Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Notes on use Handling the images recorded on your camcorder on a computer Refer to “PMB (Picture Motion Browser) Guide” stored on the supplied CD-ROM. Types of “Memory Stick”...
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• Do not do any of the following when the (Movie)/ (Still) mode lamps (p. 12) or the access lamp (p. 14) is lit or flashing. Otherwise, the media may be damaged, recorded images may be lost or other malfunctions could occur. –...
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About the Carl Zeiss lens Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.
Table of Contents Read this before operating your camcorder ...2 Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ...8 Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...9 Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time ...12 Changing the language setting ... 13 Step 4: Inserting “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
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Utilizing Media (MANAGE MEDIA) category ... 43 Setting the image quality ... 43 Checking the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media information ... 44 Deleting all images (Formatting) ... 44 Repairing the image database file ... 45 Customizing Your Camcorder What you can do with the MENU ...
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Warning indicators and messages ...73 Additional Information Files/folder structure on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media ...76 Maintenance and precautions ...77 About the AVCHD format ... 77 About the “Memory Stick” media ... 77 About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ... 78 About handling of your camcorder ...
Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. AC Adaptor (1) (p. 9) Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 9) Component A/V cable (1) (p.
Step 2: Charging the battery pack Battery pack DC plug Jack cover AC Adaptor You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack H series (p. 78) after attaching it to your camcorder. b Notes • You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than H series to your camcorder.
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To remove the battery pack Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Slide the BATT RELEASE lever and remove the battery pack. BATT RELEASE lever b Notes • When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, make sure that the (Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p.
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Approximate available recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. “HD” stands for high definition image quality, and “SD” stands for standard image quality. Continuous Battery pack recording time Image quality NP-FH50 NP-FH60 (supplied) NP-FH70 NP-FH100 * Typical recording time shows the time when...
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 press the (Movie)/ (Still) select button.
Make sure that the clock is correctly set, then touch The clock starts. You can set any year up to the year 2037. For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM. To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer Press and hold DISPLAY/BATT INFO for a few seconds until...
Step 4: Inserting “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media See page 2 on the “Memory Stick” media you can use with your camcorder. z Tips • See following pages on the recordable time of movies and recordable number of still images. –...
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16GB (205) (205) b Notes • When using “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media made by Sony Corporation. The recordable time for movies varies depending on the recording conditions, subject conditions, and the type of “Memory Stick” media. z Tips • Figures such as 16M in the table show the average bit rate.
Recording/Playback Using the HOME MENU You can change the recording functions and the operating settings for your convenience. While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch to ON. POWER switch Touch (HOME). (HOME) Touch the desired category. Example: (OTHERS) category Touch the desired item.
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3 Touch the item you want to learn more about. When you touch an item, its explanation appears on the screen. To apply the option, touch [YES], otherwise, touch [NO]. z Tips • To deactivate the HELP, touch again in step 2. (HELP)
Recording In the default setting, the image quality is set to HD (high definition). To change the image quality, refer to “Setting the image quality” (p. 43). (HOME) A START/STOP B PHOTO C b Notes • If you aim the lens towards a strong light source, such as car headlights or the sun, a “ghost” caused by the lens may appear in the picture.
Recording movies While pressing the green button, slide the POWER switch to ON to turn on the (Movie) lamp. Press START/STOP B. [STBY] t [REC] To stop recording, press START/STOP B again. z Tips • For the recordable time and the number of recordable images, see page 15 and 51. •...
Preventing operation errors If you slide the HOLD. switch to the right, the buttons cannot function. Use this function to prevent pressing incorrect buttons. HOLD. switch The following operations become invalid. – Touch panel – START/STOP button (p. 18) – PHOTO button (p. 18) –...
Recording high quality still images during movie recording (Dual Rec) You can record high quality still images during movie recording by pressing PHOTO. b Notes • Do not eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media before movie recording is finished and the still images are completely stored on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
Controlling the image settings manually with the CAM CTRL dial You can assign one menu item you use often to the CAM CTRL dial. Since the focus adjustment is assigned to the CAM CTRL dial in the default settings, the operation below is described as adjusting the focus using the dial.
