Sony DSR 200A User Manual

3-862-712-11 (1)  
Dig it a l Ca m co rd e r  
Operating Instructions  
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,  
and retain it for future reference.  
Owners Record  
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the  
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers  
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.  
Model No. DSR-200A  
Serial No.  
DSR-200A  
©1998 by Sony Corporation  
Ta b le o f co n t e n t s  
fo r m a n u a l a d ju st m e n t –  
Be fo re yo u b e g in  
Selecting automatic or manual mode  
........................................................... 49  
Using this manual ................................... 4  
Checking supplied accessories .............. 5  
Identifying the parts ............................... 6  
Attaching optional accessories ............ 17  
Focusing manually ................................ 51  
Adjusting the aperture ......................... 54  
Adjusting the shutter speed ................ 55  
Adjusting the gain ................................ 58  
Adjusting the white balance ................ 60  
Using the ND filter ............................... 63  
Using the zebra pattern ........................ 64  
Adjusting the recording sound ........... 65  
Ge t t in g st a rt e d  
Attaching the viewfinder ..................... 20  
Charging and installing the  
battery pack .................................... 21  
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function  
........................................................... 68  
Inserting a cassette ................................ 24  
Making a custom preset ....................... 69  
Ba sic o p e ra t io n s  
fo r e d it in g /p la yb a ck –  
Camera recording ................................. 26  
Using the zoom feature ................. 30  
Hints for better shooting ...................... 31  
Checking the recorded picture ............ 33  
Connections for playback .................... 34  
Playing back a tape ............................... 36  
Searching the recorded picture ........... 71  
Displaying recording data ................... 73  
Editing onto another tape .................... 74  
Audio dubbing ...................................... 76  
Ad d it io n a l in fo rm a t io n  
Changing the lithium battery in the  
digital camcorder ........................... 78  
Ad va n ce d o p e ra t io n s  
Using alternative power sources ........ 38  
Changing the mode settings ................ 40  
Resetting the date and time ................. 80  
Compatibility of DVCAM and DV  
formats ............................................. 81  
fo r ca m e ra re co rd in g –  
Notes on video cassettes ...................... 83  
Tips for using the battery pack ........... 84  
Fade-in and fade-out ............................ 43  
Overlapping two pictures .................... 44  
Using the wide mode function ............ 45  
Photo recording ..................................... 46  
Interval recording ................................. 47  
Cut recording ......................................... 48  
Maintenance information and  
precautions ...................................... 86  
Using your digital camcorder abroad  
........................................................... 89  
Trouble check ........................................ 90  
Specifications ......................................... 94  
Warning indicators ............................... 95  
Index ........................................ Back cover  
3
Be fo re yo u b e g in  
Usin g t h is m a n u a l  
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the digital camcorder are  
shown in capital letters.  
e.g. Set the POWER switch to ON.  
As indicated with in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your  
operation.  
No t e o n TV co lo r syst e m s  
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you  
need an NTSC system-based TV.  
Pre ca u t io n o n co p yrig h t  
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the  
copyright laws.  
Pre ca u t io n s o n d ig it a l ca m co rd e r ca re  
Do not let sand get into the digital camcorder. When you use the digital  
camcorder on a sandy beach or in a dusty place, protect it from the sand or dust.  
Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this  
malfunction cannot be repaired [a].  
Do not let the digital camcorder get w et. Keep the digital camcorder aw ay from  
rain and sea w ater. Letting the digital camcorder get w et may cause the unit to  
malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [b].  
Never leave the digital camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C),  
such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [c].  
[a ]  
[b ]  
[c]  
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if  
recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of  
the digital camcorder, video tape, etc.  
4
Ch e ckin g su p p lie d a cce sso rie s  
Check that the following accessories are supplied with your digital camcorder.  
1
2
3
4
5
1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.11)  
3 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote  
Commander (2) (p. 12)  
2 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 78)  
4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 34)  
The lithium battery is already installed  
in your digital camcorder.  
5 S video cable (1) (p. 34)  
5
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
1
2
3
4
5
6
!™  
!£  
!¢  
!∞  
7
8
9
!§  
!¶  
!•  
!ª  
0
!¡  
@º  
@¡  
1 Stopper (p. 20)  
Lift up and hold to remove the  
viewfinder.  
CAMCORDER/VTR sw itch (p. 26)  
!™ Accessory shoe (p. 46)  
Hook for shoulder strap (p. 16)  
2 View finder (p. 20, 27, 87)  
Cassette compartment and cassette  
3 View finder adjustment ring (p. 27)  
compartment cover (p. 24)  
4 PUSH button (p. 87)  
!∞ Hook for shoulder strap (p. 16)  
Press and hold to raise the eyecup.  
EJECT 6 button (p. 25)  
5 View finder release lever (p. 32)  
Push forward to move the position of  
the viewfinder front and back.  
Press to eject the cassette.  
Speaker (p. 28)  
6 Focus ring (p. 52)  
!• Battery mounting surface (p. 23)  
7 FOCUS sw itch (p. 52)  
BATT lever (p. 23)  
Set to select auto or manual focus.  
Press and hold to release the batteries.  
8 ND FILTER sw itch (p. 63)  
VIDEO OUT jack (for BNC type plug)  
(p. 35)  
9 PUSH AUTO button (p. 52)  
Push to use automatic focus  
momentarily.  
AUDIO IN jacks (p. 65)  
Input external audio/ microphone  
signals.  
POWER sw itch (p. 26)  
6
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
@™  
@£  
@¢  
#¡  
#™  
@∞  
#£  
#¢  
@§  
@¶  
@•  
#∞  
#§  
@ª  
#º  
@™ Microphone holder attaching point  
Lens hood cap (p. 26)  
(p. 18)  
BRIGHT knob (p. 27)  
Turn to adjust the viewfinders  
brightness.  
TALLY lamp (p. 27)  
Lights while recording and when the  
battery becomes low.  
#™ EDITSEARCH button (p. 33)  
CONTR knob (p. 27)  
Front START/STOP button (p. 31)  
Turn to adjust the viewfinders contrast.  
FADER/OVERLAP button (p. 43, 44)  
@∞ TALLY sw itch (p. 27)  
Set to select TALLY lamp ON/ OFF.  
#∞ WHITE BALANCE (one-push w hite  
balance) button (p. 60)  
Front Remote Commander sensor  
(p. 14)  
CP CHECK button (p. 70)  
Press to check the custom preset  
settings.  
Grip (p. 31)  
@• Grip strap (p. 31)  
Lens hood  
You can attach a wide teleconversion  
lens (not supplied) by removing the lens  
hood.  
7
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
$§  
$¶  
$•  
$ª  
%º  
%¡  
%™  
%£  
%¢  
%∞  
%§  
%¶  
%•  
#¶  
#•  
#ª  
$º  
$¡  
$™  
$£  
$¢  
$∞  
Eyecup  
MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (p. 28)  
Connect an external mini jack type  
microphone (not supplied). This jack  
also accepts a “plug-in-power”  
#• VIEW FINDER jack (p. 20)  
S VIDEO OUT jack (p. 34)  
RFU DC OUT jack (p. 35)  
microphone. When using this jack, set  
LINE/ MIC to MIC FRONT.  
DV IN/OUT jack (p. 74)  
Connect DV products using the  
connecting DV cable.  
DIRECTION SELECT sw itch (p. 29)  
Set to change the directionality of the  
built-in microphone.  
$• Built-in microphone (p. 65)  
This “i.LINK” mark is a trademark of  
Sony Corporation and indicates that this  
product is in agreement with IEEE 1394-  
1995 specifications and their revisions.  
Microphone w ind screen screw  
Loosen to remove wind screen.  
MIC sw itch (p. 67)  
Set ATT to attenuate the built-in  
microphone and external microphone  
connected to MIC (PLUG IN POWER)  
level.  
The DV IN/ OUT jack is i.LINK  
compatible.  
$™ CH-1 LINE/MIC sw itch (p. 65)  
Set to change the audio source using a  
CH-1 input.  
Lens hood screw  
%™ Pow er zoom button (p. 30)  
PHOTO button (p. 46)  
CH-1 ATT sw itch (p. 67)  
Set ON to attenuate the CH-1 input  
microphone level.  
Press to shoot in photo mode.  
STANDBY (LOCK/STANDBY/PHOTO  
STANDBY) sw itch (p. 26)  
CH-2 LINE/MIC sw itch (p. 65)  
Set to change the audio source using  
CH-2 input.  
%∞ START/STOP button (p. 26)  
BUILT-IN MIC sw itch (p. 67)  
If recording when there is a loud wind  
using the built-in microphone, set to  
WIND.  
$∞ CH-2 ATT sw itch (p. 67)  
Set ON to attenuate the CH-2 input  
microphone level.  
AUDIO OUT/VIDEO OUT jacks (p. 34)  
%• DC IN jack (p. 38)  
8
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
%ª ^º^¡ ^™^£ ^¢ ^∞ ^§  
^¶  
&£  
&™ &¡ &º^ª ^•  
SHUTTER SPEED dial and AUTO/  
REC LEVEL dials (p. 66)  
MANUAL sw itch (p. 55)  
^• REC LEVEL sw itches (p. 66)  
VF DISPLAY sw itch (p. 28)  
Set to display (ON) or erase (OFF) the  
indicators in the viewfinder.  
TC RESET button  
Set time code to 0:00:00:00 when you  
want to reset the time code while  
shooting.  
GAIN dial and AGC/MANUAL sw itch  
(p. 58)  
AUDIO MODE sw itch (p. 29)  
Set to select Fs 32k (12 bit) or Fs 48k  
(16 bit) audio recording mode.  
^™ STEADY SHOT sw itch (p. 68)  
WHT BAL (w hite balance) dial and  
ATW/MANUAL sw itch (p. 60, 61)  
SPEAKER sw itch (p. 28)  
DISPLAY LIGHT sw itch (for display  
w indow )  
&™ AUDIO MONITOR sw itch (p. 66)  
AUTO LOCK sw itch (p. 26)  
Set to turn automatic settings for  
aperture, shutter speed, gain, and white  
balance ON/ OFF.  
Use to set the display back light switch  
ON/ OFF.  
^∞ Display w indow (p. 16)  
PEAK indicators (L and R) (p. 66)  
9
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
*º  
*¡  
*™  
*£  
&ª  
&¢  
&∞  
&§  
*¢  
*∞  
*§  
*¶  
&¶  
&•  
Carrying handle  
P PAUSE button (pause)  
r REC switch (recording)  
&∞ IRIS dial and AUTO/MANUAL sw itch  
& SLOW button (slow speed playback)  
'/ 7 FRAME button (direction  
select/ frame-by-frame)  
(p. 54)  
Shoulder pad  
Tripod receptacle (p. 17)  
&• Lithium battery cover (p. 79)  
Cover for menu and video controls  
Menu buttons (p. 40)  
MONITOR LEVEL dial (p. 28)  
Turn to adjust the volume level of the  
headphones and built-in speaker.  
*∞ 2 (headphones) jack (p. 28)  
l LANC jack  
TC sw itch (p. 28)  
l stands for Local Application Control  
Bus System. The l control jack is used  
for controlling the tape transport of  
video equipment and peripherals  
connected to it. This jack has the same  
function as the jack indicated as  
CONTROL L or REMOTE.  
Set to select the drop frame or non-drop  
frame for time code recording.  
*™ AUDIO DUB  
button (p. 77)  
Video controls (p. 36)  
π STOP button (stop)  
0 REW button (rewind)  
· PLAY button (playback)  
) FF button (fast forward)  
Tally lamp/Rear Remote Commander  
sensor (p. 27, 14)  
10  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
Re m o t e Co m m a n d e r  
The buttons that have the same name on the Remote Commander as on the digital  
camcorder function identically.  
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
!º  
!¡  
5
1 Transmitter  
7 VTR4/ID/VTR2 sw itch (p. 13)  
Select VTR4 or ID, the same setting as  
COMMANDER in the menu system.  
The VTR2 position does not function on  
this digital camcorder.  
Point toward the remote sensor to  
control the digital camcorder after  
turning on the digital camcorder.  
2 PHOTO button (p.46)  
8 START/STOP button  
3 DISPLAY button (p. 36)  
9 Zoom button  
4 SEARCH MODE/=/+ buttons  
(p. 71)  
The zooming speed is unchangeable by  
the Remote Commander.  
Press SEARCH MODE to select date  
search or photo search.  
DATA CODE button (p. 73)  
5 AUDIO DUB button (p. 77)  
Video control buttons  
6 ZERO SET MEMORY button  
This button does not function.  
11  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
To p re p a re t h e Re m o t e Co m m a n d e r  
To use the Remote Commander, you must insert two size AA (R6) batteries. Use the  
supplied size AA (R6) batteries.  
(1) Remove the battery cover from the Remote Commander.  
(2) Insert both of the size AA (R6) batteries with correct polarity.  
(3) Put the battery cover back onto the Remote Commander.  
Note on battery life  
The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation.  
When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work.  
To avoid damage from possible battery leakage  
Remove the batteries when you will not use the Remote Commander for a long time.  
To u se t h e Re m o t e Co m m a n d e r  
Make sure that the COMMANDER is set to VTR4/ ID in the menu system on the digital  
camcorder.  
12  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
Ab o u t t h e ID o f t h e Re m o t e Co m m a n d e r  
You can avoid having the digital camcorder accidentally respond to signals from other  
remote commanders by setting the VTR4/ ID/ VTR2 switch to ID. Use the supplied  
Remote Commander when you set the switch to ID. When you use the Remote  
Commander for the first time, register the ID following the procedure below. Once you  
have registered the ID, you do not need to do so again.  
(1) Install a power source, open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu  
in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
or  
or  
to select COMMANDER, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ID SET.  
(4) Set VTR4/ ID/ VTR2 on the Remote Commander to ID.  
(5) Point the Remote Commander at the Remote Commander sensor on the digital  
camcorder and press π on the Remote Commander.  
After the beep sound, the ID of the Remote Commander is registered, and the  
COMMANDER is set to ID in the menu system.  
(6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
MENU  
MENU  
1
5
2
DIGITAL F  
D ZOOM  
16:9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
ZOOM/WIDE  
MENU  
COMMANDER  
[ MENU ] : END  
VTR4  
OFF  
ID  
ID SET  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
3
COMMANDER  
VTR4  
OFF  
ID  
ID SET  
COMMANDER [ STOP ] : ID SET  
ID  
4
VTR 4  
VTR 2  
STOP  
13  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
Re m o t e co n t ro l d ire ct io n  
Aim the Remote Commander at either of the two remote commander sensors.  
The range of the Remote Commander is about 16 feet (about 5 m) indoors. Use the  
Remote Commander as close to flat as possible, otherwise it may not work.  
Remote Commander Sensors  
Notes on the Remote Commander  
• Keep the Remote Commander sensor away from strong light sources such as direct  
sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the remote control may not be effective.  
• Be sure that there is no obstacle between the Remote Commander sensor on the digital  
camcorder and the Remote Commander.  
• This digital camcorder works in commander mode VTR 4 or ID. The commander  
modes (VTR 4 and ID) are used to distinguish this digital camcorder from other Sony  
VCRs. If you use another Sony VCR at commander mode ID, we recommend that you  
change the commander mode or cover the Remote Commander sensor of the VCR  
with black paper.  
• You do not need to store the ID again, after having done so once. Set COMMANDER  
to ID in the menu system, and set the VTR4/ ID/ VTR2 switch on the Remote  
Commander to ID.  
• The stored ID is not erased even if you replace the lithium battery.  
