Notes on using the camcorder How to use this handbook Click on a button at upper right on the cover and each page to jump to the corresponding page. This is convenient when searching for a function you want to use. You can jump to the pages by clicking on the page numbers mentioned in the book.
Table of contents Notes on using the camcorder How to use this handbook ·····································2 Sample images······················································5 Basic operations Using the operating buttons ··································8 Menu ···································································10 Using functions with the buttons on the control panel DISP (Display Contents) ·····································14 FOCUS (AF/MF Select) ········································· 16 GAIN (Gain) ···························································...
Page 4
Connecting with other equipment Creating a disc using a computer ························72 Creating a disc using a DVD writer/recorder ·······75 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting···················································76 Warning messages··············································82 Others Using the camcorder abroad ·······························85 AVCHD format·····················································86 Memory card ·······················································87 Battery pack ························································89 Battery charger ····················································90 Mount Adaptor·····················································91 Cleaning ······························································92 Index...
Sample images “This is the scene I want to capture in an image, but how can I do?” You may find the answer by going through the sample images listed here. Click the desired sample image. Shooting movies as clear as still images (page 6) Shooting when holding the camcorder by hand (page 6) Shooting landscapes (page 6) Shooting clear still images (page 7)
Page 6
Shooting movies as clear as still images Defocusing the background (25) Focusing manually (16) Shooting when holding the camcorder by hand Preventing camera shake (32) Shooting landscapes The sky in vivid colors (20) Vivid green colors (41) Adjusting the color (21) In better brightness (20) Following a moving subject (31) Colored leaves (41)
Page 7
Shooting clear still images In candle light (29) The same scene with different brightness (36) Light outdoors shot from a dark interior (44) Holding the camera by hand (28) Scenery with a wide range of brightness (44) Capturing the best moment (34)
Basic operations Using the operating buttons The control dial and v/V/b/B buttons allow you to use various functions of the camcorder. When you turn the control dial or press the v/V/b/B buttons following the on-screen display, you can select items and settings. Your selection is determined when you press the control dial.
Page 9
The MENU and FOCUS buttons and the control dial have different roles, depending on the screen display. The assigned role (function) of each button is shown on the screen. To use the function shown at the upper right corner of the screen, press the MENU button.
Using functions in the menu Menu You can set up the basic settings for the camcorder as a whole, or execute functions such as recording, playback, or other operations. 1 Press the MENU button. 2 Select the desired item by turning the control dial, or pressing the v/V/b/B buttons, and then press the control dial.
Camera Allows you to set focusing method, continuous shooting, self-timer, etc. AF/MF Select Autofocus Area* Autofocus Mode* SteadyShot Drive Mode* Flash Mode* DISP (Display Contents) Display Contents * Still image only Rec Mode/Image Size Allows you to set the recording mode of movies and the image size of still images. Movie Rec Mode Still...
Playback Allows you to set playback functions. Delete Movie/Still Select Image Index Protect Still Slide Show* Enlarge Still image* Display Contents During playback * Still image only Setup Allows you to make more detailed shooting settings, or change the camcorder settings. Shooting Settings Movie Audio Rec Grid Line...
Page 13
Memory Card Tool Format Recover Image DB File Number* * Still image only Formats the memory card. Repairs the image database file of movies when inconsistencies are found. Selects the method used for assigning file numbers to images.
Using functions with the buttons on the control panel DISP (Display Contents) Using the button: 1 Press the DISP button repeatedly to select the desired mode. Using the menu: 1 During shooting, MENU button t [Camera] t [Display Contents]. During playback, MENU button t [Playback] t [Display Contents]. 2 Select the desired mode by turning the control dial.
What is histogram The histogram displays the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture. Brighter image will make the entire histogram shift to the right side, and darker image to the left side. During playback Disp.
AF/MF Select Selects auto focusing or manual focusing. 1 FOCUS button t desired mode. Or, MENU button t [Camera] t [AF/MF Select] t desired mode. (Autofocus) Focuses automatically. (DMF)* After focusing automatically, make fine focus adjustment manually (Direct Manual Focus). Adjusts the focus manually.
Page 17
To measure the exact distance to the subject Lens mount you measure the exact distance between the camcorder and the subject, refer to the position of the line. The distance from the lens contact surface to the image sensor is about 18 mm (23/32 in.).
Gain Increase the gain when recording in dim places. Select the desired gain value when you do not want the gain to be increased with the [Auto] setting. 1 In movie recording mode, GAIN button t desired setting. Or, MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [Gain] t desired setting. Sets the gain automatically.
