3-087-414-11 (1)
Dig it a l
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.
Owner’s 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. DCR-VX2100
Model No. AC-
Serial No.
Serial No.
DCR-VX2100
©2003 Sony Corporation
We lco m e !
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital
Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital
Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be
producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
Fo r t h e cu st o m e rs in t h e U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you
may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-
SONY (7669)
The number below is for the FCC related matters
only.
Regulatory Information
De cla ra t io n o f Co n fo rm it y
Trade Name:
Model No.:
Responsible Party:
SONY
DCR-VX2100
Sony Electronics Inc.
680 Kinderkamack
Road, Oradell,
NJ07649 U.S.A
201-930-6972
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient
Address:
Telephone No.:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail),
restart the application or disconnect and
connect the i.LINK cable again.
No t e :
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
Fo r cu st o m e rs in t h e U.S.A. a n d
CANADA
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
—
—
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
—
—
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital
device pursuant to subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
2
Ta b le o f co n t e n t s
Quick Start Guide ............................................... 4
Playing back a tape with digital effects ......... 73
Ge t t in g St a rt e d
Ed it in g
Using this manual............................................... 6
Checking supplied accessories ......................... 8
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ................ 9
Step 2 Setting the date and time .................... 14
Step 3 Inserting a cassette ............................... 15
Dubbing a tape .................................................. 74
Dubbing only desired scenes
– Digital program editing ............................. 76
Using with an analog video unit and a PC
– Signal convert function .............................. 88
Recording video or TV programs .................. 89
Inserting a scene from a VCR
– Insert editing ............................................... 93
Audio dubbing .................................................. 95
Superimposing a title ....................................... 99
Making your own titles.................................. 103
Labeling a cassette .......................................... 105
Erasing the cassette memory data ................ 107
Re co rd in g – Ba sics
Recording a picture .......................................... 16
Shooting backlit subjects
(BACK LIGHT) ................................ 23
Using the spot light function ............ 24
Self-timer recording ........................... 25
Checking the recording – END SEARCH /
EDITSEARCH / Rec Review ....................... 26
Cu st o m izin g Yo u r Ca m co rd e r
Pla yb a ck – Ba sics
Changing the menu settings ......................... 109
“ Me m o ry St ick” Op e ra t io n s
Playing back a tape ........................................... 27
Viewing the recording on TV ......................... 31
Using a “Memory Stick” – introduction...... 116
Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”
– Memory Photo recording ........................ 121
Superimposing a still image in a “Memory
Stick” on a moving picture
Ad va n ce d Re co rd in g Op e ra t io n s
Recording a still image on a tape
– Tape Photo recording ................................ 32
Shooting with all the pixels
– MEMORY MIX .......................................... 125
Recording an image from a tape as a still
image ............................................................. 128
Copying still images from a tape
– Photo save .................................................. 131
Viewing a still picture
– Memory Photo playback.......................... 133
Copying an image recorded on a “Memory
Stick” to tapes ............................................... 136
Playing back images continuously
– SLIDE SHOW ............................................ 138
Preventing accidental erasure
– PROG. SCAN............................................... 34
Using the guide frame ..................................... 35
Using the wide mode ....................................... 36
Using the fader function .................................. 38
Using special effects – Picture effect .............. 40
Using special effects – Digital effect .............. 41
Shooting with manual adjustment ................. 44
Adjusting the white balance ........................... 50
Adjusting recording level manually
– Sound recording level ................................ 52
Presetting the adjustment for picture quality
– Custom preset ............................................. 54
Using the PROGRAM AE function ................ 56
Focusing manually ........................................... 59
Interval recording ............................................. 60
Frame by frame recording – Cut recording .. 62
Marking an Index ............................................. 63
– Image protection ....................................... 139
Deleting images .............................................. 140
Writing a print mark – Print mark ............... 143
Ad d it io n a l In fo rm a t io n
Usable cassettes ............................................... 144
About i.LINK ................................................... 146
Troubleshooting .............................................. 148
Self-diagnosis display .................................... 154
Warning indicators and messages ............... 155
Using your camcorder abroad ...................... 157
Maintenance information and
Ad va n ce d Pla yb a ck Op e ra t io n s
Quickly locating a scene using the zero set
memory function ........................................... 64
Searching for a recording by index
– Index search ................................................. 65
Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by
title – Title search ........................................... 67
Searching a recording by date
precautions ................................................... 158
Specifications ................................................... 163
– Date search................................................... 68
Searching for a photo
– Photo search/Photo scan ........................... 70
Playing back a tape with picture effects ........ 72
Qu ick Re fe re n ce
Identifying the parts and controls ................ 164
Quick Function Guide.................................... 173
Index ................................................................. 174
3
4
Re co rd in g a p ict u re (p . 16)
View finder
When the LCD panel
is closed, use the
viewfinder placing
your eye against its
eyecup.
