Sony DCR-HC30 User Manual

3-088-339-11(1)© 2004 Sony CorporationCamera Operations Guide [US] CameraOperations GuideRead this firstDigital Video Camera RecorderDCR-HC30/HC40

Quick Start Guide10Quick Start GuideRecording movies1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.To charge the battery, see page 16.2 Insert a c

Dubbing/Editing100* TV/VCR componentStep 2 : Adjusting the synchronization of the VCRFollow the steps below when you are performing digital program e

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing1015 Rewind the tape on your VCR, then play back in slow mode.5 opening numbers for each [IN] and closing numbers for ea

Dubbing/Editing1026 Touch the desired item.When you are recording on a tape in the VCRTouch [OTHER DEVICE].When you are recording on a “Memory Stick D

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing103To end Digital program editingTouch [END].To save a program without using it to record Touch [END] in step 11.The pro

Dubbing/Editing104Dubbing sound to a recorded tape You can record additional audio to the original sound on the tape. You can add sound to a tape alre

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing105you have recorded afterwards is not output from the speaker. Check the sound by using a TV.Recording sound 1 Insert a

Dubbing/Editing106Checking and adjusting the recorded sound 1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio in “Recording sound” (p. 105).2 Touc

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing107To delete pictures on the index screenYou can easily search for the picture to be deleted by displaying 6 pictures at

Dubbing/Editing1085 Touch [PROTECT].6 Touch the image that you want to protect.7 Touch .8 Touch [END].To cancel image protectionFollow steps 1 to 5, t

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing109To cancel the Print markFollow steps 1 to 5, then touch the image to cancel the Print mark. disappears from the image

Quick Start GuideQuick Start Guide113 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.The date and time is not set up in the default sett

Dubbing/Editing1106 Select (STANDARD SET), then [USB-PLY/EDT] by touching / and .7 Select [PictBridge], then touch .8 Touch .9 Connect the USB jac

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing111To print another imageRepeat steps 1 to 6.To stop printingTouch [CANCEL] while printing.To finish printingTouch [END]

Troubleshooting112TroubleshootingTroubleshooting If you run into any problem using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting113Batteries/Power sourcesCassette tapesSymptom Cause and/or Corrective ActionsThe CHG (charge) lamp does not light whil

Troubleshooting114LCD screen/viewfinderThe Cassette Memory indicator does not appear while using a cassette with Cassette Memory.cClean the gold-plate

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting115RecordingIf you are using a “Memory Stick Duo” for recording, refer also to the “Memory Stick Duo” section. (p. 117)S

Troubleshooting116PlaybackIf you are playing back the pictures stored on a “Memory Stick Duo,” refer also to the “Memory Stick Duo” section. (p. 117)T

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting117“Memory Stick Duo”Noises appear and is displayed on the screen.• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other t

Troubleshooting118Dubbing/EditingImage protection cannot be applied. cWhen you are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab, release th

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting119The title is not displayed. cSet [ TITLE DISP] to [ON] in the (EDIT/PLAY) menu. (p. 82)• The title cannot be displ

Quick Start Guide12Recording still images1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.To charge the battery, see page 16.2 Insert a “Memory Stic

Troubleshooting120Warning indicators and messagesSelf-diagnosis display/Warning indicatorsIf indicators appear on the screen or in the viewfinder, che

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting121* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.Warning messagesIf messages appear

Troubleshooting122“Memory Stick Duo” Insert a Memory Stick. cSee page 24. Reinsert the Memory Stick. cReinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a few times. If

TroubleshootingTroubleshooting123FLASH Charging… Cannot record still images. • You are trying to record a still image while charging the flash (option

Additional Information124Additional InformationUsing your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC

Additional InformationAdditional Information125Usable cassette tapesYou can use the mini DV format cassette only. Use a cassette with the mark. is a

Additional Information126When labeling the cassetteBe sure to place the label only on the locations as shown in the following illustration so as not t

Additional InformationAdditional Information127• File names of movies:– MOV00001: This file name appears on the screen of your camcorder.– MOV00001.MP

Additional Information128Notes on using the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and “Memory Stick Duo” (MagicGate/Parallel Transfer)• The maximum memory capacity o

Additional InformationAdditional Information129About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery packThis unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P seri

Quick Start GuideQuick Start Guide133 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.The date and time is not set up in the default sett

Additional Information130menu and leave your camcorder in tape recording standby until the power goes off (p. 87).About battery life• The battery life

Additional InformationAdditional Information131device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK interface on some device.The maximum baud rate for device

