Sony CCD-TR3400 User Manual

3-859-084-22 (1)

Video Camera Recorder

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. CCD-TR3400 Serial No.

Model No. AC- Serial No.

CCD-TR3400 H

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Welcome!

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam® camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your 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.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER•SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

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 magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.

LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center.

Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion

batteries in household or business trash

may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you call 1-800-222-SONY (United States only) For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only)

For the customers in the U.S.A.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Note:

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 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:

— 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.

For the customers in CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking

lithium ion battery.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Before you begin

Using this manual .................................. 4

Checking supplied accessories .............5

Getting started

Charging and installing the battery

pack.................................................... 6

Inserting a cassette ................................. 9

Basic operations

Camera recording................................. 10

Using the zoom feature ................. 12

Hints for better shooting ..................... 13

Checking the recorded picture ...........14

Connections for playback .................... 15

Playing back a tape .............................. 16

Advanced operations

Using alternative power sources ........ 19

Using the house current ................ 19

Changing the mode settings ...............21

— for camera recording —

Recording with the date or time .........24

Fade-in and fade-out ............................ 25

Overlapping two pictures ...................26

Wiping away a still picture ................. 27

Enjoying picture effect ......................... 28

Recording a still picture....................... 30

Recording still pictures successively .. Superimposing a moving picture on a

still picture ...................................... 32

Re-recording a picture in the middle

of a recorded tape .......................... 33

Using the wide mode function ........... 34

Selecting the START/STOP mode .....36

Superimposing a title ........................... 37

Making your own original titles .........40

Checking the tape condition before

recording (ORC) ............................. 41

Releasing the STEADY SHOT

function ........................................... 42

— for manual adjustment —

Selecting automatic/manual

adjustment modes.......................... 43

Focusing manually ............................... 44

Using the PROGRAM AE function ....46

About the PROGRAM AE function ..

Using the aperture priority mode ..

Using the shutter priority mode .. 47

Using the twilight mode ...............48

Using manual mode............................. 49

Using slow shutter ...............................52

Tips for manual adjustment ................ 53

Shooting with backlighting .................55

Adjusting the brightness of the picture .

Adjusting the white balance ...............57

— for playing back/editing —

Searching the boundaries of recorded

date .................................................. 60

Returning to a pre-registered position ..

Locating the marking position............62

Writing the RC Time code on a

recorded tape.................................. 66

Editing onto another tape.................... 67

Recording from a VCR or TV..............69

Additional information

Changing the lithium battery in the

camcorder ....................................... 71

Resetting the date and time.................72

Usable cassettes and playback modes ..

Tips for using the battery pack ...........74

Maintenance information and

precautions ..................................... 77

Using your camcorder abroad ............ 80

Trouble check........................................ 81

Specifications ........................................ 85

Identifying the parts............................. 86

Warning indicators............................... 94

Index ...................................................... 95

46 46

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Before you begin

Using this manual

As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters.

e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your

operation.

Note on TV color systems

TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.

Precaution on copyright

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.

Precautions on camcorder care

• The LCD screen and/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using highprecision technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and/or in the viewfinder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Over 99.99% are operational for effective use.

• Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder away from rain and sea water. Letting the camcorder get wet may cause the unit to malfunction, and sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].

• Never leave the camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].

[b][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.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Checking supplied accessories

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

56 78

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.90) 2 NP-F530 Battery pack (1) (p.6) 3 AC-V316 or AC-V316A AC power

adaptor (1) (p.6, 19)

4 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p.71)

The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder.

5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p.90)

6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p.15) 7 Shoulder strap (1) (p.92) 8 Battery case (1) (p.20) 9 Lens cap (1) (p.10, 59)

This lens cap is already set on your camcorder.

Before you begin

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Getting started

Charging and installing the battery pack

Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor.

This camcorder operates with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. If you use any other battery to operate your camcorder, the camcorder may not operate or the battery life may be shortened.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Charging the battery pack

Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.

(1) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (2) Align the surface of the battery pack indicated by the z mark with the edge of

the terminal shutter of the AC power adaptor. Then fit and slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow. The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging begins.

