Sony HXR-MC1500P User manual

HXR-MC1500P
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
Professional appearance improves your shooting style.
Advanced technology improves your shooting quality.
One of the defining characteristics of the HXR-MC1500 one-piece shoulder camcorder is its professional look and
shooting style, which can make the difference between success and failure when capturing an important scene or
memorable moment. When your wedding party moves indoors it’s time to switch on your camcorder battery light to
maintain good color quality and remove shadows from your subjects’ faces. Mounting your camcorder on a tripod allows
you to zoom in on the speaker at a business conference and avoid distracting camera movement.
Whether shooting a corporate communications promotion on a budget, a concert, music video or a wedding, the
HXR-MC1500 offers a wide variety of features necessary for serious videographers. While still light and easily portable,
actors, performers and clients know you mean business when you’re carrying a full-size camcorder on your shoulder.
Footage can be recorded directly onto a removable memory card in HD, high definition or SD, standard definition.
A 32 GB hard-wired internal flash memory storage system on board the HXR-MC1500, enables longer duration continuous
recording. Perfect for those occasions where you don’t want to be stopping the camera, such as music concerts or
business conference presentations.
This tapeless front-end solution for video acquisition is an ideal match for any type of non-linear editing system workflow.
Now you’ve got a cost-effective production package for DVD or Blu-ray content, that’s flexible enough to express your
creative ideas and meet your client’s requirements.

1
Optical SteadyShot with
Active Mode
The new Optical SteadyShot with
Active Mode ensures smooth
movement while recording footage in
various shooting situations. In addition,
Sony’s innovative 3-Way Shake-
Canceling technology adds electronic
roll stability for even smoother video
capture.This latest version of image
stabilization technology realizes
images that are up to 10x steadier for
wide angle shooting than conventional
Optical SteadyShot images.As the user
zooms in, an intelligent digital image
stabilizer starts to blend in and work
together with its optical counterpart to
effectively reduce camera shake.This
technology is also able to reduce
shake in the rolling direction that
commonly occurs when shooting while
walking.
Exmor R CMOS Sensor with ClearVid Array
An image sensor is one of the three key devices that determine the final image
quality and performance of a camcorder.The HXR-MC1500’s Exmor R CMOS sensor
is capable of producing superb image quality even in low-light conditions. Sony’s
unique imaging system incorporates exclusive back-illuminated technology that
places metal wiring beneath the photo diode (light-receiving material), enabling
the CMOS sensor to utilize incidental light more efficiently.This doubles the
sensitivity of conventional CMOS sensors, and provides a dramatic boost in low-
light performance that was previously
impossible to achieve.The Exmor R
sensor can achieve excellent results in
bright daylight as well in dimly lit
indoor scenes and outdoor night
scenes. Furthermore, with the HXR-
MC1500’s newly improved autofocus
in low-light conditions, the G Lens can
quickly achieve sharp focus on a
moving subject.
Wide-angle G Lens
The HXR-MC1500 comes equipped with a sophisticated G Lens that incorporates
Sony’s unique optical design technology and quality control, delivering
exceptional performance on a par with some of the best lenses in the industry.
The HXR-MC1500 has been optimized to perfectly complement the G Lens with
an advanced image sensor and Sony’s famous image processing technology.
This improves your shooting whether zooming in on the action, or getting a
perspective on the big picture with the 29.8 mm wide angle in Video mode
(35mm equivalent).
SteadyShot off
HXR-MC1500 (Exmor R)
SteadyShot w/Active Mode on
* On Screen Image Simulated
Manual Lens Ring with
Assignable Parameters
Using the assignable lens ring, users
can manually adjust key parameters
like Focus, White Balance, Exposure,
AE Shift, Iris priority and Shutter
Speed priority. Users can control the
G Lens iris to create an out-of-focus
effect in the foreground or
background. Shutter-speed can also
be controlled to create special
effects, such as the flowing motion of
a waterfall or bird wings in flight etc.
