Regulatory Information

For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion 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 information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC52 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Battery pack

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC54 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Owners Record

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 your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DCR-HC52/HC54 Serial No. Model No. ACSerial No.
Read thid first (Continued)
DCR-HC52 and DCR-HC54 are to be used with AC Adaptor Model AC-L200/L200B.

Notes on use

About the manuals supplied with your camcorder
Operating Guide (This manual) For DCR-HC54 First Step Guide for connecting the camcorder to a computer and using the supplied software (stored on the supplied CD-ROM)

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
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 instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Type 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. 60).

Using the camcorder

Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder

LCD panel
For the State of California, USA only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains perchlorate.
The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof. See On use and care (p. 63). When connecting your camcorder to another device with communication cables, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal
will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder.
About the language setting
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. 16).
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 highprecision 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.

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 country/region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need a 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.

About this manual

Black point White, red, blue or green point
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.
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 illustrations used on this manual are based on the model DCR-HC54. The model name is indicated on the bottom of your camcorder. Design and specifications of recording media and accessories are subject to change without notice.
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.
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS..3 Read this first.. 5

Notes on use.. 6

Using the Menu
Using the menu items.. 29
Operation button items..30 Menu items..37 MANUAL SET menu.38

P EFFECT

Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items... 11 Step 2: Charging the battery pack... 12 Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time. 15
Changing the language setting... 16

CAMERA SET menu.39

D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/ STEADYSHOT, etc.

VCR SET menu..40

4 Move to [D] (day) with

, then set with / and repeat for the hour and minute. For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.
5 Make sure the date and time
settings are correct, then touch. The clock starts.
Touch the button on the LCD screen. POWER switch

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF(CHG).
1 While pressing the green button,
slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to turn on the respective lamp. CAMERA: To record on a tape. PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures. The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

CLOCK SET

To reset the date and time
You can set the desired date and time by touching t [PAGE2] t [CLOCK SET] (p. 29).
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. 66). At the time of purchase, the power is set to turn off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 43).

Y M JAN

D : AM

z Tips

2 Set [Y] (year) with
You can set any year up to the year 2079.
3 Move to [M] (month) with

then set with /.

The date and time are not displayed while recording, but they are automatically recorded on the tape, and can be displayed during playback (see page 34 for [DATA CODE] (During Easy Handycam operation, you can set only [DATE/TIME])). If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the touch panel (CALIBRATION) (p. 64).
Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time (Continued)
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch t [MENU] t (SETUP MENU) t [ LANGUAGE], then select the desired language.
Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording

Opening the lens cover

Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.

The viewfinder

You can view pictures using the viewfinder to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.
After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE, to close the lens cover.

The LCD panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).
DISP/BATT INFO 180 degrees (max.)
Viewfinder lens adjustment lever Move it until the picture is clear. z Tips
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting (LCD/VF SET) [VF B.L.] (p. 41).

Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
[STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image blurring as desired when the power zoom lever is set to the T (Telephoto) side. Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever. If you move your finger off the power zoom lever, the operation sound of the power zoom lever may also be recorded. You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame. The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press. (back light) to display. To cancel the backlight function, press. (back light) again.

Recording in mirror mode

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2).
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded.
Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.

Start playing back.

Touch to rewind the tape to the desired point, then touch
Play/Pause* toggles as you touch it

to start playback.

Rewind/Fast forward
* Playback automatically stops if pause is engaged for more than 3 minutes.

To adjust the volume

Touch t [PAGE1] t [VOL], then / to adjust the volume.
To search for a scene during playback
Touch and hold / during playback (Picture Search), or forwarding or rewinding the tape (Skip Scan).
You can play back in various modes ([V SPD PLAY], p. 34).

while fast

Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE)
You can easily select the desired setting screens by using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE).
Unavailable settings during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, some items are unavailable. If an attempted setting is not available, but still desired, touch [SET] to display an on-screen instruction. Follow the instruction to cancel Easy Handycam operation and then select the setting.
If [SET] is not displayed in step 3, follow the instruction on the screen.
Your camcorder has 2 guide functions as shown below.

