Sony DCR-PC101 User Manual
3-074-615-11 (1)
Digital
Video Camera
Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain
it for future reference.
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-PC101 Model No. AC-
Serial No. Serial No.
DCR-PC101
©2002 Sony Corporation
TM
SERIES
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s
Welcome!
precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced
features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can
enjoy for years to come.
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.
For the customers in the
U.S.A. and CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries 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
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/.
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
“Memory Stick”
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.
2
For the 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-PC101
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 680 Kinderkamack Road,
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions.: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Oradell, NJ 07649 U.S.A.
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.
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
4
8
1 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power
adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 15)
2 NP-FM50 battery pack (1) (p. 14, 15)
3 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 43)
4 Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 221)
5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 221)
5
21
6
q;9
6 Lens cap (1) (p. 24)
7 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 113)
8 USB cable (1) (p. 163)
9 CD-ROM (SPVD-008 USB Driver) (1)
(p. 168)
q; Battery terminal cover (1) (p. 14)
qa Cleaning cloth (1) (p. 210)
3
7
qa
Getting started
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.
3
Main Features
Recording moving pictures
or still images, and playing
them back
Main Features
•Recording moving pictures on tapes
(p. 24)
•Recording still images on tapes (p. 47)
•Playing back tapes (p. 38)
•Recording still images on “Memory
Stick”s (p. 44, 122)
•Recording moving pictures on
“Memory Stick”s (p. 136)
•Viewing still images recorded on
“Memory Stick”s (p. 148)
•Viewing moving pictures on
“Memory Stick”s (p. 151)
•Viewing moving pictures recorded on
tapes using USB cable (p. 174)
•Viewing images recorded on
“Memory Stick”s using the USB cable
(p. 178, 182)
•Capturing images on your computer
from your camcorder using the USB
cable (p. 176)
•Converting an analog signal into
digital to capture images onto your
computer (p. 183)
4
4
Capturing images on your
computer
Main Features
Other uses
Functions to adjust exposure in recording
•BACK LIGHT (p. 32)
•NightShot/Super NightShot/Color Slow Shutter (p. 32)
•PROGRAM AE (p. 60)
•White balance (p. 49)
•Adjusting the exposure manually (p. 63)
•Flexible Spot Meter (p. 64)
Functions to give images more impact
•Digital zoom [MENU] (p. 29)
The default setting is set to OFF. (To zoom greater than 10×, select the digital
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)
•Fader (p. 53)
•Picture effect (p. 56)
•Digital effect (p. 57)
•Titles (p. 106)
•MEMORY MIX (p. 131)
Functions to give a natural appearance to your recordings
•Sports lesson (p. 60)
•Landscape (p. 60)
•Manual focus (p. 65)
•Spot Focus (p. 66)
Getting started
Main Features
Functions to use after recording
•END SEARCH/EDITSEARCH/Rec Review (p. 36)
•DATA CODE (p. 39)
•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 74)
•ZERO SET MEMORY (p. 76)
•TITLE SEARCH (p. 77)
•Digital program editing (p. 85, 143)
5
5
Table of contents
Checking supplied accessories.............. 3
Main Features............................... 4
Quick Start Guide
– Recording on a tape ............................. 8
– Recording on a “Memory Stick” ...... 10
Getting started
Using this manual ................................. 12
Step 1 Preparing the power supply .... 14
Installing the battery pack............. 14
Charging the battery pack............. 15
Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 18
Step 2 Setting the date and time ......... 19
Step 3 Inserting a cassette .................... 21
Step 4 Using the touch panel ............... 22
Recording – Basics
Recording a picture............................... 24
Shooting a backlit subject
– BACK LIGHT ........................ 32
Shooting in the dark
NightShot/Super NightShot/
–
Color Slow Shutter ........................
Self-timer recording ....................... 35
Checking the recording
– END SEARCH/
EDITSEARCH/Rec Review .......... 36
Playback – Basics
Playing back a tape ............................... 38
To display the screen indicators
– Display function ................... 39
Viewing the recording on TV .............. 43
Advanced Recording
Operations
Recording still images on a
“Memory Stick” during recording
on a tape........................................... 44
Recording a still image on a tape
– Tape Photo recording ................. 47
Adjusting the white balance manually
Using the wide mode ........................... 51
Using the fader function ...................... 53
Using special effects – Picture effect
Using special effects – Digital effect ... 57
Using the PROGRAM AE .................... 60
Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 63
6
32
... 49
... 56
Using the spot light-metering function
– Flexible Spot Meter ..................... 64
Focusing manually................................ 65
Using the spot focus function
– Spot Focus .................................... 66
Interval recording ................................. 67
Frame by frame recording
– Frame recording .......................... 69
Using the viewfinder ............................ 70
Advanced Playback
Operations
Playing back a tape with picture effect
Playing back a tape with digital effect
Enlarging images recorded on tapes
– Tape PB ZOOM ........................... 74
Quickly locating a scene
– ZERO SET MEMORY ................. 76
Searching the boundaries of recorded
tape by title – TITLE SEARCH ..... 77
Searching a recording by date
– DATE SEARCH ........................... 78
Searching for a photo
PHOTO SEARCH/PHOTO SCAN
–
Editing
Dubbing a tape ...................................... 83
Dubbing only desired scenes
Digital program editing (on tapes)
–
Recording video or TV programs ....... 97
Inserting a scene from a VCR
– Insert editing .............................. 100
Audio dubbing .................................... 102
Superimposing a title ......................... 106
Making your own titles ...................... 109
Labeling a cassette .............................. 111
“Memory Stick” Operations
Using a “Memory Stick”
– Introduction .............................. 113
Recording still images on
“Memory Stick”s
– Memory photo recording ......... 122
Recording an image from a tape
as a still image ............................... 127
Superimposing a still image in the
“Memory Stick” on an image
– MEMORY MIX .......................... 131
Recording moving pictures on
“Memory Stick”s
– MPEG movie recording ........... 136
..... 72
.... 73
... 80
... 85
Table of contents
Recording a picture from a tape as a
moving picture ............................. 139
Recording edited pictures from a
tape as a moving picture
– Digital program editing
(on “Memory Stick”s) .................. 143
Copying still images from a tape
– PHOTO SAVE ............................ 146
Viewing a still image
– Memory photo playback .......... 148
Viewing a moving picture
– MPEG movie playback ............. 151
Enlarging still images recorded on
“Memory Stick”s
– Memory PB ZOOM ................... 154
Playing back images in a continuous
loop – SLIDE SHOW .................... 155
Preventing accidental erasure
– Image protection........................ 156
Deleting images – DELETE ............... 157
Writing a print mark
– PRINT MARK ............................ 160
Using the optional printer ................. 161
Viewing images with your
computer
Viewing images with your computer
– Introduction ............................... 163
Connecting to your computer with
USB port –
Viewing images recorded on a tape
on your computer
– For Windows users ................... 174
Viewing images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” on your
computer –
Connecting to your computer with
USB port –
Viewing images recorded on a
“Memory Stick” on your
computer –
Capturing images from an analog
video unit on your computer
– Signal convert function............. 183
For Windows users
For Windows users
For Macintosh users
For Macintosh users
... 166
... 178
... 180
... 182
Troubleshooting
Types of trouble and how to
correct trouble ............................... 193
Self-diagnosis display......................... 200
Warning indicators and messages.... 201
Additional Information
Usable cassettes ................................... 203
About the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack ................................... 205
About i.LINK ....................................... 206
Using your camcorder abroad .......... 208
Maintenance information and
precautions .................................... 209
Specifications ....................................... 214
Quick Reference
Identifying the parts and controls .... 216
Index ..................................................... 223
Getting started
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings.............. 184
7
Quick Start Guide – Recording on a tape
This chapter introduces you to the basic
features to record pictures on tapes of your
camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )”
for more information.
Pull down the Holding Grip to hold your
camcorder as illustrated.
Connect the plug with its v
mark facing the Holding Grip.
Connecting the power cord (p. 18)
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 14).
Quick Start Guide
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Holding Grip
Open the
jack cover.
Inserting a cassette (p. 21)
1Slide OPEN/
ZEJECT in the
direction of the arrow
and open the lid.
2Push the middle
portion of the back of
the cassette to insert.
Insert the cassette in a
straight line deeply
into the cassette
compartment with
the window facing
out.
3Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing the
mark on the cassette
compartment.
After the cassette
compartment goes
down completely,
close the lid until it
clicks.
8
Recording a picture (p. 24)
1Remove the lens cap.
3Press OPEN to
open the LCD
panel. The picture
appears on the
screen.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is
closed, pull out the
viewfinder until it clicks.
Adjust the viewfinder
lens to your eyesight
(p. 28).
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting
is set to off. If you want to record the date and time on a
picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 19).
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 38)
1Set the POWER switch to VCR while
pressing the small green button.
POWER
VCR
(CHARGE)
OFF
CAMERA
LOCK
MEMORY
2Set the POWER switch to
CAMERA while pressing the
small green button.
POWER
VCR
(CHARGE)
OFF
CAMERA
LOCK
MEMORY
4Press START/STOP. Your
camcorder starts recording. To
stop recording, press START/
STOP again.
POWER
VCR
(CHARGE)
OFF
CAMERA
LOCK
MEMORY
2Press of the touch panel to
rewind the tape.
3Press of the touch panel to
start playback.
Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide
NOTE
Do not pick up your
camcorder by the
viewfinder, the LCD panel,
the battery pack or the jack
cover.
NOTE
When using the touch panel, press
operation buttons lightly with your
thumb supporting the LCD screen from
the rear of it. Do not press the LCD
screen with sharp-pointed objects such
as a pen.
9
Quick Start Guide –
Holding Grip
Connecting the power cord (p. 18)
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 14).
Quick Start Guide
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Recording on a “Memory Stick”
This chapter introduces you to the basic
features to record on a “Memory Stick” of your
camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )”
for more information.
Pull down the Holding Grip to hold your
camcorder as illustrated.
Open the
jack cover.
10
Inserting a “Memory Stick” (p. 115)
Insert a “Memory Stick” in the
“Memory Stick” slot as far as it can go
with the B mark facing up as
illustrated.
Access lamp
When you eject the “Memory
“Memory Stick” slot
Stick,” slide MEMORY EJECT in
the direction of the arrow.
Connect the plug with its v
mark facing the Holding Grip.
MEMORY
EJECT
Recording a still image on a “Memory Stick” (p. 122)
FN
INDEXPLAY
1Remove the lens cap.
3Press OPEN to open the LCD
panel. The picture appears on
the screen.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is closed, pull
out the viewfinder until it clicks.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your
eyesight (p. 28).
2Set the POWER switch to
MEMORY while pressing the
small green button.
Make sure that the LOCK
switch is set to the right
(unlock) position.
Monitoring the still image on the LCD screen
(p. 148)
1Set the POWER switch to MEMORY
while pressing the small green button.
Make sure that the LOCK switch is set
to the right (unlock) position.
VCR
(CHARGE)
OFF
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
LOCK
4Press PHOTO
lightly.
5Press PHOTO
deeper.
When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is
set to off. If you want to record the date and time on a
picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 19).
2Press PLAY. The last recorded
image is displayed.
Quick Start Guide
NOTE
Do not pick up your
camcorder by the
viewfinder, the LCD panel,
the battery pack or the jack
cover.
11
— Getting started —
Using this manual
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the
operation is being carried out.
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory .
The functions which require different operations depending on whether the tape has
the cassette memory or not are:
– END SEARCH (p. 36)
– DATE SEARCH (p. 78)
– PHOTO SEARCH (p. 80)
The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are:
– TITLE SEARCH (p. 77)
– Superimposing a title (p. 106)
– Labeling a cassette (p. 111)
For details, see page 203.
You see this mark in the introduction to the features that operate only with
cassette memory.
Cassettes with cassette memory are marked by (Cassette Memory).
12
Note on TV color systems
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you
need a NTSC system-based TV.
