General Features
Video Camcorder Features
Digital Still Camera Features
Battery Information
Inputs and Outputs Notes
Software And Computer Information

General Features

2.7" Touch Panel SwivelScreen LCD Screen: The 2.7" (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The high resolution 211,200 pixel (960 x 220) LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp and detailed images for monitoring or playback. Mirror mode allows you to view a mirror-image of the subject you are shooting in the LCD screen when the screen is rotated 180 degrees, but the image will still be normal when recorded. In addition, the LCD doubles as an "on-screen" touch panel, allowing you to navigate through the menu system by touching the LCD screen. The LCD screen frame contains zoom and recording controls for added convenience. The LCD also features an adjustable brightness and color level. You can also power on this camcorder by simply opening its LCD display (if you close the LCD while the camcorder is recording, the camcorder stops recording).

Note: This camcorder does not include a viewfinder.

Hybrid Recording: Hybrid recording technology delivers a new level of flexibility for transferring your video footage and digital photos from the camcorder to compatible viewing devices. Hybrid Recording allows you to record to the camcorder's internal hard disk drive, or choose instead to record to removable Memory Stick PRO Duo media. You can even select from various dubbing functions to easily copy video or still images from the hard disk drive to Memory Stick media without using a PC. Images recorded or transferred to Memory Stick media can then be played directly on your PC.

Hard Drive Camcorder: The Sony HDR-XR200V has an internal 120GB hard drive which will allow you to record video and still images. When recording video, the camcorder records in 2ch or 5.1ch audio using the built-in microphone. The video can be shot in either a standard definition 4:3 or high definition 16:9 aspect ratio.

Drop Sensor: The Sony HDD Handycam HDR-XR200V is equipped with a Drop Sensor to protect the camcorder's internal hard disc drive. When the drop sensor has detected that the camcorder has been dropped, recording or playback may be disabled to protect the internal hard disk.

AVCHD 1080i Format: This camcorder captures high definition video footage in the AVCHD 1080i format as well as standard definition video in MPEG2. The AVCHD format is a high definition video camcorder format used to record an HD signal in 1080i on the units internal hard disk drive using efficient data compression coding technology. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 is used to compress the video data while Dolby Digital or Linear PCM is used to compress the audio data. The result is image resolution of approximately 4.5 times that of standard definition image quality. Using the enclosed PC software, high definition footage can be copied onto DVD media through your computer. However, DVD media containing AVCHD footage should not be used with standard DVD based players or recorders, as the DVD player/recorder may fail to eject the media and may erase its contents without warning. DVD media containing AVCHD footage may be played on a compatible Blu-ray Disc player/recorder or other compatible devices.

3.6mm (1/5-type)ClearVid CMOS Sensor: Sony's newly designed 3.6mm ClearVid CMOS image sensor delivers bright, vivid, and spectacularly detailed video and still image footage with prolonged battery life. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video up to 1080 lines of horizontal resolution in HD mode and 530 lines in SD Mode. The HDR-XR200V's ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides 2,360,000 gross pixels. The 1,120,00 effective video pixels in 4:3 mode and 1,490,000 pixels16:9 mode provide excellent detail and clarity for exceptional digital video with up to 1080 lines of horizontal resolution. The 1,990,000 effective still megapixels in 4:3 mode and 1,490,000 effective still megapixels in16:9 mode provide exceptional digital still photography performance.

Exmor Technology and BIONZ Image Processor: Exmor technology captures images with high resolution and high sensitivity. In addition, the advanced Sony BIONZ image processor improves camera response time and screens out noise so the signal from each pixel is as pure as possible. The advanced Sony BIONZ Image Processor uses hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry that improves camera response time, screens out noise before RAW data conversion, handles Dynamic Range Optimization processing, and prolongs battery life.

Dynamic Range Optimizer: The D-Range (Dynamic Range) Optimizer function adjusts the exposure and contrast of an image to counter the effects of high-contrast shooting condition, allowing for a great shot every time. The D-Range Optimizer suppresses "blackout" in dark areas such as shadows and "whiteout" in bright areas such as skies. As a result, the captured image appears as natural as the original scene.

x.v. Color Technology: x.v. Color technology enables the HDR-XR200V to capture nearly twice (1.8x) as many viewable colors as the standard RGB color range, resulting in more natural, life-like images. You can even experience this expanded color range on your HDTV when you connect your camcorder to an x.v. Color capable display monitor via HDMI.

Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens: This camcorder features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, which is among some of the most advanced multi-layer coating systems in the world, resulting in even less glare and lens flare with increased contrast compared to other systems. The result is vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones.

