Sony DCR-HC30 - Handycam Camcorder - 680 KP User manual

0SON_ 3-088_339-11(1)
Digital Video Camera Recorder
DCR-HC3OIHC40
.i°iD___PJB_ MEMDRV 5TICK
© 2004 Sony Corporation

Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
mmmal thoroughly, and retain it lbr future
rel_rence.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
C=MJ_ ON: TO R F_ J_A_ TH E RlaK _*_ ELEO_ C S_OCK,
DO NOT P_E GOVE_ _R B_IO.
_O LZB_=[-_ R_(_J_BLIE pp,_ IN_I_E.
P.E_ 8 _/ICINO TO Q U _U RED _VIC E p _N N_-
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of unin sulated
"dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating mid maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the
appliance.
0 Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetic interference
causes data transfer to discontinue midway (Pail),
restart the applic_lion or disconnect and connect the
USB cable again.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY
INSERT.
RECYCLINGLITHIUM-IONBMTERIES
Litldum-lon batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning your used
rechargeable batteries to the
collection and recycling location
nearest you.
For more int_mn_tion regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822- 8837,
or visit hltp://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-
1Ol/batteries.
"Memory Stick"and batterypack
This device complies with Part 15 o|'the FCC Rules.
Operation is su/_iect to the following two conditions:
( 1) This device may not cause harn_thl interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
2

For customers in the U.S.A.
If you l/ave any questions about this product, you may
call:
Sony Customer lntbrmation Center 1-800-222-SONY
(7669)
The number below is for FCC related matters only.
Regulalory Intbrmation
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC30
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road, Orade[I,
NJ 07hA9 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subjecl to the following two conditions:
( 1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) tlds device must accept any interference
received, including interference thai may cause
undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-HC40
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road, Orade[I,
NJ 07hA9 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subjecl to the following two conditions:
( 1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) dds device rmist accept any interference
received, including interference thai may cause
undesired operation.
Owner'sRecord
The model and serial numbers are located on the
bottom. Record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you
call upon your Sony dealer regarding tlds product.
Model No. DCR-HC
Serial No.
Model No.AC-
Serial No.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
O Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instrucfions, may cause
harmful intert_rence m radio communications.
However, _here is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmfifl interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, file user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the
tMlowing measures:
Reorim_t or relocate lhe receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
Commct the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from thai to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult a Sony dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable musl be used wilh the
equipment in order to comply wilh the limits |_)r a
digital device pursuant to gubpart B of Part 15 of FCC
Rules.
Noteson use
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV formal You can
use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder. Use of
mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory is
recommended as you can use Title search (p. 60), Dale
search (p. 61), [[_ TITLE] (p. 80), [[]TAPE
TITLE l (p. 82).
Cassettes with Cassette Memory are marked
withClll .
Note on the type of "Memory Stick" you
can use in your camcorder
YOUcan use only a "Memory Stick Duo," wtiich is
about half _he size of a standard "Memory Stick," in
your camcorder (p. 126).
The MEMDRY5TICKnuo mark is indicated on the
"Memory Stick Duo."
Notes on recording
•Before slarling to record, test the recording function
to make sure the pictu_ and sound are recorded
without any problems.
,,_continued
DCR-IIC30/HC40 3

• Compens_lion for the contents of recordings canno_
be provided, even if recording or playback is nol
possible due to a malfunction of the eamcorder,
storage nledia, 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 progranls, films, video tapes, and other
materials may be copyrighted. Unaulhorized
recording of such malerials may be contrary to the
copyright laws.
Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and
lens
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effcclive use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/
or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color)
that appear constm/tly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder.
These points are normal results of the mmlul_aeturing
process and do not affect the recording in rely way.
• Exposing the LC D screen, the view finder, or the lens
to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera
near a window or outdoors.
• Do no_ 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.
Note on connecting other device
Before connecting your eamcorder to other device
such as a VCR or a computer wifll a USB or bLINK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper
direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in
the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or
this may cause a malfunction of your eamcorder.
Notes on using this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder
used on ibis manual are captured using a digital still
cmnera, and thus may appear different from whal
you see.
• The illustrations used on this manual are based on
the model DCR-HC,4fi.
Notes on using the camcorder
• Hold your camcorder colvectly.
• Fasten lhe Strap Belt as shown in the following
illustration.
• Tile Strap Belt can also be used as a wrist slrap
(p. 140).
• When you are using the louch panel, place your hand
on the back side of the LCD pmlel to support it.
Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.
Touch the button on the LCD screen.
• You Call change the language to be used for screen
display on your camcorder (p. 25).
4

