Sony DCR-TRV107, DCR-TRV108, DCR-TRV308, DCR-TRV408, DCR-TRV608 Operating Manual

0 (0)

3-072-317-14 (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.	-TRV	Model No. AC-
Model No.	-TRV	Model No. AC-
Serial No.		Serial No.
Serial No.		Serial No.

DCR-TRV140

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/

TRV608

Welcome!

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder/Handycam VisionTM . With your Digital Handycam/Handycam VisionTM, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Digital Handycam/Handycam VisionTM 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 60°C (140°F) such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight.

For the customers in the

U.S.A. and Canada

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.

You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/.

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

For the customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669)

The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name:	SONY
Model No.:	DCR-TRV140
Responsible Party:	Sony Electronics lnc.
Address:	680 Kinderkamack Road,
	Oradell, NJ, 07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.:	201-930-6972

This device complies with Part15 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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name:	SONY
Model No.:	CCD-TRV608
Responsible Party:	Sony Electronics lnc.
Address:	680 Kinderkamack Road,
	Oradell, NJ, 07649 U.S.A.
Telephone No.:	201-930-6972

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

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 supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

For the customers in CANADA

CAUTION

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

Main Features

Taking moving images, and playing them back

•Recording a picture (p. 23)

•Recording a still image on a tape (p. 40)*1) •Playing back a tape (p. 33)

Capturing images on your computer (CCD-TRV608, DCRTRV140 only)

•Viewing images recorded on a tape (p. 97) •Viewing images live from your camcorder

(p. 97)

Others

Functions to adjust exposure in the recording mode

•NightShot (p. 29)/

Super NightShot (p. 29)*1)/

Color Slow Shutter (p. 29)*1) •BACK LIGHT (p. 29) •PROGRAM AE (p. 50) •Built-in light (p. 61)*3) •Manual exposure (p. 52)

Functions to give images more impact

•Digital zoom (p. 26)

The default settings is set to OFF. (To zoom greater than 20× , select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)

•FADER (p. 43)

•Tape photo recording (p. 40)*1) •Picture effect (p. 64)

•Digital effect (p. 65)*1) •TITLE (p. 57)

Function to give a natural appearance to your recordings

•Manual focus (p. 53)

Functions to use in editing in the recording mode

•Wide mode (p. 41) •Date and time (p. 19)*4) •ORC [MENU] (p. 109)*4)

Functions to use after recording

•Data code (p. 35)*1)

•Zero set memory (p. 67, 96)*1) •Digital program editing (p. 83)*1) •Easy Dubbing (p. 75)*4)

•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 66)*1)

Function to make transition smooth

•END SEARCH (p. 32)

*1) DCR-TRV140 only

*2) CCD-TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only

*3) CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only

*4) CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/ TRV608 only

Checking supplied accessories

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

1		2
	or
RMT-814		RMT-708
3	4	5
		Monaural	Stereo
			or
6	7	8	9

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)	5 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38, 72, 73)
(p. 141)*1)	Stereo: DCR-TRV140
RMT-708: CCD-TRV107/TRV408	Monaural: CCD-TRV107/TRV108/
RMT-814: DCR-TRV140	TRV308/TRV408/TRV608
RMT-814: DCR-TRV140
2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power	6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 136)
2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power
adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 14)	7 Lens cap (1) (p. 23)
	7 Lens cap (1) (p. 23)
3 NP-FM30 battery pack (1) (p. 15, 16, 17)	8 USB Cable (1) (p. 97)*2)
	8 USB Cable (1) (p. 97)*2)
4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote	9 CD-ROM (SPVD-008 USB Driver) (1)
Commander (2) (p. 141)*1)	9 CD-ROM (SPVD-008 USB Driver) (1)
	(p. 98)*2)

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

*1) CCD-TRV107/TRV408, DCR-TRV140 only *2) CCD-TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only

Table of contents

Main Features ..........................................	4
Checking supplied accessories ..............	5
Quick Start Guide .............................	8
Getting started
Using this manual .................................	10
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ...	13
Installing the battery pack.............	13
Charging the battery pack .............	14
Connecting to a wall outlet ...........	18
Step 2 Setting the date and time ........	19
Step 3 Inserting a cassette ...................	21
Recording – Basics
Recording a picture ...............................	23
Shooting backlit subjects
– BACK LIGHT ........................	29
Shooting in the dark
– NightShot/
Super NightShot
(DCR-TRV140 only)/
Color Slow Shutter
(DCR-TRV140 only) .................	29
Superimposing the date and time on
pictures
(CCD-TRV107/TRV108/
TRV308/TRV408/
TRV608 only) ............................	31
Checking the recording
– END SEARCH .............................	32
Playback – Basics
Playing back a tape ...............................	33
Viewing the recording on TV ..............	38

