Sony DCR-PC53E User Manual

DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-12(1) DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-12(1)Printed in JapanPrinted on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-fr

10DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)To remove your camcorder from the Handycam Station Turn the power of your camcorder off and then press the RELEASE b

100DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery packThis unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series).Your camco

101Additional InformationDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)About battery life• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as y

102DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of each piece of equipment. It is also i

103Additional InformationDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type battery out of children’s reach. If the battery i

104DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• The video head suffers from wear after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning c

105Additional InformationDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended that you

106DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)SpecificationsSystemVideo recording system2 rotary heads, Helical scanning systemStill image recording systemExif Ver

107Additional InformationDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-12(1)Dimensions (approx.)45 × 99 × 72 mm (1 13/16 × 4 × 2 7/8 in.) (w/h/d)Mass (approx.) 290 g (10

108DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)IndexNumeric21-pin adaptor ... 7, 33AA/V connecting cable ... 32, 54,

109DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Additional InformationHHandycam Station ... 8Help ... 65Holding th

11Getting StartedDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN

110DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Personal Menu ... 34, 52Add ... 52Arrange the order ... 52Customize .

111DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Additional InformationVVAR.SPD PB (Various speed playback) ... 47Video head ... 103VIDEO IN

DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)

DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)

DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)

DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)On trademarks• “Memory Stick,” “ ,” “Memory Stick Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” “ ,” “MagicGate,” “ ,” “MagicGa

12DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly To record or play back, slide the POWER switch repeated

13Getting StartedDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panelThe LCD panelOpen the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then r

14DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Step 5: Using the touch panelYou can play back recorded pictures (p. 21), or change the settings (p. 34) using the to

15Getting StartedDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Step 6: Setting the date and timeSet the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If

16DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”Cassette tapeYou can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 97).• The reco

17Getting StartedDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once.• When the access lamp is li

18DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam)With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are autom

19Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Playing back with ease1 Slide the POWER switch  in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn

2DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.WARNIN

20DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Recording Lens coverOpens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch. PHOTOREC START/STOP POWER switchREC

21Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Playback1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT

22DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Functions used for recording/playback, etc.123 456RecordingTo use zoom ... Move the power zo

23Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• You can enjoy SLIDE SHOW PLUS with the camcorder mounted on the Handycam Station or not (p. 8).Y

24DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)27 89q;qsqaRecording/playbackTo check the remaining battery (Battery Info) ... Set the POWER

25Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)

26DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Indicators displayed during recording/playbackRecording moviesOn a tape1 32 4576 Remaining battery (approx.) Reco

27Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)( ) is a reference page.The indicators during recording will not be recorded.Viewing moviesOn a tap

28DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Indicators when you made changesYou can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 14) to check the function of each indicator that a

29Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Searching for the starting pointMake sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up.Searching for the las

3DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• Before connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB or i.LINK cable, be sure to insert the connector plug

30DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Remote Commander Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander.Insulation sheet61q;2345789 PHOTO (p.

31Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)To cancel the operationPress ZERO SET MEMORY  again.Searching for a scene by date of recording (Da

32DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Playing the picture on a TVConnect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation

33Recording/PlaybackDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR)Use the 21-pin adaptor supplied with your camcor

34DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Using the menu itemsFollow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.1 Slide the P

35Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1) After finishing the settings, touch  (close) to hide the menu screen. If you decide not to cha

36DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Menu itemsPosition of lamp: TAPE MEM PLAY/EDIT CAMERA SET menu (p. 38)PROGRAM AE   ×SPOT METER   ×EXPOSURE   ×W

37Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Available menu items () vary depending on the position of the lamp.*These functions are available duri

38DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)CAMERA SET menuSettings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)Th

39Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter)You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is record

4DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Table of ContentsGetting StartedStep 1: Checking supplied items ...

40DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• The setting returns to [AUTO] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minu

41Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)FLASH SETNote that these settings will not function with external flashes (optional) that do not support

42DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1) 120 ×Up to 10 × zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 120 × zoom is performed digitally.WIDE SELECT

43Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The number of recordable pictures varies

44DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)NEW FOLDERYou can create a new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick Duo.” When a folder is full (a maxim

45Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)OVERLAP (fade in only)WIPE (fade in only)DOT FADER (fade in only)D. EFFECT (Digital effect)You can add

46DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)PICT. EFFECT (Picture effect)You can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback. appears.  OFF

47Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)EDIT/PLAY menuSettings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END SEARCH, etc.)The de

48DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)STANDARD SET menuSettings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/LCD SET/DISP OUTPUT

49Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1) LCD BL LEVELYou can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight.  NORMALStandard brightnes

5DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Continued Remote Commander ...30Searching

50DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)  OFFData code is not displayed. DATE/TIMEDisplays the date and time. CAMERA DATA (below)Displays camera se

51Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)MENU ROTATE  NORMALScrolls the menu items downwards by touching . OPPOSITEScrolls the menu items

52DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Customizing Personal MenuYou can add desired menu items to Personal Menu, and customize Personal Menu settings for ea

53Using the MenuDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)3 Touch / to move the menu item to the desired place.4 Touch .To sort more items, repeat steps 2 t

54DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Connecting to a VCR or TVConnect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (

55Dubbing/EditingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• When connecting the A/V connecting cable to the A/V jack (DCR-PC55E)/A/V OUT jack (DCR-PC53E) on yo

56DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• The following cannot be output via the DV interface:– Indicators– [PICT. EFFECT] (p. 46), [D. EFFECT] (p. 45) o

57Dubbing/EditingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)When recording on a “Memory Stick Duo,” touch  [MENU]  (EDIT/PLAY)  [ REC MOVIE].5 Start playing

58DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Dubbing sound to a recorded tapeYou can add sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 48) without erasi

59Dubbing/EditingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• When you attach an external microphone (optional) to the Active Interface Shoe, you can check the p

6DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) ...61Jacks to connect external devices .

60DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo”1 Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.2

61Dubbing/EditingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Selecting still images for printing (Print mark)The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard is used

62DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)One of the images stored on the “Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.• We cannot guarantee the operation of models t

63Dubbing/EditingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Jacks to connect external devicesCamcorder3241Handycam Station423567 Active Interface Shoe (p. 58)T

64DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computerWhen you install the Picture Package software on a Windows

65Using a ComputerDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)About “First Step Guide”“First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer

66DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Others: USB port (This must be provided as standard), disc drive For Macintosh usersWhen using ImageMixer VCD2OS: Ma

67Using a ComputerDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1) Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive).** Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the

68DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)10 Select the language for “First Step Guide” to be installed, then click [Next].Depending on the computer, this scre

69Using a ComputerDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)The computer turns off once, then starts up again automatically (Restart). The short-cut icons for [P

7Getting StartedDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Step 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The

70DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Viewing “First Step Guide”Displaying “First Step Guide”Starting up on a Windows computerViewing with Microsoft Intern

71Using a ComputerDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)You can create DVDs when you connect your camcorder t

72DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)1 Turn on the computer.Quit all applications running with an i.LINK.2 Prepare the power source for your camcorder,

73Using a ComputerDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)To cancel the operationTouch [CANCEL] on the LCD screen on your camcorder.• You cannot cancel the op

74DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function)(DCR-PC55E)Using the A/V connect

75Using a ComputerDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)3 On the LCD screen, touch  [MENU]  (STANDARD SET)  [A/VDV OUT]  [ON]  .4 Start playback

76DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)TroubleshootingIf you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem

77TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Batteries/Power sourcesThe power abruptly turns off.• When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while

78DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)LCD screenAn unknown picture appears on the LCD screen.• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 46). Touch the LCD scree

79TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)The remaining tape indicator is not displayed.• Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remain

8DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Step 2: Charging the battery packYou can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series) (p. 100) after attaching it

80DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)The data file name is not indicated correctly.• Only the file name is displayed if the directory structure does not con

81TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)The external flash (optional) does not work.• The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is no

82DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.• The spots appear when you are recording in [SLOW SHUT

83TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Horizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or do not appear.• Clean

84DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Remote CommanderThe supplied Remote Commander does not function.• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 50).• Remove any obst

85TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)[COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly.• [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in total darkness

86DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.• Set [DISP OUTPUT] to [LCD PANEL] (p. 50).• The A/V connecti

87TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)You cannot view the pictures the camcorder is seeing on the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down

88DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)The image does not appear on the screen of the Windows computer when using the USB cable. • The USB driver has been r

89TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)4 If the devices below are already installed, right-click them, then click [Uninstall] to delete them

9Getting StartedDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)7 Install the camcorder onto the Handycam Station. Open the interface connector cover. Place the c

90DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)9 Follow the steps below and try to install the USB driver again.1 Double-click [My Computer].2 Right-click [PICTU

91TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Picture Package does not function correctly.• Close Picture Package, then restart the computer.An erro

92DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Warning indicators and messagesSelf-diagnosis display/Warning indicatorsIf indicators appear on the LCD screen, check

93TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1) (Eject cassette warning)*Slow flashing:• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 97)

94DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Reinsert the Memory Stick.• Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a few times. If even then the indicator flashes, the “Memo

95TroubleshootingDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1) FlashCharging… Cannot record still images.• You are trying to record a still image while charging th

96DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Using your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor suppl

97Additional InformationDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)Usable cassette tapesYou can use mini DV format cassettes only.Use a cassette with the mark.

98DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)About the “Memory Stick”A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable IC recording medium with a data capacity that exceeds

99Additional InformationDCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)• Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the “Memory Stick Duo.”• Do not disassemble or m