14  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
In t h e vie w fin d e r  
9
0
!¡  
1
2
3
4
5
CP DV STBY  
0 :13 : 46: 05  
170 m i n  
48k  
ND ON  
!™  
!£  
!¢  
1 0 0 0  
F 2 . 8  
0 dB  
16:9WIDE  
FADER  
T
PHOTO  
!∞  
!§  
!¶  
!•  
!ª  
W
DV IN  
6
7
8
JUL. 4 1998  
10:13:02 AM  
I
1 Manual focusing indicator (p. 53)  
appears when focusing far,  
DV indicator (p. 37)  
During DV-formatted cassette playback,  
this indicator appears.  
appears when focusing close.  
2 ND filter indicator (p. 63)  
3 White balance indicator (p. 60)  
4 Steady shot indicator (p. 68)  
5 Zoom indicator (p. 30, 52)  
!™ Video control mode (p. 26)  
Time code  
Remaining tape indicator  
!∞ Audio mode indicator (p. 29)  
6 Manual setting data/w ide mode/  
fader or overlap/AGC LMT indicators  
(p. 54, 55, 58, 45, 43, 44)  
INTERVAL/FRAME REC/PHOTO/  
C MEMORY/date search/Photo search  
indicator (p. 47, 48, 46, 25, 71)  
If not set, the indicator disappears, and  
all indicators below rise 1 row.  
DV IN indicator (p. 74)  
!• Remaining battery indicator (p. 84)  
7 Data code indicators (p. 73)/Date and  
Time indicators (p. 41)  
8 Lithium battery indicator (p. 78)  
9 Recording/battery indicator (p. 26)  
0 Custom preset indicator (p. 69)  
Warning indicators (p. 95)  
15  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s  
In t h e d isp la y w in d o w  
H
M
S
F
DVCAM  
F
min  
AM  
1 2 3 4  
5
6
7
8
9
1 Time code  
5 Date/aperture indicator (p. 54)  
6 Remaining battery indicator (p. 84)  
7 Time indicator  
2 Warning indicators (p. 95)  
3 DVCAM indicator  
Lights up when using a DVCAM-  
formatted cassette.  
8 Remaining tape indicators  
9 Audio level indicators (p. 66)  
4 Flash indicator  
At t a ch in g t h e sh o u ld e r st ra p  
Attach the shoulder strap (not supplied) to the hooks for the shoulder strap.  
1
2
3
16  
At t a ch in g o p t io n a l a cce sso rie s  
At t a ch in g d ig it a l ca m co rd e r t o t h e t rip o d a d a p t o r  
Use the VCT-U14 tripod adaptor (not supplied). Once the tripod adaptor has been  
attached to the tripod stand, then you may attach the digital camcorder.  
(1) Attach the tripod adaptor to the tripod.  
(2) Attach the digital camcorder to the tripod stands grooved surface [a ], and  
slide it forward until you hear a click.  
Select a balanced and secure position for the tripod stand.  
1
2
[a ]  
To re m o ve t h e d ig it a l ca m co rd e r fro m t h e t rip o d  
Press the red button on the release lever [b ], and while holding, move the lever in the  
direction of the arrow to release the lock.  
[b ]  
Note on tripod attachment pin  
If the tripod attachment pin [c] does not return after removing the digital camcorder,  
press the red button on the release lever, and while holding, move the lever in the  
direction of the arrow and the pin returns to its original position. If the pin is not set in  
its original position you will not be able to reattach the digital camcorder.  
[c]  
17  
At t a ch in g o p t io n a l a cce sso rie s  
At t a ch in g t h e e xt e rn a l m icro p h o n e w it h XLR co n n e ct o r  
When using the ECM-672 external microphone (not supplied), attach the CAC-12  
microphone holder (not supplied) to the digital camcorder.  
(1) Remove the screws from the top of the viewfinder.  
Remove the spacer from the screws. They are unnecessary when attaching the  
microphone holder.  
(2) Attach the microphone holder with the supplied washers and the screws  
removed in step (1).  
(3) Loosen the microphone holder screw and open the cover.  
(4) Place the microphone into the holder, close the cover, and tighten the screw.  
(5) Connect the microphone to the AUDIO IN jacks of the digital camcorder, then  
set LINE/ MIC to MIC REAR.  
1
4
2
3
5
LINE/  
MIC  
AUDIO IN  
18  
At t a ch in g o p t io n a l a cce sso rie s  
At t a ch in g t h e b a t t e ry a d a p t o r  
The NPA-10000 battery adaptor (not supplied), can hold up to 3 battery packs NP-F950  
or NP-F750 (not supplied). Attach the adaptor to the digital camcorder.  
(1) Release the lock and open the cover.  
(2) Insert the battery packs in the direction of the z mark on the battery packs.  
(3) Close the cover, then lock.  
(4) Attach the battery adaptor to the digital camcorder by sliding until it clicks.  
1
2
3
4
1
3
1
2
3
2
To re m o ve t h e b a t t e ry a d a p t o r [a ]  
While pressing BATT, lift the battery adaptor out in the direction of the arrow.  
To re m o ve t h e b a t t e ry p a ck [b ]  
Open the cover, press and hold the release lever, and slide the battery pack out in the  
direction of the arrow.  
Ch e ckin g t h e re m a in in g b a t t e ry in d ica t o r [c]  
Press CHECK on the battery adaptor.  
If there is still power left in the batteries, the lamp [d ] lights.  
[a ]  
[c]  
[b ]  
BATT  
[d ]  
CHECK  
19  
Ge t t in g st a rt e d  
At t a ch in g t h e vie w fin d e r  
Before using the digital camcorder, attach the viewfinder.  
(1) Loosen the viewfinder release ring.  
(2) Slide the viewfinder onto the attaching plate.  
(3) Adjust the position of the viewfinder, then tighten the viewfinder release ring.  
(4) Attach the 8 pin connector to the VIEW FINDER jack on the digital camcorder.  
Match ridge on 8 pin connector to the ridge on the jack.  
1
3
2
4
[a ]  
VIEW  
FINDER  
Note on the VIEW FINDER jack  
This VIEW FINDER jack is specially designed for this digital camcorder. Do not connect  
anything else to this VIEW FINDER jack.  
To re m o ve t h e vie w fin d e r  
Loosen viewfinder release ring. Then pull stopper [a ] up, and while holding, slide  
viewfinder off the attaching plate.  
20  
Charging and installing the battery pack  
Before using your digital camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery  
pack (not supplied). To charge the battery pack, use the AC-V615 AC power adaptor  
(not supplied).  
This digital camcorder does not interface with “InfoLITHIUM” batteries. The remaining  
time (minutes) indication does not appear when using “InfoLITHIUM” batteries.  
Ch a rg in g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.  
(1) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.  
(2) Align the surface of the battery pack indicated by the z mark with the edge of  
the terminal shutter of the AC power adaptor. Then fit and slide the battery  
pack in the direction of the arrow.  
(3) Connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet. The CHARGE lamp (orange)  
lights up. Charging begins.  
When the CHARGE lamp goes out, normal charge is completed. For full charge,  
which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack in place  
for approximately one hour. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet, then remove the  
battery pack and install it into the digital camcorder. You can also use the battery pack  
before it is completely charged.  
1
2
3
CHARGE  
Ch a rg in g t im e  
Battery pack  
NP-F950  
Charging time* (min.)  
360 (300)  
NP-F750  
270 (210)  
The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses.  
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V615 AC power  
adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)  
21  
Ch a rg in g a n d in st a llin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Ba t t e ry life  
Ba t t e ry  
p a ck  
Co n t in u o u s  
re co rd in g t im e 1)  
Typ ica l re co rd in g  
t im e 2)  
NP-F950  
NP-F750  
150 (135)  
95 (85)  
80 (70)  
50 (45)  
NP-F950 (x3)3)  
450 (405)  
240 (210)  
Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery.  
Battery life will be shorter if you use the digital camcorder in a cold environment.  
1) Approximate continuous recording time indoors.  
2) Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/ stop,  
zooming and turning the power on/ off. The actual battery life may be shorter.  
3) When using the NPA-10000 battery adaptor.  
To re m o ve t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.  
Notes on charging the battery pack  
• The CHARGE lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and  
the power cord is unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.  
• If the CHARGE lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about one  
minute, reconnect the power cord again.  
• When operating the digital camcorder using the AC power adapter, you cannot  
charge the battery pack.  
• When a fully charged battery pack is installed, the CHARGE lamp will light once,  
then go out.  
22  
Ch a rg in g a n d in st a llin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
In st a llin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Insert the battery pack in the direction of the $ mark on the battery pack. Slide the  
battery pack down until it catches on the battery release and clicks.  
To re m o ve t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
While pressing BATT, lift the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow.  
BATT  
23  
In se rt in g a ca sse t t e  
Use a standard DVCAM cassette with  
logo*.  
Make sure that a power source is installed.  
We recommend you set the POWER switch to ON before inserting the cassette.  
(1) Open the cassette compartment cover.  
(2) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the tab upwards, and the window facing  
out and press down so that the cassette loads.  
(3) Close the cover.  
Note on the cassette  
Mini DVCAM cassettes and Mini DV cassettes cannot be used.  
*
is a trademark.  
1
3
2
EJECT6  
24  
In se rt in g a ca sse t t e  
To e je ct t h e ca sse t t e  
Open the cassette compartment cover and press 6. After the cassette rises, take it out,  
then close the cover.  
You cannot eject the cassette while C MEMORY appears in the viewfinder because the  
digital camcorder is still writing information into the cassette memory. After C  
MEMORY disappears the cassette automatically rises.  
When ejecting the cassette, never close the cassette compartment cover until the cassette  
is completely removed.  
To p re ve n t a ccid e n t a l e ra su re  
Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you insert the cassette with the  
red mark exposed, the beeps sound, the  
and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder  
and display window, and you cannot record.  
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out, covering the red mark.  
25  
Ba sic o p e ra t io n s  
Ca m e ra re co rd in g  
Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted and that AUTO  
LOCK is set to ON. When AUTO LOCK is set to ON, all settings are automatically  
adjusted to best suit your shooting environment. Before you record one-time events,  
you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the digital camcorder is  
working correctly.  
When you use the digital camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date  
and time to your time before you start recording (p. 80).  
(1) Remove the lens hood cap, and attach it to the grip strap.  
(2) Set the POWER switch to ON.  
(3) Set CAMCORDER/ VTR to CAMCORDER.  
(4) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY.  
(5) Press START/ STOP.  
The digital camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator appears and the  
red lamp lights up in the viewfinder. The tally lamps located on the front and  
rear also light up.  
1
4
START/STOP  
STBY  
0 : 00 : 00 : 00  
184 min  
LOCK  
STANDBY  
PHOTO  
STANDBY  
5
START/STOP  
REC  
0 : 00 : 00 : 01  
184 min  
LOCK  
CAMCORDER  
POWER  
2
3
STANDBY  
PHOTO  
STANDBY  
VTR  
OFF  
ON  
26  
Ca m e ra re co rd in g  
When ND ON flashes in the view finder  
Set ND FILTER to ON.  
To st o p re co rd in g m o m e n t a rily [a ]  
Press START/ STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby  
mode).  
To fin ish re co rd in g [b ]  
Press START/ STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to LOCK, and set the POWER switch  
to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack.  
[a ]  
[b ]  
START/STOP  
START/STOP  
START/STOP  
STBY  
0 : 13 : 46 : 00  
170 min  
LOCK  
LOCK  
LOCK  
STANDBY  
STANDBY  
STANDBY  
PHOTO  
PHOTO  
PHOTO  
STANDBY  
STANDBY  
STANDBY  
To fo cu s t h e vie w fin d e r le n s [c]  
If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used  
the digital camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Turn the viewfinder lens adjustment  
ring so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.  
To a d ju st t h e co n t ra st a n d t h e b rig h t n e ss o f t h e vie w fin d e r [d ]  
To adjust the contrast, turn the CONTR knob.  
To adjust the brightness, turn the BRIGHT knob.  
If yo u w a n t t o t u rn o ff t h e t a lly la m p [d ]  
Set TALLY to OFF.  
The rear tally lamp cannot be turned off.  
[c]  
[d ]  
BRIGHT  
TALLY  
CONTR  
27  
Ca m e ra re co rd in g  
To e ra se t h e in d ica t o rs in t h e vie w fin d e r  
You can erase the indicators in the viewfinder except for menu and warning indicators.  
Set VF DISPLAY to OFF.  
VF DISPLAY  
ON  
OFF  
No t e o n re co rd in g  
When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape by recording for about 15  
seconds before you start the actual recording. This will ensure that you wont miss any  
start-up scenes when you play back the tape.  
Note on Standby mode  
If you leave the digital camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while a cassette is  
inserted, the digital camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the  
battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down and  
up again. To start recording, press START/ STOP.  
Note on time code display  
While recording or playing back, the time code shows hours, minutes, seconds and  
frame number (0:00:00:00). If there is a blank portion between pictures on a tape, the  
time code restarts from zero. You cannot rewrite the time code only.  
You can select the drop frame or non-drop frame system. Set DF or NDF using the TC  
switch inside the cover of the video control buttons.  
You can erase only time code display in the viewfinder. Set TC IND in the menu to OFF.  
Note on the beep sound  
As indicated with in the illustration, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or  
when you start recording, and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming  
the operation. Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the  
digital camcorder.  
Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the  
beep sound, select “OFF” in the menu system.  
28  
Ca m e ra re co rd in g  
To ch a n g e t h e d ire ct io n a lit y o f t h e b u ilt -in m icro p h o n e  
Set DIRECTION SELECT on the back of the microphone to the desired position (0°/  
90°/ 120°).  
To record through an external microphone  
Connect a microphone (not supplied) to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack or AUDIO IN  
input jacks. You can also attach a microphone to the accessory shoe or to the  
microphone holder (not supplied). Then select the input mode using the LINE/ MIC  
switches. In this case, sound from the built-in microphone will not be recorded.  
When the microphone has  
Mini-plug  
Connect to  
Set LINE/MIC to  
MIC FRONT  
MIC REAR  
MIC (PLUG IN POWER)  
AUDIO IN (CH-1/ CH-2)  
XLR connector  
To m o n it o r t h e so u n d w h ile re co rd in g  
Use headphones or the built-in speaker. To turn on the built-in speaker, set SPEAKER  
to ON. To use headphones, connect them to the 2 jack. Use the MONITOR LEVEL dial  
to adjust the volume of the speaker or headphones. When using headphones the built-  
in speaker becomes inactive.  
When monitoring the built-in speaker, feedback may occur. In this case, turn down the  
MONITOR LEVEL or SPEAKER set to OFF.  
To se le ct Fs 48k [a ] o r Fs 32k [b ] re co rd in g m o d e  
Set AUDIO MODE to Fs 48k (16 bit) so that you can get higher sound quality. In Fs 48k  
mode, the digital camcorder records one video sector [c] and one audio sector [d ]. In  
the viewfinder the “48k” indicator appears.  
Set AUDIO MODE to Fs 32k (12 bit), and 1 sector is left open for audio dubbing  
afterwards. In Fs 32k mode, the digital camcorder records one video sector [c], one  
audio sector [d ], and one blank audio sector [e ], which enables you to add narration or  
music after the initial recording.  
[b ]  
[a ]  
[c]  
[d]  
[e]  
[d]  
29  
Ca m e ra re co rd in g  
Usin g t h e zo o m fe a t u re  
Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the  
scene.  
