Sony HDR-FX7 User Manual

2-887-514-16(1)© 2006 Sony Corporationhttp://www.sony.net/Printed in JapanAdditional information on this product and answers to frequently asked quest

10Changing the screen... 47Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status c

100The computer does not recognize your camcorder. • Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, then connect it again securely.• Disconne

101TroubleshootingWarning indicators and messagesIf indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following.Some symptoms you ca

102Fast flashing:• The tape has run out.*Z (Eject cassette warning)*Slow flashing:• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 105).Fast

103TroubleshootingCannot record still images on Memory Stick.• You cannot record still images in the following cases:– When the shutter speed is 1/60

104Additional InformationUsing your camcorder abroadPower supplyYou can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with yo

105Additional InformationHDV format and recording/playbackYour camcorder is capable of recording in both HDV and DV formats.You can use mini DV format

106x When labeling the cassetteBe sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to cause a malfunction o

107Additional Information• Data read/write speed may vary depending on the combination of the “Memory Stick” and “Memory Stick” compliant product you

108On image data compatibility• Image data files recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” by your camcorder conform to the “Design rule for Camera File system

109Additional Information– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-F770/F970 (optional).• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent playback, fast fo

11Troubleshooting ...92Warning indicators and messages ...

110About i.LINKThe HDV/DV interface on this unit is an i.LINK-compliant interface. This section describes the i.LINK standard and its features.What is

111Additional InformationMaintenance and precautionsOn use and care• Do not use or store the camcorder and accessories in the following locations.– An

112malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.x Note on moisture condensationMoisture may condense when you bring your c

113Additional Informationx To clean the LCD screenIf fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen dirty, it is recommended you use a soft cloth to clean i

114Removing dust from inside the viewfinder1 Remove the viewfinder.While sliding the viewfinder release lever to the left 1, remove the viewfinder 2.2

115Additional InformationSpecificationsSystemVideo recording system (HDV)2 rotary heads, Helical scanning systemVideo recording system (DV)2 rotary he

116Output connectorsAUDIO/VIDEO output10-pin connectorVideo signal: 1 Vp-p, 75  (ohms)Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75  (ohms)Chrominance signal: 0.286

117Additional InformationAC Adaptor AC-L15APower requirementsAC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 HzCurrent consumption0.35 A - 0.18 APower consumption18 WOutpu

118On trademarks• “Handycam” and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.• “Memory Stick,” “ ,” “Memory Stick Duo,” “ ,” “Memory Stick PRO Duo,

119Quick ReferenceQuick ReferenceIdentifying parts and controlsThe numbers in ( ) are reference pages.A Zoom lever (33)B Viewfinder (22)C Viewfinder l

12Enjoying pictures with high definition qualityTrying out the new HDV format!The HDV format has about 2 times the horizontal resolution of a standard

120A Hook for the shoulder strap (121)B EXPOSURE/IRIS button (35)C EXPOSURE/IRIS dial (35)D PUSH AUTO FOCUS button (34)E ND FILTER switch (36)F ASSIGN

121Quick ReferenceA BATT RELEASE (battery release) button (19)B Hook for the shoulder strap (121)C OPEN/EJECT lever (26)D Grip belt (21)E Handle zoom

122A LCD screen (22)B Video control buttons (REW, PLAY*, FF, PAUSE, STOP, SLOW, REC) (31)C ZEBRA switch (37)D ASSIGN6/MEMORY/DELETE button (42,82)E AS

123Quick ReferenceRemove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Commander.A PHOTO (30)The on-screen image when you press this button will be rec

124Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinderThe numbers in ( ) are reference pages.The indicators will not be recorded on the tape during recording

125Quick ReferenceK Tape transport indicatorRecording mode (SP or LP) appears when a tape recorded in the DV format is played back. L Data file nameM

126Upper leftUpper rightCenterBottomz Tip• Indicators may look different or appear at different positions.Indicators when you made changesIndicator Me

127Quick ReferenceRepresentative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the worldThe representative supply voltage and plug type are de

128OceaniaNorth AmericaCentral AmericaSouth AmericaMiddle EastAfricaCountries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug typeAustralia 240 50 ONew Zealand 23

129Quick ReferenceIndexNumeric1080i/480i ...7012BIT...6416BIT...

