Sony DCR-PC109 Owner’s Manual

SO1N_ 3_o89_181_12/1_

Digital Video Camera Recorder

DCR-PCIO8/PCI09

_'_ InroUTHlUMQ _

_i_ MEMORY 5TR[K

Read this first

Before operating the unit, please read this

manual thoroughly, and retain it lbr future reference.

For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT FULLY

INSERT.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not

expose the unit to rain or moisture.

CAUTION TO REDUCETHE RISKOF ELECTRICSHOO}<

DO NO_ REI_OV COVR(OR t_ACKL

t_o USER-SERVlCEAI_LE PARTS INSIDE,

REFER SERVlCIIqG TO QUALIFIED SERVlOE PERSON*qEI.

This symbol is intended to ale_t tile usm to the presence of tminsulated

"dangerous voltage" within tile product's enclosule that nmy be of

sufficient magnialde to constitute a risk of electlic shock to persons.

This symbol is imended to Melt the user to the presence of impoltant

operating and maintenance (sels,icing) instructions in the

literature accompanying the appliance

0 Notice

It"static electiicity or electromagnetic interfeience canses data transfer to discontinue midway (fail),

restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again

RECYCLINGLITHIUM-IONBMTERIES

Lithimn-Ion batteries me _ecyclable You can help presmwe our

environment by returning yore used iechalgeable batteries to tlle

collection and recycling location

nearest VOll.

For more intbrmation regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll flee 1-800-822- 8837,

or visit http:iix_avw.rbrc org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged o5 leaking Lithium- Ion batteries.

"Memory Stick" andbatterypack

This device complies with Past 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following hvo conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmfifl intei_rence,

and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including intert)rence that may cruise

undesired operation.

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

For customers in the U.S.A.

If_u ha_e any _stions abort _is product, you may

call: Sony Customel Inforlnation Center 1-800-222-$0NY (7669). The munber below is tbr the FCC related mattels only.

Regulatory Int)lma*ion

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-PC 109

Responsible Pa*ty: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA

92127 US.A Telephone No.: 858-942-2230

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Opeiation is subject to the following two conditions:

(t) This device may not cause harmfill interference, and (2) this device nmst accept any interference

received, inchlding interference that may cruise tmdesired operation.

0 Note:

DCR-PC 109 is to be used with Handycam Station Model DCRA-C 111 and AC Power Adaptor Model AC-L25AiL25B

Owner's Record

Tile model and serial nunlbe:s are located on tile bottom. Record the serial nmrtber in the space

provided below Refer to these numbers whenever you

call upon your Sony dealer regarding this prodllct. Model No.DCR-PC

Seiial No Model No.AC-

Seiial No

CAUTION

You ale camioned that any changes or modifications

not expressly approved in this manual could void your

authority to operate this equipment

0 Note:

This equipnlent has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, purslmnt to

Pair 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmfill interference in a residential

installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency ener_, and, if not installed and

used in accordance with the instructions, may cause

harmfill interfelence to radio conmmnications

Howevel, there is no guarantee that interference will

not occur in a particular installation If this equipment

does cause harmfill interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipnlent offand on, the user is encoreaged to t!3' to

correct the interfelence by one or more of the following measmes:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit

dift)rent fiom that to which the recei;;er is connected.

Consult a Sony dealer or an expelienced radioiTV technician for help

The supplied interface cable must be used with the eqmpment in order to comply with the limits for a

digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules

Notes on use

Note on Cassette Memory

Your camcorde! is based on the DV tbnnat. You can use only mini DV cassettes in yore camcorder Use of

mini DV cassettes with Cassette Memo!), is recommended as you can use Title search (p. 61 ), Date

search (p. 62), [_TITLE] (p 8t), [_TAPE TITLE] (p 83).

(assettes with Cassette Memory are marked with (_l_.

Note on the type of "Memory Stick" you can use in your camcorder

You can use only a "Memoir" Stick Duo" which is about half the size of a standard "Melnory Stick," in

yotu- camcorder (p 128) The MEMORYSTICK[_UOmark is indicated on the

"Memol 3, Stick Duo ."