Ergonomically Designed
Handle
The ergonomically designed handle
of the camcorder contains a
convenient record button and zoom
control, essential for low position
shooting. There are also cold shoes
on the front and rear of the handle,
which allow for the attachment of two
different types of accessories.
Video/Audio output connectors
Long Operating Time with infoLITHIUM-L Series Battery
The HXR-MC1500 camcorder uses standard infoLITHIUM L series batteries, which are compatible
with many types of Sony’s professional camcorders and genuine accessories. With the largest
capacity battery NP-F970, a maximum operating time of approximate 13 hours can be achieved
for AVCHD recording in FH mode.
Conventional Model
40mm 29.8mm (HXR-MC1500)

2
Easy Archive Solutions
External HDD
DVDirect Compatible
DVDirect devices
• VRD-P1
• VRD-MC6
Direct Copy
1. Direct Copy is compatible with USB media that meets the following requirements
• USB media that meets the USB2.0 requirement.
• For external HDD or USB memory under 2TB, an AC powered external HDD is recommended.
• USB media formatted in the FAT32 file system. In the case when USB media is not in FAT32 file system,
reformatting is required and all data will be erased.
* There may be cases when USB media is not compatible with the Direct Copy function.
2.When using Direct Copy the camcorder needs to be connected to AC power.
3. Using VMC-UAM1(supplied) cable when the HXR-MC1500 is connected to External HDD.
4. Connection via USB-hub is not supported.
* Cannot burn AVCHD FX mode recorded files to DVD of AVCHD disc.
Can burn FX mode to DVD Video downconverting HD to SD. (VRD-MC6 doesn’t support downconverting.)
ACCESSORIES
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
MS-HX32A (32 GB, 16 GB, 8 GB)
Memory Stick PRO Duo
MS-MT32G (32 GB, 16 GB, 8 GB, 4 GB, 2 GB)
SD / SDHC Memory Card
SF-32N4
(32 GB,16 GB, 8 GB, 4 GB,2 GB)
DVDirect Express
DVD Writer
VRD-P1
DVDirect
Multi-Function DVD Recorder
VRD-MC6
A LANC Remote Controller
with Variable Speed Zooming
RM-1BP
AC Adaptor/Charger
AC-VQL1B
Rechargeable Battery Pack
2NP-F970
DVDirect & Direct Copy
When the camcorder is connected to the optional DVDirect Express (VRD-P1) DVD
writer via a USB cable, a single press of the One Touch Disk button is all it takes to
burn video footage directly onto a DVD - without using a PC.This model is also
equipped with a down-conversion function that enables DVD burning to SD picture
quality. Users can playback a DVD they just created simply by pressing the Play
button on the DVDirect Express when the camcorder is connected.
With Direct Copy you also have the option of quickly and easily backing up
valuable video data on an external hard disk drive, HDD - without using a PC.
Simply connect the camcorder using the supplied USB Adaptor Cable (VMC-UAM1).
The Revolutionary AVCHD File Format
AVCHD is an efficient data compression method that greatly reduces memory
requirements. The new format allows tapeless recording with high image quality
and small file size. This is made possible by the revolutionary MPEG4 AVC/H.264
codec. Many consumer electronic devices already support AVCHD playback, and
more are on the way. Numerous major NLE software programs feature AVCHD
input and editing. The format is quickly becoming a universal standard for video.
MPEG-2 for SD (Standard Definition)
Recording Format
SD recording is available in addition to HD. The SD recording format uses
MPEG-2, which is the same compression codec as standard DVD video discs. If
your project will end up on DVD then using this format can save you production
time and maintain the original image quality.*
Efficiency and Operability on Readily Available
Memory Cards
The camcorder is designed to record directly onto consumer memory cards,
which are affordable and easy to obtain at most stores. Also, a large capacity
32 GB solid-state memory comes built into the camera body. This combination
of removable and built-in memory is especially convenient when shooting a
documentary or news report on the move. When data has been backed up to a
HDD or downloaded to a PC for editing, you can simply reuse both the
removable memory cards and internal memory for your next assignment.
