Sony DCR-DVD108, DCR-DVD308, DCR-DVD608, DCR-DVD708 Operating Instruction

Download

2-319-496-11(1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

DCR-DVD108/DVD308/ DVD608/DVD708

Enjoying with your

camcorder

Getting Started 21

Recording/Playback

Editing 48

Utilizing recording media 57

Customizing your

camcorder

Using a Computer 80

Troubleshooting 85

Additional

Information

Quick

Reference

Spanish Quick Guide/

Guía rápida en español

111

122

Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.

http://www.sony.net/

Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)

-free vegetable oil based ink.

Printed in China

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or 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 constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.

Use

Power Sources

This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of electrical power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. For those sets designed to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

Polarization

This set may be equipped with a polarized ac power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).

This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug by forcing it in.

Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire or electric shock.

Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into the set through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the set.

Attachments

Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.

Cleaning

Unplug the set from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.

Installation

Water and Moisture

Do not use power-line operated sets near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.

Power-Cord Protection

Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance.

Accessories

Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer.

Ventilation

The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the set, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be blocked or covered.

– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth

or other materials.

– Never block the slots and openings by placing

the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

– Never place the set in a confined space, such as

a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.

– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or

heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight.

Continued ,

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (Continued)

Lightning

For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.

Service

Damage Requiring Service

Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

– When the power cord or plug is damaged or

frayed.

– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen

into the set. – If the set has been exposed to rain or water. – If the set has been subject to excessive shock by

being dropped, or the cabinet has been

damaged. – If the set does not operate normally when

following the operating instructions. Adjust

only those controls that are specified in the

operating instructions. Improper adjustment of

other controls may result in damage and will

often require extensive work by a qualified

technician to restore the set to normal operation. – When the set exhibits a distinct change in

performance – this indicates a need for service.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service the set yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to the set, ask the service technician to perform routine safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer) to determine that the set is in safe operating condition.

Replacement parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original parts.

Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

Read this before operating your camcorder

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

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.

For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-8228837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

Battery pack

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 accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located 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. DCRSerial No. Model No. ACNo.

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 the FCC related matters

only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD108 Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA

92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 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 accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Continued ,

Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD308 Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA

92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

CAUTION

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

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment

and receiver. – Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver

is connected. – Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

The supplied interface cable must be used w ith the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a

digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

This product is not intended to be serviced. Should the product cease to function in its intended manner, it should be returned to the manufacturer or to be discarded.

For the State of California, USA only

Prechlorate Material - special handling may apply, See

www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains perchlorate.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides.

– “Operating Guide” (This manual) – “First Step Guide” for using your

camcorder with the computer connected (stored on the supplied CD-ROM)

Types of the disc you can use in your camcorder

You can use the following discs only. – 8cm DVD-RW – 8cm DVD+RW – 8cm DVD-R – 8cm DVD+R DL

Use the discs with marks listed below. See page 14 for details.

For reliability durability of recording / playback, we recommend that you use Sony discs or discs with an VIDEO CAMERA) mark for your camcorder.

b Note

• Using a disc other than above may cause the unsatisfactory recording/playback or you may not be able to remove the disc from your

camcorder.

*(for

* Depending on the place you bought, the disc has

mark.

Types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder

You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

“Memory Stick Duo” (This size can be used with your camcorder.)

“Memory Stick” (You cannot use it in your camcorder.)

• You cannot use any type of memory card except “Memory Stick Duo.”

• “Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” compatible equipment.

• Do not attach a label or the like on a “Memory Stick Duo” or a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

(p. 101).

When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with “Memory Stick” compatible equipment

Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

Memory Stick Duo Adaptor

Using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder LCD screen

Battery

• The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “About handling of your camcorder” (p. 104).

• To prevent discs from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p. 25) or the access lamps (p. 28, 29) is on:

– to remove the battery pack or AC

Adaptor from the camcorder.

– to apply mechanical shock or vibration to

the camcorder.

• When connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB cable, be sure to insert the connector plug in the correct way. Pushing the plug forcibly into the terminal will damage the terminal and may result in a malfunction of your camcorder.

About menu items, LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

• A menu item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions.

• The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the

Continued ,

Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)

viewfinder. These points are normal results of the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

Black point

White, red, blue or green point

• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions.

• Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take images of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.

On recording

• Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the image and sound are recorded without any problems. You cannot delete images once you record them on a DVD-R/DVD+R DL. Use a DVD-RW/DVD+RW for trial recording (p. 14).

• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

• TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC 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.

operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 26).

About this manual

• The LCD screens and the viewfinder images and indicators shown in this manual were taken with a digital still camera, and may look different from what you actually see.

• Design and specifications of recording media and other accessories are subject to change without notice.

• The illustration used in this manual are based on the model DCR-DVD308.

• Disc in this Operating Guide refers to 8cm DVD discs.

About the Carl Zeiss lens

Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens. MTF= Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

About the marks used in this manual

• The operations available depend on the disc used. The following marks are used to indicate the type of disc you can use for a particular operation.

About language setting

The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ......3

Read this before operating your

camcorder ....................................5

Subject examples and solutions 11

Enjoying with your camcorder

What you can do with your

camcorder ..................................12

Choosing a disc ..........................14

Using your camcorder ................16

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of

menus ........................................18

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

....................................................21

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

....................................................22

Step 3: Turning the power on, and

setting the date and time ............25

Changing the language setting 26

Step 4: Preparing for recording

....................................................27

Step 5: Inserting a disc or a

“Memory Stick Duo” ...................28

Recording/Playback

Recording and playing back with

ease (Easy Handycam) ..............31

Recording ...................................34

Zooming ........................................ 36

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCR-

DVD308/DVD708) ......................... 36

Recording in dark places (NightShot

plus) .............................................. 37

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects ......................................... 37

Recording in mirror mode ............. 37

Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3)

(DCR-DVD308/DVD708) ............... 37

Playback .....................................39

Using PB zoom ............................. 41

Playing back a series of still images

(Slide show) .................................. 41

Playing the picture on a TV ........42

Making the disc compatible with playback on other devices or DVD

drives (Finalizing) .......................44

Editing

(OTHERS) category .............48

Deleting images ..........................48

Dividing the image ......................50

Creating the Playlist ...................51

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD

recorders ....................................54

Printing recorded images

(PictBridge compliant printer) .....55

Utilizing recording media

(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY)

category ......................................57

Playing a disc on other devices

....................................................57

Finding the right disc (DISC

SELECT GUIDE) ........................58

Deleting all scenes on the disc

(Formatting) ................................59

Recording additional scenes after

finalizing ....................................60

Continued ,

Table of Contents (Continued)

Customizing your camcorder

What you can do with the

(SETTINGS) category of the

HOME MENU ............................62

Using the HOME MENU ................ 62

List of the (SETTINGS) category

items .............................................. 63

MOVIE SETTINGS .................... 64

(Items for recording movies)

PHOTO SETTINGS ................... 66

(Items for recording still images)

VIEW IMAGES SET ................... 67

(Items to customize the display)

SOUND/DISP SET .................... 69

(Items to adjust beep and the screen)

OUTPUT SETTINGS ................. 70

(Items for when connecting other devices)

CLOCK/ LANG ........................ 71

(Items to set clock and language)

GENERAL SET ..........................72

(Other setup items)

Activating functions using the

OPTION MENU ..................... 73

Using the OPTION MENU ............. 73

Recording items on the OPTION

MENU ............................................ 74

Viewing items on the OPTION MENU

....................................................... 74

Functions set in the OPTION MENU

.................................................... 75

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting .........................85

Warning indicators and messages

....................................................94

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad .... 98

Maintenance and precautions .. 100

Specifications ...........................108

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ... 111 Indicators displayed during

recording/playback ...................115

Glossary ...................................118

Index ........................................119

Spanish Quick Guide/Guía rápida en español 122

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows

computer ....................................80

Installing the “First Step Guide” and

software .....................................81

Viewing “First Step Guide” ......... 83

Using a Macintosh computer ..... 84

Subject examples and solutions

Shooting

Flowers in close-up

B PORTRAIT...................................... 77

B FOCUS............................................ 75

B TELE MACRO ................................. 75

Focusing on the dog on the left side of the screen

B FOCUS............................................ 75

B SPOT FOCUS.................................. 75

Getting a good shot of a ski slope or beach

B BACK LIGHT ................................... 37

B BEACH............................................ 77

B SNOW ............................................ 77

Checking your golf swing

B SPORTS ......................................... 77

A child on the stage under a spot light

B SPOTLIGHT.....................................77

Fireworks with all its splendor

B FIREWORKS....................................76

B FOCUS ............................................75

A sleeping child under dim light

B NightShot plus ................................37

B COLOR SLOW SHTR.......................78

Enjoying with your camcorder

What you can do with your camcorder

Your camcorder records image data on 8cm DVD*. It is more convenient than video tape and far more versatile.

Taking beautiful shots easily

No rewinding to start recording (p.31, 34)

Recorded images are stored in empty areas on the disc so there is no risk that valuable recordings are accidentally overwritten.

Since no rewinding is necessary prior to recording, you can start shooting any time you desire.

b Notes

• Still images can be recorded only on "Memory Stick Duo."

You can find a scene quickly using a VISUAL INDEX screen (p.32, 39)

The VISUAL INDEX screen allows you to check recorded at a glance. All you have to do is touch the scene you want to view.

The disc does not wear out no matter how many times you play it back. The precious moments you have captured on disc last for a long time.

Records widescreen format and 5.1ch surround sound (p.36, 37)

You can record high quality widescreen images on a wide LCD screen that shows the same 16:9 angle of view as a wide TV. Realistic 5.1ch surround sound can also be directly recorded onto the disc.

b Notes

• Some models may not support wide screen and 5.1 ch surround recording.

* DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is a high-capacity optical disc.

A recorded disc can be played back on a variety of devices

Playback on a DVD device or DVD drive (p.44)

You can play back recorded and finalized** discs on a home DVD device, DVD recorder or DVD drive of a compute r that supports 8cm disc.

When finalizing the disc, you can create DVD menus to enable quick access to scenes you want to view.

Playback on widescreen TV and home theater (p.42)

Images recorded in widescreen format can be played back on a wide TV with complete panoramic effect. Discs are also recorded with 5.1ch surround sound to provide full sound on a home theater.

b Notes

• Some models may not support wide screen and 5.1 ch surround recording.

Connecting camcorder to a computer

High-speed image transfer (p.80)

Image data can be quickly transferred to a com puter without requiring playback. Computers with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) provide even faster image transfer.

Enjoying with your camcorder

Using the supplied software to edit and copy (p.80)

Picture Motion Browser, the software supplied with your camcorder allows you to edit movies or still images stored in your computer to create your original DVD. Copying discs could not be easier enabling you to share your precious moments with family and friends.

** Finalizing: a process to make it possible to play back recorded DVD on other DVD devices (p.44).

Choosing a disc

Your camcorder is compatible with 8cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD+R DL. It does not support 12cm discs.

Recording time

Expected recordable time on one side of the disc. The recordable time varies depending on type of discs or recording mode.

Apporoximate recordable time

( ) : the minimum recording time

Recording mode

9M (HQ) (high quality)

6M (SP) (standard quality)

3M (LP) (long play)

z Tips

• Figures such as 9M and 6M in the table show the average bit rate. M stands for Mbps.

• If you use a double-sided disc, you can record on both sides of the disc (p.100).

Your camcorder uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of a disc. Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recordedat a higher bit rate, and this reduces the overall recording time.

20 (18) 35 (32)

30 (18) 55 (32)

60 (44) 110 (80)

Recording format for DVD-RW

When you use a DVD-RW, you can choose t he recording format from VIDEO m ode or VR mode. In this manual, VIDEO mode is indicated as and VR mode as .

A recording format that is compatible with most DVD devices, especially after finalizing. In VIDEO mode, only the most recent image can be erased.

A recording format that enables editing with your camcorder (deleting and rearranging the order of images). A finalized disc can be played back in DVD devices that support VR mode.

VIDEO mode and VR mode Glossary (p.118)

Disc format features

Disc types and symbols

Symbols used in this manual

Figures in parentheses ( ) indicate page numbers.

DVD-RW DVD+RW DVD-R DVD+R DL

Enjoying with your camcorder

Both 16:9 (wide) and 4:3 movie can be recorded on the same disc

Deleting the most recent recording (49) zzz ––

Deleting or editing recordings on your camcorder

(37)

(48)

Using a disc repeatedly even if the disc becomes full by formatting*

Finalizing required to play on other devices (44) z

Creating the DVD menu when you finalize the disc

(59)

(47)

Making longer recordings on a side of a disc

*1Refer to the instruction manual of your DVD device to see whether it supports the VR mode of DVD-RW.

Formatting deletes all recordings and returns the recording medium to its original empty state (p.59). Even when using a new disc, format it with your camcorder (p.28).

*3Finalizing is required to play the disc in a DVD drive on a computer. A DVD+RW that is not finalized may

cause the computer to malfunction.

zz – zz

– z –––

zzz ––

–*

z – zz z

––––z

Using your camcorder

1Preparing

(See page 21 to 30.)

* Select the recording format and format the disc on your camcorder (p.28).

z Tips

• You can select the disc from [DISC SELECT GUIDE] (p.58).

Select the disc that best suits your needs.

Do you want to delete or edit images on your camcorder?

Yes No

Do you want to delete images and reuse the disc?

Yes No

For long recording

2Recording, playback, editing

(See pages 34, 39, and 48.) What you can do with your camcorder depends on the type of disc (p.15).

3Viewing on your camcorder

(See pages 32 and 39) You can also connect it to a TV for viewing

(p.42).

Continued on the next page

Finalize

4Viewing on another DVD device

(See pages 44, 57.) To view a disc recorded on your camcorder on other DVD devices, you need to finalize

it first.

Finalize

Enjoying with your camcorder

DVD device / DVD recorder

Notes

• The less the recording volume of the disc is, the more it takes time to finalize the disc.

The features of a finalized disc depend on disc type.

Finalize

Like commercially sold

Finalize

DVD, this disc can be played back in most DVD devices after finalizing.

The disc can be played back in a device compatible with the DVD-RW VR mode.

The disc can be played back without finalizing. But finalizing is required in some cases. For details, see page 44.

DVD dr ive

Recordings cannot be added even if there is free space left.

