Sony DCR-PC110 Operating Instruction
3-063-379-11 (1)
Digital
Video Camera
Recorder
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly,
and retain it for future reference.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DCR-PC110 Model No. AC-
Serial No. Serial No.
DCR-PC110
©2000 Sony Corporation
TM
SERIES
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your
Welcome!
Digital Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound
quality. Your Digital Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is
very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
Never expose the battery pack to temperatures
above 140°F (60°C) such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct sunlight.
For customers in the U.S.A. and
CANADA
DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
LITHIUM ION BATTERY.
DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.
You can return your unwanted lithium ion
batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center
or Factory Service Center.
Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium
ion batteries in household or business
trash may be prohibited.
For the Sony Service Center nearest you call
1-800-222-SONY (United States only).
For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest
you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only).
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
lithium ion battery.
For the customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product,
you may call:
Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222SONY (7669) or write to:
Sony Customer Information Center 1 Sony
Drive, Mail Drop #T1-11, Park Ridge, NJ,
07656.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-PC110
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park
Ridge, NJ, 07656 USA
Telephone No.: 201-930-6972
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2)this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate
this equipment.
“Memory Stick”
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
2
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
— Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
— Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
— Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
The shielded interface cable supplied with this
equipment must be used with this equipment
in order to comply with the limits for a digital
device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC
Rules.
For customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
“Memory Stick”
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
3
Table of contents
Checking supplied accessories .................. 5
Quick Start Guide ............................... 6
Getting started
Using this manual ....................................... 8
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ....... 10
Installing the battery pack.................10
Charging the battery pack................. 11
Connecting to a wall outlet ............... 13
Step 2 Inserting a cassette........................ 14
Recording – Basics
Recording a picture ................................... 15
Shooting backlit subjects
– BACK LIGHT ............................ 20
Shooting in the dark – NightShot/
Super NightShot .......................... 21
Self-timer recording ........................... 22
END SEARCH .................................... 23
Playback – Basics
Playing back a tape.................................... 24
Viewing the recording on TV .................. 27
Advanced Recording Operations
Recording a still image on a tape
– Tape Photo recording ..................... 29
Adjusting the white balance manually .. 34
Using the wide mode ................................ 35
Using the fader function ........................... 36
Using special effects – Picture effect ....... 38
Using special effects – Digital effect ....... 39
Using the PROGRAM AE function......... 42
Adjusting the exposure manually ........... 44
Focusing manually .................................... 45
Advanced Playback Operations
Playing back a tape
with picture effects ............................. 47
Playing back a tape
with digital effects .............................. 48
Enlarging images recorded on tapes
– Tape PB ZOOM ............................... 49
Quickly locating a scene using the zero
set memory function .......................... 50
Searching the boundaries of recorded
tape by title – Title search.................. 51
Searching a recording by date
– Date search ....................................... 52
Searching for a photo
– Photo search/Photo scan ............... 54
Editing
Dubbing a tape........................................... 56
Dubbing only desired scenes
– Digital program editing.................. 58
Using with analog video unit and personal
computer – Signal convert function
4
Recording video or TV programs ........... 69
... 68
Inserting a scene from a VCR
– Insert editing .................................... 71
Audio dubbing........................................... 73
Superimposing a title ................................ 77
Making your own titles ............................ 80
Labeling a cassette ..................................... 82
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings .................... 84
Resetting the date and time ..................... 92
“Memory Stick” Operations
Using a “Memory Stick”
– introduction...................................... 93
Recording still images on “Memory Stick”s
– Memory Photo recording ............. 102
Recording an image from a mini DV tape
as a still image ................................... 108
Recording moving pictures on “Memory
Stick”s – MPEG movie recording... 111
Recording a picture from a mini DV tape
as a moving picture .......................... 112
Superimposing a still image in a “Memory
Stick” on a moving picture
– MEMORY MIX............................... 115
Copying still images from a mini DV tape