SHOOT GUIDE: DISP GUIDE: Takes you to the setting screens related to recording. Enables you to check the meaning of each indicator that appears on the LCD screen. See page 73 for details.
1 Touch [GUIDE]. 2 Select the desired item.
e.g., to record night views Touch [SHOOT GUIDE] t [SELCT SCENE] t [PAGE r]/[PAGE R] to display [To keep the mood of a night view].

3 Touch [SET].

The desired setting screen appears. Adjust the settings according to your purpose.
Searching for the starting point
Make sure that the CAMERA lamp lights up (p. 21).

1 Touch

[MENU].

t [PAGE1] t

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH)
[END SCH] (END SEARCH) will not work once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape. Touch t [PAGE1], then touch [END SCH].

60min 0:00:00

2 Select
(CAMERA SET) with , then touch [EXEC].
3 Select [EDITSEARCH] with

, then touch [EXEC].

4 Select [ON] with

then touch [EXEC] t

60min STBY

0:00:00

SPOT FOCUS MENU

FOCUS SCENE SEL.

SPOT METER END SCH

DISP GUIDE EXPO SURE

EDIT FN
Touch here again to cancel the operation.
The last scene of the most recent recording is played back for about 5 seconds, and the camcorder enters the standby mode at the point where the last recording has finished.

5 Touch and hold

(to go backward)/ (to go forward) and release it at the point where you want the recording to start.
[END SCH] will not work correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape.
This operation is also available when the POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH)
You can search for the start point to start the next recording while viewing the pictures on the screen. The sound is not played back during the search.

5 Touch

The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
Playing the picture on a TV
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

Set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent lamps. When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing white object while is flashing quickly. flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not be set. When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if keeps flashing after touching , set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO]. If you set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is canceled.
MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black and white to color. When fading out, it gradually changes from color to black and white.

WHT BAL (White balance)

You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. B AUTO
The white balance is adjusted automatically.
If you have changed the battery pack while [AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after inside use with the [EXPOSURE] set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. When the white balance has been set with [ONE PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the white balance.

OUTDOOR (

The white balance is appropriately adjusted for the following recording conditions:
Outdoors Night views, neon signs and fireworks Sunrise or sunset Under daylight fluorescent lamps

INDOOR (n)

Indoors At party scenes or studios where the lighting conditions change quickly Under video lamps in a studio, or under sodium lamps or incandescent-like color lamps
A beeping sound starts when you start/stop recording, or operate the touch panel.
Cancels the beeping sound and shutter sound.

ONE PUSH (

The white balance will be adjusted according to the ambient light. 1 Touch [ONE PUSH].

CLOCK SET*

See page 15.

CAM DATA (below)

Displays camera setting data.

DATE/TIME

Displays the date and time.

60min 0:00:00:00

MANUAL SET menu (p. 38)

P EFFECT z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z OFF OFF 4:3 ON OFF ON BRT NORMAL BRT NORMAL SP 12BIT AUTO OFF z ON * 5min LCD OFF

CAMERA SET menu (p. 39)

D ZOOM WIDE SEL STEADYSHOT EDITSEARCH N.S.LIGHT

VCR SET menu (p. 40)

AUDIO MIX

LCD/VF SET menu (p. 41)

LCD B.L. LCD COLOR VF B.L. WIDE DISP

TAPE SET menu (p. 42)

REC MODE AUDIO MODE REMAIN

SETUP MENU menu (p. 42)

USB STREAM (DCR-HC54) LANGUAGE DEMO MODE

OTHERS menu (p. 43)

WORLD TIME A.SHUT OFF DISP OUT GUIDEFRAME
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.

MANUAL SET menu

P EFFECT The default setting is marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. MOSAIC*
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.
P EFFECT (Picture effect)
You can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback. appears. B OFF
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.
* Not available during playback.
Effects added to the playback pictures are not output via the DV Interface (i.LINK). Only the original pictures can be output. You cannot add effects to externally input pictures.

NEG.ART

The color and brightness are reversed.
You can record pictures edited with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc. (p. 44).
Pictures appear in sepia.

