Camera
Operations Guide
Read this first
Video Camera Recorder/Digital Video Camera Recorder
3-087-918-12(1)
© 2004 Sony Corporation
CCD-TRV128/TRV228/TRV328/TRV428
DCR-TRV260/TRV265
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughl y, and retain it for future
reference.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do no t
expose t h e u nit to rain o r moisture.
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 c onstitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is inten d e d to alert the
user to the presence of importa nt
operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the
appliance.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY
INSERT.
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries a re
recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
used rechargeable batteri es to the
collection and recycling location
nearest you.
For more information regarding recycli ng of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822- 8837,
or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leak ing LithiumIon batteries.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may
call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY
(7669)
The number below is for FCC related mat ter s only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-TRV260
Responsible Party: Sony Elec tronic s I nc .
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell,
NJ 07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accep t an y inte r f ere nc e
received, including int erference that may cause
undesired operation.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are lo cated 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.
Serial No.
Model No.AC-
Serial No.
-TRV
2
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or mo dif ica tions
not expressly approved in this manual could void your
authority to operate this equipment.
b Note:
This equipment has been teste d an d fou nd to c o mply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits a re de signed to provide reasonable
protection agains t harmful i nterferenc e in a residen tial
installation. This equipm ent generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the in s tructions, 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 interfer en ce to r ad io or telev ision
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 mor e of the
following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
– Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
– Consult a Sony dealer or an experi enced radio/ TV
technician for help.
The interface cable supplied must be used with the
equipment in order to com ply w ith the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC
Rules.
Notes on use
Note on a cassette tape
You can use standard 8 mm and Hi8 ,
Digital8 video cassettes on your camcorder. See
page 82 for details.
Notes on recording
• Before starting to record, test the recording function
to make sure the picture and sound are rec or de d
without any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot
be provided, even if recording or pl ayb ac k is not
possible due to a malfunctio n of the camco rder, etc.
• TV color systems differ dependi ng on the cou ntr y/
regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need
an NTSC system-based TV.
• Television programs, film s, vide o ta pe s, and ot her
materials may be copyrighte d. Unaut horiz e d
recording of such materials m ay be contrary to the
copyright laws.
Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and
lens
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely hi gh- pr e ci sion
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effec tive use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/
or bright points (white, red, blue , or gr een in color)
that appear constantly on the LCD scr een a nd the
viewfinder.
These points are norm al results of the ma nufacturing
process and do not affect the recordin g in an y w ay.
• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens
to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera
near a window or outdoors.
• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your
camcorder to malfunction. Take pic tures of the sun
only in low light conditions, such as at dus k.
Note on connecting other device
Before connecting your camcorder to othe r devi ce
such as a VCR or a computer with an USB or i.L INK
cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper
direction. If you insert the connect or plug f or c ibly in
the wrong direction, the termi na l ma y be damaged.
This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Notes on using this manual
• The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder
used on this manual are captured using a digital still
camera, and thus may appear different from what
you see.
• In this instruction manual, each model is indicated as
follows.
CCD-TRV128: TRV128
CCD-TRV228: TRV228
CCD-TRV328: TRV328
CCD-TRV428: TRV428
DCR-TRV260: TRV260
DCR-TRV265: TRV265
Instructions with no sp ecific model na mes are for all
models.
Instructions with specific model name s are for the
indicated models only.
Before you start reading this ma nua l, check the
model name of your camcorder.
• The illustrations used on this manual are based on
the model DCR-TRV265.
,continued
3
Notes on using the camcor d er
• Hold your camcorder correctl y .
• To ensure a good grip, fasten the grip belt as shown
in the following illustra tion.
• You can change the language to be used for screen
display on your camcorder (p. 19).
• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.
Viewfinder
Battery pack
• Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select desired
item, then press the dia l to decide.
