Sony DCR-PC3 User Manual

3-866-965-12 (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-PC3 Model No. AC-

Serial No. Serial No.

DCR-PC3

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder. With your Digital

Welcome!

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 CANADA

DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.

LITHIUM ION BATTERY. DISPOSE OF PROPERLY.

You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Factory Service Center.

Note: In some areas the disposal of lithium ion

batteries in household or business trash may

be prohibited. For the Sony Factory Service Center nearest you call 416-499-SONY (Canada only)

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium

For customers in CANADA

CAUTION

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

ion battery.

“Memory Stick”

For customers in CANADA

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

Battery pack

For customers in CANADA

THIS CLASS [B] DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN ICES-003.

CET APPAREIL NUMÉRIQUE DE LA CLASSE [B] EST CONFORME À LA NORME NMB-003 DU CANADA.

Table of contents

Quick Start Guide ......................................... 4

Getting started

Using this manual ................................... 6

Checking supplied accessories.............. 8

Step 1 Preparing the power supply..... 9

Charging the battery pack .............. 9

Installing the battery pack ............ 12

Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 13

Step 2 Inserting a cassette ................... 14

Step 3 Using a touch panel ................. 15

Recording – Basics

Recording a picture .............................. 17

Shooting backlit subjects

(BACK LIGHT) ........................ 23

Shooting in the dark (NightShot)

.................................................... 23

END SEARCH ................................ 25

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape ............................... 26

Viewing the recording on TV.............. 30

Advanced Recording Operations

Photo recording..................................... 31

Using the wide mode ........................... 33

Using the fader function ...................... 34

Using special effects – Picture effect .. 37 Using special effects – Digital effect... 39 Adjusting the white balance manually

........................................................... 42

Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 43

Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 45

Focusing manually................................ 46

Advanced Playback Operations

Playing back a tape with picture effects

........................................................... 47

Playing back a tape with digital effects

........................................................... 48

Quickly locating a scene using the zero

set memory function ...................... 49

Searching a recording by date

– Date search ................................... 50

Searching the boundaries of recorded

tape by title – Title search ............. 52

Searching for a photo – Photo search/

Photo scan ....................................... 53

Editing

Dubbing a tape ...................................... 55

Editing partially on a DV tape – DV

synchro-editing............................... 57

Recording video or TV programs....... 59

Inserting a scene from a VCR .............. 63

Audio dubbing ...................................... 65

Superimposing a title ........................... 69

Making your own titles ........................ 72

Labeling a cassette ................................ 74

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings................ 76

Resetting the date and time ................. 82

“Memory Stick” operations

Using a “Memory Stick”–introduction

........................................................... 83

Recording still images on “Memory

Stick”s – Memory photo recording

........................................................... 90

Superimposing a still picture in a

“Memory Stick” on a moving

picture – MEMORY MIX ............... 93

Recording an image from a mini DV

tape as a still image ........................ 96

Copying still images from a mini DV

tape – Photo save............................ 98

Viewing a still picture – Memory photo

playback......................................... 100

Playing back images in a continuous

loop – SLIDE SHOW.................... 104

Preventing accidental erasure

– Image protection........................ 105

Deleting images................................... 106

Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK

......................................................... 109

Additional Information

Using the viewfinder .......................... 110

Usable cassettes ................................... 111

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

Self-diagnosis display ........................ 118

Warning indicators and messages.... 119

Using your camcorder abroad .......... 121

Maintenance information and

precautions .................................... 122

Specifications ....................................... 127

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls .... 128

Quick Function Guide ........................ 135

Index ........................................ Back cover

• Windows is registered trademarks licensed to Microsoft Corporation, registered in the U.S.A. and other countries.

• All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Furthermore, “” and “” are not mentioned in each case in this manual.

Getting started

Quick Start Guide

Connecting the power cord (p. 13)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 12).

AC adaptor (supplied)

Quick Start Guide

Connecting plate

DK connecting cord (supplied)

This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more information.

Slide the BATT RELEASE

Remove the battery terminal cover. And then attach the connecting plate to your camcorder.

lever to remove the connecting plate from your camcorder.

Inserting a cassette (p. 14)

1Slide OPEN/ZEJECT

in the direction of the arrow and open the lid.

