On turning the camcorder on or off using the LCD screen or the viewfinder
The power of the camcorder is turned on or off depending on the status of the LCD screen or the viewfinder. Status LCD screen Open Closed Viewfinder Retracted Pulled out Retracted Pulled out
Power of the camcorder On On Off On
Notes Even if the LCD screen is closed, if the viewfinder is pulled out, the camcorder is not turned off. When you turn off the power of the camcorder, make sure that the viewfinder is retracted to the original position.
Changing the language setting
You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. (MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] Touch . category) [ LANGUAGE SET] a desired language
Step 3: Preparing the recording media
The recording media that can be used differs depending on your camcorder. The following icons are displayed on the screen of your camcorder. HDR-CX550/CX550V
* Internal memory * Internal hard disk

Memory card

* In the default setting, both movies and photos are recorded on this recording media. You can perform
recording, playback and editing operations on the selected medium. Tips See page 104 for the recordable time of movies. See page 105 for the number of recordable photos.
Selecting the recording media for movies

Touch

(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [MOVIE MEDIA SET].
The [MOVIE MEDIA SET] screen appears.
Touch the desired recording media. Touch [YES]
The recording medium is changed.
Selecting the recording media for photos
(MENU) [Show others] [MEDIA SETTINGS] (under [MANAGE MEDIA] category) [PHOTO MEDIA SET].
The [PHOTO MEDIA SET] screen appears.
Touch the desired recording media.

Touch [YES]

To check the recording media settings
In either movie recording mode or photo recording mode, the media icon of the selected recording media is displayed at the top right corner of the screen.

Recording media icon

The icon displayed may vary depending on your model.

MODE button

(Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo

Recording movies

Press START/STOP to start recording.
You can start recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.

START/STOP button

[STBY] [REC]
To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
You can stop recording also by touching in the bottom left of LCD screen.
The icons and indicators on the LCD panel will be displayed for about 3 seconds, then disappear after turning on your camcorder or switching the recording (movie/photo)/playback modes. To display the icons and indicators again, touch anywhere on the screen except the rec & zoom buttons on the LCD.
Rec & zoom buttons on LCD

about 3sec after

Notes If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops recording. The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is about 13 hours. When a movie file exceeds 2 GB, the next movie file is created automatically. It will take several seconds until you can start recording after you turn on the camcorder. You cannot operate your camcorder during this time.
The following states will be indicated if data is still being written onto the recording media after recording has finished. During this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or AC Adaptor. Access lamp (p.20) is lit or flashing The media icon in the upper right of the LCD screen is flashing Tips See page 104 on the recordable time of movies. You can record photos during movie recording by pressing PHOTO fully (Dual Rec, p.30). When a face is detected, a white frame appears and the image quality around the face is optimized automatically ([FACE DETECTION], p.77). You can specify the priority face by touching it (p.28). In the default setting, a photo is recorded automatically when the camcorder detects the smile of a person during movie recording (Smile Shutter, p.29). You can capture photos from recorded movies (p.47). (MENU) You can check the recordable time, estimated remaining capacity, etc., by touching [MANAGE MEDIA] category). [Show others] [MEDIA INFO] (under The LCD screen of your camcorder can display recording images across the entire screen (full pixel display). However, this may cause slight trimming of the top, bottom, right and left edges of images when played back on a TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. In this case, set [GUIDEFRAME] to [ON] (p.76), and record images using the outer frame displayed on the screen as a guide. To adjust the angle of the LCD panel, first open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), and then adjust the angle ().

90 degrees (max.) 180 degrees (max.)
90 degrees to the camcorder
When you make recording with the viewfinder only, pull out the viewfinder and close the LCD panel. If the indicator on the viewfinder appear blurred, adjust the viewfinder lever located on the side of the viewfinder.
STEADYSHOT] is set to [ACTIVE] in the default setting.
Data code during recording
The recording date, time and condition , and coordinates (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) are recorded automatically on the recording media. They are not displayed during recording. However, you can check them as [DATA CODE] during playback. To display them, touch (MENU) [Show others] [PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK] category) . [DATA CODE] a desired setting

Shooting photos

In the default setting, photos are recorded on the following recording media. HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal memory HDR-XR550/XR550V: Internal hard disk
Press MODE to turn on the

(Photo) lamp.