LCD panel
4
Table of Contents
CCD-TRV128: TRV128 CCD- TR V428: TRV428
CCD-TRV228: TRV228 DCR-TRV260: TRV260
CCD-TRV328: TRV328 DCR-TRV265: TRV265
Read this first ............................................................................................. 2
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies on a tape ...................................................................... 8
Recording/Playing back with ease .......................................................... 10
Getting started
Step 1: Checking supplied items.............................................................. 11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack............................................................ 12
Using an outside power sourc e ....................... ........................... ............... ................ 15
Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 16
Adjusting the LCD panel ............................................................................. .. ....... .... .16
Adjusting the viewfinder ...................................... ......... .... .... .... .. ........... .. .... .... ......... .16
Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 17
Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape.............................................................. 18
Step 7: Setting the screen language........................................................ 19
Recording
Recording movies .................................................................................... 21
Recording for a longer time .......................................................................................23
Using zoom ................. ....................................................... ............... ........................23
Using the built-in light ........... ............... ...................................................................... 23
Recording in mirror mode .........................................................................................24
Superimposing the date and time on pictures ( TRV128/228/328/428) ............. 25
Recording still images – Tape photo recording ( TRV260/265)............. 25
Recording with ease – Easy Handycam .................................................. 26
Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 27
Adjusting the exposure fo r ba ck l it subjects ......... ......................................................27
Adjusting the exposure man ually ...................... ........................................................28
Recording in dark places – NightShot plus .............................................. 28
Adjusting the focus manually ................................................................... 29
Recording a picture using various effects ................................................ 30
Fading in and out of a scene – FADER .................................................................... 30
,continued
5
Superimposing a title................................................................................ 31
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
– END SEARCH ................................................................................. 33
Playback
Viewing pictures recorded on a tape........................................................ 34
Playing back in various modes .......................................... .... ......... .... .... .... ........... ....35
Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam .............................................. 36
Various playback functions ...................................................................... 37
Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................37
Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code
( TRV260/265) ..................................................................................................37
Playing the picture on a TV...................................................................... 39
Locating a scene on a tape for playback ( TRV265) ............................. 40
Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory ........................................40
Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search .......................................41
Searching for a still image – Photo search ................................................................41
Playing back still images in sequence – Photo scan .................................................42
6
Advanced operations
Troubleshooting
Customizing Your
Camcorder
Changing the menu settings ..............43
Using the (MANUAL SET) menu
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT,
etc. ...............................................44
Using the (CAMERA SET) menu
– 16:9 WIDE/STEADYSHOT,
etc. ...............................................47
Using the (PLAYER SET)/ (VCR
SET) menu
etc. ...............................................51
Using the (LCD SET) menu
B.L./LCD COLOR, etc. .................53
Using the (TAPE SET) menu
– FRAME REC/INT.REC, etc. ......54
Using the (SETUP MENU) – CLOCK
SET/USB STREAM/ LANGUAGE,
etc. ...............................................57
Using the (OTHERS) menu
– WORLD TIME/VIDEO EDIT,
etc. ...............................................59
– HiFi SOUND/EDIT,
– LCD
Troubleshooting .................................74
Warning indicators and me ss age s .....79
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ............81
Usable cassette tapes ........................82
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack ..............................................83
About i.LINK .......................................84
Maintenance and precautions ............85
Specification .......................................88
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls .............91
Index ..................................................98
Dubbing/Editing
Connecting to a VCR .........................61
Dubbing to another tape ....................63
Dubbing a tape easily – Easy Dubbing
( TRV128/228/328/428) ........64
Recording pictures from a VCR
( TRV260/265) ...........................68
Dubbing selected scenes from a tape
– Digital program editing
( TRV260/265) ...........................69
For TRV260/265:
Refer also to other operating instructions
supplied with your camcorder:
• Editing images with your computer
cCompute r Appli cations Guide
7
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies
1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.
To charge the battery, see page 12.
a Lift up the viewfinder. b Slide the battery pack in the direction
of the arrow until it clicks.
2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
a Slide the OPEN/
EJECT lever in the
direction of the arrow
to open the lid.
The cassette compartment
comes out automatically.