• Be carelhl not to press buttons on the LCD frame
accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel,
or when you adjust the angle of the LCD paneh
• Do not hold the eameorder by the |bllowing parts.
Viewfinder LCD panel
5

Table of Contents []: t 'o°t°roavoilab]ofor o.ly.
:Features available for "Memory Stick Duo"
only.
Read this first ............................................................................................. 2
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies .................................................................................... 10
Recording still images .............................................................................. 12
Recording/Playing back with ease ........................................................... 14
Getting started
Step 1: Checking supplied items .............................................................. 15
Step 2: Charging the battery pack ............................................................ 16
Using an outside power source ................................................................................. 19
Step 3: Turning the power on ................................................................... 19
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...................................... 20
Adjusting the LCD panel ............................................................................................ 20
Adjusting the viewrinder ............................................................................................. 21
Step 5: Setting the date and time ............................................................. 22
Step 6: Inserting the recording media ...................................................... 23
Inserting a cassette tape ........................................................................................... 23
Inserting a "Memory Stick Duo". ................................................................................ 24
Step 7: Setting the screen language ........................................................ 25
Recording
Recording movies .................................................................................... 26
Recording for a longer time ....................................................................................... 28
Using zoom ................................................................................................................ 29
Recording in mirror mode .......................................................................................... 29
Using the selfqimer .................................................................................................... 30
Recording still images _ - Memory photo recording ............................. 31
Selecting image quality or size .................................................................................. 32
Using the selfqimer .................................................................................................... 33
Recording a still image on a "Memory Stick Duo" while recording movies
on a tape ............................................................................................................. 34
Recording with ease - Easy Handycam .................................................. 34
Recording a movie [] .............................................................................................. 34
Recording a still image [] ........................................................................................ 35
Making full use of Easy Handycam operation ........................................................... 36
6

Adjusting the exposure ............................................................................. 37
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ...............................................................37
Fixingthe exposure for the selected subject- Flexible spot meter ..........................37
Adjusting the exposure manually ..............................................................................38
Recording in dark places - NightShot plus, etc ....................................... 39
Adjusting the focus ................................................................................... 40
Adjusting the focus for an off-center subject - SPOT FOCUS ..................................40
Adjusting the focus manually ....................................................................................41
Recording a picture using various effects ................................................ 42
Fading in and out of ascene n - FADER ..............................................................42
Using special effects _ - Digital effect ..................................................................43
Overlaying still images on movies on atape - MEMORY MIX ................................. 45
Searching for the starting point [] .......................................................... 47
Searching forthe lastscene of the mostrecent recording- END SEARCH ............47
Searching manually- EDIT SEARCH ......................................................................47
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes - Rec review .................................... 48
Playback
Viewing movies recorded on a tape [] ................................................... 49
Playing back invarious modes ................................................................................. 50
Viewing recordings with added effects- Digital effect .............................................. 51
Viewing recordings on a "Memory Stick Duo" _ .................................... 52
Playing back invarious modesfrom a "Memory Stick Duo". ..................................... 53
Playing back with ease - Easy Handycam .............................................. 54
Makingfull use of Easy Handycam operation ........................................................... 55
Various playback functions ...................................................................... 56
Magnifying pictures - Tape playbackzoom/Memory playbackzoom .......................56
Displaying the screen indicators ...............................................................................57
Displaying the date/time and camera settings data- Data code ..............................57
Playing the picture on a TV ...................................................................... 59
Locating a scene on a tape for playback [] ........................................... 60
Searching quicklyfor a desired scene - Zero set memory .......................................60
Searching for a scene using Cassette Memory - Title search ..................................60
Searching fora scene by date of recording - Datesearch .......................................61

