Using the “Handycam” Handbook You will find information on using your camcorder to its fullest in this “Handycam” Handbook. Read the “Handycam” Handbook in addition to the Operating Guide (a separate volume). Information on using your camcorder connected to a computer will be also found in the Operating Guide and the “PMB Help”...
A/V connecting cable (1) USB connection support cable (1) Use this cable when the Built-in USB Cable of the camcorder (p. 14) is too short for connection. Rechargeable battery pack NP-FV50 (1) CD-ROM “Handycam” Application ...
or battery pack becomes extremely high or extremely low, you may not be able to record or play back on the camcorder, due to the protection features of the camcorder being activated in such situations. In this case, an indicator appears on the LCD screen (p.
CX160/CX180) 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 ...
Enjoy useful functions Enjoy useful functions Beautiful & easy anywhere & anytime Checking your golf swing Golf Shot (67) Smth Slw REC (66) Recording Capturing images beautifully without cumbersome setting Intelligent Auto (34) Focus on the child on the left side of the screen Tracking the subject (36) Spot Focus (69)
Page 7
Recoording in a dimly-lit room Low Lux (70) Capturing photos during movie recording Dual Rec (37) Smile Shutter (37) Changing the image quality and recording mode Setting (35) Recording mode (35) Changing the recording media Media setting (20) Capturing fireworks, or a sunset in all its splendor Fireworks (70) Sunrise&Sunset (70)
Page 8
Fun & simple playback & edit Playing back a digest of your movies Highlight Playback (38) Editing on the camcorder Capturing a photo from a movie (45) Deleting unnecessary scene (Dividing (45), Deleting (42)) Using...
Page 9
Easy ways to store good memories Recorder (62) Computer (50) DVD writer (58, 61) Easy uploading Uploading with a PC when you are out PMB Portable Saving External media (55)
Notes You cannot attach any “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack other than the V series to your camcorder. Turn off your camcorder by closing the LCD screen. Attach the battery pack by sliding it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
Page 14
Operation with all computers is not assured. If you connect the camcorder to a laptop computer that is not connected to a power source, the battery of the laptop computer will continue to use up its charge. Do not leave the camcorder connected to a computer in this manner.
The charging times are measured without using the USB Connection support cable. Tips When your camcorder is on, you can check the approximate amount of remaining battery power with the remaining battery indicator at the upper right on the LCD screen.
Page 16
Notes on the battery pack When you remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor, turn the camcorder off and make sure that the (Movie)/ (Photo) lamps (p. 24), the access lamp (p. 22) are turned off. The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging under the following conditions: ...
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 language, then touch [Next].
Page 18
Set [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time], then touch [Next]. If you set [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time] to [On], the clock advances 1 hour. Select the date format, then touch [Next]. Select the date and time, touch [Next] The confirmation screen appears only when you set the clock for the first time.
You can turn off the camcorder also by pressing POWER. When [Power On By LCD] (p. 82) is set to [Off], turn off your camcorder by pressing POWER. Changing the language setting You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language.
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-CX130 HDR-CX160/CX180 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.
Movies recorded on SDXC memory cards cannot be imported to or played back on computers or AV 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 22
Open the cover, and insert the memory card with the notched edge in the direction as illustrated until it clicks. Close the cover after inserting the memory card. Note the direction of notched corner. The [Preparing image database file. Please wait.] screen appears if you insert a new memory card.
HDR-CX130: Memory card HDR-CX160/CX180: Internal recording media Tips To change the recording media, see page 20 (HDR-CX160/CX180). Fasten the grip belt. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.
Recording movies MODE button (Movie): When recording a movie (Photo): When recording a photo Press MODE to turn on the Press START/STOP to start recording. To stop recording, press START/STOP again. To display items on the LCD screen again Touch anywhere on the screen except the buttons on the LCD screen so that you can use items.
Page 25
TV which is not compatible with full pixel display. In this case, set [Guide Frame] to [On] (p. 74), 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 ...
Data code during recording The recording date, time and condition 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 Settings)] [Data Code] a desired setting Shooting photos MODE button (Movie): When recording a movie...
To change the recording media, see page 20 (HDR-CX160/CX180). The camcorder displays recorded images as an event automatically based on the date and time. Open the LCD screen of your camcorder. Your camcorder is turned on and the lens cover is opened.
Page 28
Change to the movie/photo recording mode Time-line bar Highlight Playback button Change Event Scale button Appears only when the image quality is set to [ The Event Index screen appears when you touch the event that is displayed on the center. You can also choose an event by touching ...