2Push the middle

portion of the back of the cassette to insert. Insert the cassette in a straight line deeply into the cassette compartment with the window facing out.

3Close the cassette

compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette compartment.

4After the cassette

compartment going down completely, close the lid until it clicks.

Recording a picture (p. 17)

1Remove the lens cap.

Viewfinder

When the LCD panel is closed, pull out the viewfinder until it clicks. Use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup.

2Set the START/STOP MODE

switch to .

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 26)

1Set the POWER

switch to VTR while pressing the small green button.

START/STOP

MODE

ANTI GROUND SHOOTING

POWER

VTR

OFF

CAMERA

MEMORY

5SEC

3Set the POWER switch to CAMERA

while pressing the small green button. The power lamp lights up.

VTR

OFF

CAMERA

POWER

MEMORY

4Press START/STOP. Your camcorder

starts recording. To stop recording, press START/STOP again.

POWER

VTR

OFF

CAMERA

MEMORY

3Press of the touch panel to

rewind the tape.

Quick Start Guide

2Press OPEN

to OPEN the LCD panel.

NOTE

Do not pick up your camcorder by holding the viewfinder, the LCD panel or the battery pack.

4Press of the touch panel to start

playback.

NOTE

When using the touch panel, press operation buttons lightly with your thumb supporting the LCD screen from the backside of it. Do not press the LCD screen with sharp-pointed objects such as pens.

— 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. 25, 29)

•Searching a recording by date – date search (p. 50)

•Photo search (p. 53).

The functions you can operate only with the cassette memory are:

•Searching the boundaries of recorded tape by title – title search (p. 52)

•Superimposing a title (p. 69)

•Making your own titles (p. 72)

•Labeling a cassette (p. 74).

For details, see page 111.

You see this mark in the introduction of the features that operate only with cassette memory.

Tapes with cassette memory are marked by (Cassette Memory).

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.

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/or the color viewfinder are manufactured using highprecision technology. However, there may be some tiny black spots and/or bright spots (red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and/or in the color viewfinder. These spots occur normally in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recorded picture in any way. Effective number of pixels is 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 or the LCD screen toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder or LCD screen may be damaged [c].

Getting started

[a] [b] [c]

Contents of the recording cannot be compensated if recording or playback is not made due to a malfunction of the camcorder, video tape, etc.

Checking supplied accessories

Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.

1 RMT-811 Wireless Remote

Commander (1) (p. 133)

2 AC-VF10 power adaptor (1), Power

cord (1) (p. 9)

3 NP-FS11 battery pack (1) (p. 9, 12) 4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p. 133).

5 Serial port adaptor for “Memory

Stick” (1), PC serial cable (1), AC adaptor for Serial port adaptor (1)

(p. 103)

6 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 83) 7 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 30, 59) 8 Lens cap (1) (p. 17) 9 Application software: PictureGear

3.2Lite (CD ROM) (1) (p. 103)

0 DK-115 Connecting cord (1) (p. 13) qa Battery terminal cover (1) (p. 12) qs Cleaning cloth (1) (p. 123)

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 (S series).

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

(1) Connect the power cord to the AC adaptor. (2) Align the hooks of the battery pack with the AC adaptor. Then fit the battery

pack in the direction of the arrow.

(3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. 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

1 2

Charging time

Battery pack Full charge (Normal charge)

NP-FS11 (supplied) 170 (110) NP-FS21 265 (205) NP-FS31 360 (300) NP-F10 145 (85) NP-F20 220 (160) NP-F30 295 (235)

Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack

CHARGE

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Recording time

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

NP-FS11 (supplied) 70 (60) 35 (30) 55 (50) 30 (25) NP-FS21 150 (135) 85 (70) 120 (110) 60 (55) NP-FS31 235 (210) 120 (105) 185 (170) 95 (85) NP-F10 60 (50) 30 (25) 45 (40) 25 (20) NP-F20 120 (105) 65 (55) 95 (85) 50 (40) NP-F30 175 (160) 90 (80) 140 (125) 70 (60)

Approximate number of 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**

Playing time

Battery pack

NP-FS11 (supplied) 60 (50) 75 (70) NP-FS21 130 (115) 165 (145) NP-FS31 200 (145) 250 (235) NP-F10 50 (45) 60 (55) NP-F20 100 (90) 130 (115) NP-F30 150 (135) 190 (170)

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Approximate number of 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.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

To remove the battery pack

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Note on NP-F10/FS11

The battery life will be shorter when you carry out recording in a cold place or with the LCD panel opened. We recommend that you use the NP-FS21/FS31 large capacity battery pack (not supplied).

