Sony CCD-TR516 User Manual
3-865-332-11 (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 tlie 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-TR .
Serial No.
__________
Model No. AC-L_
Serial No. ________
Handycam
video Hi8
CCD-TR516/TR716 him
©1998 by Sony Corporation
Welcome!
CongiMtuUitions on \'Oiir puivhaso ot this Son\- Haiuh cam'^" camcordor. With vour
Handycam, you can capture life's precious moments with superior picture anci 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
1'
CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK ОГ ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR ВАСЮ
NO USFR-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIOE
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.
/a\ the user to the presence of
I
I
Never expose the battery pack to temperatures
abc’^e 140°F (60°C), such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct sunlight.
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 Centt'r.
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 S^.'vice Center nearest you call
416-499-SONY (Canada only)
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium
This symbol is intended to alert
\ important operating and
\ maintenance (servicing)
' instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
ion battery.
For the customers in the U.S.A.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that am' 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 conipK
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are desigiun
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequenc\' energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interft^rence to radio communications. However,
there IS no guarantee tliat interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can bo determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to trv
to correct the interference by one or more of tlie
following measures:
— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna,
— Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circui
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, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
Before you begin
Using this manual................................................4
Checking supplied accessories
............................
Getting started
Installing and charging the battery
pack
.....................................................
Inserting a cassette...................................10
Basic operations
Camera recording....................................11
Using the zoom feature
.....................
Selecting the START/STOP
mode............................................15
Hints for better shooting..........................16
Checking the recorded picture.................17
Connections for playback
........................
Playing back a tape..................................19
Advanced operations
Using alternative power sources
Using the house current
Changing the mode settings
.............
....................
....................
Making your own titles
Recording with the date/time
5
Optimizing the recording condition .. 45
Using the built-in light
Releasing the STEADYSHOT
function (CCD-TR716 only)
for playback/editing -
6
Editing onto another tape
Additional information
Changing the lithium battery in the
camcorder
14
18
21
22
23
Resetting the date and time
Simple setting of clock by time
difference...................................................53
Usable cassettes and playback
modes.........................................................54
Tips for using the battery pack
Maintenance information and
precautions.................................................58
Using your camcorder abroad
Trouble check
Self-diagnosis display
Specifications
Identifying the parts
Warning indicators
Index.................................................back cover
.....................................
............................
......................................
.....................
..................................
..................................................
...............................
...............
...........................
....................................................
.......................................
....................................................
..........................................
............................................
43
44
46
48
49
50
52
55
62
63
66
67
68
75
- for camera recording -
Shooting with tacklightirg
Using the FADER function.........'
Shooting in the dark (NightShot)
Using the wide mode function
.......................
...........
............
................
27
28
31
Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 33
Focusing manually
Enjoying picture effect
Adjusting the exposure
..................................
............................
............................
35
37
39
Superimposing a title ...............................41
30
Before you begin
-.1
The instructions in this manual arc for the two models listed below. Before you start
reading this manual and operating the unit, check your model number bv looking at the
bottom of your camcorder. I he CCD- rR7l6 is tire model used for illustration purposes.
Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in
operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, "CCD-TR716 only."
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.
't on can hear the beep sound to confirm vour operation.
Types of differences
CCDSteadyshot
TR516
—
Note on TV color systems
rV color systems differ from country io country. To view your recordings on a TV, yoii
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.
TR716
•
Precautions on camcorder care
•The color viewfinder is manufactured using high-precision technology. However
there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue or green in
color) that constantly appear 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.
Lofting 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].
[a]
[b]
m
Che ck th at the fo ll ow in g a cc ess or ies ar e sup pl ied w ith y ou r c am co rd er.
'i
a
[5] m "
^Œ
rn Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 72)
[2] AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor
(1), Power cord (1) (p. 7, 21)
[U NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p. 6, 21)
5] CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 50)
The lithium battery is already installed
in your camcorder.
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made
due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
[51 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 72)
[U A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 18)
in Shoulder strap (1) (p. 73)
m
Uotoiv using \'our camcorder, you first need to install and charge tlie battery pack.
This camcorder operates only with the "InfoklTHlUM" battery pack (1. series).
"Infol.n MIUM" is a trademark of Sony corporation.
