Sony CCD TR317 User Manual
3-868-320-71 (1)  
Vid e o Ca m e ra  
Re co rd e r  
Operating Instructions  
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,  
and retain it for future reference.  
CCD-TR517  
CCD-TR317/TR517  
©1999 Sony Corporation  
Ta b le o f co n t e n t s  
Qu ick St a rt Gu id e ............................. 4  
Ed it in g  
Dubbing a tape ...................................... 39  
Ge t t in g st a rt e d  
Using this manual ................................... 6  
Checking supplied accessories .............. 8  
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ..... 9  
Installing the battery pack ............... 9  
Charging the battery pack ............. 10  
Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 14  
Step 2 Inserting a cassette ................... 15  
Cu st o m izin g Yo u r Ca m co rd e r  
Changing the menu settings ................ 40  
Resetting the date and time ................. 44  
Ad d it io n a l In fo rm a t io n  
Playback modes ..................................... 46  
Changing the lithium battery in your  
camcorder ........................................ 47  
Re co rd in g – Ba sics  
Recording a picture ............................... 16  
Troubleshooting .................................... 49  
Self-diagnosis display ........................... 52  
Warning indicators and messages ...... 53  
Using your camcorder abroad ............ 54  
Shooting backlit subjects  
(BACK LIGHT) ........................ 19  
Shooting in the dark (NightShot)  
.................................................... 20  
Maintenance information and  
Superimposing the date and time  
on pictures ................................ 21  
precautions ...................................... 55  
Specifications ......................................... 59  
Checking the recording  
– EDITSEARCH / Rec Review ..... 22  
Qu ick Re fe re n ce  
Pla yb a ck – Ba sics  
Identifying the parts and controls ...... 60  
Quick Function Guide .......................... 66  
Connections for playback .................... 23  
Playing back a tape ............................... 24  
Ad va n ce d Re co rd in g  
Op e ra t io n s  
Using the wide mode ........................... 26  
Using the fader function ...................... 28  
Using special effects  
– Picture effect ................................. 30  
Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 31  
Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 33  
Focusing manually ................................ 34  
Superimposing a title ........................... 35  
Making your own titles ........................ 37  
3
Qu ick St a rt Gu id e  
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your  
camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more  
information.  
Co n n e ct in g t h e p o w e r co rd (p . 14)  
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 9).  
Open the DC IN  
jack cover.  
Connect the plug with  
its v mark facing up.  
AC power adaptor (supplied)  
In se rt in g a ca sse t t e (p . 15)  
1Slide EJECT in the  
2Insert a cassette  
into the cassette  
compartment  
3Close the cassette  
compartment by  
pressing the  
direction of the arrow  
while pressing the  
small blue button.  
mark  
with its window  
facing out.  
on the cassette  
compartment. The  
cassette compartment  
automatically goes  
down.  
4
Re co rd in g a p ict u re (p . 16)  
2Turn STANDBY to STANDBY. The  
1Set the POWER switch to CAMERA  
picture appears in the viewfinder.  
while pressing  
POWER  
K
the small green  
button.  
CAMERA  
OFF  
(CHARGE)  
PLAYER  
START/STOP  
3Press the red button. Your camcorder  
starts recording. To stop recording,  
press the red button again.  
K
START/STOP  
View finder  
Use the viewfinder placing your eye against its  
eyecup.  
The picture in the viewfinder is black and white. (CCD-  
TR317 only)  
Mo n it o rin g t h e p la yb a ck p ict u re in t h e  
vie w fin d e r (p . 24)  
1Set the POWER switch to PLAYER  
2Press m to rewind the tape.  
while pressing  
POWER  
REW  
the small green  
button.  
CAMERA  
OFF  
(CHARGE)  
3Press N to start playback.  
PLAYER  
PLAY  
NOTE  
Do not pick up your camcorder by holding  
the viewfinder or the battery pack.  
5
— Ge t t in g st a rt e d —  
Usin g t h is m a n u a l  
The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before  
you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number  
by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The CCD-TR517 is the model used for  
illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any  
differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “CCD-TR517  
only.”  
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in  
capital letters.  
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.  
When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the  
operation is being carried out.  
Typ e s o f d iffe re n ce s  
CCD-  
TR317  
B/ W  
TR517  
color  
Viewfinder  
6
Usin g t h is m a n u a l  
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.  
Co p yrig h t p re ca u t io n s  
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 ca m co rd e r ca re  
• The view finder is manufactured using high-precision technology.  
How ever, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue,  
green or w hite) that constantly appear in the view finder. These points occur  
normally in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in  
any w ay.  
Effective ratio of pixels and/or screen are 99.99% or more.  
• Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea  
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.  
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a ].  
• Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F ), such as in a  
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b ].  
• Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside  
of the viewfinder may be damaged [c].  
[a ]  
[b ]  
[c]  
7
Ch e ckin g su p p lie d a cce sso rie s  
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.  
1
2
3
4
5
1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC pow er adaptor  
4 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 23)  
(1), Pow er cord (1) (p. 10)  
5 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 62)  
2 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 9, 10)  
3 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p. 47)  
The lithium battery is already installed  
in your camcorder.  
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not  
made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.  
8
St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly  
In st a llin g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.  
Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.  
To re m o ve t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT  
RELEASE down.  
BATT RELEASE  
After installing the battery pack  
Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack  
may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder.  
9
St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly  
Ch a rg in g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.  
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series).  
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with  
your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.  
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.  
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.  
(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE). Charging begins. The remaining  
battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window.  
When the remaining battery indicator changes to u, normal chargeis completed. To  
fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about 1 hour  
after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in the display window. Fully  
charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.  
POWER  
CAMERA  
4
OFF  
(CHARGE)  
PLAYER  
1
2
10  
St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly  
Notes  
• Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug  
of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power  
adaptor.  
• Keep the battery pack dry.  
• When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once  
fully and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool  
place.  
Remaining battery time indicator  
The remaining battery time indicator in the display window roughly indicates the  
recording time.  
Battery pack  
The battery pack is charged a little before it leaves the factory.  
Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time  
“– – – – min” appears in the display window.  
While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in  
the display w indow in the follow ing cases  
– The battery pack is not installed correctly.  
– The AC power adaptor is disconnected.  
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.  
11  
St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly  
Ch a rg in g t im e  
Battery pack  
NP-F330 (supplied)  
NP-F530/ F550  
NP-F730/ F750  
NP-F930/ F950  
NP-F960  
Full charge (Normal charge)  
150 (90)  
210 (150)  
300 (240)  
390 (330)  
420 (360)  
Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack  
Re co rd in g t im e  
CCD-TR317  
Battery pack  
NP-F330 (supplied)  
NP-F530  
Continuous*  
140 (125)  
245 (220)  
280 (250)  
500 (450)  
580 (525)  
780 (705)  
900 (790)  
1035 (930)  
Typical**  
75 (70)  
135 (120)  
155 (135)  
275 (245)  
320 (290)  
430 (385)  
495 (435)  
570 (510)  
NP-F550  
NP-F730  
NP-F750  
NP-F930  
NP-F950  
NP-F960  
CCD-TR517  
Battery pack  
NP-F330 (supplied)  
NP-F530  
Continuous*  
170 (160)  
305 (275)  
340 (305)  
625 (560)  
710 (640)  
975 (875)  
1080 (970)  
1260 (1135)  
Typical**  
95 (90)  
165 (150)  
185 (165)  
345 (310)  
390 (350)  
535 (480)  
595 (535)  
695 (625)  
NP-F550  
NP-F730  
NP-F750  
NP-F930  
NP-F950  
NP-F960  
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery  
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.  
*
Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be  
shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.  
* *Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/  
stop, zooming and turning the power on/ off. The actual battery life may be shorter.  
12  
St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly  
Pla yin g t im e  
CCD-TR317  
Battery pack  
NP-F330 (supplied)  
NP-F530  
145 (130)  
260 (230)  
295 (260)  
525 (475)  
610 (550)  
825 (740)  
930 (830)  
1090 (980)  
NP-F550  
NP-F730  
NP-F750  
NP-F930  
NP-F950  
NP-F960  
CCD-TR517  
Battery pack  
NP-F330 (supplied)  
NP-F530  
180 (160)  
325 (295)  
360 (325)  
665 (600)  
750 (680)  
1035 (930)  
NP-F550  
NP-F730  
NP-F750  
NP-F930  
NP-F950  
NP-F960  
1140 (1030)  
1330 (1195)  
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery  
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery. The  
battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.  
Aft e r ch a rg in g t h e b a t t e ry p a ck  
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.  
Note on the remaining battery time indicator during recording  
The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are  
recording.  
What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?  
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as  
battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible  
with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” L series battery packs have the  
mark.  
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.  
13  
St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly  
Co n n e ct in g t o a w a ll o u t le t  
When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a  
wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.  
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN  
jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.  
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.  
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.  
1
2, 3  
PRECAUTION  
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is  
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.  
Notes  
• The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your  
camcorder.  
• The DC IN jack has “source priority”. This means that the battery pack cannot supply  
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power  
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.  
Using a car battery  
Use Sony DC Adaptor/ Charger (not supplied).  
14  
St e p 2 In se rt in g a ca sse t t e  
(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 9).  
(2) Slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow while pressing the small blue button.  
The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.  
(3) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the tab on the cassette up.  
(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the  
mark on the cassette  
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.  
2
3
4
To e je ct a ca sse t t e  
Slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow while pressing the small blue button.  
Note  
Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction.  
To prevent accidental erasure  
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.  
