Sony CCD-TR7 User Manual

SONY.

Video Camera Recorder E

CCD-TR7

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.

3-751-908-22 (2)

Video 8 Handycam

The model number and serial numbers are
located on (he boUom. Record (he serial
number in the space provided below. Refer to
these numbers whenever you call upon your
Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. CCD TR7 Serial No.

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

CAUTION TO

UON

.E.FPSr.v.C

______________

CAUTION I

OfPUCf THf fi,5K Of ELECTRIC SHCJC K
OT «EMOvE (.Over lOR BAf:ki

INC.. TO QUAU'itu SERVICE

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.

,4\

PERSONNEL

p-.‘r

INFORMATION for the customers In the U.S.A.

This equipment generates and uses radio
frequency energy and if not installed and used
properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, may cause
interference to radio and television reception. It
has been type tested and four>d to comply
with the limits for a Class B computing device
in accordance with the specifications in
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference in a residential
installation. However, there Is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
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 the receiving antenna
Relocate the equipment with respect to the

Move the equipment away from the receiver
Plug the equipment into a different outlet so
that equipment and receiver are on different

branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the
dealer or an experienced radlo/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user
may find the following booklet prepared by the
Federal Communications Commission helpful:

"How to Identify and Resolve Radio TV

Interference Problems".
This booklet is available from the U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402, Slock No. 004-000-00346-4,

For the customers in Canada

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

I QaWng Storied

Introduction

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

Identifying the parts

_____

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

\

4
T

I Preparing Your Camcorder |

(Connecting the power sources

Getting the most from the battery pack

Setting the date ar>d time......................................20

Inserting a (ape......................................................22

Adjusting the viewfinder lens............................24

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

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

13
18

¡OpeffBng Ihe Cwwra 8>cMon

Recording a picture using automatic

adjustments............................................

To record date and time..............................

Playing back the picture instantly

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

fMwMnQ i pictura Mint mènMl

Selecting the aulomatic/manual adjustrirenl.. 33

Manual focusing.....................................................34

Adjusting the white balance
Setting the shutter speed

Shooting with Backlighting.....................................40

Zooming.................................................................41

Close-up (Macro)

Fade-in and fade-out..............................................43

Recording a title.....................................................44

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

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

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

36
38

42

I Opw««ng (hs VCB Sectton |

Connection for playback.........................................48

Playing back a tape................................................52

Using the tape counter...........................................55

Editing onto another VCR
Recording from another VCR or a TV

Insert recording..................................................... 58

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

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

56
57

I OtMi ~

Hints, for belter shooting
Notes and precautions

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

Specifications.....................................................

Trouble check
Indications inside the viewfinder and the

display window...............................................

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

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

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

Overview ol the CCO-TR7

The CCD-TR7 Video 8 Handycam is a compact
color video camera/recorder (camcorder),
You can use it to shoot the pictures you want
arrd play them back on your television set. It is
equipped with a Hi-Fi stereo recording system
which offers high quality sound.
The camcorder uses 8mm video-formal
cassettes.

This manual is for you. You can use this
manual to find exactly the information you
need, whether you are familiar with video
equipment or not.

The first section of the manual explains Ihe
preliminary steps necessary to prepare for
shooting and playing back.

Other sections include shooting procedures
that show you how to use the various features
and functions of your camcorder. If you are
beginner, start with “Recording with aufomafic
adjustments." If you are very familiar with
camcorders, try to shoot your picture with
manual adjustments as well as automatic
adjustments.
If you want to record right away, see p.26

through 26.

The manual also includes Information on how
to play back a picture on a TV and how to edit
your original 8mm tape onto another video
tape.

If you have any problems during operation, see
the "Trouble Check" section.

How This Manual Wor^s

Use the information below to help you follow
the instructions in this manual.

• Controls and settings on the camcorder are

shown in capital letters:

ex. Set POWER to CAMERA.

• The letter In an illustration corresponds to
the letter in the text:

ex. (A-1) or W

• The step numbers in all illustrations
correspond to Ihe step numbers in the text.

• Notes and caution messages are set off with

lines.

