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Sony CX550VE Handbook
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Sony CX550VE Handbook

Sony CX550VE Handbook

Digital hd video camera recorder
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HDR-CX550E/CX550VE/
XR550E/XR550VE
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
"Handycam" Handbook
2010 Sony Corporation
4-170-535-12(1)
Table of contents
Getting started
Recording/Playback
Making good use of your
camcorder
Saving images with an
external device
Customizing your
camcorder
Additional information
Quick reference
9
12
21
44
57
66
91
119

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Summary of Contents for Sony CX550VE

  • Page 1 HDR-CX550E/CX550VE/ XR550E/XR550VE Digital HD Video Camera Recorder “Handycam” Handbook 2010 Sony Corporation  4-170-535-12(1) Table of contents Getting started Recording/Playback Making good use of your camcorder Saving images with an external device Customizing your camcorder Additional information Quick reference...

  • Page 2: Read This First

    See page 19 for the memory card you can use  with this camcorder. Using the camcorder Do not hold the camcorder by the following  parts, and also do not hold the camcorder by the jack covers. Viewfinder LCD Screen Battery pack The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed ...

  • Page 3: About Language Setting

    To ensure stable operation of the memory card,  it is recommended to initialize the memory card with your camcorder before the first use (p. 85). Initializing the memory card will erase all the data stored on it and the data will be irrecoverable.
  • Page 4  [YES] [YES] Notes on optional accessories We recommend using genuine Sony accessories.  Genuine Sony accessories may not be available  in some countries/regions. About this manual, illustrations and on-screen displays The example images used in this manual for ...

  • Page 5: Notes On Use

    (p. 20) are lit or flashing When using a shoulder belt (sold separately), do  not crash the camcorder against an object. Do not use your camcorder in very loud areas  (HDR-XR550E/XR550VE). On the drop sensor (HDR-XR550E/...

  • Page 6: Operation Flow

     Expected recording time (MEDIA INFO, p. 85) Shooting photos  p. 24 Playing movies and photos Playback on the camcorder  p. 33 Playing images on a TV  p. 41 Saving images Saving movies and photos with a computer Saving movies and photos in external media ...

  • Page 7: Advice For Successful Recording

    Advice for successful recording  To get good results in recording Stabilizing your camcorder When you hold the camcorder, keep your upper body upright, and hold your arms close to your body. The SteadyShot function is effective against camera-shake, however, it is essential that you not move the camcorder.
  • Page 8  Useful recording techniques Capturing images beautifully without troublesome setting INTELLIGENT AUTO(26) Capturing photos during movie recording Dual Rec(30) Smile Shutter (29) Capturing fireworks, or a sunset in all its splendor FIREWORKS(71) SUNRISE&SUNSET(71) Focusing on the child on the left side of the screen Prioritizing the subject(28) SPOT FOCUS(73)

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Playback on the camcorder ........
  • Page 10 Using the GPS function (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) ........
  • Page 11 About GPS (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) ........

  • Page 12: Getting Started

    Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack HDR-CX550E/CX550VE Battery pack Adaptor HDR-XR550E/XR550VE Battery pack Adaptor DC IN jack DC plug Power cord (Mains lead) DC IN jack DC plug Power cord (Mains lead) /CHG (flash/charge) lamp To the wall outlet (wall socket)
  • Page 13  See page 103 on recording and playing time.  When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the  remaining battery indicator at the upper left on the LCD screen. Charging time Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.

  • Page 14: Charging The Battery Pack Abroad

    We do not recommend using an NP-FV30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with  your camcorder. In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any  operation for about 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 89).

  • Page 15: Step 2: Turning The Power On, And Setting The Date And Time

    Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is open, press POWER.  Select the desired geographical area with...
  • Page 16  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.

  • Page 17: Changing The Language Setting

    Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. (MENU)  [Show others]  [CLOCK/ Touch LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] category)  [ LANGUAGE SET]  a desired language   ...

  • Page 18: Step 3: Preparing The Recording Media

    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-CX550E/CX550VE HDR-XR550E/XR550VE 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.