=_continued

Notes on recording

• Betbre starting to lecold test the recolding fimction to make stile the picture and sotmd are recorded

without any problems

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

possible due to a malfimction of the camcorder, storage media, etc

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

an NTSC system-based TV

• Television programs, fihns, video tapes, and mher materials may be copyrighted Unauthorized

recording of such materials may be contrary to the copylight laws

Notes on the LCD panel, viewfinder, and lens

• The LCD screen and tile viewfinder are manufactured using extremely high-precision

technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use

Howevel, there may be some tiny black points and/ or bright points (white, red, blue, or green in color)

that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder

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

• Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lens to direct stmlight for long peliods of time may cause

malfimclions. Be careflll when placing the camera near a window or outdoors.

• Do not aim at the sun Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfimction. Take pictmes of the sun

only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.

Notes on using the camcorder

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

rest

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

• The Strap Belt can also be used as a wrist stlap (p 142).

Note on connecting other device

Before connecting your camcolder to other device such as a VCR or a computer with a USB or i.LINK

cable, be sure to inselt the connector phlg in the proper direction. If you inselt the connector phlg tbrcibly in

the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfimction of your camcorder.

Notes on using this manual

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

yoll see.

• The ilhlstrations used on this manual are based on the model DCR-PC 109

• When you are using the touch panel, place yore hand on the back side of the LCD panel to support it. Then, touch tile buttons displayed on the scleen

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

• You can change the language to be used for screen display on your camcorder (p. 25).

• Be carefifl not to press buttons on the LCD fiame accidentally when you open or close the LCD panel,

or when you adjust the angle of tile LCD panel.

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following pa_ts.

Viewfinder

• \

Battery pack

Notes on handling the Handycam Station

• When attaching your camcorde! to tile Handycam Station insert yore camcolder in the direction of the

arrow as shown in the following illustlation. Be sure to insat it all tile way

LCD panel

• Be sine to turn the power of yore camcorder off before mse*ting it into or removing it flora the Han@cam Station•

• Yore camcorder may not attach properly to the Han@cam Station if the camcorder's DC IN jack cover is open or the Strap Belt is caught between yore camcorder and the Handycam Station.

• Do not cotmect the A,'N"connecting cables or the AC Adaptors to both your camcorder and the Handycam Station simultaneously while using your camcorder This may cause a malfimction.

• When removing yore camcorder from the Handycam Station, hold both your camcorder and the Handycam Station as shown in the tbllowing illusnation, and remove it from tile Han@cam

Station•

(J Notes

• When disconnecting the AC Adaptor flora the Handycam Station, hold both the DC plug and the

Hart@cam Station and disconnect the AC Adaptor•

Table of Contents []: Features t peon,,,.

[] :Features available for "Memol T Stick Duo"

onlv.

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

Quick Start Guide

Recording movies .................................................................................... 10

Recording still images .............................................................................. 12

Recording/Playing back with ease ........................................................... 14

Getting started

Step 1: Checking supplied items .............................................................. 15

Step 2: Charging the battery pack ............................................................ 16

Using an outside power source ................................................................................. 19

Step 3: Turning the power on ................................................................... 20

Step 4: Adjusting the LCD panel and viewfinder ...................................... 21

Adjusting the LCD panel ............................................................................................ 2!

Adjusting the viewfinder ............................................................................................. 2!

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

Step 6: Inserting the recording media ...................................................... 23

Inserting a cassette tape ........................................................................................... 23

Inserting a "Memory Stick Duo" ................................................................................. 24

Step 7: Setting the screen language ........................................................ 25

Recording

Recording movies .................................................................................... 27

Recording for a longer time ....................................................................................... 29

Using zoom ................................................................................................................ 29

Recording in mirror mode .......................................................................................... 30

Using the self-timer .................................................................................................... 3!

Recording still images _[] - Memory photo recording ............................. 32

Selecting image quality or size .................................................................................. 33

Using the self-timer .................................................................................................... 34

Recording a still image on a "Memory Stick Duo"

while recording movies on a tape ........................................................................ 35

Recording with ease - Easy Handycam .................................................. 35

Recording a movie [] ............................................................................................... 35

Recording a still image _[] ....................................................................................... 36

Making full use of Easy Handycam operation ........................................................... 37

Adjustingtheexposure.............................................................................38

Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects ............................................................... 38

Fixing the exposure for the selected subject - Flexible spot meter .......................... 38

Adjusting the exposure manually .............................................................................. 39

