Sony DCR-HC90 User Manual

Printed in JapanPrinted on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.© 2005 Sony CorporationDigital Video

10DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 2: Charging the battery packYou can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series) (p. 108) after attaching it to you

100DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Warning indicators and messagesSelf-diagnosis display/Warning indicatorsIf indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the vi

101TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1) (Eject cassette warning)*Slow flashing:• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 105).Fast

102DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)The tape has reached the end.• Rewind or change the tape. “Memory Stick Duo”Insert a Memory Stick (p. 18).Reinsert the Me

103TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Cannot print. Check the printer.• Switch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cab

104DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Using your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied wi

105Additional InformationDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Usable cassette tapesYou can use mini DV format cassettes only.Use a cassette with the mark. is a t

106DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)About the “Memory Stick”A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable IC recording medium with a data capacity that exceeds the c

107Additional InformationDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1) On handling a “Memory Stick”Keep the following in mind when handling a “Memory Stick Duo.” • Be ca

108DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery packThis unit is compatible with an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series).Your camcorder op

109Additional InformationDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)About battery life• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use

11Getting StartedDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)4 Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG). (The default setting.) /CHG (charge) lamp5 Connect the AC Ad

110DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in the operating instructions of each piece of equipment. It is also indicate

111Additional InformationDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)• Keep the Remote Commander and button-type battery out of children’s reach. If the battery is accid

112DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)after using a cleaning cassette, it might be because the video head is worn. Please contact your Sony dealer or local autho

113Additional InformationDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)To charge the pre-installed rechargeable batteryYour camcorder has a pre-installed rechargeable batte

114DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strapThis is useful for carrying your camcorder.1 Open the hook and loop fastener of the h

115Additional InformationDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)SpecificationsSystemVideo recording system2 rotary heads, Helical scanning systemStill image recording

116DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Average power consumptionDuring camera recording using the viewfinder 3.0 W (when using the battery pack) During camera rec

DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Additional Information117IndexNumeric4CH audio check ... See AUDIO MIX4CH MIC REC recording ...

DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)118Index (continued)FolderNEW FOLDER ... 47PB FOLDER (Playback folder) ... 47REC FOLDER (Recording folder)

DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Additional Information119NIGHTSHOT switch ... 24NORMAL ... 45NS LIGHT (NightShot Light) ...

12DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Charging timeApproximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.Battery pack Charging ti

DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)120STILL SET ... 45Strap Belt ... 114Sub sound ... 5

DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)

DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)

DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)On trademarks• “Memory Stick,” “ ,” “Memory Stick Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” “ ,” “MagicGate,” “ ,” “MagicGate Memo

13Getting StartedDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly To record or play back, slide the POWER switch

14DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinderThe LCD panelOpen the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it

15Getting StartedDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 5: Using the touch panelYou can play back recorded pictures (p. 23), or change the settings (p. 36) usin

16DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 6: Setting the date and timeSet the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the da

17Getting StartedDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”Cassette tapeYou can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 105).•

18DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)“Memory Stick Duo”You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or (p. 106).• The number and time of recordable pict

19Getting StartedDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording pictureBy recording in the 16:9 (wide) mode

2DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.WARNINGTo pre

20DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam)With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automaticall

21Recording/PlaybackDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Playing back with ease1 Slide the POWER switch  in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the

22DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording Lens coverOpens in accordance with the setting of the POWER switch.PHOTOPOWER switchREC START/STOP REC START/

23DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/PlaybackPlayback1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

24DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Functions used for recording/playback, etc.342157896q;RecordingTo use zoom ...  Move the power zoom le

25DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/Playbackfeet).• Remove any dust from the surface of the flash lamp before using it. Flash effect may be impaired i

26DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)qaqsqfqd7qhqgRecording/playbackTo check the remaining battery (Battery Info) ... Set the POWER switc

27DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/Playback

28DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Indicators displayed during recording/playbackRecording moviesOn a tape1 32 4 576 Remaining battery (approx.) Recording

29DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/Playback( ) is a reference page.The indicators during recording will not be recorded.Viewing moviesOn a tape1 2 qd

3DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Owner’s RecordThe model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. R

30DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Indicators when you made changesYou can check the [DISP GUIDE] (p. 15) to check the function of each indicator that appears

31DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/PlaybackSearching for the starting pointMake sure that the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up.Searching for the last scene

32DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Remote Commander Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander.Insulation sheet61q;2345789 PHOTO (p. 22)The

33DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/PlaybackSearching for a scene by date of recording (Date search)You can locate the point where the recording date

34DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Playing the picture on a TVConnect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 10

35DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording/Playback• When you play back a picture recorded in 16:9 aspect ratio on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the 16:9 sig

36DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Using the menu itemsFollow the instructions below to use each of the menu items listed after this page.1 Slide the POWER sw

37Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1) After finishing the settings, touch  (close) to hide the menu screen. If you decide not to change the

38DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Menu itemsPosition of lamp: TAPE MEMORY PLAY/EDIT CAMERA SET menu (p. 40)PROGRAM AE   ×SPOT METER   ×EXPOSURE   ×WHITE

39Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Available menu items () vary depending on the position of the lamp.*These functions are available during Easy

4DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)On the menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens• A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recordin

40DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)CAMERA SET menuSettings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)The defau

41Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)EXPOSUREYou can fix the brightness of a picture manually. When recording indoors on a clear day, for instance,

42DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)AE SHIFTYou can adjust the exposure using / . and the setting value appear when the exposure is anything other than the de

43Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)FLASH SETNote that these settings will not function with external flashes (optional) that do not support the fo

44DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)  OFFThe zebra pattern is not displayed. 70The zebra pattern appears at a screen brightness level of about 70 IRE.

45Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1) MEMORY SET menuSettings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/BURST/ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.)The d

46DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)2016 × 1512 * 1600 × 1200 * 640 × 480*1GB61014509802250590014500In 16:9 aspect ratio2016 × 1134 * 640 × 360*8MB6166012016MB

47Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)ALL ERASEDeletes all the pictures on a “Memory Stick Duo” without image protection, or in the selected folder.

48DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)PICT.APPLI. menuSpecial effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback (PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/SMTH INT.

49Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)FOLDER ( )], then touch . If you select [CURRENT FOLDER ( )], all the images in the current playback folder

5DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)

50DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)TRAILRecords a picture so that an incidental image like a trail is left.SLOW SHUTTR (slow shutter)The shutter speed is slowe

51Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)SMTH INT.REC (Smooth interval tape recording)Your camcorder will shoot 1 frame of the picture at a selected i

52DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)EDIT/PLAY menuSettings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END SEARCH, etc.)The default settings are ma

53Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)STANDARD SET menuSettings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/LCD/VF SET/D

54DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)EXT SUR MIC (External surround microphone)You can enjoy 5.1ch surround sound by following the procedure below, using an opt

55Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during recording. LCD COLORYou can

56DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)DISP GUIDESee page 15.GUIDEFRAMEYou can display the frame and check that the subject is horizontal or vertical by setting [G

57Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)DISP OUTPUT  LCD PANELShows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder. V-OUT

58DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Customizing Personal MenuYou can add desired menu items to Personal Menu, and customize Personal Menu settings for each POWE

59Using the MenuDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Arranging the order of menu items displayed on Personal Menu1 Touch [P-MENU SET UP] [SORT].If the desired m

6DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Table of ContentsGetting StartedStep 1: Checking supplied items ...

60DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Connecting to a VCR or TVConnect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 10).

61Dubbing/EditingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Dubbing to another device such as a VCR, DVD recorder, etc.You can copy the picture played back on your camco

62DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Recording pictures from a VCR or TVYou can record pictures or TV programs from a VCR or TV on a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo.