Compatible Memory Cards
* For detailed information please refer to the specification
sheet on the back of this brochure.
Memory Stick
PRO DuoTM
SD/SDHC
Memory
Card
How to Playback
HXR-MC1500
Memory Card
PlayStation3®
Computer
*Windows®7 offers AVCHD playback as
a standard feature
Television with HDMI etc input
Professional Monitor with
COMPONENT input
COMPONENT
HDMI etc
HDMI etc
How to Archive
Memory Card Computer
Blu-ray Disc®
HDD mass storage
Caution : When backing up AVCHD data on the “Memory Stick” to Blu-ray Disc or
HDD mass storage copy all the files below the root folder.
Tripod with RM-1BP
Remote Controller
VCT-PG11RMB
Camcorder Support
VCT-SP1BP
LED Battery Video Light
HVL-LBPB
Shotgun Microphone
ECM-CG50BP
* Non-linear computer editing performance and quality may vary depending on the application
software used.
Internal memory: 32 GB*
* When measuring media capacity, 1 GB equals 1 billion
bytes, a portion of which is used for system management
and/or application files.
The capacity that a user can use is approximately 31.5 GB.

MK10768V1OHB10NOV
Distributed by ©2010 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permissions is prohibited.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
The values for weight and dimension are approximate.
Sony and Sony logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
G Lens, Exmor, InfoLITHIUM, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO Duo,
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo are registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
AVCHD and AVCHD logo are trademarks of
Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and other countries.
Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Dimensions Supplied Accessories
232 (9 1/4)
234 (9 1/4)
456 (18)
324 (12 7/8)
229 (9 1/8)
127 (5)
134 (5 3/8)
464 (18 3/8)
255 (10 1/8)
100 (4)
Specifications
Unit: mm (inches)
PMB System Requirements
• Microsoft®Windows®XPServicePack3(32bit),
WindowsVista®ServicePack2(32bit/64bit),
Windows®7
• Intel®Core™2Duo2.26GHz(forAVCHDplayback)
• 1GBofRAM
• 500MBavailablehard-diskspaceforinstallation
• 1024x768display
• DVDwritabledrive
• BDwritabledriveforBlu-rayvideocreation
HXR-MC1500P
Genera
Mass (w/Hood,w/EyeCup) 2.7kg(5lb15oz)
(w/Hood,w/EyeCup,
w/Battery,w/Microphone,
w/RecordingMedia,)
2.9kg(6lb6oz)
Dimension(WxHxD) (w/Hood,w/EyeCup) 255×232×456mm(101/8×91/4×18inch)
(w/Hood,w/EyeCup,
w/Battery,w/Microphone,
w/RecordingMedia,)
255×234×464mm(101/8×91/4×183/8inch)
Powerrequirements PowerRequirements
(ACadaptor/Battery)
8.4V/7.2V
Powerconsumption viewfinder-normal
brightness(HD/SD)
3.4W/2.6W
LCD-normalbrightness
(HD/SD)
3.4W/2.6W
Operatingtemperature 0to+40degC(+32to+104degF)
Storagetemperature -20to+60degC(-4to+140degF)
Batteryoperatingtime Continuousrecordingtime approx.280min(FH,LCD,NP-F570:fullychargedbatt.)