– Photo save....................................... 118
Viewing a still image
– Memory photo playback .............. 120
Viewing a moving picture
– MPEG movie playback ................. 123
Viewing images using a personal
computer............................................ 125
Copying the image recorded on “Memory
Stick”s to mini DV tapes.................. 130
Enlarging still images recorded on
“Memory Stick”s
– Memory PB ZOOM ....................... 132
Playing back images in a continuous loop
– SLIDE SHOW ................................. 133
Preventing accidental erasure
– Image protection............................ 134
Deleting images ....................................... 135
Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK
... 137
Additional Information
Usable cassettes ....................................... 138
About i.LINK ........................................... 140
Troubleshooting....................................... 142
Self-diagnosis display ............................. 148
Warning indicators and messages ........ 149
Using your camcorder abroad ............... 151
Maintenance information and precautions
............................................................. 152
Specifications............................................ 156
Quick Reference
Identifying the parts and controls......... 158
Quick Function Guide ............................ 166
Index .......................................................... 167
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
12
45
8 9
1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 164)
2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power adaptor
(1), Power cord (1) (p. 11)
3 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 164)
4 NP-FM50 battery pack (1) (p. 10, 11)
5 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 27, 56)
3
6
q;
6 Lens cap (1) (p. 15)
7 USB cable (1) (p. 126)
8 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 93)
9 CD-ROM (SPVD-002 USB Driver) (1)
(p. 126)
q; Lens hood (1) (p. 18)
qa Battery terminal cover (1) (p. 10)
7
qa
Getting started
Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a
malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.
5
Quick Start Guide
Connecting the power cord (p. 13)
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 10).
AC power adaptor
Quick Start Guide
(supplied)
This chapter introduces you to the basic features
of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses
“( )” for more information.
Pull down the Holding Grip to hold your
camcorder as illustrated.
Holding Grip
Open the DC IN jack
cover.
Connect the plug with its v
mark facing up.
Inserting a cassette (p. 14)
1Slide OPEN/Z
EJECT in the
direction of the
arrow and open the
lid.
2Push the middle
portion of the back
of the cassette to
insert. Insert the
cassette in a straight
line deeply into the
cassette
compartment with
the window facing
out.
3Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing the
mark on the cassette
compartment.
After the cassette
compartment goes
down completely,
close the lid until it
clicks.
6
Recording a picture (p. 15)
1Remove the lens cap.
Viewfinder
When the LCD panel is
closed, use the
viewfinder placing your
eye against its eyecup.
3Press OPEN to open the
LCD panel.
The picture appears on
the LCD screen.
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 24)
1Set the POWER
switch to VCR
while pressing the
small green button.
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
LOCK
2Set the POWER
switch to CAMERA
while pressing the
small green button.
POWER
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
MEMORY
4Press START/STOP. Your
camcorder starts recording. To
stop recording, press START/
STOP again.
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
LOCK
2Press m to rewind the tape.
LOCK
Quick Start Guide
NOTE
Do not pick up your camcorder by
holding the viewfinder, the flash, the
LCD panel or the battery pack.
REW
3Press N to start playback.
PLAY
7
— Getting started —
Using this manual
As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on your camcorder are shown in
capital letters.
e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA.
When you carry out an operation, you can hear a beep sound to indicate that the
operation is being carried out.
Note on Cassette Memory
Your camcorder is based on the DV format. You can only use mini DV cassettes with
your camcorder. We recommend that you use a tape with cassette memory .
The functions which require different operations depending on whether the tape has
the cassette memory or not are:
– End search (p. 23, 26)
– Date search (p. 52)
– Photo search (p. 54).
The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are:
– Title search (p. 51)
– Superimposing a title (p. 77)
– Making your own titles (p. 80)
– Labeling a cassette (p. 82).
For details, see page 138.
You see this mark in the introduction of the features that are operated only with
cassette memory.
Tapes with cassette memory are marked by (Cassette Memory).
8
Using this manual
Note on TV color systems
TV color systems differ from country to country. To view your recordings on a TV, you
need an NTSC system-based TV.
Copyright precautions
Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the
copyright laws.
Precautions on camcorder care
•The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using high-precision
technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points
(red, blue, green, or white) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and in the
viewfinder. These points occur normally in the manufacturing process and do
not affect the recorded picture in any way. Effective ratio of pixels and/or screen
are 99.99% or more.
•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].
•Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
•Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder, the LCD screen or lens
toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder, LCD screen or lens may be damaged [c].