Installing the battery pack
(1) Take off the aftachment on the batferv mounting surface.
(2) Install the batterv pack in the direction of the T mark on the battery pack. Slide
the batter)' pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks.
Attach the batterv pack to the camcorder securely.
Note on the battery pack
Do not carrc' the camcorder by grasping the battery pack.
Charging the battery pack
Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration. The battery pack is charged
a little in the factorc.
(1) Open tlie DC IN jack cov er and connect the supplied AC power adaptor to the
DC IN jack with the plug's ▲ mark up.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(4) Slide the POWER switch to OFF. Remaining battery time is indicated by the
minutes on the display window. Charging begins.
When the remaining battery indicator becomes !■], normal charge is completed. For
full charge, which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery
pack attached for about 1 hour after normal charge is completed until FULL appears in
the display window.
Before using the camcorder with the battery pack, unplug the ,AC power adaptor from
the DC IK jack of the camcorder. You can also u.se the battery piack before it is
completely charged.
Notes
- min" appears on the display until the camcorder calculates remaining battery
time.
> Remaining battery time indication in the display window roughly indicates the
recording time. Use it as a guide. It may differ from the actual recording time.
11 ^ \ «. - Lt n IL* k -11L* k.*. i I -1 i.* 111 >.• U»t >. k •. i
Charging time
Battery F.2.70
pack (NP-) (supplied) F770
Charging 1.70
time* (min.) (^Hl)
The time required for a normal charge is indicated in parentheses.
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack using the supplied AC power
adaptor. (Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.)
Fa.ao
210
(150)
F7.70 F430
F7.011H/F7.70
300
(240) (330)
Battery life
CCD-TR516
Battery
pack (NP-)
Continuous
recording
time*
Typical
recording
time**
CCD-TR716
Battery
pack (NP-)
Continuous
recording
time*
Typical
recording
time**
1-330
(supplied)
13.3(120) 23.3 (210)
70 (hO) 120 (110)
1-330
(supplied)
130 (115) 225 (200) 260 (230)
65 (60)
F530
F530
115(105)
F.350 F7.30
270 (240) 473 (42.3)
140 (125)
F550 F730
1.3.3 (120)
2,30 (23.3)
450 (403)
235(210)
F4.S0
F73011
/i-VFO
550(300)
290 (263) 390 (355)
F7.30H
/F750
330(480) 710 (640) 81.3 (730 )
280(250) 375 (.3.35)
F930
743 (670) 850 {7e0)
F930
F950
450 (400)
F950
430 (.383)
Numbers in parentheses indicate the time when you use a normally charged battery.
Battery life v.'ill be shorter if you use the camcorder in a cold environment.
* Approximate continuous recording time at 77'F (25°C).
** Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop,
zooming and turning the power on/off. Ihe 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 mav
not be displaved properly, depending on using conditions and circumstances.
To remove the battery pack
While pressing BA FF RHLEASF, slide the batterv pack in the direction of the arrow.
You can look at the demonstration of the functions ax ailable with this camcc^rder (p. 2.S).
m
Make sure tliat tlio power source is installed. When vou want to record in the Hi8
system, use Hi8 \ ideo cassette HiH.
(1) While pressing the small blue button on the hJECT switch, slide it in the
direction of the arrow. The cassette compartment automaticallv lifts up and
opens.
(2) Insert a cassette with the window facing ouf.
(3) Close the cassette compartment bv pressing the "PUSH" mark on the cassette
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
To eject the cassette
While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the
arrow.
10
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark. It 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 [d\f>j and ^ indicators fla.sh, and you
cannot record.
To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back out covering the red mark.
HI Basic ~
Miiko sure thiit tho power soureo is installed and a cassette is inserted and that the
START/STOP MODK switch is set to A . Before you record one-time events, \ oii marwant to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly.
When vou use the camcorder for fhe first time, porver on it arid reset the date and time to
vour time before vou start recording (p. .S2). The date is automaticallv recorded for
10 seconds after vou start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once
a dav.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY.
(3) Press START/STOP. The camcorder starts recording. The "REC" indicator
appears. The camera recording/battery lamp located on the front of the
camcorder also lights up.
