Sony DCRTRV950 User Manual

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Using a touch panel

Most operation buttons for use of a “Memory Stick” are displayed on the LCD screen. Touch the LCD screen directly with your finger or the supplied stylus (DCR-TRV950 only) to operate each function.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only). Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the further side (unlock position).

(2) Press OPEN to open the LCD panel. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. You can switch the memory playback/memory camera by pressing PLAY/CAM.

(3) Press FN. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen.

(4) Press PAGE2 to go to PAGE2. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. (5) Press PAGE3 to go to PAGE3. Operation buttons appear on the LCD screen. (6) Press a desired operation item.

Refer to relevant pages for each function.

3~6	1	VCR	POWER
FN
	LOCK	OFF(CHG)
		CAMERA	NETWORK
			MEMORY/

In the memory camera

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3 EXIT
SELF
TIMER
SPOT	PLAY	INDEX	SPOT
FOCUS			METER

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3			EXIT
LCD	PLAY	INDEX	MEM	2
BRT			M I X

	In the memory	In the memory
PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3	camera	playback (still
	EXIT	image)
SLIDE PLAY INDEX	9PIC
SHOW	PRINT
	PLAY INDEX FN	– + CAM INDEX FN

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Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

To return to FN

Press EXIT.

To execute settings

Press OK.

To cancel settings

Press OFF to return to PAGE1/PAGE2/PAGE3.

Notes

•When using the touch panel, press operation buttons with your thumb supporting the LCD screen from the back side of it or press those buttons lightly with your index finger.

•Do not press the LCD screen with sharp-pointed objects other than the supplied stylus. (DCR-TRV950 only)

•Do not press the LCD screen too hard.

•Do not touch the LCD screen with wet hands.

•If FN is not on the LCD screen, touch the LCD screen lightly to make it appear. You can control the display with DISPLAY/TOUCH PANEL on your camcorder.

•When operation buttons do not work even if you press them, an adjustment is required (CALIBRATION) (p. 238).

•When the LCD screen gets dirty, clean it with the supplied cleaning cloth.

When executing each item

The green bar appears above the item.

If the items are not available

The color of the items changes to gray.

Press FN to display the following buttons:

In the memory camera

PAGE1	SELFTIMER, SPOT FOCUS, PLAY, INDEX, SPOT METER
PAGE2	LCD BRT, PLAY, INDEX, MEM MIX
PAGE3	SLIDE SHOW, PLAY, INDEX, 9PIC PRINT
In the memory playback
PAGE1	PB ZOOM, CAM, INDEX, DELETE, + , –
PAGE2	LCD BRT, CAM, INDEX, + , –
PAGE3	SLIDE SHOW, CAM, INDEX, 9PIC PRINT, + , –

130

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Selecting the still image quality

You can select the image quality in still image recording. The default setting is SUPER FINE.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only) or VCR. Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the further side (unlock position).

(2) Press MENU, then select STILL SET in with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial (p. 211).

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

(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired image quality , then press the dial.

1

LOCK

	POWER
VCR
OFF(CHG)
CAMERA	NETWORK
	MEMORY/

3	MEMORY SET
	STILL SET
	BURST
	QUALITY	SUPER FINE
	IMAGESIZE	FINE
	RETURN	STANDARD
		REMAIN
	[MENU] : END	12
4	MEMORY SET
	STILL SET
	BURST
	QUALITY	STANDARD
	IMAGESIZE
	RETURN

REMAIN

36

MENU	[MENU] : END

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Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Image quality settings

Setting	Meaning
SUPER FINE (SFN)	This is the highest image quality in your camcorder.
	The number of still images you can record is less than
	in FINE mode. Super fine images are compressed to
	about 1/3.
FINE (FINE)	Use this mode when you want to record high quality
	images. Fine images are compressed to about 1/6.
STANDARD (STD)	This is the standard image quality in your camcorder.
	Standard images are compressed to about 1/10.

Note

In some cases, changing the image quality may not affect the image quality, depending on the type of images you are shooting.

Differences in image quality

Recorded images are compressed in JPEG format before being stored in memory. The memory capacity allotted to each image varies depending on the selected image quality and image size. Details are shown in the table below. (You can select 1152 × 864 or 640 × 480 image size in the menu settings.)

1152 × 864 image size

Image quality	Memory capacity
SUPER FINE	About 600 KB
FINE	About 300 KB
STANDARD	About 200 KB
640 × 480 image size
Image quality	Memory capacity
SUPER FINE	About 190 KB
FINE	About 100 KB
STANDARD	About 60 KB

Image quality indicator

The image quality indicator is not displayed during playback.