If there is a slight difference in shape between the plug of power cord and the terminal of AC power adaptor

It is ignorable for their mutual connection and power supply.

Plug the power cord deeply

Be sure to plug the power cord deeply into the terminal of AC power adaptor so that it is firmly locked. If there is a gap between the plug of power cord and the terminal of AC power adaptor, it does not affect the efficiency of the AC power adaptor.

What is ”InfoLITHIUM”?

The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data such as battery consumption with compatible video equipment. This unit is compatible with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (S series). Your camcorder operates only with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” S series battery packs have the mark. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Getting started

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Installing the battery pack

Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.

(1) While sliding BATT 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

To remove the battery pack

The battery pack is removed in the same way as the battery terminal cover.

Note on the remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battery time indicator on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder roughly indicates the recording time. The indicator may not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you recording. When you close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about 1 minute for the correct remaining battery time to be displayed.

Note on 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

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 adaptor.

(1) Connect the supplied connecting cord to the DC OUT jack on the AC adaptor. (2) Slide the connecting plate in the direction of the arrow. (3) Connect the power cord to the AC adaptor. (4) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet.

Getting started

31, 2

To remove the connecting plate

The connecting plate is removed in the same way as the battery pack.

WARNING

The power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.

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.

Note

Keep the AC adaptor away from your camcorder if the picture is disturbed.

Using a car battery

Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).

Step 2 Inserting a cassette

(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 9). (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 3, 4

OPEN/Z EJECT

To eject a cassette

Follow the procedure above, and take out the cassette in step 3.

Notes

•Do not press the cassette compartment down. Doing so may cause malfunction.

•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the 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. 111).

To prevent misoperation of your camcorder

Set the POWER switch to OFF when you insert and eject a cassette.

To prevent accidental erasure

Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.

Step 3 Using a touch panel

Your camcorder has operation buttons on the LCD screen. Touch the LCD panel directly to operate each function.

In the recording/playback mode

(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 9). (2) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA (in the recording mode)/VTR (in the

playback mode) while pressing the small green button.

(3) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. (4) Press FN. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. (5) Press PAGE2 to go to PAGE2. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. (6) Press a desired operation item. Refer to relevant pages for each function.

245,6

In CAMERA mode

PAGE1 PAGE2 EXIT

MENU END

FADER DIG

EFFT

PAGE1 PAGE2 EXIT

TITLE LCD

BRT

MEM

MIX

VOL

SCH

EXPO–

SURE

VTR

OFF

CAMERA

POWER

MEMORY

Getting started

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To execute settings

Press EXEC or OK.

To cancel settings

Press OFF to return to PAGE1/PAGE2.

Step 3 Using a touch panel

Notes

•When using the touch panel, press operation buttons with your thumb supporting the LCD screen from the back side of it or press those buttons lightly with your index finger. Do not press them with sharp-pointed objects such as pens.

•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.

•If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You can control the display with DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder.

•When operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment is required (CALIBRATION) (p. 124).

When executing each item

The green bar appears above the item.

If the items are not available

The color of items changes to gray.

Touch panel

You can operate with the touch panel using the viewfinder (p. 110).

Press FN to display the following buttons:

In CAMERA mode

PAGE1 MENU, END SEARCH, FADER, DIGITAL EFFECT, MEMORY MIX,

PAGE2 TITLE, LCD BRIGHT, VOLUME

In VTR mode

PAGE1 MENU, LCD BRIGHT, VOLUME, END SEARCH PAGE2 TITLE, DIGITAL EFFECT, REC CONTROL

See p. 86 for MEMORY mode.

EXPOSURE

— 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. 9 to p. 14).

(3) Pull out the viewfinder until it clicks. (4) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. The

power lamp under the POWER switch flashes, and then your camcorder is set to the standby mode. (It takes about five seconds.)