Additional Information132• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside.• When d

Additional InformationAdditional Information133LCD screen• Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD screen, as it may cause damage. • If your camcorde

Additional Information134To charge the pre-installed button-type batteryYour camcorder has a pre-installed button-type battery to retain the date, tim

Additional InformationAdditional Information135Effective (still): Approx. 340 000 pixelsEffective (movie): Approx. 340 000 pixelsLensCarl Zeiss Vario-

Additional Information136rechargeable battery pack and DVM60 cassette.Supplied accessoriesSee page 15.AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25BPower requirementsAC 10

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference137Quick ReferenceIdentifying parts and controlsCamcorderA LCD/Touch panel screen (p. 4, 20)B LCD BACKLIGHT * (p. 20)C R

Quick Reference138A DV InterfaceB (USB) jackC Jack coverD A/V (audio/video) jackE (LANC) jack (blue)The LANC control jack is used for controlling

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference139A PHOTO button (p. 31)B Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 21)C BATT (battery) release button (p. 16)D CHG (charge)

Quick Start Guide14Recording/Playing back with ease By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Ha

Quick Reference140A OPEN/ZEJECT lever (p. 23)B Strap Belt (p. 4)C Cassette lid (p. 23)D Tripod receptacleMake sure that the length of the tripod scre

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference141Remote CommanderRemove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander.A PHOTO button (p. 31)B Memory control

Quick Reference142WARNINGBattery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.b Notes on the Remote Commander• A butt

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference143Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinderFollowing indicators will appear on the LCD screen and viewfinder to indi

Quick Reference144IndexNumerics16:9 WIDE mode ... 68AA/V connecting cable... 59, 92, 104AC Adaptor...

Quick ReferenceQuick Reference145Interval recording (INTERVAL REC) ...76JJPEG ...126LLANC...

Quick Reference146TTape counter... 27TelephotoSee ZoomTime code... 27Title (Cassette Memory)TAPE TITLE ...

Printed in JapanPrinted on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

Getting startedGetting started15Getting startedStep 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The numb

Getting started16Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) to your camcorder

Getting startedGetting started17After charging the batteryThe CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor

Getting started18Recording time when recording with the LCD screen onApproximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack

Getting startedGetting started19For DCR-HC30:* With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON.b Notes• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack when the AC

2Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.WARNINGTo prevent fire or shock haza

Getting started20To turn off the powerSlide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).Set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and vi

Getting startedGetting started21[MENU], (STANDARD SET) menu, then touch [LCD/VF SET] (p. 84).3 Adjust the item with / , then touch .z Tips• If you

Getting started22Step 5: Setting the date and timeSet the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and t

Getting startedGetting started23Step 6: Inserting the recording mediaInserting a cassette tapeYou can use mini DV cassettes only. For details on the

Getting started24Inserting a “Memory Stick Duo”For details on the “Memory Stick Duo” (such as write-protection), see page 126.b Note• You can use only

Getting startedGetting started25Step 7: Setting the screen languageYou can select the language to be used on the LCD screen.1 Turn on your camcorder.2

Recording26RecordingRecording moviesYou can record movies on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo.”Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started”

RecordingRecording27Indicators displayed during recording on a tapeThe indicators will not be recorded on the tape.Date/time and the camera settings d

Recording28• When you are recording on a “Memory Stick Duo” with an external flash (optional) connected to the accessory shoe, turn off the power of t

RecordingRecording29Using zoomWhen the CAMERA-TAPE mode is selected, you can choose zoom to magnification levels greater than 10 times, and from that

3For customers in the U.S.A.If you have any questions about this product, you may call:Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669)The numbe

Recording30Using the self-timerWith the self-timer, you can start recording after a delay of about 10 seconds.1 Touch .2 Touch [SELF-TIMER].If the ite

RecordingRecording31Recording still images – Memory photo recordingYou can record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Before recording, follow step

Recording32Indicators displayed during recordingA Recording folderB Image sizeFor DCR-HC40: (1152 × 864) or (640 × 480)C Quality ([FINE]) or ([STA

RecordingRecording33Using the self-timerWith the self-timer, you can record a still image after a delay of about 10 seconds.1 Touch .2 Touch [SELF-TIM

Recording34Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo” while recording movies on a tapePress PHOTO fully during tape recording.To record still ima

RecordingRecording353 Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up.4 Press EASY. The EASY lights up in blue.5 Press REC START/STOP.Reco

Recording366 Press PHOTO fully.A shutter sound is heard. When bars of disappear, the image is recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.”To turn the power of