13Enjoying pictures with high definition qualityFeatures of this camcorderThe HDV1080i specification digital HD video camera recorder has the followin

130Focus ring ...34FolderNEW FOLDER ...73PB FOLDER (Playback folder)...73REC FOLDER (Reco

131Quick Reference (Playback folder) ...73PB ZOOM (Playback zoom) ...75PEAKING...

132White balance ...38WHITE FADER ...63WHT BAL button...38Wide angle...33WI

14Handy Functions for RecordingYou can record 1.2M still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” during recording movie.Moving subjects can be shot in smooth

15Enjoying pictures with high definition qualityViewing video recorded in the HDV format!Pictures recorded in the HDV format can be played back as cri

16Getting StartedStep 1: Checking supplied itemsMake sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.The number in the parentheses ind

17Getting StartedStep 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens coverAlign the marks on the lens hood to those on the camcorder, and turn the lens hood in

18Step 3: Charging the battery packYou can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series) to your camcorder.b Note• You can

19Getting StartedAfter charging the batteryThe CHARGE lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

2Owner’s RecordThe model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers wh

20Playing timeApproximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.HDV format picturesDV format pictures* When the LCD backligh

21Getting StartedStep 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properlyTo record or play back, slide the POWER switch to the respective dire

22Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinderOpen the LCD panel while pressing the OPEN button 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to t

23Getting StartedWhen the picture in the viewfinder is hard to seeIf you cannot see the picture in the viewfinder clearly under bright circumstances,

24Step 6: 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 time, [CLOCK SET

25Getting Startedz Tip• The date and time do not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during

26Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo”You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 105).1 Slide and hold the OPEN/EJECT lever in the directi

27Getting Started2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the right direction until it clicks.b Note• If you insert the “Me

28Recording/PlaybackRecordingThis camcorder records movies on tape and still images on “Memory Stick Duo”. The procedure for recording movies is below

29Recording/Playback3 Press the REC START/STOP button A (or B).The Rec lamp lights up during recording.To stop the movie recording, press the REC STAR

3SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.• Read these instructions.• Keep t

30To record still imagesPress the PHOTO/EXPANDED FOCUS button. The image is recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Recording is complete when disappears.

31Recording/PlaybackPlaybackYou can play back movies as follows.1 While pressing the green button, set the POWER switch to VCR.2 Start playing back.Pr

32To search for a scene while viewing a moviePress M/m during playback (Picture Search). To view during fast forward press and hold M and to view duri

33Recording/PlaybackChanging the settings of your camcorder recordingsMove the power zoom lever C slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a fa

34You can adjust the focus manually for different recording conditions. Use this function in the following cases.– To record a subject behind a window

35Recording/Playbackz Tip• The focal distance information (for when it is dark and hard to adjust the focus) appears for about 3 seconds in the follow

36z Tips• The range of focus, an important effect of the aperture, is called the depth of field. The depth of field gets shallower as the aperture is

37Recording/PlaybackIf flashes during standby mode, set the ND FILTER switch F to 1 to turn on the indicator. If flashes, set the ND FILTER switc

383 Adjust the shutter speed by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial D.You can set a shutter speed between 1/4 second and 1/10000 second.The selected shutte

39Recording/PlaybackThe display changes. A t B t (OUTDOOR) t n (INDOOR) z Tip• The white balance can be stored temporarily by setting the AUTO LOC

4• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord

401 During standby, press the PICTURE PROFILE button C.2 Select a picture profile number by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A, then press the dial.[PP1

41Recording/Playback6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to adjust other items.7 Select [ RETURN] by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial A, then press the dial.8 Select

