Sony DCR-TRV720, DCR-TRV820 Operating Instruction

3-059-564-13 (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-TRV Model No. AC-

Serial No. Serial No.

DCR-TRV820

DCR-TRV720/TRV820

©2000 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 140°F (60°C ) such as in a car parked in
the sun or under direct sunlight.

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

2

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) or write to :
Sony Customer Information Center 1 Sony Drive,

Mail Drop #T1-11, Park Ridge, NJ 07656

CAUTION

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

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-TRV720
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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DCR-TRV820
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

NJ, 07656 USA

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.

“Memory Stick”
For customers in CANADA

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

For customers in the U.S.A

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.

3

Table of contents

Quick Start Guide ............................... 6

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

Getting started

Using this manual ................................... 9

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 Inserting a cassette ................... 16

Recording – Basics

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

Shooting backlit subjects

– BACK LIGHT ........................ 21

Shooting in the dark

– NightShot/Super Nightshot

.................................................... 21

Self-timer recording ....................... 23

Checking the recording

– END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH /

Rec Review ...................................... 24

Playback – Basics

Playing back a tape ............................... 25

Viewing the recording on TV .............. 28

Advanced Recording
Operations

Recording a still image on a tape

– Tape Photo recording ................. 30

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

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

Using special effects

– Picture effect................................. 37

Using special effects

– Digital effect ................................. 38

Using the PROGRAM AE function .... 41

Adjusting the exposure manually ...... 43

Focusing manually................................ 44

Superimposing a title ........................... 45

Making your own titles ........................ 47

4

Inserting a scene .................................... 49

Advanced Playback Operations

Playing back a tape with picture effects

........................................................... 50

Playing back a tape with digital effects

........................................................... 51

Enlarging recorded images

– PB ZOOM ..................................... 52

Quickly locating a scene using the

zero set memory function ............ 53

Searching a recording by date

– Date search ................................... 54

Searching for a photo

– Photo search/Photo scan ........... 56

Editing

Dubbing a tape ...................................... 58

Using with analog video unit and PC

– Signal convert function............... 60

Recording video or TV programs ....... 61

Inserting a scene from a VCR

– Insert Editing ............................... 63

Customizing Your Camcorder

Changing the menu settings................ 65

Resetting the date and time ................. 73

“Memory Stick” operations

Using “Memory Stick”–introduction...
Recording still images on “Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording .............

Superimposing a still image in the

“Memory Stick” on a moving image

– MEMORY MIX ............................ 84

Recording an image from a tape as a still

image ................................................ 87

Copying still images from a tape

– Photo save .................................... 89

Viewing a still image

– Memory Photo playback ............ 91

Copying the image recorded on

“Memory Stick” to tapes ............... 94

Enlarging still images recorded on

“Memory Stick”s

– Memory PB ZOOM ..................... 96

Playing back images in a continuous loop

– SLIDE SHOW
Preventing accidental erasure

– Image protection.......................... 99

Deleting images ................................... 100

Writing a print mark – PRINT MARK ..

............................... 97

74

79

103

Table of contents

Printing operations
(DCR-TRV820 only)

Using the printer – Introduction ....... 104

Making prints – Standard print ........ 112

Making prints of split screens

– Split printing .............................. 119

Additional Information

Digital8 system, recording and

playback ......................................... 121

About i.LINK ....................................... 123

Changing the lithium battery in your

camcorder ...................................... 125

Troubleshooting .................................. 127

Self-diagnosis display......................... 133

Warning indicators and messages.... 134

Using your camcorder abroad .......... 136

Maintenance information and

precautions .................................... 137

Specifications ....................................... 143

Quick Reference

Identifying the parts and controls .... 145

Quick Function Guide ........................ 153

Index ..................................................... 154

•Windows is registered trademark or
trademark of Microsoft Corporation,
registered in the United States and other
countries.

•Macintosh is trademark of Apple Computer,
Inc.

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

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

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. 16)

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. 17)

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

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 red button again.

Monitoring the playback picture on the LCD
screen (p. 25)

2Press m to rewind the tape.

REW

VTR

(

CHARGE

OFF

)

CAMERA

MEMORY

VTR

(

CHARGE

OFF

)

CAMERA

MEMORY

Quick Start Guide

1Set the POWER

switch to VTR while
pressing the small
green button.

VTR

(

CHARGE

OFF

)

CAMERA

MEMORY

Note

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

3Press N to start playback.

