Sony DCR-PC106E User Manual

Camera
Operations Guide

Read this first

Digital Video Camera Recorder

3-089-179-11(1)

© 2004 Sony Corporation

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

b

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.

2

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

3

• 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

b

• 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.

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

1

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

13

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

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

14

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

15

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

16

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

1

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

17

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

18

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

OK

7 Set Y (year) with / , then

touch .

CLOCK SET

YMDH

2004110:00

You can set any year up to the year 2079.

M

OK

Getting started

19

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

1

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

20

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

21

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.

FN

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

22

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

23

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

FN

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

REC START/STOP

REC START/STOP

1 Touch and select [PAGE2].

Recording

24

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.

FN

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

25

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

ON

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.

26

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

OK

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

OK

,continued

Recording

27

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.

28

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–

AL

EXPOSURE

OK

4 Touch [MANUAL].

0:00:00STBY60min

AUTO

MANU–

AL

EXPOSURE

OK

5 Adjust the exposure by touching

(dim)/ (bright), then touch .

Recording

6 Touch .

60min

0:00:00STBY

FN

Recording

29

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

30

Adjusting the focus

The focus is adjusted automatically in the
default setting.

Adjusting the focus for an off­center subject – SPOT FOCUS

To adjust the focus automatically

Follow steps 1 to 3, then touch [ AUTO] in
step 4. Or, set [FOCUS] to [ AUTO] (p. 31).

b Note

• You cannot use the SPOT FOCUS function together
with [PROGRAM AE].

z Tip

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

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

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch [SPOT FOCUS].

SPOT FOCUS

AUTO

0:00:00STBY60min

OK

4 Touch the subject for which you want

to adjust the focus on the screen.

[SPOT FOCUS] flashes while the camera is
adjusting the focus.

9 appears.

SPOT FOCUS

0:00:00STBY60min

Adjusting the focus manually

Recording

You can adjust the focus manually according
to the recording conditions.
Use this function in the following cases.

– To record a subject behind a window covered

with raindrops.
– To record horizontal stripes.
– To record a subject with little contrast

between the subject and its background.
– When you want to focus on a subject in the

background.

– To record a stationary subject using a tripod.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

AUTO

5 Touch .

6 Touch .

3 Touch [FOCUS].

OK

FOCUS

AUTO

MANU–

AL

0:00:00STBY60min

OK

,continued

Recording

31

4 Touch [MANUAL].

9 appears.

5 Touch or to adjust the focus.

: To focus on close subjects.
: To focus on distant subjects.

9 changes to when the focus cannot be

adjusted any further.
when the focus cannot be adjusted any
closer.

FOCUS

AUTO

MANU–

AL

9 changes to

0:00:00STBY60min

OK

Recording a picture using various effects

POWER switch

Tips for focusing manually

• It is easier to focus on the subject when you use the
zoom function. Move the power zoom lever towards
T (telephoto) to adjust the focus, and then, towards
W (wide angle) to adjust the zoom for recording.

• When you want to record a close-up image of a
subject, move the power zoom lever towards W
(wide angle) to fully magnify the image, then adjust
the focus.

6 Touch .

7 Touch .

To adjust the focus automatically

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

REC START/
STOP

REC START/STOP

Fading in and out of a scene – FADER

You can add the following effects to
currently recording pictures.

[BLACK] (black fader)

[WHITE] (white fader)

[MOSC. FADER] (mosaic fader)

32

Recording

[MONOTONE]

When fading in, the picture gradually changes
from black-and-white to color.
When fading out, the picture gradually changes
from color to black-and-white.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1] in

the standby mode (to fade in) or during
recording (to fade out).

3 Touch [FADER].

MOSC.

FADER

0:00:0060min STBY

MONO–

TONE

FADER

OFF OK

WHITE

BLACK

Searching for the starting point

Recording

POWER switch

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

4 Touch the desired effect, then touch

.

5 Touch .

60min

0:00:00STBY

BLACK
FADER

FN

6 Press REC START/STOP.

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

To cancel the operation

In step 3, touch [ OFF].

b Note

• You cannot use the FADER function together with:
– Tape photo recording
– [FRAME REC] (Frame recording)
– [INT.REC] (Interval recording)

This function is handy when you have played
back the tape, for example, but want to start
recording right after the most recently
recorded scene. When you use a cassette
without Cassette Memory, the END
SEARCH function will not work once you
eject the cassette after you have recorded on
the tape. If you use a cassette with Cassette
Memory, it will function even when you have
ejected the cassette.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch [END SCH].

The last scene of the most recent recording
is played back for about 5 seconds, and the
camcorder enters the standby mode at the
point where the last recording has finished.

,continued

Recording

33

4 Touch .

To cancel the operation

Touch [END SCH] again.

b Note

• The END SEAR CH function will not work corr ectly

when there is a blank section between recorded
sections on the tape.

z Tip

• When the PLAY/EDIT mode is selected, you can do

this operation.

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes – Rec review

You can view a few seconds of the scene
recorded just before you stopped the tape.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

Searching manually – EDIT SEARCH

You can search for the start point while
viewing the pictures on the screen. The sound
is not played back during the search.

1 Slide the POWER switch to select the

CAMERA mode.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch MENU.

4 Select (CAMERA SET), then

select [EDITSEARCH] with /

, then touch [EXEC].

5 Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].

6 Touch .

3 Touch MENU.

4 Select (CAMERA SET), then

select [EDITSEARCH] with /

, then touch [EXEC].

5 Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].

6 Touch .

7 Touch once.

The last few seconds of the most recently
recorded scene are played back. Then, your
camcorder is set to the standby mode.

7 Keep touching (to go

backward)/ (to go forward) and
release it at the point where you want
to start recording.

Recording

34

Playback

Viewing pictures recorded on a tape

Make sure you have a recorded tape inserted
into your camcorder.
When you want to play back recordings on
your TV, see page 40.
You can control playback using the Remote
Commander.

POWER switch

z Tip

• Performing Easy Handycam operation, even first
time users can play back easily. For details, see
page 37.

3 Touch (rewind) to go to the point

you want to view.

0:00:00:0060min

60min

FN

4 Touch (play) to start playback.

To adjust the volume

1

Touch to display [PAGE1].

2 Touch [VOL].
3 Adjust the volume by touching

(decrease) / (increase), then touch

.

4 Touch .

To stop playback

Touch (stop).

To pause

Touch (pause) during playback. Touch it
again to restart the playback.
Playback stops automatically when the pause
mode continues for more than 5 minutes.

Playback

1 Open the LCD panel.

2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly

until the PLAY/EDIT lamp lights up.

Slide the POWER
switch while
pressing the green
button.

To fast forward or rewind

Touch (fast forward) or (rewind) in
stop mode.

To review movies on the viewfinder

Close the LCD panel. Then, extend the
viewfinder.

,continued

Playback

35

Indicators displayed during playback

0:00:00:1560min

60min

FN

A Remaining battery time
B Recording mode (SP or LP)
C Tape transport indicator
D Time code (hour: minute: secon d: frame)

or tape counter (hour: minute: second)

E Function button
F Video operation buttons

Playing back in various modes

To fast forward or rewind during
playback – Picture search

Keep touching (fast forward) or
(rewind) during playback.
To resume normal playback, release the button.

3 Select a playback mode.

To return to the normal playback mode,
touch (play/pause) twice (once from
frame playback).

To Touch

change the
playback
direction*

play back
slowly**

play back 2 times
faster (double
speed)

play back frame
by frame

*Horizontal lines may appear at the top, bottom,

or in the center of the screen. This is not a
malfunction.

**Pictures output from the DV Interface

cannot be played back smoothly in slow mode.

(frame) during

playback.

[ SLOW] during
playback.
To reverse direction

1 Touch (frame).
2 [ SLOW].

(double speed)
during playback.
To reverse direction

1 Touch (frame).
2 (double speed).

(frame) during
playback pause.
To reverse direction, touch

(frame) again during
frame playback.

4 Touch [ RET.], then .

To view the picture while fast
forwarding or rewinding – Skip scan

Keep touching (fast forward) or
(rewind) while fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape.
To resume fast forwarding or rewinding, release
the button.

To play back in various modes

You will not hear the recorded sound. Also, you
may see mosaic-like images of the previously
played picture remaining on the screen.

1 Touch and select [PAGE3] during

playback or playback pause.

2 Touch [V SPD PLAY].

Playback

36

Playing back with

EASY lights up in blue.

ease

Easy Handycam operation allows easy play back
for even first time users by providing only the
basic functions for playback. Also, the screen
font size increases for easy viewing. Make sure
you have a recorded tape inserted into your
camcorder.

z Tip

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

– Easy Handycam

EASY

POWER switch

1 Open the LCD panel.

Easy Handycam

operation

ON

4 Play back a tape.

The following buttons can be operated.

(play/pause)/ (fast forward)/

(stop)/ (rewind)
You can operate these operations and
SLOW on the Remote Commander.

To cancel Easy Handycam operation

Press EASY again.

b Notes

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

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

Playback

2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

Slide the POWER
switch while
pressing the green
button.

3 Press EASY.

Playback

37

Various playback

data ([CAM DATA]) that are automatically
recorded while recording pictures on a tape.

functions

You can display the recorded date and
camera setting data.

DISPLAY/BATT INFO

Displaying the screen indicators

You can choose to display the time code, tape
counter, and other information on the screen.

POWER switch

1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

2 Touch and select [PAGE2]

during playback or playback pause.

3 Touch [DATA CODE].

DATE/
TIME

0:00:00:0060min

DATA CODE

OFF OK

CAM
DATA

4 Select [CAM DATA] or [DATE/

TIME], then touch .

5 Touch .

60min

0:00:00:00

1 1 2004

12:17:50

FN

Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO.

The indicators appear/disappear as you press the
button.

z Tips

• You can display the screen indicators by pressing
DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.

• You can display the screen indicators during
playback on a TV. Select (OTHERS),
[DISPLAY], then [V-OUT/LCD] (p. 61).

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

During playback, you can view the date/time
data ([DATE/TIME]) and the camera settings

Playback

38

To hide the date/time or the camera
settings data

Follow steps 2 and 3, and select [ OFF] in
step 4.

Camera settings data display

In the date/time data display, the date and time
is displayed in the same area.

If you record the picture without setting the
clock, [-- -- ----] and [--:--:--] will appear.

0:00:00:0060min

AUTO

AWB100

F1. 7

9dB

FN

A SteadyShot off
B Exposure
C White balance
D Gain
E Shutter speed
F Aperture value

Playback

Playback

39

Playing the picture on a TV

A/V OUT jack

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

Connect your camcorder via the Handycam
Station or the A/V OUT jack of your
camcorder to a TV using the supplied A/V
connecting cable.
Connect the supplied AC Adaptor to the wall
socket for the power supply (p. 15).
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied
with the devices to be connected.
To copy to another tape, see page 63.

Yellow

White

Red

To the audio/video
input jacks

Signal flow

* By using an S video cable (optional), higher quality

DV format pictures can be produced. When there is
an S video jack on the device to be connected,
connecting the S video cable (optional) to the S
video jacks on both the Handycam Station and the
device instead of using the yellow plug is
recommended. The audio will not be output when
you connect with the S video plug alone.

When your TV is connected to a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input
on the VCR using the A/V connecting cable. Set
the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

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

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

Playback

40

VCRs or TVs

When you want to play the sound in monaural
mode, use a connecting cable (optional) for that
purpose.

If your TV/VCR has a 21-pin connector
(EUROCONNECTOR)

Use the 21-pin adaptor supplied with your
camcorder (For models with the mark
printed on their bottom surfaces only). This
adaptor is designed for output use only.

TV/VCR

b Note

• Do not connect the A/V connecting cables to both
your camcorder and the Handycam Station. The
recorded picture may be distorted.

Locating a scene on a tape for playback

4 Press PLAY.

The playback starts from the point
designated “0:00:00” on the tape counter.

Searching quickly for a desired scene – Zero set memory

mREW

PLAY

STOP
DISPLAY

ZERO SET MEMORY

1 During playback, press ZERO SET

MEMORY on the Remote
Commander at the point you want to
locate later on.

The tape counter is reset to “0:00:00” and

appears on the screen.

0:00:0060min

To cancel the operation

Press ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote
Commander again.

b Notes

• There may be a discrepancy of several seconds
between the time code and the tape counter.