B&W

Pictures appear in black and white.

SOLARIZE

Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast.

PASTEL*

Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.

CAMERA SET menu

D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items. B 4:3
Standard setting (to record pictures to be played back on a 4:3 TV).

16:9 WIDE (

Records pictures to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with [16:9 WIDE] selected.

D ZOOM (Digital zoom)

You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 40 (the default setting) while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality decreases when you are using the digital zoom.
When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV*
When viewed on a standard TV**
The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming factor. The zooming zone appears when you select the zooming level.
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the wide-screen TV switches to full mode. ** Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in the wide mode, it appears as you saw it on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

STEADYSHOT

You can compensate for camera shake (the default setting is [ON]). Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when using a tripod (optional) or the conversion lens (optional), then the image becomes natural.
Up to 40 zoom is performed optically.
Up to 40 zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 80 zoom is performed digitally.
Up to 40 zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 2,000 zoom is performed digitally.

EDITSEARCH

Does not display LCD screen. or on the

WIDE SEL (Wide select)

You can record a picture in a ratio suitable for the screen on which it will be displayed. Refer also to the operating instructions supplied with your TV for details.
Displays and on the LCD screen, and enables the EDIT SEARCH function and Rec review (p. 26).
CAMERA SET menu ( (Continued)

VCR SET menu

N.S.LIGHT (NightShot Light)
When using the NightShot plus (p. 22) function to record, you can record clearer pictures by setting [N.S.LIGHT], which emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the default setting).
Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p. 69). Remove the conversion lens (optional) if it is attached. The maximum shooting distance using [N.S.LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).

See page 36.

If you record subjects in dark places, such as night scenes or in moonlight, set [N.S.LIGHT] to [OFF]. You can make the image color deeper this way.

LCD/VF SET menu

LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc The default settings are marked with B. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items.
When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.
LCD B.L. (LCD back light)
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screens backlight. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. B BRT NORMAL

Standard brightness.

WIDE DISP (Wide display)
You can select how a 16:9 aspect ratio picture appears in the viewfinder and the LCD screen by setting [WIDE SEL] to [16:9 WIDE]. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. B LETTER BOX
Normal setting (standard type of display)

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen. b Notes

SQUEEZE

Expands the picture vertically if black bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect ratio are undesirable.

LCD COLOR

You can adjust the color on the LCD screen with /. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation.

When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted. When you touch (Play/Pause).
Always displays the remaining tape indicator.

OTHERS menu

WORLD TIME, etc. The default settings are marked with B. See page 29 for details on selecting menu items.

GUIDEFRAME

You can display the frame and check that the subject is horizontal or vertical by setting [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON]. The frame is not recorded. Press DISP/ BATT INFO to make the frame disappear.
Placing the subject at the cross point of the guide frame makes a balanced composition.

WORLD TIME

When using your camcorder abroad, you can set the time difference by touching / , the clock will be adjusted in accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock returns to the originally set time.
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)

B 5min

The camcorder is automatically turned off when you do not operate your camcorder for more than approximately 5 minutes.
The camcorder is not automatically turned off. b Notes
When you connect your camcorder to a wall outlet (wall socket), [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER].
DISP OUT (Display output)
Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.

V-OUT/LCD

Shows displays such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the viewfinder.
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders
You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. You can connect your camcorder to VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders, using the A/V connecting cable (1), the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2), or the i.LINK cable (3). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
Device without an S VIDEO jack
Device with an S VIDEO jack

(White)

(Red) (Red) (Yellow)
To i.LINK jack VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders
To DV Interface (i.LINK) : Signal flow
When connecting to another device via the S VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be reproduced more faithfully than with the supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this case, the yellow
(standard video) plug connection is not necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not output audio.
C i.LINK cable (optional)
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your camcorder to another device equipped with an i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are transmitted digitally, producing high quality pictures and sound. Note that you cannot output picture and sound separately.

