Sony DCRTRV950 Users Manual

Shooting with the zebra pattern

You can set the camcorder to display a zebra pattern (diagonal stripes) in the portion of the picture on the screen with a subject whose brightness exceeds a certain level. You can check the picture level of a subject by displaying the zebra pattern. Use the zebra pattern as a guide for adjusting the exposure so that you can get the desired picture. The zebra pattern is not recorded in the tape or the “Memory Stick.”

Set the ZEBRA selector to 70 or 100 while the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only).

ZEBRA

OFF 70 100

Setting

100

OFF

Meaning

The zebra pattern appears in the portion of the picture on the screen with a subject whose brightness is about 70 IRE.

The zebra pattern appears in the portion of the picture on the screen with a subject whose brightness exceeds more than 100 IRE.

The zebra pattern does not appear on the screen.

To erase the zebra pattern

Set the ZEBRA selector to OFF.

When the ZEBRA selector is set to 100

The portion of the picture where zebra pattern appears is an area of high brightness and overexposure.

Advanced Recording Operations

Using the color bar

If you press COLOR BAR, the color bar is displayed on the screen. Use the color bar in the following cases: – At the beginning of the recording, the recorded images may be unstable. To avoid

this, record the color bar first and start recording the desired images when the captured images become clear.

– To adjust screen color.

Press COLOR BAR while the POWER switch is set to CAMERA. If you press COLOR BAR again the color bar disappears.

When you adjust color on the screen

Connect your camcorder to the TV (p. 45) and adjust image color on the TV screen.

COLOR BAR

While the color bar is displayed

The following functions do not work. However, the settings before the color bar is displayed are retained. – BACK LIGHT – SPOT LIGHT – Picture effect – Digital effect – PROGRAM AE – Shutter speed adjustment – White balance adjustment – Exposure – MEMORY MIX

While the color bar is displayed during Picture effect, Digital effect or MEMORY MIX

These effects cannot be added on the color bar.

While using the fader

The color bar cannot be displayed.

Shooting with manual adjustment

AUTO LOCK selector

Set the selector as shown below to maintain or release the settings of the functions. Manually adjusted functions are retained even if you set the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK. However, all functions will automatically return to the default settings five minutes after removing the power supply.

AUTO LOCK [a]

Select this position to lock the PROGRAM AE, Shutter speed, White balance, Exposure and Flexible spot meter functions in order to make these function automatically adjusted. We recommend that you set the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK if you use the video flash light (optional).

AUTO LOCK release [b]

Select this position for setting the functions manually.

HOLD [c]

Select AUTO LOCK release [b], and set the functions manually. Select this position [c] to maintain the settings.

[b]

[a] [c]

Advanced Recording Operations

AUTO LOCK

Using the PROGRAM AE

You can select the PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) to suit your specific shooting requirements.

Soft portrait

This mode brings out the subject while creating a soft background for subjects such as people or flowers.

Sports lesson

This mode minimizes camera-shake on fast-moving subjects such as in tennis or golf.

Beach & ski

This mode prevents people’s faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer or on a ski slope.

Sunset & moon

This mode allows you to maintain atmosphere when you are recording sunsets, general night views, fireworks displays and neon signs.

Landscape

This mode is for when you are recording distant subjects such as mountains, and prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows when you are recording a subject behind glass or a screen.

HOLD

Shooting with manual adjustment

(1) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position while

the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK(DCR-TRV950 only). (p. 67)

(2) Press PROGRAM AE. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired mode, then press the dial.

The indicator changes as follows:

y y y y

PROGRAM

AUTO

LOCK

To cancel the PROGRAM AE

Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the AUTO LOCK or press PROGRAM AE. The PROGRAM AE indicator disappears.

HOLD

Shooting with manual adjustment

Notes

•Because your camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance, you cannot take close-ups in the following modes: – Sports lesson – Beach & ski

•Your camcorder is set to focus only on distant subjects in the following modes: – Sunset & moon – Landscape

•The following functions do not work in the PROGRAM AE: – BOUNCE – OLD MOVIE – Shutter speed adjustment – Spot focus

•When you set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only), Sports lesson does not work. (The indicator flashes.)