  • Page 19: Inserting A Memory Card

    Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or A/V  devices not supporting the exFAT * file system by connecting the camcorder to these devices with the USB cable. Confirm in advance that the connecting equipment is supporting the exFAT system. If you connect an equipment not supporting the exFAT system and the format screen appears, do not perform the format.
  • Page 20 “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, half the size of “Memory Stick”, or standard size SD cards can be used  for this camcorder. Do not attach a label or the like on memory card or memory card adaptor. Doing so may cause a ...

  • Page 21: Recording/Playback

    Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p. 15).  You can switch recording modes by pressing MODE. Press MODE to light up the desired recording ...

  • Page 22: Recording Movies

    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.
  • Page 23 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 ...

  • Page 24: Shooting Photos

    Data code during recording The recording date, time and condition , and coordinates (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) 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) ...
  • Page 25 [PHOTO SETTINGS] category)  a desired setting  You cannot record photos while  Your camcorder flashes automatically when there is insufficient ambient light. The flash does not work  in the movie recording mode. You can change how your camcorder flashes by others] ...

  • Page 26: Useful Functions For Recording Movies And Photos

    You can magnify images also with the / on the LCD screen. Wider range of view (Wide angle) HDR-CX550E/CX550VE HDR-XR550E/XR550VE Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

  • Page 27: Selecting High Definition Image Quality (Hd)

    The camcorder detects whether camera- shake 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 ...

  • Page 28: Selecting The Recording Mode

    Focus/color/exposure are adjusted automatically for the selected face. Since the face you touched has priority also with the Smile Shutter function, your camcorder records a photo automatically when it detects the smiling face.

  • Page 29: Capturing Smiles Automatically (Smile Shutter)

    Capturing smiles automatically (Smile Shutter) In the default setting, a photo is recorded automatically when the camcorder detects the smile of a person during movie recording. An orange frame appears around a face targeted for possible smile detection shot.

  • Page 30: Recording High Quality Photos During Movie Recording (Dual Rec)

    (HD) in 5.1ch sound, you need an AVCHD format device compatible with 5.1ch surround. When you connect your camcorder with an  HDMI cable (sold separately), the sound of high definition image quality (HD) movies recorded in 5.1ch sound is automatically output in 5.1ch...

  • Page 31: Recording In Mirror Mode

    Recording in mirror mode Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (). Tips  A mirror-image of the subject appears on the  LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded.
  • Page 32  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], ...

  • Page 33: Playback On The Camcorder

    To change the recording media, see page 18.  Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p.15).  Press (VIEW IMAGES).

  • Page 34: Playing Movies

    You can also display the VISUAL INDEX by touching  INDEX] (under [PLAYBACK] category). The recording date, time, and shooting conditions , and coordinates (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) are  recorded automatically during recording. This information is not displayed during recording, but you can display it during playback by touching [PLAYBACK] category) ...

  • Page 35: Viewing Photos

    To adjust the sound volume of movies While playing back movies, touch You can also adjust the sound volume by using  Viewing photos Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Previous To the VISUAL INDEX screen Tips  When viewing photos recorded on the memory card, ...

  • Page 36: Useful Functions For Playing Movies And Photos

    Useful functions for playing movies and photos Searching for desired images by date (Date Index) You can search for desired images by date efficiently.  Notes You cannot use the Date Index function for  photos on the memory card. ...

  • Page 37: Searching For Desired Scene By Face (Face Index)

     [ FACE]. Playing back a digest of your movies (Highlight Playback) 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.
  • Page 38 Set the range of movies to be played by selecting the from and to date, then touch If no range is set, your camcorder plays the movies starting from those of the date displayed on the VISUAL INDEX screen until the most recently recorded movie.

  • Page 39: Using Pb Zoom With Photos

    To change music files You can transfer music files from audio CDs  or MP3 files to your camcorder, and play them with Highlight Playback. To transfer music files, you need to install the supplied software “PMB” on your computer. Turn on your camcorder and...