When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack, and the red (right channel) or the white (left channel) plug to the audio input jack on the device. When you connect a device via an A/V connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the default setting) (p. 43).
5 When dubbing is complete, stop
your camcorder and the recording device.
To record the date/time and camera settings data when connected by the A/V connecting cable, display them on the screen (p. 34). The following cannot be output via the DV Interface (i.LINK): Indicators Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 38) When connected using an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture becomes rough when a picture is paused on your camcorder while recording. When connected using an i.LINK cable, data code (date/time/camera settings data) may not be displayed or recorded depending on the device or application.
1 Prepare your camcorder for
playback. Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Insert the recording media in the
recording device. If your recording device has an input selector, set it to the appropriate input (such as video input1, video input2).
3 Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (VCR or DVD/ HDD recorder) with the A/V connecting cable (supplied) 1, an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) 2 or an i.LINK cable (optional) 3. Connect your camcorder to the input jacks of the recording device.
4 Start playback on the camcorder,
and recording on the recording device. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your recording device for details.
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc.
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape. Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand. You can connect your camcorder to a VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK cable (optional). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 12). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

You can also start by selecting [Start] t [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) t [Sony Picture Utility] t [FirstStepGuide] t Your camcorder's folder t First Step Guide in HTML. To view First Step Guide in HTML without installing, copy the desired language folder from the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM, and then double-click [Index.html]. Refer to the First Step Guide in PDF in the following cases: When printing the desired topics of First Step Guide When First Step Guide is not displayed correctly due to the browser setting even in recommended environment. When the HTML version of First Step Guide cannot be installed.
If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer. Overall operations/Easy Handycam.. 52 Batteries/Power sources.. 52 LCD screen/viewfinder. 53 Cassette tapes.. 53 Recording.. 54 Playback.. 55 Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices.. 55 Connecting to a computer.. 56 Functions that cannot be used together.. 56 Settings change during Easy Handycam operation.
During Easy Handycam operation, the settings of the functions that are not displayed on the screen return to their defaults (p. 19, 37).
The menu item settings have changed unexpectedly.
The following settings return to the default settings automatically when you set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG) for more than 12 hours. backlight [SPOT FOCUS] [FOCUS] [SPOT METER] [SCENE SEL.] [EXPOSURE] [WHT BAL] [AUDIO MIX]
Overall operations/Easy Handycam
The power does not turn on.
Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 12). Use the AC Adaptor to connect to a wall outlet (wall socket) (p. 12).

The camcorder gets warm.

The camcorder may get warmer while you use it. This is not a malfunction.

Batteries/Power sources

The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) or remove the battery pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute. Press the RESET button (p. 70) using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button, all settings are reset.)
The power abruptly turns off.
When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF] (p. 43), or turn on the power again (p. 15), or use the AC Adaptor. Charge the battery pack (p. 12). The battery is fully discharged, or almost discharged.

System Used in

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc. Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, etc. Brazil Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay. Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

PAL - M PAL - N SECAM

Maintenance and precautions

Usable cassette tapes

You can use mini DV format cassettes only. Use a cassette with the mark. Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function. x To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set it to SAVE.
To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape
Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p. 26) before you begin the next recording in the following cases:
You have played back the tape. You have used EDIT SEARCH.
REC: The cassette can be recorded. SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-protected).

REC SAVE

Copyright signal
x When you play back If the cassette you play back on your camcorder contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to a tape in another video camera connected to your camcorder. x When you record You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals for copyright protection of software. [Cannot record due to copyright protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or on the viewfinder if you try to record such software. Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records.
x When labeling the cassette Be sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Do not put a label along this border.

3-278-984-11(1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Getting Started 9

Operating Guide

Recording/ 17 Playback

Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing 58 68
DCR-HC51E/HC52E/ HC53E/HC54E
Using a Computer Troubleshooting Additional Information Quick Reference

2008 Sony Corporation

Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC54E Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

CAUTION

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only.
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 instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC52E Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (i.LINK, etc.) again.

Battery pack

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 1080075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.
Notice for customers in the United Kingdom
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 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 BS 1362 (i.e., marked with an 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.

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.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE

ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit. 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).