When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. If the battery pack is used right after the CHARGE lamp goes out, it will last for a normal period (normal charge). If allowed to charge for an additional hour or so, the battery pack will last for a longer period (full charge). Unplug the unit from the wall outlet, then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder. You can also use the battery pack before it is completely charged.

Charging time

Battery pack NP-F530 (supplied) NP-F730 NP-F930 Charging time* (min.) 170 (110) 250 (190) 330 (270)

* Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power

adaptor (fulll charge). (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)

The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Charging and installing the battery pack

Battery life

Battery pack NP-F530 (supplied) NP-F730 NP-F930

Continuous recording time

Typical

(min.)

recordng time

(min.)

110 (100) 250 (225) 400 (360)

65 (60) 150 (135) 225 (200)

The available time for a fully charged battery is indicated outside parentheses. The available time for normal charged battery is indicated in parentheses. Battery life will be shorter if you use the camcorder in a cold environment.

1) Approximate continuous recording time indoors.

2) Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

Note on remaining battery time indication during recording

Remaining battery time is displayed in the viewfinder. However, the indication may not be displayed properly, depending on the conditions and circumstances of use.

To remove the battery pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Getting started

Notes on charging the battery pack

• The CHARGE lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and the power cord is unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal.

• If the CHARGE lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about one minute, reconnect the power cord again.

• You cannot operate the camcorder using the AC power adaptor while charging the battery pack.

• When a fully charged battery pack is installed, the CHARGE lamp will light once, then go out.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Charging and installing the battery pack

Installing the battery pack

Align the grooves of the battery pack with the receptacles of the camcorder and slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks.

Make sure the battery pack is installed securely.

When the NP-F930 battery pack is installed

We recommend you to lift the viewfinder up slightly.

Note on carrying the camcorder

Do not carry the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.

To remove the battery pack

While pressing BATT (battery) PUSH, slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

BATT PUSH

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Inserting a cassette

Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H.

(1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the

direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.

(2) Insert a cassette with the window facing out. (3) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the “PUSH” mark on the cassette

compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

1 2 3

To eject the cassette

While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow.

Getting started

PUSH

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed and close the cassette compartment, the beeps sound for a while. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the L and 6 indicators flash in the viewfinder, and you cannot record.

To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Basic operations

Camera recording

Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted. Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly.

When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording. (p.72) To save battery power, the picture in the viewfinder appears only when you bring your face close to the viewfinder with STANDBY up (Finder power save).

(1) Remove the lens cap. (2) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to

CAMERA.

(3) Turn STANDBY up. (4) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. The “REC” indicator

appears and the red lamp lights up in the viewfinder. The camera recording/ battery lamps located on the front light up.

POWER CAMERA

OFF

VTR

40min

STBY

0:00:00

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

40min

REC

0:00:01

Camera recording

To stop recording momentarily [a]

Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode).

To finish recording [b]

Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette, remove the battery pack and put the lens cap on the lens.

[a][b]

STBY

0:35:20

To focus the viewfinder lens

If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used the camcorder, focus the viewfinder lens. Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

Note on Standby mode

If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted, the camcorder turns off automatically. This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and then up again. To start recording, press START/STOP.

Note on recording

When you record from the beginning of a tape, run the tape by recording for about 15 seconds before you start the actual recording. This will ensure that you won’t miss any start-up scenes when you play back the tape.

You can record tapes in SP (standard play) mode only.

Note on the tape counter

The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET.

Note on the beep sound

As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you start recording, and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder.

Note that the beep sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, select “OFF” in the menu system.

Notes on finder power save

• The recording continues even when the picture in the viewfinder disappears during recording.

• If you set VF PW-SAVE to OFF in the menu system, the picture in the viewfinder does not disappear even when you turn your face away from the viewfinder.

Basic operations

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Camera recording

Using the zoom feature

Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene.

For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)

Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming)

Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom.

When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom

If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 5/8 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm) away in the wide-angle position.

Notes on digital zoom

• More than 21x zoom is performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom, set the D ZOOM function to OFF in the menu system.

• The right side [a] in the power zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and the left side [b] shows the optical zooming zone. If you set the D ZOOM function to OFF, the [a] zone disappears.

TW TW

TWT

[a][b]

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Hints for better shooting

For hand-held shots, you’ll get better results by holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions:

[a]

[b]

• Hold the camcorder firmly and secure it with the grip strap so that you can easily

manipulate the controls with your thumb [a].

