Sony HDR-XR550V Handycam® Handbook
Sony HDR-XR550V - High Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder Manual
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- Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 1
-534-11(1) HDR-CX550/CX550V/ XR550/XR550V Digital HD Video Camera Recorder "Handycam" Handbook Table of contents 9 Getting started 12 Recording/Playback 21 Making good use of your 44 camcorder Saving images with an 57 external device Customizing your 66 camcorder Additional information - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 2
Help") "Handycam" Handbook (PDF) "Operating Guide" (1) 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 Battery pack The camcorder is not - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 3
to make sure the image and sound are recorded without any problems. Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even other devices with your camcorder. Discs recorded with HD image quality (high definition) This camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 4
(HDR- US CX550/CX550V) and the hard disk (HDRXR550/XR550V) of the camcorder and the memory card are called "recording media." In this manual, the DVD disc recorded with high definition image quality (HD) is called AVCHD disc. Design and specifications of your camcorder and accessories are - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 5
lit or flashing removing the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder, or applying mechanical shock or vibration to the camcorder when the (Movie)/ (Photo be stopped. Note on using the camcorder at high altitudes (HDR-XR550/XR550V) Do not turn on the camcorder in a low-pressure area, where - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 6
22 Changing the recording mode (p. 28) 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 7
subject during shooting. Aim for a balanced volume of voices, since the recording person is closer to the microphone than the recorded person. Using accessories Make good use of camcorder accessories. For example, using a tripod, you can make a time-lapse recording or record subjects in dim light - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 8
Useful recording techniques Capturing images beautifully without troublesome setting INTELLIGENT AUTO(26) Focusing on the child on the left side of the screen Prioritizing the subject(28) SPOT FOCUS(73) Capturing photos during movie recording Dual Rec(30) Smile Shutter (29) Recording in a dimly - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 9
Step 1: Charging the battery pack 12 Step 2: high definition image quality (HD high quality photos during movie recording (Dual Rec 30 Recording in dark places (NightShot 30 Recording in mirror mode 31 Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial 31 Playback on the camcorder - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 10
Guide 41 Using "BRAVIA" Sync 43 Making good use of your camcorder function (HDR-CX550V/XR550V high definition image quality (HD) disc with a DVD writer, etc., other than DVDirect Express 63 Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc with a recorder, etc 64 Customizing your camcorder - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 11
lists 69 MANUAL SETTINGS SET (Other setup items 86 Additional information Troubleshooting 91 Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators 98 HDR-CX550V/XR550V 109 About the "Memory Stick" media 111 About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack 112 About x.v.Color 114 About handling of your camcorder - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 12
Getting started Step 1: Charging the battery pack HDR-CX550/CX550V Battery pack AC Adaptor DC IN jack /CHG (flash/charge) lamp DC plug Power cord (Mains lead) To the wall outlet (wall socket) HDR-XR550/XR550V Battery pack AC Adaptor US 12 DC IN jack /CHG (flash/charge) lamp DC plug - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 13
disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack of your camcorder. Tips 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 14
pack is not attached correctly. The battery pack is damaged. The temperature of the battery pack is low. Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a warm place. The temperature of the battery pack is high. Remove the battery pack from your camcorder and put it in a cool place - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 15
Step 2: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time 1 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. MODE lamp POWER button 2 Select the desired geographical area - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 16
The clock may not be adjusted to the correct time automatically, depending on the country/region selected for your camcorder. In this case, set [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO AREA ADJ] to [OFF] (HDR-CX550V/XR550V). To turn off the power Close the LCD screen. The off. (Movie) lamp flashes for a few - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 17
Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch (MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] category) [ LANGUAGE SET] a desired language . Getting started US 17 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 18
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-CX550/CX550V * Internal memory Memory card HDR-XR550/XR550V * Internal hard Memory disk card * In the default setting, both movies - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 19
, SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards can be used with this camcorder. A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camcorder. In this manual, "Memory Stick PRO Duo" media and "Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo" media are called "Memory Stick PRO Duo" media. Memory cards of up to 32 GB have been verified - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 20
card. Note direction of notched corner. Access lamp The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory card. In that case, touch [YES]. If you record only photos on the memory card, touch [NO]. Confirm the direction of the memory card. If you forcibly insert the - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 21
are recorded with high definition image quality (HD) on the following media. HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal memory HDR-XR550/XR550V: Internal hard disk Tips To change the recording media, see page 18. 1 Fasten the grip belt. 2 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 22
left of LCD screen. 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 23
apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or AC Adaptor. Access 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 24
date, time and condition , and coordinates (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) are recorded automatically on the recording media In the default setting, photos are recorded on the following recording media. HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal memory HDR-XR550/XR550V: Internal hard disk Tips To change the recording - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 25
circular spots appear on photos This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) floating close to the lens. When they are accentuated by the camcorder's flash, they appear as white circular spots. To reduce the white circular spots, light the room and shoot the subject without a flash. Particles - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 26
Wider range of view (Wide angle) * HDR-CX550/CX550V ** HDR-XR550/XR550V Close view (Telephoto) Move the screen. 26 The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 [ACTIVE]. Tips You can set [ DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 79) if you want to zoom - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 27
(Tripod) The camcorder detects whether camerashake occurs or not, and makes the optimum compensation. Notes The camcorder may not detect desired image quality from the high definition image quality (HD) that enables you to record fine images, or the standard definition image quality (STD) that - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 28
when the FX or FH mode of the high definition image quality (HD) is selected. And when the HQ or LP mode of the high definition image quality (HD) is selected, movies are recorded with AVCHD the Smile Shutter function, your camcorder records a photo automatically when it detects the smiling face. - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 29
In this case, touch camcorder. When [ REC MODE] is set to [HD Digital 5.1ch surround sound with the built-in microphone. Realistic sound can be enjoyed when playing a movie on devices that support 5.1ch surround sound. Built-in microphone Notes If you play back 5.1ch sound on your camcorder - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 30
high definition image quality (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 separately). Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 74) when it - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 31
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. Controlling the image settings manually with the MANUAL dial You can assign 1 menu item you - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 32
[RESET] in step , all the items adjusted manually are reset to the default settings. Tips You can also assign menu items to the MANUAL dial by touching (MENU) [Show others] occur, or color may change. In this case, change the shutter speed according to the power supply frequency in your region. - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 33
photos that are recorded on the following recording media are played. HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal memory HDR-XR550/XR550V: Internal hard disk Tips To change the recording media, see page 18. 1 Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened. To - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 34
displayed when is touched. appears when the standard definition image quality (STD) movie is selected with [ / play back the images with other devices than camcorder. Tips When playback from the selected conditions , and coordinates (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) are recorded automatically - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 35
playing back movies, touch adjust with / . You can also adjust the sound volume by using / in the OPTION MENU. Viewing photos Your camcorder displays the selected photo. Previous To the VISUAL INDEX screen Tips When viewing photos recorded on the memory card, To start/stop slide - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 36
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. Press (VIEW IMAGES). The VISUAL INDEX screen appears. - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 37
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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 38