Playback (HOME) A (VIEW IMAGES) B While pressing the green button, then slide the POWER switch to ON to turn on your camcorder. Touch (VIEW IMAGES) B. The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen (It may take some time to display the thumbnails).
:Goes to the Film Roll Index screen (p. 26). :Goes to the Face Index screen (p. 26). :Displays movies with HD (high definition) image quality.* :Displays still images. appears when you select the movie with SD (standard definition) image quality in SET] (p.
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Viewing still images Touch the tab, then select the desired still image to play back. Return (to the VISUAL INDEX screen) Slide show (p. 28) Goes to the VISUAL INDEX (OPTION) screen Previous/Next z Tips (HOME) A t (VIEW IMAGES) t •...
Searching for desired scene by pinpoint (Film Roll Index) Movies can be divided by a set time and the first scene of each division is displayed on the index screen. You can start playing back a movie from the selected thumbnail. Turn on the camcorder, and touch (VIEW IMAGES).
b Notes • Faces may not be detected depending on recording conditions. Example: People wearing glasses or hats, or who do not face towards the camera. z Tips • You can display the [Face Index] screen by touching (HOME) t IMAGES) t [ INDEX].
Playing back a series of still images (Slide show) Touch on the still image playback screen. The slide show begins from the selected still image. Touch to stop the slide show. To restart, touch again. b Notes • You cannot operate playback zoom during slide show.
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Connecting to a high definition TV Images recorded with HD (high definition) image quality are played back with HD (high definition) image quality. Images recorded with SD (standard definition) image quality are played back with SD (standard definition) image quality. Type Camcorder Component A/V cable...
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Type Camcorder HDMI cable (sold separately) • Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo. • Images are not output from the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder, if copyright protection signals are recorded in the images. • Some TVs may not function correctly (e.g., no sound or image) with this connection. •...
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Type Camcorder Component A/V cable (supplied) • If you connect only component video, audio signals are not output. Connect the white and red plugs to output audio signals. A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (sold separately) • 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.
Saving images Recorded images are stored on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media. Due to the limited capacity of the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, make sure that you save the image data to some type of external media such as a DVD-R or a computer. You can save the images recorded on the camcorder as described below.
Editing (OTHERS) category This category enables you to edit the images on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media. Also, you can enjoy your camcorder by connecting to other devices. (OTHERS) category Item list DELETE You can delete images on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
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Touch the movie to be deleted. The selected movie is marked with Press and hold the movie on the LCD screen to confirm the movie. Touch to return to the previous screen. Touch t [YES] t To delete all movies at one time In step 3, touch [ DELETE ALL]/ DELETE ALL] t [YES] t [YES]...
Capturing a still image from a movie You can save a selected frame from a recorded movie as a still image. Select the image quality of the movies to be captured before the operation (p. 43). (HOME) t Touch (OTHERS) t [PHOTO CAPTURE]. The [PHOTO CAPTURE] screen appears.
Dividing a movie Select the image quality of the movie you want to divide before the operation (p. 43). z Tips • The images recorded on your camcorder are called “original.” (HOME) t Touch (OTHERS) t [EDIT]. Touch [DIVIDE]. Touch the movie to be divided. The selected movie starts playback.
Creating the Playlist The Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of the movies that you have selected. The original movies are not changed even if you edit or delete the movies added to the Playlist. Select the image quality of the movie you want to create, play, or edit a Playlist before the operation (p.
Playing the Playlist Select the image quality of the movie you want to create, play, or edit a Playlist before the operation (p. 43). (HOME) t Touch IMAGES) t [PLAYLIST]. The Playlist screen appears. Touch the movie you want to play back.
Dubbing to other devices Connecting with the A/V connecting cable You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. Connect the device in either of the following ways. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.