  • Page 40: Playing Back A Series Of Photos (Slide Show)

     Adjust the magnification with W (Wide angle)/T (Telephoto). To cancel, touch Playing back a series of photos (Slide show) Touch on the photo playback screen. The slide show begins from the selected photo. To stop the slide show Touch To restart the slide show Touch again.

  • Page 41: Playing Images On A Tv

    TV is connected, and the connectors used. 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].
  • Page 42 A/V connecting cable (supplied) (Yellow) (White) (Red) Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.). Set [TV TYPE] to [16:9] or [4:3] according to your TV (p.

  • Page 43: Using "Bravia" Sync

    The operation of “BRAVIA” Sync differs TV/VCR  according to each model of BRAVIA. Refer to the instruction manual of your TV for details. Tips  If you turn off the TV, your camcorder is turned  off simultaneously. (MENU)  ...

  • Page 44: Making Good Use Of Your Camcorder

    Making good use of your camcorder Deleting movies and photos You can free media space by deleting movies and photos from recording media.  Notes You cannot restore images once they are  deleted. Save important movies and photos in advance.

  • Page 45: Protecting Recorded Movies And Photos (Protect)

     In step 2, touch [ DELETE]  DELETE by date]/[ by date]. To delete all photos on the same day at one  DELETE]  [ time, touch [ by date].  Touch to select the recording date of the desired movies/photos, then touch Touch the image on the LCD screen to ...

  • Page 46: Dividing A Movie

    (p. 45). 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 (MENU)  [Show...

  • Page 47: Capturing A Photo From A Movie

    A slight difference may occur from the point  where you touch and the actual dividing 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.

  • Page 48: Dubbing/Copying Movies And Photos From The Internal Recording Media

     [REPAIR IMG.DB F.] (under MEDIA] category)  [MEMORY CARD]. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet  (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to prevent your camcorder from running out of power during dubbing.

  • Page 49: Copying Photos

    MEDIA SET] and play them back (p. 18). Copying photos You can copy photos from the internal recording media of the camcorder to memory card. Insert a memory card into your camcorder before the operation.  Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet ...

  • Page 50: Using The Playlist Of Movies

     Select the photo to be copied. [COPY by select]: Touch the photo to be copied, and mark with . You can select multiple photos. Press and hold the image down on the  screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous screen.

  • Page 51: Playing The Playlist

    Notes Do not remove the battery pack or the AC  Adaptor from your camcorder while adding movies to the Playlist. It may damage the recording media. Also, do not eject the memory card while editing movies on the memory card.

  • Page 52: Using The Gps Function (Hdr-Cx550Ve/Xr550Ve)

     When you select multiple movies, the movies  are moved following the order appearing in the Playlist. Using the GPS function (HDR-CX550VE/ XR550VE)  What is GPS? The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a system that calculates geographical location from highly accurate US space satellites.

  • Page 53: Setting The Gps Function

    If you do not want to record location information, set the GPS switch to OFF. Even if the camcorder is turned off, the GPS  function is working as long as the GPS switch is set to ON. Make sure that the GPS switch is set to OFF during takeoff and landing of an airplane.

  • Page 54: Acquiring The Current Location Information

    Acquiring the current location information You can display the current location on a map. Set the GPS switch to ON so that your camcorder can acquire the current location information. Touch YOUR LOCATION) on the recording screen. The current location is displayed and marked at the center of the LCD screen.

  • Page 55: Displaying The Coordinate Information (Coordinates)

    3. The recording location of the movie or photo will be displayed at the center of the map. Displaying the coordinate information (COORDINATES) During playback, your camcorder can display the coordinates information recorded on movies and photos. (MENU)  [Show Touch others] ...

  • Page 56: Adjusting The Clock And The Area Automatically

    The clock is adjusted automatically by  [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] when you turn off your camcorder if the camcorder is receiving a GPS signal while it is being used. The clock is not adjusted until the camcorder is turned off. Also,...

