Sony DCR-HC15 User manual

© 2004 Sony Corporation
Digital Video Camera Recorder
DCR-HC15
Camera
Operations Guide
Read this first
3-089-848-12(1)

2
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. With your Handycam, you
can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your
Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use.
You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway
(fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again.

Getting Started
3
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
1AC-L15A/L15B AC Adaptor (1), Power
cord (1) (p. 13)
2NP-FM30 rechargeable battery pack
(1) (p. 12)
3A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 36)
4Lens cap (1) (p. 110)
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.
5Shoe cover (1)
6USB cable (1)
7CD-ROM (SPVD-012 USB Driver) (1)
8Cleaning cloth (1) (p. 105)
1
456
2
7
3
8

4
Main Features
Recording moving pictures
or still images, and playing
them back
•Recording moving pictures on the
tape (p. 20)
•Playing back the tape (p. 32)
Capturing images on the
computer
•Viewing moving pictures recorded on
the tape using the USB cable
•Capturing images on the computer
from your camcorder using the USB
cable
4
Main Features
Refer also to other operating
instructions supplied with your
camcorder:
•Editing images with your computer
cComputer Applications Guide

Getting Started
5
Main Features
5
Other uses
Functions for adjusting exposure during recording
•Back light (p. 28)
•NightShot (p. 29)
•PROGRAM AE (p. 48)
•Manual exposure (p. 50)
•Flexible Spot Meter (p. 51)
Functions for giving images more impact
•Digital zoom (p. 27)
The default setting is OFF. (To zoom greater than 10×,
select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)
•Fader (p. 45)
•Picture effect (p. 38, 47)
•Title (p. 73)
Functions for giving a natural appearance to your recordings
•PROGRAM AE (p. 48)
–SPORTS
–LANDSCAPE
•Manual focus (p. 52)
•Spot Focus (p. 53)
Functions for using after recording
•End search/Edit search/Rec Review (p. 30)
•Data code (p. 33)
•Digital program editing (p. 59)
Main Features

6
Table of contents
Checking supplied accessories.............. 3
Main Features ........................4
Quick Start Guide ..................8
Getting Started
Using this manual ................................. 10
Step 1 Preparing the power source..... 12
Installing the battery pack............. 12
Charging the battery pack............. 13
Checking status of battery pack
– Battery Info ............................ 15
Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 16
Step 2 Setting the date and time ......... 17
Step 3 Using the touch panel............... 18
Recording – Basics
Recording a picture............................... 20
Shooting backlit subjects
– Back light function................ 28
Shooting in the dark
– NightShot ............................... 29
Checking recordings
– End search/Edit search/Rec
Review ............................................. 30
Playback
Playing back tape .................................. 32
To display the screen indicators
– Display function ................... 33
Viewing a recording on TV ................. 36
Playing back tape with picture
effect ................................................. 38
Advanced Recording
Operations
Photo recording..................................... 39
Self-timer recording .............................. 40
Adjusting the white balance
manually .......................................... 41
Using the wide mode ........................... 43
Using the fader function ...................... 45
Using special effects – Picture effect .. 47
Using PROGRAM AE .......................... 48
Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 50
Using spot light-metering function
– Flexible Spot Meter ..................... 51
Focusing manually................................ 52
Using spot focus function
– Spot Focus .................................... 53
Interval Recording ................................ 54
Frame by frame recording
– Frame recording .......................... 55
Using the viewfinder ............................ 56
Editing
Dubbing tape ......................................... 57
Dubbing only desired scenes
– Digital program editing.............. 59
Recording video or TV programs ....... 68
Audio dubbing ...................................... 70
Superimposing a title on a cassette
with Cassette Memory................... 73
Making your own titles ........................ 75
Labeling a cassette on a cassette with
Cassette Memory ............................ 76
Erasing all the data in Cassette
Memory ........................................... 77

Getting Started
7
Refer also to other operating instructions
supplied with your camcorder:
•Editing images with your computer
cComputer Applications Guide
Table of contents
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings................ 78
Troubleshooting
Types of trouble and how to correct
trouble .............................................. 86
Self-diagnosis display........................... 92
Warning indicators ............................... 93
Warning messages ................................ 94
Additional Information
Usable cassettes ..................................... 95
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack .................................................. 98
About i.LINK ....................................... 100
Using your camcorder abroad .......... 102
Maintenance information and
precautions .................................... 103
Specifications ....................................... 109
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls........... 110
Index ..................................................... 115

QuickStart Guide
8
Quick Start Guide
Connecting the power cord (p. 13)
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 12).
AC Adaptor (supplied)
Connect the plug with its vmark facing the
battery.
Open the DC IN
jack cover.
To eject the cassette
Follow the procedures above, and take out the cassette after the cassette compartment
opens completely in step 2.
Note
Do not press the cassette compartment down forcibly. Doing so may cause a
malfunction.
Inserting the cassette
1Slide OPEN/
ZEJECT in the
direction of the arrow
and open the lid.
2Push the center of the
cassette back to insert
the cassette. Insert the
cassette straight as far
as possible into the
cassette compartment
with the window
facing up.
3Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing on the
cassette
compartment.
After the cassette
compartment goes
down completely,
close the lid until it
clicks.
Fastening the grip belt
Fasten the grip belt firmly.
How to hold
your camcorder
1
2
3

