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Sony Handycam DCR-HC85 User Manual

Sony Handycam DCR-HC85
149 pages
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SONY 3_o9o_178_11/11
Digita/ Video Camera Recorder
365/HC85
m_LITH_ Q _
SE_BES MEMI3 RY _TR [1(
© 2004 Sony Corporation

Table of Contents

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Sony Handycam DCR-HC85 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandSony
ModelHandycam DCR-HC85
CategoryCamcorder
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Camera Operations Guide

Digital Video Camera Recorder DCR-HC65/HC85

Identifies the specific camcorder model.

Read this first

Safety Warnings

Safety precautions to prevent fire, shock, and damage to the unit.

Regional Information

Details for US/Canada customers regarding battery recycling and FCC compliance.

For Customers in the U.S.A.

Regulatory Information

Declarations of conformity and FCC compliance statements for the camcorder.

Owner's Record

Section to record model and serial numbers for reference.

Notes on Use

Information on cassette memory and compatible memory sticks.

Notes on Recording

Handling the LCD Panel, Viewfinder, and Lens

Guidance on protecting the LCD, viewfinder, and lens from damage or malfunction.

Connecting Other Devices

Notes on Using the Camcorder

Recording Basics

Recording Still Images

How to record still photographs using the camcorder.

Adjusting Exposure

Techniques for adjusting exposure for optimal image brightness.

Focusing

Methods for adjusting focus on subjects for clarity.

Low-Light Recording

NightShot Plus and Color Slow Shutter

Using specialized functions for recording in dark or low-light conditions.

Advanced Operations

Using the Menu System

Navigating and utilizing the camcorder's menu interface for settings.

Dubbing and Editing

Procedures for copying and editing video content between devices.

Quick Reference

Quick Start Guide

Recording Movies

Step-by-step instructions to begin recording video movies.

Quick Start Guide

Recording Still Images

Step-by-step instructions to begin recording still photographs.

Quick Start Guide

Easy Handycam Operation

Explanation of the simplified mode for easy recording and playback.

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking Supplied Items

List of all accessories included with the camcorder for initial setup.

Getting Started

Step 2: Charging the Battery Pack

Instructions on how to charge the camcorder's battery pack.

Getting Started

Battery Management

Procedures for removing the battery and checking its status.

Getting Started

Step 3: Turning the Power On

Guide on powering on the camcorder and selecting operational modes.

Using External Power

Information on using the AC adaptor for continuous power.

Getting Started

Step 4: Adjusting LCD Panel and Viewfinder

Instructions for optimizing the view through the LCD and viewfinder.

Getting Started

Step 5: Setting Date and Time

Guide for setting the camcorder's internal clock and date.

Getting Started

Step 6: Inserting Recording Media

Instructions for inserting a mini DV cassette tape.

Getting Started

Inserting and Ejecting Memory Stick Duo

Procedures for inserting and removing Memory Stick Duo cards.

Getting Started

Step 7: Setting Screen Language

Guide for selecting the camcorder's display language.

Recording

Recording Movies

Steps to record video movies onto tape or Memory Stick.

Recording

Recording Indicators

Explanation of on-screen indicators during recording.

Recording

Recording for Extended Time

Tips for maximizing recording duration on tape and Memory Stick.

Recording

Using Zoom and Mirror Mode

Operating zoom and mirror mode for varied shooting perspectives.

Recording

Self-Timer and Progressive Recording

Using self-timer and progressive mode for specific recording needs.

Recording

Still Image Recording

Guide to recording still photographs onto a Memory Stick Duo.

Recording

Burst Shooting and Recording Indicators

Techniques for burst shooting and understanding recording indicators.

Recording

Selecting Image Quality and Size

Options for choosing image quality and resolution for still photos.

Recording

Flash Settings

Configuring flash modes, including red-eye reduction.

Recording

Self-Timer for Still Images

Using the self-timer to capture still images with a delay.

Recording

Easy Handycam Recording

Using the simplified mode for easy movie recording.

Recording

Easy Handycam Operation

Steps for activating and using Easy Handycam for recording movies and stills.

Recording

Maximizing Easy Handycam Features

Advanced settings and tips for the Easy Handycam operation.

Recording

Adjusting Exposure

Techniques for optimizing exposure, including backlit subjects.

Flexible Spot Meter

Focusing exposure control on a specific subject.

Recording

Manual Exposure Adjustment

Detailed steps for manually controlling exposure settings.