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b Notes • You cannot dub to recorders connected with an HDMI cable. • To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter, etc.) on the screen of the monitor device (HOME) t connected, touch (SETTINGS) t [OUTPUT SETTINGS] t [DISP OUTPUT] t [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) on the HOME MENU (p.
Touch [ USB CONNECT]. Operate the device to be connected, and start recording. For details, refer to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected. After dubbing is complete, touch [END] t [YES], then disconnect the USB cable. Attention This camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD format.
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Touch the still image to be printed. The selected still image is marked with Press and hold the still image on the LCD screen to confirm the still image. Touch to return to the previous screen. Touch (OPTION), set the following options, then touch [COPIES]: Set the number of copies of a still image to be printed.
Utilizing Media (MANAGE MEDIA) category This category enables you to use the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media for various purposes. (MANAGE MEDIA) category Item list You can select the image quality for movies (p. 43). MEDIA INFO You can display the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
Checking the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media information You can check the remaining recordable time for each [REC MODE] (p. 48), and the approximate free and used space of the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media. Turn the (Movie) lamp on. Touch (HOME) t (MANAGE MEDIA) t [MEDIA...
• Do not attempt the following operations when [Executing...] is on the screen: – Operate the POWER switch or buttons – Eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media • While [MEDIA FORMAT] is activated, do not disconnect the AC Adaptor. Repairing the image database file This function checks the management...
Customizing Your Camcorder What you can do with the category of the Using the HOME MENU Turn on your camcorder, then touch (HOME). (HOME) (SETTINGS) category Touch (SETTINGS). (SETTINGS) HOME MENU Touch the desired setup item. If the item is not on the screen, touch to change the page.
List of the (SETTINGS) category items MOVIE SETTINGS (p. 48) Items REC MODE AE SHIFT WB SHIFT WIDE SELECT DIGITAL ZOOM AUTO SLW SHUTTR X.V.COLOR GUIDEFRAME ZEBRA REMAINING SET SUB-T DATE DIAL SETTING INDEX SET PHOTO SETTINGS (p. 51) Items IMAGE SIZE FILE NO.
MOVIE SETTINGS (Items for recording movies) Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch to change the page. How to set (HOME MENU) t page 46 (OPTION MENU) t page 58 The default settings are marked with B. REC MODE (Recording mode) You can select a recording quality to record...
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WIDE SELECT When recording with SD (standard definition) image quality, you can select the horizontal to vertical ratio according to the TV connected. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV. B 16:9 WIDE Records images to the full screen on a 16:9 (wide) TV screen.
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setting, is displayed. The zebra pattern is not recorded. B OFF The zebra pattern is not displayed. The zebra pattern appears at a screen brightness level of about 70 IRE. The zebra pattern appears at a screen brightness level of about 100 IRE or higher.
Sony Corporation. The number of recordable still images varies depending on the recording conditions or type of “Memory Stick” media. • The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and the image processing system allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described. z Tips •...
RESET Assigns file numbers in sequence, following the largest file number existing on the current recording “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media. AE SHIFT See page 48. WB SHIFT (White Balance Shift) See page 48. GUIDEFRAME See page 49. ZEBRA See page 49. DIAL SETTING See page 50.
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CAMERA DATA Movie Still image C SteadyShot off D Brightness E White balance F Gain G Shutter speed H Aperture value I Exposure z Tips • The data code is displayed on the TV screen if you connect your camcorder to a TV. •...
SOUND/DISP SET (Items to adjust the sound and the screen) Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch to change the page. How to set (HOME MENU) t page 46 (OPTION MENU) t page 58 The default settings are marked with B.
OUTPUT SETTINGS (Items for when connecting other devices) Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch to change the page. How to set (HOME MENU) t page 46 (OPTION MENU) t page 58 The default settings are marked with B. TV TYPE You need to convert the signal depending on the TV connected when playing back the...