Getting started
[a] [b] [c]
9
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
(1) While sliding BATTERY RELEASE in the direction of the arrow 1, slide the
battery terminal cover in the direction of the arrow 2.
(2) Insert the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.
1 2
2
1
To remove the battery pack
The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.
10
Note on the battery terminal cover
To protect the battery terminals, install the battery terminal cover after the battery pack
is removed.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Charging the battery pack
Use the battery pack after charging it for your camcorder.
Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series).
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover and connect the AC power adaptor supplied with
your camcorder to the DC IN jack with the plug’s v mark facing up.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
(4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). The CHARGE lamp (orange) lights up.
Charging begins.
When the CHARGE lamp goes out, normal charge is completed. For full charge,
which allows you to use the battery longer than usual, leave the battery pack in place
for approximately one hour after the CHARGE lamp goes out.
Getting started
4
CHARGE lamp
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
1
2
After charging the battery pack
Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.
Notes
•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug
of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power
adaptor.
•Keep the battery pack dry.
•When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once
fully and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool
place.
LOCK
11
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Charging time
Battery pack Full charge (Normal charge)
NP-FM50 (supplied) 150 (90)
NP-FM70 240 (180)
NP-FM90 330 (270)
NP-FM91 360 (300)
Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack
Recording time
Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen
NP-FM50 (supplied) 135 (120) 80 (70) 115 (105) 65 (60)
NP-FM70 285 (255) 170 (150) 245 (220) 145 (130)
NP-FM90 435 (390) 260 (230) 370 (335) 220 (200)
NP-FM91 505 (455) 300 (270) 430 (390) 255 (230)
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
* Approximate continuous recording time at 77°F (25°C). The battery life will be
shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
**Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/
stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.
Recording with Recording with
Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**
12
Playing time
Battery pack
NP-FM50 (supplied) 140 (125) 170 (155)
NP-FM70 295 (265) 355 (320)
NP-FM90 450 (400) 540 (485)
NP-FM91 520 (465) 625 (560)
Approximate minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.
The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.
What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?
The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as
battery consumption with compatible electronic equipment. This unit is compatible
with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series). Your camcorder operates only with
the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the
mark.
TM
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
SERIES
If the power may go off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate
Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining
indicator is correct.
Playing time Playing time
on LCD screen with LCD closed
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Connecting to a wall outlet
When you use your camcorder for a long time, we recommend that you power it from a
wall outlet using the AC power adaptor.
(1) Open the DC IN jack cover, pulling the cover out a little. Connect the AC
power adaptor supplied with your camcorder to the DC IN jack on your
camcorder with the plug’s v mark facing up.
(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor.
(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.
Getting started
1
PRECAUTION
The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.
Notes
•The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your
camcorder.
•The DC IN jack has “source priority.” This means that the battery pack cannot supply
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.
Using a car battery
Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).
2,3
13
Step 2 Inserting a cassette
(1) Install the power source.
(2) Slide OPEN/ZEJECT in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.
The cassette compartment automatically lifts up and opens.
(3) Push the middle portion of the back of the cassette to insert.
Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with
the window facing out.
(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
(5) After the cassette compartment going down completely, close the lid until it
clicks.
mark on the cassette
2
OPEN/ZEJECT
To eject a cassette
Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3.
Notes
•Do not press the cassette compartment down forcibly. Doing so may cause
malfunction.
•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the lid other
than the mark.
When you use mini DV cassette with cassette memory
Read the instruction about cassette memory to use this function properly (p. 138).
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
3, 4
5
4
3
14
— Recording – Basics —
Recording a picture
Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.
(1) Remove the lens cap and pull the lens cap string to fix it.
(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” and “Step 2” for
more information (p. 10 to p. 14).
(3) Pull down the Holding Grip.
Hold your camcorder firmly as illustrated.
(4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.
Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.
(5) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel.
(6) Press START/STOP. Your camcorder starts recording. The REC indicator
appears. The camera recording lamp located on the front of your camcorder
lights up. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.
Recording – Basics
4
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
LOCK
LOCK
Microphone
5
1
Camera recording
lamp
2
6
POWER
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
Notes
•Fasten the grip strap firmly.
•Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording
Note on Recording mode
Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP
(long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings. In the LP mode, you can record
1.5 times as long as in the SP mode.
When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the
tape on your camcorder.
LOCK
MEMORY
40min
REC
0:00:01
3
15
Recording a picture
Note on the LOCK switch
When you slide the LOCK switch to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to
MEMORY accidentally. LOCK switch is set to the right as a default setting.
To enable smooth transition
Transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene is smooth as long as
you do not eject the cassette even if you turn off your camcorder.
However, check the following:
– Do not mix recordings in the SP mode and ones in the LP mode on one tape.
– When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
– When you use a tape with cassette memory, however, you can make the transition
smooth even after ejecting the cassette if you use the END SEARCH function (p. 23).
If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 5 minutes while the cassette
is inserted
Your camcorder automatically turns off. This is to save battery power and to prevent
battery and tape wear. To resume the standby mode, set the POWER switch to OFF
(CHG), and to CAMERA again.
When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record some scenes
in the LP mode
The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly
between scenes.
Recording date and time
The recording date and time are not displayed while recording. However, they are
recorded automatically onto the tape. To display the recording date and time, press
DATA CODE on the Remote Commander during playback.
16
After recording
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).
(2) Close the LCD panel.
(3) Set the Holding Grip back to the original position.
(4) Eject the cassette.
(5) Remove the battery pack.
(6) Attach the battery terminal cover.
Adjusting the LCD screen
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to
the lens side.
If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the indicator appears
on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror mode).
180°
90°
When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically, and swing it into the camcorder body.
Recording a picture
Note
When using the LCD screen except in the mirror mode, the viewfinder automatically
turns off.
When you use the LCD screen outdoors in direct sunlight
The LCD screen may be difficult to see. If this happens, we recommend that you use the
viewfinder.
When you adjust angles of the LCD panel
Make sure if the LCD panel is opened up to 90 degrees.
Picture in the mirror mode
The picture on the LCD screen is a mirror-image. However, the picture will be normal
when recorded.
During recording in the mirror mode
ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander does not work.
Indicators in the mirror mode
The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of the other indicators appear
mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.
When recording with the LCD panel opened
Recording time becomes shorter a little compared with when recording with the LCD
panel closed.
LCD screen backlight
You can adjust the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings
(p. 84).
Recording – Basics
Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight or brightness of the LCD screen
The recorded picture will not be affected.
17
Recording a picture
Adjusting the viewfinder
If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder.
Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder
come into sharp focus.
Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.
Attaching the supplied lens hood
To record fine pictures under strong light, we recommend attaching the lens hood. Also
the lens cap can be attached even with the lens hood on.
18
Notes
•When you use the Remote Commander and the lens hood, the Remote Commander
may not function properly because the lens hood blocks the infrared rays from the
Remote Commander. In such case, remove the lens hood from your camcorder.
•You cannot attach filters or other objects onto the lens hood.
When you use the filter (not supplied)
The shadow of the lens hood may appear in the corners of LCD screen or viewfinder.
Recording a picture
Using the zoom feature
Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom. Move it further for a faster zoom.
Using the zoom function sparingly results in better-looking recordings.
“T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer)
“W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away)
To use zoom greater than 10×
Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to 20× or 120× in the
menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF as a default setting (p. 84).
Recording – Basics
W
T
W
W
T
T
W
T
The right side of the bar shows
the digital zooming zone.
The digital zooming zone appears
when you set D ZOOM to 20× or
120×.
When you shoot close to a subject
If you cannot get a sharp focus, move the power zoom lever to the “W” side until the
focus is sharp. You can shoot a subject that is at least about 2 feet 5/8 inch (about 80 cm)
away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1/2 inch (about 1 cm)
away in the wide-angle position.
Notes on digital zoom
•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 10×.
•The picture quality deteriorates as you move the power zoom lever toward the “T”
side.
•You cannot use the digital zoom when the POWER switch is set to MEMORY.
19
Recording a picture
Indicators displayed in the recording mode
The indicators are not recorded on tapes.
Remaining battery time indicator
Cassette memory indicator
This appears when using a tape with cassette memory.