PLAY

7

Checking supplied accessories

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

12 3

45 6 7

89 0 qa

qs

1 Wireless Remote Commander (1)

(p. 151)

2 AC-L10A/L10B/L10C AC power

adaptor (1), Power cord (1) (p. 12)

3 NP-F330 battery pack (1) (p. 11, 12)

4 CR2025 lithium battery (1) (p. 125)

The lithium battery is already installed
in your camcorder.

5 Size AA (R6) battery for Remote

Commander (2) (p. 151)

6 A/V connecting cable (1) (p. 28)

7 Shoulder strap (1) (p. 147)

8 Lens cap (1) (p. 17)

9 PC serial cable (1) (p. 93)

qd

8

qf qg

0 “Memory Stick” (1) (p. 74)

qa Application software: PictureGear 4.1

Lite (CD-ROM) (1) (p. 93)

qs Print paper (p. 109)

Standard type

(20 sheets × 1)

Sticker type/Standard size

(10 sheets × 1)
Sticker type/9 split size (10 sheets × 1)
DCR-TRV820 only

qd Print cartridge (2) (p. 106)

DCR-TRV820 only

qf Head cleaner (1) (p. 139)

DCR-TRV820 only

qg Platen roller cleaner (1) (p. 140)

DCR-TRV820 only

— Getting started —

Using this manual

The instructions in this manual are for the two models listed in the table below. Before
you start reading this manual and operating your camcorder, check the model number
by looking at the bottom of your camcorder. The DCR-TRV820 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-TRV820
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.

Type of difference

DCR- TRV720 TRV820
Printer — z
z Provided

— Not provided

Before using your camcorder

With your digital camcorder, you can use Hi8 /Digital8 video cassettes. Your
camcorder records and plays back pictures in the Digital8 system. Also, your
camcorder plays back tapes recorded in the Hi8 /standard 8 (analog) system.
You, however, cannot use the functions in “Advanced Playback Operations” on page 50
to 57 for playback in the Hi8 /standard 8 system. To enable smooth transition,
we recommend that you do not mix pictures recorded in the Hi8 /standard 8
with the Digital8 system on a tape.

Getting started

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.

No compensation for contents of the printing (DCR-TRV820 only)

Contents of the printing cannot be compensated for if printing is not made due to a
malfunction of your camcorder, etc.

9

Using this manual

Precautions on camcorder care

•The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using high-precision
technology. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points
(red, blue, green or white) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and in the
viewfinder. These points occur normally in the manufacturing process and do not
affect the recorded picture in any way. Effective ratio of pixels and/or screen are

99.99% or more.

•Do not let your camcorder get wet. Keep your camcorder away from rain and sea
water. Letting your camcorder get wet may cause your camcorder to malfunction.
Sometimes this malfunction cannot be repaired [a].

• Never leave your camcorder exposed to temperatures above 140°F (60°C ), such as in a
car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight [b].
However, do not leave your camcorder exposed to temperature above 131 °F (55 °C)
when the print cartridge is in your camcorder. (DCR-TRV820 only)

•Do not place your camcorder so as to point the viewfinder, the LCD screen or lens
toward the sun. The inside of the viewfinder, LCD screen or lens may be damaged [c].

[a] [b] [c]

10

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

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.

BATT
RELEASE

Getting started

After installing the battery pack

Do not carry your camcorder by holding the battery pack. If you do so, the battery pack
may slide off your camcorder unintentionally, damaging your camcorder.

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).

(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. The remaining

battery time is indicated in minutes on the display window.

When the remaining battery indicator changes to u, normal charge is completed. To
fully charge the battery (full charge), leave the battery pack attached for about 1 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.

12

4

VTR

(

CHARGE

OFF

)

CAMERA

MEMORY

1

2

After charging the battery pack

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

Notes

•Prevent metallic objects from coming into contact with the metal parts of the DC plug
of the AC power adaptor. This may cause a short-circuit, damaging the AC power
adaptor.

•Keep the battery pack dry.

•When the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge the battery pack once
fully, and then use it until it fully discharges again. Keep the battery pack in a cool
place.

When the battery pack is charged fully

The LCD backlight of the display window is turned off.

Remaining battery time indicator

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

Battery pack

The supplied battery pack is charged a little.

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

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 battery pack is not installed correctly.
– The AC power adaptor is disconnected.
– Something is wrong with the battery pack.