RecordingRecording37Adjusting the exposureThe exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting.Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjectsWhe

Recording38b Notes• You cannot use the Flexible spot meter together with:– NightShot plus function– Super NightShot plus function– Color Slow Shutter

RecordingRecording39Recording in dark places – NightShot plus, etc.You can record subjects in dark places (such as when capturing the face of your bab

4• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder

DCR-HC30/HC403-088-339-11(1)E:\Documents and Settings\Y3n-tsubokura\Desktop\1202From_Koda\3088339111 DCR-HC30HC40\01UC04REC.fmmaster:RightRecording40•

RecordingRecording41To adjust the focus automaticallyFollow steps 1 and 2, then touch [AUTO] in step 3. Or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 41).b Note• You c

Recording42Recording a picture using various effects Fading in and out of a scene – FADERYou can add the following effects to currently recording pi

RecordingRecording434 Touch the desired effect, then touch .When you touch [OVERLAP], [WIPE] or [DOT FADER], the image on the tape in your camcorder i

Recording44[SLOW SHUTTR] (slow shutter)You can slow down the shutter speed. This mode is suitable for shooting a subject more clearly in a dark place.

RecordingRecording45Overlaying still images on movies on a tape – MEMORY MIXYou can superimpose a still image you have recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo

Recording466 Touch the desired effect.The still image is superimposed on the movie which is currently displayed on the LCD screen. 7 Touch (decrease

RecordingRecording47Searching for the starting point Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCHThis function is handy whe

Recording483 Keep touching (to go backward)/ (to go forward) and release it at the point where you want the recording to start. Reviewing the most

PlaybackPlayback49PlaybackViewing movies recorded on a tape Make sure you have a recorded cassette inserted into your camcorder. Some of the operation

5• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel, or when you adjust the angle of the LCD panel.•

Playback50Indicators displayed during tape playbackA Remaining batteryB Recording mode (SP or LP)C Tape transport indicatorD Time code (hour: minute:

PlaybackPlayback51Viewing recordings with added effects – Digital effectYou can apply [STILL], [FLASH], [LUMI. KEY], and [TRAIL] effects when viewing

Playback52Viewing recordings on a “Memory Stick Duo” You can view pictures one at a time on the screen. When you have a lot of pictures, you can list

PlaybackPlayback53Indicators displayed during “Memory Stick Duo” playbackA Remaining batteryB Image sizeC Picture number/Total number of recorded pict

Playback54To display 6 pictures at a time, including movies – Index ScreenTouch .To return to the single display mode, touch the picture that you want

PlaybackPlayback554 Play back pictures.When playing back on a tapeThe following buttons can be operated. (play/pause)/ (fast forward)/ (stop)/ (rewi

Playback56Various playback functionsYou can magnify a small subject in a recording and display it on the screen. You can also display the recorded dat

PlaybackPlayback57To cancel the operationTouch [END].b Notes• You cannot use Tape PB zoom together with:– Digital effect– Picture effect ([PICT. EFFEC

Playback58To hide the date/time or camera settings dataFollow steps 2 and 3, and select [OFF] in step 4.Camera settings data displayIn the date/time d

PlaybackPlayback59Playing the picture on a TVConnect your camcorder to a TV using the supplied A/V connecting cable as shown in the following illustra

6Read this first ... 2Quick Start GuideRecording movies ...

Playback60Locating a scene on a tape for playback Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory1 During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY on t

PlaybackPlayback613 Press .(previous)/> (next) on the Remote Commander to select a title that you want to play.Playback starts automatically from t

Using the Menu62BAdvanced operationsUsing the MenuSelecting menu itemsYou can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu item

Using the MenuUsing the Menu636 Select the desired setting. changes to . If you decide not to change the setting, touch to return to the previous s

Using the Menu64Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – PROGRAM AE/WHITE BAL./16:9 WIDE, etc.You can select items listed below on the CAMERA SET menu. To sel

Using the MenuUsing the Menu65* Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.**Your camcorder is adjusted to foc

Using the Menu66b Notes• You cannot use the white balance together with the NightShot plus, or Super NightShot plus function.• The setting returns to

Using the MenuUsing the Menu67b Note• DCR-HC40:If the flash is not capable of preventing the red-eye phenomenon, you can select only [ON] or [AUTO].FL

Using the Menu68DIGITAL ZOOMYou can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 10 times while recording on a tape.

Using the MenuUsing the Menu69z Tips• The ID-1 system sends aspect ratio information (16:9, 4:3, or letter box) by inserting signals between video sig

7Adjusting the exposure... 37Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ..