“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)  
“W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)  
T
T
W
T
W
W
Zo o m in g sp e e d (Va ria b le sp e e d zo o m in g )  
Press the power zoom button a little for a slower zoom, press it more for a faster zoom.  
When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom  
If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, press the power zoom  
button to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least  
about 2 5/ 8 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or  
about 1/ 2 inch (about 1 cm) away in the wide-angle position.  
To u se d ig it a l zo o m  
Set DIGITAL F in the menu system to ZOOM/ WIDE. Then set D ZOOM in the menu  
system to ON.  
Notes on digital zoom  
• More than 10x zoom is performed digitally and the picture quality deteriorates as you  
go toward the “T” side.  
• The upper side [a ] of the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and  
the lowerside [b ] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to  
OFF, the [a ] zone disappears.  
T
T
[a]  
[b]  
W
W
30  
Hin t s fo r b e t t e r sh o o t in g  
When shooting with the digital camcorder on your shoulder, youll get better results by  
holding the digital camcorder according to the following suggestions:  
• Place the digital camcorder on your shoulder and secure it with the grip strap so that  
you can easily manipulate the controls with your thumb.  
• To adjust the grip, loosen the grip screw [a ] with a coin, rotate the grip, and then  
tighten the screw. Set the grip to one of the three different position marks.  
[a]  
1
2
3
• Place your right elbow against your side.  
• Place your left hand under the digital camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the  
built-in microphone.  
• Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.  
• Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.  
• You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder  
up for recording from a low position [b ].  
• While recording in a low position, you can use the front START/ STOP button [c].  
• You can rotate the viewfinder 120° up and 90° down. This is useful when recording in  
a high or low position [d ].  
[b ]  
[c]  
[d ]  
120°  
90°  
START/STOP  
31  
Hin t s fo r b e t t e r sh o o t in g  
• You can move the viewfinder up to about 1 3/ 16 inches (30 mm) laterally. Turn the  
lock ring to release the viewfinder, and then move it. Turn back the lock ring to fix the  
viewfinder in place [e ].  
• You can move the viewfinder up to about 1 3/ 16 inches (30 mm) lengthwise. Turn the  
lock lever under the viewfinder to release it, and then move the viewfinder. Turn back  
the lock lever to fix the viewfinder in place [f].  
[e ]  
[f]  
Release  
Lock  
Caution on carrying  
Do not pick up the digital camcorder by anything other than the grip or handle [g ].  
Caution on the view finder  
Do not place the digital camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The  
inside of the viewfinder may be damaged.  
Be careful when placing the digital camcorder under sunlight or by a window [h ].  
[g ]  
[h ]  
Note on the view finder  
When attaching the video light (not supplied) to the accessory shoe, do not lift the  
viewfinder. The video light heat may damage the eyecup.  
32  
Ch e ckin g t h e re co rd e d p ict u re  
Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded  
picture in the viewfinder.  
(1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMCORDER/ VTR to  
CAMCORDER.  
(2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY.  
(3) Press the – (Œ) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the  
recorded portion play back (Rec Review ).  
Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the digital camcorder goes back  
to the scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward,  
hold down the + side (Edit Search).  
POWER  
1
3
2
START/STOP  
LOCK  
STANDBY  
PHOTO  
STANDBY  
OFF  
ON  
CAMCORDER  
VTR  
EDITSEARCH  
EDITSEARCH  
EDITSEARCH  
To st o p p la yb a ck  
Release EDITSEARCH.  
To b e g in re -re co rd in g  
Press START/ STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH.  
Provided you do not eject the cassette, the transition between the last scene you  
recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.  
Note on the EDITSEARCH  
If you press EDITSEARCH fully, the playback speed doubles.  
33  
Co n n e ct io n s fo r p la yb a ck  
You can use this digital camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to monitor for playback.  
There are some ways to connect the digital camcorder to monitor. When monitoring the  
playback picture by connecting the digital camcorder to monitor, we recommend you to  
use house current for power source.  
Co n n e ct in g d ire ct ly t o a m o n it o r w it h Vid e o /Au d io in p u t ja cks  
If yo u co n n e ct d ire ct ly t o a m o n it o r  
Open the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the inputs on the monitor by  
using the supplied A/ V connecting cable.  
S VIDEO OUT  
S VIDEO IN  
VIDEO IN  
[a ]  
VIDEO OUT  
AUDIO OUT  
[b ]  
AUDIO IN  
: Signal flow  
If you are going to connect the digital camcorder using the S video cable [a ], you do not  
need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/ V connecting cable [b ].  
34  
Co n n e ct io n s fo r p la yb a ck  
If yo u r m o n it o r is a lre a d y co n n e ct e d t o a VCR  
Open the jack cover and connect the digital camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the  
VCR by using the supplied A/ V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to  
LINE. Set the monitor/ VCR selector on the monitor to VCR.  
VCR  
S VIDEO OUT  
S VIDEO IN  
[a ]  
VIDEO OUT  
[b ]  
VIDEO IN  
AUDIO IN  
AUDIO OUT  
: Signal flow  
If your monitor or VCR has a BNC jack  
When connecting video output using BNC cable, connect to the rear VIDEO OUT jack.  
In this connection, you need not connect S video cable nor the yellow (video) plug of  
the A/ V connecting cable.  
If your monitor or VCR is a monaural type  
Connect only the white plug for audio on both the digital camcorder and the monitor.  
With this connection, the sound is monaural.  
To connect to a TV w ithout Video/Audio input jacks  
Use the RFU-95UC RFU adaptor (not supplied).  
35  
Pla yin g b a ck a t a p e  
You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor the  
picture on a monitor screen, after connecting the digital camcorder to a monitor or VCR.  
(1) Set the POWER switch to ON.  
(2) Set CAMCORDER/ VTR to VTR.  
(3) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out.  
(4) Open the cover, then press · to start playback.  
POWER  
1
2
4
3
OFF  
ON  
CAMCORDER  
VTR  
STOP  
REW  
PLAY  
FF  
PAUSE  
REC  
To stop playback, press π.  
To rew ind the tape, press 0.  
To fast-forw ard the tape rapidly, press ).  
To m o n it o r t h e so u n d w h ile vie w in g t h e p la yb a ck p ict u re in  
t h e vie w fin d e r  
Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack or turn on the built-in speaker by  
setting SPEAKER to ON.  
Usin g t h e Re m o t e Co m m a n d e r  
You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the  
Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries.  
Note on the DISPLAY button on the remote commander  
Press DISPLAY to display the screen indicators on the monitor screen. To erase the  
indicators, press DISPLAY again.  
36  
Pla yin g b a ck a t a p e  
No t e o n DV-fo rm a t t e d t a p e s  
You can play back DV-formatted tapes on this digital camcorder if the tape is recorded  
in SP mode. “DV” appears in the viewfinder during playback.  
You cannot play back DV-formatted tapes recorded in LP mode.  
Va rio u s p la yb a ck m o d e s  
To vie w a st ill p ict u re (p la yb a ck p a u se )  
Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or ·.  
To lo ca t e a sce n e (p ict u re se a rch )  
Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the  
button.  
To m o n it o r t h e h ig h -sp e e d p ict u re w h ile a d va n cin g t h e t a p e o r  
re w in d in g (skip sca n )  
Keep pressing 0 while rewinding or ) while advancing the tape. To resume  
normal playback, press ·.  
To vie w t h e p ict u re a t 1/5 sp e e d (slo w p la yb a ck)  
Press & during playback. To resume normal playback, press ·. If slow playback lasts  
for about 1 minute, it shifts to normal speed automatically.  
To vie w t h e p ict u re a t d o u b le sp e e d  
For double speed playback in the reverse direction, press '/ <, then press x2 on the  
Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the forward  
direction, press >/ 7, then press x2 during playback. To resume normal playback,  
press ·.  
To vie w t h e p ict u re fra m e -b y-fra m e  
Press '/ < or >/ 7 in playback pause mode. If you keep pressing the button, you  
can view the picture at 1/ 30 speed. To resume normal playback, press ·.  
To ch a n g e t h e p la yb a ck d ire ct io n  
Press '/ < for reverse direction or >/ 7 for forward direction during playback. To  
resume normal playback, press ·.  
Notes on playback  
• Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes.  
• When playback pause mode is left on for 5 minutes, the digital camcorder  
automatically enters stop mode.  
• When using playback slow or still picture modes, images from the previous frames  
might to seen mixed in with the main picture.  
37  
Ad va n ce d o p e ra t io n s  
Usin g a lt e rn a t ive p o w e r so u rce s  
You can choose any of the following power sources for your digital camcorder: battery  
pack and the house current. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where  
you want to use your digital camcorder.  
Place  
Pow er source  
House current  
Battery pack  
Accessory to be used (not supplied)  
Indoors  
Outdoors  
AC power adaptor AC-V615  
Battery pack NP-F950, NP-F750  
Battery adaptor NPA-10000  
Note on AC pow er adaptor  
Use the recommended AC power adaptor, such as AC-V615.  
Note on pow er sources  
Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or  
playback may damage the inserted tape. If this happens, restore the power supply again  
immediately.  
Usin g t h e h o u se cu rre n t  
(1) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.  
(2) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet, then connect the connecting cord (not  
supplied) to the DC OUT jack on the AC power adaptor.  
(3) Connect the connecting cord to the DC IN jack on the digital camcorder.  
2
3
1
DC IN  
DC OUT  
38  
Usin g a lt e rn a t ive p o w e r so u rce s  
Charging the attached battery pack  
After connecting the power cord to the wall outlet and setting the POWER switch on  
the digital camcorder to OFF, you can charge the battery pack in either of the following  
two ways:  
• Charging the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder  
Leave the battery pack attached to the digital camcorder. (The NP-F950 battery pack  
(not supplied) requires about 390 minutes for a full charge and about 330 minutes for  
a normal charge.)  
While charging, the battery indicator appears repeatedly in the display window:  
• Charging two battery packs at the same time  
Attach one battery pack to the AC power adaptor and the other to the digital  
camcorder. Both are charged simultaneously. When charged, CHARGE lamp and the  
ı indicator goes out (normal charge). If either lamp is still lit, both battery packs are  
not charged (the NP-F950 battery packs (not supplied) require about 480 minutes for a  
full charge and about 420 minutes for a normal charge).  
To remove the adaptor  
Pull out by the plug. Never pull on the connecting cord itself.  
WARNING  
The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.  
PRECAUTION  
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected  
to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.  
Notes on the VTR/CAMERA lamp  
• The VTR/ CAMERA lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged  
after use. This is normal.  
• If the VTR/ CAMERA lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about one  
minute, reconnect the power cord.  
This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory for Sony  
video products.  
When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you  
purchase accessories with this “GENUINE VIDEO ACCESSORIES”  
mark.  
39  
Ch a n g in g t h e m o d e se t t in g s  
You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and  
functions of the digital camcorder.  
(1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
or  
or  
to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE.  
to select the desired setting, then press EXECUTE.  
For some items, you may need to repeat steps 2 and 3.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
CAMCORDER  
VTR  
MENU  
1
2
MENU  
MENU  
DIGITAL F  
D ZO
16:9W
ZEBR
TC IN
DATE
COM
ZEB
[ MEN
ZOOM/WIDE  
OFF  
1
TC IND  
ON  
DIGITAL F  
D ZOOM  
ZOOM/WIDE  
MENU  
COMMANDER  
BEEP  
MENU  
16:9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
DIGITAL F  
D ZOOM  
AUDIO MIX  
WIDE PB  
16:9WIDE  
CM SEARCH  
DATA CODE  
TC IMENU  
DAT
COMDIGITAL F  
D ZOOM  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ ME16:9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
OFF  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
[ MENU ] : END  
2
MENU  
EXECUTE  
ZEBRA  
OFF  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
3 1  
MENU  
ZEBRA  
OFF  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
2
DIGITAL F  
D ZOOM  
16:9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
EXECUTE  
ON  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
[ MENU ] : END  
40  
Ch a n g in g t h e m o d e se t t in g s  
Se le ct in g t h e m o d e se t t in g o f e a ch it e m  
It e m s fo r b o t h CAMCORDER a n d VTR m o d e s  
TC IND* <ON/OFF>  
Normally select ON.  
• Select OFF to erase the time code indicator.  
COMMANDER* <VTR4/OFF/ID/ID SET>  
Normally select VTR4.  
• Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander.  
• Select ID when using the Remote Commander with the ID number set.  
• Select ID SET when setting the ID number of the Remote Commander.  
BEEP* <ON/OFF>  
• Select ON so that beeps sound when you start/ stop recording, etc.  
• Select OFF when you do not want to hear the beep sound.  
CLOCK SET*  
Reset the date and time.  
It e m s fo r CAMCORDER m o d e o n ly  
DIGITAL F* <ZOOM/WIDE or OVERLAP>  
• Select ZOOM/ WIDE before using the wide mode function, digital zoom or slow  
shutter.  
• Select OVERLAP before using the overlap function.  
D ZOOM* <OFF/ON>  
Before turning on D ZOOM, set DIGITAL F to ZOOM/ WIDE.  
• Select OFF to not use the digital zoom.  
• Select ON to activate digital zooming. More than 10x zoom is performed digitally.  
16:9WIDE* <OFF/ON>  
Before turning on 16:9WIDE, set DIGITAL F to ZOOM/ WIDE.  
Normally select OFF.  
• Select ON to record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a wide-screen TV.  
ZEBRA* <OFF/ON>  
Normally select OFF.  
• Select ON to shoot with the zebra pattern displayed in the viewfinder.  
DATE/TIME* <OFF/ON>  
Normally select OFF.  
• Select ON to display the date and time indicators.  
FRAME REC <OFF/ON>  
Normally select OFF.  
• Select ON for cut recording.  
INT REC <RETURN> <SET> <INTERVAL*/REC TIME*>  
• Select RETURN to return to the menu to change other menu items.  
• Select SET to set interval recording ON or OFF.  
• Select INTERVAL to set or change the interval time for interval recording.  
• Select REC TIME to set or change the recording time for interval recording.  
41  
Ch a n g in g t h e m o d e se t t in g s  
SLOW SHTR* <4/8/15/30>  
Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to SLOW.  
Select a slow shutter speed.  
S PRESET* <60/100/250/500/1000/2000/4000/10000>  
Before setting, turn the SHUTTER SPEED dial to USER PRESET.  
Select a shutter speed.  
G PRESET* <–3dB/0dB/3dB/6dB/9dB/12dB/15dB/18dB>  
Before setting, turn the GAIN dial to USER PRESET.  
Select a gain level.  
AGC LIMIT* <OFF/ON>  
Normally select OFF.  
• Select ON when shooting a bright subject on a dark background.  
This function prevents the digital camcorder from creating picture noise by  
controlling excessive automatic gain level.  
CUSTOM* <RETURN> <SET> <COLOR LEV/SHARPNESS/WB SHIFT/AE SHIFT>  
<RESET>  
• Select RETURN to return to the menu to change other menu items.  
• Select SET to set custom preset ON or OFF.  
• Select COLOR LEV/ SHARPNESS/ WB SHIFT/ AE SHIFT to preset the color intensity  
(COLOR LEV), sharpness (SHARPNESS), white balance (WB SHIFT), and brightness  
(AE SHIFT) of the picture.  
• Select RESET to restore the default settings.  
It e m s fo r VTR m o d e o n ly  
AUDIO MIX*  
When playing back a tape recorded with Fs 32k, select this item to adjust the volume  
balance between audio mode ST1 and ST2.  
WIDE PB* <OFF/ON>  
Normally select OFF.  
• Select ON to playback a picture recorded in the 16:9 wide mode to watch on a  
monitor.  
