Sony HXR-NX70U User manual

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 1
SONY HXR-NX70U HD CAMCORDER
STUDY GUIDE
PURPOSE
This Study Guide was created to help students prepare for the SONY HXR-NX70U HD Camcorder
Certification Exam, which is necessary to reserve and use the SONY HXR-NX70U HD
Camcorder, specifically for classroom purposes. This Study Guide, in combination with the
camera’s Operating Guide provides all essential information on the proper handling and use of
the SONY HXR-NX70U HD Camcorder, including an explanation of contents, procedures to
demonstrate, and required features and techniques to know.
1. Recite the “Safety Principles” (or “Golden Rules”) of the Media Lab.
2. Identify all items included in the SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder package.
3. Demonstrate safe handling of the camera and tripod.
4. Demonstrate proper set up and knowledge of the camera’s basic functions.
5. Proper “striking” of camcorder equipment package.
1. Never force anything! If something you are attempting to do requires any amount of
excessive force, STOP and review your methods.
2. Never over tighten! This may cause the stripping of threads. The use of excessive force
can damage the equipment.
3. Never leave the camcorder equipment unattended! Camcorder and other video
equipment are prime targets for theft.
4. Never leave the camcorder equipment exposed to any heat source! (e.g., in the trunk
of a vehicle). Excessive heat will cause camcorder parts to melt.
5. Never use equipment in “risky” situations/environments! (e.g., any type of airborne
devices or locations including airplanes, helicopters, skateboards, motorcycles,
rollerblades, etc., night time shoots in low lit and/or unsafe areas, and “remote” areas which
require transport of equipment over rough terrain.)
6. Never touch or attempt to clean the lens! There is a high probability of scratching and
permanently damaging the lens without the proper cleaning materials. Only use an
approved cleaning cloth.
7. Never aim the viewfinder or the LCD screen directly at a strong light source! This will
cause permanent damage to the viewfinder/LCD screen. (e.g., the sun, very bright light, or
its reflection from an object.)
8. Never submerge the camera or spray it with water! Although the body of this camera is
rain proof, it is not waterproof and cannot be submerged or sprayed.
PURPOSE
THE “GOLDEN RULES” OF THE UHM MEDIA LAB (REQUIRED INFORMATION)!
REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR CERTIFICATION

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 2
Identify all the items in the Camcorder Package
NOTE: Optional equipment include: Wide Angle Conversion Lens, Telephoto Conversion Lens,
Circular Polarizing Filter
WHAT’S IN THE CAMCORDER PACKAGE?

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 3
Identify all Detachable parts of the SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder Unit
1. Shotgun Microphone (condenser type)
2. XLR Adapter/Camera Handle
3. Lens Hood
4. Lens protection filter
5. Viewfinder Eyecup
6. Tripod Wedge Plate adapter
Demonstrate how to remove and attach the XLR adaptor
1. Pull the Active Interface Shoe (a) backward and pull it up to detach it
2. Unscrew (b) and slide the XLR Adaptor off the accessory shoe
3. Put the cover (c) over the Active Interface Shoe on top of the camera
4. Reverse the procedure to reattach the XLR Adaptor
Identify the parts of the camcorder unit which are not dust & rainproof
The Shotgun Mic and the XLR Adapter/Camera Handle (detachable parts #1 & 2)
Remove these items in wet conditions whenever an XLR microphone is not needed. The camera’s
internal microphones will work for general background sound.
Explain what dust & rainproof means for this camera
The camera body is sealed against light rain and dust. It will not withstand submersion or spraying
with pressurized water from a hose or shower. Avoid opening the battery compartment, the SD
card slot cover, or the cover for the XLR Interface shoe around ocean waters or when
environmental conditions are wet or dusty. The XLR Adapter handle and shotgun mic are not
rainproof/dustproof.
See page 6 of the Operating Guide.
Demonstrate how to attach/detach the lens hood, open and close the
shutter of the lens hood, and remove and put on the lens filter.
Tilt the camera up, being careful not to point it into the sun or a light.
Push the Lens Hood Release button and rotate the lens hood to take it
off. Unscrew the filter and put it back on.Re-attach the lens hood by
aligning marks on the lens and lens hood and rotating it back on. Slide
the Lens Hood Shutter lever to open and close the shutter.
See page 15 of the Operating Guide.