15  
— Re co rd in g – Ba sics —  
Re co rd in g a p ict u re  
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.  
You can select English, Spanish, Portuguese or Chinese for the information indicators in  
the menu settings. The default setting is English.  
(1) Installthepower sourceand inserta cassette.See“Step 1” and “Step 2” for  
moreinformation (p.9to15).  
(2) Set the POWERswitch to CAMERA while pressing the smallgreen button.The  
lenscoveropens.  
(3) Turn STANDBY to STANDBY.  
(4) Press START/ STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator  
appears.Thecamerarecordinglamp located on thefrontofyour camcorder  
lights up. To stop recording, press START/ STOP again.  
The recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder.(CCD-TR317only)  
3
4
2
POWER  
CAMERA  
SP  
K
STBY 0:00:00  
40min  
OFF  
(CHARGE)  
PLAYER  
START/STOP  
SP  
REC 0:00:01  
40min  
K
START/STOP  
Microphone  
Camera recording  
lamp  
Note  
Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.  
To enable smooth transition  
You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene  
smooth as long as you do not eject the cassette. When you exchange the battery pack in  
the recording mode, set STANDBY to LOCK.  
If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 5 minutes w hile the cassette  
is inserted  
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent  
battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, turn STANDBY down and up  
again. To start recording, press START/ STOP.  
To set the counter to 0:00:00  
Press COUNTER RESET (p. 63).  
16  
Re co rd in g a p ict u re  
Aft e r re co rd in g  
(1) Turn STANDBY down to LOCK.  
(2) Ejectthecassette.  
(3) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).  
To re co rd p ict u re s w it h t h e vie w fin d e r – a d ju st in g t h e  
vie w fin d e r  
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder  
come into sharp focus.  
Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.  
17  
Re co rd in g a p ict u re  
Usin g t h e zo o m fe a t u re  
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.  
Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.  
“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)  
“W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)  
W
T
W
W
T
T
Zoom greater than 20× is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital  
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. (p. 40)  
The picture quality deteriorates as the picture is processed digitally.  
W
T
The right side of the bar shows  
the digital zooming zone.  
The digital zooming zone appears  
when you select the digital zoom  
power in D ZOOM in the menu  
settings.  
When you shoot close to a subject  
If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the  
focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm away from the lens  
surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm away in the wide-angle position.  
Notes on digital zoom  
• Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 20×.  
• The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side. Set D ZOOM to OFF in  
the menu settings. Otherwise the digital zoom activates without notice (p. 40).  
18  
Re co rd in g a p ict u re  
In d ica t o rs d isp la ye d in t h e re co rd in g m o d e  
The indicators are not recorded on tape.  
Recording mode indicator  
STBY/REC indicator  
SP  
REC 0:00:01  
40min  
Tape counter  
Remaining tape indicator  
This appears after you insert a cassette and record  
or play back for a while.  
Remaining battery time indicator  
Sh o o t in g b a cklit su b je ct s (BACK LIGHT)  
When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a  
light background, use the backlight function.  
Press BACK LIGHT in the recording or standby mode.  
The . indicator appears in the viewfinder.  
To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.  
BACK LIGHT  
If you press EXPOSURE w hen shooting backlit subjects  
The backlight function will be canceled.  
19  
Re co rd in g a p ict u re  
Sh o o t in g in t h e d a rk (Nig h t Sh o t )  
The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you  
can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when  
you use this function.  
While your camcorder is in the standby mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.  
and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash in the viewfinder. To cancel the NightShot  
function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.  
NIGHTSHOT  
OFF  
ON  
NightShot Light emitter  
Usin g t h e Nig h t Sh o t Lig h t  
The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable NightShot Light, set  
N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 40).  
Notes  
• Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This  
may cause your camcorder to malfunction.  
• When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be  
recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.  
• If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,  
focus manually.  
While using the NightShot function, you can not use the follow ing functions:  
– Exposure  
– PROGRAM AE  
NightShot Light  
NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance  
using the NightShot Light is about 3 m.  
20  
Re co rd in g a p ict u re  
Su p e rim p o sin g t h e d a t e a n d t im e o n p ict u re s  
You can record the date or time displayed in the viewfinder superimposed on the  
picture.  
Carry out the following operations in the standby or recording mode.  
Press DATE to record the date.  
Press TIME to record the time.  
Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME (or DATE) to record the date and time.  
Press DATE and/ or TIME again. The date and/ or time indicator disappears.  
DATE  
TIME  
The default clock setting is set to Tokyo time for the models sold in Japan, and to New  
York time for other models. You can reset the clock in the menu settings (p. 40).  
Note  
The date and time indicators recorded manually cannot be deleted.  
If you do not record the date and time in the picture  
Record the date and time in the black screen as the background for about 10 seconds,  
then erase the date and time indicators before starting actual recording.  
21  
Ch e ckin g t h e re co rd in g  
– EDITSEARCH / Re c Re vie w  
You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition  
between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth.  
EDITSEARCH  
EDITSEARCH  
You can search for the next recording start point.  
Hold down the +/ – (7) side of EDITSEARCH in the standby mode. The recorded  
section is played back.  
+ : to go forward  
– : to go backward  
Release EDITSEARCH to stop playback. If you press START/ STOP, re-recording begins  
from the point you released EDITSEARCH.  
Re c Re vie w  
You can check the last recorded section.  
Press the – (7) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily in the standby mode.  
The last few seconds of the recorded section are played back.  
22  
— Pla yb a ck – Ba sics —  
Co n n e ct io n s fo r p la yb a ck  
Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/ V connecting cable supplied  
with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. When monitoring  
the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that you power your camcorder  
from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 14). Refer to the operating  
instructions of your TV or VCR.  
Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/ V connecting  
cable. Then, set the TV/ VCR selector on the TV to VCR.  
IN  
VIDEO OUT  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
AUDIO OUT  
: Signal flow  
If yo u r TV is a lre a d y co n n e ct e d t o a VCR  
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/ V connecting  
cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.  
To co n n e ct t o a TV o r VCR w it h o u t Vid e o /Au d io in p u t ja cks  
Use an NTSC system RFU adaptor (not supplied).  
Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR and the RFU adaptor.  
23  
Pla yin g b a ck a t a p e  
YoucanmonitortheplaybackpictureonaTVscreenafterconnectingyourcamcorder  
toaTVorVCR.Youcanalsomonitorthepictureintheviewfinder.  
(1) Installthepowersourceandinserttherecordedtape.  
(2) SetthePOWERswitchtoPLAYERwhilepressingthesmallgreenbutton.  
(3) Press mtorewind thetape.  
(4) Press Ntostartplayback.  
POWER  
2
3
CAMERA  
REW  
OFF  
(CHARGE)  
PLAYER  
4
PLAY  
To st o p p la yb a ck  
Press x.  
24  
Pla yin g b a ck a t a p e  
Va rio u s p la yb a ck m o d e s  
To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to PLAYER.  
To vie w a st ill p ict u re (p la yb a ck p a u se )  
Press Xduring playback. To resume playback, press Xor N.  
To a d va n ce t h e t a p e  
Press Min the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.  
To re w in d t h e t a p e  
Press min the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.  
To lo ca t e a sce n e m o n it o rin g t h e p ict u re (p ict u re se a rch )  
Keep pressing mor Mduring 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 o r  
re w in d in g t h e t a p e (skip sca n )  
Keep pressing mwhile rewinding or Mwhile advancing the tape. To resume  
rewinding or advancing, release the button.  
In the various playback modes  
Sound is muted.  
When the playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes  
Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.  
When you play back a tape recorded in the LP mode  
Noise may appear during playback pause mode or picture search.  
The tapes recorded in the Hi8 format  
You can play back the tapes recorded in the Hi8 video system on your camcorder.  
25  
— Ad va n ce d Re co rd in g Op e ra t io n s  
—
Usin g t h e w id e m o d e  
You can record a cinema-like picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the  
16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9FULL). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV.  
CINEMA  
Black bands appear on the screen during recording in the CINEMA mode [a], playing  
back on a normal TV [b] or a wide-screen TV [c]. If you set the screen mode of the wide-  
screen TV to the zoom mode, a picture without black bands appears [d].  
16:9FULL  
The picture during recording in the 16:9FULL mode [e], or playing back on a normal  
TV [f] or a wide-screen TV [g] is horizontally compressed. If you set the screen mode of  
the wide-screen TV to the full mode, you can watch pictures of normal images [h].  
[b]  
CINEMA  
CINEMA  
[a]  
[d]  
[c]  
[f]  
16:9FULL  
16:9FULL  
[e]  
[h]  
[g]  
26  
Usin g t h e w id e m o d e  
In the standby mode, set 16:9WIDE to CINEMA or 16:9FULL in the menu settings  
(p. 40).  
MENU  
To ca n ce l t h e w id e m o d e  
Set 16:9WIDE to OFF in the menu settings.  
In the w ide mode  
You cannot select the bounce function with FADER.  
Date or time indicator  
When you record in the 16:9FULL mode, the date or time indicator will be widened on  
wide-screen TVs.  
During recording  
You cannot change or cancel the wide mode. When you cancel the wide mode, set your  
camcorder to the standby mode and then set 16:9WIDE to OFF.  
27  
Usin g t h e fa d e r fu n ct io n  
You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance.  
[a ]  
STBY  
REC  
FADER  
M.FADER  
(mosaic)  
STRIPE  
BOUNCE *  
(Fade in only)  
[b ]  
STBY  
REC  
MONOTONE  
When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black-and-white to color.  