CM SEARCH* <ON/OFF>  
Normally select ON to turn on the cassette memory search function.  
• Select OFF to search without using the cassette memory function.  
DATA CODE* <DATE/CAM or DATE>  
• Select DATE/ CAM to display date and time, as well as various settings data, of your  
recordings.  
• Select DATE to display date and time of your recordings.  
When DIGITAL F is set to OVERLAP  
You cannot set 16:9WIDE and D ZOOM to ON. When you set DIGITAL F to OVERLAP,  
16:9WIDE and D ZOOM settings are changed to OFF automatically.  
About FRAME REC and INT REC setting  
Both settings are automatically set to off when:  
• The POWER switch is set to OFF.  
• CAMCORDER/ VTR is set to VTR.  
• Turn STANDBY up to PHOTO STANDBY.  
* These settings are retained even when the battery is removed, as long as the lithium  
battery is in place.  
42  
Fa d e -in a n d fa d e -o u t  
When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black while the sound increases.  
When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black while the sound decreases.  
To use fade-in and fade-out, press FADER/ OVERLAP to display FADER in the  
viewfinder.  
Wh e n fa d in g in [a ]  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER/ OVERLAP.  
The fade indicator starts flashing.  
(2) Press START/ STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing.  
Wh e n fa d in g o u t [b ]  
(1) During recording, press FADER/ OVERLAP. The fade indicator starts flashing.  
(2) Press START/ STOP to stop recording. The fade indicator stops flashing, and  
then recording stops.  
STBY  
REC  
[a ]  
[b ]  
STBY  
REC  
2
1
FADER/  
OVERLAP  
START/STOP  
FADER  
LOCK  
OVERLAP  
STANDBY  
PHOTO  
STANDBY  
To ca n ce l t h e fa d e -in /fa d e -o u t fu n ct io n  
Before pressing START/ STOP, press FADER/ OVERLAP until the indicator disappears.  
Note on the fade-in/fade-out function  
You can not fade-in or fade-out while recording with interval recording, cut recording,  
or photo recording.  
43  
Ove rla p p in g t w o p ict u re s  
When using the overlap function, the picture gradually fades in over a still picture of  
the last scene recorded.  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press  
MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
or  
or  
to select DIGITAL F, then press EXECUTE.  
to select OVERLAP, then press EXECUTE.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
(5) Press FADER/ OVERLAP repeatedly until “OVERLAP” appears in the  
viewfinder.  
(6) Press START/ STOP to start recording.  
The scene being shot gradually fades in over the still picture of the last  
recorded scene.  
STBY  
REC  
OVERLAP  
MENU  
MENU  
MENU  
1
2
DIGITAL  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
OVERLAP  
3
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
F
OVERLAP  
MENU  
TC IND  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
6
START/STOP  
LOCK  
STANDBY  
5
FADER  
OVERLAP  
FADER/  
OVERLAP  
PHOTO  
STANDBY  
To ca n ce l t h e o ve rla p fu n ct io n  
Before pressing START/ STOP, press FADER/ OVERLAP until the indicator disappears.  
Notes on the overlap function  
• You cannot use the overlap function while recording with interval recording, cut  
recording, or photo recording.  
• When in Standby mode select OVERLAP, the digital camcorder automatically goes  
into picture search, then the last recorded scene is stored for overlap.  
• When you set DIGITAL F to OVERLAP, 16:9WIDE and D ZOOM settings are set to  
OFF automatically.  
44  
Usin g t h e w id e m o d e fu n ct io n  
You can record a 16:9 wide picture to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV.  
[b ]  
[c]  
[a ]  
[d ]  
In the viewfinder black bands appear at the top and bottom of the screen [a ].  
On a monitor screen, the picture appears horizontally compressed [b ].  
When setting WIDE PB to ON in the menu system, you get a cinema-like picture with a  
black band at the bottom of the screen [c].  
You can watch the picture of normal images on a wide-screen TV [d ].  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press  
MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
(4) Press  
(5) Press  
or  
or  
or  
or  
to select DIGITAL F, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ZOOM/ WIDE, then press EXECUTE.  
to select 16:9WIDE, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ON, then press EXECUTE.  
(6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
MENU  
MENU  
DIGITAL  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
OVERLAP  
2
4
5
16 : 9WIDE  
OFF  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
MENU  
1
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
F
3
MENU  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
To ca n ce l w id e m o d e  
Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu system.  
To w a t ch a t a p e re co rd e d in 16:9 w id e m o d e o n a w id e -scre e n TV  
Set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to full mode. For details, refer to the  
instruction manual of your TV.  
Notes on w ide mode  
• When you record in 16:9 wide mode, the date and time indicator will be widened on  
the wide-screen TV.  
• If you dub a tape, the tape is copied in the same mode as the original recording.  
• When you set DIGITAL F to OVERLAP, the 16:9WIDE setting is changed to OFF  
automatically.  
45  
Ph o t o re co rd in g  
You can record a still picture like a photograph for about seven seconds. This mode is  
useful when you want to enjoy a picture such as a photograph or when you print a  
picture using a video printer (not supplied).  
(1) Turn STANDBY up to PHOTO STANDBY.  
PHOTO appears in the viewfinder.  
(2) Keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still picture appears in the viewfinder.  
To change the still picture, release PHOTO, select a still picture again, and then  
press and hold PHOTO lightly. PHOTO CAPTURE appears in the viewfinder.  
(3) Press PHOTO deeper.  
The still picture in the viewfinder is recorded for about seven seconds. The sound  
during those seven seconds is also recorded. If you change the POWER switch or  
STANDBY to other positions while recording, this operation is performed after  
recording.  
1
2,  
PHOTO  
START/STOP  
LOCK  
3
STANDBY  
PHOTO  
STANDBY  
To u se t h e re m o t e co m m a n d e r t o t a ke a p h o t o  
If you press the PHOTO button on the Remote Commander when a still picture appears  
in the viewfinder, the digital camcorder will record that still picture. However, you  
cannot select other still pictures by using this button.  
Note on automatic shutter speed adjustment  
If AUTO LOCK is ON or AUTO/ MANUAL is set to AUTO, the shutter speed is  
automatically adjusted up to 1/ 1000 depending on the environment.  
To u se a fla sh  
Attach the HVL-F7 video flash unit (not supplied) to the accessory shoe, and then  
connect a LANC cable to the l LANC jack.  
Note on using a flash  
When using a flash, the shutter speed is automatically adjusted to 1/ 60 if using  
automatic adjustment, and if using manual adjustment, we recommend using a shutter  
speed of 1/ 60.  
46  
In t e rva l re co rd in g  
You can make a time-lapse like recording by setting the digital camcorder to  
automatically record and standby sequentially. You can achieve an excellent recording  
for flowering, emergence, etc., with this function.  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press  
MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
(4) Press  
(5) Press  
(6) Press  
or  
or  
or  
or  
or  
to select INT REC, then press EXECUTE.  
to select SET, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ON, then press EXECUTE.  
to select INTERVAL, then press EXECUTE.  
to select the desired waiting time, then press EXECUTE.  
The time: 30SEC ˜ 1MIN ˜ 5MIN ˜ 10MIN.  
(7) Press  
or  
to select REC TIME, then press EXECUTE.  
(8) Press  
or  
to select the desired recording time, then press EXECUTE.  
The time: 0.2SEC ˜ 0.5SEC ˜ 1SEC ˜ 2SEC.  
(9) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
You can also press  
to select RETURN, then press EXECUTE to return to  
the menu display.  
(10) Press START/ STOP to start interval recording.  
INTERVAL REC  
INTERVAL REC  
MENU  
RETURN  
SET  
INTERVAL  
REC TIME  
RETURN  
SET  
INTERVAL  
REC TIME  
1
2
6
7
8
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
5MIN  
MENU  
[ RETURN ] : MENU  
INTERVAL REC  
[ RETURN ] : MENU  
INTERVAL REC  
[ MENU ] : END  
3
4
5
SET  
OFF  
ON  
REC TIME  
0.2SEC  
0.5SEC  
1SEC  
2SEC  
[ MENU ] : END  
INTERVAL REC  
[ MENU ] : END  
INTERVAL REC  
RETURN  
SET  
INTERVAL  
REC TIME  
RETURN  
SET  
INTERVAL  
REC TIME  
ON  
2SEC  
[ RETURN ] : MENU  
[ RETURN ] : MENU  
INTERVAL REC  
INTERVAL  
30SEC  
1MIN  
5MIN  
10MIN  
[ MENU ] : END  
To st o p in t e rva l re co rd in g  
Press START/ STOP twice.  
To ca n ce l in t e rva l re co rd in g  
Set the INT REC mode to OFF in the menu system.  
Note on interval recording  
You cannot do interval recording with photo recording.  
If you change the mode as follow s, interval recording is cancelled  
• Turn STANDBY down to LOCK.  
• Set the POWER switch to OFF.  
• Set CAMCORDER/ VTR to VTR.  
47  
Cu t re co rd in g  
You can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using cut recording. To  
create this effect, alternately move the subject a little and make a cut recording. Secure  
the digital camcorder and use the Remote Commander for effective cut recording.  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, open the cover, then press  
MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
or  
or  
to select FRAME REC, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ON, then press EXECUTE.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
(5) Press START/ STOP on the digital camcorder or the Remote Commander to  
start cut recording.  
The digital camcorder records about 6 frames, then enters recording Standby  
mode.  
(6) Move the subject, and repeat step 5.  
MENU  
MENU  
1
2
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
MENU  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
FRAME REC  
OFF  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
3
5
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
BEEP  
FRAME REC  
INT REC  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
START/STOP  
To ca n ce l cu t re co rd in g  
Set the FRAME REC mode to OFF in the menu system.  
Notes on cut recording  
• The portion immediately after cut recording is completed may be longer than four  
frames.  
• You cannot do cut recording with photo recording.  
• The remaining tape indicator may not be accurate if you do cut recording repeatedly.  
If you change the mode as follow s, cut recording is cancelled  
• Turn STANDBY down to LOCK.  
• Set the POWER switch to OFF or CAMCORDER/ VTR to VTR.  
48  
Se le ct in g a u t o m a t ic o r m a n u a l m o d e  
The digital camcorders automatic functions offer you worry-free operation under most  
shooting conditions. But in some circumstances, manual adjustment is better for  
creative recording.  
You can adjust focus, aperture, shutter speed, gain, and white balance automatically or  
manually.  
Heres the overview of each manual adjustment. See the following pages for detailed  
information.  
To fo cu s m a n u a lly  
Set FOCUS to MANU. You can adjust the focus regardless of the position of the AUTO  
LOCK switch. When you want to focus automatically, set FOCUS to AUTO.  
To m a n u a lly a d ju st a p e rt u re , sh u t t e r sp e e d , g a in , a n d w h it e  
b a la n ce  
Set AUTO LOCK to OFF. By setting AUTO (AGC, ATW)/ MANUAL to MANUAL, you  
can adjust each item independently. When you want to adjust each item automatically,  
set AUTO/ MANUAL to AUTO (AGC, ATW).  
49  
Se le ct in g a u t o m a t ic o r m a n u a l m o d e  
Wh e n t o a d ju st a p e rt u re , sh u t t e r sp e e d , a n d g a in m a n u a lly  
When selecting one of aperture, shutter speed, or gain to be adjusted manually and  
leaving the remaining two in automatic adjustment, the remaining two automatic  
settings adjust their values based on the value of that one manual setting.  
In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting setting manually.  
[a ]  
[b ]  
[c]  
[a ] Shooting portraits – adjust aperture manually.  
To alter the depth of focus field, softening the background and making the  
subject stand out, portrait style.  
[b ] Shooting sporting events – adjust shutter speed manually.  
• To record fast moving objects and protect against blurring of subject.  
• To brighten subject in dark situations.  
• To prevent the aperture from closing down in unusually bright situations.  
[c] Shooting dark environments – adjust gain manually.  
• To suppress color distortion when shooting bright objects in dark places.  
• To protect against picture distortion when shooting bright objects.  
Settings for each item  
Item  
Selectable steps  
13 steps  
Variation of exposure  
0.5 EV/ step  
Brighter ˜ Darker  
F1.6 ˜ F11, CLOSE  
1/ 4 ˜ 1/ 10000  
Aperture  
Shutter speed  
Gain  
12 steps  
1 – 2 EV/ step  
8 steps  
0.5 EV / step  
+18 dB ˜ –3 dB  
Note on recording in manual mode  
We recommend that you adjust the focus and white balance manually.  
Re la t io n o f a p e rt u re , sh u t t e r sp e e d a n d g a in  
While recording, a pictures brightness varies by exposure, you need to keep the  
exposure fixed to obtain a fixed brightness.  
Total EV (exposure) = EV from aperture control  
+ EV from shutter speed control  
+ EV from gain control  
50  
Fo cu sin g m a n u a lly  
Wh e n t o u se m a n u a l fo cu s  
In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually.  
[a ]  
[b ]  
[c]  
[d ]  
• Insufficient light [a ]  
• Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky, etc. [b ]  
• Too much brightness behind the subject [c]  
Horizontal stripes [d ]  
• Subjects through frosted glass  
• Subjects beyond nets, etc.  
• Bright subject or subject reflecting the light  
• Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod  
51  
Fo cu sin g m a n u a lly  
Fo cu sin g m a n u a lly  
When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the  
shot length.  
(1) Set FOCUS to MANU. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press the power zoom button on the “T” side so that the bar in the viewfinder  
moves all the way to the “T” side.  
(3) Turn the focus ring to achieve a sharp focus.  
(4) Set the desired shot length using the power zoom button.  
FOCUS  
1
2
AUTO  
MANU  
INFINITY  
PUSH AUTO  
W
T
W
T
3
4
T
T
W
W
Sh o o t in g w it h a u t o fo cu sin g m o m e n t a rily  
Press PUSH AUTO while focusing manually.  
Auto focus functions while you are pressing PUSH AUTO.  
When you release PUSH AUTO, manual focusing returns.  
You can use this feature to switch between two subjects cleanly.  
52  
Fo cu sin g m a n u a lly  
To re t u rn t o a u t o fo cu s m o d e  
Set FOCUS to AUTO. The f indicator in the viewfinder disappears.  
Shooting in relatively dark places  
Shoot at wide-angle after focusing in the telephoto position.  
Shooting in fast-moving subjects relatively bright places  
Shoot at wide-angle.  
To re co rd a ve ry d ist a n t su b je ct  
Push FOCUS down to INFINITY. The lens focuses on the most distant subject while  
FOCUS is held down. When it is released, manual focus mode is resumed.  
Use this function when shooting through a window or a screen, to focus on a most  
distant subject.  
Notes on manual focusing  
The following indicators may appear:  
when recording a very distant subject.  
when the subject is too close to focus on.  
When you shoot close to the subject  
Shoot at wide-angle.  
53  
Ad ju st in g t h e a p e rt u re  
If the difference between the brightness of the subject and the background is too great,  
adjust the aperture manually.  
When the aperture opens (lowering the F value), focal point becomes smaller (reducing  
depth of field) so that the background will blur and the subject will be in focus [a ].  
When the aperture closes (raising the F value), focal point becomes greater (increasing  
depth of field) so that both background and subject will focus clearly [b ].  
[a ]  
[b ]  
(1) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF.  
(2) Set AUTO/ MANUAL at the right of the IRIS dial to MANUAL.  
The current aperture setting appears in the viewfinder.  
(3) Turn IRIS to adjust the aperture.  