Recording in dark places - NightShot plus, etc....................................... 40

Adjusting the focus ................................................................................... 41

Adjusting the focus for an off-center subject - SPOT FOCUS .................................. 41

Adjusting the focus manually .................................................................................... 42

Recording a picture using various effects ................................................ 43

Fading in and out d a scene [_q - FADER .............................................................. 43

Using special effects _ - Digital effect .................................................................. 44

Overlaying still images on movies on a tape - MEMORY MIX ................................. 46

Searching for the starting point [] .......................................................... 48

Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording - END SEARCH ............ 48

Searching manually - EDIT SEARCH ...................................................................... 48

Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes - Rec review .................................... 49

Playback

Viewing movies recorded on a tape [] ................................................... 50

Playing back in various modes ................................................................................. 51

Viewing recordings with added effects - Digital effect .............................................. 52

Viewing recordings on a "Memory Stick Duo" _ .................................... 53

Playing back in various modes from a "Memory Stick Duo". ..................................... 54

Playing back with ease - Easy Handycam .............................................. 55

Making full use of Easy Handycam operation ........................................................... 56

Various playback functions ...................................................................... 57

Magnifying pictures - Tape playback zoom/Memory playback zoom ....................... 57

Displaying the screen indicators ............................................................................... 58

Displaying the date/time and camera settings data - Data code .............................. 58

Playing the picture on a TV ...................................................................... 60

Locating a scene on a tape for playback [] ........................................... 61

Searching quickly for a desired scene - Zero set memory ....................................... 61

Searching for a scene using Cassette Memory - Title search .................................. 6!

Searching for a scene by date of recording - Date search ....................................... 62

=bcontinued

Advanced operations

Using the Menu

Selecting menu items ........................ 63

Using the _(i} (CAMERA SET) menu

- PROGRAM AE/WHITE BAL.I16:9

WIDE, etc ..................................... 65

Using the (MEMORY SET) menu

- BURSTIQUALITY/IMAGE SIZE/

ALL ERASE/NEW FOLDER,

etc ................................................ 71

Using the _ (PICT. APPLI.) menu

- PICT. EFFECTISLIDE SHOW/ FRAME REC/INTERVAL REC/INT.

REC-STL, etc .............................. 75

Using the _.? (EDIT/PLAY) menu

- _£] TITLEI[_ TAPE TITLE, etc.

...................................................... 80

Using the (STANDARD SET) menu

- [_q REC MODE/MULTI-SOUND/

AUDIO MIX/USB-CAMERA,

etc ................................................ 84

Using the @_, (TIMEILANGU.) menu

- CLOCK SET/WORLD TIME,

etc ................................................ 89

Customizing Personal Menu .............. 90

Dubbing/Editing

Connecting to a VCR or TV ............... 93

Dubbing to another tape [] .............. 94

Recording pictures from a VCR or

TV ................................................ 95

Dubbing pictures from a tape to a

"Memory Stick Duo" ..................... 96

Dubbing still images from a "Memory

Stick Duo" to a tape ..................... 97

Dubbing selected scenes from a tape

- Digital program editing .............. 98

Dubbing sound to a recorded

tape [] ...................................... 105

Deleting recorded pictures [] ......... 107

Marking recorded images with specific

information _ - image protection/

Print mark ................................... 108

Printing recorded images (PictBridge

compliant printer) _Z] ................. 110

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting ............................... 113

Warning indicators and messages ... 121

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad ......... 126

Usable cassette tapes ..................... 127

About the "Memory Stick" ................ 128

About the "InfoLITHIUM" battery

pack ............................................ 131

About i.LINK ..................................... 132

Maintenance and precautions .......... 133

Specification .................................... 136

Quick Reference

Identifying parts and controls ........... 139

index ................................................ 147

Refer also to other operating instructions supplied

with your camcorder:

• Editing images with yore computer .¢Computer Applications Guide

Quick Start Guide

Recordingmovies

W Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 16.

_]) Slide the BATT __ (battery release) O Attach the battery pack with its

lever and remove the battery terminal side facing your camcorder terminal cover, as shown in the illustration and press

down the battery pack until it clicks.

BATT _=d (battery re;ease) lever

2 Insert a cassette into the camcorder.

_]) Slide the OPEN/

_--EJECT_I lever in

the direction of the arrow to open the lid.

