Sony CCD-TRV238 User Manual
Camera
Operations Guide
Read this first
Video Camera Recorder/Digital Video Camera Recorder
2-515-260-13(1)
© 2005 Sony Corporation
CCD-TRV238E/TRV438E
DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E
Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this
manual thoroughly, and retain it for future
reference.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel only.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED
KINGDOM
NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC
ADAPTOR
A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to
this equipment for your safety and convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one
and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362
(i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover
after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without
the fuse cover. If you should los e the fuse cover, please
contact your nearest Sony service station.
FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE
ATTENTION for DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies
may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.
This product has been tested and found compliant with
the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using
connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Notice for DCR-TRV270E/TRV285E
b
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data
transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the
application or disconnect and connect the
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical &
Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the European
Union and other European
countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the
applicable collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this
product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent
potential negative consequences for the environment
and human health, which could otherwise be caused
by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The
recycling of materials will help to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information about
recycling of this product, pl ease contact your local city
office, your household waste disposal service or the
shop where you purchased the product.
Applicable Accessories: Remote Commander.
Notes on use
Note on a cassette tape
You can use standard 8 mm and Hi8 ,
Digital8 video cassettes on your camcorder. See
page 95 for details.
Notes on recording
• Before starting to record, test the recording function
to make sure the picture and sound are recorded
without any problems.
• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot
be provided, even if recording or playback is not
possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, etc.
• TV color systems differ depending on the country/
region. To view your recordings on a TV, you need
a PAL system-based TV.
• Television programs, films, video tapes, and other
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such materials may be contrary to the
copyright laws.
Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and
lens
• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are
manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effective use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/
2
or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color)
that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the
viewfinder.
These points are norm al results of the manufacturing
process and do not affect the recording in any way.
• 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 pictures of the sun
only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.
Note on connecting other device
Before connecting your camcorder to other device
such as a VCR or a computer with an USB or i.LINK
cable, be sure t o insert the connector plug in the pr oper
direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in
the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged.
This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Notes on using the camcorder
• Hold your camcorder correctly.
• To ensure a good grip, fasten the grip belt as shown
in the following illustration.
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 instruct ion manual, each model is indicated as
follows.
CCD-TRV238E: TRV238E
CCD-TRV438E: TRV438E
DCR-TRV270E: TRV270E
DCR-TRV285E: TRV285E
Instructions with no specific model names are for all
models.
Instructions with specific model names are for the
indicated models only.
Before you start reading this manual, check the
model name of your camcorder.
• The on-screen displays in each local language are
used in illustrati ng the operating procedures. Chang e
the screen language before using your camcorder if
necessary (p. 19).
• The illustrations used on this manual are based on
the model DCR-TRV285E.
• The screens shown in this manual are from a
Windows XP computer. The screens may vary
depending on the OS.
• Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame
accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel,
or when you adjust the angle of the LCD panel.
• 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 dial to decide.
