Sony CCD-TR61 User Manual

Video Camera Recorder

CCI>TR61 ITR65

AC Power Adaptor

AC-V25 I V25A

Operation Manual

Before operating the unit, piease 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. Refer to
these numbers whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. CCD-TR61/TR65 Serial No.

Model No. AC-V25A/2SA Serial No..

3-757-525-23 (1)

Videos Handycam

©1993 by Sony Corporation

(Photo: CCD-TR61)

WARNING

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

CAUTION

«•SK Of €l€CTaiC Shock

A

CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

REFER SERVICING TO QUAUFIEO SERVICE PERSONNEL

A

RECYCLING NICKEL-CADMIUM

BATTERIES

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.
MUST BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.

Nickei-Cadmium batteries are
recyclable. You can help preserve our

Ni-Cd

Note: In some areas the disposal of nickel-

For the Sony Service Center nearest you call

1-8(W-222-SONY (United States only)
For the Factory Service Center nearest you cali
416-499-SONY (Canada only)

environment by returning your
unwanted batteries to your nearest
Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center for coilection. recycling
or proper disposal.

cadmium batteries in househoid or business
trash may be prohibited.

Caution; Do not handle damaged or leaking

nickel-cadmium batteries.

00 NO* OPf N

00 NOT REMOVE COVER lOR BACK)

NO USER-SERViCEAeLE PARTS iNSlOE

This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence oi
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.

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 IS of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and. if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particuiar 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 tr>
to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

- Reorient or reiocate 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 IS of the FCC Rules
Operation is subject to the following two conditions
(f) This device may not cause harmfui interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

I CAUTION I

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

For the Customers in CANADA

Notice for the customers In Canada
This apparatus complies with the Class B limits
lor radio noise emissions set out in Radio
Interference Regulations.

I CAUTION I

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK. 00 NOT USE THIS
POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORO.
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE
BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.

Welcome to Video 8

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam® camcorder. With your
Handycam you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and
sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same
time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can
enjoy for years to come.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

About This Manual 4
Checking Supplied Accessories 5

Getting started

Charging and Installing the Battery Pack 6
Tips for Using the Battery Pack 8
Inserting the Lithium Battery 10
Setting the Date and Time 12
Inserting a Cassette 13
Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens 14
BEEP Feature IS
Hints for Better Shooting IS

Basic Operations

Camera Recording 16

Using the Zoom Feature 18
Using the WIDE ANGLE 19
Recording the Date or Time 20
Checking the Recorded Picture in the Viewfinder 21

Connections for Playback 22

Connecting to a TV with AudioAfideo Input Jacks or VCR 22
Connecting to a TV without Audio/Video Input Jacks 22

Playing Back a Tape 23

Advanced Operations

Using Alternate Power Sources 2S

Using House Current 2S
Focusing Manually 26
Using the PROGRAM AE Function 28

Fade-in and Fade-out 30
Using the World Clock 31
Editing onto Another Tape 33

Additional Information

Playback Modes 34
Maintenance Information and Precautions 34
Using Your Camcorder Abroad 39
Identifying the Parts 40

Remote Commander 43

Specifications 4S

Trouble Check 46

indkicftfors in the Viewfinder 49

Index SI

About This Manual

If you want to shoot as soon г» 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 an NTSC/PAL-M
transcoder (as this is an NTSC system based camcorder). Please check the list on page 39 to see the TV
color system of your country.

Note on the Supplied RRJ Adaptor

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.

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.

Checking Supplied Accessories

Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

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pri Wlrel««s Remote Commander (1) (p. 43)

[2] Remote Commander holder (1) (p. 44)

[T| Battery pack NP>SS (1) (p. 6)
|T| AC power adaptor AC-V2S/V2SA (1) (p. 6.48)
[S] Lithium Battery CR2025 (2) (p. 10)

(One is for the camcorder and the other is for the Remote Commander)
[§1 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 22)
[T1 RFU adaptor RFU40UC (1) (p. 22)
[¥] Shoulder strap (1) (p. 44)

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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-V2S/V2SA AC power adaptor.

