2-584-906-11 (1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Getting Started

Operating Guide

Recording/ 20 Playback

Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing Using a Computer Troubleshooting 70 82

DCR-HC32/HC42

Additional Information 105
Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

Printed in Japan

2005 Sony Corporation

Read this rst

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
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 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

WARNING

To prevent re or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

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. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (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. 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.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC32 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 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.
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC42 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 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-HC Serial No. Model No. ACSerial No.
DCR-HC32/HC42 is to be used with the Handycam Station Model DCRA-C121 and AC Adaptor Model AC-L25A/L25B.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Continued

Read this rst (continued)
On the menu items, LCD panel, viewnder, and lens
A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions. The LCD screen and the viewnder 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 viewnder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way. Exposing the LCD screen, the viewnder, 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.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides.
Operating Guide (This manual) First Step Guide for using the supplied software (stored on the supplied CDROM)
On the types of recording media you can use in your camcorder
A mini DV cassette marked with (mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory are incompatible) (p. 106). Memory Stick Duo marked with , (p. 107).

On using the camcorder

Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Indicators displayed during recording/playback..28
Searching for the starting point...31
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH)....31 Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH)...31 Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review)..31

Remote Commander...32

Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory)..32 Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search)..33
Playing the picture on a TV...34

Using the Menu

Using the menu items..36
Menu items....38 CAMERA SET menu...40
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/ WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)

MEMORY SET menu...45

Settings for the Memory Stick Duo (QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/BURST/ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER, etc.)

PICT.APPLI. menu...48

Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback (PICT. EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW/INT.REC-STL, etc.)

EDIT/PLAY menu....52

Settings for editing or playing back in various modes (VAR.SPD PB/END SEARCH, etc.)

STANDARD SET menu...53

Settings while recording on a tape or other basic settings (REC MODE/ MULTI-SOUND/LCD/VF SET/DISP OUTPUT/USB, etc.)

TIME/LANGU. menu...56

(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE)
Customizing Personal Menu...57

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting to a VCR or TV...59 Dubbing to other recording devices..60 Recording pictures from a VCR or TV...61 Dubbing pictures from a tape to a Memory Stick Duo..62 Dubbing sound to a recorded tape...63
Deleting recorded pictures from the Memory Stick Duo.65 Marking images on the Memory Stick Duo with specic information (Image protection/Print mark)...66 Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer)..67 Jacks to connect external devices...69

Using a Computer

Before referring to the First Step Guide on your computer.70 Installing the software and First Step Guide on a computer..72 Viewing First Step Guide...76 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to Click to DVD)..77 Connecting an analog VCR to the computer via your camcorder (Signal convert function)...80

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting....82 Warning indicators and messages...100

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad...105 Usable cassette tapes...106 About the Memory Stick...107 About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack...109 About i.LINK...110 Maintenance and precautions...111 Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap...115 Attaching the Shoulder Strap...115 Specications...116 Index....119

Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder rmly
To record or play back, slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp. When using it for the rst time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 17).

LENS COVER switch

When you slide the POWER switch to turn on the CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERAMEMORY lamp, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for about 5 seconds.
3 Put your wrist through the Strap
Belt. The length of the Strap Belt is adjustable.

POWER switch

1 Slide the LENS COVER switch to
4 Hold the camcorder as illustrated.

2 Slide the POWER switch

repeatedly in the direction of the arrow to turn on the respective lamp.

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG) while pressing the green button. Set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.
At the time of purchase, the power will be 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. 56).
If the POWER switch is set to OFF, slide it down while pressing the green button.
Lamps that light up CAMERA-TAPE: To record on a tape. CAMERA-MEMORY: To record on a Memory Stick Duo. PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewnder

The LCD panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play ().
DISP/BATT INFO 180 degrees (max.)

The viewnder

You can view images using the viewnder when you close the LCD panel to avoid wearing down the battery, etc.

90 degrees (max.)

90 degrees to the camcorder
Viewnder lens adjustment lever Move it until the picture is clear.
Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD panel. If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations. If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can see the image in the viewnder.
You can adjust the brightness of the viewnder
backlight by selecting [LCD/VF SET] - [VF B.LIGHT] (p. 54). You can adjust the [FADER] and the [EXPOSURE] setting using the viewnder (p. 48).
For DCR-HC42: To darken the LCD screen
Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until appears. This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or where you want to save battery power. The recorded picture will not be affected by the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until disappears.