LCD panel
3
Table of Contents
CCD-TRV238E: TRV238E DCR-TRV270E: TRV270E
CCD-TRV438E: TRV438E DCR-TRV285E: TRV285E
Read this first ............................................................................................. 2
Quick Start Guide
Recording movies ...................................................................................... 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 source .................................................................................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 .......................................................................................22
Using zoom ................................................................................................................23
Using the built-in light ................................................................................................23
Recording in mirror mode ..........................................................................................24
Superimposing the date and time on pictures ( TRV238E/438E) ...................... 24
Recording still images – Tape photo recording
( TRV270E/285E) ............................................................................. 25
Recording with ease – Easy Handycam .................................................. 26
Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 27
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ...............................................................27
Adjusting the exposure manually ...............................................................................27
Recording in dark places – NightShot plus .............................................. 28
Adjusting the focus manually ................................................................... 29
4
Recording a picture using various effects ................................................ 30
Fading in and out of a scene – FADER .................................................................... 30
Superimposing a title................................................................................ 31
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording
– END SEARCH ................................................................................. 32
Playback
Viewing pictures recorded on a tape........................................................ 33
Playing back in various modes ................................................................................. 34
Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam .............................................. 35
Various playback functions ...................................................................... 36
Displaying the screen indicators ............................................................................... 36
Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code
( TRV270E/285E) ............................................................................................. 36
Playing the picture on a TV ...................................................................... 38
Locating a scene on a tape for playback ( TRV285E) ........................... 39
Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory ....................................... 39
Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search ....................................... 40
Searching for a still image – Photo search ............................................................... 40
Playing back still images in sequence – Photo scan ................................................ 41
,continued
5
Advanced operations
Customizing Your
Camcorder
Changing the menu settings .............. 42
Using the (MANUAL SET) menu
– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT,
etc. ............................................... 43
Using the (CAMERA SET) menu
– 16:9 WIDE/STEADYSHOT,
etc. ............................................... 46
Using the (PLAYER SET)/ (VCR
SET) menu
etc. ............................................... 50
Using the (LCD SET) menu
– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR, etc. ......52
Using the (TAPE SET) menu
– FRAME REC/INT.REC, etc. ......53
Using the (SETUP MENU)
– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/
LANGUAGE, etc. ..................... 56
Using the (OTHERS) menu
– WORLD TIME/VIDEO EDIT,
etc. ............................................... 58
– HiFi SOUND/EDIT,
Dubbing/Editing
Using with your
computer
Features ( TRV270E/285E) ............72
Installing the software and “First Step
Guide” on a computer
( TRV270E/285E) ......................74
Using “First Step Guide”
( TRV270E/285E) ......................78
Creating a DVD (Direct Access to “Click
to DVD”) ( TRV270E/285E) .......79
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting .................................82
Warning indicators and messages .....92
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ...........94
Usable cassette tapes .......................95
About the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack ..................................96
About i.LINK .......................................97
Maintenance and precautions ............98
Specification ....................................101
Connecting to a VCR .........................60
Dubbing to another tape .................... 62
Dubbing a tape easily – Easy Dubbing
( TRV238E/438E) .................63
Recording pictures from a VCR
( TRV285E) ...............................67
Dubbing selected scenes from a tape
– Digital program editing
( TRV270E/285E) ......................67
6
Quick Reference
Identifying parts and controls ...........104
Index ................................................111
For TRV270E/285E:
Two operating instructions are supplied with
your camcorder:
• Camera Operations Guide (This manual)
• “First Step Guide” for using the supplied
applications (included in the supplied CD-ROM)
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
and open the lid until
it clicks.
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 compartment
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 purchase your
camcorder (p. 104).
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 standby mode, press REC
START/STOP again.
You can also use REC START/
STOP of the LCD panel.
START/STOP
4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.
Quick Start Guide
a Slide the POWER
switch repeatedly
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 size increases (2) during
Easy Handycam operation.
Easy Handycam
operation
ON
For details, see instructions for each operation.
See page 26 for recording, page 35 for playback.
Quick Start Guide
10
Getting started
Step 1: Checking supplied items
RMT-830: ( TRV285E)
Make sure you have following items supplied
with your camcorder.
The number in parentheses indicates the number
of that item supplied.
AC Adaptor (1)
Mains lead (1)
Lens cap (1)
See page 104 on how to attach the lens cap.
Shoulder strap (1)
See page 107 on how to attach the shoulder
strap.
A/V connecting cable (1)
Monaural: ( TRV238E/438E)
Getting started
Stereo: ( TRV270E/285E)
USB cable (1)
( TRV270E/285E)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM30 (1)
CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.5” (1)
( TRV270E/285E)
Camera Operations Guide (This manual)
(1)
Wireless Remote Commander (1)
A button-type lithium battery is already
installed.
RMT-833: ( TRV238E/438E)
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. 96).
• 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 socket when using the AC
Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall
socket immediately if any malfunction occurs.
• Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such
as a bookcase or build-in cabinet.
Battery pack
DC IN jack
DC plug
Mains lead
1 Lift up the viewfinder.
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.
To the wall socket
Getting started
12
AC Adaptor
v mark
4 Connect the mains lead to the AC
Adaptor.
5 Connect the mains lead to the wall
socket.
6 Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG)
h
OFF.
The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and
charging starts.