Sets the luminous sensitivity for recording still images. 1 In still image recording mode, GAIN button t desired setting. Or, MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [ISO] t desired setting. (ISO AUTO) Sets the ISO sensitivity automatically. 200/400/800/1600/ You can set a faster shutter speed, and reduce image blur in dark 3200/6400/12800 locations or of moving subjects by increasing ISO sensitivity (select a larger number).
Exposure Comp. You can adjust the exposure in 1/3 EV steps in a range of –2.0 EV to +2.0 EV. (Exposure Comp.) button t desired value. Or, MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [Exposure Comp.] t desired value. Notes • You cannot use [Exposure Comp.] when using [Manual Exposure]. •...
White Balance Adjusts the color tones according to the ambient light conditions. Use this feature when the color tone of the image did not come out as you expected, or when you want to change the color tone on purpose for photographic expression. 1 WB (White Balance) button t desired mode.
Preset white balance ( 1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [White Balance] t desired mode. 2 As necessary, [Option] t adjust the color tone. Adjusting it toward + turns the image reddish and adjusting it toward – turns the image bluish.
Image Index Displays multiple images at the same time. In movie recording mode: 1 Press the (Playback) button to switch to the playback mode. 6-image index appears. You can switch to 12-image index; MENU button t [Playback] t [Image Index]. In still image recording mode: 1 Press the (Playback) button to switch to the playback mode.
Program Auto While exposure is adjusted by the camcorder automatically, you can set shooting functions such as Gain/ISO sensitivity, Creative Style, White Balance. 1 Press the control dial and select [Program Auto]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Program Auto]. 2 Set the shooting functions to your desired settings.
Aperture Priority Blurs or sharpens things in front of and beyond the subject. 1 Press the control dial and select [Aperture Priority]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Aperture Priority]. 2 Turn the control dial and select a desired value.
Shutter Priority Allows you to manually adjust and fix the shutter speed. You can make a moving subject look still or emphasize the movement of a moving subject by adjusting the shutter speed. 1 Press the control dial and select [Shutter Priority].
Manual Exposure You can shoot with the desired exposure setting by adjusting both the shutter speed and aperture. 1 Press the control dial and select [Manual Exposure]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Manual Exposure]. 2 Press the V botton repeatedly to select shutter speed or aperture.
Hand-held Twilight Shoots night scenes with less noise and blur without using a tripod. This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 Press the control dial and select [Hand-held Twilight]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Hand-held Twilight].
Anti Motion Blur This is suitable for indoor shots without using a flash (sold separately), to reduce the subject blur. This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 Press the control dial and select [Anti Motion Blur]. Or, MENU button t [Shoot Mode] t [Anti Motion Blur].
Autofocus Area Selects the focusing area. Use this function when it is difficult to get the proper focus in auto focus mode. 1 MENU button t [Camera] t [Autofocus Area] t desired mode. (Multi) The camcorder determines which of the 25 AF areas is used for focusing.
Autofocus Mode Selects the focus method when the PHOTO button is pressed. This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 MENU button t [Camera] t [Autofocus Mode] t desired mode. (Single-shot The camcorder focuses and the focus is locked when you press the PHOTO button halfway down.
Page 32
SteadyShot Sets whether or not you use the SteadyShot function of the lens. 1 MENU button t [Camera] t [SteadyShot] t desired setting. Active Uses SteadyShot with more powerful effect. Standard Uses SteadyShot. Does not use SteadyShot. This setting is recommended when you use a tripod.
Drive Mode You can set the drive mode, such as continuous, self-timer, or bracket shooting. This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 MENU button t [Camera] t [Drive Mode] t desired mode. (Single-shot Shoots 1 still image. Normal shooting mode. Adv.) (Continuous Shoots images continuously at high speed while you press and...
Continuous Adv. Shoots images continuously while you press and hold down the PHOTO button. 1 MENU button t [Camera] t [Drive Mode] t [Continuous Adv.]. Notes • You cannot use [Continuous Adv.] with the following functions. – [Hand-held Twilight] – [Anti Motion Blur] –...
Page 35
Self-timer This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 MENU button t [Camera] t [Drive Mode] t [Self-timer]. 2 [Option] t desired mode. (Self-timer: Sets the 10-second delay self-timer. 10 Sec) When you press the PHOTO button, the audio signal sounds until the shutter operates.
Bracket: Cont. Shoots 3 images while automatically shifting the exposure from base, to darker, then to lighter. Press and hold down the PHOTO button until the bracket recording is completed. You can select an image that suits your intention, after recording. This item is available in still image recording mode only.