Charging time

Battery pack Full charge (Normal charge)

NP-F330 (supplied) 150 (90)
NP-F530/F550 210 (150)
NP-F730/F730H/F750 300 (240)
NP-F930/F950 390 (330)
NP-F960 420 (360)

Approximate number of minutes to charge an empty battery pack

Recording time

Recording with Recording with

Battery pack the viewfinder the LCD screen

Continuous* Typical** Continuous* Typical**

NP-F330 (supplied) 105 (95) 60 (55) 70 (65) 40 (35)
NP-F530 175 (160) 100 (90) 110 (100) 60 (55)
NP-F550 210 (190) 120 (110) 140 (125) 80 (70)
NP-F730 365 (325) 210 (185) 255 (230) 145 (130)
NP-F730H/F750 440 (395) 250 (225) 290 (260) 165 (150)
NP-F930 575 (520) 325 (295) 400 (360) 230 (205)
NP-F950 675 (610) 385 (345) 455 (410) 260 (235)
NP-F960 790 (710) 450 (405) 535 (480) 305 (275)

Getting started

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery
Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery.

* Approximate continuous recording time at 77°F (25°C). The battery life will be

shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

** Approximate number of minutes when recording while you repeat recording start/

stop, zooming and turning the power on/off. The actual battery life may be shorter.

13

Step 1 Preparing the power supply

Playing time

DCR-TRV720

Battery pack

NP-F330 (supplied) 70 (60) 100 (90)
NP-F530 110 (95) 170 (155)
NP-F550 140 (125) 205 (185)
NP-F730 250 (225) 350 (310)
NP-F730H/F750 285 (255) 425 (380)
NP-F930 390 (355) 555 (500)
NP-F950 445 (400) 650 (590)
NP-F960 525 (470) 765 (685)

DCR-TRV820

Battery pack

NP-F330 (supplied) 60 (55) 90 (80)
NP-F530 100 (85) 145 (130)
NP-F550 125 (110) 175 (160)
NP-F730 215 (195) 300 (270)
NP-F730H/F750 260 (230) 365 (325)
NP-F930 355 (315) 475 (430)
NP-F950 395 (350) 555 (500)
NP-F960 465 (415) 660 (590)

Approximate number of minutes when you use a fully charged battery

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

Playing time Playing time

on LCD screen with LCD closed

14

Numbers in parentheses “( )” indicate the time using a normally charged battery. The
battery life will be shorter if you use your camcorder in a cold environment.

The remaining battery time indicator

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 to be displayed.

If the power may go off although the battery remaining indicator indicates that
the battery pack has enough power to operate

Charge the battery pack fully again so that the indication on the battery remaining
indicator is correct.

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.

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 (house current) as long as it is
connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.

Notes

•The AC power adaptor can supply power even if the battery pack is attached to your
camcorder.

•The DC IN jack has “source priority”. This means that the battery pack cannot supply
any power if the power cord is connected to the DC IN jack, even when the power
cord is not plugged into a wall outlet.

Using a car battery

Use Sony DC Adaptor/Charger (not supplied).

15

Step 2 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.

mark on the cassette

2 3

EJECT

4, 5

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 malfunction.

•Your camcorder records pictures in the Digital8 system.

• The recording time when you use your camcorder is half of indicated time on Hi8
tape. If you select the LP mode in the menu settings, 3/4 of indicated time on Hi8
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-TRV720/TRV820).

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

than the mark.

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

16

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” and “Step 2” for

more information (p. 11 to 16).

(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.

Recording – Basics

1

4

Microphone

Camera recording
lamp

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. 65). 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.

2

3

5

(

CHARGE

OFF

)

CAMERA

VTR

(

CHARGE

OFF

)

CAMERA

MEMORY

VTR

MEMORY

40min

SP

REC

0:00:01

17

Recording a picture

Note on LOCK

When you slide LOCK to the left, the POWER switch can no longer be set to MEMORY
accidentally. The LOCK is released as a default setting.

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 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.

Adjusting the LCD screen

To adjust the brightness of the LCD screen, press either of the two buttons on LCD
BRIGHT.
The LCD panel moves about 90 degrees to the viewfinder side and about 180 degrees to
the lens side.
If you turn the LCD panel over so that it faces the other way, the indicator appears
on the LCD screen and in the viewfinder (Mirror mode).

to brighten

to dim

LCD

BRIGHT

180°

18

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 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.

Recording a picture

T

W

After recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to OFF (CHARGE).
(2) Close the LCD panel.
(3) Eject the cassette.

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 25× is performed digitally. To activate digital zoom, select the digital
zoom power in D ZOOM in the menu settings. (p. 65)
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.

Notes on digital zoom

•Digital zoom starts to function when zoom exceeds 25×.

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

19

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.

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

20

SP

0:00:01

40

min

REC

Time code/Tape counter indicator

Remaining tape indicator

This appears after you start to record for a while.