When fading out the picture gradually changes from color to black-and-white.  
* You can use this function only when D ZOOM is set to OFF.  
28  
Usin g t h e fa d e r fu n ct io n  
(1) When fading in a[]  
Inthestandbymode,pressFADERuntilthedesiredfaderindicatorflashes.  
When fading out b[]  
Intherecordingmode,pressFADERuntilthedesiredfaderindicatorflashes.  
Theindicatorchangesasfollows:  
FADER t M.FADER t STRIPE t BOUNCE t MONOTONE t no  
indicator  
Thelastselectedfadermodeisindicatedfirstofall.  
(2) PressSTART/ STOP.Thefaderindicatorstopsflashing.  
1
FADER  
FADER  
To ca n ce l t h e fa d e r fu n ct io n  
After the fade in/ out is carried out : Your camcorder automatically returns to the  
normal mode.  
Before the fade in/ out is carried out : Before pressing START/ STOP, press FADER until  
the indicator disappears.  
The date, time indicator and title do not fade in or fade out  
Erase them before operating the fader function if they are not needed.  
While using the bounce function, you cannot use the follow ing functions:  
– Exposure  
– Focus  
– Zoom  
– Picture effect  
Note on the bounce function  
The BOUNCE indicator does not appear in the following mode or functions:  
– D ZOOM is set to the mode other than OFF in the menu settings  
– Wide mode  
– Picture effect  
– PROGRAM AE  
29  
Usin g sp e cia l e ffe ct s – Pict u re e ffe ct  
You can digitally process images to obtain special effects like those in films or on the  
TV.  
PASTEL [a] :  
Thecontrastofthepictureisemphasized,andthepicturelookslikean  
animatedcartoon.  
NEG. ART [b] : Thecolorandbrightnessofthepictureisreversed.  
SEPIA:  
Thepictureissepia.  
B&W :  
Thepictureismonochrome(black-and-white).  
SOLARIZE [c] : Thelightintensityisclearer,andthepicturelookslikeanillustration.  
MOSAIC [d] : Thepictureismosaic.  
SLIM [e] :  
Thepictureexpandsvertically.  
STRETCH [f] : Thepictureexpandshorizontally.  
[a ]  
[b ]  
[c]  
[d ]  
[e ]  
[f]  
(1) PressPICTUREEFFECTinthestandbyorrecordingmode.  
Thepictureeffectindicatorappears.  
(2) TurntheSEL/ PUSHEXECdialtoselectthedesiredpictureeffectmode.  
Theindicatorchangesasfollows:  
PASTEL yNEG.ART ySEPIA yB&W ySOLARIZE yMOSAIC y  
SLIM ySTRETCH  
1
PICTURE EFFECT  
2
MOSAIC  
To t u rn t h e p ict u re e ffe ct fu n ct io n o ff  
Press PICTURE EFFECT.  
When you turn the pow er off  
Your camcorder automatically returns to the normal mode.  
30  
Usin g t h e PROGRAM AE fu n ct io n  
You can select PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) mode to suit your specific shooting  
requirements.  
Spotlight mode  
This mode prevents people’s faces, for example, from appearing excessively white  
when shooting subjects lit by strong light in the theater.  
Soft portrait mode  
This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as  
people or flowers.  
Sports lesson mode  
This mode minimizes shake on fast-moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.  
Beach & ski mode  
This mode prevents people’s faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light,  
such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.  
Sunset & moon mode  
This mode allows you to maintain atmosphere when you are recording sunsets, general  
night views, fireworks displays and neon signs.  
Landscape mode  
This mode is for when you are recording distant subjects such as mountains and  
prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you  
are recording a subject behind glass or a screen.  
31  
Usin g t h e PROGRAM AE fu n ct io n  
(1) Press PROGRAM AE in the standby mode. The PROGRAM AE indicator  
appears.  
(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode.  
Theindicatorchangesasfollows:  
PROGRAM  
1
2
A
To t u rn t h e PROGRAM AE fu n ct io n o ff  
Press PROGRAM AE.  
Notes  
• In the spotlight, sports lesson and beach & ski modes, you cannot take close-ups. This  
is because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.  
• In the sunset & moon and landscape modes, your camcorder is set to focus only on  
distant subjects.  
• The following functions do not work in the PROGRAM AE mode:  
– NightShot  
– Bounce  
• If you press PROGRAM AE when using the NightShot function, the PROGRAM AE  
indicator flashes and the PROGRAM AE function does not work.  
If you are recording under a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium  
lamp or mercury lamp  
Flickering or changes in color may occur in the following modes. If this happens, turn  
the PROGRAM AE function off.  
– Soft portrait mode  
– Sports lesson mode  
32  
Ad ju st in g t h e e xp o su re m a n u a lly  
You can manually adjust and set the exposure.  
Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases:  
• The subject is backlit  
• Bright subject and dark background  
• To record dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully  
(1) Press EXPOSUREin the standby or recording mode.  
Theexposureindicatorappears.  
(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness.  
1
EXPOSURE  
2
To re t u rn t o t h e a u t o m a t ic e xp o su re m o d e  
Press EXPOSURE again.  
Note  
When you adjust the exposure manually, the backlight function does not work.  
Your camcorder automatically returns to the automatic exposure mode:  
– if you change the PROGRAM AE mode  
– if you slide NIGHTSHOT to ON  
33  
Fo cu sin g m a n u a lly  
You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases:  
• The autofocus mode is not effective when shooting  
– subjects through glass coated with water droplets  
– horizontal stripes  
– subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky  
• When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the  
background  
• Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod  
(1) SetFOCUStoMANUALin thestandby or recording mode.The  
appears.  
9
indicator  
(2) Turn NEAR/ FAR to sharpen focus.  
FOCUS  
NEAR/FAR  
To re t u rn t o t h e a u t o fo cu s m o d e  
Set FOCUS to AUTO.  
To re co rd d ist a n t su b je ct s  
When you press FOCUS down to INFINITY, the lens focuses on infinity and  
indicator appears. When you release FOCUS, your camcorder returns to the manual  
focus mode. Use this mode when your camcorder focuses on near objects even though  
you are trying to shoot a distant object.  
To focus precisely  
Adjust the zoom by first focusing at the “T” (telephoto) position and then shooting at  
the “W” (wide-angle) position. This makes focusing easier.  
When you shoot close to the subject  
Focus at the end of the “W” (wide-angle) position.  
9changes to the follow ing indicators:  
when recording a distant subject.  
when the subject is too close to focus on.  
34  
Su p e rim p o sin g a t it le  
You can select one of eight preset titles and two custom titles (p. 37). You can also select  
the language, color, size and position of titles.  
VACATION  
(1) Press TITLE in the standby mode.  
(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.  
(3) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired title, then press the dial.  
Thetitlesaredisplayed in thelanguageyou selected.  
(4) Changethecolor,size,or position,ifnecessary.  
1 Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the color, size, or position, then  
pressthedial.Theitem appears.  
2 Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the  
dial.  
3 Repeat steps 1and 2untilthetitleislaid out asdesired.  
(5) Press the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial again to complete the setting.  
(6) Press START/ STOP to start recording.  
(7)When you want to stop recording the title,pressTITLE.  
PRESET TITLE  
HELLO!  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY  
1
HAPPY HOLIDAYS  
CONGRATULATIONS!  
OUR SWEET BABY  
WEDDING  
VACATION  
THE END  
TITLE  
[TITLE] : END  
PRESET TITLE  
HELLO!  
PRESET TITLE  
HELLO!  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY  
HAPPY HOLIDAYS  
CONGRATULATIONS!  
OUR SWEET BABY  
WEDDING  
VACATION  
THE END  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY  
HAPPY HOLIDAYS  
CONGRATULATIONS!  
OUR SWEET BABY  
WEDDING  
2
3
4
VACATION  
THE END  
RETURN  
[TITLE] : END  
[TITLE] : END  
PRESET TITLE  
HELLO!  
TITLE  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY  
HAPPY HOLIDAYS  
CONGRATULATIONS!  
OUR SWEET BABY  
WEDDING  
VACATION  
VACATION  
THE END  
RETURN  
[TITLE] : END  
[TITLE] : END  
SIZE  
SMALL  
TITLE  
SIZE  
LARGE  
VACATION  
VACATION  
[TITLE] : END  
35  
Su p e rim p o sin g a t it le  
To su p e rim p o se t h e t it le w h ile yo u a re re co rd in g  
Press TITLE while you are recording, and carry out steps 2 to 5. When you press the  
SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial at step 5, the title is superimposed.  
To se le ct t h e la n g u a g e o f a p re se t t it le  
If you want to change the language, select  
language and return to step 2.  
before step 2. Then select the desired  
Note  
Both the date and time or either of them may not be displayed depending on the size or  
position of the title.  
If you display the menu or title menu w hile superimposing a title  
The title is not recorded while the menu or title menu is displayed.  
To use the custom title  
If you want to use the custom title, select  
in step 2.  
If you have not made any custom title, “– – – – ...” appears on the display.  
Title setting  
• The title color changes as follows :  
WHITE y YELLOW y VIOLET y RED y CYAN y GREEN y BLUE  
• The title size changes as follows :  
SMALL y LARGE  
You cannot input more than 13 characters in LARGE size.  
• The title position changes as follows :  
1 y 2 y 3 y 4 y 5 y 6 y 7 y 8 y 9  
The larger the position number, the lower the title is positioned.  
When you select the title size “LARGE”, you cannot choose position 9.  
