Sony Handycam HDR-FX7E User manual

2-887-515-12(1)
© 2006 Sony Corporation
http://www.sony.net/
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper
using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)
-free vegetable oil based ink.
Printed in Japan
Additional information on this product and answers
to frequently asked questions can be found at our
Customer Support Website.
GB
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
HDR-FX7E
Enjoying pictures with
high definition quality
9
Getting Started 13
Recording/
Playback
25
Using the Menu 53
Dubbing/Editing 73
Using a Computer 83
Troubleshooting 89
Additional Information 101
Quick Reference 116

2
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
Replace the battery with the
specified type only. Otherwise, fire
or injury may result.
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC
ADAPTOR
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted
to this equipment for your safety and
convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied
one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362
(i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the
fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony
service station.
ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and sound
of this camcorder.
This product has been tested and found compliant
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8
feet).
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart
the application or disconnect and connect the
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical
& Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the
European Union and other
European countries with
separate collection
systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over
to the applicable collection point for the recycling
of electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you
will help prevent potential negative consequences
for the environment and human health, which
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste
handling of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local Civic
Office, your household waste disposal service or
the shop where you purchased the product.
Applicable Accessory: Remote Commander
Types of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
You can use mini DV cassettes marked
with . Your camcorder is not
compatible with the Cassette Memory
function (p. 102).
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use
in your camcorder
You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked
with or
(p. 103).
WARNING
CAUTION
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE
UNITED KINGDOM
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
Notes on use

3
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your
camcorder.)
“Memory Stick”
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)
bNote
• You cannot use any type of memory card
except “Memory Stick Duo.”
• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick
PRO Duo” can be used only with
“Memory Stick PRO” compatible
equipment.
• Do not attach a label or the like on a
“Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick
Duo Adaptor.
When using a “Memory Stick Duo”
with “Memory Stick” compatible
equipment
Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo”
into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following part.
bNote
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “Maintenance and precautions”
(p. 108).
• Before connecting your camcorder to
another device with an HDMI cable,
component video cable, USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug
the correct way, and not forcibly to avoid
damaging the terminal, or cause a
malfunction of your camcorder.
LCD panel Battery pack
Microphone Viewfinder
Lens hood
Continued ,

4
About menu items, LCD panel,
viewfinder, and lens
• A menu item that is grayed out is not
available under the current recording or
playback conditions.
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder 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 appear
constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder. These points are normal
results of the manufacturing process and
do not affect the recording in any way.
• 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. Doing so might
cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun only in low light
conditions, such as at dusk.
On recording
• Before starting to record, test the
recording function to make sure the
picture and sound are recorded without
any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of
recordings cannot be provided, even if
recording or playback is not possible due
to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage
media, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the
countries/regions. To view your
recordings on a TV, you need a PAL
system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes,
and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the copyright laws.
On playing back HDV tapes on other
devices
You cannot play back a tape recorded in the
HDV format on DV format video cameras
or on mini DV players.
Check the contents of tapes by playing
them back on this camcorder prior to
playing them back on other devices.
Note on the icons used in this manual
Features available for the HDV
format only
Features available for the DV
format only
This function that can be used when
i.LINK cable is connected.
This function that can be used when
USB cable is connected.
About this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the
viewfinder used in this manual for
illustration purposes are captured using a
digital still camera, and therefore may
appear different.
• The on-screen displays in each local
language are used for illustrating the
operating procedures. Change the screen
language before using your camcorder if
necessary (p. 22).
• Design and specifications of recording
media and other accessories are subject to
change without notice.
Black point
White, red, blue
or green point
Read this first (Continued)

5
About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by
Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony
Corporation, and produces superior images.
It adopts the MTF measurement system for
video cameras and offers a quality typical
of a Carl Zeiss lens. Also, the lens for your
camcorder is T -coated to suppress
unwanted reflections and faithfully
reproduce colors.
MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The
number value indicates the amount of light
from a subject coming into the lens.

