Sony CCD-TR500 User Manual

SONY

3-757-407-21 (If

r

Video Camera Recorder HiH

________

CCD-TR500

Operation Manual

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 on the right hand. Reler to
these numbers whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.

Video Camera Recorder
Model No. CCD-TR500 Serial No.

AC Power Adaptor
Model No. AC-V500 Serial No.

video Hi8 Handycam

©1993 by Sony Corporation

J

Welcome to Video hliS

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 lor years to come.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose the unit
to rain or moisture.

This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the

A

Notice for the Customers In Canada

This apparatus complies with the Class B limits for
radio noise emissions set out in Radio Interference
Regulations

For the Customers in the U.S.A.

WARNING

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

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.

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.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two 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.

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

CAUTION FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE USA AND CANADA

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.

The AC-V500 AC power adaptor can be used as
follows:

• to charge an NP-500 battery pack

• to supply power to the Sony 8 mm video
equipment which operates with the NP-500 series
battery pack

I ♦ Only for use with'“*^^lfype battery packs. Be
I sure to purchase battery packs with ¡uiiSei I mark |
' on the package. i
I • Be sure to confirm the type of your video
I equipment before using. This adaptor cannot be

used for some models.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

About This Manual 4
Checking Supplied Accessories 5

Getting Started

Charging and Installing the NP-500 Battery Pack 6
Installing the Lithium Batteries 9
Setting the Date and Time 11
Inserting a Cassette 12
Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens 13
Hints for Better Shooting 14

Basic Operations

Camera Recording 15

Getting a Steady Picture 16
Using the Zoom Feature 17
Checking the Recorded Picture in the Viewfinder 18

Connections for Playback 19

Connecting to a TV with Video/Audio Input Jacks or a VCR 19
Connecting to a TV without Video/Audio Input Jacks 19

Connecting to a TV or VCR Using the Handycam Station (for the Canada model) 20
Playing Back a Tape 22
Description of Charging the Battery Pack 24

Advanced Operations

Using Alternate Power Sources 26

Using House Current 26
Recording the Dale or Tirne 27
Fade-in and Fade-out 28
Selecting Automatic or Manual Adjustment Mode 29
Focusing Manually 30
Adjusting the Exposure 31
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 32
Changing the Mode Settings 33

Using the World Clock 35
Editing onto Another T ap© 37
Recording from a TV or VCR 38

Additional Information

Usable Cassettes and Recording/Playback Modes 39
Tips for Using the NP-500 Battery Pack 40
Maintenance Information and Precautions 41
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 45
Trouble Check 46
Specifications 49
Identifying the Parts 50
Warning Indicators 55

I

Index 56

About This Manual

If you want to shoot as soon as possible read the chapters “Getting Started" and “Basic Operations" first.
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.

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. When you want to use a PAL-M
system based TV, you will need a NTSC/PAL-M transcoder (as this is an NTSC system based camcorder).
Please check the list on page 45 to see the TV color system of your country.

Note on the Supplied RFU adaptor

You can use the supplied RFU adaptor only in the country where you bought this camcorder. Since each
country has its own electricity and TV color system, you may not be able to use the RFU adaptor when you
use the camcorder abroad.

Pret*utlon 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.

Checking Supplied Accessories

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

[2] NP'SOO Battery Pack (1) (p.6. 24. 40)

AC-V500 AC power adaptor (1) (p.6.24.26)

g] HSA-V500 Handycam Station (1)* (p.20,24)

AA(. connecting capieit) (p. 10,-3^-

The HSA-V500 Handycam Station is not supplied and wei awaiUiMe for the UifiiAi medek

[7] RFU-90UC RFU adaptor (1)(p.19,20)

[8] Shoulder strap (1)(p.51)

CR2025 LUhtum Battery (2) (p.9,10)

ls /^A.:oitALe.

Ai

Charging and Installing the NP-500 Battery Pack

Before using your carncorder, you firsl need to charge and insert the supplied NP-500 battery pack. The
supplied battery pack has been slightly charged when you purchase the camcorder.
You can charge the battery pack by using the supplied AC-V500 AC power adaptor.

Charging with th« AC Power Adaptor

(1) Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall outlet. (2) Align the surface of the battery pack indicated by the
► mark with the edge of the terminal shutter of the AC power adaptor. Then fit and slide the battery pack
along the guides. The orange CHARGE lamps flashes or lights and charging begins. Wherr charging is
completed, the three CHARGE lamps light. (They go out after about 1 hour.) Detach the battery pack and
insert it into your camcorder (P.7).
You can also use the battery pack before it is compfelely charged. Three CHARGE lamps show the battery
life. For charging time and battery life, refer to the table below.

There are some other methods to charge the battery pack. For detailed information, see “Description of
Charging the Battery Pack (p.24)”.

Notes

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

• Charging is not performed during operation of the video equipment connected to the AC power adaptor. If
you operate the video equipment during charging, the charging ■wilt stop and the CHARGE lamps will go out.

Charging Time and Battery Life

Status of CHARGE lamps

Charging time* Battery life**

ш

Detaching the Battery Pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

I

InsertlfigthBBatMrylPacklrtotheCamcordvr |

(1) Open the lid of the battery compartment. (2) Insert the battery pack until it is hooked by the ВАТТ (battery) ®
release key. (3) Close the lid.

— f

"e

Approximate charging time to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V500 (Lower temperatures
require a longer charging time.)
Approximate continuous recording time indoors

* The three CHARGE lamps go out after about 1 hour.

30 minutes 20 minutes

50 minutes

1 hour 30 minutes

35 minutes

50 minutes

Charging and Installing the NP-500 Battery Pack

To Remove the Battery Pack

Pointing down the lens of the camera, slide the ВАТТ (battery) release key upward.

The switch on the battery pack

This switch is provided to help you remember the charging status of the battery Set the switch to the “green
mark" position after charging. (When detached from the AC power adaptor, the switch exposes the green
mark. When detached from your camcorder, no mark is indicated.)

Installing the Lithium Batteries

Your camcorder is supplied with two lithium batteries. One is for the camcorder, ar>d the other is for the

Remote Commander. Note that the lithium battery has a positive (+) and a negative (-) terminal as illustrated.

Be sure to install the lithium battery so that terminals on the battery match the terminals on the

camcorder or the Remote Commander.

WARNING

The battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, or dispose of in fire

Caution

Keep the lithium battery out of the reach of children. Should the battery be swallowed, consult a doctor
immediately.

Installing ths Lithium Battsry Into the d№wOttier

To activate the clock and the world clock, you must insert a lithium battery.
(1) Turn the viewfinder up and open the lid of the battery compartment. (2) Install the lithium battery with tl
positive (+) side facing out. (3) Close the lid.

--------------\ni

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I

Ail ".-J \

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To Remove the Lithium Battery

Push the Battery down once and pull it out from the holder.
When replacing the lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other power source attached. Othenvise, you will
need to reset the date and time.

У

Installing the Lithium Batteries

Irftttrfffiig the Llfl№nh fiattery Into the Rentóte Commander

To use the Remote Commander, you must insert the lithium battery. Use one of the supplied CR2025 lithium
batteries.

(1) Pull out the lithium battery holder from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert the new lithium battery with the
positive (+) side facing upward. (3) Put the lithium battery holder back into the Remote Commander

Battery Life

The lithium battery for the camcorder lasts for about 1 year under normal operation When the battery
becomes weak or dead, the date or time indicator keeps flashing in the display window and indicator
flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA.

The lithium battery for the Remote Commander lasts for about 1 year under normal operation. When the
battery becomes weak or dead, the Commander does not work.

