Sony DCR-PC106E User Manual

Camera Operations Guide

Read this first

Digital Video Camera Recorder

3-089-179-11(1)

DCR-PC106E/PC107E

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.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

NOTICE ON THE SUPPLIED AC ADAPTOR

A moulded plug complying with BS1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience.

Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362 (i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.

If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should los e the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE

ATTENTION

The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camcorder.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetic interference causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again.

Notes on use

Note on Cassette Memory

Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can use only mini DV cassettes in your camcorder. Use of mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memory is recommended as you can u se Title search (p. 41), Date search (p. 42), Photo search (p. 42), [TITLE] (p. 52), [TAPE TITLE] (p. 54). Cassettes with Cassette Memory are marked with

Notes on recording

• Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems.

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

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

Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

• The LCD screen and the viewfinder 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 appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points a re normal results of the manufact uring process and do not affect the recording in any way.

• Exposing the LCD screen, th e viewfinder, or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors.

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

Note on connecting other device

Before connecting your camcorder to other device such as a VCR or a computer with a USB or i.LINK cable, 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 using this manual

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

• The illustrations used on this manual are based on the model DCR-PC107E.

Notes on using the camcorder

• Hold your camcorder, putting your wrist through the belt and your fingers lightly on the finger rest.

• To ensure a good grip, fasten the Strap Belt as shown in the following illustration. If the Strap Belt hangs out too far, tuck it in the hand pad.

• When you are using the t ouch panel, place your hand on the back side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.

• Unavailable buttons will be grayed out.

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

• You can change the language to be used for screen display on your camcorder (p. 21).

• Be careful not to press buttons beside the LCD screen accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel, or when you adjust the angle of the LCD panel.

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Viewfinder LCD panel

• You can also use the Strap Belt as a wrist strap. For details on the Strap Belt, see page 96.

Battery pack

Notes on handling the Handycam Station

• When attaching your camcorder to the Handycam Station, insert your camcorder in the direction of the arrow as shown in the following illustration. Be sure to insert it all the way.

,continued

• When removing your camcorder from the Handycam Station, hold both your camcorder and the Handycam Station as shown in the following illustration, and remove it from the Handycam Station.

Notes

• When disconnecting the AC Adaptor from the Handycam Station, hold both the DC plug and the Handycam Station and disconnect the AC Adaptor.

• Be sure to turn the power of your camcorder off before inserting it into or removing it from the Handycam Station.

• You may not be able to attach your camcorder to the Handycam Station when the jack cover is opened or when the Strap Belt is in the unit and the Handycam Station.

• Do not connect the A/V connecting cables or the AC Adaptors to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station simultaneously while using your camcorder. This may cause a malfunction.

Table of Contents

Read this first ............................................................................................. 2

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies ...................................................................................... 8

Recording/Playing back with ease ........................................................... 10

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items.............................................................. 11

Step 2: Charging the battery pack............................................................ 12

Using an outside power source ................................................................................. 15

Step 3: Turning the power on................................................................... 16

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder...................................... 17

Adjusting the LCD panel ........................................................................................... 17

Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................ 17

Step 5: Setting the date and time............................................................. 18

Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape.............................................................. 20

Step 7: Setting the screen language ........................................................ 21

Recording

Recording movies .................................................................................... 22

Recording for a longer time ....................................................................................... 23

Using zoom ............................................................................................................... 23

Recording in mirror mode ......................................................................................... 23

Using the self-timer ................................................................................................... 24

Recording still images – Tape photo recording........................................ 25

Recording with ease – Easy Handycam .................................................. 26

Adjusting the exposure............................................................................. 27

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 27

Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter .......................... 27

Adjusting the white balance manually ....................................................................... 28

Adjusting the exposure manually .............................................................................. 29

Recording in dark places – NightShot plus .............................................. 30

Adjusting the focus................................................................................... 31

Adjusting the focus for an off-center subject – SPOT FOCUS .................................. 31

Adjusting the focus manually .................................................................................... 31

,continued

Recording a picture using various effects ................................................ 32

Fading in and out of a scene – FADER .....................................................................32

Searching for the starting point ................................................................ 33

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording – END SEARCH ............. 33

Searching manually – EDIT SEARCH .......................................................................34