63Dubbing/EditingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Dubbing pictures from a tape to a “Memory Stick Duo”You can record movies or still images on a “Memory Stick

64DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Dubbing sound to a recorded tapeYou can add sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit mode (p. 53) without erasing the

65Dubbing/EditingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)screen or the viewfinder.• When you attach an external microphone (optional) to the Active Interface Shoe, yo

66DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo”1 Slide the POWER switch down to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.2 Touch

67Dubbing/EditingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Selecting still images for printing (Print mark)The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard is used to sel

68DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)• We cannot guarantee the operation of models that are not PictBridge compatible.Printing1 Select the image to be printed

69Dubbing/EditingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Jacks to connect external devicesDV134265 Active Interface Shoe (p. 64)The Active Interface Shoe supplies

7DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Continued Indicators displayed during recording/playback ...28Searching for the starting

70DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computerWhen you install the Picture Package software on a Windows comput

71Using a ComputerDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)About “First Step Guide”“First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer.This “

72DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Others: USB port (This must be provided as standard), disc drive For Macintosh usersWhen using ImageMixer VCD2OS: Mac OS X

73Using a ComputerDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1) Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive).** Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the comput

74DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)10 Select the language for “First Step Guide” to be installed, then click [Next].Depending on the computer, this screen may

75Using a ComputerDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)14 Make sure [Yes, I want to restart my computer now.] is checked, then click [Finish].The computer turns of

76DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Viewing “First Step Guide”Displaying “First Step Guide”Starting up on a Windows computerViewing with Microsoft Internet Expl

77Using a ComputerDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click to DVD”)You can create DVDs when you connect your camcorder to a Son

78DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)1 Turn on the computer.Quit all applications running with an i.LINK.2 Prepare the power source for your camcorder, then sl

79Using a ComputerDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)The disc tray comes out. Place a new writable DVD in the disc drive. Then, repeat step 7 and 8.To cancel the

8DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ...66Marking images on the “Memory Stick Duo” wit

80DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function)Using the A/V connecting cable and an i

81Using a ComputerDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)3 On the LCD screen, touch  [MENU]  (STANDARD SET)  [A/VDV OUT]  [ON]  .4 Start playback on the

82DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)TroubleshootingIf you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If th

83TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.• Slide the POWER switch up to O

84DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)LCD screen/viewfinderAn unknown picture appears on the LCD screen or viewfinder.• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE] (p. 51). Tou

85TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)The cassette is not ejected even when the cassette lid is open.• Moisture condensation is starting in your ca

86DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)You cannot mark pictures for print.• Release the lock on the write-protect tab of the “Memory Stick Duo.” (p. 106)• Perform

87TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next.• Note the following

88DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Adjusting the image during recordingRefer also to “Menu” (p. 91).The auto focus does not function.• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p

89TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)The picture appears too dark on the screen, and the subject does not appear on the screen.• The LCD backlight

9Getting StartedDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Step 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The number

90DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Fine patterns flicker, diagonal lines look jagged.• Adjust [SHARPNESS] to the (soften) side (p. 41).No sound or only a low

91TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)Remote CommanderThe supplied Remote Commander does not function.• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 56).• Remove

92DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)You cannot use [WHITE BAL.].• You cannot use [WHITE BAL.] when you use NightShot or [SUPER NS].You cannot adjust [SHARPNESS]

93TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)You cannot use [D. EFFECT].• You cannot use [D. EFFECT] together with:– [SUPER NS]– [COLOR SLOW S]– [FADER]•

94DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)New sound added to a recorded tape is not heard.• Adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the [ST1/FRONT] (original sound) side until the so

95TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)You cannot view the pictures recorded on a tape on the computer. • Slide the POWER switch down to turn on t

96DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1) For Windows 98/Windows 98SE/Windows MeWhen copying or playing the pictures on a tape using a computer, the operation is no

97TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1) For copying and viewing pictures recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” – [? Sony Handycam] or [? Sony DSC] with

98DCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)5 Double-click [Setup.exe].• Deleting anything other than [USB Composite Device], [USB Audio Device], [USB Device], [? Son

99TroubleshootingDCR-HC90 2-548-307-11(1)The CD-R drive is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in Picture Package Auto Video, Produce