6
Table of Contents
Read this first ........................................................................................... 2
Trying out the new HDV format! ............................................................... 9
Features of this camcorder .................................................................... 10
Handy Functions for Recording ............................................................. 11
Viewing video recorded in the HDV format! ........................................... 12
Step 1: Checking supplied items ............................................................ 13
Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover .................................... 14
Step 3: Charging the battery pack ......................................................... 15
Step 4:Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly ......18
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder .................................... 19
Step 6: Setting the date and time ........................................................... 21
Changing the language setting........................................................... 22
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” .................................. 23
Recording ............................................................................................... 25
Playback ................................................................................................ 28
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings ............................ 30
Adjusting the zoom.............................................................................. 30
Adjusting the focus manually .............................................................. 31
Adjusting the EXPOSURE/IRIS ............................................................ 32
Adjusting to Natural Color (White balance)......................................... 35
Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile) ................................. 36
Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons ..................................... 39
Focusing on a distant subject (Focus infinity)..................................... 40
Recording an index signal .................................................................. 41
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).............. 41
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
(End search)........................................................................................ 41
Using the Shot transition .................................................................... 42
Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder ............................... 44
Changing the screen........................................................................... 44
Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check) ................. 44
Enjoying pictures with high definition quality
Getting Started
Recording/Playback

7
Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info).................................... 45
Locating a scene on a tape ....................................................................46
Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)................. 46
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ................ 46
Searching for a recording start point (Index search).......................... 47
Playing the picture on a TV ....................................................................48
Using the menu items ........................................................... 53
Menu items .............................................................................................54
(CAMERA SET) menu ....................................................................56
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/
IRIS/STEADYSHOT/BACK LIGHT, etc.)
(AUDIO SET) menu ........................................................................61
Settings for the audio recording (AUDIO REC LV/DV AU. MODE, etc.)
(DISPLAY SET) menu .....................................................................62
Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/
DATA CODE, etc.)
(IN/OUT REC) menu .......................................................................66
Recording settings, input and output settings (VCR HDV/DV/DV REC MODE/
DV WIDE REC/ TV TYPE, etc.)
(MEMORY SET) menu .....................................................................68
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (QUALITY/ALL ERASE, etc.)
(OTHERS) menu ..............................................................................70
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (USB SELECT/
QUICK REC/BEEP, etc.)
Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. ................................................73
Recording pictures from a VCR .............................................................76
Copying movies from tape to “Memory Stick Duo” as still images .........79
Deleting recorded pictures from the “Memory Stick Duo” ......................79
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) ........................80
Connecting to a computer ......................................................................83
Copying still images to a computer ........................................................83
Copying movies on a tape to a computer ...............................................86
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Using a Computer
Continued ,

8
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 89
Warning indicators and messages ......................................................... 98
Using your camcorder abroad .............................................................. 101
HDV format and recording/playback .................................................... 102
About the “Memory Stick” .................................................................... 103
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ................................................. 105
About i.LINK ......................................................................................... 107
Maintenance and precautions .............................................................. 108
Specifications ....................................................................................... 112
Identifying parts and controls ............................................................... 116
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder ...................................... 121
Index .................................................................................................... 124
Troubleshooting
Additional Information
Quick Reference

9
Enjoying pictures with high definition quality
Enjoying pictures with high definition quality
Trying out the new HDV format!
The HDV format has about 2 times the horizontal resolution of a standard TV resulting in
about 4 times the amount of pixels providing high quality images.
Being HDV format compliant, your camcorder is ready to shoot crystal clear, high-definition
images.
High image quality
What is the HDV format?
The HDV format is a new video format for shooting and playing back high definition
images on popular DV standard cassette tapes.
•Your camcorder adopts the HDV1080i
specification, which utilizes 1,080 effective
scanning lines, within the HDV standards, and
records pictures at the image bit rate of about 25 Mbps.
• These operating instructions refer to the HDV1080i specification as HDV format unless there is a need
to specify.
Why shoot in the HDV format?
By moving to digital video, like the rest of the world, you will be able to capture important
moments in your life in high quality digital HDV format, allowing you to relive them.
Your camcorder’s down convert function converts pictures in HDV format to SD (standard
definition) quality for viewing on older wide TV formats, and on 4:3 aspect ratio TVs when
a high definition TV set is not available. This provides an easy path to HDV format video.
• The down convert function converts HDV format video to DV for playback or editing when your
camcorder is connected to a TV or VCR that is not HDV1080i compliant. The resulting image is
displayed in SD (standard definition).
1,080 effective
scanning lines