Optical/Digital Zoom: The camcorder has a 15x Optical Zoom for bringing your subject up close. It also features a selectable 30x or 180x digital zoom. Because the picture is processed digitally, the picture quality deteriorates the more you zoom in. The power zoom lever can be moved slightly for a slow zoom, or moved further for a faster zoom.

Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization With Active Mode: Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode represents the next step forward in Sony image stabilization technology. Active Mode improves on existing Optical SteadyShot image stabilization by allowing the camera lens to shift over a greater range of motion. This allows the HDR-XR200V to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake and deliver a stunning level of image smoothness.

NightShot: This unit is equipped with NightShot which allow you to shoot a subject in complete darkness (0 lux) using infra-red technology. With NightShot, you can record natural color images in low-light conditions without the blurring common with other low-light recording systems. You can make the colors deeper by using the built-in infrared NightShot light.

Focus Modes: The Sony Handycam HDR-XR200V features Manual, Auto Focus, Spot Focus, and Tele Macro modes.

• Manual Focus: With manual focus, you can manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows you to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.
• Auto Focus: You can also select automatic focusing. When using autofocus, you can choose to focus on a subject in the center of the screen or with Spot Focus, focus on an off-centered object. The minimum distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is approximately 13/32" for wide angle and 2.625' for telephoto.
• Spot Focus: You can select and adjust the focal point to aim it at a subject not located at the center of the screen.
• Tele Macro: This feature is useful when shooting small subjects, such as flowers or insects. You can blur out backgrounds and the subject stands out clearer. You can recorded subjects as close as 22.5-inches in Tele-Macro mode.

Face Detection Technology: Made possible by the BIONZ image processing engine, Face Detection technology recognizes up to 8 faces anywhere in the frame and by selecting the most prominent, automatically controls focus, exposure, and color to help capture smiling faces brightly and clearly for video or photography. Face Detection technology also helps make skin tones look natural without affecting other colors in the image. The AVCHD camcorder allocates encoding bits on detected face areas prior to encoding other parts of the picture, making them sharper and clearer. In still picture mode, Face Detection technology also sets the flash level to optimize picture clarity.

Smile Shutter Technology: Smile Shutter technology lets the camcorder automatically take still photos when your subject smiles, even while shooting high definition video. You can also set the sensitivity (High/Medium/Low) and choose child, adult, or auto priority.

Exposure Modes: The Sony Handycam HDR-XR200V features the following Auto, Manual and Scene Select Exposure Modes.

• Manual Exposure: Manual Exposure allows you to fix the brightness of your picture manually. You can adjust the brightness when the subject is much brighter or darker than the background.
• Auto: Select this mode to automatically record pictures effectively without the preset scene select modes
• Scene Select Modes: The following Scene Select modes are available to suit your specific shooting requirements -
  • Twilight Mode: maintains the darkening atmosphere of the distant surroundings in twilight scenes
  • Twilight Portrait: enables you to take photos of people and background using a flash
  • Candle Mode: maintains the dim atmosphere of a candlelit scene
  • Sunrise/Sunset Mode: maintains the atmosphere of situations such as sunset and sunrises
  • Landscape Mode: allows you to shot distant subject clearly
  • Fireworks Mode: select to record all the splendor of fireworks
  • Portrait Mode: brings out the subject such as people or flowers while creating a soft background
  • Spotlight Mode: prevents people's faces from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light
  • Snow Mode: help with shooting in very bright white conditions
  • Beach Mode: prevents people's faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light.

Spot Meter: You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background, such as subjects in the spotlight on a stage.

Spot Meter/Focus: You can adjust the brightness and focus for the selected subject simultaneously. This function enables Spot Meter and Spot Focus at the same time.

White Balance Adjustment: Sets the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. Your choices are:

• Auto: The white balance is adjusted automatically.
• Outdoor: The white balance is adjusted for the following conditions: Outdoors, night views, neon signs and fireworks, sunrise, sunsets, under daylight fluorescent lamps.
• Indoor: The white balance is adjusted for the following conditions: Indoors, party scenes and studios where lighting conditions change quickly, and under the video lamps or incandescent-like color lamps.
• One Push: The white balance will be adjusted according to the present ambient light.

Back Light: You can use the Back Light function to adjust the exposure for backlit subjects.

Auto Slow Shutter: The Auto Slow Shutter automatically activates the electronic shutter to adjust the shutter speed when recording in bright conditions. The shutter speed is automatically reduced to 1/30 second.

