Sony DCR-DVD650, DCR-DVD850 User Manual

4-125-249-11(1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

DCR-DVD650/DVD850

Enjoying with Your

Camcorder

Getting Started 21

Recording/Playback 34

Editing 49

Utilizing Media 67

Customizing Your

Camcorder

Performing with Your

Computer

Troubleshooting 102

Additional

Information

Quick

Reference

Spanish Quick Guide/

Guía rápida en español

114

130

140

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

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. ACSerial No.

WARNING

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

Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

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 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

• Read these instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow all instructions.

• Do not use this apparatus near water.

• Clean only with dry cloth.

• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tipover.

• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Continued ,

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)

• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required

when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

• If the shape of the plug does not fit the power outlet, use an attachment

plug adaptor of the proper configuration for the power outlet.

Read this before operating your camcorder

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

CAUTION

Battery pack

If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions.

• Do not disassemble.

• Do not crush and do not expose the battery pack to any shock or force such as hammering, dropping or stepping on it.

• Do not short circuit and do not allow metal objects to come into contact with the battery terminals.

• Do not expose to high temperature above 60°C (140°F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.

• Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.

• Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.

• Be sure to charge the battery pack using a genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack.

• Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children.

• Keep the battery pack dry.

• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by Sony.

• Dispose of used battery packs promptly as described in the instructions.

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

AC Adaptor

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

socket) immediately if any malfunction occurs while using your camcorder.

Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power source (mains) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) via the AC Adaptor.

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.

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.

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

Use the nearby wall outlet (wall socket) when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall

Continued ,

Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)

For customers in the U.S.A.

UL is an internationally recognized safety organization.

This product has received UL Listing.

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-DVD650 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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD850 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 with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides.

– “Operating Guide” (This manual) – “PMB Guide” for using your camcorder

with a computer connected (stored on the supplied CD-ROM) (p. 99)

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 and durability of recording/ playback, we recommend using Sony discs.

b Note

• Using an uncertificated disc may in a few case cause unsatisfactory recording/playback.

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

• For recording movies, it is recommended that you use “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media of 512 MB or larger marked with:

– (“Memory Stick

PRO Duo” media)*

– (“Memory Stick

PRO-HG Duo” media)

* You can use “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

media marked either with “Mark2” or without.

• See page 33 for the recordable time of “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media.

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media/“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media (This size can be used with your camcorder.)

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

• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media are both referred to as “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media in this manual.

• You cannot use any type of memory card other than those mentioned above.

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

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

• When using “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media with “Memory Stick” media compatible equipment, be sure to insert the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media into the “Memory Stick Duo” media 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. 123).

• To prevent media from being broken or recorded images from being lost, do not do the following when either of the (Movie)/ (Still) lamps (p. 25) or the ACCESS/access lamps (p. 30, 32) are 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 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.

Continued ,

Read this before operating your camcorder (Continued)

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

Black points

White, red, blue or green points

• 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.

– DCR-DVD650

Use a DVD-RW/DVD+RW for trial recording.

– DCR-DVD850

Make trial recording on the internal memory.

• Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due

to a malfunction of the camcorder, recording 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.

• If you repeat recording/deleting images for a long time, fragmentation of data occurs on the internal memory (DCRDVD850) or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media. Images cannot be saved or recorded. In such a case, save your images on another type of media first (p. 54, 64), and then format the media (p. 73).

About language setting

The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p. 26).

About disposal/transfer (DCRDVD850)

Even if you perform [MEDIA FORMAT] (p. 73) or delete all the images recorded on the internal memory, the data may not be completely deleted from the internal memory. When you give or sell your camcorder to somebody, it is recommended that you perform [ EMPTY] (p. 78) to prevent the recovery of your data. In addition to the above, when you dispose of the camcorder, it is recommended that you destroy the actual body of the camcorder.

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 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.

• Discs in this manual refers to 8cm DVD discs.

• In this manual, the internal memory (DCR-DVD850), a disc and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media are called the media.

• Unless otherwise specifically indicated, illustrations in this manual are based on DCR-DVD850.

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

About the marks used in this manual

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

Internal Memory

Disc

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS .......................... 3

