Sony HVR-Z5N User manual

4-114-857-11(1)
© 2008 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
USDigital HD Video Camera Recorder
Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder
Operating Guide
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference
HVR-Z5U/Z5N

2
Read this first
Before operating this unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
Types of cassette you can use in your
camcorder
Your camcorder is capable of recording in
HDV, DVCAM and DV formats.
When recording in HDV/DV format, Sony
recommends that you use mini DV
cassettes.
When recording in DVCAM format, Sony
recommends that you use mini DVCAM
cassettes. Your camcorder does not support
the Cassette Memory function (p. 119).
The HDV format
• Digital high-definition (HD) video signals
are recorded and played back on a DV
format cassette.
• HDV signals are compressed in MPEG2
format, which is adopted in BS (broadcast
satellite) digital and terrestrial digital
HDTV broadcastings and in Blu-ray disc
recorders.
Types of “Memory Stick” you can use
in your camcorder
You can use any “Memory Stick” that has
the following markings.
“Memory Stick Duo”
(This size can be used with your
camcorder.)
“Memory Stick”
(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)
bNotes
• You cannot use any type of memory card
except “Memory Stick Duo.”
• “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,
insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the
“Memory Stick Duo” Adaptor.
Notes on use

3
Using the camcorder
• Do not hold the camcorder by the
following part.
bNotes
• The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof
or waterproof.
See “About handling of your camcorder”
(p. 125).
• Do not connect cables to your camcorder
with their terminals placed the wrong
way. Squeezing the terminals into your
camcorder's jacks may damage them or
results in a malfunction of your
camcorder.
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.
Do not expose your camcorder’s
viewfinder, lens, or LCD screen to the
sun or strong light source for extended
periods.
• Intense light sources, especially the sun
will converge on the viewfinder or lens
and damage the internal parts of your
camcorder. Avoid sunlight or other strong
light sources when storing your
camcorder. Protect this device by always
closing the lens cover or by placing it in
its bag when not in use.
About temperature of your camcorder
and battery pack
• Your camcorder has a protective function
that disables recording or playback if the
temperature of your camcorder or battery
LCD panel
Viewfinder
Lens hood
Internal microphone Microphone or
Microphone holder
Black point
White, red, blue or green point
Continued ,

4
pack is beyond the safely operable range.
In this case, a message appears on the
screen or in the viewfinder (p. 116).
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 an NTSC
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.
• Because of the way that the image device
(CMOS sensor) reads out image signals,
the subjects passing by the frame rapidly
might appear crooked depending on the
recording conditions. This phenomenon
may be notable in displays having high
motion resolution.
On playing back HDV tapes on other
devices
A tape recorded in the HDV format cannot
be played back on a device that is not
compatible with the HDV format.
Check the contents of tapes by playing
them back on this camcorder prior to
playing them back on other devices.
Notes on the icons used in this
manual
Features available for the HDV
format only.
Features available for the DVCAM
format only.
Features available for the DV SP
format only.
The function that can be used when
i.LINK cable is connected.
The function that can be assigned to
an ASSIGN button.
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. 21).
• Design and specifications of recording
media and other accessories are subject to
change without notice.
• Illustrations of battery packs in this
manual show the NP-F770 unless
otherwise specified.
Read this first (Continued)

5
Table of Contents
Read this first ...........................................................................................2
Step 1: Checking supplied items ..............................................................8
Step 2: Attaching the supplied microphone and the lens hood with lens
cover ...........................................................................................10
Step 3: Charging the battery pack ..........................................................13
Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder properly .....17
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ....................................18
Step 6: Setting the date and time ...........................................................20
Changing the language setting .......................................................... 21
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” ..................................22
Recording ...............................................................................................24
Changing the settings of your camcorder recordings .............................28
Adjusting the zoom ............................................................................. 28
Adjusting the focus manually.............................................................. 29
Adjusting the image brightness .......................................................... 30
Adjusting to natural color (White balance).......................................... 33
Customizing the picture quality (Picture profile) ................................. 35
Adjusting the volume .......................................................................... 44
Attaching a Memory Recording Unit................................................... 44
Assigning the functions to the ASSIGN buttons .....................................46
Recording an index signal .................................................................. 47
Playing back the most recently recorded movies
(Last scene review) ............................................................................. 48
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).............. 48
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
(End search) ....................................................................................... 48
Using the Shot transition ..................................................................... 48
Playback .................................................................................................51
Changing/checking the settings in your camcorder ................................54
Changing the screen .......................................................................... 54
Displaying recording data (Data code) .............................................. 54
Displaying the settings in your camcorder (Status check) ................. 55
Checking the remaining battery (Battery Info).................................... 55
Getting Started
Recording/Playback
Continued ,