10
Features of this camcorder
The HDV1080i specification digital HD video camera recorder has the following features to
enable you to record beautiful scenery while traveling, etc., in high definition quality.
13-ClearVid CMOS sensor system installed
This camcorder is fitted with the 3-ClearVid CMOS sensor system. Superb spectroscopic
characteristics and high definition are achieved by the use of three ClearVid CMOS sensors
developed by Sony for high definition, enabling reproduction of digital high definition with
excellent sensitivity and color reproducibility.
2Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 20X optical zoom lens installed
The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 20×optical zoom lens lets you zoom in on distant objects
and record in high definition quality.
3Realistic sound recording with built-in high performance microphone
The high performance stereo microphone built into this camcorder enables highly realistic
sound recording.
4Detailed manual settings for serious filming
Extensive manual setting functions allow you to shoot high definition videos with customized
settings.
- The zoom ring, focus ring and EXPOSURE/IRIS dial provide full manual control.
- You can manually fine-adjust the shutter speed, white balance and gain.
5Connecting to other devices
Superb external connectability is provided by a “Memory Stick Duo” slot, USB port, HDMI
OUT jack, and headphone jack on the left side of your camcorder and an i.LINK (HDV/DV)
jack, COMPONENT OUT jack, A/V OUT jack, and DC IN jack on the right side.

11
Enjoying pictures with high definition quality
Handy Functions for Recording
You can record 1.2M still images on the “Memory Stick Duo” during recording movie.
Moving subjects can be shot in smooth moving slow-motion.
Two settings profiles, including brightness, color, etc., can be saved in your camcorder. This
enables you to use saved settings data to quickly reproduce suitable shooting settings.
You can adjust the brightness using the EXPOSURE/IRIS dial. The EXPOSURE/IRIS dial
can be used to adjust [EXPOSURE], [IRIS] or [AE SHIFT].
Still image Dual Rec (p. 27)
Smooth slow recording (p. 56)
Saving Camera profile (p. 70)
EXPOSURE/IRIS dial (p. 32)

12
Viewing video recorded in the HDV format!
Pictures recorded in the HDV format can be played back as crisp HD (high definition)
picture on a high definition TV.
• For details on HDV1080i specification compliant TVs, see page 50.
Your camcorder can down convert video recorded in the HDV format to SD (standard
definition) quality for playback on a conventional TV.
xConnecting to an HDV1080i specification
An optional i.LINK cable allows you to copy pictures in HD (high definition) quality.
xConnecting to HDV1080i non-compliant specification
Use your camcorder to convert HDV format video to SD (standard definition) quality to
enable copying.
xCopying “Memory Stick Duo” still images to a computer.
xCopying movie from tape to a computer
You can copy movie to a computer, and save to DVD from copying movie.
The computer will need to be set up differently depending on whether HDV or DV format
video is to be copied. See page 86 for details.
Viewing on a high definition TV (p. 48)
Viewing on a 16:9 TV/4:3 TV (p. 48)
Dubbing to other video equipment (p. 73)
Connecting to a computer (p. 83)

13
Getting Started
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
Make sure that you have following items
supplied with your camcorder.
The number in the parentheses indicates the
number of that item supplied.
• The cassette tape and “Memory Stick Duo” are
not included. See page 23, 102 and 103 for
compatible cassettes and “Memory Stick Duo”
for your camcorder.
AC Adaptor (1) (p. 15)
Mains lead (1) (p. 15)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 120)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 48, 73)
Component video cable (1) (p. 48)
USB cable (1) (p. 83)
Large eyecup(1) (p. 20)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-F570 (1)
(p. 15, 105)
Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 14)
Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

14
Step 2: Attaching the lens hood with lens cover
Align the marks on the lens hood to
those on the camcorder, and turn the
lens hood in the direction of the
arrow. Tighten the lens hood fixing
screw.
To remove the Lens hood with lens
cover
Loosen the lens hood fixing screw and turn
the lens hood in the opposite direction of
the arrow in the illustration above.
zTip
• If you attach, remove or adjust an 62mm (2 1/
2in.) PL filter or MC protector, remove the lens
hood.
To open the shutter of the Lens hood
with lens cover
Move the lens cover lever up and down to
open or close the lens cover.
1
2
Lens hood fixing screw
Move the lens cover lever to OPEN
to open the lens cover, and move
the lever to CLOSE to close the lens
cover.