In either cases, replace the battery with the Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-202S lithium battery. Use of

another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

(date) (time) T

(♦) (NEXT)

-n. W.93-

COUNTER/^

RESET

Setting the Date and Time

Before setting the dock, make sure a power source and lithium battery are installed.
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Open the STANDBY cover. (3) Press DATE (+) and TIME (NEXT)
simultaneously untill the area name and number flash in the viewfinder. (4) Press DATE (+) to set your home
area. (5) Set the Time: fa] For Daylight Savings Time, press DATE {+) then press TIME (NEXT), [b] For
standard time, press TIME (NEXT). (6) Adjust the flashing digits tor the year, month, day and hour by pressing
DATE (+) and TIME (NEXT). To set the year to 1993, there is no need to press DATE (+) in 6-©. Note that
when you keep DATE

Time Zones and Area Numbers and Names

“S.T." in the following table stands for Standard Time.

Time Zones
Hawaii S.T. HAWAII
Alaska S.T. ANCHRGE
Pacific S.T./West Canada
Mountain S.T,
Central S.T. US.CST
Eastern S.T./East Canada US.EST

{^-) pressed, the digits advance faster.

Area Name Area Number

US.PST 17
US MST 18

15
16

19
20

I

10 See the next page for further information. 11

Setting the Date and Time

To Correct the Date and Time Setting

Repeat steps 3 to 6.

To Check the Preset Date and Time

Press DATE (+-) to display the date indicator in the viewfinder and the display window. Press TIME (NEXT) to
display the time indicator. When you press the same button again, the indicator goes out.

TO Reset to Standard Time

Change D.S.T. mode setting in the menu system (p 33).

The year indicator changes as follows;

1993^1994 --♦2022

t

__________

Note on the time Indicator

The internal clock of the camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.

12:00 00 AM stands lor midnight. 12:00:00 PM stands for noon.

I

Inserting a Cassette

Make sure that a power source is installed.
(1) Open the lid of the cassette compartment. (2) Press EJECT. The cassette compartment automatically lifts

up and opens. (3) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out. (4) Press the PUSH mark on the

cassette compartment cover to dose it, (5) Close the lid.

To the cassette, press EJECT.

Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens

Before you use the camcorder for the first time or after someone else has used it, focus the viewfinder lens.
Make sure that the power source is connected to the camcorder.
^^) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Open the STANDBY cover. (3) Turn the viewfinder up. (4) Move
the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

To adjust the picture quality

If you want to change hue. color and brightness of the picture displayed on the viewfinder screen, turn the
screws on the viewfinder slowly using a screwdriver (not supplied). You do not need lo adjust them In
everyday operation.

I

Turn clockwise

HUE

Greenish skin tones

COLOR

More color intensity

BRIGHT

More brightness

12

Turn counterclockwise
Redish skin tones
Less color inlencity
Less brightness

13

Hints for Better Shooting

For hand-held shots, you'll get better results holding the camcorder according to the following suggestions;

[a]

• 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.

• 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 recording angle. Turn the viewfinder up for
recording from a low position, [b]

Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder.

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 if with the camcorder (p.51). Make sure the tripod screw is shorter than 6.5mm
(9/32 in).

Use the instant stand

Lift up the stand at the bottom of the camcorder. Do not attach a shoulder strap to the stand.

I Basic Operation |

Camera Recording

Make sure that a 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 you are using the camcorder correctly
(1) Close the AUTO LOCK cover for automatic adjustment (p-29). (2) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
(3) Open the STANDBY cover. (4) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording and the "REC"
indicator will appear in the viewfinder.

To Stop Recording Momentarily

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

To Finish Recording

Close the STANDBY cover and set the POWER switch to OFF.
Then, eject the tape (p.12 ).

Note on Standby mode

H you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode, the camcorder
goes off automatically This prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby
mode, close the STANDBY cover once and open it again. To start recording, press START/STOP.

Note on recording

When you record from the beginning of the tape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before actual recording.
This prevents the camcorder from missing 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 wifi be a time tag of
several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press RESET located below the display
window.

14

15

Getting a Steady Picture

You can use the Steady Shot function to compensate for camera-shake m the following cases.

• When you zoom in

• When you shoot while moving

• When you shoot from a car window

Set STEADY SHOT to ON The 'O' indicator appears in the viewfinder and the '0>' indicator in the displav
window. ^ '

To Release the Steady Shot Function

Set STEADY SHOT to OFF.

Note on the Steady Shot function

The Steady Shot function will not correct excessive camera-shake.

When you do not need to use the Steady Shot function

Set STEADY SHOT to OFF

When you shoot stationary object with a tripod

Set STEADY SHOT to OFF.

Using the Zoom Fdatu»

a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. You can also use

Zooming'S or to decide on a shooting angle before you start recording. For more
rroteSional-looking recordings, us# the zoom sparingly.
? ade lor lelsptiolo (subjecl appears closer)

W side: lor »ide-angle (sribiect appears larlher away)

Zooming Speed

SikJe the power zoom lever firmly for a high-speed zoom. Slide it softly for a relatively slow zoom.

When you shoot a subject using a telephoto zoom

If you cannot get a sharp focus while in extreme telephoto zoom, slide the W side of the power zoom lever
until the locus Is sharp.
You can shoot a subject that is at least 90 cm (about 3 feet) away from the lens surface in the telephoto
position, or 1cm (about 1/2 inches) in the wide-angle position.

Manual focusing in macro

You can also shoot with manual focus while doing close-ups (p 30).

16

17

Camera Recording Connections for Playback

Checking the Recorded Picture in the Viewfinder

Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder.
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. (2) Open the STANDBY cover. (3) Press EDITSEARCH. Press the ­(©) side rnomentarily, the last lew seconds of the recorded portion plays back (Rec Review).

Keep pressing EDITSEARCH to play back the last recorded portion (Edit Search).

+ side: to view the forward playback picture

- side: to view the reverse playback picture

Monitoring the Sound While Viewing the Playback Picture in the Viewfinder

Connect headphones (not supplied) to the PHONES jack Play back the tape in VTR mode (p.22).

To Stop Playback

Release EDITSEARCH.

To Begin Re-recording

Press START/STOP Re-recording begins trom 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.

You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to
connect your camcorder.

• Connecting to a TV with Video/Audio input jacks or a VCR (p.19)

• Connecting to a TV without Video/Audio input jacks (p-t9)

• Connecting to a TV or VCR using the Handycam Station (for the Canada model)(p.20)

Connecting to a TV with Vldeo/Audlo Input Jacks or a VCR

Connect the camcorder to your TV by using the supplied connecting cable. Set the TVA/CR selector to VCR
on the TV When Connecting the camcorder to VCR, set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
If you are going to connect the camcorder using the S video cable [aj, you do not need to connect the yellow
(video) plug of the A/V connecting cable {bj.

:Signal flow

If youT TV or VCR is a monaural type, connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV
or the VCR. With this connection, the sound is in monaural.

ConnacHnd to a TV without VMeo/Audlo Input Jacks

Connect the camcorder to the TV using the supplied RFU adaptor. Set the channel selector on the RFU
adaptor and your TV channel to VHF channel CH 3 or CH 4, whichever is not active in your area. With this
connection, the sound is in monaural.

^ s-vioeo I

VIDEO '

a

18

19

Connecting to a TV or VCR Using the Handycam Station

(for the Canada model)

By connecting the HSA-V500 Handycam Station (not supplied for U.S.A. model) to your TV or VCR, you can
view the playback piclore on the TV easily.