  • Page 57: Saving Images With An External Device

    Refer to the instruction manual supplied with  the external media. For details on available external media, go to the  Sony support website in your country/region. Tips  You can import images saved in the external  media by using the supplied software “PMB. ”...
  • Page 58 This screen will appear only when there  are newly recorded images. After the operation is completed, touch on the camcorder screen.  Notes The number of scenes you can save on the  external media are as follows. However, even if the external media has free space, you cannot save scenes exceeding the following number.

  • Page 59: Creating A Disc With A Dvd Writer, Recorder

    [Settings].  Notes The Date Index and Map Index (HDR-  CX550VE/XR550VE) of photos cannot be displayed. If your camcorder does not recognize the  external media, try the following operations. Reconnect the USB Adaptor Cable to your ...

  • Page 60: Creating A Disc With The Dedicated Dvd Writer, Dvdirect Express

    Refer also to the instruction manual supplied with the DVD writer.  Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Only unused discs of the following types can ...
  • Page 61 Repeat steps 3 and 4 when the total memory size of movies to be burnt exceeds that of the disc.  [END]  [EJECT  Touch DISC] on the camcorder screen. Remove the disc after the operation is completed.  Touch , then disconnect the USB cable.
  • Page 62 Disconnect the USB cable or the AC adaptor  Subject the camcorder to mechanical shock  or vibration Eject the memory card from the camcorder  Play the created disc to make sure dubbing was  performed correctly before deleting the movies on your camcorder.

  • Page 63: Other Than Dvdirect Express

    Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  countries/regions.  Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the...

  • Page 64: Creating A Standard Definition Image Quality (Std) Disc

    Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall  socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some  countries/regions. High definition image quality (HD) movies  will be dubbed with standard definition image quality (STD).

  • Page 65: Your Camcorder

    OUTPUT]  [LCD PANEL] (the default setting)    To record the date/time, coordinates (HDR-  CX550VE/XR550VE), or camera settings data, (MENU)  [Show others]  touch [PLAYBACK SET] (under [PLAYBACK] category)  [DATA CODE]  a desired setting ...

  • Page 66: Customizing Your Camcorder

    Using the menus, you can perform useful functions and change various settings. If you make good use of menu operations, you can enjoy using your camcorder. The camcorder has various menu items under each of eight menu categories. MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition)  p. 71 SHOOTING SET (Items for customized shooting) ...

  • Page 67: Using My Menu

    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.

  • Page 68: Option Menu

    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.

  • Page 69: Menu Lists

    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 (SHOOTING SET) category REC MODE GUIDEFRAME STEADYSHOT CONVERSION LENS LOW LUX FACE DETECTION PRIORITY SETTING SMILE DETECTION...
  • Page 70 MEDIA FORMAT INT. MEMORY* HDD* MEMORY CARD REPAIR IMG.DB F. INT. MEMORY* HDD* MEMORY CARD ADD by date 51 ERASE ALL Operating Guide HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE HDR-CX550E/CX550VE HDR-XR550E/XR550VE 96, 101 96, 101 96, 101 (GENERAL SET) category SOUND/DISP SET VOLUME BEEP LCD BRIGHT...

  • Page 71: Manual Settings (Items To Adjust For Scene Condition)

    Shoots distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows between the camcorder and the subject. PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) Brings out the subject such as people or flowers while creating a soft background.

  • Page 72: Camcorder

     [AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after inside use (or vice versa), aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. When the white balance has been set with ...
  • Page 73 from inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the white balance. SPOT MTR/FCS (Spot meter/ focus) You can adjust the brightness and focus for the selected subject simultaneously. This function enables you to use [SPOT METER] (p.

  • Page 74: Camcorder

    When you set [FOCUS] to [MANUAL],   appears. 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. Tips ...
  • Page 75 You can also adjust manually by using the  MANUAL dial (p. 31). WB SHIFT (White Balance Shift) You can adjust the white balance manually.  OFF Adjusts the white balance automatically. ON ( and the adjustment value) Adjusts the white balance manually. Tips ...