• Place your right elbow against your side.

• Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Be sure to not touch the builtin microphone.

• Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.

• Use the viewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.

• You can also record in a low position to get an interesting angle. Lift the viewfinder up for recording from a low position [b].

Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod

Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder.

When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm). Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of the camcorder.

If you wear glasses You can bend back the eyecup to get a better view of viewfinder [c].

Cautions on the viewfinder

• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder [d].

• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder may be damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under sunlight or by a window [e].

[c] [e][d]

Basic operations

Notes on the color viewfinder

• The finder power save function sometimes does not operate due to the effects of sunlight or fluorescent light.

• In direct sunlight, the picture in the viewfinder looks brighter by the lighting aperture. The color of the picture in the viewfinder is variable in such a case.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Checking the recorded picture

Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder.

(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to

CAMERA.

(2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press the – Œ side of EDITSEARCH momentarily; the last few seconds of the

recorded portion play back (Rec Review). Hold down the – side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the

scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (Edit Search).

POWER CAMERA

OFF

VTR

EDITSEARCH

To stop playback

Release EDITSEARCH.

To begin re-recording

Press START/STOP. Re-recording begins from the point you released EDITSEARCH. Provided you do not eject the tape, the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Connections for playback

Connect the camcorder to your VCR or TV to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. There are some ways to connect the camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source.

Connecting directly to a VCR/TV with Video/Audio input jacks

If your TV is already connected to a VCR

Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to the LINE IN inputs on the VCR by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE. Set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

If your VCR or TV has an S video jack, connect using the S video cable (not supplied) [a] to obtain high quality picture. If you are going to connect the camcorder using the S video cable (not supplied) [a], you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b].

If you use a monaural A/V connecting cable, you will get monaural sound.

[a]

(not supplied)

S-VIDEO IN

VCR

[b]

: Signal flow

AUDIO

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

If you connect directly to TV

Open the jack cover and connect the camcorder to the inputs on the TV by using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

[a]

(not supplied)

S-VIDEO IN

[b]

VIDEO IN

Basic operations

AUDIO

: Signal flow

AUDIO IN

If your VCR or TV is a monaural type

Connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the VCR or the TV. With this connection, the sound is monaural.

To connect to a VCR or TV without Video/Audio input jacks

Use the RFU-95UC adaptor (not supplied).

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor a picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR.

(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR.

The tape transport buttons light up.

(2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press · to start playback.

POWER CAMERA

OFF

VTR

PLAY

PLAYREW

STOP

PAUSEPSLOW

To stop playback, press π. To rewind the tape, press 0. To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press ).

& × 2

DISPLAY

REW FF PAUSESTOP PLAY

REC

Using the remote commander

You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander. Before using the Remote Commander, insert the size AA (R6) batteries.

To display the viewfinder screen indicators on the TV

Press DISPLAY on the Remote Commander. To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again.

To monitor the sound while viewing the playback picture in the viewfinder

Connect headphones (not supplied) to the 2 jack.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Playing back a tape

Various playback modes

To view a still picture (playback pause)

Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or ·.

To locate a scene (picture search)

Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.

To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or rewinding (skip scan)

Keep pressing 0 while rewinding or ) while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback, press ·.

To view the picture at 1/5 speed (slow playback)

Press SLOW & on the Remote Commander during playback. To resume normal playback, press ·. If slow playback lasts for about 1 minute, it shifts to normal speed automatically.

To view the picture at double speed

For double speed playback in the reverse direction, press <, then press x2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the forward direction, press >7, then press x2 during playback. To resume normal playback, press ·.

To view the picture frame-by-frame

Press < or >7 on the Remote Commander in playback pause mode. If you keep pressing the button, you can view the picture at 1/30 speed. To resume normal playback, press ·.

Basic operations

To change the playback direction

Press < on the Remote Commander for reverse direction or >7 on the Remote Commander for forward direction during playback. To resume normal playback, press

·.

To select the playback sound

Change the “HiFi SOUND” mode setting in the menu system.

Notes on playback

• Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various playback modes.

• When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode.