(5) 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

VTR

OFF

CAMERA

POWER

MEMORY

LOCK

Microphone

3 2

VTR

OFF

CAMERA

POWER

MEMORY

After recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF. (2) Set the viewfinder back to the previous position. (3) Eject the cassette. (4) Remove the battery pack.

40min

REC

0:00:01

Camera recording lamp

Recording a picture

Notes

•Fasten the grip strap firmly. Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.

•When the viewfinder is not pull out until it clicks, the picture does not appear in the viewfinder even if the LCD panel is closed.

Note on Recording mode

Your camcorder records and plays back in the SP (standard play) mode and in the LP (long play) mode. Select SP or LP in the menu settings. (p. 76) In the LP mode, you can record 1.5 times as long as in the SP mode. The picture is not distorted. When you record a tape in the LP mode on your camcorder, we recommend playing the tape on your camcorder.

While the POWER lamp is flashing

Images do not appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

Note on the LOCK

When you slide the LOCK to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY accidentally. The LOCK 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. When you change the battery pack, set the POWER switch to OFF. 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. 25).

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, and to CAMERA again.

When you record in the SP and LP modes on one tape or you record in the LP mode

•The transition between scenes is not smooth.

•The playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between scenes.

Recording a picture

Adjusting the viewfinder

If you record pictures with the LCD panel closed, check the picture with the viewfinder. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight so that the indicators in the viewfinder come into sharp focus.

Pull out the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.

Note

When the viewfinder is not pull out until it clicks, the picture does not appear in the viewfinder.

Recording – Basics

Shooting with the LCD screen

Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. 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 in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen (Mirror mode).

When closing the LCD panel, set it vertically until it clicks, and swing it into the camcorder body.

Note

Shooting with the LCD screen makes battery life shorter than using the viewfinder.

Recording a picture

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen

(1) In the standby/recording mode, press FN and select PAGE2 (p. 15). (2) Press LCD BRT. The screen to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen appears. (3) Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen using –/+.

–: to dim +: to brighten

(4) Press

OK to return to PAGE1/PAGE2.

2,3

LCD BRT

180°

OPEN

90°

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

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 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 you press FN

The does not appear on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

LCD screen backlight

You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings (p. 76).

Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight or brightness of the LCD screen

The recorded picture will not be affected.

LCD BRT

–+

the bar indicator

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)

Zoom greater than 10× is performed digitally, if you set D ZOOM to ON in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF as a default setting (p. 76).

Recording – Basics

The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming zone. The digital zooming zone appears when you set D ZOOM to ON.

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 go toward the “T” side. Set D ZOOM to OFF in the menu settings. Otherwise the digital zoom activates without notice (p. 76).

Recording a picture

START/STOP MODE setting

: Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it

again (default setting).

ANTI GROUND SHOOTING :

Your camcorder records only while you press START/STOP. Use this mode to avoid recording unnecessary scenes.

5SEC: When you press use this mode to START/STOP, your camcorder records for 5

seconds and then stops automatically.

START/STOP

MODE

ANTI GROUND SHOOTING

5SEC

Notes

•You cannot use the fader function in the 5SEC or mode.

•The time code does not appear in the 5SEC mode.

To extend the recording time in the 5SEC mode

Five dots (zzzzz) appear, and then disappear at a rate of one per second. To extend the recording time, press START/STOP again before all the dots disappear. Recording continues for about 5 seconds from the moment you press START/STOP.

Indicators displayed in the recording mode

The indicators are not recorded on tape.

Cassette memory indicator

This appears when using a tape with cassette memory.

Recording mode indicator

STBY/REC indicator

0:00:01

min

REC

45min

Remaining battery time indicator

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 VTR mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code.

Remaining tape indicator

The indicator may not be displayed accurately depending on the tape.

Recording date and time

Recording date and time will not be displayed on the LCD screen during recording. It is recorded on the tape automatically and displayed when you press the DATA CODE button on the remote commander during playing back.

Time code/Tape counter Remaining tape indicator

This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play back for a while.

FN button

Press this button to display operation buttons on the LCD

screen.

Recording a picture

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.

Press BACK LIGHT in the recording or standby mode. The . indicator appears in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.

If you press EXPOSURE and MANUAL when shooting backlit subjects

The backlight function will be canceled.

Shooting in the dark (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.

While your camcorder is in the standby 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.