When you select the title size “LARGE” in the CINEMA mode, you cannot choose  
position 8 nor 9.  
When you are selecting and setting the title  
You cannot superimpose the title displayed on the screen.  
When you superimpose a title w hile you are recording  
The beep does not sound.  
36  
Ma kin g yo u r o w n t it le s  
You can make up to two titles and store them in your camcorder. Each title can have up  
to 20 characters.  
(1) Press TITLE in the standby or PLAYER mode.  
(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.  
(3) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the first line (CUSTOM1) or second  
line (CUSTOM2),then press the dial.  
(4) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the column of the desired character,  
then pressthedial.  
(5) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired character, then press the  
dial.  
(6) Repeatsteps4and 5untilyou haveselected allcharactersand completed the  
title.  
(7) To finish making your own titles, turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select  
[SET],then pressthedial.Thetitleisstored in memory.  
(8) Press TITLEto make the title menu disappear.  
1
2
3
TITLE SET  
CUSTOM1 " – – – – – – – – – – ··"  
CUSTOM2 " – – – – – – – – – – ··"  
TITLE SET  
––––––––––––––––––––  
––––––––––––––––––––  
RETURN  
TITLE  
[TITLE] : END  
[TITLE] : END  
PRESET TITLE  
HELLO!  
HAPPY BIRTHDAY  
HAPPY HOLIDAYS  
CONGRATULATIONS!  
OUR SWEET BABY  
WEDDING  
VACATION  
THE END  
TITLE SET  
TITLE SET  
––––––––––––––––––––  
––––––––––––––––––––  
––––––––––––––––––––  
RETURN  
[TITLE] : END  
[TITLE] : END  
[TITLE] : END  
4
6
1
3
2
4
TITLE SET  
TITLE SET  
––––––––––––––––––––  
––––––––––––––––––––  
[TITLE] : END  
[TITLE] : END  
TITLE SET  
TITLE SET  
S
–––––––––––––––––––  
––––––––––––––––––––  
[TITLE] : END  
[TITLE] : END  
37  
Ma kin g yo u r o w n t it le s  
To ch a n g e a t it le yo u h a ve st o re d  
In step 3, select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2, depending on which title you want to change,  
then press the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial. Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select [C], then  
press the dial to delete the title. The last character is erased. Enter the new title as  
desired.  
If you take 5 minutes or longer to enter characters in the standby mode w hile a  
cassette is in your camcorder  
The power automatically goes off. The characters you have entered remain stored in  
memory. Turn STANDBY down once and then up again, then proceed from step 1.  
We recommend setting the POWER switch to PLAYER or removing the cassette so that  
your camcorder does not automatically turn off while you are entering title characters.  
If you select [  
]
The menu for selecting alphabet and Russian characters appear. Select [  
to the previous screen.  
] to return  
To delete the title  
Select [C]. The last character is erased.  
38  
— Ed it in g —  
Du b b in g a t a p e  
Usin g t h e A/V co n n e ct in g ca b le  
Connect your camcorder to the VCR using the A/ V connecting cable supplied with  
your camcorder.  
(1) Insert a blank tape(or a tapeyou want to record over)into theVCR,and insert  
therecorded tapeintoyourcamcorder.  
(2) Set the input selector on the VCRto LINE.  
Refer totheoperating instructionsofyour VCRfor moreinformation.  
(3) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER.  
(4) Play back therecorded tapeon your camcorder.  
(5) Start recording on theVCR.  
Refer totheoperating instructionsofyour VCRfor moreinformation.  
IN  
VIDEO OUT  
VIDEO  
AUDIO  
AUDIO OUT  
: Signal flow  
Wh e n yo u h a ve fin ish e d d u b b in g a t a p e  
Press xon both your camcorder and the VCR.  
To p re ve n t d e t e rio ra t io n o f p ict u re s fro m d u b b in g  
Set EDIT to ON in the menu settings before dubbing.  
You can edit on VCRs that support the follow ing systems  
8 mm,  
Betamax,  
Hi8, Digital8,  
mini DV or  
VHS,  
DV  
S-VHS,  
VHSC,  
S-VHSC,  
39  
— Cu st o m izin g Yo u r Ca m co rd e r —  
Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s  
To change the mode settings in the menu settings, select the menu items with the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial. The default settings can be partially changed. First, select the icon,  
then the menu item and then the mode.  
(1) In the standby or PLAYER mode, press MENU.  
(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired icon, then press the dial to  
set.  
(3) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired item, then press the dial to  
set.  
(4) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial  
toset.  
(5) Ifyou want to changeother items,select  
RETURN and pressthedial,then  
repeatstepsfrom 2to4.  
Fordetails,see“Selectingthemodesettingofeach item”(p.41).  
CAMERA SET  
ZOOM  
16 : 9WIDE  
D
1
2
3
4
CAMERA  
PLAYER  
OTHERS  
CAMERA SET  
PLAYER SET  
EDIT  
TBC  
WORLD TIME  
MENU  
D
ZOOM  
BEEP  
16 : 9WIDE  
REC LAMP  
N. S. LIGHT  
DNR  
[MENU] : END  
[MENU] : END  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
REC LAMP  
RETURN  
0
HR  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
0
HR  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
REC LAMP ON  
RETURN  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
REC LAMP ON  
RETURN  
OFF  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
REC LAMP ON  
RETURN  
OFF  
OTHERS  
WORLD TIME  
BEEP  
REC LAMP OFF  
RETURN  
To m a ke t h e m e n u d isp la y d isa p p e a r  
Press MENU.  
40  
Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s  
Menu items are displayed as the follow ing icons:  
CAMERA SET  
PLAYER SET  
VF SET (CCD-TR517 only)  
TAPE SET  
SETUP MENU  
OTHERS  
Depending on your camcorder model  
The menu display may be different from that in this illustration.  
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  
z is the default setting.  
Menu items differ according to whether the POWER switch is set to PLAYER or  
CAMERA.  
The viewfinder screen shows only the items you can operate at the moment.  
POWER  
Mode  
Meaning  
sw itch  
Icon/item  
D ZOOM  
OFF  
To deactivate digital zoom. Up to 20× zoom is  
carried out.  
CAMERA  
40×  
z 200×  
z OFF  
To activate digital zoom. More than 20× to 40×  
zoom is performed digitally. (p. 18)  
To activate digital zoom. More than 20× to 200×  
zoom is performed digitally. (p. 18)  
—
CAMERA  
16:9WIDE  
CINEMA  
16:9FULL  
z ON  
To record in the CINEMA mode (p. 26)  
To record in the 16:9FULL mode  
To use the NightShot Light function (p. 20)  
To cancel the NightShot Light function  
—
CAMERA  
PLAYER  
PLAYER  
N.S.LIGHT  
EDIT  
OFF  
z OFF  
ON  
To minimize picture deterioration when editing  
To correct jitter  
z ON  
OFF  
TBC  
To not correct jitter. Set TBC to OFF when playing  
back a tape on which you have dubbed over and  
recorded the signal of a TV game or similar  
machine.  
TBC stands for “Time Base Corrector”.  
z ON  
To reduce picture noise  
PLAYER  
DNR  
OFF  
To reduce a conspicuous afterimage when the  
picture has a lot of movement  
DNR stands for “Digital Noise Reduction”.  
In more than 5 minutes after removing the pow er source  
The “EDIT” item is returned to its default setting.  
The other menu items are held in memory even when the battery is removed, as long as  
the lithium battery is installed.  
41  
Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s  
POWER  
sw itch  
Icon/item  
VF B.L.  
Mode  
BRT NORMAL  
BRIGHT  
Meaning  
z
To set the brightness in the viewfinder normal  
To brighten the viewfinder screen  
PLAYER  
CAMERA  
(CCD-TR517  
only)  
REC MODE  
z SP  
To record in SP (Standard Play) mode  
CAMERA  
LP  
To increase the recording time to twice the SP  
mode  
ORC TO SET  
To automatically adjust the recording condition CAMERA  
to get the best possible recording. Press  
START/ STOP to start adjustment. Your  
camcorder takes about 10 seconds to check the  
tape condition and then returns to the standby  
mode.  
ORC stands for “Optimizing the Recording Condition”.  
qREMAIN  
z AUTO  
To display the remaining tape bar:  
• for about 8 seconds after your camcorder is  
turned on and calculates the remaining  
amount of tape  
PLAYER  
CAMERA  
• for about 8 seconds after a cassette is inserted  
and your camcorder calculates the remaining  
amount of tape  
• for about 8 seconds after N is pressed in  
PLAYER mode  
• for the period of tape rewinding, forwarding  
or picture search in the PLAYER mode  
ON  
To always display the remaining tape bar  
Note on VF B.L. (CCD-TR517 only)  
When you use power sources other than the battery pack, “BRIGHT” is automatically  
selected.  
Notes on the LP mode  
• When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing  
the tape on your camcorder. When you play back the tape on other camcorders or  
VCRs, noise may occur in pictures or sound.  
• Noise may occur also when you play on your camcorder tapes recorded in the LP  
mode on other camcorders or VCRs.  
Notes on ORC setting  
• Each time you eject the cassette, the ORC setting will be canceled. If necessary, reset  
the setting.  
• You cannot use this setting on a tape with the red mark on the cassette exposed.  
(i. e. the tape is write-protected)  
• When you set ORC TO SET, a non-recorded section of about 0.1 seconds appears on  
the tape. However, note that this non-recorded section disappears from the tape when  
you continue recording from this section.  
• To check if you have already set the ORC setting, select ORC TO SET in the menu  
settings. “ORC ON” is displayed if ORC TO SET is already set.  