  • Page 76: Shooting Set (Items For Customized Shooting)

    To change the setting Touch (OPTION), then select the setting you want to change. [TIMING] Select the recording start point after START/STOP is pressed. The default setting is [3sec AFTER]. The point when START/STOP is pressed. [3sec AFTER] [3sec BEFORE] ...

  • Page 77: Camcorder

     Notes Faces may not be detected depending on  recording conditions, subject conditions, and the setting of your camcorder. [FACE DETECTION] may not function  properly depending on recording conditions. Set [FACE DETECTION] to [OFF] in this case. Tips ...

  • Page 78: Camcorder

    Only during movie recording, the shutter is released automatically, when the camcorder detects a smile. ALWAYS ON ( The shutter is released when the camcorder detects a smile whenever the camcorder is in recording mode. Smiles are not detected, so photos are not recorded automatically. ...

  • Page 79: Camcorder

    STEADYSHOT] is set to other  than [ACTIVE], up to 10× zoom is performed optically.  AUTO BACK LIGHT Your camcorder adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects automatically.  ON Adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects automatically. Does not adjust the exposure for backlit subjects.

  • Page 80: Photo Settings (Items For Recording Photos)

     X.V.COLOR You can capture wider range of colors. Various colors such as the brilliant color of flowers and turquoise blue of the sea can be more faithfully reproduced. Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV.  OFF Records in ordinary color range. ON ( Records in x.v.Color.

  • Page 81: Camcorder

    FLASH MODE You can select the flash setting when you record photos using the built-in flash, or an external flash (sold separately) that is compatible with your camcorder.  AUTO Automatically flashes when there is insufficient ambient light. ON ( ) Always uses the flash regardless of the surrounding brightness.

  • Page 82: Playback (Items For Playback)

    (Items for playback) See “Using menus” (p. 66) on the operation. VISUAL INDEX See page 33. VIEW IMAGES  DATE INDEX See page 36.  MAP (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) See page 52.  FILM ROLL See page 36.  FACE See page 37.

  • Page 83: Camcorder

     Shutter speed  Aperture value  Exposure  Flash COORDINATES (HDR-CX550VE/ XR550VE) See page 55. Tips  The data code is displayed on the TV screen if  you connect your camcorder to a TV. The indicator toggles through the following ...

  • Page 84: Edit (Items For Editing)

    See page 50. OTHERS (Items for other settings) See “Using menus” (p. 66) on the operation. The default settings are marked with . YOUR LOCATION (HDR- CX550VE/XR550VE) See page 52. USB CONNECT See page 63. TV CONNECT Guide See page 41.

  • Page 85: Manage Media (Items For Recording Media)

    While deleting data, do not apply any vibrations  or shocks to your camcorder. The actual performing time for deleting data is  as follows; HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: about 6 minutes  HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: about 120 minutes  If you stop performing [EMPTY] while ...

  • Page 86: General Set (Other Setup Items)

    Standard brightness. BRIGHT Brightens the LCD screen.  Notes When you connect your camcorder to the wall  outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting. When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is ...

  • Page 87: Camcorder

    [NORMAL] automatically. Tips  This adjustment does not affect the recorded  images in any way.  LCD COLOR You can adjust the color of the LCD screen by touching Tips  This adjustment does not affect the recorded ...

  • Page 88: Camcorder

    TV with the component input jack.  1080i/576i Select this when connecting your camcorder to a TV that has the component input jack and is capable of displaying the 1080i signal.  HDMI RESOLUTION Select the output image resolution when connecting your camcorder to a TV with an HDMI cable (sold separately).

  • Page 89: Camcorder

     AUTO AREA ADJ (Auto area adjustment) (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) See page 56.  SUMMERTIME You can change this setting without stopping the clock. Set to [ON] to move the time forward 1 hour.  OFF Does not set the summertime. Sets the summertime.

  • Page 90: Camcorder

    TV’s Remote Commander.  REC LAMP (Recording lamp) You can make the camera recording lamp on the front of your camcorder not to turn  ON The camera recording lamp lights up. The camera recording lamp does not light up.