. [PLAYBACK RANGE] 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. [THEME] Select one of - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 39
on your camcorder at the factory will be deleted too. In this case, you can instructions, see [Music Transfer] help. Using PB zoom with photos You can magnify photos from about 1.1 to 5 times the original size. Magnification can be adjusted with the power zoom lever. HDR-CX550/ CX550V HDR - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 40
Adjust the magnification with W (Wide angle)/T (Telephoto). To cancel, touch . Playing back a series of photos (Slide show) Touch screen. on the photo playback The slide show begins from the selected photo. To stop the slide show Touch . To restart the slide show Touch again. Notes - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 41
jack. Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV. Turn on your camcorder, and touch (MENU) [Show others] [TV CONNECT Guide] (under [OTHERS] category) on the LCD screen. Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source (p. 14). Touch [High Definition TV]. If you touch - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 42
or image) with this connection. Do not connect the camcorder HDMI OUT jack to an external device HDMI OUT jack, as malfunction may result. When the connected device is compatible with 5.1ch surround sound, high definition image quality (HD) movies are output in 5.1ch surround sound automatically - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 43
as follows: HDMI component S VIDEO video HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send both video/audio signals. The HDMI OUT jack outputs high quality images and digital audio. Using "BRAVIA" Sync You can operate your camcorder with the remote commander of your TV by - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 44
Notes You cannot restore images once they are deleted. Save important movies and photos in advance. Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while deleting the images. It may damage the recording media. Do not eject memory card while deleting images from the memory - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 45
photos, touch [ PROTECT] [ PROTECT]. 3 Touch the movies and photos to be protected. is displayed on the selected images. Making good use of your camcorder Press and hold the image down on the LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous screen. 4 Touch [YES - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 46
Dividing a movie To protect all the movies and photos recorded on the same day at one time Notes You cannot select [ PRT. by date] for still images recorded on the memory card. In step 2, touch [ PROTECT] [ PRT. by date]/[ PRT. by date]. To protect all photos on the same day at one time, - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 47
Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while dividing the movie. It may damage the 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 48
high definition image quality (HD) [ 0.2M] in 16:9 (wide) with standard definition image quality (STD) [VGA(0.3M)] in 4:3 with standard definition in a Playlist will be dubbed. The images recorded by this camcorder and stored onto the recording media are called "original." Touch ( - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 49
of a specified date [ DUB ALL]: To dub the high definition image quality (HD) Playlist [ DUB ALL]: To dub the standard definition image quality (STD) Playlist When you select the Playlist as the source of dubbing, follow the on-screen instructions to dub the Playlist. Select the movie to be - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 50
not changed even if you edit or erase the movies added to the Playlist. Creating the Playlist Notes High definition image quality (HD) movies and standard definition image quality (STD) movies are added to an individual Playlist. Touch (MENU) [Show others] [PLAYLIST EDIT] (under - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 51
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. You cannot add photos to the Playlist. You cannot create a Playlist which contains both high definition image quality (HD) movies - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 52
function (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) What is GPS? The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a system that calculates geographical location from highly accurate information during playback. AUTO CLOCK ADJ/AUTO AREA ADJ Your camcorder adjusts the clock and the time difference on each area automatically. - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 53
after moved to an open area, turn the GPS switch to OFF and ON again, or turn the power of your camcorder off and on. Processing time can be shortened by entering GPS assist data in the "GPS Support Tool" that is installed together with the supplied software "PMB". To start "GPS - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 54
The map always displays the north at the top. Tips You can change the scale using the zoom lever (W: larger, T: smaller). Your camcorder acquires the current location information every 10 seconds. The displays of the center marker, etc., appear differently according to the status of the - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 55