OPEN/EJECT lever
Quick Start Guide
8
b Insert the cassette with
its window-side facing
up, then push the center
of the back of the
cassette.
Window-side
c Press .
Close the cassette lid after
the cassette co m partment
slides back in by itself.
3 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.
The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 17.
a Remove the lens cap.
Lens cap is not attached
when you purcha se your
camcorder (p.91).
b Press OPEN and
open the LCD panel.
c While pressing the
green button, slide
the POWER switch
down to light up the
CAMERA lamp.
The power turns on.
d Press REC START/
STOP.
Recording starts. To
change to standb y m ode,
press REC START/STOP
again.
4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.
Quick Start Guide
a Slide the POWER
switch rep eatedly
until the PLAY/EDIT
lamp lights up.
b Press (rewind).
c Press (play) to
start the playback.
To stop, press .
To turn off the power, slide the
POWER switch up to (CHG)
OFF.
Quick Start Guide
9
Recording/Playing back with ease
By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation
becomes even easier.
Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first
time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback.
Press EASY when recording/
playing back.
EASY lights up in blue (1) and
screen font siz e increases (2) during
Easy Handycam operation.
Easy Handycam
operation
ON
For details, se e i nstructions for each operation.
See page 26 for recording, page 36 for playback.
Quick Start Guide
10
Getting started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
RMT-830: ( TRV265)
Make sure you have following ite ms supplied
with your camcorder.
The number in parentheses indicates the number
of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1)
Power cord (1)
Lens cap (1)
See page 91 on how to attach the lens cap.
Shoulder strap (1)
See page 94 on how to attach the shoulder strap.
A/V connecting cable (1)
Monaural: ( TRV128/228/328/428)
Getting started
Stereo: ( TRV 260/265)
USB cable (1)
( TRV260/265)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM30 (1)
CD-ROM “SPVD-012 USB Driver” (1)
( TRV260/265)
Camera Operations Guide (This manual)
(1)
Computer Applications Guide (1)
( TRV260/265)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
A button-type lithium battery is already
installed.
RMT-833: ( TRV228/428)
Getting started
11
Step 2: Charging the battery pack
You can charge the battery by attaching the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series)
to your camcorder .
b Notes
• You cannot use batteries other than the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series) (p. 83).
• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor
or battery terminals with any metallic objects. This
may cause a malfunction.
• Use a nearby wall outlet when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
outlet immediatel y if a ny ma lfunction occurs.
Battery pack
2 Attach the battery pack by sliding it in
the direction of the arrow until it
clicks.
3 With the v mark on the DC plug
facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to
the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
DC IN jack
Power cord
To the wall outlet
1 Lift up the viewfinder.
Getting started
12
DC plug
AC Adaptor
v mark
4 Co nnect th e po wer cord to the AC
Adaptor.
5 Co nnect th e po wer cord to the wall
outlet.
6 Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG)
OFF.
The CHG (charge) la m p l i ght s up and
charging starts.
After charging the battery
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the
battery is fully c har ged. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor fro m the DC IN jack.
To remove the battery pack
BATT (battery)
release button
1
Lift up the viewf i nder.
POWER switch
2 Set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF.
3 Slide the batter y pack out i n the direct ion
of the arrow whi l e pressing the BATT
(battery) release button down.
b Note
• If you do not use the battery pack for a long time, use
up the battery pack completely before storing it. See
page 83 about storage of the batter y pa ck .
To check the remaining battery – Battery
Info
DSPL/BATT INFO
You can check the battery's current charge level
and its current remaining recording time both
during charging or when the power is turned off.
1 Set the POWER switc h to (CHG) OFF.
2 Press OPEN and o p en the LCD panel.
3 Press DSPL/BATT INFO.
The battery informa tion appears for about 7
seconds.
Keep the button pressed to view it for about
20 seconds.
BATTERY INFO
BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL
0% 50% 100%
REC TIME AVAILABLE
A Battery charge level: Displa ys
approximate remai ning amount of
power left in the ba ttery pack.
B Approximate possible re cording time
using the LCD panel.