Copyright precautions
Television programs, movies, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the
copyright laws.
Using this manual
Precautions on camcorder care
Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only)
•The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use.
However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red,
blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.
These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any way.
•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
•
Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
•Be careful when placing your camcorder near a window or outdoors. Exposing the
LCD screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions [c].
•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].
Getting started
[a]
[b]
[d][c]
13
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
(1) While sliding BATT (battery) release lever in the direction of the arrow 1,
slide the battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow 2.
(2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.
1 2
2
1
To remove the battery pack
The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.
14
Note on the battery terminal cover
To protect the battery terminals, install the battery terminal cover after the battery pack
is removed.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Charging the battery pack
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series).
See page 205 for details of the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
(1) Install the battery pack on your camcorder.
(2) Open the jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your
camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing the Holding Grip.
(3) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(4) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(5) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
The CHARGE lamp lights up when the charge begins. After the charge is
completed, the CHARGE lamp goes off (full charge).
3
Getting started
CHARGE lamp
2
POWER
5
VCR
(CHARGE)
OFF
CAMERA
MEMORY
LOCK
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
While charging the battery pack, the CHARGE lamp flashes in the following cases:
– The battery pack is not installed correctly.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.
When you use the AC power adaptor
Place the AC power adaptor near a wall outlet. If any trouble occurs with this unit,
disconnect the plug from a wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.
15
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Charging time
Battery pack Full charge
NP-FM50 (supplied) 150
NP-FM70 240
NP-QM71 260
NP-FM90 330
NP-FM91/QM91 360
Approximate minutes at 25 °C (77 °F) to charge an empty battery pack
The charging time may increase if the battery’s temperature is extremely high or low
because of the ambient temperature.
Recording time
Battery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied) 150 85 120 70
NP-FM70 310 180 255 150
NP-QM71 365 215 300 175
NP-FM90 475 280 390 230
NP-FM91/QM91 550 325 455 265
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery
* Approximate recording time when you repeat recording, start/stop, zoom and turn
the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Recording with the viewfinder Recording with the LCD screen
Continuous Typical* Continuous Typical*
16
Playback time
Battery pack Playback time on LCD screen Playback time with LCD closed
NP-FM50 (supplied) 150 195
NP-FM70 310 400
NP-QM71 365 465
NP-FM90 475 600
NP-FM91/QM91 550 695
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Note
Approximate recording time and playing time at 25 °C (77 °F). The battery life will be
shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
If the power goes off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that the
battery pack has enough power to operate
Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining
indicator is correct.
Recommended charging temperature
We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 °C
to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).
What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as
battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible
with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with
the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
mark.
TM
SERIES
Getting started
17
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Connecting to a wall outlet
When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a
wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.
(1) Open the jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with your
camcorder to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing
the Holding Grip.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
1
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is
connected to a wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
Notes
•The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your
camcorder.
•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack cannot supply
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.
•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC cable
of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power
adaptor.
Using a car battery
Use Sony Car Battery Adaptor (optional). Refer to the operating instructions of the Car
Battery Adaptor for further information.
2,3
18
Step 2 Setting the date and time
Set the date and time when you use your camcorder for the first time. “CLOCK SET”
will be displayed each time you set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY
unless you set the date and time settings.
If you do not use your camcorder for about three months, the date and time settings
may be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery installed in
your camcorder will have been discharged (p. 211).
First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and the minute.
(1) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY.
(2) Press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 22).
(3) Press MENU to display the menu.
(4) Select
(5) Select CLOCK SET with r/R, and press EXEC.
(6) Select the desired year with r/R, and press EXEC.
(7) Set the month, day and hour with the same procedure as step 6.
(8) Set the minute with r/R, and press EXEC by the time signal. The clock starts to
move.
with r/R, and press EXEC.
Getting started
6
2002
12 00 AM
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
8
R
EXEC EXEC
5
r
Rr
2002 JAN 1
12 00 AM
EXEC
EXIT
RET.
EXIT
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
Rr
EXEC
RET.
EXIT
––:––:––
Rr
EXEC
RET.
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
R
2
4
FN
EXEC
R
EXEC
r
EXIT
JAN
1
2002
12 00 AM
EXIT
JAN
1
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
Rr
r
2002 JUL
5 30 PM
EXEC
EXIT
RET.
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
4
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
EXIT
JUL 4 2002
5:30:00
PM
Rr
EXEC
RET.
19
Step 2 Setting the date and time
The year changes as follows:
1995 2002 2079
To return to FN
Press EXIT.
If you do not set the date and time
“– – – – – – – – –” and “– –:– –:– –” are recorded on the data code of the tape and the
“Memory Stick”.
Note on the time indicator
The internal clock of your camcorder uses a 12-hour cycle.
– 12:00 AM stands for midnight.
– 12:00 PM stands for noon.
20
Step 3 Inserting a cassette
(1) Prepare the power source.
(2) Slide OPEN/ZEJECT
cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.
(3) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert.
Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with
the window facing out.
(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
(5) After the cassette compartment goes down completely, close the lid until it
clicks.
in the direction of the arrow and open the lid. The
Getting started
mark on the cassette
2
OPEN/ZEJECT
53,4
To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3.
Notes
•Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction.
•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the
compartment other than the mark.
When you use mini DV cassettes with cassette memory
Read instructions about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 203).
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
21
Step 4 Using the touch panel
Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Touch the LCD panel
directly to operate each function.
(1) Prepare the power source.
(2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or VCR while pressing the small green
button.
(4) Press FN. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen.
(5) Press PAGE2 to go to PAGE2. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen.
(6) Press a desired operation item. See relevant pages of this manual for each
function.
In CAMERA
PAGE1 PAGE2
SPOT
FOCUS
MENU FADER
PAGE1 PAGE2
SELF
TIMER
LCD
DIG
BRT
EFFT
EXIT
SPOT
METER
END
EXPO–
SCH
SURE
EXIT
VOL MEM
MIX
FN
2
345
VCR
(CHARGE)
OFF
CAMERA
MEMORY
1
To return to FN
Press EXIT.
To execute settings
Press EXEC or OK. The display returns to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
To cancel settings
Press OFF to return to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
POWER
LOCK
22
Step 4 Using the touch panel
Notes
•When using the touch panel, press operation buttons with your thumb supporting the
LCD screen from the back side of it or press those buttons lightly with your index
finger.
•Do not press operation buttons with sharp-pointed objects such as a pen.
•Do not press the LCD screen too hard.
•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.
•If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You
can control the display with DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder.
•When operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment is
required (CALIBRATION) (p. 211).
•When the LCD screen gets dirty, use the supplied cleaning cloth.
When executing each item
The green bar appears above the item.
If an item is not available
The color of the items changes to gray.
Touch panel
You can operate with the touch panel using the viewfinder (p. 70).
Press FN to display the following buttons:
CAMERA
PAGE1 SPOT FOCUS, MENU, FADER, END SCH, SPOT METER, EXPOSURE
PAGE2 SELF TIMER, DIG EFFT, LCD BRT, VOL, MEM MIX
Getting started
VCR
PAGE1 MENU, LCD BRT, VOL, END SCH
PAGE2 PB ZOOM, DIG EFFT, DATA CODE
PAGE3 V SPD PLAY, A DUB CTRL, REC CTRL
See page 116 when you set the POWER switch to MEMORY .
23
— Recording – Basics —
Recording a picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
(1) Remove the lens cap and pull the lens cap string to fix it.
(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more
information (p. 14 to 21).
(3) Pull down the Holding Grip.
Hold your camcorder firmly as illustrated.
(4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.
Your camcorder is in standby.
(5) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. The picture appears on the LCD panel.
(6) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator
appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder
lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
4
VCR
(CHARGE)
CAMERA
LOCK
LOCK
OFF
MEMORY
5
2
6
VCR
(CHARGE)
OFF
CAMERA
After recording
LOCK
MEMORY
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
(2) Close the LCD panel and set the Holding Grip back to the previous position.
(3) Eject the cassette.
(4) Remove the battery pack.