on movies and photos. Touch (MENU) [Show others] [DATA CODE] (under [PLAYBACK] category) [COORDINATES] . Making good use of your camcorder Playback starts from the selected scene. Latitude Longitude Notes The map always displays the north at the top. When you record - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 56
. Notes You must set the date and time on your camcorder before using your camcorder (p. 15). There may be discrepancies of a few seconds even if [AUTO CLOCK on the country/ region selected for your camcorder. In this case, set [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO AREA ADJ] to [OFF]. US - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 57
satisfying requirements for operating. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC adaptor (p. 14). 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 58
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. High definition image quality (HD Follow the on-screen instructions to select the recording - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 59
to your camcorder (p. 41). You can play back the high definition image quality (HD) movies on your computer using [Player for AVCHD]. Start [Player for AVCHD], and select the drive where the external media is connected with [Settings]. Notes The Date Index and Map Index (HDR- CX550V/XR550V) of - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 60
recorder, etc. (p. 64) Disc type Standard definition image quality (STD) disc Notes Always maintain a movie recorded with [HD FX] mode of [ REC MODE]. Save a movie recorded with [HD FX] mode onto Blu- to the instruction manual supplied with the DVD writer. Notes Connect your camcorder to the - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 61
] screen appears on the camcorder screen. Press (DISC BURN) on the DVD writer. Movies recorded on the internal recording media that have not been saved on any discs will be recorded onto the disc. When there are unsaved high definition (HD) and standard definition (STD) image quality movies - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 62
, if high definition image quality (HD) is converted to standard definition image quality (STD), image quality conversion takes longer than the actual recording. To play back a disc on the DVD writer Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 63
, etc., other than DVDirect Express Use USB cable to connect your camcorder to a disc creation device, which is compatible with high definition image quality (HD) movies, such as a Sony DVD writer. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the device to be connected. Notes Connect your - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 64
the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected. 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 65
camcorder to the input jacks of the recording device. Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device. Refer to the instruction manuals ) . To record the date/time, coordinates (HDR- CX550V/XR550V), or camera settings data, touch (MENU) [Show others] - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 66
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) p. 76 PHOTO - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 67
camcorder Touch (MENU). Touch [MY MENU SETTING]. Touch [MOVIE]. Touch [SPOT MTR/FCS]. Touch . Touch [ FADER] (under [MANUAL SETTINGS] category). When MY MENU is displayed, touch . Repeat the same steps above to register menu items on MY MENU, and enjoy using your "Handycam - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 68
, 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. US 68 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 69
Menu lists (MANUAL SETTINGS) category SCENE SELECTION 71 FADER 71 REC SET BLT-IN ZOOM MIC 78 MICREF LEVEL 78 AUDIO MODE 79 OTHER REC SET DIGITAL ZOOM 79 AUTO BACK LIGHT 79 DIAL SETTING 31 NIGHTSHOT LIGHT 79 X.V.COLOR 79 WIDE ALL/ DUB ALL 49 Customizing your camcorder US 69 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 70
USB CONNECT DISC BURN TV CONNECT Guide MUSIC TOOL EMPTY MUSIC DOWNLOAD MUSIC BATTERY INFO 54 63 63 63 Operating Guide 41 39 39 84 (MANAGE MODE CALIBRATION CTRL FOR HDMI DROP SENSOR*3 REC LAMP REMOTE CTRL *1 HDR-CX550V/XR550V *2 HDR-CX550/CX550V *3 HDR-XR550/XR550V 96, 101 96, 101 96, 101 35, 86 86 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 71
MANUAL SETTINGS (Items to adjust for scene condition) See "Using menus" (p. 66) on *( ) 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 72
[WHITE BAL.], [SCENE SELECTION] is set to [AUTO]. Tips If you have changed the battery pack while [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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 73
the same time. touch [AUTO]. Notes [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL]. SPOT FOCUS You can select and adjust the focal point to aim it at a subject not located at the center of the screen. Customizing your camcorder Touch the subject in the frame of which you want to adjust - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 74
Notes When you set [FOCUS] to [MANUAL], appears. The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm ; used as a guide if it is dark and focus adjustment is difficult) appears for a few seconds in the following cases. (This information will - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 75
. You can also adjust manually by using the MANUAL dial (p. 31). GOLF SHOT Divides cases such as checking golf swing or tennis form. On the [GOLF SHOT] screen, frame the subject in the white guide ] when you set the image quality to standard definition image quality (STD). Tips You can camcorder - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 76