The LCD screen display switches for photo recording mode, and the screen aspect ratio becomes 4:3.
Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus, then press it fully.
You can record photos also by touching on the LCD screen.

Flashes Lights up

disappears, the photo is recorded.
Tips See page 105 on the recordable number of photos. (MENU) [Show others] [ IMAGE SIZE] (under To change the image size, touch . [PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting is displayed. You cannot record photos while Your camcorder flashes automatically when there is insufficient ambient light. The flash does not work (MENU) [Show in the movie recording mode. You can change how your camcorder flashes by [PHOTO SETTINGS] category) a desired setting others] [FLASH MODE] (under. If you record photos using a flash with a conversion lens (sold separately), the shadow may be reflected.
If white circular spots appear on photos
This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) floating close to the lens. When they are accentuated by the camcorders flash, they appear as white circular spots. To reduce the white circular spots, light the room and shoot the subject without a flash.
Particles (dust, pollen, etc.) in the air

Subject

Useful functions for recording movies and photos

Zooming

You can magnify images up to 14 times the original size with the power zoom lever. You can magnify images also with the / on the LCD screen.
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 31 1/2 in.) for telephoto. You can magnify images up to 10 times using optical zooming, unless [ STEADYSHOT] is set to [ACTIVE]. Tips You can set [ DIGITAL ZOOM] (p.79) if you want to zoom to a greater level.

Recording better images automatically (INTELLIGENT AUTO)
* By pressing , you can record images using the INTELLIGENT AUTO function. When you turn the camcorder toward the subject, the camcorder records using the optimum combination of the three detection modes: Face detection, Scene detection and Camera-shake detection. When the camcorder detects the subject, the icons that correspond to the detected condition are displayed.
Tips In the default setting, INTELLIGENT AUTO is set to ON.
Wider range of view (Wide angle)
* HDR-CX550/CX550V ** HDR-XR550/XR550V

Close view (Telephoto)

Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Notes 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 / button on the LCD screen.
Face detection (Portrait), (Baby) The camcorder detects faces, and adjusts the focus, color, and exposure.
Scene detection (Backlight), (Landscape), (Twilight), (Spotlight), (Low light), (Macro) The camcorder selects the most effective setting automatically, depending on the scene. Camera-shake detection (Walk), (Tripod) The camcorder detects whether camerashake occurs or not, and makes the optimum compensation.
Notes The camcorder may not detect the expected scene or subject, depending on the recording conditions. You cannot use the flash depending on the scenes detected.

[TELE [

MACRO] STEADYSHOT] STEADYSHOT] [ [AUTO BACK LIGHT] [LOW LUX] [FACE DETECTION] [SMILE PRIORITY]
Notes Above settings are reset to the default settings when INTELLIGENT AUTO is set to ON.
Selecting high definition image quality (HD) or standard image quality (STD)
You can select the desired image quality from the high definition image quality (HD) that enables you to record fine images, or the standard definition image quality (STD) that has more compatibility with various playback devices. Change the image quality according to the recording situation or the playback device.
To cancel INTELLIGENT AUTO
Press. or the detection mode icons disappear, and you can record with the preferred settings. Also, the INTELLIGENT AUTO setting is canceled if you change the following settings: NightShot [IRIS] [SHUTTER SPEED] [AE SHIFT] [WB SHIFT] [GOLF SHOT] [SMTH SLW REC] [SCENE SELECTION] [WHITE BAL.] [SPOT MTR/FCS] [SPOT METER] [SPOT FOCUS] [EXPOSURE] [FOCUS]
(MENU) [Show Touch others] [ / SET] (under [SHOOTING SET] category). HD QUALITY] to Touch [ record high definition image quality (HD) images, or touch [ STD QUALITY] to record standard definition image quality (STD) images. Touch [YES] .