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec review ....................................34

Playback

Viewing pictures recorded on a tape........................................................ 35

Playing back in various modes ..................................................................................36

Playing back with ease – Easy Handycam .............................................. 37

Various playback functions ...................................................................... 38

Displaying the screen indicators ................................................................................38

Displaying the date/time and camera settings data – Data code ..............................38

Playing the picture on a TV...................................................................... 40

Locating a scene on a tape for playback.................................................. 41

Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory ........................................ 41

Searching for a scene using Cassette Memory – Title search ..................................41

Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search .......................................42

Searching for a still image – Photo search ................................................................42

Playing back still images in sequence – Photo scan .................................................43

Advanced operations

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings ..............44

Using the (MANUAL SET) menu

– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.

......................................................45

Using the (CAMERA SET) menu

– D ZOOM/16:9WIDE, etc. ...........48

Using the (PLAYER SET)/ (VCR

SET) menu

MIX ...............................................50

Using the (LCD/VF SET) menu

– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L.

......................................................51

Using the (CM SET) menu

– TITLE/TAPE TITLE/ERASE ALL,

etc. ...............................................52

Using the (TAPE SET) menu

– REC MODE/FRAME REC/

INT.REC, etc. ...............................55

Using the (SETUP MENU) menu

– CLOCK SET/USB STREAM/

LANGUAGE, etc. .........................58

Using the (OTHERS) menu

– WORLD TIME, etc. ...................60

– HiFi SOUND/AUDIO

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting .................................73

Warning indicators and messages .....79

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ............83

Usable cassette tapes ........................83

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

......................................................85

About i.LINK .......................................86

Maintenance and precautions ............87

Specification .......................................90

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls .............93

Index ................................................102

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting to a VCR or TV ...............62

Dubbing to another tape ....................63

Recording pictures from a VCR

(DCR-PC107E) ............................64

Dubbing selected scenes from a tape

– Digital program editing ..............64

Dubbing sound to a recorded tape ....70

Creating DVDs or VCDs ....................72

Refer also to other operating instructions supplied with your camcorder:

• Editing images with your computer

cComputer Applications Guide

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies

1 Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 12.

a Slide the BATT (battery

release) lever and remove the battery terminal cover.

BATT (battery release) lever

b Attach the battery pack with its terminal

side facing your camcorder as shown in the illustration and press down the battery pack until it clicks.

2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

a Slide the OPEN/

ZEJECT lever in the direction of the arrow to open the lid.

The cassette compartment comes out automatically.

b Insert the cassette with

its window-side facing up, then push the center of the back of the cassette.

c Press .

Close the cassette lid after the cassette compartment slides back in by itself.

OPEN/ZEJECT lever

Quick Start Guide

Window-side

3 Start recording while checking the subject on the LCD screen.

The date and time is not set up in the default setting. To set the date and time, see page 18.

a Set the LENS COVER

switch to OPEN.

b Open the LCD panel.

c While pressing the green

button, slide the POWER switch down to light up the CAMERA lamp.

The power turns on.

d Press REC START/STOP.

Recording starts. To change to the standby mode, press REC START/STOP again. You can also record by pressing REC START/STOP beside the LCD screen.

4 View the recorded picture on the LCD screen.

a Slide the POWER

switch repeatedly until the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up.

Quick Start Guide

b Touch (rewind).

c Touch (play) to

start the playback.

To stop, press (stop).

To turn off the power, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.

Quick Start Guide

Recording/Playing back with ease

By switching to Easy Handycam operation, recording/playback operation becomes even easier. Easy Handycam operation allows easy recording/playback for even first time users by providing only the basic functions for recording/playback.

Press EASY when recording/ playing back.

EASY lights up in blue (a) and the screen font size increases (b) during Easy Handycam operation.

For details, see instructions for each operation. See page 26 for recording, page 37 for playback.

Quick Start Guide

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure you have following items supplied with your camcorder.

The number in parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

AC Adaptor (1)

Mains lead (1)

Handycam Station (1)

USB cable (1)

Rechargeable battery pack NP-FF51 (1)

The silver-colored model of the battery pack NP-FF51 is sold only with the camcorder.

Battery terminal cover (1)

Attached to the camcorder.