Using the dial, you can select F1.6, F2, F2.4, F2.8, F3.4, F4, F4.8, F5.6, F6.8, F8,  
F9.6, F11, and CLOSE. The aperture indicator appears in the viewfinder.  
If you select CLOSE, the aperture closes completely, and the picture becomes  
black (the effect is the same as trying to record with the lens cover attached).  
1
2
AUTO  
MANUAL  
ON  
AUTO LOCK  
OFF  
3
IRIS  
C
To re t u rn t o a u t o m a t ic a p e rt u re m o d e  
Set AUTO/ MANUAL at the right of the IRIS dial to AUTO.  
About the depth of focus field  
The depth of focus field is the in-focus range measured from the distance behind a  
subject to the distance in front. The depth of focus field can vary with the aperture value  
and the focal length. Lowering the F value (larger aperture) reduces the depth of focus  
field. Raising the F value (smaller aperture) provides a larger depth of focus field.  
Zooming in telephoto position offers a smaller depth of focus field while the depth of  
focus field in wide-angle position is greater.  
Note on the aperture  
When zoom is in telephoto, you can open the aperture as far as F2 (not to F1.6).  
54  
Ad ju st in g t h e sh u t t e r sp e e d  
Adjust the shutter speed to control the picture quality. When recording sports events,  
for example, use a high speed shutter to record fast moving objects clearly.  
You can select from 6 different shutter speeds SLOW, 60, 100, 250, 1000 and USER  
PRESET. SLOW and USER PRESET have their own menus. Refer to “To adjust the  
SLOW SHTR (shutter) or S (shutter) PRESET menu items”.  
Shutter speed numbers that appear in the viewfinder are inverted. For example, “250”  
means 1/ 250 sec.  
(1) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF.  
(2) Set AUTO/ MANUAL under the SHUTTER SPEED dial to MANUAL.  
(3) Turn SHUTTER SPEED to select a shutter speed. Using the dial, you can select  
SLOW, 60, 100, 250, 1000, or USER PRESET. The shutter speed indicator  
appears in the viewfinder screen.  
2
AUTO  
MANUAL  
3
1
SHUTTER SPEED  
100  
250  
ON  
OFF  
60  
1000  
AUTO LOCK  
SLOW  
USER  
PRESET  
To re t u rn t o a u t o m a t ic sh u t t e r sp e e d m o d e  
Set AUTO/ MANUAL below the SHUTTER SPEED dial to AUTO.  
55  
Ad ju st in g t h e sh u t t e r sp e e d  
To a d ju st t h e SLOW SHTR (sh u t t e r) o r S (sh u t t e r) PRESET m e n u  
it e m s  
When you want to make a dark scene look brighter or give an object the appearance of  
motion, use a slow shutter. Set the dial to SLOW, then select speed from SLOW SHTR  
menu.  
When you want to choose a shutter speed, set dial to USER PRESET, then select the  
appropriate shutter speed from the S PRESET menu.  
The chosen speed data is set into memory. When you dial another setting, (e.g. 100),  
then return to USER PRESET or SLOW, the previous speed is selected automatically.  
(1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
or  
or  
to select SLOW SHTR or S PRESET, then press EXECUTE.  
to select a setting, then press EXECUTE.  
You can select the following shutter speeds:  
SLOW SHTR — 4, 8, 15, 30  
S PRESET — 60, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 10000  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
SLOW SHTR  
S PRESET  
2
MENU  
MENU  
500  
1000  
2000  
4
8
15  
30  
4000  
10000  
SLOW SHTR  
S PRESET  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
MENU  
3
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
BEEP  
FRAME REC  
INT REC  
SLOW SHTR  
S PRESET  
COMMANDER  
BEEP  
FRAME REC  
INT REC  
SLOW SHTR  
S PRESET  
G PRESET  
4
500  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
56  
Ad ju st in g t h e sh u t t e r sp e e d  
To se le ct t h e Be st Sh u t t e r Sp e e d  
Concerning shooting conditions and brightness, refer to the following chart to adjust  
shutter speed accordingly.  
Subject  
Shutter speed  
• A golf swing or tennis match in fine weather  
1/ 500 – 1/ 10000  
• A landscape shot from a moving car or train  
• A moving roller coaster in overcast days  
• An athletic scene, marathon, etc.  
1/ 100 – 1/ 500  
• Indoor sports  
• Replacement for the ND2 filter (to halve the exposure)  
in situations of glare a sunny beach  
or a snow covered mountain.  
• Recording pictures with less flicker under a  
fluorescent lamp  
1/ 100  
• In sunny weather (to avoid an out-of-focus picture  
due to a small aperture)  
Notes on the slow shutter speed  
• You cannot use the slow shutter when DIGITAL F in the menu is set to OVERLAP.  
• When using slow shutter, focusing can become difficult. In this case set focus to  
manual and put the digital camcorder on a tripod.  
Note on the high shutter speed  
Using high shutter speed can cause the image to darken. So check brightness using the  
viewfinder.  
57  
Ad ju st in g t h e g a in  
If the picture is too dark even with the aperture fully open, and using the slowest  
acceptable shutter speed, adjust the gain to make the picture as bright as necessary.  
When shooting night scenes in automatic setting, the picture may become dark. To  
brighten the picture the digital camcorder will automatically turn the gain value up,  
and picture noise can develop. In this case, adjust the gain in accordance with the  
atmosphere of the subject.  
(1) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF.  
(2) Set AGC/ MANUAL under the GAIN dial to MANUAL.  
(3) Turn GAIN to adjust the gain.  
Using the dial, you can select –3, 0, 3, 6, 9, or USER PRESET. The gain indicator  
appears in the viewfinder.  
If you turn the dial to USER PRESET (preset gain), the setting you selected in  
the menu activates.  
2
AGC  
MANUAL  
1
3
GAIN  
3
6
ON  
AUTO LOCK  
OFF  
0
9
-3  
USER  
PRESET  
To re t u rn t o a u t o m a t ic g a in m o d e  
Set AGC/ MANUAL below the GAIN dial to AGC.  
To use the AGC LIMIT function  
The AGC LIMIT function prevents the digital camcorder from creating picture noise by  
controlling excessive automatic gain level. To use this function, set to ON in the menu  
system.  
58  
Ad ju st in g t h e g a in  
To a d ju st t h e G (g a in ) PRESET m e n u it e m  
When you want to choose a gain setting higher than 9, select the appropriate level from  
the G PRESET menu.  
The setting data is set into memory. When you dial another setting, (e.g. 9), then return  
to USER PRESET, the previous setting is selected automatically.  
(1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
or  
or  
to select G PRESET, then press EXECUTE.  
to select a setting, then press EXECUTE.  
You can select the following settings: –3, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 dB.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
MENU  
2
3
6dB  
9dB  
12dB  
15dB  
18dB  
G PRESET  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
1
MENU  
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
BEEP  
FRAME REC  
INT REC  
SLOW SHTR  
S PRESET  
G PRESET  
AGC LIMIT  
MENU  
15dB  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
Note on the gain  
If you set gain too high, picture noise results.  
59  
Ad ju st in g t h e w h it e b a la n ce  
White balance is the adjustment to make white subjects look white and to obtain a more  
natural color balance. You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance  
manually when lighting conditions change quickly or when recording outdoors, e.g.  
neon signs, fireworks.  
Se le ct in g t h e a p p ro p ria t e m o d e  
[a ]  
[b ]  
[c]  
[d ]  
one-push w hite balance mode  
• Shooting with lighting condition on the subject set and with the white balance set in a  
particular condition  
• Monochromatic subject or background [a ]  
e (3200K) indoor mode  
• Lighting conditions change quickly [b ]  
• A bright place such as a photography studio  
• Under sodium or mercury lamps  
w (5800K) outdoor mode  
• Under a color matching fluorescent lamp  
• Recording a sunset/ sunrise, just after sunset, just before sunrise [c], neon signs, or  
fireworks [d ]  
60  
Ad ju st in g t h e w h it e b a la n ce  
Ad ju st in g w h it e b a la n ce m a n u a lly  
(1) Set AUTO LOCK to OFF.  
(2) Set ATW/ MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to MANUAL.  
(3) Turn WHT BAL to select a white balance.  
Usually select e (3200K) (indoor mode) or w (5800K) (outdoor mode). To fix  
the white balance by using one-push white balance, select and see “Locking  
the white balance setting”.  
2
ATW  
MANUAL  
3
WHT BAL  
1
(5800K)  
(3200K)  
ON  
OFF  
AUTO LOCK  
To re t u rn t o a u t o m a t ic w h it e b a la n ce m o d e  
Set ATW/ MANUAL below the dial to ATW.  
Lo ckin g t h e w h it e b a la n ce se t t in g (On e -p u sh w h it e b a la n ce m o d e )  
When you set the white balance to one-push white balance mode, the setting is locked  
and maintained even if lighting conditions change. In addition, if the lithium battery is  
installed, the setting is saved for one hour if you remove the power source.  
(1) While in Standby mode, set AUTO LOCK to OFF.  
(2) Set ATW/ MANUAL under the WHT BAL dial to MANUAL.  
(3) Turn WHT BAL to . The indicator appears in viewfinder.  
(4) Shoot a white object, such as paper, fully in the viewfinder.  
(5) Press WHITE BALANCE on the front of the digital camcorder.  
The indicator flashes rapidly. When the white balance has been adjusted  
and stored in memory, the indicator stops flashing.  
2
3
1
ON  
AUTO LOCK  
OFF  
ATW  
MANUAL  
WHITE  
BALANCE  
WHT BAL  
(5800K)  
5
(3200K)  
61  
Ad ju st in g t h e w h it e b a la n ce  
Notes on the indicator in the view finder  
• The indicator means:  
Slow flashing: white balance is not adjusted.  
Fast flashing: white balance is being adjusted (after you pressed WHITE BALANCE  
).  
Lit steady: white balance has been adjusted.  
• If the indicator keeps flashing even when you press WHITE BALANCE , shoot  
in automatic white balance mode. Set AUTO LOCK to ON and slide ATW/ MANUAL  
under the WHT BAL dial to ATW.  
Notes on w hite balance  
• When you shoot with studio lighting or video lighting, use e (3200K) (indoor) mode.  
• When you shoot under fluorescent lighting, use automatic white balance mode.  
Shooting w hen the lighting condition changes  
• After the lighting condition changes, readjust the white balance using the WHITE  
BALANCE button while the digital camcorder is in Standby mode. The WHITE  
BALANCE button does not function during recording.  
• If you are adjusting the aperture (iris) and shutter speed manually, then when you  
move from indoors to outdoors or vice-versa, set AUTO LOCK to ON and then set it  
to OFF again.  
• After you move from indoors to outdoors or vice-versa, or detach the battery to  
replace it, while shooting in automatic white balance mode, point the digital  
camcorder at a white subject for about 10 seconds before you start recording.  
62  
Usin g t h e ND filt e r  
The digital camcorder automatically senses the need for the ND filter, in such a case,  
ND ON/ OFF flashes in the display.  
Using the ND filter (to filter down to one-tenth the quantity of light), you can prevent  
the picture from going out of focus under bright conditions.  
Wh e n ND ON fla sh e s in t h e vie w fin d e r  
Set ND FILTER to ON [a ].  
The flashing indicator disappears, and the ND indicator remains.  
Wh e n ND OFF fla sh e s in t h e vie w fin d e r  
Set ND FILTER to OFF [b ].  
The indicator disappears.  
ND  
FILTER  
ND  
FILTER  
[a]  
[b]  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
ND ON  
ND OFF  
ND  
63  
Usin g t h e ze b ra p a t t e rn  
You can set the digital camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) [a ] in the  
portion of the picture in the viewfinder where the brightness exceeds a certain level.  
The portion of the picture where the zebra pattern appears is an area of high brightness  
and overexposure. You can check the picture level of a subject by displaying the zebra  
pattern.  
Before you start recording, use the zebra pattern as a guide for adjusting the aperture,  
gain, and shutter speed.  
(1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
or  
or  
to select ZEBRA, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ON, then press EXECUTE.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
MENU  
1
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
MENU  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
[ MENU ] : END  
[a ]  
MENU  
2
3
ZEBRA  
OFF  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
F
ON  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
[ MENU ] : END  
Note on shooting w ith the zebra pattern  
Even though you see the zebra pattern in the viewfinder, the zebra pattern is not  
recorded.  
64  
Ad ju st in g t h e re co rd in g so u n d  
You can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones (not supplied) to monitor  
the sound when you adjust.  
Se le ct in g a n d se t t in g a u d io m o d e  
You can record sound using channel 1 and channel 2.  
Select sound input using the LINE/ MIC switch as follows:  
MIC FRONT: When recording from the built-in microphone or external microphone  
connected to MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack.  
MIC REAR: When recording from external microphone connected to AUDIO IN CH-  
1 or/ and CH-2.  
LINE:  
When recording from line-in connected to AUDIO IN CH-1 or/ and CH-  
2.  
LINE/MIC sw it ch e s se t t in g a n d re co rd in g so u n d  
LINE/MIC sw itch  
position  
Microphone  
type*  
Recording  
sound  
CH-1  
CH-2  
CH-1  
CH-2  
MIC FRONT  
MIC FRONT  
Built-in mic: L  
External mic: L  
External mic: Mono  
Built-in mic: R  
External mic: R  
External mic: Mono  
Stereo  
Monaural  
LINE  
Built-in mic: L+R  
External mic: L+R  
External mic: Mono  
Stereo  
Monaural  
XLR LINE  
XLR MIC  
MIC REAR  
Built-in mic: L+R  
External mic: L+R  
External mic: Mono  
Stereo  
Monaural  
MIC REAR  
LINE  
MIC REAR  
LINE  
XLR MIC  
XLR MIC  
XLR MIC  
XLR LINE  
MIC FRONT  
Built-in mic: L+R  
External mic: L+R  
External mic: Mono  
Stereo  
Monaural  
XLR MIC  
XLR LINE  
XLR LINE  
XLR LINE  
LINE  
XLR LINE  
MIC FRONT  
Built-in mic: L+R  
External mic: L+R  
External mic: Mono  
Stereo  
Monaural  
MIC REAR  
XLR MIC  
* External microphone connected to MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack. This “–” means no connection.  
Notes on recording  
• Be sure to set LINE/ MIC setting properly, otherwise no sound will be recorded.  
• When nothing is connected to the XLR connector and you set the LINE/ MIC switch to  
MIC REAR, a noise may occur.  
• When both CH-1 and CH-2 LINE/ MIC switches are set to FRONT, adjust the sound  
level using the REC LEVEL dial and switch for CH-1 only.  
MIC (PLUG IN POWER)  
Built-in microphone  
CH-1 AUDIO IN  
CH-1 LINE/MIC  
CH-2 AUDIO IN  
CH-2 LINE/MIC  
65  
Ad ju st in g t h e re co rd in g so u n d  
Ch e ckin g t h e re co rd in g le ve l  
Use the level indicator in the display window.  
If the input level is excessive, the PEAK indicator lights. If the PEAK indicator remains  
lit, adjust the recording sound manually.  
PEAK  
REC LEVEL  
Ad ju st in g t h e re co rd in g le ve l a u t o m a t ica lly  
Set REC LEVEL to AUTO.  
CH-1 REC LEVEL CH-2  
AUTO  
MANU AUTO  
MANU  
Ad ju st in g t h e re co rd in g le ve l m a n u a lly  
(1) Set the REC LEVEL switch to MANU.  
(2) Turn the REC LEVEL dials to adjust the sound level so that the PEAK indicator  
does not light up. You can adjust the level of each channel separately.  
