Sony CCD-TRV128, CCD-TRV260, CCD-TRV228, CCD-TRV328, CCD-TRV428 Operating Instruction

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