Continued ,

Read thid first (Continued)
Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources. In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To ensure that the battery will be treated properly, hand over the product at end-oflife to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries. For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Notes on use

About the manuals supplied with your camcorder
Operating Guide (This manual) For DCR-HC53E/HC54E First Step Guide for connecting the camcorder to a computer and using the supplied software (stored on the supplied CD-ROM)
Type of cassette you can use in your camcorder

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.
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

Table of Contents

Read this first.. 2

Notes on use.. 4

Using the Menu
Using the menu items.. 28
Operation button items..29 Menu items..36 MANUAL SET menu.37

P EFFECT

Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items..9 Step 2: Charging the battery pack... 10 Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time. 13
Changing the language setting... 14

CAMERA SET menu.38

D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/ STEADYSHOT, etc.
PLAYER SET/ VCR SET menu..39

AUDIO MIX

LCD/VF SET menu..40
LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording. 15 Step 5: Inserting a Cassette. 16

TAPE SET menu.41

REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/ REMAIN

SETUP MENU menu.41

Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam).. 17 Recording.. 19
Zooming.. 20 Recording in dark places (NightShot plus). 20 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects. 21 Recording in mirror mode. 21
USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.

OTHERS menu.42

WORLD TIME, etc.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders..43 Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-HC52E/HC54E)..45
Playback.. 22 Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE). 23 Searching for the starting point.. 24
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH). 24 Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH). 24 Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).. 24

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC53E/54E).47 Installing the First Step Guide and software (DCR-HC53E/54E).48 Viewing First Step Guide (DCRHC53E/54E)..50

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting..51 Warning indicators and messages...56
Playing the picture on a TV.. 26
Table of Contents (Continued)

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad. 58 Maintenance and precautions. 59
Usable cassette tapes. 59 About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack.. 60 About i.LINK.. 61 On using your camcorder. 62

Specifications. 65

Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls. 68 Indicators displayed during recording/playback. 71 Index.. 74
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.

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 10) Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1) (p. 10, 60) USB cable (1) (DCR-HC53E/HC54E) (p. 69)
Power cord (Mains lead) (1) (p. 10) CD-ROM Handycam Application Software (1) (DCR-HC53E/54E)(p. 47) Operating Guide (This manual) (1) A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 26, 43)
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
With the v mark facing down DC IN jack To the wall outlet (wall socket)

POWER switch

AC Adaptor Power cord (Mains lead)
You can charge the InfoLITHIUM battery pack (H series) (p. 60) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

You cannot attach any InfoLITHIUM battery pack other than the H series to your camcorder.
4 Connect the power cord (mains
lead) to the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet (wall socket).

CHG (charge) lamp

1 Align the terminals of the battery
pack and your camcorder 1, then attach the battery pack and click it into place 2.
2 Slide the POWER switch in the
direction of the arrow to OFF(CHG) (The default setting). The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.
3 With the v mark on the DC plug
facing down, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
To use an outside power source
You can operate your camcorder using the power from the wall outlet (wall socket) by making the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.
pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed.
Remaining battery (approx.)
BATTERY INFO BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL 0% 50% 100%
To remove the battery pack
1 Turn off the power, then press PUSH. 2 Remove the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
REC TIME AVAILABLE LCD SCREEN : 85 min VIEWFINDER : 99 min
Recording capacity (approx.)
You can check the remaining battery charge on the LCD screen.

[END SCH] will not work correctly when there is a blank section between recorded sections on the tape.
Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)
You can view about 2 seconds of the scene recorded just before you stopped the tape.
This operation is also available when the POWER switch is set to PLAY/EDIT.
Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH)
You can search for the start point to start the next recording while viewing the pictures on the screen. The sound is not played back during the search.