• Zero set memory will not function correctly if there
is a blank section between recorded sections on the
tape.

Searching for a scene using Cassette Memory – Title search

You can locate a scene where you have added a
title (p. 52).

SEARCH M.
. / >

STOP

Playback

FN

If the tape counter is not displayed, press
DISPLAY on the Remote Commander.

2 Press STOP when you want to stop

playback.

3 Press mREW.

The tape stops automatically when the tape
counter reaches “0:00:00.”

1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote

Commander repeatedly to select
[TITLE SEARCH].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on

the Remote Commander to select a
title that you want to play.

,continued

Playback

41

Playback starts automatically from the
selected title.

TITLE SEARCH

3 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
4 PRESENT
5 GOOD MORNING
6 WEDDING
7 NIGHT
8 BASEBALL

Point where
the playback
starts

Present point
on the tape

To cancel the operation

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

b Notes

• You cannot use Title search when [CM SEARCH] is
set to [OFF] on the (CM SET) menu (it is set to
[ON] by default) (p. 54).

• Title search will not function correctly when there is
a blank section between recorded sections on the
tape.

2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote

Commander repeatedly to select
[DATE SEARCH].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on

the Remote Commander to select a
recording date.

When your cassette has Cassette Memory,
you can select the recording date itself.
When your cassette does not have Cassette
Memory, you can select the previous or the
next date of the present point on the tape.
Playback starts automatically from the
point where the date changes.

Screen example (when the cassette has
Cassette Memory):

DATE SEARCH

1 4 / 1 / 04
2 4 / 1 / 04
3 5 / 1 / 04

Point where the
playback starts

Searching for a scene by date of recording – Date search

When you are using a cassette with Cassette
Memory, you can locate a scene by the
recording date ([CM SEARCH] is set to [ON]
by default). When you are using a cassette
that does not have Cassette Memory, you can
locate the point where the recording date
changes.

SEARCH M.
. / >

STOP

1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

Present point on
the tape

To cancel the operation

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

b Notes

• If one day’s recording is less than 2 minutes, your
camcorder may not accurately find the point where
the recording date changes.

• Date search will not function correctly when there is
a blank section between recorded sections on the
tape.

• You can record date/time data for up to 6 days.
When you have recorded for more than 7 days on a
tape, locate the date without using the Cassette
Memory. To turn off the Cassette Memory, select

(CM SET), [CM SEARCH], and then [OFF]

(p. 54).

Searching for a still image – Photo search

When you are using a cassette with Cassette
Memory, you can locate the still image by

42

Playback

choosing the recording date on the screen. ([CM
SEARCH] is set to [ON] by default).
When you are using a cassette that does not
have Cassette Memory, your camcorder
searches the still image automatically regardless
of the recording date.

SEARCH M.
. / >

STOP

1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote

Commander repeatedly to select
[PHOTO SEARCH].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on

the Remote Commander to select the
date or photo for playback.

When your cassette has Cassette Memory,
you can select the recorded date.
When your cassette does not have Cassette
Memory, your camcorder selects the still
image before and behind the current point
of the tape.
Playback of the photo starts automatically
at the selected scene.

To cancel the operation

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

b Note

• Photo search will not function correctly when there
is a blank section between recorded sections on the
tape.

Playing back still images in sequence – Photo scan

You can also locate still images one after
another and display each images for 5 seconds
automatically.

SEARCH M.
. / >

STOP

Playback

1 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

2 Press SEARCH M. on the Remote

Commander repeatedly to select
[PHOTO SCAN].

3 Press . (previous)/> (next) on

the Remote Commander.

Each photo will be played back for about 5
seconds.

To cancel the operation

Press STOP on the Remote Commander.

b Note

• Photo scan will not function correctly when there is
a blank section between recorded sections on the
tape.

Playback

43

B

Advanced operations

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings

You can change various settings or make
detailed adjustments using the menu items
displayed on the screen.

POWER switch

1 Turn on the power (p. 16).

CAMERA SET (p. 48)

PLAYER SET (p. 50) (DCR-

PC106E)

VCR SET (p. 50) (DCR-PC107E)

LCD/VF SET (p. 51)

CM SET (p. 52)

TAPE SET (p. 55)

SETUP MENU (p. 58)

OTHERS (p. 60)

OTHERS

WORLD TIME
BEEP
A.SHUT OFF
COMMANDER
DISPLAY
REC LAMP

EXEC

STBY

0 HR

RET.

5 Select the desired item with /

, then touch [EXEC].

The available menu items vary depending
on the power mode of your camcorder. The
unavailable items will not be displayed.

OTHERS

WORLD TIME
BEEP
A.SHUT OFF
COMMANDER
DISPLAY
REC LAMP

ON
OFF

EXEC

STBY

RET.

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

60min

PAGE1 PAGE2

SPOT

FOCUS WHT

FOCUS

MENU FADER END

STBY

BAL

SCH

0:00:00

SPOT

METER
EXPO–

SURE

3 Touch MENU to display the menu.

MANUAL SET

PROGRAM AE
P EFFECT
FLASH MODE
FLASH LVL
AUTO SHTR

EXEC

STBY

RET.

4 Select the icon of the desired menu

with / , then touch [EXEC].

MANUAL SET (p. 45)

Customizing Your Camcorder

44

6 Select the desired setting with /

, then touch [EXEC].

OTHERS

WORLD TIME
BEEP
A.SHUT OFF
COMMANDER
DISPLAY
REC LAMP

OFF

EXEC

STBY

RET.

7 Touch (close) to hide the menu

screen.

You can go back to the previous screen each
time you touch [ RET.].

Using the
(MANUAL SET) menu

– PROGRAM AE/P EFFECT, etc.

You can select items listed below on the
MANUAL SET menu. To select items, see
“Changing the menu settings” (p. 44).
The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the

PROGRAM AE

You can record pictures easily in a situation that requires various techniques by
selecting the following settings.

G AUTO Select this when not using PROGRAM AE.
SPOTLIGHT*

(spotlight) ( )

Select to prevent people’s faces from appearing
excessively white when subjects are lit by strong
light, such as in a theater or at a wedding.

setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.

MANUAL SET
PROGRAM AE
P EFFECT
FLASH MODE
FLASH LVL
AUTO SHTR

EXEC

STBY

RET.

Customizing Your Camcorder

PORTRAIT (soft
portrait) ( )

SPORTS* (sports
lesson) ( )

BEACH&SKI*
(beach & ski) ( )

SUNSETMOON
** (sunset &
moon) ( )

LANDSCAPE**
(landscape) ( )

* Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.

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

Select to minimize shake when shooting fast­moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.

Select to prevent people’s faces from appearing
dark in strong light or reflected light, such as at a
beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.

Select to maintain the atmosphere of situations
such as sunsets, general night views, fireworks,
and neon signs.

Select when shooting distant subjects such as
mountains. This setting also prevents your
camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh
in windows that co mes in between the camcorder
and the subject.

,continued

Customizing Your Camcorder

45

P EFFECT

**Your camcorder is adjusted to focus only on distant subjects.

Note

b

• When you set the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch to ON, [PROGRAM AE] does not work.
(The indicator flashes.)

You can add special effects (such as films) to a picture before or after recording.

appears when the effect is selected.

GOFF Select when not using the Picture effect setting.
NEG.ART Select to record/play the picture with the color

SEPIA Select to record/play the picture appearing in sepia.
B&W Select to record/play the picture appearing in monochrome (black-

SOLARIZE Select to record/play the picture looking like an

and brightness of the picture reversed.

and-white).

illustration with strong contrast.

FLASH MODE

PASTEL Select to record the picture looking like a pale

MOSAIC Select to record the picture appearing mosaic-

b Note

• You cannot add effects to externally input pictures. Also, you cannot output pictures edited
with Picture effect via the DV Interface.

Tip

z

• You can copy pictures edited using Picture effect to another tape (p. 63).

pastel drawing. (This effect is not available
during playback.)

patterned. (This effect is not available during
playback.)

Note that these settings will not function with external flashes that do not support
the following settings.

GON To trigger the flash (optional) regardless of the brightness of the

AUTO To trigger the flash (optional) automatically.

surroundings.

Customizing Your Camcorder

46

FLASH LVL

AUTO SHTR

Note that these settings will not function with external flashes that do not support
the following settings.

HIGH To make the flash (optional) level higher than normal.

GNORMAL To use the normal setting.
LOW To make the flash (optional) level lower than normal.

b Note

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

GON Select to automatically activate the electronic shutter to adjust the

shutter speed when recording in bright conditions.

OFF Select when recording without using the electronic shutter.

Customizing Your Camcorder

Customizing Your Camcorder

47

Using the
(CAMERA SET) menu

– D ZOOM/16:9WIDE, etc.

You can select items listed below on the
CAMERA SET menu. To select items, see
“Changing the menu settings” (p. 44).
The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the

D ZOOM

You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level
greater than 10 times while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality
decreases when you are using the digital zoom. This function is useful when
recording enlarged pictures of a distant subject, such as a bird.

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

setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.

CAMERA SET

D ZOOM
16 : 9WIDE
STEADYSHOT
EDITSEARCH
N. S. LIGHT

EXEC

STBY

RET.

16:9WIDE

Customizing Your Camcorder

48

GOFF Select to deactivate the digital zoom. Up to 10 times zoom is

performed optically.

20 × Select to activate the digital zoom. 10 times through 20 times zoom is

performed digitally.

120 × Select to activate the digital zoom. 10 times through 120 times zoom

is performed digitally.

You can record a 16:9 wide picture on the tape to watch on a 16:9 wide-screen TV
([16:9WIDE] mode).
With this function [ON], your camcorder offers even wider angles when you
move the power zoom lever to the “W” side than recording in [OFF].
Refer also to the instruction manuals supplied with your TV.

STEADYSHOT

When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder

When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV*

When viewed on a standard TV**

* The picture appears in full screen when the wide-screen TV switches to full mode.
**Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in the wide mode, it appears as you have seen

on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

GOFF Standard setting (to record pictures to play back on a 4:3 TV). The

recorded picture will not be wide.

ON ( ) Select to record a picture to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV.

You can select this function to compensate for camera-shake.

GON Standard setting (enable the SteadyShot function).
OFF ( ) Select to deactivate the SteadyShot function.

Select to shoot a stationary subject with a tripod, or when using a
conversion lens (optional). Natural pictures are produced.

Customizing Your Camcorder

EDITSEARCH

N.S.LIGHT

GOFF Select not to display /
ON Select to display /

EDITSEARCH function and Rec review (p. 34).

– or + on the LCD screen.

– and + on the LCD screen, and use the

When using the NightShot plus function to record, you can record clearer pictures
by using the NightShot Light to emit infrared rays (invisible).

GON Select to use the NightShot Light (p. 30).
OFF Select to disable the NightShot Light (p. 30).

Customizing Your Camcorder

49

Using the
(PLAYER SET)/

(VCR SET) menu

SOUND/AUDIO MIX

You can select items listed below in the menu
(the PLAYER SET menu for DCR-PC106E, the
VCR SET menu for DCR-PC107E). To select
these items, see “Changing the menu settings”
(p. 44).

HiFi SOUND

You can select how to play back audio recorded on a tape in stereo mode.

GSTEREO Select to play back a stereo tape or dual sound track tape with main

1 Select to play back a stereo tape with the left channel sound or a dual

2 Select to play back a stereo tape with the right channel sound or a dual

b Notes

• You can play back a dual sound track cassette on this camcorder. However, you cannot

record a dual sound track on this camcorder.

• The setting returns to [STEREO] when you disconnect the power source from your

camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

– HiFi

and sub sound.

sound track tape with main sound.

sound track tape with sub sound.

The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the
setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.

VCR SET

HiFi SOUND
AUDIO MIX

RET.

EXEC

AUDIO MIX

Customizing Your Camcorder

50

You can adjust the audio balance between the originally recorded sound ([ST1])
and sound added afterwards ([ST2]) on the tape (p. 71).

b Notes

• You cannot adjust sound recorded in 16 bit audio mode.

• Only the originally recorded sound will be heard when you disconnect the power source

from your camcorder for more than 5 minutes.

Using the (LCD/VF
SET) menu

– LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L.

The default settings are marked with G. The
screen shows the items you can operate at the
moment. Unavailable items will be grayed out.

LCD/VF SET
LCD B. L.
LCD COLOR
VF B. L.