42  
Ch a n g in g t h e m e n u se t t in g s  
POWER  
sw itch  
Icon/item  
CLOCK SET  
Mode  
Meaning  
To reset the date or time (p. 44)  
CAMERA  
CAMERA  
AUTO DATE  
z ON  
To record the date for 10 seconds after  
recording has started  
OFF  
To cancel the auto date function  
LTR SIZE  
z NORMAL  
2×  
To display selected menu items in normal size  
PLAYER  
CAMERA  
To display selected menu items at twice the  
normal size  
PLAYER  
CAMERA  
LANGUAGE  
z ENGLISH  
To display the following information indicators  
in English: REC, STBY, min  
ESPAÑOL  
To display the information indicators in  
Spanish  
PORTUGUÊS To display the information indicators in  
Portuguese  
To display the information indicators in Chinese  
CAMERA  
DEMO MODE  
z ON  
OFF  
To make the demonstration appear  
To cancel the demonstration mode  
Notes on DEMO MODE  
• You cannot select DEMO MODE when a cassette is inserted in your camcorder.  
• DEMO MODE is set to STBY (Standby) at the factory and the demonstration starts  
about 10 minutes after you have set the POWER switch to CAMERA without a  
cassette inserted.  
To cancel the demonstration, insert a cassette, set the POWER switch to other than  
CAMERA, or set DEMO MODE to OFF.  
• When NIGHTSHOT is set to ON, the NIGHTSHOT indicator appears in the  
viewfinder and you cannot select DEMO MODE in the menu settings.  
POWER  
Icon/item  
WORLD TIME  
Mode  
Meaning  
sw itch  
To set the clock to the local time. Turn the SEL/  
PUSH EXEC dial to set a time difference. The  
clock changes by the time difference you set  
here. If you set the time difference to 0, the  
clock returns to the originally set time.  
CAMERA  
BEEP  
z MELODY  
To output the melody when you start/ stop  
recording or when an unusual condition occurs  
on your camcorder  
PLAYER  
CAMERA  
NORMAL  
To output the beep sound instead of the  
melody  
OFF  
To cancel the melody and beep sound  
REC LAMP  
z ON  
To light up the camera recording lamp at the  
front of your camcorder  
CAMERA  
OFF  
To turn the camera recording lamp off so that  
the subject is not aware of the recording  
43  
Re se t t in g t h e d a t e a n d t im e  
The default clock setting is set to Tokyo time for the models sold in Japan, and to New  
York time for other models.  
The date and time are held in memory by the lithium battery. If you replace the lithium  
battery with the battery pack or other power source connected, you need not reset the  
date and time.  
You must reset the date and time when the lithium battery becomes dead with no  
power source installed.  
First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.  
(1) While your camcorder is in the standby mode,press MENU to display the  
menu.  
(2) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.  
(3) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial.  
(4) Turn the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the desired year, then press the dial.  
(5) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial and  
pressingthedial.  
(6) Set the minute by turning the SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by  
thetimesignal.Theclock startstomove.  
(7) PressMENU to makethemenu disappear.Thetimeindicator appears.  
MENU  
1,  
7
2
3
SETUP MENU  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
AUTO DATE  
LTR SIZE  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
AUTO DATE  
LTR SIZE  
JAN  
1
1999  
CLOCK SET  
AUTO DATE  
LTR SIZE  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
RETURN  
12:00:00AM  
1999 JAN  
1
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
RETURN  
12 00 AM  
[MENU] : END  
[MENU] : END  
6
4
SETUP MENU  
SETUP MENU  
CLOCK SET  
AUTO DATE  
LTR SIZE  
CLOCK SET  
AUTO DATE  
LTR SIZE  
JUL  
4
2000  
5:30:00PM  
2000 JUL  
4
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
RETURN  
LANGUAGE  
DEMO MODE  
RETURN  
5
30 PM  
2000 JAN  
1
2000 JAN  
1
[MENU] : END  
[MENU] : END  
12 00 AM  
12 00 AM  
44  
Re se t t in g t h e d a t e a n d t im e  
To ch e ck t h e p re se t d a t e a n d t im e  
Press DATE to display the date indicator.  
Press TIME to display the time indicator.  
Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME (or DATE) to simultaneously display the  
date and time indicator.  
Press DATE and/ or TIME again. The date and/ or time indicator disappears.  
The year changes as follow s:  
1999  
˜
2000 N · · · · n 2029  
Auto date function  
When you use your camcorder for the first time, turn it on and reset the date and time  
to your time before you start recording (p. 44). The date is automatically recorded for 10  
seconds after you start recording (Auto date function). This function works only once  
a day.  
Note on the time indicator  
The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.  
• 12:00 AM stands for midnight.  
• 12:00 PM stands for noon.  
Note on the auto date function  
You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu settings.  
The auto date function automatically displays the date once a day.  
However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day if:  
– you reset the date and time.  
– you eject and insert the tape again.  
– you stop recording within 10 seconds.  
– you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it back ON in the menu settings.  
45  
— Ad d it io n a l In fo rm a t io n —  
Pla yb a ck m o d e s  
Wh a t is Vid e o 8  
?
“Video 8XR” isa function that further enhancestheimagequality ofVideo 8.This  
function allowsyou torecord and playback pictureswith clearer details.  
Videotapesrecorded on a camcorder having the“XR” function show excellentpicture  
quality when they areplayed back on an “XR” camcorder.  
Theplayback quality willbethenormalquality ofthestandard 8mm camcorder when  
videotapesrecorded on an “XR” camcorder areplayed back by a conventional  
standard 8mm camcorder or when videotapesrecorded on aconventionalstandard  
8mm camcorder areplayed back on the“XR” camcorder.  
* “XR” standsfor “Extended Resolution.”  
Wh e n yo u p la y b a ck  
Theplayback mode(SP/ LP)isautomatically selected according to therecording system  
in which thetapehasbeen recorded.Thequality oftherecorded picturein theLP  
mode,however,willnotbeasgood astheSPmode.  
Fo re ig n 8 m m vid e o  
BecauseTVcolor systemsdiffer from country tocountry,you may not beabletoplay  
backforeign pre-recorded tapes.Refer to“Usingyour camcorder abroad”tocheckthe  
TVcolor systemsused in foreign countries.  
46  
Ch a n g in g t h e lit h iu m b a t t e ry in yo u r  
ca m co rd e r  
When replacingthelithium battery,keep thebatterypackorotherpowersource  
attached.Otherwise,you willneed toresetthedate,timeand other itemsin themenu  
settingshold in memorybythelithium battery.  
Insertthebatterywith thepositive(+)sidefacingout.When thebatterybecomesweak  
or dead,the Windicator flashesin theviewfinder for about5secondswhen you setthe  
POWER switch to CAMERA. 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. Discard used batteriesaccording tothemanufacturer’sinstructions.  
(+)  
(---)  
WARNING  
Thebatterymayexplodeifmistreated.Donotrecharge,disassemble,nor disposeofit  
in fire.  
Lithium battery  
• Keep thelithium batteryoutofthereach ofchildren.  
• Should thebatterybeswallowed,immediatelyconsultadoctor.  
• Wipethebatterywith adrycloth toensuregood contact.  
Lithium battery installed at the factory  
Thisbattery may notlast1year.  
47  
Ch a n g in g t h e lit h iu m b a t t e ry in yo u r 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  
(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 a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery with the positive (+)  
side facing out.  
(4) Close the lid.  
2
4
1
3
48  
Tro u b le sh o o t in g  
Ifyou run intoany problem using your camcorder,usethefollowing tableto  
troubleshoottheproblem.Iftheproblem persists,disconnectthepowersourceand  
contact your Sony dealer or localauthorized Sony servicefacility.If“C:  
ss:ss”  
appearsin theviewfinder,theself-diagnosisdisplayfunction hasworked.Seepage52.  
In t h e re co rd in g m o d e  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
START/ STOP does not operate.  
• The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHARGE) or PLAYER.  
c Set it to CAMERA. (p. 16)  
• STANDBY is set to LOCK.  
c Turn STANDBY to STANDBY. (p. 16)  
• The tape has run out.  
c Rewind the tape or insert a new one. (p. 15, 24)  
• The write-protect tab is set to expose the red mark.  
c Use a new tape or slide the tab. (p. 15)  
• The tape is stuck to the drum (moisture condensation).  
c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at  
least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 55)  
• While being operated in the CAMERA mode, your  
camcorder has been in the standby mode for more than 5  
minutes.  
The power goes off.  
c Turn STANDBY down once and then up again. (p. 16)  
The image on the viewfinder screen  
is not clear.  
• The viewfinder lens is not adjusted.  
c Adjust the viewfinder lens. (p. 17)  
• FOCUS is set to MANUAL.  
c Set it to AUTO. (p. 34)  
The autofocusing function does not  
work.  
• Shooting conditions are not suitable for autofocus.  
c Set FOCUS to MANUAL to focus manually. (p. 34)  
The x indicator flashes in the  
• The video heads may be dirty.  
viewfinder.  
c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning  
cassette (not supplied). (p. 56)  
A vertical band appears when you  
shoot a subject such as lights or a  
candle flame against a dark  
background.  
• The contrast between the subject and background is too  
high. This is not a malfunction.  
A vertical band appears when you  
shoot a very bright subject.  
• This is not a malfunction.  
• If 10 minutes elapse after you set the POWER switch to  
CAMERA or DEMO MODE is set to ON in the menu  
settings without a cassette inserted, your camcorder  
automatically starts the demonstration.  