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 4
1. List 3 safety rules for proper handling of the
tripod (to avoid costly damage):
a. Never lean a collapsed tripod against a wall;
always lay it down on the floor.
b. Always open tripod legs by pulling all 3 legs
outward at the same time.
c. Never attempt to pan or tilt the head with the
pan and tilt locks tightened down.
2. Memorize and identify the
following Tripod Parts:
1. Tripod head
2. Tilt lock
3. Pan lock
4. Pan handle
5. (A) Release lever (for camcorder plate)
(B) Release pin (to slide plate off)
6. Bubble level
7. Camcorder Head Lock
8. Leg extensions
9. Leg extension lock
10. Spreaders
11. Spreader lock (for collapsed tripod)
12. Camcorder Wedge Plate (remains
attached to the camcorder)
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Complete the following Camcorder
related demonstrations:!
A. Demonstrate how to properly extend the tripod legs.
Unlock the spreader lock (11) holding the tripod legs together. Unlock the leg extension locks
(9). Extend legs and re-lock.
B. Demonstrate how spread the tripod legs and adjust the head so that the head is level.
Drop one leg to the ground and pull on the other 2 legs so that they open evenly. Adjust the
tripod head by loosening the head lock (6) and centering the bubble in the level indicator (7).
Retighten the head lock.
THE TRIPOD AND CAMERA

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 5
C. Demonstrate how to mount the camcorder on the
tripod.
Before mounting the camcorder to the tripod, make sure
that the tilt lock (2) and pan lock (3) are locked and all leg
extensions are secured so that the tripod does not move
or collapse when mounting the camcorder. After
mounting the camcorder to the tripod, be sure to loosen
the pan lock (3) in order to avoid accidentally knocking
the tripod over.
D. Demonstrate this basic safety procedure.
Always double check tripod stability prior to mounting the camcorder.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To avoid potential accidents with tipping the tripod over, never leave the
camcorder unattended, especially when tripod head (tilt lock) is in an unlocked position. ALWAYS
BE AWARE OF THE STATUS OF THE TRIPOD! To avoid damage to the tripod head, never
force a pan or tilt when the tripod head is in a locked position. This will cause permanent damage
to the tripod head!
Attach a battery and turn on the camera
Open the LCD screen and then open the battery cover. Insert the battery by sliding it (d) into the
grooves of the battery compartment. Close the battery cover and lock it into place.
See pages 16, 17, & 20 of the Operating Guide.
Turn on the camcorder and point out the remaining battery level
indicator on the LCD screen.
See page 124 of the Operating Guide.
Turn off the camera and remove the battery
Open the battery compartment door and rotate the battery release
lever (e). Slide the battery out, then close and lock the compartment door.
See page 18 of the Operating Guide.
Explain the safest method for connecting the AC Adapter to the camera
To avoid pulling over the camera, start by working from the wall to
the camera. Plug an extension cord into the wall. Plug a power
strip into the extension cord, making sure the power strip is turned
off. Plug the AC power adapter cord into the power strip. Plug
the AC power adapter into the “DC IN” plug on the camera. Turn
on the power strip. The camera can now be turned on.
See page 16 of the Operating Guide.
Explain the situations in which a battery or AC power is best used.
Batteries should be used for mobility such as when the camera is handheld or used for short
periods of time before setting up again. AC power can be used for extended setups when camera
is to be set up in one place for an extended period of time.
POWERING THE CAMERA Identify the parts which are not rainproof
(1) The Shotgun Mic and the (2) XLR Adapter/Camera Handle

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
!
SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 6
Demonstrate how to insert and eject an SD memory card with this camcorder
NOTE: ALWAYS TURN OFF THE CAMCORDER WHEN INSERTING OR
REMOVING A MEMORY CARD. Also, when the ACCESS indicator light is
flashing, do not disconnect power, turn off camcorder, or remove memory cards.
See page 26 of the Operating Guide.
Open the memory card access slot in the back of the camera and insert
an SD memory card. Push and release to eject it as well as insert it.
See page 27, 28, & 29 of the Operating Guide.
IMPORTANT: You will be recording to SD memory cards rather than the
camcorder’s internal memory. Use a memory card with a class rating of
4or higher for recording speed.
NOTE: The camera has internal memory that can be used for recording, but any recordings on this
memory must be deleted before returning the camera to the Media Lab. The lab will not be
responsible for any recordings left in the camera when it is checked in!
Demonstrate how to setup the camera to shoot video.
Turn the camera on (f) by pushing down the green button and
pivoting the power switch up.
Push the button on the back of the camera labeled “MODE” (g).
The icon of the film frame represents video mode and the icon of
the camera represents photo mode.Set it to video mode.
See page 31-32 of the Operating Guide
Demonstrate how to switch between manual control and fully automatic.
Slide the switch (h) on the back of the camcorder up and down to choose between AUTO (fully
Automatic) or MAN (Manual) settings for the camera. Set it to MAN to set any of the important
functions of the camera for complete control.
NOTE: In the manual mode, you may set some functions manually and set others to automatic.
This combination of settings can be very useful by allowing the exposure to be adjusted
automatically with the Iris and Shutter Speed settings while the White Balance and Gain are set
manually for more professional results.
See page 49-51 of the Operating Guide
SD MEMORY CARD INSTALLATION
PREPARING TO SHOOT VIDEO
MENU SETTINGS FOR VIDEO RECORDING MODE