C Approximate possible re cording time
using the viewfinder.
Charging time
Approximate number of minutes req uired when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack
at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)
recommended.)
Battery pack
NP-FM30 (supplied) 145
NP-FM50 150
NP-QM71/QM71D 260
NP-QM91/QM91D 360
LCD SCREEN: 81 min
VIEWFINDER: 112 min
Getting started
OPEN
POWER switch
Recording time when recordi ng with the
LCD screen on
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
,continued
Getting started
13
For TRV128/228/328/428:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 185 90
NP-QM71/
QM71D
NP-QM91/
QM91D
115 55
445 220
670 335
Typical*
recording
time
For TRV260/265:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 200 105
NP-QM71/
QM71D
NP-QM91/
QM91D
125 65
485 255
725 385
Typical*
recording
time
For TRV260/265:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 145 80
NP-QM71/
QM71D
NP-QM91/
QM91D
90 50
355 220
535 300
Typical*
recording
time
Recording time when record ing with the
viewfinder
Approximate nu m ber of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
For TRV128/228/328/428:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 280 135
NP-QM71/
QM71D
NP-QM91/
QM91D
175 85
675 330
1010 495
Typical*
recording
time
* Approximate number of minutes when recording
while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the
POWER switch to change the power mode, and
zoom. The actual battery life ma y be sh or te r.
Playing time
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
For TRV128/228/328/428:
Battery pack LCD panel
opened
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 185 295
NP-QM71/
QM71D
NP-QM91/
QM91D
115 185
445 715
670 1070
LCD panel
closed
For TRV260/265:
Battery pack LCD panel
opened
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 160 240
NP-QM71/
QM71D
NP-QM91/
QM91D
100 150
390 580
585 865
LCD panel
closed
Getting started
14
b Notes
• The power will not be supplied from the battery pack
when the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack
of your camcorder, even if its power cord is
disconnected fro m the wall outlet.
• The recording and playback time will be shorter
when you use your camcorder in low temperature.
• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or
the battery information will not be corre ctly
displayed in following conditions.
– The battery pack is not attache d correctly.
– The batte r y pack is damaged.
– The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery
information only.)
Using an outside power source
You can use the AC Adaptor as the power
source when you do not want the battery to
run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor,
the battery pack will not lose its c harg e ev en
when it is attached to your camc order.
PRECAUTION
Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(house current) is still supplied to it while
connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adapto r.
Connect your camcorder as shown in
“Charging the battery pack” (p. 12).
Step 3: Turning the power on
You need to slide the POWER switch
repeatedly to select the desired power mode
to record or play.
When using this camcorder for the first time,
the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 17).
Getting started
While pressing the green button, slide the
POWER switch down.
The power turns on.
To enter the recording or playing mode, sl id e
the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp
for the desire d power mode lights up.
• CAMERA mode: To record on a tape.
• P LAY/EDIT mode : To play or edit pictu res on
a tape.
To turn off the power
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.
Getting started
15
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder
Adjusting the LCD panel
You can adjust the angle and brightness of
the LCD panel to meet various recording
situations.
Even when there are obstructions between you
and the subject, you can check the subject on the
LCD screen during recording by adjusting the
angle of the LCD panel.
3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select
[LCD BRIGHT], then press the dial
(p. 53).
4 Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen
with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then
press the dial.
5 Press MENU.
z Tips
• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens
side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD
screen facing out.
• If you are using the battery pack for powe r sour ce,
you can adjust the brightness by sele c ting [LCD
B.L.] in the (LCD SET) menu (p. 53).
• The recorded picture will not be affected by this
setting.
• You can turn off the operation confirmation beep by
setting [BEEP] in the (OTHERS) menu to
[OFF] (p. 59).
MENU
Maximum
180 degrees
Maximum
90 degrees
Press OPEN and
open the LCD panel.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder, then rotate it to the desired
position.
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial
To adjust the brightness of the LCD
screen
1
Press MENU.
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to sel ect
(LCD SET), then press the dial.