To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects..
To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press BACK LIGHT to display. To cancel the back light function, press BACK LIGHT again.
To play back the images in sequence..
See [SLIDE SHOW] on page 49.
To adjust the focus for an off center subject (SPOT FOCUS)..
See [SPOT FOCUS] on page 42.

To use PB zoom.

You can magnify pictures from about 1.1 to 5 times the original size. Play back the picture you want to magnify.
To x the exposure for the selected subject (Flexible spot meter).
See [SPOT METER] on page 40.
Magnify the picture with T (Telephoto). Touch the screen at the point you want to magnify within the displayed frame. Adjust the magnication with W (Wide angle)/T (Telephoto).
To record in mirror mode.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side ().

To cancel, touch [END].

You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the picture will be normal when recorded.

To use a tripod.

Attach the tripod (optional: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inches) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw.
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. (continued)
To turn off the operation conrmation beep.
See [BEEP] (p. 56) to set the operation beep.

qa 3 qs

To use special effects.
See (PICT.APPLI.) menu (p. 48).
To initialize the settings.
Press RESET to initialize all the settings, including the setting of the date and time. (Menu items customized on Personal Menu are not initialized.)
Other part names and functions
Speaker Sounds come out from the speaker.
For how to adjust the volume, see page 23.
REC lamp The REC lamp lights up in red during recording (p. 55). Remote sensor Point the Remote Commander (p. 32) towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder. Internal stereo microphone For DCR-HC42: When an external microphone is connected, the audio input from the external microphone takes precedence over others.

Recording/playback

To check the remaining battery (Battery Info).
Set the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), then press DISP/BATT INFO. The battery information appears for about 7 seconds. Keep the button pressed to view it for about 20 seconds.
Remaining battery (approx.)
Recording capacity (approx.)
Indicators displayed during recording/playback

Recording movies

On a tape

Recording still images

1152 FINE

P-MENU

Remaining battery (approx.) Recording mode ( or ) (53) Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or [REC] (recording)) Time code (hour: minute: second: frame)/Tape counter (hour: minute: second) Recording capacity of the tape (approx.) (55) END SEARCH/EDIT SEARCH/Rec review display switch button (31) Personal Menu button (36)

Do not shake your camcorder while is ashing quickly. ashes slowly if white balance could not be set. If keeps ashing even after you have touched , set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO]. When you have changed the battery pack while [AUTO] is selected, or you bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house while using xed exposure, select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure if you change the [PROGRAM AE] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or vice versa. Set [WHITE BAL.] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white uorescent lamps. The setting returns to [AUTO] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.
1 Touch [MANUAL]. Adjust the exposure by touching

. appears.

To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO] .
You can adjust [EXPOSURE] and [FADER] while using the viewnder by having the LCD panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the screen facing out (p. 48).
WHITE BAL. (White balance)
You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. AUTO
The white balance is adjusted automatically.

AUTO SHUTTER

Automatically activates the electronic shutter to adjust the shutter speed when recording in bright conditions if you set it to [ON] (the default setting).

OUTDOOR (

The white balance is set to be appropriate for shooting outdoors or under daylight uorescent light.

INDOOR ()

The white balance is set to the brightness of warm white uorescent lamps.

ONE PUSH (

The white balance will be adjusted according to the ambient light. Touch [ONE PUSH].
CAMERA SET menu (continued)

SPOT FOCUS

You can select and adjust the focal point to aim it at a subject not located in the center of the screen.
The minimum distance required between your camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 1/2 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.

TELE MACRO

This is useful to shoot small subjects, such as owers or insects. As you can take closeups from a distance, your shadow does not disturb the picture and the subject stands out clearer. When you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON] , the zoom (p. 24) moves to the top of the T (Telephoto) side automatically and allows for recording subjects at a close distance as follows: For DCR-HC32: down to about 39 cm (15 3/8 in.). For DCR-HC42: down to about 35 cm (13 7/8 in.).
Touch the subject on the screen.

appears.

Touch [END].
To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] [END].
If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is automatically set to [MANUAL].
You can adjust the focus manually. Select this when you want to focus on a certain subject intentionally.
To cancel, touch [OFF], or zoom to wideangle (W side).

Touch [MANUAL].

appears. Touch (focusing on close subjects)/ (focusing on distant subjects) to sharpen the focus. appears when the focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and appears when the focus cannot be adjusted farther away. Touch.
When recording a distant subject, it may difcult to focus on and take time for focusing. Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 42) when it is hard to focus automatically.

FLASH SET

Note that these settings will not function with unsupported ashes.
To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] in step.
It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom for recording. When you want to record a close-up image of a subject, move the power zoom lever towards W (wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then adjust the focus.