Advanced Recording Operations
Recording a still image on a tape
– Tape Photo recording
(DCR-TRV140 only) .......................	40
Using the wide mode ...........................	41
Using the fader function ......................	43
Using special effects
– Picture effect .................................	46
Using special effects
– Digital effect
(DCR-TRV140 only) .......................	47
Using the PROGRAM AE function ....	50
Adjusting the exposure manually ......	52
Focusing manually ................................	53
Interval recording
(DCR-TRV140 only) .......................	54
Frame by frame recording
– Cut recording
(DCR-TRV140 only) .......................	56
Superimposing a title ...........................	57
Making your own titles ........................	59
Using the built-in light
(CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/
TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only) .........	61

Advanced Playback Operations (DCR-TRV140 only)

Playing back a tape with picture
effects ...............................................	64
Playing back a tape with digital
effects ...............................................	65
Enlarging images recorded on tapes
– Tape PB ZOOM ...........................	66
Quickly locating a scene using the zero
set memory function ......................	67
Searching a recording by date
– Date search ...................................	68
Searching for a photo
– Photo search/Photo scan ...........	70

Table of contents
Editing
Dubbing a tape ......................................	72
Dubbing a tape easily
– Easy Dubbing
(CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/
TRV408/TRV608 only) ..................	75
Dubbing only desired scenes
– Digital program editing
(DCR-TRV140 only) .......................	83
Recording from video
(DCR-TRV140 only) .......................	93
Inserting a scene from a VCR
– Insert Editing
(DCR-TRV140 only) .......................	95

PC Connection

(CCD-TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only)

Viewing images using your computer
– USB Streaming
(Windows users only) ....................	97
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings ..............	105
Troubleshooting
Types of trouble and their
solutions .........................................	113
Self-diagnosis display .........................	118
Warning indicators and messages ....	119
Additional Information
About video cassettes .........................	121
About the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack ...................................	124
About i.LINK .......................................	126
Using your camcorder abroad ..........	128
Maintenance information and
precautions ....................................	129
Specifications .......................................	134
Quick Reference
Identifying the parts and controls ....	136
Index .....................................................	144

Guide Start Quick

Quick Start Guide

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

Connecting the power cord (p. 18)

Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 13).

Open the DC IN jack cover.

	AC power adaptor (supplied)
Inserting a cassette (p. 21)
1Open the lid of the	2Insert a cassette
cassette compartment,	into the cassette
and press ZEJECT.	compartment
The cassette	with its window
compartment opens	facing out and the
automatically.	write-protect tab
	on the cassette up.
EJECT

Connect the plug with its vmark facing up.

3Close the cassette compartment by

pressing the mark on the cassette compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

Close the lid of the cassette compartment.

Sony DCR-TRV107, DCR-TRV108, DCR-TRV308, DCR-TRV408, DCR-TRV608 Operating Manual

Recording a picture (p. 23)

1Remove the lens cap.	2Set the POWER
	switch to CAMERA		V
			C
			R
	while pressing the	ER				O
	while pressing the	ER				H
		POW				F
		POW				C
						F
						(
	small green button.					G
	small green button.		E	M	A	C )
		AR		M
		AR

3Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The picture appears on the LCD screen.

4Press START/STOP.
Your camcorder			R
			V
			C
starts recording. To		ER			O
starts recording. To		ER			H
	PO				F
	PO				(
	W				F
	W				C
stop recording, press					G
stop recording, press			E M	A	C )
START/STOP again.		AR
START/STOP again.

Viewfinder

When the LCD panel is closed, use the viewfinder placing your eye against its eyecup.

The picture in the viewfinder is black and white. Adjust the viewfinder lens to your eyesight (p. 27).

When you purchase your camcorder, the clock setting is set to off. If you want to record the date and time for a picture, set the clock setting before recording (p. 19).

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD screen (p. 33)

Note

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

1Set the POWER switch to VCR*1)/ PLAYER*2) while pressing the small green button.

2Press mto rewind the tape.

3Press Nto start playback.