Charging the Battery Pack

Charge the battery pack on a flat place without vibration. (1) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the white line on the AC power adaptor, then slide the
battery pack in the direction of the arrow. (3) Set the selector to CHARGE. The POWER lamp (green) and
the CHARGE lamp (orange) light up. Charging begins.
When charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp goes out. Set the selector to OFF and unplug the unit
from the wall outlet. Then remove the battery pack and install it on the camcorder. To stop charging, set
the selector to OFF.

1

Charging Time and Battery Life

When the battery life of a color viewfinder is different from that of a monochrome viewfinder, the battery
life of a color viewfinder is indicated in the parenthesis.

Battery pack

Charging time’

Battery life”

Approximate charging time to charge an empty battery pack using the AC-V25/V2SA (Lower
temperatures require a longer charging time.)

■ Approximate continuous recording time indoors

NP-55

(supplied)

70

SO 135 (125)

Important!

Use the battery completely before re-cbarglng!

Before you recharge the battery, make sure the battery has been used up (discharged) completely
Repeated charging while some capacity remains causes a lowering of battery capacity. However, the
original battery capacity can be recovered if you use the battery completely and charge it fully again.

To use up the battery, remove the cassette and slide the POWER switch to CAMERA with the battery
attached, and leave the camcorder until the indicator and the red lamp flash in the viewfinder.

NP-77H

NP-77HD

160 140 120

NP-77 NP-66H NP-55H

105(95) 100(90)

80

60(55)

Removing the Battery Pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow (see drawing).

Installing the Battery Pack

(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) Align the right side of the battery pack with the white ilne on the camcorder,
and slide the battery pack to the right.

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Removing the Battery Pack

(1) Lift up the viewfinder. (2) While pressing ВАТТ, slide the battery pack to the left.

Note on charging the battery pack

e The POWER lamp will remain lit for a while even if the battery pack is removed and the power cord is

unplugged after charging the battery pack. This is normal,

a tt ttte POVIER lamp does not light, set the selector to OFF and disconnect the power cord. After about

one minute, reconnect the power cord and set the selector to CHARGE again,

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

Tips for Using the Battery Pack

This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack.

Preparing the Battery Pack

Always Carry Additional Batteries

Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned
"Battery life" indicated in this manual is measured by the continuous recording time of the camcorder,
placed at room temperature using a fully-charged battery.

Battery Life is Shorter in Cold Environment

Battery efficiency is decreased and the battery will be used up more quickly if you are recording in cold
environment.

To Save Battery Power

Turn the STANDBY switch on the camcorder down when not recording to save battery power (a]
A smooth transition between scenes can be made even if recording is stopped and started again. While
positioning the subject, selecting an angle, or looking through the viewfinder lens, the lens moves
automatically and the battery is used. The battery is also used when a tape is inserted or removed.

When to Replace the Battery Pack

While you are using your camcorder, the remaining battery indicator decreases gradually as battery
power is used up.

When the remaining battery indicator reaches the lowest point, the <Xl indicator appears and starts
flashing in the viewfinder, [b]
When the <Xl indicator in the viewfinder changes from slow flashing to rapid flashing while you are

recording, slide the POWER switch to OFF on the camcorder and replace the battery pack. Leave the

tape in the camcorder to obtain smooth transition between scenes after the battery pack is replaced

Note on the remaining battery Indicalor
The remaining battery indicator of the camcorder may indicate a different remaining capacity from that of
the NP-77HD battery pack (not supplied). The indicator of NP-77HD is more accurate.

Note on the Rechargeable Battery Pack

The Battery Heats Up

During charging or recording, the battery pack heats up. This is caused by energy that has been
generated and a chemical change that has occurred inside the battery pack. This is not cause lor
concern.

Battery Care

e Remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using the battery pack, and keep it in a cool place.

When the battery pack is attached to the camcorder, a small amount of current flows to the camcorder
even if the POWER switch is set to OFF, which shortens battery life,

e The battery pack is always discharging even when it is not in use after charging. Therefore, you

should charge the battery right before using the camcorder.

How to Use the Switch on the Battery Pack

This switch is provided so that you can mark the charged battery. Set the switch to the "no mark"
position when charging is completed. Set the switch to the "red mark" position when the battery is used
up (or in whichever direction you want to remind yourself), [c]

The Life of the Battery Pack

The battery pack can be fully charged and discharged about SOO times under normal temperatures. If the
battery indicator flashes rapidly just after turning on the camcorder with a fully charged battery pack, the
battery pack should be replaced with a new fully charged one.