There are certain Sony flashes or functions that cannot be used with your camcorder. For the compatibility of a particular flash unit, visit the Sony web site in your area, or consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Image Size The image size determines the size of the image file that is recorded when you record a still image. The larger the image size, the more detail will be reproduced when the image is printed on large-format paper. The smaller the image size, the more images can be recorded. 1 MENU button t [Rec Mode/Image Size] t [Image Size] t desired mode.
Aspect Ratio Sets the aspect ratio of still images. 1 MENU button t [Rec Mode/Image Size] t [Aspect Ratio] t desired mode. Standard aspect ratio. Suitable for prints. 16:9 For viewing on a high-definition TV.
Creative Style Allows you to select the desired image processing. You can adjust exposure (shutter speed and aperture) as you like with [Creative Style]. 1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [Creative Style] t desired mode. 2 When you want to adjust contrast, saturation, or sharpness, [Option] t desired setting.
Metering Mode Selects the metering mode that sets which part of the subject to measure to determine the exposure. This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [Metering Mode] t desired mode. (Multi) Measures light on each area after dividing the total area into multiple areas and determines the proper exposure of the entire...
Flash Compensation Adjusts the light amount of flash (sold separately) in 1/3 EV steps in a range of –2.0 EV to +2.0 EV. Flash compensation changes the amount of flash light only. Exposure compensation changes the amount of flash light along with the change of the shutter speed and aperture.
DRO/Auto HDR Corrects the brightness or contrast. This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [DRO/Auto HDR] t desired mode. (Off) Does not use [DRO/Auto HDR]. (D-Range By dividing the image into small areas, the camcorder analyzes Opt.) the contrast of light and shadow between the subject and the background, producing the image with the optimal brightness...
Auto HDR Widens the range (gradations) so that you can record from bright parts to dark parts in correct brightness (Auto High Dynamic Range). An image with proper exposure and an overlaid image are recorded. 1 MENU button t [Brightness/Color] t [DRO/Auto HDR] t [Auto HDR]. 2 [Option] t desired value.
Page 46
Delete Allows you to select unwanted images for deletion. 1 MENU button t [Playback] t [Delete] t desired mode. Multiple Movies Deletes the selected movies. Press the control dial to confirm [Select] and [OK]. Multiple Still Deletes the selected still images. Press the control dial to confirm Images [Select] and [OK].
Movie/Still Select Selects movies or still images to play back. 1 MENU button t [Playback] t [Movie/Still Select] t desired mode. Movie Displays the movie. Still Displays the still image. Note • You cannot display movies and still images on the same index screen. Switching between the movie and the still image You can switch the image type on the image index easily.
Page 48
Image Index Selects the number of images to be displayed on the index. 1 MENU button t [Playback] t [Image Index] t desired mode. 6 Images Displays 6 images. 12 Images Displays 12 images. Switching between the movie and the still image You can switch the image type on the image index easily.
Page 49
Protect Protects recorded images against accidental erasure. mark is displayed for registered images. 1 MENU button t [Playback] t [Protect] t desired mode. Multiple Movies Applies or cancels the protection of the selected movies. Press the control dial to confirm [Select] and [OK]. Cancel All Movies Cancels the protection of all movies.
Still Slide Show Plays back still images automatically. 1 MENU button t [Playback] t [Still Slide Show] t desired mode t [OK]. Repeat Plays back images in a continuous loop. After all the images have been played back, the slide show ends. Interval 1 Sec Sets the display interval of images.
Enlarge Still image You can check the focus by enlarging a portion of the still image on the screen. 1 MENU button t [Playback] t [ 2 Adjust the scaling by turning the control dial. 3 Select the portion you want to enlarge by pressing the v/V/b/B button. 4 To cancel the operation, press [Exit].
Movie Audio Rec Sets whether or not you record the sound during movie recording. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Movie Audio Rec] t desired setting. Records sound. Does not record sound. Note • When [Off] is selected, the camcorder does not record sound from either the built-in microphone or an external microphone (sold separately).
Grid Line Sets whether the grid line is displayed or not. The grid line will help you to adjust the composition of images. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Grid Line] t desired setting. Displays the grid line. Does not display the grid line.
Sets whether or not the recording can be started when no lens is attached. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Shoot w/o Lens] t desired setting. Enable Allows you to use non-Sony E-mount lenses and mount adaptors. Disable Recording starts only when a lens is attached.