We recommend using headphones (not supplied) to monitor the sound when you  
adjust.  
Select the sound you want to monitor (CH-1, CH-2 or MIX) using the AUDIO  
MONITOR switch.  
2
10  
1
0
CH-1  
REC LEVEL  
MANU AUTO  
CH-2  
MANU  
10  
5
AUTO  
CH-1  
0
REC LEVEL  
5
CH-2  
66  
Ad ju st in g t h e re co rd in g so u n d  
To a t t e n u a t e t h e re co rd in g le ve l  
Attenuate the recording level when recording very loud sounds.  
• When using the built-in microphone or external microphone.  
Set the MIC switch to ATT. Normally set off (green position).  
• When connecting an external microphone to AUDIO IN (CH-1/ CH-2) input  
connector.  
Set ATT (REAR) to ON.  
To re d u ce w in d n o ise o f t h e b u ilt -in m icro p h o n e  
If there is a loud wind, set the BUILT-IN MIC switch to WIND. Note that low frequency  
input signal will weaken.  
To ch a n g e t h e d ire ct io n a lit y o f t h e b u ilt -in m icro p h o n e  
Set DIRECTION SELECT to the desired position (0°/ 90°/ 120°).  
When set to 0° the sound is in monaural.  
MIC (PLUG IN POWER)  
DIRECTION SELECT  
MIC  
BUILT-IN MIC  
AUDIO IN  
CH-1 LINE/MIC  
CH-1 ATT (REAR)  
CH-2 LINE/MIC  
CH-2 ATT (REAR)  
67  
Re le a sin g t h e STEADY SHOT fu n ct io n  
When you shoot, the Ó indicator appears in the viewfinder. This indicates that the  
Steady Shot function is working and the digital camcorder compensates for camera-  
shake.  
When you attach the digital camcorder to a tripod, you need not worry about camera-  
shake.  
Release the Steady Shot function.  
Set STEADY SHOT to OFF.  
STEADY SHOT  
ON  
OFF  
To a ct iva t e t h e St e a d y Sh o t fu n ct io n a g a in  
Set STEADY SHOT to ON.  
Note on the Steady Shot function  
The Steady Shot function will not correct excessive camera-shake.  
68  
Ma kin g a cu st o m p re se t  
Use this menu setting to achieve consistent picture quality. This feature lets you  
customize the picture quality.  
Adjusts  
Adjustment value  
Item  
Color intensity  
Decreases color intensity  
COLOR LEV  
˜ Increases color intensity  
SHARPNESS  
WB SHIFT  
Sharpness  
Softer ˜ Sharper  
Bluish ˜ Reddish  
Darker ˜ Brighter  
White balance  
Brightness  
AE SHIFT*  
* When the aperture, shutter speed and gain are set manually, AE SHIFT level does  
not change.  
(1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(2) Press  
or  
to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE.  
The custom preset menu appears.  
(3) Press  
to select SET, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ON, then press EXECUTE.  
(4) Press  
(5) Press  
(6) Press  
or  
or  
to select the desired item, then press EXECUTE.  
to adjust the selected mode, then press EXECUTE.  
(7) Press MENU to erase the menu display and display  
in the viewfinder.  
To perform other menu settings, press  
EXECUTE.  
to select RETURN, then press  
MENU  
1
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
MENU  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
CUSTOM PRESET  
CUSTOM PRESET  
RETURN  
SET  
COLOR LEV  
SHARPNESS  
WB SHIFT  
AE SHIFT  
RESET  
RETURN  
SET  
2
3
4
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
COLOR LEV  
SHARPNESS  
WB SHIFT  
AE SHIFT  
RESET  
[ RETURN ] : MENU  
[ RETURN ] : MENU  
CUSTOM PRESET  
COLOR LEV  
CUSTOM PRESET  
5
SET  
OFF  
ON  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
69  
Ma kin g a cu st o m p re se t  
To t u rn o ff cu st o m p re se t  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
(4) Press  
or  
to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE.  
to select SET, then press EXECUTE.  
to select OFF, then press EXECUTE.  
goes off in the viewfinder.  
(5) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
To t u rn o n cu st o m p re se t a g a in  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
(4) Press  
or  
to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE.  
to select SET, then press EXECUTE.  
to select ON, then press EXECUTE.  
(5) Press MENU to display  
in the viewfinder.  
To re st o re t h e st a n d a rd se t t in g s  
(1) While the digital camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU.  
(2) Press  
or  
to select CUSTOM, then press EXECUTE.  
(3) Press  
to select RESET, then press EXECUTE.  
FINISHED appears in the viewfinder.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
To ch e ck t h e cu st o m p re se t se t t in g s  
You can display and check the custom preset settings in the viewfinder while recording.  
Press CP CHECK on the front of the digital camcorder while the digital camcorder is in  
Standby mode or recording mode.  
The custom preset settings are displayed in the viewfinder.  
Press CP CHECK again to make the display disappear.  
Note on custom preset  
You can turn on custom preset when in automatic mode and also when in manual  
mode.  
70  
Se a rch in g t h e re co rd e d p ict u re  
When you use a cassette memory-mounted DVCAM cassette (  
logo*) which can  
store the recorded date and time, etc., you can search the recorded picture with the date  
or time using the Remote Commander (Cassette memory search). You can also search  
the photo-recorded pictures only, or the recorded picture in the backward and forward  
direction from the present position without cassette memory.  
*
is a trademark.  
Se a rch in g t h e re co rd e d p ict u re w it h t h e d a t e o r t im e – Ca sse t t e  
m e m o ry se a rch  
(1) Set the POWER switch to ON, then set CAMCORDER/ VTR to VTR.  
(2) Open the cover, press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(3) Set CM SEARCH to ON in the menu system.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
(5) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander to select date search (search  
with the date) or photo search (search the photo recorded-pictures only).  
(6) On the Remote Commander, press + to search forward or = to search  
backward.  
SEARCH  
MODE  
1
5
POWER  
CAMCORDER  
DATE SEARCH  
PHOTO SEARCH  
OFF  
ON  
VTR  
1
2
3
4
5
6
MAY/ 24/98  
JUN/ 3/98  
JUN/ 23/98  
JUL/ 24/98  
JUL/ 25/98  
AUG/ 1/98  
1
2
3
4
5
6
MAY/ 24/98  
JUN/ 3/98  
JUN/ 23/98  
JUL/ 24/98  
JUL/ 25/98  
AUG/ 1/98  
8:52 PM  
10:29 AM  
8:12 AM  
4:15 PM  
9:43 PM  
12:05 PM  
6
DATE SEARCH  
PHOTO SEARCH  
1
2
3
4
5
6
MAY/ 24/98  
JUN/ 3/98  
JUN/ 23/98  
JUL/ 24/98  
JUL/ 25/98  
AUG/ 1/98  
1
2
3
4
5
6
MAY/ 24/98  
JUN/ 3/98  
JUN/ 23/98  
JUL/ 24/98  
JUL/ 25/98  
AUG/ 1/98  
8:52 PM  
10:29 AM  
8:12 AM  
4:15 PM  
9:43 PM  
12:05 PM  
Notes on cassette memory search  
• You can search up to 24 days for date search and 179 pictures for photo search when  
you use the 16k-bit cassette memory.  
• Make sure that the lithium battery is installed if using cassette memory.  
71  
Se a rch in g t h e re co rd e d p ict u re  
Se a rch in g t h e re co rd e d p ict u re w it h o u t u sin g ca sse t t e m e m o ry  
(1) Set the POWER switch to ON, then set CAMCORDER/ VTR to VTR.  
(2) Open the cover, press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder.  
(3) Set CM SEARCH to OFF in the menu system.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
(5) Press SEARCH MODE on the Remote Commander to select date search (search  
with the date) or photo search (search the photo-recorded pictures only).  
(6) On the Remote Commander, press + to search forward or = to search  
backward.  
Each time you press + or =, the digital camcorder searches for the next  
scene.  
To st o p se a rch in g  
Press π.  
If your tape has blank portions betw een pictures  
The digital camcorder may not search for the recorded picture or data may not be  
stored.  
Notes on searching  
• The digital camcorder may not search correctly if the beginning of the search portion  
is too close to the tape head position.  
• When you use date search, the digital camcorder plays back the search picture, and  
when you use photo search, the digital camcorder enters playback pause when it finds  
the point it was searching for.  
72  
Disp la yin g re co rd in g d a t a  
You can display the date and time as well as system data and when you recorded (Data  
Code), on the TV during playback or editing. The Data Code is also displayed in the  
viewfinder and the display window.  
Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander while playing back. Each time you  
press DATA CODE, the indicator cycles in the viewfinder as follows:  
When you select DATE/ CAM from the menu [a ]:  
recorded date and time n various settings n no indication  
When you select DATE from the menu [b ]:  
recorded date and time n no indication  
Press DATA CODE repeatedly to erase the display.  
[a]  
[b]  
JUL. 4 1998  
10:13:02 AM  
JUL. 4 1998  
10:13:02 AM  
DATA CODE  
AUTO  
6 0 ATW  
F1.6 0dB  
Wh e n b a rs (--:--:--) a p p e a r  
• A blank portion of the tape is being played back.  
• The tape was recorded by a digital camcorder without the Data Code function.  
• The tape was recorded by a digital camcorder without having date and time set.  
73  
Ed it in g o n t o a n o t h e r t a p e  
You can create your own video programs by editing with any other VCRs that have DV  
IN or video/ audio inputs. Note that cassette memory data is not recorded on the  
edited tape.  
You can edit with little deterioration of picture and sound quality when using the DV  
connecting cable (not supplied). Data code of the source tape is dubbed on the edited  
tape at the same time.  
Be fo re e d it in g  
Connect DV IN/ OUT of the digital camcorder and the DV IN (or DV IN/ OUT) jack of  
the VCR using the VMC-2DV DV connecting cable (not supplied).  
You can use this digital camcorder either as a player or as a recorder without changing  
the connection. The direction of signal flow changes automatically.  
When this digital camcorder is used as a recorder, the “DV IN” appears in the  
viewfinder.  
Recorder w ith DV IN  
DV IN/OUT  
DV IN  
VMC-2DV  
: Signal flow  
Notes on editing using the DV connecting cable  
• When the tape is carried out DV dubbing using a domestic DV equipment to  
playback, you might not to be able to edit the tape with editing equipment for  
business use such as the DSR-80/ 85. If you want to edit using such equipment, carry  
out dubbing again using it to record.  
• Depending on signal conditions, DVCAM-formatted tapes may not be able to edit  
using the DV connecting cable. Edit using the supplied A/ V connecting cable in this  
case.  
• You can connect one VCR only.  
• If you edit playback pause picture, the edited picture becomes rough.  
• Connect a LANC cable (not supplied) to control the playback VCR from the recording  
VCR.  
To co n n e ct t h e VCR w it h o u t DV IN ja ck  
Connect the digital camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/ V connecting cable.  
Set the TV/ VCR input selector on the VCR to LINE.  
If your VCR is a monaural type, connect only the white plug for audio on both the  
digital camcorder and the VCR. With this connection, the sound is monaural.  
74  
Ed it in g o n t o a n o t h e r t a p e  
St a rt in g e d it in g  
(1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMCORDER/ VTR to VTR.  
(2) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the recording VCR.  
Then insert your recorded tape into the digital camcorder.  
(3) Play back the recorded tape on the digital camcorder until you locate the point  
where you want to start editing. Then set the digital camcorder to playback  
pause mode.  
(4) Set the recording VCR to recording pause mode.  
(5) Press P on the digital camcorder and VCR simultaneously to start editing.  
To edit more scenes, repeat steps 3 to 5.  
To st o p e d it in g  
Press π on the digital camcorder and VCR.  
Note on editing w hen using the A/V connecting cable  
Press DISPLAY on the Remote Commander while editing onto another tape to turn off  
the display indicators. Otherwise, the indicators will be recorded on the tape.  
Note on Fine Synchro Edit  
If you connect a video deck that has the Fine Synchro Edit feature to the l LANC jack  
of the digital camcorder using a LANC cable (not supplied), the edit will be even more  
precise.  
75  
Au d io d u b b in g  
If you recorded in Fs 32k (12 bit) recording mode, you can add stereo narration or music  
to the recording.  
Ma kin g co n n e ct io n s  
To u se a d d it io n a l a u d io lin e in [a ]  
Connect the LINE OUT jacks of an audio source to the rear AUDIO IN jacks of the  
digital camcorder using an audio connecting cord with the XLR connector (not  
supplied) and then set LINE/ MIC to LINE.  
To u se a n a d d it io n a l m icro p h o n e  
• Use the built-in microphone [b ] or connect an external microphone (not supplied) [c]  
to the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack, then set LINE/ MIC to MIC FRONT.  
• Use an external microphone (not supplied) with the XLR connector [d ], connect the  
rear AUDIO IN jack of the digital camcorder, then set LINE/ MIC to MIC REAR.  
Audio source  
[a]  
MIC  
[c]  
[b]  
MIC  
[d]  
: Signal flow  
76  
Au d io d u b b in g  
Re co rd in g  
(1) Set the POWER switch to ON and then set CAMCORDER/ VTR to VTR.  
(2) Open the cover, press ·, then ) or 0, to search for the start and end  
points of the recording.  
(3) Press P at the start point of the recording.  
(4) Press AUDIO DUB  
.
(5) Adjust the recording volume.  
(6) Press P.  
Audio dubbing begins.  
If you are using an audio source input, press P on the stereo at the same time.  
AUDIO  
DUB  
4
2
REW  
PLAY  
FF  
REC LEVEL  
3,  
6
PAUSE  
Audio source  
: Signal flow  
To st o p re co rd in g  
Press π.  
To p a u se re co rd in g  
Press P. To start recording again, press P.  
To a d ju st t h e vo lu m e  
If you set REC LEVEL to AUTO, the volume is automatically adjusted.  
To adjust the volume manually, set REC LEVEL to MANU, and turn the REC LEVEL  
dials.  
Note on audio dubbing  
You cannot operate audio dubbing on DV-formatted tapes. Depending on signal  
conditions, you may not be able to operate audio dubbing even on DVCAM-formatted  
tapes.  
77  
Ad d it io n a l in fo rm a t io n  
Ch a n g in g t h e lit h iu m b a t t e ry in t h e d ig it a l  
ca m co rd e r  
Your digital camcorder is supplied with a lithium battery installed. When the battery  
becomes weak or dead, the I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds  
when you set the digital camcorder to CAMCORDER mode with the POWER switch  
ON. In this case, replace the battery w ith a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025  
lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.  
The lithium battery for the digital camcorder lasts for about 1 year under normal  
operation. (The lithium battery that comes installed at the factory may not last 1 year.)  
No t e s o n lit h iu m b a t t e ry  
• Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of children.  
Should the battery be sw allow ed, immediately consult a doctor.  
• Wipe the battery with a dry cloth to assure a good contact.  
• Do not hold the battery with metallic tweezers, otherwise a short-circuit may occur.  
• The lithium battery has positive (+) side and negative (–) side as illustrated. Be sure  
to insert the lithium battery w ith the positive side facing out.  
2
0
5
2
R
C
()  
(+)  
WARNING  
The battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, or dispose of in  
fire.  
78  
Ch a n g in g t h e lit h iu m b a t t e ry in t h e d ig it a l ca m co rd e r  
Ch a n g in g t h e lit h iu m b a t t e ry  
When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source  
attached. Otherwise, you will need to reset the date, time and other items in the menu  
system retained by the lithium battery.  
(1) Open the lid of the lithium battery compartment.  
