Sony Handycam HDR-GW55VE, Operating Manual

Page 1: ...rder Operating Guide 4 424 097 12 1 Please also refer to http www sony net SonyInfo Support Table of contents Getting started Recording Playback Advanced operations Editing Saving movies and photos with a computer Customizing your camcorder Others Index ...

Page 2: ... or equivalent type recommended by Sony Dispose of used battery packs promptly as described in the instructions Replace the battery with the specified type only Otherwise fire or injury may result AC Adaptor Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space such as between a wall and furniture Use the nearby wall outlet wall socket when using the AC Adaptor Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall...

Page 3: ...treated as household waste Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product The recycling of materials w...

Page 4: ... void your authority to operate this equipment Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and use...

Page 5: ... to other devices through a USB connection and the power of the camcorder is turned on do not close the LCD panel The image data that has been recorded may be lost Use the camcorder in accordance with local regulations The GPS function of the camcorder is activated when GPS Setting p 33 is set to On even if the camcorder is not turned on During takeoff and landing of an airplane set Airplane Mode ...

Page 6: ...e or failure to properly maintain the camcorder is not covered by the limited warranty This camcorder is water proof dust proof equivalent to IEC60529 IP58 The camcorder is operable up to a water depth of 5 m 16 feet for 60 minutes Do not subject the camcorder to pressurized water such as from a tap Do not use in hot springs Use the camcorder in the recommended operating water temperature range of...

Page 7: ... the battery memory card jack cover has been securely locked Notes on using the camcorder under near water The touch panel may be activated by water splashes on the screen icons The touch panel cannot be operated underwater Use the buttons of the camcorder to perform shooting operations Do not subject the camcorder to shock such as from jumping into water Do not open and close the battery memory c...

Page 8: ... not allow the camcorder to sit with salt water inside or on the surface This may lead to corrosion or discoloration and degradation of water proof performance Iron sands may adhere to the frame around the LCD screen If iron sands adhere to the camcorder gently wipe them off with a soft cloth so that you will not scrape the camcorder case or the LCD screen To maintain the water proof performance w...

Page 9: ...age setting 20 Preparing the recording media 21 Selecting a recording medium HDR GW77E GW77VE 21 Inserting a memory card 21 Recording Playback Recording 23 Recording movies 23 Shooting photos 24 Playback 28 Advanced operations Recording images with various settings 31 Selecting the image quality of movies Recording mode 31 Capturing smiles automatically Smile Shutter 31 Shooting panoramic photos 3...

Page 10: ...r the camcorder 41 Installing software for a Mac 41 Customizing your camcorder Using menus 42 Menu lists 44 Others Index Troubleshooting 47 Self diagnosis display Warning indicators 48 Recording time of movies number of recordable photos 49 Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack 49 Expected recording time of movies 50 Expected number of recordable photos 51 About handling o...

Page 11: ...tenna HDR GW55VE GW77VE 33 Built in microphone Flash Lens G lens Loop for the Wrist strap LCD screen Touch panel 19 20 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 ...

Page 12: ...card access lamp 21 While the lamp is lit or flashing the camcorder is reading or writing data Memory card slot 21 CHG charge lamp 15 USB jack 15 38 HDMI OUT jack 33 Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod sold separately the length of the screw must be less than 5 5 mm 7 32 in Speaker Cover lock lever 14 Battery slot 14 Battery release lever 14 ...

Page 13: ...B cable 1 Wrist strap 1 Rechargeable battery pack NP BG1 battery case 1 Operating Guide This manual 1 Notes The PlayMemories Home Lite Version software and PlayMemories Home Help Guide are pre installed in this camcorder p 38 p 41 Expanded Feature upgrade of the PlayMemories Home software can be downloaded from the web p 37 To attach theWrist strap Loop for the Wrist strap ...

Page 14: ...memory card jack cover To open the battery memory card jack cover slide and hold the cover lock lever then slide the cover down slightly and flip it open 3 Insert the battery Insert the battery while pressing and holding the battery release lever Battery release lever Battery ...