An unknown picture is displayed in  
the viewfinder.  
c Insert a cassette and the demonstration stops.  
You can also cancel DEMO MODE. (p. 43)  
(Continued on thefollowingpage)  
49  
Tro u b le sh o o t in g  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
• NIGHTSHOT is set to ON.  
c Set it to OFF. (p. 20)  
The picture is recorded in incorrect  
or unnatural colors.  
Picture appears too bright, and the  
subject does not appear in the  
viewfinder.  
• NIGHTSHOT is set to ON in a bright place.  
c Set it to OFF, or use the NightShot function in a dark  
place. (p. 20)  
In t h e p la yb a ck m o d e  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The tape does not move when a  
video control button is pressed.  
• The POWER switch is set to CAMERA or OFF (CHARGE).  
c Set it to PLAYER. (p. 24)  
• The tape has run out.  
c Rewind the tape. (p. 24)  
• The television’s video channel is not adjusted correctly.  
c Adjust it. (p. 23)  
The playback picture is not clear or  
does not appear.  
• EDIT is set to ON in the menu settings.  
c Set it to OFF. (p. 40)  
• The video head may be dirty.  
c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning  
cassette (not supplied). (p. 56)  
In t h e re co rd in g a n d p la yb a ck m o d e s  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The power does not turn on.  
• The battery pack is not installed, or is dead or nearly dead.  
c Install a charged battery pack. (p. 9, 10)  
• The AC power adaptor is not connected to a wall outlet.  
c Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (p. 14)  
The battery pack is quickly  
discharged.  
• The operating temperature is too low.  
• The battery pack is not fully charged.  
c Charge the battery pack again. (p. 10)  
• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be  
recharged.  
c Replace with a new battery pack. (p. 9)  
The battery remaining indicator does  
not indicate the correct time.  
• You have used the battery pack in an extremely hot or  
cold environment for a long time.  
• The battery pack is completely dead, and cannot be  
recharged.  
c Replace with a new battery pack. (p. 9)  
• The battery is dead.  
c Use a charged battery pack. (p. 9, 10)  
The power goes off although the  
battery remaining indicator indicates  
that the battery pack has enough  
power to operate.  
c Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication  
on the battery remaining indicator is correct.  
50  
Tro u b le sh o o t in g  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The cassette cannot be removed from • The power source is disconnected.  
the holder.  
c Connect it firmly. (p. 9, 14)  
• The battery is dead.  
c Use a charged battery pack. (p. 9, 10)  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at  
least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 55)  
The % and Z indicators flash and no  
functions except for cassette ejection  
work.  
Ot h e rs  
Symptom  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
The date or time indicator does not  
appear, and the bars “--:--:--” appear.  
• Reset the date and time. (p. 44)  
The melody or beep sounds for 5  
seconds.  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at  
least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 55)  
• Some troubles has occurred in your camcorder.  
c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate  
your camcorder.  
While charging the battery pack, no  
indicator appears or the indicator  
flashes in the display window.  
• The AC power adaptor is disconnected.  
c Connect it firmly. (p. 10)  
• Something is wrong with the battery pack.  
c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility.  
51  
Se lf-d ia g n o sis d isp la y  
Your camcorder hasa self-diagnosisdisplay  
function.  
Vie w f in d e r  
Thisfunction displaysthecurrentcondition of  
your camcorder asa 5-digitcode(a combination of  
a letter and figures)in theviewfinder or the  
display window.Ifa 5-digit codeisdisplayed,  
checkthefollowingcodechart.Thelasttwodigits  
(indicated by ss)willdiffer depending on the  
stateofyourcamcorder.  
C:21:00  
Self-diagnosis display  
• C:ss:ss  
You can service your camcorder  
yourself.  
• E:ss:ss  
Contact your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony facility.  
Five-digit display  
Cause and/or Corrective Actions  
• You are using a battery pack that is not an  
C:04:ss  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.  
c Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 13)  
C:21:ss  
• Moisture condensation has occurred.  
c Remove the cassette and leave your camcorder for at  
least 1 hour to acclimatize. (p. 55)  
C:22:ss  
• The video heads are dirty.  
c Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLD cleaning  
cassette (not supplied). (p. 56)  
C:31:ss  
• A malfunction other than the above that you can service  
has occurred.  
C:32:ss  
c Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate  
your camcorder.  
c Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or  
remove the battery pack. After reconnecting the power  
source, operate your camcorder.  
E:61:ss  
• A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred.  
c Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility and inform them of the 5-digit code.  
(example: E:61:10)  
E:62:ss  
Ifyou areunabletorectify theproblem even ifyou try correctiveactionsa few times,  
contactyour Sony dealer or localauthorized Sony servicefacility.  
52  
Wa rn in g in d ica t o rs a n d m e ssa g e s  
Ifindicatorsand messagesappear in theviewfinder or thedisplay window,check the  
following:  
Seethepagein parentheses“(  
)”formoreinformation.  
Theindicatorsand messagesaredisplayed in yellow.(CCD-TR517only)  
Wa rn in g in d ica t o rs  
The video heads are dirty  
Slow flashing:  
• You need to clean theheadsusing theSony V8-25CLD  
cleaningcassette(notsupplied)(p.56).  
The battery is dead or  
nearly dead  
Self-diagnosis display (p. 52)  
Slow flashing:  
• The battery is nearly dead.  
Fast flashing:  
C:21:00  
• The battery is dead (p. 10).  
• The battery is completely  
dead, and cannot be  
recharged.  
Moisture condensation has  
occurred*  
Fast flashing:  
Depending on conditions,  
the E indicator may flash,  
even if there are 5 to 10  
minutes remaining.  
• Eject the cassette, turn off  
your camcorder, and leave it  
for about 1 hour with the  
cassette compartment open  
(p. 55).  
Warning indicator as to tape  
Slow flashing:  
You need to eject the  
cassette  
• The tape is near the end.  
• No tape is inserted (p. 15).*  
• The write-protect tab on the  
cassette is out (red) (p. 15).*  
Slow flashing:  
• The write-protect tab on the  
cassette is out (red) (p. 15).*  
Fast flashing:  
• Moisture condensation has  
occurred (p. 55).  
Fast flashing:  
• The tape has run out (p. 15).*  
• The tape has run out  
(p. 15, 24).*  
• The self-diagnosis display  
function is activated (p. 52).*  
The lithium battery is w eak  
or is not installed (p. 47)  
Wa rn in g m e ssa g e s  
• CLOCK SET  
Resetthedateand time(p.44).  
• For “InfoLITHIUM”  
BATTERY ONLY  
Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p. 13).  
•
CLEANING CASSETTE Thevideo headsaredirty (p.56).  
• START/ STOP KEY  
Press the START/ STOP button to activate the ORC  
setting.Thismessageisdisplayed in white(p.42).  
• ORC  
The ORC setting is working.This message is  
displayed in white(p.42).  
* You hear themelodyor beep sound.  
53  
Usin g yo u r ca m co rd e r a b ro a d  
Usin g yo u r ca m co rd e r a b ro a d  
You can useyour camcorder in any country or area with theAC power adaptor  
supplied with your camcorder within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz.  
Your camcorder isan NTSC system based camcorder.Ifyou want to view theplayback  
picture on a TV, it must be an NTSC system based TV with VIDEO/ AUDIO input jack.  
Thefollowing showsTVcolor systemsused overseas.  
NTSC system  
Bahama Islands,Bolivia,Canada,CentralAmerica,Chile,Colombia,Ecuador,Jamaica,  
Japan,Korea,Mexico,Peru,Surinam,Taiwan,thePhilippines,theU.S.A.,Venezuela,  
etc.  
PAL system  
Australia,Austria,Belgium,China,Czech Republic,Denmark,Finland,Germany,Great  
Britain,Holland,Hong Kong,Italy,Kuwait,Malaysia,New Zealand,Norway,Portugal,  
Singapore,SlovakRepublic,Spain,Sweden,Switzerland,Thailand,etc.  
PAL-M system  
Brazil  
PAL-N system  
Argentina,Paraguay,Uruguay  
SECAM system  
Bulgaria,France,Guyana,Hungary,Iran,Iraq,Monaco,Poland,Russia,Ukraine,etc.  
Sim p le se t t in g o f clo ck b y t im e d iffe re n ce  
You can easily set theclock tothelocaltimeby setting a timedifference.Select WORLD  
TIMEin themenu settings.Seepage43for moreinformation.  
54  
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  
Ifyour camcorder isbrought directly from a cold placeto a warm place,moisturemay  
condenseinsideyour camcorder,on thesurfaceofthetape,or on thelens. In this  
condition,thetapemay stick tothehead drum and bedamaged or your camcorder may  
notoperatecorrectly.Ifthereismoistureinsideyour camcorder,thebeep soundsand  
the %indicator flashes.When the Zindicator flashesatthesametime,thecassetteis  
inserted in your camcorder.Ifmoisturecondenseson thelens,theindicator willnot  
appear.  
If m o ist u re co n d e n sa t io n o ccu rre d  
Noneofthefunctionsexceptcassetteejection willwork.Ejectthecassette,turn offyour  
camcorder,and leaveitforabout1hourwith thecassettecompartmentopen.Your  
camcorder can beused again ifthe %indicator doesnotappear when thepower is  
turned on again.  