AMJUL 4 2000

Time indicator

12:05:56

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

Date indicator

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

Time code (for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system 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 VTR
mode. You cannot rewrite only the time code.
When you play back tapes recorded in the Hi8/standard 8 system, the tape counter
appears.
You cannot reset the time code or the tape counter.

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 or MEMORY mode.
The . indicator appears on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
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.

While your camcorder is in CAMERA or MEMORY mode, slide NIGHTSHOT to ON.

and “NIGHTSHOT” indicators flash on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

To cancel the NightShot function, slide NIGHTSHOT to OFF.

Recording – Basics

NIGHTSHOT

OFF ON SUPER NIGHTSHOT

NightShot Light emitter

21

Recording a picture

Using 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 LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

(2) Press SUPER NIGHTSHOT.

on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
To cancel the Super NightShot mode, press SUPER NIGHTSHOT again.

Using the NightShot Light

The picture will be clearer with the NightShot Light on. To enable NightShot Light, set
N.S.LIGHT to ON in the menu settings (p. 65).

Notes

•Do not use the NightShot function in bright places (ex. outdoors in the daytime). This

may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

•When you keep NIGHTSHOT set to ON in normal recording, the picture may be

recorded in incorrect or unnatural colors.

•If focusing is difficult with the autofocus mode when using the NightShot function,

focus manually.

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

22

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 10 feet (3 m).

Recording a picture

Self-timer recording

Recording with the self-timer starts in 10 seconds automatically. This mode is useful
when you want to record yourself. You can also the Remote Commander for this
operation.

(1) Press (self-timer) in the standby mode. The (self-timer) indicator appears

on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

(2) Press START/STOP.

Self-timer starts counting down from 10 with a beep sound. In the last two
seconds of the countdown, the beep sound gets faster, then recording starts
automatically.

Recording – Basics

START/STOP

1

(self-timer)

2

(

CHARGE

OFF

)

CAMERA

To stop the self-timer recording

Press START/STOP.
Use the Remote Commander for convenience.

To record still images using the self-timer

Press PHOTO in step 2. (p. 31)

To cancel self-timer recording

Press (self-timer) so that the indicator disappears from the LCD or viewfinder
screen while your camcorder is in the standby mode.

Note

The self-timer recording mode is automatically cancelled when:
– Self-timer recording is finished.
– The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHARGE) or VTR.

VTR

MEMORY

23

Checking the recording

– END SEARCH / EDITSEARCH / Rec Review

You can use these buttons to check the recorded picture or shoot so that the transition
between the last recorded scene and the next scene you record is smooth.

END SEARCH

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

Press END SEARCH in the standby 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.

EDITSEARCH

You can search for the next recording start point.

EDIT SEARCH

END

SEARCH

24

Hold down the +/– (7) side of EDITSEARCH in the standby mode. The recorded
section is played back.

+ : to go forward

– : to go backward
Release EDITSEARCH to stop playback. If you press START/STOP, re-recording begins
from the point you released EDITSEARCH. You cannot monitor the sound.

Rec Review

You can check the section which you have stopped most recently.

Press the – ( 7) side of EDITSEARCH momentarily in the standby mode.
The section you have stopped most recently will be played back for a few seconds, and
then your camcorder will return to the standby mode. You can monitor the sound from
the speaker or headphones.

Notes

•END SEARCH, EDITSEARCH and Rec Review work only for tapes recorded in the

Digital8 system.

•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, t he 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.

— Playback – Basics —

Playing back a tape

You can monitor the playback picture on the LCD screen. If you close the LCD panel,
you can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can control playback using
the Remote Commander supplied with your camcorder.

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

video control buttons light up.

(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.

VTR

2

OFF

CAMERA

MEMORY

Playback – Basics

4

REW

5

PLAY

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.

25

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.

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 your camcorder or 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

26

AUTO

JUL 4 2000
12:05:56 AM

60 AWB

9dB

F1.6

Not to display recording date

Set DATA CODE to DATE in the menu settings (p. 65).
The display changes as follows:
date/time t no indicator

Notes on the data code function

•The data code function works only for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system.

•Various settings of the recording data are not recorded when recording images on

“Memory Stick.”

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.

Playing back a tape

Various playback modes

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

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 plays
back and stops.

In the various playback modes

•Noise may appear when your camcorder plays back tapes recorded in the Hi8/
standard 8 system.

•Sound is muted.

•The previous recording may appear as a mosaic image when playing back in the
Digital8 system.

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.

Slow playback for tapes recorded in the Digital8 system

The slow playback can be performed smoothly on your camcorder; however, this
function does not work for an output signal from the DV IN/OUT jack.