42To reset the picture profile settingsYou can reset the picture profile settings by each picture profile number. You cannot reset all picture profile

43Recording/Playback1 Press the MENU button A.2 Select the (OTHERS) t [ASSIGN BTN] by the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial B.3 Select the number of the ASSIGN but

44If you make an index for a scene, you can easily search for the scene later (p. 50).The index function will make it easier to check the transition o

45Recording/Playback2 Press the ASSIGN button to which [END SEARCH] is assigned.The last scene of the most recent recording is played back for about

463 Check the stored settings1 Press the ASSIGN button 1 repeatedly to bring up the SHOT TRANSITION CHECK screen.2 Press the ASSIGN button 2 to check

47Recording/PlaybackChanging/checking the settings in your camcorderYou can turn on and off the display of the time code, tape counter, and other info

48Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then press the DISPLAY/BATT INFO button C. The approximate recordable time in the selected format and battery inf

49Recording/PlaybackLocating a scene on a tape b Note• See page 123 for details on how to use the Remote Commander.1 During playback, press ZERO SET M

5Read this firstBefore operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.Battery packIf the battery pack is m

503 Press . (previous)/> (next) 2 on the Remote Commander to select a recording date.You can select the previous or the next date of the present po

51Recording/PlaybackPlaying the picture on a TVConnection methods and image quality differ depending on what type of TV is connected and connectors us

52Jacks on your camcorderOpen the jack cover and connect the cable.Connecting to a high definition TV: Signal flowType Camcorder Cable TV Menu Setting

53Recording/Playback (IN/OUT REC) menu t[VCR HDV/DV] t [AUTO] (p. 69)b Notes• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.• Pictures in the DV format are not

54To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)Change [TV TYPE] setting to match your TV (p. 70).b Note• When you play back a tape

55Recording/Playback* Change the settings according to the TV connected.b Notes• If you connect your camcorder to your TV using more than one type of

56Using the MenuUsing the menu itemsYou can change various settings or make detailed adjustments using the menu items displayed on the screen.1 While

57Using the Menu.Menu itemsAvailable menu items (z) vary depending on the POWER switch position.Position of POWER switch: CAMERA VCR (CAMERA SET) menu

58 (IN/OUT REC) menu (p. 69)REC FORMAT z –VCR HDV/DV – zDV REC MODE zzDV WIDE REC z –COMPONENT zzi.LINK CONV zzTV TYPE zz (MEMORY SET) menu (p. 71)

59Using the Menu(CAMERA SET) menuSettings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/IRIS/STEADYSHOT/BACK LIGHT, etc.)The default

6NoteThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limit

60.Since the default setting is [ON], high contrast images, such as backlit scene images, are detected and unexposed shadows of the images are automat

61Using the MenuYou can adjust the exposure between -7 (dark) and +7 (bright) using the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial. and the setting value appear when [AE SH

62Select this setting to set the transition time and curve. See page 45 for details on using the shot transition function.x TRANS TIMESelect transitio

63Using the Menu• You cannot use the back light function if 2 or more items out of iris, gain, and shutter speed are adjusted manually.• The setting r

64(AUDIO SET) menuSettings for the audio recording (AUDIO REC LV/DV AU. MODE, etc.)The default settings are marked with B.The indicators in parenthese

65Using the Menub Notes• You cannot adjust the balance of the sound recorded on a tape in the 16-bit DV audio mode.• The setting automatically returns

66This item is useful when you adjust exposure. You can adjust EXPOSURE/IRIS while checking [HISTOGRAM] window (p. 35). [HISTOGRAM] will not be record

67Using the Menu• The items displayed by setting [CAM DATA DSP] to [ON] are different from the items that will be displayed when [DATA CODE] is set to

68ASteadyShot offBExposure is displayed when shooting with automatic adjustment of iris/gain/shutter speed, and is displayed when shooting with manu