Unfinalizing allows you to add recordings (p.60).

Recordings can be added without unfinalizing.

Playback compatibility

Playback compatibility with any DVD device is not guaranteed. Refer to the instru ction manual supplied with your DVD device or consult your dealer.

“ HOME” and “ OPTION”

- Taking advantage of two types of menus

“ HOME MENU” - the starting point for operations with your camcorder

(HELP)

Displays a description of the item (p. 19)

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure that you have the following items supplied with your camcorder. The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 22)

Power cord (1) (p. 22)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 42, 54)

USB cable (1) (p. 55)

Wireless Remote Commander (DCRDVD308/DVD708) (1) (p. 114)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH40 (1) (p. 22)

CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (p. 80)

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

Getting Started

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

Battery

AC Adaptor

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 103) after attaching it to your camcorder.

Notes

• You can use only "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack H series.

Jack cover

DC plug

1 Turn the POWER switch in the

direction of the arrow to OFF (CHG) (The default setting).

2 Attach the battery pack by sliding

it in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

POWER switch

DC IN jack

Power cord

To the wall outlet

4 Connect the power cord to the AC

Adaptor and the wall outlet.

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts. The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged.

5 Disconnect the AC Adaptor from

the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Notes

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack holding both the camcorder and the DC plug.

CHG (charge) lamp

3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack of your camcorder.

Open the jack cover, and connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor.

Match the v mark on the DC plug with the v mark on your camcorder.

To remove the battery pack

Turn the POWER switch to OFF(CHG). Slide the BATT (battery) release lever and remove the battery pack.

BATT (battery) release lever

Notes

• When you remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor, make sure that the (Movie) lamp/

(Still) lamp (p. 25) is turned off.

When storing the battery pack

Fully discharge the battery before storing it for an extended period.

To use an outside power source

Make the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.

To check the remaining battery (Battery Info)

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG), then press DISP/BATT INFO.

After a while, the approximate recordable time and battery information appear for about 7 seconds. You can view the battery information for up to 20 seconds by pressing DISP/BATT INFO again while the information is displayed.

Remaining battery (approx.)

Recording capacity (approx.)

Charging time

Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FH40 (supplied)

NP-FH50 135 NP-FH70 170 NP-FH100 390

125

Recording time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

DCR-DVD108/DVD608

Battery pack

NP-FH40 (supplied)

NP-FH50 110 50

NP-FH70 235 110

NP-FH100 545 260

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

95 45

100 50

120 55

255 120

590 285

Getting Started

Continued ,

Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

DCR-DVD308/DVD708

Battery pack

NP-FH40 (supplied)

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

85 40 95 45 95 45

NP-FH50 100 50

110 50 110 50

NP-FH70 215 105

235 110 235 110

NP-FH100 495 235

545 260 545 260

* Typical recording time shows the time when

you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/off and zooming.

Notes

• All times measured with recording mode [SP]

under the following conditions: Top: When the LCD backlight turns on. Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off (DCR-DVD308/DVD708). Bottom: Recording time when recording with the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

Playing time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

DCR-DVD108/DVD608

Battery pack

LCD panel opened

NP-FH40 (supplied)

NP-FH50 140 155 NP-FH70 300 330 NP-FH100 695 760

LCD panel closed

120 135

DCR-DVD308/DVD708

Battery pack

NP-FH40

LCD panel opened*

LCD panel closed

110 125

(supplied) NP-FH50 130 145 NP-FH70 280 315 NP-FH100 635 725

* When the LCD backlight is on.

On the battery pack

• Before changing the battery pack, Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) and turn off the

(Movie) lamp/ (Still) lamp (p. 25).

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 23) will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions:

– The battery pack is not attached correctly. – The battery pack is damaged. – The battery pack is worn-out (For Battery

Info only).

• The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.

• When attaching an optional video light, it is recommended that you use an NP-FH70/NPFH100 battery pack (DCR-DVD308/DVD708).

• We do not recommend using an NP-FH30, which only allows short recording and playback times, with your camcorder.

On the charging/recording/playback time

• Times measured when using the camcorder at 25 °C (77 °F) (10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F) is recommended).

• The recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures.

• The recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.

On the AC Adaptor

• Use the nearby wall outlet when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the

wall outlet immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.

• Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.

• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.

• 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 Adaptor.

Step 3: Turning the power on, and 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 or change the POWER switch position.

POWER switch

1 While pressing the green button,

turn the POWER switch repeatedly in the direction of the arrow until the respective lamp lights up.

(Movie): To record movies (Still): To record still images

The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

Getting Started

2 Select the desired geographical

area with v/V, then touch [NEXT].

3 Set [DST SET] or

[SUMMERTIME], then touch [NEXT].

Continued ,

Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time (Continued)

camcorder without any operation attempted for

4 Set [Y] (year) with v/V.

5 Select [M] with b/B, then set the

month with v/V.

approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 72).

z Tips

• The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the disc, and can be displayed during playback (see page 67 for [DATA CODE]).

• Refer to page 99 for information concerning “World time difference.”

• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the LCD screen ([CALIBRATION], p. 105).

6 Set [D] (day), hour and minute in

the same way, then touch [NEXT].

Make sure that the clock is correctly set, then touch .

The clock starts. You can set any year up to the year

2037.

To turn off the power

Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

To reset the date and time

Select (HOME) t (SETTINGS)

t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [CLOCK SET],

and set the date and time.

b Notes

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3

• It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be

• In the setting at the time of purchase, the power

, the built-in rechargeable battery gets

months

discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 107).

ready to shoot after the power is turned on. You cannot operate your camcorder during this time.

turns off automatically if you leave your

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Touch (HOME)

(SETTINGS)

t[ LANGUAGE SET], then

LANG]

select the desired language.

t[CLOCK/

Step 4: Preparing for recording

Opening the lens cover

Slide the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.

After recording, set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE to close the lens cover.

LCD panel

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).

190 degrees to the

290 degrees

(max.)

camcorder

BATT INFO for a few seconds until disappears.

b Notes

• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame when you open or adjust the LCD panel.

z Tips

• If you open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.

• On the HOME MENU, touch (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 69) to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

• The information is displayed or hidden (display y no display) each time you press DISP BATT/INFO.

Viewfinder

You can view images using the viewfinder to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the image seen on the LCD screen is poor.

Viewfinder

Getting Started

2180 degrees

DISP/BATT INFO

(max.)

To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer (DCR-DVD308/DVD708)

Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until appears. This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or you want to save battery power. The recorded image will not be affected by the setting. To turn on the LCD backlight, press and hold DISP/

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Move it until the image becomes clear.

z Tips

• You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [VF B.LIGHT] on the HOME MENU (p. 69).

Step 5: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo”

Disc

A new 8 cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVDR, or DVD+R DL is required for recording (p. 14).

b Notes

• Remove dust or fingerprints from the disc

beforehand, using a soft cloth (p.101).

1 Check that the power of your

camcorder is on.

Set the disc with the label side facing out when using a single-sided disc.

2 Turn the disc cover OPEN switch

in the direction of the arrow (OPEN B).

[PREPARING TO OPEN] appears on the LCD screen.

The disc cover slightly opens automatically.

Disc cover OPEN switch

Pickup lens

When the disc cover opens slightly, open it further.

ACCESS lamp (Disc)

3 Set the disc with the recording

side facing your camcorder, then press the center of the disc until it clicks.

4 Close the disc cover.

[DISC ACCESS] appears on the LCD screen.

It may take some time for the camcorder to recognize the disc.

x DVD-RW/DVD+RW

A screen appears to ask whether you will use [DISC SELECT GUIDE]. Using [DISC SELECT GUIDE] lets you format the disc by following the guidance on the screen. If you do not want to use it, proceed to step

x DVD-R/DVD+R DL

You can start recording immediately after [DISC ACCESS] disappears from the LCD screen. You do not need to proceed to steps after step

5 Touch the option that is right for

you on the screen.

x DVD-RW

Select the recording format, [VIDEO] or [VR] (p. 14), then touch

x DVD+RW

Select the aspect ratio of the movie, [16:9 WIDE] or [4:3], then touch

6 Touch [YES].

7 Touch when [Completed.] is

displayed.

When the formatting is completed, you can start recording on the disc.

z Tips

• When you use a DVD-RW while the Easy Handycam operation (p. 31) is set, the recording format is fixed to VIDEO mode.

To remove the disc

1 Perform steps 1 and 2 to open the disc

cover.

2 Press the disc holder in the center of the

disc compartment, and remove the disc by holding the edge.

• If you catch the belt when closing the disc cover, it may cause your camcorder to

malfunction.

• Do not touch the disc with the recording side or pickup lens (p.106). When using a double-sided disc, take care not to smudge the surface with fingerprints.

• If you close the disc cover with the disc set incorrectly, it may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

• Do not disconnect the power sources during formatting.

• Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder:

– while the ACCESS lamp is on – while the ACCESS lamp is flashing – while [DISC ACCESS] or [PREPARING TO

OPEN] is displayed on the LCD screen

• It may take some time to remove the disc depending on the disc condition or recorded materials.

• It may take up to 10 minutes to remove a disc if it is damaged or is dirty with fingerprints, etc. In that case, the disc might be damaged.

z Tips

• You can remove the disc when a power source is connected to your camcorder even when your camcorder is turned off. However, the disc recognition process (step 4) does not start.

• To delete all of the previously recorded images from a DVD-RW/DVD+RW, then to use it again to record new images, see “Deleting all scenes on the disc (Formatting)” on page 59.

• You can check the right disc using [DISC SELECT GUIDE] on the HOME MENU (page

58).

Getting Started

b Notes

• Be careful not to obstruct the operation with your hand or other objects, etc., when opening or closing the disc cover. Move the belt to the bottom of the camcorder, then open or close the disc cover.

“Memory Stick Duo”

You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p. 101).

z Tips

• The number of recordable images vary, depending on the image quality or the image size. For details, see page 66.

1 Open the LCD panel.

Continued ,

Step 5: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” (Continued)

2 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo”

into the “Memory Stick Duo” slot in the right direction until it clicks.

Access lamp (“Memory Stick Duo”)

To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”

Lightly push the "Memory Stick Duo" in once and then slide it out of the slot.

b Notes

• Do not try to force the "Memory Stick Duo" out. Doing so may result in damage.

• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.

• If you insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the slot in the wrong direction, the “Memory Stick Duo,” the “Memory Stick Duo” slot, or image data may be damaged.

Recording/Playback

Recording and playing back with ease (Easy Handycam)

Easy Handycam operation makes nearly all settings automatic so that you can perform recording or playing back operation without detailed settings. It also makes screen font size larger for easy viewing.

* DCR-DVD108/DVD608 ** DCR-DVD308/DVD708

Movies

Open the lens cover (p. 27)

If the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG), turn it while pressing the green button.

Still Images

Recording/Playback

1 Turn the POWER

switch A until the

(Movie) lamp

turns on.

2 Press EASY B.

appears on the LCD screen.

3 Press START/STOP C or D to

start recording*.

[STBY]t[REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

* Movies are recorded in the [SP] recording mode. ** Still images are recorded with the [FINE] quality on the "Memory Stick Duo."

1 Turn the POWER

switch A until the

(Still) lamp

turns on.

2 Press EASY B.

appears on the LCD screen.

3 Press PHOTO E to record a still

image**.

FlashingtLights up

Press PHOTO

E lightly to

adjust the focus.

Press PHOTO

E fully to

record the still image.

Continued ,

Recording and playing back with ease (Easy Handycam) (Continued)

Viewing recorded movies/still images

1 Turn the POWER switch A to turn on your camcorder.

2 Press (VIEW IMAGES) F (or G).

The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen. (It may take some time to display the VISUAL INDEX screen.)

Returns to the recording screen

Previous 6 images

Next 6 images

Returns to the recording screen

Displays the movies

Displays the still images

Disc type

Appears with the image on each of the tab that was lastly played back/recorded (B for the still image).

3 Start playing back.

Movies:

Touch , then touch the movie you want to view.

Return (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Beginning of the scene/ previous scene

Stop (go to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch

Next scene

Reverse/ Forward

Still images:

Touch , then touch the still image you want to view.

Return (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Go to the VISUAL INDEX screen

* [DATA CODE] is fixed to [DATE/TIME] (p. 67).

Slide show button (page 41)

Previous/Next

Recording/Playback

z Tips

• The screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen when the movies from the one you selected through the one at the end of the list are all played back.

• You can slow down the playback speed by touching during pause.

• You can adjust volume by selecting (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND SETTINGS] t [VOLUME], then with

/ .

To cancel Easy Handycam operation

Press EASY B again. disappears from the screen.

Menu settings during Easy Handycam operation

Press (HOME) H(or I) to display the menu items available for setup changes (p.18, 62).

b Notes

• You can neither delete nor edit movies on the disc during Easy Handycam operation.

• Most of the menu items automatically return to the default settings. The settings of some menu items are fixed. For more details, see page 85.

• DVD-RW are formatted in VIDEO mode

(p. 14).

• (OPTION) will not appear.

• Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add effects to images or change settings.

Invalid buttons during Easy Handycam operation

You cannot use some buttons/functions during Easy Handycam operation since they are automatically set (

p. 85). [Invalid

during Easy Handycam operation.] may appear if operations not available during Easy Handycam operation are attempted.

To view movies on a disc on other devices (Finalize)

To view movies stored on a disc on a DVD device or a computer, you need to "finalize" the disc. For details on finalize operation, see page 44.

b Notes

• For DVD-R, DVD+R DL, you cannot reuse the disc or record additional movies onto the disc once you finalize the disc even if the disc has free space.

• During Easy Handycam operation, the DVD menu is fixed to [STYLE1].

• You cannot record additional scenes on a finalized disc during Easy Handycam operation (p. 60).

Recording

DCR-DVD108/DVD608

(HOME) E

(HOME) D

START/STOP

DCR-DVD308/DVD708

START/STOP

(HOME) D

START/STOP B

Adjusting the grip belt

Adjust and fasten the grip belt as illustrated, and hold your camcorder properly.

POWER switch A

PHOTO F

b Notes

• If the access lamps (page 28, 29) is on after

recording is finished, it means data is still being written onto the disc or “Memory Stick Duo.” Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder, and do not disconnect the battery or AC Adaptor.