  • Page 91: Additional Information

     Press RESET (p. 122) using a pointed object, and turn the camcorder on. If you press RESET, all settings, including the clock setting, are reset.  Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Your camcorder may be required to initialize or ...
  • Page 92 (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.
  • Page 93 Operations using the memory card cannot be performed. 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. The maximum number of images that you can ...
  • Page 94 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. Photos cannot be recorded. You cannot record photos together with: ...
  • Page 95 [ACTIVE] (p. 77). [LCD BL LEVEL] cannot be adjusted. 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.
  • Page 96 A movie is played back automatically. Movies play automatically as a demonstration  movie when the filmed movie fulfills a certain condition on your camcorder (p. 89). This is not a malfunction. Playing back images stored on memory card on other devices (p.
  • Page 97 The A/V connecting cable is not connected  properly. Make sure to connect the cable to the input jack of another device (p. 64). GPS (HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE) The camcorder is not receiving a GPS signal. Your camcorder may not be able to receive ...

  • Page 98: Self-Diagnosis Display/Warning Indicators

    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 beginning with C or E.
  • Page 99 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (V series) (p. 112). Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to the  DC IN jack of your camcorder securely (p. 12). C:06:  The battery pack temperature is high. Change  the battery pack or place it in a cool place.
  • Page 100 The internal recording media of the  camcorder is set differently from the default format. Performing [MEDIA FORMAT] (p. 85) may enable you to use your camcorder. This will delete all data in the internal recording media. Data error. An error occurred during reading or writing ...
  • Page 101 You cannot record because the drop sensor  senses a drop of the camcorder repeatedly. If you are at risk of dropping the camcorder constantly, set [DROP SENSOR] to [OFF], and you may be able to record the image again (p.
  • Page 102 This memory card may not be able to record or play images correctly. Use a memory card recommended for your  camcorder (p. 19). Do not eject the memory card during writing. Data may be damaged. Reinsert the memory card, and follow the ...

  • Page 103: Recording Time Of Movies/Number Of Recordable Photos

    C (77 °F). 10  recommended. The recording and playback time will be  shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures. The recording and playback time will be shorter  depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.

  • Page 104: Expected Recording Time Of Movies

    Expected recording time of movies Internal memory HDR-CX550E/CX550VE High definition image quality (HD) in h (hour) and m (minute) Recording mode HDR-CX550E [HD FX] [HD FH] [HD HQ] 15 h 50 m 15 h 35 m [HD LP] 25 h 35 m 25 h 15 m (5.1ch)

  • Page 105: Expected Number Of Recordable Photos

    The number of recordable photos of memory  (10) card may vary depending on the recording conditions. (25)  Notes The unique pixel array of Sony’s ClearVid and  (50) the image processing system (BIONZ) allow still image resolution equivalent to the sizes (105) described. Tips (210) ...
  • Page 106 Standard definition image quality (STD):  HQ: Approx. 9Mbps (average) 720  576 pixels/16:9, 4:3 The photo recording pixels and the aspect ratio.  Photo recording mode:  4,000  3,000 dots/4:3 4,000  2,250 dots/16:9 2,880  2,160 dots/4:3 1,600 ...

  • Page 107: Using Your Camcorder Abroad

    An A/V connecting cable must be connected. On TV color systems Your camcorder is a PAL-system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback image on a TV, it must be a PAL-system- based TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.
  • Page 108 Touch [GENERAL SET] category)  [AREA SET] and [SUMMERTIME] (p. 88). HDR-CX550VE/XR550VE When [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO AREA ADJ] are set to [ON], the clock is set to the local time automatically by the GPS function (p. 88).

  • Page 109: Maintenance And Precautions

    MPEG-2 format. Video signal : MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 1920  1080/50i, 1440  1080/50i Audio signal: Dolby Digital 2ch/5.1ch Recording media: HDR-CX550E/CX550VE: Internal memory, memory card HDR-XR550E/XR550VE: Internal hard disk, memory card 1080i specification A high definition specification which utilizes 1,080 effective scanning lines and the interlace system.
  • Page 110 During take off and landing of an airplane,  set the GPS switch to OFF and turn off the camcorder, as you will be instructed to do by the on-board announcement. In other cases, use GPS in accordance with the regulations of the place or situation.

