Sony DCR-HC38 User's Guide

2-319-523-11(1)© 2007 Sony CorporationDigital Video Camera RecorderOperating GuideDCR-HC38Getting Started 10Recording/Playback17Using the Menu 27Dubbi

10Getting StartedStep 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The number in the parentheses ind

11Getting StartedStep 2: Charging the battery packYou can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 59) after attaching it to your camcorde

125 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.Disconnect the AC Adaptor from th

13Getting StartedRecording timeApproximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.* Typical recording time shows the time whe

14Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and timeSet the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the

15Getting StartedStep 4: Making setting adjustments before recordingSlide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to

16Step 5: Inserting a CassetteYou can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 58).1 Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and o

17Recording/PlaybackRecording/PlaybackEasy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam)With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automa

18Slide 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 c

19Recording/PlaybackRecordingSlide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.Press REC START/STOP A (or B).

2To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “

20You 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 sli

21Recording/PlaybackTo adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press BACK LIGHT to display .. To cancel the back light function, press BACK LIGHT ag

22PlaybackSlide 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

23Recording/PlaybackUsing the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)You can easily select the desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE

24Searching for the starting pointMake sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up (p. 19).[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not work once you eject the cassette af

25Recording/Playback3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with /, then touch [EXEC].4 Select [ON] with / , then touch [EXEC] t .5 Touch .The last few seconds of the

26Playing the picture on a TVYou 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 connectin

27Using the MenuUsing the MenuUsing the menu items1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp.CAM

28Operation button itemsAvailable operation buttons vary depending on the position of the lamp and the display (PAGE).The default settings are marked

29Using the MenuYou can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast b

3IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDSFor your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for fu

30SPORT** (Sports lesson) ( )Select to minimize shake when shooting fast moving subjects.SNOW** ( )Select this when shooting in very bright, white con

31Using the MenuBLACKMOSC. FADERMONOTONEWhen fading in, the picture gradually changes from black and white to color. When fading out, it gradually cha

32You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation.Adjust the brightness with / .You can

33Using the Menu2 Touch [ RET.] t .To return to the normal playback mode, touch (Play/Pause) twice (once from frame playback).b Notes• You will not

34To check the recorded sound1 Play back the tape on which you have recorded audio (p. 22).2 Touch t [PAGE1] t [MENU].3 Select (VCR SET), then touc

35Using the Menu* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.Menu items• Available menu items (z) va

36MANUAL SET menu– P EFFECTThe default setting is marked with B.The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.See page 27 for detai

37Using the MenuCAMERA SET menu– D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc.The default settings are marked with B.The indicators in parentheses appear when the

38When using the NightShot plus (p. 20) function to record, you can record clearer pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which emits infrared light (invisi

39Using the MenuLCD/VF SET menu– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etcThe default settings are marked with B.See page 27 for details on selecting menu items

4LightningFor added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it fro

40TAPE SET menu– REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAINThe default settings are marked with B.The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected.See

41Using the MenuOTHERS menu– WORLD TIME, etc.The default settings are marked with B.See page 27 for details on selecting menu items.When using your ca

42Dubbing/EditingDubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recordersYou can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD/H

43Dubbing/EditingA/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

44Recording pictures from a TV or VCR, etc.Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures or TV programs from a TV or VCR, etc., on a tape.

45Dubbing/Editing5 When recording pictures from a VCR:Start playing the cassette on the VCR.When recording pictures from a TV:Select a TV program.The

46Using a ComputerWhat you can do with Windows computerWhen you install the “Picture Motion Browser” on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, y

47Using a ComputerHard disk: Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 350 MBDisplay: DirectX 7 or later-compatible video card, Minimum 102

485 Select the desired language and the model name of your camcorder from the pull-down menu.6 Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].Installation starts.When [

49Using a ComputerViewing “First Step Guide”To view “First Step Guide” on your computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer Ver.6.0 or later is recommended.D

5Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.Replace the battery with the specifi

50TroubleshootingTroubleshootingIf you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem

51Troubleshooting• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 11).• Connect the power cord to the wall outlet properly (p. 11).• The batte

52The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a cassette with Cassette Memory.• This camcorder does not support Cassett

53TroubleshootingThe color of the picture is not correctly displayed.• Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 20).The screen picture is bright, an

54You cannot dub correctly using the A/V connecting cable.• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting cabl

55TroubleshootingWarning indicators and messagesIf indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following.Some symptoms you can

56If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions.%Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette (p. 61)% Moisture condensation. Turn off for

57Additional InformationAdditional InformationUsing your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Ada

58Maintenance and precautionsYou can use mini DV format cassettes only.Use a cassette with the mark.Your camcorder is not compatible with the Casset

59Additional InformationThis unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).Your camcorder operates only with an “InfoLITHIUM” batte

6the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.– Inc

60About battery life• Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it i

61Additional InformationAbout the required i.LINK cableUse the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable (during DV dubbing).On use and care• Do not use or sto

62malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.x Note on moisture condensationMoisture may condense when you bring your ca

63Additional Information• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is rotated.On handling the casing• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder bo

646 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 disassembl

65Additional InformationColor temperature[AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3 200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)Minimum illumination5 lx (lux) (F 1.8)0 lx (lux) (

66Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FH30)Maximum output voltageDC 8.4 VOutput voltageDC 7.2 VCapacity3.6 Wh (500 mAh)Dimensions (approx.)31.8 × 18.5 × 45.

67Quick ReferenceQuick ReferenceIdentifying parts and controlsThe numbers in ( ) are reference pages.A NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (20)B Power zoom lever (2

68A DISP/BATT INFO button (12, 15)B EASY button (17)C RESET buttonInitializes all the settings, including the setting of the date and time.D LCD scree

69Quick ReferenceA POWER switch (14)B Viewfinder (15)C Eyecup (63)D Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (15)E DV interface (42, 44)F DC IN jack (11)G A/

7results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunl

70Indicators displayed during recording/playbackA Remaining battery (approx.)B Recording mode (SP or LP) (40)C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [

71Quick ReferenceThe date/time during recording and the camera setting data will be recorded automatically. They do not appear on the screen during re

72IndexNumeric12BIT...4016BIT...4016:9 WIDE ...374:3...

73Quick ReferenceRecording time ...13REMAIN ...40Reversal Playback...32SS VIDEO cable ...

74Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en españolPaso 1: Comprobación de los elementos suministradosAsegúrese de que su videocámara contiene los siguientes

75Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en españolPaso 2: Carga de la bateríaPara cargar la batería “InfoLITHIUM” (serie H), conéctela a la videocámara.b No

765 El indicador CHG (carga) se apaga cuando la batería está completamente cargada. Desconecte el adaptador de alimentación de ca de la toma de entrad

77Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en españolTiempo de cargaTiempo aproximado (min) necesario para cargar totalmente una batería descargada por complet

78• No utilice el adaptador de alimentación de ca colocado en un espacio angosto, tal como entre una pared y los muebles.• Evite la formación de corto

79Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español3 Ajuste [M] (mes), luego toque y repita el procedimiento para [D] (día), [H] (hora) y [M] (minuto).Ajust

8Table of ContentsIMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 3Read this first ... 5Step 1: Checking supplied items ...

80Paso 4: Ajustes antes de grabarDeslice el interruptor LENS COVER a OPEN.Después de grabar, ajuste el interruptor LENS COVER a CLOSE para cerrar la t

81Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en españolPaso 5: Inserción de un videocaseteSolamente puede utilizar videocasetes mini DV .1 Deslice y sostenga la

82GrabaciónDeslice el interruptor POWER varias veces en el sentido de la flecha para que se encienda el indicador CAMERA.Presione REC START/STOP A (o

83Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en españolReproducciónDeslice el interruptor POWER en el sentido de la flecha varias veces para encender el indicado

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

9Using your camcorder abroad ...57Maintenance and precautions ... 58Usable cassette tapes ..... 58About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery