Sony DCR-DVD7 User Manual

Digital Video Camera Recorder

Operating Guide

2-597-462-11 (1)

Recording/

Playback

Getting Started

Enjoying your

DVD Handycam

Playback on DVD devices

Using the recorded disc

Using the Setup items

Editing on DVD Handycam

Dubbing

Using a Computer

Troubleshooting

Additional Information

Easy

Handycam

DCR-DVD7

Read this ﬁrst

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

WARNING

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

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.

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.

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. DCR-DVD7

Serial No.

Model No. AC-

Serial No.

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

Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD7 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, 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.

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 2 kinds of operations guides.

– “Operating guide” (This manual) – “First Step Guide” for using the supplied

software (stored on the supplied CD-ROM)

On using the camcorder

•

Do not hold the camcorder by the

following parts.

Battery cover

Disc cover

•

When you operate your camcorder placed

on a table or so, make sure it is so stable that there is no risk that the camcorder may fall down. Using the supplied stand (p. 16) is recommended.

•

To prevent discs from being broken or

recorded pictures from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p. 20) or the ACCESS lamp (p. 23) is on:

− to remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder.

− to apply mechanical shock or vibration to the camcorder.

•

Before connecting your camcorder to

another device with a USB cable etc., be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

Notes on the Setup items, LCD screen and lens

•

A setup item that is grayed out is not

available under the current recording or playback conditions.

•

The LCD screen is manufactured using

extremely high-precision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen. These points are normal.

•

Exposing the LCD screen or the lens to

direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors.

•

If you apply mechanical shock to around the lens or shake the camcorder back and forth, the picture may be distorted for a moment.

•

Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might

cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.

On recording

•

Before starting to record, test the

recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems. You cannot delete images once you record them on a DVD-R. Use a DVD-RW/DVD+RW (not supplied) for trial recording (p.13).

•

Compensation for the contents of

recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible

Read this ﬁrst (continued)

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. You cannot dub copyright protected software on your camcorder.

On this manual

•

The images of the LCD screen used on this manual are captured using a digital still camera, and thus may appear different from what you see.

•

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.63).

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 stands for Modulation Transfer

Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

•

You can use 8cm DVD-Rs, 8cm DVD-

RWs and 8cm DVD+RWs only. Use the discs with marks listed below.

•

For reliability and durability of recording

/playback, we recommend that you use Sony discs or discs with the * “for VIDEO CAMERA” mark for your DVD Handycam. Using a disc other than above may cause unsatisfactory recording/playback or you may not be able to remove the disc from your DVD Handycam.

* Depending on the place you bought, the disc

has the mark.

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 the cleaning cloth supplied with your camcorder. 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:] 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.

About the disc

Care and storage of the discs

•

Keep the disc clean, or the quality of the

audio and video output may deteriorate.

•

Clean the disc with the supplied cleaning

cloth. Wipe the disc from the center out. For dirt, clean the disc with a soft cloth slightly moistened in water, then remove the moisture with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents such as benzine, cleaners intended for vinyl LPs or antistatic splay, as they may cause a malfunction to the disc.

•

Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight

or leave it in a humid place.

•

When you carry or store the disc, put it in

its case.

•

When you want to write letters or marks,

etc. on a single sided disc, write only on the printed side using an oil-based marker with a felt-tip, and do not touch the ink until it dries. Do not heat the disc or use a sharp-pointed tool, such as ball point pen. Do not dry the surface by heating. You cannot write on, or mark, on the doublesided discs.

Table of Contents

Enjoying your DVD Handycam

What you can do with your DVD Handycam ............................................10

Choosing a disc ....................................................................................... 13

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items .............................................................16

Step 2: Charging the battery pack ...........................................................17

Step 3: Turning the power on, and holding your camcorder ....................20

Step 4: Using the touch panel .................................................................21

Step 5: Setting the date and time ............................................................22

Step 6: Inserting a disc ............................................................................ 23

Easy Handycam

– using your camcorder with automatic settings

Operate your camcorder with ease .........................................................25

Recording with ease ................................................................................26

Playing back with ease ............................................................................27

Preparation for playing back on a DVD player (Finalizing) ......................28

Recording/Playback

Recording ................................................................................................30

Playback .................................................................................................. 31

Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ............................................32

Recording To zoom� To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects To adjust the focus for an off center subject To ﬁx the exposure for the selected subject To add special effects To use a tripod Playback To play back the images in sequence

To use PB ZOOM

Recording/playback

To check the remaining battery To turn off the operation conﬁrmation beep To initialize the settings Other part names and functions

Checking/Deleting the last scene

(Review/Review deleting) ........................................................................34

Indicators displayed during recording/playback .......................................35

Remote Commander ...............................................................................37

Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................38

Playback on DVD devices

Making the disc compatible with DVD players or DVD drives

(Finalizing) ...............................................................................................40

Playing back a disc on DVD players, etc. ................................................44

Playing back a disc on a computer with a DVD drive installed ................44

Using the recorded disc (DVD-RW/DVD+RW)

Recording additional scenes after ﬁnalizing ............................................46

Deleting all of the scenes on the disc (Formatting) .................................47

Using the Setup items

Using the Setup items ....................................................................48

Setup items .............................................................................................50

CAMERA SET ...................................................................................52

Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions (EXPOSURE/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)

STILL SET ........................................................................................56

Settings for still images (QUALITY/FILE NO.)

PICT.APPLI.. .....................................................................................57

Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording playback (D.EFFECT/PICT.EFFECT/SLIDE SHOW, etc.)

DISC SET ..........................................................................................59

Settings for discs (FORMAT/FINALIZE/UNFINALIZE, etc.)

STANDARD SET ...............................................................................59

Settings while recording on a disc or other basic settings (REC MODE/LCD SET/USB SPEED, etc.)

TIME/LANGU. ..................................................................................63

(CLOCK SET/AREA SET/LANGUAGE, etc.)

Customizing Personal Menu ....................................................................64

Editing on DVD Handycam (DVD-RW: VR mode)

Editing the original data ........................................................................... 66

Creating the Playlist ................................................................................68

Playing the Playlist ..................................................................................71

Dubbing

Connecting to a VCR or TV .....................................................................72

Jacks to connect external devices

Dubbing to VCR/DVD devices .................................................................73

Recording images from a TV or VCR/DVD device .................................74

Using a computer

Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer ...................75

Installing the software ..............................................................................76

Viewing “First Step Guide” .......................................................................79

Table of Contents (continued)

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................80

Warning indicators and messages ..........................................................93

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad .................................................................97

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack .....................................................99

Maintenance and precautions ...............................................................101

Speciﬁcations ........................................................................................105

Index ......................................................................................................107

Enjoying your DVD Handycam

What you can do with your DVD Handycam

Your DVD Handycam records images on an 8cm DVD* disc, which makes it easier to record and view images. You can enjoy your DVD Handycam in ways that are different from those of other media.

A VISUAL INDEX screen shows the disc contents at a glance

Movies and still images are recorded on the same disc. You can ﬁnd the desired scene quickly using this index (p. 27, 31).

A Slide show plays back still images, one after another

You can play back still images one after another using the Slide show function. You can also enjoy the Slide show on a DVD player if you ﬁnalize** the disc (p. 28, 40).

Using your DVD Handycam

Preparing Recording

Playing back on the DVD Handycam

Playing back on DVD players

(Finalize** the disc)

(p. 16) (p. 26, 30) (p. 27, 31) (p. 28, 40)

Enjoying your DVD Handycam

Playing back the recorded disc on other DVD devices

You can play back a disc on other DVD players or on the DVD drive of a computer if you ﬁnalize** it. You can also create a DVD menu that helps you to ﬁnd the desired image quickly, from a list of thumbnails (p. 28, 40).

Editing a disc using the supplied software

You can create your own DVD discs adding special effects or music to images using the Picture Package software supplied with your camcorder (p. 75).

* DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is a high capacity optical disc which enables you to record images. In this

manual, an 8cm DVD disc is described as a “disc.”

**Finalizing means converting a recorded disc so that it can be played back on other DVD playback

equipment (p. 28, 40). After ﬁnalizing a disc, you may not be able to record on it again on your DVD Handycam, depending on the disc type and the recording format (p. 13).

What you can do with your DVD Handycam (continued)

DVD functions different from those of tape media

Easy to record, then to play back recordings without rewinding

You can start recording and check the recorded images without rewinding or fast forwarding. Images are stored on the free space on the disc automatically. Therefore, you will not delete important images accidentally.

Transferring data to your computer at high speed

You can import data to your computer in less time than the actual recording time. If your computer supports Hi-Speed USB (USB2.0), you can transfer data at a faster rate.

Adjusting the image quality that suits each scene

You can record images on a disc utilizing the disc capacity more effectively thanks to the VBR* encoding system that adjusts image quality automatically according to the scene being recorded. Recording an object that moves fast requires more space to record clear images on a disc. Therefore, the available recording time may be shorter than normal.

* VBR stands for Variable Bit Rate. This feature enables your DVD Handycam to adjust the bit rate

(recording capacity per a certain time) automatically in accordance with each of the recorded scenes.

Enjoying your DVD Handycam

Choosing a disc

What kinds of disc can I use?

The kinds of disc that you can use in your DVD Handycam are as follows. When you use a DVD-RW, you can choose the recording format from VIDEO mode or VR mode.

Disc type and the recording format

8cm DVD-R 8cm DVD-RW 8cm DVD+RW

VIDEO mode VR mode

Marks used in this manual

Features

This kind of disc can be recorded only once.

This kind of disc can be overwritten repeatedly, even when the disc is full, if you format* it.

•

Use Sony disc or discs with the mark. Depending on the place you bought it, the disc has the mark.

Differences in the recording format on DVD-RWs

Note on DVD+RW

If you playback the DVD+RW recorded in [16:9WIDE] (p. 55) on a DVD player connected to a 4:3 TV which does not support 16:9 pictures, the picture will appear compressed lengthwise. If the DVD+RW is recorded in the default setting, the picture will appear in 4:3 ratio when it is played back under the above condition.

•

Refer to the instruction manuals supplied with

your TV.

Examples of incompatible discs

•

12cm DVD-R

•

12cm DVD-RW

•

12cm DVD+RW

•

DVD+R

•

DVD-RAM

•

DVD-ROM

•

CD-R

•

CD-ROM

•

CD-RW

has wide compatibility with other

players.

(Video Recording mode) enables you to edit, such as deleting or dividing scenes, the material you have recorded on your DVD Handycam. Once you ﬁnalize the disc, you can play back the disc with a DVD player that supports VR mode.

•

Refer to the speciﬁcations of your playback

equipment for additional compatibility information.

* Formatting makes a disc ready for recording. Also, formatting removes all images data from a previously

recorded disc, allowing you to recover the full capacity of that disc. Therefore, you can use the disc repeatedly (p. 47).

Choosing a disc (continued)

Do the features differ according to the disc?

What you can do with your disc differs, depending on the disc type and the recording format used.

The number in the parentheses indicates the reference page.

Disc type

Recording movies and still images (26, 30)

   

Playing back the last scene immediately (34)

   

Deleting the last scene immediately (34)

–

  

Playing back recordings on other DVD players if you ﬁnalize the disc

(28, 40)

   

Playing back recordings on other DVD players even if you do not ﬁnalize the disc

(40)

– – –



Creating the DVD menu when you ﬁnalize the disc

(41)

 

–



Recording additional scenes after ﬁnalizing the disc

(46)

–



 

Using the disc repeatedly by formatting it (47)

–

  

Editing images on your DVD Handycam (66)

– –



–

Transferring recorded scenes to your computer and editing them

(75)

   

DVD discs recorded by Sony DVD Handycam are designed to be played back on home DVD players,

DVD recorders, and computer DVD drives. DVD-RWs recorded in the VR mode must be played back on DVD playback equipment that supports the VR mode. Note that playback on all home DVD players, DVD recorders, and computer DVD drives may not be guaranteed. Refer to the speciﬁcations of your playback equipment for additional compatibility information.

Do not try to play back these discs in the DVD-ROM drive on your computer. This may cause a

malfunction.

Unﬁnalizing is required (p. 46).

A conﬁrmation dialog asking you if you want to record additional material appears (p. 46).

What do you want to do with the disc after recording on it?

I want to edit the disc, such as dividing or deleting images.

I want to play back the disc on various DVD playback devices.

Do you want to use the disc repeatedly?

No. I do not want to delete images once I record them.

Yes. I want to use the disc repeatedly.

Enjoying your DVD Handycam

How to choose a disc

The ﬁgure below helps you to choose the best disc for your purpose.

And, I want to play back the disc on various DVD playback devices.

And, I want to play back the disc without ﬁnalizing it.

Did you ﬁnd the disc type that suits your purpose? Now, enjoy your DVD Handycam.

Step 1: Checking supplied items

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

8cm DVD-R DMR30 (1) (p. 13)

AC Adaptor (1) (p. 17)

Power cord (1) (p. 17)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38, 72)

USB cable (1) (p. 75)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p. 37)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Wrist strap (1)

How to attach the wrist strap

Stand (1)

How to place your camcorder on the stand

Cleaning cloth (1)

LCD protective sheet (2) (p. 102)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FA50 (1) (p. 17)

CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.8” (1) (p. 75)

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the battery after inserting the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (A series) (p. 99) into your camcorder.

DC IN jack cover

DC IN jack

DC plug

POWER switch

Power cord

AC Adaptor

To the wall outlet

1 While sliding the battery cover

OPEN switch in the direction of the arrow , move the battery cover toward the direction of the arrow . Then open the cover .

Battery cover OPEN switch

Battery cover

2 Insert a battery pack to the end

with the  mark facing out.

3 Close the battery cover.

Be sure to close the cover completely.

4 Slide the POWER switch in the

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

5 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Open the DC IN jack cover to connect the AC Adaptor.

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

DC IN jack cover

Getting Started

Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued)

6 Connect the AC Adaptor to the

wall outlet using the power cord.

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

7 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off

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

Disconnect the AC Adaptor holding both your camcorder and the DC plug.

To remove a battery pack

Slide the battery cover OPEN switch in the same way as when installing a battery pack. After opening the battery cover, pull the battery pack out.

•

When you remove the battery pack, make

sure that none of the respective lamps of the POWER swtich is on.

When storing the battery pack

Use up the battery pack completely if you do not intend to use it for a long time (p.

99).

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.

Charging time (full charge)

Approximate charging time (min.) required when you fully charge an empty battery pack.

Battery pack Charging time

NP-FA50 (supplied) 125

NP-FA70 155

Recording time

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

Battery pack

Continuous recording time

Typical recording time

NP-FA50 (supplied)

90 100

40 45

NP-FA70

170 190

80 90

If you record under the following conditions:

Top: When the LCD backlight is on Bottom: When the LCD backlight is off

Playback time

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

Battery pack

LCD screen backlight on

LCD screen backlight off

NP-FA50 (supplied)

100 115

NP-FA70 190 215

Getting Started

On the battery pack

•

Before changing the battery pack, slide the

POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

•

The CHG (charge) lamp may ﬂash during

charging, or BATTERY INFO (p. 33) may not be correctly displayed under the following conditions:

– The battery pack is not inserted correctly. – The battery pack is damaged. – The battery pack is fully discharged.

(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.

On the charging/recording/playback time

• Times are measured at 25 °C (77°F). (10-30°C

(50-86°F) is recommended.)

• 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

• 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.

PRECAUTION

• Even if your camcorder is turned off, AC power

(house current) is still supplied to it while connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.