Adjusting the viewfinder
You can view images using the viewfinder
when you close the LCD panel. Use the
viewfinder when the battery is running out, or
when the screen is hard to see.
Viewfinder lens adjustme nt lever
1 Lift up the viewfinder.
2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment
lever until the picture is clear.
Getting started
16
Step 5: Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when using this
camcorder for the first time. If you do not set
the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen
appears every time you turn on your
camcorder.
b Note
• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3
months, the built-in rechargeable button-type
battery gets discharged an d the dat e and ti me
settings may be cleared from the memory. In that
case, charge the rechargeab le butt on- type battery
(p. 87) and then set the date and time again.
MENU
3 Press MENU.
MANUAL SET
PROGRAM AE
P EFFECT
AUTO SHTR
[
MENU] : END
STBY
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select (SETUP MENU), then press
the dial.
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LTR SIZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN
[
MENU] : END
––:––:––
STBY
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select [CLOCK SET], then press the
dial.
Getting started
OPEN
SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial
POWER
switch
1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 15).
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.
Proceed to step 6 when you set the clock for
the first time.
CLOCK SET
Y
2004 JAN 1 12 :00 AM
[MENU] : CANCEL
STBY
M D H M
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to set
[Y] (year), then press the dial.
CLOCK SET
Y
2004 JAN 1 12 :00 AM
[MENU] : CANCEL
STBY
M D H M
You can set any year up to the year 2079.
7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), [H] (hour)
and [M] (minute) in the same way as
was done in step 6, then press the dial.
For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM.
For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.
,continued
Getting started
17
To check the preset date and time
For TRV128/228/328/428:
Press DATE to display the date indicator.
Press TIME to displ ay the time indicator.
Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TI ME
(or DATE) to simultaneously display the date
and time indicator.
To hide the date and/or time indicator, press
DATE and/or TIME again.
Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape
You can use standard 8 mm and Hi8 ,
Digital8 video cassettes on your camcorder.
For details on these cassettes (such as writeprotection), See page 82.
b Notes
• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This
may cause a malfunction of your camc or de r.
• For TRV260/265:
The recording time when you use your camcorder is
half of the indicated time on Hi8 tape. If you
select the [LP] mode in the menu settings, the
recording time is 3/4 of the ind ic at e d tim e on
Hi8 tape.
1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in
the direction of the arrow and open the
lid.
OPEN/EJECT lever
Lid
Getting started
18
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out and opens up.
2 Insert a cassette with its window-side
facing up.
Window-side
Push the center of the
back of the cassette
lightly.
3 Press .
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in.
Step 7: Setting the screen language
You can select the language to be used on the
LCD screen.
MENU
OPEN
SEL/PUSH
EXEC dial
1 Turn on your camcorder.
2 Press OP EN to open the LCD panel.
POWER
switch
Getting started
4 Close the lid.
To eject the cassette
Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in the
1
direction of the arrow and open the lid.
The cassette compartment automatically
comes out.
2 Take out the cassette, then press .
The cassette compartment automatically
slides back in.
3 Close the lid.
3 Press MENU.
MANUAL SET
PROGRAM AE
P EFFECT
AUTO SHTR
[
MENU] : END
STBY
4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select (SETUP MENU), then press
the dial.
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LTR SIZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN
[
MENU] : END
––:––:––
STBY
,continued
Getting started
19
5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select [ LANGUAGE], then press
the dial.
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LTR SIZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
[
MENU] : END
STBY
ENGLISH
ENG[SIMP
FRANÇAIS
ESPAÑOL
PORTUGUÊS
]
6 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
select the desired language, then press
the dial.
7 Press MENU.
z Tip
• Your camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified
English) for when you cannot find your nativ e
tongue among the options.
Getting started
20
Recording
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.
Recording movies
Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in
“Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 19).
For TRV128/228/328/428:
Movies will be recorded along with monaural
sound.
For TRV260/265:
Movies will be recorded along with stereo
sound.
