Sony DCR-TRV130 Operating Instruction
3-065-651-11 (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-TRV130 Model No. AC-
Serial No. Serial No.
DCR-TRV130
©2001 Sony Corporation
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 60°C (140°F) such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct sunlight.
For customers in the United
States 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 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-TRV130
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics lnc.
Address: 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge,
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.
NJ, 07656 USA
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications
not expressly approved in this manual could void
your authority to operate this equipment.
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.
For customers in CANADA
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
3
Main Features
Functions to adjust exposure (in the recording mode)
•In a dark place NIGHTSHOT (p. 24)/
•In insufficient light Low lux mode (p. 44)
•In dark environments such as sunset, fireworks, Sunset & moon mode (p. 44)
or general night views
•Shooting backlit subjects BACK LIGHT (p. 24)
•In spotlight, such as at the theater Spotlight mode (p. 44)
•In strong light or reflected light, such as Beach & ski mode (p. 44)
at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope
Functions to give images more impact
(in the recording mode)
•Smooth transition between scenes FADER (p. 37)
•Taking a still image Tape photo recording (p. 34)
•Digital processing of images PICTURE EFFECT (p. 40)/
•Creating a soft background for subjects Soft portrait mode (p. 44)
•Superimposing a title TITLE (p. 48)
Functions to give a natural appearance to your recordings
(in the recording mode)
•Preventing deterioration of picture quality D ZOOM [MENU] (p. 80)
in digital zoom
The default setting is set to OFF.
(To zoom greater than 20×, select the digital
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings.)
•Focusing manually Manual focus (p. 47)
•Shooting distant subjects Landscape mode (p. 44)
•Recording fast-moving subjects Sports lesson mode (p. 44)
SUPER NIGHTSHOT (p. 25)
DIGITAL EFFECT (p. 41)
Functions to use in editing (in the recording mode)
•Watching the picture on a wide-screen TV Wide mode (p. 36)
Functions to use after recording (in the playback mode)
•Digital processing of recorded images PICTURE EFFECT (p. 55)/
•Displaying the date/time or recording data Data code (p. 28)
when you recorded
•Quickly locating a desired scene Zero set memory (p. 58, 78)
•Searching for scenes recorded on tape in Photo search (p. 61)
the photo mode
•Scanning scenes recorded on tape in Photo scan (p. 62)
the photo mode
•Playing back on monaural sound or sub sound HiFi SOUND [MENU] (p. 81)
•Playing back the picture on a TV without SUPER LASER LINK (p. 32)
connecting a cord
DIGITAL EFFECT (p. 56)
4
Table of contents
Main Features .......................................... 4
Quick Start Guide ............................. 6
Getting started
Using this manual ................................... 8
Checking supplied accessories............ 10
Step 1 Preparing the power supply ... 11
Installing the battery pack ............ 11
Charging the battery pack............. 12
Connecting to a wall outlet ........... 15
Step 2 Setting the date and time ........ 16
Step 3 Inserting a cassette ................... 17
Recording – Basics
Recording a picture............................... 18
Shooting backlit subjects
– BACK LIGHT ........................ 24
Shooting in the dark
– NightShot/Super NightShot
.................................................... 24
Checking the recording
– END SEARCH ............................. 26
Advanced Playback Operations
Playing back a tape with picture
effects ............................................... 55
Playing back a tape with digital
effects ............................................... 56
Enlarging images recorded on tapes
– Tape PB ZOOM ........................... 57
Quickly locating a scene using the zero
set memory function ...................... 58
Searching a recording by date
– Date search ................................... 59
Searching for a photo
– Photo search/Photo scan ........... 61
Editing
Dubbing a tape ...................................... 63
Dubbing only desired scenes
– Digital program editing.............. 65
Recording from video .......................... 76
Inserting a scene from a VCR
– Insert Editing ............................... 77
Customizing Your Camcorder
Changing the menu settings................ 79
Getting started
Playback – Basics
Playing back a tape ............................... 27
Viewing the recording on TV .............. 31
Advanced Recording
Operations
Recording a still image on a tape
– Tape Photo recording ................. 34
Using the wide mode ........................... 36
Using the fader function ...................... 37
Using special effects – Picture effect .. 40
Using special effects – Digital effect ... 41
Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 44
Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 46
Focusing manually................................ 47
Superimposing a title ........................... 48
Making your own titles ........................ 50
Using the built-in light ......................... 52
Troubleshooting
Types of trouble and their solutions .. 85
Self-diagnosis display........................... 89
Warning indicators and messages ...... 90
Additional Information
About video cassettes ........................... 92
About the “InfoLITHIUM”
battery pack ..................................... 93
About i.LINK ......................................... 94
Using your camcorder abroad ............ 96
Maintenance information and
precautions ...................................... 97
Specifications ....................................... 102
Quick Reference
Identifying the parts and controls .... 103
Index ..................................................... 110
5
Quick Start Guide
Connecting the power cord (p. 15)
Use the battery pack when using your camcorder outdoors (p. 11).