Open the Lens cover (p. 27)

Movies

Movies are recorded on the disc. For recordable time, see page 14.

Still Images

Still images are recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo.” For the number of recordable still images, see page 66.

1 Turn the POWER

A until

switch the (Movie) lamp turns on.

2 Press START/STOP B (or C).

[STBY]t[REC]

To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

To switch to the movie recording mode using the (HOME) button (or

Touch (CAMERA) of HOME MENU t [MOVIE] or [PHOTO].

1 Turn the POWER

switch A until the

(Still) lamp

turns on.

2 Press PHOTO F.

FlashingtLights up

Press slightly to focus

appears next to . When disappears, the image has been recorded.

Recording/Playback

Press full to record

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

Zooming

You can zoom in up to the magnifications shown in the following table.

(optical zoom) DCR-DVD108/DVD608 40 × DCR-DVD308/DVD708 25 ×

You can adjust the magnification with the zoom lever or the zoom button on the LCD frame.

Wider range of view: (Wide angle)

zoom lever, the operation sound of the power zoom lever may also be recorded.

• You cannot change the zoom speed with the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.

• The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.

z Tips

• Using [DIGITAL ZOOM] (p. 65) let you zoom in further than the magnification shown in the table.

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCR-DVD308/ DVD708)

Sound picked up by the built-in microphone is converted to 5.1ch surround sound and recorded.

Built-in microphone

Close view: (Telephoto)

* DCR-DVD108/DVD608 ** DCR-DVD308/DVD708

Move the power zoom lever slightly for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.

b Notes

• [STEADYSHOT] may not reduce image blurring as desired when the power zoom lever is set to the T (Telephoto) side.

• Be sure to keep your finger on the power zoom lever. If you move your finger off the power

Your camcorder has Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator installed for recording 5.1ch surround sound. Enjoy realistic sound when playing the disc on devices that support 5.1ch surround sound.

Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator, 5.1ch surround sound

Glossary (p.118)

b Notes

• 5.1ch sound is converted to 2ch when played back on your camcorder.

• is displayed on the screen during 5.1ch recording/playback.

Recording in dark places (NightShot plus)

Infrared port

Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON. ( appears.)

b Notes

• The NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus functions use infrared light. Therefore, do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects, and remove the conversion lens (optional).

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 75) when it is hard to focus automatically.

• Do not use the NightShot plus and Super NightShot plus functions in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.

z Tips

• To record an image brighter, use Super NightShot plus function (p. 78). To record a movie more faithfully to the original colors, use Color Slow Shutter function (p. 78).

Recording in mirror mode

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder (1), then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side (2).

z Tips

• A mirror-image of the subject appears on the LCD screen, but the image will be normal when recorded.

• When recording in mirror mode, the images is not displayed in the viewfinder.

Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) (DCR-DVD308/DVD708)

POWER switch

Recording/Playback

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects

To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects, press BACK LIGHT to display .. To cancel the back light function, press BACK LIGHT again.

WIDE SELECT

To select the aspect ratio of the movies

1 Turn the POWER switch until the

(Movie) lamp turns on.

2 Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to select

the desired screen aspect ratio.

Continued ,

Recording (Continued)

z Tips

• Differences in the angle of view between 16:9 (wide) and 4:3 vary depending on the zoom position.

• When you view the movie on a TV, set [TV TYPE] to [16:9] or [4:3] according to your TV (16:9/4:3) (p. 42, 70).

• When viewing 16:9 (wide) pictures with [TV TYPE] set to [4:3], pictures may appear rough depending on subjects (p. 42).

To select the aspect ratio of the still images

1 Turn the POWER switch until the

(Still) lamp turns on. The aspect ratio of the picture switches to 4:3.

2 Press WIDE SELECT repeatedly to select

the desired screen aspect ratio.

b Notes

• The size of still images is [ 0.7M] (16:9) or [1.0M] (4:3) at the maximum.

z Tips

• See page 66 for the number of recordable still images.

• With the DCR-DVD108/DVD608, you can change the aspect ratio of movies in the HOME MENU. For details, see page 64.

Playback

DCR-DVD108/DVD608

(HOME)

(VIEW IMAGES) C

DCR-DVD308/ DVD708

(HOME) E

Zoom lever F

(VIEW IMAGES) B

(HOME) D

Turn the POWER switch A to turn on your camcorder.

Press (VIEW IMAGES) B (or C).

The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen. (It may take some time to display the VISUAL INDEX screen.)

Returns to the recording screen

Previous 6 images

Next 6 images

Returns to the recording screen

Disc type

Appears with the image on each of the tab that was lastly played back/recorded (B for the still image).

(OPTION)

POWER switch A

Recording/Playback

Displays the movies

z Tips

• Moving the zoom lever F let you select whether to display 6 or 12 images on the VISUAL INDEX

screen. To fix this number, touch (SETTINGS) in the HOME MENU t [VIEW IMAGES SET] t [ DISPLAY] (p. 68).

Displays the still images

Continued ,

Start playing back

Movies

Touch tab and the movie to be played back.

The VISUAL INDEX screen reappears when playback from the selected movie until the last movie is completed.

Return (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Beginning of the scene/ previous scene

Stop (go to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch

Next scene

(OPTION)

Reverse/ Forward

Still Images

Touch tab and the still image to be played back.

Return (to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Slide show button (page 41)

Go to the VISUAL INDEX screen

To switch to the playback mode using the (HOME) button D (or E)

Touch (VIEW IMAGES) t [VISUAL INDEX]

To adjust the movie volume

Touch (OPTION) t tab t [VOLUME], then adjust it with / .

z Tips

• Touch / during pause to play back movie slowly.

(OPTION)

Previous/Next

• One touch makes the reverse/fast forward approximately 5 times faster, two touches makes it approximately 10 times* faster.

* Approximately 8 times faster using a DVD+RW

Using PB zoom Playing back a series of still

You can magnify still images from about

1.1 to 5 times the original size. Magnification can be adjusted with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.

* DCR-DVD108/DVD608 ** DCR-DVD308/DVD708

1 Play back the still images you want to

magnify.

2 Magnify the still image with T

(Telephoto). The screen is framed.

3 Touch the screen at the point you want

to display in the center of the displayed frame.

4 Adjust the magnification with W (Wide

angle)/T (Telephoto).

images (Slide show)

Touch on the still image playback screen. The slide show begins from the selected image. Touch to stop the slide show. To restart, touch again.

b Notes

• You cannot operate playback zoom during slide show.

z Tips

• You can set continuous slide show playback using [SLIDE SHOW SET] on (OPTION) t tab. The default setting is [ON] (continuous playback).

Recording/Playback

To cancel, touch .

Playing the picture on a TV

Connect your camcorder to the input jack of TV or VCR using A/V connecting cable 1 or A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO 2. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p.22). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

Device without S VIDEO jack

A/V OUT jack

: Signal flow

1 A/V connecting cable (supplied)

Connect to the input jack of the other device.

2 A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO

(optional)

When connecting to another device via the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional), higher quality pictures can be produced than with an A/V connecting cable. Connect the white and red plug (left/right audio) and the S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional). The yellow plug connection is not necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not output audio.

When your TV is connected to a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE (VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, etc.), if the VCR has an input selector.

Device with S VIDEO jack

VIDEO

(Yellow)

(White)

AUDIO

(Red)

S VIDEO

(White)

AUDIO

(Red)

To set the aspect ratio according to the connected TV (16:9/4:3)

Change the setting according to the screen aspect ratio of the TV you will view pictures on.

1 Turn the POWER switch to turn on your

camcorder.

2 Touch (HOME) t

(SETTINGS) t [OUTPUT SETTINGS] t [TV TYPE] t [16:9] or [4:3] t .

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to a TV compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system and play back the disc, set [TV TYPE] to [16:9]. The TV switches to full mo de automatically. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

• When you set [TV TYPE] to [4:3], the image quality may deteriorate. Also, when the recorded

VIDEO

VCRs or TVs

picture’s aspect ratio switches between 16:9 (wide) and 4:3, the image may jitter.

• When you play back a picture recorded in 16:9 (wide) aspect ratio on a 4:3 TV not compatible with the 16:9 (wide) signal, set [TV TYPE] to [4:3].

When your TV is monaural (When your TV has only one audio input jack)

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and connect the white (left channel) or the red (right channel) plug to the audio input jack of your TV or VCR.

z Tips

• You can display the counter on the TV screen by setting [DISP OUTPUT] to [V-OUT/PANEL] (p. 71).

Recording/Playback

Making the disc compatible with playback on

inaliz

other devices or DVD drives (Finalizing)

Finalizing makes the recorded disc compatible for playback with other devices and DVD drives of computers. Before finalizing, you can select the style of the DVD menu which displays the image list (p. 47).

Whether finalizing is required depends on the type of disc.

DVD-RW/DVD-R/DVD+R DL require finalizing. DVD+RW do not require finalizing except in the following cases:

1 To create a DVD menu 2 To play back on a computer DVD drive 3 If the disc has a short total recording time (less than 5 min in HQ mode, 8 min in SP mode, or

15 min in LP mode)

b Notes

• Playback compatibility with all device is not guaranteed.

• No DVD menu is created for DVD-RW (VR mode).

Operation flow

To play back a disc in a DVD device for the first time (p.46)

Playback on other DVD device

inaliz

In case 1, 2 or 3.

Make desired settings for the DVD menu.

To add recordings to a finalized disc (p.60)

inaliz

Recordings cannot be added.

Unfinalize the disc.

Recordings can be added as usual.

When the DVD menu has been created, a confirmation screen prompts you to confirm that you wish to add a recording.

b Notes

• Even when you are using a DVD-RW or DVD+RW, you cannot record additional movies onto the disc after finalizing the disc during Easy Handycam operation. To do so, cancel Easy Handycam operation (p. 33).

To play back a disc in a DVD device after adding a recording (p.46)

Make a new recording

Playback on other DVD device

inaliz

Recording/Playback

Only in case 1

Make desired settings for the DVD menu.

Continued ,

Making the disc compatible with playback on other devices or DVD drives (Finalizing) (Continued)

Finalizing a disc

b Notes

• It takes from a minute to a maximum of several

hours to finalize a disc. The shorter the amount of material recorded on the disc, the longer it takes for finalizing.

• Use the AC Adaptor as the power source to

prevent your camcorder from running out of power during finalizing.

• When you finalize a double-sided disc, you

must finalize each side of the disc individually.

1 Place your camcorder in a stable

position, and connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

2 Turn on the power by turning the

POWER switch.

3 Insert the disc that you want to

finalize.

4 Touch (MANAGE DISC/

MEMORY) of the (HOME) menu t [FINALIZE].

5 Touch [YES] t [YES].

Finalizing starts.

6 When [Completed.] appears,

touch .

b Notes

• Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during finalizing. When you need to disconnect the AC Adaptor, make sure that the power of your camcorder is set to off and disconnect the AC Adaptor after the (Movie) or (Still) lamp goes off. Finalizing restarts when you connect the AC Adaptor and turn on your camcorder again. You cannot remove the disc until the finalizing operation is completed.

• When using the discs other than DVD-RW (VR mode), Z flashes after finalizing is completed on the recording standby screen of your camcorder. Remove the disc from your camcorder.

z Tips

• When you set to create a DVD menu and finalize the disc, the DVD menu appears for a few seconds while finalizing the disc.

• After the disc is finalized, the disc type/ recording format indicator changes as shown below:

To select a DVD menu style, touch

(OPTION) t [DVD MENU]

(p. 47). Go to step 5 if you want to finalize the

disc using [STYLE1] (default setting).

DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)

DVD-RW (VR mode)

DVD+RW

DVD-R

DVD+R DL

To select a DVD menu style

DVD

+RW

1 In step 4, touch (OPTION) t

[DVD MENU].

2 Select the desired style from 4 types of

pattern with [T]/[t].

Select [NO MENU] if you do not create a DVD menu.

3 Touch .

b Notes

• The DVD menu style is fixed to [STYLE1] during the Easy Handycam operation.

Recording/Playback

Editing

(OTHERS) category

This category enables you to edit or print images on a disc or "Memory Stick Duo," or copy them onto your computer for viewing, editing or creating an original DVD.

(OTHERS) category

Item list

DELETE

You can delete images on a disc or a "Memory Stick Duo" (p. 48).

EDIT

You can edit the images on a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 50).

PLAYLIST EDIT

You can create and edit a Playlist (p. 51).

You can print still images on a connected PictBridge printer (p. 55).

Deleting images

You can delete the images recorded on a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” using your camcorder. Insert a recorded disc or “Memory Stick Duo” into your camcorder.

b Notes

• You cannot retrieve the deleted images.

• You cannot delete movies during Easy Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy Handycam operation first.

z Tips

• You can select up to 100 images at once.

• You can delete images on the playback screen from [DELETE] under (OPTION) t tab.

Deleting the movies on the disc

1 Touch (OTHERS) of the

(HOME) menu t [DELETE].

2 Touch [ DELETE].

COMPUTER

You can connect your camcorder to a computer (p. 80).

3 Touch [ DELETE].

4 Touch the image that you want to

delete.

The selected image is marked with . Press and hold the image on the LCD screen to confirm the image.

Touch to return to the previous screen.

Deleting the still images in the “Memory Stick Duo”

5 Touch t [YES] t .

To delete all movies on the disc at one time

In step 3, touch [ DELETE ALL] t [YES] t [YES] t .

To delete the most recently recorded movie

DVD

+RW

In step 3, touch [ LAST SCENE DEL] t t [YES] t .

b Notes

• Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while editing images. It may damage the disc.

• If the deleted movie is included in the Playlist (p. 51), the movie is deleted also from the Playlist.

• Even if you delete unnecessary images from the disc, the remaining disc capacity may not increase as much as you can make additional recording.

• To delete all images recorded in the disc and restore the original capacity of the disc, format the disc (page 59).

z Tips

• The images recorded by this camcorder and stored onto a disc are called "original."

1 Touch (OTHERS) of the

(HOME) menu t [DELETE].

2 Touch [ DELETE].

3 Touch [ DELETE].

4 Touch the still image that you

want to delete.

The selected still image is marked with

. Press and hold the still image on the LCD screen to confirm the still image. Touch to return to the previous screen.