Note on battery life

Battery will not last as long in cold
places

Supplied Acoesoftee

The caimcofder is packed together with the
following units. Check to see that everything
is contair>ed in the package.
(«Attached to the camcorder)

• Battery pack NP-55 (1)

• AC power adaptor AC-V30 (1)

• Lithium battery CR2025 (1)

• RFU adaptor RFU-90UC (1)

• Step-up-ring 037mm --*■ 046mm (1)

• Shoulder strap (1)

• Jack cover (l)*

• Lens cap (1)*

• AV cable (1)

• Handy Manual (1)

Frequency allocation of the hi-fi system

w

1.5MHZ I 7MHZ

Л2МНг 5 4MH2 MHZ

Hi-Fi Stereo System

On the 8mm video standard track the sound is
recorded/played back in hi-fi monaural. On this
camcorder, an additional hi-fi stereo sound can
be recorded on the standard track.
The hi-fi stereo sound is recorded as L-r-R on
the 1.5 MHz carrier and L-R on the 1,7 MHz
carrier in FM as illustrated. (A-1) This method

was adopted to maintain compatibility with the
conventional hi-fi monaural sound.
When playing back the tape recorded in this
hi-fi stereo system, a matrix circuit is used to
produce the L and R stereo sounds separately.
When a conventional hl-fl monaural model is
used to play back a tape recorded by this
camcorder in hi-fi stereo, the playback sound
will be in a L-i-R monaural sound. This is
because the monaural models will play back
only the sound recorded in the 1.5 MHz carrier.
The hi-fi stereo system of this camcorder
enables you to enjoy a live stereo sound
atmosphere.

Compatfbiitty with the conventional 8 mm video format

When you playback a tape recorded in stereo
hi-fi on a conventional 8 mm video equipment,
the sound will be in monaural.

(B-3)

fisj Zoom lever ф, ф

Macro set button ф

|l9| Focus ring ф

FADER button ф

fzi} Lithium battery compartment ф

Щ REC startfstop button Ф

Use when recording in the low position.

H EDTT switch Ф

Normally set to the left position. When
editing tapes, set to EDIT.

|2^ DATE and TIME buttons

Press to display or turn off the date or
time.

|25] Superimpose buttons ф

MEMORY button
COLOR/MODE button
SUPERIMPOSE button

ВАТТ (Battery efect) knob ф

PHONES (Headphones) jack (stereo mini-jack)

[2^ C REMOTE control jack (stereo mini-

mini-jack)

Connect a wired remote control unit, an
editing controller, or other equipment here.

(H Hl-R SOUND swHch ф

Set to the appropriate position when
playing back the tape.

WHT BAL (whtte balance) button ф

BACK LIGHT button ф

(32| SHUTTER SPEED button ф

Used to select the shutter speed.

FOCUS button

Used for manual focusing.

About C (LANC)

C stands for Local Application Control Bus
System. The C connector is used (or controlling the
tape transport ol video equipment ar^d the
peripherals connected to it. This connector has the
same function as the connectors indicated as
CONTROL L or REMOTE.

9

(B-5)

(B-4)

[3^ Hooks (Of stwulder strap

AHach \he shoulder sUap.

[35! Battery mounting surface

START/STOP buHon

Press to start and stop camera recording.

STANDBY switch

Slide up to set the camcorder to the
star>dby mode.

[38| LkJ lock

Slide to the left to oper> the cover.

|39| MIC Jack (PLUG IN POWER)

(stereo minijack)

Connect an external stereo microphone.

@ VIDEO/AUDIO Jacks (phono jacks)

DC OUT (RFU adaptor DC output) jack (special minijack)

Attach the supplied RFU adaptor here if
necessary. This lack also supplies power to
an ex1err>al microphone.

@ VIDEO/AUDIO INPUT/OUTPUT selector

switch

For input: Slide to INPUT

For output: Slide to OUTPUT

Grip strap

Adjust the let^gth so that your thumb can
easily manipulate the START/STOP button.

¡aH Tripod receptacle

Note that when you are attachirrg a tripod
not manufactured by Sony, the lerrgth of
the camera mounting screw must be less
than 6,5mm. Otherwise the screw may
damage the inner parts of the camera.

(B-5>

(B-6)

Caution (B-6)

Do not pick up the unit as shown in the
illustration.

10

To remove dust from inside tfte viewfinder
(B-7)

1 Puli out until the mark appears.
2 Turn counterclockwise until It stops and

pull out.

3 Clean the surface of the cover with a

|||■|| '■ II I—

Power

Place

Outdoors

Indoors

ca,'“

Note on power source

. Disconnecting the power source or removing the

battery pack during recording or playback may
damage the inserted tape. II disconnected
accidently supply the pov^er again immediately.

Accessory to be used

source

Battery pack NP-55 (supplied),

Battery

NP-66H, NP-77, NP-77H

pack
Alkaline

Battery case EBP-55

batteries

AC power adaptor AC V30
(supplied),

current

ACV55

DC pack DCP 77,

12V or

DCP-55 (DCC-16B car

24V car

battery cord supplied)

battery

12

13

Using the Battery Pack

Charge the battery pack. (C-1)

1 Align the right side of the battery pack with

the llrw on the AC power adaptor.

2 Slide in the battery pack to the tight.
3 Conrwct the AC power adaptor to a wall

outlet.