Advanced operations
Using the Menu
Selecting menu items ........................ 62
Using the _! (CAMERA SET) menu
- PROGRAM AEfWHITE BAL./16:9
WIDE, etc..................................... 64
Using the _ (MEMORY SET) menu
- BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/
ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER,
etc ................................................ 70
Using the E'¢ (PICT. APPLI.) menu
- PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/
FRAME REC/INTERVAL REC/INT.
REC-STL, etc.............................. 74
Using the _4_ (EDIT/PLAY) menu
- []TITLE/_TAPE TITLE,
etc ................................................ 79
Using the _ (STANDARD SET) menu
- Ill REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/
AUDIO MIX/USB-CAMERA,
etc ................................................ 83
Using the _@ (TIME/LANGU.) menu
- CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,
etc ................................................ 88
Customizing Personal Menu .............. 89
Dubbing/Editing
Connecting to a VCR or TV ............... 92
Dubbing to another tape I_1 ............... 93
Recording pictures from a VCR or
TV .................................................94
Dubbing pictures from a tape to a
"Memory Stick Duo" ..................... 95
Dubbing still images from a "Memory
Stick Duo" to a tape ...................... 96
Dubbing selected scenes from a tape
- Digital program editing .............. 97
Dubbing sound to a recorded
tape [] ....................................... 104
Deleting recorded pictures D .......... 106
Marking recorded images with specific
information _ - Image protection/
Print mark ................................... 107
Printing recorded images (PictBridge
compliant printer) _ .................. 109
8

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ............................... 112
Warning indicators and messages ,,,120
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad .......... 124
Usable cassette tapes ..................... 125
About the "Memory Stick" ................ 126
About the "lnfoLITHIUM" battery
pack ............................................ 129
About i,LINK ..................................... 130
Maintenance and precautions .......... 131
Specification .................................... 134
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls ........... 137
Index ................................................ 144
Refer also to other operating instructions
supplied with your camcorder:
• Editing images with your computer
-)Compuler Applicalions Guide
9

Quick Start Guide
Recordingmovies
Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.
To charge the battery, see page 16.
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
2Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
_) Slide the OPEN/ I_ Insert the cassette with
_--EJECT_4 lever in its window-side facing
the direction of the up, then push the center
arrow to open the lid. of the back of the
The cassette compartment cassette.
comes out au_omatically.
OPress _.
Close the cassette lid atler
the cassette compartment
slides back in by itself.
OPEN/_'EJECT _1 lever Window-side
10 Quick Start Guide

3Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.
The date and time is not set up in the detlmlt setting. To set the date and time, see page 22.
() Set the LENS COVER
switch to OPEN.
O Open the LCD panel.
While pressing the
green button, slide
the POWER switch
down to light up the
CAMERA-TAPE lamp.
Thepo_er turnson.
_) Press REC START/
STOP.
Recording starts. To
change to standby mode,
press REC START/STOP
again.
You can also rise REC
START/STOP of|he LCD
patteh
1
4View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.
_]_ Slide the POWER
switch repeatedly
until the PLAY/EDIT
lamp lights up.
Touch _ (rewind).
Touch I_ (play) to
start the playback.
To stop, press [_ZI.
"ik_mm offthe power, slide the
POWER switch up m OFF
(CHG).
Set _heLENS COVER swilch
_oC&OSE.