POW ER
■ jC AMERAl
■ OFF
A
*4OmnHi0 SFSTBY 0:00 00
11
To stop recording momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP .ig.iin. The "STRY" iiulic.rtor npponrs in the \ ie\vfinder (Standby
mode).
To finish recording [b]
Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down to POCK and set the POWHR sw itch
to OPT. Then, eject the cassette.
[a]
,oCK
Note
Be sure to reirun’o the battery pack from the camcorder after using.
STBY 0;35;20
To focus the viewfinder lens
If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, focus the viewfinder lens.
Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in the viewfinder come
info sharp focus.
12
Note on Standby mode
If you leave the camcorder in Standbv mode for 5 minutes while the cassette is inserted,
the camcorder turns off automatically for saving battery power as well as for preventing
the battery and tape from wearing down. To resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY
down and up again. To start recording, press START/STOP.
Note on recording
When you record from the beginning of a fape, run the tape for about 15 seconds before
starting the actual recording. Passing the tape lead w'ill ensure that you will not miss
any start-up scenes w'hen you play back the tape.
Notes 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. Id set the counter to zero,
press COUNTER RESET.
• If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect
recording time. When vou intend to edit the tape using the tape counter as a guide,
record in same (SP or LP) mode.
Note on the beep sound
The beep sounds when vou operate the camfdrder. 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 sounct, select "OFF" in the menu system.
Note on the AUTO DATE feature
The clock is set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock in
the menu system. You can change the AUTO DATE settings by selecting ON or OLE in
the menu system. The AUTO DATE feature shows the date automatically once a day.
However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day when:
- you reset the date and time.
- you eject and insert the tape again.
' you stop recording within 10 seconds.
- you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it to ON again in the menu system.
13
Using the zoom feature
Zooming is a recording technique that lets vou 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)
"VV” side: for wide-angle (subject appears further awav)
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 "VV" side until the focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least
about 2 S8 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or
about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm) aw'ay in the wide-angle position.
iM
14
Zooming more than 18x - digital zoom
When you set D ZOOM to ON in the menu system, more than 18x zoom is performed
digitally, but the picture quality deteriorates as you move the lever toward the "T" side.
Notes on digital zoom
• The right side [a] of the pow'er zoom indicator shows the digital zooming zone, and
the left side [b] shows the optical zooming zone. When you set D ZOOM to ON in the
menu system, the [a] zone appears.
• Digital zoom function is set to OFF at the factory.
w
Selecting the START/STOP mode
Your Ciimcorder has throe modes. Those modes enable you to take a series of quick
shots resulting in a liveh' video.
(1) Set START/STOP MODE to the desired mode.
jHl : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you
press it again (factory setting).
ANTI C,ROUND SHOTTING a : The camcorder records only while you
press down START/STOP so that youscan avoid recording unnecessary scenes.
,SSEC: When you press START/STOP, the camcorder records for 5 seconds ancf
then stops automatically.
(2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY and press START/STOP.
Recording starts.
11 you selected 5SHC, the tape counter disappears and five dots appear. I he dots
disappear at a rate of one per second as illustrated below.
To extend the recording time in 5SEC mode
Press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about
5 seconds from the moment you press START/STOP.
Note on START/STOP mode
You cannot use the fader function in the 5SEC or ANTI GROUND SHOOTING
mode.
15
I-or hand-hold shots, vou’ll got bottor rosiilts by holding tho oamcordor according to tho
following suggestions:
• 1 \o\d tho caincordor firmly and socuro it with tho grip strap so that you can easily
manipulate tho controls with your tluimb [a].
• Place your liglit elbow against \ our side.
• Place your left hand under the camcorder to suppi^rt it. ik* sure to not touch the
built-in microphone.
• Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.
• Use the \ iewfinder frame as a guide to determine the horizontal plane.
• You can also record in a low positiem to get an interesting angle. I ,ift the viewfinder
up for recording from a low position [b].
[a] [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, you cannot attach the tripod securely and the screw
may damage the camcorder.
16
Cautions on the viewfinder
• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder [c].
• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the x'iewfinder toward the sun. The inside
of the viewfinder ma)' he damaged. Be careful when placing the camcorder under
sunlight or by a window [d].