The cassette compartment comes out automatically.

OPEN/_EJECT,_ lever

Insert the cassette with its window-side facing up, then push the center

of the back of the cassette,

10 Quick Start Guide

I_ Press _.

(lose the cassette lid after the cassette compartment

slides back in bv itself.

Window-side

Recordingstill images

W Attach the charged battery pack to the camcorder.

To charge the battery, see page 16.

_]1 Slide the BATT ==j (battery release) O Attach the battery pack with its

lever and remove the battery terminal side facing your camcorder

terminal cover, as shown in the illustration and press

down the battery pack until it clicks.

.........._{_:_i;i!i!iii_iiii!iiiiii_!!!i_i__

BATT _ (battery release) {ever

2 Insert a "Memory Stick Duo" into the camcorder.

Insert it so that the I_ mark is at the upper right corner.

Push in until it clicks.

• mark

12 Quick Start Guide

Recording/Playingback 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@layback.

Press EASY when recording/ playing back.

EASY lights up m blue (O) and screen font size increases (0)

during Easy Handycam operation.

Easy Handycam

operation

For details, see instructions for each operation. See page 35 lbr recording, page 55 for playback.

14 Quick Start Guide

Gettingstarted

Step 1: Checking supplieditems

Make sure you have following items supplied

with your camcorder.

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

"Memory Stick Duo" 8MB (1)

You can use only a "Memo!), Stick Duo' which is

about half the size of a standard "Memo_7 Stick," in

your camcorder See page 128 tk_rdetails

Memory Stick Duo adaptor (1)

If you attach a Memo_, Stick Duo adaptor to a "Memo! 7 Stick Duo," you can use a "Memory Stick

Duo" with any of the devices compatible with a standard "Memo_), Stick."

Wireless Remote Commander (1)

A button-t_q)e lithium batte W is aheady installed

A/V connecting cable (1)

¢D

USB cable (1)

Rechargeabte battery pack NP-FF51 (1)

The silver-colored model ofbatte W pack NP-FF51 is sold only with the camcoldei

Battery terminal cover (1)

Attached to the camco_dei

CD-ROM "SPVD-012 USB Driver" (1)

Cleaning cloth (1)

AC Adaptor (1)

Power cord (1)

Handycam Station (1)

Camera Operations Guide (This manual)

(1)

Computer Applications Guide (1)

Getting started 15

Step2: Chargingthe battery pack

You can charge the battery by attaching the

"InfoLITHI[ M" battery pack (F series) to

your camcorder.

0 Notes

• You cannot use batteries other than the "hffoLITHIUM" battery pack (Y series) (p. 131).

• Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or batta), temlinals with any metallic objects This may canse a malfimction.

• Use a nearby wall outlet when using tile AC Adaptor. Disconnect the AC Adaptor flora the wall outlet immediately if any malfimction occurs

Slide the BATT ___ (battery release) lever and remove the battery terminal

Cover.

BATT .._ (battery release) lever

2 Attach the battery pack with its

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

clicks.

To the wall outlet

16 Gettingstarted

AC Adaptor

With the • mark on the DC plug facing up, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC

IN jack on the Handycam Station.

DC IN jack

Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor.

Connect the power cord to the wall outlet.

Handycam Station.

'7 Slide the POWER switch up to OFF

(('HG). The CHARGE lamp lights np and charging

starts.

POWER

CHARGE ' MODE

Tocharge the batterypack usingonly theACAdaptor

Aftercharging the battery

The CHARGE lamp turns oft" when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor

from the DC IN jack.

Toremove thebatterypack

Battery pack

POWER switch

BATT =j (battery release) lever

Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

Slide the BATT _j (battery release) lever in the direction of the arrow as

shown in the illustration and remove the battery pack.

fO Note

• Ahvays attach the tezminal covel to protect the

battel 7 telminal If you do not use the battel 3, pack tbr a long time, use up the battel 3, pack cmupletely before storing it See page 131 about storage of the battel_" pack.

¢D

To the wall outlet

AC Adaptor

You can charge the battery pack on a trip, even

if you have not brought the Handycam Station along. With the • mark on the D( plug facing

up, connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack

on your camcorder as shown in the illustration.

Tochecktheremaining battery- Battery Info

DISPLAY/BATT INFO POWER switch

You can check the battery's cnrrent charge level and its current remaining recording time both

during charging or when the power is turned off.