• Horizontal noise appears at the center of the screen when you play back a tape in reverse or in various speed if the RC time code or the Data Code is displayed on the screen. This is normal.

• The playback picture may be shaken up and down in slow playback. This is normal.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Playing back a tape

Displaying the date or time when you recorded – data code function

Even if you did not record the date or time when you were recording, you can display the date or time when you recorded (Data Code) on the TV during playback or editing. The Data Code is also displayed in the viewfinder and the display window.

To display the date when you recorded

Press DATE on the camcorder, or press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander. To make the date disappear, press DATE again or DATA CODE twice.

To display the time when you recorded

Press TIME on the camcorder, or press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander twice. To make the time disappear, press it again.

DATA CODE

DATE

JUL. 4 1997

Display window



5:30:00PM

 JUL.04.97

TIME

Display window

5:30:00PM

When bars (––:––:––) appear

• A blank portion of the tape is being played back.

• The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the Data Code function.

• The tape was recorded by a camcorder without having date and time set.

• The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise.

• The tape was recorded in LP mode.

• The tape is being played back in variable speed (Slow Playback, etc.)

• An index signal is marked, the RC time code is written, or PCM after recording is made on the tape.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

  5:30:00

Advanced operations

Using alternative power sources

You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack, alkaline battery, house current and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.

Place Indoors Outdoors

In the car

Note on power sources

Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or playback may damage the inserted tape. If this happens, restore the power supply again immediately.

Using the house current

To use the supplied AC power adaptor:

(1) Connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet. (2) Slide the connecting plate down into the guides at the rear of the camcorder

until it clicks.

Power source

House current Battery pack

Size AA (LR6) Sony Alkaline battery

12 V or 24 V car battery

Accessory to be used

Supplied AC power adaptor Battery pack NP-F530 (supplied), NP-F730,

NP-F930 Battery case (supplied)

Sony car battery changer DC-V515A

Advanced operations

Notes on the VTR/CAMERA lamp

• The VTR/CAMERA lamp will remain lit for a while even if the unit is unplugged after use. This is normal.

• If the VTR/CAMERA lamp does not light, disconnect the power cord. After about 1 minute, reconnect the power cord.

To remove the connecting plate

The connecting plate is removed in the same way as the battery pack.

WARNING

The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the house current, even if the set itself has been turned off.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Using alternative power sources

Using alkaline batteries

Use the battery case (supplied) and six size AA (LR6) Sony Alkaline batteries (not supplied).

(1) Remove the battery holder from the battery case. (2) Insert six new alkaline batteries into the battery holder, following the marking

on the holder to be sure the batteries are installed in the correct direction.

(3) Insert the battery holder with the alkaline batteries. (4) Install the battery case with the alkaline batteries to the battery mounting

surface of the camcorder in the same way as the battery pack.

Battery life

Using Sony alkaline batteries at 77°F (25°C).

Continuous recording time Typical recording time

85 min. 50 min.

312

Notes on the battery life

• You may not use the battery case in cold environment.

• The battery life may be shorter depending on the using environment.

• The battery lives on the previous page are estimates. The battery life may be shorter depending on the storage condition of the battery before being purchased and temperature.

When the battery case is installed

We recommend you to lift the viewfinder up slightly.

To remove the battery case

The battery case is removed in the same way as the battery pack.

Using a car battery

Use Sony DC-V515A car battery charger (not supplied). Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter socket of a car (12 V or 24 V). Connect the car battery cord to the camcorder in the same way as you connect the AC power adaptor.

To remove the car battery charger

The car battery charger is removed in the same way as the AC power adaptor.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Changing the mode settings

You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder.

(1) Press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial so that the desired item is highlighted white. (3) Press the control dial. The setting menu appears. (4) Turn the control dial to highlight a setting, and press the control dial to select

it.

(5) If you want to change the other modes, repeat steps 2 to 4. (6) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

Advanced operations

CAMERA VTR

MENU WIND

COMMANDER Hi8 COUNTER ORC TO SET TITLE COL TITLE POS

[MENU] : END

OFF

MENU COMMANDER OFF

EDIT HiFi SOUND Hi8 COUNTER TBC DNR

[MENU] : END

Selecting the mode setting of each item

Items for both CAMERA and VTR modes

COUNTER <NORMAL/TIME CODE>

• Normally select NORMAL.

