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.

“Memory Stick” Operations

3~6

FN

In the memory camera

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3

SELF

TIMER

SPOT

PLAY

FOCUS

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3

LCD

PLAY

BRT

PAGE1 PAGE2 PAGE3

PLAY

SLIDE
SHOW

EXIT

INDEX SPOT

METER

EXIT

INDEX

MEM
MIX

EXIT

INDEX

9PIC

PRINT

2

In the memory
camera

1

LOCK

In the memory
playback (still
image)

FNINDEXPLAY FNINDEXCAM

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

+–

129

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.

130

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, +,

–

–

–

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

(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.

with the SEL/PUSH EXEC dial

1

LOCK

MENU

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

3

4

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

[

MENU] : END

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

[

MENU] : END

SUPER FINE
FINE
STANDARD

REMAIN
12

STANDARD

REMAIN
36

“Memory Stick” Operations

131

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Image quality settings

Setting Meaning

SUPER FINE (SFN) This is the highest image quality in your camcorder.

FINE (FINE) Use this mode when you want to record high quality

STANDARD (STD) This is the standard image quality in your camcorder.

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

The number of still images you can record is less than
in FINE mode. Super fine images are compressed to
about 1/3.

images. Fine images are compressed to about 1/6.

Standard images are compressed to about 1/10.

132

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.

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

Moving pictures: 320 × 240 or 160 × 112

(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

(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:

or VCR, the image size is automatically set to 640 × 480.)
The default setting is 1152 × 864.

The default setting is 320 × 240.

Still images:
Moving pictures:

1152 640

320 160

, then press the dial (p. 211).

“Memory Stick” Operations

1

LOCK

MENU

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

STILL SET MOVIE SET

3

4

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

[

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

[

MENU] : END

STILL SET

MENU] : END

1152

1152 × 864
640 × 480

REMAIN
12

640 × 480

REMAIN
40

MEMORY SET
MOVIE SET
IMAGESIZE
REMAIN
RETURN

[

MENU] : END

MOVIE SET

MEMORY SET
MOVIE SET
IMAGESIZE
REMAIN
RETURN

[

MENU] : END

320

320 × 240
160 × 112

REMAIN
1min

160 × 112

REMAIN
5min

133

Using a “Memory Stick” – Introduction

Image size settings

Setting Meaning Indicator

1152 × 864 Records 1152 × 864 still images.

640 × 480 Records 640 × 480 still images.

320 × 240 Records 320 × 240 moving pictures.

160 × 112 Records 160 × 112 moving pictures.

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

SUPER FINE

FINE

STANDARD

1152 × 864 12 images 25 images 51 images 100 images 205 images

640 × 480 40 images 80 images 160 images 325 images 650 images

1152 × 864 25 images 50 images 100 images 205 images 415 images

640 × 480 80 images 160 images 325 images 650 images 1310 images

1152 × 864 37 images 74 images 150 images 300 images 600 images

640 × 480 120 images 240 images 485 images 980 images 1970 images

8MB 16MB 32MB 64MB 128MB

(supplied) (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional)

1152

640

320

160

134

Image size

320 × 240

160 × 112

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”

8MB 16MB 32MB 64MB 128MB

(supplied) (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional)

1 min. 2 min. 5 min. 10 min. 21 min.
20 sec. 40 sec. 20 sec. 40 sec. 20 sec.

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.

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.”

“Memory Stick” Operations

[a][b]

SFN

1 / 12

1152

FN

INDEXPLAY

SFN

1152

FN

INDEXPLAY

1

LOCK

POWER

VCR

OFF(CHG)

CAMERA

MEMORY/

NETWORK

2

O

T

O

H

P

3

O

T

O

H

P

[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.

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]

“Memory Stick” Operations

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

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

, then press

2

3

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

[

MENU] : END

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

OFF

OFF
NORMAL
EXP BRKTG
MULTI SCRN

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

[

MENU] : END

MEMORY SET
STILL SET
BURST
QUALITY
IMAGESIZE
RETURN

OFF
NORMAL
EXP BRKTG
MULTI SCRN

NORMAL

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.

138

When shooting with the self-timer or the Remote Commander

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

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.

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

t t 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.

(flash)

“Memory Stick” Operations

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.

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

140

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.

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.

“Memory Stick” Operations

* 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.

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.

(self-timer) indicator appears on the screen.

The

(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

“Memory Stick” Operations

2

FN

4

PHOTO

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

REW FFPLAY

34

PHOTO

SFN

1 / 12

640

CAPTURE

PHOTO

FN

INDEXPB

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

144

[a] [b]

SFN

640

FN

INDEXPB

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.

“Memory Stick” Operations

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

VCR

: Signal flow

OUT

S VIDEO
VIDEO

AUDIO

Yellow

A/V connecting cable (supplied)

AUDIO/
VIDEO

S VIDEO

146

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.

Recording images from a tape as still images

Using the i.LINK cable

DV

DV

DV OUT

: Signal flow

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.

i.LINK cable (optional)

“Memory Stick” Operations

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.”

148

M. CHROM

M C A M
C H R O M

M. LUMI

M C A M

L U M I

C. CHROM

C A M M
C H R O M

M. OVERLAP*

O V E R –

L A P

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

Still image Moving picture

Blue

Still image Moving picture

Still image Moving picture

Blue

Still image Moving picture