*1) DCR-TRV140 only

*2) CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

V
C
R
				O
				F
ER				F
ER				(
POW				C
				H
			C	G
	M	A	C	)
E		A
E
AR

REW

PLAY

Guide Start Quick

— Getting started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the six models listed in the table below (p. 11). Before you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV140 is the model used for illustration purposes. Otherwise, the model name is indicated in the illustrations. Any differences in operation are clearly indicated in the text, for example, “DCR-TRV140 only.”

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.

Before using your camcorder (DCR-TRV140 only)

With your digital camcorder, we recommend using Hi8		/Digital8 video

cassettes. Your camcorder records and plays back pictures only in the Digital8
system. You cannot play back tapes recorded in the Hi8		/standard 8 (analog)

system.

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.

Using this manual

Types of differences
Model name			CCD-			DCR-

	TRV107	TRV108	TRV308	TRV408	TRV608	TRV140
	TRV107	TRV108	TRV308	TRV408	TRV608	TRV140
							Getting
Playback	Hi8/8	Hi8/8	Hi8/8	Hi8/8	Hi8/8	Digital8	Getting
System	Hi8	Hi8	Hi8	Hi8	Hi8	Digital8
							started
Digital Zoom	450×	460×	460×	560×	560×	560×	started
Digital Zoom	450×	460×	460×	560×	560×	560×

LCD screen	6.2 cm	6.2 cm	6.2 cm	6.2 cm	7.5 cm	6.2 cm
LCD screen	(2.5 type)	(2.5 type)	(2.5 type)	(2.5 type)	(3 type)	(2.5 type)
	(2.5 type)	(2.5 type)	(2.5 type)	(2.5 type)	(3 type)	(2.5 type)

Buit–in light	z	—	z	z	z	z

Remote sensor	z	—	—	z	—	z

SteadyShot	—	—	z	z	z	z

USB Streaming	—	—	—	—	z	z

VF B.L.	z	—	z	z	z	z
(Viewfinder backlight)	z	—	z	z	z	z
(Viewfinder backlight)

Date and time	z	z	z	z	z	—

DNR
(Digital Noise	z	z	z	z	z	—
Reduction)

Easy Dubbing	z	z	z	z	z	—

ORC
(Optimizing the	z	z	z	z	z	—
Recording Condition)

TBC	z	z	z	z	z	—
(Time Base Corrector)	z	z	z	z	z	—
(Time Base Corrector)

Data Code	—	—	—	—	—	z

Digital effect	—	—	—	—	—	z

Digital program editing	—	—	—	—	—	z

DV IN/OUT jack	—	—	—	—	—	z

Frame recording	—	—	—	—	—	z

Hifi SOUND	—	—	—	—	—	z

Interval recording	—	—	—	—	—	z

Super NightShot/	—	—	—	—	—	z
Color Slow Shutter	—	—	—	—	—	z
Color Slow Shutter

Tape Photo recording	—	—	—	—	—	z

Zero set memory	—	—	—	—	—	z

zProvided
— Not provided

Using this manual

Precautions on camcorder care

Lens and LCD screen/finder (on mounted models only)

•The LCD screen and the finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the finder.

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

•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 60°C (140°F), such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].

•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions [c].

•Do not directly shoot the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun in low light conditions such as dusk [d].

[a]

[b]

[c]

[d]

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Installing the battery pack

Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.

started Getting

To remove the battery pack

Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing VBATT down.

VBATT release lever

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). See page 124 for details of the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.

(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 vmark 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). Charging begins. The remaining battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window.

When the remaining battery indicator changes to , normal charge is completed. To fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about one hour after normal charge is completed until “FULL” appears in the display window. Fully charging the battery allows you to use the battery longer than usual.

V
C
R
				O
				F
POWER				F
POWER				C
				(
				H
			C	G
		A	C	)
				)
E	M
	M

R
A

FULL

2,3

The number in the illustration of the display window may differ from that on your camcorder.

After charging the battery pack

Disconnect the AC power adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Note

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.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battery time you record with the viewfinder is displayed.

The remaining battery time indicator in the display window roughly indicates the recording time with the viewfinder.

Until your camcorder calculates the actual remaining battery time

“– – – – min” appears in the display window.

While charging the battery pack, no indicator appears or the indicator flashes in the display window in the following cases:

–The AC power adapter is disconnected.

–The battery pack is not installed properly.

–Something is wrong with the battery pack.

We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F.)

If the power goes 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.