When you select image quality

The number of images you can shoot in the currently selected image quality appears on the screen.

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Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Selecting the image size

You can select either of two image sizes

Still images: 1152 × 864 or 640 × 480. (When the POWER switch is set to CAMERA or VCR, the image size is automatically set to 640 × 480.)

The default setting is 1152 × 864. Moving pictures: 320 × 240 or 160 × 112

The default setting is 320 × 240.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only). Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the further side (unlock position).

(2) Press MENU, then turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select STILL SET (still image) or MOVIE SET (moving picture) in , then press the dial (p. 211).

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

(4) Turn the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial to select the desired image size, then press the dial.

The indicator changes as follows:

1

LOCK

Still images:	1152				640
Moving pictures:								160
		320

VCR	POWER	3 STILL SET		MOVIE SET
OFF(CHG)		MEMORY SET	1152	MEMORY SET	320
		STILL SET		MOVIE SET
		BURST		IMAGESIZE	320 × 240
CAMERA	NETWORK	QUALITY		REMAIN	160 × 112
		IMAGESIZE	1152 × 864	RETURN
	MEMORY/	RETURN	640 × 480
			REMAIN		REMAIN
		[MENU] : END	12	[MENU] : END	1min

4 STILL SET	MOVIE SET
MEMORY SET	MEMORY SET
STILL SET	MOVIE SET
BURST	IMAGESIZE 160 × 112
QUALITY	REMAIN
IMAGESIZE 640 × 480	RETURN
RETURN
REMAIN	REMAIN
40	5min
[MENU] : END	[MENU] : END
MENU

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Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Image size settings

Setting

Meaning

Indicator

1152 × 864 Records 1152 × 864 still images.

1152

640 × 480 Records 640 × 480 still images.

640

320 × 240 Records 320 × 240 moving pictures.

320

160 × 112 Records 160 × 112 moving pictures.

160

Approximate number of still images you can record on a “Memory Stick”

The number of images you can record varies depending on which image quality and image size you select and the complexity of the subject.

					Type of the “Memory Stick”
	Image quality	Image size		8MB	16MB	32MB	64MB	128MB
				(supplied)	(optional)	(optional)	(optional)	(optional)
	SUPER FINE	1152	× 864	12 images	25 images	51 images	100 images	205 images
		640	× 480	40 images	80 images	160 images	325 images	650 images
	FINE	1152	× 864	25 images	50 images	100 images	205 images	415 images
		640	× 480	80 images	160 images	325 images	650 images	1310 images
	STANDARD	1152	× 864	37 images	74 images	150 images	300 images	600 images
		640	× 480	120 images	240 images	485 images	980 images	1970 images

Approximate time of moving pictures you can record on a “Memory Stick”

The time of moving pictures you can record varies depending on which image size you select and the complexity of the subject.

				Type of the “Memory Stick”
	Image size
			8MB	16MB	32MB	64MB	128MB
			(supplied)	(optional)	(optional)	(optional)	(optional)
	320	× 240	1 min.	2 min.	5 min.	10 min.	21 min.
			20 sec.	40 sec.	20 sec.	40 sec.	20 sec.
	160	× 112	5 min.	10 min.	21 min.	42 min.	85 min.
			20 sec.	40 sec.	20 sec.	40 sec.	20 sec.

The table above shows approximate number and times of still images and moving pictures you can record on a “Memory Stick” formatted by your camcorder.

Note

When still images recorded on your camcorder in 1152 × 864 size are played back on other equipment that does not support 1152 × 864 size, the full image may not appear, or images in the reduced size may appear in the center of the screen.

134

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”– Memory Photo recording

You can record still images on a “Memory Stick.”

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only). Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the further side (unlock position).

(2) Press PHOTO lightly. The green z mark stops flashing, then lights up. The brightness of the image and focus are adjusted, being targeted for the middle of the image and are fixed. Recording does not start yet.

(3) Press PHOTO deeper.

The still image will be displayed after the shutter sounds. Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

The image when you pressed PHOTO deeper will be recorded on the “Memory Stick.”

1

LOCK

	POWER
VCR
OFF(CHG)
CAMERA	NETWORK
	MEMORY/

2

	TO
O
PH

		[a][b]
1152 SFN		1 /	12
	PLAY	INDEX			FN

3

1152

SFN

	TO
O
PH

PLAY INDEX

FN

[a]: Number of recorded images

[b]: Approximate number of images can be recorded on the “Memory Stick”

You can record still images on a “Memory Stick” in the tape recording or recording standby

For the details, see p. 46.