6
Locating a scene on a tape ....................................................................56
Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ................ 56
Searching for a recording start point (Index search) .......................... 56
Playing the picture on a TV .................................................................... 58
Using the menu items ........................................................... 64
Menu items ............................................................................................ 66
(CAMERA SET) menu .................................................................... 69
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (GAIN SETUP/
BACK LIGHT/STEADYSHOT, etc.)
(AUDIO SET) menu ....................................................................... 77
Settings for the audio recording (DV AU.MODE (DV Audio mode)/XLR SET,
etc.)
(DISPLAY SET) menu ..................................................................... 80
Display settings of the display and the viewfinder (MARKER/VF B.LIGHT/DISP
OUTPUT, etc.)
(IN/OUT REC) menu ....................................................................... 85
Recording settings, input and output settings (REC FORMAT/HDV PROGRE./
VIDEO OUT/EXT REC CTRL, etc.)
(TC/UB SET) menu ......................................................................... 89
(TC PRESET/UB PRESET/TC LINK, etc.)
(MEMORY SET) menu .................................................................... 91
Settings for the “Memory Stick Duo” (ALL ERASE/FORMAT, etc.)
(OTHERS) menu ............................................................................. 92
Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (QUICK REC/BEEP,
etc.)
Dubbing to VCR, DVD/HDD device, etc. ............................................... 96
Recording pictures from a VCR .......................................................... 100
Copying movies on a tape to a computer ............................................ 102
Copying still images to a computer ...................................................... 105
Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 106
Warning indicators and messages ....................................................... 116
Using the Menu
Dubbing/Editing
Troubleshooting
Table of Contents (Continued)

7
Using your camcorder abroad ..............................................................118
Maintenance and precautions ..............................................................119
HDV format and recording/playback ................................................ 119
Compatibility of the DVCAM/DV formats........................................... 120
About the “Memory Stick” ................................................................. 122
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ............................................. 123
About i.LINK ...................................................................................... 124
About x.v.Color ................................................................................. 125
About handling of your camcorder ................................................... 125
Specifications .......................................................................................129
Identifying parts and controls ...............................................................134
Indicators for the LCD screen and viewfinder ......................................140
Index .....................................................................................................143
Additional Information
Quick Reference

8
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 pages 2, 119 and 122 for types
of cassette tapes and “Memory Stick Duo” that
you can use on your camcorder.
AC Adaptor/Charger (AC-VQ1050) (1)
(p. 13)
Power cord (mains lead) (1) (p. 13)
Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-831)
(1) (p. 139)
A button-type lithium battery is already installed.
Component A/V cable (1) (p. 58)
A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 58, 96)
Large eyecup (1) (p. 19)
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F770) (1)
(p. 13, 123)
(Only for models HVR-Z5U)
Rechargeable battery pack (NP-F570) (1)
(p. 13, 123)
(Only for models HVR-Z5N)
Lens hood with lens cover (1) (p. 12)
This lens hood is pre-mounted.
Wind Screen (1), Microphone (ECM-XM1)
(1) (p. 10)

9
Getting Started
Accessory shoe kit (Accessory shoe (1),
Accessory shoe plate (1), screws (4))
(p. 134)
Connecting cord (DK-415) (1) (p. 15)
CD-ROM “Manuals for Digital HD Video
Camera Recorder” (1)
Operating Guide (2)

10
Step 2: Attaching the supplied microphone and
the lens hood with lens cover
When you use the supplied microphone
(ECM-XM1) for recording sound, do the
following steps.
1Attach the wind screen Bto the
supplied microphone A.
2Place the microphone Ain the
microphone holder Cwith the
model name facing upward, close
the cover, and shut the clamp.
3Connect the plug of the
microphone to the INPUT1 jack
D.
4Put the microphone cable into the
cable holder E.
5Select channels with the CH1 (INT
MIC/INPUT1) switch Fand the
CH2 (INT MIC/INPUT1/INPUT2)
switch G.
See the table below for the recording
channels.
Attaching the supplied
microphone
Put the cable in the outer cable holder.