[C]
[d]
Using [:Dl rSUARCH, \ ou can ro\ icvs the last iwxirdod scene or clieck the recorded
picture in the viewfinder.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWKR switch, set it to
CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up to STANDBY.
(3) Press the - (©) 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 hack to the
scene you want. The last recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold
down the + side (Edit Search).
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 cassette, the transition between the last scene you
recorded and the next scene you record will be smooth.
17
jm wm
Ci'nnoct till- cainairdtT to your TV or VX K to \\ atch the pla\ back pictiire on tlio I V
savon. When monitoring the pla\ back picture b\ connecting the camcorder to \ our 1 \
we recommend you to use lu'uso current for tlie power source-
Connecting directly to a TVA/CR with Video/Audio input jacks
When connecting the A/V connecting cable, make sure vou connect the plug to jacks ol
the same color.
Open the jack cover. With using the supplied A/V connecting cable, connect the
camcorder to the I.INE IN inputs on the TV or VCR connected to the TV. Set the TV/
VCK selector on thi' T\' to VCR. When connecting to the VCR, set the input selector on
the VCR to TINT.
IN
® VIDEO
® AUDIO
TV
VCR
18
To connect to a TV or VCR without Video/Audio input jacks
Use an NTSC type RFU adaptor (not supplied).
You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor
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
PL.^YER.
(2) Insert the recorded tape with the window facing out.
(3) Press ◄◄ to rewind the tape.
(4) Press ► to start playback.
the
To stop playback, press ■.
To rewind the tape, press
To fast-forward the tape rapidly, press
Using the remote commander
You car control ple''Eark 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 DISId.AY on the Remote Comma^ider. To erase the indicators, press DISPI AY
again.
Note on the lens cover
The lens cover does not open when the POWFd< switch is set to PLAYER. Do not open
the lens cover manucally. It may cause malfunction.
19
Various playback modes
To view a still picture (playback pause)
Press II during playback. To resume pKp’back, press II cir ►.
To locate a scene (picture search)
Keep pressing or ►► during playback, lb resume normal playback, release the
button.
To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing the tape or
rewinding (skip scan)
Keep pressing ◄◄ while rewinding or ►► while advancing the tape. To resume
normal playback, press ►.
To view the picture at 1/5 speed (slow playback)
Press 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.
Notes on playback
• Noise may appear when you use the still/slovv/picture search function to play back
the tape recorded in LP mode.
• Streaks appear and the sound is muted in the various play'back modes.
• When playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes, the camcorder automatically enters
stop mode.
20
You cun choose uny of the follovs’ing power sources fc'r your camcorder: battery pack,
house current, alkaline batteries and 12/24 V car battery. Choose the appropriate
power source depending on where you want to use your camcorder.
Place Power source Accessory to be used
Indoors
Outdoors
In the car
House current
Battery pack Battery pack NP-F330 (supplied), NP-F530,
12 V or 24 V car battery
Supplied AC power adaptor
NP-F550, NP-F730, NP-F730H, NP-F750, NP-F930,
W'h950
Sony DC adapter/char^er DC-V700 (not
supplied)
Notes on power sources
• Disconnecting the power source or removing the battery pack during recording or
playback may damage the inserted tape.
• The DC IN jack has power source priority. This means that the battery pack cannot
supply any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the
power cord is not plugged into the wall outlet.
21
Using the house current
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN
jack on the camcorder.
(2) Connect the power corci to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power corct to a wall ontlet.
WARNING
The power cord must only he 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 wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
mm
22
Note
Keep the AC power adaptor away from the camcorder if the picture is disturbeci.
,,„OiO_ACc,„
This mark indicates that this product is a genuine accessory tor Son\\'ideo products.
When purchasing Sony video products, Sony recommends that you
purchase accessories with this "GHNUINE VIDIiO ACCESSORIES"
mark.
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 to select the desired icon in the left side of the menu, then
press the dial to set.
(3) Turn the control dial to select the desired item, then press the dial to set.
(4) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, and press the dial to set. If you
want to change the other modes, repeat steps 3 and 4. If you want to change
the other items, select RETURN^nd press the dial, then repeat steps from 2
to 4.
(5) Press MENU or select ^ icon to erase the menu display.
Note on the menu display
Depending on the model of your camcorder, the menu display may be different from
that in this illustration.
23
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