHG (carga) se enciende y se inicia el proceso de carga. El indicador CHG (carga) se apaga cuando la batería está completamente cargada. Desconecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca de la toma de entrada de cc. b Notas • Sujete la videocámara y el enchufe de cc para desconectar el a...

81 Span is h Q u ic k G u ide/G u ía r ápida en e sp año l Tiempo de carga Tiempo aproximado (min) necesario para cargar totalmente una batería descargada por completo. Tiempo de grabación Tiempo aproximado (min) disponible cuando utiliza una batería completamente cargada. * El tiempo de grabación n...

82 Acerca del adaptador de alimentación de ca • Si utiliza el adaptador de alimentación de ca conéctelo a un tomacorriente de pared cercano. Si se produce alguna falla de funcionamiento al utilizar la videocámara, desconecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca del tomacorriente de inmediato. • No uti...

83 Span is h Q u ic k G u ide/G u ía r ápida en e sp año l 3 Vaya a [M] (mes) con y, a continuación, ajuste el valor con / . 4 Vaya a [D] (día) con y, a continuación, ajuste el valor con / y repita el proceso para la hora y los minuto. Ajuste la medianoche a las 12:00 AM. Ajuste el mediodía a las 12...

84 Paso 4: Realización de ajustes antes de la grabación Deslice el interruptor LENS COVER hacia la posición OPEN. Luego de grabar, ajuste el interruptor LENS COVER en la posición CLOSE para cerrar la cubierta del objetivo. Abra el panel LCD a 90 grados con respecto a la videocámara ( 1 ), luego gíre...

85 Span is h Q u ic k G u ide/G u ía r ápida en e sp año l Paso 5: Inserción de un videocasete Solamente puede utilizar videocasetes de formato mini DV . 1 Deslice la palanca OPEN/ EJECT en el sentido de la flecha y manténgala en esa posición para abrir la tapa. El compartimiento del videocasete sal...

86 Grabación Deslice el interruptor POWER varias veces en el sentido de la flecha para que se encienda el indicador CAMERA. Presione REC START/STOP A (o B ). Para detener la grabación, presione REC START/STOP A (o B ) nuevamente. Abra la cubierta del objetivo. REC START/STOP B Interruptor POWER REC ...

87 Span is h Q u ic k G u ide/G u ía r ápida en e sp año l Reproducción Deslice el indicador POWER en el sentido de la flecha varias veces para encender el indicador PLAY/EDIT. Inicie la reproducción. Toque para rebobinar la cinta hasta el punto deseado y, a continuación, toque para iniciar la repro...

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