To Connect the Hendycam Station to a TV or VCR

Connect the Handycam Station to the TV using the supplied connecting cable
tf you are goiirg to connect the TV or VCR using the S video cable [a], you do not need to connect the yellow
(video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b].

[a] S-VIDEO IN

jJS-VIDEO^

VIDEO ®

I Signal Mow

If your TV or VCR Is 8 monaural type

Connect the Handycam Station to the TV using the supplied connecting cable. For audio connection, use only
the white plug both on the Handycam Station and the TV or VCR. With this connection, the sound is in
monaural.

VIDEO ®

"T AUDIO 0

Attaching the AC Power Adaptor

The Handycam Station is used with the AC power adaptor.
(1) Attach the AC power adaptor to the Handycam Station. (2) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

To remove the AC power adaptor

Press ADAPTOR RELEASE

To Fit the Camcorder to the Handycam Station

(1) Align the bottom front edge of the camcorder to the front end of the camcorder mounting surface of the
Handycanr Station. (2) Fit and slide the camcorder in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
When you playback tapes, set the TVA/CR selector on the TV to VCR, or the input selector on the VCR to
LINE. If you connect with the RFU adaptor, set the channel selector on the RFU adaptor and your TV channel
to VHF channel CH 3 or CH 4 whichever is not active in your area.

I :Signal flow

If your TV does not have video/audio Input jacks

Connect the Handycam Station to the TV using the supplied RFU adaptor. Set the channel selector on the
RFU adaptor and your TV channel to VHF channel CH 3 or CH 4 whichever is not active in your area. With

this connection, the sound is in monaural.

To Remove the Camcorder

Press HANDYCAM RELEASE on the Handycam Station. Slide and lift up the camcorder.

21

Playing Back a Tape

You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor on the TV screen, after

connecting the camcorder to the TV/VCR fp.l9). It is recommended to use the house current as the power

source (p-26). You can control playback using the supplied Remote Commander (p 54). Before using the
Commander, slide the HOLD switch in the direction opposite to the arrow.
(1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out. (3) Press
Playback starts.

--------

К

PLAY

----

® FF PAUSE ВЕС

0 о 0 0 о 0 О

------------------

REw® T%£L

STOP '— PLAY

® ©

DISPLAY PAUSE

О ®

To stop playback, press □.
To rewind the tape, press
To advance the tape rapidly, press

STOP REW®

CSD [®D CâJ IS QD C13 CD

Various Playback Modes

To view a still picture (playback pause)

Press II during playback To resume playback, press II or O-.

To locate a scene (picture search)

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

To monitor the high-speed picture during fastforward or rewind (skip scan)

Keep pressing while rewinding or ►► while advancing the tape. To resume normal playback, press [>.

To view the picture in a sequence of stop-motion Images

Press EDITSEARCH in playback pause mode. If you keep pressing EDITSEARCH, you can view the picture
playback in the fonward (+) or reverse (-) direction.

Notes on playback

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

• When still picture mode lasts for 5 minutes or more, the camcorder automatically enters stop mode.

To select the monitor sound

Change the “HiFi SOUND" mode setting in the menu system (p.33 ).

To display the viewfinder screen indicators on the TV

Press DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.

To erase the indicators, press DISPLAY again.

—,

22

23

Description of Charging the Battery Pack

To charge the battery pack, you can choose from the foKowing three rnethods.

• Charging it by directly attaching it to the AC power adaptor (p.6, 24), - To quickly charge

• Charging it by inserting it into the camcorder (p.25). - To use anytime you need

• Charging two battery packs consecutively {p.25).
In each method, you can charge the battery pack by using the supplied AC-V500 AC power adaptor [a], or
with the HSA-V500 Handycam Station (for the Canada model) [b] It is more convenient to take the AC power
adaptor separately on a trip.

Charging by Directly Attaching It to the AC power Adaptor - To quickly charge

Charge the battery pack by directly attaching it to the AC power adaptor (p.6).

Charging Time and Battery Life

Status of CHARGE lamps

s' 30 mnutes 20 mmutes

"f

* Approximate charging time to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V500 (Lower temperatures

»»♦The three CHARGE lamps go out after about 1 hour.

•f

require a longer charging time.)
Approximate continuous recording time indoors

Charging It by Inserting It In the Camcorder - To use anytime you need

You can also charge the battery pack installed in the camcorder.
Install the battery pack into the camcorder (p 7), connect the camcoder to the AC power adaptor (p.26) or

Handycam Station (p.2l), and set the POWER switch to OFF. The battery remaining indicator appears in the
display window and charging begins. You can check the charged capacity by looking at the battery rerrtainit^g
indicator during charging.
When charging has been completed, the battery remaining indicator disappears. For charging lime and battery
life, refer to the table on the next page. ’■
While charging, the camcorder may heal up. This is not cause for concern

Charging time

Start

50 minutes 35 minutes

1 hour 30 minutes

50 minutes

Battery life**

Charging Time and Battery Life

Charging time*
5 hours 30 minutes

» Approximate charging time to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V500 (Lower temperatures

require a longer charging time.)

‘♦Approximate continuous recording time indoors

Battery life**
50 minutes

Charge Two Battery Paeka Consecutively

You can charge two battery packs consecutively. Charge one battery pack by attaching if directly to the AC
power adaptor (p.6), and another battery pack by installing it into the camcorder. The battery pack attached to
the AC power adaptor is charged first. Then the battery pack inside the camcorder is charged.
When charging is completed, (he battery remaining indicator disappears following the CHARGE lamps on the
AC power adaptor went out. For charging time and battery life, refer to the table below.

Charging Time and Battery Life

Charging time* Battery Vtte**
8 houis

♦ Approximate charging time to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V500 (Lower temperatures

require a longer charging lime.)

*♦ Approximate continuous recording time indoors

50 rmrtutes each

24

25

I

Advanced Operations

I

Using Alternate Power Sources

You can choose any of the following power sources for your camcorder: battery pack (P.7), house current,

and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate power source depending on where you want to use your

camcorder

Place

Indoors House current
Outdoor
In the car

UilnS House Current

Use the supplied AC-V500 AC power adaptor,
(i) Connect the power cord to a waif outlet, ar>d connect the supplied connecting cord to the DC OUT jack on
the AC power adaptor. (2) Insert the connecting plate into the guides at the bottom of the camcorder.

The orange VTR/CAMERA lamp lights while the camcorder is operating.

Note on the AC power adaptor

Keep the AC power adaptor away from video equipment if video operation is disturbed.

Note on the Instant stand

Do not use the instant stand (p 14) when you connect the connecting cord to the camcorder. The connecting
plate will be stressed that may cause a malfunction. The camcorder will be unstable.

Caution

To prevent accident from a short circuit, do not come into contact with the terminal inside the shutter at the
bottom of the camcorder

Using a Car Battery

Use the OC-V500 car battery charger (not supplied) Connect the car battery cord to the cigarette lighter
socket of a car (12V or ?4V). Connect the car battery charger and the camcorder using the supplied
connecting cord.

Power source

Battery pack
12 V or 24 V car battery

Accessory to be used

AC power adaptor AC-V500 (supplied)
Battery pack NP-500
Car battery charger DC-V500

Recording the Date or Time

In CAMERA mode, press DATE (+) or TIME (NEXT). You can record the date or time displayed m 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.

To Stop Recording with the Date or Time

Press DATE (+) or TIME (NEXT) again. Recording continues.

26

27

Fade-in and Fade-out

You can fade in or fade out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture will
gradually appear from black or mosaic. The sound will also gradually increase. When fading out. the picture
will gradually fade to black or mosaic The sound will also decrease.

