Summary of the content on the page No. 1
2-548-726-12 (1)
Digital Video Camera Recorder Getting Started 7
Recording/
18
Playback
Operating Guide
Using the Menu 34
Dubbing/Editing 54
DCR-PC53E/PC55E
Using a Computer 64
Troubleshooting 76
Additional Information 96
Printed on 100% recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
© 2005 Sony Corporation
Printed in Japan
DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-12(1) DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-12(1)
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Read this first Before operating the unit, please read this Notice manual thoroughly, and retain it for future If static electricity or electromagnetism causes reference. data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again. WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, Notes on use do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides. “Memory Stick” – “Operat
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
• Before connecting your camcorder to • TV color systems differ depending on another device with a USB or i.LINK the countries/regions. To view your cable, be sure to insert the connector recordings on a TV, you need a PAL plug in the proper direction. If you insert system-based TV. the connector plug forcibly in the wrong • Television programs, films, video tapes, direction, the terminal may be damaged, and other materials may be copyrighted. or this may cause a malfunction of your Unauthor
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
Table of Contents Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items ...............................................................7 Step 2: Charging the battery pack .............................................................8 Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly ...........12 Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel .............................................................13 Step 5: Using the touch panel .................................................................14 C
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
Remote Commander ...............................................................................30 Searching quickly for a desired scene (Zero set memory) ............................30 Searching for a scene by date of recording (Date search) ...........................31 Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................32 Using the Menu Using the menu items ............................................................34 Menu items .................
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) .........................61 Jacks to connect external devices ...........................................................63 Using a Computer Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ...................64 Installing the software and “First Step Guide” on a computer .................66 Viewing “First Step Guide” .......................................................................70 Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Getting Started Step 1: Checking supplied items Make sure that you have following items A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 32, 54) supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied. USB cable (1) (p. 64) “Memory Stick Duo” 16MB (1) (p. 16, 98) (DCR-PC55E) Wrist strap (1) Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1) (p. 98) (DCR-PC55E) • To attach the Wrist strap AC Adaptor (1) (p. 8) Folding the tip of the string makes it easier to run the string through the h
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Step 2: Charging the battery pack You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series) (p. 100) after 3 Close the battery cover. attaching it to your camcorder. • Only the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ( NP- F A50) can be used. POWER switch Be sure to close the cover completely. DC IN jack 4 Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG). (The default setting.) Handycam DC plug Station Mains lead AC Adaptor To the wall socket 5 Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on the Handycam 1 Sl
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
Getting Started To charge the battery pack using only 7 Install the camcorder onto the the AC Adaptor Handycam Station. Turn off the power, then connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your Open the interface connector cover. camcorder. • You can operate your camcorder connected to a power source such as a wall socket as shown in the illustration. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case. DC IN jack Place the camcorder on the Handycam DC plug Station properly ali
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued) To remove your camcorder from the Charging time Handycam Station Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery Turn the power of your camcorder off pack. and then press the RELEASE button Battery pack Charging time and remove the camcorder from the Handycam Station. NP-FA50 (supplied) 125 Recording time Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack. Continuous Typical Battery
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
Getting Started • The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even when the mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket. On the charging/recording/playback time • Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F). (10 to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended.) • The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures. • The recording and pla
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
Step 3: Turning the power on and holding your camcorder firmly To record or play back, slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the respective 2 Hold the camcorder correctly. lamp. When using it for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 15). To turn off the power POWER switch Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG) while pressing the green button. 1 Slide the POWER switch • At the time of purchase, the power will be repeatedly in the direction of the set to turn off
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
Getting Started Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel The LCD panel Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (). 180 degrees 90 degrees (max.) (max.) 2 1 DISP/BATT INFO 90 Degrees to the camcorder • 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 convenien
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
Step 5: Using the touch panel You can play back recorded pictures (p. 21), or change the settings (p. 34) using the 1 Touch . touch panel. Touch [MENU] during Easy Handycam operation (p. 18). Place your hand on the rear side of 6 0 m i n 0 : 0 0 : 0 0 DIS P M E NU the LCD panel to support it. Then, GUIDE touch the buttons displayed on the T E L E E XP O- 1 / 3 M A CR O S UR E screen. S P O T F A DER F O CUS Touch the button on the LCD screen. 2 Touch [DISP GUIDE]. The indicators vary depend
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
Getting Started Step 6: Setting the date and time Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not 3 Select [CLOCK SET] with / , set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] then touch . screen appears every time you turn on your C L O C K S E T – : – – : – – camcorder or change the POWER switch position. • If you do not use your camcorder for about D A T E 2 0 0 5 Y 1 M 1 D 0 : 0 0 2 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and tim
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
Step 7: Inserting a tape or a “Memory Stick Duo” Cassette tape 3 Close the lid. You can use mini DV cassettes only (p. 97). • The recordable time varies depending on [REC To eject the cassette MODE] (p. 48). Proceed with the same steps as you would when inserting a cassette tape. 1 Slide and hold the OPEN/ EJECT lever in the direction of “Memory Stick Duo” the arrow and open the lid. You can use only a “Memory Stick OPEN/EJECT lever Duo” marked with or (p. 98). • The number and time
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
Getting Started To eject a “Memory Stick Duo” Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” in once. • When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged. 17 DCR-PC53E/PC55E 2-548-726-11(1)
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
Recording/Playback with ease (Easy Handycam) With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera E settings are automatically adjusted optimally, which frees you from detailed adjustment. Since only basic functions become available and screen font C size increases for easy viewing, even first time users can enjoy easy operation. Go through the procedures described in steps 1 to 7 (p. 7 to 16) before operation. A B D Recording with ease 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the ar
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
Recording/Playback Playing back with ease 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. 2 Press EASY . E a s y H a n d y c a m The EASY lamp lights up in blue. o p e r a t i o n O N 3 Start playing back. Movies Still images Touch , then touch to Touch / to select start playback. a picture. Slow playback is available on C A B the Remote Commander. A C C ME NU M E N U Tape playback B Previous/Next Stop Delete (p. 60) Play/Pau
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
Recording Lens cover Opens in accordance with the setting PHOTO of the POWER switch. REC START/STOP POWER switch REC START/ STOP 1 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the respective lamp to select a recording medium. If the POWER On a tape, light up the CAMERA-TAPE lamp. switch is set to OFF, slide it down while On a “Memory Stick Duo,” light up the pressing the green CAMERA-MEM lamp. button. 2 Start recording. Movies Still images Press