FLASH MODE

Flashes every time.

ON AUTO

(DCR-HC42)
Flashes to reduce the red-eye phenomenon. Flashes automatically.

default setting).

Do not cover the infrared port with your ngers or other objects. The maximum shooting distance using [NS LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet). If you record subjects in dark places, such as night scenes or in moonlight, set [NS LIGHT] to [OFF]. You can make the image color deeper this way.

SLOW SHUTTR* Shutter speed (1 is 1/30, 2 is 1/15, 3 is 1/8, 4 is 1/4). OLD MOVIE* No adjustment necessary.
* Available during recording only.
To cancel [SLIDE SHOW], touch [END]. To pause, touch [PAUSE].
You can select the rst picture for the slide show with / before touching [START]. If movies are played in the slide show, you can adjust the volume with /.
To cancel [D. EFFECT], touch [OFF] in step. STILL Records a movie while superimposing it on a previously recorded still image.
D. EFFECT (Digital effect)
You can add digital effects to your recordings.
Touch the desired effect. Adjust the effect with
FLASH (ash motion) Records a movie with a serial-still-image effect (strobe effect).
touch. When you select [STILL] or [LUMI. KEY], the image when you touch is saved as a still image.

Effect Items to adjust

LUMI. KEY (luminance key) Replaces a brighter area in a previously recorded still image (e.g. background of a person) with a movie.
The degree of transparency of the still image you want to superimpose on a movie.
TRAIL Records a picture so that an incidental image like a trail is left.
PICT.APPLI. menu (continued)
SLOW SHUTTR (slow shutter) The shutter speed is slowed down. Suitable for shooting a subject more clearly in a dark place.
Adjust the focus manually using a tripod since adjusting the focus automatically is hard when [SLOW SHUTTR] is selected. ([FOCUS], p. 42)
Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast.

PASTEL

Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.*
OLD MOVIE Adds an old movie effect with a sepia hue to pictures.
For DCR-HC42: You cannot select 16:9/4:3 as the aspect ratio for [OLD MOVIE]. You cannot record pictures edited using special effects on the tape in your camcorder. You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output playback pictures edited with digital effects via the DV Interface. You can save pictures edited using special effects on a Memory Stick Duo (p. 62) or record them on another tape (p. 60).

See page 16.

DATA CODE
Displays information recorded automatically (data code) during recording. OFF
Data code is not displayed.
Always displays the remaining tape indicator.

DATE/TIME

Displays the date and time.
REMOTE CTRL (Remote control)
The default setting is [ON], allowing you to use the Remote Commander (p. 32).
Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit. The setting returns to [ON] when you have the power source disconnected from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

CAMERA DATA (below)

Displays camera setting data. This cannot be selected during Easy Handycam operation.

60min 0:00:00:00

100 AWB F1. 8 9dB
REC LAMP (Recording lamp)
The camera recording lamp will not light up during recording when you set this to [OFF]. (The default setting is [ON].)
SteadyShot off* Exposure* White balance* Gain* Shutter speed Aperture value
* Appears only during tape playback.
A melody sounds when you start/stop recording, or operate the touch panel.

TIME/LANGU. menu

(CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME/LANGUAGE) See page 36 for details on selecting menu items.

See page 17.

Cancels the melody.

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.

DISP OUTPUT

LCD PANEL
Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewnder.

V-OUT/PANEL

Shows displays such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the viewnder.
You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen. You can select from English, Simplied English, Canadian-French, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian-Portuguese, or Korean.
Traditional Chinese is also available on menu for customers who bought this product in Asia, Middle East, Canada, Latin America or in Japan (as an Overseas Model). Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplied English) for when you cannot nd your native tongue among the options.

NORMAL

Scrolls the menu items downwards by touching.

OPPOSITE

Scrolls the menu items upwards by touching.
A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)

1 Conrm that your camcorder is 2 Turn on the computer.
not connected to the computer.
Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.
3 Place the CD-ROM in the disc
drive of your computer. The installation screen appears.
If the screen does not appear
Double-click [My Computer]. Double-click [PICTUREPACKAGE]

(Disc drive).*

* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.
7 Read [License Agreement], check
[I accept the terms of the license agreement] when you agree, then click [Next].

4 Click [Install].

Depending on the OS on the computer, a message appears notifying you that First Step Guide cannot be installed automatically with the InstallShield Wizard. In such a case, manually copy First Step Guide to your computer according to the message instructions.
8 Select where to save the
software, then click [Next].
5 Select the language for the
application to be installed, then click [Next].
9 Click [Install] on the [Ready to
Install the Program] screen. The installation of Picture Package starts.