5 Touch

The last 2 seconds (approx.) of the most recently recorded scene are played back. Then, your camcorder is set to standby.
Playing the picture on a TV
You can connect your camcorder to the input jack of a TV or a VCR using the A/V connecting cable (1) or the A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (2). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
Device without an S VIDEO jack Device with an S VIDEO jack

(Black)

(Yellow)
A/V Remote Connector (White)
(White) (Red) (Red) (Yellow)

: Signal flow

VCRs or TVs
A A/V connecting cable (supplied)
Connect to the input jack of another device.
B A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional)
When connecting to another device via the S VIDEO jack, by using the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable, pictures can be reproduced more faithfully than with the supplied A/V cable connection. Connect the white and red plugs (left/right audio) and S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of an A/V connecting cable. In this case, the yellow (standard video) plug connection is not necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not output audio.
When connecting your camcorder to a TV through a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.
When your TV is monaural (Only one audio input jack)
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and connect the white (left channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR.
You can display the time code on the TV screen by setting [DISP OUT] to [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 42).
If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin adaptor (EUROCONNECTOR)
You need the 21-pin adaptor (optional) to connect your camcorder to a TV for viewing recorded images. This adaptor is designed for output use only.

TV/VCR

Using the menu items

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen. b Notes

SQUEEZE

Expands the picture vertically if black bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect ratio are undesirable.

LCD COLOR

You can adjust the color on the LCD screen with /. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation.

Low intensity

High intensity
VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. B BRT NORMAL
Brightens the viewfinder screen.

TAPE SET menu

REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 28 for details on selecting menu items.

SETUP MENU menu

USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. See page 28 for details on selecting menu items.
REC MODE (Recording mode)

B SP (SP)

Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.
USB STREAM (DCR-HC53E/ HC54E)
You can view the pictures displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See First Step Guide in the supplied CDROM for details (p. 50).

LP (LP)

Increases the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play). b Notes
If you record in the LP mode, pictures may appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs. When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.

LANGUAGE

You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen.
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.

DEMO MODE

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to view the demonstration about 10 minutes after you have removed a cassette from your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below. When you touch the screen during the demonstration. (The demonstration starts again after about 10 minutes.) When a cassette is inserted. When the POWER switch is set to other than CAMERA.

AUDIO MODE

B 12BIT
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).

16BIT (

Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).

REMAIN

B AUTO
Displays the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds in situations such as those described below.
When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted. When you touch (Play/Pause).
Always displays the remaining tape indicator.

OTHERS menu

(standard video) plug connection is not necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not output audio.
C i.LINK cable (optional)
Use an i.LINK cable to connect your camcorder to another device equipped with an i.LINK jack. The video and audio signals are transmitted digitally, producing high quality pictures and sound. Note that you cannot output picture and sound separately.
Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders (Continued)
When you are connecting your camcorder to a monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack, and the red (right channel) or the white (left channel) plug to the audio input jack on the device. When you connect a device via an A/V connecting cable, set [DISP OUT] to [LCD] (the default setting) (p. 42).
5 When dubbing is complete, stop
your camcorder and the recording device.
To record the date/time and camera settings data when connected by the A/V connecting cable, display them on the screen (p. 33). The following cannot be output via the DV Interface (i.LINK): Indicators Pictures edited using [P EFFECT] (p. 37) When connected using an i.LINK cable, the recorded picture becomes rough when a picture is paused on your camcorder while recording. When connected using an i.LINK cable, data code (date/time/camera settings data) may not be displayed or recorded depending on the device or application.
1 Prepare your camcorder for
playback. Insert the recorded cassette. Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp.
2 Insert the recording media in the
recording device. If your recording device has an input selector, set it to the appropriate input (such as video input1, video input2).
3 Connect your camcorder to the
recording device (VCR or DVD/ HDD recorder) with the A/V connecting cable (supplied) 1, an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) 2 or an i.LINK cable (optional) 3. Connect your camcorder to the input jacks of the recording device.
4 Start playback on the camcorder,
and recording on the recording device. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your recording device for details.
Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCRHC52E/HC54E)
Using an i.LINK cable (optional), you can record pictures from a VCR, etc., on a tape. Be sure to insert a cassette for recording in your camcorder beforehand. You can connect your camcorder to a VCR or an i.LINK-compatible device using the i.LINK cable (optional). Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 10). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.
You cannot record pictures on your camcorder from a VCR that does not have an i.LINK jack.