Operating the camcorder while playing a movie You can use the functions shown in the figure below while the camcorder is playing a movie. The figure below will be displayed when you select [ setting) or [ MOVIE] by touching the Switch Image Type button on the Event Index screen.
Viewing photos You can use the functions shown in the figure below while you are viewing photos. The figure below will be displayed when you select [ button on the Event Index screen. Delete Context Previous Tips [Slideshow Set]. To repeat Slideshow, touch ...
Switch the input on the TV to the connected jack. Refer to the instruction manuals of the TV. Connect the camcorder to a TV. Use the supplied AC Adaptor as the power source (p. 15). Play a movie or a photo on the camcorder (p.
Page 32
Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo. Use an HDMI mini connector on one end (for the camcorder), and a plug suitable for connecting your TV on the other end. Copyright-protected images are not output from the HDMI OUT jack of your camcorder.
The operation of “BRAVIA” Sync differs (MENU) 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)
button on the LCD screen. 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. You can magnify images up to 30 times using ...
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. Selecting high definition image quality (HD) or standard image...
“M, ” such as in “24M, ” means “Mbps. ” Using the Tracking focus function If you touch the subject you want to track on the LCD screen, the camcorder tracks that subject and records a movie. HQ/LP When you touch a face...
Capturing smiles automatically (Smile Shutter) A photo is recorded automatically when the camcorder detects the smile of a person during movie recording ([Dual Capture] is the default setting) (page 73). An orange frame appears around a face targeted for possible smile detection shot.
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.
Highlight Playback has finished. You can transfer music files from audio CDs or MP3 files to your camcorder, and play them with Highlight Playback using the supplied software “PMB” or “Music Transfer, ” a software installed together with “PMB. ”...
Page 41
Highlight Playback scenes or saved Highlight scenarios are played back. Touch The camcorder starts converting the data to the target format. To upload a Highlight Movie to the Web After the conversion process has finished, touch [Share] [Web Upload], then follow the instructions that appear on the LCD screen.
You cannot delete protected movies and photos. Undo the protection of the movies and photos to delete them, before you try to delete them (p. 43). The demonstration movie on your camcorder is protected (HDR-CX160/CX180). If you delete movies/photos that are included in ...
Copying images (HDR-CX160/ CX180) You can copy images back and forth between the internal recording medium of your camcorder and a memory card or other medium in an external device. Insert a memory card into your camcorder before the operation.
Page 44
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. Tips The original copy of the image will not be deleted after the copy operation has been completed.
A slight difference may occur from the point where you touch point, as your camcorder selects the dividing point based on about half-second increments. If you divide movies that are included in saved ...
Page 46
Notes The image size is fixed based on the image quality of the movie. If the movie was recorded with one of the following image quality levels, the image size will be set as shown below. High definition image quality (HD): 2.1 M ...
Several methods for creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc or a standard definition image quality (STD) disc from high definition image quality (HD) movies or photos recorded on your camcorder are described here. Select the method that suits your disc player.
Page 48
Discs you can use with “PMB” You can use 12 cm discs of following type with “PMB. ” For Blu-ray disc, see page 52. Disc type DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL DVD-RW/DVD+RW Notes Always maintain your PlayStation The PlayStation 3 may not be available in some countries/regions. ...
(STD) disc (p. 35). Install “PMB” beforehand, however, do not start “PMB. ” Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15). With Disc Burn function on your camcorder, ...
Movies and photos recorded on your camcorder can be imported to a computer. Turn on the computer beforehand. Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15). Turn on your camcorder, then...
Saving images on a disc You can select movies that have been imported to a computer and save them on a disc. Turn on your computer, and place an unused disc on the DVD drive. See page 47 for the type of discs you can ...
Page 52
Creating a Blu-ray disc You can create a Blu-ray disc with a high definition image quality (HD) movie previously imported to a computer (p. 50). To create a Blu-ray disc, the BD Add-on Software for “PMB” must be installed. Click [BD Add-on Software] on the installation screen of “PMB, ”...
Because DVD players/recorders are not compatible with the AVCHD format, DVD players/ recorders may fail to eject the disc. Delete the demonstration movie when copying or creating discs. If it is not deleted, the camcorder may not operate correctly. However, you cannot recover the demonstration movie once you delete it.