STBY

You can select items listed below on the LCD/
VF SET menu. To select items, see “Changing
the menu settings” (p. 44).

LCD B.L.

You can adjust the brightness of the LCD screen’s backlight. The recorded picture
will not be affected by this setting.

GBRT NORMAL Standard brightness.
BRIGHT Select to brighten the LCD screen.

b Notes

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

• When you select [BRIGHT], the battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during
recording.

LCD COLOR

Touch / to adjust the color on the LCD screen. The recorded picture
will not be affected by this setting.

Low intensity High intensity

EXEC

RET.

Customizing Your Camcorder

VF B.L.

You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be
affected by this setting.

GBRT NORMAL Standard brightness.
BRIGHT Select to brighten the viewfinder screen.

b Notes

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

• When you select [BRIGHT], the battery life is reduced by about 10 percent during
recording.

Customizing Your Camcorder

51

Using the (CM
SET) menu

– TITLE/TAPE TITLE/ERASE ALL, etc.

You can select items listed below on the CM
SET menu. To select items, see “Changing the
menu settings” (p. 44).

TITLE

Any titles you have superimposed using this camcorder can only be viewed on a

video cassette device with the index titler function. If you superimpose a
title, you will be able to search for it using Title search. You can superimpose up
to about 20 titles (about 5 letters per title) on a cassette with Cassette Memory.
Note, however, that only 11 titles can be recorded when other data (6 date/time
data/1 cassette label/12 photo data) is recorded.

1 Select a desired title from the displayed titles (2 original titles that you

have created before and the preset titles that have been stored in your
camcorder). You can create original titles (up to 2 types of title of within
20 characters each) in the following procedure.

1 Select [CUSTOM 1””] or [CUSTOM 2””] with / , then

touch [EXEC].

2 Select [CREATE/EDIT] with / , then touch [EXEC].
3 Touch the button repeatedly to select the desired character on the

button.

The default settings are marked with G. The
settings you can adjust vary depending on the
power mode of your camcorder. The screen
shows the items you can operate at the moment.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.

CM SET

TITLE
TITLEERASE
TITLE DSPL
CM SEARCH
TAPE TITLE
ERASE ALL

RET.

EXEC

Customizing Your Camcorder

52

TITLE SET

[

____________________

&? !

ABC DEF

MNO

J

KLGH I

WXY

TUVPQR

Z

S

T t

123
45

’ . ,

/

–

]

678
90

OK

To erase a character: Touch .
To insert a space: Touch .

4 Touch to move s to select the next character, and enter the

character in the same manner.

5 When you have finished entering characters, touch .

2 Select the title you want to insert, then touch [EXEC].

To insert an original title, select and touch [EXEC].

3 Touch [COLOR], [SIZE], [POSr] or [POSR] as necessary to select a

desired color, size, or position.

Color

white t yellow t violet t red t cyan t green t blue

Size

small y large
(You can only select the small size when you are entering more than 13
characters.)

Position

You can select from 8 to 9 choices.

4 Touch [TITLE OK], then touch [SAVE TITLE].

During playback, playback pause, or recording

[TITLE SAVE] is displayed on the screen for about 5 seconds and the title is
set.

During recording standby

[TITLE] appears. When you press REC START/STOP to start recording,
[TITLE SAVE] is displayed on the screen for about 5 seconds, and the title is
set.

b Notes

• The point you superimposed the title may be detected as an index signal when searching a
recording with other video device.

• When you are using your camcorder on the battery pack and do not operate it for 5 minutes,
the power automatically goes off as the default setting. If you may take 5 minutes or longer
to enter characters, set [A.SHUT OFF] on the (OTHERS) menu to [NEVER] (p. 60).
The power will not be turned off. Even though the power goes off, the characters you have
entered remain stored in memory. Turn the power back on, then start again from step 1 to
continue superimposing the title.

Tip

z

• To change a created title, select the title in step 1, touch [EXEC] and select [CREATE/
EDIT], then touch [EXEC]. Then, reselect the characters again.

Customizing Your Camcorder

TITLEERASE

TITLE DSPL

1 Select the title that you want to delete using / , then touch

[EXEC].

2 Confirm the title is the one you want to delete, then touch .

To cancel the operation, touch [CANCEL].

3 Touch .

You can view the title when you play back the picture.

GON Select to display the title when a scene superimposed with a title

appears.

OFF Select when you do not want to display the title.

,continued

Customizing Your Camcorder

53

CM SEARCH

TAPE TITLE

GON Select to search for a scene, title, etc. using Cassette Memory (p. 41 -

43).

OFF Select to search without using Cassette Memory.

You can label a cassette with Cassette Memory (up to 10 letters).
The label will be displayed for approximately 5 seconds when you select the
CAMERA mode and insert a cassette, or when you select the PLAY/EDIT mode.
Up to 4 titles will be displayed at the same time if the cassette has titles
superimposed.

1 Touch the button repeatedly to select the desired character on the button.

TAPE TITLE

[

__________

]

ABC DEF

MNOJKLGH I

WXY

TUVPQR

Z

T t

123
45

’ . ,

/

–

678
90

OK

&? !

S

To erase a character: Touch .
To insert a space: Touch .

2 Touch to move s to select the next character, and enter the

character in the same manner.

3 When you have finished entering characters, touch .
4 Touch .

ERASE ALL

Customizing Your Camcorder

54

z Tips

• To erase the label you have created, touch repeatedly to erase the characters, then

touch .

• To change the label you have created, insert the cassette into your camcorder and go

through the procedure from step 1.

You can delete all data such as date, title, cassette label, and photo data saved in
the Cassette Memory at one time.

1 Select , then touch [EXEC].

To cancel deletion of all data, select [RETURN].

2 Select [EXECUTE], then touch [EXEC].
3 Touch .

Using the (TAPE
SET) menu

REC/INT.REC, etc.

You can select items listed below on the TAPE
SET menu. To select these items, see
“Changing the menu settings” (p. 44).
The default settings are marked with G. The
indicators in parentheses appear when the

REC MODE

– REC MODE/FRAME

GSP ( SP ) Select to record in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.
LP ( LP ) Select to increase the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long

Play). The use of Sony Excellence/Master mini DV cassette is
recommended to get the most out of your camcorder.

b Notes

• You cannot add sound on the tape recorded in the LP mode.

• If you record in the LP mode, a mosaic-like noise may appear or sound may be interrupted
when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs.

• When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback
picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.

setting is selected. The settings you can adjust
vary depending on the power mode of your
camcorder. The screen shows the items you can
operate at the moment. Unavailable items will
be grayed out.

TAPE SET
REC MODE
AUDIO MODE
REMAIN
FRAME REC
INT. REC

EXEC

STBY

RET.

Customizing Your Camcorder

AUDIO MODE

REMAIN

FRAME REC

G12BIT Select to record in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).
16BIT ( ) Select to record in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).

GAUTO Select to display the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds:

• After you select the CAMERA mode with the cassette inserted, and
your camcorder calculates the remaining amount of tape.

• When you touch (play/pause).

ON Select to always display the remaining tape indicator.

You can record pictures with a stop-motion animated effect by alternately frame
recording and then moving the subject a little. Operate your camcorder using the
Remote Commander to prevent camera shake.

GOFF Select to record in the standard recording mode.

,continued

Customizing Your Camcorder

55

INT.REC

ON ( ) Select to record pictures using frame recording.

1 Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].
2 Touch .
3 Press REC START/STOP.

A picture (approximately 5 frames) is recorded, and your
camcorder enters the standby mode.

4 Move the subject and repeat step 3.

b Notes

• When you use frame recording continuously, the remaining tape time will not be indicated
correctly.

• The last scene will be longer than other scenes.

You can record pictures on the tape at a selected interval.
You can achieve excellent recordings of flowers blooming, etc. with this function.
Connect your camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied AC Adaptor during
the operation.

[a] [a]

[b]

a. [REC TIME]

b. [INTERVAL]

[b]

1 Select [SET], then touch [EXEC].
2 Select [INTERVAL], then touch [EXEC].
3 Select a desired interval time (30 seconds, 1, 5, 10 minutes), then touch

[EXEC].

4 Select [REC TIME], then touch [EXEC].
5 Select a desired recording time (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 seconds), then touch

[EXEC].

6 Touch [ RET.].
7 Select [ON], then touch [EXEC].
8 Touch .

flashes.

9 Press REC START/STOP.

Interval recording starts.

lights up on the screen during Interval recording.
To cancel Interval recording, set to [OFF], then touch [EXEC] in the menu
settings.

b Note

• There may be a discrepancy in recording time of up to ± 5 frames from the selected time.

Customizing Your Camcorder

56

z Tips

• If you adjust the focus manually, you may be able to record clear pictures even if the light
changes (p. 31).

• You can silence the beeps during recording (p. 60).

Customizing Your Camcorder

Customizing Your Camcorder

57

Using the (SETUP
MENU) menu

USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.

You can select items listed below on the SETUP
MENU menu. To select items, see “Changing
the menu settings” (p. 44).

CLOCK SET

USB STREAM

LANGUAGE

– CLOCK SET/

You can set the date and time (p. 18).

You can connect a USB cable (supplied) to your camcorder, and view the picture
displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming).
For details, refer to the “Computer Applications Guide.”

GOFF Select to deactivate the USB Streaming function.
ON Select to activate the USB Streaming function.

The default settings are marked with G. The
settings you can adjust vary depending on the
power mode of your camcorder. The screen
shows the items you can operate at the moment.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET
USB STREAM
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE

EXEC

STBY

RET.

DEMO MODE

Customizing Your Camcorder

58

You can select or change the language used for the on-screen display (p. 21). You
can select from German, Greek, English, Simplified English, Spanish, French,
Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Traditional-Chinese, Simplified-Chinese,
Arabic or Persian.

When you remove a cassette from your camcorder, and select the CAMERA
mode, you can view the demonstration in about 10 minutes.

GON Select to see an overview of the functions available such as when you

OFF Select when you do not want to use DEMO MODE.

b Note

• You can view the demonstration only when the NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch is set to OFF.

z

Tips

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

– When you touch the screen during the demonstration. (The demonstration starts again in

about 10 minutes.)

– When a cassette is inserted.

are using this camcorder for the first time.

– When a mode other than CAMERA is selected.

• If [A.SHUT OFF] is set to [5min] when the camcorder is used on the battery pack, the
power will be turned off after approximately 5 minutes (p. 60).

Customizing Your Camcorder

Customizing Your Camcorder

59

Using the
(OTHERS) menu

TIME, etc.

You can select items listed below on the
OTHERS menu. To select these items, see
“Changing the menu settings” (p. 44).

WORLD TIME

You can adjust the time difference when using your camcorder abroad. Set the
time difference by touching / , and the clock will be adjusted in
accordance with the time difference. If you set the time difference to 0, the clock
returns to the originally set time.

BEEP

– WORLD

The default settings are marked with G. The
settings you can adjust vary depending on the
power mode of your camcorder. The screen
shows the items you can operate at the moment.
Unavailable items will be grayed out.

OTHERS

WORLD TIME
BEEP
A. SHUT OFF
COMMANDER
DISPLAY
REC LAMP

EXEC

STBY

RET.

A.SHUT OFF

COMMANDER

GMELODY Select to sound a melody when you start/stop recording, operate the

touch panel, or when an unusual condition occurs on your camcorder.

NORMAL Select to sound a beep instead of the melody.
OFF Select to cancel the melody, the beep sound, the shutter sound or the

confirmation beep sound for operation on the touch panel.

G5min Select to activate Auto shut off. When approximately 5 minutes have

elapsed while you do not operate your camcorder, the camcorder is
automatically turned off to prevent the battery from becoming
consumed.

NEVER Select to deactivate Auto shut off.

b Note

• When you connect your camcorder to the wall socket, [A.SHUT OFF] is automatically set

to [NEVER].

GON Select to use the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.
OFF Select to deactivate the Remote Commander to prevent your

camcorder from responding to a command sent by another VCR
remote control unit.

Customizing Your Camcorder

60

DISPLAY

b Note

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

REC LAMP

VIDEO EDIT

GLCD Select to show the displays such as the time code on the LCD screen

and in the viewfinder.

V-OUT/LCD Select to show the displays such as the time code on the TV screen,

LCD screen, and in the viewfinder.

GON Select to turn on the camera recording lamp on the front of your

camcorder during recording.