Operations Stick” “Memory

135

Recording still images on a“Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

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

The following functions do not work:

–Digital zoom

–Wide mode

–Fader

–Picture effect

–Digital effect

–Sports lesson of PROGRAM AE (The indicator flashes.)

–Title

While you are recording a still image

You can neither turn off the power nor press PHOTO.

When you press PHOTO on the Remote Commander

Your camcorder immediately records the image that is on the screen when you press the button.

When you press PHOTO lightly in step 2

The image momentarily flickers. This is not a malfunction.

Recording data

The recording data (date/time or various settings when recorded) are not displayed while recording. However, they are recorded automatically onto the “Memory Stick.” To display the recording data, press the DATA CODE button during playback. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation (p. 41).

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

The angle of view is slightly larger compared with the angle of view when the POWER switch is set to CAMERA.

136

Recording still images on a“Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

Recording images continuously

You can record still images continuously. Before recording, select one of the four modes described below in the menu settings.

NORMAL [a]

Your camcorder shoots up to four still images in 1152 × 864 size or 13 still images in 640 × 480 size at about 0.5 sec intervals. ( )

EXP BRKTG (Exposure Bracketing)

Your camcorder automatically shoots three images at about 0.5 sec intervals at different exposures. ( )

MULTI SCRN (Multi Screen) [b]

Your camcorder shoots nine still images at about 0.4 sec intervals and displays the images on a single page divided into nine boxes. Still images are recorded in 640 × 480 size. ( )

[a]							[b]

Operations Stick” “Memory

137

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only). Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the further side (unlock position).

(2) Press MENU, then select BURST while STILL SET is selected in , then press the dial (p. 211).

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

(4) Press MENU to make the menu setting disappear. (5) Press PHOTO deeper.

PHOTO
2	MEMORY SET		MEMORY SET
	STILL SET		STILL SET
	BURST	OFF	BURST	OFF
	QUALITY		QUALITY	NORMAL
	IMAGESIZE		IMAGESIZE	EXP BRKTG
	RETURN		RETURN	MULTI SCRN
	[MENU] : END		[MENU] : END
3	MEMORY SET		MEMORY SET
	STILL SET		STILL SET
	BURST	OFF	BURST	NORMAL
	QUALITY	NORMAL	QUALITY
	IMAGESIZE	EXP BRKTG	IMAGESIZE
	RETURN	MULTI SCRN	RETURN
MENU
	[MENU] : END		[MENU] : END

If the capacity of the “Memory Stick” becomes full

” FULL” appears on the screen, and you cannot record a still image on this “Memory Stick.”

The number of still images in continuous shooting

The number of still images you can shoot continuously varies depending on the image size and the capacity of the “Memory Stick.”

During recording still images continuously

The flash does not work.

The effect of exposure bracketing (EXP BRKTG)

The effect may not appear clearly on the LCD screen.

Checking images on a TV monitor or computer display for the expected effect is recommended.

When selecting NORMAL

Recording continues up to the maximum number of still images during pressing PHOTO deeper. Release PHOTO to stop recording.

When shooting with the self-timer or the Remote Commander

Your camcorder automatically records up to the maximum recordable number of still images.

138

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

If there is space remaining on the “Memory Stick” for less than three photos

You cannot carry out the exposure bracketing (EXP BRKTG). “ FULL” is displayed when you press PHOTO.

Recording images with the flash

The flash automatically pops up to strobe. The default setting is auto (no indicator). To change the flash mode, press (flash) repeatedly until the flash mode indicator appears on the screen.

(flash)

Each press of (flash) changes the indicator as follows:

tt t (no indicator)

Auto red-eye reduction: The flash fires before recording to reduce the red-eye

	phenomenon.
Forced flash:	The flash fires regardless of the surrounding brightness.
No flash:	The flash does not fire.

The flash is automatically adjusted to the appropriate brightness. You can also change FLASH LVL to the desired brightness in the menu settings (p. 208). Try recording various images to find the most appropriate setting for FLASH LVL.

Operations Stick” “Memory

139

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

Notes

•The recommended shooting distance using the built-in flash is 0.8 m to 2.5 m (2 3/5 feet to 8 1/3 feet).

•Attaching the lens hood or a conversion lens (optional) may block the light from the flash or cause lens shadow to appear.