• Select TIME CODE to display the RC time code in order to edit more precisely.

COMMANDER <ON/OFF>

• Select ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder.

• Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander.

Hi8 <AUTO/OFF>

• Normally select AUTO to have the camcorder automatically set the recording mode (Hi8 or standard 8 mm) depending upon the cassette type being used.

• Select OFF to record a Hi8 tape in standard 8 mm format.

MENU WIND OFF

COMMANDER Hi8

COUNTER ORC TO SET

WIND

TITLE COL

COMMANDER

TITLE POS

Hi8 COUNTER

[MENU] : END

ORC TO SET TITLE COL TITLE POS

[MENU] : END

MENU BEEP

[MENU] : END

BEEP

[MENU] : END

MENU BEEP

[MENU] : END

OFF

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Changing the mode settings

BEEP <ON/OFF>

• Select ON so that beeps sound when you start/stop recording, etc.

• Select OFF when you do not want to hear the beep sound.

VF BRIGHT*

Select this item to adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The viewfinder becomes brighter when you turn the control dial up, and darker when you turn the control dial down.

VF PW-SAVE* <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to activate finder power save function.

• Select OFF to not use finder power save function.

Items for CAMERA mode only

WIND <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to reduce wind noise when recording in strong wind.

• Normally select OFF.

ORC TO SET* <ORC ON>

Select ORC ON to automatically adjust the recording condition to get the best possible recording.

D ZOOM* <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to activate digital zooming.

• Select OFF to not use the digital zoom. The camcorder goes back to 21x zoom.

REC LAMP* <ON/OFF>

• Select OFF when you do not want the camera recording/battery lamp at the front of the unit to light up.

• Normally select ON.

AE SHIFT*

Select this item to adjust the brightness of the picture.

TITLE COL* <BLUE/ GREEN/ CYAN/ RED/ VIOLET/ YELLOW/ WHITE>

Select the color of the title.

TITLE POS* <CENTER/BOTTOM>

• Select CENTER to center the title in the picture.

• Select BOTTOM to position the title at the bottom of the picture.

TITLE LANG* <ENGLISH/ FRANÇAIS/ ESPAÑOL/ PORTUGUÊS>

Select the language of the preset titles.

TITLE 1 SET* TITLE 2 SET*

Select to store your own original titles.

CLOCK SET*

Select this item to reset the date or time.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Changing the mode settings

Items for VTR mode only

EDIT <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to minimize picture deterioration when editing.

• Normally select OFF.

HiFi SOUND <STEREO/1/2>

• Normally select STEREO.

• Select 1 or 2 to play back a dual sound track tape.

TBC* <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to correct for jitter.

• Select OFF to not correct for jitter. The picture may not be steady when you playback.

DNR* <ON/OFF>

• Select ON to reduce picture noise.

• Select OFF to not reduce noise.

* These settings are retained even when the battery is removed, as long as the lithium

battery is in place.

Note on TBC setting

Set TBC to OFF when playing back:

• A tape you have dubbed over.

• A tape on which you recorded the signal of a TV game or similar machine.

Advanced operations

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Recording with the date or time

Before you start recording or during recording, press DATE or TIME. You can record the date or time displayed in the viewfinder with the picture. You cannot record the date and time at the same time. Except for the date or time indicator, no indicator in the viewfinder is recorded.

The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock in the menu system.

DATE

JUL. 4 1997

TIME

5:30:00PM

To stop recording with the date or time

Press DATE or TIME again. The date or time indicator disappears. The recording continues.

Note on the date or time indicator

If you press DATE or TIME while you are recording in CINEMA mode, the indicators in the viewfinder move upwards.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Fade-in and fade-out

You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black or mosaic while the sound

increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black or mosaic while the sound decreases.

When fading in [a]

(1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER/OVERLAP. The fade

indicator starts flashing.

(2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The fade indicator stops flashing.

When fading out [b]

(1) During recording, press FADER/OVERLAP. The fade indicator starts flashing. (2) Press START/STOP to stop recording. The fade indicator stops flashing, and

then recording stops.

Advanced operations

[a]

FADER

M.FADER

[b]

FADER/OVERLAP

FADER

To cancel the fade-in/fade-out function

Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER/OVERLAP until the fade indicator disappears.