Camera recording la mp
OPEN
b Note
• For TRV128/228/328/428:
z Tip
• Performing Easy Handycam ope rat ion, ev en fir st
REC START/STOP
The date is automatica ll y recorded for 10 seconds
after you start recording ( Auto date function). This
function works only once a day. See page 57 for
details.
time users can record easily. For details, see page 26.
POWER switch
3 Slide the POWER switch until the
CAMERA lamp lights up.
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.
Slide the POWER
switch while
pressing the green
button.
4 Press REC START/STOP.
Recording star ts. [REC] appears on the
LCD screen and the Camera recording l amp
lights up.
Press REC START/STOP aga in to st op
recording.
To turn the power off
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.
z Tip
• If you do not use your camcorder for a long time,
remove the ca ssette and stor e it.
Recording
1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap
string down and attach it to the grip
belt.
,continued
Recording
21
Indicators displayed during recording
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.
For TRV128/228/328/428:
123
SP
60
6
For TRV
min
260/265:
Date/time and camera settings data (p. 37) will
not be displaye d du ri ng recording.
1237
SP
min
REC
60
REC
0:00:00
4
0:00:00
5
5
F Hi8 format
This appears w h i le recording Hi 8 format
tapes.
G Time code/Tape counter (hour: m i nute:
second)/Tape photo recording
b Notes
• Before changing t he batt ery pack, slide the POWE R
switch up to (CHG) OFF.
• In the default setting, if you do not operate the
camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power
will automatically turn off to preserve battery power
([A.SHUT OFF], p. 59). To restart recording, slide
the POWER switch dow n to select CAMERA, an d
then press REC START/STOP.
z Tips
• To ensure smooth transition on a tape f ro m the la st
recorded scene to the next, note the following.
– Do not remove the cass et te . (The pic tur e will be
recorded continuously without a break even when
you turn the power off.)
– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on
the same tape.
– Avoid stopping then recor ding a movie in the LP
mode.
• For TRV260/265:
The recording time, date, and the camera settings
data are recorded automatic a lly on the tape without
being displayed on the screen. You can view this
information during playback by selecting [DATA
CODE] on the screen (p. 59).
A Remaining ba ttery time
The indicated time may not be correct
depending on the environment of use.
When you opene d or closed t he LCD panel,
it takes about 1 minute to display th e correct
remaining battery time.
B Recording mode (SP or LP)
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recor d i n g))
D Tape counter (hour: minute: second)
To set the counter to 0:00:00, press
COUNTER RESET (p. 93).
E Recording capacity
For TRV
128/228/328/428:
This appears after you insert a cassette and
record for a while.
For TRV260/265:
This appear s af t er a whil e w hen you se t t he
POWER switch to CAMERA and insert a
cassette.
Recording
22
Recording for a longer time
To record for a longer time
In the (TAPE SET) menu, select [REC
MODE], then [LP] (p. 54).
In the LP mode, you can record longer than
when recording in the SP mode (2 times longer
for TRV128/228/328/428, 1.5 times
longer for TRV260 /265).
A tape recorded in the LP mode should be
played back only on this camcorder.
Using zoom
When the CAMERA mode is selected, you
can choose zoom to magnification levels
greater than 20 times, and from that point
activate the digi tal zoom ([D ZO OM] , p.47).
Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but
use it sparingly for best results.
Move the power zoom lever slightly for a
slower zoom. Move it further for a faster
zoom.
To record wider range of view
Move the power zoom lever toward s W.
The subject appears farther away (Wide
angle).
To record closer view
Move the power zoom lever towards T.
The subject appears closer (Telephoto).
Recording
Using the built-in light
You can use the built-in light to suit your
shooting situation. The recommended
distance between the subject and camcorder
is about 1.5 m (5 feet).
Built-in light
1 cm (approx.
1/2 inch)*
* The minimum distanc e required between your
camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus in
that position of the lever.
80 cm (approx.
2 5/8 feet)*
LIGHT
Press LIGHT repeatedly to select a setting.
The settings are displayed cyclically in the
following orde r.