Recording mode indicator
STBY/REC indicator
0:00:01
40
min
REC
45min
Time code/Tape counter indicator
Remaining tape indicator
This appears after you insert a cassette and record or
play back for a while.
JUL 4 2000
12:05:56 AM
Time indicator
The time is displayed about 5 seconds after the power is
turned on.
Date indicator
The date is displayed about 5 seconds after the power is
turned on.
Remaining battery time indicator
The remaining battery time indicator roughly indicates the recording time. The indicator may
not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are recording. When you close the
LCD panel and open it again, it takes about one minute for the correct remaining battery time
in minutes to be displayed.
Time code
The time code indicates the recording or playback time, “0:00:00” (hours : minutes :
seconds) in CAMERA mode and “0:00:00:00” (hours : minutes : seconds : frames) in VCR
mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code.
Remaining tape indicator
The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape.
Shooting backlit subjects – BACK LIGHT
When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light
background, use the backlight function.
In CAMERA or MEMORY mode, press BACK LIGHT.
The . indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.
To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.
20
BACK LIGHT
If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects
The backlight function will be canceled.
Recording a picture
Shooting in the dark – NightShot/Super NightShot
The NightShot function enables you to shoot a subject in a dark place. For example, you
can satisfactorily record the environment of nocturnal animals for observation when
you use this function.
In CAMERA or MEMORY mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.
and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder. To
cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.
NIGHTSHOTSUPER NIGHTSHOT
OFF
ON
NightShot Light emitter
Using Super NightShot
The Super NightShot mode makes subjects more than 16 times brighter than those
recorded in the NightShot mode
(1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in CAMERA mode. and “NIGHTSHOT”
indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
(2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.
and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash
on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT again.
Using the NightShot Light
The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable NightShot Light, set
N.S. LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 84).
Recording – Basics
Notes
•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. the outdoors in the daytime).
This may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
•When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be
recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.
•If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,
focus manually.
•Do not cover the NightShot Light emitter when using the NightShot function.
•Detach the lens hood when you shoot with the NightShot Light since the lens hood
may block the NightShot Light.
While using the NightShot function, you cannot use the following functions:
– Exposure
– PROGRAM AE
– White balance
While using the Super NightShot function
The shutter speed is automatically adjusted depending on the brightness. At that time,
the moving picture may be slow down.
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Recording a picture
While using the Super NightShot function, you cannot use the following
functions:
– Fader
– Digital effect
– PROGRAM AE
– Exposure
– White balance
– Recording with the flash
In MEMORY mode
You cannot use the Super NightShot function.
NightShot Light
NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance
using the NightShot Light is about 10 feet (3 m).
Self-timer recording
Recording with the self-timer starts in 10 seconds automatically. This mode is useful
when you want to record yourself. You can also use the Remote Commander for this
operation.
(1) Press (self-timer) in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears
on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
(2) Press START/STOP.
Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last
2 seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts
automatically.
1 (self-timer)
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POWER
MEMORY
LOCK
START/STOP
2
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
To stop the self-timer before recording
Press START/STOP again.
Use the Remote Commander for convenience.
To record still images on tapes using the self-timer
Press PHOTO in step 2 (p. 32).
To cancel self-timer recording
Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from on the LCD screen or in
the viewfinder while your camcorder is in the standby mode.
Note
The self-timer recording mode is automatically canceled when:
– Self-timer recording is finished.
– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.
Self-timer memory photo recording
You can also record still images on “Memory Stick”s with the self-timer. (p. 107)
Recording a picture
END SEARCH
You can go to the end of the recorded portion after you record.
In the standby mode, press END SEARCH.
The last 5 seconds of the recorded portion are played back and your camcorder returns
to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones.
To stop searching
Press END SEARCH again.
If you use a tape without cassette memory
The end search function does not work once you eject the cassette after you have
recorded on the tape. If you use a tape with cassette memory, the end search function
works even once you eject the cassette.
If there is a blank portion at the beginning or between the recorded portions, the end
search function may not work correctly (p. 138).
Recording – Basics
END
SEARCH
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— Playback – Basics —
Playing back a tape
You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel,
you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using
the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.
(1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape.
(2) Set the POWER switch to VCR while pressing the small green button.
(3) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN.
