Sony HDR-HC7E User Manual

2-319-807-12(1)© 2007 Sony CorporationDigital HD Video Camera RecorderOperating GuideHDR-HC5E/HC 7EEnjoying pictures withhigh definition quality7Getti

10Step 2: Charging the battery packYou can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 91) after attaching it to your camcorder.b Notes• You

100On trademarks• “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.• HDV and the HDV logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation and Victor C

101Quick ReferenceQuick ReferenceIdentifying parts and controlsThe numbers in ( ) are reference pages.A Power zoom lever (22)B PHOTO button (21)C View

102A HDR-HC7E:MANUAL button (23)B HDR-HC7E:CAM CTRL dial (23)C NIGHTSHOT switch (24)D BACK LIGHT button (24)E Zoom buttons (22)F START/STOP button (20

103Quick ReferenceA OPEN/EJECT lever (16)B FlashC Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens) (4)D Remote sensor/Infrared portPoint the Remote Commander (p. 104) towards

104Remote CommanderA PHOTO button (21)The on-screen image when you press this button will be recorded onto the “Memory Stick Duo” as a still image.B M

105Quick ReferenceIndicators displayed during recording/playbackA Recording format ( or ) (54) Recording mode (SP or LP) is also displayed in the DV

106O Tape transport indicatorP Video operation buttons (25)Q Data file nameR Picture number/Total number of recorded pictures in the current playback

107Quick ReferenceUpper leftUpper rightCenterBottomIndicators when you made changesIndicator Meaning Recording format (53)AUDIO MODE* (54)SP LP Record

108Other indicatorYou can easily check the meaning of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen.1 Touch [GUIDE] t [DISP GUIDE].2 Touch the area in

109Quick ReferenceIndexNumeric1080i/576i ...5612BIT...5416BIT...

11Getting StartedTo remove the battery packSlide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery release) lever and remove the battery pack.Whe

110Lens cover ...14, 20LP (Long Play) ...54MMacintosh ...74Mains lead ...

111Quick ReferenceUSB SELECT...52Using abroad...87VVAR.SPD PB (Various speed playback) ...52VF B.LIGHT (Vi

http://www.sony.net/Printed in JapanAdditional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Supp

12HDR-HC7E* Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.b Notes• All times measur

13Getting Started• When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use an NP-FH70 or NP-FH100 battery pack.On the charging/recordin

143 Set [M] (month), then touch and repeat for [D] (day), hour and minute.The clock starts.To turn off the powerSlide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

15Getting StartedStep 4: Making setting adjustments before recordingOpen the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best ang

16Step 5: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 88).b Notes• The recordable time varies depending on [ REC

17Getting StartedTo eject a “Memory Stick Duo”Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once.b Notes• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camco

18Recording/PlaybackEasy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically optimally

19Recording/PlaybackSlide the POWER switch E to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the touch panel A as follows.x To cancel Easy Handyca

2Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.To reduce fire or shock hazard, do n

20RecordingMovies are recorded on a tape.Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE lamp.Press START/S

21Recording/PlaybackStill images are recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.”Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the

22You can magnify images to 10 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD panel.Move the power zoom lever slight

23Recording/Playback• For HDR-HC5E:When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE, still images will be recorded at image size 2.3M in the HDV format, 1.

24 (Forced flash): Always uses the flash regardless of the surrounding brightness.r (No flash): Records without flash.b Notes• The recommended distanc

25Recording/PlaybackPlaybackSlide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.Touch to rewind to the des

26Touch .The most recently recorded image is displayed.* is displayed on the tape playback screen.To display pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo” on the

27Recording/PlaybackYou can magnify images from about 1.1 to 5 times (from about 1.5 to 5 times in still images) the original size.Magnification can b

28Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)You can easily select the desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE).Your camcorder h

29Recording/PlaybackSearching for the starting pointEND SEARCH will not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape.Make sure

3Type of cassette you can use in your camcorderYou can use mini DV cassettes marked with . Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory

301 During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander at a point you want to locate later on.The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00” and

31Recording/PlaybackPlaying the picture on a TVConnection methods and image quality differ depending on what type of TV is connected and connectors us

32Connecting to a high definition TV: Signal flow, ( ): Reference pagesType Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting (STANDARD SET) [VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (53)[