,_continued

Getting started 17

Set the PO_YER switch to OFF (CHG).

Open the LCD panel.

Press DISPLAY/BATT INFO. The battery infornlation appears for about 7

seconds• Keep the button pressed to view it for about

20 seconds.

BATTERY INFO

BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL ?% 5o% 1oo%

REC TIr, IE AVAILABLE

LCD SI REEN: *_J _rl i _...........

\/_EWFINDER: ..................

[] Battery charge level: Displays

approximate remaining amount of

power left in the battery pack.

[] Approximate possible recording time

using the LCD panel.

[] Approximate possible recording time

using the viewfinder.

Chargingtime

Approximate number of minutes reqnired when

you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack

at 25°(:(77°F). (10 30"C (50 86°F)

recommended.)

packBattery

NP-FF50 120

NP-FF51 (supplied) 130 NP-FF70 150

NP-FF71 170

Recordingtimewhenrecordingwiththe LCDscreenon

Approximate number of minutes available

when you use a fully charged battery pack at

25°C (77"F).

With LCD BACKLIGHT set to ON

For DCR-P( 109:

Battery pack Continuous Typical*

recording recording

time time

NP-FF50 85 45 NP-FF51 100 55

(supplied)

NP-FFT0 185 100 NP-FF71 205 l l0

For DCR-P( 108:

Battery pack Continuous Typical*

recording recording

time time

NP-FF50 110 60 NP-FF51 125 65

(supplied)

NP-FFT0 225 120 NP-FF71 250 135

With LOB BACKLIGHT set to OFF

For D(R-P( 109:

Battery pack Continuous Typical*

recording recording

time time

NP-FF50 95 50 NP-FF51 110 60

(supplied) NP-FFT0 205 l l0 NP-FF71 225 125

For DCR-PC 108:

Battery pack Continuous Typical*

recording recording

time time

NP-FF50 125 65 NP-FF 51 140 75

(supplied) NP-FFT0 260 140

NP-FF71 285 155

18 Gettingstarted

Recordingtimewhenrecordingwith the

viewfinder

Approximate number of minutes available

when you use a fully charged batte W pack at

25'>((77°F). For DCR-PC 109:

Battery PaCk Continuous Typical*

recording recording

time time

NP-FF50 95 50 NP-EE51 110 60

(supplied)

NP-FF70 205 110 NP-FF71 225 125

For DCR-PC 108:

Battery pack Continuous Typical*

recording recording time time

NP-FF50 125 65 NP-FF51 140 75

(supplied)

NP-FF70 260 140 NP-FF71 285 155

* Approximate nmnber of minutes when recording

while you repeatedly record, start/stop, slide the

POWER switch to change the power :::ode, and zoom The actual batte: T life :nay be sho:ter

For DCR-P( 108:

Battery pack LCD panel LCD panel

opened* closed

NP-FF50 125 145 NP-FF51 140 160

(supplied) NP-FFT0 260 295 NP-FF71 285 325

* With LCD BACKLIGHT set toON

O Notes

• The powe: will :lot be supplied flora the batte: T pack

even when the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet in the following cases:

When the AC adaptor is connected to tile DC IN

jack of yore can:corder

When the AC adaptor is connected to the DC IN

jack of the Handycam Station and your camcorde:

is attached to the Handycanl Station

• The recording and playback time will be sho:ter when you use yotu- camcorder ill lOW temperature.

• The CHARGE lamp flashes dming charging, or the batte: T intbnnation will not be correctly displayed in tbllowing conditions.

The batte:y pack is not attached conecfly The batte:y pack is damaged. The batte:y pack is fiflly discharged (For Batte: T intbnnation only)

• With a lalge capacity batte:y pack (NP-FF70/FF71) installed, your can:corder will be less balanced - support it properly when placing your camcorder on a table etc., in this case.

if}

¢D

Playing time

Approximate number of minutes available

when you use a fully charged batte W pack at

25°C (77°F). For DCR-PC 109:

Battery PaCk LCD pane! LeD panel

opened* closed

NP-FF50 110 125 NP-FF51 125 140

(supplied)

NP-FF70 225 260 NP-FF71 250 285

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 tnrned oft- AC power (house cnrrent) is still snpplied to it while

connected to the wall outlet via the AC Adaptor.