CD-ROM “SPVD-012 USB Driver” (1)

Cleaning cloth (1)

21-pin adaptor (1)

For the models with the mark printed on their bottom surfaces only.

Camera Operations Guide (This manual) (1)

Computer Applications Guide (1)

Getting started

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

A/V connecting cable (1)

Getting started

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the battery by attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (F series) to your camcorder.

b Notes

• You cannot use batteries other than the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (F series) (p. 85).

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

• Use a nearby wall socket when using the AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket immediately if any malfunction occurs.

2 Attach the battery pack with its

terminal side facing your camcorder as shown in the following illustration and press down the battery pack until it clicks.

Battery pack

DC plug

DC IN jack

Handycam Station

Mains lead

AC Adaptor

To the wall socket

1 Slide the BATT (battery release)

lever and remove the battery terminal cover.

3 With the v mark on the DC plug

facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on the Handycam Station.

v mark

DC IN jack

4 Connect the mains lead to the AC

Adaptor.

5 Connect the mains lead to the wall

socket.

Getting started

BATT (battery release) lever

6 Insert your camcorder into the

Handycam Station.

You can charge the battery pack on a trip, even if you have not brought the Handycam Station along. With the v mark on the DC plug facing front, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder as shown in the illustration.

After charging the battery

The CHARGE lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack.

7 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

The CHARGE lamp lights up and charging starts.

To charge the battery pack using only the AC Adaptor

To remove the battery pack

Battery pack

POWER switch

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

BATT (battery release) lever

2 Slide the BATT (battery release)

lever in the direction of the arrow as shown in the illustration and remove the battery pack.

b Note

• Always attach the terminal cover to protect the battery terminal. If you do not use the battery pack for a long time, use up the battery pack completely before storing it. See page 86 about storage of the battery pack.

Getting started

DC IN jack

Mains lead

To the wall socket

AC Adaptor

DC plug

,continued

Getting started

To check the remaining battery – Battery Info

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

You can check the battery’s current charge level and its current remaining recording time both during charging or when the power is turned off.

POWER switch

1 Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). 2 Open the LCD panel. 3 Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

The battery information appears for about 7 seconds. Keep the button pressed to view it for about 20 seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL 0% 50%

REC TIME AVAILABLE

LCD SCREEN VIEWFINDER::

104 116

100%

min min

Battery pack

NP-FF50 120

NP-FF51 (supplied) 130

NP-FF70 150

NP-FF71 170

Recording time when recording with the LCD screen on

Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

When LCD BACKLIGHT is set to ON

Battery pack Continuous

recording time

NP-FF50 115 60

NP-FF51 (supplied)

NP-FF70 235 125

NP-FF71 260 140

130 70

When LCD BACKLIGHT is set to OFF

Battery pack Continuous

recording time

NP-FF50 130 70

NP-FF51 (supplied)

NP-FF70 270 145

NP-FF71 295 160

145 75

Typical* recording time

A Battery charge level: Displays

approximate remaining amount of power left in the battery pack.

B Approximate possible recording time

using the LCD panel.

C Approximate possible recording time

using the viewfinder.

Charging time

Approximate number of minutes required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack at 25°C (77°F). (10 – 30°C (50 – 86°F) recommended.)

Getting started

Recording time when recording with the viewfinder

Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

Battery pack Continuous

recording time

NP-FF50 130 70

NP-FF51 (supplied)

NP-FF70 270 145

NP-FF71 295 160

145 75

Typical* recording time

* Approximate number of minutes when recording

while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the POWER switch to change the power mode, and zoom. The actual battery life may be shorter.

Playing time

Approximate number of minutes available when you use a fully charged battery pack at 25°C (77°F).

Battery pack LCD panel

opened*

NP-FF50 130 150

NP-FF51 (supplied)

NP-FF70 270 315

NP-FF71 295 345

* With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON.

b Notes

• The power will not b e supplied from the batte ry pack when the AC A daptor is connected to the DC I N jack of your camcorder or the Handycam Station, even if its mains lead is disconnected from the wall socket.