Tips (Movie), the When the MODE lamp is set to 8.3M] (16:9 wide) size of photos becomes [ or [6.2M] (4:3). You can record photos during recording standby in the same way as when the (Photo) lamp is turned on.

Recording in mirror mode

Press MANUAL to activate the manual adjustment mode.
Pressing MANUAL switches the setting mode between automatic and manual.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side ().
Rotate the MANUAL dial to adjust the focus.
Tips A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded.
Items you can assign to the MANUAL dial
Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial
You can assign 1 menu item you use often to the MANUAL dial. Since the focus adjustment is assigned to the MANUAL dial in the default settings, the operation below is described as adjusting the focus using the dial.

MANUAL button

[FOCUS]. p.74 [EXPOSURE]. p.73 [IRIS]. Shoots images with the IRIS priority mode. If you adjust the IRIS, you can sharpen the subject with its background blurred or sharpen the whole image. [SHUTTER SPEED]. Shoots images with the SHUTTER SPEED priority mode. When you shoot a moving subject at a higher shutter speed, it appears as if frozen on the image. At a lower shutter speed, the subject appears as if it flowing. [AE SHIFT]. p.74 [WB SHIFT]. p.75
To assign the menu item to the MANUAL dial
Press and hold MANUAL down for a few seconds.

MANUAL dial

Rotate the MANUAL dial and select the item to be assigned. Press MANUAL.
Notes Manual settings will be retained even if you change the assigned item of the MANUAL dial. However, if you set [EXPOSURE] after setting [AE SHIFT] manually, [EXPOSURE] will override [AE SHIFT]. If you set either one of [EXPOSURE], [IRIS], or [SHUTTER SPEED], the settings of other 2 items are canceled. If you select [RESET] in step , all the items adjusted manually are reset to the default settings.
Tips You can also assign menu items to the (MENU) MANUAL dial by touching [Show others] [OTHER REC SET] (under [SHOOTING SET] category) [DIAL SETTING]. Even if you open the IRIS wider (a smaller F-stop) than F3.4 when you set the zoom lever to the W (Wide angle) side, the IRIS is reset to F3.4 as you move the zoom lever to the T (Telephoto) side. If you adjust the IRIS, the in-focus range in front of and behind the focused subject is changed. When you open the IRIS wider (a smaller F-stop), the in-focus range becomes narrower, and when you close the IRIS narrower (a larger F-stop), the in-focus range becomes wider. You can set the IRIS to a preferred value depending on the shooting scenes. When you record images under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp, horizontal stripes may appear, flicker may occur, or color may change. In this case, change the shutter speed according to the power supply frequency in your region.

To adjust the sound volume of movies
While playing back movies, touch
You can also adjust the sound volume by using

adjust with

in the OPTION MENU.

Viewing photos

Your camcorder displays the selected photo.
Previous To the VISUAL INDEX screen
To start/stop slide show Next OPTION MENU
Tips When viewing photos recorded on the memory card,
(playback folder) appears on the screen.
Useful functions for playing movies and photos
Searching for desired images by date (Date Index)
You can search for desired images by date efficiently.
Tips You can also display Date Index by touching (MENU) [Show others] [VIEW [PLAYBACK] category) IMAGES] (under [DATE INDEX]. On the Film Roll Index/Face Index screen, you can display the Date Index by touching the date in the upper right corner of the screen.
Notes You cannot use the Date Index function for photos on the memory card.
Searching for desired scene by pinpoint (Film Roll Index)
Movies can be divided by a set time and the first scene of each division is displayed on the INDEX screen. You can start playing back a movie from the selected thumbnail.