Read this before operating your

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

Table of Contents .........................10

Subject examples and solutions ... 12

Enjoying with Your Camcorder

Enjoy using various “Media”

according to your needs ............. 13

Media for your camcorder ............ 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: Making adjustments before

recording .................................... 27

Step 5: Selecting media ............... 28

Step 6: Inserting a disc or “Memory

Stick PRO Duo” media ............... 30

Recording sound with more

presence (5.1ch surround

recording) (DCR-DVD850) ........40

Adjusting the exposure for backlit

subjects .................................... 41

Recording in mirror mode ........... 41

Playback .......................................42

Searching for scenes with pinpoint

accuracy (Film Roll Index) ........ 44

Searching for desired scenes by a

face (Face Index) ...................... 44

Searching for desired images by

date (Date Index) ...................... 45

Using PB zoom ............................ 45

Playing back a series of still images

(Slide show) .............................. 46

Playing the images on a TV ......... 47

Editing

(OTHERS) category ...............49

Deleting images ............................50

Capturing a still image from a movie

.....................................................53

Dubbing/copying images to media

within your camcorder ................54

Protecting images .........................57

Dividing movies ............................60

Creating the Playlist .....................61

Dubbing movies to VCR or DVD/HDD

recorders ....................................64

Checking battery information ........ 66

Utilizing Media

Recording/Playback

Recording and playing back with ease

(Easy Handycam operation) ....... 34

Recording ..................................... 38

Zooming ...................................... 40

(MANAGE MEDIA) category

.....................................................67

Making the disc compatible with

playback on other devices

(Finalizing) ..................................68

Playing a disc on other devices .... 71

Checking media information .........72

Formatting media ..........................73

Recording additional movies after

finalizing .....................................75

Finding the right disc (DISC SELECT

GUIDE) .......................................76

Repairing the image database file

.....................................................77

Preventing data on the internal

memory from being recovered

(DCR-DVD850) ...........................78

Performing with Your Computer

What you can do with Windows

computer .....................................95

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ..........................102

Warning indicators and messages

...................................................110

Customizing Your Camcorder

What you can do with the

(SETTINGS) category of the

HOME MENU ........................79

Using the HOME MENU .............. 79

List of the (SETTINGS) category

items ......................................... 80

MOVIE SETTINGS .......................81

(Items for recording movies)

PHOTO SETTINGS ......................83

(Items for recording still images)

VIEW IMAGES SET .....................84

(Items to customize the display)

SOUND/DISP SET .......................85

(Items to adjust sound and the screen)

OUTPUT SETTINGS ....................86

(Items for when connecting other devices)

CLOCK/ LANG ..........................86

(Items to set clock and language)

GENERAL SET ............................87

(Other setup items)

Activating functions using the

OPTION MENU ......................88

Using the OPTION MENU ........... 88

Recording items on the OPTION

MENU ....................................... 89

Viewing items on the OPTION

MENU ....................................... 89

Functions set in the OPTION

MENU .........................................90

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ....114

File/folder structure on the internal

memory (DCR-DVD850) and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

...................................................118

Maintenance and precautions .....119

About the disc ........................... 119

About the “Memory Stick” media

................................................. 120

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery

pack ........................................ 121

About handling of your camcorder

................................................. 123

Specifications ..............................127

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ......130

Indicators displayed during recording/

playback ....................................133

Glossary ......................................135

Index ...........................................136

Subject examples and solutions

Shooting

Flowers in close-up

B PORTRAIT...................................... 92

B FOCUS............................................ 91

B TELE MACRO ................................. 91

Focusing on the dog on the left side of the screen

B SPOT MTR/FCS .............................. 90

B FOCUS............................................ 91

B SPOT FOCUS.................................. 90

Getting a good shot of a ski slope or beach

B Backlight ........................................ 41

B BEACH............................................ 92

B SNOW ............................................ 92

Checking your golf swing

B SPORTS ..........................................92

A child on the stage under a spot light

B SPOTLIGHT.....................................92

Fireworks with all its splendor

B FIREWORKS....................................92

B FOCUS ............................................91

Enjoying with Your Camcorder

Enjoy using various “Media” according to your needs

Selecting media

You can select desired media for recording/playback/editing from the internal memory (DCRDVD850), a disc or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (p. 28). To set the media for movies or still images, you can select either [MOVIE MEDIA SET] or [PHOTO MEDIA SET] (DCRDVD850) according to your needs.

Dubbing from one type of media to another

Using the [MOVIE DUB] function on the camcorder, you can dub movies recorded on the internal memory (DCR-DVD850) or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media to a disc without connecting another device (p. 54).

Enjoying with Your Camcorder

b Notes

• You may not be able to dub movie contents depending on the type of your camcorder. For details on the compatibility of types, see page 54.

Media for your camcorder

With your camcorder, you can record images on either the internal memory (DCR-DVD850), an 8cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R or DVD+R DL disc, or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media. See page 7 for the types of “Memory Stick” media you can use in your camcorder.

Recording format for DVD-RW

When you use a DVD-RW, you can choose the recording format from VIDEO mode 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 movie can be deleted.

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

VIDEO mode and VR mode Glossary (p. 135)

Disc features

Figures in parentheses ( ) indicate reference pages.