Recording

Low-Light Recording Features

Using NightShot Plus and Color Slow Shutter for dark environments.

Recording

Focus Adjustment

Information on automatic and spot focus adjustment.

SPOT FOCUS

Focusing on subjects not in the center of the screen.

Recording

Manual Focus Control

Detailed steps for manually adjusting focus using the focus ring.

Expanded Focus Feature

Using expanded focus to aid manual focusing.

Recording

Applying Video Effects

Overview of visual effects like Fader.

Fader Effects

How to apply fade-in and fade-out effects to video.

Recording

Memory Overlap and Digital Effects

Superimposing images and applying digital effects to recordings.

Recording

Slow Shutter and Old Movie Effects

Using slow shutter for low light and old movie effect for atmosphere.

Recording

Memory Mix for Image Overlay

Superimposing still images onto tape recordings using Memory Mix.

Recording

Using Memory Mix

Detailed steps for the Memory Mix function to overlay images.

Recording

Scene Search Functions

Using END SEARCH and EDIT SEARCH for finding recording points.

Recording

Scene Review

Playing back the most recently recorded scenes for review.

Playback

Viewing Movies from Tape

Steps to play back video recordings stored on a cassette tape.

Playback

Playback Indicators and Controls

Understanding playback indicators and using scan controls.

Various Playback Modes

How to play back in different modes like slow or frame-by-frame.

Playback

Applying Digital Effects to Playback

Adding digital effects to recorded footage during playback.

Playback

Viewing Recordings from Memory Stick Duo

Steps to view recordings stored on a Memory Stick Duo.

Playback

Memory Stick Duo Playback Indicators

Explanation of icons shown during Memory Stick playback.

Scene Search in Movies

Dividing movies into scenes for easier playback navigation.

Playback

Easy Handycam Playback

Using the simplified mode for easy playback of recordings.

Playback

Maximizing Easy Handycam Playback

Advanced settings and tips for Easy Handycam playback.

Playback

Playback Zoom Function

Magnifying playback footage from tape or Memory Stick.

Playback

Displaying Playback Information

Showing screen indicators, time codes, and data during playback.

Playback

Playing on a TV

Connecting the camcorder to a television for playback.

Playback

Locating Scenes on Tape

Methods for finding specific scenes on tape using memory or titles.

Title Search

Locating scenes by searching for recorded titles.

Playback

Date Search

Locating scenes based on the date they were recorded.

Using the Menu

Selecting Menu Items

General instructions on navigating and selecting menu options.

Using the Menu

Personal Menu Customization

Managing shortcuts and customizing the Personal Menu.

Using the Menu

Camera Settings Menu

Accessing and adjusting camera-specific settings like Program AE.

Using the Menu

White Balance Adjustment

Adjusting white balance for accurate color representation in various lighting.

Using the Menu

Image Settings

Adjusting sharpness, auto shutter, focus, and expanded focus.

Using the Menu

Flash Settings

Configuring flash modes, levels, and red-eye reduction.

Super NightShot Plus

Information on the Super NightShot Plus feature.

Using the Menu

Low-Light Recording Features

Using NightShot Light, Color Slow Shutter, and Digital Zoom.

Widescreen Recording

Recording in 16:9 widescreen format for compatible TVs.

Using the Menu

SteadyShot Image Stabilization

Compensating for camera shake using SteadyShot.

Progressive Recording

Information on the progressive recording mode.

Using the Menu

Memory Settings Menu

Managing Memory Stick settings like burst shooting and quality.

Burst Shooting

Recording multiple still images consecutively.

Using the Menu

Image Quality and Size Selection

Choosing image quality and resolution for still photos.

Movie Settings

Adjusting image size for movie recordings.

Memory Stick Remaining Capacity

Displaying the remaining capacity of the Memory Stick.

Using the Menu

All Erase and Formatting

Deleting all data or formatting the Memory Stick Duo.

File Numbering

Setting file numbering sequences for Memory Stick files.

Using the Menu

Folder Management

Creating and selecting folders for saving and playback.

Using the Menu

Picture Application Menu

Applying special effects like Picture Effect to images.

Picture Effects

Using effects like Negative Art, Sepia, B&W, and Solarize.

Using the Menu

Slide Show Playback

Playing back images from Memory Stick as a slideshow.

Using the Menu

Frame Recording

Creating stop-motion animation effects.

Smooth Interval Recording

Recording at intervals to capture motion over time.

Using the Menu

Interval Recording

Recording video at selected time intervals.