No indicator displayed: Always re cor ds
without using the buil t- i n light.
m
: Automatically turns on and off
according to the am bient brightness.
m
: Always turns on.
To turn off the built-in light
Press LIGHT repeatedly until no indicator
appears on the sc reen.
,continued
Recording
23
b Notes
• The built-in video light emits very bright light,
which is perfectly safe in normal use. However ,
avoid directly aiming the light at a subject’s eyes
from very close range.
• The battery pack di sc ha rg es quickly while the builtin light is turned on.
• When you do not use your camcorder, turn the builtin light off and remove the battery pa ck to avoid
turning on the built-in light accide nta lly.
• When flickering occurs while shooting in the
mode, press LIGHT until
appears.
• The built-in light may turn on/off when you use the
[PROGRAM AE] or back light function while
shooting in the mode.
• For TRV260/265:
The built-in light is turned off during the interval
time of Interval recording.
• When you use the conversion lens (option al), light
from the built-in light is blocked and ma y not
illuminate the subject proper ly .
Recording in mirror mode
You can turn the LCD panel towards the
subject so that you and your subject can share
the image being recorded. You can also
utilize this function when recording yourself,
to keep the attention of small children
attracted to the camcorder while you record
them.
Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the
camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees
towards the subject.
A mirror-image of the subject appears on the
LCD screen, but the picture will be normal
when recorded.
24
b Notes
For TRV128/228/328/428:
• appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD
screen. Xz appears in the standby mode, and z
appears in the recording mode. Som e of oth er
indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not
displayed.
• During recording in the mirror mode, DATE and
TIME on your camcorder do not work.
Recording
Superimposing the date and time
on pictures (
TRV128/228/328
/428)
You can record the date and/or time
displayed on the s cre en s upe rim posed on the
picture.
Recording still
images
– Tape photo recording
TRV260/265)
(
You can record still images. Before
recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting
started” (p. 11 - p. 19).
PHOTOOPEN
Recording
DATE
CCD-TRV428
Press DATE to record the date.
Press TIME to record the time.
Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME
(or DATE) to record the date and time.
To hide the date and time, press DATE and/or
TIME again.
When you purchase your camcorder , the clock
is not set up yet. Set the date and time to your
local time before using (p. 17).
b Note
• The date and time indicators r e corded manually
cannot be deleted.
z Tip
• If you do not record the date and time in the picture,
record the date and time in the black screen as the
background for about 10 seconds, then erase the date
and time indicators before starting actual recording.
TIME
POWER switch
1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap
string down and attach it to the grip
belt.
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.
,continued
Recording
25
3 Slide the POWER switch to select the
.
CAMERA mode.
Recording with ease
– Easy Handycam
Slide the POWER
switch while pressing
the green button.
4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly.
You will hear a sm al l b eep sound, and the
picture will become a still image.
Recordi n g does not s tart at this p oint.
60
min
CAPTURE
The indicator appears
5 Press PHOTO fully.
A shutter sound is heard, and the image is
recorded with sound for 7 seconds.
The still image is displayed on the screen
until recording is completed.
To turn the power off
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.
b Note
• appears when the tape photo recording does
not work.
z Tip
• You can record about 510 images in the SP mode
and about 765 images in the LP mode on a tape
which can record for 60 minutes in the SP mode.
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of
the camera settings are set to automatic
mode, only basic functio ns become available,
and screen font size increases for easy
viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy
recording. Before recording, follow steps 1 to
7 in “Getting start ed” (p. 11 - p. 19).
Camera recording lamp
OPEN
z Tip
• Buttons that do not work during Easy Handycam
operation have a dot beside them on your camcorder.
Also, only menu items that are available during Easy
Handycam operation are displayed when MENU is
pressed.
EASY POWER switch
REC START/STOP
1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap
string down and attach it to the grip
belt.
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD pa ne l.
3 Sl ide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
You can record movies only.
26
4 Press EASY.
EASY lights up in blue.