When Fading In [a]

(1) During the camcorder is in Standby mode, press FADER. The FADER indicator starts flashing.
(2) Press START/STOP to start recording. The FADER indicator stops flashing.

When Fading out [b]

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

To Cancel the Fade-in/out Function

Before pressing START/STOP, press FADER once or twice until you have neither the FADER nor M.FADER
indicator in the viewfinder.

When the date/time or age indicator Is displayed

The date/time or age does not fade in nor fade out.

Selecting Automatic or Manual Adjustment Modes

The camcorder’s automatic functions otter you worry-free operation under most shootir^g conditions. But in
some circumstances, manual adjustment is better for creative recording.

Automatic Adfustment Mode

Close the AUTO LOCK cover. In AUTO LOCK mode, the camcorder adjusts the focus and exposure
automatically. It also sets the shutter speed to 1/100 when STEADY SHOT is set to ON and 1/60 when it is
set to OFF.

Manual Adjuatmant Mode

Open the AUTO LOCK cover until it clicks. In manual mode, you can adjust the focus and the exposure
manually, and select from three PROGRAM AE modes to fit the shooting situation.
Even if in manual mode, the settings you didn't adjust manualy remain the same as when in automatic
adjustment mode.

About the previous settings

Manual settings are saved in the following case:

• When you resume automatic mode after you make manual adjustments and then select manual mode
again.

• When you set the POWER switch to OFF

However, manual settings are cancelled if more than 5 minutes pass after you have detached the battery.

28

29

Focusing Manually

Adjusting the Exposure

Whan to Use Manual Focus

Use manual focus under the following conditions:

[b]

/

a

• Insufficient light [a]

• Subjects with little contrast - walls, sky. etc. [b]

• Too much brightness behind the subject [cj

• Horizontal stripes Id]

• Subjects through frosted glass

• Subjects beyond nets, etc.

• Bright subject or subject reflecting light

• Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod

Focusing Manually

When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length.
(1) Open the AUTO LOCK cover until it clicks. (2) Press FOCUS. The © indicator appears in the viewfinder.
(3) Keep the power zoom lever to the T side until the zooming stops. j4) Turn the focus dial to adjust the
focus. (5) Set the desired shot length.

To Reactivate Auto Focusing

Press FOCUS again, or close the AUTO LOCK cover. The indicator in the viewfinder disappears.

Shooting in relatively dark places

Shoot at wide angles after focusing in telephoto.

Note on the focus dial

30 The locus dial does not have a stop position.

When to Adjust the Exposure

Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases.

[a]

la] Turn the Exposure dial to + when: lb] Turn the Exposure dial to - when;

• The background is too bright (back lighting) • Bright subject and dark background
♦ Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark • To record the darkness faithfully

Cl

Adjusting the Exposure

(1) Open the AUTO LOCK cover until it clicks. (2) Press EXPOSURE, The exposure indicator appears in the
viewfinder and the exposure is locked at the actual brightness. (3) Turn the EXPOSURE dial to adjust
exposure. The exposure is locked at the adjusted brightness.

To Return to Automatic Exposure Mode

Press EXPOSURE again, or close the AUTO LOCK cover.

Shoot with the sun behind you

When the light source is behind your subject, or in the following situations, the subject will be recorded too
dark.

• The subject is indoors and there is a window behind the subject.

• Bright light sources are included in the scene.

• When shooting a person wearing white or shiny clothes in front of a white background, the face will be
recorded too dark.

Shoot In the dark

We recommend you to use the video light (not supplied). To get the best color, you must maintain a sufficient
light level.

31

Using the PROGRAM AE Function Changing the Mode Settings

You can select Irom Ihree PROGRAM AE {Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation. When you

use PROGRAM AE, you can get a Portrait effect (the subject is in focus and the background is out of focus) or

capture high-speed action with Sports mode or High-Speed Shutter mode.

Selecting the Best Mode

Select the best mode by using the following examples.

You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions.
(1) Turn the viewfinder up. (2) Press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. (3) Press ITEM to move the
cursor ► and select the desired item. (4) Press SET to move the cursor • (or O) and set the desired mode.
It you want to change the other modes, repeat steps 3 and 4. (5) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

2

MENU

fffi 1

Ji

n VTR mode

MENU
► AREA O us PST 1 7

O S T oOFF ON
Hi8 »AUTO OFf
COMMANDER • ON OFF
EOIT • OFF ON
H<F( SOUND • STEREO SI iP

(MENU].ENO

n CAMERA mode

MENU
* AREA 0 US.PST 17

DS T oOFF ON
Hi 8 «AUTO OFF
COMMANDER *ON OFF
WIND »OFF ON

IMENUj END

MJ Portrait mode

• A Still subject such as a person or flower

• Subject behind an obstacle such as a net

• Zooming in on a subject in telephoto

Sports mode

Outdoor sports scenes such as football, tennis, golf or skiing

• A landscape in a moving car

High-speed shutter mode

• A golf swing or a tennis match in fine weather with the ball captured clearly

• Playing back certain scenes with high-speed movements in clear, sharp picture

Using the PROGRAM AE Function

(1) Open the AUTO LOCK cover until it clicks, (2) Press PROGRAM AE repeatedly so that the desired mode
indicator appears inside the viewfinder.

Note on shutter speed

The shutter speed in each PROGRAM AE mode is as lol'ows:

Portrait mode - between 1/60 to 1/2000

Sports mode - between 1/60 to 1/500

22 High-speed shutter mode - 1/4000

3

ITEM °

1

^ u

About the previous mode settings

When you detach the battery:

• The AREA and D.S.T. mode settings are retained (displayed with cursor O).

• The other mode settings are saved for 5 minutes (displayed with cursor •).
However, these settings are cancelled if the lithium battery is exhausted.

Selecting the Mode Setting of lEach item

AREA

You cannot select this item before setting the date and time <p.l t).

• Select the area name of the time zone where you will use the camcorder when you use the world clock
(p.35).

D.S.T. <ON/OFF>

You cannot select this item before setting the date and time (p.11).

• Select ON to set the clock to Daylight Savings Time.

• Select OFF to set to standard ttme.

See the next page lor further information, 33

Changing the Mode Settings

HIS <AUTO/OFF>

• Select AUTO to have the camcorder automatically set the recording mode (HI8 or standard 8 mm)
depending upon cassette type being used.

• Select OFF to record a HI8 tape in standard 8 mm format. See page 39 for details about cassette types.

COMMANDER <ON/OFF>

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

• Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander for the camcorder.

EDIT <ON/OFF>

In CAMERA mode, this option is not displayed.

• Select ON to minimize the picture and sound deteriorations when editing.

• Select OFF otherwise.

HIFI SOUND <STEREO / [j ] / [2] >
In CAMERA mode, this option is not displayed.

• Normally select STEREO.

• Select [l) or [2] to play back a dual soundtrack tape.

WIND <ON/OFF>

In the VTR mode, this option is not displayed.

• Select ON to reduce wind noise when recording.

• Select OFF otherwise.

Using the World Clock

Before using the world clock, you need to set the date and time in your home area (p.ii). Reset the ctock
according to the local time zone by setting AREA and D.S T. modes in the menu system. First find the area
name in the “Time zone chart' on page 36.
(1) Turn the viewfinder up. (2) Press MENU to display the menu (3) Press SET to select the area name where
you will use the camcorder. (4) Press ITEM to select D.S.T. item. Press SET to select ON: for Daylight
Savings Time or OFF: for standard time.

The indicator appears in the display window and the area name appears in the viewfinder when using the
world clock. The indicator appears in the display window and the viewfinder when setting to Daylight
Savings Time.