Using the Menu

Interval Still Recording

Recording still images at selected intervals onto Memory Stick.

Using the Menu

Demo Mode

Viewing a demonstration of camcorder features.

Using the Menu

Edit/Play Menu

Accessing editing and playback functions like titling and program editing.

Using the Menu

Search Functions

Using END SEARCH and CUE/REV SEARCH for locating content.

Title Management

Superimposing, searching, and managing titles on tape.

Using the Menu

Title Entry and Saving

Entering, saving, and editing titles for recordings.

Title Erasure

Deleting existing titles from the camcorder.

Using the Menu

Title Display and Tape Labeling

Displaying titles during playback and labeling cassettes.

Cassette Memory All Erase

Deleting all data from Cassette Memory.

Using the Menu

Standard Settings Menu

Accessing standard settings for recording mode, audio, and USB.

Recording Mode Selection

Choosing between SP and LP modes for tape recording.

Audio Mode and Multi-Sound

Selecting audio bit depth and playback sound modes.

Using the Menu

Audio Mix and LCD/Viewfinder Settings

Adjusting audio balance and display settings.

Using the Menu

Digital Conversion and Video Input

Converting signals and selecting video input types.

USB Camera and Playback

Streaming video or viewing media via USB.

Using the Menu

Data Code and Remaining Tape Display

Displaying playback data and remaining tape information.

Remote Control and Recording Lamp

Settings for remote control operation and the recording indicator lamp.

Using the Menu

Beep Settings and Display Options

Configuring audio feedback and display preferences.

Auto Shut-Off Function

Setting the automatic power-off timer.

Using the Menu

Time and Language Settings

Adjusting clock, world time, and display language.

Using the Menu

Customizing Personal Menu

Adding, deleting, and organizing frequently used menu items.

Using the Menu

Managing Personal Menu Items

Deleting and sorting menu items within the Personal Menu.

Using the Menu

Resetting Personal Menu Settings

Restoring Personal Menu settings to their default state.

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting to External Devices

Connecting the camcorder to VCRs or TVs using AV or i.LINK cables.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to Another Tape

Copying and editing footage to another tape, possibly via VCR.

Dubbing/Editing

Recording from VCR or TV

Recording video or TV programs onto tape or Memory Stick.

Dubbing/Editing

Transferring Pictures from Tape to Memory Stick Duo

Copying video or still images from tape to a Memory Stick Duo.

Dubbing/Editing

Transferring Still Images from Memory Stick Duo to Tape

Copying still images from Memory Stick Duo back to tape.

Dubbing/Editing

Digital Program Editing

Selecting and editing specific scenes for dubbing using digital program editing.

Dubbing/Editing

Setting up IR Control for VCR

Configuring IR setup codes for VCR control during dubbing.

Dubbing/Editing

IR Setup Code Configuration

Detailed steps for setting IR codes and a list of codes by manufacturer.

Dubbing/Editing

VCR Synchronization Adjustment

Adjusting VCR sync to prevent losing the start of recorded scenes.

Dubbing/Editing

Recording Selected Scenes as Programs

Steps to record selected scenes as programmed sequences.

Dubbing/Editing

Creating Programs for Dubbing

Detailed process for marking start/end points and creating program sequences.

Dubbing/Editing

Managing Digital Program Edits

Finishing editing, saving, and erasing recorded programs.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing Sound to a Recorded Tape

Adding new audio tracks to existing tape recordings.

Dubbing/Editing

Recording Audio

Steps for recording audio onto a tape, including setting endpoints.

Dubbing/Editing

Checking and Adjusting Recorded Sound

Verifying and adjusting the balance of recorded audio.

Deleting Recorded Pictures

Removing pictures from the Memory Stick Duo.

Dubbing/Editing

Deleting Pictures via Index Screen

Efficiently deleting pictures by viewing them in an index.

Image Protection and Print Marking

Protecting images from accidental deletion or marking for printing.

Dubbing/Editing

Image Protection and Print Marking Procedures

Detailed steps for protecting images and marking them for printing.

Dubbing/Editing

Printing Recorded Images via PictBridge

Printing still images directly from the camcorder using a PictBridge printer.

Dubbing/Editing

Printing Process

Steps for selecting images, setting print options, and executing the print job.

Dubbing/Editing

Managing Print Jobs

Options for printing multiple images, stopping, and finishing print jobs.

Troubleshooting

Overall Operations Issues

Solutions for common problems with camcorder operation.