Geotagging With Built-in GPS Receiver: Perfect for travelers, this camcorder features a built-in GPS receiver that automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone and lets you view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. You can view your tagged videos and pictures via the Map Index function or after you have downloaded them to your PC using the supplied Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software.

Map Index Function: The Map Index function uses the geotagging capabilities of the built-in GPS receiver to "tag" your shot locations on a map in the camcorder, offering a new way to easily search and find a desired scene by location or view where a scene was captured.

Guideframe: The Guideframe displays a frame around the recorded images and allows you to check the subject's horizontal and vertical position.

Data Code Function: The camcorder automatically records time codes along with the images you shoot, so you can display the date and time during playback or editing.

Bravia Sync: You can operate this camcorder with the remote control of your 2008 Sony Bravia television when connected together via HDMI.

Visual Index: The Visual Index allows you to view back six of your still images and/or videos at one time on the LCD screen from the camcorder's hard disk or optional memory stick.

Saving Video: Due to the limited capacity of the internal hard disk (120GB), you should save the video data to some type of external media such as a DVD-R or a computer. You can save the videos recorded on the camcorder as described below.

• Memory Stick Pro Duo: You can copy the images recorded on the camcorder's internal HDD to an inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card within the camcorder, without the use of a PC.
• Picture Motion Browser Software: By using the software of the supplied CD-ROM you can save images on a DVD or the hard disk of your computer. You can use several methods to do this.
  • One Touch DVD Burn: You can save images and files with ease by pressing DVD Burn button on the camcorder and using the supplied Picture Motion Browser software. This feature allows you to backup what is on the hard drive with the still images being recorded first.
  • Saving Images To Your Computer: You can also transfer and save video files that are too large for a DVD to the hard disk of your computer.
  • Creating a DVD With Selected Images: In addition, you can save images imported to your computer on a DVD. You can also edit those images.
• VCR and DVD Recorders/Writers: You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD recorders/writers. You can connect the device in either of the following ways.
  • A/V Output: The camcorder features a proprietary audio/video output, that when used with the supplied composite A/V cable or component AV cable, allows you to transfer content to your VCR or DVD/HDD recorder.
  • USB Port: You can dub to movie dubbing compatible DVD writers using the camcorder's USB port and supplied USB cable.

Hard Disk Information: This feature allows the camcorder to display the hard disk information so you can check the approximate amount of free hard disk space left for recording.

Formatting: You can delete all the images on the hard disk of camcorder to recover recordable free space to allow you to write in by formatting the camcorder.

Empty: The Empty feature allows you to write non important data onto the hard disk of the camcorder. By doing this, it makes it more difficult to recover any original data from the hard drive. When you dispose or transfer the camcorder to someone, it is recommended that you perform this function. You must use the AC adapter for this function to operate.

Protect: You can protect movies and photos to avoid deleting them by mistake.

Multi-Language Menu: The camcorder allows you to select between English, French, or Spanish for the unit's menu language.

Easy Handycam: When the Easy Handycam mode is activated, most of the camera settings are set to the automatic mode, only basic functions are available, and the screen font size increases for easy viewing. This mode makes recording and playing back recordings less intimidating, even for first time users.

Wireless Remote: The Sony Handycam HDR-XR200V camcorder comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control (RMT-835) for wireless operation of the camera when you have the camcorder mounted to a tripod or during playback when you have the camcorder connected to your television.

Electronic Lens Cover: An Automatic Electronic Lens Cover protects the lens when the camcorder is powered off.

Video Camcorder Features

Video Recording: The Sony HDR-XR200V has an 80 GB hard disk drive which will allow you to record video. You can also choose to record video to an optional Memory Stick Pro Duo card. When recording video, the camcorder records audio in either 2ch or Dolby Digital 5.1 audio using the built-in microphone. When recording, you can choose to record in high definition (HD) or standard definition (SD). In the default setting, movies are recorded with high definition image quality on the camcorder's internal hard disk drive. You have the following HD and SD choices of video recording resolution quality:

• High Definition Recording Mode:
  • AVCHD 16M (FH): movies are recorded with AVCHD 1920 x 1080/60i format with highest quality
  • AVCHD 9M (HQ): movies are recorded with AVCHD 1440 x 1080/60i format with high quality
  • AVCHD 7M (SP): movies are recorded with AVCHD 1440 x 1080/60i format with standard quality
  • AVCHD 5M (LP): movies are recorded with AVCHD 1440 x 1080/60i format with long play quality
• Standard Definition Recording Mode:
  • SD 9M (HQ): records in high quality mode
  • SD 6M (SP): records in standard quality mode
  • SD 3M (LP): records in long play mode

Note: The maximum continuous recordable time of movies is approximately 13 hours. When a movie file exceeds 2GB, the next movie file is created automatically.