Note on moisture condensation  
Moisturemay condensewhen you bring your camcorder from a cold placeintoa warm  
place(or viceversa)or when you useyour camcorder in a hot placeasfollows:  
• You bring your camcorder from a skislopeinto a placewarmed up by a heating  
device  
• You bring your camcorder from an air-conditioned car or room intoa hot place  
outside  
• You useyour camcorder after a squallor a shower  
• You useyour camcorder in a high temperatureand humidity place  
How to prevent moisture condensation  
When you bring your camcorder from a cold placeinto a warm place,put your  
camcorder in a plasticbag and tightly sealit.Removethebag when theair temperature  
insidetheplasticbaghasreached thesurroundingtemperature(afterabout1hour).  
55  
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  
Ma in t e n a n ce in fo rm a t io n  
Cle a n in g t h e vid e o h e a d  
Toensurenormalrecording and clear pictures,clean thevideoheads.Thevideohead  
may bedirty when:  
• The x indicator and “  
CLEANING CASSETTE” message appear one after another  
or the xindicator flashesin theviewfinder.  
• Playbackpicturescontain noise.  
• Playback picturesarehardly visible.  
• Playbackpicturesdonotappear.  
Ifthishappens,clean thevideoheadswith theSony V8-25CLDcleaning cassette(not  
supplied).  
[a]  
[a] Slightly dirty  
[b]  
[b] Very dirty  
Note on video heads  
When theplayback picturesarestillcontain noiseeven ifyou havecleaned thevideo  
headswith a cleaning cassette,thevideoheadsmay haveworn down duetolong use.If  
thisisthecase,they mustbereplaced with new heads.Contactyour Sony dealer or  
localauthorized Sonyservicefacility.  
Re m o vin g d u st fro m in sid e t h e vie w fin d e r  
– CCD-TR317 only  
(1) 1Remove the screw with a screwdriver (not supplied). 2Then, while holding  
the RELEASE knob up, 3turn the eyecup in a counterclockwise direction and  
pull it out.  
(2) Clean the surface with a commercially available blower for a still camera.  
(3) Turn the eyecup in a clockwise direction, then replace the screw.  
Caution  
Donotremoveany other screws.You may removeonly thescrew toremovethe  
eyecup.  
56  
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  
Pre ca u t io n s  
Ca m co rd e r o p e ra t io n  
• Operateyour camcorder on 7.2V(battery pack)or 8.4V(AC power adaptor).  
• For DCor ACoperation,usetheaccessoriesrecommended in thisoperating  
instructions.  
• Ifany solid object or liquid get insidethecasing,unplug your camcorder and haveit  
checked byaSonydealerbeforeoperatingitanyfurther.  
• Avoid rough handling or mechanicalshock.Beparticularly carefulofthelens.  
• Keep the POWER switch set to OFF (CHARGE) when you are not using your  
camcorder.  
• Donotwrap your camcorder with a towel,for example,and operateit.Doing so  
mightcauseheattobuild up inside.  
• Keep your camcorder awayfrom strongmagneticfieldsor mechanicalvibration.  
On h a n d lin g t a p e s  
Donotinsertanythingintothesmallholeson therear ofthecassette.Theseholesare  
used tosensethetypeand thicknessofthetapeand iftherecording tab isin or out.  
Ca m co rd e r ca re  
• When your camcorder isnottobeused for a long time,removethebattery.  
• Removethetape,and periodically turn on thepower,operatetheCAMERA and  
PLAYERsectionsand play back a tapefor about 5minuteswhen your camcorder is  
nottobeused for a long time.  
• Clean thelenswith a softbrush toremovedust.Iftherearefingerprintson thelens,  
removethem with asoftcloth.  
• Clean thecamcorder body with a dry softcloth,or a softcloth lightly moistened with  
a mild detergentsolution.Donotuseany typeofsolventwhich may damagethe  
finish.  
• Do not let sand get into your camcorder.When you useyour camcorder on a sandy  
beach or in a dusty place,protect it from thesand or dust. Sand or dust may cause  
yourcamcordertomalfunction,and sometimesthismalfunction cannotberepaired.  
AC p o w e r a d a p t o r  
• Unplug theunit from a walloutlet when you arenot using theunit for a long time.To  
disconnect thepower cord,pullit out by theplug.Never pullthepower cord itself.  
• Donotoperatetheunitwith a damaged cord or iftheunithasbeen dropped or  
damaged.  
• Do not bend thepower cord forcibly,or placea heavy object on it.Thiswilldamage  
thecord and may causefireor electricalshock.  
• Preventmetallicobjectsfrom comingintocontactwith themetalpartsofthe  
connecting section.Ifthishappens,a shortmay occur and theunitmay bedamaged.  
• Alwayskeep metalcontactsclean.  
• Donotdisassembletheunit.  
• Do not apply mechanicalshock or drop theunit.  
• Whiletheunit isin use,particularly during charging,keep it away from AM receivers  
and videoequipment.AM receiversand videoequipmentdisturb AM reception and  
videooperation.  
• Theunit becomeswarm during use.Thisisnot a malfunction.  
• Donotplacetheunitin locationsthatare:  
–Extremely hot or cold  
– Dusty or dirty  
– Very humid  
–Vibrating  
57  
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  
Ba t t e ry p a ck  
• Useonlythespecified charger or videoequipmentwith thechargingfunction.  
• Topreventaccidentfrom a shortcircuit,donotallow metalobjectstocomeinto  
contactwith thebatteryterminals.  
• Keep thebatterypackawayfrom fire.  
• Never exposethebattery pack totemperaturesabove60°C(140°F),such asin a car  
parked in thesun or under direct sunlight.  
• Keep thebatterypackdry.  
• Donotexposethebatterypacktoanymechanicalshock.  
• Donotdisassemblenor modifythebatterypack.  
• Attach thebatterypacktothevideoequipmentsecurely.  
• Chargingwhilesomecapacityremainsdoesnotaffecttheoriginalbatterycapacity.  
Ifany problem occurs,unplug your camcorder and contactyour nearestSony dealer.  
58  
Sp e cifica t io n s  
In p u t / o u t p u t  
co n n e ct o rs  
Vid e o ca m e ra  
re co rd e r  
AC p o w e r a d a p t o r  
Pow er requirements  
100 - 240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz  
Pow er consumption  
23 W  
Output voltage  
DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.5 A in operating  
mode  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
–20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
125 × 39 × 62 mm (w/ h/ d)  
excluding projecting parts  
Mass (approx.)  
Video output  
Phono jack, 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,  
unbalanced  
Audio output  
Monaural, phone jack, 327 mV  
RFU DC OUT  
Special minijack, DC 5V  
LANC control jack  
Stereo mini-minijack (ø 2.5 mm)  
MIC jack  
Syst e m  
Video recording system  
2 rotary heads  
Helical scanning FM system  
Audio recording system  
Rotary heads, FM system  
Video signal  
NTSC color, EIA standards  
Usable cassette  
8 mm video format cassette  
Standard 8  
Monaural minijack (ø 3.5 mm)  
Ge n e ra l  
Recording/playback time (using  
cassette P6-120)  
SP mode: 2 hours  
Pow er requirements  
7.2 V (battery pack)  
280 g  
8.4 V (AC power adaptor)  
Average pow er consumption  
(w hen using the battery pack)  
During camera recording  
CCD-TR317 : 2.3 W  
LP mode: 4 hours  
Fastforw ard/rew ind time (using  
cassette P6-120)  
Approx. 5 min.  
View finder  
Electric viewfinder  
CCD-TR317: monochrome  
CCD-TR517: color  
Image device  
1/ 6 inch CCD (Charged Coupled  
Device)  
Approx. 270,000 pixels (Effective:  
Approx. 250,000 pixels)  
Lens  
Combined power zoom lens  
Filter diameter 37 mm  
20× (Optical), 200×(Digital)  
Focal length  
3.6 - 72 mm  
When converted to a 35 mm still  
camera  
excluding power cord  
Ba t t e ry p a ck  
Output voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
Capacity  
CCD-TR517 : 1.9 W  
Operating temperature  
0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)  
Storage temperature  
–20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)  
Dimensions (approx.)  
CCD-TR317:  
102 × 106 × 212 mm (w/ h/ d)  
CCD-TR517:  
102 × 106 × 195 mm (w/ h/ d)  
Mass (approx.)  
5.0 Wh  
Dimensions (approx.)  
38 × 21 × 71 mm (w/ h/ d)  
Mass (approx.)  
95 g  
Type  
Lithium ion  
Design and specifications are  
subject to change without notice.  
740 g (1 lb 10 oz)  
excluding the battery pack, lithium  
battery, cassette and shoulder  
strap  
880 g (1 lb 15 oz)  
including the battery pack  
NP-F330, lithium battery CR2025,  
cassette P6-120 and shoulder strap  
Supplied accessories  
See page 8.  
51.8 - 1036 mm  
Color temperature  
Auto  
Minimum illumination  
1 lux (F 1.4)  
0 lux (in the NightShot mode)*  
* Objects unable to be seen due to  
the dark can be shot with  
infrared lighting.  