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

Disc types and symbols

Symbols used in this manual

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

Deleting the most recent movie (51) Deleting or editing movie on your camcorder (50) – z –––

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

Finalizing required to play on other devices (68)

Making longer recordings on a side of a disc

* Formatting deletes all images and returns the recording media to its original empty state (p. 73). Even

when using a new disc, format it with your camcorder (p. 30).

** Finalizing 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.

(30)

(73)

zz – zz

zzz ––

––––z

–** zz

Recording time of movies

Figures in the table are the approximate recording time in minutes using the internal memory (DCR-DVD850) and on one side of a disc. The recordable time on the acceptable media varies depending on media type and the [REC MODE] (p. 81) setting.

Figures in ( ) are the minimum recording time.

Media type

Enjoying with Your Camcorder

9M (HQ) (high quality)

6M (SP) (standard quality)

3M (LP) (long play)

* DCR-DVD850

z Tips

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

• For DCR-DVD850: You can select the audio recording format of movies with [AUDIO MODE] (p. 81). For DCR-DVD650: Sound is recorded in 2ch stereo.

• You can check the recordable time with [MEDIA INFO] (p. 72).

• When you use a double-sided disc, you can record images on both sides (p. 119).

• See page 33 for the recordable time on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media.

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 media. Movies containing quickly moving and complex images are recorded at a higher bit rate, and this reduces the overall recording time.

5.1ch*

2ch

230 (205) 20 (18) 35 (32)

340 (205) 30 (18) 55 (32)

655 (435) 60 (44) 110 (80)

715 (460) 65 (46) 125 (90)

Using your camcorder

1Selecting media (p. 28)

You can select media separately for movies and still images. In the case of recording on a disc, 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

* Select the recording format and format the disc on your camcorder (p. 30).

zTips

• You can select the disc from [DISC SELECT GUIDE] (p. 76).

2Recording images (p. 38)

3Editing/Saving images

The available functions depend on the selected media.

x Dubbing/copying images to another type of media within your camcorder (p. 54)

x Dubbing movies to other devices (p. 64)

x Editing on a computer (p. 95)

Using the supplied application software “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser), you can import images to a computer, and save them on a disc.

4Viewing on other devices

x Viewing images on a TV (p. 47)

You can view the images recorded and edited on your camcorder on the connected TV.

x Playing the disc on other devices (p. 71)

To play a disc recorded on your camcorder on other devices, you need to finalize the disc first.

bNotes

• 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.

Enjoying with Your Camcorder

Like commercially sold 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 68.

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

Unfinalizing allows you to add movies (p. 75).

Movies can be added without unfinalizing.

Playback compatibility

Playback compatibility with all DVD devices is not guaranteed. Refer to the instruction 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 (mains lead) (1) (p. 22)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 47, 64)

USB cable (1) (p. 65)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH30 (1) (p. 22)

CD-ROM “Handycam Application Software” (1) (p. 95)

– PMB (software) including “PMB Guide”

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

Getting Started

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

DC IN jack

Battery

CHG (charge) lamp

POWER switch

Jack cover

DC plug

You can charge the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series) (p. 121) after attaching it to your camcorder.

b Notes

• Your camcorder operates only with

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (H series).

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.

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.

AC Adaptor

To the wall outlet (wall socket)

Power cord (mains lead)

4 Connect the power cord (mains

lead) to the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet (wall socket).

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.

5 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off

when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

b Notes

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

To remove the battery pack

1 Turn the POWER switch to OFF

(CHG).

2 Slide the BATT (battery) release lever

(1) and remove the battery pack (2).

BATT (battery) release lever

b Notes

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

(Still) lamp (p. 25)/ACCESS lamp (p. 30)/

access lamp (p. 32) are turned off.

• When you store the battery pack, fully discharge the battery before storing it for an extended period (p. 121).

To use a power source from a wall outlet (wall socket)

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

Charging time

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

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FH30 (supplied)

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

115

Recording time

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

When recording on the internal memory (DCR-DVD850) or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

Continuous

Battery pack

NP-FH30 (supplied)

NP-FH50 155 75

NP-FH70 330 165

NP-FH100 745 370

recording time

When recording on a disc

Battery pack

NP-FH30 (supplied)

NP-FH50 135 65

NP-FH70 290 145

NP-FH100 650 325

* Typical recording time shows the time when

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

b Notes

• See page 28 for selecting the media.

• All times measured with recording mode [SP] under the following conditions: Top: When recording with the LCD panel. Bottom: When recording with the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time*

95 45

105 50

170 85

370 185

830 415

Typical recording time*

80 40 90 45

145 70

315 155

710 355

Getting Started

Continued ,

Step 2: Charging the battery pack (Continued)

Playing time

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

When playing the internal memory (DCR-DVD850) or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

Battery pack

LCD panel opened

NP-FH30 (supplied)

NP-FH50 205 235 NP-FH70 435 505 NP-FH100 980 1120

When playing a disc

Battery pack

LCD panel opened

NP-FH30 (supplied)

NP-FH50 170 195 NP-FH70 370 415 NP-FH100 830 925

b Notes

• See page 28 for selecting the media.