OFF Select this setting in the following recording situations. The camera

recording lamp will not light up during recording.

• When you do not want the subject to be nervous about being
recorded.

• When you are recording close to the subject.

• When the subject reflects the recording lamp.

Select to make programs and dubbing the selected scenes to a tape on a VCR
(p. 64).

Customizing Your Camcorder

Customizing Your Camcorder

61

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting to a VCR or TV

Connecting with an i.LINK cable

DV Interface*2

i.LINK cable (optional)

You can create a copy of the picture recorded
on your camcorder on other recording device
(p. 63).
For DCR-PC107E, you can also record the
picture from a VCR to a tape inserted into
your camcorder (p. 64).
Connect your camcorder via the Handycam
Station or the A/V OUT jack of your
camcorder to a TV using the supplied A/V
connecting cable.
Connect your camcorder to a TV or VCR as
shown in the following illustration.

i.LINK jack

(For DCR-PC107E)

A/V OUT jack

A/V connecting cable
(supplied)

Signal flow

*1 By using an S video cable (optional), higher

quality DV format pictures can be produced.
When there is an S video jack on the device to be
connected, connecting th e S video cable (optional)
to the S video jacks on both the Handycam Station
and the device instead of using the yellow plug is
recommended. The audio will not be output when
you connect with the S video plug alone.

*2 For DCR-PC106E:

The DV Interface of your Handycam Station is
designed for output use only. Your Handycam
Station does not accept input data from the
connected device.
For DCR-PC107E:
The DV Interface of your Handycam Station is
designed for input/output use.

Dubbing/Editing

62

Yellow

White

To the audio/video

Red

input jacks

b Notes on the A/V connecting cable

• When you connect your camcorder to the other
devices using the A/V connecting cable, make sure
the [DISPLAY] setting in the (OTHERS)
menu is set to [LCD] (the default setting) before
connecting (p. 61).

• When you are connecting your camcorder to a
monaural device, connect the yellow plug of the A/
V connecting cable to the video jack, and the red or
the white plug to the audio jack on the VCR or the
TV.

• Do not connect the A/V connecting cables to both
your camcorder and the Handycam Station. The
recorded picture may be distorted.

VCRs or TVs

To use an i.LINK cable for connection

Use an i.LINK cable (optional) to connect your
camcorder to the other device via the DV
Interface. The video and sound signals are
transmitted digitally, producing high quality
pictures. Note that you cannot record the picture
and sound separately. For details, see page 86.

Dubbing to another tape

You can copy and edit the picture played
back on your camcorder to other recording
devices (such as VCRs).

1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder

as a recording device (p. 62).

2 Prepare your VCR for recording.

• Insert a cassette for recording.

• If your VCR has an input selector, set it to
the input mode.

3 Prepare your camcorder for playback.

• Insert the recorded cassette.

• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

4 Start the playback on your camcorder,

and record it on the VCR.

Refer to the operating instructions supplied
with your VCR for details.

Dubbing/Editing

5 When the dubbing is finished, stop

your camcorder and the VCR.

b Notes

• When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via
the DV Interface, you cannot record the title,
indicators, information for the Cassette Memory.

• When dubbing using the A/V connecting cable,
press DISPLAY/BATT INFO to hide indicators
such as time code (p. 38). Otherwise, they will be
recorded on the tape.

• When dubbing using the A/V connecting cable, to
record the date/time and camera settings data, have
it displayed on the screen (p. 38).

• Pictures edited with Picture effect ([P EFFECT]
(p. 46)) cannot be output via the DV Interface.

• When connected using the i.LINK cable, the
recorded picture becomes rough when a picture is
paused on your camcorder while recording to a
VCR.

Dubbing/Editing

63

Recording pictures

Dubbing selected

from a VCR

(DCR-PC107E)

You can record and edit pictures from a VCR
on a tape inserted in your camcorder via an
i.LINK cable.
Insert a cassette for recording in your
camcorder.

1 Connect your VCR to your camcorder

(p. 62).

2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

3 Set your camcorder to recording pause

mode.

1 Touch and select [PAGE3].
2 Touch [REC CTRL].
3 Touch [REC PAUSE].

4 Start playing the cassette on your

VCR.

The picture played on the connected device
appears on the LCD screen of your
camcorder.

5 Touch [REC START] at the point you

want to start recording.

6 Touch (stop) to stop recording.

7 Touch [ RET.], then .

z Tip

• appears when you connect your camcorder
and other devices.

scenes from a tape

– Digital program editing

You can select up to 20 scenes (programs)
and record them in the desired order to other
recording device such as VCRs.

Delete unwanted scene

Change the order

Results of editing

Step 1: Preparing your camcorder
and VCR for operation

Follow the steps below when you are
performing Digital program editing for the
first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip
this setting if you have set up the VCR by the
following procedure before.

b Notes

• You cannot perform Digital program editing on a
VCR that does not support [IR SETUP] codes.

• The operating signal for Digital program editing
cannot be transferred via the LANC jack.

• When your camcorder is connected to the VCR via
the DV Interface, you cannot record the title,
indicators, information for the Cassette Memory.

1 Connect your VCR to the camcorder

as a recording device (p. 62).

You can use either the A/V connecting
cable or the i.LINK cable to make the
connection. The dubbing procedure is
easier with the i.LINK connection.

Dubbing/Editing

64

2 Prepare your VCR.

• Insert a cassette for recording.

• Set the input selector to input mode if your
VCR has one.

Select [IR] with / , then
[EXEC]. Follow the procedure described in
“To set the [IR SETUP] code” (p. 65).

3 Prepare your camcorder (playing

device).

• Insert a cassette for editing.

• Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to
select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

4 Touch to display [PAGE1].

5 Touch MENU.

6 Select (OTHERS), then select

[VIDEO EDIT] with / ,
then touch [EXEC].

7 Touch [EDIT SET].

V IDEO ED I T
ED I T SET
CONTROL
ADJ TEST

- I

N”

”CUT
”CUT -OUT”

I

R SETUP

PAUSEMODE
I R TEST

I

EXEC

END

R

RET.

8 Select [CONTROL] with / ,

then touch [EXEC].

V IDEO ED I T
ED I T SET
CONTROL
ADJ TEST

- I

N”

”CUT
”CUT -OUT”
I R SETUP
PAUSEMODE

I

R TEST

I
i. L I NK

EXEC

END

R

RET.

9 Select i.LINK or [IR].

When connecting with an i.LINK
cable

Select i.LINK with / , then
[EXEC]. Go on to “Step 2: Adjusting the
synchronization of the VCR” (p. 66).

When connecting with an A/V
connecting cable

To set the [IR SETUP] code

When you connect with an A/V connecting
cable, you need to check the [IR SETUP] code
signal to see if your VCR can be operated by
your camcorder (infrared ray emitter).

Remote sensor

Infrared ray emitter

VCR

1 Select [IR SETUP] with / ,

then touch [EXEC].

2 Select the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR

/ , then touch [EXEC].

with

For the [IR SETUP] code of your VCR,
refer to “[IR SETUP] code list” (p. 66).
When there is more than 1 code listed for
the manufacturer of your VCR, try each
code and find the most appropriate one.

3 Select [PAUSEMODE] with /

, then touch [EXEC].

4 Touch / to select the mode to

cancel the recording pause on your VCR,
then touch [EXEC].

Refer to the operating instructions supplied
with your VCR for details on operation.

5 Point the infrared ray emitter of your

camcorder towards the remote sensor on
your VCR, from about 30 cm (12 in.)
away, with no obstructions.

6 Insert a cassette into your VCR, and set

the VCR to recording pause.

7 Select [IR TEST] with / ,

then touch [EXEC].

Dubbing/Editing

,continued

Dubbing/Editing

65

8 Select [EXECUTE] with / ,

then touch [EXEC].

The recording starts on your VCR when the
setting is correct. [COMPLETE] appears
when the [IR SETUP] code test is finished.
Go on to “Step 2: Adjusting the
synchronization of the VCR” (p. 66).
When recording fails to start, select another
[IR SETUP] code and try again.

[IR SETUP] code list

The following [IR SETUP] codes are recorded
on your camcorder by default. (It is set at “3” as
the default setting.)

Manufacturing
company

Sony 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Aiwa 47, 53, 54

Akai 50, 62, 74

Alba 73

Amstrad 73

Baird 30, 36

Blaupunkt 11, 83

Bush 74

CGM 36, 47, 83

Clatronic 73

Daewoo 26

Ferguson 76, 83

Fisher 73

Funai 80

Goldstar 47

Goodmans 26, 84

Grundig 9, 83

Hitachi 42, 56

ITT/Nokia Instant 36

JVC 11, 12, 15, 21

Kendo 47

Loewe 16, 47, 84

Luxor 89

Mark 26*

Matsui 47, 58*, 60

Mitsubishi 28, 29

[IR SETUP] code

Manufacturing

[IR SETUP] code

company

Nokia 36, 89

Nokia Oceanic 89

Nordmende 76

Okano 60, 62, 63

Orion 58*, 70

Panasonic 16, 78

Philips 83, 84, 86

Phonola 83, 84

Roadstar 47

SABA 21, 76, 91

Salora 89

Samsung 22, 32, 52, 93, 94

Sanyo 36

Schneider 10, 83, 84

SEG 73

Seleco 47, 74

Sharp 89

Siemens 10, 36

Tandberg 26

Telefunken 91, 92

Thomson 76, 100

Thorn 36, 47

Toshiba 40, 93

Universum 47, 70, 84, 92

W.W. House 47

Watoson 58, 83

* TV/VCR component

Step 2: Adjusting the
synchronization of the VCR

Follow the steps below when you are
performing Digital program editing for the
first time to a tape in a VCR. You can skip
this setting if you have set up your VCR
before using the following procedure.

Dubbing/Editing

66

You can adjust the synchronization of your
camcorder and the VCR to avoid not
recording the starting scene.

1 Remove the cassette from your

camcorder. Prepare a pen and paper
to take notes.

2 Set the VCR to recording pause mode.

Skip this step if you have selected i.LINK in
step 9 (p. 65).

b Note

• Run the tape for about 10 seconds before
pausing. The starting scenes may not get
recorded when you start recording from
the beginning of the tape.

3 Select [ADJ TEST] with / ,

then touch [EXEC].

RETURN
EXECUTE

ENGAGE
REC PAUSE

EXEC

END

RET.

V IDEO ED I T
ED I T SET
CONTROL
ADJ TEST

- I

N”

”CUT
”CUT -OUT”

I

R SETUP
PAUSEMODE
I R TEST

4 Select [EXECUTE] with / ,

then touch

[EXECUTING] flashes and a picture (about
50 seconds long) with 5 [IN] and [OUT]
indicators each for adjusting
synchronization is recorded. [COMPLETE]
appears when the recording is finished.

V IDEO ED I T
ED I T SET
CONTROL
ADJ TEST
”CUT
”CUT -OUT”

I

R SETUP
PAUSEMODE
I R TEST

[EXEC].

END

COMPLETE

- I

N”

RET.

EXEC

6 Take a note of the opening number

value of each [IN] and the closing
number value of each [OUT], then
calculate the average number value for
each [IN] and [OUT].

7 Select [”CUT-IN”] with / ,

then touch

V IDEO ED I T

ED I T SET
CONTROL
ADJ TEST
”CUT
”CUT -OUT”
I R SETUP
PAUSEMODE

I

R TEST

[EXEC].

END

- I

N”

EXEC

0

RET.

8 Touch / to select the

average number value for [IN], then
touch [EXEC].

The calculated start position for recording
is set.

9 Select [”CUT-OUT”] with /

V IDEO ED I T

ED I T SET
CONTROL
ADJ TEST

- I

N”

”CUT
”CUT -OUT”
I R SETUP
PAUSEMODE

I

R TEST

, then touch

EXEC

[EXEC].

END

0

RET.

10Touch / to select the

average number value for [OUT], then
touch [EXEC].

The calculated stop position for recording is
set.

11Touch [ END], then touch .

Dubbing/Editing

5 Rewind the tape on your VCR, then

play back in slow mode.

5 opening numbers for each [IN] and
closing numbers for each [OUT] appear.

Recording the selected scenes as
programs

,continued

Dubbing/Editing

67

When you are performing Digital program
editing for the first time to a tape in a VCR,
go through the procedures described in Steps
1 and 2 (p. 64 - p. 66) beforehand.