15
Getting Started
Step 3: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the battery by
attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack (L series) to your camcorder.
bNote
• You cannot use batteries other than the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series)
(p. 105).
1Press the battery pack and slide it
down.
2With the Bmark on the DC plug
facing the cassette compartment,
connect the AC Adaptor to the DC
IN jack on your camcorder.
3Connect the Mains lead to the AC
Adaptor.
4Connect the Mains lead to the
wall socket.
5Set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG).
The CHARGE lamp lights up and
charging starts.
DC IN jack
DC plug
AC Adaptor
Mains lead
To the wall
socket
B mark
Continued ,

16
After charging the battery
The CHARGE lamp turns off when the
battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
zTip
• You can check the remaining battery with
Battery info (p. 45).
To remove the battery pack
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
Push the BATT RELEASE (battery release)
button and remove the battery pack.
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Recording in the HDV format
Recording in the DV format
Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.
Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.
Bottom: Recording time when recording with
the viewfinder while the LCD panel is
closed.
*Typical recording time shows the time when
you repeat recording start/stop, turning the
power on/off and zooming.
Battery pack Charging time
NP-F570 (supplied) 260
NP-F770 370
NP-F970 485
BATT RELEASE
(battery release) button
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-F570
(supplied)
155 90
160 95
155 90
NP-F770 320 185
335 195
320 185
NP-F970 480 290
500 300
480 290
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-F570
(supplied)
160 100
165 105
160 100
NP-F770 335 200
350 210
335 200
NP-F970 500 300
520 315
500 300
Step 3: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

17
Getting Started
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
HDV format pictures
DV format pictures
*When the LCD backlight turns on.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
• The CHARGE lamp flashes during charging, or
Battery Info (p. 45) will not be correctly
displayed under the following conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery pack is damaged.
– The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery
Info only).
• The power will not be supplied from the battery
as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the
DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the
Mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.
• When attaching an optional video light, it is
recommended that you use a NP-F970 battery
pack.
On the charging/recording/playback time
• Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C
(77 °F) (10 to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F)) is
recommended).
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low
temperatures.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
depending on the conditions under which you
use your camcorder.
You can use the AC Adaptor to obtain AC.
While you are using the AC Adaptor, the
battery pack will not lose its charge even
when it is attached to your camcorder.
Connect your camcorder as shown
in Step3:Charging the battery pack
(p. 15).
On the AC Adaptor
• Use the nearby wall socket when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the
wall socket immediately if any malfunction
occurs while using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow
space, such as between a wall and furniture.
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic
objects. This may cause a malfunction.
PRECAUTION
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(Mains lead) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall socket via the AC
Adaptor.
Battery pack LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-F570
(supplied)
245 245
NP-F770 510 510
NP-F970 760 760
Battery pack LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-F570
(supplied)
270 270
NP-F770 550 550
NP-F970 830 830
Using an outside power source

18
Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your
camcorder properly
To record or play back, slide the POWER
switch to the respective direction.
When using it for the first time, [CLOCK
SET] screen appears (p. 21).
1While pressing the green button,
set the POWER switch.
CAMERA: To record pictures.
VCR: To play or edit pictures.
bNote
• After you have set the date and time
([CLOCK SET], p. 21), the next time you
turn on the power of your camcorder, the
current date and time will be displayed on
the LCD screen for a few seconds.
2Hold the camcorder properly.
3Ensure a good grip, then fasten
the grip belt.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
bNote
• If warning messages appear on the screen,
follow the instructions (p. 99).
POWER switch
If the POWER
switch is set to OFF
(CHG), slide it
while pressing the
green button.

19
Getting Started
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
Open the LCD panel while pressing the
OPEN button 90 degrees to the camcorder
(1), then rotate it to the best angle to
record or play (2).
zTips
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees toward
the lens from the position 1, you can close the
LCD panel with the LCD screen facing outward.
This is convenient during playback operations.
• To close the LCD panel with the LCD screen
inward, rotate the LCD panel to the position 1,
and then close the LCD panel.
To turn off the LCD backlight to make
the battery last longer
Press and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO
button for a few seconds until appears.
This setting is practical when you use your
camcorder in bright conditions or where
you want to save battery power. The
recorded picture will not be affected by the
setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press
and hold the DISPLAY/BATT INFO
button for a few seconds until
disappears.
zTip
• See [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 64) to adjust the
brightness of the LCD screen.
You can view pictures using the viewfinder
to save the battery, or when the picture on
the LCD screen is not clear.
zTip
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight from [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 64).
The LCD panel
190 degrees to the
camcorder
2180 degrees (max.)
290 degrees
(max.) DISPLAY/BATT INFO
OPEN
button
The viewfinder
Viewfinder
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture
becomes clear.
Continued ,

20
When the picture in the viewfinder is
hard to see
If you cannot see the picture in the
viewfinder clearly under bright
circumstances, use the supplied large
eyecup. To attach the large eyecup, stretch
it slightly and align it with the eyecup
groove in the viewfinder. You can attach
the large eyecup facing either the right or
left side.
bNOTE
• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.
Large eyecup
(supplied)
Attach with the protruding part at
the top.
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder (Continued)