Press Touch

(VIEW IMAGES).
The VISUAL INDEX screen appears.

[DATE INDEX].

Returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen

FILM ROLL].

/ to select the date Touch of the desired image, then touch.
Sets the interval at which to create thumbnails of scenes in a movie.
The images of the selected date are displayed on the VISUAL INDEX screen.
/ to select the Touch desired movie. / to search for the Touch desired scene, then touch the scene you want to play back.
Playback starts from the selected scene.
Tips You can also display the Film Roll Index by (MENU) [Show others] touching [PLAYBACK] [VIEW IMAGES] (under category) [ FILM ROLL].
Searching for desired scene by face (Face Index)
The face images detected or touched during movie recording are displayed on the INDEX screen. You can play back the movie from the selected face image.
Notes Faces may not be detected depending on recording conditions. Example: People wearing glasses or hats, or who do not face towards the camera. Make sure that you set [FACE DETECTION] to [ON] (p.77) (the default setting) prior to recording, to search movies on the Face Index.
Tips You can also display the Face Index by touching (MENU) [Show others] [VIEW [PLAYBACK] category) IMAGES] (under [ FACE].
Playing back a digest of your movies (Highlight Playback)

FACE].

Your camcorder selects Highlight Playback scenes at random, puts them together, and plays them back as a digest of your high definition image quality (HD) movies with music and visual effects. Scenes for Highlight Playback differ each time Highlight Playback is selected. You can save the desired Highlight Playback scenario.

Play back the photo you want to magnify. Magnify the photo with T (Telephoto).

The screen is framed.

Touch the screen at the point you want to display in the center of the displayed frame.
The point where you touched on the screen is moved to the center of the display frame.
Adjust the magnification with W (Wide angle)/T (Telephoto).

To cancel, touch.

Playing back a series of photos (Slide show)
Touch screen. on the photo playback
The slide show begins from the selected photo.

To stop the slide show

Touch Touch

. again.

To restart the slide show
Notes You cannot operate playback zoom during slide show.
Tips You can set continuous slide show playback (OPTION) tab by selecting [SLIDE SHOW SET] while playing photos. The default setting is [ON] (continuous playback).

Playing images on a TV

Connection methods and the image quality (high definition (HD) or standard definition (STD)) viewed on the TV screen differ depending on what type of TV is connected, and the connectors used.
If you touch [HINT], you can see tips for the connection or change the settings of your camcorder.
Connecting a TV using [TV CONNECT Guide]
You can connect your camcorder to the TV easily following the instructions displayed on the LCD screen, [TV CONNECT Guide].
Connectors on your camcorder
Input connectors on the TV
Connect your camcorder to the TV.

HDMI OUT jack

Switch the input on the TV to the connected jack.
Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV.
Turn on your camcorder, and touch (MENU) [Show others] [TV CONNECT Guide] (under [OTHERS] category) on the LCD screen.
Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source (p.14).
Touch [High Definition TV].

A/V Remote Connector

[YES].
/ to select the input Touch jack of your TV, then touch.
When the A/V connecting cable is used to output movies, movies are output with standard definition image quality (STD).

To protect all the movies and photos recorded on the same day at one time
Notes You cannot select [ PRT. by date] for still images recorded on the memory card.
Touch (MENU) [Show others] [ DIVIDE] (under [EDIT] category). Touch the movie to be divided.
The selected movie starts playback.
In step 2, touch [ PROTECT] PRT. by date]/[ PRT. by date]. [
To protect all photos on the same day at one time, touch [ PROTECT] [ PRT. by date].
Touch at the point where you want to divide the movie into scenes.
The movie pauses. Play and pause. toggles as you press

Touch [PROTECT]

Adjusts the dividing point with more precision after you selected the dividing point with.
To undo the protection of movies and photos recorded on the same day at one time
In step above, select the recording date of the desired movies/photos, then touch [UNPROTECT] .
Returns to the beginning of the selected movie

[YES]