Microphone
REC
40min
1
Camera recording
lamp
3
0:00:01
24
Recording a picture
Notes
•Fasten the grip strap firmly.
•Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.
•The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed
during recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the tape. To display
the recording data, press DATA CODE during playback. You can also use the Remote
Commander for this operation (p. 39).
Note on Recording mode
Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP
(long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings (p. 190). In the LP mode, you can
record 1.5 times as long as in the SP mode.
When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the
tape on your camcorder.
Note on the LOCK switch
When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to
MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK switch is set to the right as a default setting.
To enable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as
you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.
However, check the following:
– Do not mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape.
– When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
– When you use a tape with cassette memory, you can make the transition smooth even
after ejecting the cassette by using the END SEARCH function (p. 36).
Recording
– Basics
If you leave your camcorder in tape recording standby for five minutes while the
cassette is inserted
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent
battery and tape wear. To resume tape recording standby, set the POWER switch to
OFF (CHARGE), and to CAMERA again. To start recording, press START/STOP again
without switching the POWER switch. However, your camcorder does not turn off
automatically while the cassette is not inserted.
When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record in the LP
mode
•The transition between scenes is not smooth.
•The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes.
The battery life when you record using the LCD screen
The battery time is slightly shorter than the shooting time using the viewfinder.
25
Recording a picture
Adjusting the LCD screen
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to
the lens side.
OPEN
When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically, and swing it into the camcorder body.
Note
When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically
turns off.
When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight
The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the
viewfinder.
180°
90°
26
When you adjust the angle of the LCD panel
Make sure the LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees.
Recording a picture
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen
(1) When you set the POWER switch to CAMERA, press FN and select PAGE2.
When you set the POWER switch to VCR, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 22).
When you set the POWER switch to MEMORY, press FN and select PAGE3.
(2) Press LCD BRT. The screen to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen appears.
(3) Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using –/+.
– : to dim
+ : to brighten
(4) Press OK to return to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.
Recording
– Basics
1
FN
2,3
LCD
BRT
– +
the bar indicator
OPEN
To return to FN
Press EXIT.
LCD screen backlight
You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings
when using the battery pack (p. 187).
Even if you adjust LCD BRT or LCD B.L.
The recorded picture will not be affected.
OK
LCD BRT
27
Recording a picture
Adjusting the viewfinder
If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.
Pull out the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.
You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to your camcorder body with the LCD
screen facing out. You can operate with the touch panel using the viewfinder when the
POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY (p. 70).
Viewfinder backlight
You can change the brightness of the backlight.
Select VF B.L. in the menu settings when using the battery pack (p. 187).
Viewfinder lens
adjustment lever
28
Even if you adjust VF B.L.
The recorded picture will not be affected.
Recording a picture
Using the zoom feature
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.
T: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
W: for wide-angle (subject appears further away)
To zoom greater than 10×
Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally. To activate the digital zoom, select the digital
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF as
a default setting (p. 186).
Recording
– Basics
W
T
W
T
W
T
The right side of the bar shows the digital
W
T
zooming zone.
The digital zooming zone appears when you
select the digital zoom power in the menu
settings.
When you shoot close to a subject
If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the
focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/8 inch)
away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 inch)
away in the wide-angle position.
Notes on digital zoom
•Digital zoom can be set to 20× or 120×.
•The picture quality deteriorates as you move the power zoom lever toward the “T”
side.
When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY
You cannot use the digital zoom.
29
Recording a picture
Shooting with the Mirror Mode
This feature allows the camera subject to view him- or herself on the LCD screen.
The subject can see his or her own image on the LCD screen while you look at the
subject in the viewfinder.
Set the POWER switch to CAMERA or MEMORY.
Pull out the viewfinder and rotate the LCD screen 180 degrees.
The indicator appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen.
When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA, Xz appears in standby, and z appears in
recording. Some other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.
Picture in the mirror mode
The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal
when recorded.
30
During recording in the mirror mode
•ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work.
•FN appears mirror-reversed in the viewfinder.
When you press FN
The indicator does not appear on the screen.
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