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 7
Demonstrate how to access and navigate the camera’s menu system
The camcorder features an LCD touch-sensitive screen for
users to review, select and change camcorder settings. Use
the LCD touch screen to navigate through the options by
touching the word “MENU”, the “X”, “OK”, the icons, images,
or orange colored words on the LCD screen. You can also
scroll through the menus and settings by touching the up and
down arrows or dragging your finger across the screen.
NOTE: Touch the screen gently. Keep your fingers and hands clean for better response from
the touch screen and to avoid scratching the screen. Only use a clean microfiber cloth to clean the
LCD screen.
Demonstrate how to select the SD memory card for
recording.
Use the touch screen to select the memory card for recording:
Touch [MENU][Rec/Media SET] [Media Select]
[Memory Card] [OK] [OK]
See page 26 of the Operating Guide.
Demonstrate how to “Format” the memory card.
(If you have already used the card in a SONY HXR-NX70U
camera you don’t have to redo it to continue shooting but
formatting will erase the entire card.)
Touch (MENU) [Rec/Media SET] [Format]
[Memory Card] [OK]
See page 58 of the Operating Guide
NOTE: Formatting the memory card deletes all files on the memory
card.
Demonstrate how to set the recording quality settings
Use the touch screen to set HD recording settings. NOTE: The
choices have been updated and are not in the operating guide. (Ask
your instructor for the recommended settings for your class.)
Touch [MENU][Rec/Media SET] [HD/STD Setting] [HD Quality]
[OK] [OK]
Touch [MENU][Rec/Media SET] [REC Format] [(select one)]
[OK]
Touch [MENU][Camera Audio] [HD Audio Format] 
[Dolby Digital] [OK]
See page 56-57, 86 of the Operating Guide
NOTE: Higher video and audio quality settings will reduce the recording time per gigabit of
memory. Lower quality increases the recording time. See page 109 of the Operating Guide

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 8
Identify and explain each of the LCD Screen indicators
Cycle through the LCD screen Display settings to view the record settings (HD | 60i | FH | min |). If
this full information screen is not displayed for more than 3 seconds, you have to turn the Display
Setting to “On”.
Touch (MENU) [Setup] [Display Setting]
[On] [OK]
1.MENU button
2. Recording status
3. Remaining time for the battery
4. Battery power icon – amount left
5. Time Code
6. High Def (HD) or Standard Def (STD)
recording mode
7. Frame Rate
8. Recording quality
9. Recoding time remaining in memory
10. Icon for memory selected for recording (SD card shown here or internal memory)
11. My Button – Gain selected
12. My Button – Shutter Speed selected
13. My Button – EV selected but not applicable when all settings are manual
14. GPS status
15. Smile Shutter status
16. Playback button (switches camera into video playback mode)
17. Manual Focus icon (distance is briefly shown in manual mode and then disappears)
18. Iris setting
19. Gain setting
20. Shutter speed setting
21. White Balance Setting
22. Icon for HD audio setting (there is no icon for the Dolby Digital setting)
23. Audio recording levels
See page 124-125 of the Operating Guide
Push the Display button to cycle through
the settings. Set it to display the partial
information screen. It also allows the
record and zoom buttons to be displayed.
24. Zoom out button
25. Zoom in button
26. Record start button
See page 94 of the Operating Guide
LCD SCREEN INDICATORS!