QuickStart Guide
9
QuickStart Guide
Recording a picture on the tape (p. 20)
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 32)
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. If you want to record the date
and time for a picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 17).
2Set the POWER switch
to CAMERA while
pressing the small
green button.
4Press REC START/STOP. Your
camcorder starts recording.
To stop recording, press REC
START/STOP again.
1Remove the lens cap (p. 20, 110).
3Press OPEN
to open the
LCD panel.
The picture
appears on
the screen.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is closed,
pull out the viewfinder and
look at the picture in it.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to
your eyesight (p. 26).
1Set the POWER
switch to VCR
while pressing the
small green button. 3Press of the touch panel to
start playback.
Note
When using the touch panel, press
operation buttons lightly with your
finger, supporting the LCD panel from
the back side of it. Do not press the
LCD screen with sharp objects.
2Press of the touch panel to
rewind the tape.
Do not pick up your camcorder
by holding parts as illustrated.
Viewfinder LCD panel Battery pack

10
— Getting Started —
Using this manual
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
After “Advanced Recording Operations” section of this
manual, position of the POWER switch is shown by the icons
below.
: Set the POWER switch to VCR.
: Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep to indicate that the operation is
being carried out.
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can use only mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a cassette with Cassette Memory .
Cassettes with Cassette Memory have the (Cassette Memory) mark.
Note on TV color systems
TV color systems differ depending on the country/region. To view your recordings on
a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.
Copyright precautions
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws.
Note on connecting other equipment
When you connect your camcorder to other video equipment or a computer using the
USB cable or i.LINK cable, observe the shape of the jack.
If you forcibly insert the plug, the jack may be damaged and they may result in a
malfunction of your camcorder.

11
Getting Started
Using this manual
Precautions on camcorder care
Lens and LCD screen/finder
•The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red,
blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.
These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any way.
•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
•Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD
screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions [c].
•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].
[a][b]
[c][d]

12
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Installing the battery pack
(1)Lift up the viewfinder.
(2)Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.
To remove the battery pack
(1)Lift up the viewfinder.
(2)Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT
down.
If you use the viewfinder when a large capacity battery pack is installed
If you install the NP-QM71/QM71D/QM91/QM91D battery pack on your camcorder,
extend the viewfinder, and lift up the viewfinder to a comfortable angle.
BATT release
button

13
Getting Started
Charging the battery pack
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series).
See page 98 for details of “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
(1)Install the battery pack on your camcorder.
(2)Connect the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack with
the vmark on the DC plug facing the battery.
(3)Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.
(4)Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(5)Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
The CHG lamp lights up when charging begins. After charging is completed,
the CHG lamp goes out (full charge).
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Step 1 Preparing the power source
CHG lamp

14
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Note
Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of
the AC Adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC Adaptor.
When you use the AC Adaptor
Place the AC Adaptor near a wall outlet. While using the AC Adaptor, if any trouble
occurs with this unit, disconnect the plug from a wall outlet as soon as possible to cut
off the power.
Note on the CHG lamp
The CHG lamp flashes in the following cases:
–The battery pack is not properly installed.
–Something is wrong with the battery pack.
Charging time
Battery pack Full charge
NP-FM30 (supplied) 145
NP-FM50 150
NP-QM71/QM71D 260
NP-QM91/QM91D 360
Approximate minutes at 25°C (77°F) to charge an empty battery pack.
The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low
because of the ambient temperature.
Recording time Recording with Recording with
Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen
Continuous Typical* Continuous Typical*
NP-FM30 (supplied) 125 65 90 45
NP-FM50 200 105 150 75
NP-QM71/QM71D 485 255 365 190
NP-QM91/QM91D 725 380 550 290
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack
* Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/
stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

15
Getting Started
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER : :72 100 min min
0% 50% 100%
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN
VIEWFINDER : :90 125 min min
0% 50% 100%
During charging Fully charged
Step 1 Preparing the power source
Playing time
Battery pack Playing time on Playing time on with
the LCD panel the LCD screen closed
NP-FM30 (supplied) 100 150
NP-FM50 165 240
NP-QM71/QM71D 400 580
NP-QM91/QM91D 605 865
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack
Note
Approximate recording time and continuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery
life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
Checking status of battery pack – Battery Info
(1)Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
(2)Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(3)Press DSPL/BATT INFO.
The battery charge level (the percentage of remaining battery time) and
remaining battery time when using the LCD screen or viewfinder are
displayed for about 7 seconds.
If you keep pressing DSPL/BATT INFO, the indicators will be displayed for
about 20 seconds.