1 Prepare a cassette.

Insert a tape to be played back into the
camcorder, then insert a cassette for
recording into your VCR.

The ending point of the first program is set,
and the lower part of the program mark
changes to light blue.

START

0:00:13:00
1

ED I T
SET

0:09:07:06

UNDO

END

V I DEO ED I T

MARK
I N

TOTAL
SCENE

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch MENU.

4 Select (OTHERS), then select

[VIDEO EDIT] with / ,
then touch

[EXEC].

5 Search for the beginning of the first

scene that you want to dub on your
camcorder, then pause playback.

You can adjust the position with /

(frame).

6 Touch [MARK IN].

The starting point of the first program is set,
and the upper part of the program mark
changes to light blue.

START

0:00:00:00
0

ED I T
SET

0:08:55:06

UNDO

END

V I DEO ED I T

MARK
OUT

TOTAL
SCENE

9 Repeat steps 5 to 8 and create

programs.

10Set your VCR to recording pause.

Skip this step if your camcorder is
connected via an i.LINK cable.

11Touch [START].

ENGAGE

REC PAUSE

0:00:01:29
3

0:00:00:01

EXEC

END

V I DEO ED I T

START

CAN–
CEL

TOTAL
SCENE

12Touch [EXEC].

A search for the beginning of the first
program starts, then the recording starts.
[SEARCH] appears during the search and
[EDITING] appears during editing.

V I DEO ED I T

SEARCH

SCENE 1/3

CANCEL

-:--:--:--

END

7 Search for the end of the first scene

that you want to record on your
camcorder, then pause playback.

You can adjust the position with /

(frame).

8 Touch [MARK OUT].

Dubbing/Editing

68

When a program is recorded, the program
mark stops flashing and remains lit. When
all programs have been recorded, the
program editing operation stops
automatically.
To cancel recording, touch [CANCEL].

To end Digital program editing

Touch [ END].

To save a program without using it to
record

Touch [ END] in step 9.
The program is stored in memory until the
cassette is ejected.

To erase programs

Follow steps 1 to 4 in “Recording the

1

selected scenes as programs” (p. 67),
then touch [UNDO].

2 Touch [ERASE 1MARK] to delete the

last set program. Or, touch [ERASE
ALL] to delete all the programs.

3 Touch [EXEC].

The programs are deleted.
To cancel this operation, touch [CANCEL].

b Notes

• You cannot set the starting point or ending point on
a blank section of the tape. If there is a blank section,
the total time may not appear correctly.

• When you cannot operate the device correctly using
an i.LINK cable connection, select [IR] in step 9 on
page 65, and set the [IR SETUP] code.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing/Editing

69

Dubbing sound to a recorded tape

Preparing for audio recording

Internal microphone

You can record additional audio to the
original sound on the tape. You can add
sound to a tape already recorded in the 12-bit
mode without erasing the original sound.

MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack

Signal flow

Record audio in one of the following ways.

• Using the internal microphone (no connection

required).

• Connecting a microphone (optional) to the

MIC jack.

The audio input to be recorded takes precedence
over others in the order of MIC jack t internal
microphone.

b Notes

• You cannot record additional audio:

– When the tape is recorded in the 16-bit mode.
– When the tape is recorded in the LP mode.
– When your camcorder is connected via the i.LINK

cable.
– On blank sections of the tape.
– When the write-protect tab of the cassette is set to

SAVE.

• When you are using the internal microphone to
record additional sound, the picture will not be
output from the A /V OUT jack. Check the picture on
the LCD screen or the viewfinder.

Microphone (optional)

• When you use an external microphone (optional) to
record additional audio, you can check the picture
and the sound by connecting yo ur camcorder to a TV
using the A/V connecting cable. However, the sound
you have recorded afterwards is not output from the
speaker. Check the sound by using a TV.

Recording sound

1 Insert a recorded tape into your

camcorder.

2 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode.

3 Touch (play) to play back the

tape.

Dubbing/Editing

70

4 Touch (pause) again at the point

where you want to start recording the
sound.

The playback pauses.

5 Touch and select [PAGE3].

perform steps 4 to 8. The recording stops
automatically at the selected scene.

b Note

• You can only record additional audio over a tape
recorded on your camcorder. The sound may
deteriorate when you dub audio on a tape recorded
on other camcorders (including other DCR-PC106E/
PC107E camcorders).

6 Touch [A DUB CTRL].

A DUB CTRL

0:00:00:0060min

RET.

AUDIO

DUB

7 Touch [AUDIO DUB].

A green X mark appears on the LCD
screen.

0:00:00:0060min

A DUB CTRL

0:00:00:0060min

RET.

AUDIO

DUB

8 Touch (play) and start playing

back the audio you want to record at
the same time.

A red mark remains on the LCD screen
while recording sound.
The new sound is recorded in stereo 2
([ST2]) during the playback of the tape.

Checking and adjusting the
recorded sound

1 Play back the tape on which you have

recorded audio in “Recording sound”
(p. 70).

2 Touch to display [PAGE1].

3 Touch MENU.

4 Select (PLAYER SET) for DCR-

PC106E, or (VCR SET) for DCR­PC107E, then select [AUDIO MIX]
with / , then touch [EXEC].

VCR SET

HiFi SOUND
AUDIO MIX

ST1

EXEC

ST2

RET.

Dubbing/Editing

9 Touch (stop) when you want to

stop recording.

To dub on other scenes, repeat steps 3 and 4
to select scenes, then touch [AUDIO DUB].

10Touch [ RET.], then .

To set the end point for audio dubbing

During playback, press ZERO SET MEMORY
on the Remote Commander at the scene at
which you want to stop audio dubbing. Then,

5 Touch / to adjust the

balance between the original sound
([ST1]) and the sound added
afterwards ([ST2]). Then, touch
[EXEC].

The original sound ([ST1]) is output in the
default setting.
The adjusted audio balance returns to the
default setting in about 5 minutes after the
battery pack or other power sources have
been disconnected.

Dubbing/Editing

71

Creating DVDs or VCDs

When your camcorder is connected to a Sony
VAIO series personal computer, you can easily
burn the picture recorded on the tape to a DVD
(Direct Access to “Click to DVD”). And, when
your camcorder is connected to a personal
computer, you can easily burn the picture
recorded on the tape to a CD-R (Direct Access
to Video CD Burn).

1 Touch and select [PAGE2].

2 Touch [BURN DVD] when creating a

DVD, or touch [BURN VCD] when
creating a VCD.

For details, refer to the “Computer
Applications Guide.”

Dubbing/Editing

72

Troubleshooting

persists, remove the power source and
contact your Sony dealer.

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problem using your
camcorder, use the following table to

If “C:ss:ss” is displayed on the LCD
screen or the viewfinder, the self-diagnosis
display function is activated. See page 79 for
details.

troubleshoot the problem. If the problem

Overall operations

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The power does not turn on. • The battery pack is discharged, running low, or not attached to the

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

The supplied Remote Commander
does not function.

The camcorder gets warm. • This is because the power has been turned on for a long time. This is not

camcorder.

cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder. (p. 12)
cUse the AC Adaptor to connect to the wall socket. (p. 15)

• Your camcorder is not inserted into the Handycam Station correctly.

cInsert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly. (p. 3)

cDisconnect the AC Adaptor from a wall socket or remove the battery

pack, then reconnect it after about 1 minute. If the functions still do not
work, press the RESET button using a sharp-pointed object. (If you press
the RESET button, all settings including the clock setting are reset.)

cSet [COMMANDER] on the (OTHERS) menu to [ON]. (p. 60)
cInsert a battery into the battery holder with the + – polarities correctly

matching the + – marks. If this still does not solve the problem, insert a
new battery since the battery is dead. (p. 99)

cRemove any obstructions between the Remote Commander and the

remote sensor.

a malfunction.

Troubleshooting

Battery/Power sources

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The CHARGE lamp does not light
while the battery pack is being
charged.

The CHARGE lamp flashes while the
battery pack is being charged.

cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the lamp still does

not light up, then it indicates that no power is supplied from the wall
socket.

cInsert your camcorder into the Handycam Station correctly. (p. 3)

• The battery charge is completed. (p. 12)

cAttach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly. If the problem

persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall socket and contact
your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be damaged. (p. 12)

,continued

Troubleshooting

73

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The battery pack is quickly
discharged.

The remaining battery time indicator
does not indicate the correct time.

The power turns off frequently
although the remaining battery
indicator indicates that the battery
pack has enough power to operate.

The power abruptly turns off. • [A.SHUT OFF] in the (OTHERS) menu is set to [5min]. (p. 60)

A problem occurs when the
camcorder is connected to the AC
Adaptor.

• The temperature of the environment is too low, or the battery pack has
not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the

battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged. (p. 12, 85)

• The temperature of the environment is too high or too low, or the battery
pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction.
cFully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, replace the

battery pack with a new one. It may be damaged. (p. 12, 85)

• A problem has occurred in the remaining battery time indicator, or the
battery pack has not been charged enough.

cFully charge the battery again to correct the indication. (p. 12)

cWhen approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate

your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off.
Slide the POWER switch down to turn the power on again. (p. 16) Or
use the AC Adaptor.

cTurn off the power, and disconnect the AC Adaptor from t he wall socket.

Then, connect it again.

Cassette tapes

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Cassette cannot be ejected from the
compartment.

Cassette is not ejected even when the
cassette lid is open.

The Cassette Memory indicator does
not appear while using a cassette with
Cassette Memory.

The remaining tape indicator is not
displayed.

A cassette label is not recorded. cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 83)

Troubleshooting

74

cMake sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected

correctly. (p. 12)

cRemove the battery pack from the camcorder, then attach it again. (p. 12)
cAttach a charged battery pack to the camcorder. (p. 12)

• Moisture condensation is starting in your camcorder. (p. 88)

cClean the gold-plated connector of the cassette. (p. 84)

cSet [ REMAIN] to [ON] on the (TAPE SET) menu to always

display the remaining tape indicator. (p. 55)

cErase unnecessary titles when the Cassette Memory is full. (p. 53)
cSet the write-protect tab to REC. (p. 84)

LCD screen/viewfinder

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

An unknown language appears on the
screen.

An unknown picture appears on the
screen.

An unknown indicator appears on the
screen.

The buttons do not appear on the
touch panel.

The buttons on the touch panel do not
work correctly or do not work at all.

The picture in the viewfinder is not
clear.

The picture in the viewfinder has
disappeared.

The picture remains on the LCD
screen.

cSee page 21.

• The camcorder is in [DEMO MODE]. ([DEMO MODE] is automatically
displayed when you leave the camcorder for 10 minutes after selecting
CAMERA without inserting a cassette.)
cTouch on the LCD screen or insert a cassette to cancel [DEMO

MODE]. You can also set [DEMO MODE] to [OFF] on the
(SETUP MENU) menu. (p. 58)

cRefer to the indicator list. (p. 101)

cTouch the LCD panel lightly.
cPress DISPLAY/BATT INFO (or DISPLAY on the Remote

Commander). (p. 38)

cAdjust the screen ([CALIBRATION]). (p. 89)

cExtend the viewfinder. (p. 17)
cUse the viewfinder lens adjustment lever to adjust the lens. (p. 17)

cClose the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder

when the LCD panel is open. (p. 17)

• This occurs when your camcorder is turned off forcibly by removing the
battery pack, disconnecting the DC plug from your camcorder or the
Handycam Station, or the like while turning on the power. This is not a
malfunction.

Troubleshooting

Recording

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The tape does not start when you
press REC START/STOP.

The power abruptly turns off. • [A.SHUT OFF] in the (OTHERS) menu is set to [5min]. (p. 60)

cSlide the POWER switch to select the CAMERA mode. (p. 16)
cThe tape has reached the end. Rewind it, or insert a new cassette.
cSet the write-protect tab to REC or insert a new cassette. (p. 84)
cThe tape is stuck to the drum due to moisture condensation. Remove the

cassette and leave your camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the
cassette. (p. 88)

cWhen approximately 5 minutes have elapsed while you do not operate

your camcorder, the camcorder is automatically turned off.
Slide the POWER switch down to turn the power on again. (p. 16) Or
use the AC Adaptor.

cCharge the battery pack. (p. 12)

,continued

Troubleshooting

75

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The SteadyShot function does not
function.