The PROGRAM AE does not work

When you are recording images on a “Memory Stick” using the MEMORY MIX. (The indicator flashes.)

While WHT BAL is set to automatic adjustment

The white balance is adjusted even if the PROGRAM AE is selected.

You can adjust the following functions while using the PROGRAM AE

–Backlight – Spot light – Exposure – Flexible Spot Meter

Advanced Recording Operations

When recording under a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp or mercury lamp

Flickering phenomenon whilch lights up or dims the screen, or the color change may occur in the following modes. If this happens, turn the PROGRAM AE off. – Soft portrait – Sports lesson

Shooting with manual adjustment

Adjusting the shutter speed

You can adjust the shutter speed manually to suit your preference and with its shutter speed fixed.

(1) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position while the

POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK(DCR-TRV950 only). (p. 67)

(2) Press SHUTTER SPEED. The shutter speed indicator appears on the screen. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired speed. The available

shutter speed ranges from 1/4 to 1/10000. As you turn the dial, the shutter speed changes as follows: [CAMERA] 1/4 y 1/8 y 1/15 y 1/30 y ... y 1/4000 y 1/6000 y 1/10000 [MEMORY/NETWORK] 1/60 y 1/90 y 1/100 y 1/125 y 1/180 y 1/250 y 1/350 y 1/500 The shutter speed increases when a smaller number is selected. The size of the picture displayed on the screen also increases. Conversely, the shutter speed is slower when a larger number is selected. The picture displayed on the screen will thus decrease in size.

SHUTTER

SPEED

AUTO

LOCK

To return to automatic shutter speed mode

Set the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK or press SHUTTER SPEED. The shutter speed indicator disappears.

Notes

•If you set the shutter speed value to 1/30 or smaller, You cannot use the flash and the digital effect.

•The Shutter speed cannot be adjusted while you are using the following functions. – PROGRAM AE – Exposure – Flexible spot meter

If you press PROGRAM AE

Shutter speed adjusted manually returns to the automatic shutter speed.

HOLD

Shooting with manual adjustment

When shooting at slow shutter speed

At slow shutter speed, automatic focus may be lost. Use a tripod and adjust the focus manually.

When recording under a discharge tube such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium lamp or mercury lamp

Flickering phenomenon whilch lights up or dims the screen, or the color change may occur depending on the shutter speed.

When the POWER switch is set to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only)

Shutter speeds available in the MEMORY/NETWORK(DCR-TRV950 only) mode are different from those in the CAMERA mode.

Even if you set the shutter speed faster than 1/500 or slower than 1/60 while the POWER switch is set to CAMERA, the shutter speed setting is automatically reset to 1/500 or 1/60 respectively if you set the POWER switch to MEMORY/ NETWORK(DCR-TRV950 only).

Advanced Recording Operations

Shooting with manual adjustment

Adjusting the white balance

White balance adjustment makes white subjects look white and allows more natural color balance for camera recording. You can obtain better results by adjusting the white balance manually when lighting conditions change quickly or when recording outdoors: e.g., neon signs, fireworks.

(1) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position while

the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCRTRV950 only). (p. 67)

(2) Press WHT BAL. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the appropriate white balance mode

under the following conditions. As you turn the dial, the display changes as follows:

(One-push white balance) y (Outdoor) y n (Indoor)

WHT BAL

Indicator

(One-push

white balance)

(Outdoor)

n (Indoor)

AUTO LOCK

Shooting conditions

•Adjusting the white balance according to the light source. Follow the procedure described on the next page to adjust the setting again.

•Recording a sunset/sunrise, just after sunset, just before sunrise, neon signs, or fireworks

•Under a color matching fluorescent lamp

•Lighting condition changes quickly

•Too bright a place such as a photography studio

•Under sodium lamps or mercury lamps

HOLD

Shooting with manual adjustment

If you have selected in step 3

When you set the white balance to one-push white balance mode, the setting is locked and maintained even if lighting conditions change. You can achieve recording with natural colors without the image being affected by ambient light.

(1) Shoot a white object such as paper fully with displayed on the screen in the

recording standby.