Page 15: ...lose the cover firmly until the yellow mark of the cover lock lever is hidden Notes You cannot insert any battery pack other than an NP BG1 supplied or an NP FG1 sold separately into your camcorder You cannot use a Sony CP AH2R CP AL or AC UP100 portable power supply device sold separately to charge the camcorder In the default setting the LCD screen turns dark if you do not operate the camcorder ...

Page 16: ...en the battery memory card jack cover To open the battery memory card jack cover slide and hold the cover lock lever then slide the cover down slightly and flip it open 3 Connect the camcorder to a running computer using the USB cable USB cable To the wall outlet wall socket ...

Page 17: ...ou can connect the USB cable to an AC Adaptor that is connected to a wall outlet wall socket so that the power can be supplied to the camcorder You can also connect your camcorder to a computer using the USB cable so that the power will be supplied from the computer then you do not have to worry about the amount of power remaining in the battery while copying images from the camcorder etc Insert t...

Page 18: ... using the InfoLITHIUM battery Notes on the AC Adaptor Do not short circuit the USB jack or the battery terminal with a metallic object while the USB cable and the AC Adaptor are connected This may cause a malfunction When you disconnect the AC Adaptor from the power supply hold both the camcorder and the USB plug firmly and then disconnect the USB cable Recording time Playing time p 49 Charging t...

Page 19: ...elect Next 3 Select the desired geographical area with then select Next 4 Set Summer Time select the date format and the date and time If you set Summer Time to On the clock advances 1 hour When you select the date and time select one of the items and adjust the value with When you select the date and time setting operation is complete Touch the button on the LCD screen ...

Page 20: ...nd time 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 select Setup Playback Settings Data Code Date Time Once the clock is set the clock time is automatically adjusted with Auto Clock ADJ and Auto Area ADJ set to On The clock may not be adjusted to the correct time automatically depe...

Page 21: ...gs Media Select the desired medium Inserting a memory card Open the battery memory card jack cover and insert the memory card until it clicks Memory Stick Micro M2 media Insert the memory card in the direction shown in figure A until it clicks microSD memory card Insert the memory card in the direction shown in figure B until it clicks The Preparing image database file Please wait screen appears i...

Page 22: ...ard other than those that fit into the memory card slot If you do it may cause a malfunction When inserting or ejecting the memory card be careful so that the memory card does not pop out and drop Types of memory card you can use with your camcorder SD Speed Class Capacity operation verified Described in this manual Memory Stick Micro Mark2 media Up to 32 GB Memory Stick Micro media microSD memory...

Page 23: ...e recording movies the camcorder stops recording Do not touch the built in microphone while 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 When Frame Rate is set to 50p you cannot record photos during movie recording The flash does not work while the Movie lamp is lit The following states will...

Page 24: ...nd using the outer frame of Guide Frame p 45 as a guide Recording time p 49 Recordable time remaining capacity Media Info p 45 Media Select p 21 Shooting photos 1 Open the LCD screen and press MODE to turn on the Photo lamp 2 Press PHOTO lightly to adjust the focus then press it fully When the focus is adjusted properly AE AF lock indicator appears on the LCD screen Recordable number of photos p 5...

Page 25: ...during recording Described here are icons for both movie recording and photo recording modes Refer to the page in for details Zoom button W Wide T Telephoto START STOP button in movie recording mode PHOTO button in photo recording mode MENU button 42 Status detected by Intelligent Auto Recording status STBY REC AE AF automatic exposure automatic focus lock 24 Touch pad deactivated Underwater GPS t...

Page 26: ... view You can magnify images up to 17 times Extended Zoom the original size with the power zoom button You can switch the zoom speed between high and low by changing the pressure on the power zoom button Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom buttons If you move your finger off the power zoom button the operation sound of the power zoom button may also be recorded You cannot change the zoom...

Page 27: ...rder then rotate it 270 degrees to the lens side A mirror image of the subject appears on the LCD screen but the image will be normal when recorded Using Self portrait 1 Person or Self portrait 2 People of the Self Timer setting will reduce camera shake when shooting photos in mirror mode p 44 ...