(Movie): To record movies (Still): To record still images (Play/Edit): To play back pictures on

your camcorder, or to edit them (DVD-RW: VR mode only)

•

When you turn on the power of your

camcorder after setting the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p. 22), the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.

3 Hold your camcorder correctly.

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

•

At the time of purchase, the power will be

set to turn off automatically if you leave your camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes to save battery power ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 62).

Step 3: Turning the power on, and holding your camcorder

To record or play back, slide the POWER switch to turn on the respective lamp. When using your camcorder for the ﬁrst time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p. 22).

1 Open the lens cover.

2 Turn on the power by sliding the

POWER switch in the direction of the arrow while pressing the green button in the center.

When you record or play back, switch the power mode by sliding the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow until the respective lamp lights up.

POWER switch

Slide in the direction of the arrow.

Green button

Step 4: Using the touch panel

You can play back recorded pictures (p. 27,

31), or change the settings (p. 48) using the touch panel.

Hold your camcorder ﬁrmly, then touch the LCD screen as illustrated.

To hide the screen indicators

Press DISP/BATT INFO to toggle the screen indicators such as counter on or off.

To darken the LCD screen

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 picture will not be affected by the setting. To cancel, press and hold DISP/BATT INFO until disappears.

•

See [LCD SET] - [LCD BRIGHT] (p. 60) to

adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a speciﬁed language. Select the screen language in [LANGUAGE] on TIME/ LANGU. (p. 63).

Touch the button on the LCD screen

Getting Started

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 slide the POWER switch.

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 2 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p. 103).

Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for the ﬁrst time.

1 Touch  [SETUP].

2 Select TIME/LANGU. with /

, then touch .

3 Select [CLOCK SET] with

then touch .

4 Select the desired geographical

area with

, then touch .

JAN

5 Set [DST] or [SUMMERTIME] to

[ON] with

, if necessary,

then touch .

JAN

6 Set [Y] (year) with

, then

touch .

You can set any year up to the year

2079.

JAN

7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour

and minute, then touch .

The clock starts. For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.

•

Refer to page 98 for information concerning

“World time difference.”

•

Instead of [DST], [SUMMERTIME] is

displayed for some models.

Step 5: Setting the date and time

POWER switch

Getting Started

A new 8 cm DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW is required for recording (p. 13).

• Remove dust or ﬁngerprints from the disc beforehand, using the cleaning cloth supplied with your camcorder (p.

5).

Disc cover OPEN switch

POWER switch

ACCESS lamp

1 Check that the power of your

camcorder is on.

•

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.

2 Slide the disc cover OPEN switch

in the direction of the arrow (OPEN).

[PREPARING TO OPEN] appears on the LCD screen. Then the opening melody sounds once, and the camcorder beeps. After the beeps stop, the disc cover opens slightly automatically.

Disc cover OPEN switch

Pickup lens

When the disc cover opens slightly, open it further.

•

Be careful not to obstruct the opening or

closing of the disc cover, with your hand or other objects.

•

Be careful not to catch the wrist strap when

closing the disc cover. This may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

3 Set the disc with the recording

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

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

•

Do not touch the recording side of the disc

or pickup lens. For details about pickup lens, see page 103.

Step 6: Inserting a disc

4 Close the disc cover.

Your camcorder starts recognizing the inserted disc. It may take some time to recognize the disc depending on the disc type and condition.

DVD-R

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

DVD-RW

Select the recording format, then format the disc. Proceed to step 5.

DVD+RW

The [FORMAT] screen appears. Proceed to step 6.

•

During Easy Handycam operation (p. 25),

[Format the disc? If not, remove the disc.] appears. Touch then Proceed to step 7.

5 Select the recording format for a

DVD-RW, and touch .

VIDEO mode

You can play back the disc on most of DVD players if you ﬁnalize it.

VR mode

You can edit, delete pictures, or divide movies on your camcorder (p. 66). However, the disc can be played back only on DVD players that support VR mode when you ﬁnalize it.