(2) Press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial.

The indicator flashes quickly. When the white balance has been adjusted and stored in the memory, the indicator stops flashing. The setting will be maintained even after removing the power supply.

To return to automatic adjustment

Set the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK or press WHT BAL. The white balance indicator disappears.

If the picture is being taken in a studio lit by TV lighting

We recommend that you record in the n (indoor) mode.

When you record under fluorescent lamp

Use the automatic white balance mode or the (one-push white balance) mode. Your camcorder may not adjust the white balance correctly if you use the n (indoor) mode.

Shooting when lighting conditions have changed

Readjust the white balance while the camcorder is in standby mode. White balance cannot be adjusted in the (One-push white balance) mode during recording.

Advanced Recording Operations

If the indicator does not stop flashing after you press the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

The white balance cannot be set. Use the automatic mode for recording.

In automatic white balance mode

Point your camcorder at a white subject for about 10 seconds after setting the POWER switch to CAMERA to get a better adjustment when:

– You detach the battery for replacement. – You bring your camcorder outdoors from the interior of a house, or vice versa.

Shooting with manual adjustment

Adjusting the exposure

You can manually adjust and set the exposure. Adjust the exposure manually in the following cases: – When you need a fine adjustment for the backlit subjects. – When shooting subjects and dark backgrounds. – When recording dark pictures (e.g. night scenes) faithfully.

(1) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position while

the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK(DCR-TRV950 only). (p. 67)

(2) Press EXPOSURE. The exposure indicator appears. (3) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the brightness.

EXPOSURE

AUTO

LOCK

To return to automatic exposure

Set the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK or press EXPOSURE. The exposure indicator disappears.

When you adjust the exposure manually, the following functions do not work:

– Backlight – Spot light – Shutter speed adjustment

If you press PROGRAM AE

Your camcorder also returns to automatic exposure.

HOLD

Shooting with manual adjustment

Using the spot light-metering – Flexible Spot Meter

You can take a picture with the appropriate exposure automatically for just the point you want to focus on and with its exposure fixed. Use the Flexible Spot Meter in the following cases: – When adjusting the exposure manually to shoot the backlit subjects. – When there is strong contrast between the subject and background such as with a

subject that is on stage and lighted by a spotlight.

(1) Set the AUTO LOCK selector to the center (auto lock release) position while

the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or MEMORY/NETWORK (DCRTRV950 only). (p. 67)

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1. (3) Press SPOT METER. The SPOT METER screen appears. (4) Press the desired area in the frame on the LCD screen.

The SPOT METER indicator flashes on the LCD screen. The exposure of the point you selected is adjusted.

(5) Press

OK to return to PAGE1.

3~5

METER

SPOT

PAGE1 PAGE2

SPOT

DIG

FOCUS

EFFT

MEM M I X

AUTO LOCK

EXIT

END SCH

SPOT

METER

SPOT METER

AUTO

HOLD

Advanced Recording Operations

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To return to automatic exposure

Set the AUTO LOCK selector to AUTO LOCK or press AUTO to return to PAGE1.

The following functions do not work during Flexible Spot Meter

– Backlight – Spot light – Shutter speed adjustment

If you press PROGRAM AE

Your camcorder also returns to automatic exposure.

Focusing manually

You can gain better results by manually adjusting the focus in the following cases. Normally, focus is automatically adjusted.

•The autofocus is not effective when shooting: – Subjects through glass coated with water droplets – Horizontal stripes – Subjects with little contrast with backgrounds such as walls and sky

•When you want to change the focus from a subject in the foreground to a subject in the background.

•Shooting a stationary subject when using a tripod.

(1) Set FOCUS to MAN while the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or

MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only). The 9 indicator appears.

(2) Turn the focus ring to sharpen focus.

Focus ring

AUTO

MAN

INFINITY

FOCUS

PUSH AUTO

To return to the autofocus

Set FOCUS to AUTO.

To record distant subjects

When you set FOCUS to INFINITY, the focus changes to a setting appropriate for an object in the far distance, and the indicator appears. When you release FOCUS, your camcorder returns to the manual focus. Use this mode when your camcorder focuses on near objects even though you are trying to shoot a distant object.