Auto focus does not function. cSet [FOCUS] to [ AUTO]. (p. 31)

A vertical band appears when
recording candlelight or electric light
in the dark.

A vertical band appears when
recording a bright subject.

The color of the picture is not
correctly displayed.

Picture appears too bright on the
screen, and the subject does not
appear on the screen.

The screen is too dark for the image to
be seen.

The shutter sound is not heard. cSet [BEEP] to [MELODY] or [NORMAL] on the (OTHERS)

Black bands appear when you record
a TV screen or computer screen.

The external flash (optional) does not
work.

Flickering or changes in color occurs. • This occurs when recording pictures under a fluorescent lamp, sodium

The END SEARCH function does not
work.

The END SEARCH function does not
work correctly.

cSet STEADYSHOT to [ON] in the (CAMERA SET) menu. (p. 49)

cThe recording conditions are not suitable for auto focus. Adjust the focus

manually. (p. 31)

• This occurs when the contrast between the subject and the background is

too high. This is not a malfunction.

• This phenomenon is called the smear effect. This is not a malfunction.

cDeactivate the NightShot plus function. (p. 30)

cDeactivate the NightShot plus function in bright places. (p. 30)
cCancel the back light function. (p. 27)

• The LCD screen backlight is switched off.

cSet LCD BACKLIGHT to turn on the backlight for the LCD panel.

(p. 17)

menu. (p. 60)

cSet STEADYSHOT to [OFF] on the (CAMERA SET) menu.

(p. 49)

• The power of the flash is not turned on, or the flash is not attached

correctly.

• 2 or more flashes are attached. Only 1 external flash can be attached.

lamp, or mercury lamp in the [PORTRAIT] or [SPORTS] mode.
cSet the [PROGRAM AE] to [AUTO] in the (MANUAL SET)

menu. (p. 45)

• The cassette was ejected after recording when using a cassette without

Cassette Memory. (p. 83)

• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.

• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is

not a malfunction.

Playback

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Cannot play back. cIf the tape has reached the end, rewind the tape. (p. 35)

Horizontal lines appear on the
picture. The displayed pictures are
not clear or do not appear.

Troubleshooting

76

cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 88)

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

No sound or only a low sound is
heard.

The sound breaks off. cClean the head using the cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 88)

Cannot perform Date search with the
recording date displayed on the
screen.

“---” is displayed on the screen. • The tape you are playing was recorded without setting the date and time.

The END SEARCH function does not
work.

The END SEARCH function does not
work correctly.

Noises appear and is displayed
on the screen.

cSet [HiFi SOUND] to [STEREO] in the (PLAYER SET) menu for

DCR-PC106E, or in the (VCR SET) menu for DCR-PC107E.
(p. 50)

cTurn up the volume. (p. 35)
cOn the (PLAYER SET) menu for DCR-PC106E, or on the

(VCR SET) menu for DCR-PC107E, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the
[ST2] (additional sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately.
(p. 50)

cWhen you are using an S video plug, make sure the red and white plugs

of the A/V connecting cable are connected as well. (p. 40)

cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 83)
cSet [CM SEARCH] to [ON] in the (CM SET) menu. (p. 54)

• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is
not a malfunction.

• A blank section on the tape is being played.

• The data code on a tape with a scratch or noise cannot be read.

• The cassette was ejected after recording when using a cassette without
Cassette Memory. (p. 83)

• The cassette is new and has nothing recorded.

• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is
not a malfunction.

• The tape was recorded in a TV color system other than that of your
camcorder. This is not a malfunction. (p. 83)

Troubleshooting

Dubbing/Editing

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Cannot dub correctly using the A/V
connecting cable.

For DCR-PC107E:
Pictures from connected devices are
not displayed correctly.

New sound added to a recorded tape
is not heard.

A title is not re corded/A cassette label
is not recorded.

The title is not displayed. cSet [TITLE DSPL] to [ON] in the (CM SET) menu. (p. 53)

cMake sure your camcorder is connected correctly to the input jack of the

other device via the A/V connecting cable.

cSet [DISPLAY] to [LCD] in the (OTHERS) menu. (p. 61)

• The input signal is not sent correctly except from the PAL system-based
device.

cIn the (PLAYER SET) menu for DCR-PC106E, or in the

(VCR SET) menu for DCR-PC107E, adjust [AUDIO MIX] from the
[ST1] (original sound) side until the sound is heard appropriately. (p. 50)

cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 83)
cErase unnecessary titles when the Cassette Memory is full. (p. 53)
cSet the write-protect tab to REC. (p. 84)

• A title cannot be added to a blank section of the tape.

• During Easy Handycam operation, the title is not displayed.

,continued

Troubleshooting

77

Symptom Cause and/or Corrective Actions

The title cannot be deleted. cSet the write-protect tab to REC. (p. 84)

Title search does not work. cEnter a title if there is no title on the tape. (p. 52)

Digital program editing does not
function.

The VCR is not responding properly
during Digital program editing when
it is connected via an i.LINK cable.

The pictures appear distorted or dark. • A/V connecting cables are connected to both your camcorder and the

cUse a cassette with Cassette Memory. (p. 83)
cSet [CM SEARCH] to [ON] in the (CM SET) menu. (p. 54)

• There is a blank section in the beginning or middle of the tape. This is

not a malfunction.

cSet the input selector on the VCR correctly, then check the connection

between your camcorder and the VCR. (p. 62)

cWhen your camcorder is connected to a DV device that is not a Sony

product via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1: Preparing
your camcorder and VCR for operation” (p. 64).

cAdjust the synchronization of the VCR. (p. 66)
cEnter a correct [IR SETUP] code. (p. 66)
cSelect the mode used to cancel recording pause again. (p. 65)
cSet your camcorder and the VCR more than 30 cm (12 in.) apart. (p. 65)

• The program may not be set to a blank section on the tape.

• While connecting via an i.LINK cable, select [IR] in step 9 of “Step 1:

Preparing your camcorder and VCR for operation” (p. 64).

Handycam Station.
cDisconnect one of the A/V connecting cables.

Troubleshooting

78

Warning indicators and messages

Self-diagnosis display/Warning indicators

If indicators appear on the screen or in the viewfinder, check the following. See the page in parentheses
for details.

Indication Cause and/or Corrective Actions

C:ss:ss/E:ss:ss (Self­diagnosis display)

E (Battery level warning) • The battery pack is nearly used up.

(Battery Info warning) • The actual operating time may be considerably shorter than the indicated

% (Moisture condensation warning)* cEject the cassette, slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG), and leave

Q (Warning indicator pertaining to

the tape)

Some symptoms can be fixed b y yourself. If the problem persists even after
you tried a couple of times, contact your Sony dealer or local authorized
Sony service facility.

C:04:ss

cA battery pack that is not an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is being used.

Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. (p. 85)

C:21:ss

cMoist ure condensation has occurred. Remove the cassett e and leave your

camcorder for at least 1 hour, then re-insert the cassette. (p. 88)

C:22:ss

cClean the head using a cleaning cassette (optional). (p. 88)

C:31ss / C:32ss

cSymptoms that are not described above have occurred. Remove and

insert the cassette, then operate your camcorder again. Do not perform
this procedure if moisture starts to condense. (p. 88)

cRemove the power source. Reconnect it again and operate your

camcorder again.

cChange the tape.
cPress the RESET button (p. 94), then operate your camcorder again.

E:61:ss / E:62:ss

cContact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Inform them of the 5-digit code, which starts from “E.”

• Depending on the operating, environmental, or battery conditions, E
may flash, even if there are approximately 5 to 10 minutes remaining.

battery charge level, due to low ambient temperature (p. 14).

it for about 1 hour with the cassette lid open (p. 88).

Slow flashing:

• There is less than 5 minutes remaining on the tape.

• No cassette is inserted.*

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 84).*

Fast flashing:

• The tape has run out.*

Troubleshooting

,continued

Troubleshooting

79

Indication Cause and/or Corrective Actions

Z (Eject cassette warning)* Slow flashing:

(Warning indicator pertaining to

the external flash)

* You hear a melody or beep sound when the warning indicators appear on the screen.

• The write-protect tab on the cassette is set to lock (p. 84).

Fast flashing:

• Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 88).

• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 79).

Slow flashing:

• During charging

Fast flashing:

• The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 79).*

• There is something wrong with the external flash (optional).

Troubleshooting

80

Warning messages

If messages appear on the screen, check the following. See the page in parentheses for details.

Subjects Indications Corrective Actions/References

Battery Use the ”InfoLITHIUM” battery pack. cSee page 85.

Battery level is low. cCharge the battery (p. 12).

Old battery. Use a new one. cSee page 85.

Z Re-attach the power source. –

Moisture
condensation

Cassette/tape Q Insert a cassette. cSee page 20.

% Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette cSee page 88.
% Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. cSee page 88.

Z Reinsert the cassette. cThe cassette might be damaged, etc.

Q Z The tape is locked - check the tab. cSee page 84.
Q The tape has reached the end. –

Use a cassette with Cassette Memory. cSee page 83.

Charging... Cannot record still images. • You tried to record an image while

charging the flash. Wait until the flash
charge indicator remains lit.

Troubleshooting

,continued

Troubleshooting

81

Subjects Indications Corrective Actions/References

Others Cannot record due to copyright protection.* –

Cannot add audio. Disconnect the i.LINK cable. cSee page 70.

Not recorded in SP mode. Cannot add audio. cSee page 70.

Not recorded in 12-bit audio. Cannot add audio. cSee page 70.

Cannot add audio on the blank portion of a tape. cSee page 70.

Cassette Memory is full. cErase unnecessary titles. (p. 53)
x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning cassette. cSee page 88.

Cannot start Easy Handycam cSee page 26, 37.

Cannot cancel Easy Handycam cSee page 26, 37.

Cannot start Easy Handycam with USB connected –

Invalid button with Easy Handycam operation cSee page 26, 37.

USB invalid during Easy Handycam cTouch .

HDV recorded tape. Cannot playback. cYour camcorder cannot play back this

HDV recorded tape. Cannot add audio. cYour camcorder cannot add audio to

Cover is not open. cOpen the lens cover.

Disconnect one AV cable. cDisconnect one of the A/V connecting

format. Play back the tape with
equipment that recorded it.

the scene recorded with the HDV
format.

cables from either your camcorder or
the Handycam Station.

• When the A/V connecting cable is
connected only to your camcorder,
your camcorder is not attached to the
Handycam Station correctly.
cAttach the Handycam Station

correctly.

* For DCR-PC107E

Troubleshooting

82

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad

Power supply

You can use your camcorder in any countries/
regions using the AC Adaptor supplied with
your camcorder within AC 100 V to 240 V,
50/60 Hz.

On TV color systems

Your camcorder is a PAL system-based
camcorder. If you want to view the playback
picture on a TV, it must be a PAL system-based
TV (see the following list) with the AUDIO/
VIDEO input jack.

System Used in

PAL Australia, Austria, Belgium,

China, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong
Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait,
Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Singapore,
Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, United
Kingdom, etc.

PAL - M Brazil

PAL - N Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

SECAM Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran,

Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.

NTSC Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada,

Central Amer ica, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan,
Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam,
Taiwan, the Philippines, the
U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.

Simple setting of clock by time
difference

You can easily set the clock to the local time by
setting a time difference when using your
camcorder abroad. Select [WORLD TIME] in
the (OTHERS) menu, then set the time
difference (p. 60).

Usable cassette tapes

You can use the mini DV format cassette
only. Use a cassette with the mark.

is a trademark.

Cassette Memory

There are 2 types of mini DV cassettes: those
with Cassette Memory and those without
Cassette Memory. Cassettes with Cassette
Memory have the (Cassette Memory)
mark. A cassette with Cassette Memory is
recommended for use on your camcorder.

is a trademark.
IC memory is mounted on this type of cassette.
Your camcorder can read and write data such as
dates of recording or titles from/to this memory.
The functions using the Cassette Memory
require successive signals recorded on the tape.
If the tape has a blank section at the beginning
or between recorded sections, titles may not be
displayed properly or the search functions may
not work properly.

To prevent a blank section from being
made on the tape

Touch [END SCH] to go to the end of the
recorded section before you begin the next
recording in the following cases:
– You have ejected the cassette during

recording.
– You have played back the tape.
– You have used the EDIT SEARCH function.
If there is a blank section or discontinuous
signals on your tape, re-record from the
beginning to the end of the tape as described
above.

b Note

• The Cassette Memory may not function correctly

when you record using a digital video camera
recorder that does not support Cassette Memory, on
a tape already recorded on u sing a Cassette Memory­compatible digital video camera recorder.