5 Touch t [YES] t .

To delete all still images on the “Memory Stick Duo”

In step 3, touch [ DELETE ALL] t [YES] t [YES] t .

b Notes

• You cannot delete still images in the following cases:

– "Memory Stick Duo" is write-protected.

Editing

Continued ,

Deleting images (Continued)

– write-protection is set to the still images by

the other device.

z Tips

• To delete all images recorded on the “Memory Stick Duo,” format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 60).

Dividing the image

b Notes

• You cannot divide movies during Easy Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy Handycam operation first.

1 Touch (OTHERS) of the

(HOME) menu t [EDIT].

2 Touch [DIVIDE].

3 Touch the movie that you want to

divide.

The selected movie starts playing.

4 Touch at the point where

you want to divide the movie into the scenes.

The movie pauses.

Adjusts the dividing point more precisely after the dividing point has been selected with .

Returns to the beginning of the selected movie.

Play and pause toggles as you press

5 Touch t [YES] t .

b Notes

• Movies cannot be restored once they are divided.

• Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while editing images. It may damage the disc.

• Even if the divided movie is included in the Playlist, the movie is not divided in the Playlist.

• A slight difference may occur from the point where you touch and the actual dividing point, as your camcorder selects the dividing point based on about half-second increments.

Creating the Playlist

A Playlist is a list showing thumbnails of the movies that you have selected. The original scenes are not changed even though you edit or delete the scenes in the Playlist. Make sure to insert the recorded disc into your camcorder.

b Notes

• You cannot add or edit movies during Easy Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy Handycam operation first.

1 Touch (OTHERS) of the

(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST EDIT].

2 Touch [ ADD].

3 Touch the scene that you want to

add to the Playlist.

The selected scene is marked with . Press and hold the image on the LCD screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous screen.

4 Touch t [YES] t .

Editing

Continued ,

Creating the Playlist (Continued)

To add all the movies on the disc in the Playlist

In step 2, touch [ ADD ALL] t [YES] t [YES] t .

b Notes

• Do not remove the battery pack or the AC Adaptor from your camcorder while editing the Playlist. It may damage the disc.

z Tips

• You can add a maximum of 999 movies to the Playlist.

• You can add a movie when viewing it using [ ADD] on (OPTION) t tab.

Playing the Playlist

Make sure to insert the disc on which the Playlist is added into your camcorder.

1 Touch (VIEW IMAGES) of the

(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST].

The images added to the Playlist are displayed on the screen.

2 Touch [ERASE].

To erase all images at a time, touch [ERASE ALL]

3 Touch the image that you want to erase

from the Playlist.

The selected image is marked with . Press and hold the image on the LCD

screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous

screen.

4 Touch t [YES] t .

z Tips

• The original images are not changed even if you erase the images from the Playlist.

t [YES] t [YES] t

Changing the order within the Playlist

1 Touch (OTHERS) of the

(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST EDIT].

2 Touch [MOVE]. 3 Select the image that you want to move.

2 Touch the scene from which you

want to play back.

The Playlist is played back from the selected scene to the end, then the screen returns to the Playlist screen.

To erase added images from the Playlist at a time

1 Touch (OTHERS) of the

(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST EDIT].

The selected scene is marked with . Press and hold the image on the LCD

screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous

screen.

4 Touch .

5 Select the destination with [T]/[t].

Destination bar

Press and hold the image on the LCD screen to confirm the image.

6 Touch t [YES] t .

z Tips

• When you select multiple images, the images are moved following the order appeared in the Playlist.

Dividing a movie within the Playlist

1 Touch (OTHERS) of the

(HOME) menu t [PLAYLIST EDIT].

2 Touch [DIVIDE]. 3 Select the movie that you want to divide.

The playback of the selected movie starts.

4 Touch at the point where you want

to divide the movie into scenes.

The movie pauses.

z Tips

• The original movies are not changed even if you divide the movie in the Playlist.

Editing

Play and pause toggles as you press

5 Touch t [YES] t .

b Notes

• A slight difference may occur from the point where you touch and the actual dividing point, as your camcorder selects the dividing point based on about half-second increments.

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders

You can dub images played back on your camcorder to other recording devices, such as VCRs or DVD/HDD recorders. Connect the device in either of the following ways. Connect your camcorder to the wall outlet using the supplied AC Adaptor for this operation (p. 22). Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the devices to be connected.

b Notes

• Since dubbing is performed via analog data transfer, the image quality may deteriorate.

A/V OUT jack

: Video/Signal flow

A A/V connecting cable (supplied)

Connect to the input jack of the other device.

B A/V connecting cable with S

VIDEO (optional)

When connecting to another device via the S VIDEO jack, by using an A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional), higher quality images can be produced than with an A/V connecting cable. Connect the white and red plug (left/right audio) and the S VIDEO plug (S VIDEO channel) of the A/V connecting cable with an S VIDEO cable (optional). The yellow plug connection is not necessary. S VIDEO connection only will not output audio.

Device without S VIDEO jack

VIDEO

(Yellow)

(White)

AUDIO

(Red)

b Notes

• To hide the screen indicators (such as a counter,

• To record the date/time and camera settings

• When you are connecting your camcorder to a

Device with S VIDEO jack

etc.) on the screen of the monitor device connected, set (SETTINGS) t [OUTPUT SETTINGS] t [DISP OUTPUT] t [LCD PANEL] (the default setting) on the HOME MENU (p. 71).

data, display them on the screen (p. 67).

monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack, and the red (right channel) or the white (left channel) plug to the audio input jack on the device.

S VIDEO

VIDEO

(White)

AUDIO

(Red)

VCRs or DVD/ HDD recorders

1 Insert the recorded disc into your

camcorder.

2 Turn on your camcorder, and

press (VIEW IMAGES).

Set [TV TYPE] according to the display device (p. 42, 70).

3 Insert the recording media in the

recording device.

If your recording device has an input selector, set it to the input mode.

4 Connect your camcorder to the

recording device (VCR or DVD/ HDD recorder) with the A/V connecting cable (supplied) 1 or an A/V connecting cable with S VIDEO (optional) 2.

Connect your camcorder to the input jacks of the recording device.

Printing recorded images

compliant printer)

You can print out still images using a PictBridge compliant printer, without connecting the camcorder to a computer.

Connect your camcorder to the AC Adaptor to obtain power from the wall outlet (p. 22). Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” containing still images into your camcorder and turn on the printer.

Connecting your camcorder to the printer

1 Turn on your camcorder.

2 Connect the (USB) jack of your

camcorder to the printer using the USB cable (p. 113).

[USB SELECT] appears on the screen automatically.

(PictBridge

Editing

5 Start the playback on your

camcorder, and record it on the recording device.

Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your recording device for details.

6 When dubbing is finished, stop

the recording device, and then your camcorder.

3 Touch [ PRINT].

When connection is complete, (PictBridge connecting) appears on the screen.

One of the still images stored on the “Memory Stick Duo” will be displayed.

b Notes

• We can guarantee the operation of only models that are PictBridge compatible.

Continued ,

Printing recorded images (PictBridge compliant printer) (Continued)

Printing

1 Touch the still image to be

printed.

The selected image is marked with . Press and hold the image on the LCD

screen to confirm the image. Touch to return to the previous

screen.

2 Touch (OPTION), set the

following options, then touch

[COPIES]: Set number of copies of a still image to be printed. You can set up to 20 copies.

[DATE/TIME]: Select [DATE], [DAY&TIME], or [OFF] (no date/time printed).

[SIZE]: Select the paper size. If you do not change the setting, go to

step 3.

3 Touch [EXEC] t [YES] t .

The image selection screen appears again.

b Notes

• Refer also to the instruction manual of the

printer to be used.

• Do not attempt the following operations when

is on the screen. The operations may not be

performed properly. – To operate the POWER switch. – To press (VIEW IMAGES) – To disconnect the USB cable from the printer. – To remove the “Memory Stick Duo” from

your camcorder

• If the printer stops working, disconnect the USB

cable, turn the printer off and on again, and restart the operation from the beginning.

• You can select only the paper sizes that the

printer can print.

• On some printer models, the top, bottom, right,

and left edges of images may be trimmed. If you print a still image recorded in a 16:9 (wide) ratio, the left and right ends of the image may be trimmed widely.

• Some printer models may not support the date

printing function. Refer to your printer’s instruction manual for details.

• You may not be able to print the following:

– images edited by a computer – images recorded by other devices – images of 3MB or more – images with a pixel size larger than

2848×2136

z Tips

• PictBridge is an industry standard established

by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA). You can print s till images without using a computer by connecting a printer directly to a digital video camera or digital still camera, regardless of model or manufacturer.

• You can print a still image when viewing it

using tab t [PRINT] on (OPTION).

To finish printing

Touch on the image selection screen.

Utilizing recording media

(MANAGE DISC/

MEMORY) category

This category enables you to use a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” for various purposes.

(MANAGE DISC/MEMORY)

Playing a disc on other devices

Finalizing a disc (p. 44) let you view movies recorded by your camcorder on other DVD devices. However, we do not guarantee proper playback on all devices. DVD+RW do not require finalization to be played back on other devices.

b Notes

• Do not use an 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm DVD as it may cause a malfunction.

• Make sure that a vertically installed device is placed in a position such as that the disc can be placed horizontally.

• Some discs cannot be played back, may freeze for an instant between scenes. Some functions may be disabled on some devices.

z Tips

• Devices that support subtitles can display the recording date and time where the subtitles normally appear (p. 65). Refer to the instruction manual of your device.

• If you have created a DVD menu (p. 47), you can select the desired scene in the menu.

Playing a disc on a computer

You can play a disc on a computer if a DVD playback application is installed on the computer. Insert the finalized disc into the DVD drive on your computer, and play back the disc using a DVD playback application.

b Notes

• Even when you use a DVD+RW, you must finalize the disc (p. 44). Otherwise, it may cause a malfunction.

• Make sure that the DVD drive of the computer can play an 8 cm DVD.

• Do not use an 8 cm CD adaptor with an 8 cm DVD as it may cause a malfunction.

• The disc may not be played back, or the movies may not be played smoothly on some computers.

Utilizing recording media

Continued ,

Playing a disc on other devices (Continued)

• Movies stored on a disc cannot be copied directly onto a computer to be played back or edited.

z Tips

• For details on operations and procedures, see the “First Step Guide” on the supplied CD-ROM (p. 80).

The volume label of the disc

The date when the disc was first used is recorded (the default setting is 0:00AM January 1, 2007).

<e.g.> When the disc was first used at 0:00 pm on

January 1st 2007: 2007_01_01_00H00M_AM

Volu me label

z Tips

• Images on discs are stored in the following folders:

– DVD-RW (VR mode)

DVD_RTAV folder

– Other discs and modes

VIDEO_TS folder

Finding the right disc (DISC SELECT GUIDE)

Select the option that is right for you on the screen, then you will be informed of the appropriate disc for your purposes.

1 Touch (MANAGE DISC/

MEMORY) of the (HOME).

2 Touch [DISC SELECT GUIDE].

3 Touch the option that is right for

you on the screen.

When you answer all the questions, you will be informed of the right disc for you.

If you insert the same type of disc as indicated in [DISC SELECT GUIDE], you can format it with your selected settings.

Deleting all scenes on the disc (Formatting)

Formatting the disc

Formatting makes the recorded disc new and reusable by deleting all the data recorded on the disc. The recording capacity of the disc is recovered by formatting it.

A DVD-R/DVD+R DL cannot be formatted. Replace it with a new disc.

If you format a finalized disc

• A DVD-RW (in VIDEO mode) returns to the unfinalized state. The disc must be finalized again to view its contents on other devices.

• In the case of a DVD-RW (VR mode)/ DVD+RW, formatting deletes all images on a finalized disc. One of the following icons, or , appears on the screen, but there is no need to finalize the disc again before playing the disc on other devices.*

* To create the DVD menu on a DVD+RW,

finalize the disc again (p. 44).

1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on your camcorder, then connect the power cord to the wall outlet.

2 Turn on your camcorder.

3 Insert the disc that you want to

format into your camcorder.

4 Touch (MANAGE DISC/

MEMORY) of the (HOME) t [FORMAT].

• Perform the following steps if your disc is DVD-RW or DVD+RW.

x DVD-RW

Select [VIDEO] or [VR] for the recording format (p. 14), then touch

x DVD+RW

Select the aspect ratio of the movie, [16:9 WIDE] or [4:3], then touch .

5 Touch [YES].

6 Touch when [Completed.] is

displayed.

b Notes

• Use the AC Adaptor as the power source to prevent your camcorder from running out of power during formatting.

• Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during formatting.

• When you use a double-sided disc, formatting is required on each side. You can format each side in the different recording format.

• In the case of DVD+RW , you cannot change the movie aspect ratio midway. Format the disc again to change the aspect ratio.

• You cannot format a disc that has been protected on other devices. Cancel the protection with the original device, and then format it.

Utilizing recording media

Continued ,

Deleting all scenes on the disc (Formatting) (Continued)

z Tips

• When you use a DVD-RW while the Easy Handycam operation (p. 31) is set, the recording format is fixed to the VIDEO mode.

Formatting the “Memory Stick Duo”

Formatting deletes all images on a “Memory Stick Duo.”

Recording additional scenes after finalizing

You can record additional movies on the finalized DVD-RWs/DVD+RWs after the following steps, if the disc has free space.

When using the finalized DVD-RW (VR mode), you can record additional movies on the disc without an additional steps.

1 Turn on your camcorder.

2 Insert the "Memory Stick Duo"

that you want to format into your camcorder.

3 Touch (MANAGE DISC/

MEMORY) t [FORMAT]

4 Touch [YES] t [YES].

5 When [Completed.] appears,

touch .

b Notes

• Even the still images protected with another device against accidental deletion are also deleted.

• Do not attempt the following operations when [Executing...] is on the screen:

– To operate the POWER switch or buttons – To remove the “Memory Stick Duo”

When using a DVD-RW (VIDEO mode) (Unfinalizing)

1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on your camcorder, then connect the power cord to the wall outlet.

2 Turn on your camcorder.

3 Insert the finalized disc into your

camcorder.

4 Touch (MANAGE DISC/

MEMORY) of the (HOME) t [UNFINALIZE].

5 Touch [YES] t [YES], then touch

when [Completed.] appears.