• There are certain flash units that you cannot use with Red Eye Reduction. For the compatibility of a particular flash unit, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. What causes the red-eye phenomenon? Pupils become dilated in dark environments.
Auto Review You can check the recorded image right after the shooting. This item is available in still image recording mode only. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Auto Review] t desired setting. 2 Sec Displays for 2 seconds. Does not display.
Volume Settings Adjusts the sound volume of movies in 16 steps. You can check the sound that is actually recorded using headphones, etc. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Volume Settings] t desired value. Or, press MENU while recording or playing back movies t desired value.
Page 58
Beep Sets whether or not the beep sounds. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Beep] t desired setting. The beep sounds when the subject comes into focus, during countdown of the self-timer, etc. Turns off the beep.
Page 59
Language Selects the language to be used in the menu items, warnings and messages. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [ Language] t desired language.
Date/Time Setup Sets the date and time again. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Date/Time Setup]. 2 Set the date, time, etc. Daylight Svg. Selects [ON] or [OFF]. Date Format Selects the date and time display format. Note • The camcorder does not have a feature for superimposing dates on still images. By using “PMB” in the CD-ROM (supplied), you can print or save still images with the date.
Area Setting Sets the area where you are using the camcorder. This allows you to set the local area when you use the camcorder abroad. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Area Setting] t desired setting. 2 Press the b/B buttons to select an area.
Power Save You can make the camcorder switch to power save mode. Opening/closing the LCD panel, etc. returns the camcorder to the shooting mode. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Power Save] t desired setting. 5 Min Switches to power save mode after about 5 minutes. Does not switch to power save mode.
LCD Brightness Sets the brightness of the LCD monitor in 5 steps between –2 and +2. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [LCD Brightness] t desired value. Note • You can adjust [LCD Brightness] only when the LCD monitor is turned on.
Viewfinder Bright. Sets the brightness of the viewfinder in 3 steps between –1 and +1. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Viewfinder Bright.] t desired value. Note • You can adjust [Viewfinder Bright.] only when the viewfinder is turned on.
Cleaning Mode Allows you to clean the image sensor. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Cleaning Mode] t [OK]. The message “After cleaning, turn camera off. Continue?” appears. 2 Confirm [OK]. The anti-dust is activated automatically. 3 Turn off the camcorder and detach the lens. 4 Use a blower to clean the image sensor surface and the surrounding area.
Page 66
Version Displays the version of your camcorder and lens. Confirm the version when a firmware update is released. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Version]. Note • An update can be performed only when the battery level is (3 remaining battery icons) or more. We recommend that you use a sufficient battery or the AC Adaptor.
Demo Mode Sets whether or not to display the movie for the demonstration, when there is only one movie on the memory card. Select [Off] when you do not want to see the demonstration. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Demo Mode] t desired setting. If there is only one movie on the memory card, the demonstration begins automatically when the camcorder is not operated for about 1 minute.
Reset Default Initializes the setting to the default setting. Even if you activate [Reset Default], the images are retained. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Reset Default] t [OK]. Notes • Be sure not to turn off the camcorder while resetting. •...
Page 69
Format Formats the memory card. When you use a memory card with this camcorder for the first time, it is recommended to format the memory card using the camcorder for stable performance of the memory card before shooting. Note that formatting permanently erases all data on the memory card, and is unrecoverable.
Recover Image DB When inconsistencies are found in the image database file of movies, caused by processing movies on computers, etc., movies will not be recorded or played back. If this happens, the camcorder repairs the file. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [Recover Image DB] t [OK]. The [Recover Image DB] screen is displayed, and the camcorder repairs the file.
File Number Selects the method for assigning file numbers to still images. 1 MENU button t [Setup] t [File Number] t desired setting. Series Does not reset numbers of still image files, and assigns numbers to files in sequence until the number reaches “9999.” Reset Resets numbers of still image files in the following cases and assigns numbers to files from “0001.”...
• A DVD recorded with high definition image quality (HD) is called an “AVCHD disc” in this manual. • You can play an AVCHD disc on AVCHD format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray Disc player and a PlayStation®3. You cannot play the disc on ordinary DVD players.
Creating a Blu-ray Disc You can create a Blu-ray Disc from AVCHD format movies imported to a computer using the supplied software “PMB.” To creating a Blu-ray Disc, you must install [BD Add-on Software]. Click [BD Add-on Software] on the installation screen of “PMB,” and install this plug-in according to the on-screen instructions.