To check the remaining battery – Battery
Info
DISPLAY/BATT INFO
Getting started
After charging the battery
The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the
battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC
Adaptor from the DC IN jack.
To remove the battery pack
BATT (battery)
release button
1
Lift up the viewfinder.
POWER switch
2 Set the POWER switch to (CHG) OFF.
3 Slide the battery pack out in the direction
of the arrow while 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 96 about storage of the battery pack.
OPEN
POWER switc
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 switch to (CHG) OFF.
2 Press OPEN and open the LCD panel.
3 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.
The battery information 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: Displays
approximate remaining amount of
power left in the battery pack.
B Approximate possible recording time
using the LCD panel.
C Approximate possible recording time
using the viewfinder.
LCD SCREEN: 81 min
VIEWFINDER: 112 min
Charging time
Approximate number of minutes required when
you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack
,continued
Getting started
13
at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F)
recommended.)
Battery pack
NP-FM30 (supplied) 145
NP-FM50 150
NP-QM71D 260
NP-QM91D 360
Recording time when recording with the
LCD screen on
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
For TRV238E/438E:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 185 90
NP-QM71D 445 220
NP-QM91D 670 335
115 55
Typical*
recording
time
For TRV270E/285E:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 145 80
NP-QM71D 355 220
NP-QM91D 535 300
90 50
Typical*
recording
time
Recording time when recording with the
viewfinder
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
For TRV238E/438E:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
175 85
Typical*
recording
time
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM50 280 135
NP-QM71D 675 330
NP-QM91D 1010 495
Typical*
recording
time
For TRV270E/285E:
Battery pack Continuous
recording
time
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 200 105
NP-QM71D 485 255
NP-QM91D 725 385
* 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 may be shorter.
125 65
Typical*
recording
time
Playing time
Approximate number of minutes available
when you use a fully charged battery pack at
25°C (77°F).
For TRV238E/438E:
Battery pack LCD panel
opened
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 185 295
NP-QM71D 445 715
NP-QM91D 670 1070
115 185
LCD panel
closed
For TRV270E/285E:
Battery pack LCD panel
opened
NP-FM30
(supplied)
NP-FM50 160 240
NP-QM71D 390 580
NP-QM91D 585 865
100 150
LCD panel
closed
Getting started
14
b Notes
• The power will not b e supplied from the battery pack
when the AC A daptor is connected to the DC I N jack
of your camcorder, even if its mains lead is
disconnected from the wall socket.
• 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 correctly
displayed in following conditions.
– The battery pack is not attached correctly.
– The battery 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 charge even
when it is attached to your camcorder.
PRECAUTION
Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power
(mains) is still supplied to it while connected to
the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.
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, slide
the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp
for the desired power mode lights up.
• CAMERA mode: To record on a tape.
• PLAY/EDIT mode: To play or edit pictures 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. 52).
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 power source,
you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD
B.L.] in the (LCD SET) menu (p. 52).
• 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. 58).
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 select
(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 adjustment 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 battery gets
discharged and the date and time settings may be
cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the
rechargeable battery (p. 100) 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
2005 1 1 0 :00
[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
2005 1 1 0 :00
[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.
,continued
Getting started
17
To check the preset date and time
For TRV238E/438E:
Press DATE to display the date indicator.
Press TIME to display the time indicator.
Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME
(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 95.
b Notes
• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This
may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
• For TRV270E/285E:
The recording time when you use your camcorder is
2/3 of the indicated time on Hi8 tape. If you
select the [LP] mode in the menu settings, the
recording time is the indicated time on
Hi8 tape.
1 Slide the OPEN/EJECT lever in
the direction of the arrow and open the
lid until it clicks.
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 OPEN 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
DEUTSCH
ENGLI SH
ENG[SIMP
ESPAÑOL
FRANÇAI S
ITALIANO
STBY
]
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 native
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 TRV238E/438E:
Movies will be recorded along with monaural
sound.
For TRV270E/285E:
Movies will be recorded along with stereo
sound.
Camera recording lamp
OPEN
REC START/STOP
b Note
• For TRV238E/438E:
The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds
after you start recording (Auto date function). This
function works only once a day. See page 56 for
details.
z Tip
• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first
time users can record easily. For details, see page 26.
