Sony HDR-CX550V Handycam® Handbook
Sony HDR-CX550V - High Definition Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder Manual
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- Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 2
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1) CD-ROM "Handycam" Application Software (1) "PMB" (software, including "PMB 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 3
devices. Also, you may not be able to play back images recorded on other devices with your camcorder. Discs recorded with HD image quality (high definition) This camcorder captures high definition footage in the AVCHD format. DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with DVD based - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 6
(p. 12) Prepare the power source and memory card. Recording movies and photos (p. 21) Recording movies p. 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 7
Make good use of camcorder accessories. For example, using a tripod, you can make a time-lapse recording or record subjects in dim light, such as scenes of fireworks, or night views. By always carrying spare batteries, you can continue recording without worrying about battery power shortages. US - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 9
the battery pack 12 Step 2: Turning the power on, 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 10
Guide 41 Using "BRAVIA" Sync 43 Making good use of your camcorder (HDR-CX550V/XR550V 52 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 13
by closing the LCD screen after replacing the viewfinder. 2 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks. 3 Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket). Align the mark on the DC plug - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 14
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). Notes on the AC Adaptor Use the nearby wall outlet (wall - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 15
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 with Touch the button on the LCD - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 16
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 seconds and the - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 18
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 and - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 19
. 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 to operate with your camcorder. Types of "Memory Stick" media you - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 20
Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the nothched edge in the direction as illustrated until it clicks. Close the cover after inserting the memory card. Note direction of notched corner. Access lamp The [Create a new Image Database File.] screen may appear if you insert a new memory - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 22
about 3sec after Notes If you close the LCD screen while recording movies, the camcorder stops 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. It will take several seconds until you - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 23
this time, do not apply shock or vibration to the camcorder, or remove the battery or AC Adaptor. Access lamp (p. 20) is lit or flashing 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 then adjust the angle - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 24
DATA CODE] a desired setting . Shooting photos 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 media, see page 18. Press MODE to turn on the (Photo - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 26
lever. You can magnify images also with the / on the LCD screen. * ** Wider range of view (Wide angle) * HDR-CX550/CX550V ** HDR-XR550/XR550V Close view (Telephoto) Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom. Notes Be sure to keep your finger - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 29
of your camcorder. When [ REC MODE] is set to [HD FX], you 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 32
If you select [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] [OTHER , change the shutter speed according to the power supply frequency in your region. US 32 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 33
/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 turn on your camcorder when the LCD screen is already open, press POWER (p.15 - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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 during - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 39
[Music Transfer]. For operating 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-XR550/ XR550V Play back the photo you - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 42
Types of connection cables between your camcorder and TV Connecting to a high definition TV Component A/V Cable (supplied) (Green) Y (Blue)PB/CB (Red)PR/CR (White) (Red) HDMI Cable (sold separately) Connecting to a non-high-definition 16:9 (wide) or 4:3 TV Component A/V Cable (supplied) (Green) Y ( - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 43
SELECT] [4:3] (p. 80). Tips If you connect your camcorder to the TV using more than one type of cable to output images, the order of priority of the TV input jacks is as follows: HDMI component S VIDEO video HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface to send - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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 is deleted from the scenario. Only simple editing is available on the camcorder. Use the supplied software "PMB" for more advanced editing. Tips You can divide a - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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 Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor to prevent your camcorder from running out of power during - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 51
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. You cannot add photos to the Playlist. You cannot create a Playlist which contains both high definition image - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 53
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 Support Tool" Click [Start] [All Programs] [PMB] [PMB - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 56
[AUTO CLOCK ADJ]/[AUTO AREA ADJ]. Touch a desired setting . 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 ADJ] is activated. The clock is adjusted automatically by - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 57
(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. 1 Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 59
The Date Index and Map Index (HDR- CX550V/XR550V) 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 camcorder If the external media has the AC power cable, connect it to the wall outlet - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 60
Standard definition image quality (STD) disc Notes Always maintain your PlayStation3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation3 system software. the instruction manual supplied with the DVD writer. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 61
, then disconnect the USB cable. To customize a disc with DISC BURN OPTION Perform this operation in the following cases: When dubbing a desired image When creating multiple copies of the same disc When converting high definition (HD) movies to standard definition (STD) movies, and creating - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 63
, 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 camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 14 - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 65
instruction manuals supplied with your recording device for details. When dubbing is finished, stop the recording device, and then your camcorder. setting) . To record the date/time, coordinates (HDR- CX550V/XR550V), or camera settings data, touch (MENU) [Show others] [ - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 70
SET AREA SET AUTO CLOCK ADJ*1 AUTO AREA ADJ*1 DST SET/SUMMERTIME LANGUAGE SET POWER SETTINGS A.SHUT OFF OTHER SETTINGS DEMO 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 86 86 87 87 87 - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 73
the house, 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 74
set [FOCUS] to [MANUAL], appears. The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining is easier to focus on the subject by moving the power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to adjust the the subject is focused on; used as a guide if it is dark and focus adjustment is - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 75