Approximate required charging lime (minutes)
when using AC-V30

* Supplied
See the instruction manual of the AC power
adaptor for details

Mount the battery pack on the camcorder.
(C-2)

*

1 LIH up the viewfinder.
2 Align the right side of the battery pack with

the line on the camcorder.

3 Slide the battery pack to the right.

Make sure the battery fits completely on the
mounting surface of the camcorder. Imperfect fit
may damage the projections on the camcorder.

To remove the battery pack
(C-3)

While pressing the ВАТТ knob in the direction
of arrow, slide to the left ar>d pull out the
battery pack as Illustrated.

Battery life

A fully charged battery pack lasts for:

(Approx, minutes, continuous recording when
used indoors)

• Supplied

When the battery becomes weak

(C-4)

The cX> Indication and red lamp blink slowly in
the viewfinder. Replace the battery pack with a
fully charged or>e when they blink rapidly.

Other options for charging

• AC-V55 AC power adaptor: You can charge
two battery packs one after another.

• BC-55, BC-77 portable battery charger; You
can charge a battery pack on 100-240 V AC.

• DC-V30 car battery charger: You can charge
a battery by connecting the car battery
charger to the cigarette lighter socket. This
battery charger can also supply power for
Sony 8 mm equipment that oj^erates on a
battery pack.

• NP-40CX) rechargeable battery pack: You can
use it for long outdoor recording.

15

(С-5)

Using Alkaline Batteries

1

(C-5)

The EBP-55 baUery case is required (not

supplied.)

1 Insert 6 AA size alkalkw batteries Into the

battery case.

2 Attach the case in the same way as the

battery pack.

Battery life

Approx. 60 minutes using Sony alkaline
batteries (continuous recording when operated
indoors)

Notes on battery Hie

• Batteries will not last as long in cold places.

• No Indication appears in the viewfinder when the

Using House Current

Use the supplied AC-V30 AC power adaptor.

1 Iftsert the conr>ectir>g cord supplied with

the AC-V30 AC power adaptor into the DC
OUT jack on the AC power adaptor.

Using Car Battery

The DCP-77 СЮ pack is reguired (not supplied).

1 Lift up the viewfinder. 2 Align the right side of the DC pack with

the line on the camcorder, and slide It in to
the right.

3 Connect the cord to the cigarette lighter

socket of a car (12V or 24V).

To remove the DC peck

While pressing the ВАТТ knob on the
camcorder, slide the DC pack to the left and

pull out.

Other options

• The AC-V55 AC power adaptor and the
IXC-IBAW car battery cord can also be

used to operate this camcorder on a 12V or
24V car battery.

» OCP-55 DC pack can also be used to

operate this camcorder on a 12V or 24V car
battery.

2 Lift up the viewfinder.
3 Align the right side of the connecting plate

with the line on the camcorder, and slide it

in to the right.

4 Connect the AC power adaptor to a wall

outlet.

We recommend the use of the AC power
adaptor while viewing the playback picture on
the TV, editing tapes or recording a TV
program, as you do not need to worry about
running out of power.
See the instruction manual of the AC power
adaptor for details.

Other optiorrs

The AC-V55 AC power adaptor can also be
used.

16

17

Getting the Most from the Battery Pack

How to Prepare the Rechargeable Battery Pack
Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 or

3 times as much necordirtg than you have
pfanited.

“Battery life" as indicated in the instruction
manual or catalogue of the camcorder is
measured by the continuous recording time of
the camcorder, placed at a room temperature
using a full-charged battery.

Battery life is shorter in a cold climate

Battery efficiency is decreased and the battery

will be used up more quickly.

Leaving the unit In the starrdby mode will
consume power and shorten the available
battery life. To consenre power, turn the

STANDBY switch off between recordings. A

srTKwth transition between scenes cart be

made even if recording Is stopped and started

again.

While positioning the subject or selecting an

angle, by viewing through the viewfinder, and

in using autofocus, the battery is being

expertded. The battery is also being expended

when a tape is Inserted or removed.

Notes on Charging

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

Recharge the battery pack only when It is exhausted.

• If recording is completed before the mark
CXI appears In the viewfinder, it Is

recommecded that you remove the tape,
set POWER to CAMERA, slide up the
STANDBY, and leave the camcorder until
the cXi mark blinks rapidly.

• Repeated charging while some capacity

remains causes a lowering of battery
capacity. However, the original battery
capacity can be recovered if you fully
charge and discharge the battery again.

Recharge the battery pack before using.