CLOCK/ LANG (Items to set clock and language) Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch to change the page. How to set (HOME MENU) t page 46 (OPTION MENU) t page 58 CLOCK SET See page 12.
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CTRL FOR HDMI (Control for HDMI) The default setting is [ON], allowing you to do the playback operation with the remote commander of your TV by connecting your camcorder to a “BRAVIA” Sync compatible TV with the HDMI cable. z Tips •...
Activating functions using the OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click the mouse on a computer. Various available functions are displayed. Using the OPTION MENU While using your camcorder, touch (OPTION) on the screen. Touch the desired item.
Functions set in the Items you can set only on the MENU will be described below. The default settings are marked with B. FOCUS You can adjust the focus manually. You can select this function also when you want to focus on a certain subject intentionally.
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EXPOSURE 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 3 Touch To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO] t in step 1.
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LANDSCAPE*( Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows that comes in between the camcorder and the subject. PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) ( Select to bring out the subject such as people or flowers while creating a soft background.
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• flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not be set. • When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if flashing after touching , set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO]. • If you set [WHITE BAL.], [SCENE SELECTION] is set to [AUTO]. z Tips •...
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BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (Built- in zoom microphone) When you set [BLT-IN ZOOM MIC] to [ON] ( ), you can record a movie with directional sound as you move the power zoom lever (The default setting is [OFF]). MICREF LEVEL (Microphone reference level) You can select the microphone level for recording sound.
• The supplied software “PMB” is not supported by Macintosh computers. To use a Macintosh computer connected to your camcorder, see the following website for details. http://guide.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/mac/ms/us/ Installing “PMB” System requirements OS: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 Windows Vista SP1 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported.
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• You can read images recorded on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media in “Memory Stick” media slot of a computer. However, in the following cases, do not use the “Memory Stick” media slot of the computer, but connect your camcorder to the computer with the USB cable: –...
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2 Touch [END] t [YES] on the screen of your camcorder. 3 Disconnect the USB cable. To operate “PMB” To start “PMB,” click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Picture Utility] t [PMB]. To see “PMB Guide” To find out how to use “PMB,” see “PMB Guide.”...
• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 9). If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.
• The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p. 9). • The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use. The battery pack is quickly discharged.
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You cannot record a still image. • You cannot record a still image together with: – [SMTH SLW REC] – [FADER] – [D.EFFECT] – [PICT.EFFECT] The access lamp remains lit or flashing even when you stop recording. • Your camcorder is recording the scene you have just shot on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
Playing back images An image cannot be found for playback. • Select the image quality of a movie you want to play back by touching (HOME) t (MANAGE MEDIA) t SET] (p. 43). Images cannot be played back. • Images cannot be played back if you have modified files or folders, or have edited the data on a computer.
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• When you are using the S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are connected (p. 31). The image appears distorted on the 4:3 TV. • This happens when viewing an image recorded in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV.
You can fix some symptoms by yourself. If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. C:04:00 C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis...
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• Use the recommended “Memory Stick” media (p. 2). This Memory Stick may not be able to record or play images correctly. • Use the recommended “Memory Stick” media (p. 2). • Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
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Do not eject the Memory Stick during writing. Data may be damaged. • Insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media again, and follow the instructions on the screen. The Image Database File is damaged. Do you want to create a new file? HD movie management information is damaged.
Stick PRO Duo” media in the camcorder from a computer. The image files may be destroyed or may not be played back. • We (Sony) will not be responsible for the results of operating the data on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media in the camcorder from a computer.
Maintenance and precautions About the AVCHD format What is the AVCHD format? The AVCHD format is a high definition digital video camera format used to record an HD (high definition) signal of either the 1080i specification* or the 720p specification* , using efficient data compression coding technology.
• Damaged or lost data may occur in the following cases (the data will not be compensated for): – If you eject the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, or turn off your camcorder while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack? An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/ charger. The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in minutes.
• If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. • Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product.