subject is horizontal or vertical. The frame is not recorded. OFF Does not display the guide frame. ON Displays the guide frame. Tips Positioning the subject at the cross point of the guide frame makes a balanced composition. The outer frame of [GUIDEFRAME] shows the display area of a TV - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 77
face parts more finely, in the case of the high definition image quality (HD) movies. ON Detects faces. OFF ( ) Does not detect faces. Notes Faces may not be detected depending on recording conditions, subject conditions, and the setting of your camcorder. [FACE DETECTION] may not function - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 78
and US 78 the setting of your camcorder. When [DUAL CAPTURE] is detection sensitivity using the Smile Shutter function. HIGH Detects even a slight smile. MEDIUM microphone records sound following zooming in or out. MICREF LEVEL (Microphone reference level) You can select the microphone - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 79
zoom is performed digitally. Note When [ STEADYSHOT] is set to other than [ACTIVE], up to 10× zoom is performed optically. AUTO BACK LIGHT Your camcorder adjusts the exposure . Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV. OFF Records in ordinary color range. US 79 Customizing your - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 80
definition image quality (STD) movies, you can select the horizontal to vertical ratio according to the TV connected. Refer also to the instruction manuals in the highest quality (4,000 × 3,000). 9.0M ( ) Records photos in the high quality in the 16:9 (wide) ratio (4,000 × 2,250). 6.2M ( ) Records - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 81
) lamp (p. 12) flickers while charging the flash, and remains lit when the battery charge is complete. If you use the flash in bright places such as in flash, or an external flash (sold separately) that is compatible with your camcorder. HIGH ( ) Makes the flash level higher. NORMAL ( ) LOW ( - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 82
DATE INDEX See page 36. MAP (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) See page 52. FILM ROLL See page 36. FACE See page 37. PLAYLIST See page 50. HIGHLIGHT See page 37. SCENARIO See page 38. PLAYBACK SET / SET See page 27. DATA CODE During playback, your camcorder displays the information (Date/time, Camera - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 83
/XR550V DATE/TIME Date Time CAMERA DATA Movie Aperture value Exposure Flash COORDINATES (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) 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 sequences as you press DATA - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 84
for other settings) See "Using menus" (p. 66) on the operation. The default settings are marked with . YOUR LOCATION (HDRCX550V/XR550V) See page 52. USB CONNECT See page 63. TV CONNECT Guide See page 41. MUSIC TOOL See page 39. BATTERY INFO You can check the estimated remaining capacity of the - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 85
the operation. While deleting data, do not apply any vibrations or shocks to your camcorder. The actual performing time for deleting data is as follows; HDR-CX550/CX550V: about 6 minutes HDR-XR550/XR550V: about 120 minutes If you stop performing [EMPTY] while [Executing...] appears, be - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 86
select the brightness of the LCD screen's backlight. NORMAL 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 87
cases. When you turn on your camcorder. The LCD screen high definition image quality (HD) movies is 16:9. When you connect your camcorder to a TV compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system, set [TV TYPE] to [16:9]. The TV switches to full mode automatically. Refer also to the instruction manuals - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 88
camcorder to a TV with an HDMI cable (sold separately). HD CONTENTS Set the output image resolution recorded with high definition image quality (HD using your camcorder in other time zones. Refer to the world time difference on page 108. AUTO CLOCK ADJ (Auto clock adjustment) (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 89
area adjustment) (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) See language to be used on the LCD screen. Tips Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your internal recording media The movie is recorded with high definition image quality (HD) Tips When you set this item to - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 90
DROP SENSOR (HDR-XR550/XR550V) Your camcorder detects that it is dropping, and protects the internal hard disk. ON Activates the drop sensor. When it is detected that the camcorder is dropping, you may not be able to record or play back images correctly, to protect the internal hard disk. When - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 91
devices......... p. 97 GPS (HDR-CX550V/XR550V p. 97 Connecting to a Computer p. 98 Examples of functions that cannot be used simultaneously p. 98 Overall operations/Wireless Remote Commander The power does not turn on. Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 12). The plug of - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 92
DROP SENSOR] (HDR-XR550/XR550V) battery pack is too high or too low, you may not be able to charge it (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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 93