(4) Press m to rewind the tape.
(5) Press N to start playback.
(6) To adjust the volume, press either of the two buttons on VOLUME.
4 5
REW PLAY
2
VCR
OFF(CHR)
CAMERA
MEMORY
POWER
LOCK
24
3
6
VOLUME
1
To stop playback
Press x.
When monitoring on the LCD screen
You can turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD
screen facing out.
If you leave the power on for a long time
Your camcorder becomes warm. This is not a malfunction.
When you open or close the LCD panel
Make sure that the LCD panel is set vertically.
Playing back a tape
To display the screen indicators – Display function
Press DISPLAY on your camcorder or the Remote Commander supplied with your
camcorder. The indicators appear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators disappear,
press DISPLAY again.
DISPLAY
Using the data code function
Your camcorder automatically records not only images on the tape but also the
recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) (Data code). Use the
Remote Commander for this operation.
Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander in the playback mode.
The display changes as follows:
date/time t various settings (SteadyShot, exposure, white balance, gain, shutter
speed, aperture value mode) t no indicator
Date/time Various settings
AUTO
JUL 4 2000
12:05:56 AM
[a] SteadyShot off indicator
[b] Exposure mode indicator
[c] White balance indicator
[d] Gain indicator
[e] Shutter speed indicator
[f] Aperture value
Not to display various settings
Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 84).
The display changes as follows: date/time y no indicator
60 AWB
F1.8 9dB
Playback – Basics
[a]
[b]
[c]
[d]
[e]
[f]
Recording data
Recording data is your camcorder’s information when you have recorded. In the
recording mode, the recording data will not be displayed.
When you use the data code function, bars (-- -- --) appear if:
– A blank portion of the tape is being played back.
– The tape is unreadable due to tape damage or noise.
– The tape was recorded by a camcorder without the date and time set.
Data code
When you connect your camcorder to the TV, the data code appears on the TV screen.
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Playing back a tape
Various playback modes
To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR.
To view a still picture (playback pause)
Press X during playback. To resume normal playback, press N or X.
To advance the tape
Press M in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.
To rewind the tape
Press m in the stop mode. To resume normal playback, press N.
To change the playback direction
Press on the Remote Commander during playback to reverse the playback direction.
To resume normal playback, press N.
To locate a scene monitoring the picture (picture search)
Keep pressing m or M during playback. To resume normal playback, release the
button.
To monitor the high-speed picture while advancing or
rewinding the tape (skip scan)
Keep pressing m while rewinding or M while advancing the tape. To resume
rewinding or advancing, release the button.
To view the picture at slow speed (slow playback)
Press y on the Remote Commander during playback. For slow playback in the reverse
direction, press , then press y on the Remote Commander. To resume normal
playback, press N.
To view the picture at double speed
Press ×2 on the Remote Commander during playback. For double speed playback in the
reverse direction, press , then press ×2 on the Remote Commander. To resume
normal playback, press N.
To view the picture frame-by-frame
Press C on the Remote Commander in the playback pause mode. For frame-by-frame
playback in the reverse direction, press c. To resume normal playback, press N.
To search the last scene recorded (END SEARCH)
Press END SEARCH in the stop mode. The last 5 seconds of the recorded portion plays
back and stops.
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In the various playback modes
•Sound is muted.
•The previous picture may remain as a mosaic image during playback.
When the playback pause mode lasts for 5 minutes
Your camcorder automatically enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.
Slow playback
The slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder: however, this
function does not work for an output signal through the DV IN/OUT jack.
When you play back a tape in reverse
Horizontal noise may appear at the center, or the top and bottom of the screen. This is
not a malfunction.
Viewing the recording on TV
Connect your camcorder to your TV with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your
camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the video
control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures on the LCD
screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we recommend that
you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power adaptor (p. 13).
Refer to the operating instructions of your TV.
Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable
supplied with your camcorder. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
S VIDEO
Yellow
AUDIO/VIDEO
: Signal flow
White
Red
If your TV is already connected to a VCR
Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting
cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.
If your TV or VCR is a monaural type
Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the
white or the red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the
white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R
(right) signal.