V

t0;00; IS.

To Check the Date

Press DATE (+). To turn off the date indicator, press DATE (+) again.

To Reset to Your Home Area Time

Reset the AREA mode in the menu system to your home area name.

! ,

1 LONDON

1

_

10.0015 PM,

34

• rif •

1 i;0D! (5-

See the next page for lime zone chart. 35

[ LONDON

11 00 15 PM

' > 1

г

Tíme Zone Chart

36

Area

Area name

number
1

LONDON

2

PARIS

3

CAIRO

4

MOSCOW

5

DUBAI

6

KARACHI

7

DACCA

8

BANGKOK

9

HNGKNG

10

TOKYO

11

SYDNEY
12 SOLOMON
13 WLLNGTN

14

SAMOA

15 HAWAII
16

ANCHRGE

17

US. PST
18 US. MST
19 US CST
20 US. EST
21

CARACAS
22

RIO
23 FN ISL
24

AZORES

^ These are common names They may be different from formal country names

England, GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), Morocco, Portugal
Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, GET
Egypt, Finland, Greece, Israel, Turkey
Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya. Saudi Arabia, former U.S.S R (west)

United Arab Emirates
Maldives. Pakistan
Bangladesh, India, Myanmar
Cambodia, Indonesia (Jakarta), Thailand, Vietnam
Australia (west), China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (Bali, Borneo),

Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan
Japan. Korea
Australia (east), Guam. Saipan
New Caledonia
Fiji, New Zealand

Western Samoa
HST (Hawaii Standard Time), Tahili
AST (Alaska Standard Time)
PST (Pacific Standard Time)
MST (Mountain Standard Time)
CST (Central Standard Time), Mexico
EST (East Standard Time), Peru
Chili, Dominica, Venezuela
Argentina, Brazil. Uruguay
Fernarvlo de Noronha
Azores Islands

Nations or are^

You can create your own video program by editing with any other Ш 8 mm. HIB Hi8, iVHi VHS, evits S-VHS,
YDSS VHSC, SIVHSH S-VHSC. or iB Betamax VCR that has video/audio inputs.

BefoM Editing

After fitting the camcorder to the Handycam Station that is connected to your VCR,
(1) Set the POWER switch to VTR, (2) Set EDIT mode to ON in the menu system (p.33).

starting Editing

(1) Insert a blank tape (or a tape you want to record over) into the recording VCR. Then insert your recorded
tape into the camcorder. (2) Play back the recorded tape on the camcorder until you locate the point where

you want to start editing. Then set the camcorder to playback pause mode. (3) Set the recording VCR to

recording pause mode. (4) Press II on the camcorder and VCR simultaneously to start editing.

To Edit More Scenes

Repeat steps 2 to 4.

To Stop Editing

Press □ STOP on the camcorder and VCR- When you finish editing, reset EDIT mode to OFF (p.33).

Use of tt>e EOrrSEARCH button

To play back a tape in the fonward or reverse direction keep pressing EDITSEARCH during playback pause.
You can play back still pictures successively at specific intervals by pressing EDITSEARCH intermittently.

Note on DISPLAY function

If you have displayed the viewfinder screen indicators on the TV (DISPLAY function), erase the indicators by
pressing DISPLAY on the Remote Commander so that they will not be superimposed on the edited tape.

37

Recording from a TV or VCR

You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has video/audio outputs.
Connect the camcorder to the TV or VCR.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Press REC at the point where you want to start recording. In recording

and recording pause mode, S VIDEO and VIDEO/AUDIO jacks automatically work as output jacks.

If your TV or VCR is a monaural type, connect only the white plug for audio on both the camcorder and the TV
or VCR.
If you are going to connect the camcorder using the S video cable [a], you do not need to connect the yellow
(video) plug of the A/V connecting cable [b].

To Check the Picture from a TV or VCR before Recording

Press II after pressing #. You can check the picture in the viewfinder.

To Stop Recording

Press □.

Usable Cassettes and Recording/Playback Modes

Selecting Cassette Typra

This Hi8 system is an extension of the standard 8 mm system, and was developed for higher-quality pictures.
You can use Hi8 video and standard 8 mm cassettes When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use only
Hi8 video cassettes. You cannot record on standard 8 mm cassettes in the Hi8 system.
If you are going to play back the tape using a standard 8 mm video recorder/player, you should record the
tape in the standard 8 mm system.
If you want to use a Hi8 cassette with the standard 8 mm recording system, set the Hi8 mode to OFF in the
menu system befor recording (p 33).

To play back in

HÍ8

Standard 8

To Prevent Accidental Erasure

Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the ® and ^ indicators flash in the viewfinder, and you cannot
record on the tape. To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out to cover the red mark. 2

When You Play Back'

The playback mode is selected automatically according to the recording system (Hi8/standard 8 mm, SP/LP
mode) in which the tape was recorded.

Notes on AFM Hi-Fi stereo

When you play back the tape, the sound is in monaural if:

• You record the tape using this camcorder, then play it back on an AFM Hi-Fi monaural video recorder/
player.

• You record the tape on an AFM Hi-Fi monaural video recorder, then play it back on this camcorder.

LP (long play) mode

When you play back a tape recorded in LP mode, the LP indicator lights up in the viewfinder. This camcorder

cannot record tape in LP mode.

Record using cassette type Set Hi8 setting to

Hiß AUTO

HIß

ß

OFF

AUTO (or OFF)

I

38

See the next page for further information. 39

Tips for Using the NP-500 Battery Pack

Caution

Never leave the battery pack under temperatures above 140''F (60"C). such as in a car parked in the sun or
under direct sunlight.

Note on Charging

Recharge the battery pack whenever you like.

You do not have to discharge it before recharging. If you charged the battery pack fully but you did not use it
for a long time, it becomes discharged. So recharge the battery pack before use.

Preparing the Battery Pack

Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned.

"Battery lile" is measured by continuous camcorder recording time, at a room temperature using a fully-

charged battery. The battery is also expended when;

• You insert or eject a tape.

• The camcorder is set to Standby mode.

• You set the POWER swich to VTR.

Battery life is shorter In a cold climate.

Battery efficiency is decreased and the battery wears out more quickly in cold weather (50'’F/10'’C or less).
For longer battery life, we recommend the following;

• Keep the battery pack warm until you’re ready to start using the camcorder.

• Charge the battery using the AC power adaptor at room temperature (from 50®F/10°C to 86'’F/30°C).

Battery Remaining Indicator

You can check the remaining battery by looking at the s
bar indicates decresing battery power.

To save battery power close the STANBY cover when not recording.

A smooth recording can be made even if recording is stopped and started again.[a]

When to Replace the Battery Pack

You can check the remaining battery capacity by looking at the battery remaining indicator in the viewfinder.
When the rYi indicator and the battery lamp in the viewfinder change from slow to rapid flashing, set the
POWER switch to OFF, and replace the battery pack. Leave the tape in the camcorder in order to obtain a
smooth transition when you begin recording again, [b]

Note on the Terminals

If the terminals (metal parts in the terminal holes) are not dean, the battery duration will be shortened. When
the terminals are not clean or when the battery pack has not been used for a long time, repeal installing and
removing the battery pack This improves the contact condition. Also, remove any accumulated dust in the
terminal holes fully by using a pointed stick which is not so hard.

40

и indicator in the viewfinder. The decreasing black

Be sure to observe the following

• To prevent an accident caused by a short circuit, do not allow metal objects such as a necklace to

touch the battery terminals.

• Keep the battery pack away from fire.

• Keep the battery pack dry.

• Do not open nor convert the battery pack.

• Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.