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 9
Note: This camera comes with built-in stereo microphones on the camera body
that are useful for ambient and background sounds. Identify the built-in mics.
These will be the camera mics when the XLR Adapter is not used. For
professional results, XLR mics are needed.
Set up the microphones.
Plug the shotgun into Input 2 (i). Connect the hand mic to an XLR cable
and plug that into Input 1 (j). Plug in the headphones (back of the
camera, above the power switch).
Set the audio switches on the camera handle.
1. First set the “REC CH SELECT” switch (r) down to “CH1”.
2. Then set the switch position for CH1 (l) to the middle
(MIC) for the hand mic and for CH2 (n) set it down (MIC+48)
for the lavalier mic.
3. “ATT” is normally set at 0dB (k,m) unless the sound is
very loud.
4. Set the audio level dial switches (s,u) to MAN for manual control with the dial.
5. Set the LOW CUT INPUT switches (p,q) to “ON” for windy conditions and “OFF” for other times.
See page 53-55 of the Operating Guide
Know the following terminology for audio:
SHOTGUN MIC:A condenser mic which requires electrical power to work and has a narrow pickup
pattern which picks up sound best from the front.
HAND MIC: A dynamic mic with a cone-shaped pickup pattern and picks up sound a bit better from
the front than from the sides.
LAVALIER MIC: A condenser mic with an omnidirectional pickup pattern (picks up sound evenly
from any direction).
LINE LEVEL:A setting on the camera to match the strong electrical audio signal from a device
such as audio amplifier or DVD player.
MIC LEVEL:A setting on the camera to match the weak electrical audio signal generated by a
microphone.
DYNAMIC MIC:A microphone that generates its own weak electrical audio signal such as a hand
mic.
CONDENSER MIC:A microphone that needs electrical power to work. (The shotgun mic and the
lavalier mic are examples of condenser mics).
ATTENUATE:To reduce the signal strength or level by a large degree. The ATT switch position
reduces the audio signal strength when the sound is excessively loud and distorted. However, it is
not enough to compensate for a line level signal.
PHANTOM POWER:Electrical power (+48v) provided to the microphone from the camera through
the audio cable.
NOTE: Supplying phantom power to dynamic microphones may damage some microphones. Thus, it is
important to determine whether or not the mic needs phantom power. Before connecting a mic, set the +48V
switch to OFF and then connect your mic. If your audio display and headset do not reveal an audio signal
with the audio thumbwheel turned up, turn the +48V to ON. Don’t forget to turn the phantom power OFF for
mics not needing phantom power.
SETTING UP AUDIO

UHM Media Lab SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
2350 DOLE ST. KHET Studio B Director’s Phone: [phone]
WEB SITE: http://www.communications.hawaii.edu/mlab/about.htm FRONT DESK: 956-3355
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SONY HXR-NX70U Camcorder
UHM Media Lab Study Guide 8/26/13
Page 10
Setting the audio recording levels
After setting the switches, turn the camera on and use the thumbwheels (r,t)
on the handle to adjust the recording levels for the audio. Speak into the
microphones and set the recording levels to peak around ¾of the audio level
indicator.Adjust the audio separately for Ch1 and Ch2.
If the audio recording levels light up the red mark at the end constantly, the
recording level is set too high. If the recording levels don’t go beyond 50
percent on the indicator, the level is set too low.
Adjust the headset volume in the menu
Touch [MENU][Rec/Media SET] [Volume] [(adjust louder or softer)] [OK]
NOTE: Changing the volume adjusts the headset for your ear. The recording levels must always
be set according to the audio level indicators (#22 & 23 on the LCD screen). You must use the
headset to confirm that the audio is clear and without extraneous noise or interference.
Demonstrate how to focus the viewfinder for your eye
Close the LCD screen to turn on the viewfinder.
Locate the lever under the viewfinder.
Move the lever back and forth until icons in the viewfinder are sharp and in focus.
Demonstrate how to switch between automatic and manual focus and 2 ways to focus the
lens. Explain what indicators are displayed in the viewfinder.
Use the “FOCUS” button to switch between auto and manual
The icon of the hand with an “F” in it (#17 in the LCD screen)
indicates manual focus mode
1. Set the “FOCUS” to manual, set the ZOOM/FOCUS/IRIS switch
to “FOCUS” and rotate the manual control ring
2. Touch [MENU][Camera Audio] [Focus] [Manual] [OK].
On the LCD screen, touch an object on the screen. The
camera will put a double lined box on the object touched and focus on it.This feature can
be canceled by touching a finger-pointing icon with an “X” in it.
See page 43-44 of the Operating Guide
Demonstrate 3 ways to “zoom” the lens (without the remote control)
1. Use the power zoom lever on the handgrip
2. Set the ZOOM/FOCUS/IRIS switch to “ZOOM” and rotate the manual control ring
3. Open the LCD screen and touch the “W” or “T” on the screen to zoom out or in.
See page 42 of the Operating Guide
Demonstrate the standard procedure for focusing and composing your shot
Zoom in on your subject, focus, zoom out for your framing, and adjust your composition.
ADJUSTING FOCUS AND FOCAL LENGTH (ZOOMING)