33Recording/Playback (STANDARD SET)[VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (53)• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo (on the front cover).• Pictures in the DV format a

34To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)Change the [TV TYPE] setting to match your TV (p. 56).b Notes• When you play back a

35Recording/PlaybackWhen connecting to your TV via a VCRSelect one of the connecting methods on page 61, according to the input jack of the VCR. Conne

36Using the MenuUsing the menu items1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.CAMERA-TAPE lamp:

37Using the MenuMenu itemsAvailable menu items (z) vary depending on which lamp is lit.During Easy Handycam operation, the setting is set automaticall

38PictBridge PRINT – – z –USB SELECT – – z–DEMO MODE z ––ON EDIT/PLAY menu (p. 52) VAR.SPD PB – – z – REC CTRL – – z–END SEARCH z – z– STANDARD SET me

39Using the MenuCAMERA SET menuSettings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditionsThe default settings are marked with B.The indicators in p

4• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions.• Do not aim at the sun. Do

40b Notes• If you set [SCENE SELECT], the settings of [SHUTTR SPEED] (HDR-HC7E) and [WHITE BAL.] are canceled.You can adjust and fix the exposure to t

41Using the Menu3 Touch [ ]. flashes quickly. When the white balance has been adjusted and stored in the memory, the indicator stops flashing.b Notes•

42z Tips• Touch if the subject is white or the backlight is bright, or touch if the subject is black or the light is dim.• You can adjust the auto

43Using the MenuThis is useful to shoot small subjects, such as flowers or insects. You can blur out backgrounds and the subject stands out clearer.Wh

44When using either the NightShot (p. 24) or [SUPER NS] (p. 43) function to record, you can record clearer pictures by setting [NS LIGHT], which emits

45Using the Menuz Tips• You can also operate by pressing PHOTO on the Remote Commander (p. 104).You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want

46MEMORY SET menuSettings for the “Memory Stick Duo”The default settings are marked with B.The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are sel

47Using the MenuWhen the POWER switch is set to CAMERA-TAPE*When the POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT** [ IMAGE SIZE] is fixed to [ 1.2M] in HDV for

481 Select [ALL FILES] or [CURRNT FOLDER].[ALL FILES]: Deletes all the images on the “Memory Stick Duo.”[CURRNT FOLDER]: Deletes all the images in the

49Using the MenuPICT.APPLI. menuSpecial effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playbackThe default settings are marked with B.The in

5Table of ContentsRead this first ...2Trying out the new HDV format! ...7Viewing video recorded in the HDV format! .

50z Tips• You can select the first picture for the slide show with / before touching [START].You can add digital effects to recording/playback.1 Tou

51Using the MenuYou can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback. appears.B OFFDoes not use [PICT.EFFECT] setting.SKINTONE*Make

52• The image quality of [SMTH SLW REC] is somewhat less than normal recording.To cancel [SMTH SLW REC], select [END].See page 68.You can connect the

53Using the Menu– Picture search– Reverse playback• Playing back slowly to the reverse direction and playing back frame by frame to the reverse direct

54b Notes• Disconnect the i.LINK cable before changing the [VCR HDV/DV] setting. Otherwise, the connected device, such as a VCR, may not be able to re

55Using the MenuTouch / to adjust the balance of the original sound (ST1) and the sound recorded afterwards (ST2), then touch . b Notes• The origin

56Select [COMPONENT] when connecting your camcorder to a TV with the component input jack.576iSelect when connecting your camcorder to a TV with the c

57Using the MenuYou can display the frame and check that the subject is horizontal or vertical by setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON].The frame is not record

58B ONA beeping sound starts when you start/stop recording, or operate the touch panel.OFFCancels the beeping sound and shutter sound.B LCD PANELShows

59Using the MenuTIME/LANGU. menuSee page 36 for details on selecting menu items.See page 13.When using your camcorder abroad, you can set the time dif

6Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders ... 61Recording pictures from a VCR ... 64Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Me

601 Touch t [P-MENU SET UP] t [DELETE].If the desired menu item is not displayed, touch / .2 Touch the menu item that you want to delete.3 Touch [YE

61Dubbing/EditingDubbing/EditingDubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recordersConnect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor for this op

62b Notes• You cannot dub pictures using the HDMI cable.• Pictures recorded in the DV format are dubbed as SD (standard definition) images, regardless