Notes You cannot restore movies once they are divided. You cannot divide protected movie. Undo the protection of the movie to divide it, before you try to divide it (p.45).
Capturing a photo from a movie
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while dividing the movie. It may damage the recording media. Also, do not eject the memory card while dividing movies on the memory card. A slight difference may occur from the point and the actual dividing where you touch point, as your camcorder selects the dividing point based on about half-second increments. If you divide the original movie, the movie added to the Playlist will also be divided. If the divided movie is included in the saved Highlight Playback scenario (p.38), the movie is deleted from the scenario. Only simple editing is available on the camcorder. Use the supplied software PMB for more advanced editing. Tips You can divide a movie on the playback screen OPTION MENU. from
Touch (MENU) [Show others] [PHOTO CAPTURE] (under [EDIT] category).
The [PHOTO CAPTURE] screen appears.

Notes You may not be able to set some menu items, depending on the recording or playback conditions. Grayed out menu items or settings are not available.
Tips Depending on the menu items being changed, your camcorder switches between playback mode and recording mode (movie/photo).

Using MY MENU

You can use the menu items more easily by registering the menu items you use most often on MY MENU. You can register 6 menu items on each MY MENU of the MOVIE, PHOTO, and PLAYBACK. Example: deleting [SPOT MTR/FCS] and registering [ FADER]
Touch (MENU). Touch [MY MENU SETTING]. Touch [MOVIE]. Touch [SPOT MTR/FCS]. Touch [MANUAL SETTINGS] category). Touch [ FADER] (under. When MY MENU is displayed, touch Repeat the same steps above to register menu items on MY MENU, and enjoy using your Handycam.
Tips When an external storage device is connected, the exclusive MY MENU appears.

Using the

OPTION MENU
The OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click is displayed at bottom-right of the screen, you can use the mouse on a computer. When , and the menu items you can change in the context the OPTION MENU. You touch appear.

Menu item

Touch (OPTION). Touch the desired tab the item to change the setting. After completing the setting, touch
Notes Grayed out menu items or settings are not available. When the item you want is not on the screen, touch another tab. (There may be no tab.) The tabs and items that appear on the screen depend on the recording/playback status of your camcorder at the time.

Menu lists

(MANUAL SETTINGS) category
SCENE SELECTION FADER WHITE BAL. SPOT MTR/FCS SPOT METER SPOT FOCUS EXPOSURE FOCUS TELE MACRO AE SHIFT WB SHIFT GOLF SHOT SMTH SLW REC 75
(PHOTO SETTINGS) category
SELF-TIMER IMAGE SIZE STEADYSHOT FLASH MODE FLASH LEVEL REDEYE REDUC FILE NO. 82

(PLAYBACK) category

VISUAL INDEX VIEW IMAGES DATE INDEX MAP*1 FILM ROLL FACE PLAYLIST HIGHLIGHT SCENARIO PLAYBACK SET / SET DATA CODE 27 82

(SHOOTING SET) category

/ SET REC MODE GUIDEFRAME STEADYSHOT CONVERSION LENS LOW LUX FACE DETECTION PRIORITY SETTING SMILE DETECTION SMILE SENSITIVITY AUDIO REC SET BLT-IN ZOOM MIC MICREF LEVEL AUDIO MODE OTHER REC SET DIGITAL ZOOM AUTO BACK LIGHT DIAL SETTING NIGHTSHOT LIGHT X.V.COLOR WIDE SELECT 80

(EDIT) category

The /CHG (flash/charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.
Your camcorder gets warm.
Your camcorder may become warm during operation. This is not a malfunction.
Close the LCD screen (p.12). Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p.12). Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the wall outlet (wall socket) properly. The battery charge is completed (p.12).
The supplied Wireless Remote Commander does not function.
The /CHG (flash/charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.
Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p.90). Insert a battery into the battery holder with the +/ polarities correctly matching the +/ marks (p.124). Remove any obstructions between the Wireless Remote Commander and the remote

sensor.

Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting. Otherwise, the Wireless Remote Commander may not function properly.
If the temperature of the battery pack is too high or too low, you may not be able to charge it (p.112). Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p.12). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.
The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.
The image in the viewfinder is not clear.
The ambient temperature is too high or too low. This is not a malfunction. The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p.113). The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use.
Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the image appears clearly (p.23).
The image in the viewfinder has disappeared.
Close the LCD panel. Even if the viewfinder is pulled out, no image is displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is open (p.16).
The battery pack is quickly discharged.
The ambient temperature is too high or low. This is not a malfunction. The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p.113).
Operations using the memory card cannot be performed.

LCD screen/viewfinder

Menu items are grayed out.
If you use the memory card formatted on a computer, format it again on your camcorder (p.85).
Images stored on the memory card cannot be deleted.
You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation. There are some functions you cannot activate simultaneously (p.98).
The maximum number of images that you can delete on the index screen at one time is 100. You cannot delete the protected images.
The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.
The data file name is not indicated correctly or flashes.

The camcorder stops operating.
The access lamp remains lit or flashing even if recording was stopped.
Your camcorder is recording the scene you have just shot on the memory card.
The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place. The temperature of your camcorder is extremely low. Turn off your camcorder and take it to a warm place. Leave the camcorder there for a while, then turn on the camcorder. If you keep applying vibration on the camcorder, recording may stop.
The imaging field looks different.
The imaging field may look different depending on the condition of your camcorder. This is not a malfunction.
There is a time difference between the point when START/STOP is pressed and the point that the recording movie is started or stopped actually.

The flash does not work.

You cannot record with the built-in flash while: the (movie) lamp is on [CONVERSION LENS] is set to other than [OFF]
On your camcorder, there may be a slight time difference between the point where you press START/STOP and the actual point that recording movie starts/stops. This is not a malfunction.
The horizontal to vertical ratio of the movie (16:9 (wide)/4:3) cannot be changed.
Horizontal stripes appear on the images.
The horizontal to vertical ratio of high definition image quality (HD) movies is 16:9 (wide).
This occurs when recording images under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp.This is not a malfunction.
The auto focus does not function.
Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.
Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p.74). The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p.74).
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to an option except for [ACTIVE] (p.77).
[LCD BL LEVEL] cannot be adjusted.
SteadyShot does not function.
Set [ STEADYSHOT] to [ACTIVE] or [STANDARD], [ STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p.77, 81). Even if [ STEADYSHOT] is set to [ACTIVE] or [STANDARD], [ STEADYSHOT] to [ON], your camcorder may not be able to compensate for excessive vibrations.
You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL] when: The LCD panel is closed on your camcorder with the LCD screen facing out. The power is supplied from the AC Adaptor.

* This product does not support 8-bit parallel
Norway Copyright 2000; Norwegian Mapping Authority Portugal Source: IgeoE Portugal Spain Informacin geogrfica propiedad del CNIG Sweden Based upon electronic data National Land Survey Sweden. Switzerland Topografische Grundlage: Bundesamt fr Landestopographie.
data transfer but it supports 4-bit parallel data transfer the same as with Memory Stick PRO Duo media. This product cannot record or play data that uses MagicGate technology. MagicGate is a copyright protection technology that records and transfers the contents in an encrypted format. Memory Stick PRO Duo media formatted by a computer (Windows OS/Mac OS) does not have guaranteed compatibility with your camcorder. Data read/write speed may vary depending on the combination of the Memory Stick PRO Duo media and Memory Stick PRO Duo media compliant product you use. Damaged or lost data may occur in the following cases (the data will not be compensated for): If you eject the Memory Stick PRO Duo media, or turn off your camcorder while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the Memory Stick PRO Duo media (while the access lamp is lit or flashing) If you use the Memory Stick PRO Duo
media near magnets or magnetic fields It is recommended that you make a back-up of important data on the hard disk of a computer. Do not attach a label or the like on Memory Stick PRO Duo media or Memory Stick Duo media adaptor. Do not touch, or allow metallic objects to come into contact with the terminals. Do not bend, drop or apply strong force to the Memory Stick PRO Duo media. Do not disassemble or modify the Memory Stick PRO Duo media. Do not let the Memory Stick PRO Duo media get wet. Keep the Memory Stick PRO Duo media out of the reach of small children. There is danger that a child might swallow it. Do not insert anything other than Memory Stick PRO Duo media into the Memory Stick Duo media slot. Doing so may cause a malfunction. Do not use or keep the Memory Stick PRO Duo media in the following locations: Places subject to extremely high temperature, such as a car parked outside in the summer Places under direct sunlight Places with extremely high humidity or subject to corrosive gases
in the correct direction. If inserted in the wrong direction, the device may be damaged. Do not insert Memory Stick Duo media adaptor without Memory Stick PRO Duo media attached into Memory Stick media compliant device. Doing so may result in malfunctions of the device.