1 Open the shutter of the
hood with a lens cap. For
more information about
attaching the hood with a
lens cap, see page 167.
4 Press START/
STOP. Your
camcorder
starts
2 Set the POWER switch to
recording. To
stop recording,
press START/
CAMERA while pressing the
small green button.
POWER
3 Slide OPEN
back in the
B mark
STOP again.
POWER
direction to
open the
LCD panel.
If the ND1 or ND2 indicator
flashes, see page 47.
Mo n it o rin g t h e p la yb a ck p ict u re o n t h e LCD
scre e n (p . 27)
POWER
1 Set the POWER
switch to VCR while
pressing the small
green button.
NOTE
Do not pick up your camcorder by holding
the viewfinder, the LCD panel, the battery
pack, or the microphone.
REW
2 Press m to rewind the
tape.
3 Press N to start
PLAY
playback.
5
— Ge t t in g St a rt e d —
Usin g t h is m a n u a l
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 or a melody sound to indicate
that the operation is being carried out.
No t e o n ca sse t t e m e m o ry
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory
.
The functions which require different operations depending on whether or not the tape
has cassette memory are:
•Searching the end point of the recording – end search (p. 26,30)
•Searching a recording by index – index search (p. 65)
•Searching a recording by date – date search (p. 68)
•Searching for a photo – photo search (p. 70).
The functions you can operate only with cassette memory are:
•Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title – title search (p. 67)
•Superimposing a title (p. 99)
•Making your own titles (p. 103)
•Labeling a cassette (p. 105).
For details, see page 144.
You see this mark in the introduction of the features that are operated only with
cassette memory.
Tapes with cassette memory are marked with
(Cassette Memory).
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 by country or region. 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
Le n s a n d LCD scre e n /fin d e r
•The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.
How ever, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (w hite, red,
blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.
These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any w ay.
•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk.
•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 ].
•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD
screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions [c].
[a ]
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
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
4
8
2
3
5
7
1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)
5 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 116)
(p. 170)
6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 31, 74)
7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 168)
2 AC-L15A/L15B AC Adaptor (1), Pow er
cord (1) (p. 10)
8 Hood w ith a lens cap (1) (p. 167)
3 NP-F330 rechargeable battery pack (1)
(p. 9, 10)
4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 171)
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.
(1) Lift up the viewfinder.
(2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the V mark on the battery pack. Slide
the battery pack until it clicks.
1
2
To re m o ve t h e b a t t e ry p a ck
Lift up the viewfinder.
Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT RELEASE
down.
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.
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series).
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC Adaptor supplied with your
camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing toward the LCD
panel side.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Charging begins.
The remaining battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window.
When the remaining battery indicator changes to u, normal charge is completed. To
fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about one hour
after normal charge is completed until FULL appears on the display window. Fully
charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.