When using DVD+RW

If you have created a DVD menu (p. 47) during finalizing, you must perform the following steps prior to recording additional movies.

1 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on your camcorder, then connect the power cord to the wall outlet.

2 Turn the POWER switch to turn

on the (Movie) lamp.

3 Insert the finalized disc into your

camcorder.

A confirmation screen appears to prompt you to confirm that you wish to record additional scenes.

4 Touch [YES] t [YES].

5 When [Completed.] appears,

touch .

• You cannot record additional material on the disc during the Easy Handycam operation. Cancel the Easy Handycam operation.

Utilizing recording media

b Notes

• Use the AC Adaptor as power source to prevent your camcorder from running out of power during the operation.

• Do not apply shock or vibration to your camcorder, and do not disconnect the AC Adaptor during the operation.

• A DVD menu created during finalizing are deleted.

• For a double-sided disc, perform these steps for each side of the disc.

• You cannot record additional scenes on the DVD-R/DVD+R DL.

Customizing your camcorder

What you can do with the (SETTINGS) category of the HOME MENU

You can change the recording functions and the operating settings for your convenience.

Using the HOME MENU

1 Turn on your camcorder, then

press (HOME).

(HOME)

3 Touch the desired setup item.

If the item is not on the screen, touch v/ V to change the page.

4 Touch the desired item.

If the item is not on the screen, touch v/ V to change the page.

(SETTINGS) category

2 Touch (SETTINGS).

5 Change the setting, then touch

List of the (SETTINGS) category items

MOVIE SETTINGS (p. 64)

Items Page

REC MODE NIGHTSHOT LIGHT WIDE SELECT* DIGITAL ZOOM STEADYSHOT AUTO SLW SHUTTR

REMAINING

SUB-T DATE

PHOTO SETTINGS (p. 66)

Items Page

IMAGE SIZE*

QUALITY FILE NO. NIGHTSHOT LIGHT FLASH LEVEL* REDEYE REDUC*

VIEW IMAGES SET (p. 67)

Items Page

DATA CODE

DISPLAY

2*3

OUTPUT SETTINGS (p. 70)

Items Page

TV TYPE DISP OUTPUT

64 64 64 65 65 65 65 65

CLOCK/ LANG (p. 71)

Items Page

CLOCK SET* AREA SET DST SET/SUMMERTIME

LANGUAGE SET*

GENERAL SET (p. 72)

Items Page

DEMO MODE CALIBRATION

66 66 66 64 67 67

A.SHUT OFF REMOTE CTRL*

DCR-DVD108/DVD608

DCR-DVD308/DVD708

Also available during Easy Handycam

operation.

Only [SOUND SETTINGS] is available

during Easy Handycam operation.

67 68

70 71

25 71 71 71

72 105 72 72

Customizing your camcorder

SOUND/DISP SET

Items Page

VOLUME* BEEP*

(p. 69)

LCD BRIGHT LCD BL LEVEL LCD COLOR VF B.LIGHT

69 69 69 69 69 69

MOVIE SETTINGS

(Items for recording movies)

Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V to change the page.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62

(OPTION MENU) t page 73

The default settings are marked with B.

REC MODE (Recording mode)

You can select an image quality of the movie from three levels.

Records in high quality mode. (9M (HQ))

B SP

Records in standard quality mode. (6M (SP))

Increases the recording time (Long Play). (3M (LP))

b Notes

• If you record in the LP mode, the quality of scenes may be degraded, or scenes with quick movements may appear with a block noise when you play back the disc.

z Tips

• See page 14 on the expected recording time of each recording mode.

NIGHTSHOT LIGHT

When using the NightShot plus (p. 37) or [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS] (p. 78) function to record, you can record clearer images by setting [NIGHTSHOT LIGHT], which emits infrared light (invisible), to [ON] (the default setting).

b Notes

• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p. 112).

• Remove the conversion lens (optional).

• The maximum shooting distance using [NIGHTSHOT LIGHT] is about 3 m (10 feet).

WIDE SELECT (DCRDVD108/DVD608)

You can select the aspect ratio according to the TV connected.Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

B 4:3

Records images to the full screen on a 4:3 TV screen.

16:9 WIDE ( )

Records images to the full screen on a 16:9 (wide) TV screen.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to a TV compatible with the ID-1/ID-2 system and play back the disc, set [TV TYPE] to [16:9]. The TV switches to full mode automatically. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

• Set [TV TYPE] correctly according to the TV connected for playback (p. 70).

DIGITAL ZOOM

You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom greater than optical zoom magnification (p. 36). Note that the image quality decreases when you use the digital zoom.

The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming factor. The zooming zone appears when you select the zooming level.

For DCR-DVD108/DVD608

B OFF

Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically.

80×

Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically, and after that up to 80 × zoom is performed digitally.

2000×

Up to 40 × zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 2,000 × zoom is performed digitally.

For DCR-DVD308/DVD708

B OFF

Up to 25 × zoom is performed optically.

50×

Up to 25 × zoom is performed optically, and after that up to 50 × zoom is performed digitally.

2000×

Up to 25 × zoom is performed optically, and after that, up to 2,000 × zoom is performed digitally.

STEADYSHOT

You can compensate for camera shake (the default setting is [ON]). Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] ( ) when using a tripod (optional), then the image becomes natural.

AUTO SLW SHUTTR (Auto slow shutter)

When this is set to [ON] (the default setting), the shutter speed is automatically reduced to 1/30 second when recording in dark conditions.

REMAINING

B AUTO

Displays the remaining disc indicator for about 8 seconds in situations such as those described below.

– When your camcorder recognizes the

remaining disc capacity with the POWER switch set to (Movie).

– When you press DISP/BATT INFO to

switch the indicator from off to on with the POWER switch set to (Movie).

– When you select the movie recording

mode on the HOME MENU.

Always displays the remaining disc indicator.

b Notes

• When the remaining recordable time for movies is less than 5 minutes, the indicator stays on the screen.

SUB-T DATE

Select [ON] (the default setting) to display the recording date and time when you play back a disc on a device with a subtitle display function. Also refer to the instruction manual of the playback device.

Customizing your camcorder

PHOTO SETTINGS

(Items for recording still images)

Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V to change the page.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62

(OPTION MENU) t page 73

The default settings are marked with B.

IMAGE SIZE (DCR-

DVD308/DVD708)

B 1.0M ( )

Records still images clearly.

VGA (0.3M) ( )

Allows for the maximum number of images to be recorded.

b Notes

• When the picture ratio is changed to 16:9, the image size is changed to [ 0.7M] ( ) (p. 37).

• You can only select the image size for still images.

z Tips

• The image size of DCR-DVD108/DVD608 is set to [VGA (0.3M)]( ).

Number of still images recordable on a “Memory Stick Duo” (approx.)

64MB

128MB

256MB

1.0M

1152 × 864

120 325

245 650

445

1150

0.7M

1152 × 648

160 390

325 780

590 1400

VGA (0.3M)

640 × 480

390 980

780

1970 1400

3550

512MB

1GB

2GB

4GB

1.0M

1152 × 864

900

2400 1800

4900 3750

10000

7400

19500

0.7M

1152 × 648

1200 2850

2450 5900

5000

12000

9500

23500

VGA (0.3M)

640 × 480

2850 7200

5900

14500 12000

30000 23500

59000

b Notes

• All numbers measured at the following settings: Top: [FINE] is selected for image quality. Bottom: [STANDARD] is selected for image quality.

• When using the “Memory Stick Duo” made by Sony Corporation. The number of recordable s till images varies depending on the recording environment.

QUALITY

B FINE ( )

Records still images at the fine image quality level.

STANDARD ( )

Records still images at the standard image quality level.

FILE NO. (File number)

B SERIES

Assigns file numbers in sequence even if the “Memory Stick Duo” is replaced with another one.

RESET

Assigns file numbers for each “Memory Stick Duo”

NIGHTSHOT LIGHT

See page 64.

FLASH LEVEL (DCRDVD308/DVD708)

You can set this function when you use an external flash (optional) that is compatible with your camcorder.

HIGH( )

Makes the flash level higher.

B NORMAL( )

LOW( )

Makes the flash level lower.

REDEYE REDUC (Redeye reduction) (DCR-DVD308/DVD708)

You can set this function when you use an external flash (optional) that is compatible with your camcorder. You can prevent redeye by activating the flash before recording. Set [REDEYE REDUC] to [ON] to use this function.

b Notes

• The redeye reduction may not produce the desired effect due to individual differences and other conditions.

VIEW IMAGES SET

(Items to customize the display)

Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V to change the page.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62

(OPTION MENU) t page 73

The default settings are marked with B.

DATA CODE

During playback, displays the information (data code) recorded automatically at the time of recording.

B OFF

Data code is not displayed.

DATE/TIME

Displays the date and time.

CAMERADATA (below)

Displays camera setting data.

DATE/TIME

Customizing your camcorder

ADate BTime

Continued ,

VIEW IMAGES SET (Continued)

CAMERADATA

Movie

Still image

CSteadyShot off DBrightness EWhite balance FGain GShutter speed HAperture value IExposure

z Tips

• appears in the following cases:

– during displaying still images recorded using

an external flash (DCR-DVD308/DVD708).

– during displaying still images recorded by

another device using a flash.

• The data code is displayed on the TV screen if

you connect your camcorder to a TV.

• The indicator toggles through the following

sequences as you press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander: [DATE/TIME] t [CAMERADATA] t [OFF] (no indication)(DCR-DVD308/DVD708).

• Depending on the disc condition, bars [--:--:--]

appear.

DISPLAY

You can select the numbe r of thumbnails that appear on the VISUAL INDEX screen.

B ZOOM LINK

Change the number of thumbnails (6 or 12) with the zoom lever on your camcorder.*

6IMAGES

Displays thumbnails of 6 images.

12IMAGES

Displays thumbnails of 12 images.

* You can operate with the zoom buttons on the

LCD frame or on the Remote Commander (For DCR-DVD308/DVD708).

SOUND/DISP SET

(Items to adjust beep and the screen)

Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V to change the page.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62

(OPTION MENU) t page 73

The default settings are marked with B.

VOLUME

Touch / to adjust the volume (p. 40).

BEEP

B ON

A melody sounds when you start/stop recording, or operate the touch panel.

OFF

Cancels the melody and shutter sound.

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting.

• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.

• If you open the LCD panel 180 degrees to face the screen outside and close the LCD panel to the camcorder body, the setting becomes [NORMAL] automatically.

z Tips

• This adjustment does not affect the recorded images in any way.

LCD COLOR

You can adjust the color of the LCD screen with / .

Low intensity High intensity

z Tips

• This adjustment does not affect the recorded images in any way.

Customizing your camcorder

LCD BRIGHT

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

1 Adjust the brightness with / . 2 Touch .

z Tips

• This adjustment does not affect the recorded images in any way.

LCD BL LEVEL (LCD backlight level)

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight.

VF B.LIGHT (Viewfinder brightness)

You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder.

B NORMAL

Standard brightness.

BRIGHT

Brightens the viewfinder screen.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to outside power sources, [BRIGHT] is automatically selected for the setting.

• When you select [BRIGHT], battery life is slightly reduced during recording.

Continued ,

SOUND/DISP SET (Continued)

z Tips

• This adjustment does not affect the recorded images in any way.

OUTPUT SETTINGS

(Items for when connecting other devices)

Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V to change the page.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62 (OPTION MENU) t page 73

The default settings are marked with B.

TV TYPE

You need to convert the signal depending on the TV connected when playing back the image. The recorded images are played back as following illustrations.

16:9 (Default setting for DCR-DVD308/ DVD708)

Select to view your images on a 16:9 (wide) TV.

Wide (16:9) images

4:3 images

4:3 (Default setting for DCR-DVD108/ DVD608)

Select to view your images on a 4:3 standard TV.

Wide (16:9) images

4:3 images

DISP OUTPUT

B LCD PANEL

Shows displays such as the time code on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder.

V-OUT/PANEL

Shows displays such as the time code on the TV screen, LCD screen, and in the viewfinder.

CLOCK/ LANG

(Items to set clock and language)

Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V to change the page.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62

(OPTION MENU) t page 73

CLOCK SET

See page 25.

AREA SET

You can adjust a time difference without stopping the clock. Set your local area using v/V when using your camcorder overseas. Refer to the world time difference on page

99.

DST SET/SUMMERTIME

You can change this setting without stopping the clock. Set to [ON] to move the time forward 1 hour.

LANGUAGE SET

You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen.

z Tips

• Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP] ] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.

Customizing your camcorder

GENERAL SET

(Other setup items)

Touch 1, then 2. If the item is not on the screen, touch v/V to change the page.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62

(OPTION MENU) t page 73

The default settings are marked with B.

A.SHUT OFF (Auto shut off)

B 5min

The camcorder is automatically turned off when you do not operate your camcorder for more than approximately 5 minutes.

NEVER

The camcorder is not automatically turned off.

b Notes

• When you connect your camcorder to a wall

outlet, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set to [NEVER].

DEMO MODE

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to view the demonstration in about 10 minutes, after you turn the POWER switch to (Movie).

z Tips

• The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below.

– When you press START/STOP. – When you touch the screen during the

demonstration (The demonstration starts

again after about 10 minutes). – When you slide the disc cover open switch. – When you remove or insert a “Memory Stick

Duo.” – When you set the POWER switch to

(Still). – When you press (HOME)/ (VIEW

IMAGES).

CALIBRATION

See page 105.

REMOTE CTRL (Remote control) (DCR-DVD308/ DVD708)

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to use the supplied Remote Commander (p. 114).

z Tips

• Set to [OFF] to prevent your camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR remote control unit.

Activating functions using the OPTION MENU

The OPTION MENU appears just like the pop-up window that appears when you right-click the mouse on a computer. Various functions are displayed in the context of the operation.

Using the OPTION MENU

1 While using your camcorder,

touch (OPTION) on the screen.

(OPTION)

Tab

2 Touch the desired item.

If you cannot find the desired item, touch another tab to change the page.

When the item you want is not on the screen

Touch another tab. If you cannot find the item anywhere, the function does not work under the situation.

b Notes

• The tabs and items that appear on the screen depend on the recording/playback status of your camcorder at the time.

• Some items appear without a tab.

• The OPTION MENU cannot be used during Easy Handycam operation.