To shoot with auto focusing momentarily

Press PUSH AUTO. The auto focus functions while you are pressing PUSH AUTO. Use this button to focus on one subject and then another with smooth focusing. When you release PUSH AUTO, manual focusing resumes.

Focusing manually

To focus precisely

It is easier to focus on subjects if you adjust the zoom to shoot at the “W” (wide-angle) after focusing at the “T” (telephoto) position.

When you shoot close to the subject

Focus at the end of the “W” (wide-angle) position.

9 changes as follows:

when recording a distant subject when the subject is too close to focus on

Focal distance information is displayed for about three seconds on the screen in the following cases:

– When switching the focus adjustment mode from autofocus to manual – When turning the focus ring

Focal distance information

– This information aids focusing if it is not easy to focus on the subject, for example,

when recording in the dark. Use this information as a rough guide to get a sharp focus.

– You cannot get correct information if you have attached a conversion lens (optional)

to your camcorder.

Advanced Recording Operations

Using the spot focus – Spot Focus

You can take a picture with the appropriate focus automatically for just the point you want to focus on and with its focus fixed.

(1) Set FOCUS to MAN while the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or

MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1. (3) Press SPOT FOCUS. The SPOT FOCUS screen appears. (4) Press the desired area in the frame on the LCD screen.

The SPOT FOCUS indicator flashes on the LCD screen. The spot focus of the point you selected is adjusted.

(5) Press

OK to return to PAGE1.

3~5

SPOT

FOCUS

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To return to the autofocus

Set FOCUS to AUTO.

When Using PROGRAM AE

Spot focus do not work.

Focal distance information

It is not displayed on the screen.

PAGE1 PAGE2

SPOT

DIG

FOCUS

EFFT

INFINITY

MEM M I X

AUTO

MAN

EXIT

END SCH

SPOT

METER

FOCUS

PUSH AUTO

SPOT FOCUS

Adjusting recording level manually – Sound recording level

You can adjust the recording sound level. Use headphones to monitor the sound when you adjust it.

(1) Set MIC LEVEL in to MANUAL in the menu setting while the POWER

switch is set to CAMERA or VCR. (p. 214)

(2) Press MENU to erase the menu display. (3) Press AUDIO LEVEL to display the recording level adjustment display in

standby mode.

(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to adjust the recording level.

Advanced Recording Operations

TAPE SET

REC MODE AUD

O MODE REMA M

C LEVEL

RETURN

[MENU] : END [MENU] : END

AUTO MANUAL

TAPE SET

REC MODE AUD

O MODE REMA M

C LEVEL

RETURN

[MENU] : END

MANUAL

[a] Recording level meter [b]Decreases the recording level [c] Increases the recording level

To clear the recording level adjustment display

Press AUDIO LEVEL.

To return to automatic recording sound level

Set MIC LEVEL to AUTO in the menu setting.

AUDIO LEVEL

[a]

30 20 12 0 dB

[b][c]

Adjusting recording level manually – Sound recording level

Notes on the manual adjustment

•The recording level setting is retained for about five minutes even after removing the power supply.

•The recording level indicator appears at the lower-right on the screen.

The sound input through the AUDIO/VIDEO jack or the DV Interface

You cannot adjust the recording level.

When MIC LEVEL is set to AUTO

You cannot adjust the recording level, however, the recording level adjustment display is displayed.

Interval recording

You can make a time-lapse recording by setting the camcorder to automatically record and standby sequentially. You can achieve an excellent recording for flowering, gradual appearances, etc., with this function.

Example

1 s 1 s

[a] [b]

[c]

[a]REC TIME [b]Waiting time [c] INTERVAL

(1) In the standby, set INT. REC in to SET in the menu setting. (p. 209) (2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to set INTERVAL and REC TIME.

1 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select INTERVAL, then press the dial. 2 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired interval time, then

press the dial. The time: 30SEC y 1MIN y 5MIN y 10MIN

3 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select REC TIME, then press the dial. 4 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired recording time, then

press the dial. The time: 0.5SEC y 1SEC y 1.5SEC y 2SEC

5 Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select

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

9 min 59 s

10 min10 min

RETURN, then press the dial.