16
Note
The BATTERY INFO indicator may not be displayed in the following cases:
–The battery pack is not installed.
–Something is wrong with the battery pack.
–The battery is exhausted.
Battery Info
The number displayed as Battery Info is the approximate recording time.
While the remaining battery time is being calculated
“CALCULATING BATTERY INFO ...” is displayed.
If you press DSPL/BATT INFO with the LCD panel closed
The battery information appears on the viewfinder for about 7 seconds.
Connecting to a wall outlet
You can use your camcorder without worrying about the power shortage.
Connect the AC Adaptor in the same way as you do when charging the battery pack.
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
Notes
•The AC Adaptor can supply power from a wall outlet even if the battery pack is
attached to your camcorder.
•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack cannot supply
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.
Step 1 Preparing the power source

17
Getting Started
Step 2 Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. The “CLOCK
SET” indicator will appear each time you set the POWER switch to CAMERA unless
you set the date and time settings.
If you do not set the date and time, “--- -- ----” and “--:--:--” are recorded on the tape as
the data code.
If you do not use your camcorder for about 4 months, the date and time settings may
be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in your
camcorder will have been discharged (p. 106). In this case, charge the built-in
rechargeable battery, then set the year, the month, the day, the hour and the minute.
(1)Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
(2)Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(3)Press FN (Function) to display PAGE1 (p. 18).
(4)Press MENU to display the menu.
(5)Press r/Rto select , then press EXEC.
(6)Press r/Rto select CLOCK SET, then press EXEC.
(7)Press r/Rto select a desired year, then press EXEC.
(8)Set the month, day and hour with the same procedure as step 7.
(9)Press r/Rto set the minute, then press EXEC by the time signal. The clock
starts to move.
To return to FN (Function)
Press EXIT.
Note on the time indicator
The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.
•12:00 AM stands for midnight.
•12:00 PM stands for noon.
FN
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXIT
RET.
EXEC
––:––:–– SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXIT
RET.
EXEC
2004 JAN 1
12 00 AM
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXIT
RET.
EXEC
2004 JAN 1
12 00 AM
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXIT
RET.
EXEC
2004 JUL 1 4
5 00 PM
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXIT
RET.
EXEC
JUL 14 2004
5:30:00 PM
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXIT
RET.
EXEC
2004 JUL 1 4
5 30 PM

18
Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen.
Touch the LCD screen directly with your finger to operate each function.
(1)Set the POWER switch to CAMERA to record, or VCR to play back.
(2)Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(3)Press FN. Operation buttons on PAGE1 are displayed on the LCD screen.
(4)Press PAGE2/PAGE3 to display PAGE2/PAGE3. Operation buttons on
PAGE2/PAGE3 are displayed on the LCD screen.
(5)Press a desired operation item. See relevant pages of this manual for each
function.
To return to FN
Press EXIT.
To execute settings
Press OK. The display returns to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
To cancel settings
Press OFF. The display returns to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
To make screen indicators disappear
Press DSPL/BATT INFO.
Step 3 Using the touch panel
SPOT
METER
MENU
SPOT
FOCUS
FADER
FOCUS
END
SCH EXPO- SURE
PAGE1 PAGE2 EXIT
When the POWER switch
is set to CAMERA

19
Getting Started
Operation buttons on each display
When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA
PAGE1 SPOT FOCUS, MENU, FOCUS, FADER, END SCH, SPOT METER,
EXPOSURE
PAGE2 SELFTIMER, LCD BRT, VOL
When the POWER switch is set to VCR
PAGE1 MENU, LCD BRT, VOL, END SCH
PAGE2 DATA CODE
PAGE3 V SPD PLAY, A DUB CTRL, REC CTRL
Notes
•When using the touch panel, press operation buttons lightly with your finger,
supporting the LCD panel from the back side of it.
•Do not press the LCD screen with sharp objects such as a pen.
•Do not press the LCD screen too hard.
•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.
•If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You
can turn on or off the display with DSPL/BATT INFO on your camcorder.
When executing each item
The green bar appears above the item.
If the items are not available
The color of the items changes to gray.
When using the viewfinder
You can also operate with the touch panel (p. 56).
Step 3 Using the touch panel

20
Perform Step 1 (p. 12) and Step 2 (p. 17) in advance.
(1)Removethelenscap.
(2)Preparethepowersource(p.12)andinsertthecassette(p.8).
(3)SetthePOWERswitchtoCAMERAwhilepressingthesmallgreenbutton.
Thissetsyourcamcordertostandby.
(4)PressOPENtoopentheLCDpanel.Thepictureappearsonthescreen.
(5)Press REC START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator
appears.Thecamerarecordinglamplocatedonthefrontofyourcamcorder
lights up. To stop recording, press REC START/STOP again.
— Recording – Basics —
Recording a picture
VCR
OFF(CHG)
POWER
CAMERA
50min
REC 0:00:01
Microphone
Camera recording
lamp