63Dubbing/Editing3 Connect your recording device (VCR or DVD/HDD recorder) to your camcorder.See page 61 for connection details.4 Start playback on yo

64Recording pictures from a VCR You can record movies from a VCR on a tape. You can record a scene as a still image on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Be sure t

65Dubbing/Editing6 Start playing the cassette on your VCR.The picture played on the connected device appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder.7 Tou

66Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo”You can record a desired scene onto a “Memory Stick Duo” as a still image, from a movie you reco

67Dubbing/EditingMarking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” with specific information (Print mark/Image protection)When you are using a “Memory Stick Du

68Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer)You can print out pictures using a PictBridge compliant printer without connecting the camcor

69Dubbing/Editing– Disconnect the USB cable from the printer.– Remove the “Memory Stick Duo” from your camcorder.• If the printer stops working, disco

7Enjoying pictures with high definition qualityEnjoying pictures with high definition qualityTrying out the new HDV format!High image qualityThe HDV f

70Using a ComputerWhat you can do with Windows computerWhen you install the “Picture Motion Browser” on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, y

71Using a ComputerWhen using “Picture Motion Browser”OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional or Wi

72Installing the “First Step Guide” and softwareYou need to install the “First Step Guide” and software to your Windows computer before connecting you

73Using a Computer4 Check your area and country/region, then click [Next].The software to be installed will be configured according to your country/re

74Viewing “First Step Guide”To view “First Step Guide” on your computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer Ver.6.0 or later is recommended. Double-click the

75TroubleshootingTroubleshootingTroubleshootingIf you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem.

76Another VCR malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander.• Select a commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR.• Cover the sensor of yo

77TroubleshootingMenu items are grayed out.• You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.• Depending on the functions,

78The data file name is not indicated correctly, or flashes.• The file is damaged.• Use the file format compatible with your camcorder (p. 89).Refer a

79Troubleshooting[COLOR SLOW S] does not operate correctly.• [COLOR SLOW S] may not operate correctly in total darkness. Use NightShot or [SUPER NS].Y

8Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 31)Pictures recorded in the HDV format can be played back as crisp HD (h

80Refer also to “Cassette tapes/“Memory Stick Duo”” section (p. 77).You cannot play back a tape.• Slide the POWER switch to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp

81Troubleshooting• There is a blank section between recorded sections of the tape. This is not a malfunction.No picture appears during [END SEARCH] or

82You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.• You cannot input externally from a device connected with the A/V connecting cable.• The A/

83Troubleshooting• For HDR-HC7E:When [COLOR BAR] is set, all the “Not available” menu items on the list are not available.[EXPOSURE] NightShot[WHITE B

84Warning indicators and messagesIf indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following.Some symptoms you can fix by yoursel

85TroubleshootingQ (Warning indicators pertaining to the tape)Slow flashing:• There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape.• No cassette is inse

86x “Memory Stick Duo” Reinsert the Memory Stick. (p. 16)• Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a few times. If even then the indicator flashes, the “Memor

87Additional InformationAdditional InformationUsing your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Ada

88Maintenance and precautionsYour camcorder is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats.You can use mini DV format cassettes only.Use a cassett

89Additional Informationx When labeling the cassetteBe sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to

9Getting StartedGetting StartedStep 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The number in the p

90Notes on useDamaged or lost image data will not be compensated for, and may occur in the following cases:• If you eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” turn

91Additional InformationThis unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” batte

92About battery life• Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it i

93Additional Informationb Notes• When connecting your camcorder to another i.LINK-compatible device, be sure to turn off the power of the device and d

94Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.] appears. The indicator will not appear when the moisture condenses on the lens.x If moisture condensation h

95Additional Information• The video heads will degrade after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette (option

96On charging the pre-installed rechargeable batteryYour camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable battery to retain the date, time, and other settin

97Additional InformationImage deviceHDR-HC5E:5.9 mm (1/3 type) CMOS sensorRecording pixels (still, 4:3): Max. 4.0 mega (2 304 × 1 728) pixels*2Gross:

98Input/Output connectorsAudio/Video output10-pin connectorVideo signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms)Chrominance signal: 0

99Additional InformationMass (approx.)HDR-HC5E: 530 g (1 lb 2 oz) main unit only 630 g (1 lb 6 oz) including the NP-FH60 rechargeable battery pack and