Maintenance Information and Precautions

liHoMura ConcMnsation

If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place, moisture may condense inside the
camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or on the lens. If this happens, the tape may stick to the head drum
and be damaged or the camcorder may not operate correctly. To prevent possible damage under these
circumstances, the camcorder is furnished with moisture sensors However, take the following precautions.

Inside the Camcorder

When ai and ^ indicators flash in the viewfinder and the display window, moisture has condensed inside the
camcorder. If this happens, none of the functions except cassette ejection will work.

Eject the tape, turn off the camcorder, and leave It with the cassette compartment open for about 1

hour.

If the ai indicator does not light up when you turn on the power, you can use the camcorder again .

On the Surface of the Tape

If there is moisture on the surface of the tape, when you insert tape and press a tape transport button, the ±
indicator flashes in the viewfinder and the display window, ff this happens, none of fhe functions except
cassette ejection will work.

Eject the tape and let it sit for about 1 hour.

If the ± indicator does not light up when you insert the tape and press a tape transport button, you can use
the camcorder again .

On the Lens

No indicator will appear, but the picture becomes dim. Turn off the power and do not use the camcorder for
about 1 hour.

How to Prevent Moisture Condensation

When bringing the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, put the camcorder in a plastic bag and allow
it to adapt to room conditions over a period of lime.
(1) Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing the camcorder.
(2) Remove the bag when the air temperature inside it has reached the temperature surrounding it (after

about one hour).

41

Maintenance Information and Precautions

Video Head Clediilng

To ensure clear pictures, clean the video heads periodically. When playback pictures are “noisy" or hardly
visible, the video heads may be contaminated.

[a]

[a] Slight contamination
[b] Critical contamination

If this happens, dean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLH cleaning cassette (not supplied). After

checking the picture, if it is still “noisy", repeat the cleaning. (Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times.)

Caution

Do not use a commercially available wet-type cleaning cassette, it may damage the video heads.

Note

If the V8-25CLH cleaning cassette is not available in your area, consult your Sony service facility.

№>]

Precautions

Camcorder Operation

• Operate the camcorder using 7.2 V (battery pack), or 6.5 V (AC power adaptor).

• For DC or AC operation, use only the accessories recommended in this manual.

• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the casing, unplug the camcorder and have it checked by qualified
personnel before operating it any further,

• Avoid rough handling or mechanical shock. Be particularly careful of the lens.

• Keep the POWER switch set to OFF when not using the camera.

• Do not wrap up the camcorder and operate it since heat may build up internally.

• Keep the camcorder away from strong magnetic fields or mechanical vibration.

• Do not let sand get into the camcorder. When you use the camcorder on a sandy beach or dusty
place, protect it from the sand or dust Sand or dust may cause the unit to malfunction and
sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired, [a]

• Do not let the camcorder get wet. Keep the camcorder from rain or sea water. It may cause a
malfunction and sometimes the malfunction cannot be repaired, [b]

On Handling Tapes

Do not insert anything into the small holes on the rear of the cassette. These holes are used to sense the

type, thickness of tape, or if the tab is out or in.

Camcorder Care

• Never leave the camcorder under temperatures above 140‘F (60*C), such as in a car parked in the sun or
under direct sunlight, [c]

• When the camcorder is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the power source and remove the tape
Periodically turn on the power, operate the camera and player sections and play back a tape for about 3
minutes.

• Clean the lens with a soft brush to remove dust If there are fingerprints on the lens, remove them with a
soft cloth.

• Clean the camcorder body with a soft dry cloth, or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent
solution. Do not use any type o1 solvent which may damage the finish.

42

43

Maintenance Information and Precautions

AC Power Adaptor

Charging

• Use only for Ihe specified battery pack. This unit cannot be used to charge an NP-55/66/77 series battery
pack.

• Attach the battery pack firmly.

• Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.

Charging temperature

The temperature range for charging is 0°C to 40X (32"F to 104T). However, to provide maximum battery
efficiency, the recommended temperature range when charging is 10"C to 30*C (50°F to 86^'F).

Others

• One blade of the plug is wider than the other for the purpose of safety and will fit into the power outlet only

one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your dealer.

• To disconnect the cord (mains lead), pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.

• Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if it has been dropped or damaged.

• Be sure that nothing metallic comes into contact with the metal parts of the unit or connecting plate. If it
does, a short may occur and the unit may be damaged.

• Always keep the metal contacts clean.

• Do not disassemble or convert the unit.

• Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the unit.

• While the unit is in use. it gels warm. But this is normal.

• Keep the unit away from AM receivers, because it will disturb AM reception.

• Do not place the unit in a location where it is:

-Extremely hot or cold

-Dusty Of dirty

-Very humid

-Vibrating

If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit arwJ contact your nearest Sony dealer.

Handycam Station (for the Canada model)

• To use this unit, an AC power adaptor AC-V500 is required.

• Be sure that nothing metallic comes info contact with the metal parts covered with the terminal shutter on the
camcorder mounting surface. If it does, a short may occur and the unit may be damaged.

• Keep the metal contacts clean.

• Do not disassemble or convert the unit.

• Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the unit.

• Take care not to drop the camcorder or AC power adaptor when removing them from this unit.

• While the unit is in use, particularly during charging on the AC power adaptor, keep it away from AM
receivers because it will disturb AM reception,

• Do not place the unit in a location where it is:

-Extremely hot or cold

-Dusty or dirty

-Very humid

-Vibrating

If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer.

Using Your Camcorder Abroad

Each country has its own electricity and TV color systems Before using your camcorder abroad, check the
following points:

(lower SoUites

You can use your camcorder in any country with the supplied AC power adaptor within 100 V to 240 V AC. 50/
60 Hz Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall
outlet [b]

0

[a] [b]

OlfteMiee In Color Systems

This camcorder is an NTSC system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback picture on a TV, it

must be an NTSC system based TV When you want to use a PAL-M system based TV, you will need a

NTSC/PAL-M transcoder. Check the following alphabetical list.

NTSC system countrfes

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America. Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,
Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.

PAL system countries

Australia. Austria. Belgium. China. Denmark, Finland, Germany (former West Germany), Great Britain,
Holland. Hong Kong, Italy. Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal. Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, etc.

PAL M system country

Brazil

PAL N system countries

Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

SECAM system countries

Bulgaria, France, Guyana, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Poland, former Soviet Union, etc.

44

45

Trouble Check

If you run into any problems using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem.

Video Camera Rdcoider

Symptom

The power does not go
on.

The power goes off.

1

CL

The battery pack is
quickly discharged

START/STOP does not
operate.

The cassette cannot be
removed from the
compartment.

No function except for

S

cassette ejection works.

«

t

The tape does not move

O

when a tape transport
button is pressed.

The steady shot
function does not work.

The autofocusing
function does not work

Cause

The battery is not inserted.
The battery is dead
The AC power adaptor is not

connected to a wall outlet.
While being operated in

CAMERA mode, the carrrcorder
has been m the pause mode for
more than 5 minutes.

The battery is dead.
The ambient temperature is too

tow.
The battery pack has not been

charged fully.
The battery pack is completely

dead, and cannot be recharged.
The tape is stuck to the drum.
The tape has run out.

The POWER switch is set to
VTR.

The tab on the cassette is out
(red)

The battery is exhausted

Moisture condensation has

occurred.

The POWER switch is set to
CAMERA or OFF.

The tape has run out.

The STEADY SFIOT switch is
set to OFF.

The AUTO LOCK cover is
opened.

Shooting conditions are not
suitable for autofocusing
opertion.

Corrective Actions page

insert the battery. 7
Use a charged battery.
Connect the adaptor to a wall

outlet.
Close the STANDBY cover at

once and open it again.