When using Picture Motion Browser OS: Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP SP2*, Windows Vista* *64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded or in a multiboot environment. CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This product is based on DirectX technology. It is necessary to have DirectX installed.) Sound system: Direct Sound compatible sound card
x Editing movies imported to a computer
You can edit imported movies on a computer.
x Exporting movies from your computer to your camcorder
You can export movies that have been imported to a computer from your camcorder, back to your camcorder.
What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC53E/54E) (Continued)
Memory: 256 MB or more Hard disk: Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 350 MB Display: Minimum dots Others: USB port (this must be provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive (CD-ROM drive is necessary for installation)
Operations are not guaranteed on a computer environment that does not meet the system requirements. Operations are not guaranteed on all the recommended environments. For example, other open or background applications running on currently may limit product performance. If you use a Notebook PC, connect it to the AC Adaptor as the power source. Otherwise, the software will not work properly due to the power saving function of the PC.
Installing the First Step Guide and software (DCR-HC53E/ 54E)
You need to install the First Step Guide and software to your Windows computer before connecting your camcorder to the computer. The installation is required only for the first time. Contents to be installed and procedures may differ depending on your OS.
Installing the First Step Guide
1 Confirm that your camcorder is
not connected to the computer.

2 Turn on the computer.

Log on as an Administrator for installation. Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.
3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the
disc drive of your computer. The installation screen appears.
If the screen does not appear
1 Click [Start], then click [My Computer]. (For Windows 2000, double-click [My Computer].) 2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)] (CD-ROM) (disc drive).*
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.
4 Click [FirstStepGuide].
5 Select the desired language and
the model name of your camcorder from the pull-down menu.

When using the AC Adaptor, rewind/fast forward speed increases (compared with battery operation) and therefore increases noise. This is not a malfunction.
[STEADYSHOT] does not function.
Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 38).
The tape does not start when you press REC START/STOP.
Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp (p. 19). The tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette. Set the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette (p. 59). The tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette (p. 62).
The backlight function does not function.
In the following settings, the backlight function is canceled. [MANUAL] of [EXPOSURE] [SPOT METER] The backlight function does not work during Easy Handycam operation (p. 18).
A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark.
This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is too high. This is not a malfunction.
You cannot record a smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next.
Perform [END SCH] (p. 24). Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be recorded continuously without a break even when you turn the power off.) Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.
A vertical band appears when recording a bright subject.
This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.
The color of the picture is not correctly displayed.
Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 20).
No sound or only a low sound is heard.
Turn up the volume (p. 22). Adjust [AUDIO MIX] until the sound is heard appropriately (p. 35). If you are using an S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are also connected (p. 26).
The screen picture is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.
Deactivate the NightShot plus function (p. 20), or cancel the backlight function (p. 21).

The sound breaks off.

Clean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional) (p. 63).
Undesirable flicker occurs.
This anomaly may occur when recording pictures under the discharge tube, such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp, with [PORTRAIT] or [SPORT]. This is not a malfunction.
--- is displayed on the screen.
The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time. A blank section on the tape is being played. The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.
Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 38).
Noises appear and on the screen.

REC: The cassette can be recorded. SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-protected).

REC SAVE

Copyright signal
x When you play back If the cassette you play back on your camcorder contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to a tape in another video camera connected to your camcorder. x For DCR-HC52E/HC54E: When you record You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals for copyright protection of software. [Cannot record due to copyright protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or on the viewfinder if you try to record such software. Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records.
x When labeling the cassette Be sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Do not put a label along this border.

Labeling position

x After using the cassette Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid distortion of the picture or the sound. The cassette should then be put in its case, and stored in an upright position. x When cleaning the gold-plated connector Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10 times it has been ejected. If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may not show correctly.
x When not using your camcorder for a long time Remove the cassette and store it.

Gold-plated connector

Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack
This unit is compatible with an InfoLITHIUM battery pack (H series). Your camcorder operates only with an InfoLITHIUM battery pack. InfoLITHIUM H series battery packs have the mark.
What is an InfoLITHIUM battery pack?
An InfoLITHIUM battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/ charger. The InfoLITHIUM battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in minutes.
Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/ FH100 (optional). Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent playback, fast forward or rewind operation wears out the battery pack faster. We recommend using a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/FH100 (optional). Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG) when not recording or playing back on your camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed when your camcorder is in recording standby or playback pause. Have spare battery packs ready for two or three times the expected recording time, and make trial recordings before making the actual recording. Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water resistant.