60 min

Remaining battery Recording folder Return button (66)

Center

Indicator [STBY]/[REC] Meaning Recording status (22) Photo size (80) Slide show set (40) NightShot (30) Warning (98) Playback mode (34) Drop sensor off (90) Drop sensor activated (90)

Parts and controls

Indicator Meaning IRIS (31) CONVERSION LENS (77) INTELLIGENT AUTO (26) OPTION button (68) VIEW IMAGES button (33) Slide show button (40) YOUR LOCATION button (54) Data file name (35) Protected image (45) Index button (35)
Figures in ( ) are reference pages.

101-0005

Indicators and their positions are approximate and may differ from what you actually see. Some indicators may not appear, depending on your camcorder model.

Active Interface Shoe

The Active Interface Shoe supplies power to accessories such as a video light, a flash, or a microphone (sold separately). The accessory can be turned on or off as you open or close the LCD screen of your camcorder. Refer to
the operating instructions supplied with your accessory for details. The Active Interface Shoe has a safety device for fixing the installed accessory securely. To connect an accessory, press down and push it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To remove an accessory, loosen the screw, and then press down and pull out the accessory.
When you open or close the shoe cover, slide it as indicated by the arrow. When you are recording movies with an external flash (sold separately) connected to the accessory shoe, turn off the power of the external flash to prevent charging noise being recorded. You cannot use an external flash (sold separately) and the built-in flash at the same time. When an external microphone (sold separately) is connected, it takes precedence over the built-in microphone (p.29).
LCD screen/Touch panel (15, 31) If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.
Built-in microphone (29) Flash Lens (G lens) MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (headphones) jack Remote sensor/Infrared port Point the Wireless Remote Commander (p.123) towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder. Camera recording lamp (90) The camera recording lamp lights up in red during recording. The lamp flashes when the remaining recording media capacity or battery power is low. MANUAL button (31) MANUAL dial (31)
(VIEW IMAGES) button (33) (DISC BURN) button (see Operating Guide) NIGHTSHOT button (30)
(INTELLIGENT AUTO) button (26)
POWER button (15) RESET button Press RESET using a pointed object. Press RESET to initialize all the settings including the clock setting. GPS switch (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) (53) Speaker MODE button (21)

(Movie)/

(Photo) lamps (21)
(USB) jack (60, 63) HDMI OUT jack (41)