Recording – Basics

BACK LIGHT

NIGHTSHOT

OFF ON

+ SLOW

SHUTTER

NightShot Light emitter

Recording a picture

Using +SLOW SHUTTER

The NightShot +Slow shutter mode makes subjects more than four times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode.

(1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in the standby mode. indicator appears in the

viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

(2) Press +SLOW SHUTTER until the desired NIGHTSHOT indicator flashes.

The indicator changes as follows:

(NIGHTSHOT) t (NIGHTSHOT1) t (NIGHTSHOT2) t (NIGHTSHOT)

To cancel the NightShot +Slow shutter mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

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. 76).

Notes

•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. 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.

While using the NightShot function, you cannot use the following functions:

– Exposure – PROGRAM AE – White balance – Fader* – Digital effect*

* You cannot use these functions only in the NightShot +Slow shutter mode.

Shutter speed in the NightShot +Slow shutter mode Indicator Shutter speed

(NIGHTSHOT1) 1/15 (NIGHTSHOT2) 1/4

The +SLOW SHUTTER button does not work:

– while the fader function is set or in use – while the digital effect function is in use – when NIGHTSHOT is set to OFF – in the MEMORY mode

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). The shooting distance will be twice or more in the NightShot +Slow shutter mode.

When recording in the mirror mode using NP-F10/FS11 battery

NightShot Light does not work.

Recording a picture

END SEARCH

You can go to the end of the recorded section after you record.

(1) In the standby mode, press FN to display PAGE1 (p. 15). (2) Press END SCH.

The last 5 seconds of the recorded section are played back and playback stops. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones.

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To stop searching

Press END SCH again.

End search function

When 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 in the recorded portion, the end search function may not work correctly (p. 111).

Recording – Basics

— Playback – Basics —

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. You can control playback using the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.

(1) Install the power source and insert the recorded tape. (2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. (3) Set the POWER switch to VTR while pressing the small green button. The

power lamp lights up.

(4) Press (5) Press (6) Adjust the volume following the steps below.

1 Press FN to make PAGE1 appear (p. 15). 2 Press VOL. The screen to adjust volume appears. 3 Press –/+ to adjust the volume.

(7) Press OK. to return to PAGE1/PAGE2.

to rewind the tape. to start playback.

–: to make the volume down +: to make the volume up

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To stop playback

Press x.

VTR

OFF

CAMERA

POWER

MEMORY

VOL

–+

the bar indicator

Playing back a tape

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 gets warm. This is not a malfunction.

When you open/close the LCD panel

Open/close the LCD panel vertically.

When monitoring in the viewfinder

Turn the LCD panel over and move it back to the camcorder body with the LCD screen facing out, and pull out the viewfinder until it clicks (p. 110). In this case, the picture is not displayed on the LCD screen.

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape

To control the display of the screen indicators

Press DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder or DISPLAY on the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder. The indicators disappear on the LCD screen. To make the indicators appear, press DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL again.

DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL

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). You can only operate with the Remote Commander.

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) t no indicator

AUTO JUL 4 1999 12:05:56 AM

60 AWB

F1.7 9dB

Not to display various settings

Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 76). The display changes as follows: date/time t no indicator

Note

The pictures taken on the “Memory Stick” are not recorded with various settings.

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 data code function, bars (-- -- --) appear if:

•A blank section 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 also appears on the TV screen (p. 30).

Playing back a tape

Various playback modes

To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VTR.

To view a still picture (playback pause)

Press /X during playback. To resume playback, press /X again.

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 section plays back and stops.

Control buttons

Marks on your camcorder are different from those on the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.

Your camcorder : , , Remote Commander : N, X, m, M

In the various playback modes

Sound is muted.

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 from the DV IN/OUT jack.

When you play back a tape in reverse

Horizontal noise appears at the center or top and bottom of the screen. This is not a malfunction.

Playback – Basics

Viewing the recording on TV

Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate the playback 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 adaptor (p. 13). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR.

Open the jack cover. Connect your camcorder to the TV using the A/V connecting cable. Then, set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.

S VIDEO

AUDIO/VIDEO

: Signal flow

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.

If your TV or VCR 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 or the VCR. 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. 76). Then press DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder. To turn off the screen indicators, press DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder again.

VIDEO AUDIO

+ 106 hidden pages