6 Touch [YES]  [YES].

7 Touch when [Completed.]

appears.

When the formatting is completed, you can start recording on the DVD-RW or the DVD+RW.

•

Do not remove the battery pack or

disconnect the AC Adaptor while formatting.

To remove the disc

Perform steps 1 and 2 to open the disc cover, then remove the disc. It may take some time to remove the disc depending on the disc condition or recorded materials.

•

Do not apply shock or vibration to your

camcorder while the ACCESS lamp lights up or ﬂashes, or [DISC ACCESS] or [PREPARING TO OPEN] is displayed on the LCD screen.

•

If you close the disc cover with the disc set

incorrectly, it may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

•

After your camcorder recognizes the disc, disc

information such as the date you started to use it and information on previously recorded areas appears for about 8 seconds. The information on previously recorded areas may not be displayed correctly depending on the condition of the disc.

•

To delete all of the previously recorded pictures

from a DVD-RW/DVD+RW, then to use it again to record new pictures, see “Deleting all of the scenes on the disc (Formatting)” on page

47.

Step 6: Inserting a disc (continued)

Easy Handycam – using your camcorder with automatic settings

Operate your camcorder with ease

With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are automatically adjusted optimally, which frees you from detailed adjustment. Since only basic functions become available and screen font size increases for easy viewing, even ﬁrst time users can enjoy easy operation. Complete the preparations described in steps 1 to 6 (p. 16 to 23) before operation.

•

When inserting a new DVD-RW, it will be formatted in VIDEO mode.

•

When using a DVD-RW disc formatted in VR mode, you cannot use the editing function (p. 66).

If you do not intend to use the Easy Handycam operation, go to page 30.

1 Turn on the power by sliding the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow

while pressing the green button in the center.

POWER switch

Green button

POWER switch

EASY button

2 Press EASY.

Easy Handycam

operation

EASY

Now try recording



To cancel Easy Handycam

Press EASY again. The EASY lamp turns off.

•

If you turn off the power without canceling Easy Handycam operation, your camcorder turns on in Easy Handycam operation automatically when you turn on the power.

During Easy Handycam operation

•

You cannot use some buttons or switches (p. 26,

27), and some setup items (p. 50).

•

If you set an invalid operation, [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation] appears.

Easy Handycam– using your camcorder with automatic settings

Easy Handycam – using your camcorder with automatic settings (continued)

Recording with ease

During Easy Handycam operation, the [REC MODE] of movies and the [QUALITY] of still images are set to the default settings (p. 56, 59).

1 Slide the POWER switch



repeatedly to light up the (Movie) or

(Still) lamp.

Make sure the EASY lamp  lights up in blue. If not, press EASY to light it up (p. 25).

REC START/STOP (PHOTO)

To record movies

To record still images

2 Start recording.

To record movies or still images, press the REC START/STOP (PHOTO)  for both operations.

Movies Still Images

Press REC START/STOP (PHOTO)



Press REC START/STOP (PHOTO)



lightly to adjust the focus (),

then press it fully ().

[STBY]  [REC]





Flashing Lights up

To stop recording, press it again. A shutter sound is heard. When

disappears, the image is recorded.

To record the next images

Perform step 2.

•

You can continue recording on the same disc if there is space remaining, unless it has not been ﬁnazlised (p. 28), when:

– you turn off the power, then turn it on again. – you remove a disc from your camcorder, then

insert it again.

•

When you record in Easy Handycam operation, you cannot use following functions:

– BACK LIGHT (p. 32) –

Turning off the

backlight of the LCD screen

(p. 21)

– Checking/Deleting the last scene (p. 34)

Playing back with ease

1 Slide the POWER switch



repeatedly to light up the (Play/Edit) lamp.

The VISUAL INDEX screen appears on the LCD screen.

Make sure the EASY lamp  lights up in blue. If not, press EASY to light it up (p. 25).

To playback

Movie tab

Still image tab

Previous 6 pictures

Next 6 pictures

Appears on the image that was played back last on the tab.