If the battery pack is charged fully but not

used for a long time (about 1 yeaq. it
becomes discharged. Charge it again but in
this case the battery life will be shortened
than normal. After several charging and
discharging cycles, the battery life will

recover its original capacity

Keep the Tenninals Clean

If the terminals (metaf parts on the back)

are not cfaan, 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, install and remove the battery

pack from lime to time. This will improve

the contact condition. Also, wipe the + and

- terminals with a soft cloth or paper,

Notes on the Rechargeable Battery Pack
Why the battery pack heats up

During charging or recording, the battery
pack heats up. This means energy has been
gerwrated and chemical change has
occurred Inside the battery pack and this Is
not dangerous.

How to care tor the battery peck

• Remove the battery pack from the
camcorder after using it, and keep it in a
cool place. When the battery pack is
attached to the camcorder, a smalt
amount of current flows to the camcorder
even If the POWER switch Is turned off.
It causes overdischarging arnl shortens
battery life.

• The battery pack is always discharging
even when It is not In use after charging.
Thus it is recommernfed you charge the
battery before using.

How to use the switch on the battery pack

This switch is provided so that you can
remember the charging condition. 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.

How many times can the battery pack be recharged

It can be fully charged and discharged about

500 times under normal temperatures. If the

cX! mark blinks rapidly just after turnlr>g on

the camcorder with a fully charged battery

pack, .the battery pack should be replaced

with a new fully charged one.

Temperatures during charging

Lower temperatures require a longer charging
time. Charging under temperatures ranging
from 10®C to 30°C is recommefKled.

18

19

(D-1)

This camcorder uses a fithium batlery to
activate the clock and to keeo titles in
memory. Before operating it for the first time,
install the supplied lithium battery.

1 Pull out the lithium battery hoMer Irom the

bottom of the camcorder.

2 Install the supplied CR202S lithium battery

with the * side facing the < 4) on the
batlery holder.

3 Put the lithium battery holder back into the

camcorder.

To chartge the lithium battery

Remove the lithium battery holder from the
camcorder, and pull out the lithium battery and

insert a new one.

Note on baitery life

The battery lasts for approximately 1 year under

normal operation. When the lithium battery
becomes weai<, the time indication keeps blinking
in the display window and blinks In the viewfinder
for about 5 seconds when the POWER switch
to CAMERA When this happens, replace the
battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL 2025
lithium battery. Use of another battery may present
a risk of fire or explosion. While replacing the
lithium battery, keep the battery pack or other
power source attached. M the battery pack or other
power source was not attached while replacing,
readjustment of the date and lime is necessary.

Cautions

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

• Wipe the battery with a dry cloth to assure
good contact.

• Be sure to install the battery with the
correct polarity

• Do not hold the battery with metallic
tweezers, as a short-circuit may occur.

WARNING

Battery may explode If misireated. Do rrot
recharge, disassemble, or dispose of in a lli

1 Маке SUI* «bat а potMf аоиге* 1а

eonnacted. аа« POWER «о CAMERA, and
sIWa STANOev up.

2 Prase DATE and TIME ahmiNanaoiialy tor

mora than Э seconds untH the data
Indicstion sppaars In the display window.
DATE now functfons as + (to advance
numbers) and TIME functions as NEXT (to
execute).

3 Set the year, month, day. hour and minute.

In this Older.

First adjust the blinking digits with 4 and
then press NEXT.

4 Press NE)(T to set the second.

The clock starts operating.

To correct the date and time setting

3®Ж

г г »it-»

set

Repeat steps 2 to 4.

To advance the digits faster

Keep 4 pressed.

ъ

To check the preset date and time

Press DATE or TIME. When you press the
same button again, the indication goes off.

I

о

Ф с::

(Ш

ф г -

Ф

20

21

(E-1)

1 Make sure a power source Is connected.

2 IMhlte stkltng the lid lock In the direction ol

the arrow lit! up the lid until it dicks.

3 Press EJECT-

The lip of the cassette compartment will
automatically lift up and open.

4 Insert the cassette with the window lacing

5 Press the PUSH mark on the cassette

compartment cover to dose It.

6 Close the lid.

Ejecting the Tape

1 Make sure that a power source Is

connected.

2 While sliding the lid lock In the direction of

the arrow, lift the lid up until it clicks.

3 Press the EJECT.

The l/p of the casseKe comparlmenf will lifl
up and automatically open.

4 Take out the cassette and press the PUSH

mark on the comparment to close It.

5 Close the lid.

(E-2)

№•2)

Slide out the red tab on the cassette to protect
the recording.

To re-record on this tape, slide the tab back in.

Notes on hendllnp tapes

• Insert anything in the small holes orr trie
rear ol the cassette. These holes are used to
sense the type ol tape, thickness of tape, or if
the tab is out or in, etc.

» Store tapes in their cases and keep them in an

upright position to prevent intrusion of dust and

uneven winding.

_____

_____

22

23