Connect ),our camcorder as shown in "Charging the batter), pack" (p. 16).

Getting started 19

Step3: Turningthe poweron

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. 22).

LENS COVER switch

POWER switch

• CAMERA-TAPE mode: To record on a tape.

• (AMERA-MEM mode: To record on a

"Memory Stick Duo."

• PLAY/EDIT mode: To play or edit pictures on

a tape or "Memory Stick Duo."

Toturn off the power

Slide the POWER switch up to OFF (CHG). Set the LENS COVER switch to (?LOSE.

POWER

'Q2 ::::_/

CHARGE r,4ODE

Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.

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.

POWER

20 Getting started

Step4: Adjustingthe LCDpanel and

viewfinder

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 su[ziect, you can check the subject on the LCD screen during recording by adjusting the

angle of the LCD panel.

Maximum 180 degrees

3 Adjust the item with [_]/[_], then

touch [_l.

"_° Tips

• If you letate the LCD panel 180 degaees to the lens side, you can close the LCD panel with tile LCD

screen t=acing out.

• If you are using tile battel 7 pack for power source, you can adjust the brightness by selecting [LCD BL LEVEL] from the [LCD_\'F SET] on the (STANDARD SET) menu (p 85).

• When you use yore- camcorder in bright conditions, press LCD BACKLIGHT to switch off the LCD

screen backlight (_C'_o_Fappears on the screen.). This setting saves battel_" power

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

• You can turn offthe operation confirmation beep by setting [BEEP] in file _} (STANDARD SET)

menu to [OFF] qJ. 87).

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.

¢D

Maximum 90 degrees

Open the LCD panel

LCD BACKLIGHT

Open the L('D panel 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it to the desired

position.

Toadjust thebrightnessofthe LCDscreen

1 Touch _.

2 Touch [LCD BRIGHT1.

If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], (STANDARD SET) menu, then tonch [LCD, VF SET] (p. 85).

Viewfinder lens

adjustment Iever

Extend the viewfinder until it clicks.

Adjust the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture is clear.

--bcontinued

Getting started 21

Tousetheviewfinderduringoperation

When you are recording on a tape or a "Memory Stick Duo," you can ac_inst the exposure (p. 38)

and fader (p. 43) while checking the image on the viewfinder. Have the L(D panel rotated 180

degrees and closed with the screen facing out.

1 Set the power mode to CAMERA-TAPE

or CAMERA-MEM (p. 20).

2 Extend the viewfinder, and close the

LCD panel with the screen facing out.

appears on the screen.

3 Touch _.

[Set LCD off?] appears on the screen.

4 Touch [YES].

The L(D screen is turned oft'.

5 Touch tile LCD screen while checking

the display in the viewfinder. [EXPOSURE], etc. are displayed.

6 Touch tile button you want to set.

•[EXPOSURE]: Acliust with [ZZli[Z_I

and touch [_.

• [FADER]: Touch it repeatedly to select a desired effect (only in the CAMERA-

TAPE mode).

• _ : The LCD screen lights up.

To hide the buttons on the LCD screen, touch [_1.

"_°Tip

• To adjust the brightness of theviewfinder backlight, select (STANDARD SET) menu, [LCDiVF

SET], then [VF B.LIGHT] (when you are using the batte_T pack, p. 85)

Step 5: Settingthe 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.

O Note

• If you do not use your camcozde! tbr about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable button-type batte W gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared fioln the memo W In that case, charge the rechargeable button-type batte W (p 136) and then set the date and time again.

POWER switch

22 Getting started

Open the LCD panel. Proceed to step 7 when you set the clock for

the first time.

Touch _.

Touch [MEN[ ].

:)_ (TIMEiLANGU.) with

Select ,%_:;?

[_]/[2_], then touch [_].

Select [CLOCK SET] with [_]/[Z], then touch [_.

Step6: Insertingthe recordingmedia

You can use mini DV MiFli_ cassettes only. For details on these cassettes (such as write-

protection), see page 127.

O Note

• Do not fbzce tile cassette into the compartment This

may cause a malfimction of your camcordei.

Slide the OPEN/_--EJECT.4 lever in the direction of the arrow and open the

lid.

