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

3-072-317-14 (1)

Digital Video Camera Recorder

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-

Serial No. Serial No.

DCR-TRV140

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

TRV608

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Digital Handycam camcorder/Handycam

Welcome!

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,

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,

Telephone No.: 201-930-6972 This device complies with Part15 of the FCC

Oradell, NJ, 07649 U.S.A.

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)*

•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)

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)*

•ORC [MENU] (p. 109)*

Functions to use after recording

•Data code (p. 35)*

•Zero set memory (p. 67, 96)*

•Digital program editing (p. 83)*

•Easy Dubbing (p. 75)*

•Tape PB ZOOM (p. 66)*

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

Others

Functions to adjust exposure in the recording mode

•NightShot (p. 29)/ Super NightShot (p. 29)*1)/ Color Slow Shutter (p. 29)*

•BACK LIGHT (p. 29)

•PROGRAM AE (p. 50)

•Built-in light (p. 61)*

•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)*

•Picture effect (p. 64)

•Digital effect (p. 65)*

•TITLE (p. 57)

Checking supplied accessories

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

RMT-814 RMT-708

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)

(p. 141)*

RMT-708: CCD-TRV107/TRV408 RMT-814: DCR-TRV140

Monaural Stereo

5 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 38, 72, 73)

Stereo: DCR-TRV140 Monaural: CCD-TRV107/TRV108/

TRV308/TRV408/TRV608

2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power

adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 14)

3 NP-FM30 battery pack (1) (p. 15, 16, 17)

4 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p. 141)*

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

CCD-TRV608, DCR-TRV140 only

6 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 136)

7 Lens cap (1) (p. 23)

8 USB Cable (1) (p. 97)*

9 CD-ROM (SPVD-008 USB Driver) (1)

(p. 98)*

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

Quick Start Guide

Connecting the power cord (p. 18)

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

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. 21)

1Open the lid of the

cassette compartment, and press ZEJECT. The cassette 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

Recording a picture (p. 23)

1Remove the lens cap.

2Set the POWER

switch to CAMERA while pressing the small green button.

4Press START/STOP.

Your camcorder starts recording. To stop recording, press START/STOP 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. 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)

1Set the POWER

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

POW

(

)

(

)

Quick Start Guide

(

)

2Press m to rewind

the tape.

3Press N to start

playback.

Note

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

*1)DCR-TRV140 only *2)CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408/TRV608 only

REW

PLAY

— 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

System Hi8 Hi8 Hi8 Hi8 Hi8 Digital8 Playback Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Hi8/8 Digital8 Digital Zoom 450× 460× 460× 560× 560× 560×

LCD screen

Buit–in light z — zzzz Remote sensor z —— z — z SteadyShot — — zzzz USB Streaming — — — — zz VF B.L.

(Viewfinder backlight) Date and time zz z zz — DNR

(Digital Noise Reduction)

Easy Dubbing zz z zz — ORC

(Optimizing the zz z zz — Recording Condition)

TBC (Time Base Corrector)

Data Code — — — — — z Digital effect — — — — — z Digital program editing DV IN/OUT jack — — — — — z Frame recording — — — — — z Hifi SOUND — — — — — z Interval recording — — — — — z Super NightShot/

Color Slow Shutter Tape Photo recording — — — — — z Zero set memory — — — — — z

TRV107 TRV108 TRV308 TRV408 TRV608 TRV140

6.2 cm 6.2 cm 6.2 cm 6.2 cm 7.5 cm 6.2 cm

(2.5 type) (2.5 type) (2.5 type) (2.5 type) (3 type) (2.5 type)

z — zzzz

zz z zz —

—— — —— z

CCD- DCR-

Getting started

z Provided — 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.

To remove the battery pack

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

V BATT release lever

Getting started

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 v mark facing up.

(2) Connect the power cord to the AC power adaptor. (3) Connect the power cord to a wall outlet. (4) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). 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.

POWER

(

)

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)

Getting started

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

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

CCD-TRV608

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

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

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

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.

Recording with Recording with

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

Recording with Recording with

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

Playing time

CCD-TRV107/TRV108/TRV308/TRV408

Battery pack

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

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

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

DCR-TRV140

Battery pack

NP-FM30 (supplied) 85 115 NP-FM50 140 185 NP-FM70 295 385 NP-QM71 340 445 NP-FM90 450 580 NP-FM91/QM91 520 670

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.

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Getting started

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.

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

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET USB STRE AM USB STRE AM USB STREAM LTR S IZE LA NGUA GE DEMO MOD E

[

] :

END

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE DEMO MODE

RETURN

[

] :

END

:––:

––

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE DEMO MODE

[

RETURN

12002

JAN

12 00

] :

END

Getting started

JAN

12002

12 00

The year changes as follows:

12 00

t 1995 T

JAN

12002

. . . .

t 2002 T

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET LTR S IZE

LA NGUA GE DEMO MOD E

RETURN

[

. . . .

t 2079 T

SETUP MENU

CLOCK SET

JUL

4 2002

2:05:00

42002

JUL

1205

] :

END

USB STRE AMUSB STRE AM LTR S IZE LA NGUA GE DEMO MOD E

RETURN

[

] :

END

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.* When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassettes.*

(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

compartment. The cassette compartment automatically goes down.

(5) Close the lid of the cassette compartment.

EJECT

mark on the cassette

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 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.*

•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.)*

•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.

Getting started

*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.

Recording

– Basics

Camera recording lamp

Microphone (R)*

Notes

•Fasten the grip strap firmly.

•Do not touch the built-in microphone during recording.

Microphone (L)

40min

(

)

(

)

REC

0:00:01

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 times*1)/twice*2) 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 (CHG).

If you leave your camcorder in the standby mode for 3 minutes*1)/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 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.*

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.*

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

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.

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

*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.

Recording

– Basics

LCD/VF SET LCD BRI G HT LCD B. L. LCD COLOR VF B.L. RETURN

[

] :

END

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)

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 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.

Recording

– Basics

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).

Recording a picture

Indicators displayed in the recording mode

The indicators are not recorded on tape.

[g]

[a][b]

min

JUL 4 2002

[d][c][e]

REC

12:05:56

0:00:01

[a][i]

[f]

[h]

min

[d][c][j]

REC

0:00:01

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.*

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

[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

[f]

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.

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.

Recording

– Basics

Infrared rays emitter

COLOR SLOW SHUTTER

SUPER NIGHTSHOT

OFF

NIGHTSHOT

OFF

NIGHTSHOT

DCR-TRV140 CCD-TRV107/TRV108/

TRV308/TRV408/TRV608

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.

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.

and “SUPER NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash

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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