Use a charged battery. 6, 24

Charge the battery pack again.

Use another battery pack.

Eject the tape
Rewind the tape or use a new

one.
Set it to CAMERA.

Use a new tape or slide the red
tab.

Use a charged battery or the
AC power adaptor.

Remove the cassette and do
not use the camcorder for at
least an hour.

Set it to VTR.

Rewind the tape or use a new
one.

Set the STEADY SHOT switch
to ON.

Close the AUTO LOCK cover
to set the AUTO LOCK.

Open the AUTO LOCK cover
and press FOCUS to adjust the
focus manually.

-

6, 24

26

15

40

6, 24

6, 24

12

22

15

39

6, 24, 26

41

22

22

16

29

30

Symptom Cause

No sound or only a low
sound is heard when
playing back a tape.

The image on the
viewfinder screen is not
clear.

The menu is not displayed
on the TV

A vertical band appears
when a subject such as

?

lights Of a candle flame is
shot against dark

backgound.
The playback picture is

z

not dear.

&

No picture and no sound
is played back when using
the Handycam Station.
(for the Canada model)

The supplied Remote
Commander does not
work.

&

I

The lens clatters when
you set the POWER
switch to OFF and shake
the camcorder.

The Stereo tape is played back
with the HiFi SOUND mode set
to“1" or "2".

The viewfinder lens is not
adjusted.

DISPLAY on the Remote
Commander is not pressed.

The contrast between the
subject and background is too
high'. The camcorder is not
malfunctioning.

EDIT mode is set to "ON".

The channel or input for the
camcorder is not selected on
the TV.

The video heads may be
contaminated.

The RFU adaptors are
connected to both of the
camcorder and the Handycam
Station.

The HOLD switch is working.

REMOTE COMMANDER mode
is set to “OFF*.

Something interrupts the
infrared rays.

The lithium battery is not
inserted with the correct polarity.

The lithium battery is dead Insert a new one.
This is not a malfunction.

Corrsctive Actions

Set to "STEREO" in the menu
system.

Adjust the viewfinder lens.

Press DISPLAY on the Remote
Commander.

Change locations.

Set EDIT mode to “OFF” in the
menu system.

Select correctly.

Clean the heads using the Sony
V8-25CLH cleaning cassette.

Disconnect the RFU adaptor

connected to the camcorder.

Set the switch in the direction
opposite to the arrow.

Set the mode to "ON” in the
menu system.

Take away the obstacle.

Insert the lithium battery with the
correct polarity.

P«9e

33

13

23

-

33

19

42

-

54

33

-

9
9

- -

46

47

Trouble Check

Àie l^ower Adaptor

Symptom Cause

The POWER lamp does
not light.

It

The CHARGE lamp

iil

flashes.

When the Three CHARGE Lamps Flash

Check through the following chart.

48

-

Corrective Actions

Disconnect the power cord. Alter
about one minute, reconnect the
power cord again.

See the chart below.

pege

Specifications

Video Camera Recorder

-

Video recording system

Audio recording system

Usable cassette

Tapespeed SP mode: Approx. 1.43cm (19/32inches)/

Recording time SP mode: 2 houre (E6/P6-120)
Playback time SP mode. 2 hours (E6/P6-120)

Fastforward/rewind time

Image device CCD (Charge Coupled Device)
Viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (color)
Lens Combined 10 X power zoom lens

Color temperature

Minimum illumination

Illumination range

Recommended illumination

input and coiHtwfar»

S video input/output

Video input/output

Audio input/output

These above three conrtectors are autorhatically selectable
according to the operation
RFU DC OUT Special mini-jack, DC 5 V
Headphones jack

Four Rotary heads, Helical scanning FM
system

Rotary head, FM system
NTSC color, ElA standardsVideo signal

8 mm video lormat cassette (H18 or
standard 8 mm)

sec
LP mode: Ajjprox. 0.72 cm (5/16 inches)/
sec (playback only)

LP mo()e: 4 hours (E6-P6-120)

Approx. 8 min. (E6/P6-120)

1=5.4 to 54 mm (7/32 to 2 1/4 Inches)
39 to 390 mm (1 9/16 to 15 3/8 inches)
when coovered into a 35-mm still camera
F 1.8 to 2.4
Filter diameter 37 mm (1 1/2 inches)
TTL aulofocus system inner focus wide
macro system

Auto

5 lx <F t .8)

5 lx to 100,000 lx

More than 100 lx

4-pin mini DIN
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced, sync negative
Chrominance signal 0.266 Vp-p, 75 ohms,
unbalanced

Phono jack, 1 Vp-p, 75 ohms, unbalanced,
sync negative

Phono jacks (2 stereo L and R).
Input: -7.5 dBs, input impedance more
than 47 kilohms
Output: -7 5 dBs, (at load impedance 47
kilohms)
impedance less than 2 2 kilohms

Stereo mini-jack (0 3.5)

Remote jack Stereo mlni-mini-jack {0 2.5)
MIC jack Stereo mini-jack, -66 d6s low impedance

Handycam Station terminal

Power requirements

Power consumption

Installation Vertically, Horizonlatty
Operatlrrg temperature

Storage temperature

Dimensions Approx. 96 x 102 x 173 mm (w/h/d)

Mass Approx. 730 9 (11b 10 oz) excluding the

Microphone Electret condenser microphone, stereo

Supplied accessories

with 2.5 to 3 V DC. output impedance 6.8
kilohms [0 3.5)

20pin special connector

7.2 V (battery pack)

6.5 V (AC power adaptor)

6.3 W (camera recording) including the

viewfinder

0 °C to 40 "C (32 "F to 104 "F)

-20“C to +60"C (-4°F to UO^F)

(3 7/8 X 4 1/8 X 6 7/8 inches)

battery pack, lithium battery, cassette, and
shoulder strap
Approx 900 g (2.0 lb) including the battery
pack NP-500, lithium battery CR2025.
cassette E6-60. and shoulder strap

type

See page 5

AC Power AdapkM-

Power requirements

Power consumption

Output voltage

Application Sony battery pack NP-500
Operating temperature

Storage temperature

Dimensions Approx 68 x 44 x t07 mm (w/h/d)

Weight Approx. 260 g (9.2 oz)

* Canadian Standard Association (CSA) certifies 120 V AC

Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.

100 - 240 VAC*, 50/60 Hz

18W
Charge mode:
23 VA (too V AC), 33 VA (240 V AC)
Operating mode:
25 VA (100 V AC), 34 VA (240 V AC)

DC OUT: 6.5 V, 1.5 A in operating mode
Battery charge terminal: 8 4 V, t .1 A m
charge mode

0 '■C to 40 “C (32 "F to 104 '"F)

-20"C to 60“C (^’F to 140'’F)

(2 3/4x13/4x4 1/4 irrehes) including

projecting parts

only.

49

Identifying the Parts

[f| Menu operation buttons (p 33)

MENU
ITEM
SET

[2] FOCUS button (p 30)
[¿) Focus dial (p.30)
[4j AUTO LOCK cover (p 29)

EXPOSURE button (p 31)
[6] Exposure dial (p 31)
[7| PROGRAM AE button (p 32)

[8] Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p.i3)
[9] STEADY SHOT switch {p 16)

PHONES (headphones) jack (stereo) (p.l8)

50

5.iJ REMOTE (LANC) control jack Connect the LANC connecting cable to a wired remote control unit such as a editing controller. In this case, set the REMOTE COMMANDER mode to OFF in the menu system (p.32).