Recording
Easy Handycam
operation
ON
5 Pre ss REC START/STOP.
Recording start s . [ REC] appears on the
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp
lights up. Press REC START/STOP again
to stop recording.
Adjusting the exposure
The exposure is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.
Adjusting the exposur e for backlit subjects
To turn the power off
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.
To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY agai n.
b Notes
• You cannot switch from/to Easy Handycam
operation during recording.
• For TRV260/265:
During Easy Handycam operation, yo u cannot
connect the USB cable to your camcorder.
• For TRV260/265:
You cannot use Easy Handycam ope r ation together
with USB Streaming.
• All the settings return to their defaults during Easy
Handycam operation. Previously made settings are
restored when you cancel Easy Handycam
operation.
When your subje ct has its back to the sun or
other light, you can adjust the exposure to
prevent the subject from becoming
shadowed.
BACK LIGHT
Press BACK LIGHT in CAMERA mode.
. appears.
To cancel the back light fun ct i on, press BACK
LIGHT again.
b Note
• The back light function is canceled when you press
EXPOSURE (p. 28).
Recording
,continued
Recording
27
Adjusting the exposure manually
Recording in dark
You can fix the brightness of a picture at the
best exposure. When recording indoors on a
clear day, for instance, you can avoid
backlight shadow s on people next to the
window by manually fixing the exposure to
that of the wall side of the room.
EXPOSURE SEL/PUSH EXEC dial
1 Press EXPOSURE in CAMERA mode.
The exposure indicator appears on the
screen.
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
adjust the brightness.
places
– NightShot plus
You can record subjects in dark places (such
as when capturing the face of your baby
sleeping) with this function.
Set the NIGH TS HO T P LUS swi tch t o ON .
and [”NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.
To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT
PLUS switch to OFF.
While exposure is set to manual mode, is
displayed in the lef t- hand corner of the
screen.
To return the setting to automatic
exposure
Press EXPOSURE.
Recording
28
b Notes
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright
places. This may cause a malfunc ti o n.
• You cannot use the NightShot plus function together
with:
– [PROGRAM AE]
– Manual exposure
• Adjust the focus manually when it is hard to focus
automatically.
• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or
other objects. Remove the conversion lens (optional)
if it is attached.
• Depending on the shooting conditions or
circumstances, colors may not be reproduced
properly.
z Tip
• If you record subjects in complete darkness, set
[N.S. LIGHT] to [ O N ] in th e menu settings. The
maximum shooting distance using the NightShot
Light is about 3 meters (10 feet). If you r ecor d
subjects in dark places (such as night sc e ne or in
moonlight), set [N.S. LIGHT] to [OFF] in the menu
settings. You can make image c olor de e per ( p. 50).
Adjusting the focus manually
The focus is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.
You can adjust the focus manually according
to the recording conditions.
Use this function in the following cases.
– To record a subject behind a window covered
with raindrops.
– To record horizontal stripes.
– To record a subject with little contrast
between the subject and its backgroun d.
– When you want to focus on a subject in the
background.
– To record a stati onary subject using a tripod.
Recording
FOCUS
SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial
1 Press FOCUS in CAMERA mod e.
9 appears.
2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to
sharpen focus.
9 changes to when the focus cannot be
adjusted any further.
when the focus cann ot be adjusted any
closer.
9 changes to
,continued
Recording
29
Tips for focusing manually
• It is easier to focus on the subject when
you use the zoom fun ct io n. Move the
power zoom le ver towards T (telephoto)
to adjust the focus, and then, towards W
(wide angle) to ad j ust the zoom for
recording.
• When you want to record a clos e-up
image of a subject, move the power zoom
lever towards W (wide angle) to fully
magnify the image, then adjust the focus.
To adjust the focus automatically
Press FOCUS again.
Recording a picture using various effects
FADER
SEL/PUSH EXEC dial
POWER switch
Fading in and out of a scene – FADER
You can add the following effects to
currently recording pictures.
[BLACK FADER]
[WHITE FADER]
[MOSAIC FADER]
30
Recording
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