Playing an AVCHD disc on a computer You can play back an AVCHD disc using “Player for AVCHD” that is installed together with “PMB.” To start the software, click on [Start] t [All Programs] t [PMB] t [PMB Launcher] t [View] t [Player for AVCHD].
Creating a disc using a DVD writer/recorder You can create an AVCHD disc using a DVD writer/recorder (excluding DVDirect Express), and play it on AVCHD format playback devices (Sony Blu-ray Disc player, PlayStation®3, etc.) Notes • A DVD recorded with high definition image quality (HD) is called an “AVCHD disc” in this manual.
2 Remove the battery pack, wait for about 1 minute, reattach the battery pack, then turn on the power. 3 Reset the settings (page 68). 4 Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Battery pack and power The battery pack cannot be attached.
Page 77
• If the CHARGE lamp is flashing slowly (about 1.5-second intervals) The ambient temperature is outside the suitable range for charging the battery pack. Charge the battery pack under the suitable temperatures between 10 °C and 30 °C (50 °F and 86 °F). Recording Nothing is displayed on the viewfinder or the LCD monitor when the power is turned on.
Page 78
• You cannot use a flash with the following recording mode: – [Bracket: Cont.] – [Hand-held Twilight] – [Anti Motion Blur] – Movie recording Fuzzy white circular spots appear on images shot using a flash. • Particles (dust, pollen, etc.) in the air reflected the flash light and appeared on the image. This is not a malfunction.
Page 79
The subjects passing by the frame very fast appear crooked. • This is called the focal plane phenomenon. This is not a malfunction. Because of the way that the image device (CMOS sensor) reads out image signals, the subjects passing by the frame rapidly might appear crooked depending on the recording conditions.
• The camcorder has been left unused for sometime with a low battery or no battery pack. Charge the battery pack and set the date again (page 60). If the message appears every time you charge the battery pack, the internal rechargeable battery may be exhausted. Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Page 81
• If the AC Adaptor is used, disconnect the power cord. Connect the power cord and turn on the camcorder again. If the camcorder does not work after doing these solutions, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Warning messages If the following messages appear, follow the instructions below. Incompatible battery. Use correct model. • An incompatible battery pack is being used. Set Area/Date/Time. • Set the date and time. If you have not used the camcorder for a long time, charge the internal rechargeable battery.
Page 83
• The SteadyShot function does not work. You can continue recording but the SteadyShot function will not work. Turn the camcorder off and on. If this icon does not disappear, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Page 84
No images selected. • You attempted to delete without specifying images. Cannot create more folders. • The folder with a name beginning with “999” exists on the memory card. You cannot create any folders if this is the case.
Others Using the camcorder abroad You can use the battery charger (supplied), and the AC Adaptor (supplied) in any country or region where the power supply is within AC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz. Note • Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a malfunction. Viewing recorded movies on a TV To view movies recorded on the camcorder on a TV, you must use a TV (or monitor) equipped with an HDMI connector and an HDMI cable (sold separately).
AVCHD format The AVCHD format is a high definition digital video camera format used to record a high definition (HD) signal of either the 1080i specification using efficient data compression coding technology. The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is adopted to compress video data, and the Dolby Digital or Linear PCM system is used to compress audio data.
Memory card You can use following memory cards with this camcorder: “Memory Stick PRO Duo” (Mark2) media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory card, SDHC memory card, and SDXC memory card of Class 4 or more. However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all memory cards.
“Memory Stick” media The types of “Memory Stick” media that can be used with the camcorder are listed in the table below. However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all “Memory Stick” media functions. “Memory Stick PRO Duo” 1)2)3) media “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”...
Battery pack Your camcorder operates only with V series battery packs. You cannot use any other battery packs. You cannot use NP-FV30/FV50, even though they are V series. On charging the battery pack We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of from 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).
Battery charger • Only NP-FV series type battery packs (and no others) can be charged in the battery charger (supplied). Batteries other than the specified kind may leak, overheat, or explode if you attempt to charge them, posing a risk of injury from electrocution and burns.
• When an A-mount lens is attached, you cannot use the auto focus function. You may not be able to use certain A-mount lenses. For the compatibility of a particular A-mount lens, visit the Sony web site in your area, or consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Cleaning Cleaning the camcorder • Do not touch the inside of the camcorder, such as lens contacts. Blow away dust from inside the mount using a commercially available blower*. For details on cleaning the image sensor, see page 65. * Do not use a spray blower. Using one may cause a malfunction. •...
GPL/LGPL. Source code is provided on the web. Use the following URL to download it. http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/ We would prefer you do not contact us about the contents of source code.