Quick Start Guide
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
camcorder. See the page in parentheses “( )” for more
information.
Open the DC IN
jack cover.
Connect the plug with
its v mark facing up.
AC power adaptor (supplied)
Inserting a cassette (p. 17)
1Open the lid of the
cassette compartment,
and press EJECT. The
compartment opens
automatically.
EJECT
2Insert a cassette
into the cassette
compartment
with its window
facing out and the
write-protect tab
on the cassette up.
3Close the cassette
compartment by
pressing the
on the cassette
compartment. The
cassette compartment
automatically goes
down.
Close the lid of the
cassette compartment.
mark
6
Recording a picture (p. 18)
1Remove the lens cap.
2Set the POWER
switch to CAMERA
while pressing the
small green button.
4Press the red button.
Your camcorder
starts recording. To
stop recording, press
(
CHARGE
OFF
)
CAMERA
VCR
(
CHARGE
OFF
)
CAMERA
VCR
POWER
POWER
the red button again.
3Open the LCD panel
while pressing OPEN.
The picture appears
on the LCD screen.
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.
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. 16).
Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 27)
2Press m to rewind the tape.
REW
Quick Start Guide
1Set the POWER
switch to VCR while
pressing the small
green button.
VCR
(
CHARGE
OFF
)
CAMERA
Note
Do not pick up your camcorder by
holding the viewfinder, the LCD
panel, or the battery pack.
3Press N to start playback.
PLAY
POWER
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.
Before using your camcorder
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.
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.
8
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]
Getting started
[c]
[d]
9
Checking supplied accessories
Make sure that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder.
12 3
45 6 7
1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)
(p. 108)
2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power
adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 12)
3 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 11, 12)
4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote
Commander (2) (p. 108)
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 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 31)
6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 105)
7 Lens cap (1) (p. 18, 104)
10
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Installing the battery pack
Install the battery pack to use your camcorder outdoors.
Slide the battery pack down until it clicks.
To remove the battery pack
Slide the battery pack out in the direction of the arrow while pressing BATT
RELEASE down.
Getting started
BATT RELEASE
11
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 (L series).
See page 93 for more information about “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 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 (CHARGE). Charging begins, and the CHG
lamp lights up.
When the CHG lamp goes out, the charging is completed.
VCR
4
(
CHARGE
OFF
)
CAMERA
POWER
CHG lamp
1
12
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 fully,
and then use it until it fully discharges again. Do this once a year. Keep the battery
pack in a cool place.
When the battery pack is charged fully
The CHG lamp goes out.
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
If the battery pack is not installed properly
The CHG lamp does not light up while charging the battery pack.
If something is wrong with the battery pack
The CHG lamp flashes while chargeing the battery pack.
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
NP-F330 (supplied) 150
NP-F530/F550 210
NP-F730/F730H/F750 300
NP-F930/F950 390
NP-F960 420
Approximate charging time at 25°C (77°F)
Recording time
Recording with Recording with
Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen
Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**
NP-F330 (supplied) 100 55 90 50
NP-F530 170 95 150 80
NP-F550 205 110 185 100
NP-F730 350 190 305 165
NP-F730H/F750 425 235 375 205
NP-F930 555 305 480 265
NP-F950 650 355 570 315
NP-F960 765 420 680 375
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack
Getting started
* 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.