Charging Tentperature

You should charge batteries at temperatures from 10*C to 30*C (from SO'F to 86*F). Lower
temperatures require a longer charging time.

Note on Charging

A Brand>new Battery

A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Before using the battery pack, charge it completely.

Before Recharging a Used Battery Pack

e Make sure to use up the battery before recharging.
e If recording is completed before the <Xl indicator appears in the viewfinder, you should remove the

tape, slide the POWER switch to CAMERA, turn up the STANDBY switch, and leave the camcorder until
the battery indicator flashes rapidly.

• When you use the AC-S10 power adaptor, the OC-S10 car battery charger or BC-S10 portable battery
charger, you can use the discharging function.

• Charging the usable battery causes a lowering ol battery capacity. Battery capacity can be recovered
if you fulfy discharge and charge the battery again.

After Long Storage

Recharge the battery pack after a long period of storage. If the battery pack is charged fully but not used
for a long time (about 1 year), it becomes discharged. Charge it again, but in this case the battery life
will be shorter than normal. After several charging and discharging cycles, the battery life will recover
its original capacity.

Note on the Terminals

If the terminals (metal parts on the back) are not clean, 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, repeat
installing and removing the battery pack. This improves the contact condition. Also, wipe the and ­terminals with a soft cloth or paper.

Be Sure to Observe the Following

e To prevent an accident caused by a short circuit, dc not allow metal oblects such as a necklace to

touch the battery terminals. Carry the battery pack attaching to the terminal cover, [d]

0 Keep the battery pack away from fire,

a Keep the battery pack dry.
a Do not open nor convert the battery pack.

0 Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock

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Inserting the Lithium Battery

Your camcorder is supplied with two lithium batteries. One is for the camcorder, and the other is lor the
Remote Commander. The lithium battery has a positive (+) side and a negative (-) side as illustrated
below. Be sure to install the lithium battery with the positive side facing out

Inserting the Lithium Battery Into the Camcorder

To activate the clock and the world clock, you must insert a iithium battery. (1) Detach the lid of the
lithium battery compartment on the bottom of the camcorder. (2) Install the lithium battery with the
positive (■•■) side facing out. (3) Replace the lid.

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. Otherwise,
you will need to reset the date and time.

Inserting the Lithium Battery into the Remote Commander

To use the Remote Commander, you must insert the lithium battery. Use one of the suppiied CR202S
iithium baneries. (1) Puil out the lithium battery holder from the Remote Commander. (2) Insert the
lithium battery with the positive (+) side facing upward. (3) Put the lithium battery holder back into the
Remote Commander.

Lithium Battery Life

The lithium battery for the camcorder lasts for about 1 year under normal operation. When the battery
becomes weak or dead, the ^ indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about S seconds when you set the
POWER switch to CAMERA.

The lithium battery for the Remote Commander lasts about 6 months under normal operation. When the
battery becomes weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work.

In either case, replace the battery with a Sony CR202S or Duracell DI.-2028 IHhlum battery. Use of any

other battery may present a risk of lire or explosion.

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.

Setting the Date and Time

You need to set the camcorder's date and time to record the correct ones onto your video. Before setting
the clock, make sure a power source and lithium battery are installed. (1) While pressing the small
green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA. (2) Turn the STANDBY switch to STANDBY.
(3) Adjust the viewfinder lens: [a] When using a monochrome viewfinder, pull out the viewfinder until it
clicks and turn the vievrfinder lens adjustment ring so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into
sharp focus, [b] When using a color viewfinder, move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the
indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus. (4) Press DATE (+) and TIME (NEXT) simultaneously
until the area name and number appear in the viewfinder. (5) Press DATE (+) to set your home area.
(See the table below.) (6) Set the Time:
Saving Time, press DST and then press TIME (NEXT). (7) Adjust the flashing digits of the year, month,
day and hour and minutes by pressing DATE (■•■) and TIME (NEXT). Note that when you keep DATE (+)
pressed, the digits advance faster.