Playback – Basics
IN
S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
If your TV has an S video jack
Connect using an S video cable (not supplied) to obtain high-quality pictures. With this
connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting
cable.
Connect the S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder
and the TV.
This connection produces higher quality DV format pictures.
To display the screen indicators on TV
Set DISPLAY to V-OUT/LCD in the menu settings (p. 84).
Then press DISPLAY on your camcorder. To turn off the screen indicators, press
DISPLAY on your camcorder again.
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Viewing the recording on TV
Using the AV cordless IR receiver
Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) to your TV or VCR, you
can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instructions of
the AV cordless IR receiver.
SUPER LASER LINK
Super laser link emitter
Before operation
Attach the power supply such as the AC power adaptor to your camcorder, and insert
the recorded tape.
(1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch
on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.
(2) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
(3) Set the POWER switch to VCR.
(4) Press SUPER LASER LINK. The lamp of SUPER LASER LINK lights up.
(5) Press N on your camcorder to start playback.
(6) Point the super laser link emitter at the AV cordless IR receiver. Adjust the
position of your camcorder and the AV cordless IR receiver to obtain clear
playback pictures.
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To cancel the super laser link function
Press SUPER LASER LINK again. The lamp on the SUPER LASER LINK button goes
out.
If you use a Sony TV
•You can turn on the TV automatically when you press SUPER LASER LINK. To do so,
make sure you:
– Turn the TV’s main switch on.
– Set AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu settings.
– Point the super laser link emitter at the TV’s remote sensor.
•You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV
cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON and TV INPUT to
the same video input (1, 2, 3) in the menu settings. With some models, however, the
picture and sound may be disconnected momentarily when the video input is switched.
•The above feature may not work on some TV models.
If you turn the power off
The super laser link function turns off automatically.
When the super laser link is activated (the SUPER LASER LINK button is lit)
•Your camcorder consumes power. Press SUPER LASER LINK to turn off the laser link
function when it is not needed.
•When you attach the lens hood, the lens hood may block infrared rays depending on
the positions of the camcorder and the IR receiver. In this case, detach the lens hood.
is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
— Advanced Recording Operations —
Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording
You can record an still image, for example, a photograph or drawing. This mode is
useful when you want to print a image using a video printer (not supplied).
You can record about 510 images in the SP mode and about 765 images in the LP mode
on a 60-minute tape.
Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still images on
“Memory Stick”s (p. 102).
(1) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still image appears.
The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet.
To change the still image, release PHOTO, select a still image again, and then
press and hold PHOTO lightly.
(2) Press PHOTO deeper.
The still image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder is recorded for about
7 seconds. The sound during those 7 seconds is also recorded.
The still image is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder until
recording is completed.
Advanced Recording Operations
PHOTO
1
PHOTO
2
Notes
•During tape photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting.
•When recording a still image, do not shake your camcorder. The image may fluctuate.
•You cannot use PHOTO during following operations:
– Fader
– Digital effect
If you record a moving subject with tape photo recording function
When you play back the still image on other equipment, the image may fluctuate.
To use the tape photo recording function using the Remote Commander
Press PHOTO on the Remote Commander. Your camcorder records an image on the
LCD screen or in the viewfinder immediately.
To use the tape photo recording function during normal CAMERA recording
You cannot check an image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder by pressing PHOTO
lightly. Press PHOTO deeper. The still image is then recorded for about 7 seconds, and
your camcorder returns to the standby mode.
CAPTURE
•••••••
To record clear and less fluctuated still images
We recommend that you record on “Memory Stick”s.
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Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording
Recording images with the flash
The flash pops up automatically. The default setting is auto (no indicator). To change
the flash mode, press the (flash) repeatedly until the flash mode indicator appears on
the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
(flash)
Each press of (flash) changes the indicator as follows:
(No indicator) t t t t (No indicator)
Auto red-eye reduction: The flash fires before recording to reduce the red-eye
Forced flash: The flash fires regardless of the surrounding brightness.
No flash: The flash does not fire.
The flash is adjusted to the appropriate brightness through the photocell window for
the flash. You can also change FLASH LVL to the desired brightness in the menu
settings (p. 84). Try recording various images to find the most appropriate setting for
FLASH LVL.
phenomenon.
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