13
Step 1 Preparing the power supply
Playing time
Battery pack
NP-F330 (supplied) 105 90
NP-F530 175 150
NP-F550 210 185
NP-F730 365 305
NP-F730H/F750 440 375
NP-F930 575 480
NP-F950 675 570
NP-F960 790 680
Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery pack
Approximate playing time at 25°C (77°F). 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 (L series). Your camcorder operates only with the
“InfoLITHIUM” battery. “InfoLITHIUM” battery packs have the mark.
“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Playing time Playing time
on LCD screen with LCD closed
14
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 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
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).
15
Step 2 Setting the date and time
Set the date and time settings when you use your camcorder for the first time.
If you do not use your camcorder for about 4 months, the date and time settings may be
released (bars may appear) because the built-in rechargeable lithium cell will have been
discharged.
First, set the year, then the month, the day, the hour and then the minute.
(1) While the camcorder is in CAMERA mode, press MENU to display the menu
settings.
(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select
(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 move.
(7) Press MENU to make the menu settings disappear.
, then press the dial.
16
4
1,7
2
MENU
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
AUTO TV ON
TV I NPUT
LTR S I ZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
[
] :
MENU
END
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
AUTO TV ON
TV I NPUT
LTR S I ZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN
[
] :
MENU
END
6
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
AUTO TV ON
TV I NPUT
LTR S IZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MO D E
RETURN
[
MENU
12 00
JAN
12001
AM
12 00
JAN
12001
AM
The year changes as follows:
1995 T · · · · t 2001 T · · · · t 2079
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.
JUL
PM
530
] :
END
3
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
AUTO TV ON
TV I NPUT
LTR S IZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MO D E
RETURN
[
] :
MENU
END
SETUP MENU
CLOCK SET
AUTO TV ON
TV I NPUT
LTR S I ZE
LANGUAGE
DEMO MODE
RETURN
[
] :
MENU
END
JUL
4 2001
5:30:00
JAN
12001
12 00
AM
PM
:––:
––
––
42001
Step 3 Inserting a cassette
We recommend using Hi8 /Digital8 video cassettes.
(1) Prepare the power supply (p. 11).
(2) Open the lid of the cassette compartment, and press EJECT. The cassette
compartment opens automatically.
(3) Insert a cassette with its window facing out and the write-protect tab on the
cassette up.
(4) Close the cassette compartment by pressing the
compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.
(5) Close the lid of the cassette compartment.
Getting started
mark on the cassette
2 3
EJECT
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.
• The recording time when you use your camcorder is half of indicated time on Hi8
/Digital8 tape. If you select the LP mode in the menu settings, 3/4 of indicated
time on Hi8 /Digital8 tape.
•If you use standard 8 tape, be sure to play back the tape on this camcorder. Mosaic
pattern noise may appear when you play back standard 8 tape on other camcorders
(including other DCR-TRV130)
•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 holding the lid of the cassette compartment.
4,5
To prevent accidental erasure
Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to expose the red mark.
17
— 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. 11 to 17).
(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 recording lamp lights up in the viewfinder when you record with the
viewfinder.
1
4
Camera
recording lamp
Microphone
Notes
• Fasten the grip strap firmly.
• Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.
2
3
5
VCR
(
CHARGE
OFF
)
CAMERA
(
CHARGE
OFF
)
CAMERA
POWER
VCR
POWER
40min
REC
0:00:01
18
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. 82). 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 that you play back the tape on your camcorder.
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 (CHARGE).
If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 3 minutes
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
(CHARGE) once, then turn it 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.
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°
Recording – Basics
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 use the
viewfinder.
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.
Indicators in the mirror mode
The STBY indicator appears as Xz and REC as z. Some of other indicators appear
mirror-reversed and others are not displayed.
19
Recording a picture
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD screen
Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen with LCD BRIGHT in in the menu settings.
(p. 81)
MENU
LCD screen backlight
You can adjust the brightness of the backlight. Select LCD B.L. in the menu settings
(p. 81).
Even if you adjust the LCD screen backlight
The recorded picture will not be affected.
LCD SET
LCD BRIGHT
[
] :
MENU
END
20
After recording
(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
(2) Close the LCD panel.
(3) Eject the cassette.
(4) Attach the lens cap.
After using your camcorder
Remove the battery pack from your camcorder to avoid turning on the built-in light
accidentally.