Charging time

Battery pack	Full charge (normal charge)
NP-FM30 (supplied)	145 (85)
NP-FM50	150 (90)
NP-FM70	240 (180)
NP-QM71	260 (200)
NP-FM90	330 (270)
NP-FM91/QM91	360 (300)

Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack at 25°C (77°F)

Recording time

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408

	Recording with		Recording with
Battery pack	the viewfinder		the LCD screen
	Continuous*	Typical**	Continuous*	Typical**
NP-FM30 (supplied)	165	90	120	65
NP-FM50	265	145	195	105
NP-FM70	540	295	400	220
NP-QM71	640	350	465	255
NP-FM90	820	450	600	330
NP-FM91/QM91	955	525	695	380

started Getting

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

CCD-TRV608

	Recording with		Recording with
Battery pack	the viewfinder		the LCD screen

	Continuous*	Typical**	Continuous*	Typical**
NP-FM30 (supplied)	165	90	100	55
NP-FM50	265	145	160	90
NP-FM70	540	295	335	185
NP-QM71	640	350	390	215
NP-FM90	820	450	505	275
NP-FM91/QM91	955	525	585	320
DCR-TRV140
	Recording with		Recording with
Battery pack	the viewfinder		the LCD screen

	Continuous*	Typical**	Continuous*	Typical**
NP-FM30 (supplied)	110	60	85	45
NP-FM50	180	100	140	75
NP-FM70	370	205	295	160
NP-QM71	430	235	340	185
NP-FM90	560	310	450	245
NP-FM91/QM91	645	355	520	285

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack

*Approximate continuous recording time at 25°C (77°F). 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.

Playing time

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408

Battery pack	Playing time	Playing time
Battery pack	on LCD screen	with LCD closed
	on LCD screen	with LCD closed

NP-FM30 (supplied)	120	175
NP-FM50	195	280
NP-FM70	400	570
NP-QM71	465	675
NP-FM90	600	865
NP-FM91/QM91	695	1010
CCD-TRV608
Battery pack	Playing time	Playing time
Battery pack	on LCD screen	with LCD closed
	on LCD screen	with LCD closed

NP-FM30 (supplied)	100	175
NP-FM50	160	280
NP-FM70	335	570
NP-QM71	390	675
NP-FM90	505	865
NP-FM91/QM91	585	1010

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

DCR-TRV140

Battery pack	Playing time	Playing time
Battery pack	on LCD screen	with LCD closed
	on LCD screen	with LCD closed

NP-FM30 (supplied)	85	115

			Getting
NP-FM50	140	185
NP-FM70	295	385
NP-FM70	295	385
NP-QM71	340	445	started
NP-FM91/QM91	520	670	started
NP-FM90	450	580

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack

Approximate cotinuous playing time at 25°C (77°F). The battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

The recording and playing time of a normally charged battery are about 90% of those of a fully charged battery.

What is the ”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 pack. “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery packs have the

mark.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

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, and connect the AC power adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder with the plug’s vmark facing up.

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

2,3

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (wall outlet) 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.

•Place the AC power adaptor near a wall outlet.

While using the AC power adaptor, if any trouble occurs with this unit, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet as soon as possible to cut off the power.

Using a car battery

Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (optional). Refer to the operating instructions of the DC Adaptor/Charger for further information.

Step 2 Setting the date and time

Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time. “CLOCK SET” will be displayed each time when you set the power switch to CAMERA unless you set the date and time settings.

If you do not use your camcorder for about 6 months, the date and time settings may be released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable battery in your camcorder will have been discharged.

First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.

(1) While your camcorder is in CAMERA mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select , then press the dial.

(3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial.

(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the desired year, then press the dial. (5) Set the month, day and hour by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and

pressing the dial.

(6) Set the minute by turning the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial and pressing the dial by the time signal. The clock starts to operate.

(7) Press MENU to make the menu disappear. The time indicator appears.

1,7	2				3
MENU
	S E T U P	ME NU	S E T U P	ME NU	S E T UP	MENU
	C L OC K	S E T	C L OC K	S E T – –: – –: – –	C L OCK	S E T
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started Getting

The year changes as follows:

t 1995 T . . . . t 2002 T . . . . t 2079 T

Step 2 Setting the date and time

To check the preset date and time (CCD-TRV107/TRV108/ TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only)

Press DATE to display the date indicator. Press TIME to display the time indicator.

Press DATE (or TIME) and then press TIME (or DATE) to simultaneously display the date and time indicator.

Press DATE and/or TIME again. The date and/or time indicator disappears.