  • Page 111: About The Memory Card

    If you eject the memory card, or turn off your  camcorder while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the memory card (while the access lamp is lit or flashing) If you use the memory card near magnets or ...

  • Page 112: About The "Infolithium" Battery Pack

    Note that improper use may cause a malfunction. On image data compatibility Image data files recorded on memory card by  your camcorder conform to the “Design rule for Camera File system” universal standard established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

  • Page 113: About X.v.color

    About x.v.Color x.v.Color is a more familiar term for the xvYCC  standard proposed by Sony, and is a trademark of Sony. xvYCC is an international standard for color  space in video. This standard can express a wider color range than the currently used broadcast standard.

  • Page 114: Moisture Condensation

    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 stepping on the product.

  • Page 115: Rechargeable Battery

    (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor or while the battery pack is attached. The rechargeable battery will be fully discharged in about 3 months if you do not use your camcorder at all. Use your camcorder after charging the pre-installed rechargeable battery.

  • Page 116: Memory Card

    “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark 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.  “DVDirect” is a trademark of Sony  Corporation.
  • Page 117 OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE <HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM> “C Library, ” “Expat, ” “zlib, ” “libjpeg, ” “dtoa, ” and “pcre” software are provided in your camcorder. We provide this software based on license agreements with their owners of copyright. Based...
  • Page 118 Source code is provided on the web. Use the following URL to download it. When downloading the source code, select DCR-SX43 as the model for your camcorder. http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/ We would prefer you do not contact us about the contents of source code.

  • Page 119: Quick Reference

    Quick reference Screen indicators Upper left Center Bottom Upper left Indicator Meaning MENU button (66) AUDIO MODE (79) Self-timer recording (80) GPS tracking status (53) Flash (81)/ REDEYE REDUC (81) MICREF LEVEL low (78) WIDE SELECT (80) BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (78) 60 min Remaining battery Recording folder...

  • Page 120: Parts And Controls

    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...
  • Page 121 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. HDR-CX550E/CX550VE HDR-XR550E/XR550VE  (VIEW IMAGES) button (33)  (DISC BURN) button (see Operating Guide) ...
  • Page 122  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-CX550VE/XR550VE) (53)  Speaker  MODE button (21)  (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (21) ...

  • Page 123: Wireless Remote Commander

    Wireless Remote Commander  DATA CODE button (82) Displays the date and time, camera setting data, or coordinates (HDR-CX550VE/ XR550VE) of the recorded images when you press this button during playback.  PHOTO button (24) The on-screen image when you press this button will be recorded as a still image.

  • Page 124: Remote Commander

    Wireless Remote Commander may shorten, or the Wireless Remote Commander may not function properly. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 lithium battery. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

  • Page 125: Index

    Index Symbols 1080i/576i ...88 16:9 ...87 4:3 ...87 5.1ch surround recording ...29 576i ...88 A.SHUT OFF ...89 A/V connecting cable...42, 64 Abroad ...107 AE SHIFT ...74 AREA SET ...88 AUDIO MODE ...79 AUDIO REC SET ...78 AUTO AREA ADJ ...56 AUTO BACK LIGHT ...79 AUTO CLOCK ADJ...56 AVCHD format ...109...
  • Page 126 Menus ...66, 69 MICREF LEVEL ...78 Mirror mode ...31 Moisture condensation ...114 MOVIE DUB ...48 MOVIE MEDIA SET ...18 Movies ...22, 34 MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 ...109 MUSIC TOOL ...84 MY MENU SETTING ...67 NightShot ...30 NIGHTSHOT LIGHT ...79 ONE PUSH ...72 Operation flow ...6 OPTION MENU ...68 Original ...48...
  • Page 127 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/...

This manual is also suitable for:

Handycam hdr-cx550eXr550eXr550veHandycam hdr-cx550veHandycam hdr-xr550eHandycam hdr-xr550ve

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