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

• The CHARGE lamp flashes during charging, or the battery information will not be correctly displayed in following conditions. – The battery pack is not attached correctly. – The battery pack is damaged. – The battery pack is fully discharged. (For Battery

information only)

• With a large capacity battery pack (NP-FF70/FF71) installed, your camcorder will be less balancedsupport it properly when placing your camcorder on a table etc., in this case.

145 170

LCD panel closed

connected to the wall socket via the AC Adaptor.

Connect your camcorder as shown in “Charging the battery pack” (p. 12).

Getting started

Using an outside power source

You can use the AC Adaptor as the power source when you do not want the battery to run out. While you are using the AC Adaptor, the battery pack will not lose its charge even when it is attached to your camcorder.

PRECAUTION

Even if your camcorder is turned off, the AC power (mains) is still supplied to it while

Getting started

Step 3: Turning the

• PLAY/EDIT: To play or edit pictures.

power on

You need to slide the POWER switch repeatedly to select the desired power mode to record or play. When using this camcorder for the first time, the CLOCK SET screen appears (p. 18).

POWER switch

1 Set the LENS COVER switch to

OPEN.

LENS COVER switch

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.

2 While pressing the green button, slide

the POWER switch down.

The power turns on. To enter the recording or playing mode, slide the switch repeatedly until the respective lamp for the desired power mode lights up.

• CAMERA: To record on a tape.

Getting started

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder

Adjusting the LCD panel

You can adjust the angle and brightness of the LCD panel to meet various recording situations. Even when there are obstructions between you and the subject, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the angle of the LCD panel.

Maximum 180 degrees

Maximum 90 degrees

3 Adjust the brightness with / ,

then touch .

4 Touch .

z Tips

• If you rotate the LCD panel 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with the LCD screen facing out.

• If you are using the battery pack for power source, you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD B.L.] on the (LCD/VF SET) menu

• When you use your camcorder in bright conditions, set LCD BACKLIGHT to turn off the backlight for the LCD panel. appears and this setting saves battery power.

• Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight, the recorded picture will not be affected.

• You can turn off the confirmation beep sound for operation on the touch panel wh en you set [BEEP] to [OFF] on the (OTHERS) menu (p. 60).

(p. 51).

Adjusting the viewfinder

You can view images using the viewfinder when you close the LCD panel. Use the viewfinder when the battery is running out, or when the screen is hard to see.

Getting started

Open the LCD panel.

LCD BACKLIGHT

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it to the desired position.

To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen

When the POWER switch is set to the CAMERA mode, touch and select PAGE2. When the POWER switch is set to the PLAY/EDIT mode, touch to display PAGE1.

2 Touch LCD BRT.

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

1 Extend the viewfinder until it clicks.

2 Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment

lever until the picture is clear.

To use the viewfinder during operation

When you are recording, you can adjust the exposure (p. 29) and fader (p. 32) while checking the image on the viewfinder. Have the

,continued

Getting started

LCD panel rotated 180 degrees and closed with the screen facing out.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode. (p. 16)

2 Extend the viewfinder, and close the

LCD panel with the screen facing out.

appears on the screen.

3 Touch . 4 Touch .

The LCD screen is turned off.

5 Touch the LCD screen while checking

the display in the viewfinder.

EXPOSURE, etc. are displayed.

6 Touch the button you want to set.

• EXPOSURE: Adjust with /

and touch .

• FADER: Touch it repeatedly to select a

desired effect.

• : The LCD screen lights up. To hide the buttons on the LCD screen, touch .

z Tip

• To adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight, select (LCD/VF SET), then [VF B.L.] (when you are using the battery pack, p. 51).

Step 5: Setting the date and time

Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the CLOCK SET screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder.

b Note

• If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable button-type

battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable button-type battery (p. 89) and then set the date and time again.

Getting started

POWER switch

1 Turn on your camcorder (p. 16).

2 Open the LCD panel.

Proceed to step 7 when you set the clock for the first time.

3 Touch to display PAGE1.

60min

PAGE1 PAGE2

0:00:00

8 Set M (month), D (day), H (hour) and

M (minute) in the same way as was done in step 7, then touch .

SPOT

FOCUS WHT

FOCUS

MENU FADER END

BAL

SCH

SPOT

METER

EXPO–

SURE

4 Touch MENU.

MANUAL SET

PROGRAM AE P EFFECT FLASH MODE FLASH LVL

SHTR

AUTO

RET.