VISUAL INDEX screen

2 Start playing back.

Movies Still Images

Touch the Movie tab, then the movie to be played back.

Touch the Still image tab, then the still image to be played back.

Beginning of the scene/previous scene

Toggles Play or Pause as you touch

Next scene

Stop (go to the VISUAL INDEX screen)

Reverse/ forward

JAN 12 2005

Recording date/time

JAN 15 2005

Previous/Next

Go to the VISUAL INDEX screen

Recording date/time

When the selected movie has played back to the end, the screen returns to the VISUAL INDEX screen.

•

Touch / during pause to play back movie slowly.

•

When you touch a movie marked with , you can play it back from the point you have stopped previously. When you record a new image,  appears on the image.

•

When you playback during Easy Handycam operation, you cannot use following functions:

– PB ZOOM (p. 33)

– Turning off the backlight of the LCD screen

(p. 21)

Easy Handycam– using your camcorder with automatic settings

With Easy Handycam operation, your DVD Handycam sets up the following options automatically. Therefore, you can ﬁnalize a disc easily. – creating a DVD menu to display images as thumbnails on a DVD player, etc (p. 41). – creating a Photomovie to play back still images on a DVD player, etc (p. 42).

If you want to customize the settings above and ﬁnalize a disc, cancel Easy Handycam operation, then ﬁnalize the disc normally (p. 40).

• A DVD-R cannot be overwritten once you ﬁnalize it even when there is space to

record.

• If you ﬁnalize a DVD-RW (VIDEO mode)/DVD+RW, you cannot record additional material on the disc during Easy Handycam operation. Cancel Easy Handycam operation, then follow the steps on page 46.

1 Place your camcorder in a stable position. Connect the AC Adaptor to the

DC IN jack on your camcorder.

DC IN jack

AC Adaptor

to wall outlet

POWER switch

EASY button

•

Be sure to use the AC Adaptor to prevent your camcorder from running out of power

during ﬁnalizing.

2 Turn on your camcorder and make sure the EASY lamp lights up.

When the EASY lamp is off, press EASY to set the Easy Handycam operation to on.

3 Insert the disc to be ﬁnalized.

See "Step 6: Inserting a disc" on page 23 for details.

Easy Handycam – using your camcorder with automatic settings (continued)

Preparation for playing back on a DVD player (Finalizing)

4 Touch the LCD screen in the following steps.

  

Touch

  

Touch

•

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

ﬁnalizing.

•

The shorter the amount of material recorded, the longer it takes for ﬁnalizing.

5 Remove the disc from your camcorder.

Enjoy watching images on the DVD player, etc. Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with the DVD players, etc.

Deleting all the scenes after playback (format) (DVD-RW:VIDEO mode/DVD+RW)

If you format the disc, the disc recovers the used capacity and is reusable for recording thereafter. If you want to reuse a DVD-RW to record in VR mode, format the disc after canceling Easy Handycam operation (p. 47).

• Note that you cannot recover a scene once you delete it.

Touch the LCD screen in the following steps.

 [SETUP]  [FORMAT]  [YES]  [YES] 

Easy Handycam– using your camcorder with automatic settings

1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to light up the respective lamp.

Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow while pressing the green button if the POWER switch is in the OFF (CHG) position.

:To record movies

:To record still images

:To playback/edit

2 Start recording.

To record movies or still images, press the REC START/STOP (PHOTO)  for both operations.

Movies Still Images

Press REC START/STOP (PHOTO)



Press REC START/STOP (PHOTO)



lightly to adjust the focus (),

then press it fully ().

[STBY]  [REC]





Flashing Lights up

To stop recording, press it again. A shutter sound is heard. When

disappears, the image is recorded.

To check or delete the last recording (Review/Review deleting)

See page 34.

To record the new movies/still images

Even the disc was once removed, you can continue recording on the disc if there is space remaining. Perform step 2.

Recording

POWER switch

Open lens cover by sliding the switch in the direction of the arrow.

REC START/STOP (PHOTO)

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