When you play back a tape in reverse

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

Playback – Basics

27

Viewing the recording on TV

Connect your camcorder to your TV or VCR with the A/V connecting cable supplied
with your camcorder to watch the playback picture on the TV screen. You can operate
the playback control buttons in the same way as when you monitor playback pictures
on the LCD screen. When monitoring the playback picture on the TV screen, we
recommend that you power your camcorder from a wall outlet using the AC power
adaptor (p. 15). Refer to the operating instructions of your TV or VCR.

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

S VIDEO

AUDIO / VIDEO

: Signal flow

If your TV is already connected to a VCR

Connect your camcorder to the LINE IN input on the VCR by using the A/V connecting
cable supplied with your camcorder. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE.

If your TV or VCR is a monaural type

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video input jack and the
white or the red plug to the audio input jack on the VCR or the TV. If you connect the
white plug, the sound is L (left) signal. If you connect the red plug, the sound is R
(right) signal.

If your TV or VCR has an S video jack

Connect using an S video cable (not supplied) to obtain high-quality pictures.
With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V
connecting cable.
Connect an S video cable (not supplied) to the S video jacks on both your camcorder
and the TV or the VCR.

IN

S VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO

28

Viewing the recording on TV

Using the AV cordless IR receiver

Once you connect the AV cordless IR receiver (not supplied) to your TV or VCR, you
can easily view the picture on your TV. For details, refer to the operating instructions of
the AV cordless IR receiver.

S.LASER LINK

Super laser link emitter

Before operation

Attach the power supply such as the AC power adaptor to your camcorder, and insert
the recorded tape.

(1) After connecting your TV and AV cordless IR receiver, set the POWER switch

on the AV cordless IR receiver to ON.

(2) Turn the TV on and set the TV/VCR selector on the TV to VCR.
(3) Set the POWER switch on your camcorder to VTR.
(4) Press S. LASER LINK. The lamp of S.LASER LINK lights up.
(5) Press N on your camcorder to start playback.
(6) Point the super laser link emitter at the AV cordless IR receiver. Adjust the

position of your camcorder and the AV cordless IR receiver to obtain clear
playback pictures.

To cancel the super laser link function

Press S.LASER LINK. The lamp on the S.LASER LINK button goes out.

If you use a Sony TV

•You can turn on the TV automatically when you press S.LASER LINK on your
camcorder. To do so, do as follows in advance:
– Turn the TV’s main switch on.
– Set AUTO TV ON to ON in the menu settings.
– Point the super laser link emitter of your camcorder at the TV’s remote sensor.

•You can switch the video input of the TV automatically to the one which the AV
cordless IR receiver is connected. To do so, set AUTO TV ON to ON and TV INPUT to
the same video input (1, 2, 3) in the menu settings. With some models, however, the
picture and sound may be disconnected momentarily when the video input is
switched.

•The above feature may not work on some TV models.

If you turn the power off

Super laser link function turns off automatically.

When super laser link is activated (the S.LASER LINK button is lit)

Your camcorder consumes power. Press S.LASER LINK to turn off the super laser link
function when it is not needed.

is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Playback – Basics

29

— Advanced Recording Operations —

Recording a still image on a tape – Tape Photo recording

You can record a still image like a photograph. This mode is useful when you want to
record an image such as a photograph or when you print a picture using a video printer
(not supplied).
You can record about 510 images in the SP mode and about 765 images in the LP mode
on a tape which can record for 60 minutes in the SP mode.
Besides the operation described here, your camcorder can record still images on
“Memory Stick”s (p. 74).

(1) In the standby mode, keep pressing PHOTO lightly until a still image appears.

The CAPTURE indicator appears. Recording does not start yet.
To change the still image, release PHOTO, select a still image again, and then
press and hold PHOTO lightly.

(2) Press PHOTO deeper.

The still image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder is recorded for about seven
seconds. The sound during those seven seconds is also recorded.
The still image is displayed on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder untill recording
is completed.

1

2

PHOTO PHOTO

Notes

•During the tape photo recording, you cannot change the mode or setting.

•The PHOTO button does not work:
– while the digital effect function is set or in use.
– while the fader function is in use.

•When recording a still image, do not shake your camcorder. Mosaic-pattern noise may
appear on the image.

To use tape photo recording function using the Remote Commander

Press PHOTO in the Remote Commander. Your camcorder record an image on the LCD
screen or in the viewfinder immediately.

When you use the tape photo recording function during normal CAMERA
recording

You cannot check an image on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder by pressing PHOTO
lightly. Press PHOTO deeper. The still image is then recorded for about seven seconds,
and your camcorder returns to the standby mode. During the seven seconds to record,
you cannot shoot another still image.

CAPTURE

•••••••

30