•You cannot use an external flash (optional) and the built-in flash at the same time.

• (auto red-eye reduction) may not produce the desired effect depending on individual differences, the distance to the subject, the subject not looking at the prerecording flash or other conditions.

•The flash effect cannot be obtained easily when you use forced flash in a bright location.

•If it is not easy to focus on a subject automatically, for example, when recording in the dark, use HOLOGRAM AF (p. 141) or the focal distance information (p. 77) for focusing manually.

When the flashlight does not reach to the subjects

The color of the image may change.

If you leave your camcorder for five or more minutes after removing the power supply

Your camcorder returns to the default setting (auto).

The flash does not fire even if you select auto and (auto red-eye reduction) during the following operations:

–Spot light

–Shutter speed adjustment

–Sunset & moon of PROGRAM AE

–Landscape of PROGRAM AE

–Exposure

–Flexible Spot meter

When you use an external flash (optional) which does not have the auto red-eye reduction

You cannot select the auto red-eye reduction.

During recording images continuously

The flash does not work.

140

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

Shooting with an auxiliary light – HOLOGRAM AF

The HOLOGRAM AF is an auxiliary light source used for focusing on subjects in dark places.

Set HOLOGRAM F in to AUTO in the menu settings. (The default setting is AUTO.) When appears on the screen in a dark place, press PHOTO lightly. Then the auxiliary light will automatically emit until the subject is focused.

HOLOGRAM AF emitter

About HOLOGRAM AF

“HOLOGRAM AF (Auto-Focus),” an application of laser holograms, is a new AF optical system that enables still image shooting in dark places. Having gentler radiation than conventional high-brightness LEDs or lamps, the system satisfies Laser Class 1 (*) specification and thus maintains higher safety for human eyes.

No safety problems will be caused by directly looking into the HOLOGRAM AF emitter at a close range. However, it is not recommended to do so, because you may experience such effects like several minutes of image residual and dazzling, that you encounter after looking into a flashlight.

*HOLOGRAM AF satisfies Class 1(time base 30 000 seconds), specified in all of JIS (Japan), IEC(EU), and FDA(US) industry standards.

Complying with these standards identifies the laser product to be safe, under a condition that a human looks at the laser light either directly or even through a lens for 30 000 seconds.

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141

Recording still images on a“Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

Notes

•Attaching the lens hood or a conversion lens (optional) may obstruct the HOLOGRAM AF light and make focusing difficult. We recommend removing the lens hood or a conversion lens while shooting with the HOLOGRAM AF.

•If enough light does not reach the subject even if the HOLOGRAM AF emitter is emitted (recommended shooting distance is 2.5 m (8 1/3 feet)), the subject will not be focused.

•Focusing may be hampered if the light emitted from the HOLOGRAM AF is blocked by an obstruction.

•Focus is achieved as long as HOLOGRAM AF light reaches to the subject even if its light is slightly out of the middle position of the subject.

•If HOLOGRAM AF light is dim, it sometimes becomes difficult to focus. If this happens, wipe the HOLOGRAM AF emitter with a soft, dry cloth.

The HOLOGRAM AF does not emit when:

–Flash is set to No flash

–Focus manually

–Spot Focus

–Sunset & moon of PROGRAM AE

–Landscape of PROGRAM AE

–Continuous photo recording

When you use the external flash (optional) as well

HOLOGRAM AF emits.

142

Recording still images on a “Memory Stick”

– Memory Photo recording

Self-timer memory photo recording

You can record images on a “Memory Stick” with the self-timer. You can also use the Remote Commander for this operation.

(1) Set the POWER switch to MEMORY/NETWORK (DCR-TRV950 only). Make sure that the LOCK switch is set to the further side (unlock position).

(2) Press FN to display PAGE1. (3) Press SELFTIMER.

The (self-timer) indicator appears on the screen. (4) Press PHOTO deeper.

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

PHOTO

2

FN

4

PHOTO

Operations Stick” “Memory

To cancel the self-timer

Press SELFTIMER so that the (self-timer) indicator disappears on the screen. You cannot stop the countdown.

Note

The self-timer is automatically canceled when:

–Self-timer recording is finished.

–The POWER switch is set to OFF (CHG) or VCR.

143

Recording images from a tape as still images

Your camcorder can read moving picture data recorded on a tape and record it as a still image on a “Memory Stick.” Your camcorder can also capture moving picture data through the input connector and record it as a still image on a “Memory Stick.”

Before operation

Insert a “Memory Stick” and the recorded tape into your camcorder.