When the date or time indicator is displayed

The date or time indicator does not fade in or fade out.

Note on fade-in/fade-out

Fade-in/fade-out function is cancelled after executing this function.

When the title is displayed

You cannot use the FADER function. When FADER is set, you cannot superimpose a title.

M.FADER

OVERLAP

WIPE

RECSTBY

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Overlapping two pictures

When you switch from one scene to another, you can overlap the two pictures. With this function, the first scene turns to the second one gradually.

You can hear the sound of the second scene gradually as you start recording the second scene.

(1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER/OVERLAP repeatedly

so that the OVERLAP indicator appears in the viewfinder.

(2) Press START/STOP to record the next scene. The OVERLAP indicator

disappears after the overlapping.

OVERLAP

FADER/OVERLAP

FADER

Notes on overlap

• You cannot use the following functions while using the overlap function. Also, while using the following functions, you cannot use the overlap function.

– Digital effect – Slow shutter – Title

• You can select overlap during recording.

• When you select the overlap function after using the following operations , the camcorder memorizes the image on the tape. As the image is being memorized, the OVERLAP indicator flashes quickly, and the picture you are shooting disappears from the viewfinder. You may not record a clear picture depending on the condition of the tape.

– Turn STANDBY down – Set the POWER switch to OFF – Eject a tape – Edit search – Fading out – Digital effect – Slow shutter – Title

M.FADER

OVERLAP

WIPE

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Wiping away a still picture

When you switch from one scene to another, you can wipe away the still picture. With this function, the first still picture is wiped away from the center to reveal the moving picture underneath.

You can hear the sound of the second scene as you start recording the second scene.

(1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER/OVERLAP repeatedly

so that the WIPE indicator appears in the viewfinder.

(2) Press START/STOP to record the next scene. The WIPE indicator disappears

after wiping away.

WIPE WIPE

Advanced operations

FADER/OVERLAP

FADER

Notes on wipe

• You cannot use the following functions while using the wipe function. Also, while using the following functions, you cannot use the wipe function.

– Digital effect – Slow shutter – Title

• You can select wipe during recording.

• When you select the wipe function after using the following operations , the camcorder memorizes the image on the tape. As the image is being memorized, the WIPE indicator flashes quickly, and the picture you are shooting disappears from the viewfinder. You may not record a clear picture depending on the condition of the tape.

– Turn STANDBY down – Set the POWER switch to OFF – Eject a tape – Edit search – Fading out – Digital effect – Slow shutter – Title

M.FADER

OVERLAP

WIPE

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Enjoying picture effect

Selecting picture effect

You can make pictures like those of television with the Picture Effect function.

[a] [b] [c]

[f][e][d]

MOSAIC [a]

The picture is mosaic.

SOLARIZE [b]

The light intensity is more clear, and the picture looks like an illustration.

B&W

The picture is monochrome (black and white).

SEPIA

The picture is sepia.

NEG. ART [c]

The picture is reversed.

PASTEL [d]

The contrast of the picture is emphasized, and the picture looks like an animated cartoon.

SLIM [e]

The picture expands vertically.

STRETCH [f]

The picture expands horizontally.

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

Enjoying picture effect

Using picture effect function

(1) Press PICTURE EFFECT. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode.

PICTURE

EFFECT

MOSAIC

SOLARIZE

B & W

SEPIA

NEG. ART

PASTEL

SLIM

STRETCH

To turn off picture effect

Press PICTURE EFFECT to turn off the picture effect indicator. If the indicator remains lit, press it repeatedly until the indicator goes out.

Note on the picture effect

When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal mode.

Advanced operations

CCD-TR3400 3-859-084-22 (1)

+ 67 hidden pages

Sony CCD-TR3400 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

CCD-TR3400 H

Table of contents

Using this manual

Checking supplied accessories

Charging and installing the battery pack

Inserting a cassette

Camera recording

Hints for better shooting

Checking the recorded picture

Connections for playback

Playing back a tape

Using alternative power sources

Changing the mode settings

Recording with the date or time

Fade-in and fade-out

Overlapping two pictures

Wiping away a still picture

Enjoying picture effect