Advanced Recording Operations

CAMERA SET D ZOOM PHOTO REC 16:9WIDE STEADYSHOT FRAME REC INT. REC RETURN

[

MENU] : END

CAMERA SET D ZOOM

PHOTO REC

16:9WIDE STEADYSHOT FRAME REC INT. REC RETURN

[

MENU] : END

CAMERA SET INT. REC

INTERVAL REC TIME RETURN

[

MENU] : END

STBY

CAMERA SET INT. REC INTERVAL REC TIME RETURN

[

MENU] : END

ON OFF SET

30SEC

0.5SEC

STBY

CAMERA SET INT. REC INTERVAL REC TIME RETURN

[

MENU] : END

CAMERA SET INT. REC INTERVAL REC TIME RETURN

[

MENU] : END

CAMERA SET

INT. REC INTERVAL REC TIME RETURN

[

MENU] : END

30SEC

30SEC 1MIN 5MIN 10MIN

0.5SEC 1SEC

1.5SEC 2SEC

STBY

(continued on the following page)

Interval recording

(4) Press MENU to erase the menu display. The INTERVAL indicator flashes. (5) Press START/STOP to start interval recording. The INTERVAL indicator

lights up.

To cancel the interval recording

Perform either of the following: – Set INT. REC to OFF in the menu settings. – Set the POWER switch to other than CAMERA.

STBY

INTERVAL

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/ NETWORK

To perform normal recording during the interval recording

Press START/STOP. The interval indicator flashes. During the waiting time you can perform normal recording only once. To stop normal recording, press START/STOP again. Step4 is displayed on the screen.

On recording time

There may be a discrepancy in the recording time of up to +/– six frames from the selected time.

When pressing START/STOP during recording time

Interval recording stops. To restart it, press START/STOP again.

Frame by frame recording – Frame recording

You can make a recording with a stop-motion animated effect using frame recording. To create this effect, alternately move the subject a little and make a frame recording. We recommend that you use a tripod, and operate your camcorder using the Remote Commander after step 3.

(1) In the standby, set FRAME REC in to ON in the menu setting. (p.209) (2) Press MENU to erase the menu display.

The FRAME REC indicator lights up.

(3) Press START/STOP to start frame recording. Your camcorder makes a

recording for about six frames, and returns to recording standby.

(4) Move the subject, and repeat step 3.

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/ NETWORK

Advanced Recording Operations

CAMERA SET D ZOOM PHOTO REC 16:9WIDE STEADYSHOT FRAME REC INT. REC RETURN

[MENU] : END

STBY

OFF ON

CAMERA SET D ZOOM PHOTO REC 16:9WIDE

STEADYSHOT FRAME REC INT. REC RETURN

[MENU] : END

STBY

To cancel the frame recording

Perform either of the following: – Set FRAME REC to OFF in the menu settings. – Set the POWER switch to other than CAMERA.

Note

The remaining tape time is not indicated correctly if you use this function continuously.

When using the frame recording

The last recorded frame is longer than other frames.

— Advanced Playback Operations —

Playing back tapes with picture effect

During playback, you can process a scene using the following picture effect: NEG. ART, SEPIA, B&W and SOLARIZE.

(1) In the playback or playback pause, press MENU, then select P EFFECT in

with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial, then press the dial (p. 208).

(2) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired mode, then press the dial.

For details of each picture effect, see page 58.

MANUAL SET

P EFFECT RETURN

[

MENU] : END

OFF

NEG. ART

SEPIA

B&W

SOLARIZE

To cancel the picture effect

Set P EFFECT to OFF in the menu settings.

Notes

•You cannot process externally input scenes using picture effect.

•You cannot record images on a tape on your camcorder when you have processed the image using the picture effect. However, you can record images on a “Memory Stick” (p. 144, 156), or on a VCR using your camcorder as a player.

Pictures processed by picture effect

Pictures processed by picture effect are not output through the DV Interface.

When you set the POWER switch to OFF (CHG) or stop playing back

Picture effect is automatically canceled.

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