Page 28: ...ou can display the Event View when the LCD screen is folded with the reverse screen side facing out 2 Select to move the desired event to the center and then select it The camcorder displays recorded images as an event automatically based on the date and time 3 Select the image The camcorder plays from the selected image to the last image in the event 4 Select the appropriate buttons on the LCD sc...

Page 29: ... with the Switch Image Type button Screen display on the Event View screen HDR GW55VE GW77VE Reduced size images which enable you to view many images at the same time on an index screen are called thumbnails To the MENU screen Event name To the previous event Change to the movie photo recording mode To the Map View screen Events To the next event Time line bar Change Event Scale button To play bac...

Page 30: ... Yes on the screen after agreeing to the terms of the license agreement p 57 You cannot use the map data if you touch No However when you try to use the map data for the second time the same message will appear on the screen and you can use the map data by touching Yes To play back images with other devices You may not be able to play back normally images recorded on your camcorder with other devi...

Page 31: ...ality can be set only when the Frame Rate is set to 50p p 45 2 HDR GW77E GW77VE Capturing smiles automatically Smile Shutter A photo is recorded automatically when the camcorder detects the smile of a person during movie recording p 44 Dual Capture is the default setting Notes When the frame rate and the recording mode are set to 50i Highest Quality or 50p 50p Quality you cannot use the Smile Shut...

Page 32: ...g Horizontal 4 912 1 080 Vertical 3 424 1 920 Wide Horizontal 7 152 1 080 Vertical 4 912 1 920 Tips on shooting panoramic photos Sweep the camcorder around you at a slow and steady speed about 5 seconds for 180 degrees A message will alert you if the speed is too fast or too slow It is recommended that you practice the sweeping movement in advance before you take a panoramic photo For taking good ...

Page 33: ...u do not want to record location information Select Setup General Settings GPS Setting Off Notes It may take a while before the camcorder starts triangulating Use the GPS function outdoors and in open areas as the radio signals can best be received in such areas The map always displays the north at the top Playing images on a TV Connect the camcorder to a TV using the HDMI cable 1 Switch the input...

Page 34: ...ows for highly detailed photo like depiction of subtle textures and colors By connecting Sony s Photo TV HD compatible devices using an HDMI cable a whole new world of photos can be enjoyed in breathtaking HD quality The TV will automatically switch to the appropriate mode when displaying photos ...

Page 35: ...ting or dividing images from the memory card If you delete or divide movies photos that are included in saved scenarios the scenarios will also be deleted Deleting movies and photos 1 Select Edit HDR GW55VE or Edit Copy HDR GW77E GW77VE Delete 2 Select Multiple Images and then select the type of image you want to delete 3 Add check marks to the movies or photos to be deleted and select To delete a...

Page 36: ...the following image quality levels the image size will be set as shown below High definition image quality HD 2 1 M 16 9 Wide aspect ratio 16 9 with standard definition image quality STD 0 2 M 16 9 4 3 aspect ratio with standard definition image quality STD VGA 0 3 M 4 3 On recording date and time of captured photos The recording date and time of captured photos are the same as the recording date ...

Page 37: ...re upgrade for the PlayMemories Home software On the computer that is connected to the Internet you can download the Expanded Feature upgrade which allows you to use various expanded functions For Mac The built in PlayMemories Home software is not supported with Mac computers To import images from the camcorder to your Mac and play them use the appropriate software on your Mac For details visit th...

Page 38: ... required for installation Approximately 500 MB 10 GB or more may be necessary when creating AVCHD recording discs 50 GB maximum may be necessary when creating Blu ray discs Display Minimum 1 024 768 dots Others USB port this must be provided as standard Hi Speed USB USB 2 0 compatible Blu ray disc DVD burner Either NTFS or exFAT file system is recommended as the hard disk file system 1 Standard i...

Page 39: ... install the file the first time you started the PlayMemories Home software the instructions appear again when you select a function of the software that can be used only when the Expanded Feature upgrade has been installed For details on PlayMemories Home select PlayMemories Home Help Guide on the software or visit the PlayMemories Home support page http www sony co jp pmh se Notes Make sure to s...