Troubleshooting

Power and Battery Issues

Troubleshooting problems related to power supply and battery performance.

Cassette Tape Problems

Solutions for issues with cassette ejection and moisture.

Troubleshooting

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Issues

Troubleshooting problems related to the LCD screen and viewfinder.

Troubleshooting

Recording Problems

Solutions for issues encountered during recording operations.

Troubleshooting

Playback Problems

Solutions for issues encountered during playback.

Troubleshooting

Memory Stick Duo Issues

Troubleshooting common problems with Memory Stick Duo functionality.

Troubleshooting

Dubbing and Editing Problems

Solutions for issues during dubbing, editing, and device connections.

Troubleshooting

Complex Dubbing, Editing, and VCR Issues

Troubleshooting complex dubbing, editing, and VCR connection problems.

Warning Indicators and Messages

Self-Diagnosis and Warning Indicators

Explanations of self-diagnosis codes and warning indicators.

Warning Indicators and Messages

Warning Messages and Corrective Actions

Interpreting warning messages and applying corrective actions.

Troubleshooting

Memory Stick Duo and PictBridge Issues

Troubleshooting problems with Memory Stick Duo and PictBridge printing.

Troubleshooting

Flash and Miscellaneous Issues

Troubleshooting flash problems and other miscellaneous issues.

Additional Information

International Use

Using the camcorder abroad, including power and TV systems.

Clock Setting for Time Differences

Adjusting the camcorder's clock for different time zones.

Additional Information

Usable Cassette Tapes

Details on compatible mini DV cassettes and Cassette Memory features.

Cassette Handling Precautions

Preventing accidental erasure and handling cassettes properly.

Additional Information

About the Memory Stick

Information on Memory Stick types, compatibility, and file formats.

Image Data Compatibility

Understanding image file formats and compatibility with other devices.

Additional Information

Preventing Accidental Image Erasure

Using write-protect tabs and handling precautions for Memory Stick Duo.

Handling and Location Precautions

Safe handling and environmental considerations for Memory Stick Duo.

Additional Information

Memory Stick PRO Duo and MagicGate Compatibility

Specifics on Memory Stick PRO Duo and MagicGate features.

Image Data Compatibility Notes

Further details on image data compatibility and formatting requirements.

Additional Information

InfoLITHIUM Battery Pack Details

Information about the battery pack, charging, and usage.

Additional Information

Battery Life Considerations

Factors affecting battery life and troubleshooting battery issues.

Understanding i.LINK Interface

Explanation of the i.LINK DV interface standard and its features.

Additional Information

Maintenance and Precautions

Guidelines for maintaining and safely operating the camcorder.

Use and Care Guidelines

Precautions for using and caring for the camcorder in various conditions.

Additional Information

Moisture Condensation Prevention

Understanding and preventing moisture condensation in the camcorder.

Video Head Maintenance

Instructions for cleaning and maintaining the video heads.

Additional Information

LCD Screen Care and Calibration

Cleaning the LCD screen and calibrating the touch panel.

Casing and Lens Care

Maintaining the camcorder's exterior casing and lens.

Specifications

Video and Image Systems

Technical details of video and still image recording systems.

Audio and Cassette Specifications

Technical details of audio recording and cassette compatibility.

Specifications

Lens and Focal Length

Technical specifications of the camcorder's lens and focal length.

Input/Output Connectors

Details of various ports like DV, USB, and audio/video jacks.

General Specifications

Power requirements, dimensions, and operating temperatures.

Supplied Accessories

AC Adaptor and Battery Pack Specs

Technical specifications for the AC adaptor and battery pack.

Types of Differences

Quick Reference

Identifying Parts and Controls

A comprehensive guide to camcorder buttons and ports.

Quick Reference

Shoe Cover and Intelligent Accessory Shoe Tips

Instructions for shoe cover and tips for using intelligent accessory shoe.

Quick Reference

Camcorder Controls Overview

Identification and location of major camcorder buttons and connectors.

Quick Reference

Strap Hooks and Tripod Receptacle

Locations for attaching accessories like shoulder straps and tripods.

Quick Reference

Remote Commander Operation

Identifying remote control buttons and changing its battery.

Quick Reference

Remote Commander Safety and Notes

Safety warnings and usage tips for the remote commander.

Quick Reference

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Indicators

Explanations of various indicators displayed on the camcorder screen.

Quick Reference

Additional Indicators

Further explanation of indicators like Print mark and LCD backlight status.

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