Read thid first (Continued)

Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources. In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To ensure that the battery will be treated properly, hand over the product at end-of- life to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries. For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Notes on use

About the manuals supplied with your camcorder

“Operating Guide” (This manual)

For DCR-HC53E/HC54E

“First Step Guide” for connecting the camcorder to a computer and using the supplied software (stored on the supplied CD-ROM)

Type of cassette you can use in your camcorder

You can use mini DV cassettes marked

with . Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function (p. 59).

Using the camcorder

Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder

Battery pack

LCD panel

The camcorder is not dustproof, dripproof or waterproof.

See “On use and care” (p. 62).

When connecting your camcorder to another device with communication cables, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way.

Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal

4