69Using the Menu(IN/OUT REC) menuRecording settings, input and output settings (VCR HDV/DV/DV REC MODE/ DV WIDE REC/ TV TYPE, etc.)The default setting

7Using the camcorder• Do not hold the camcorder by the following part.b Note• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof.See “Maintenance

70LP (LP)Increases the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play).b Notes• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like noise may appear or so

71Using the Menu4:3Select to view your pictures on a 4:3 standard TV.b Notes• This is not effective for the i.LINK output.• When you connect your camc

72Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality.Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image quality.* Recording: Image size fixed to [ 1.2M] in HDV or DV fo

73Using the MenuWhen you select [YES], you can create a new folder (102MSDCF to 999MSDCF) on a “Memory Stick Duo.” When a folder is full (a maximum of

743 Change the profile name by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.z Tip• The method of inputting the name is the same as the method of setting the name of

75Using the MenuWhen you set [PB ZOOM] to [ON], you can enlarge movie images about 1.1 to 5 times (still images about 1.5 to 5 times). (The default se

76Dubbing/EditingDubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc.Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 18

77Dubbing/EditingJacks on your camcorderOpen the jack cover and connect the cable.Using an i.LINK cable (optional)The dubbed format (HDV/DV) differs d

78b Notes• When [VCR HDV/DV] is set to [AUTO], and the signal switches between HDV and DV formats, the picture and sound are interrupted temporarily.•

79Dubbing/Editing• When dubbing to a DVD recorder from your camcorder through an i.LINK cable, you may not operate your camcorder on your DVD recorder

8• TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.• Television programs

80* An i.LINK jack which is compatible with HDV1080i specification is required.1 Set the POWER switch to VCR.2 Set the input signal of your camcorder.

81Dubbing/Editing6 Start playing the cassette on your VCR.The picture played on the VCR appears on the LCD screen of your camcorder.7 Press X (PAUSE)

82Copying movies from tape to “Memory Stick Duo” as still imagesYou can record still images on a “Memory Stick Duo.” Be sure to insert a recorded tape

83Dubbing/Editingb Note• Pictures cannot be deleted when a “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect tab is set to the write-protect position (p. 107)

84One of the images stored on the “Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.1 Select the image you want to print with the VOLUME/MEMORY button.2 Set the nu

85Dubbing/Editingz Tip• PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA). You can print still im

86Using a ComputerConnecting to a computerWhen connecting your camcorder to a computer, the following operations are available:Copying the still image

87Using a Computer• Do not connect your camcorder to the computer at this point.• The computer may not recognize the camcorder if you connect them wit

88A Folder containing image files recorded by other camcorders without the folder creation function (for playback only).B Folder containing image file

89Using a Computerb Notes• If you are using Mac OS X, turn off the computer before disconnecting the USB cable and ejecting the “Memory Stick Duo.”• D

9Table of ContentsIMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...3Read this first ...

90* See page 56 for menu settings.z Tips• To copy HDV format images as they are without changing their format, an HDV compatible environment is requir

91Using a Computermovie if the video compression format is MPEG2.When copying the movie in the HDV format from the computer to your camcorderSet [VCR

92TroubleshootingTroubleshootingIf you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem

93TroubleshootingThe battery pack discharges too quickly.• Ambient temperature is too high or low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough. Th

94The cassette is noisier during rewinding or fast-forwarding.• When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery

95TroubleshootingThe shutter sound is not heard when you record a still image.• Set [BEEP] to [ON] (p. 75).• There is no shutter sound while during mo

96The subjects passing by the frame very fast appear crooked.• This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This is not a malfunction. Because of the wa

97TroubleshootingHorizontal lines appear on the picture. The displayed pictures are not clear or do not appear.• Video head is dirty. Clean the head u

98New sound added to a recorded tape on another camcorder is not heard. • Adjust [DV AUDIO MIX] from [ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is he

99TroubleshootingBlack zone appears at top and bottom of a 4:3 TV screen.• This happens when viewing a picture recorded in the 16:9 (wide) mode on a 4