Movie Dubbing: You can dub movies recorded on the hard disk of your camcorder to an inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card within the camcorder without the use of a PC or other external dubbing device.

Auto Remaining: This feature displays the remaining hard disk space indicator for about 8 seconds on the LCD screen in certain operating situations. You can also set the hard disk indicator to always stay on. When the remaining recordable time for movies is less than 5 minutes, the indicator stays on the screen regardless if this function is set to Auto or On.

Wide Select: When recording with SD (standard definition) image quality, you can select the recording aspect ratio according to the TV connected. Select between 4:3 or 16:9. When in HD mode the camcorder is automatically set to 16:9.

Smooth Slow Recording: The camcorder features Smooth Slow Recording which increases the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion video and play the clip back in slow motion for 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or viewing a bird in flight. In addition, record an audio track to narrate what is being seen during the video.

Fader Modes: You can select from "Black Fader" or "White Fader." You can add these modes to currently recorded pictures for fading in or out.

Dolby Digital 5.1ch Recording: The HDR-XR200V will record in Dolby Digital 5.1ch surround sound with the built-in microphone. By recording in 5.1 channel surround sound, you can experience your home movies with active sounds coming from all directions. You will need to connect the camcorder to your home theater system via HDMI to enjoy the 5.1ch surround sound recording.

Built-In Zoom Mic: The Built-in Zoom Mic feature allows you to record sound with directivity as you move the power zoom lever. The camcorder's microphone level can be set to Low or Normal.

Face Index: Face Index makes it easy to find and play back the right video scene. Using Face Detection technology, Face Index indexes your video footage according to the faces detected in each scene. When it's time to play back video, simply search for what you want by selecting from among the detected faces displayed in the index

Film Roll Index: Like chapters in a book, Film Roll Index helps you easily find desired scenes in video footage. When using this feature, the camcorder previews the beginning of scenes and can create scene indexes set at specified display intervals (3, 6, or 12 seconds and 1 or 5 minutes).

Highlight Digest Playback: The camcorder selects a number of short 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. Highlight Playback uses several criteria: including Face Index, Smile Shutter technology, Dual Capture and time range, to identify and compile key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions.

Note: You cannot record a scene and specify it a s highlight scene. Scenes are selected randomly and differ each time during Highlight playback.

Create Playlist: You can create a playlist of your favorite videos for playback. A Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of the movies that you have previously recorded and selected. You can add a maximum of 999 movies with HD image quality or 99 movies with SD image quality to a Playlist. The original movies are not modified even if you edit or delete the movies in the Playlist.

Divide Movies: The Divide Movies feature allows you to divide movies on the hard disk drive of the camcorder. You cannot restore movies once they are divided.

Digital Still Camera Features

Digital Still Image Recording: The HDR-XR200V can record still images on either the unit's built-in 120GB hard disk drive or on an optional Memory Stick Pro Duo memory card (sold separately). Still images are recorded on the hard disk in the default setting.

Image Resolution: Photo mode captures high quality still images directly to a Memory Stick or the unit's built-in hard disk drive. In Still mode, you can choose one of the following resolutions: 4.0M (2304 x 1728), 1.9M (1600 x 1200), or 0.3M (640 x 480) for a 4:3 aspect ratio or 3.0M (2304 x 1296) for a 16:9 aspect ratio. Images are stored in the JPEG format providing easy transfer to PCs for e-mailing, printing, or sharing with family and friends. You can capture the following amount of still images to an inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card or the camcorder's internal Hard Disk Drive when the HDR-XR200V's still image size is set to 4.0M.

Dual Record: You can capture high quality still images onto an optional Memory Stick Pro Duo memory card while recording a video on the hard disk drive of the camcorder or vice-versa. Still images are recorded at 3.0 megapixel resolution in 16:9 mode or 2.2 megapixel resolution in 4:3 mode.

Capturing A Still Image From A Movie: You can save a selected frame from a recorded movie as a still image from the camcorder's Hard Disk Drive to an inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card within the camcorder or vice-versa. The image size is fixed depending on the image quality of the movie. A still 2.1 megapixel image is captured from a high definition movie, a still 0.2 megapixel image is captured from a 16:9 standard definition recording and a 0.3 megapixel image is capture from a 4:3 standard definition recording.

Copying Still Images: You can coy still images from the camcorder's internal hard disk drive to an inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card within the camcorder.