Page 40: ...r If you use other software the images may not be imported correctly When you delete image files follow the steps on page 35 To create a Blu ray disc You can create a Blu ray disc with a high definition image quality HD movie previously imported to a computer To create a Blu ray disc the BD Add on Software must be installed Visit the following URL to install the software http support d imaging son...

Page 41: ...uter screen click Start All Programs PlayMemories Home the desired item Downloading the dedicated software for the camcorder Installing software for a Mac For details on the software for Mac computers refer to the following URL http www sony co jp imsoft Mac You can access the URL noted above by clicking FOR_MAC URL in PMHOME while your camcorder is connected to the computer When you connect the c...

Page 42: ... p 44 Image Quality Size Items for setting up image quality or size p 45 Playback Function Items for playback p 45 Edit HDR GW55VE or Edit Copy HDR GW77E GW77VE Items for editing images such as protect p 45 Setup Other setup items p 45 1 Select 2 Select a category 3 Select your desired menu item Notes Select to finish setting the menu or to return to the previous menu screen Scrolls the menu items...

Page 43: ...LCD screen displays the list of menus in the sub category selected When you cannot select a menu item Grayed out menu items or settings are not available When you select the grayed out menu item your camcorder displays the reason why you cannot select the menu item or the instruction of under which condition you can set the menu item Sub category icons ...

Page 44: ...cene Selection Selects an appropriate recording setting according to the type of scene such as night view or beach Fader Fades scenes in or out Self Timer Sets the self timer when your camcorder is in photo recording mode Tele Macro Focuses on the subject with its background blurred SteadyShot Automatically corrects the camera shake correction when shooting with zooming not only when shooting with...

Page 45: ...p View 1 Starts playing the images from the Map View display Highlight Movie Starts playing Highlight Playback scenes or Highlight Scenarios saved with standard definition image quality STD Scenario Starts playing the scenarios that were saved by Highlight Playback Edit 2 Edit Copy 3 Delete Deletes movies or photos p 35 Protect Protects movies or photos to avoid deleting Copy 3 Copies images Setup...

Page 46: ...on beeps or not LCD Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the LCD screen Your Location 1 Displays the current location on a map Airplane Mode 1 Settings to be used when you are on board an airplane GPS Setting 1 Receives the GPS signal p 33 Language Setting Sets the display language p 20 Power Save Sets the LCD screen and the power so that they turn off automatically Initialize Initializes all the ...

Page 47: ...he power does not turn on Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder p 14 The plug of the AC Adaptor has been disconnected from the wall outlet wall socket Connect it to the wall outlet wall socket p 15 The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be ready to shoot after the power is turned on This is not a malfunction Disconnect ...

Page 48: ...then connect the computer and your camcorder again in the correct order Self diagnosis display Warning indicators If indicators appear on the LCD screen check the following If the problem persists even after you have tried to fix a couple of times contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility In this case when you contact them give them all the numbers of the error code beginn...

Page 49: ... set to Highest Quality or 50p Quality you cannot capture photos while recording movies Recording time of movies number of recordable photos HD stands for high definition image quality and STD stands for standard definition image quality Expected time of recording and playback with each battery pack Recording time Approximate time available when you use a fully charged battery pack unit minute Bat...

Page 50: ...es with standard definition image quality STD The maximum continuous recording time of movies is approximately 13 hours Your camcorder uses the VBR Variable Bit Rate format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of the media Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit rate and ...

Page 51: ...cording pixels The bit rate pixels and aspect ratio of each recording mode for movies movie audio etc High definition image quality HD PS Max 28 Mbps 1 920 1 080 pixels 16 9 FX Max 24 Mbps 1 920 1 080 pixels 16 9 FH Approx 17 Mbps average 1 920 1 080 pixels 16 9 HQ Approx 9 Mbps average 1 440 1 080 pixels 16 9 LP Approx 5 Mbps average 1 440 1 080 pixels 16 9 Standard definition image quality STD H...

Page 52: ...e your camcorder on DC 3 6 V battery pack or DC 5 0 V USB jack For DC or AC operation use the accessories recommended in these operating instructions If any solid object or liquid gets inside the casing unplug your camcorder and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further Avoid rough handling disassembling modifying physical shock or impact such as hammering dropping or steppi...