11
Getting Started
When the CH1 switch is set to
INT MIC
When the CH1 is set to INPUT1
6Set the INPUT1 switch Hto an
appropriate position for the
microphone connected to the
INPUT1 jack D.
LINE: For inputting sound from an
audio device
MIC: For inputting sound from an
external microphone that does
not support the +48V power
source.
MIC+48V: For inputting sound from a
device that supports the
+48V power source
including the supplied
microphone.
When you connect a microphone to the
INPUT2 jack, set the INPUT2 switch to
an appropriate position for that
microphone.
bNotes
• When you connect a device that supports the
+48V power source to the INPUT1 or INPUT2
jack, set the INPUT1/INPUT2 switch to MIC
prior to connecting the device. When you
disconnect the device, set the INPUT1/INPUT2
switch to MIC first, then disconnect it.
• When you connect a microphone that does not
support the +48V power source to the INPUT1
or INPUT2 jack, set the INPUT1/INPUT2
switch to MIC. If you use it with the INPUT1/
INPUT2 switch set to MIC+48V, it may be
damaged or the recorded sound may be
distorted.
zTips
• See page 44 for adjusting the volume.
CH2 switch
position Input channel and source
INT MIC Internal
microphone
(L)
CH1
Internal
microphone
(R)
CH2*
INPUT1 Internal
microphone
(mono)
CH1
XLR INPUT1 CH2**
INPUT2 Internal
microphone
(mono)
CH1
XLR INPUT2 CH2**
CH2 switch
position Input channel and source
INT MIC XLR INPUT1 CH1
Internal
microphone
(mono)
CH2**
INPUT1 XLR INPUT1 CH1
CH2**
INPUT2 XLR INPUT1 CH1
XLR INPUT2 CH2**
*The recording level of channel 2 is
synchronized with that of channel 1 when only
the internal microphone is used. The recording
level of channel 2 is controlled with the CH1
(AUDIO LEVEL) dial and the CH1 (AUTO/
MAN) switch.
** You can adjust the recording levels of channel 1
and channel 2 separately.
Continued ,

12
Align the marks on the lens hood to
those on the camcorder, and turn the
lens hood in the direction of the
arrow 2.
To remove the lens hood with lens
cover
Turn the lens hood in the opposite direction
to the arrow 2in the illustration while
pressing the PUSH (lens hood release)
button.
zTips
• If you attach or remove a 72mm (2 7/8 in.) PL
filter or MC protector, remove the lens hood
with lens cover.
To open or close the shutter of the
lens hood with lens cover
Move the lens cover lever up or down to
open or close the lens cover.
Attaching the lens hood with lens
cover
PUSH (lens hood release) button
Move the lens cover lever to OPEN to
open the lens cover, and move the lever
to CLOSE to close the lens cover.
Step 2: Attaching the supplied microphone and the lens hood with lens
cover (Continued)

13
Getting Started
Step 3: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack (L series) with the
supplied AC Adaptor/Charger.
bNotes
• You cannot use batteries other than the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series)
(p. 123).
1Set the mode change switch to
CHARGE.
2Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the AC Adaptor/Charger.
3Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the wall outlet (wall
socket).
4Place the battery pack in the slot
of the AC Adaptor/Charger, press
it down, and slide it in the
direction of the arrow as
illustrated.
The charge lamp turns on and charging
starts.
After charging the battery
All segments of the battery mark ( )
appear in the display window when the
normal charge of the battery is completed.
You can fully charge the battery pack if you
continue charging the battery pack after the
charge lamp turns off until the battery mark
with “FULL” appears (full charge). The
battery life of the fully charged battery is
slightly longer than that of the normally
charged battery.
Remove the battery pack from the AC
Adaptor/Charger when the charge is
completed.
zTips
• You can check the remaining battery life with
the battery info function (p. 55).
To attach the battery pack
Press the battery pack against the back of
your camcorder and slide it down.
2
4
4
1
3
Charge lamp
Continued ,

14
To remove the battery pack
Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Push the
BATT RELEASE (battery release) button
and remove the battery pack.
To store the battery pack
If the battery pack will not be used for a
while, run down the battery and store it. See
page 124 for details on storage of the
battery pack.
Charging time
Approximate time (min.) required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery
pack.
bNotes
• For HVR-Z5N*:
– The supplied battery pack is NP-F570.
– You cannot use the NP-F330 battery pack
with your camcorder.
• For HVR-Z5U*:
– The supplied battery pack is NP-F770.
– You cannot use the NP-F330/F570 battery
pack with your camcorder.
*You can find the model name at the bottom of
your camcorder.
Recording time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
Recording in the HDV format
Recording in the DVCAM (DV) format
Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.
Bottom: 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.
Playing time
Approximate time (min.) available when
you use a fully charged battery pack.
HDV format pictures
Battery pack Charging time
NP-F570 145
NP-F770 230
NP-F970 310
BATT RELEASE
(battery release) button
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-F570 125 60
130 65
NP-F770 260 130
265 130
NP-F970 390 195
395 195
Battery pack
Continuous
recording
time
Typical
recording
time*
NP-F570 130 65
135 65
NP-F770 270 135
280 140
NP-F970 400 200
415 205
Battery pack LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-F570 170 180
NP-F770 355 370
NP-F970 530 555
Step 3: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