Using the Menu70Using the (MEMORY SET) menu – BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.You can select items listed below on the MEMORY SET

Using the MenuUsing the Menu71QUALITYIMAGE SIZEFor DCR-HC40:MOVIE SETIMAGE SIZEREMAINING ALL ERASEYou can delete all the pictures on a “Memory Stick D

Using the Menu72b Notes• The folder will not be deleted even when you delete all the pictures in the folder.• Do not do any of the following while [

Using the MenuUsing the Menu73REC FOLDERAs the default setting, pictures are saved in the 101MSDCF folder. You can select a folder to save your pictur

Using the Menu74Using the (PICT. APPLI.) menu – PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/FRAME REC/INTERVAL REC/INT. REC–STL, etc.You can select items listed below o

Using the MenuUsing the Menu75b Note• You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited with Picture effect

Using the Menu767 Touch [START].Your camcorder plays back the images recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo” in sequence.To cancel the slide show, touch [E

Using the MenuUsing the Menu775 Select a desired recording time (0.5, 1, 1.5 or 2 seconds), then touch .6 Touch [END].7 Touch [ON], then .8 Touch .

Using the Menu78 DEMO MODEWhen you remove both cassette and “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder, and select the CAMERA-TAPE mode, you can view the

Using the MenuUsing the Menu79Using the (EDIT/PLAY) menu – TITLE/TAPE TITLE, etc.You can select items listed below on the EDIT/PLAY menu. To select

8Advanced operationsUsing the MenuSelecting menu items ...62Using the (CAMERA SET) menu – PROGRAM AE/WHITE BAL./16:9 WIDE, et

Using the Menu80BURN VCDWhen your camcorder is connected to a personal computer, you can easily burn the picture recorded on the tape on a CD-R (Direc

Using the MenuUsing the Menu813 Touch to move s to select the next character, and enter the character in the same manner.4 When you have finished ent

Using the Menu82TITLE DISPYou can view the title when you play back the picture.TAPE TITLEYou can label a cassette with Cassette Memory (up to 10 lett

Using the MenuUsing the Menu83Using the (STANDARD SET) menu – REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/AUDIO MIX/USB-CAMERA, etc.You can select the items listed below

Using the Menu84MULTI-SOUND You can select how to play back audio recorded on a tape in stereo mode.b Notes• You can play back a dual sound track cass

Using the MenuUsing the Menu85LCD COLORTouch / to adjust the color on the LCD screen.VF B.LIGHTYou can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder.b Not

Using the Menu86USB-PLY/EDTYou can connect a USB cable (supplied) to your camcorder, and view the picture on the tape or “Memory Stick Duo” in your ca

Using the MenuUsing the Menu87BEEPDISPLAYb Note• You cannot input a signal to your camcorder if you press DSPL/BATT INFO while [V-OUT/PANEL] is select

Using the Menu88Using the (TIME/LANGU.) menu – CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME, etc.You can select items listed below on the TIME/LANGU. menu. To select items,

Using the MenuUsing the Menu89Customizing Personal MenuYou can add frequently used menu items to Personal Menu, or sort them in the order you like (cu

9TroubleshootingTroubleshooting ...112Warning indicators and messages ...120Additional InformationUsing your camcorder abr

Using the Menu90Deleting menu – Delete 1 Touch .2 Touch [P-MENU SET UP].If the desired menu is not displayed on the screen, touch / until the menu i

Using the MenuUsing the Menu914 Touch the menu item you want to move.5 Touch / to move the menu item to the desired place.6 Touch .To sort more item

Dubbing/Editing92Dubbing/EditingConnecting to a VCR or TVYou can record the picture from a VCR or TV to a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted into y

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing93transmitted digitally, producing high quality pictures. Note that you cannot record the picture and sound separately.

Dubbing/Editing94Recording pictures from a VCR or TVYou can record and edit pictures or TV programs from a VCR or TV on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing953 Press PHOTO lightly at the scene you want to record. Check the image and press it fully.The image is not recorded un

Dubbing/Editing968 Touch , then .b Notes• DCR-HC40:You can record still images fixed to image size [640 × 480].• The Data code and titles recorded on

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing9710Touch , then .b Notes• You cannot dub the index screen.• You may not be able to dub images modified on your computer

Dubbing/Editing98connection. The dubbing procedure is easier with the i.LINK connection.2 Prepare your VCR.• Insert a cassette for recording.• Set the

Dubbing/EditingDubbing/Editing99To set the [IR SETUP] codeWhen you connect with an A/V connecting cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code signal