Auto date function

When you use your camcorder for the first time, turn it on and set the date and time to your local time before you start recording (p. 19). The date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds after you start recording (Auto date function). This function works only once a day.

Note on the time indicator

The internal clock of your camcorder operates on a 12-hour cycle.

•12:00 AM stands for midnight.

•12:00 PM stands for noon.

Note on the auto date function (CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only)

You can change the AUTO DATE setting by selecting ON or OFF in the menu settings. The auto date function automatically displays the date once a day.

However, the date may automatically appear more than once a day if:

–you set the date and time.

–you eject and insert the tape again.

–you stop recording within 10 seconds.

–you set AUTO DATE to OFF once and set it back to ON in the menu settings.

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

We recommend using Hi8	/Digital8	video cassettes.*1)
When you want to record in the Hi8		system, use Hi8	video cassettes.*2)

(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 13).

(2) Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press Z EJECT. The cassette compartment opens automatically.

(3) Insert a cassette into the cassette compartment with its window facing out and the write-protect tab on the cassette up.

(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the mark on the cassette compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

(5) Close the lid of the cassette compartment.

EJECT

started Getting

To eject a cassette

Follow the procedure above, and eject the cassette in step 3.

Notes

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

•Your camcorder records pictures in the Digital8 system.*1)

•The recording time when you use your camcorder is half of the indicated time on Hi8

/Digital8 tape. If you select the LP mode in the menu settings, the recording time is the 3/4 of the indicated time on Hi8 /Digital8 tape.*1)

•If you use standard 8 mm tape, be sure to play back the tape on this camcorder. Mosaic noise may appear when you play back standard 8 mm tape on other camcorders (including other DCR-TRV140.)*1)

•The cassette compartment may not be closed when you press any part of the cassette compartment other than the mark.

•Do not pick up your camcorder by the lid of the cassette compartment.

*1) DCR-TRV140 only

*2) CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

Step 3 Inserting a cassette

To prevent accidental erasure

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

— Recording – Basics —

Recording a picture

Your camcorder automatically focuses for you.

(1) Remove the lens cap by pressing both knobs on its sides and attach the lens cap to the grip strap.

(2) Install the power source and insert a cassette. See “Step 1” to “Step 3” for more information (p. 13 to 22).

(3) Set the POWER switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button. Your camcorder is set to the standby mode.

(4) Open the LCD panel while pressing OPEN. The viewfinder automatically turns off.

(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.

The camera recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder when you record with the viewfinder.

2 5

Camera recording lamp

Microphone (R)*1)

Microphone (L)

V
C
R
				O
PO				F
PO				(
WER				F
WER				C
				H
			C	G
	M	A	C	)
E		A
E
R
A

V				40min	REC 0:00:01
C
R
				O
PO				F
PO				(
WER				F
WER				C
				H
			C	G
	M	A	C	)
E		A
E
R
A

Basics – Recording

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 (p. 109). In the LP mode, you can
record 1.5 times1)/twice2) as long as in the SP mode. When you record a tape in the LP
mode on your camcorder, we recommend that you play back the tape on your camcorder.	23
	23

Recording a picture

To enable smooth transition

You can make the transition between the last scene you recorded and the next scene 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 (CHG).

If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 3 minutes*1)/5 minutes*2) 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 for recording, set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) once, then turn it to CAMERA, or press START/STOP without changing the POWER switch again to start recording. If your camcorder is in the standby mode, with no cassette inserted, it does not turn off automatically.

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.

The time code may not be written properly between scenes.*1)

Recording date and time (DCR-TRV140 only)

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.

To set the counter to 0:00:00 (CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only)

Press COUNTER RESET (p. 139).

*1) DCR-TRV140 only

*2) CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

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 screen (Mirror mode).

180°

90°

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

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 record with the viewfinder.

Recording a picture

When you adjust angles of the LCD panel

Be sure to open the LCD panel 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

•You cannot operate the ZERO SET MEMORY on the Remote Commander.*1)

•DATE and TIME on your camcorder do not work.*2)

Indicators in the mirror mode

•The STBY indicator appears as Xzand REC as z. Some of other indicators appear mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.

•The date appears mirror-reversed when the auto date function is working. However, the date will be normal when recorded.*2)

*1) DCR-TRV140 only

*2) CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen

(1) In CAMERA mode, select LCD BRIGHT in in the menu settings (p. 109). (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

Basics – Recording

1	LCD/V F SET
	LC D BR I G HT
	LC D	B . L .
	LC D	COLOR
	V F	B . L .
	RETURN
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LCD screen backlight

You can adjust the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings (p. 109).

Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight

The recorded picture will not be affected.

Recording a picture

After recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). (2) Close the LCD panel.

(3) Eject the cassette. (4) Attach the lens cap.

After using your camcorder (CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only)

Remove the battery pack from your camcorder to avoid turning on the built-in light accidentally.

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)

W T

To use zoom grater than 20×

Zoom greater than 20× is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. The digital zoom function is set to OFF as a default setting (p. 106).

The picture quality deteriorates as the picture is processed digitally.

The right side of the bar shows the digital
	W	T
	W	T
zooming zone.
The digital zooming zone appears when you
select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in
the menu settings.

Recording a picture

Notes on digital zoom

•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 20× .

•The picture quality deteriorates as you go toward the “T” side.

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 80 cm (about 2 feet 5/8 in.) away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 in.) away in the wide-angle position.

To record pictures with the viewfinder

– 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.

Lift up the viewfinder and move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever.

Viewfinder backlight (CCD-TRV107/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only)

You can change the brightness of the backlight. Select VF B.L. in the menu settings (p. 109).

Basics – Recording

Recording a picture

Indicators displayed in the recording mode

The indicators are not recorded on tape.

[a] [b] [c] [d]

[e]

[a] [i] [c] [d]

[j]

40min

REC

0:00:01

[f]

40min

REC

0:00:01

[f]

[g]		JUL 4 2002	12:05:56 AM	[h]

	DCR-TRV140				CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/
					TRV608

[a]: Remaining battery time indicator

[b]: Format indicator

[c]: Recording mode indicator/ Mirror mode indicator

[d]: STBY/REC indicator

[e]: Time code indicator/

Tape photo recording indicator [f] : Remaining tape indicator

This appears after you start to record for a while.*1)

This appears after you insert a cassette and record or play back for a while.*2)

[g] : Date indicator

This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA.

[h] : Time indicator

This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER switch is set to CAMERA.

[i] : Hi8 format indicator

This appears while playing back or recording in Hi8 format.

[j] : Tape counter indicator

Remaining battery time indicator

The remaining battery time indicator indicates the approximate 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 1 minute for the correct remaining battery time in minutes to be displayed.

Time code (DCR-TRV140 only)

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.

You cannot reset the time code.

*1) DCR-TR140 only

*2) CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

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 CAMERA mode.

The . indicator appears on the screen.

To cancel, press BACK LIGHT again.

BACK LIGHT

If you press EXPOSURE when shooting backlit subjects

The backlight function will be canceled.

Basics – Recording

Shooting in the dark – NightShot/Super NightShot (DCR-TRV140

only)/Color Slow Shutter (DCR-TRV140 only)

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 CAMERA mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the screen.

To cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

COLOR SLOW SHUTTER
SUPER NIGHTSHOT
	ON
ON	OFF
OFF	NIGHTSHOT
	NIGHTSHOT
NIGHTSHOT

DCR-TRV140 CCD-TRV107/TRV108/

TRV308/TRV408/TRV608

Infrared rays emitter

Recording a picture

Using the Super NightShot (DCR-TRV140 only)

The Super NightShot mode makes subjects up to 16 times brighter than those recorded in the NightShot mode.

(1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to ON in CAMERA mode. and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the screen.

(2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT. and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the screen.

To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT again.

Using the Color Slow Shutter (DCR-TRV140 only)

The Color Slow Shutter enables you to record color images in a dark place.

(1) Slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF in CAMERA mode. (2) Press COLOR SLOW SHUTTER.

and ” COLOR SLOW SHUTTER” indicators flash on the screen.

To cancel the Color Slow Shutter, press COLOR SLOW SHUTTER again.

Using the NightShot Light

The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable the NightShot Light, set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 107).

Notes

•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

•Color Slow Shutter cannot be used in places of absolute (0 lux) darkness.

•When you keep NIGHTSHOT setting 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.

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

–Exposure

–PROGRAM AE

While using the Super NightShot function or the Color Slow Shutter function, you cannot use the following functions (DCR-TRV140 only):

–Fader

–Digital effect

–Exposure

–PROGRAM AE

Shutter speed in the Super NightShot or Color Slow Shutter function (DCR-TRV140 only)

The shutter speed will be automatically changed depending on the brightness of the background. The motion of the picture will be slow.

NightShot Light

NightShot Light rays are infrared and so are invisible. The maximum shooting distance using the NightShot Light is about 3 m (10 feet).

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