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Note on moisture condensation Moisture may condense when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a humid place as follows: • You bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating device.
Industries Association). Files in this format can have additional information such as your camcorder’s setting information at the time of recording. The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and the image processing system allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes described.
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LCD screen Image: 6.7 cm (2.7 type, aspect ratio 16:9) Total dot number: 211 200 (960 × 220) General Power requirements: DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack) DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor) Average power consumption: During camera recording using the LCD with normal brightness: HD: 4.0 W SD: 3.2 W...
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Corporation. • “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • “x.v.Color” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • “BRAVIA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • “Blu-ray Disc” and the logo are trademarks. • Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
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URL to download it. When downloading the source code, select DCR- DVD810 as the model for your camcorder. http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/ We would prefer you do not contact us about the contents of source code. Read “license2.pdf” in the “License” folder on the CD-ROM.
Quick Reference Identifying parts and controls The numbers in ( ) are reference pages. Main body A Battery pack (9) B BATT RELEASE lever (10) C DC IN jack (9) (USB) jack (40, 41) E A/V Remote Connector (28) F HDMI OUT jack (28) G Speaker Playback sounds come out from the speaker.
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(Movie)/ (Still) mode lamps (12) (Movie)/ (Still) select button (12) C PHOTO button (19) D Camera recording lamp (56) Lights up in red during recording. Flashes when remaining “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media space or battery power is low. E START/STOP button (19) F CAM CTRL dial (22) G MANUAL button (22) H DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (10, 13)
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A RESET button Initializes all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. B CHG (charge) lamp (9) C HOLD. switch (20) D POWER switch (12) E Controller hook attachment/Tripod receptacle You cannot use a tripod when you attach the controller hook.
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Camera A Built-in microphone B Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (4) C Tripod receptacle Attach the tripod (sold separately) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)). To adhere the cable clamper Raise the one-touch tape, then wind the cable around the hook to adhere the one-...
Indicators displayed during recording/playback Recording movies Recording still images Viewing movies Viewing still images A HOME button (46) B Remaining battery (approx.) (10) C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) D Recording quality (HD/SD) (43) and recording mode (FH/HQ/SP/LP) (48) E Media F Counter (hour/minute/second) G Recording remaining time...
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Indicators when you made changes Following indicators appear during recording/playback to indicate the settings of your camcorder. Upper left Center Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning Self-timer recording (64) MICREF LEVEL low (64) WIDE SELECT (49) BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (64) Center Indicator Meaning IMAGE SIZE (51)
Index Numeric 1080i/480i...55 16:9...55 480i...55 4:3...55 4:3 TV...30 AC Adaptor ...8 ADD by date...37 AE SHIFT...48 AREA SET ...56 AUTO SLW SHUTTR (Auto Slow Shutter)...49, 72 AVCHD format ...77 A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off) ...56 A/V connecting cable ...8, 31, 39 A/V Remote Connector ...28 Backup...32 Battery pack...9...
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LCD BL LEVEL (LCD backlight level) ...54 LCD BRIGHT ...54 LCD COLOR...54 LCD PANEL ...55 LCD panel...12 LP...48 Maintenance...77 MANAGE MEDIA category ...43 MEDIA FORMAT ...44 MEDIA INFO ...44 “Memory Stick”...2, 77 “Memory Stick Duo”...2, 77 “Memory Stick Duo” media adaptor ...2, 78 “Memory Stick PRO Duo”...
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USB 2.0 ...65 USB cable...8 USB CONNECT ...76 USB SELECT...40, 41 VCR or DVD/HDD recorders ...39 VIEW IMAGES SET ...52 Viewing pictures on a TV ...28 VISUAL INDEX ...23 VOLUME...54 Volume adjustment...24 V-OUT/PANEL...55 Wall outlet (Wall socket) ...9 Warning indicators ...73 Warning messages...74 WB SHIFT (White Balance Shift)...48...
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Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) -free vegetable oil based ink. Printed in Japan...