high or too low. This is not a malfunction. The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery The file is damaged. The file format is not supported by your camcorder (p. 112). Recording Refer also to "Memory card" (p. 93). - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 94
HDR-XR550/ XR550V) The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place. The temperature of your camcorder is extremely low. Turn off your camcorder assigned to the MANUAL dial [SPOT MTR/FCS] [SPOT METER] [MANUAL] in [EXPOSURE - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 95
. The horizontal to vertical ratio of high definition image quality (HD) movies is 16:9 (wide). The auto focus does not function. Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 74). The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 74). SteadyShot does not function. Set - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 96
not support playing back memory cards (p. 3). Editing movies/photos on your camcorder Unable to edit. Unable to edit because of the condition of the image. Movies cannot be added in the Playlist. There is no free space in the recording media. You can add no more than 999 high definition image - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 97
is recommended you record images using the outer frame of [GUIDEFRAME] (p. 76) as a guide. The image appears distorted on the 4:3 TV. This happens when viewing an image recorded device (p. 64). GPS (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) The camcorder is not receiving a GPS signal. Your camcorder may not be able to - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 98
If indicators appear on the LCD screen or viewfinder, 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 99
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. C:13: / C:32: Remove the power source. Reconnect it and operate your - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 100
is set to [HD FX], you instructions. Recording media Internal memory format error. HDD format error. The internal recording media of the camcorder camcorder. If the message is preceded by a GPS indicator, there may be some trouble with the GPS receiver. Turn on your camcorder again. (HDR-CX550V - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 101
can record or play back movies with high definition image quality (HD). You can record standard definition image quality (STD) movies or photos. folders exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using your camcorder. Format the memory card (p. 85), or delete folders using - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 102
the instructions on the LCD screen. Other No further selection is possible. You can select only 100 images at one time for: Deleting movies/photos Protecting movies/photos, or releasing the protection Dubbing movies Copying photos Editing the Playlist of high definition image quality (HD - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 103
HD" stands for high definition image quality, and "STD" stands for standard 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. HDR-CX550/CX550V Battery when using the camcorder at 25 C - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 104
Expected recording time of movies Internal memory HDR-CX550/CX550V High definition image quality (HD) in h (hour) and m (minute) Recording mode Recording time HDR-CX550 HDR-CX550V [HD FX] 6 h 5 m 6 h [HD FH] 7 h 45 m 7 h 40 m [HD HQ] [HD LP] (5.1ch)* [HD LP] (2ch)* 15 h 50 m 15 h 35 m - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 105
is for the maximum image size of your camcorder. The actual number of recordable photos is displayed Notes The unique pixel array of Sony's ClearVid and the image processing system ( recording mode (movie + audio, etc.). High definition image quality (HD): FX: Max. 24Mbps 1,920 1,080 pixels - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 106
LP: Approx. 5Mbps (average) 1,440 1,080 pixels/16:9 Standard definition image quality (STD): HQ: Approx. 9Mbps (average) 720 480 pixels/16:9, 4:3 The photo recording pixels and the aspect ratio. Photo recording mode: 4,000 3,000 dots/4:3 4, - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 107
the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range. Viewing high definition image quality (HD) movies In countries/regions where 1080/60i is supported, you can view the movies with the same high definition image quality (HD) as that of the recorded movies - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 108
set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Touch (MENU) [Show others] [CLOCK/ LANG] (under [GENERAL SET] category) [AREA SET] and [DST SET]/[SUMMERTIME] (p. 88). HDR-CX550V/XR550V When [AUTO CLOCK ADJ] and [AUTO AREA ADJ] are set to [ON - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 109
to high definition image quality (HD), your camcorder is capable of recording a standard definition (STD) signal in the conventional MPEG-2 format. Video signal*3: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 1920 1080/60i, 1440 1080/60i Audio signal: Dolby Digital 2ch/5.1ch Recording media: HDR-CX550/CX550V: Internal - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 110
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 The camcorder does not have a navigation function that uses GPS. Australia Copyright. Based on data provided under license from PSMA Australia Limited - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 111