A OWEt«) •nMEINEXt)

[a] For standard time, press TIME (NEXT), [b] For Daylight

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Time^one Area Name

Hawaii Standard Time HAWAII IS
Alaska Standard Time ANCHRGE
Pacific Standard Time

Western Canada
Mountain Standard Time
Central Standard Time
Eastern Standard Time

Eastern Canada

US. PST
US. MST

US.CST

US. EST 20

Area Number

«IS

19S3

«IS

«IS

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16
17

18
19

To Correct the Date and Time Settings

Press TIME (NEXT) repeatedly until the minute digits stop flashing. Then repeat steps 4 to 7.

To Check the Preset Date and Time

Press DATE (+) or TIME (NEXT). When you press the same button again, the indicator goes off.

To Reset to Standard Time

Press DST. The ^ indicator goes off.

Note on the setting of the year

When you set the year, each time you press DATE (-t-) the digits change as follows.

1993

Í

Note on the time indicator

The internal clock of this camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.
12:00 AM stands for midnight.
12:00 PM stands for noon.

1994 2020

Inserting a Cassette

Make sure that the power source is installed. (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT
knob, slide it down. The cassette holder automatically lifts up and opens. (2) Insert a tape with the
window facing out. (3) Close the cassette holder by pressing the "PUSH" mark on the cassette holder.

To Elect the Cassette

While pressing the small blue button on №e EJECT knob, slide it down.

Adjusting the Viewfinder Lens

Before you use the camcorder for the first time or after someone else has used it, focus the vievyfinder
lens. Make sure that the power source is attached to the camcorder. (1) While pressing the small green
button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA. (2) Turn the STANDBY switch to STANDBY. (3) Focus
on the indicators: [a] When using a monochrome viewfinder, pull out the vievrfinder until it clicks, and
turn the viewfinder lens adjustment ring so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.
P>] When using a coior viewfinder, move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever so that the indicators in
the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

When Using a Color Viewfinder

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 to adjust them

in everyday operation.

Turn clockwise Turn counterclockwise

BRIGHT

COLOR

HUE

More brightness
More color intensity Less color intensity
Greenish skin tones Reddish skin tones

Less brightness

BEEP Feature

A beep sounds when you start recording and two beeps sound when you stop recording, cordirming the
operation.
sieveral beeps also sound as a warning of any unusual condition of the camcorder. Note that the beep
sound is not recorded on the tape. If you do not want to hear the beep sound, set BEEP to OFF.

Hints for Better Shooting

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

suggestions:

1

• 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 urtder the camcorder to support it.

e Place your eye firmly against the viewfinder eyecup.
e 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. p>]

Place the camcorder on a flat surface or use a tripod
Try piacing the camcorder on a tabie top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod
lor a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder (p. 41). Make sure the tripod screw is shorter
than 6.S mm (9/32 in).

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■ Basic Operations

Camera Recording

Make sure that the power source is installed and a cassette is inserted. If you set the date (p. 12). the
date is automatically recorded tor 10 seconds after you start recording (AUTO DATE feature) This
feature works only once a day. You can use the Remote Commander to record yourself with your friends
or family. When you use the Remote Commander, make sure that the REMOTE COMMANDER switch on

the camcorder is set to ON (p. 43).

Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the
camcorder is working perfectly. (1) Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN. (2) While pressing the small

green button on the POWER switch, slide it to CAMERA. (3) Set the PROGRAM AE dial: [a] When using a

monochrome viewfinder, pull out the viewfinder until it clicks, and set the white mark of the PROGRAM AE
dial to the green position, [b] When using a color viewfinder, set the white mark of the PROGRAM AE
dial to the green position. (4) Turn the STANDBY switch to STANDBY. Adjust the viewfinder lens so that
the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus (p. 14). (S) Press START/STOP. The camcorder
starts recording and the red lamp lights up in the viewfinder.

4

AUTO DATE

5

JUL41993

To Stop Recording Momentarily

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

To Finish Recording

Turn the STANDBY switch to LOCK and slide the POWER switch to OFF. Slide the LENS COVER switch to

CLOSE and eject the tape (p. 13).

Notes on Standby mode

If you leave the camcorder in Standby mode lor 5 minutes, the camcorder goes off automatically. This

prevents wearing down the battery and wearing out the tape. To resume Standby mode, turn the

STANDBY switch to LOCK once and turn it to STANDBY again. To start recording, press START/STOP.

STBY

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