The devices on which the created disc can be played back DVD disc with high definition image quality (HD) AVCHD format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray disc player or a PlayStation DVD disc with standard definition image quality (STD) Ordinary DVD playback devices, such as a DVD player.
satisfying requirements for operating. For details on available external media devices, go to the Sony support website in your country/region. Connect the AC Adaptor and the power cord (mains lead) to the DC IN jack of your camcorder and the wall outlet (wall socket).
Page 56
HDR-CX130: Movies and photos that are stored in the memory card (inserted in the camcorder), and that have not yet been saved on to external media device can be saved on the connected media device at this time.
The number of scenes may be smaller depending on the type of images recorded. Saving desired movies and photos You can save desired images in the camcorder to the external media device. Connect the camcorder to the external media device and touch [Play without copying.].
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. 15). DVDirect Express is referred to as “DVD ...
HDR-CX130 Movies that are stored in the memory card (inserted in the camcorder), and that have not yet been saved on any disc can be saved on the disc at this time. HDR-CX160/CX180 Movies that are stored on one of the camcorder’s recording media selected in...
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 copying was performed correctly before deleting the movies on your camcorder.
Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some countries/regions. Always maintain the firmware of the Sony ...
Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15). Sony DVD writer may not be available in some countries/regions. High definition image quality (HD) movies will be copied with standard definition image quality (STD).
A/V connecting cable (supplied) or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (sold separately). Connect your camcorder to the input jacks of the recording device. Start playback on your camcorder, and record it on the recording device.
Customizing your camcorder Using menus You can enjoy using your camcorder more by making good use of menu operations. The camcorder has various menu items under each of 6 menu categories. Shooting Mode (Items for selecting a shooting mode) p. 66 Camera/Mic (Items for customized shooting) p.
An about-3-second movie is recorded as a 12-second-slow-motion movie. [Recording…] disappears, when recording is finished. To change the timing at which the camcorder starts recording Touch [ ] to make the setting. ] (Timing) Select the recording start point after START/STOP is pressed.
Page 67
The sound of a club hitting the ball The camcorder records images in this 2 seconds period. The camcorder sets the point when the loudest sound in the past 1 second is detected, as the sound of a club hitting the ball. ...
[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 [One ...
Page 69
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.
Page 70
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 ( ) Brings out the subject such as people or flowers while creating a soft background.
Page 71
Snow** ( ) Takes bright pictures of a white landscape. Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away only. Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short distance away. Notes If you set [Scene Selection], [White Balance] setting is canceled. Fader You can record a transition with the following effects adding to the interval...
Page 72
SteadyShot You can compensate for camera shake. Set [ SteadyShot] to [Off] ( using a tripod (sold separately), then the image becomes natural. Active Provides a more powerful SteadyShot effect. Standard Provides a SteadyShot effect, performing wide-angle recording under relatively stable recording conditions.
Page 73
Adjusts the exposure for backlit subjects automatically. Does not adjust the exposure for backlit subjects. Face Detection You can set the camcorder to detect a face automatically. Furthermore, you can select which faces (children or adults) the camcorder detects with priority. It adjusts the focus/color/exposure automatically for the face of the selected subject.
Page 74
The icons or indicators are displayed in the following cases. When you turn on your camcorder. The LCD screen is touched (Except rec & zoom buttons on LCD screen). When you switch your camcorder to the movie recording, photo recording, or playback mode.
Image Quality/Size (Items for setting up image quality or size) See “Using menus” (p. 64) on the operation. The default settings are marked with . REC Mode See page 35. Frame Rate You can select the frame rate to be used to record high definition image quality (HD) movies.
Image Size You can select a size for the photos you are going to shot. 3.3M ( Records photos clearly (2,112 × 1,584). 2.5M ( Records photos clearly in the 16:9 (wide) ratio (2,112 × 1,188). 1.9M ( Allows you to record more photos in relatively clear quality (1,600 ×...
HDR-CX130 Touch HDR-CX160/CX180: Select the recording media to be formatted, touch Notes Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet (wall socket) using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 15).
Page 78
While deleting data, do not apply any vibrations or shocks to your camcorder. You can check the time that the camcorder will take to delete data on the LCD screen. If you stop performing [Empty] while ...
Page 79
Download Music See page 40. You can transfer music files from audio CDs or MP3 files to your camcorder by connecting the camcorder to a computer. Empty Music See page 40. You can delete all music files stored on the camcorder.
Page 80
TV with the component input jack. 1080i/480i Select this when connecting your camcorder to a TV that has the component input jack and is capable of displaying the 1080i signal. 1080p/480i Select this when connecting your...