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)
Recording – Basics
W
T
WT
W
T
Zoom greater than 20 × is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. (p. 80)
The picture quality deteriorates as the picture is processed digitally.
The right side of the bar shows the digital
zooming zone.
W
T
The digital zooming zone appears when you
select the digital zoom power in D ZOOM in
the menu settings.
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 inch)
away from the lens surface in the telephoto position, or about 1 cm (about 1/2 inch)
away in the wide-angle position.
21
Recording a picture
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.
22
Recording a picture
Indicators displayed in the recording mode
The indicators are not recorded on tape.
Remaining battery time indicator
Format indicator
Recording mode indicator
STBY/REC indicator
SP
0:00:01
40
min
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 1 minute for the correct
remaining battery time in minutes to be displayed.
REC
12:05:56
Time code/Tape counter indicator
Remaining tape indicator
This appears after you start to record for a while.
AMJUL 4 2001
Time indicator
This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER
switch is set to CAMERA.
Date indicator
This is displayed for five seconds after the POWER
switch is set to CAMERA.
Recording – Basics
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.
You cannot reset the time code.
23
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.
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.
24
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.
NIGHTSHOT
OFF ON SUPER NIGHTSHOT
NightShot Light
emitter
Recording a picture
Using the Super NightShot
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.
on the screen.
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 the NightShot Light,
set N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 80).
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 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 can not use the following functions:
– Exposure
– PROGRAM AE
While using the Super NightShot function, you can not use the following
functions:
– Fader
– Digital effect
– Exposure
– PROGRAM AE
and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash
Recording – Basics
Shutter speed in the Super NightShot mode
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).
25
Checking the recording – END SEARCH
You can use this button to record a picture from the last recorded scene successively.
END
SEARCH
You can go to the end of the recorded section.
Press END SEARCH in CAMERA mode.
The last 5 seconds of the recorded section are played back and returns to the standby
mode. You can monitor the sound from the speaker or headphones.
Notes
• If you start recording after using the end search function, occasionally, the transition
between the last scene you recorded and the next scene may not be smooth.
• Once you eject the cassette after you have recorded on the tape, the end search
function does not work.
If a tape has a blank portion in the recorded portions
The end search function may not work correctly.
26
— Playback – Basics —
Playing back a tape
You cannot play back the tapes recorded in the Hi8 /Standard (analog) system.
Your camcorder plays back pictures only in the Digital8 system.
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. The
speaker on your camcorder is silent when the LCD panel is closed.
REW PLAY
Playback – Basics
VCR
(
CHARGE
OFF
)
CAMERA
POWER
254
6
3
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 [a]. You can adjust the angle of the LCD panel by lifting the LCD
panel up by 23 degrees [b].
[a] [b]
23°
27
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
DATA CODE
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).
Press DATA CODE on the Remote Commander in the playback mode
The display changes as follows:
date/time t various settings (SteadyShot, exposure AUTO/MANUAL, white balance,
gain, shutter speed, aperture value) t no indicator
28
Date/time Various settings
40
min
JUL 4 2001
12:05:56 AM
0:00:23:01
40
min
AUTO
60 AWB
9dB
F1.4
[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 recording date
Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 82).
The display changes as follows:
date/time t no indicator
0:00:23:01
[a]
[b]
[c]
[d]
[e]
[f]
Playing back a tape
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 (--- -- ---- and --:--:--) 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 appears on the TV screen.
Remaining battery time indicator during playback
The indicator indicates the approximate continuous playback time. The indicator may
not be correct, depending on the conditions in which you are playing back. When you
close the LCD panel and open it again, it takes about 1 minute for the correct remaining
battery time to be displayed.
Playback – Basics
29
Playing back a tape
Various playback modes
To operate video control buttons, set the POWER switch to VCR.
To view a still image (playback pause)
Press X during playback. To resume playback, press X or N.
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 are
played back and the playback stops.
30
In the various playback modes
•Sound is muted.
•The previous recording may appear as a mosaic image when playing back.
Notes on the playback pause mode
•When the playback pause mode lasts for 3 minutes, your camcorder automatically
enters the stop mode. To resume playback, press N.
•The previous recording may appear.
Note on the slow playback mode
The slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder; however, this
function does not work for an output image from the DV IN/OUT jack.
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