Page 53: ...f the camcorder using a computer If you do so your camcorder may not operate correctly When connecting the camcorder to another device with communication cables be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of the camcorder When the camcorder is connected to other devices through a USB co...

Page 54: ...alled rechargeable battery However even if the pre installed rechargeable battery is not charged the camcorder operation will not be affected as long as you are not recording the date How to charge the pre installed rechargeable battery Connect your camcorder to a wall outlet wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor and leave it with the LCD screen closed for more than 24 hours Note on disposal t...

Page 55: ... 29 8 mm 298 0 mm 1 3 16 in 11 3 4 in 16 9 For photos 29 8 mm 298 0 mm 1 3 16 in 11 3 4 in 16 9 Color temperature Auto One Push Indoor 3 200 K Outdoor 5 800 K Minimum illumination 6 lx lux in default setting shutter speed 1 50 second 3 lx lux Low Lux is set to On shutter speed 1 25 second 1 The unique pixel array of Sony s ClearVid and the image processing system BIONZ allow still image resolution...

Page 56: ...pe are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation Memory Stick Memory Stick Duo Memory Stick Micro Memory Stick PRO HG Duo MagicGate MagicGate Memory Stick and MagicGate Memory Stick Duo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation x v Colour is a trademark of Sony Corporation BIONZ is a trademark of Sony Corporation BRAVIA is a trademark of Sony Corporation Blu ray Di...

Page 57: ...y in connection with your use of the PRODUCT By touching the AGREE button appearing on the screen of the PRODUCT in connection with this License you agree to be bound by the terms of this LICENSE If you do not agree to the terms of this LICENSE SONY is unwilling to license the SOFTWARE to you In such event the SOFTWARE will not be available and you may not use the SOFTWARE SOFTWARE LICENSE The SOF...

Page 58: ...ight in and to the SOFTWARE including but not limited to any map data images photographs animation video audio music text and applets incorporated into the SOFTWARE and any copies of the SOFTWARE are owned by SONY licensors and suppliers to SONY and their respective affiliates such licensors and suppliers to SONY together with their respective affiliates are hereinafter collectively referred to as...

Page 59: ...This LICENSE shall be governed by the laws of Japan without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions or the United Nations Convention for Contracts for the International Sale of Goods which is expressly excluded Any dispute arising out of this LICENSE shall be subject to the exclusive venue of the Tokyo District Court and the parties hereby consent to the venue and jurisdiction of such cou...

Page 60: ... prodotta usando quale riferimento anche cartografia numerica ed al tratto prodotta e fornita dalla Regione Toscana Japan Jordan Royal Jordanian Geographic Centre Mexico Fuente INEGI Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía Norway Copyright 2000 Norwegian Mapping Authority Portugal Source IgeoE Portugal Spain Información geográfica propiedad del CNIG Sweden Based upon electronic data National...

Page 61: ...Set Warning 48 Playback mode 28 Right Indicator Meaning 50i Recording image quality HD STD frame rate 50p 50i and recording mode PS FX FH HQ LP 31 Recording playback editing media 21 0 00 00 Counter hour minute second 00min Estimated recording remaining time 20 4M Photo size Playback folder 100 112 Current playing movie or photo Number of total recorded movies or photos Touch pad deactivated Botto...

Page 62: ...e and time 19 Smile Shutter 31 Specifications 55 Starting PlayMemories Home 41 Summer Time 19 Supplied items 13 T Thumbnails 29 Tripod 12 Troubleshooting 47 TV 33 U USB cable 15 38 W Wall outlet wall socket 15 Warning indicators 48 Water dust shock proof performances 6 Windows 37 38 Wrist strap 13 Z Zoom 26 A AVCHD recording disc 6 31 B Battery pack 14 Beep 20 Blu ray disc 40 C Care 52 Charging th...

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Page 64: ...dditional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website http www sony net Printed on 70 or more recycled paper using VOC Volatile Organic Compound free vegetable oil based ink ...