(2) Push the lithium battery down once and pull it out from the holder.  
(3) Install the lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing out. Close the lid.  
1
2
3
C
R
2
0
2
5
79  
Re se t t in g t h e d a t e a n d t im e  
You can reset the date and time in the menu system.  
(1) Open the cover, then press MENU to display the menu.  
(2) Press  
(3) Press  
to select CLOCK SET, then press EXECUTE.  
or to select the desired year, then press EXECUTE. Set the day,  
month, hour, and minutes by pressing  
/
and then pressing EXECUTE.  
(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display.  
MENU  
MENU  
MENU  
1
2
INT REC  
SLOW SHTR  
S PRESET  
G PRESET  
AGC LIMIT  
CUSTOM  
DIGITAL  
D ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
ZEBRA  
TC IND  
DATE/TIME  
COMMANDER  
F
ZOOM/WIDE  
MENU  
1998 JAN  
12 00 AM  
1
CLOCK SET  
- - : - - : - -  
CLOCK SET  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
1999 JAN  
1
1
4
1999 JAN  
12 00 AM  
1
1
4
3
1
CLOCK SET  
12 00 AM  
CLOCK SET  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
1999 JUL  
12 00 AM  
1999 JUL  
12 00 AM  
CLOCK SET  
CLOCK SET  
2
3
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
1999 JUL  
12 00 AM  
1999 JUL  
12 00 AM  
CLOCK SET  
CLOCK SET  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
1999 JUL  
4
1999 JUL  
4
CLOCK SET  
8
00 AM  
CLOCK SET  
8
00 AM  
4
5
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
MENU  
MENU  
INT REC  
SLOW SHTR  
S PRESET  
G PRESET  
AGC LIMIT  
CUSTOM  
1999 JUL  
4
JUL 4 1999  
8:20:01 AM  
CLOCK SET  
8
20 AM  
CLOCK SET  
[ MENU ] : END  
[ MENU ] : END  
To co rre ct t h e d a t e a n d t im e se t t in g  
Repeat the above procedure.  
To ch e ck t h e p re se t d a t e a n d t im e  
The date and time are shown in the display window. They can only be seen when the  
power is on.  
The year changes as follow s:  
1998  
˜
1999  
N
· · · · n 2028  
Note on the time indicator  
The internal clock of this digital camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.  
• 12:00 AM stands for midnight.  
• 12:00 PM stands for noon.  
80  
Co m p a t ib ilit y o f DVCAM a n d DV fo rm a t s  
DVCAM format is developed as a more reliable and higher end format than consumer  
DV format. Here are explained about DVCAM and DV formats: the differences,  
compatibility, and limitations on editing.  
Diffe re n ce s b e t w e e n DVCAM a n d DV fo rm a t s  
Item  
DVCAM  
DV  
Track pitch  
15 µm  
10 µm  
Audio sampling  
frequency  
12 bit: 32 kHz  
16 bit: 48 kHz  
12 bit: 32 kHz  
16 bit: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz  
Audio recording mode 1)  
Time code  
Lock mode  
Unlock mode  
Drop frame system or  
Non-drop frame system  
(SMPTE time code)  
Drop frame system only  
1) There are two modes for audio recording, lock mode and unlock mode. In lock mode,  
the sampling frequencies of audio and video are synchronized. In unlock mode, which  
consumer DV format adopts, the two sampling frequencies are independent.  
Therefore, lock mode is more effective than unlock mode in digital processing and  
smooth transition during audio editing.  
DVCAM a n d DV ca sse t t e s  
Both DVCAM and DV cassettes can be used on DVCAM or DV video equipment. The  
recording format of picture is defined according to recorders format as described  
below.  
Recorders format  
Cassettes format  
DVCAM  
DV  
Recording format  
DVCAM  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM  
DV  
DV  
This digital camcorder complies with DVCAM format. Though DV cassettes can be  
used for recording, we recommend you to use DVCAM cassettes to get the most out of  
high reliability of DVCAM format. The recording time of DV cassettes is 2/ 3 shorter  
than that indicated on the DV cassettes.  
Co m p a t ib ilit y o n p la yb a ck  
Some tapes cannot be played back on DVCAM or DV video equipment.  
Tape  
On DV video equipment  
On DVCAM video equipment  
DV-formatted  
Can be played back  
Can be played back  
(only when recorded in SP mode)  
DVCAM-formatted  
Some equipments may be  
able to play back  
Can be played back  
81  
Co m p a t ib ilit y o f DVCAM a n d DV fo rm a t s  
Co m p a t ib ilit y o n e d it in g u sin g DV co n n e ct o rs  
When this digital camcorder is connected to other DVCAM or DV video equipment  
using DV connectors, the recording format of edited tapes is defined according to  
recorders format as described below.  
Source tape  
Players format  
DVCAM  
DVCAM  
DV 5)  
Recorders format  
DVCAM  
DV  
Recording format  
DVCAM  
2) 3)  
2)  
DVCAM-formatted  
DVCAM-formatted  
DVCAM-formatted  
DVCAM-formatted  
DV 4)  
7)  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM  
DV 5)  
DV 4)  
6)  
1)  
DV-formatted  
DVCAM  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM  
6)  
DV-formatted  
DV  
DV-formatted  
DV-formatted  
DVCAM  
DV  
DVCAM 1)  
DV  
DV  
1) When using the DVCAM video equipment to carry out DV dubbing of a tape  
recorded in DV format, the tape produced will be in DVCAM format as follows:  
– Audio recording mode will be unlock mode.  
– The time code format will be partly maladjusted. (There will be no effect on the  
recorded picture except in certain case.)  
2) If the tape is to be dubbed is DVCAM formatted tape as in 1), the tape produced will  
be in DVCAM format as follows:  
– Audio recording mode will be unlock mode.  
– The time code format will be partly maladjusted.  
3) Depending on signal conditions of the source tape, you may not be able to edit the  
tape using the DV connectors.  
4) Audio recording mode of the edited tape is lock mode.  
5) Some DV video equipment may be able to play back a DVCAM-formatted tape. Even  
if the tape is played back, contents of the playback cannot be guaranteed.  
6) DV-formatted tapes recorded in SP mode only can be used as source tapes.  
7) Depending on model of video equipment, you may not be able to edit.  
Lim it a t io n s o n e d it in g  
You will find the following limitations when editing.  
• Due to the difference of a track pitch, you cannot record or edit on DV-formatted  
tapes using DVCAM video equipment.  
• Depending on signal conditions, you may not be able to record or edit on DVCAM-  
formatted tapes.  
In these cases, do the following:  
• Edit using audio/ video jacks.  
• Dub a DV-formatted tape using audio/ video jacks, then use the dubbed tape as a  
source tape.  
82  
No t e s o n vid e o ca sse t t e s  
Usa b le ca sse t t e s  
We recommend using a standard DVCAM cassette  
You can get the highest quality pictures with this digital camcorder using a standard  
DVCAM cassette which is the highest quality cassette.  
You may not get as good a quality with lesser cassettes.  
You cannot use any other  
VHS, k S-VHS, VHSC, K S-VHSC, l Betamax or ¬ ED Betamax type  
cassettes.  
mini DVCAM,  
mini DV, h 8 mm, H Hi8, j  
Co p yrig h t sig n a l  
Wh e n yo u p la y b a ck  
Using this digital camcorder, you cannot play back a tape that has recorded copyright  
control signals for copyright protection of software. “COPY INHIBIT” appears on the  
monitor screen or in the viewfinder if you try to play back such a tape. This digital  
camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records.  
Wh e n yo u re co rd  
You cannot use this digital camcorder and the DV connecting cable to copy a tape that  
has recorded the copyright control signals for copyright protection of software. “COPY  
INHIBIT” appears in the viewfinder or on the monitor screen if the playback signal of  
such a tape is input to this digital camcorder.  
No t e s o n t h e DVCAM ca sse t t e  
Go ld -p la t e d co n n e ct o r o f t h e st a n d a rd DVCAM ca sse t t e  
If the gold-plated connector of the DVCAM cassette gets dirty or dust sticks to the  
connector, the digital camcorder may malfunction when using the cassette memory  
functions such as cassette memory search.  
Clean the connector with the swab once every ten times you eject the cassette [a ].  
To p re ve n t a ccid e n t a l e ra su re  
Slide the protect tab on the cassette so that the red portion is visible [b ].  
Wh e n a ffixin g a la b e l o n t h e st a n d a rd DVCAM ca sse t t e  
Be sure to affix a label on only the location illustrated below so as not to cause  
malfunction of the digital camcorder [c].  
Aft e r u sin g t h e st a n d a rd DVCAM ca sse t t e  
After use, please be sure to rewind the tape completely (to prevent picture and sound  
distortion).  
Return to its case and store in an upright position.  
[b ]  
REC  
SAVE  
[a ]  
[c]  
83  
Tip s fo r u sin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack.  
Pre p a rin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Alw a ys ca rry a d d it io n a l b a t t e rie s  
Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have  
planned.  
Ba t t e ry life is sh o rt e r in a co ld e n viro n m e n t  
Battery efficiency is decreased, and the battery will be used up more quickly, if you are  
recording in a cold environment.  
To sa ve b a t t e ry p o w e r  
Turn STANDBY down to LOCK when not recording to save battery power.  
A smooth transition between scenes can be made even if recording is stopped and  
started again. While you are positioning the subject, selecting an angle, or looking  
through the viewfinder lens, the lens moves automatically and the battery is used. The  
battery is also used when a tape is inserted or removed.  
Wh e n t o re p la ce t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
While you are using your digital camcorder, the remaining battery indicator in the  
viewfinder decreases gradually as battery power is used up.  
When the remaining battery indicator reaches the lowest point, the i indicator may  
appear and start flashing in the viewfinder.  
When the i indicator in the viewfinder changes from slow flashing to rapid flashing  
while you are recording, set the POWER switch to OFF on the digital camcorder and  
replace the battery pack. Leave the tape in the digital camcorder to obtain a smooth  
transition between scenes after the battery pack has been replaced.  
No t e s o n t h e re ch a rg e a b le b a t t e ry p a ck  
Ca u t io n  
Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a car  
parked in the sun or under direct sunlight.  
Th e b a t t e ry p a ck h e a t s u p  
During charging or recording, the battery pack heats up. This is caused by energy that  
has been generated and a chemical change that has occurred inside the battery pack.  
This is not cause for concern and is normal.  
Ba t t e ry p a ck ca re  
Remove the battery pack form the digital camcorder after using it, and keep it in  
a cool place. When the battery pack is installed to the digital camcorder, a small  
amount of current flows to the digital camcorder even if the POWER switch is set to  
OFF. This shortens battery life.  
• The battery pack is always discharging even when it is not in use after charging.  
Therefore, you should charge the battery pack right before using the digital  
camcorder.  
84  
Tip s fo r u sin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Th e sw it ch o n t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
This switch is provided so that you can mark the charged battery pack. Set the switch to  
the “green mark” position when charging is completed. (When removed from the  
charging adaptor, the switch exposes the green mark. When removed from your digital  
camcorder, no mark is indicated.)  
Th e life o f t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
If the battery indicator flashes rapidly just after turning on the digital camcorder with a  
fully charged battery pack, the battery pack should be replaced with a new fully  
charged one.  
Ch a rg in g t e m p e ra t u re  
You should charge batteries at temperatures from 50°F to 86°F (from 10°C to 30°C).  
Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.  
No t e s o n ch a rg in g  
A b ra n d -n e w b a t t e ry p a ck  
A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Before using the battery pack, charge it  
completely.  
Re ch a rg e t h e b a t t e ry p a ck w h e n e ve r yo u like  
You do not have to discharge it before recharging. If you charged the battery pack fully  
but you did not use it for a long time, it becomes discharged. Then recharge the battery  
pack before use.  
No t e s o n t h e t e rm in a ls  
If the terminals (metal parts on the back) are not clean, the battery charge  
duration w ill be shortened.  
When the terminals are not clean or when the battery pack has not been used for a long  
time, repeatedly install and remove the battery pack a few times. This improves the  
contact condition. Also, wipe the + and – terminals with a soft dry cloth or paper.  
Be su re t o o b se rve t h e fo llo w in g  
• Keep the battery pack away from fire.  
• Keep the battery pack dry.  
• Do not open nor try to disassemble the battery pack.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.  
85  
Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d p re ca u t io n s  
Mo ist u re co n d e n sa t io n  
If the digital camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture  
may condense inside the digital camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. In  
this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be damaged or the unit may not  
operate correctly. To prevent possible damage under these circumstances, the digital  
camcorder is furnished with moisture sensors. Please, take the following precautions.  
In sid e t h e d ig it a l ca m co rd e r  
If there is moisture inside the digital camcorder, the beep sounds and the { indicator  
flashes. If this happens, none of the functions except cassette ejection will work. Open  
the cassette compartment, turn off the digital camcorder, and leave it about 1 hour.  
When 6 indicator flashes at the same time, the cassette is inserted in the digital  
camcorder. Eject the cassette, turn off the digital camcorder, and leave also the cassette  
about 1 hour. You can continue use of digital camcorder when the { indicator does not  
appear when the power is turned on again.  
On t h e le n s  
If moisture condenses on the lens, no indicator appears, but the picture becomes dim.  
Turn off the power and do not use the digital camcorder for about 1 hour.  
Ho w t o p re ve n t m o ist u re co n d e n sa t io n  
When bringing the digital camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, put the digital  
camcorder in a plastic bag and allow it to adapt to room conditions over a period of  
time.  
(1) Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing the digital camcorder.  
(2) Remove the bag when the air temperature inside it has reached the  
temperature surrounding it (after about 1 hour).  
Vid e o h e a d cle a n in g  
To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads.  
The video heads may be dirty when:  
mosaic-pattern noise appears on the playback picture  
playback pictures do not move  
playback pictures are hardly visible  
• the playback picture does not appear  
• the v indicator flashes in the viewfinder.  
[b ]  
[a ]  
or  
If the picture becomes like [a ] or [b ], clean the video heads with the Sony DV-12CL  
cleaning cassette (not supplied). After checking the picture, if it is still “noisy”, repeat  
the cleaning. (Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times.)  
Note  
If the DV-12CL cleaning cassette (not supplied) is not available in your area, consult  
your nearest Sony dealer.  
86  
Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d p re ca u t io n s  
Re m o vin g d u st fro m in sid e t h e vie w fin d e r  
(1) While pressing PUSH, open the viewfinder.  
(2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower.  
(3) Close the viewfinder until it clicks.  
1
2
2
1
Pre ca u t io n s  
Dig it a l ca m co rd e r o p e ra t io n  
• Operate the digital camcorder on 7.2 V (battery pack) or 8.4 V (AC power adaptor).  
• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories recommended in this manual.  
• Should any solid object or liquid get inside the casing, unplug the digital camcorder  
and have it checked by a Sony dealer before operating it any further.  
• Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens.  
• Keep the POWER switch set to OFF when not using the digital camcorder.  
• Do not wrap up the digital camcorder and operate it since heat may build up  
internally.  
• Keep the digital camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration.  
On Ha n d lin g Ta p e s  
• Do not insert anything into the small holes on the cassette.  
• Do not open the tape protect cover or touch the tape.  
• Avoid touching or damaging the terminals.  
To remove dust, clean the terminals with a soft cloth.  
87  
Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n a n d p re ca u t io n s  
Dig it a l ca m co rd e r ca re  
• When the digital camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the power  
source and remove the tape. Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and  
player sections and play back a tape for about 3 minutes.  
• Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust. If there are fingerprints on it, remove  
them with a soft cloth.  
• Clean the digital camcorder body with a dry soft cloth, or a soft cloth lightly  
moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of solvent which may  
damage the finish.  
AC p o w e r a d a p t o r  
Charging  
• Use only a lithium ion type battery pack.  
• Place the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration during charging.  
• The battery pack will get hot during charging. This is normal.  
Others  
• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet when not in use for a long time. To disconnect  
the power cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the power cord itself.  
• Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if the unit has been dropped or  
damaged.  
• Do not bend the power cord forcibly, or put a heavy object on it. This will damage the  
cord and may cause a fire or electrical shock.  
• Be sure that nothing metallic comes into contact with the metal parts of the connecting  
plate. If this happens, a short may occur and the unit may be damaged.  
• Always keep the metal contacts clean.  
• Do not disassemble the unit.  
• Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the unit.  
• While the unit is in use, particularly during charging, keep it away from AM receivers  
and video equipment because it will disturb AM reception and video operation.  
• The unit becomes warm while in use. This is normal.  
• Do not place the unit in locations that are:  
– Extremely hot or cold  
– Dusty or dirty  
– Very humid  
– Vibrating  
If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer.  
88  
Usin g yo u r d ig it a l ca m co rd e r a b ro a d  
Each country has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your digital  
camcorder abroad, check the following points.  
Po w e r so u rce s  
You can use your digital camcorder in any country with the AC-V615 AC power  
adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz.  
Diffe re n ce in co lo r syst e m s  
This digital camcorder is an NTSC system based digital camcorder. If you want to view  
the playback picture on a monitor, it must be an NTSC system based monitor.  
Check the following list.  
NTSC system countries  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica,  
Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela,  
etc.  
PAL system countries  
Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great  
Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal,  
Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, etc.  
PAL-M system country  
Brazil  
PAL-N system countries  
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay  
SECAM system countries  
Bulgaria, France, Guyana, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, etc.  
89  
Tro u b le ch e ck  
If you run into any problem using the digital camcorder, use the following table to  
troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source  
and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.  
Dig it a l ca m co rd e r  
Pow er  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The power is not on.  
• The battery pack is not installed.  
m Install the battery pack. (p. 23)  
• The battery is dead.  
m Use a charged battery pack. (p. 21)  
• The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.  
m Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 38)  
The power goes off.  
• While being operated in CAMCORDER mode, the digital  
camcorder has been in Standby mode for more than 5  
minutes.  
m Turn STANDBY down once and then up again. (p. 26)  
• The battery is dead.  
m Use a charged battery pack. (p. 21)  
The battery pack is quickly  
discharged.  
• The ambient temperature is too low. (p. 85)  
• The battery pack has not been charged fully.  
m Charge the battery pack again. (p.21)  
• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be  
recharged.  
m Use another battery pack. (p. 85)  
Operation  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
START/ STOP does not operate.  
• The tape is stuck to the drum.  
m Eject the tape. (p. 25)  
• The tape has run out.  
m Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 36)  
• CAMCORDER/ VTR is set to VTR.  
m Set it to CAMCORDER. (p. 26)  
• The tab on the cassette is out (red).  
m Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 25)  
The cassette cannot be removed  
from the holder.  
• The battery is dead.  
m Use a charged battery pack or the AC power adaptor.  
(p. 21, 38)  
{ and 6 indicators flash and no  
function except for cassette  
ejection works.  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
m Remove the cassette and leave the digital camcorder for  
at least 1 hour. (p. 86)  
The time code is flashing in  
display window.  
• The battery is weak or dead.  
m Replace the battery with a new one. (p. 79)  
90  
Tro u b le ch e ck  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
• CAMCORDER/ VTR is set to CAMCORDER.  
m Set it to VTR. (p. 36)  
The tape does not move when a  
video control button is pressed.  
• The tape has run out.  
m Rewind the tape or use a new one. (p. 36)  
• The digital camcorder is updating the cassette memory  
data (only for DVCAM cassettes with cassette memory).  
m Eject the cassette after the C MEMORY indicator  
disappears (p. 25).  
• STEADY SHOT is set to OFF.  
m Set STEADY SHOT to ON. (p. 68)  
The Steady Shot function does not  
activate.  
• FOCUS is set to MANU.  
m Set it to AUTO. (p. 53)  
The autofocusing function does  
not work.  
• Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus.  
m Set FOCUS to MANU to focus manually. (p. 52)  
• LINE/ MIC is set to LINE.  
m Set it to MIC FRONT or MIC REAR.  
The microphone does not work  
while recording.  
• DIRECTION SELECT is set to 0°.  
m Set it to 90° or 120°. (p. 29)  
Built-in microphone sound does  
not record in stereo when  
monitoring by headphone or line  
out jacks.  
• The signal of recording tape is no condition to operate  
audio dubbing.  
Audio dubbing does not work.  
m Dub the tape into another DVCAM cassette in Fs 32k  
using A/ V connecting cable. (p. 29)  
• The picture has been recorded with BUILT-IN MIC set to  
WIND.  
m When there is no wind, set it to off (green position).  
(p. 67)  
Excessive high-pitched sound is  
heard when recording using the  
built-in microphone.  
• AUDIO MIX in the menu is set to ST2.  
m Set it to ST1. (p. 40)  
The recording sound is weak or is  
not heard.  
• Reset the date and time. (p. 80)  
The date and time indicator  
disappears.  
• Set DIGITAL F in the menu to OVERLAP. (p. 40)  
• Set DIGITAL F in the menu to ZOOM/ WIDE. (p. 40)  
The overlap function does not  
work.  
D ZOOM or 16:9WIDE mode in  
the menu system cannot be set to  
ON.  
• Set DIGITAL F in the menu to ZOOM/ WIDE. (p. 40)  
(to be contunued)  
The slow shutter does not work.  
91  
Tro u b le ch e ck  
Picture  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
• The viewfinder lens is not adjusted.  
m Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 27)  
The image on the viewfinder  
screen is not clear.  
• The contrast between the subject and background is too  
high. The digital camcorder is not malfunctioning.  
m Change locations.  
A vertical band appears when a  
subject such as lights or a candle  
flame is shot against a dark  
background.  
• The digital camcorder is not malfunctioning.  
A vertical band appears when  
shooting a very bright subject.  
• The video heads may be dirty.  
m Clean the heads using the Sony DV-12CL cleaning  
cassette (not supplied). (p. 86)  
The picture is “noisy” or hardly  
visible.  
v indicator flashes in the  
• The video heads may be dirty.  
viewfinder.  
m Clean the heads using the Sony DV-12CL cleaning  
cassette (not supplied). (p. 86)  
• The ambient temperature is too low.  
• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be  
recharged.  
Battery remaining indicator does  
not indicate full ı when you  
insert a charged battery pack.  
m Use another battery pack. (p. 85)  
While editing using the DV  
connecting cable, recording  
picture cannot be monitored.  
• Remove the DV connecting cable, and connect it again.  
• The player or the cassette are not DVCAM format.  
• VF DISPLAY is set to OFF.  
m Set it to ON. (p. 28)  
The indicators in the viewfinder  
do not appear.  
Others  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The supplied Remote  
Commander does not work.  
• COMMANDER is set to OFF in the menu system.  
m Set it to VTR4 or ID. (p. 40)  
• VTR4/ ID/ VTR2 on the Remote Commander is set to ID.  
m Register the ID of the Remote Commander to the digital  
camcorder. (p. 13)  
• Something is blocking the infrared rays.  
m Remove the obstacle.  
• The batteries are not inserted with the correct polarity.  
m Insert the batteries with the correct polarity. (p. 12)  
• The batteries are dead.  
m Insert new ones. (p. 12)  
There is dust in the viewfinder.  
• To lift the viewfinder press PUSH and while holding, open  
the viewfinder. Clean the viewfinder surface. (p. 87)  
92  
Tro u b le ch e ck  
AC p o w e r a d a p t o r  
Symptom  
Corrective Actions  
The VTR/ CAMERA or  
CHARGE lamp does not light.  
The CHARGE lamp flashes.  
Disconnect the power cord. After about 1 minute, reconnect  
the power cord.  
See the following chart.  
Wh e n t h e CHARGE la m p fla sh e s  
Check through the following chart.  
Remove the battery pack from the AC  
power adaptor. Then install the same  
battery pack again.  
$
$
When the CHARGE lamp flashes again  
Install another battery pack.  
When the CHARGE lamp does not flash  
again  
If the CHARGE lamp lights up and goes  
out after a while, there is no problem.*  
$
$
When the CHARGE lamp flashes again  
The problem is with the AC power adaptor.  
When the CHARGE lamp does not flash  
again  
If the CHARGE lamp lights up and goes  
out after a while, the problem is with the  
battery pack installed first.  
$
Please contact your nearest Sony dealer in  
connection with the problem.  
* If you use a battery pack which you have  
just bought or which has been left unused  
for a long time, the CHARGE lamp may  
flash at the first charging. This does not  
indicate a problem. Repeat again to charge  
with the same battery pack.  
93  
Sp e cifica t io n s  
In p u t a n d o u t p u t  
co n n e ct o rs  
Ge n e ra l  
Syst e m  
Pow er requirements  
7.2 V (battery pack)  
Video recording system  
Two rotary heads, Helical  
scanning system  
Audio recording system  
Two rotary heads, PCM system  
Video signal  
S video output  
4-pin mini DIN  
8.4 V (AC power adaptor)  
Average pow er consumption  
11.6 W during camera recording  
Operating temperature  
32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)  
Storage temperature  
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm,  
unbalanced  
Chrominance signal: 0.286 Vp-p,  
75 ohm, unbalanced  
Video output  
NTSC color, EIA standards  
Usable cassette  
–4°F to +140°F (–20°C to +60°C)  
Dimensions (Approx.)  
8 5/ 8 x 9 3/ 8 x 18 3/ 4 inches (216 x  
237 x 474 mm) (w/ h/ d)  
(When the viewfinder is lying flat)  
Mass (Approx.)  
7 lb 14 oz (3.6 kg) excluding the  
battery pack, lithium battery,  
cassette, lens cover and shoulder  
strap  
10 lb 5 oz (4.7 kg) including the  
battery adaptor NPA-10000,  
battery pack NP-F950 (x3), lithium  
battery CR2025, cassette PDV-  
184ME, lens cover  
Phono jack, 1 Vp-p, 75 ohm,  
unbalanced  
BNC connector  
DVCAM logo printed cassette  
Recording / Playback time (using  
PDV-184ME cassette)  
184 min.  
Fastforw ard/rew ind time  
Approx. 7 min.  
Image device  
3 CCD (Charge Coupled Device 1/  
3")  
Audio output  
Phono jacks (2: stereo L and R)  
327 mV, (at load impedance 47  
kilohm) impedance less than 2.2  
kilohm  
RFU DC OUT  
Special minijack, DC 5 V  
Headphone jack  
Stereo minijack (ø 3.5 mm)  
LANC control jack  
Stereo mini-minijack (ø 2.5 mm)  
MIC jack  
Stereo minijack, 0.388 mV low  
impedance with 2.5 to 3.0 V DC,  
output impedance 6.8 kilohm (ø  
3.5 mm)  
View finder  
Electronic viewfinder:  
Monochrome  
Lens  
10x (optical), 20x (digital)  
f = 1/ 4 to 2 5/ 16 inches (5.9 to 59  
mm)  
1 5/ 8 to 16 9/ 16 inches (42 to 420  
mm) when converted into a 35-  
mm still camera  
Microphone  
Stereo type  
Supplied accessories  
See page 5.  
Audio input  
F = 1.6 to 2.1  
XLR jacks (2: CH-1 and CH-2)  
Speaker  
Dynamic speaker  
DC input  
4-pin connector  
Filter diameter 2 1/ 8 inches (52  
mm)  
Color temperature  
Auto/ Indoors (3200K)/ Outdoors  
(5800K)  
Design and specifications are  
subject to change without notice.  
DV IN/OUT  
Minimum illumination  
3 lux (F 1.6)  
4-pin special connector  
View finder connector  
8-pin connector  
Illumination range  
3 lux to 100,000 lux  
Recommended illumination  
More than 100 lux  
Shutter speed control  
1/ 4 to 1/ 10000  
Gain control  
–3 to 18 dB  
Aperture control  
F 1.6 to F 11, CLOSE  
94  
Wa rn in g in d ica t o rs  
If indicators flash in the viewfinder, or a caution lamp on the digital camcorder flashes,  
check the following:  
: you can hear the beep sound when the BEEP is set to ON.  
1
2
3
4
5min  
5
9
6
0
7
!¡  
8
C MEMORY  
COPY  
INHIBIT  
1 The battery is w eak or dead.  
8 Some other trouble has occurred.  
Disconnect the power source and  
contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized facility.  
Slow flashing: The battery is weak.  
Fast flashing: The battery is dead.  
2 The tape is near the end.  
The flashing is slow.  
9 The lithium battery is w eak or is not  
installed.  
3 The tape has run out.  
The flashing becomes rapid.  
0 Updating the cassette memory data.  
Wait until C MEMORY disappears.  
The cassette compartment automatically  
lifts up and opens after the indicator  
disappears.  
4 No tape has been inserted.  
5 The tab on the tape is out (red).  
6 Moisture condensation has occurred.  
You tried to playback or record a  
7 The video heads may be  
contaminated.  
picture that has a copyright signal.  
This indicator appears only in the  
viewfinder.  
95  
In d e x  
A, B  
F, G, H  
Q, R  
Adjusting viewfinder ............. 27  
AE SHIFT ................................. 69  
AUDIO MODE ........................ 29  
AUDIO MONITOR ................ 66  
Auto focus ............................... 52  
AUTO LOCK ........................... 49  
BEEP ........................................ 28  
BUILT-IN MIC ........................ 67  
Fade-in/ Fade-out .................. 43  
FADER/ OVERLAP ......... 43, 44  
Gain .......................................... 58  
House current .......................... 38  
Rec review .............................. 33  
Recording mode ...................... 29  
Remote control jack (LANC)  
.................................................... 8  
Reverse .................................... 37  
I, J, K, L  
S
ID ............................................... 13  
LANC ........................................ 8  
Lithium battery ...................... 78  
Shoulder strap ........................ 16  
Shutter speed .......................... 55  
Skip scan ................................. 37  
SPEAKER ................................. 28  
Standby mode ........................ 28  
STEADYSHOT ....................... 68  
C, D  
Camera recording .................. 26  
Charging battery .................... 21  
Cleaning video heads ............ 86  
Clock set .................................. 80  
Connection .............................. 34  
Custom preset ........................ 69  
DATA CODE .......................... 73  
Depth of field ......................... 54  
Digital zoom ........................... 30  
Display window ..................... 16  
DISPLAY ................................. 36  
DV connecting cable ............... 74  
M, N  
Manual focus .......................... 51  
Menu system .......................... 40  
MIC (microphone) jack ......... 28  
MIC ........................................... 67  
ND filter ................................... 63  
T, U, V  
TC RESET ................................... 9  
Tripod mounting ................... 17  
Trouble check ......................... 90  
VTR4 ........................................ 11  
O, P  
One-push white balance ........ 61  
Overlap .................................... 44  
Playback pause ....................... 37  
Power sources ........................ 38  
Power zoom ............................ 30  
PEAK ....................................... 66  
W, X, Y, Z  
E
White balance ......................... 60  
Zebra pattern ........................... 64  
Editing ..................................... 74  
EDITSEARCH ........................ 33  
EJECT (6) ............................... 25  
Sony Corporation Printed in Japan  

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