1 Remove the lens cap. Pull the lens cap
string down and attach it to the grip
belt.
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 starts. [REC] appears on the
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp
lights up.
Press REC START/STOP again to stop
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 cassette and store it.
Indicators displayed during recording
The indicators will not be recorded on the tape.
For TRV238E/438E:
123
6
60
min
SP
REC
4
0:00:00
5
Recording
,continued
Recording
21
For TRV270E/285E:
Date/time and camera settings data (p. 36) will
not be displayed during recording.
1237
60
min
SP
REC
0:00:00
5
A Remaining battery time
The indicated time may not be correct
depending on the environment of use.
When you opened or closed the LCD panel,
it takes about 1 minute to display the correct
remaining battery time.
B Recording mode (SP or LP)
C Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or
[REC] (recording))
D Tape counter (hour: minute: second)
( TRV238E/438E)
To set the counter to 0:00:00, press
COUNTER RESET (p. 106).
E Recording capacity
For TRV238E/438E:
This appears after you insert a cassette and
record for a while.
For TRV270E/285E:
This appears after a while when you set the
POWER switch to CAMERA and insert a
cassette.
F Hi8 format ( TRV238E/438E)
This appears while recording Hi8 format
tapes.
G Time code/Tape counter (hour: minute:
second)/Tape photo recording
( TRV270E/285E)
b Notes
• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER
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. 58). To restart recording, slide
the POWER switch down to select CAMERA, and
then press REC START/STOP.
z Tips
• You can also use REC START/STOP on LC D frame
to record moving pictures. It is useful when you
record from a low-angle or record by yourself in the
mirror mode.
• To press REC START/STOP on LCD frame,
support the LCD panel with your hand.
• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last
recorded scene to the next, note the following.
– Do not remove the cassette. (The picture 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 recording a movie in the LP
mode.
• For TRV270E/285E:
The recording time, date, and the camera settings
data are recorded automatically on the tape without
being displayed on the screen. You can view this
information during playback by selecting [DATA
CODE] on the screen (p. 58).
Recording for a longer time
To record for a longer time
In the (TAPE SET) menu, select [REC
MODE], then [LP] (p. 53).
In the LP mode, you can record longer than
when recording in the SP mode (2 times longer
for TRV238E/438E, 1.5 times longer for
TRV270E/285E).
A tape recorded in the LP mode should be
played back only on this camcorder.
22
Recording
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 digital zoom ([D ZOOM], p. 46).
Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but
use it sparingly for best results.
To use the zoom buttons on LCD frame
Keep W pressed to record wider range of view,
and keep T pressed to record closer view.
b Notes
• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom
buttons on LCD frame.
• To press the zoom buttons on LCD frame, support
the LCD panel with your hand.
Using the built-in light
1 cm (approx.
1/2 inch)*
* The minimum distance 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)*
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 towards W.
The subject appears farther away (Wide
angle).
To record closer view
Move the power zoom lever towards T.
The subject appears closer (Telephoto).
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
LIGHT
Press LIGHT repeatedly to select a setting.
The settings are displayed cyclically in the
following order.
No indicator displayed: Always records
without using the built-in light.
m
: Automatically turns on and off
according to the ambient brightness.
m
: Always turns on.
To turn off the built-in light
Press LIGHT repeatedly until no indicator
appears on the screen.
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.
,continued
Recording
Recording
23
• The battery pack discharges quickly while the builtin light is turned on.
• When you do not use your camcorder, turn the builtin light off and remove the battery pack to avoid
turning on the built-in light accidentally.
• 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 TRV270E/285E:
The built-in light is turned off during the interval
time of Interval recording.
• When you use the conversion lens (optional), light
from the built-in light is blocked and may not
illuminate the subject properly.
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,
or to keep the attention of small children
attracted to the camcorder while you record
them.
b Notes
For TRV238E/438E:
• appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD
screen. Xz appears in the standby mode, and z
appears in the recording mode. Some of other
indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not
displayed.
• During recording in the mirror mode, DATE and
TIME on your camcorder do not work.