OPEN/--AEJECT,_ lever Lid

Da ¢D

7 Set [Y] (year) with [2_]/[2_], then touch

You can set any year tip to the year 2079.

Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and minute in the same way as was done in step 7, then touch [_].

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

The cassette compartment automatically comes out and opens up.

,-bcontinued

Getting started 23

2 Insert a cassette with its window-side

facing up.

Window-side

Push the center of the back of the cassette

tightly

Press _. The cassette compartment atttomaticallv

slides back in.

For details on the "Memory Stick Duo" (such as write-protection), see page 128.

0 Note

• You can use only a "Memory Stick Duo which is about half the size of a standard "Menlol T Stick," in your camcorder (p. 128). Do not tl? to tbrce any other b,pe of"Memory Stick" into the "Memo!),

Stick Duo" slot.

Access

• mark

Close the lid.

To eject the cassette

1 Slide the OPEN/AEJECT,_ lever in the

direction of the arrow and open the lid. The cassette compartment automatically

Con_ies out.

2 Take out the cassette, then press _.

The cassette compartment automatically slides back in.

3 Close the lid.

24 Getting started

Insert the "Memory Stick Duo" with the I_ mark at the upper right corner until it

clicks.

Toeject a "Memory Stick Duo"

Lightly push the "Memor'¢ Stick Duo" in once.

Lightlypushin .......

once

Notes

• If you tbrce the "Menloz 7 Stick Duo" into the

"Memo! WStick Duo" slot in file wrong direction, the "Memo! W Stick Duo" slot may be damaged.

• Do not insert anything other than a "Memory Stick Duo" into the "Memoz WStick Duo" slot Doing so

may cause a malfimction of your camcorder.

• When the access lamp is lit or flashing, your camcordel is reading/writing data froliYto the

"Memo! 7 Stick Duo." Do not shake or knock your calncorder, turn the power oft', eject the "Memoz 7

Stick Duo," or remove the battezy pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.

Step7:Settingthe screenlanguage

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

-w

POWER switch

Open the LCD panel.

Touch _.

Touch [LANG[ AGE].

If the item is not displayed on the screen, touch [_/[_. If you cannot find it, touch [MENU], and select it from the /_) (TIMEiLANGU.) menn (p. 89).

,_continued

Getting started 25

Select the desired language with [_/ [3Q, then touch [_].

"_° Tip

• Yore camcorder offers [ENG [SIMP]] (simplified

English) for when you caimot find your native tongue among tile options

26 Getting started

Recording

Recordingmovies

You can record movies on a tape or a

"Memory Stick Duo." Before recording, follow steps 1 to 7 in

"Getting started" (p. 15 to p. 25). When you are recording on a tape, movies

will be recorded along with stereo sound.

When you are recording on a "Memory Stick Duo," the movie will be recorded with

monaural sound.

LENS COVER

Camera recording switch POWER switch lamp

Select the recording mode.

_To record on a tape

Slide the POWER switch until the CAMERA-TAPE lamp lights up, and your

camcorder is set to the standby mode.

POWER

Slide the POWER switch while

pressing the green button.

_To record on a "Memory Stick

Duo" - MPEG MOVIE EX

Slide the POWER switch repeatedly until the CAMERA-MEM lamp lights up, and the currently selected recording l_Ider appears on the screen.

POWER

Slide the POWER

switch while

pressing the green button

REC START/STOP

"_" Tip

• Pelfomfing Easy Handycanl operation even thst time

users can record easily. For details, see page 35.

Set the LENS COVER switch to OPEN.

Open the LCD panel.

Press RE(2 START/STOP. Recording starts. [RE(;] appears on the

L(D screen and the Camera recording lamp lights tip. Press REC START/STOP again to stop recording.

Tocheckthe mostrecently recorded MPEGmovie _ - Review

Touch _. Playback starts automatically. Touch _ again to return to standby. To delete the movie, touch _ after playback

is finished, then [YES]. To cancel deleting, touch [NO].

Toturnthe power off

1 Slide the POWER switch up to the OFF

(CHG) position.

2 Set the LENS (?OVER switch to (?LOSE.

,_continued

Recording 27

Indicatorsdisplayedduringrecording ona tape

The indicators will not be recorded on the tape. Date/time and the camera settings data (p. 58)

will not be displayed during recording.