Customizing your camcorder

3 Change the setting, then touch

Continued ,

Activating functions using the OPTION MENU (Continued)

Recording items on the OPTION MENU

See page 73 for setting operation.

Items * Page

tab FOCUS SPOT FOCUS TELE MACRO EXPOSURE SPOT METER SCENE SELECTION WHITE BAL. COLOR SLOW SHTR S. NIGHTSHOT PLS

tab FADER D.EFFECT PICT.EFFECT

tab REC MODE MICREF LEVEL

IMAGE SIZE** QUALITY

SELF-TIMER FLASH MODE**

* Items that are included also in the HOME

MENU.

** DCR-DVD308/DVD708

-75

-76

-77

-78

-79

a 64

-79

a 66 a 66

-79

Viewing items on the OPTION MENU

See page 73 for setting operation.

Items * Page

tab DELETE DELETE ALL

tab DIVIDE ERASE ERASE ALL MOVE

-- (A tab depends on the situation)

ADD

ADD ALL PRINT SLIDE SHOW VOLUME DATA CODE SLIDE SHOW SET

ADD ADD ALL

-- (No tab) COPIES DATE/TIME SIZE DVD MENU

* Items that are included also in the HOME

MENU.

a 48 a 49

a 50 a 52 a 52 a 52

a 52 a 52 a 55

-41

a 69 a 67

-41

a 51 a 52

-56

-47

Functions set in the OPTION MENU

Items you can set only on the OPTION MENU will be described below.

How to set

(HOME MENU) t page 62

(OPTION MENU) t page 73

The default settings are marked with B.

FOCUS

You can adjust the focus manually. You can select this function also when you want to focus on a certain subject intentionally.

1 Touch [MANUAL].

9 appears.

2 Touch (focusing on close subjects)/

(focusing on distant subjects) to sharpen the focus. appears when the focus cannot be adjusted any closer, and appears when the focus cannot be adjusted farther away.

3 Touch .

To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] t in step 1.

b Notes

• The minimum possible distance between camcorder and subject while maintaining sharp focus is about 1 cm (about 13/32 in.) for wide angle and about 80 cm (about 2 5/8 feet) for telephoto.

z Tips

• It is easier to focus on the subject by moving the power zoom lever towards T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, then towards W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom for recording. When you want to record a subject at close range, move the power zoom lever to W (wide angle), then adjust the focus.

• The focal distance information (the distance at which the subject is focused on, for when it is dark and hard to adjust focus) appears for a few seconds in the following cases. (It will not be

displayed correctly if you are using a conversion lens (optional).)

– When the focus mode is switched from

automatic to manual.

– When you set focus manually

SPOT FOCUS

You can select and adjust the focal point to aim it at a subject not located at the center of the screen.

1 Touch the subject on the screen.

9 appears.

2 Touch [END].

To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] t [

b Notes

• If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is automatically set to [MANUAL].

END] in step 1.

TELE MACRO

This is useful to shoot small subjects, such as flowers or insects. You can blur out backgrounds and the subject stands out clearer. When you set [TELE MACRO] to [ON] ( ), the zoom (p. 36) moves to the top of the T (telephoto) side automatically and allows recording subjects at a close distance as follows; DCR-DVD108/DVD608 down to about 43 cm (17 in.) DCR-DVD308/DVD708 down to about 38 cm (15 in.)

Continued ,

Customizing your camcorder

Functions set in the OPTION MENU (Continued)

To cancel, touch [OFF], or zoom to wideangle (W side).

b Notes

• When recording a distant subject, focusing may be difficult and can take some time.

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 75) when it is hard to focus automatically.

EXPOSURE

You can fix the brightness of an image manually. Adjust [EXPOSURE] when the subject is too bright or too dark relative to the background.

1 Touch [MANUAL].

appears.

2 Adjust the exposure by touching /

3 Touch .

To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO] t in step 1.

SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter)

You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background, such as subjects in the spotlight on stage.

2 Touch [END].

appears.

To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO] t [

b Notes

• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL].

END] in step 1.

SCENE SELECTION

You can record images effectively in various situations with the [SCENE SELECTION] function.

B AUTO

Select this to automatically record images effectively without the [

SELECTION

TWILIGHT* ()

Select this to take night view without losing the mood.

CANDLE ( )

Select this to take scene without losing candle mood.

SUNRISE&SUNSET* ()

Select this to reproduce the atmosphere of scenes such as sunsets or sunrises.

FIREWORKS* ()

SCENE

] function.

1 Touch the point where you want to fix and

adjust the exposure on the screen.

Select this to take spectacular shots of fireworks.

LANDSCAPE* ()

b Notes

• The [WHITE BAL. ] setting is cleared when you set [SCENE SELECTION].

Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows that comes in between the camcorder and the subject.

PORTRAIT ( )

Select to bring out the subject such as people or flowers while creating a soft background.

SPOTLIGHT** ()

Select to prevent people's faces from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light.

SPORTS** (Sports lesson) ( )

Select to minimize shake when shooting fast moving subjects.

BEACH** ()

Select to take the vivid blue of the ocean or a lake.

SNOW** ()

Select to take bright pictures of a white landscape.

* Your camcorder is set to focus only on distant

subjects.

** Your camcorder is set not to focus on nearby

subjects.

WHITE BAL. (White balance)

You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment.

B AUTO

The white balance is adjusted automatically.

OUTDOOR ( )

The white balance is adjusted to be appropriate for the following recording conditions:

– Outdoors – Night views, neon signs and fireworks – Sunrise or sunset – Under daylight fluorescent lamps

INDOOR (n)

The white balance is adjusted to be appropriate for the following recording conditions:

– Indoors – At party scenes or studios where the lighting

conditions change quickly

– Under video lamps in a studio, or under

sodium lamps or incandescent-like color lamps

ONE PUSH ( )

The white balance will be adjusted according to the ambient light.

1 Touch [ONE PUSH]. 2 Frame a white object such as a piece of

paper, to fill the screen under the same lighting conditions as you will shoot the subject.

3 Touch [ ].

flashes quickly. When the white balance has been adjusted and stored in the memory, the indicator stops flashing.

Customizing your camcorder

Continued ,

Functions set in the OPTION MENU (Continued)

b Notes

• Set [WHITE BAL. ] to [AUTO] or adjust the color in [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.

• While is flashing quickly during [ONE PUSH] setting, continue to frame a white object until stops flashing.

•

flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not

be set.

• When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if keeps flashing after touching , set [WHITE BAL. ] to [AUTO].

• If you set [WHITE BAL. ], [SCENE SELECTION] is automatically set to [AUTO].

z Tips

• If you change the battery pack with [AUTO] selected, or take your camcorder outdoors after inside use (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment.

• If you change the [SCENE SELECTION] settings or move your camcorder outdoors during white balance setting with [ONE PUSH], you need to repeat the [ONE PUSH] operation.

COLOR SLOW SHTR (Color Slow Shutter)

When you set [COLOR SLOW SHTR] to [ON], you can record an image brighter in color even in dark places.

appears on the screen.

To cancel [COLOR SLOW SHTR], touch [OFF].

b Notes

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 75) when it is hard to focus automatically.

• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes depending on the brightness, which may result in a slowdown of the motion of the image.

S. NIGHTSHOT PLS (Super NightShot plus)

The image will be recorded at a maximum of 16 times the sensitivity of NightShot plus recording if you set [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS]

to [ON] while the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (p. 37) is also set to ON.

appears on the screen.

To return to the normal setting, set [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS] to [OFF].

b Notes

• Do not use [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS] in bright places. This may cause a malfunction.

• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or other objects (p. 112).

• Adjust the focus manually ([FOCUS], p. 75) when it is hard to focus automatically.

• The shutter speed of your camcorder changes depending on the brightness, which may result in a slowdown of the motion of the image.

FADER

You can record a transition with the following effects adding to the interval between scenes.

1 Select the desired effect in [STBY] (during

fading in) or [REC] (during fading out) mode, then touch .

2 Press START/STOP.

The fader indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fade is complete.

To cancel the fader before starting the operation, touch [OFF] in step 1. If you press START/STOP, the setting is canceled.

STBY REC

Fading out Fading in

WHITE FADER

BLACK FADER

D.EFFECT (Digital effect)

When [OLD MOVIE] is selected, appears on the screen and you can record with an old movie-type atmosphere to your movies.

To cancel [D.EFFECT], touch [OFF].

PICT.EFFECT (Picture effect)

You can add special effects to an image during recording or playback. appears.

B OFF

Does not use [PICT.EFFECT] setting.

SEPIA

Images appear in sepia.

B&W

Images appear in black and white.

PASTEL

Images appear as a pale pastel drawing.

MICREF LEVEL

You can select the microphone level for recording sound. Select [LOW] when you want to record exciting and powerful sound in a concert hall, etc.

B NORMAL

Records various surround sounds, converting them into the certain level.

LOW ( )

Records surround sound faithfully. This setting is not suitable for recording conversations.

Press PHOTO to record still images when [SELF-TIMER] is set to [ON] and appears. To cancel the count down, touch [RESET]. To cancel the self-timer, select [OFF].

z Tips

• You can also operate by pressing PHOTO on the Remote Commander (p. 114) (DCRDVD308/DVD708).

FLASH MODE (DCRDVD308/DVD708)

You can set this function when you use an external flash (optional) that is compatible with your camcorder. Attach the external flash to the Active Interface Shoe (p. 112).

B ON ( )

Flashes every time.

AUTO

Flashes automatically.

Customizing your camcorder

SELF-TIMER

The self-timer records a still image about 10 seconds after being set.

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows computer

When you install the “Picture Motion Browser” on a Windows computer from the supplied CD-ROM, you can enjoy the following operations.

z Tips

• See page 84 when you use a Macintosh computer.

Main functions

x Importing movies taken with your

camcorder

x Viewing movies imported to a

computer

You can manage movies and still images by date and time of shooting, and select movies or still images you want to view as thumbnails. These thumbnails can be enlarged and played in a slide show.

x Editing images imported to a

computer

x Creating an original DVD

You can create an original DVD from image data imported from your camcorder.

x Copying a disc

t Video Disc Copier

You can copy all the images on a disc taken with your camcorder.

About “First Step Guide”

The “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making settings, to general operation the first time you use the software “Picture Motion Browser” stored on the CD-ROM (supplied). Referring to “Installing the “First Step Guide”” (p. 81), start the “First Step Guide”, then follow the instructions.

About the help function of the software

The Help guide explains all the functions of all the software applications. Refer to the Help guide for further detailed operations after reading the “First Step Guide” thoroughly. To display the Help guide, click the mark on the screen.

System requirements

When using “Picture Motion Browser”

OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,

Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Media Center Edition Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded or in a multi-boot environment.

CPU:Intel Pentium III 1 GHz or faster. Application: DirectX 9.0c or later (This

product is based on DirectX technology. It is necessary to have DirectX installed.)

Sound system: Direct Sound compatible

sound card

Memory: 256 MB or more

Hard disk:

Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 600 MB (5 GB or more may be necessary when creating DVD videos.)

Display: DirectX 7 or later-compatible video

card, Minimum 1024 Color (16 bit color)

Others: USB port (this must be provided

as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended), Disc drive that can burn DVDs (CD-ROM drive required for software installation)

× 768 dots, High

When playing still images recorded on a “Memory Stick Duo” on a computer

OS: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,

Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Media Center Edition Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded.

CPU: MMX Pentium 200 MHz or faster Others: USB port (this must be provided

as standard)

b Note

• Operations are not guaranteed on all the recommended environments. For example, other open or background applications running on currently may limit product performance.

z Tips

• If your computer has a Memory Stick slot, insert the “Memory Stick Duo” on which still images are recorded into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor (optional), then insert it into the Memory Stick slot on your computer to copy still images to the computer.

• When using a “Memory Stick PRO Duo” and your computer is not compatible with it, connect your camcorder with the USB cable instead of using the Memory Stick slot on the computer.

Installing the “First Step Guide” and software

You need to install the “First Step Guide” and software to your Windows computer

before connecting your camcorder to the computer. The installation is

required only for the first time. Contents to be installed and procedures may differ depending on your OS.

z Tips

• See page 84 when you use a Macintosh computer.

Installing the “First Step Guide”

1 Confirm that your camcorder is

not connected to the computer.

2 Turn on the computer.

b Notes

• Log on as Administrators for installation.

• Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.

3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the

disc drive of your computer.

The installation screen appears.

If the screen does not appear

1 Click [Start], then click [My

Computer]. (For Windows 2000, double-click [My Computer].)

2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)]

(CD-ROM) (disc drive).*

* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary

depending on the computer.

Continued ,

Using a Computer

Installing the “First Step Guide” and software (Continued)

4 Click [FirstStepGuide].

5 Select the desired language and

the model name of your camcorder from the pull-down menu.

6 Click [FirstStepGuide(HTML)].

Installation starts. When [Save is complete] appears, click

[OK] to finish the installation.

To install the “First Step Guide” in PDF

In step 6, click [FirstStepGuide(PDF)].

To install the software “Adobe Reader” to display the PDF file

In step 6, click [Adobe(R) Reader(R)].

Installing the software

1 Perform steps 1 to 3 in “Installing

the “First Step Guide”” (p. 81).

4 Check your area and country/

region, then click [Next].

The software is set up for your selected country/region.

5 Read [License Agreement], select

[I accept the terms of the license agreement] when you agree, then click [Next].

6 Connect your camcorder to your

computer via a USB cable, then click [Next] on the connection confirmation screen.

b Notes

• Even if a screen prompting you to restart

your computer appears, you do not need to restart it at this time. Restart your computer after completing the installation..

7 Follow the on-screen instructions

to install the software.

Depending on the computer, you may need to install third party software (shown below). If the installation screen appears, follow the instructions to install the required software.

2 Click [Install].

3 Select the language for the

application to be installed, then click [Next].

x Sonic UDF Reader

Software required to recognize a DVD-RW (VR mode)

x Windows Media Format 9 Series

Runtime (Windows 2000 only)

Software required to create a DVD

x Microsoft DirectX 9.0c

Software required to handle movies Restart the computer if required to

complete the installation. The short-cut icons, such as [ ]

(Picture Motion Browser), appear on the desktop.

8 Remove the CD-ROM from the

disc drive of your computer.

z Tips

• Refer to the "First Step Guide" for how to remove the USB cable.