Recordingformat VideoFormat HD MPEG-4AVC/H.264(AVCHD)
SD MPEG-2PS
AudioFormat HD DolbyDigital2ch,16bit,48kHz
SD DolbyDigital2ch,16bit,48kHz
Recordingframerate*1AVCHDFX(24Mbps)1920x1080/50i/16:9
AVCHDFH(17Mbps)1920x1080/50i/16:9
AVCHDHQ(9Mbps)1440x1080/50i/16:9
AVCHDLP(5Mbps)1440x1080/50i/16:9
MPEG2SDHQ(9Mbps)720x576/50i/16:9,4:3
Recording/Playbacktime 175min(2h55m)with32GBMemoryStickPRO-HXDuoFX
(24Mbps)DolbyDigital2chrecording
Zoomratio SonyGLens,12x(optical),160xDigitalZoom
Focallength f=2.9to34.8mm(equivalenttof=29.8to357.6mmat16:9video
andstillmode,f=27.4to328.8mmat4:3stillmode,
f=36.5to438.0mmat4:3videomodeon35mmlens)*2
Focus Fullrangeauto/Manual
Imagestabilizer ON/OFFselectable
Filterdiameter 37mm
Camera Section
Imagingdevice 1/4-inchtypeExmorRCMOSwithClearVidpixelarray
PixelGross:Approx.4200KVideoActual:Approx.2650K(16:9)
Minimumillumination 3lx(LowLUXmode,1/25shutter)
Shutterspeed 1/6-1/10000(ManualShutterSpeedControl)
Iris F1.8-F3.4
Slow&QuickMotionfunction 200fps(fixed)asSmoothSlowRec*Thepicturequalityisdegraded.
(fps:FieldperSec.)
Whitebalance Auto,outdoor(5800K),indoor(3200K),One-push(Touchpanel)
Inputs/Outputs
Micinput Stereominijack(x1)ø3.5mm
A/VOutput PinJack
ComponentVideoOutput PinJack
RemoteConector Stereomini-minijack(ø2.5mm)
USB USBdevice,Mini-AB/Hi-Speed(x1)
Headphoneoutput Stereominijack(x1)ø3.5mm
HDMIoutput HDMIconnector(x1)
Monitoring
Viewfinder
0.2inch-typeapprox.201600dots(300x224x3[RGB]),4:3aspectratio
Built-inLCDmonitor 2.7ClearPhotoLCD,approx.230400dots(960x240),16:9aspectratio
Microphone
2chStereomicrophone
Recording Media
InternalMemory 32GB
Type MemoryStickPRODuo(Mark2),MemoryStickPRO-HGDuo,
MemoryStickPRO-HGDuoHX*3
SD/SDHC/SDXCMemoryCard*4
Supplied Accessories
ACAdaptor[AC-L100],RechargeableBatteryPack[NP-F570],
Powercord,Microphone(Stereo)[ECM-PS1],WindScreen,Eyecup,
Lenshood,Lenscap,Compositecable(RCAx3),USBcable(mini-B),
USBAdaptorcable(forexternalHDD)[VMC-UAM1],
ApplicationSoftware(CD-ROM)[PMB]
*1: Duetovariablebitrate,24MbpsisthemaximumbitrateforAVCHDFXmodeandtheaveragebitrateisbeingstatedforFH,HQandLPmodes.
*2: ThefocallengthiswhenSteadyShotmodeisinActivemodeOff.
*3: Compatible“MemoryStick”type:ForAVCHDrecording/Capacity:morethan1GB,ForStandardDefinitionrecording/Capacity:morethan512MB
*4: RecommendedSpeedClassForAVCHDrecording/Class4orhigher,ForStandardDefinitionrecording/Class2orhigher
SD movie (w / 2ch Audio)
STD 9M (HQ)
2GBMemoryCard 25min
4GBMemoryCard 55min
8GBMemoryCard 115min
16GBMemoryCard 230min
32GBMemoryCard 465min
Internal Memory (32 GB) (w / 2ch Audio)
AVCHD24M(FX) 180min
AVCHD17M(FH) 235min
AVCHD9M(HQ) 470min
AVCHD5M(LP) 800min
STD9M(HQ) 485min
Approximate Recording Time
HD movie (w / 2ch Audio)
AVC HD 24M (FX)
(1920 x 1080i)
AVC HD 17M (FH)
(1920 x 1080i)
AVC HD 9M
(HQ)
AVC HD 5M
(LP)
2GBMemoryCard 10min 10min 25min 45min
4GBMemoryCard 20min 25min 55min 90min
8GBMemoryCard 40min 55min 110min 190min
16GBMemoryCard 85min 110min 220min 380min
32GBMemoryCard 175min 225min 455min 770min