Sony CCD-TR54 User Manual
SONY.
3-800-475-23 (1)
Video Camera
Recorderm
CCD-TR44ITR54ITR64/TR74/TR84ITR94
Operation Manual
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain ii for future reference.
Owner's Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. CCD-
Serial No
______
31995 by Sony Corporation
Model No. ACSerial No.--------
Welcome to video ID
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam® camcorder. With your Hnndvcam, voii
can capture life's precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycanr is
loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is \'ery 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
CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL,
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
For the Son\’ Serx'ice C enter nearest \'on call
! -800-222-SON’^' (Lhiited Stales onl\-),
lT>r the i^Ktory Service C'entei nearo''! \’ou call
-416-49S-SC')NY (CSinada onhS.
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking nickel-
cadmium batteries.
For the Customers in the U.S.A.
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and fi^und 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 oi.|inpnient
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequonev energx
and, if not installed and used in accordance witli (lie
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 radit>
or television reception, whicli can be determined b\'
turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by tine 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.
You are cautioned that anv changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
unwanted batteries to your nearest
Nl-Cd
Note: In some areas the dispiisal of nickel-cadmium
batteries in household or business trash may be
prohibited.
Sony Service Center or Factory
Serx’ice Center for collection, recycling
or proper disposal.
For the Customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, TO NOT USE Tl IIS
POLARIZED AC PLUC WITH AN EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OLTI.ET UNLESS THE
BLADES CAN BE EULL'i INSERTED TO I’REVEN I
BLADE EXPOSURE
Table of Contents
Before You Begin
Notes and Precautions 4
Checking Supplied Accessories 5
Checking Your Model Number 6
Getting Started
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 7
Inserting a Cassette 11
Basic Operations
Camera Recording 12
Using the Zoom Feature 15
Hints for Better Shooting 16
Checking the Recorded Picture 17
Connections for Playback 18
Playing Back a Tape 19
Advanced Operations
Using Alternatii^ Power Sources 21
Recording with the Date or Time 23
Using the PRCXIRAM AE Function 24
Shooting with Backlighting 25
Shooting Scenery in Several Short Takes 26
Superimposing a Title 27
Using the STEADY SHOT Function (CCD-TR84/TR94 only) 28
Changing the Mode Settings 29
Editing onto Another Tape 30
■
Additional Information
Changing the Lithium Battery in the Camcorder 31
Resetting the Date and Time 33
Playback Modes 34
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 34
Maintenance Information and Precautions 38
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 42
Trouble Check 43
Specifications 46
Identifying the Parts 48
Warning Indicators 55
Index Back cover '
I Before You Begin
Notes and Precautions
Note on TV Color Systems
TV color systems are different depending on the countries. If you view the playback picture on a TV, vou
need an NTSC system based TV. When you want to use a PAL M system based TV, you wilt need an
NTSC/PAL M transcoder (as this is an NTSC system based camcorder). Please check the list on page 42
to see the TV color system of your country.
Precaution on Copyright
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws.
Precautions on Camcorder Care
• 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, [a]
• 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, [b]
• 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]
See "Precautions" on page 41 as well.
Checking Supplied Accessories
m NP-33 Battery Pack (1) (p. 7)
[2] A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 18)
[3] Shoulder strap (1) (p. 51)
S] AC-V15/V16/V16A AC power adaptor (1) (p. 7, 21)
[5] CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p. 31) ,
Already installed in the camcorder.
[6] Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 19, 51)
For CCD-TR54/TR64/TR74/TR84/TR94 only
[7] Size AA (R6) battery for Remote Commander (2) (p. 52)
For CCD-TR54/TR64/TR74/TR84/TR94 only
Battery case (1) (p. 22)
Checking Your Model Number
The instructions in this manual are for six models listed below. Before you start reading and operating,
check your model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. Tl-ie CCD-TR54 is the model used
for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in
operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, "For CCD-TR84 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.
Types of Differences
Model
CCD-TR44
CCD-TR54
CCD-TR64
CCD-TR74
CCD-TR84
CCD-TR94
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.
Remote
Commander
•
•
e
• • •
•
Viewfinder Zoom
Black and white
•
•
Color
•
•
•
lOx
•
12 X
•
•
Steady Shot
12x 24x
•
O
•
•
Getting Started
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack
Before using your camcorder, you first need to charge and install the battery pack. To charge the battery
pack, use the supplied AC power adaptor.