EXEC

5 Select (SETUP MENU) with

/ , then touch EXEC.

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET USB STREAM LANGUAGE DEMO MODE

EXEC

--:--:--

RET.

6 Select CLOCK SET with / ,

then touch EXEC.

CLOCK SET

Getting started

YMDHM

2004110:00

7 Set Y (year) with / , then

touch .

CLOCK SET

YMDH

2004110:00

You can set any year up to the year 2079.

Getting started

Step 6: Inserting a cassette tape

You can use mini DV cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as writeprotection), see page 83.

b Note

• Do not force the cassette into the compartment. This may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

1 Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT lever in

the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

3 Press .

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

OPEN/ZEJECT lever

Lid

The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.

2 Insert a cassette with its window-side

facing up.

Window-side

4 Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

Slide the OPEN/ZEJECT lever in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

The cassette compartment automatically comes out.

2 Take out the cassette, then press .

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

3 Close the lid.

Getting started

Push the center of the back of the cassette lightly.

Step 7: Setting the screen language

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

6 Select the desired language with

/ , then touch EXEC.

7 Touch .

z Tip

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

Getting started

POWER switch

1 Turn on your camcorder.

2 Open the LCD panel.

3 Touch to display PAGE1.

60min

PAGE1 PAGE2

SPOT

FOCUS WHT

FOCUS

MENU FADER END

STBY

BAL

SCH

0:00:00

SPOT

METER EXPO–

SURE

4 Touch MENU.

5 Select (SETUP MENU), then

select LANGUAGE with /

, then touch EXEC.

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET USB STREAM LANGUAGE DEMO MODE

STBY

DEUTSCH

EΛΛHNIKA

ENGLISH ENG[SIMP ESPAÑOL FRANÇAIS

EXEC

]

RET.

Getting started

Recording

Recording movies

Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 21). When you are recording, movies will be recorded along with stereo sound.

Camera recording lamp

LENS COVER switch

POWER switch

Recording starts. [REC] appears on the LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp lights up. Press REC START/STOP again to stop recording.

To turn the power off

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.

Indicators displayed during recording

The indicators will not be recorded on the tape. Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 38) will not be displayed during recording.

0:00:00REC60min

60min

REC START/STOP

z Tip

• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first time users can record easily. For details, see page 26.

REC START/STOP

1 Set the LENS COVER switch to

OPEN.

2 Open the LCD panel.

3 Slide the POWER switch until the

CAMERA lamp lights up.

Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.

Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

4 Press REC START/STOP.

A Indicators for Cassette Memory cassettes B Remaining battery

The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use. When you opened or closed the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time.

C Recording mode (SP or LP) D Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or

[REC] (recording))

E Tape photo recording/Time code or tape

counter (hour: minute: second)

F Recording capacity of the tape (p. 55) G Function button

b Notes

• Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG).

• In the default setting, when you do not operate the camcorder for more than about 5 minutes, the power will automatically turn off to prevent battery loss ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 60). To restart recording, slide

Recording

the POWER switch until the CAMERA lamp lights up, and then press REC START/STOP.

z Tips

• If you do not use your camcorder for a long time, remove the cassette and store it.

• You can also record movies by pressing REC START/STOP beside the LCD screen. It is useful for recording from a low angle or recording yourself in mirror mode.

• To press REC START/STOP beside the LCD screen, support the LCD panel with your hand.

• If you install a large capacity battery pack (NPFF70/FF71) on your camcorder, we recommend recording with the LCD screen.

• To ensure smooth transition on a tape from the last recorded scene to the next, note the following. – Do not remove the cassette. (The picture will be

recorded continuously without a break even when you turn the power off.)

– Do not record pictures in SP mode and LP mode on

the same tape.

– Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP

mode.

• The recording time, date, and the camera settings data are recorded automatically on the tape without being displayed on the screen. You can view this information during playback if you set [DATA CODE] on the screen (p. 38).

Recording for a longer time

1 cm (approx. 1/2 inch)*

80 cm (approx. 2 5/8 feet)*

* The minimum distance required between your

camcorder and the subject to get a sharp focus in that position of the lever.