6 Click [Next].

Installing the software and First Step Guide on a computer (continued)
10 Select the language for First
Step Guide to be installed, then click [Next]. Depending on the computer, this screen may not be displayed. In such a case, skip to step 12.
13 If the [Installing Microsoft (R)
DirectX(R)] screen is displayed, follow the steps below to install DirectX 9.0c. If not, skip to step 14.
Read [License Agreement], then click [Next].
11 Click [Next] to install the First

Step Guide.

Click [Next].

Click [Finish].

12 Click [Next], then follow the
on-screen instructions to install ImageMixer VCD2.
14 Make sure [Yes, I want to restart
my computer now.] is checked, then click [Finish].
The computer turns off once, then starts up again automatically (Restart). The short-cut icons for [Picture Package Menu] and [Picture Package Menu destination Folder] (and First Step Guide, if installed by steps 11-12) appear on the desktop.
5 Copy [FirstStepGuide.pdf], stored
in the desired language in the [FirstStepGuide] folder, to your computer.
6 Then, install ImageMixer VCD2. 7 Copy [IMXINST.SIT] in the [MAC]
folder of the CD-ROM to a folder of your choice.
15 Remove the CD-ROM from the
disc drive of your computer.
If you have any questions about Picture Package, contact information is listed on page 76.
8 Double-click [IMXINST.SIT] in the

folder it was copied to.

9 Double-click the unzipped
[ImageMixerVCD2_Install]. Using a Computer

You cannot copy pictures to the Windows computer.
Display pictures recorded on a Memory Stick Duo with the following procedures. 1 Double-click [My Computer].
2 Double-click the icon for the newly recognized drive [Removable Disk (F:)] (For Windows XP, [Sony Memory Stick]). It may take some time until the drive is recognized. If the computer does not recognize it, the USB driver may be installed incorrectly. 3 Double-click the desired image le.
[Cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected] or [Cannot cancel Easy Handycam with USB connected] appears on the screen of your camcorder.
You cannot start or cancel the Easy Handycam settings while the USB cable is connected. Disconnect the USB cable from your camcorder rst.
There is no sound when the camcorder is connected to the Windows computer via a USB cable.
Change the settings for your computer environment as described in the following procedures: 1 Select [Start] [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) [Picture Package] [Handycam Tools] [USB Streaming Tool]. 2 Select another device on the [Select audio device] screen. 3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done]. Sound is not supported on Windows 98.
The movie is not smooth during USB streaming.
Change the settings as described in the following procedures: 1 Select [Start] [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) [Picture Package] [Handycam Tools] [USB Streaming Tool]. 2 Adjust the slider in the (-) direction on [Select video quality]. 3 Follow the on-screen instructions, click [Next], then click [Done].
Picture Package does not function correctly.
Close Picture Package, then restart the computer.
An error message appears while operating Picture Package.
Close Picture Package rst, then slide the POWER switch on your camcorder to turn on another lamp.
The CD-R drive is not recognized or data cannot be written on the CD-R in Picture Package Auto Video, Producer, CD Backup, or VCD Maker.
For compatible drives, visit the following URL: http://www.ppackage.com/
[USB streaming. This function is not available.] appears on the screen of your camcorder.
Start recording or playing back pictures recorded on a Memory Stick Duo after USB Streaming is nished.
First Step Guide is not displayed correctly.
Follow the procedure below and refer to First Step Guide (FirstStepGuide.pdf). 1 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the disc drive of your computer. 2 Double-click [My Computer]. 3 Right-click [PICTUREPACKAGE] (Disc drive)*. * Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer. 4 Click [Explorer]. 5 Double-click [FirstStepGuide]. 6 Double-click the desired language folder. 7 Double-click FirstStepGuide.pdf.
Warning indicators and messages
Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators

Normally, only one device can be connected to this unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this unit to an i.LINK-compatible device having two or more DV Interfaces, refer to the operating instructions of the device to be connected. i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394 data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a trademark approved by many corporations. IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

About battery life

The battery life is limited. Battery capacity drops little by little as you use it more and more, and as time passes. When the available battery time is shortened considerably, a probable cause is that the battery pack has reached the end of its life. Please buy a new battery pack. The battery life varies depending on how it is stored and the operating conditions and environment for each battery pack.
About the i.LINK Baud rate
i.LINK's maximum baud rate varies according to the device. There are three types. S100 (approx. 100Mbps*) S200 (approx. 200Mbps) S400 (approx. 400Mbps)
Maintenance and precautions
The baud rate is listed under Specications in the operating instructions of each piece of equipment. It is also indicated near the i.LINK interface on some devices. The maximum baud rate for a device that does not have any indication (such as this unit) is S100. The baud rate may differ from the indicated value when the unit is connected to a device with a different maximum baud rate.