59  
— Qu ick Re fe re n ce —  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls  
Ca m co rd e r  
1
5
6
7
8
2
3
9
0
qa  
qs  
4
1 NEAR/FAR dial (p. 34)  
2 FOCUS sw itch (p. 34)  
3 POWER sw itch (p. 16)  
7 Pow er zoom lever (p. 18)  
8 BATT RELEASE lever (p. 9)  
9 STANDBY sw itch (p. 16)  
0 START/STOP button (p. 16)  
qa Hooks for shoulder strap (p. 62)  
qs DC IN jack (p. 10, 14)  
4 Eyecup RELEASE knob (CCD-TR317  
only) (p. 56)  
5 Eyecup (p. 56)  
6 View finder lens adjustment lever  
(p. 17)  
ossecca eniuneg a si tcudorp siht taht setacidni krma sihT  
tcudorp oediv  
uoy taht sdmnomecer ynoS ,stcudorp sahcrup nWeh  
G“ENDVUAsNIEOIhCiECtEOSE”SRhIwtiseiorssecaeshacpur  
.kmra  
60  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls  
qd  
qf  
ql  
w;  
qg  
qh  
qj  
wa  
qk  
qd Video control buttons (p. 24, 25)  
x STOP (stop)  
ql NIGHTSHOT sw itch (p. 20)  
w; Display w indow (p. 65)  
wa Tripod receptacle (base)  
m REW (rewind)  
N PLAY (playback)  
M FF (fastforward)  
X PAUSE (pause)  
Make sure that the length of the tripod  
screw is less than 6.5 mm. Otherwise,  
you cannot attach the tripod securely  
and the screw may damage your  
camcorder.  
qf EDITSEARCH button (p. 22)  
qg Lens cover (p. 16)  
qh Camera recording lamp (p. 16)  
qj Infrared rays emitter (p. 20)  
qk Microphone  
.skrmaedart era esehT  
61  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls  
wf  
ws  
wd  
wg  
wh  
wj  
ws FADER button (p. 28)  
wg MENU button (p. 40)  
wd BACK LIGHT button (p. 19)  
wf EXPOSURE button (p. 33)  
wh SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 32, 40)  
wj Lithium battery compartment (p. 48)  
Attaching the shoulder strap  
htwi deilpus parts redluohs eht hcatAt  
. pa r t s  
62  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls  
ea  
wk  
wl  
es  
ed  
e;  
wk DATE button (p. 21)  
ea TIME button (p. 21)  
wl TITLE button (p. 35)  
es COUNTER RESET button (p. 16)  
ed PICTURE EFFECT button (p. 30)  
e; PROGRAM AE button (p. 31)  
63  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls  
ef  
eg  
eh  
el  
ej  
ek  
r;  
ra  
ef View finder (p. 17)  
ej Cassette compartment (p. 15)  
eg EJECT sw itch (p. 15)  
ek Grip strap  
eh LANC control jack  
el RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output)  
LANC stands for Local Application  
Control Bus System. The control jack  
is used for controlling the tape transport  
of video equipment and other  
peripherals connected to the video  
equipment. This jack has the same  
function as the jack indicated as  
CONTROL L or REMOTE.  
jack (p. 23)  
r; MIC jack (PLUG IN POWER)  
Connect an external microphone  
(not supplied). This jack also accepts  
a “plug-in-power” microphone.  
If you connect a 2-pin microphone,  
supply power from DC OUT jack.  
ra AUDIO/VIDEO jacks (p. 23)  
Fastening the grip strap  
.ymlrif parts pirg eht netsaF  
64  
Id e n t ifyin g t h e p a rt s a n d co n t ro ls  
Op e ra t io n in d ica t o rs  
Vie w fin d e r  
Disp la y w in d o w  
q;  
1
qh  
ql  
2
qa  
qs  
2
3
4
5
6
SP  
0:00:00  
STBY  
40min  
1
qk  
W
T
M.FADER  
CINEMA  
SEPIA  
qd  
qf  
JUL 4 2000  
12:00:00 AM  
f
c
7
8
9
qg  
qh  
qj  
1Recording mode indicator (p. 42)  
q sRemaining tape indicator (p. 19)  
2Remaining battery time indicator  
qdNIGHTSHOT indicator (p. 20)  
(p. 19)  
qfAUTO DATE indicator (p. 45)/Date  
3Exposure indicator (p. 33)/Zoom  
indicator (p. 21, 44)  
indicator (p. 18)  
qgTime indicator (p. 21, 44)  
4Fader indicator (p. 29)  
qhWarning indicators (p. 53)  
5Wide mode indicator (p. 26)  
6Picture effect indicator (p. 30)  
7PROGRAM AE indicator (p. 32)  
8Backlight indicator (p. 19)  
9Manual focusing indicator (p. 34)  
qjRecording lamp (CCD-TR317 only)  
(p. 16)  
qkDate or time indicator (p. 21, 44)/Tape  
counter indicator (p. 19)/Self-diagnosis  
display indicator (p. 52)/Remaining  
battery time indicator (p. 10)  
qlFULL charge indicator (p. 10)  
q;STBY/REC indicator (p. 19)/ Video  
control mode indicator (p. 25)  
qaTape counter indicator (p. 19)/Self-  
diagnosis display indicator (p. 52)  
65  
Qu ick Fu n ct io n Gu id e  
Fu n ct io n s t o a d ju st e xp o su re (in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )  
aepcdlkara•nI  
NIGHTSHOT(p2.0)  
tesnus sa hcus stnmneorivne krad nI•  
wseiv thgin lareneg ro  
)13p.m(&nodeSutens  
stcejbus t i lkcab gnitoohS•  
BACKLIGHT(p.19)  
)13 p.(mdoehgtilptSo  
etaeht eht ta sa hcus ,thgiltops nI•  
t neve  
,thgil detcelfer ro thgil gnorts nI•  
poels kisanouromdsimnrie  
Beam&chski3o1dp().e  
Fu n ct io n s t o g ive im a g e s m o re im p a ct (in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )  
senecs neweteb noi t isnart htomoS•  
FADER(p2.8)  
segmai fo gnissecorp lat igDi•  
rof dnuorgkcab tfos a gni taerC•  
eltit a gnimsopirepuS•  
PICTUREEFFECT(p3. 0)  
)13 .p( medotiartrop tfoS  
TITLE(p.35)  
Fu n ct io n s t o g ive a n a t u ra l a p p e a ra n ce t o yo u r re co rd in g s  
(in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )  
erutcip fo noitaroireted gnitneverP•  
DZOOM[MENU](p.40)  
mooz latigid  
yllamunagnisucoF•  
M34a)onpf(cu.sal  
ce jbus tnat s id gni toohS•  
stcejbus gnivmo-tsaf gnidroceR•  
)13p.(modpaLencds  
)13 .p( medonossel stropS  
Fu n ct io n s t o u se in e d it in g (in t h e re co rd in g m o d e )  
TVneercs-dewianoerutcipeht gnihcW•ta  
Wdimeo2d6p()e.  
)12 p.(mietndaeDta  
ORC [MENU] (p. 40)  
meit/etad eht htwi gnidrocRe•  
sepat dlognicnahnE•  
Fu n ct io n s t o u se a ft e r re co rd in g (in t h e p la yb a ck m o d e )  
ret t i j gni tcerroC•  
TBC [MENU] (p. 40)  
esion roloc gnitcerrC•o  
DNR[MENU](p.40)  
66  
In d e x  
A, B  
I, J, K, L  
S
AC power adaptor .................. 10  
Adjusting viewfinder ............. 17  
A/ V connecting cable ...... 23, 39  
BACK LIGHT .......................... 19  
Battery pack ............................... 9  
Beep .......................................... 43  
BOUNCE .................................. 28  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery ........ 13  
Infrared rays emitter .............. 20  
LANC ....................................... 64  
LP mode ................................... 42  
Self-diagnosis display ............ 52  
SEL/ PUSH EXEC dial ........... 62  
Shoulder strap ......................... 62  
Skip scan .................................. 25  
Standard 8 mm system .......... 46  
STRIPE...................................... 28  
Superimposing the date and  
M, N  
time ........................................ 21  
Manual focus ........................... 34  
Menu settings .......................... 40  
Moisture condensation .......... 55  
MONOTONE .......................... 28  
Mosaic fader ............................ 28  
NIGHTSHOT .......................... 20  
Normal charge ........................ 10  
NTSC system ........................... 54  
C, D  
T, U, V  
Charging battery ..................... 10  
Clock set ................................... 44  
Connection  
(viewing on TV) ................... 23  
(dubbing a tape) .................. 39  
DEMO ....................................... 43  
DNR .......................................... 41  
Dubbing a tape ........................ 39  
Tape counter ............................ 19  
TBC ........................................... 41  
Telephote ................................. 18  
Title ........................................... 35  
Transition ................................. 22  
TV color systems ..................... 54  
O, P, Q  
Operation indicators .............. 65  
ORC .......................................... 42  
Picture effect ............................ 30  
Picture search .......................... 25  
Playback pause ........................ 25  
Power sources  
(house current) ..................... 14  
(car battery) .......................... 14  
(battery pack) ......................... 9  
Power zoom ............................. 18  
PROGRAM AE ....................... 31  
W, X, Y, Z  
E
Warning indicators ................. 53  
Wide-angle .............................. 18  
Wide mode .............................. 26  
WORLD TIME ......................... 43  
Write-protect tab ..................... 15  
Zoom ........................................ 18  
EDIT .......................................... 41  
EDITSEARCH ......................... 22  
Exposure .................................. 33  
External microphone (not  
supplied) ............................... 64  
F, G, H  
FADER ..................................... 28  
Fade in/ out .............................. 28  
FOCUS...................................... 34  
Full charge ............................... 10  
Grip strap ................................. 64  
Heads ........................................ 56  
R
Rec Review .............................. 22  
Recording and playback  
systems .................................. 46  
Recording mode ...................... 42  
Recording time ........................ 12  
Remaining tape indicator ...... 19  
Remaining battery time  
indicator ................................ 19  
Remote control jack  
(LANC) .................................. 64  
RFU adaptor ............................ 23  
67  
Sony Corporation Printed in Japan  

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