Self Timer: This feature starts to record your still image in about 10 seconds after the "Photo" button is depressed.

Built-In Flash: For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows. You can set the camcorder's Flash Mode to Auto, On, or Off. The Flash Level can be set to High, Normal, or Low.

Note: You can use the camcorder's built-in flash during video recording.

Redeye Reduction: You can prevent redeye by activating the pre-flash before the flash is fired.

Date Index: You can locate the point on the internal HDD or inserted Memory Stick Pro Duo card where the recording date changes.

Slide Show: You can automatically play back images stored on the hard drive of the HDR-XR200Vor from an optional Memory Stick Pro Duo.

Playback Zoom: You can magnify still images from about 1.1 to 5x the original size during playback on the camcorder's LCD monitor.

Image Delete: Images may be deleted one at a time or all at once.

PictBridge: You can print directly from the camcorder to a PictBridge-compliant printer via USB cable, even if you don't have a computer. PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA). Through the camcorder, you can select the number of copies to be printed, up to 20, and choose to print the date and time on each picture.

Battery Information

Battery: This unit comes with an NP-FH60 InfoLithium battery, and the optional NP-FH50, NP-FH70, and NP-FH100 are compatible with this camcorder. The InfoLithium system exchanges data about its actual power consumption with the camcorder for a more accurate estimate of recording time available. Cold temperatures will increase battery consumption.

Battery Display: At the touch of a button, battery information is displayed on the LCD screen when charging and when the camcorder is turned off. The display will show how much the battery is charged, in 10% increments and the recordable time left when using the LCD screen or in the viewfinder

Battery Life: The approximate charging, recording and play back times using the supplied battery (NP-FH60) is as follows.

Note: Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, turning thee power on/off and zooming.

Auto Shut Off: When powered by the battery the camcorder can be set to turn off automatically if not used for 5 minutes.

Inputs and Outputs Notes

A/V Output: This camcorder features a proprietary Audio/Video connection for use with the supplied composite or component A/V connecting cables for displaying the camcorder's contents on your television. You can change the aspect ratio of the camcorder's video output from 16:9 or 4:3 according to the screen aspect ratio of the TV you will view your video or images on. You can also choose to display the camcorders information, such as the time code on the screen of your TV during playback from the camcorder. The supplied A/V cables have a proprietary plug on one end and male stereo RCA audio and either a composite video or component video connections on the other end. The camcorder's Component Video Output supports 480i and 1080i. The unit's composite video output will only support standard definition (480i).

HDMI Output: High definition video can be output and seen on your connected High Definition television. using the camcorder's HDMI port. The camcorder's HDMI Output supports up to 1080i (HDV). The HDMI output can be set to 1080, 720p, or 480p. Standard Definition (DV) cannot be output through the HDMI out on the HDR-XR200V.

Note: The camcorder does not come supplied with an HDMI cable.

USB Port: The camcorder has a mini-USB version 2.0 jack for connecting to a PC via the supplied USB cable. Connecting the hard drive camcorder to a PC via USB allows the computer to access the information on the camcorder's hard drive. You will be able to download still images and video files to your computer. You will be able perform the One Touch DVD Burn. This will also allow you to back up the files recorded on the hard drive onto a DVD. You can edit and save your video files onto your computer, then make DVD's of them using the Picture Motion Browser software that is supplied with the HDR-XR200. The camcorder can also be used as an external storage device, convenient for archiving, storing and transporting your videos and still images.

Memory Card Slot: The camcorder features a memory card slot for recording video or still images using Memory Stick Pro Duo memory cards. Still images and video are recorded on the hard disk in the default setting.

Active Interface Shoe: The Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder.

DC In Jack: The DC In Jack is for use with the supplied AC adapter and charger.

Software And Computer Information

Included Software: The included software allows you to transfer images and video from the camcorder to a computer hard drive and view and store transferred images/videos. The supplied CD-ROM includes:

• Picture Motion Browser ver. 4.2.00
• Music Transfer
• Handycam Handbook
• Product Registration

Music Transfer: You can transfer music files from your audio CDs or MP3 files from your PC to the camcorder for Highlight Digest Playback using the supplied Music Transfer software.

Picture Motion Browser Software: You can enjoy the following functions after installing the supplied Picture Motion Browser Software on your PC.

• Creating a disc with one touch operation
• Importing images to a computer
• Editing imported images
• Creating an AVHCD format disc/DVD-video
• Copying a disc
• Uploading images and videos to sharing websites

Computer Requirements: Picture Motion Browser is for Windows users only and is not compatible with Macintosh computer.