Charging the Battery Pack
Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration.
(1) Connect the AC power adaptor to the w'all outlet.
(2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the line on the AC pow'er adaptor, then slide the battery
pack in the direction of the arrow.
(3) Set the selector to CHARGE. The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up. Charging begins.
When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Unplug the unit from the mains, and then
remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder.
S
o
Charging Time
Battery pack
Charging
time*
* Approximate minutes to charge an empty p^ck usijig the supplied AC power adaptor (Lower
temperatures require a longer charging time.)
NP-33
(supplied)
60 215 190
NP-98/98D
NP-SO/80D
NP-68/66H NP-C65 NP-60D
125
105 90
Charging and Installing the Battery Pack
Battery Life
CCD-TR44/TR54
Battery pack
Typical recording time*
Continuous recording time**
CCD-TR64
Battery pack
Typical recording time*
Continuous recording time**
CCD-TR74
Battery pack
Typical recording time*
Continuous recording time**
CCD-TR84
Battery pack
Typical recording time*
Continuous recording time**
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-98/98D
.so
90
45
85
45
85
45 155 135 95
80 275 240 165
175
305 265
NP-98/98D
170
300
NP-98/98D
160
280
NP-98/98D NP-80/800 NP-68/66H
NP-80/80D
150
NP-80/80D
145
255
NP-80/80D
140
245 170
NP-68/66H
105
180
NP-68/66H
100 85
175 155
NP-68/66H NP-C65
95
NP-C65
85
155
NP-C65
80
145
NP-C65
80 65
145
NP-60D
75
135
NP-60D
70
130
NP-60D
70
125
NP-60D
120
CCD-TR94
Battery pack
Typical recording time*
Continuous recording time**
Approximate minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/stop, zooming and turning
the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Approximate continuous recording time indoors.
NP-33
(supplied)
NP-98/98D
45 155
80 270 230 160
NP-80/80D NP-68/66H NP-C65 NP-60D
130 90 75
8
65
140 115
Checking the Recorded Picture
Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the
viewfinder.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, turn it to CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up.
(3) Press EDITSEARCH. Press the - O) side momentarily, the last few seconds of the recorded portion
plays hark (Rec Review).
Mold down the - side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last
recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (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
Charging and installing the Battery Pack
Installing the Battery Pack
(1) Insert the top of the battery pack into the top of the battery mounting surface
(2) Push the battery pack so that it attaches firmly.
Removing the Battery Pack
Slide ВАТТ, and then pull the lower part of the battery pack.
10
Inserting a Cassette
Make sure that a power source is installed.
(1) While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow. The cassette
compartment automatically opens.
(2) Insert a cassette (not supplied) with the window facing out.
(3) Press the PUSH mark on the cassette compartment to close it. The cassette compartment
automatically closes.
i': You can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.
To Eject the Cassette
While pressing the small blue button, slide EJECT in the direction of the arrow.
To Prevent Accidental Erasure
Slide the tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
If you insert the cassette with the red mark exposed and close the cassette compartment, the beeps sound
for a while. If you try to record with the red mark exposed, the [3^ and i: 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.
3
(C
•3
3
5'
(O
11
Basic Operations
I
Camera Recording
Make sure that a power source and a cassette is inserted.
When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time (p.
33) before you start recording. When you reset the date and time, the date is automatically recorded for
10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature). This feature works only once a day
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) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, turn it to CAMERA.
(2) Slide the START/STOP MODE switch to A .
(3) Turn STANDBY up. The "STBY" indicator appears in the yiewfinder.
(4) Press START/STOP (red button). The camcorder starts recording and the "STBY" indicator changes
to the "REC" indicator.
You can also select Recording mode, SP (standard play) mode or LP (long play) mode. Set REC MODE
(p. 29) according to the length of your planned recording before you start.
You can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.
To Stop Recording Momentarily [a]
Press START/STOP again. The "REC" indicator in the viewfinder changes to the "STBY" indicator
(Standby mode).
To Finish Recording [b]
Press START/STOP. Turn STANDBY down, and set the POWER switch to OFF.
Then, eject the cassette (p. 11) and remove the battery (p. 10)
12
Note on Standby mode
If 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 tap>e. To
resume Standby mode, turn STANDBY down once and turn it up again. To start recording, press
START/STOP.