Additional Information

,continued

Additional Information

83

z Tip

• The memory capacity of the cassette marked with
is 4k bits. Your camcorder can

accommodate cassettes having a memory capacity
of up to 16k bits.

Copyright signal

When you play back

If the cassette you play back on your camcorder
contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to
a tape in another video camera connected to
your camcorder.

When labeling the cassette

Be sure to place the label only on the locations
as shown in the following illustration so as not
to cause malfunction of your camcorder.

Do not put a label
along this border.

For DCR-PC107E:
When you record
You cannot record software on your

camcorder that contains copyright
control signals for copyright protection
of software.

[Cannot record due to copyright protection.]
appears on the LCD screen, or on the TV screen
if you try to record such software.
Your camcorder does not record copyright
control signals on the tape when it records.

Notes on use

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set
to SAVE.

REC: The cassette can be recorded.
SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write­protected).

Labeling position

After using the cassette

Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid
distortion of the picture or the sound. The
cassette should then be put in its case, and stored
in an upright position.

When the Cassette Memory function
does not work

Re-insert the cassette. Cassette Memory may
not work when the gold-plated connector is
dirty or dusty.

When cleaning the gold-plated
connector

Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a
cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10
times it has been ejected.
If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is
dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may
not be indicated correctly, and you may not be
able to operate functions using Cassette
Memory.

Gold-plated
connector

Additional Information

84

About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack

This unit is compatible with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (F series). Your
camcorder operates only with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
“InfoLITHIUM” F series battery packs have the

mark.

What is the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack?

The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium­ion battery pack that has functions for
communicating information related to operating
conditions between your camcorder and an
optional AC Adaptor/charger.
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack calculates
the power consumption according to the
operating conditions of your camcorder, and
displays the remaining battery time in minutes.

To charge the battery pack

• Be sure to charge the battery pack before you
start using your camcorder.

• We recommend charging the battery pack in
an ambient temperature of between 10°C to
30°C (50°F to 86°F) until the CHARGE lamp
turns off. If you charge the battery pack
outside of this temperature range, you may not
be able to charge it efficiently.

• After charging is complete, either disconnect
the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your
camcorder, remove your camcorder from the
Handycam Station or remove the battery pack.

To use the battery pack effectively

• Battery pack performance decreases when the
surrounding temperature is 10°C (50°F) or
below, and the length of time you can use the
battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do
one of the followings to use the battery pack
for a longer time.
– Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it

up, and insert it in your camcorder right
before you start taking shots.

– Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-

FF70/FF71 (optional).

• Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent
playback, fast forward or rewind operation
wears out the battery pack faster. We
recommend using a large capacity battery
pack: NP-FF70/FF71 (optional).

• Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG) when not recording or playing back on
your camcorder. The battery pack is also
consumed when your camcorder is in
recording standby or playback pause.

• Have spare battery packs ready for 2 or 3
times the expected recording time, and make
trial recordings before making the actual
recording.

• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The
battery pack is not water resistant.

About remaining battery time indicator

• When the power goes off even though the
remaining battery time indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate,
charge the battery pack fully again. The
indication on the remaining battery time will
be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the
battery indication will not be restored if it is
used in high temperatures for a long time, or if
left in a fully charged state, or when the
battery pack is frequently used.
Use the remaining battery time indication as a
guide to the approximate shooting time.

•The E mark that indicates low battery flashes
even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery
time remaining, depending on the operating
conditions or ambient temperature and
environment.

Additional Information

,continued

Additional Information

85

About storage of the battery pack

• If the battery pack is not used for a long time,
fully charge the battery pack and use it on your
camcorder once a year to maintain the proper
function.
To store the battery pack, remove it from your
camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place.

• To completely use up the battery pack on your
camcorder, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER]
on the (OTHERS) menu (p. 60) and
leave your camcorder in tape recording
standby until the power goes off without a
cassette inserted.

About battery life

• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity
drops little by little as you use it more and
more, and as time passes. When the available
battery time is shortened considerably, a
probable cause is that the battery pack has
reached the end of its life. Please buy a new
battery pack.

• The battery life varies depending on how it is
stored and the operating conditions and
environment for each battery pack.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony
Corporation.

About i.LINK

The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINK­compliant DV Interface. This section describes
the i.LINK standard and its features.

What is i.LINK?

i.LINK is a digital serial interface for
transferring digital video, digital audio, and
other data to other i.LINK-compatible device.
You can also control other device using the
i.LINK.
i.LINK-compatible device can be connected
using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are
operations and data transactions with various
digital AV devices.
When 2 or more i.LINK-compatible devices are
connected to this unit in a daisy chain,
operations and data transactions are possible
with not only the device that this unit is
connected to but also with other devices via the
directly connected device.
Note, however, that the method of operation
sometimes varies according to the
characteristics and specifications of the device
to be connected. Also, operations and data
transactions may not be possible on some
connected devices.

b Note

• Normally, only one device can be connected to this
unit with the i.LINK cable. When connecting this
unit to i.LINK-compatible device having 2 or more
DV Interfaces, refer to the operating instructions of
the device to be connected.

z Tips

• i.LINK is a more familiar term for the IEEE 1394
data transport bus proposed by Sony, and is a
trademark approved by many corporations.

• IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized
by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers.

Additional Information

86

About i.LINK Baud rate

i.LINK’s maximum baud rate varies according
to the device. There are 3 types.

S100 (approx. 100Mbps*)
S200 (approx. 200Mbps)

S400 (approx. 400Mbps)
The baud rate is listed under “Specifications” in
the operating instructions of each piece of

device. It is also indicated near the i.LINK
interface on some devices.
The maximum baud rate for device that does not
have any indication (such as this unit) is
“S100.”
The baud rate may differ from the indicated
value when the unit is connected to device with
a different maximum baud rate.

* What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for “megabits per second,” or the
amount of data that can be sent or received in 1
second. For example, a baud rate of 100 Mbps means
that 100 megabits of data can be sent in 1 second.

To use i.LINK functions on this unit

For details on how to dub when this unit is
connected to other video device having a DV
Interface, see page 62, 63.
This unit can also be connected to other i.LINK
(DV Interface) compatible device made by
Sony (e.g. a VAIO series personal computer) as
well as to video device.
Before connecting this unit to your computer,
make sure that application software supported
by this unit is already installed on your
computer.
Some i.LINK compatible video devices such as
Digital Televisions, DVD recorders/players,
and MICROMV recorders/players are not
compatible with DV device. Before connecting
to other device, be sure to confirm whether the
device is compatible with DV device or not.
For details on precautions and compatible
application software, refer also to the operating
instructions for the device to be connected.

About the required i.LINK cable

Use the Sony i.LINK 4-pin-to-4-pin cable
(during DV dubbing).

i.LINK and are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.

Maintenance and precautions

On use and care

• Do not use or store the camcorder and
accessories in the following locations.
– Anywhere extremely hot or cold. Never

leave them exposed to temperatures above
60°C (140°F), such as under direct sunlight,
near heaters or in a car parked in the sun.
They may malfunction or become
deformed.

– Near strong magnetic fields or mechanical

vibration. The camcorder may malfunction.

– Near strong radio waves or radiation. The

camcorder may not be able to record
properly.

– Near AM receivers and video equipment.

Noise may occur.

– Sandy beach or anywhere dusty. If sand or

dust gets in your camcorder, it may
malfunction. Sometimes this malfunction
cannot be repaired.

– Near windows or outdoors, where the LCD

screen, the viewfinder, or the lens may be
exposed to direct sunlight. This damages
the inside of the viewfinder or the LCD
screen.

– Anywhere very humid.

• Operate your camcorder on DC 7.2 V (battery
pack) or DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor).

• For DC or AC operation, use the accessories
recommended in these operating instructions.

• Do not let your camcorder get wet, for
example, from rain or sea water. If your
camcorder gets wet, it may malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be
repaired.

• If any solid object or liquid get inside the
casing, unplug your camcorder and have it
checked by a Sony dealer before operating it
any further.

• Avoid rough handling, disassembling,
modifying, or mechanical shock. Be
particularly careful of the lens.

• Keep the POWER switch setting to OFF
(CHG) when you are not using your
camcorder.

,continued

Additional Information

Additional Information

87

• Do not wrap your camcorder with a towel, for
example, and operate it. Doing so might cause
heat to build up inside.

• When disconnecting the mains lead, pull by
the plug and not the cord.

• Do not damage the mains lead such as by
placing anything heavy on it.

• Keep metal contacts clean.

• Keep the Remote Commander and button­type battery out of children’s reach. If the
battery is accidentally swallowed, consult a
doctor immediately.

• If the battery electrolytic liquid has leaked,
– consult your local authorized Sony service

facility.

– wash off any liquid that may have contacted

your skin.

– if any liquid gets in your eyes, wash with

plenty of water and consult a doctor.

When not using your camcorder for a
long time

Occasionally turn it on and let it run such as by
playing back tapes for about 3 minutes.
Otherwise, unplug it from the wall socket.

Moisture condensation

If your camcorder is brought directly from a
cold place to a warm place, moisture may
condense inside your camcorder, on the surface
of the tape, or on the lens. In this state, the tape
may stick to the head drum and be damaged or
your camcorder may not operate correctly. If
there is moisture inside your camcorder, [% Z
Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette] or [
Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H.]
appears. The indicator will not appear when the
moisture condenses on the lens.

If moisture condensation has occurred

None of the functions except cassette ejection
will work. Eject the cassette, turn off your
camcorder, and leave it for about 1 hour with the
cassette lid open. Your camcorder can be used
again if

% or Z does not appear when the power

is turned on again.
If moisture starts to condense, your camcorder
sometimes cannot detect condensation. If this
happens, the cassette is sometimes not ejected
for 10 seconds after the cassette lid is opened.
This is not a malfunction. Do not close the
cassette lid until the cassette is ejected.

%

Note on moisture condensation

Moisture may condense when you bring your
camcorder from a cold place into a warm place
(or vice versa) or when you use your camcorder
in a humid place as shown below.

• When you bring your camcorder from a ski
slope into a place warmed up by a heating
device.

• When you bring your camcorder from an air­conditioned car or room into a hot place
outside.

• When you use your camcorder after a squall or
a shower.

• When you use your camcorder in a hot and
humid place.

How to prevent moisture condensation

When you bring your camcorder from a cold
place into a warm place, put your camcorder in
a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Remove the bag
when the air temperature inside the plastic bag
has reached the surrounding temperature (after
about 1 hour).

Video head

• When the video head becomes dirty, you
cannot record pictures normally, or distorted
picture or sound is played back.

• If the following problem occurs, clean the
video heads for 10 seconds with the Sony
DVM-12CLD cleaning cassette (optional).
– Mosaic-pattern noise appears on the

playback picture or the screen is displayed
in blue.

– Playback pictures do not move.
– Playback pictures do not appear or the

sound breaks off.

x Dirty video head. Use a cleaning

–[

cassette.] appears on the screen during
recording.

• The video head suffers from wear after long
use. If you cannot obtain a clear image even
after using a cleaning cassette, it might be
because the video head is worn. Please contact
your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility to have the video head
replaced.

Additional Information

88

LCD screen

• Do not add excessive pressure on the LCD
screen, as it may cause damage.

• If your camcorder is used in a cold place, a
residual ima ge may appear on the LCD s creen.
This is not a malfunction.

• While using your camcorder, the back of the
LCD screen may heat up. This is not a
malfunction.

To clean the LCD screen

If fingerprints or dust make the LCD screen
dirty, it is recommended you use the cleaning
cloth (supplied) to clean it. When you use the
LCD Cleaning Kit (optional), do not apply the
cleaning liquid directly to the LCD screen. Use
cleaning paper moistened with the liquid.

On adjustment of the LCD screen
(CALIBRATION)

The buttons on the touch panel may not work
correctly. If this happens, follow the procedure
below. It is recommended you connect your
camcorder to the wall socket using the supplied
AC Adaptor during the operation.

1 Slide the POWER switch up to OFF

(CHG).

2 Eject the cassette from your camcorder,

then disconnect any connecting cables
except the AC Adaptor from your
camcorder.