Recordingstill images
Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.
To charge the battery, see page 16.
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
2Insert a "Memory Stick Duo" into the camcorder.
Insert it so that the < mark
is at the bottom left corner.
Push in until it clicks.
12 Quick Start Guide

3Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.
The date and time is not set up in the dethult setting. To set the date and time, see page 22.
0 Set the LENS COVER
switch to OPEN.
0Open the LCD panel.
While pressing the
green button, slide
the POWER switch
repeatedly until the
CAMERA*MEMORY
lamp lights up.
The power turns on.
_) Press PHOTO lightly.
A short beep sound is heard
when the focus is adjusted.
Press PHOTO fully.
A shutter sound is heard
and the still image is
recorded.
4View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.
_) Slide the POWER
switch repeatedly
until the PLAY/EDIT
lamp lights up.
Touch [i_].
The most recently recorded
image is di@ayed.
Touch [3_ (next) or
(previous) to
view images in
sequence.
ik) turn offthe power, slide the
POWER switch up to OFF
(CHG).
Sel _l_eLENS COVER swilch to
CLOSE.
Quick Start Guide I13

Recording/Playingback with ease
By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation
becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/
playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions
for recording/playback.
Press EASY when recording/
playing back.
EASY lights up in blue (O) and
screen font size increases (O) during
Easy Handycam operation.
Easy Handycam
operation
ON
For details, see instructions thr each operation.
See page 34 for recording, page 54 lbr playback.
14 Quick Start Guide

Gettingstarted
Step 1: Checking
supplied items
Make sure you have following items supplied
with your camcorder.
The number in parenlheses indicates lhenumber
of thatitem supplied.
"Memory Stick Duo" 8MB (1)
You can use only a "Memory Stick Duo," which is
about half file size of a standard "Memory Stick," in
your cameorder. See p_ge 126 tbr details.
Wireless Remote Commander (t)
A bueon4ype lithium battery is already installed.
A/V connecting cable (t)
USB cable (t)
co
=0
Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1)
If you attach a Memory Stick Duo adaptor to a
"Memory Stick Duo," you can use a "Memory Stick
Duo" with any of the devices compalible wi0/a
standard "Memory Stick."
AC Adaptor (1)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP50 (1)
CD-ROM "SPVD-012 USB Driver" (1)
Cleaning cloth (t)
Shoe cover (1)
Altached to the cameorder.
Camera Operations Guide (This manual)
(1)
Computer Applications Guide (t)
Power cord (t)
Getting started 15

Step 2: Chargingthe
battery pack
You can charge the battery by attaching the
"InfoLITHIUM" battery pack (P series) to
your camcorder.
0 Notes
• YOUcannol use batteries olher than the
"Int_)LITIll UM" b_ltery pack (P series) (p. 129).
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor
or battery termtaals with any metallic objects. This
may cause a malfunction.
• Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlel immedialely if any maBimction occurs.
Batter
DC iN
DC plug
Power cord
AC Adaptor
To the wall outlet
Attach the battery pack by sliding it in
the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
With the • mark on the DC plug facing
down, connect the AC Adaptor to the
DC IN jack on your camcorder.
(_.... •mark
3Connect the power cord to the AC
Adaptor.
4Connect the power cord to the wall
outlet.
Slide the POWER switch up to OFF
(CHG).
]'he CtIG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
OBO<oba oe)
16 Getting started

Afterchargingthebattery
The CItG (charge) lamp turns oft" when the
battery is thlly charged. Disconnect 1he AC
Adaptor from 1he DC IN jack.
To removethebatterypack
BATT(battery)
releasebutton POWER switch
bakery pack
1 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
2Slide the battery pack outin the direction
of the arrow while pressing the BATT
(battery) release button down.
0 Note
• If you do not use the b_ltery pack for a long time, use
up the battery pack completely before storing it. See
page 129 about s_orage of the battery pack.
lo checktheremainingbattery- Battery
Info
DSP_BATTINFO
1 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
2Open the LCD panel.
3Press DSPL/BATT INFO.
The battery information appears tbr about 7
seconds.
Kc'ep the button pressed 1oview it for about
20 seconds.
BATTERY INFO ]-I
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
REC TIME AVAILABLE
LCD SCREEN: _2VIEWFINDER:
[] Battery charge level: Displays
approximate remaining amount of
power left in the batter), pack.
[] Approximate possible recording time
using the LCD panel.
[] Approximate possible recording time
using the viewfinder.
Chargingtime
Approximate number of minutes required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack
at25°C(77°F).(IO 30°C(50 86°F)
recommended.)
t_
NP-FP50 (supplied) 125
NP-FP70 155
NP-FP90 220
POWER switch
You can check the battery's current charge level
and its current remaining recording time both
during charging or when the power is turned off.
,->continued
Getting started 17