Viewing “First Step Guide”

z Tips

• See page 84 when you use a Macintosh computer.

To view “First Step Guide” on your computer, Microsoft Internet Explorer Ver.6.0 or later is recommended. Double-click the shortcut of “First Step Guide” on the desktop.

z Tips

• You can also start this program by selecting [Start] t [Programs] ([All Programs] for Windows XP) t [Sony Picture Utility] t [First Step Guide] t folder with model name of your camcorder t HTML version of “First Step Guide.”

• To view “First Step Guide” in HTML without installing, copy the desired language folder f rom the [FirstStepGuide] folder on the CD-ROM, and then double-click [Index.html].

• Refer to the PDF version of “First Step Guide” in the following cases:

– When printing the desired topics of “First

Step Guide”

– When “First Step Guide” is not displayed

correctly due to the browser setting even in recommended environment.

– When the HTML version of “First Step

Guide” cannot be installed.

Using a Computer

After you install the software, a shortcut icon for the customers registration website is created on the desktop.

• Once you register on the website, you can get secure and useful customer support. http://www.sony.net/registration/di/

• For the information about Picture Motion Browser, visit the following URL: http://www.sony.net/support-disoft/

Using a Macintosh computer

You can copy the still images from the “Memory Stick Duo” to the Macintosh. Install “First Step Guide” in the supplied CD-ROM.

b Notes

• The supplied software “Picture Motion Browser” does not operate on Mac OS.

• Refer to “First Step Guide” for the details on connecting your camcorder to the computer and copying the still images.

System requirements

To copy still images from a “Memory Stick Duo”

OS: Mac OS 9.1/9.2 or Mac OS X (v10.1/

v10.2/v10.3/v10.4).

Others: USB port (this must be provided

as standard)

About “First Step Guide”

The “First Step Guide” is an instruction manual you can refer to on your computer. This describes basic operations, from initial hookup of your camcorder and computer and making setting. Referring to “Installing the “First Step Guide,”” start the “First Step Guide,” then follow the instructions.

Installing “First Step Guide”

Copy “FirstStepGuide(PDF),” stored in the desired language in the [FirstStepGuide] folder, to your computer.

Viewing “First Step Guide”

Double-click “FirstStepGuide(PDF).”

If no software for viewing PDF files is installed on your computer, you can download Adobe Reader from the following website: http://www.adobe.com/

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using your camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer.

• Overall operations/Easy Handycam operation/

Remote Commander......................................85

• Batteries/Power sources ................................86

• LCD screen/viewfinder ................................. 87

• Discs/“Memory Stick Duo” ..........................87

• Recording ......................................................88

• Playing back on your camcorder ..................90

• Playing back a disc on other devices ............ 91

• Editing movies on the disc ............................ 91

• Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices ..

.......................................................................92

• Connecting to a computer .............................92

• Functions that cannot be used simultaneously

.......................................................................92

Overall operations/Easy Handycam operation/Remote Commander

The power does not turn on.

• Attach a charged battery pack to the camcorder (p. 22).

• Connect the plug of the AC Adaptor to the wall outlet (p. 22).

The camcorder does not operate even when the power is set to on.

• It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be ready to shoot after the power is turned on. This is not a malfunction.

• Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet or remove the battery pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not work, press the RESET button (p. 113) using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press the RESET button, all settings, including the clock setting, are reset.)

• The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.

Buttons do not work.

• During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons/functions are not available. – BACK LIGHT button (p.37) – Playback zoom (p.41) – Turning the LCD backlight on and off

(pressing and holding the DISP BATT/ INFO button for a few seconds) (p.27)

The (OPTION) button is not displayed.

• The OPTION MENU cannot be used during Easy Handycam operation.

The menu settings have been changed.

• Most menu items automatically return to their default settings during Easy Handycam operation.

• The following menu items are fixed during Easy Handycam operation: – Movie recording mode: [SP]

QUALITY] for still images: [FINE]

–[ – [DATA CODE]: [DATE/TIME] – Recording format for DVD-RW: [VIDEO]

• The following menu items return to their default settings if the POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) for more than 12 hours: –[FOCUS] – [SPOT FOCUS] – [EXPOSURE] – [SPOT METER] – [SCENE SELECTION] – [WHITE BAL. ] – [MICREF LEVEL]

Troubleshooting

Continued ,

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Even if you press EASY, menu settings do not switch to their defaults automatically.

• Following menu settings remain as they were set even during Easy Handycam operation. – [FILE NO. ] – [VOLUME] – [TV TYPE] –[ DISPLAY] – [BEEP] – [SUB-T DATE] – [CLOCK SET] – [AREA SET] – [DST SET]/[SUMMERTIME] – [WIDE SELECT] * – [DEMO MODE] – [FLASH MODE] ** – [ LANGUAGE SET]

* DCR-DVD108/DVD608 **DCR-DVD308/DVD708

Your camcorder vibrates.

• Vibration occurs depending on the condition of the disc. This is not a malfunction.

A vibration is felt in your hand or a faint sound is heard during operation.

• This is not a malfunction.

A motor sound is heard in the camcorder when the disc cover is closed without a disc.

• Your camcorder is trying to recognize the disc. This is not a malfunction.

Your camcorder gets warm.

• This is because the power has been turned on for a long time. This is not a malfunction. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.

The supplied Remote Commander does not function (DCR-DVD308/ DVD708).

• Set [REMOTE CTRL] to [ON] (p. 72).

• Insert a battery into the battery holder with the +/– polarities correctly matching the +/– marks (p. 114).

• Remove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the remote sensor.

• Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not function properly.

Another DVD device malfunctions when you use the supplied Remote Commander (DCR-DVD308/DVD708).

• Select a commander mode other than DVD 2 for your DVD device, or cover the sensor of your DVD device with black paper.

Batteries/Power sources

The power abruptly turns off.

• When approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off (A.SHUT OFF). Change the setting of [A.SHUT OFF] (p. 72), or turn on the power again, or use the AC Adaptor.

• Charge the battery pack (p. 22).

The CHG (charge) lamp does not light while the battery pack is being charged.

• Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) (p. 22).

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 22).

• Connect the power cord to the wall outlet properly.

• The battery charge is completed (p. 22).

The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.

• Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 22). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged.

The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.

• The temperature of the environment is too high or too low. This is not a malfunction.

• The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p. 22).

• The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use.

The battery pack is quickly discharged.

• The temperature of the environment is too high or low. This is not a malfunction.

• The battery pack has not been charged enough. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the battery pack with a new one (p. 22).

LCD screen/viewfinder

The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.

• Touch the LCD screen lightly.

• Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder (or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander for DCR-DVD308/DVD708) (p. 27).

The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.

• Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 105).

Menu items are grayed out.

• You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback status.

• Some functions cannot be used simultaneously (p. 92).

The image in the viewfinder is not clear.

• Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the image appears clearly (p. 27).

The image in the viewfinder has disappeared.

• Close the LCD panel. No image is displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is open (p. 27).

A dotted line appears on the LCD screen.

• This is not malfunction and does not affect recorded images.

Discs/“Memory Stick Duo”

The disc cannot be removed.

• Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 22).

• The disc is damaged or is dirty with fingerprints, etc. In this case, it may take up to 10 minutes to remove the disc.

• The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.

• Finalizing is interrupted by turning off your camcorder. Turn on your camcorder and remove the disc after finalizing is completed (p. 46).

Images cannot be deleted.

• The maximum number of images that you can delete on the index screen at one time is

100.

• Images cannot be deleted depending on the type and recording format of a disc (p. 15,

48).

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Remaining disc space indicator is not displayed.

• Set [ REMAINING] to [ON] to always display the remaining disc space indicator (p. 65).

The indicators of the disc type and the recording format on the LCD screen are grayed out.

• The disc may have been created other than your camcorder. You can play back with your camcorder, but you cannot record additional scenes.

You cannot operate functions using the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• If you use a “Memory Stick Duo” formatted on a computer, format it again on your camcorder (p. 60).

You cannot delete or format the “Memory Stick Duo.”

• The maximum number of images that you can delete on the index screen at one time is

100.

• You cannot delete still images that have write-protection set by another device.

Data file name is incorrect or flashing

• The file may be corrupted.

• The file format may not be supported by your camcorder. Use the supported file

(p. 101).

format

Recording

Refer also to “Discs/"Memory Stick Duo"” (p. 87).

Pressing START/STOP does not record movies on the disc.

• The playback screen is displayed. Set your camcorder to recording standby (p. 35).

• Your camcorder is recording the scene you have just shot on the disc.

• The disc has run out of space. Use a new disc or format the disc (DVD-RW/DVD+RW only, p. 59). Or delete the unnecessary images (p. 48).

• When you are using one of the following discs after finalizing it, make the disc to be able to record additional scenes (p.60). Or use a new disc. – DVD-RW (VIDEO mode) –DVD+RW

• The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.

• Moisture condensation has occurred with the disc. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for about 1 hour in a cool place (p. 105).

You cannot record a still image.

• The playback screen is displayed. Set your camcorder to recording standby (p. 35).

• The “Memory Stick Duo” has run out of space. Use a new “Memory Stick Duo” or format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 60). Or delete the unnecessary images (p. 49).

• You cannot record a still image on a disc on your camcorder.

The ACCESS lamp lights up even when you stop recording.

• Your camcorder is recording the scene you have just shot on the disc.

The recording angle looks different (DCR-DVD308/DVD708).

• The recording angle may look different depending on the mode of your camcorder. This is not a malfunction.

The actual recording time for movie is less than the expected approximate recording time of a disc.

• Depending on an object, such as a fast moving object, the time available for recording may shorten (p. 14).

The recording stops.

• The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.

• Moisture condensation has occurred with the disc. Turn off your camcorder and leave it about 1 hour in a cool place (p. 105).

[STEADYSHOT] does not function.

• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [ON] (p. 65).

• [STEADYSHOT] may not be able to compensate for excessive vibrations.

The BACK LIGHT function does not function.

• The BACK LIGHT function cannot be used during Easy Handycam operation.

Tiny spots in white, red, blue, or green appear on the screen.

• The spots appear when you are recording with [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS] or [COLOR SLOW SHTR]. This is not a malfunction.

The color of the image is not correctly displayed.

• Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF (p. 37).

There is a time difference between the point where you press START/ STOP and the point that the recorded movie starts/stops.

• On your camcorder, there may be a slight time difference between the point where you press START/STOP and the actual point that recording movie starts/stops. This is not a malfunction.

The movie aspect ratio (16:9/4:3) cannot be changed. (DCR-DVD308/ DVD708)

• You cannot change the movie aspect ratio if your disc is DVD+RW.

The auto focus does not function.

• Set [FOCUS] to [AUTO] (p. 75).

• The recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus manually (p. 75).

The screen image is bright, and the subject does not appear on the screen.

• Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF (p. 37).

The screen image is dark, and the subject does not appear on the screen (DCR-DVD308/DVD708).

• Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds to turn on the backlight (DCRDVD308/DVD708) (p. 27).

Undesirable flicker occurs.

• This occurs when recording images under a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp, or mercury lamp. This is not malfunction.

Continued ,

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting (Continued)

A vertical band appears when recording candlelight or electric light in the dark.

• This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is too high. This is not a malfunction.

A vertical white line may appear on an image taken in bright light.

• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.

Black bands appear when you record a TV screen or computer screen.

• Set [STEADYSHOT] to [OFF] (p. 65).

[S. NIGHTSHOT PLS] cannot be operated.

• Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON (p. 37).

[COLOR SLOW SHTR] does not operate correctly.

• [COLOR SLOW SHTR] may not operate correctly in total darkness. Use NightShot plus or [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS].

You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL].

• You cannot adjust [LCD BL LEVEL] when: – The LCD panel is closed on your

camcorder with the LCD screen facing out.

– The power is supplied from the AC

Adaptor.

You cannot use [WIDE SELECT] (DCR-DVD108/DVD608).

• You cannot use [WIDE SELECT] if your disc is DVD+RW.

Playing back on your camcorder

You cannot play back a disc.

• Turn the POWER switch to turn on your camcorder and press (VIEW IMAGES).

• On the HOME MENU, touch (VIEW IMAGES), then [VISUAL INDEX].

• Check out the disc compatibility (p. 14).

• Insert a disc with the recording side facing your camcorder (p.28).

• The disc that was recorded, formatted, of finalized on other devices may not be played back on your camcorder.

The playback image is distorted.

• Clean the disc using a soft cloth (p. 101).

Still images stored on a “Memory Stick Duo” cannot be played back.

• Still images cannot be played back if you have modified files or folders, or have edited the data on a computer. (The file name flashes in that case.) This is not a malfunction (p. 102).

• Still images recorded on other devices may not be played back. This is not a malfunction (p. 102).

“ ” is indicated on an image in the VISUAL INDEX screen.

• Loading of the data may have failed. It may be indicated correctly when you turn off the power and then turn it on again, or repeat removing and inserting the “Memory Stick Duo” a couple of times.

• This may appear on still images recorded on other devices, edited on a computer, etc.

No sound or only a quiet sound is heard when playing back a disc.

• Turn up the volume (p. 40).

• Sound is not output when the LCD screen is closed. Open the LCD screen.

• When you record sound with [MICREF LEVEL] (p. 79) set to [LOW], the recorded sound may be difficult to hear.

Playing back a disc on other devices

You cannot play back the disc, or the disc is not recognized.

• Clean the disc using a soft cloth (p. 101).

• Finalize the disc (p. 44).

• A disc recorded in VR mode cannot be played back on a device that does not support VR mode. Check the compatibility in the instruction manual of the playback device.

The playback image is distorted.

• Clean the disc using a soft cloth (p. 101).

“ ” is indicated on an image in the DVD menu.

• Loading of the data may have failed when the disc was finalized. For the following discs, make the disc capable of additional recording (p. 60), then remake the DVD menu by finalizing the disc again (p. 47). The DVD menu may be displayed correctly. – DVD-RW (VIDEO mode) – DVD+RW

Playback freezes for an instant between the scenes.

• The image may freeze for an instant between scenes depending on the device being used. This is not a malfunction.

• In case of a DVD+R DL, the image may freeze for an instant when the recording layer changes. This is not a malfunction.

Playback does not move to the previous scene when you press ..