Avoid rough handling, disassembling, modifying, physical shock, or impact such as hammering, dropping or stepping on the product. Be particularly careful of the lens. Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF(CHG) when you are not using your camcorder. Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for example, and operate it. Doing so might cause heat to build up inside. When disconnecting the power cord (mains lead), pull it by the plug and not the cord. Do not damage the power cord (mains lead) such as by placing anything heavy on it. Keep metal contacts clean. If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked, consult your local authorized Sony service facility. wash off any liquid that may have contacted your skin if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and consult a doctor.
x When not using your camcorder for a long time
Periodically turn on the camcorder and play a cassette for about 3 minutes. Use up the battery pack completely before storing it.

Moisture condensation

If your camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside your camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In this state, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or your camcorder may not operate correctly. If there is moisture inside your camcorder, [%Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette] or [% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.] appears. The indicator will not appear when the moisture condenses on the lens. x If moisture condensation has occurred None of the functions except cassette ejection will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your camcorder, and leave it for about one hour with the cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be used again when both of the following conditions are met:
The warning message does not appear when the power is turned on. Neither % or Z flash when a cassette is inserted and video operation buttons are touched.
If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejected for 10 seconds after the cassette lid is opened. This is not a malfunction. Do not close the cassette lid until the cassette is ejected. x Note on moisture condensation Moisture may condense when you bring your camcorder from a cold place into a warm place (or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder in a humid place as shown below.
When you bring your camcorder from a ski slope into a place warmed up by a heating device. When you bring your camcorder from an air conditioned car or room into a hot place outside. When you use your camcorder after a squall or a shower. When you use your camcorder in a hot and humid place.
Playback pictures do not move. Playback pictures do not appear or the sound breaks off. [x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette.] appears on the screen during recording/playback. The video heads will wear after long use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even after using a cleaning cassette (optional), it might be because the video heads are worn. Please contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility to have the video heads replaced.

You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if it is rotated.

On handling the casing

If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft cloth. Avoid the following to avoid damage to the finish. Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine, alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide and sunscreen. Handling with above substances on your hands. Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or vinyl objects for a long period of time.
3 Remove dust from the eyecup block with a camera blower, etc.
About care and storage of the lens
Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft cloth in the following instances: When there are fingerprints on the lens surface. In hot or humid locations When the lens is exposed to salty air such as at the seaside. Store in a well-ventilated location subject to little dirt or dust. To prevent mold, periodically clean the lens as described above. It is recommended that you operate your camcorder about once a month to keep it in optimum state for a long time.
4 Press the viewfinder onto the body of the camcorder. 5 Remove dust from the inside area where the eyecup block was attached with a camera blower, etc.

Specifications

System
6 Attach the eyecup block to the viewfinder, pushing it straight on until it clicks. Video recording system 2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system Audio recording system Rotary heads, PCM system Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1, stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo) Video signal PAL color, CCIR standards Usable cassette Mini DV cassette with the mark printed Tape speed SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s Recording/playback time SP: 60 min (using a DVM60 cassette) LP: 90 min (using a DVM60 cassette) Fast forward/rewind time Approx. 2 min 40 s (using a DVM60 cassette and rechargeable battery pack) Approx. 1 min 45 s (using a DVM60 cassette and AC Adaptor) Viewfinder Electric viewfinder (color) Image device 3.0 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Gross: Approx. pixels Effective (movie): Approx. pixels Lens Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 40 (Optical), (Digital) Focal length f=1.9 ~ 76 mm (3/32 ~ 3 in.) When converted to a 35 mm still camera In CAMERA: 36 ~ mm (1 7/16 ~ 56 3/4 in.) F1.8 ~ 4.1 Filter diameter: 30 mm (1 3/16 in.)