* What is Mbps?

On use and care
Do not use or store the camcorder and accessories in the following locations. Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never leave them exposed to temperatures above 60 C (140 F), such as under direct sunlight, near heaters or in a car parked in the sun. They may malfunction or become deformed. Near strong magnetic elds or mechanical vibration. The camcorder may malfunction. Near strong radio waves or radiation. The camcorder may not be able to record properly. Near AM receivers and video equipment. Noise may occur. On a sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand or dust gets in your camcorder, it may malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired. Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD screen, the viewnder, or the lens may be exposed to direct sunlight. This damages the inside of the viewnder or the LCD screen. Anywhere very humid. Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor). For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in these operating instructions. Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example, from rain or sea water. If your camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired. If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing, unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further. 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, pull it by the plug and not the cord. Do not damage the power cord such as by placing anything heavy on it. Keep metal contacts clean. Continued

0 C to 40 C (32 F to 104 F) -20 C to + 60 C (-4 F to + 140 F) 54.111.7 mm (2 1/5/1/2 in.) (w/h/d) DCR-HC32: 400 g (14 oz) main unit only 460 g (1 lb) including the NP-FP30 rechargeable battery pack and DVM60 cassette. DCR-HC42: 410 g (14 oz) main unit only 470 g (1 lb) including the NP-FP50 rechargeable battery pack and DVM60 cassette. See page 9.

LANC jack

Supplied accessories
Picture DCR-HC32: 6.2 cm (2.5 type) DCR-HC42: 6.9 cm (2.7 type, aspect ratio 16:9) (560 220)
Handycam Station DCRA-C121
Audio/Video input/output 10-pin connector Input/output auto switch Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms), unbalanced Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 (ohms), unbalanced Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p, 75 (ohms), unbalanced Audio signal: 327 mV (at output impedance more than 47 k (kilohms)), Input impedance more than 47 k (kilohms), Output impedance with less than 2.2 k (kilohms) mini-B 4-pin connector

Total dot number

General
Power requirements Average power consumption DC 7.2 V (battery pack) DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor) DCR-HC32: During camera recording using the viewnder 2.1 W During camera recording using the LCD 2.5 W During camera recording using the viewnder and the LCD 2.6 W DCR-HC42: During camera recording using the viewnder 2.6 W During camera recording using the LCD 3.0 W During camera recording using the viewnder and the LCD 3.2 W

USB jack DV input/output

Specications (continued)

AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B

Power requirements Current consumption Power consumption Output voltage Operating temperature Storage temperature Dimensions (approx.) Mass (approx.) AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz 0.35 - 0.18 A 18 W DC 8.4 V* 0 C to 40 C (32 F to 104 F) -20 C to + 60 C (-4 F to + 140 F) 100 mm (2 1/1/in.) (w/h/d) excluding the projecting parts 190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the power cord

NP-FP50 (DCR-HC42)

Maximum output DC 8.4 V voltage Output voltage Capacity Dimensions (approx.) Mass (approx.) Operating temperature Type DC 7.2 V 4.9 wh (680 mAh) 31.8 18.5 45.0 mm (1 5/16 3/13/16 in.) (w/h/d) 40 g (1.5 oz) 0 C to 40 C (32 F to 104 F) Lithium ion
Design and specications are subject to change without notice.
* See the label on the AC Adaptor for other specications.
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FP30 (DCR-HC32)
Maximum output DC 8.4 V voltage Output voltage Capacity Dimensions (approx.) Mass (approx.) Operating temperature Type DC 7.2 V 3.6 wh (500 mAh) 31.8 18.5 45.0 mm (1 5/16 3/13/16 in.) (w/h/d) 40 g (1.5 oz) 0 C to 40 C (32 F to 104 F) Lithium ion
A/V connecting cable.. 34, 59, 63, 80 A/V DV OUT.. 54 A/V jack. 34, 59, 63, 80 Access lamp.. 18 Active Interface Shoe. 69 AC Adaptor.. 9 Adjusting exposure for back light.. 88 ALL ERASE. 47 Aspect ratio. 19 AUDIO MIX. 53, 65 AUDIO MODE.. 53 AUD DUB CTRL (Audio dubbing). 52 AUTO SHUTTER. 41 A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)... 56