appear reddish. You can also adjust manually by using the MANUAL dial (p. 31). GOLF SHOT Divides 2 screen, frame the subject in the white guide frame in the center of the screen, GOLF SHOT] when you set the image quality to standard definition image quality (STD). Tips You can set camcorder - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 77
. ACTIVE Provides a more powerful SteadyShot effect. STANDARD Provides 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 78
recording conditions, subject conditions, and US 78 the setting of your camcorder. When [DUAL CAPTURE] is selected, appears on the screen SMILE SENSITIVITY Sets the smile detection sensitivity using the Smile Shutter function. HIGH Detects even a slight smile. MEDIUM Detects a normal smile. LOW - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 79
want to record an exciting and powerful sound in a concert hall, etc digitally. Note When [ STEADYSHOT] is set to other than [ACTIVE], up to 10× zoom is performed optically. AUTO BACK LIGHT Your camcorder instruction manuals of the TV. OFF Records in ordinary color range. US 79 Customizing - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 83
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 CODE on - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 85
all cables except the AC Adaptor. Do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 86
. 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 slightly reduced during recording. If you open the LCD panel - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 87
to vertical ratio of 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 supplied with your TV. Customizing - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 88
camcorder to a TV with the component input jack. 1080i/480i Select this when connecting your camcorder camcorder to a TV with an HDMI cable (sold separately). HD CONTENTS Set the output image resolution recorded with high definition image quality (HD camcorder in other time zones. Refer to - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 89
(HDR-CX550V/XR550V) camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options. POWER SETTINGS A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off ) You can set your camcorder media The movie is recorded with high definition image quality (HD) Tips When you set this - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 90
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 camcorder to a "BRAVIA" Sync compatible TV with the HDMI cable (sold separately), you can play back movies on your camcorder by - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 91
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 the AC Adaptor has - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 92
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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 97
] (p. 76) as a guide. The image appears distorted on cable (sold separately). 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-CX550V/XR550V) The camcorder is not receiving a GPS signal. Your camcorder - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 98
camcorder. Disconnect the USB cable from the computer and your camcorder, and restart the computer, then connect the computer and your camcorder . 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 99
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 camcorder again. E Follow the steps - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 100
set to [HD FX], 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/XR550V - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 101
software. There is no HD movie management information. Create new information? You cannot record or play back movies because no high definition image quality (HD exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using your camcorder. Format the memory card (p. 85), or delete folders - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 103
use your camcorder. Playing time Approximate time available when you use a fully charged battery pack. HDR-CX550/CX550V Battery pack Image quality HD NP-FV50 190 (supplied) 215 NP-FV70 395 440 NP-FV100 785 870 (unit: minute) STD 240 280 490 565 980 1120 HDR-XR550/XR550V Battery pack - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 104
m 15 h 35 m [STD HQ] (2ch)* 16 h 15 m 16 h 5 m Internal hard disk HDR-XR550/XR550V High definition image quality (HD) in h (hour) and m (minute) Recording mode Recording time HDR-XR550 HDR-XR550V [HD FX] [HD FH] [HD HQ] [HD LP] (5.1ch)* [HD LP] (2ch)* 23 h 29 h 20 m 59 h 30 m 96 h 30 m 22 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 105
the maximum image size of your camcorder. The actual number of recordable The unique pixel array of Sony's ClearVid and the image GB for recording photos. The following list shows the bit-rate, pixels and aspect ratio of each recording mode (movie + audio, etc.). High definition image quality (HD - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 107
Using your camcorder abroad Power supply You can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 108
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], the - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 109
(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 memory, memory card HDR-XR550/XR550V - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 110
under an elevated bridge, or in locations where magnetic fields are generated, such as near high voltage cables. Near devices that generate radio signals of the same frequency band as the camcorder: near 1.5 GHz band mobile telephones, etc. On triangulating errors If you move to another location - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 111
HG * Duo" media * This product does not support 8-bit parallel data transfer but it supports 4-bit parallel data transfer the same as with "Memory 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 112
" V series battery packs have the mark. What is an "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack? An "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an AC Adaptor/charger (sold separately - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 113
SETTINGS] (under [GENERAL SET] category) [A.SHUT OFF] [NEVER], and leave your camcorder in recording standby until the power goes off (p. 89). About battery life Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 115
use a soft cloth to clean it. When you use the LCD Cleaning Kit (sold separately), do not apply the cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen below. It is recommended that you connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor during the operation. (MENU) - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 116
"BRAVIA" is a trademark of 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 Multimedia Interface are trademarks or - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 117
MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE "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 on requests by the owners of copyright of these - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 118
and redistribute source code for these software programs under the conditions of the supplied GPL/LGPL. 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 120
actually see. Some indicators may 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 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 121
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 Quick - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 122
) HDR-XR550/XR550V HDR-CX550/CX550V Eyecup Viewfinder (23) Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (23) Battery pack (12) A/V Remote Connector (41) DC IN jack (12) PHOTO button (24) Power zoom flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data. BATT (battery) release lever (14) US 122 - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 123
and time, camera setting data, or coordinates (HDR-CX550V/XR550V) of the recorded images when you press 22) Transmitter START/STOP button (22) Power zoom buttons PAUSE button VISUAL INDEX button (34) towards the remote sensor to operate your camcorder (p. 121). When no commands have - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 125
SHUT OFF 89 A/V connecting cable...........42, 64 Abroad 107 DIGITAL ZOOM 79 Disc recorder 64 DISPLAY SET 87 DISP OUTPUT 88 DIVIDE 46 DOWNLOAD HD/STD SET 27 HDMI RESOLUTION 88 HIGHLIGHT 37 Highlight Playback 37 HQ 28 I Image quality 27 IMAGE SIZE 80 INDOOR 72 "InfoLITHIUM" battery - Sony HDR-CX550V | Handycam® Handbook - Page 126
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 104 VIEW IMAGES 36 VISUAL INDEX 33 - Sony HDR-CX550V | 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