Page 81
To import images from the camcorder to your computer, use the supplied “PMB” software. If the “Device Stage * ” window does not open ...
Page 82
outlet (wall socket), the camcorder does not turn off automatically. Power On By LCD You can set the power of the camcorder to turn on or off by opening or closing the LCD screen panel. On Turns the power on or off by opening or closing the LCD screen panel.
Page 83
Tips If you visit a certain place often and want to use the camcorder with the area setting set to that place, it is useful if you set the place to [Destination].
During repair, we may check a minimum amount of data stored on the internal memory in order to investigate the problem. However, your Sony dealer will neither copy nor retain your data. Overall operations ... p. 84 Batteries/power sources ... p. 85 ...
Page 85
correctly (p. 13). 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. The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.
Page 86
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. (Photo) lamp...
Page 87
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. If you keep applying vibration on the ...
Page 88
[Active] (p. 72). [LCD Brightness ] cannot be adjusted. You cannot adjust [LCD Brightness ] when: The LCD panel is closed on your camcorder with the LCD screen facing out. The power is supplied from the AC Adaptor.
Page 89
16:9 (wide) mode on a 4:3 TV. This is not a malfunction. The images being played back do not appear on the LCD screen when you connect the camcorder to a TV and play back images. Highlight Playback or a scenario will not ...
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.
(Warning indicator pertaining to camera-shake warning) The camcorder is unsteady, so camera-shake easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands and record the image. However, note that the camera-shake warning indicator does not disappear. (Warning indicator pertaining to photo recording) The recording media is full.
Page 92
Your camcorder tries to recover data automatically if the data writing was not performed properly. Cannot recover data. Writing data onto the media of the camcorder has failed. Attempts were made to recover the data, but they were unsuccessful. Reinsert the memory card.
Page 93
You cannot create folders exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using your camcorder. Format the memory card (p. 77), or delete folders using your computer. This memory card may not be able to record or play movies.
An A/V connecting cable must be connected. On TV color systems Your camcorder is an NTSC-system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback image on a TV, it must be an NTSC- system-based TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.
Page 95
Setting to the local time You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Touch Time Setting] [Daylight Savings] or [Summer Time] and (Clock Settings)] [Area Setting] (p. 83).
Recording and playback on your camcorder Based on the AVCHD format, your camcorder records with the high definition image quality (HD). In addition to high definition image quality (HD), your camcorder is capable of recording a standard definition (STD) signal in the conventional MPEG-2 format.
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).
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.
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.
(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.
Duo” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “x.v.Color” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “BIONZ” is a trademark of Sony Corporation. “BRAVIA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Page 102
OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE <HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM> “C Library, ” “zlib, ” and “libjpeg” 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 software ...
Quick reference Screen indicators Center Left Bottom Left Indicator Meaning MENU button (64) Self-timer recording (71) Wide Mode (75) Fader (71) [Face Detection] set to [Off] (73) [Smile Shutter] set to [Off] (73) Manual focus (69) Scene Selection (70) White Balance (68) ...
Indicators and their positions are approximate and may differ from what you actually see. Some indicators may not appear, depending on your camcorder model. Parts and controls Figures in ( ) are reference pages. Lens (G lens) ...
Page 105
Built-in USB Cable (14) Memory card access lamp (22) While the lamp is lit or flashing, the camcorder is reading or writing data. Tripod receptacle Attach a tripod (sold separately) to the tripod receptacle using a tripod screw (sold separately: the length of the screw must be less than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.)).
Index Symbols 1080i/480i ...80 1080p/480p ...80 480i ...80 A. Shut Off ...82 A/V connecting cable...32, 63 Abroad ...94 Area Setting ...83 Auto Back Light ...73 AVCHD...47 AVCHD format ...96 Battery Info...82 Battery pack ...13 Beach ...70 Black Fader ...71 Blt-in Zoom Mic ...74 Blu-ray disc ...52 “BRAVIA”...
Page 107
Photo Capture ...45 Photos ...26, 30 Playback Function ...76 Playing...27 Playing AVCHD disc...51 Portrait ...70 Power on ...17 Power On By LCD ...82 Precautions ...96 Protect ...43 PS ...36 Rec Mode ...35 Recording ...23 Recording media...20 Repair ...84 Repair Img.DB F..88 RESET ...105 Saving images in external media ...55...
Page 108
Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. http://www.sony.net/...