• If playback crosses 2 titles made automatically by your camcorder when . is pressed, playback may not move to the previous scene. Select the desired scene from the menu screen. Refer to the instruction manual of the playback device for further information.

Editing movies on the disc

Unable to edit.

• Your disc may not be configured for editing data (p. 15).

• There are no images recorded on the disc.

• Unable to edit because of the condition of the image.

• You cannot edit an image protected on another device.

• You cannot copy or move the images between a disc and a “Memory Stick Duo.”

Scenes cannot be added in the Playlist.

• The disc is full, or the added scenes exceed

999. Delete unnecessary scenes (p. 52).

• You cannot add still images in the Playlist.

A movie cannot be divided.

• A movie that is too short cannot be divided.

• A movie protected on another device cannot be divided.

A scene cannot be deleted.

• Your disc may not be configured for deleting data (p. 15).

• You cannot delete movie during the Easy Handycam operation.

• A scene protected on another device cannot be deleted.

Troubleshooting

Continued ,

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Unable to copy the images from a disc to a “Memory Stick Duo.”

• You cannot copy a movie from a disc to a “Memory Stick Duo” as a still image during playback on your camcorder.

Unable to finalize.

• Battery is running out during finalizing. Use the AC Adaptor.

• The disc has already been finalized. In the case of following discs, follow the required procedure to record additional material (p. 60): – DVD-RW (VIDEO mode) – DVD+RW

Unable to [UNFINALIZE].

• [UNFINALIZE] is not available for the following types of disc: – DVD-RW (VR mode) – DVD+RW – DVD-R – DVD+R DL

You cannot edit or record additional material on a disc using other devices.

• You may not be able to edit a disc recorded on your camcorder using other devices.

Dubbing/Editing/Connecting to other devices

You cannot hear the sound.

• When you are using the S VIDEO plug, make sure the red and white plugs of the A/V connecting cable are connected (p. 42).

The aspect ratio of the playback is not correct when connecting your camcorder to the TV.

• Set [TV TYPE] depending on your TV (p. 42, 70).

You cannot dub correctly.

• The A/V connecting cable is not connected properly. Make sure that the A/V connecting cable is connected to the proper jack, i.e. to the input jack of another device for dubbing a image from your camcorder (p. 54).

Connecting to a computer

When using the movies on a disc, a computer does not recognize your camcorder.

• Install Picture Motion Browser (p. 82).

• Disconnect the USB device other than the keyboard, the mouse, and the camcorder from the computer.

• Disconnect the cable from the computer and camcorder, restart the computer, then connect them again correctly.

Cannot use the supplied software, Picture Motion Browser, on the Macintosh computer.

• You cannot use Picture Motion Browser on a Macintosh.

Functions that cannot be used simultaneously

• The following list shows examples of unworkable combinations of functions and menu items.

Cannot use

BACK LIGHT [SPOT METER],

WIDE SELECT* [OLD MOVIE] [SCENE

SELECTION]

[SPOT FOCUS] [SCENE SELECTION]

Because of following settings

[FIREWORKS], [MANUAL] in [EXPOSURE]

NightShot plus, [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS], [COLOR SLOW SHTR], [OLD MOVIE], [TELE MACRO]

Cannot use

[SPOT METER] NightShot plus,

[EXPOSURE] NightShot plus,

[WHITE BAL. ] NightShot plus,

[S. NIGHTSHOT PLS]

[COLOR SLOW SHTR]

[FADER] [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS],

[D.EFFECT] [S. NIGHTSHOT PLS],

[OLD MOVIE] [SCENE SELECTION],

[PICT.EFFECT] [OLD MOVIE] [TELE MACRO] [SCENE SELECTION] [AUTO SLW

SHUTTR]

[WIDE SELECT]**

* DCR-DVD308/DVD708 ** DCR-DVD108/DVD608

Because of following settings

[S. NIGHTSHOT PLS]

[S. NIGHTSHOT PLS] [FADER], [D.EFFECT]

[FADER], [D.EFFECT], [SCENE SELECTION]

[COLOR SLOW SHTR], [D.EFFECT], [CANDLE], [FIREWORKS]

[COLOR SLOW SHTR], [FADER]

[PICT.EFFECT]

[S. NIGHTSHOT PLS], [SCENE SELECTION], [COLOR SLOW SHTR], [D.EFFECT]

[OLD MOVIE]

Troubleshooting

Warning indicators and messages

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators

If indicators appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. Some symptoms you can fix by yourself. If the problem per sists even after you have tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

C:04:00

C:(or E:) ss:ss (Self-diagnosis display)

C:04:ss

• The battery pack is not an

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (p.103).

• Connect the DC plug of the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack of your camcorder securely (p.22).

C:13:ss

• The disc is faulty. Use a compatible disc with your camcorder (p.14).

• The disc is dirty or has scratches on it. Clean the disc with the supplied cleaning cloth (p.101).

C:32:ss

• Symptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove the disc and insert it again, then operate your camcorder again.

• Remove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your camcorder again.

• Turn on your camcorder again.

E:20:ss / E:31:ss / E:61:ss / E:62:ss / E:91:ss / E:94:ss

• A malfunction that you cannot service has occurred. Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized So ny service facility. Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.”

101-0001 (Warning indicator pertaining to files)

Slow flashing

• The file is damaged.

• The file is unreadable.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

discs)

Slow flashing

• A disc is not inserted.*

• Less than 5 minutes remains for recording movies.

• A disc that cannot be read or written is inserted, such as the single-sided disc inserted inside out.

Fast flashing

• An unrecognizable disc is inserted.*

• A finalized DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)/ DVD+RW is inserted into your camcorder during recording standby.

• The disc is fully recorded.*

• The disc recorded in the different TV color system from your camcorder is inserted when (Movie) is selected.*

Z (You need to remove the disc)*

Fast flashing

• An unrecognizable disc is inserted.

• The disc is fully recorded.

• An error might have occurred with the disc drive in your camcorder.

• A finalized disc is inserted.

E (Battery level warning)

Slow flashing

• The battery pack is nearly used up.

• Depending on the operating,

environment, or battery conditions, E may flash, even if there are approximately 20 minutes remaining.

(High temperature warning)

Slow flashing

• The temperature of your camcorder is getting higher. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.

Fast flashing*

• The temperature of your camcorder is extremely high. Turn off your camcorder and leave it for a while in a cool place.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo”)

• No “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted (p. 29).

(Warning indicators pertaining to

“Memory Stick Duo” formatting)*

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is damaged.

• The “Memory Stick Duo” is not formatted correctly (p. 60, 101).

(Warning indicator pertaining to

incompatible “Memory Stick Duo”)*

• An incompatible “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted (

p. 101).

- (Warning indicator pertaining

to the write-protect of the “Memory Stick Duo”)*

• The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick Duo” is set to lock (p. 102).

• Access to the “Memory Stick Duo” was restricted on another device.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

the flash)

Fast flashing

• There is something wrong with the flash.

(Warning indicator pertaining to

camera-shake warning)

• The amount of lights is not sufficient, so camera-shake easily occurs. Use the flash.

• The camcorder is unsteady, so camerashake easily occurs. Hold the camcorder steady with both hands and shoot the image. However, note that the camera-shake warning indicator does not disappear.

* You hear a melody when the warning indicators

appear on the screen (p. 69).

Description of warning messages

If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions.

x Disc

ZRecording on disc disabled.

• A malfunction has occurred with the disc and the disc cannot be used.

Playback prohibited.

• You are trying to play back an incompatible disc with your camcorder.

• You are trying to play back an image recorded with a copyright protection signal.

Troubleshooting

Continued ,

Warning indicators and messages (Continued)

Z Need to unfinalize disc.

• To record on the finalized DVD-RW (VIDEO mode), unfinalize it (p. 60).

Disc error. Remove disc.

• Your camcorder cannot recognize the disc, because the disc is incompatible or has scratches.

Z Disc error. Unsupported

format.

• The disc recorded in the different format code from your camcorder. Formatting the disc may enable you to use the disc on your camcorder (DVDRW/DVD+RW only) (p.59).

x “Memory Stick Duo”

Reinsert the Memory Stick.

• Reinsert the “Memory Stick Duo” a few times. If even then the indicator flashes, the “Memory Stick Duo” could be damaged. Try with another “Memory Stick Duo.”

This Memory Stick is not

formatted correctly.

• Check the format, then format the "Memory Stick Duo" with your camcorder if necessary (p. 60, 101).

Memory Stick folders are full.

• You cannot create folders exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using your camcorder.

• You will have to format the “Memory Stick Duo” (p. 60), or delete them using your computer.

x PictBridge compliant printer

Not connected to PictBridge compatible printer.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it.

Cannot print. Check the printer.

• Switch off the printer and switch it on again, then disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it.

x Others

No further selection is possible.

• You can select up to 100 images only when: – deleting images – editing the playlist – printing still images

Data protected.

• The disc has been protected with another device.

Cannot divide.

• You cannot divided a movie that is extremely short.

Recovering data Avoid any vibration.

• Your camcorder tries to recover data automatically if the data writing was not performed properly.

Cannot recover data on disc.

• Writing data to the disc has failed. Attempts were made to recover the data, but they were unsuccessful.

Please wait.

• This is displayed if the disc removal process takes time. Turn on the camcorder and leave it for about 10 minutes, preventing vibration.

Troubleshooting

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad

Power supply

You can use your camcorder in any countries/regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet [b].

AC-L200/L200B [a] [b]

On TV color systems

Your camcorder is an NTSC-system-based camcorder. If you want to view the playback image on a TV, it must be an NTSC-system-based TV with an AUDIO/ VIDEO input jack.

System Used in

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America,

NTSC

PAL - M Brazil

PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay.

SECAM

Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New

PAL

Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, etc.

Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

Setting to the local time

You can easily set the clock to the local time by setting a time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set (SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/ LANG] t [AREA SET] and [DST SET]/[SUMMERTIME] on the HOME MENU (p. 71).

World time difference

Time-zone differences

GMT Lisbon, London

+01:00 Berlin, Paris

+02:00 Helsinki, Cairo, Istanbul

+03:00 Moscow, Nairobi

+03:30 Tehran

+04:00 Abu Dhabi, Baku

+04:30 Kabul

+05:00 Karachi, Islamabad

+05:30 Calcutta, New Delhi

+06:00 Almaty, Dhaka

+06:30 Rangoon

+07:00 Bangkok, Jakarta

+08:00 Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing

+09:00 Seoul, Tokyo

+09:30 Adelaide, Darwin

+10:00 Melbourne, Sydney

Area setting

Time-zone differences

+11:00 Solomon Is.

+12:00 Fiji, Wellington

–12:00 Eniwetok, Kwajalein

–11:00 Midway Is., Samoa

–10:00 Hawaii

–09:00 Alaska

–08:00 Los Angeles, Tijuana

–07:00 Denver, Arizona

–06:00 Chicago, Mexico City

–05:00 New York, Bogota

–04:00 Santiago

–03:30 St. John’ s

–03:00 Brasilia, Montevideo

–02:00 Fernando de Noronha

–01:00 Azores, Cape Verde Is.

Area setting

Additional Information

Maintenance and precautions

About the Disc

See page 14 for the details of discs which you can use with your camcorder.

Notes on use

• Hold the disc by its edge while supporting the center hole lightly. Do not touch the recording side (the opposite of the printed side when using a single-sided disc).

• Before shooting, be sure to remove dust and fingerprints from the disc with a soft cloth. Otherwise you may not be able to record or play normally in some situations using that disc.

• When you set the disc in your camcorder, press firmly until it clicks. When the message [C:13:ss] appears on the LCD screen, open the disc cover and set the disc again.

• Do not attach any adhesive material such as a sticker on the surface of a disc. If you do so, the disc may become unbalanced, and this may cause a malfunction of the disc or your camcorder.

Use of double-sided discs

Double-sided discs allow you to record both sides of a disc.

x Recording on the A side

Place the disc in your camcorder with the side with the symbol at the center facing outwards until it clicks.

symbol

Place the symbol facing outwards. Recording is made on the rear side.

• When using a double-sided disc, take care not to smudge the surface with fingerprints.

• When a double-sided disc is used in your camcorder, recording/playback are performed on that side only. You cannot switch to record on or play back the other side with the disc set to the camcorder. When recording/playback of one side is complete, remove the disc and turn it over to access the other side.

• Perform the following operations on each side of a double-sided disc:

– Finalizing (p. 44) – Unfinalizing (p. 60) – Formatting (p. 59)

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Sony DCR-DVD108, DCR-DVD308, DCR-DVD608, DCR-DVD708 Operating Instruction

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Read this before operating your camcorder

Subject examples and solutions

Enjoying with your camcorder

What you can do with your camcorder

Choosing a disc

Using your camcorder

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

Step 3: Turning the power on, and setting the date and time

Changing the language setting

Step 4: Preparing for recording

Step 5: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo”

Recording/Playback

Recording and playing back with ease (Easy Handycam)

Recording

Zooming

Recording sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) (DCR-DVD308/ DVD708)

Recording in dark places (NightShot plus)

Recording in mirror mode

Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) (DCR-DVD308/DVD708)

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects

Playback

Using PB zoom Playing back a series of still

Playing the picture on a TV

Editing

(OTHERS) category

Deleting images

Dividing the image

Creating the Playlist

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders

Utilizing recording media

Playing a disc on other devices

Finding the right disc (DISC SELECT GUIDE)

Deleting all scenes on the disc (Formatting)

Recording additional scenes after finalizing

Customizing your camcorder

What you can do with the (SETTINGS) category of the HOME MENU

Using the HOME MENU

List of the (SETTINGS) category items

MOVIE SETTINGS

(Items for recording movies)

PHOTO SETTINGS

(Items for recording still images)

VIEW IMAGES SET

(Items to customize the display)

SOUND/DISP SET

(Items to adjust beep and the screen)

OUTPUT SETTINGS

(Items for when connecting other devices)

CLOCK/ LANG

(Items to set clock and language)

GENERAL SET

(Other setup items)

Activating functions using the OPTION MENU

Using the OPTION MENU

Recording items on the OPTION MENU

Viewing items on the OPTION MENU

Functions set in the OPTION MENU

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows computer

Installing the “First Step Guide” and software

Viewing “First Step Guide”

Using a Macintosh computer

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Warning indicators and messages

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad

Maintenance and precautions