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

To record wider range of view

Move the power zoom lever towards W. The subject appears farther away (Wide angle).

To record closer view

Move the power zoom lever towards T. The subject appears closer (Telephoto).

Recording

To record for a longer time

In the (TAPE SET) menu, select [REC MODE], then [LP] (p. 55). In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times longer than you can when recording in the SP mode. A tape recorded in the LP mode should be played back only on this camcorder.

Using zoom

You can choose zoom to magnification levels greater than 10 times, and from that point activate the digital zoom ([D ZOOM], p. 48). Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but use it sparingly for best results.

Recording in mirror mode

You can turn the LCD panel towards the subject so that you and your subject can share the image being recorded. You can also utilize this function when recording yourself, to keep the attention of small children attracted to the camcorder while you record them.

,continued

Recording

Extend the viewfinder.

Open the LCD panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees towards the subject.

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

Using the self-timer

2 Touch [SELF TIMER].

3 Touch .

appears.

0:00:00STBY60min

4 Press REC START/STOP.

You will hear a beep sound counting down for about 10 seconds. The recording starts. To stop recording, press REC START/ STOP.

To cancel the count down

Press REC START/STOP.

To cancel the self-timer

Follow steps 1 and 2.

With the self-timer, you can start recording after a delay of about 10 seconds.

REC START/STOP

1 Touch and select [PAGE2].

Recording

Recording still images

You can record still images. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 p. 21).

POWER switch

1 Set the LENS COVER switch to

OPEN.

2 Open the LCD panel.

– Tape photo recording

PHOTO

LENS COVER switch

You will hear a light beep sound and the picture becomes a still image. Recording does not start at this point.

60min

CAPTURE

The indicator appears.

5 Press PHOTO fully.

A shutter sound is heard, and the image is recorded with sound for 7 seconds. The still image is displayed on the screen until recording is completed.

To turn the power off

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.

b Note

• appears when the tape photo recording does not work.

z Tips

• You can record about 510 images in the SP mode and about 765 images in the LP mode on a 60 minutes tape.

• You can record still images using the self-timer recording (p. 24).

Recording

3 Slide the POWER switch until the

CAMERA lamp lights up.

Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

4 Press and hold PHOTO lightly.

Recording

Recording with ease

You can record only movies.

– Easy Handycam

With this Easy Handycam operation, most of the camera settings are set to the automatic mode, only basic functions become available, and the screen font size increases for easy viewing. Even first time users can enjoy easy recording. Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in “Getting started” (p. 11 - p. 21).

Camera recording lamp

EASY

REC START/STOP

z Tip

• When you touch MENU during Easy Handycam operation, only the available functions are displayed on the screen.

POWER switch

REC START/STOP

1 Set the LENS COVER switch to

OPEN.

2 Open the LCD panel.

3 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

Slide the POWER switch while pressing the green button.

4 Press EASY.

EASY lights up in blue.

Easy Handycam

operation

5 Press REC START/STOP.

Recording starts. [REC] appears on the LCD screen and the Camera recording lamp lights up. Press REC START/STOP again to stop recording.

To turn the power off

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), then set the LENS COVER switch to CLOSE.

To cancel Easy Handycam operation

Press EASY again.

b Notes

• You cannot switch from/to Easy Handycam operation during recording.

• During Easy Handycam operation, you cannot connect the USB cable to your camcorder.

• You cannot use Easy Handycam operation together with USB Streaming.

• During Easy Handycam operation, the following buttons are not available: – LCD BACKLIGHT (p. 17) – BACK LIGHT (p. 27)

• All the settings return to their defaults during Easy Handycam operation. Previously made settings are restored when you exit Easy Handycam operation.

Recording

Adjusting the exposure

Fixing the exposure for the selected subject – Flexible spot meter

The exposure is adjusted automatically in the default setting.

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects

When your subject has its back to the sun or other light, you can adjust the exposure to prevent the subject from becoming shadowed.

BACK LIGHT

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

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch [SPOT METER].

SPOT METER

AUTO

0:00:00STBY60min

4 Touch the point you want to adjust and

fix the exposure on the screen.

[SPOT METER] flashes while the camera is adjusting the exposure for the selected point.

Recording

Press BACK LIGHT when the POWER switch is set to the CAMERA mode.