C stands for Local Application Control Bus

System. The control jack is used for
controlling the tape transport of video
equipment and peripherals connected to it.
This jack has the same function as the
connectors indicated as CONTROL L or
REMOTE.

[i| RFU DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC out) jack

(p.19)

Щ VIDEO/AUDIO jacks (p.19)

S VIDEO jack (4-pin mini-DIN connector)

(p,19)

OJ Lithium battery compartment (p.9)

[l| ВАТТ (battery) release key (p 7)

t7] POWER ZOOM lever (p.17)
[t| Hook for shoulder strap (below)

[i| Jack cover

Battery compartment (p.7)

gi] STANDBY cover (p.15)

P START/STOP button (p. 15)

Hook for shoulder strap (below)
Grip strap (p 14)

Attaching the shoulder strap

Attach the supplied shoulder strap to the hooks for the shoulder strap (above).

S Cassette compartment lid (p.12)

9 MICjack il Instant stand (p 14)

i Trt|>od receptacle (p. 14)

Attach a tripod (not supplied) here.
When attaching a non-SONY tripod, make sure
that the length of the camera mounting screw is
shorter than 6.5 mm (9/32 inches). Otherwise,
the screw might damage the inner part of the
camcorder.

51

Identifying the Parts

In tKe tJleptay tjlflncibw and ^ 'iflewflnder

1^ Tape transport buttons (p 22)

□ STOP

■*4 REW (rewind)
O PLAY (playback)
►► FF (fast forward)
II PAUSE
# REC (recording)
These buttons wifi function in VTR mode.

M EDITSEARCH button (p. 16)

M EJECT button (p 12)

|3| POWER switch (p. 15. 22)
^ Built'irt microphone (stereo)

^ Camera recording/battery lamp (p 15, 40)

52

^ Remote sensors (p.54)

^ Lens cover

^ Eyecup(p.l4)

^ Viewfinder (p.l3)

^ FADER button (p.28)

COUNTER RESET button (p.15)

M TIME(NEXT) button (p.11. 27)

DATE(+) button (p.11,27)

^ Display window (p 53. 55)

[1] Steady Shot Indicator (p.16)

[2] Playing back or recording in HIS format (p.39)
[3] Tape counter, time or date Indicator (p.11, 15)

World clock Indicators (p.35)

[5] Warning indicator (p.55)

Battery remaining Indicator (p.40)

*°:~«i :[ ■;» i -

|T| Wind noise reduction Indicator (p-33)

[6| Manual focusing (p.30)

PROGRAM AE mode indicator (p.32)

Steady shot indicator (p 16)

P FADER Indicator (p 26)
in Power zoom indicator (p.17)/ Exposure

indicator (p.3l)

[f^ Warning indicator (p.55)

-EIKEI© I—.
jHCffi] —[j7|

P Lights up while recording in HiS system

(p.15, 39)

[l| Lights up when playing back a tape recorded

In LP m<^e (p 39)

m Tape transport mode (p. 15, 22)

[f^ Tape counter (p 15)

^ Tape remaining indicator

si

..............

IE slajHiBlE ■ * sLjHBJe ^

SI__ »IE 5min Imin e>-^min-

(i| Battery remaining indicator (p.40)

^ World clock indicator (p 35)

P Date or Time (p.27)

___

53

Identifying the Parts

•*’IWt«lèè8 Remota 6omnwn<ièr

Warning Indicators

If indicators flash in the display window [a] or the viewfinder [b], or a caution lamp on the camcorder flahses,
check the following:

Q] Transmitter

Point toward the remote sensor to control the
camcorder after turning the POWER switch on

the camcorder.

[2] Power zoom button

[3j DISPLAY button

Press to display the viewfinder screen indicators
on the TV when you connect the camcorder to a
TV.
To erase the indicators, press again.

Lithium battery holder (p.10)

[5] START/STOPbutton

[6] HOLD switch

Slide in the direction of the arrow to prevent the
buttons from being accidentally pressed. Before

using this Remote Commander, slide In the
direction opposite to the arrow.

[t] Tape transport buttons

Remote Control Direction

Notes on the Remote Commander

• Keep the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or illumination. Otherwise, the
remote control may not be effective.

• Be sure that there is no obstacle between the remote sensor and the Remote Commander.

• This camcorder works at commander mode VTR 2. The commander modes (1,2 and 3) are used to

distinguish this camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another

Sony VCR at commander mode VTR 2. we recommend you change the commander mode or cover the
remote sensor of the VCR with black paper.

54

The tape is near the end.

[Ï] The tape has run out,
[4] No tape has been inserted.
[5] The tab on the tape is out (red) (p.39).

[8] Some other trouble has occurred.

Disconnect the power source and contact your
Sony dealer or local authorized facility.

[9] The lithium battery is weak or the lithium battery

is not installed (p.9).

55

Index

Fi G, № :

AC power adaptor

Adjusting viewfinder....

AFM Hi-Fi stereo
Auto focus
AUTO LOCK
A/V connecting cable ..

B

Battery............................

Battery lamp
Battery pack
BRIGHT

c

Camera recording
Charging battery
Cleaning video heads..
Clock set
COLOR
Connection
Counter reset

D, E

DATE/TIME
DISPLAY
Display window
Editing
EDITSEARCH
Ejection

EXPOSURE ....31

External microphone jack. ....51 RFU DC output................

Eyecup ...............................

If you have any question about this product, call:

Sony customer Information Center

East Coast: 201-930-7669 (SONY) NJ
Central: 708-250-7669 (SONY) IL
West Coast: 714-821-7669 (SONY) CA

or write to:

Sony Customer Information Center

Sony Drive, Mail Drop #T1-11,

Park Ridge, NJ 07656

..........

............

......................

..................

...................

...................

.......

..........

.............

........................

.........................

.....................

.................

.........................

.............................

....................

.................................

.....................

...............................

.6, 24,26

............

............

............

............

.....

..6. 24. 40
..6, 24. 40

19,38

...40

....13

13
39
29
29

FADER

..........................

Fast-forward

...................

FOCUS...........................

Handycam Station

Hi8 system ....................

Hold switch ,

...................

HUE..

1, J. K, L

LANC..............................

Lithium battery................

M, N, o, P

............

.......

............

............

............

.....

............

Manual focus..................

15

Menu system

6, 24

42
11
13

19. 38
IS

.11,27
.23,54
.53, 55

....37

.18,37 Remote control jack.........

....12

....14

...
MIC (microphone) jack
Pause button

..................

Play

.................

Playback on TV
Power sources

...............,6, 26. 45

Power zoom

...................

PROGRAM AE .32

R

Rec review

................

Recording lamp

Remote Commander....

Rewind

............................

RFU adaptor.........................19. 20

..........

...............

..............

...............

......

............

.....

20, 24

............

............

........9, 10

............

.....

23, 52

.....

22, 37

...........

...........

...........

...........

...........

.....19, 20

28

Shoulder strap
.22
.30

.39

54.'

.13'

......................

Skip scan

______

Standby.........

.......................

STEADY SHOT
Still picture

..........

Supplied accessories
S video connecting cable .. 19, 38

T, U, V

50

Tape counter

.........................

Tripod mounting

Trouble check..............

VHF antenna

.........................

Video cassette tapes............. 12, 39

Viewfinder

30
.33

.51

.22
.17

18
15
54
50
22

......................

VTR mode.............................

W, X, Y, Z

Wind noise ................................ 33

World dock..................................35

Zoom

..........................................

...........

....................

.........

......

........

15, 53

14. 51

.....

19, 20

13, 53, 55

.....

51

23
15
16
23

5

46

22

17

Sony Corporation Printed in Japan