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Press N. Moving pictures recorded on the tape are played back.

(3) Press PHOTO lightly until the picture you want to capture from the tape freezes and CAPTURE appears on the screen. Recording does not start yet.

To change from the selected image to another image, release PHOTO once and press it lightly again.

(4) Press PHOTO deeper. The image displayed on the screen will be recorded on the “Memory Stick.” Recording is complete when the bar scroll indicator disappears.

2

REWPLAYFF

3	[a] [b]	4

640 SFN

1 /

12

640 SFN

CAPTURE

PHOTO

PHOTO

PB

INDEX

FN

PB

INDEX

FN

[a]: Number of the recorded images

[b]: Approximate number of the images that can be recorded on the “Memory Stick”

144

Recording images from a tape as still images

Image size of still images

Image size is automatically set to 640 × 480.

When the access lamp is lit or flashing

Do not shake or strike the unit. Also, do not turn the power off , eject the “Memory Stick.” Otherwise, image data may become damaged.

If “ FORMAT ERROR” appears on the screen

The inserted “Memory Stick” is incompatible with your camcorder because its format does not conform with your camcorder. Check the format of the “Memory Stick.”

If you press PHOTO lightly in the playback

Your camcorder stops momentarily.

Sound recorded on a tape

You cannot record audio from a tape.

Titles already recorded on cassettes

You cannot record titles on a “Memory Stick.” Titles do not appear while you are recording a still image with PHOTO.

Recording date/time

The recording data (date/time) when it is recorded on a “Memory Stick” is recorded. Various settings are not recorded.

Data codes recorded on a tape cannot be recorded on a “Memory Stick.”

When you press PHOTO on the Remote Commander

Your camcorder immediately records the image that is on the screen when you press the button.

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145

Recording images from a tape as still images

Recording a still image from external equipment

Before operation

Set DISPLAY in to LCD in the menu settings. (The default setting is LCD.)

(1) Set the POWER switch to VCR.

(2) Play back the recorded tape, or turn the TV on to see the desired program. The image of the external equipment is displayed on the screen.

(3) Follow steps 3 and 4 on page 144.

Using the A/V connecting cable

AUDIO/

VIDEO

OUT	Yellow
S VIDEO	S VIDEO

VIDEO

VCR	AUDIO

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

: Signal flow

Connect the yellow plug of the A/V connecting cable to the video jack on the VCR or the TV.

If your TV or VCR has an S video jack

Pictures can be reproduced more faithfully by using an S video cable (optional). With this connection, you do not need to connect the yellow (video) plug of the A/V connecting cable.

Connect an S video cable (optional) to the S video jacks of both your camcorder and the TV or VCR.

146

Recording images from a tape as still images

Using the i.LINK cable

DV

DV

DV OUT

: Signal flow

i.LINK cable (optional)

Note

In the following instances, recording is interrupted or “ REC ERROR” is displayed, and recording is not possible. Reinsert the “Memory Stick” to record distortion-free images.

–When recording on a tape in a poor recording state, for example, on a tape that has been repeatedly used for dubbing.

–When attempting to input images that are distorted due to poor radio wave reception when a TV tuner unit is in use.

Operations Stick” “Memory

147

Superimposing a still image in the “Memory Stick” on an image

– MEMORY MIX

You can superimpose a still image you have recorded on the “Memory Stick” on the moving picture you are recording. You can record the superimposed images on a tape or a “Memory Stick.” (However, you can record only superimposed still images on the “Memory Stick.”)

M. CHROM (memory chroma key)

You can swap a blue area of a still image such as an illustration or a frame with a moving picture.

M. LUMI (memory luminance key)

You can swap a brighter area of a still image such as a handwritten illustration or title with a moving picture. Record a title on the “Memory Stick” before a trip or event for convenience.

C. CHROM (camera chroma key)

You can superimpose a moving picture on a still image such as an image can be used as background. Shoot the subject against a blue background. The blue area of the moving picture will be swapped with a still image.

M. OVERLAP* (memory overlap)

You can make a moving picture fade in on top of a still image recorded on the “Memory Stick.”

M. CHROM				Still image		Moving picture
	M C AM
	C H ROM
				Blue
M. LUMI				Still image			Moving picture
	M C AM
	L UM I
C. CHROM				Still image			Moving picture
	C AM M
	C H ROM

		Blue
M. OVERLAP*	Still image	Moving picture

O V E R –

LA P

* The superimposed image using Memory overlap can be recorded on tapes only.

148