Superimposing the date and time
on pictures (
You can record the date and/or time
displayed on the screen superimposed on the
picture.
DATE
CCD-TRV438E
TRV238E/438E)
TIME
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.
Recording
24
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 recorded 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.
Recording still
images
– Tape photo recording
(
TRV270E/285E)
You can record still images. Before
recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting
started” (p. 11 - p. 19).
3 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
Slide the POWER
switch while pressing
the green button.
PHOTOOPEN
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.
4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly.
You will hear a small beep sound, and the
picture will become a still image.
Recording does not start at this point.
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.
Recording
Recording
25
Recording with ease
– Easy Handycam
With this Easy Handycam operation, most of
the camera settings are set to automatic
mode, only basic functions 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 started” (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 item s that are available during Easy
Handycam operation are displayed when MENU is
pressed.
EASY POWER switch
REC START/STOP
Easy Handycam
operation
ON
5 Press REC START/STOP.
Recording starts. [REC] appears on the
LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp
lights up. Press REC START/STOP again
to stop recording.
To turn the power off
Slide the POWER switch up to (CHG) OFF.
To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY again.
b Notes
• You cannot switch from/to Easy Handycam
operation during recording.
• For TRV270E/285E:
During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot
connect the USB cable to your camcorder.
• For TRV270E/285E:
You cannot use Easy Handycam operation 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.
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.
3 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
You can record movies only.
4 Press EASY.
EASY lights up in blue.
Recording
26
Adjusting the exposure
Adjusting the exposure manually
The exposure is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.
Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects
When your subject 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 function, press BACK
LIGHT again.
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 shadows 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.
Recording
b Note
• The back light function is canceled when you press
EXPOSURE (p. 27).
While exposure is set to manual mode, is
displayed in the left-hand corner of the
screen.
To return the setting to automatic
exposure
Press EXPOSURE.
Recording
27
Recording in dark
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 NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.
and [”NIGHTSHOT PLUS”] appear.
To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT
PLUS switch to OFF.
z Tip
• If you record subjects in complete darkness, set
[N.S. LIGHT] to [ON] in the menu settings. The
maximum shooting distance using the NightShot
Light is about 3 meters (10 feet). If you record
subjects in dark places (such as night scene or in
moonlight), set [N.S. LIGHT] to [OFF] in the menu
settings. You can make image color deeper (p. 49).
b Notes
• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright
places. This may cause a malfunction.
• 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. Remo ve the conversion lens (optional )
if it is attached.
• Depending on the shooting conditions or
circumstances, colors may not be reproduced
properly.
Recording
28
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 background.
– When you want to focus on a subject in the
background.
– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.
Tips for focusing manually
• It is easier to focus on the subject when
you use the zoom function. Move the
power zoom lever towards T (telephoto)
to adjust the focus, and then, towards W
(wide angle) to adjust the zoom for
recording.
• When you want to record a close-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
FOCUS
SEL/PUSH EXEC
dial
1 Press FOCUS in CAMERA mode.
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 cannot be adjusted any
closer.
9 changes to
Recording
29
Recording a picture using various effects
FADER
[STRIPE FADER]
This feature is for TRV238E/438E only.
[MONOTONE FADER]
When fading in, the picture gradually changes
from black-and-white to color.
When fading out, the picture gradually changes
from color to black-and-white.
1 Slide the POWER switch to select the
CAMERA mode.
REC START/STOP
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]
2 Press FADER until the desired fader
indicator flashes in the standby mode
(to fade in) or during recording (to
fade out).
BLACK
FADER
3 Press REC START/STOP.
The fader indicator stops flashing and
disappears when the fade is complete.
To cancel the operation
In step 2, press FADER repeatedly until the
indicator disappears.
b Notes
• For TRV270E/285E:
You cannot use the FADER function together with:
– Tape photo recording
– [FRAME REC] (Frame recording)
– [INT.REC] (Interval recording)
• Titles do not fade in or fade out. The date and time
indicator for TRV238E/438E also does not
fade in or fade out.
Erase them before operating the FADER function if
they are not needed.
30
Recording
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