. appears.

To cancel the back light function, press BACK LIGHT again.

b Note

• The back light function is canceled when you set [EXPOSURE] to [MANUAL] (p. 29) or select [SPOT METER] (p. 27).

SPOT METER

AUTO

5 Touch .

6 Touch .

0:00:00STBY60min

,continued

Recording

To return the setting to automatic exposure

Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in step 4. Or set [EXPOSURE] to [ AUTO] (p. 29).

b Notes

• You cannot use the Flexi ble spot meter together with

the NightShot plus function.

• If you set [PROGRAM AE], [SPOT METER] is

automatically set to [ AUTO].

z Tip

• If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is

automatically set to [MANUAL].

Adjusting the white balance manually

You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. The indicators in parentheses appear when the setting is selected.

[ AUTO]

Select when you want to record with the white balance adjusted automatically.

[OUTDOOR] ( )

Select when recording a sunset/sunrise, general night views, neon signs, fireworks, or when under daylight fluorescent lamps.

[INDOOR] (n)

Select when recording at a party or in studios where lighting conditions change quickly. And also, select when under video lamps such as those in a studio, under sodium lamps, mercury lamps or warm white fluorescent lamps.

[ONE PUSH] ( )

Select when you want to record with the white balance adjusted depending on the light source.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch [WHT BAL].

4 Touch the desired effect.

When you touch [ONE PUSH]

1 Frame a white object such as a piece of

paper filling the screen under the same lighting conditions as you will shoot the subject.

2 Touch .

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

5 Touch .

6 Touch .

b Notes

• You cannot use the white balance together with the NightShot plus function.

• The setting returns to [ AUTO] when you disconnect the power source from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

• Do not shake or strike the camcorder while flashes quickly.

• When flashes slowly, the white balance is not set or was not able to be set.

• If keeps flashing even when you touch

, set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO].

z Tips

• For better color balance adjustment when [WHT BAL] is set to [ AUTO], aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds after setting the POWER switch to CAMERA when: – You remove the battery pack for replacement. – You bring your camcorder outdoors from inside

the house while using fixed exposure, or bring your camcorder in from outside.

• Redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure when: – You changed the [PROGRAM AE] settings when

[WHT BAL] is set to [ONE PUSH].

– You brought your camcorder outdoors from inside

the house, or vice versa.

• Set [WHT BAL] to [ AUTO] or [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent lamps.

Recording

Adjusting the exposure manually

You can fix the brightness of a picture at the best exposure. When recording indoors on a clear day, for instance, you can avoid backlight shadows on people next to the window by manually fixing the exposure to that of the wall side of the room.

To return the setting to automatic exposure

Follow steps 1 to 3, then select [ AUTO] in step 4.

b Note

• You cannot use the manual exposure together with the NightShot plus function.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch [EXPOSURE].

0:00:00STBY60min

AUTO

MANU–

EXPOSURE

4 Touch [MANUAL].

0:00:00STBY60min

AUTO

MANU–

EXPOSURE

5 Adjust the exposure by touching

(dim)/ (bright), then touch .

Recording

6 Touch .

60min

0:00:00STBY

Recording

Recording in dark places

You can record subjects in dark places (such as when capturing the face of your baby sleeping) with this function.

Set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON.

and ”NIGHTSHOT PLUS” appear. To cancel NightShot plus, set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to OFF.

– NightShot plus

Light is about 3 meters (10 feet). If you record subjects in dark places (such as night scene or in moonlight), set [N.S.LIGHT] to [OFF] in the menu setting. You can make image color deeper (p. 49).

b Notes

• Do not use the NightShot plus function in bright

places. This may cause a malfunction.

• You cannot use the NightShot plus function together

with: – [PROGRAM AE] – Manual exposure – Flexible spot meter – White balance

• Adjust the focus manually when it is hard to focus

automatically.

• Do not cover the infrared port with your fingers or

other objects. Remo ve the conversion lens (optional ) if it is attached.

• Depending on the shooting conditions or

circumstances, colors may not be reproduced properly.

z Tip

• If you record subjects in complete darkness, set

[N.S.LIGHT] to [ON] in the menu setting. The maximum shooting distance using the NightShot

Recording

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