POWER
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Note on the remaining battery time indicator
The remaining battery time indicator on the LCD screen/display window or in the
viewfinder indicates the recording time using the viewfinder. The indicator may not be
correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording. When you close the
LCD panel and open it again, it takes about one minute for the correct remaining
battery time to be displayed.
Notes
•
Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug of
the AC Adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC 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.
10
St e p 1 Pre p a rin g t h e p o w e r su p p ly
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 Adaptor is disconnected.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.
When using the AC Adaptor
Be sure to use it near the wall outlet. If a malfunction occurs, disconnect the plug from
the wall outlet.
Ch a rg in g t im e
Battery pack
NP-F330 (supplied)
NP-F550
Full charge (Normal charge)
150 (90)
210 (150)
NP-F730/F750
NP-F960
300 (240)
420 (360)
Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack
Re co rd in g t im e
Recording w ith
the view finder
Recording w ith
the LCD screen
Battery pack
Continuous
Typical*
40 (35)
Continuous
60 (55)
Typical*
30 (30)
NP-F330 (supplied) 75 (65)
NP-F550
NP-F730
NP-F750
NP-F960
150 (135)
80 (75)
130 (115)
230 (205)
265 (235)
480 (430)
70 (60)
265 (240)
315 (275)
575 (515)
145 (130)
175 (150)
320 (285)
125 (110)
145 (130)
265 (240)
Approximate minutes of recording time when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
You cannot use the NP-500/510/710 battery pack on your camcorder.
* Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop,
zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
11
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
Battery pack
Playing time
Playing time
on LCD screen
w ith LCD closed
NP-F330 (supplied)
NP-F550
90 (80)
110 (95)
185 (165)
305 (275)
375 (335)
680 (610)
225 (195)
385 (345)
460 (415)
830 (745)
NP-F730
NP-F750
NP-F960
Approximate minutes of playing time when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
You cannot use the NP-500/510/710 battery pack on your camcorder.
Notes
•The supplied battery pack is charged a little.
•Some types of the battery packs may not be sold in your region or country.
•Approximate recording time and continuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery
life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
What is ”InfoLITHIUM?”
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as
battery consumption with compatible video equipment. This unit is compatible with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” battery packs (L series) have the
mark.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
If the camcorder is immediately turned off
Even if the remaining battery time is enough to operate, charge the battery pack fully
again. The correct remaining time is displayed.
12
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 Adaptor.
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on
your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing toward the LCD panel side.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
1
2
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 power cord must only be changed at an authorized service shop.
•AC 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 the Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (optional).
13
St e p 2 Se t t in g t h e d a t e a n d t im e
Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. "CLOCK SET"
will be displayed each time that you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY
unless you set the date and time settings.
If you do not use your camcorder for about four months, the date and time may be
cleared from memory (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery
installed in your camcorder will have been discharged (p.160).
First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.
(1) Press MENU to display the menu 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 CLOCK SET, then press the dial.
(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust to the desired year, then press the dial.
(5) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and
pressing the dial.
(6) Set the minute by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by
the time signal. The clock starts to move.
(7) Press MENU to erase the menu display.
1,7
2
3
MENU
MANUAL SET
AUTO SHTR
PROG. SCAN
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
LTR SIZE
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
LTR SIZE
JAN
1
2003
12:00:00AM
2003 JAN
1
DEMO MODE
RETURN
DEMO MODE
RETURN
12 00 AM
[
] :
MENU END
[
] :
[
] :
MENU END
MENU END
6
4
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
LTR SIZE
DEMO MODE
RETURN
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
LTR SIZE
JUL
4
2003
5:30:00PM
2003 JUL
4
DEMO MODE
RETURN
5
30 PM
2003 JAN
1
2003 JAN
1
[
] :
MENU END
[
] :
MENU END
12 00 AM
12 00 AM
The year changes as follow s:
1995 1996 2003
2079
If you do not set the date and time
“– –:– –:– –” (time) and “--- -- ----” (date) are recorded on the data code of the tape and
the “Memory Stick.”
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.
14
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