3 Slide the POWER switch repeatedly to

select the PLAY/EDIT mode while
pressing DISPLAY/BATT INFO on your
camcorder, then press and hold
DISPLAY/BATT INFO for about 5
seconds.

4 Touch the “×” displayed on the screen

with the corner of the “Memory Stick” or
the like.

The position of the “×” changes.

If you did not press the right spot, start from
step 4 again.

b Note

• You cannot calibrate the LCD screen if you have
rotated the LCD pa nel and set it with the LCD screen
facing out.

Cleaning the casing

• If the casing is soiled, clean the camcorder
body with a soft cloth lightly moistened with
water, and then wipe the casing with a dry soft
cloth.

• Avoid the following to avoid damage to the
finish.
– Using chemicals such as thinner, benzine,

alcohol, chemical cloths, repellent and
insecticide.

– Handling with above substances on your

hands.

– Leaving the case in contact with rubber or

vinyl objects for a long period of time.

About care and storage of the lens

• Wipe the surface of the lens clean with a soft
cloth in the following instances:
– When there are fingerprints on the lens

surface.
– In hot or humid locations
– When the lens is exposed to salty air such as

at the seaside.

• Store in a well-ventilated location subject to
little dirt or dust.

• To prevent molds periodically clean the lens
as described above.

It is recommended you operate your camcorder
about once a month to keep it in an optimum
state for a long time.

To charge the pre-installed button-type
battery

Your camcorder has a pre-installed button-type
battery to retain the date, time, and other
settings even when the POWER switch is set to
OFF (CHG). The pre-installed button-type
battery is always charged while you are using
your camcorder but it will get discharged
gradually if you do not use your camcorder. The
button-type battery will be fully discharged in
about 3 months if you do not use your
camcorder at all. However, even if the pre­installed button-type battery is not charged, the
camcorder operation will not be affected as long
as you are not recording the date.

,continued

Additional Information

Additional Information

89

Procedures

Connect your camcorder to a wall socket using
the supplied AC Adaptor, and leave it with the
POWER switch set to OFF (CHG) for more
than 24 hours.

Removing dust from inside the
viewfinder

1

Remove the eyecup.

1 Pull out the viewfinder.
2 Remove the screw on each side of the

eyecup and viewfinder using a
screwdriver.

3 Remove the eyecup.

2 Remove dust from inside the eyecup and

viewfinder with a blower.

3 Reverse steps 2 and 3 to re-attach the

eyecup and replace the screws.

b Note

• Do not drop or bend the eyecup shaft. Be careful
when handling the eyecup.

Specification

Video camera recorder

System

Video recording system

2 rotary heads, Helical scanning system

Audio recording system

Rotary heads, PCM system
Quantization: 12 bits (Fs 32 kHz, stereo 1,
stereo 2), 16 bits (Fs 48 kHz, stereo)

Video signal

PAL color, CCIR standards

Usable cassette

Mini DV cassette with the mark
printed

Tape speed

SP: Approx. 18.81 mm/s
LP: Approx. 12.56 mm/s

Recording/playback time (using a DVM60
cassette)

SP: 60 min
LP: 90 min

Fast forward/rewind time (using a DVM60
cassette)

Approx. 2 min 40 s

Viewfinder

Electric viewfinder (black and white)

Image device

3 mm (1/6 type) CCD (Charge Coupled
Device)
Gross: Approx. 800 000 pixels
Effective (movie): Approx. 400 000 pixels

Lens

Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar
Combined power zoom lens
Filter diameter: 25 mm (1 in.)
10 × (Optical), 120 × (Digital)
F = 1.7 ~ 2.3

Focal length

2.3 - 23 mm (3/32 - 29/32 in.)
When converted to a 35 mm still camera
In CAMERA:
43 - 430 mm (1 3/4 - 17 in.)

Color temperature

[ AUTO], [ONE PUSH], [INDOOR] (3
200 K), [OUTDOOR] (5 800 K)

Additional Information

90

Minimum illumination

5 lx (lux) (F 1.7)
0 lx (lux) (during the NightShot plus
function)*

* Objects unable to be seen due to the dark can be

shot with infrared lighting.

Input/Output connectors

Audio/Video output

AV MINI JACK
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),
unbalanced, sync negative
Audio signal: 327 mV (at output impedance
more than 47 kΩ (kilohms)), Output
impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ (kilohms)

LANC jack

Stereo mini-minijack (ø 2.5 mm)

MIC jack

Minijack, 0.388 mV low impedance with DC

2.5 to 3.0 V, output impedance 6.8 kΩ
(kilohms) (ø 3.5 mm), Stereo type

LCD screen

Picture

6.2 cm (2.5 type)

Total dot number

123 200 (560 × 220)

General

Power requirements

DC 7.2 V (battery pack)
DC 8.4 V (AC Adaptor)

Average power consumption (when using the
battery pack)

During camera recording using the viewfinder

2.2 W
During camera recording using the LCD

2.5 W

Operating temperature

0° C to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)

Storage temperature

-20° C to + 60° C (-4° F to + 140° F)

Dimensions (approx.)

50 × 95 × 97 mm (2 × 3 3/4 × 3 7/8 in.) (w/h/d)

Mass (approx.)

375 g (13 oz) main unit only
440 g (15 oz) including the NP-FF51
rechargeable battery pack and DVM60
cassette.

Supplied accessories

See page 11.

Handycam Station
DCR-PC107E: DCRA-C112
DCR-PC106E: DCRA-C113

S video output

4-pin mini DIN
Luminance signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),
unbalanced
Chrominance signal: 0.3 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),
unbalanced

Audio/Video output

AV MINI JACK
Video signal: 1 Vp-p, 75 Ω (ohms),
unbalanced, sync negative
Audio signal: 327 mV, (at output impedance
more than 47 kΩ (kilohms))
Output impedance with less than 2.2 kΩ
(kilohms)

USB jack

mini-B

DV input (For DCR-PC107E)/output

4-pin connector

AC Adaptor AC-L25A/L25B

Power requirements

AC 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Current consumption

0.35 - 0.18 A

Power consumption

18 W

Output voltage

DC 8.4 V, 1.5 A

Operating temperature

0° C to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)

Storage temperature

-20° C to + 60° C (-4° F to + 140° F)

Dimensions (approx.)

56 × 31 × 100 mm (2 1/4 × 1 1/4 × 4 in.) (w/h/
d) excluding the projecting parts

Mass (approx.)

190 g (6.7 oz) excluding the mains lead

Rechargeable battery pack (NP-FF51)

Maximum output voltage

DC 8.4 V

Output voltage

DC 7.2 V

Capacity

5.6 Wh (780 mAh)

Dimensions (approx.)

40.8 × 12.5 × 49.1 mm
(1 5/8 × 1/2 × 1 15/16 in.) (w/h/d)

Mass (approx.)

Additional Information

,continued

Additional Information

91

45 g (1.6 oz)

Operating temperature

0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Type

Lithium ion

Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

Types of differences

DCR-PC 106E 107E

DV Interface OUT IN/OUT

Additional Information

92

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls

Camcorder

A LCD/Touch panel screen (p. 2, 17)
B LCD BACKLIGHT button* (p. 17)
C REC START/STOP button (p. 22)
D Battery pack/Battery terminal cover

(p. 12)

E BATT (battery release) lever

(p. 13)

F Eyecup (p. 90)
G Viewfinder (p. 2, 17)
H REC START STOP button (p. 22)
I POWER switch (p. 16)
J CAMERA, PLAY/EDIT mode lamps

(p. 16)

K BACK LIGHT button* (p. 27)
L CHARGE lamp (p. 13)

* These buttons are not available during Easy

Handycam operation. (There is the z mark.)

,continued

Quick Reference

Quick Reference

93

A (LANC) jack (blue)

The LANC control jack is used for
controlling the tape transport of video
device and peripherals connected to it.

B Jack cover
C A/V OUT jack (yellow) (p. 62)
D Belt lock release lever
E PHOTO button (p. 25)
F Speaker
G MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack (red)

(p. 70)

This jack works as an input for an external
microphone as well as a power-supply jack
for a plug-in-power microphone. When the
external microphone is connected, it takes
precedence.

H NIGHTSHOT PLUS switch (p. 30)
I Power zoom lever
J Infrared ray emitter (p. 65)
K LENS COVER switch
L RESET button

If you press RESET, all the settings
including the date and time, return to the
default.

M Finger rest

Quick Reference

94

A Microphone (p. 70)
B Lens (Carl Zeiss Lens)/Lens cover

Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl
Zeiss lens which can reproduce fine images.
The lens for your camcorder was developed
jointly by Carl Zeiss, in German y, and Sony
Corporation. It adopts the MTF
measurement system for video cameras and
offers a quality as fine as a Carl Zeiss lens.
MTF stands for Modulation Transfer
Function. The value number indicates the
amount of light from a subject coming into
the lens.

C EASY button (p. 26, 37)
D Camera recording lamp (p. 22)
E Remote sensor
F Accessory shoe

The accessory shoe has a safety device for
fixing the installed accessory securely. To
connect an accessory, press down and push
it to the end, and then tighten the screw. To
remove an accessory, loosen the screw, and
then press down and pull out the accessory.

G DC IN jack (p. 12)
H DC IN jack cover
I DISPLAY/BATT INFO button (p. 14,

38)

Quick Reference

,continued

Quick Reference

95

A Viewfinder lens adjustment lever (p. 17)
B OPEN/ZEJECT lever (p. 20)
C Tripod receptacle

Make sure that the length of the tripod
screw is less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).
Otherwise, you cannot attach the tripod
securely, and the screw may damage your
camcorder.

D Strap Belt
E Cassette lid (p. 20)
F Interface connector

Using the Strap Belt as a wrist strap

This is useful for carrying your camcorder.

1 Slide and hold the belt lock release lever

in the direction of the arrow (a), then
move the Strap Belt attachment in the
direction of the arrow (b).

Belt lock
release lever

Quick Reference

96

2 Detach the Strap Belt attachment from

your camcorder.

3 Use the Strap Belt as a wrist strap as

illustrated.

To attach the Strap Belt

Insert the Strap Belt attachment to your
camcorder and move it in the direction of the
arrow until it clicks and is locked.

b Note

• The Strap Belt may detach accidentally if not
attached properly.

z Tip

• The length of the Strap Belt is adjustable. (p. 3)

Quick Reference

Quick Reference

97

Handycam Station

1

7

2

A Interface connector
B (USB) ON/OFF switch

Set the (USB) ON/OFF switch to ON

while using the USB connection.

C A/V OUT jack (p. 62)
D S VIDEO OUT jack
E DC IN jack (p. 12)
F For DCR-PC106E:

DV OUT Interface (p. 62)

For DCR-PC107E:

DV Interface (p. 62)

G (USB) jack

3
4
5
6

Quick Reference

98

Remote Commander

Remove the insulation sheet before using the
Remote Commander.

A PHOTO button (p. 25)
B SEARCH M. button* (p. 41)
C ./> buttons* (p. 41)
D Video control buttons (Rewind,

Playback, Fast-forward, Pause, Stop,
Slow) (p. 36)

E ZERO SET MEMORY button* (p. 41)
F Transmitter

After turning on your camcorder, point
towards the remote sensor to control your
camcorder.

G REC START/STOP button (p. 24)
H Power zoom button (p. 23)
I DISPLAY button (p. 41)

To remove the insulation sheet

Insulation sheet

To change the button-type battery

While pressing on the tab, insert your

1

fingernail into the slit to pull out the
battery case.

Tab

2 Remove the button-type lithium battery.

3 Place a new button-type lithium battery

with the + side facing up.

Quick Reference

* These buttons are not available during Easy

Handycam operation.

4 Insert the battery case back into the

Remote Commander until it clicks.

,continued

Quick Reference

99

WARNING

Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not
recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer.
Discard used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

b Notes on the Remote Commander

• A button-type lithium battery (CR2025) is used in

the Remote Commander. Do not use batteries other
than CR2025.

• Point the remote sensor away from strong light

sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting.
Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not
function properly.

• The Remote Commander may not function properly

when the remote sensor is obstructed with a
conversion lens (optional).

• When you are operating with the Remote

Commander supplied with your camcorder, your
VCR may also operate. In that case, select a
commander mode other than VTR 2 for your VCR,
or cover the sensor of your VCR with black paper.

Quick Reference

100