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)/

ACCESS lamp (p. 30)/access lamp (p. 32).

• The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or Battery Info (p. 66) 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).

LCD panel closed

125 145

LCD panel closed

105 120

On the charging/recording/playback time

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

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

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

On the AC Adaptor

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

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.

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

3 Select the desired geographical

area with / , then touch [NEXT].

4 Set [DST SET] or [SUMMERTIME],

then touch [NEXT].

5 Set [Y] (year) with / .

Getting Started

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

Go to step 3 when you turn on your camcorder for the first time.

2 Touch (HOME) t

(SETTINGS) t [CLOCK/

LANG] t [CLOCK SET].

The [CLOCK SET] screen appears.

6 Select [M] with / , then set

the month with / .

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

the same way, then touch [NEXT].

8 Make sure that the clock is

correctly set, then touch .

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

2037. For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.

To turn off the power

Turn the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). The (Movie) lamp flashes for a few seconds, and the power turns off.

Continued ,

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

b Notes

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3

months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets

discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the built-in rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 126).

• It takes a few seconds for your camcorder to be ready to shoot after the power is turned on. You cannot operate your camcorder during this time.

• In the default setting, the power turns off automatically if you leave your camcorder unoperated for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 87).

z Tips

• The date and time does not appear during recording, but they are automatically recorded on the media, and can be displayed during playback ([DATA CODE], p. 84).

• See page 117 for information concerning “World time difference.”

• If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION], p. 124).

Changing the language setting

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

t [CLOCK/ LANG] t

[ LANGUAGE SET], then select the desired language.

t (SETTINGS)

Step 4: Making adjustments before 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.

Adjusting the 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

camcorder 290 degrees (max.)

• Touch (HOME) t (SETTINGS) t [SOUND/DISP SET] t [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 85), and adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

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

Adjusting the 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. Pull out and look into the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder to your eyesight.

Viewfinder

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Move it until the image becomes clear.

Fastening the grip belt

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

Getting Started

2180 degrees (max.)

b Notes

• Do not press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally 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.

DISP

Step 5: Selecting media

You can set the media to be used for movies and still images separately. For movies, you can select the internal memory*, a disc, or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media. For still images, you can select the internal memory*, or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media.

DCR-DVD650

In the default setting, movies are recorded on a disc. Still images are recorded on “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media only.

DCR-DVD850

In the default setting, both movies and still images are recorded on the internal memory.

Internal memory

Movie Still image

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

* DCR-DVD850

b Notes

• You can record, play back, or edit images on the selected media. When you record, play back, or edit

images on other media, select media again.

Selecting media for movies

1 Touch (HOME) t

(MANAGE MEDIA) t [MOVIE

MEDIA SET].

The movie media setting screen appears.

Disc

4 When [Completed.] appears,

touch .

The movie media is changed.

2 Touch the desired media.

3 Touch [YES].

Selecting media for still images (DCR-DVD850)

1 Touch (HOME) t

(MANAGE MEDIA) t [PHOTO

MEDIA SET].

The still image media setting screen appears.

To confirm the selected media

1 Slide the POWER switch to turn on the

lamp of the mode ( (Movie)/

(Still)) that you want to check the

media.

2 Confirm the media icon displayed at the

upper right corner of the screen.

Media icon

Getting Started

2 Touch the desired media.

b Notes

• You cannot select a disc for the still image media.

3 Touch [YES].

4 When [Completed.] appears,

touch .

The still image media is changed.

Internal memory*

Disc (The icon differs depending on the disc type (p. 14).)

“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

* DCR-DVD850

Step 6: Inserting a disc or “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

When you select [INT. MEMORY] in “Step 5,” this “Step 6” operation is unnecessary (DCR-DVD850).

Inserting a disc

When you select [DISC] in “Step 5,” a new 8 cm DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R, or DVD+R DL is required (p. 14).

b Notes

• Remove dust or fingerprints from the disc

beforehand, using a soft cloth (p. 120).

1 Check that the power of your

camcorder is on.

3 Set the disc with the recording

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

2 Slide the disc cover OPEN switch

in the direction of the arrow (OPEN l).

[PREPARING TO OPEN] appears on the screen. The disc cover slightly opens automatically.

ACCESS lamp (Disc)

Disc cover OPEN

switch

Pickup lens

When the disc cover opens slightly, open it further.

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

4 Close the disc cover.

[DISC ACCESS] appears on the 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 5.

x DVD-R/DVD+R DL

You can start recording immediately after [DISC ACCESS] disappears from the screen. You do not need to proceed to steps after step 5.

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