Recordingtimewhenrecordingwiththe
LCDscreenon
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a lhlly charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
With LCD BACKLiGHT set to ON
For DCR-ItC40:
NP-FP50 85 45
(supplied)
NP-FP70 180 95
NP-FP90 320 175
For DCR-HC30:
NP-FP50 105 55
(supplied)
NP-FP70 225 120
NP-FP90 40(1 220
With LCD BACKLIGHT set to OFF
For DCR-ItC40:
NP-FP50 95 50
(supplied)
NP-FP70 200 110
NP-FP90 355 195
For DCR-HC30:
NP-FP50 120 65
(supplied)
NP-FP70 255 140
NP-FP90 455 250
Recordingtime whenrecordingwiththe
viewfinder
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
For DCR-HC40:
NP-FP50 95 50
(supplied)
NP-FP70 200 II0
NP-FP90 355 195
For DCR-HC30:
NP-FP50 120 65
(supplied)
NP-FP70 255 140
NP-FP90 455 250
* Approximate number of minutes when recording
while you repeatedly record, star,/stop, slide the
POWER switch to chmlge the power mode, and
zoom. The aoual battery life may be shorter.
Playingtime
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
For DCR-HC40:
NP-FP50 105 120
(supplied)
NP-FP70 225 255
NP-FP90 400 455
18 Getting started

For DCR-ttC30:
NP-FP50 120 140
(supplied)
NP-FP70 255 295
NP-FPg0 455 525
* With LCD BACKL[GHT set to ON.
ONotes
• The power will not be supplied from the baltery pack
when lhe AC Adaptor is connected m the DC IN jack
of your camcorder, even if its power cord is
disconnected from the wall outlet.
• The recording mid playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low _emperature.
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or
fl_e baltery intbrmation will not be correctly
displayed in following conditions.
The battery pack is not attached correctly.
The battery pack is damaged.
The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery
inform_lion only)
Step3: Turningthe
poweron
You need to slide the POWER switch
repeatedly to select the desired power mode
to record or play.
When using this camcorder for the first time,
the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 22).
LENS COVERswitch
I
POWER switch
G}
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power
source when you do not want the battery to
run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,
the battery pack will not lose its charge even
when it is attached to your camcorder.
PRECAUTION
Even if your camcorder is turned olt; AC power
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connecled to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.
Set the LENS COVER switch to
OPEN.
While pressing the green button, slide
the POWER switch down.
The power turns on.
To enter the recording or playing mode,
slide the switch repeatedly until the
respective lamp for the desired power mode
lights up.
_ _pE CAMERA
Connect your camcorder as shown in
"Charging the battery pack" (p. 16).
• CAMERA-TAPE mode: To record on a tape.
• CAMERA-MEMORY mode: To record on a
"Memory Stick Duo."
• PLAY?EDIT mode: To play or edit pictures on
a tape or "Memory Stick Duo."
-_continued
Getting started 19

To turnoffthepower
Slide 1he POWER switch up to OFF (CttG).
Set |he LENS COVER switch to CLOSE. Step 4: Adjustingthe
LCDpanel and
viewfinder
You can adjust the angle and brightness of
the LCD panel to meet various recording
situations.
Even when there are obstructions between you
and 1he subject, you can check the subject on the
LCD screen during recording by adjusting 1he
m_gle of|he LCD panel.
Maximum
180 degrees
Maximum
90 degrees
LCD BACKLIGHT
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder, then rotate it to the desired
position.
To adjust thebrightnessof the LCD
screen
1Touch _.
2 Touch [LCD BRIGHT].
if the item is not displayed on |he screen,
|ouch [_/[_. If you cannot find it, touch
20 Getting started