% []

® %

[] Indicators for Cassette Memory cassettes [] Remaining battery

The indicated time may not be correct depending on the environment of use When you opened or closed the L(D panel, it takes about i minute to display the correct

remaining batter3: time.

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

[REC 1 (recording))

[] Time code or tape counter (hour:

minute: second)

[] Recording capacity of the tape (p. 87) [] Personal Menu button (p. 63)

[] END SEARCH/EDIT SEARCH/Rec

review display switch button (p. 48)

Indicatorsdisplayedduringrecording ona "Memory StickDuo"

The indicators will not be recorded on the "Memory Stick Duo."

Date/time (p. 58) will not be displayed during recording.

[] Recording folder

[] Remaining battery

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

[] Recording status ([STBY] (standby) or

[RE(:] (recording))

[] _]ovie size

[] Recorded time (hour: minute: second)

[] Recording capacity of the "Memory

Stick Duo"

[] "Memory Stick Duo" recording start

indicator (appears for about 5 seconds) [] Personal Menu button (p. 63) [] Review button (p. 27)

0 Notes

• Betbre changing the battel 3, pack slide the POWER

switch up to OFF (CHG).

• In the defhult setting, when you do not operate the

camcorder for more than about 5 lnilnltes, the power will automatically till!1 offto prevent barrel 3, loss ([A.SHUT OFF], p. 88) To restart recording, slide

the POWER switch down to select CAMERA-TAPE or CAMERA-MEM, and then press REC START;

STOP

• While recording movies on a "Memory Stick Duo,"

the only lnenu items available will be those with short cuts on the Personal Menu. In order to use

othel menu items, add them to the Personal Menu.

28 Recording

• When you are recording on a "Memory Stick Duo" with an external flash (optional) connected to the

accessory shoe, turn offthe power of the external flash to prevent charging noise being recorded

"_° Tips

• If you do not use yore camcoldm fo! a long time remove the cassette and store it

• You can also use REC START/STOP of the LCD panel to record moving pictmes. It is usefitl when

you iecord fiom a low-angle or record yoreself in the

mirror mode.

• To press REC START/STOP on LCD frame,

suppml the LCD panel with yore hand.

• To ensme smooth transition on a tape flora 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 picmtes in SP mode and LP mode on the same tape.

Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP nlode

• See "To record for a longer time on a "Memm T Stick

Duo'"' (p. 29) tbr the approximate length of time it is

possible to record on a "Memory Stick Duo" of

diffe_ ent capacities.

• The recording time, date, and the calnera settings

data (tbr tape only) are recorded automatically on the recording media without being displayed on the

screen. You can view this information chning

playback by selecting [DATA CODE] in the menu

setting qJ. 58).

Torecord for a longertime on a tape

In the (STANDARD SET) menn, select

[[_ REC MODE], then [LP] (p. 84).

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.

Refer to the following list for approximate length of time you can record movies on a "Memor'¢

Stick Duo" fornaatted on your camcorder.

Image size and time

(hour: minute: second)

320 x 240 160 x 112

8MB 00:01:20 00:05:20 (supplied)

16MB 00:02:40 00:10:40

32MB 00:05:20 00:21:20

64MB 00:10:40 00:42:40

128MB 00:21:20 01:25:20 _,.

256MB 00:42:40 02:50:40

(MSX-M256)

512MB 01:25:20 05:41:20

(MSX-M512)

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When the CAMERA-TAPE mode is selected, you can choose zoom to

magnification levels ga'eater than 10 times, and fl'om that point activate the digital zoom ([DIGITAL ZOOM[, p. 68).

Occasional use of the zoom is effective, but use it sparingly for best results.

Torecord for a longertime on a "Memory StickDuo"

In the _ (MEMORY SET) menn, select [MOVIE SET], [g_]IMAGE SIZE], then [160 ×

112] (p. 72).

The length of time you can record on a

"Memo W Stick Duo" varies depending on the image size and the recording environmem.

,_continued

Recording 29

80cm(approx.25/8feet)*

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 chil&en attracted to the camcorder while you record

them.

* The minimum distance iequired between yore

camcorder and the subject to get a shal]J 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 snbject appears closer (Telephoto).

Extend the viewfinder.

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

A milror-image of the suhject appears on the LCD screen, but the pictnre will be norn_al

when recorded.

30 Recording

+ 120 hidden pages