15
Getting Started
DVCAM (DV) format pictures
*When the LCD backlight turns on.
On the battery pack
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the
POWER switch to OFF.
• The Battery Info (p. 55) 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.
• Sony recommends that you use an NP-F970
battery pack when you use your camcorder with
the Memory Recording Unit (optional).
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/Charger to
obtain AC power.
1Connect the power cord (mains lead) to
the AC Adaptor/Charger.
2Connect the power cord (mains lead) to
the wall outlet (wall socket).
3Connect the connecting cable (DK-415)
to the AC Adaptor/Charger.
4Set the mode change switch of the AC
Adaptor/Charger to VCR/CAMERA.
5Press the connecting part of the
connecting cable (DK-415) against the
back of your camcorder in the battery
slot and slide it down.
On the AC Adaptor/Charger
• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC
Adaptor/Charger. Disconnect the AC Adaptor/
Charger from the wall outlet (wall socket)
immediately if any malfunction occurs while
using your camcorder.
• Do not use the AC Adaptor/Charger placed in a
narrow space, such as between a wall and
furniture.
Battery pack LCD panel
opened*
LCD panel
closed
NP-F570 180 190
NP-F770 375 390
NP-F970 570 595
Using an outside power source
AC Adaptor/
Charger
Power cord
To the wall outlet
(wall socket)
Mode change
switch
Connecting cord
DK-415
Charge lamp
Continued ,

16
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC
Adaptor/Charger or battery terminal with any
metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.
• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the
AC Adaptor/Charger.
Step 3: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

17
Getting Started
Step 4: Turning the power on and holding your
camcorder properly
To record or play back, set the POWER
switch to the respective positions.
When you use your camcorder for the first
time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears
(p. 20).
1Slide the POWER switch to
CAMERA or VCR while you press
the green button.
CAMERA: To record pictures.
VCR: To play or edit pictures.
bNotes
• The current date and time appear on the LCD
screen for a few seconds when you turn on your
camcorder once you set the date and time
([CLOCK SET], p. 20).
2Hold the camcorder properly.
3Ensure a good grip, then fasten
the grip belt.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch to OFF while
pressing the green button.
bNotes
• If warning messages appear on the screen,
follow the instructions.
POWER switch
Slide the POWER
switch while
pressing the green
button.

18
Step 5: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
Open the LCD panel 180 degrees (1), then
rotate it to the best angle to record or play
back (2).
zTips
• You can see your mirror image on the LCD
screen by setting the LCD panel facing you. The
image will be recorded in a normal image.
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 when 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.
zTips
• You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen
from [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 83).
bNotes
• You may see primary colors shimmering in the
viewfinder when you move your eye line. This
is not a malfunction. The shimmering colors
will not be recorded on the recording media.
zTips
• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder
backlight from [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 83).
• To display images both on the LCD display and
in the viewfinder, set [VF POWERMODE] to
[ON](p. 84).
• To display images in black and white in the
viewfinder, set [VF COLOR] to [OFF] (p. 84).
The LCD panel
DISPLAY/BATT INFO button
1Open 180 degrees.
2180 degrees
(max.)
290 degrees
(max.)
The viewfinder
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
Move it until the picture
becomes clear.

19
Getting Started
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.
bNotes
• Do not remove the pre-attached eyecup.
Large eyecup (supplied)
Attach with the
protruding part
at the top.

20
Step 6: Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using your
camcorder for the first time. If you do not
set the date and time, [CLOCK SET] screen
appears every time you turn on your
camcorder or change the POWER switch
positions.
zTips
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may
be cleared from the memory. In that case,
charge the rechargeable battery and then set the
date and time again (p. 128).
Skip to step 4when you set the clock for
the first time.
1Press the MENU button.
2Select (OTHERS) by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
3Select [CLOCK SET] by turning
the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
4Set [Y] (year) by turning the SEL/
PUSH EXEC dial, then press the
dial.
You can set any year up to the year
2079.
5Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour
and minute, then press the dial.
The clock starts.
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.
SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial
MENU
button
OTHERS
RETURN
CAMERA PROF.
ASSIGN BTN
CLOCK SET
-- : -- : --
WORLD TIME
LANGUAGE
QUICK REC
DATE REC
[MENU ]: END
CLOCK SET
[MENU ]: CANCEL
MDY
12 : 00 AM 1JAN
-- 2008
--:--:--:--
CLOCK SET
[MENU ]: CANCEL
MDY
12 : 00 AM 1JAN
-- 2008
--:--:--:--