use. Damaged or lost data may occur in the following cases (the data will not be compensated for): If you eject the "Memory Stick PRO Duo" media, or turn off your camcorder while your camcorder is reading or writing image files on the "Memory Stick PRO Duo" media (while the access lamp is lit or - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 112
on the "Memory Stick PRO Duo" media. You may not be able to play back images with your camcorder: When playing back image data modified on your computer When playing back image data recorded with other devices About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack Your camcorder operates only with an - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 113
below, and the length of time you can use the battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the following to use the battery pack for a longer time. Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up, and install it on your camcorder right before you start taking shots. Use a large capacity - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 114
the inside of the viewfinder or the LCD screen. Operate your camcorder on DC 6.8 V/7.2 V (battery pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor). For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in these operating instructions. Do not let your camcorder get wet, for example, from rain or sea water. If - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 115
to the finish: Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine, alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent, insecticide and sunscreen Handling the camcorder with above substances on your hands Leaving the casing in contact with rubber or vinyl objects for a long period of time About care and storage of the - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 116
pre-installed rechargeable battery Connect your camcorder to a wall Sony Corporation. "DVDirect" is a trademark of Sony Corporation. "Blu-ray Disc" and the logo are trademarks. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 117
respective companies. Furthermore, and are not mentioned in each case in this Handbook. Notes on the License ANY USE OF THIS "zlib," "libjpeg," "dtoa," and "pcre" software are provided in your camcorder. We provide this software based on license agreements with their owners of copyright. - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 118
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. Read "license2.pdf " in the "License" folder - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 119
SELECT (80) BLT-IN ZOOM MIC (78) Remaining battery Recording folder Return button (66) Center Indicator [STBY]/[ Indicator Meaning Recording image quality (HD/STD) and recording mode (FX/FH/HQ OFF] (77) SMILE DETECTION (78) LOW LUX (77) Manual focus (74) SCENE SELECTION (71) White balance (72) - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 120
not appear, depending on your camcorder model. Figures in ( ) are reference pages. HDR-CX550/CX550V HDR-XR550/XR550V Active Interface Shoe 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 121
media capacity or battery power is low. MANUAL button (31) MANUAL dial (31) 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-CX550/CX550V HDR-XR550/XR550V - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 122
the clock setting. GPS switch (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) (53) Speaker MODE button (21) (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (21) (USB) jack (60, 63) HDMI OUT jack (41) HDR-XR550/XR550V HDR-CX550/CX550V Eyecup Viewfinder (23) Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (23) Battery pack (12) A/V Remote - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 123
(82) Displays the date and time, camera setting data, or coordinates (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) of the recorded images when you press this button during playback. Point the Wireless Remote Commander towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 121). When no commands have been sent from the - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 124
in fire. When the lithium battery becomes weak, the operating distance of the 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 - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 125
28 M Maintenance 109 MANAGE MEDIA 18, 85 MANUAL dial 31 MANUAL SETTINGS 71 Map Index 54 MY MENU 67 MEDIA FORMAT 85 MEDIA INFO 85 MEDIA SETTINGS 18 Memory card 19 "Memory Stick" media...... 19, 111 "Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo" media 19, 111 "Memory Stick PRO Duo" media 19, 111 US 125 Quick - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 126
77, 81 SUMMERTIME 89 SUNRISE&SUNSET 71 Supplied items 2 T TELE MACRO 74 Telephoto 26 Thumbnail 44 Tripod 122 Troubleshooting 91 Turning the power on 15 TV 41 TV color systems 107 TV CONNECT Guide 41 TV TYPE 87 TWILIGHT 71 TWILIGHT PORT 71 U USB cable 60, 63 USB CONNECT 63 V VBR - Sony HDR-XR550V | Handycam® Handbook - 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/
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4-170-534-
11
(1)
Digital HD Video Camera Recorder
“Handycam” Handbook
2010 Sony Corporation
HDR-CX550/CX550V/
XR550/XR550V
Table of contents
9
Getting started
12
Recording/Playback
21
Making good use of your
camcorder
44
Saving images with an
external device
57
Customizing your
camcorder
66
Additional information
91
Quick reference
119