To Focus the Viewfinder Lens
If the viewfinder is not in focus at all or when you use the camcorder after someone else has used it,
focus the viewfinder lens. When using a monochrome viewfinder, turn the viewfinder lens adjustment
ring so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus (aj. When using a color viewfinder,
move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus
[b].
Note on the indicators in the viewfinder
The indicators appear in CAMERA mode only. They do not appear in PLAYER mode.
Recording with the START/STOP button depressed
You can also make recording while pressing down the START/STOP button. To make the START/STOP
button work this way, slide the START/STOP MODE switch to . [c]
n
u
3
Shooting scenery in several short takes
You can automatically make recording for about 5 seconds with the 5 SEC (p. 26). To make the START/
STOP button work this way, slide the START/STOP MODE switch to 5 SEC. [d]
13
Camera Recording
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.
Notes on recording mode
• This camcorder records in the SI’ mode (approximately 19/32 inch (1.43 cm)/second) and in the LP
mode (approximatelv 5/16 inch (0.72 cm)/second) (p. 29) and can play back in the SP mode and LP
mode. The plar back quality in the LP mode, however, will not be as good as that in the SP mode.
• When a cassette recorded on this camcorder in LP mode is played back on other types of 8 mm
camcorders or VCRs, the playback quality may not be as good as that on this camcorder.
Notes on the tape counter
• The tape counter indicates the recording time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several
seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET located below the
viewfinder.
• If the tape is recorded in SP and LP modes mixed, the tape counter shows incorrect recording time.
When you intend to edit the tape using the tape counter, record in same (SP or LP) mode.
Note on beep sound
As indicated with L in the illustrations, a beep sounds when you turn the power on or when you start
recording and two beeps sound when you stop recording, confirming the operation. Several beeps also
sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder (p. 55). Note that the beep sound is not
recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, set BEEP to "OFF" (p. 29).
Note on the AUTO DATE feature
The clock is set to the East Coast Standard Time at the factory. You can reset the clock (p. 33).
The AUTO DATE feature works 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 cassette again.
- you stop recording within 10 seconds.
When moving from indoors to outdoors (or vice versa)
Turn STANDBY up and point the camcorder at a white object for about 15 seconds so that the white
balance is properly adjusted.
14
Using the Zoom Feature
Zooming is a'recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more
professional-looking recordings, use the zoom sparingly.
T side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
W side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
Zooming Speed
Turn the pow«tzoom lever fully for a high-speed zoom. Turn it lightly 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, turn the power zoom lever towards the
W side until the focus is sharp.
You can shoot a subject that is at least 2.6 feet (about 80 cm) away from the lens surface in the telephoto
position, or 1 / 2 inch (about 1 cm) in the wide-angle position.
Notes on Digital Zoom (for CCD-TR74/TR84/TR94 only)
You can select 12 x or 24 x of zooming.
• More than 12 x zoom is performed digitally, and the picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the
T side. If you do not want to use the digital zoom set the ZOOM function to xl2 (p. 29).
• The vertical bar in the power zoom indicator separates the digital zooming zone (right side of the bar
[a]) and the optical zooming zone (left side of the bar [b]). If you slide the ZOOM switch to xl2, the
right side of the bar [a] disappears.
15
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 vour thumb. [a]
• Place your right elbow against your side,
• Place your left hand under the camcorder to support it. Do not cover the microphone with your fingers.
• Place vour eve firmly against the vietvfinder eyecup.
• Use the viewftnder 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]
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 the tripod screw is shorter than 9/32 inch (6.5 mm).
Otherwise, the screw may damage the inner parts of the camcorder.
Cautions on the viewfinder
• Do not pick up the camcorder by the viewfinder, [c]
• Do not place the camcorder so as to point the viewfinder toward the sun. The inside of the vie^^’finder
may be deformed. Be careful in placing the camcorder under sunlight or by the window, [d]
[b]
16
Checking the Recorded Picture
Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the
viewfinder.
(1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, turn it to CAMERA.
(2) Turn STANDBY up.
(3) Press EDITSEARCH. Press the - O) side momentarily, the last few seconds of the recorded portion
plays hark (Rec Review).
Mold down the - side of EDITSEARCH until the camcorder goes back to the scene you want. The last
recorded portion is played back. To go forward, hold down the + side (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
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