Specification Sheets Handycam AVCHD HDD series: HDR-XR550, HDR-XR350, and HDR-XR150
Model Name Image Sensor Pixels for Still Image Recording Gross pixels Movie Effective Pixels Still HDR-XR550 1/2.88 type Exmor R CMOS Sensor Max. 12.0M pixels (4000x3000, 4:3) Approx. 6631K pixels Approx. 4150K pixels (16:9) Approx. 6000K pixels (4:3) STD: 11lux (1/60 Shutter Speed) LOW LUX: 3lux Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed NightShot: 0lux (1/60 shutter speed) Sony Lens G 37mm 29.8mm (16:9 mode, Active Mode off) 26.3mm (4:3 mode, Active Mode off) Optical: 10x Digital: 120x Optical: 10x Optical SteadyShot (New Active Mode, Active Lens Method) 240GB Yes
HDR-XR150 1/4 type Exmor R CMOS Sensor Max. 3.1M pixels (2048x1536, 4:3) Approx. 4200K pixels Approx. 1350K pixels (16:9) Approx. 1570K pixels (4:3) STD: 11lux (1/60 Shutter Speed) LOW LUX: 3lux (Auto Slow Shutter, 1/30 Shutter Speed) Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 30mm 37mm (16:9 mode, Active Mode off) 36mm (4:3 mode, Active Mode off) Optical: 25x Digital: 300x Optical: 25x SteadyShot (New Active Mode) 120GB Yes

Minimum Illumination

Type Filter Diameter f ( for movie) f ( for still)
Zoom SteadyShot HDD Capacity

Movie Still

HDD Smart Protection

Recording Media

HDD Memory Stick PRO Duo Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed) Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo

Video Recording

Movie Mode Flash LCD Monitor Rec Start/Stop and Zoom Buttons

Yes shown on LCD screen

Still Image Size

Photo Mode

HD: MPEG4-AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) STD: MPEG2-PS Approx. 12000K pixels (4000x3000, 4:3) Approx. 9000K pixels (4000x2250, 16:9) Approx. 6200K pixels (2880x2160, 4:3) Approx. 1900K pixels (1600x1200, 4:3) Approx. 300K pixels (640x480, 4:3 Approx. 8300K pixels (3840x2160, 16:9) Approx. 6200K pixels (2880x2160, 4:3) Yes 3.5 type Wide (16:9), 921.6K dots, Touch Panel Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack Technology
HD: MPEG4-AVC/H.264 (AVCHD) STD: MPEG2-PS Approx. 3.1M pixels (2048x1536, 4:3) Approx. 2.4M pixels (2048x1152, 16:9) Approx. 1.9M pixels (1600 x1200, 4:3) Approx. 300K pixels (640x480, 4:3) Approx. 2.7M pixels (2208x1244, 16:9) Approx. 2.0M pixels (1664x1244, 4:3) 2.7 type Wide (16:9), 230K dots, Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Yes (shown on LCD screen)
Intelligent Auto Golf Shot Direct Compatible Copy
Yes (on by default) Yes Yes - Focus (default) - Exposure - AE shift - WB shift -Iris control -Shutter speed control 0.2 type, 201.6K dots, Color Yes Yes Yes (Low LUX mode only) Auto, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow

Yes (on by default) Yes

Manual dial
Viewfinder Tele Macro NightShot/Super NightShot Auto Slow Shutter
Yes Yes (Low LUX mode only) Auto, Twilight, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow White, Black Yes (V Series) Approx. 7 hours

Scene Selection

Fader Battery Info, IntoLITHIUM Battery Stamina
White, Black Yes (V Series) Approx. 6 hours -HDMI Mini Connector -A/V Remote jack -External Mic. Input -Phone Jack -Active Interface Shoe -USB jack (USB 2.0HI-Speed) -DC-IN -AC adaptor -A/V cable -Component A/V cable -USB cable -InfoLITHIUM battery NP-FV50 -Wireless Remote Commander (RMT-835) with lithium battery CR2025 -CD-ROM (Picture Motion Browser for Microsoft Windows)

Interface

-HDMI Mini Connector -A/V Remote jack -USB jack (USB 2.0HI-Speed) -DC-IN

Supplied Accessories

-AC adaptor -A/V cable -Component A/V cable -USB cable -InfoLITHIUM battery NP-FV50 -CD-ROM (Picture Motion Browser for Microsoft Windows)